9 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Welcome back to Term 2 and already three weeks have been completed. These last few weeks have seen our students standing proudly alongside Veterans as we commemorated the fallen ANZACs and acknowledged those within our armed forces who continue to serve our country. This was both at a school and community level. The students and staff involved on both occasions did so respectfully. Following our school ANZAC parade, we held the annual cross country. It was a well-supported event this year with some fantastic runners participating.

This week sees our Years 7 and 9 students undertaking this year’s NAPLAN test. About three months ago I placed the following article in our newspaper. The article does indicate that student attendance at school will support their preparation for NAPLAN. A student with a great attendance rate will develop their literacy and numeracy skills across a range of contexts. This will continue even after they have completed the NAPLAN tests. High attendance supports a student’s growth and development in learning!

Good luck to all participating students participating in this year’s NAPLAN test.

NAPLAN

What’s the Purpose of NAPLAN?

When your child sits the NAPLAN test, the results will give you, your child and their teacher information that can identify the gaps in their knowledge.

NAPLAN is an annual national assessment in which all Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate. This year the tests are on 9, 10 and 11 May. The tests are designed to assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students and collect data for systematic reporting to parents/carers and schools. It is primarily an assessment of learning of students against national minimum standards, but can be used as a diagnostic tool that gives teachers information about specific aspects of student performance to inform future teaching and learning.

What is tested?

A series of tests will assess areas of Literacy and Numeracy. The following areas of Literacy are assessed:

• Language Conventions - spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Writing - knowledge and control of written language
• Reading - comprehension

In Numeracy, the areas assessed are:

• Number, Measurement, Chance and data, Space, Algebra, Function and pattern (formal Algebra for Year 9 only).

What happens to the results?

Results from the tests provide important information about students’ progress in Literacy and Numeracy. Following the tests, schools and students receive a statement of performance in relation to the national minimum standards. Teachers are able to access this valuable information to target your child’s educational needs. Student reports are then sent home to parents.

What can I do to help my child?

NAPLAN is not a test that children can prepare for in the same way they might prepare for an end of term test. NAPLAN tests skills that develop and improve over time. These are skills that should be continuously developed throughout the year and not just in the lead-up to NAPLAN.

Good attendance is one of the most important keys to success.

The best way to get your child ready for NAPLAN is to ensure that they attend school every day so that they can have continuous uninterrupted time to develop literacy and numeracy skills. Students are taught education courses and concepts in sequence, so it’s really important that they are in school and do not miss out on important information causing them to lose the thread and fall behind. Your child’s teacher will be able to give you advice on how to help encourage development of literacy and numeracy skills at home. Please contact me if you would like the email address of your child’s teacher.

Encourage your child to read a little every day. Reading is an important key to success.

Whilst there are varying views on the merits of NAPLAN I thought I’d share this quote with you…

‘There is nothing wrong with NAPLAN as an assessment of educational achievement. Probably there is no better standardised, large-scale assessment of educational achievement in Australia.’ Dr James Athanasou is a psychologist. He retired from the University of Technology, Sydney, where he is an adjunct professor.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article and for supporting the process as we endeavour to do the very best we can to meet the needs of your child.

Regards
Cath

ANZAC DAY

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflict, and peacekeeping operations.

On 25 April, students of Wynnum State High School assembled in front of Manly State School, waiting to march in representation of our school. As we walked down the street, on route to Richard Russell Park, where the ceremony was taking place, there was a sense of pride and honour as we remembered the soldiers who fought for our country.

As The Last Post and Reveille was played, we all stood, and remembered the ANZACs. Tears started to roll down people’s faces as we honoured these soldiers.

I would like to congratulate all students and teachers who came and represented our school at this ceremony. It was truly a day that will live in our hearts from now until forever.

Lest We Forget

Teachers as Learners

The weekend of April 28, 29 and 30 saw twenty three (23) staff from Wynnum High travel to Caloundra to attend a Reading to Learn training weekend. Jane Kelly, our reading coach ran the weekend and the staff involved ranged from many ‘old hands’ to ten new staff, eager to learn and continue their learning journey into the Reading to Learn pedagogy.

There was much learning and laughter and shared community values as becoming the best teachers that we can be was very much the driving philosophy behind the weekend. This renewed and new learning will now make its way into your children’s classrooms as we continue to strive to always provide quality teaching and learning programs at Wynnum High.

Liz Williams
Deputy Principal

Congratulations Hayslee Cassidy!

Gold! Gold! Gold!

Hayslee Cassidy, Year 7, competed at the Queensland School Sports Swimming Championships (10 - 12 yrs old) on 26 - 28 March as a member of the Metropolitan East Rep Team. His results were:

• Gold - 12yr old 200m Medley Relay
• Gold - 12yr old 200m Freestyle Relay (New State Record)
• Gold - 12yr old Boys 50m Freestyle
• Silver - 12yr old Boys 100m Freestyle
• Silver - 12yr old Boys 50m Breaststroke

Hayslee has been selected as a member of the Queensland School Swimming Team to compete at the National Pacific School Games on 3 - 10 December at Adelaide. He has worked very hard for these results, and we are PROUD of his achievements and that he is a student of our school. He is currently training hard with a view to doing extremely well at the Pacific Games.

From the Senior School

Elevate Education Seminars

Elevate Education seminars are being offered to all Year 11 and 12 students free of charge. Elevate Education seminars are based on research into the study habits and techniques of high performing students. Developed from the finding of this research, the seminars provide students with simple and practical skills which have already been proven to work for students and can be used immediately.

Students who attended the first seminar in March found it to be very valuable. Seminar 2 will be run on Wednesday 31st May from 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm in the Library. Seminar 3 is in July – date to be advised. Any student who missed Seminar 1 can still come to Seminars 2 and 3 (any student who attends Seminars 1 or 2 are required to attend Seminar 3 as this is the final session to consolidate all the skills acquired in the program).

If you have not already advised of your intention to attend, please email Mrs Lumsdale on tlums1@eq.edu.au so numbers can be confirmed with the Elevate Education presenters.

Tenielle Lumsdale
HOD Senior Schooling

Senior Schooling Career Information

This week’s newsletter has the following information:

• Apprenticeships and Traineeships
• Australian Defence Force
• Career and Occupational Information
• University and Course Updates
• Employment
• Gap Year News
• Open Days and Career Expos
• QTAC and Tertiary Entry
• Study Skills

Year 12 Step Out Bricklaying Program

The Year 12 Construction and Engineering students had the opportunity to participate in a full day of bricklaying with the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation at the end of Term One. Students received explicit teaching and practice towards achieving Certificate I in Construction competencies. All students gained new skills and knowledge. But don’t take my word on it; read what the Year 12 students really thought:

“In the morning we were briefed on the course and began the day with learning about the slurry mix and what goes into it and how it should look. From there we began laying our first bricks.” - Corbin

“Our first bricklaying activity was to lay a three-brick high bed of bricks. This required us to use the trowel in order to lay the bricks. This was achieved by laying a bedding of mortar and butting the brick to lay on top. We then used a tri-square and spirit level to make sure everything was aligned correctly.” - Joe

“It was a good brief overview about bricklaying and we were able to learn more about the trade and what skills were required to be successful. I would recommend this course to others as you get the chance to be a real tradie for the day and appreciate all the hard work and skills required.” – Lachlan

Jim Look
Teacher

From the P&C

Ideas people needed for 75th anniversary celebrations!!

Creative Arts News

Parliament House Concert

A wonderful group of 12 music students prepared a performance for Seniors’ Day at Parliament House on Wednesday 3 May. Our local member Joan Pease was in attendance to introduce the performers to an auditorium of 200 people, many of them residents from the Wynnum/Manly area. The students did a magnificent job of representing, not only Wynnum State High School but also themselves through their professional and entertaining performances. Well done to all involved.

High School Musical 2

The musical is well underway with only two weeks to go until opening night on Thursday 25 May. We have been very fortunate to have the exceptionally talented Amy Wilkinson working with the students over the past couple of weeks. Amy is a past pupil of Wynnum State High school who has gone on to a professional singing career performing in New York with the Metropolitan Opera and Opera Australia in Sydney. Amy has been conducting vocal workshops with the students, assisting them in producing a strong and confident vocal sound as well as giving them some performance tips when acting and singing. Amy has a singing studio in the Wynnum area if you are interested in your child receiving singing lessons.

Manly SS Fete

The Concert Band performed at the Manly State School on Saturday 6 May. It was a great day as many of the students in the Concert Band are past pupils of Manly SS. Thanks to Mrs Anderson for getting the band ready for the performance.

Mother’s Day in the Park

The Big Band is performing at Mother’s Day in the Park on Sunday 14 May. Come along and support the group in their first public performance for the year. It will also be a great opportunity to support the IMPS Committee by getting some yummy breakfast at their stall.

Theatre Performance

Zeal Theatre company presented their performance of “The Apology” earlier this term to Year 7 Music, Dance and Drama students, and Years 9, 11 and 12 Drama students. It was a thought-provoking performance that demonstrated to the students the power of live theatre and storytelling.

Visual Arts Department – Artist in Residence Program

The implementation of our Artists in Residence Program with professional artist Simone Eisler is well underway. The orange wall has been painted white to act as a blank canvas for the new art work that will be painted there by Simone and Year 10 Visual Arts students. The students, under the guidance of Mrs Georgiev, have prepared drawings and sketches for Simone to use as inspiration for the final artwork. Simone has been visiting the Year 10 Visual Arts classroom once a week since the beginning of Term 2 working with the students to finalise the design concept. We will begin painting the wall in the next couple of weeks so watch that space! The project will be unveiled at the 75th Celebrations for Wynnum SHS on Saturday 29 July. We would also like to thank Flying Arts for working on this project with us.

DATE CLAIMER: BUSH DANCE – SATURDAY 10 JUNE

The IMPS Committee is pleased to be able to announce that on Saturday 10 June they will be hosting another Bush Dance evening for families and friends of Wynnum SHS in the Imperial Playhouse. The evening will start at 6 pm and finish at 9:30 pm. There will be a live band and a dance caller who will teach you the steps to many traditional Australian folk dances. You will also be able to purchase dinner on the evening. Ticket prices and how to purchase tickets will be announced shortly – but keep the date free. It is a fun night for the whole family.

Science Department News

Dear families and community of wonderful Wynnum High,

What an exciting past month in Science it has been! From excursions to visit the Hadron Collider at the Queensland Museum to celebrating the achievements of some of our high achieving STEM students. We are extremely PROUD in the Science Department. Read more about these impressive experiences and achievements below. A big congratulations also to the wonderful staff who organised these events. Their ongoing dedication and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind such opportunities for our students. Their inspirational passion often leads to many of our students taking up careers in STEM with dreams of innovation and making a real difference in the world.

Date Claimers

Upcoming date claimers for further fantastic events and opportunities for our students in Science include:

Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement (MSL20109)

Information about the upcoming Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement (MSL20109) course on offer at Wynnum SHS for 24-48 of our Yr10 Science students is forthcoming. An information session and EOI forms will be distributed next week to students during their Access classes on Tuesday, 9th May. Parents are encouraged to discuss this unique and valuable opportunity with their students and return the EOI form ASAP if they would like to be considered for enrolment. The course is valued at $2,200/student but is completely government funded and so is FREE to students. (Note: Students must be in the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) and up-to-date with payments in order to be eligible.) Ideal candidates are students who are planning on taking an OP-eligible pathway in their senior phase of schooling and plan to enrol in at least one of the Senior Science subjects on offer at WSHS (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Upon course completion, students receive 4 points toward their QCE and gain nationally-recognised accreditation as a qualified “Sampler” with employability in contexts such as local council, universities and the mines. For more information about the course and its pathways, please see the following links, or, contact myself (contact details below).

Warm regards
Rella Taylor-Byrne
A/HOD Science & HPE
rtayl210@eq.edu.au

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) News – Term 2

Congratulations to Budding Stem Students

Last year several budding STEM students undertook an entrance exam to participate in the University of Sydney’s Gifted and Talented Program. Congratulations to Joseph Miller and Liam Prowse for their wonderful work. These two students ranked in the top 1200 students from across Australia and have been invited to participate in a three-day STEM program at the University of Sydney.

We are very proud of their PROUD attitudes that led to their acceptance into this program.

As talented high school STEM students they will enjoy the additional challenges and stimulation in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics in this three-day workshop and engage with university teaching staff and current researchers, access first-class facilities and make friends with people who have a mutual interest in STEM.

Griffith University Science and Engineering Challenge

This term some students will be invited to attend the Science and Engineering Challenge on 30 May at Canterbury College. This program encourages selected Years 9 and 10 students to consider a career in Science or Engineering, and to study the enabling sciences in senior high school. Wynnum SHS will be one of eight teams to compete on the Challenge day. Parents and members of the public are also invited to watch.

Titration Competition

Our budding scientists will participate in the RACI Titration Competition on 3 June at Griffith University. This competition is designed to encourage those students who enjoy Chemistry, particularly its practical side, to develop their skills and to reward those who attain a high level of proficiency. This year we will have five teams of three students competing to see if they can make their way to the National Titles in October. Each team will perform a simple acid-base titration exercise and be ranked on how close they get to the actual concentration of the unknown substance.

RNA and Dayboro Show Wine Competitions

Wynnum SHS STEM Club students will enter their fruit wines into both annual competitions this term for judging against other schools. The aim of using chemistry to ferment wines during our lunchtime STEM Club is to help to educate the next generation about the importance of agriculture and producing quality products in STEM related fields.

Queensland Museum and Hadron Collider Excursion – Year 11 Chemistry Students

On Wednesday 19 April the Year 11 Chemistry students attended the Queensland Museum at Southbank. The morning was spent at the Sciencentre where students did lots of hands-on activities. These included demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Momentum and Energy using a giant Newtons Cradle, watching electrical sparks in a plasma sphere and participating in an interactive light show.

Students were able to investigate fluid dynamics by starting a vortex, made electricity with magnets and experienced centrifugal forces. Students also loved being challenged with giant maths puzzles involving trigonometry, geometrical problems and probability games.

We then went to see the Hadron Collider Exhibit, currently on tour from the Science Museum, London. Students learned about the history of the world’s biggest and most powerful particle accelerator and the subsequent discovery of the Higgs boson particle in 2012 – the missing piece of the jigsaw which completes the quest to uncover the fundamental building blocks of the Universe.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and we would like to thank Queensland Museum for making us feel so welcome.

Mrs Wyatt
Year 11 Chemistry Teacher

Maths Department News

Year 11 & 12 Maths B/C Students

Engineering Link Projects allow students to work with engineers and scientists on a range of day-long, hands-on projects that use engineering principles to demonstrate how the maths and science they are learning NOW applies in the real world. They also get a real understanding of what a career in engineering could be like for them.

Brisbane @ QUT – July 6

For more information you can contact Engineering Link – see details below

Phone: (07) 3102 7394
admin@telg.com.au
0r see Mr Peter Wilson in the G08 staffroom.

Australian Mathematics Competition 2017

Students are welcome to enter the 40th Australian Mathematics Competition with entries closing on 10 July and the competition held on 27 July.

Kennedy House Film Festival

Who: All year levels (enter as an individual or a team)

What: Produce a 2 min short film to be played at the lunchtime film festival (Week 7).

Conditions:

• The video must follow the theme of 'CULTURE' (This could be skate culture, sporting culture, rugby culture, school friendship group culture, your family, food, an overseas holiday, your ethnic background or anything else that follows this theme).

• Videos should be submitted via USB to Miss Collins (G08 staffroom) by Friday 27 May (end Week 6).
• The film can be a combination of pictures and video clips. It may also include appropriate background music or voice over.
• Students should use their own recording devices (phone, video camera).
• Students should edit footage using phone apps or upload it to the computer and edit it there.

PRIZES: There will then be a lunchtime film festival with popcorn and prizes for each year level where the videos will be played for other students to view.

Homework Club

Sport Department News

Wynnum SHAPE Program

2017 has seen the introduction of a new extension program for students in the junior school. The SHAPE (Sport, Health and Physical Education) Program aims to extend students who excel in Sport and Core Physical Education. It involves an alternate practical program to offer students a unique integration of sport-related theory through participation in their studied physical activity and additional training sessions. The highest performing CPE students are invited into the program for Years 8 and 9. Two Year 7 SHAPE trial classes will be selected for Semester 2. Any student who wishes to be part of the program needs to ensure they are achieving strong results in both the practical and theoretical components of CPE, as well as demonstrating PROUD behaviours in all aspects of their schooling.

On Wednesday, 29 March, the Year 8 and 9 SHAPE students attended their first excursion centred around surf safety and awareness, something they have been studying all term in CPE. Although we got off to a rainy start, the SHAPE crew had a thoroughly enjoyable day at Alexandra Headlands. Braving the drizzle and under the supervision of trained lifeguards, the students were able to get involved in surfing, body boarding and were taken out of their comfort zone into the deep water for surf swimming. We got many first timers up on their feet with the surfboards and pushed comfort zones in the swell under the watchful eye of Mr Bekiros, Mr Bannerman and Mr Cowden. All that effort called for a big Kahuna burger for lunch, followed by a few friendly games of Fijian Touch and Red Rover. All in all, the Wynnum State High students thoroughly enjoyed the day, with surfing being the overall favourite. The bus ride back to school was an extremely quite ride, as most found themselves unable to keep their eyes open from all the excitement that Alex Surf Lifesaving Club delivered!

Interhouse Cross Country 2017

While Cyclone Debbie caused the postponement of the Cross Country to 24 April it was a memorable one. The fact that it coincided with the ANZAC Day ceremony gave it extra meaning and the students left all their efforts out on the park.

Runners filled the races with PROUD efforts and walkers trudged on like good soldiers collecting points for their house. Teachers and student helpers worked together to deliver a great event enjoyed by all participants and some proud doting parents.

Congratulations to Oxley House and Mrs Hutchinson and Mr Peters who get the best out of their team. The success bar has been set and now we look forward to the Track and Field Carnival. Cunningham, Kennedy and Mitchell what are you going to do about it?

Bayside District Cross Country

Special mention to all 27 competitors who competed in the Bayside District Cross Country and served the school PROUD.

Adam Guthrie qualified for the Under 17 Met East Cross Country, finishing 5th in the District which is an awesome effort. We wish him well in his next adventure.

Peter Bekiros
Cross Country Coordinator

Special Education Program (SEP) update

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Our school will participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data this year. The only data being collected at the school level to be reported nationally is the:

• number of students in the school who are provided with an adjustment to address a disability
• level of adjustments provided for those students
• broad category of disability

Only data that cannot identify your child will be submitted outside of the Department. If you do not wish for your child’s details to be included, please contact Alicia Black on 3906 7309.

From the School Nurse

April – Autism Awareness Month

Every person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is different to another and has their own way of seeing the world, which makes them interesting and unique.

When someone has ASD, it means that their brains are wired differently to other people. However, the symptoms of ASD vary enormously from person to person.

People with ASD find it difficult to interact socially and communicate with others. As they often have difficulty understanding what other people are feeling and what interests others, they might say the wrong thing. They might talk for a long time about a topic they really like, as they are unaware that the topic is of no interest to others. They may not use gestures and body language in the way that other people do. For example they may not use eye contact and may not smile. However, their ability to communicate can vary tremendously, with some people with Autism having no or limited speech, and others having extensive vocabularies. Although people with ASD can find it difficult to talk to people and make friends, they still have the same emotions as anybody else and love to have friends, even if it’s hard.

People with ASD also like things to happen the same way. They might take the same route to school or the shops, or line up their toys in a particular order. If something is out of place or if routines change without warning, they can get upset or worried. They may also be bothered by sudden loud sounds, bright lights or unexpected touch that do not bother others. They may become upset if someone hugs them or talks too quickly or loudly. They often have intense interests in particular topics and may be extremely knowledgeable about their special interest areas. They can also have an amazing memory for detail.

How common is Autism?

A prevalence study by the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders in 2007 concluded that one in 160 Australian children aged between 6 and 12 years have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Some recent studies suggest this figure could be around 1:100

That means the condition is now more common than cerebral palsy, diabetes, deafness, blindness and leukaemia put together.

Find information on Autism, therapies and services on these sites

Gabrielle Nolan, Youth Health Nurse