1 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

We have much pleasure in announcing that Mrs Catherine Pfingst will be the new Principal of our school 2017. Please enjoy this edition as we celebrate the achievements of our students in 2016.

Elizabeth Williams
Principal (Acting)

Academic Awards

Last Thursday 27 October, was the Annual Awards Night to celebrate the academic achievements of our students. Congratulations to all award winners – you should all be extremely proud of yourselves.

Particular congratulations to our three duxes:

Year 10 - Khristine Valdellon
Year 11 - David Lamont
Senior Dux - Tim Biddle

A list of all award recipients and our Honours Awardees can be found by clicking on the below links:

Sports Awards Evening

On Thursday 20 October, our school community celebrated the achievements of our Sporting students at our annual Sports Awards evening. It was a great night that was enjoyed by all who attended. Special thanks must go to all involved in the running of the event, the students, the sport coaches and of course to our Special Guest, Justin Hodges.

Congratulations to all award winners and to Adam Guthrie who was the Sportsperson of the Year. A list of the awardees can be found by clicking on the link.

Senior Secondary News

YEAR 10

Year 10 Work Experience

On the last week of term 3 the second round of year 10 students attended a full week of work experience in a variety of Industries such as: Mechanical, Property of Management, Theatre and Childcare. One student had the opportunity to spend the week with MP Joan Pease.

Isabella Boyd was the lucky student to spend a week in the office of Joan Pease, the first day kick started with what Isabella describes as "a fantastic opportunity" as she was lucky enough to spend the day in Parliament where she watched from the gallery and was able to have a behind the scenes tour. The day gave Isabella a real life look into how Parliament works and what goes on there, it was her favourite day.

Isabella said "the week gave me an opportunity to get a feel of how it was to work full time" and would recommend work experience to all students. She found the staff in the office really welcoming and easy to approach, they helped her with many office tasks such as data entry, customer service and basic office tasks.

When asked if the week helped with career choices, Isabella found that seeing how it all worked has given her a greater interest in business and how the Government works and would now be able to choose subjects accordingly.

It is great to see students immersing themselves into work experience. These situations give them a much needed look into the world of work and the experience they gain from this week stays with them for a long time. This was the evident with Isabella, as when asked "what her least favourite part of work experience was", her response was "leaving".

Year 10 Students on their way to University

Congratulations to Jack Gould and Lachlan Verrier of Year 10 for being selected into the UQ Young Achievers Program. This program is an exciting initiative which aims to support the tertiary study and career aspirations of senior secondary school students who might not otherwise have access to university as a post-school option.

The focus of the UQ Young Achievers Program is on nurturing and developing the educational ambitions of participants through mentoring, advice, financial assistance, and opportunities for personal growth.

Congratulations also to Erin Genrich who was accepted into the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Future Leaders Program.

QUT Future Leaders is a unique program offering high-achieving students an opportunity to engage with QUT through a series of enrichment events during Years 11 and 12.

Throughout the program Erin will participate in a range of thought-provoking and challenging activities that will enhance her senior studies, put her in touch with like-minded students from other schools and give her the confidence and inspiration to explore further opportunities available once she reaches university.

Well done Jack, Lachlan and Erin. We look forward to hearing about the experiences you have as UQ Young Achievers and as a QUT Future Leader.

Mrs Kim Hutchinson
Deputy Principal

YEAR 12

2016 Lifesaving Excursion (Alex Headlands Surf Life Saving Club)

On a cool, summer day with a one metre swell, students participated in activities which included surf survival, surf board riding and boogie boarding. Despite the cold conditions, students smiled as they were challenged and, in some cases, taken out of their comfort zones. Instructors especially applauded the efforts of students who were in large unfamiliar with the surf but persevered admirably. After a hearty Big Kahuna Burger for lunch, we played a game of beach touch. 'Chappy's Champions' beat 'The Teachers Terrors'. Brendan Dunstan won the 'Kelly Slater' award for best board ride of the day and Mitchell Williams was 'Shark of the Day' for his active beach contribution. You all should be PROUD of your collective effort and behaviour! Many thanks to Mr Aguiar, Mr Ingersole, Chaplain Greg , and Alex SLS trainers for their excellent work on the day. Enjoy the photos.

Peter Bekiros
Senior Teacher – HPE Department
Life Saving Coordinator

General Senior News

Important Dates:

Study tips:

At this point in Term 4 students should be very busy working on assignments, completing competencies and studying for their upcoming exams. Exam time can be very stressful for some students so we offer the following tips and advice:

1. Set up your study space: Your study space should be quiet, comfortable and distraction-free. It should make you feel happy and inspired. Decorate it with your favourite pictures or objects.
2. Find your best time: Some people work better in the morning. Others work better at night. Work out which time suits you and plan to study then. Don't study much later than your usual bedtime - pushing yourself late at night can make you too tired to study properly.
3. Study every day: If you study a little bit every day you'll be continually reviewing things in your mind. This helps you understand things. It also helps you avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.
4. Cut back on activities: If you're finding it hard to find time to study, cut back on some (but not all!) of your other activities. Prioritising study might mean spending less time online, or it might mean cutting back on shifts at work, or giving weekend sport a miss for a while.
5. Plan your time: It helps to have some plans in motion so you can make the most of your study time.
   - Set alarms - Set alarms to remind you about your study plans. A regular reminder keeps you honest and your plans on track.
   - Use a wall planner - Stick a calendar or wall planner up so you can see it whenever you're studying. Mark it up with important dates, like exams and assignment due dates.
   - Make to-do lists - Lists break tasks down into manageable chunks. At the start of the week, make a list of the things that you need to have done by the end of the week. Make a to-do list at the start of each study session too, so that you're clear about what you need to be doing with your time.
   - Set time limits - Before you start your study session, have a look at your to-do list and give yourself a set time to spend on each task.
6. Review and revise: Go back over the things you've studied in class. Thinking things over can help you to understand the concepts and help you remember when you need them the most.
7. Quiz yourself - Get a friend or family member to quiz you on key concepts. Offer to help your friends with their work too. Quizzes are great ways to get confident about what you know and find out what you still need to learn.
8. Ask for help: If you're stuck on something, or something just doesn't seem to make sense, you can always ask for help. Talk to your teachers about the things you don't understand. Talk to your friends and fellow students too.
9. Stay motivated: When you're studying it helps to keep in mind your reasons for doing all this hard work, like a course or career you're working towards. It can help to have something in your study space to remind you of your goals. You could also decorate your study space with inspirational quotes or photos of people you admire and family members you want to make proud of you.
10. Look after yourself: You'll study better if you take care of yourself. Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep and physical exercise. Don't reward yourself with too many sugary or fatty snacks or push yourself to study late into the night. It's also a good idea to make sure you drink lots of water when you're studying.

(Adapted from: Youth Central – Top 10 Study Tips)

Japan Study Tour

From September 14th to 24th, fourteen Wynnum High students along with Mr Campbell, Mrs Hawkin and Mrs Wingate toured through Japan on Wynnum High's first ever Japan study tour. Students enjoyed the sights of Tokyo for two days including; Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Asakusa and the Kawaii Monster Café. We then travelled by Bullet Train to Kyoto, staying four nights at the very comfortable New Miyako Hotel. In Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, we visited Toji, Kiyomizu dera and the Golden Temple. On a rainy Sunday, day we hopped onto another Bullet Train and visited Osaka Castle where we were delighted to witness the Koya Festival. Several school and university groups performed traditional dances with the castle as a backdrop. It was very impressive.

It was not all temples and castles though. We were all very impressed with the Karaoke skills of our group (including a very convincing rendition of Mama Mia by Mrs Hawkin and Mrs Wingate and a mighty team effort performing Bohemian Rhapsody). Some very vigorous Takio Drumming was witnessed at the amusement arcade and we ate lots and lots of delicious Japanese cuisine.

Following our time in Kyoto, we headed north again on the Bullet Train. Student spent four nights with host families from Iwatsuki High School in Saitama. The host families treated students to some wonderful Japanese hospitality which they will never forget. We experienced two days at Iwatsuki High School participating in lessons and cultural activities. We witnessed an impressive Kendo display and learned traditional arts such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, ikebana (flower arranging) and preparing the Hinamatsuri (doll festival) display.

All students exemplified the PROUD mantra throughout the tour and are now inspired to continue with their Japanese studies.

Junior Secondary News

Year 9 High Resolves

The wonderful group of Year 9 High Resolves students made a stand against social exclusion on Tuesday 11th November. They worked in groups and educated the school about becoming more inclusive through a free-dress day and the production of two videos. The students also organised a pledge for signing and ran sporting tournaments during both lunchtimes. Some of the braver Year 9s even got up and spoke on full-school assembly and in front of the whole of the junior school.

Shalane and Mark from Headspace Capalaba were overwhelmed by the $587.10 raised by Wynnum students from the free dress day – where everyone in the school was encouraged to wear something 'comfortable' for the day which related to the theme of feeling "comfortable in your own skin". The Wynnum High Resolves team even featured on the High Resolves Facebook page, where their message was shared and celebrated all around Australia.

Congratulations to Alex Croft, Charlie Forster, Victoria Fuentes, Sarah Gardeniers, Lauren Hazel, Harrison Hunt, Finn Lumsdale, Hannah McDonnell, Bridey McMillan-Tooth, Rebecca Owens, Nadia Paranihi, Liam Penman, Liam Prowse, Richard Ravu and Alexi Younie-Thurtell for all their hard work in the past few months! They will be celebrating their achievements at the High Resolves Leadership Summit on the 22nd of November at the University of Queensland.

Miss McNeill

Creative Arts News

The Concert Band did their final performance of the year at the Wynnum Seafood Festival on Saturday 22 October. They performed very well to a very supportive crowd. They have been invited back next year! Well done to Mrs Anderson for preparing the group for their performance.

The Concert Band will continue to rehearse on a Wednesday afternoon as they will be preparing for a Year 6 immersion program in November.

Music extension opportunities

Students who participate in the Instrumental Music program were offered the opportunity to prepare for an exam on their instrument and as such received a graded certificate of their work through the Australian Music Examination Board. (A.M.E.B.)

This year the following students sat for their A.M.E.B. exam:

• Brooke Maltby: Grade 2 – Tenor Sax
• Laura Hall: Grade 3 – Clarinet
• Katie Lane: Preliminary – Flute
• Maya Harding: Preliminary – Clarinet

Brooke Maltby and Maya Harding received an A for their exams. Laura and Katie are eagerly awaiting their results. Many thanks must go to Mrs Anderson who prepares the students for their exam.

Launchpad

David Lamont and Bernie Morgan were the recipients of a scholarship to attend Launchpad - a 4 day composition camp over the holidays with international composers and performers from Topology. The students had the opportunity to work with like-minded students, to compose and perform their own and others pieces.

S.H.E.P.

Riley Fox and Brooke Maltby were accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium's State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) that was held at the Queensland Conservatorium over the September holidays. Music students from across the Brisbane Metropolitan area joined forces to make music together under expert tutoring from some of Australia's best conductors.

Always…. Patsy Cline

On the last day of Term 3 we were lucky enough to have a visit from the cast and band of the music theatre piece Always…. Patsy Cline. Students had the opportunity to ask the cast questions directly regarding life as a professional actor and musician. They also performed some songs out of the show that they are touring throughout Australia this year.

Music Extension Concert

Nathaniel Laurel, Zoe Nehring and Kira Medlock presented their final music extension concert on 6 October in the Star Theatre. This was their final public performance for the year and they presented an interesting and varied program. Well done to all three students who have worked hard on their respective instruments to reach a very high standard of performance.

QYO's Twilight Concert Series

The Symphonic Band partnered with the Queensland Youth Orchestra's Wind Symphony to present a public performance at the Old Museum, Bowen Hills in September this year. The first part of the program featured players from Wynnum SHS and the QYO Wind Symphony conducted by Mr Cosic.

Maths Department News

Mathletics 2016 (Years 7-9) – Progress Report

1. Individual logins this year – 2530
2. Activity Answers this year – 41185
3. Certificates awarded this year – 225
4. Login Time by students (online time in minutes) – 43343

Congratulations to our three top students who be receiving certificates:

Brooklyn Wehrle - (Year 7F )
Fin Harding - (Year 7A)
Hayley Austin - (Year 8A)

Education Perfect Maths Championships 2016

Congratulations to the following students who competed in this competition:

Chloe Shaw (Year 10) - Silver Award
Hayley Austin (Year 8A) - Bronze Award

Australian Mathematics Competition 2016 Results

Wynnum SHS competed in this event earlier in the term and results have just arrived via e-mail.

Congratulations to the following students.

(HD -= High Distinction, D -= Distinction, C = Credit and Pr = Proficiency)

Our best result was Hayley Geldart of Year 7 with a percentile of 100% which meant that Hayley beat 99% of Year 7 students (who competed in the competition) from Australia. A great effort! Congratulations to all of our students. Certificates will be presented on parade later in the year after they arrive in the mail.

QUT Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp

Congratulations to Jenny Xiao (Year 11) who was selected to attend the recent QUT

Vice-Chancellor's STEM Camp.

This camp is for high achieving Year 11 students and is planned so that it accelerates their understanding and exposure to research and innovation in STEM.

The 2016 camp invited 160 of Queensland's brightest students to spend five days at the Gardens Point campus in the September school holidays to work with leading QUT scientists in real-world research projects.

The five-day fully-funded camp ran from Monday 26 September – Friday 30 September and saw students from Brisbane to Darling Downs to Cairns work in teams across 10 different research projects.

Students explored some of the major challenges and opportunities facing our society such as the next wave of advancements in nanotechnology, robotic surgery, sustainable agriculture, biofabrication and next generation virtual reality.

Outside of their research projects, camp students also participated in a QUT RealWorld Futures event: TheWorld in 10 Years led by Queensland Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett. Alongside industry executive guests, students heard from futurists and scientists on the advancements to come over the next 10 years, and shared insights through the eyes of the digital native generation.

QUT STEM Teacher-in-Residence Christopher Farrelly said.

"We believe these students will be some of our scientists of the future so to be accepted into the camp we also wanted them to tell us how they hope to one day make an impact in STEM areas," Mr Farrelly said.

The students concluded their camp week with their final research presentations and The STEM Camp Showcase Breakfast with keynote speaker Dr Catherine Ball, the "Dame of Drones", on September 30.

Mr P Wilson
HOD Mathematics

School Magazine

The time has come once again to place your order for this year's school magazine. The cost is $22 and orders and payments are to be made to Student Services. Final orders are to be made no later than week 9 of this term. The school yearbook records the highlights of 2016 both through images and articles and is a great way to reminisce on the year that was.