2025 Newsletter - February Edition

Important Dates

From the Principal

Dr. Robyn Burton-Ree

Welcome to the 2025 school year! It’s a pleasure to join together once again as we embark on another year of growth, learning, and achievement. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and returning students, as well as our dedicated staff. We are excited to see our students thrive and grow, and we look forward to partnering with you to support their success.

As we move forward into the year, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the wonderful events that have already taken place, setting a positive tone for the months ahead.

At the beginning of the term, our Year 12 students had the opportunity to participate in a Retreat Day—a time to bond, reflect, and set the stage for a successful final year. With the theme “live in the moment,” the day was filled with meaningful workshops, including one run by the inspiring Keneti Galo from 2Exhale. Our Year 12s also enjoyed a fun-filled team-building day at Bounce, where they strengthened their connections with one another, fostering both camaraderie and school spirit.

On Monday 10th February, we held our Year 12 Induction Ceremony, a significant event where we celebrated our senior students and their accomplishments. It was a day of pride and recognition, as our Year 12 students received their senior badges, and our school captains were presented with their leadership badges. We also acknowledged the 2024 QATSIF recipients and celebrated the outstanding achievements of our 2024 high-achieving ATAR students. A special thank you to everyone who attended, including our parents, families, and distinguished guests—Cr Wendy Boglary, Cr Paul Bishop, and our exceptional ATAR recipients. Their presence truly made the event even more memorable.

On Tuesday 11th February, we were thrilled to host our Year 7 Parent 'Meet the Teacher' event. It was a fantastic opportunity for parents and families to connect with their child’s classroom teacher, gain valuable insights into the exciting Year 7 curriculum, and learn about the incredible journey their child will embark on this year. The afternoon was filled with energy and enthusiasm as everyone came together to celebrate the start of this exciting new chapter at Wellington Point State High School!

We are off to a strong start, and I’m confident that together, we will make 2025 a year of continued success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, and let’s make this a year to remember!

From the Business Manager

Glenys Brown - Business Manager

Responsibilities:

• Human Resources
• Finance Management
• Facilities Management
• Infrastructure

Student Resource Scheme Update

Thank you to the parents who have already paid the SRS Fees! We are currently at 61% of families who have either paid in full or set up instalment plans. For those who have paid in full, we have credited your 5% discount to your account. If you’re still undecided about joining the scheme, participation in the SRS is entirely voluntary. For those who choose to opt out, please remember that you’ll be responsible for supplying the necessary resources for your child including the textbooks, both hard copy and digital. For further information about what is included in the Resource Scheme and a breakdown of fees, please visit our school website.

Exciting News – New Digital LED School Sign!
We’re thrilled to announce that our new digital sign is now live and looking fantastic! It’s a great addition to our school, and we hope you enjoy seeing all of our term updates.

From the Deputy Principal - Years 11 & 12

Deanne Wallwork - Deputy Principal - Senior School

Responsibilities:

• Year 11 and 12 performance, tracking, attendance & behaviour
  
• Timetabling and Academic Reporting
• Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

School Achievements

Our school has gained 100% QCE/QCIA for the past 7 years and each year students attain creditable ATAR scores. This year we had 13 students recognized for outstanding ATAR scores and we recognised Oliver Beckinsale as the Dux for 2024. Equally pleasing is the destination data for 2024 graduates. They are travelling, studying, working and pondering their future. We look forward to hearing more about their journey beyond school.

Senior School success is attributed to a high expectations culture and the strong partnership forged between tudents and teachers. Teachers are highly accomplished in the teaching of Senior Curriculum and some staff trained and employed by QCAA for the Endorsement (of assessment) and Confirmation (of student work). Wellington Point SHS is a Registered Training Organisation that is accredited to deliver certificate courses.  Additionally, we have a memorandum of understanding with other training organisations to deliver Certificate Courses and have forged strong partnerships with local industries to offer School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships. The Senior Team meets fortnightly to track student’s progress and performance interviews are held each term post the distribution of Academic Reports.  Jan Drury (Guidance Officer), Dean of Students (Kirsty Townshend) and the Senior School Head of Department (Kim Herholdt) work together in support of Senior students and teachers are committed to assisting students to gain the best possible results that they can.

Timetables, Assessment Calendars and Academic Reports

Student timetables are set for Term One and Assessment Calendars for Semester One have been distributed. All students have been provided with a Student Planner. Parents are encouraged to work with their child to track their progress towards the completion of assessment and students are encouraged to set a study plan in their planners.

QLearn is the online platform where students can access resources and engage with course materials. All students can access QLearn materials from home.

Academic Reports are provided to Students and their families 4 times annually. School reports provide feedback about academic results, effort, behaviour and attendance.  To employers, this report gives a snapshot about academic ability and reliability of prospective employees regarding attendance and propensity to want to learn and follow workplace expectations. Attendance is considered to be important. Each term we recognise and celebrate students who have achieved 100% attendance. Everyday Counts!

Investiture

On Monday 10th February, we held our Year 12 Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2025. This important event in our school calendar featured several key moments: Our Year 12 students received their senior badges, The school captains were presented with their leadership badges, We recognized the 2024 QATSIF recipients, We celebrated our 2024 high-achieving ATAR students, The event also included beautiful performances by Encore student Jazzmyn Flanders, who sang ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’ from Mamma Mia, and Elizabeth Mansfield, who performed the National Anthem. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and guests who joined us for the induction of our Senior Leaders. This milestone event holds special significance when we have the opportunity to share it together. 

From the Deputy Principal - Years 9 & 10

Penny Westcott - Deputy Principal - Middle Phase

Responsibilities:

• Year 9 and 10 performance, tracking, attendance & behaviour
• New & Beginning Teachers
• Differentiation and Inclusion
• NAPLAN

Welcome back to a fantastic school year. It’s wonderful to see our students looking smart in their uniforms and ready to learn with enthusiasm. The commitment to being prepared and engaged sets the tone for a successful year ahead. Thank you to our parents and caregivers for your support in ensuring a smooth start—your partnership is invaluable. Let’s continue working together to make this a year of growth, learning, and achievement!

School Photo Day

School Photo Day is coming up on Monday 24 February. All students are required to wear their formal uniform on the day. Any students absent on this day will have a catchup session on Monday 3 March.  Please check the Student Dress Code on our school website if you have any uniform questions, and remember to bring your best smile! 

NAPLAN 2025 – Important Information for Year 7 & 9 Parents

NAPLAN testing for Year 7 and 9 students will take place from Wednesday 12 – Friday 14 March.  These assessments in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy provide valuable insights into your child’s progress and help schools tailor learning programs to meet student needs.

To support your child, encourage a positive mindset about the tests, ensure they get plenty of rest, and provide a healthy breakfast on test days. It’s also helpful to remind them that NAPLAN is just one part of their learning journey and to simply do their best.   Parents and Carers can find more information on the NAPLAN site here https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers

From the Deputy Principal - Years 7 & 8

Anton Lombardo - Deputy Principal - Junior Phase

Responsibilities:

• Year 7 and 8 performance, tracking, attendance & behaviour
• School Community Partnerships
• Student Support Services
• Positive Culture for Learning

As we move further into the school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates and reflections on the progress our Year 7 and 8 students have made so far. It has been a busy and productive start to the term, with our students displaying our school values of respectful, united, determined, dynamic and selfless. 

Our Year 7 and 8 students have settled into their routines and embraced the challenges of a new academic year. Whether they are transitioning into secondary school or continuing their journey through the middle years, it is inspiring to see their growth both inside and outside the classroom. We are already seeing students take ownership of their learning, participating actively in class discussions, and demonstrating perseverance when faced with new challenges. 

As our students continue to grow and mature, we are encouraging them to take on greater responsibility, both for their learning and for their actions. We believe that fostering independence at this stage sets the foundation for success in the years to come. Our staff continues to work closely with each student, offering guidance and support as they develop strong study habits, organisational skills, and a growth mindset. Parents and carers can help support this process by continuing the conversation about strong study habits, organisational skills and growth mindset at home. 

Thank you for your ongoing support for our year 7 & 8 students and I look forward to working with you throughout the year. 

WELCOME NEW STAFF OF 2025

School Photos

As we approach school photo day (Monday the 24 February), we would like to take a moment to remind the school community of the importance of adhering to the school's dress code. School photos are a great opportunity for students to be captured in a way that reflects their pride in our school community.

To ensure that all students are dressed appropriately for the occasion, please support us in ensuring that your child is wearing the formal uniform and adhering to the following guidelines from our Student Dress Code. 

Please read through the Student Dress Code: WPSHS Student Dress Code

From the Years 7 & 8 Coordinator

Kath Fraser - Years 7 & 8 Coordinator

A busy start to Term 1: Year 7 & 8 student update

Beginning term with new timetables, new friends, and a switch from Welfare to Home Groups for all year levels, there has been a lot for our Junior School students to navigate!

The Year 7s have been enjoying our beautiful playground area with new volleyball nets, handball with the Year 11 Peer Mentors, and table tennis competitions, while the Year 8s have embraced a variety of elective subjects and a new-found freedom across multiple playground areas, including direct access to our ovals and basketball courts.

The way wellbeing and engagement operates in Years 7 & 8 has also changed slightly, with Ms Fraser back from maternity leave and now covering both year levels. With this in mind, we meet every Wednesday morning as a combined Year 7/8 cohort, for weekly parades. During these parades, we hear from Dr Burton-Ree and Mr Lombardo with important school messages and share updates on attendance, our school rewards (SWOOPS), and what’s coming up for our students.

Important events on the horizon are as follows:

• Week 5: School Photo Day – Monday 24^th February
• Week 7 - NAPLAN (Y7 only)
• Week 9 - Harmony Day Assembly, School Cross Country, Red Day
• Week 10: Y8 Living History incursion, Y7 Beach Day, Rewards Day

Your child will soon be receiving permission forms for the Year 7 Beach Day and end-of-term Rewards Day. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please get in contact with the Dean of Year 7 & 8 Students: Ms Kath Fraser (kmfra3@eq.edu.au)

From the Years 9 & 10 Coordinator

Stephanie Griffin - Years 9 & 10 Coordinator

Uniform Reminder

A reminder that all students must wear their formal school uniform every Monday, including black leather shoes. The sports uniform may be worn only during HPE lessons or from Tuesday to Friday and consists of the school polo shirt and school shorts of an appropriate length for school with the WPSHS logo.

Attendance Matters

To avoid unexplained absences, please notify the school of any student absences via QParents, phone, email, or by contacting the Dean. Regular attendance is crucial for success— everyday counts!

School Photos – Week 5

School photos will be taken in Week 5. Students must be in full formal uniform to have their photo taken. Any student who is not dressed appropriately will not be permitted to participate.

Year 9 Camp – Expressions of Interest

Expression of Interest forms for Year 9 Camp will be issued next week. If your child wishes to attend the Year 9 Camp in June, please complete the form and return it to Home Group teachers or the Year 9/10 Dean, Ms. Griffin.

Attendance and behaviour expectations apply for both Year 9 Camp and the Year 10 Semi-Formal (Cruise)—students must meet these requirements to be eligible to participate.

Stay Cool & Hydrated!

With the hot and muggy February weather, please ensure students bring hats and water bottles to school to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Bird Buck Winners!

Congratulations to our Week 1 & 2 Bird Buck winners:

Keep up the great work!

Thank you for your ongoing support in making our school a respectful, united, and dynamic learning environment.

From the Years 11 & 12 Coordinator

Kirsty Townshend - Years 11 & 12 Coordinator

Kickstarting a Successful Year: Advice for Year 11 & 12 Students

The new school year has begun, and for Year 11 and 12 students, it marks an important chapter filled with opportunities, challenges, and big decisions. Whether they’re just beginning their senior studies or entering your final year, now is the time to set clear goals and build strong habits for success.

Year 12 students, remember that this year is about balance. While academic performance is important, looking after your mental and physical well-being is just as crucial. Take advantage of school resources, support networks, and career advice services to help guide your next steps.

For Year 11 students, use this year to develop good study habits and explore subjects that interest you. It’s a great time to refine your skills before the final stretch in Year 12.

No matter what year you're in – stay motivated, support your peers, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Here’s the events we have done so far and what is coming up:

• Year 12 Retreat Day – team building activities, working together.
• Year 11 Peer Mentor Badge Giving on Year Assembly and assisting in Year 7 area and with parent afternoon.
• Year 12 Induction Ceremony – officially starting the Senior leadership journey.
• Valentines Day Roses – fundraising and spreading love.
• Year 12 Block Exams – 20-21 February
• School Photo Day – Monday 24^th February
• Year 11 Block Exams – 5/6-11 March (dates TBC)

Any questions or concerns – Please get in contact with Dean of Year 11 and 12 Students: Ms Kirsty Townshend on ktown51@eq.edu.au or 3820 4287.

From the Guidance Officer

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments 

Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) are designed to minimise barriers for eligible students to demonstrate their learning, knowledge and skill in assessment.

Access Arrangements are actions taken by the school so that a student with an eligible impairment, that may not be covered by the definition of disability, can access assessment (eg. Assignment extensions).

Reasonable adjustments are actions taken by the school so that an eligible student, with impairment as a result of disability and/or medical conditions or experiencing other circumstances creating barrier to the completion of assessment, can be assessed (eg. Larger print exam papers due to visual impairment).

AARA are provided to minimise, as much as possible, barriers for a student whose disability, impairment, medical condition or other circumstances may affect their ability to read, respond to or participate in assessment.

These barriers fall into three broad categories:

• permanent
• temporary
• intermittent

The QCAA uses broad application categories for AARA eligibility:

• cognitive
• physical
• sensory
• social/emotional

The definition of ‘disability’ used in the Disability Discrimination Act is broad. It includes physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological and learning disabilities. It also includes physical disfigurement, and the presence in the body of disease-causing organisms. Students may also be eligible for AARA where illness and misadventure (i.e. unforeseen circumstances) or other situations may prevent students from demonstrating their learning, knowledge and skill in internal and/or external summative assessment. The school will also consider applications for certain personal circumstances (eg. Death in the family).

Supporting Documentation

For long-term conditions, reports from doctors/psychologists must be provided to the school as soon as possible. For adverse and unforeseen events and temporary conditions, supporting medical/other documentation must also be provided.

Ineligibility - Students are not eligible for AARA on the following grounds:

• unfamiliarity with the English language
• teacher absence or other teacher-related difficulties
• matters that the student could have avoided (e.g. misreading an examination timetable, misreading instructions in examinations)
• matters of the student’s or parent’s/carer’s own choosing (e.g. family holidays)
• IT issues
• Participation in sporting or cultural events
• matters that the school could have avoided (e.g. incorrect enrolment in a subject)

AARA is explained on the school website in both the Junior (https://wellingtonpointshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/junior-secondary) and Senior Curriculum (https://wellingtonpointshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/senior-secondary) areas. All necessary forms can also be located on the school website (https://wellingtonpointshs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/forms-and-documents) . If students (and families) believe they are eligible for AARA, they need to follow the step-by-step instructions on the application forms.

School contacts for AARA:

• Guidance Officer - Ms Jan Drury
• Head of Special Education Services - Mr Thomas Murray

AARA Points to note:

Who does this apply to?

• Students who are unwell and/or have had an adverse unforeseen event take place during an assessment
• Students who have a disability according to the Disability Discrimination Act

What is required?

• For short-term/emergent conditions – completed AARA application + supporting medical report/other documentation
• For longer-term conditions – a medical report and school statement

The following flow charts have been created by the school to help students & their families understand AARA:

Requests for Information and Assessments for External Providers

External providers can offer a valuable service in supporting individual students. Collaboration between the provider and school can result in more effective support for the student. As part of the external provider’s process of assessing need and supporting students, schools may be requested to provide information regarding a student’s current presentation, progress, functioning and support needs. Given that the information involved is often of a sensitive nature and can rely on specific administration protocols, Wellington Point State High School adopts a best practice approach when responding to requests received from external providers.

1. Requests for student information for external providers are to be made in writing. Forms are available from the school office. Teachers are not to be contacted about this directly – all applications go through the school office. These applications then go through the HOSES or Guidance Officer.
2. Parent/caregiver consent must be documented prior to the school responding to the request.
3. Complete a “consent from to share student personal information with third parties”. Forms are available at the administration office. Ensure you list the details of the external provider(s) e.g. name, title and contact details.
4. The Department of Education needs third party consent in writing before it uses, records or discloses personal information, with third party individuals and organisations. You can withdraw your consent at any time in writing by emailing the school. Further information is included in the explanatory letter that accompanies the form.
5. Reasonable timeframes (up to four weeks) for all requests is required out of respect for our teacher’s valuable time.
6. Any tests or questionnaires must be provided in paper form. At this time, online assessments cannot be completed as they breach the Department of Education policy around storing information offshore.
7. A summary of results or a copy of any ensuing reports should be provided to the school.

From the English Department

Year 7 English - Term 1, 2025

Stacey Dallas

Year 7 English is exploring Adventures Through History this term, discovering the human stories that come through historical fiction. Students have been busy getting accustomed to high school English and have shown interest and enthusiasm in their first topic. They will soon be suspicious of Trojan Horses, cheering on Gladiators in the arena and marvelling at Tutankhamun’s reign from 9 years of age. Year 7s will be writing their own narrative based on one of the moments in history provided to them. They have their draft due on the 10^th of March and the final narrative is due on the 24^th of March.

Well done to the year 7s on their successful start to high school.

Year 8 English - Term 1, 2025

Will Sunerton

Year 8 English are exploring Musings on Mythology this term, discovering the creation myths and legends from a variety of cultures around the world. Students have been busy learning about Ancient Greek deities and how their interactions allowed humans to explain the world around them. They will soon be investigating Japanese, First Nations, and Norse myths to inspire their own writing. Year 8s will be writing their own narrative to explain how a place, event or creature came into being and then representing this visually using generative AI. They have their draft due on the 13^th of March and the final narrative is due on the 21^st of March.

Year 9 English - Term 1, 2025

Kiran Govind

Year 9 English is centred around the theme ‘Lose Yourself’. Students have been reading and deconstructing narratives and using the 7 Steps to Successful Writing to help improve their narrative writing skills. In week 8 they will begin planning for their week 9 narrative exam.

A reminder that in week 7 and 8, all year 9 students will be sitting NAPLAN exams. Communication and further information on NAPLAN will be sent to parents and carers in the coming weeks.

Year 10 English - Term 1, 2025

Renton Wright

Welcome to a fiction filled first term in year 10 English! The sizzling start to Year 10 is all about short fiction, and the people who love it. For three lessons a week students will ban the boring by escaping from the real world and taking in the sights along the divergent paths of their own minds and the minds of other writers. Week 8 of Term 1 will see the exciting ending to this unit; an in-class assessment through which students will flex their freshly finessed fiction muscles and produce a final piece of literary might worthy to sit along the giants of the genre.

Year 11 English - Term 1, 2025

Rachael Cuthbert

Welcome to year 11 General English in 2025!

Term 1 sees us start off with our only Unit 1 topic: Formative Internal Assessment #1 (FIA1) which is a TED Talk (persuasive spoken multi-modal presentation) on a social issue.

In the coming weeks, we will be exploring documentaries and the perspectives they present on society, identifying the issues covered and how they impact the subjects and audiences they target. Students then write a script and present it to their audience to convince them to take action and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

The unit covers some hard-hitting, confronting but important topics in an educational and supportive way, permitting students to understand these sometimes-controversial topics in a safe space. Our senior General English program prides itself on preparing students for the world beyond the classroom and how they can be informed, well-spoken citizens with convictions and values they are willing to stand up for.

The due dates for feedback and guidance are as follows:

Year 11 Essential English - Term 1, 2025

Steph Griffin

Year 11 Essential English: Workplace Solutions

Year 11 Essential English students are currently exploring Workplace Solutions, focusing on how texts represent attitudes, values, and beliefs in different contexts. They are analysing various media to understand how workplaces and employees are portrayed, questioning what these representations suggest about society.

 As part of this unit, students have been analysing how Australians are represented in media, examining the cultural assumptions, language features, and text structures that shape these portrayals. Through visual texts, students explored the attitudes, values, and beliefs embedded in media representations, considering how these elements influence our understanding of identity. This activity sparked great discussions about stereotypes, national identity, and the way different perspectives shape our view of Australian culture.

Parents and guardians can support their child’s learning by checking in after each lesson to discuss what they’ve explored. Encouraging home reading is also valuable, and it doesn’t have to be just novels! Magazines, audiobooks, or even watching Netflix with subtitles on can help build vocabulary and strengthen spelling and grammar skills. Exposure to a variety of texts helps students develop critical literacy skills and a deeper understanding of how language constructs meaning in different contexts.

Please check their assessment calendar for important deadlines!

For any Essential English questions, please contact Stephanie Griffin – sgrif190@eq.edu.au 

Year 12 English - Term 1, 2025

Kiran Govind and Stacey Dallas

Welcome to Year 12 General English! Ms Dallas and Ms Govind are so excited for the upcoming year of English.

Unit 3.1 is focused on the concepts of ‘Women & Power’. The first unit of work (IA1) is a media article: a 1000-1500 word analysis and comparison of the themes of women and power in the texts The Crucible and The Handmaid’s Tale. This is an engaging, challenging and eye-opening unit for many students.

We will also be having an afternoon in week 4, Thursday 20^th February where all year 12 General English students are invited to come to the library from 3pm – 4:45pm to view a film adaptation of the play, The Crucible to help them understand how the script works as a performance. More information will come about this afternoon. There is no cost to attending.

The due dates for feedback and guidance are as follows:

Year 12 Essential English - Term 1, 2025

Stacey Emerson

Welcome to Year 12 Essential English. Unit 4.1 is related to representations in popular culture texts. This term students are deconstructing how various reality television shows position their audience using stereotypes, visual, and language features. This is an engaging unit that allows students to think critically about the television that they consume and how not all reality TV is actually reality. 

From the HPE Department

2024 Swimming Carnival Results 

Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival was held during Term 4.  Congratulations to the following students were Age Champions or Runners-up:

End of Day House Points:

Bayside Swimming Carnival

Best of luck to those students representing our school at the Bayside Swimming Carnival on the 20^th February:

• Isabel
• Henry
• Thomas
• Amity Ward
• Brooke Ward
• Tyler Ward

Bayside or Metropolitan East Teams

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in Bayside or Metropolitan East teams:

Bayside Representatives:

• Football – Poppy Brouwer, Tara Frampton
• Netball – Gira Broadwater, Alissandra Bowler

Metropolitan East Representatives:

• Triathlon – Claudia Spicer.  Claudia placed 15^th in the Intermediate division at the State Championships, with a personal best time.  Congratulations Claudia! 
• Baseball – Connor Reynolds
• Alex Duncalfe also played for Queensland last weekend in the Under 23 Men’s National Softball Championships, where Queensland successfully claimed the national title.  Congratulations Alex!

The fields have been prepared ready for the start of the Bayside Interschool Sport season, which begins for us in Week 4 for the Year 7/8 teams with the first round against Redlands College.  The first round of games for Year 9/10 teams is in Week 5 against Victoria Point SHS. 

From the Resource Centre

WELCOME TO 2025 IN THE RESOURCE CENTRE

2025 in the Resource Centre is certainly a place where students will thrive.  So far students have been busy playing chess, cards, games, studying, completing puzzles, reading books and even singing at karaoke, on Funday Friday.  A student who started a puzzle last year, finished it at the start of this year. An excellent demonstration of determination. 

Another Collaborative Puzzle is now under way for all students to complete during their lunch breaks. Students are doing extremely well with it. Can’t wait to see it completed.  

Reading

Some students have already discovered the pleasure of reading books and have begun borrowing. We would like to encourage more students to discover where a book can take them.  Studies have shown that, ‘Reading not only enhances vocabulary and comprehension but also fosters critical thinking and creativity, essential for academic success and lifelong learning,’ (Snow, 2002, p. 47). Students can see us in the Resource Centre and borrow books before school, during the lunch breaks and after school. 

Year seven students have been introduced to how to print and how to borrow an eBook.  These eBooks are available to all students and allows for them to read from their devices both at home and at school.

All students should have saved/pinned the integral Student Intranet page, in order to access all important sites at school, including the Library Oliver site:   https://qedu.sharepoint.com/sites/2178/Student/

Karaoke  

Massive shout out to the students and staff who attended karaoke.  It was a warm and inviting atmosphere, where the crowd sung along with those who were brave enough to sing at the microphones.   Everyone who attended earnt points for their house and it was fantastic to see how many year seven students attended their first Funday Friday event.   We look forward to even more seeing students from all grades attend all future events. 

Special mention to Ms Hammond who kindly set up the microphones and speaker for us.  Also, to Ms Niewdach, who took the time to enthusiastically join us. She was motivational, as always, encouraging all to become involved, while having fun.  

From the Arts Department

Drawing Competition

Two of our Arts Captains – Cathleen and Max, are bringing back the drawing competition. There will be a “People’s Choice” prize and an independently judged junior and senior prize. 

The first theme is “The heart of Summer:  Entries can be left in the trays outside the Deans’ office and also at the library counter.

ENCORE

Senior Schooling

Queensland Government has up to date information on:

• About apprenticeships and traineeships - Learn the basics and key details on getting started, roles, responsibilities, wages, entitlements and costs
• School-based apprenticeships and traineeships - Everything you need to know - how they work, getting started, requirements, roles, wages, financial help and completion
• For apprentices and trainees - Find support services and advice, financial help, how to make changes to your training contract, forms and replacement records
• Support services - Support and advice during all stages of training, including financial, disability, learning and cancelled apprenticeships and traineeships
• Information sheets, forms, policies and procedures - Links to forms, policies, procedures and content previously held in information sheets for the Queensland apprenticeship/traineeship system

What does that 'term' mean?

National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has put together a glossary of VET terms some of which are:

• Accelerated training - A period of intensive vocational training or retraining which enables individuals to obtain the necessary qualifications in a much shorter period than usual in order to enter an occupation at the required level.
• Acceleration - Progression through an education or training program at a faster rate than usual.
• Access and equity - Also called: Equity: A policy or set of strategies that ensures that vocational education and training (VET) is responsive to the needs of all members of the community. 
• Access course - A preparatory, pre-vocational or bridging course which prepares a student for further study or training. Access courses are offered particularly for immigrants, overseas students and adults who are seeking to re-enter the workforce.
• Accredited course - A nationally recognised course accredited by vocational education and training (VET) regulators and developed to meet training needs not addressed by existing training packages. The course results in a statement of attainment outcome. The title of an accredited course commences with the words 'Course in'. (Sourced from: NCVER’s Terms and definitions)

White Card for work experience on a construction site

The Workplace Health and Safety Act requires all employees and work experience students on a building site to hold a White Card or General Construction Induction card. You must successfully complete a Building and Construction General Safety Induction course to gain this card. Most courses are delivered online. Some training organisations have a discount price for school students. Some of the organisations that offer the course are Blue Dog Training (online course) and Tafe Queensland (various locations and study options).

You can do an Internet search to find other registered training organisations that offer the General Construction Induction training, (Unit of competency - CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry). For more information visit the Queensland Work Safe website. Queensland White Cards are accepted throughout Australia.

VET.... it's not all about trades!

A Vocation Education and Training (VET) qualification provides a fast, cost-effective pathway to employment, giving you first-hand experience and confidence to move from school to work. You won’t have to study subjects or relearn skills that you have already mastered. VET is not just about the traditional trades, it includes hundreds of different occupations and industries, including:
• Information Technology (IT), Cyber Security and Computing
• Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality
• Business, Accounting, Management, and Entrepreneurship
• Engineering, Automation, and Technology
• Architecture, Planning, Building and Construction
• Agriculture, Horticulture and Agritech
• Legal Studies
• Automotive
• Health, Medicine, Psychology, and Laboratory Sciences
• Creative Industries, Fashion, and Design.  

Click here to find out about career options available.

Career decision making is challenging... 

Career decision making is always challenging. Always remember that at the end of Year 12 you are only making a decision to get you started on your career journey. But where to start? Consider:

• Start doing your research about what's out there. For starters:  
  o myfuture
  o Jobs and Skills Australia
  o Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeship Pathways
• Talk to people and find out what they do and where they work  
  o Your parents
  o Your friends' parents
  o Your parents' friends
  o Your coach
  o Neighbour etc
• Take up opportunities while at school:  
  o Work experience
  o Work shadowing
  o Lunchtime career meetings and presentations
  o Listen and engage during career lessons
  o See your Guidance Officer/Career Counsellor/VET coordinator for information on opportunities

It's your life so get into the driver's seat! 

Some career resources for parents and carers:

myfuture has put together information, tools and articles to help you support your child to learn about the world of work and explore careers. Click here and you will find useful information and resources on:

• Introducing myfuture
• Career articles
• Key features for your child
• Other resources of interest
• Assist your child
• Post-school information

Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo

Brisbane's annual Careers & Employment Event will be held on 12, 13 and 14 June from 9am - 4pm each day. The Expo will host over 160 organisations and employers with career opportunities for all ages including school students, parents, teachers, graduates, job seekers, people looking for courses and workers seeking new training options. The Expo is packed with free advice, and you can:

• Talk with over 160 Training Organisations & Employers
• Get Free Career Advice
• Discover Jobs of the Future
• Experience the Free Career Seminars
• Enjoy the WorldSkills National Championships and Try’a Skill Zones
• Find your Ideal Role at the ADF Careers Expo

Click here for more information.

P&C News

Become a Host Family

Free Driving Lessons

If you have not yet got your Drivers License and would like to do some FREE driving lessons then this Link and Launch offer is for you!

Available to all current Yr 12 students and all students (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) that have graduated yr 12 in the past 3 years at a Redlands school  

Complete an EOI https://forms.office.com/r/nFdzQeH190

Free Driving Lesson Contact Person:

Gemma Nevin - Link and Launch Coordinator 

Cleveland District State High School

Department of Education

PO Box 808 | Russell Street | Cleveland Qld 4163 
T 3824 9222 | M 0455 559 897| gnevi17@eq.edu.au |www.qld.gov.au/linkandlaunch

Community News

Training Ship Norfolk is part of Australian Navy Cadets, Australia’s premier youth development, organisation.  Open to school-aged youth, who can join in the year that they turn 13 up to the year they turn 18.  Cadets participate in activities such as powerboating, sailing, drone flying, robotics, sealift experience, international exchanges, national activities & Anzac Day and other ceremonial parades.  

Cadets develop life skills, lifelong friendships, resilience, discipline and have fun.  TS Norfolk parades every Thursday during the school term at Wellington Point State School between 5:30pm & 8:30pm. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=880028106582904&ref=sharing

​Enquiries: TSNorfolk@navycadets.gov.au