26 July 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

High Expectations @ Wynnum High

Welcome back for Semester 2. It has certainly started at full pace. I hope our new style newsletter through Schoolzine has found its way to you. Do you have the App to access the newsletter on all of your devices?

High Expectations about student attendance require all students to be in class on time with the correct equipment and ready to learn.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

THE SCHOOL TARGET FOR 2016 IS 95%

There is a vast body of evidence that shows a clear connection between student attendance at school and success in later life. Regardless of the field of endeavour that a young person pursues after school, a pattern of repeated absence is nearly always correlated with difficulties in the workplace and in life more generally. It is therefore critical that a school seeks to bring out the best in young people and takes measures to ensure that students are at school as consistently as possible.

Our processes for monitoring and reporting on student attendance are an important part of our capacity to do the best that we can for your child. However, in order for these processes to be effective, we require the support of our families.

Practical ways in which you can support us include:

• Limiting the number of absences to those that are absolutely necessary
• Ensuring that your mobile phone number is kept up to date in the school records. If you have recently changed phone numbers, please contact the school office on 3906 7333
• Contacting the school to explain any absence that your child has from school. This can be done in one of the following ways:
  - Reply to the SMS message sent from the school regarding your child's absence
  - Email studentabsences@wynnumshs.eq.edu.au stating your child's name, year level and reason for absence
  - leave a message on the 24 hour Student Absence Line on 3906 7366 stating your child's name, year level and reason for absence
  - a note from a parent or medical certificate (if appropriate) submitted to Student Services on the day the student returns to school.

We thank you for your support as we work together to help your child achieve their potential.

Report Cards

All Semester One reports have been posted home and we ask that you discuss the report with your child, in particular, the strategies that each teacher has listed for further improvement are of significant importance.

Page 31 and 32 of the 2016 Student Planner has some very helpful frameworks for student to plan for improvement during Semester 2.

Resources to Support Learning

Many years of planning and preparing have gone into our Laptop system where every student in the school has access to technology to support their learning. Please ensure your student has their laptop fully charged and ready to use for learning at the start of each day. Any Issues with laptops can be addressed by our support team in the school library.

Please help us to help your child learn!

How can you do this?

Ensure your child brings the following equipment to school each day:

• Books
• Pens, pencils, etc
• Calculator
• Student Planner
• Laptop

Tracking Students for Success

Introducing a new program to underpin "Tracking Students for Success".

Wynnum State High School Certificate of Education

The WSHS Certificate of Education (WCE) is a new program being introduced this term, which mirrors the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). The QCE is Queensland's school-based senior schooling qualification. This qualification is awarded to eligible young people at the completion of the senior phase of learning, usually at the end of Year 12 and records achievement of a significant amount of learning, at a set standard and pattern in contributing studies, while meeting literacy and numeracy requirements.

The new WCE will use a program called TrackEd to track and map each student's academic progress. Each year, the WCE will be awarded to students who have passed the subjects they have studied each semester. Students must pass all subjects to attain their WCE, but particularly the core subjects of English, Maths and Science.

The aim of the WCE program is to ensure that all students are learning and achieving to the best of their ability and are enacting daily the school's PROUD mantra. As the cornerstone of this program, students will, each semester, set goals for their academic learning and strive to attain Achievement, Effort and Behaviour comments on their report cards that reflect these goals. Parents will be asked to discuss their child's goal setting process with them and to sign the plans when they come home.

Students who require additional support to achieve success in English, Maths and Science have the opportunity to attain their WCE through the WCIA (WSHS Certificate of Individual Achievement) pathway. To be eligible, students must be part of the Special Education Program or be a targeted student for Learning Support intervention.

At the end of each school year, students will receive the WCE at a school ceremony. They will receive the following certificates at the following yearly junctures:

Year 7 - Certificate BLUE
Year 8 - Certificate BRONZE
Year 9 - Certificate SILVER
Year 10 - Certificate GOLD
Year 11 - Certificate PLATINUM

Each semester, respective DPs and HODs will identify who has and has not achieved the WCE and WCIA and work with them on Improvement Plans.

If you have any questions regarding the WCE, please contact me.

Warm regards

Elizabeth Williams
Deputy Principal

Senior School News

Year 12 Careers Showcase

Wynnum SHS is committed to providing pathways for our students. One aspect of mapping and guiding students' pathways is to provide students with information about their options once they finish school. On Wednesday 20th July, Wynnum High hosted a Careers Showcase to provide Year 12 students with information about various careers and after-school pathways.

Presenters at the Showcase included Kim Droney from the Electro Group, Phil Read from the Housing Industry Association, PO Matthew Jarvis & Sgt Rob Mugridge from Defence Force Recruiting, and Anna Karanasios representing Mary McConnel School of Early Childhood. Each speaker was able to offer students a firsthand account of their chosen career, including the highlights and challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.

Students also received information about the recruiting process and entry requirements of these varied jobs.

We concluded the day with talks from representatives of the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Australian Catholic University and Griffith University who gave a brief introduction to life at university. We also had speakers from TAFE Brisbane who ran through the various pathways possible through further education at TAFE. Following this the students were able to browse the displays set up by the universities and collect booklets and flyers with specific course information.

The talks were brief but packed with information and the students remained curious throughout. The questions from students came thick and fast as they relished the opportunity to discuss with the speakers what's available to them after year 12.

YEAR 11 UQ QCS BOOSTER DAY

Last Thursday, 22 of our Year 11 students attended a QCS Booster Day at the University of Queensland. Wynnum SHS was one of seven schools that participated in the program so there was also an opportunity to get to know other Year 11 students from Brisbane and beyond. Our students rotated through three sessions where they learned about the values of inquiry (accuracy, clarity, precision, relevance, significance, depth and breadth) and how they applied both to their every day school program as well as the QCS test. In Term 4, all Year 11 students who will be sitting the QCS test will start their formal lessons in preparation for next year.

YEAR 12 TRACKING

As a part of the Senior Schooling team's ongoing tracking of Year 12 students for success, we have reviewed all of the Semester One results and determined who is currently on track for a QCE and who is at risk of achieving the certificate at the end of Year 12. Any student who is at risk has been spoken to by Kim Hutchinson and a letter has been sent home to parents explaining the action plan that is in place for their student. Of course, by far, the majority of Year 12s are on track to achieve their QCE which is down to their continued hard work and commitment to their studies.

Wynnum Waxed

Wynnum Wax is a business set up by six year 11 students as part of a program run by Chew's Place Consulting (CPC). For the last few months we've been working tirelessly to create a product entirely our own in a bid to have some fun, make a bit of a profit and overall, learn important entrepreneurial skills. After weeks of discussion, disagreement and deliberation we decided that we would make our own candles. We have worked incredibly hard on our products and it would be fantastic if the school community would come visit us at the Manly Creative Markets (Little Bayside Park, Manly), we'll hopefully be there each Sunday from 7th August onwards. Our candles are made from soy wax and are uniquely presented in glassware. They come in a variety of scents: Bulgarian Rose, Lemon and Peppermint Eucalyptus and coming soon, apple & cinnamon. Our prices are remarkably cheap, ranging from $2-$6. They look absolutely stunning in many settings, imagine having a few on your dining room table or in the entryway of your house. Our first time at the markets was an outright success and we sold out quite quickly so you'd better come along and bag a bargain before we sell out. If you'd like any further information, feel free to speak to Ishana Butler, Blake Fletcher, Krystal Grant, Jacob Morris, Lizzy Seymour or Ronin Twining.

Science News

Griffith University Partnership School

Senior Science Club - Student Wines win yet again

Our Senior Science Club is meeting regularly and having a great time whilst learning Science in a meaningful hands-on manner.

We entered our student-made wine into two school wine making competitions and achieved great results in both. We obtained a 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the RNA Competition and a 1st and two equal 2nds in the Dayboro Show Competition for White Grape Wines and a 1st for our Blackberry Wine. This gave Wynnum SHS the Championship in the White Grape Wine Class.

Once again, our students have shown that they are equal with the BEST students in Queensland. Great Work Team!

This week, we started cheese making, with an ambitious plan to slowly expand our varieties and increase the complexity of the cheese making.

We look forward to a fun term of crazy activities and projects for competitions. We meet at 8.00 am on Monday mornings in G20, alias the "STEM Hub".

2016 Big Science Competition

On Friday 20th May, forty-nine of our Year 11 and 12 students participated in the 2016 Big Science Competition. That means, one student out of every five senior students at our school participated; quite an achievement in itself. It was a fifty minute, 30 question paper which covered all aspects of science.

The results have returned and our students have done well. Ten of our students received a Credit and five of our students received Distinction levels. That is over 30% of the students who participated.

Great effort to those involved.

Year 10 Students visit the University of Queensland

On Wednesday 20th July, twenty of our Year 10 students accompanied by Ms Appleby and Mr Amarandos participated in this year's UQ Science Experience where they had the opportunity to meet Professors and students from Science Departments.

In the three practical workshops they participated, they gained valuable hands-on experience by undertaking aspects of first year university experiments. A unique experience was offered by the University of Queensland and our students stepped up and gained an insight into university life which may guide them in their future decisions.

Year 10 Science

Rubber Band Powered Air Car Challenge

In the last week of school while some students were off on work experience, students participated in a science challenge activity designing and producing rubber band powered air cars to compete in an interclass challenge.

Maths News

QUT Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp

Congratulations to Jenny Xiao (Year 11) who will join a select group of high achieving students from around Queensland on a five day camp that will provide them with engaging and inspirational research experiences in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Jenny will get a taste of first-year university life, and work together with other Year 11 students, as well as academics and QUT students, in an intensive and hands-on research project.

The QUT's Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp is held in the September holiday break, 25-30 September, and is fully funded by QUT.

We are excited that Jenny has been selected for the STEM Camp, and know that she will enjoy the experience and benefit from the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Year 7 Maths Excursion at the end of Semester One

Big Day Out (Impact- Solve IT)

Students of 7A, engaged in the IMPAC Solve IT (Numeracy Program) throughout Semester One. The program is designed to boost student's ability to solve complex, multi-step numeracy problems.

On Wednesday 22 June, students visited the University of Queensland as a reflection day where they had an opportunity to meet students from other schools and experience university.

There were many comments from students about the fantastic time they had. They particularly appreciated both the Brain Science and Antiquities activities scheduled for the day.

Events like this are a wonderful educational experience for students. These IMPACT Big Day Out events create lasting memories for students and provide hands-on learning opportunities that cannot be duplicated in the class room.

The day was a great success and the students' enthusiasm on the day was a credit to Wynnum State High School.

Upcoming events in Mathematics

1. The Australian Mathematics Competition will be held at school on Thursday 28 July in the morning. More details will be given to students who have entered close to the date.
2. Wynnum SHS has entered a team in the Year 7/8 Maths Quiz to be held at Redlands College on Tuesday 2 August. Invited students have already been notified.

Do you need a Calculator

Calculators for sale at the tuckshop for $25
All students need a calculator in mathematics and other subjects!

Mathematics Tutorial Semester Two

To maximise student participation in mathematics tutorials, we have fine-tuned when we offer tutorials. Students are welcome to attend Homework Club in the Library on Tuesday and Thursday at 3.15pm.

Peter Wilson HOD Mathematics

Music News

Band Tour to Cairns

Final preparations for our Band Tour to Cairns are underway. It will be an exciting four days with 52 Instrumental Music Students taking part in this musical adventure. We will be visiting Cairns SHS and working with their students in their Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band. Cairns SHS Symphony Orchestra is one of the regional finalists for Fanfare 2016. We will also be visiting the Aboriginal community at Yarrabah, performing a concert at the Primary school and meeting the Aboriginal elders. Concerts will also be performed at Balaclava SS and Whitfield SS. It will be a memorable tour for all involved that will develop the skills and knowledge of the students as musicians.

Musicians in the Spotlight:

The Rarest are a four piece Indie-Rock band featuring David Lamont, Bernie Morgan, Brendan Dunstan and Tamia Wade. They have just completed an EP for release in the near future. You will be able to find their EP on iTunes, Spotify and Bandcamp. More information about The Rarest can be found on their Facebook page.

Art Tour to Sydney

From 9 – 12 August 25 Visual Arts Students will be travelling to Sydney with Ms Gillies, Ms Buchan and Mrs Hutchinson to visit the Art Gallery exhibition of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as well as Archibald prize, Tracy Moffatt and the Brett Whitely studio where they will participate in a workshop.

Year 8 Creative Arts students

Year 8 Creative Arts students will be presented a mini-musical called Showdown at the Dry Reach Saloon on Monday 12 September in the Star Theatre at 6pm. Students from Dance, Drama and Music will be presenting their work for parents and friends. We hope you can all come along to support these emerging artists.

Visit to Griffith University – Gold Coast

David Lamont, Bernie Morgan, Brendan Dunstan and Tamia Wade attended a full day's workshop at the Griffith University - Gold Coast, Popular Music Course. Students participated in a song writing workshop and recorded one of their songs in a fully resourced recording studio, working with lecturers and students from the course as well as other like-minded students from other schools.

Clockwork Carnivale

16 Drama students finished off Semester 1 with four public performances of their original production Clockwork Carnivale at Metro Arts Theatre. Well done to all students involved and a special thank you to Ms Ioannou who supervised and organised this event for the students.

Music Performance Dates for Term 3

Languages Department News

French Festival

The 2016 Brisbane French Festival took place over the holidays, on the weekend before Bastille Day. Le Festival was held at South Bank's Cultural Forecourt, with French food, drink, activities and entertainment. Two Year 11 French students, Rose Ellwood and Tegan Kelly, gave up a full day of their holidays and volunteered at the festival, where they had the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the language, country and French population in Brisbane. They spent their day surveying festival-goers, checking entrance tickets and saying "Bonjour" to everyone, while Madame McNeill volunteered on the raffle tickets and information stall. More than 40,000 people were in attendance, sampling delicious French fare and celebrating la culture française. Unfortunately, none of the Wynnum volunteers won the trip to Paris… all left however with a (tired) smile, a free festival t-shirt and a camembert baguette – Bon appétit!

Language Perfect

All students of Languages in Years 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 were offered the opportunity to participate in the 2016 Language Perfect World Championships which took place online from 16th to 26th May. The French and Japanese students absolutely blew last year's results out of the water, with a total of 159,672 questions answered and 56,052 points earned. This equates to approximately 807 hours online learning languages! Hawkin Sensei, Wingate Sensei and Madame McNeill were all very proud of the Japanese and French students, who showed great determination in competing against students from all over the world.

Extra congratulations go to these students who received awards for their participation in the Championships:

Credit Award (500+ points)

• Hayley Austin
• Ishana Butler
• Stefanie Lwin
• Brooke Maltby

Bronze Award (1,000+ points)

• Isabelle Boyd
• Bridey McMillan-Tooth

Silver Award (2,000+ points)

• Ella Viney
• Alice Rolandi

Gold Award (3,000+ points)

• Alex Jeffery
• Tegan Kelly
• Hannah McDonnell
• Ayrton Niwa
• Rhenalyn Punzalan
• Jenny Xiao
• Krystal Grant
• Lauren Hazel

A special mention must go to Meghan McDonnell, who answered 26,747 questions and earned 10,004 points, winning an Elite Award. She was placed in the top 0.2% of competitors from around the world. Congratulations Meghan!

Year 9 High Resolves

Fifteen budding World Leaders from Year 9 have put their hands up to participate in the High Resolves Program this year. The potential Prime Ministers of Australia spent a full day with Carrie from High Resolves, discussing what it takes to be a leader, who can become a leader and effective leadership strategies. They each represented a nation in a mock United Nations Summit on CO2 and had to make the difficult decision between making their country a lot of money, or reducing global pollution and making the world a better place.

The students will continue to participate in High Resolves sessions over the term and will eventually complete a project on a social justice issue of their choice. The next Year 9 High Resolves Day will be on Thursday 1st September.

Homework Club

On Tuesday July 26th, there will be no Homework Club session as Parent Teacher interviews are being held in the Library - but we would be happy to help the following week. Thursday's session this week is still on from 3:00- 4:00pm. If you would like your student to attend or require any information please contact us. Ms Greenhill (egree3@eq.edu.au) Ms Redsell (srsed8@eq.edu.au) or Teani Pearse (tpear187@eq.edu.au)