2 April 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

The end of term is here, and what a term it has been. Our school continues to provide the most incredible range of activities that support our students and give them a rich education, whether it be academic, cultural, sporting or citizenship events. We are fortunate to have such a committed team who seek out these opportunities for our students, but we all do this because we have such great kids who want to excel. I thank parents and carers for being so supportive of what we do here and for encouraging your children to participate. What a school!

In the past few weeks we celebrated Harmony Day. Coupling this with our day of action against bullying and violence, we all reflected on the importance of respect for each other. You know that we all work very hard in our school on Respect as a core value, and we have a zero tolerance for bullying, intimidation and physical violence. We apply significant consequences for breaches, and make no apology for doing whatever it takes to ensure that our environment is a positive one where everyone can go home happy at the end of the day.

This issue is a community one and everyone needs to reflect on their behaviour. We see road rage, we see keyboard warriors abusing people on line and we see people angrily jumping to conclusions before they know the facts about situations. Seriously, we all need the proverbial ‘chill pill’ at times. Life is too short and every time the blood pressure goes up, it gets even shorter. I ask all parents and carers to continue to model the positive behaviours for their children, correct inappropriate behaviours and help build more tolerance in our next generation.

Exams and finalisation of assessment for units is upon us, and we want all students to do their very best. As always, we ask everyone to keep monitoring our children for ‘exam’ stress and to help them keep calm. I say to our students, the more you engage in class, the better organised you are, the more sleep you get and the healthier you are, the better you will do at school.

I am very pleased that our attendance rate is so close to our target of 92%! This is a great improvement and we need to keep the momentum going if we are to break the target. I believe our students and community understand very clearly how important each day is for student life-long outcomes. It is also good to see the message is spreading quickly about avoiding family holidays during the school term.

As you may be aware, this is our Musical year, with Pop Stars as the chosen performance. Musicals are huge and take much time to plan and organise, but they are so worth it! I can’t wait to see our talented performers strut their stuff on stage.

My very best to you all and a big thank you for all your support for our amazing school.

Deputy Principals’ Report

Attendance in Focus

The overall attendance for the school at the end of Week 9 is 90.6%, down .01% from the last Wynnum Wire, four weeks ago. On a positive note, attendance is relatively steady, however, we are very keen to raise attendance across the school to at least 95%.

Next term we will be launching attendance competitions as House Groups compete on a weekly basis and Houses will compete on a termly basis. Details to be announced when we return from holidays.

Reporting

Student reports will be emailed home at the end of this week. Parents and carers who do not have an email account listed will have their child/children’s reports posted home instead. If you do not receive a report card, please contact the school on 3906 7333 and we will ensure the situation is corrected as soon as possible.

These reports are interim reports and are designed to show a student’s progress thus far in the semester. You will notice that details of Parent Teacher Interviews appear on the report cards. We would encourage parents and carers to come along to these interviews. It is a great way to hear first-hand of your child’s progress and recommended strategies for improvement where necessary. According to the Australian Council of Educational Research, the benefits of parental engagement in a child’s schooling, no matter how old the “child” is, are huge. As teachers, we certainly know how powerful the parent/teacher team can be in helping a child to achieve at school.

If you are unable to attend the interviews at the scheduled times, please feel free to contact your child’s teachers directly. Teachers will then be able to organise phone interviews or make alternative arrangements as necessary.

The instructions for the online Parent Teacher Interviews will be emailed shortly after this newsletter.

Mobile Phones

The use of mobile phones in classes is not allowed. Therefore, we are seeking the support of parents and carers to resist texting or phoning students during class time. If there is a reason that you need to contact your child urgently during class time, please phone the school office and we will most certainly ensure that we deliver the message straight away. If a message is not urgent, please note the following times for our lunch breaks:

Happy Holidays

As Term One draws to a close, we would like to wish all of our students and their families a happy and safe holiday break. Term 1 has been a whirlwind of activities and of course, Term 2 will be no different.

Liz Williams, Kim Hutchinson & Marina Williams

From the School Captains

Harmony Day and Anti-Bullying Day

On Friday, 22 March, the school leaders co-ordinated events to recognise Harmony Day and Anti-Bullying Day, thereby celebrating cultural diversity and inclusiveness at our school. To kick off the day, a pancake breakfast was offered to all students who participated in signing a pledge against bullying These students were rewarded with a free breakfast, a wristband and a sense of belonging at Wynnum High.

Following a delicious start to the day, students attended an emotional and heart-warming Harmony Day Assembly. Students witnessed vocal and cultural performances from a plethora of students embracing not only their culture, but paying tribute to the lives lost in the recent mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand. This was a moving moment for all. The Junior Secondary Captains plus three other talented young students concluded the assembly by performing “Imagine” by John Lennon.

The celebrations continued in first break, where we displayed a Harmony Day art mural created by the Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students. Students were asked to place a sticker on the country they call home, visually displaying the cultural diversity in our school.

Ultimately, the day’s festivities raised an incredible $737 from student donations and encouraged everyone to branch out in an inclusive and friendly environment. We look forward to watching the continued celebrations of cultural inclusivity and togetherness within our school community on a daily basis.

Nadia, Ailbhe, Lauren and Liam

Senior School News

Year 10

On Tuesday 26th March, Year 10 students received a presentation from Young Tourism Leaders Queensland. The presenter, Olivia Evans, is the Director of Sandstone Park, Carnarvon Gorge. Olivia talked about her 17 years of experience in the Tourism industry as well as informed the students about career opportunities available to them. The students then undertook an activity where they came up with an idea for a resort or farm stay. Olivia was very impressed with our student’s participation in the activity and the interest they showed throughout her presentation.

Year 11

Congratulations to all of our Year 11 students who have just completed their first exam block under the new ATAR system. Students are now starting new work within their subjects therefore attendance in Week 10 is crucial.

Year 12

Those Year 12 students who are sitting the QCS test are participating in practice tests on Tuesday 2nd April, Wednesday 3rd April and Thursday 4th April. These practice tests are a significant part of our QCS preparation program as students will be receiving formative results and valuable feedback in order to prepare them for the actual test in September. An email with the details has been sent to Year 12 students and parents.

Please do not hesitate to call me on 3906 7439 or email tlums1@eq.edu.au if you have any questions or would like to discuss your student’s schooling further.

Tenielle Lumsdale
A/HOD Senior Schooling

Civil Construction Field Day

Students participating in the Year 12 Certificate I in Construction and Certificate II in Engineering Pathways had the opportunity to attend a Civil Construction Field Day with the Civil Contractor Federation Queensland Limited (CCF QLD) at Archerfield.

During the visit, students learnt about the civil construction industry and the wide-range of career options available from a presentation by CFF QLD. Highlighted to students were the employability skills required for employment in the industry. Significantly, students recognised those expressed as part of our PROUD mantra. Persevering, respecting the environment in which you work, working as a team, on-time and on task, take responsibility for on-site safety. Some clues on how to approach potential employers was good advice also.

Students then had the opportunity of visit field exhibits that included industries such as Hasting Deering, Volvo, Hitachi, Komatsu and Construction Skills Queensland. Appropriately, after the mandatory sausage sizzle, students first stop was to the Busy at Work display to discuss how to apply for apprenticeships, traineeships and short courses of study to gain employment.

Thank you to Tanya Moore, our schools Career Development Officer for her work organising the day. The students gained much from it and this was reflected in their engagement and excellent behaviour.

Jim Look
Teacher

Creative Arts News

SHEP

Congratulations to the following students for being accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium’s

State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP):

Popstars. The 90’s Musical

Make sure you get your tickets for Popstars. The 90’s Musical. Tickets are $12 each or $38 for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) and can be purchased from Student Services. Cash or EFT is accepted. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Performances are:

• Thursday 9 May @ 7:30 pm
• Friday 10 May @ 7:30 pm
• Saturday 11 May @ 2 pm and 7:30 pm

Come along and support all those dancers, singers, actors, musicians, technical, backstage and hair and make-up crews who have been working really hard to put together a fun-filled, action-packed production for you. They would love to see you there.

IMPS Welcome Night

The Symphonic, Concert and Big Bands did their first public performance for the year at the Instrumental Music Parents’ Welcome evening on Tuesday 19 March. Many thanks to Mrs Anderson and Mr Cosic for preparing a wonderful evening of performances. Also, congratulations to Joseph Miller in Year 12 who received his Instrumental Music Leader’s badge.

Band Camp

50 students travelled to Alexandra Park Conference Centre for a 2-day Instrumental Music Band Camp. It was a great couple of days relaxing and music making all day every day! We went for walks and practised, had a trivia night competition and did some practice, ate a lot and did some more practice. Mrs Anderson, Mr Cosic and Mr Nutley did a sterling job of ensuring the weekend went according to plan. We also had a visiting conductor take a workshop with the students and an Irish band for a concert to celebrate St Patrick’s Day! Best band camp ever!

Grin and Tonic performance

On Tuesday 12 March, Grin and Tonic Theatre Company performed Romeo and Juliet Can’t Die, at The Star Theatre, to the Junior Creative Arts students. This modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was a great introduction to Shakespeare’s plays. The students were enthralled with the cinematic projections of miniature sets and manga cartoon characters that represented some of the characters.

Instrumental Music – Term 2 Calendar

Sport News

Congratulations to Reetika Kumar in Year 10, who took part in the Queensland Karate Tournament held on 16-17 March. Reetika competed in the female cadet individual 47kg winning Gold and also in the female Cadet Opens, winning bronze.

She has now qualified for the National Karate Tournament in Tasmania, representing Queensland.

Well done Reetika! We are very PROUD of you!

On Saturday 16 March, Holly Kelk of Year 11 competed in the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival. She placed 11th in the 16 - 19 Age Females category, competing in an Olympic distance (1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run) in a time of 3hrs 19mins. What a fantastic effort and success for Holly. We are very PROUD of you!

Interhouse Cross Country

Congratulations to Cunningham House for winning the 2019 Cross Country. It was a great day on Memorial Park with many outstanding cross country performances and some sizzling record-breaking times. All runners and walkers made it to the finish line despite the heat. Many thanks to the student helpers who made the day run smoothly. All participants were rewarded with a long drink, some cool shade, a pat on the back and a karaoke tune from Ms Kneen. Students definitely voted with their feet as it was the most participated Cross Country in recent history.

Well done students, you should be PROUD!

Peter Bekiros

Special Education Program

SEP Update - Facilities

When we talk about Inclusion, it’s important to note that it also refers to ensuring that the physical environment is inclusive. Wynnum High is dedicated to ensuring success for all students. To this end, an access audit was carried out. In response to this, Wynnum High has:

• an additional unisex, disabled toilet is now accessible in the lower floor of A Block (including a “chime” to alert staff if a student requires assistance
• a standing table for student use
• classroom chairs for specific student needs strategically placed in classrooms
• a big keys keyboard to make computer use accessible
• installed ICT applications to support curriculum access and a physiotherapy program

Plans have been made for improved wheelchair access in the school grounds and this includes small ramps and levelled access through some doorways. Wynnum High continues to permit access to the gym for students with disability to complete physiotherapy programs. The SEP would like to thank EQ specialist staff and maintenance staff for their input.

From the school nurse

How to talk to kids and teens about world trauma

When the world is struck with a catastrophic event, the instinct to shield our children from the effects of it is completely understandable. We want them to grow up believing that the world is pure and good and geared in their favour. We also want them to feel safe, and avoiding a discussion isn’t necessarily the way to make this happen.

Older kids and teens will know when something big has happened whether you’re the one who tells them or not. Knowing that something has happened, but not having anybody explain things, is a really scary thing to feel for any of us. Our kids are no different. We all need context and assurance and it’s the facts that will provide this.

All kids are different. They need different information to feel safe, they look for a different level of detail and they are impacted by different parts of the story.

Nobody will know your children better than you do, so it’s important to manage the conversation based on who they are, what they already know, and what it means for them.

With all children-

1. The most important question.

Whatever their age, there is likely to be one thought at the front of their minds, ‘What about me?’ This is normal and healthy and part of the way they process what has happened. They need to understand it in terms of what it means to them and for their own safety and wellbeing. Let this guide your response.

2. Let them know that what they’re feeling makes sense.

We’re all different and will respond to things in different ways. Whether they feel nothing at all or very deeply, let them know that whatever they’re feeling is completely okay. The only way through a feeling is straight through the middle, and this will only happen when there is gentle acceptance of whatever that feeling is. If they see that you can accept what they’re feeling, it will be easier for them to do the same.

3. Name what you see or hear from them.

They need to know that you get it otherwise the things you say will fall short of comforting them. Saying things like, ‘Oh don’t worry,’ or ‘Don’t be silly – nothing like that will happen here,’ though said with the best of intentions, can actually make them worry more. It might also cause them to feel shame which will only make them shut down. They’ll still feel what they’re feeling and think what they’re think but you just won’t find out about it. Whatever they’re feeling, let them know that you get it by reflecting it back to them, ‘I can see you’re feeling scared. That’s completely understandable. It’s a frightening thing to happen.‘

4. And help them to put it in context.

If they’re feeling scared, it will be because they’re noticing the similarities between themselves and the people who have been directly hurt – ages, families, the area they live in – though it might be happening out of their awareness. Explaining the differences between their circumstances and the circumstances around the event will help to ease their fear.

‘This has happened in a different place to where we live. Nothing like this has ever happened here.’ Or if you’re living where the trauma has happened, ‘When something like this happens, people work really hard to make sure that something like this never happens again. The people who do this are really great at what they do. They learn a lot about how it happened and the type of people who did it and they use that information to keep everyone safe.’

5. Ask directly what it is they’re worried about.

Trauma triggers all sorts of things in all of us. Sometimes these will directly relate to the event: How will they look after the people who have been hurt? Have they caught the bad guys? How did it happen? Could it happen here? Sometimes, it might be more indirect and unexpected. They might become scared of you dying or getting sick. They might worry about not being able to reach you when they need to, or of something happening while they are asleep or separated from you. Let them know that when something big happens, we can feel all kinds of things that don’t make sense but there are no silly feelings or silly things to think. Ask them what they’re thinking and give them permission to say anything they want to.

6. Be available.

Let them know that they can come to you with questions, feelings, ideas and thoughts and that nothing is off-limits. Give them extra cuddles or an extra story. For older ones, spend extra time sitting on the edge of their bed at bedtime. They might raise things with you or they might not, but at least you’re there if they need to.

7. Let them see your compassion, empathy, and resilience.

It’s okay to let them know that you are sad for the people who have been hurt – this will nurture their empathy and compassion – but they also need to see your strength and capacity to cope with the news.

8. It’s okay not to have the answers they’re asking for.

Frightening world events don’t make sense to any of us. Your children might ask questions that you don’t know the answers to, such as ‘How did it happen?’ or ‘Why do some people do awful things?’ In these cases, ‘I don’t know,’ is a perfectly reasonable answer. Sometimes it’s the only one.

9. Remind them of the goodness in the world.

They need to have faith in the world and the people in it. Whenever there is trauma in the world, there are also remarkable demonstrations of solidarity and kindness, love and support for strangers. Let them hear these stories. We belong to a humanity that is good and kind. People who orchestrate traumatic events are acting against humanity, they’re not a part of it and when they strike, humanity always proves to be kinder, more generous, and stronger. Remind them.

10. Let them feel the arms of the world around them, too.

Let them know that when something like this happens, the world comes together to look after each other and that people from all over the world are working to make the world safer for them.

Being proactive in having the conversation with kids can ensure that you’re the one who sets the emotional tone for what has happened – not their friends, not social media and not the 6pm news. Show them that you have faith in their world and their ability to thrive in it.

– Karen Young, Hey Sigmund

Gabrielle Nolan
Youth Health Nurse