1. education
2. school

4 September
2012
20th
March 2015
From the Deputy’s Desk . . .
P&C AGM: The school’s new P&C Executive was elected on Tuesday 10th March at the AGM. President Maya Geary, Vice-President Jaime
Richards, Treasurer Rosemary Parker and Secretary Kylie Leppien. The P&C meets every 2nd Tuesday of each month in the school office from
6:30pm to 7:30pm. The P&C provides a great way to keep informed and contribute to the quality education delivered at State High. The
Association would appreciate more voices to continue creating productive partnerships with the school Principal in achieving the best possible
outcomes for all students.
Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Visit: Dr Graham Foster made a return visit on Wednesday 11th March to further support our
school in delivering the explicit improvement agenda in 2015. Graham supports the work undertaken by both staff and students to further build
data literacies to drive student learning outcomes.
Student Diaries: Student diaries have arrived and have been distributed to students early this week either through roll class (junior
secondary students) or at the senior assembly (senior students). It is a school expectation that students have their diary with them every day for
each lesson to record vital information including daily homework and assessment due dates. Students will be expected to produce their diary in
roll class every morning to engage with valuable information in the diaries such as study tips, vocabulary activities, goal setting, etc. If your child
has not received a diary please collect one from the main office.
Unique Student Identifier (USI): A reminder for parents of senior school students to ensure their child has returned their USI
permission letter and a form of identification to the main office in order to obtain and/or verify their USI. All senior students are required to obtain
a USI to ensure they receive any statements of attainment or completion certificates for their vocational education and training (VET) courses.
This also includes short courses (responsible service of alcohol, gaming, food handlers, etc.), courses at the DTTC or VET courses through any
other provider.
Senior Assessment Calendar: The senior assessment calendar is now available on our website at www.chartoweshs.eq.edu.au.
Interhouse Cross Country Carnival: The annual interhouse cross country carnival was held today at the airport. Well done to all
students who participated. A huge thankyou must go to Mr Matt de Brenni and school staff for their organisation and effective management of a
smooth event – a top effort displayed by all. Results can be found on page 6 of this newsletter.
Student, Parent and Teacher Conferencing Night: Parents will have the opportunity to meet and
engage with their child’s teacher to discuss academic progress in Week 2 Term 2 through our conferencing night on
Wednesday 29th April. Bookings can be made through the online booking system www.sobs.com.au or by calling the main
office on 4754 6555.
Safe and Happy Holidays: Term 1 is quickly coming to an end and students are reminded the term does not
finish until 3pm on Thursday 2nd April. It is an expectation that all students are in attendance up until 3pm on this day. We
wish students and their families a very safe and relaxing holiday. We look forward to another productive and rewarding
term when we resume at 9am Monday 20th April.
Yours in Education, Shirley Holcombe , A/Deputy Principal
TERM DATES
DATE CLAIMERS
Term 1 concludes
3pm Thursday 2nd April
Student, Parent and Teacher Conferencing Night
Wednesday 29th April (see information above)
Term 2 commences
9am Monday 20th April
Next P&C Meeting
Tuesday 12th May
Congratulations to Kyra Crombie who participated in
the NQ Soccer trials in Townsville on Monday 16th March
2015. Kyra was selected in the NQ team and will be
travelling to Coffs Harbour in May for the State trials. Well
done Kyra. We wish you good luck.
On Friday 18th March, five Year 7 students from State High participated in the Charters Towers
Primary Schools’ Rugby League trials at Friemann Oval. The day was a great success with lots of
parents and family in attendance. The boys from our school teamed up with some eager young
footballers from CCC and BTC to play as the Barbarians. Both games were hotly contested against
ASSG and Richmond Hill SS. A big thank you to Sandra Thorpe who assisted greatly with the
organisation of our team on the day. Congratulations to Troy Miller who was selected to represent
Charters Towers at Ayr next term. We wish him well at the NQ trials.
The Open Girls Tennis Team this week put in a very strong performance against Columba
defeating the opposition 31-17. The girls showed tremendous spirit and enthusiasm in their win.
Well done to all participants in all sports; you made us proud by the way you represented the school.
As we go to print, the Interhouse Cross Country carnival is being held at the airport.
MATT DE BRENNI, SCOTT CASEY AND LEIGH MIDDLETON, TEACHERS
This term, Year 9 History have been studying the Industrial Revolution and what life was like
back then, delving into society, looking at the welfare and health of communities and health of
the environment.
In English we have been investigating Australia, looking at landmarks, food, flora and fauna,
tourism, culture and other wonders to be found in Australia. We have been designing brochures
and PowerPoints to invite tourists to come and explore our beautiful country.
The Year 10s, 11s and 12s in Science are looking at life blueprints and evolution. The students
have been working hard learning about traits, hereditary, characteristics and genes. Students have been completing a
variety of hands-on activities to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding about what makes us who we are. We
are now starting to look at plants and animals, their habitats, some theories surrounding evolution and their adaptations
(changes) so that they can survive in these habitats and in our changing world.
In Job Skills the Year 10, 11 and 12 students are looking at goals, resumes, job search skills and their employability skills
– what employers want from them as workers and how they can further their skills to be ready for the workforce.
TARA GOLDENBERG AND THE SEP TEACHERS
This term/semester students are looking at Animal Welfare Management as a critical component of
whole farm management. Students will review all factors that affect cattle welfare and wellbeing.
Subject areas include Caring for health and welfare of livestock, Handling livestock using basic
techniques, Identifying and marking livestock, Monitoring water supplies, and Establishing pastures
and crops for livestock production.
Throughout this semester students will learn about the importance of the cattle industry and the
production of beef from paddock to plate.
On Monday 9th March students enrolled in Certificate II in Agriculture embarked on an excursion to Hammer and Co properties, just a
short distance from town. Students were involved in mustering and moving the cattle into yards quickly, quietly, safely and humanely
(using low stress handling techniques), weighing and recording live weights and drafting animals from yard to yard. Students were
able to build on knowledge acquired at school and were provided with the opportunity to work with cattle on a large scale farming
enterprise. Students gained valuable knowledge from experts in their fields and were able to further develop their cattle handling
skills.
Back at the school Agricultural Farm the year has started well with the flow of honey in hives really picking up due to the inclusion of
new queen bees.
The three head of cattle are looking good, showing good definition.
Students have been busy germinating and propagating numerous crops including rockmelons and watermelons. Other crops growing
include tomatoes, lettuce, beans, snow peas, chillies, beetroot, squash, onions, capsicum, pumpkin, corn, cucumber and zucchini.
MATTHEW DE BRENNI, TEACHER
Physics students have been learning about energy
that relates to sports. The broad topic has included
soccer, cricket, basketball, javelin, discus and other
sports. The topics included gravitational potential
energy, kinetic energy, Hooke’s Law, Bernoulli’s
principle and the Magnus Effect (the curve ball in
soccer and the dip ball in cricket).
One of the highlights of the term was projectile and angular motion, in which
students measured these with the use of Nerf guns. Students will move from sports
physics in Term 1 to Rocket Science in Term 2.
ROD COOK, TEACHER
Charters Towers was well represented, with a record number of Music students attending the
Griffith University North Queensland State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) in Cairns at
the weekend. Students from State High, ASSG and CCC joined 170 other passionate
musicians from as far south as Mackay and as west as Mt Isa in a three day intensive
workshop.
The ensembles were treated to world class conductors, who worked tirelessly at educating
the young musicians on ways to improve their individual ensemble playing through a variety
of contrasting pieces which were performed in a Gala Concert on Sunday afternoon.
Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Dr. Rob McWilliams, sang high praises of the level of commitment, focus and positive
attitude the students demonstrated, despite the extremely warm climate they worked in.
“I thought Saturday afternoon, after five hours of rehearsal, the kids would become restless and unmotivated to
play,” he said.
“But they kept working and gave me 100% the entire session, I was extremely impressed.” said Dr. McWilliams.
State High Instrumental Music Teacher Mr Haddon Mossley was excited to see so many students attend SHEP and
believes it’s a goal every music student should work towards.
“Students spend so much time practicing alone, it’s weekends like these that make it all worth it”, he said.
“They don’t only become better musicians, they build a multitude of important social skills in the process,” said Mr
Mossley.
The Townsville Junior Secondary SHEP is held in late June and students from Charters Towers are already looking
forward to the opportunity.
During the term, Year 12 Recreation students have been participating in netball and
engaging in curriculum around interpersonal and group dynamics. Students have
learnt how to identify and deal with conflict during sporting games, ensure effective
teamwork through communication and how to create optimal performance through
the use of feedback and motivation. The authentic skills learnt during this term will
be skills they can use within any sporting context. SHELLY SILVER, TEACHER
A special congratulations is extended to our Year 7 students as they complete their first term as
State High students. It has certainly been an exhilarating and exciting term. The Year 7s have
shown a positive outlook on the change from primary to high school and are thoroughly
enjoying their classes.
Students are undertaking studies in bullying, persuasive writing, adolescent identity, mask
building and many more exciting topics. During lunch times, our Year 7s are a part of our
Junior Secondary Basketball House Challenge which happens every Wednesday. Students are in competition with
Years 8 and 9 and will face off in the next two weeks to see what team will play our elite teacher squad. Some of the
Year 7s have also taken advantage of the extra curricula activities we offer at the school and are thoroughly enjoying
each activity.
We would like to wish our Year 7s good luck as they delve into the most imperative part of this term’s studies—
assessment! I wish each student the best of luck and hope all students continue to strive to achieve their personal
best.
KELCEY KIRKPATRICK, YEAR 7 COORDINATOR
The Year 8s have just
finished a unit of study
about Medieval Europe
and seem to have done a
wonderful job on their
exams. They will now
begin studying the Spanish Conquest of the
Americas. Students will investigate what life
was like for the Aztecs before the Spanish
Conquest and the changes that occurred after
this event. This week students have been
learning how the Age of Discovery altered the
world map.
DANIELLE BEANLAND, TEACHER
STOP PRESS!
Fr i e m a n n H o u s e W i n s C ro s s C o u n t r y
Congratulations to the Age Champions:
12y Louise Polsen and Joshua Mitchell-Wilson;
13y Aleisha Langburne and Angus Manley;
14y Ruby Boundy and Dallas Taylor;
15y Alicia Polsen and Ryan Lloyd;
16y Mahala Stretton and Jack Rodighiero;
Open Nikita Oliver and Ezekiel Kukutu
During Life Choices classes this
term the Year 9 cohort have
been preparing for the fifth
National Day of Action against
Bullying and Violence which is
being held today, Friday 20th
March, after the Cross Country
Carnival.
Students have engaged in a variety of lessons
using a tree analogy; the lessons engage
students in a community of inquiry that examines
the qualities of respectful relationships
(friendships), communicating with others online,
and being reasonable and ethical when online. As
part of their learning, students will generate and
critically evaluate reasonable and ethical
behaviours that make online environments more
respectful and supportive, for themselves and
others.
A variety of activities have been organised for
today, such as teacher-student Touch game,
chants against bullying and violence, a photo
booth where students write a message to prevent
bullying and violence which will then be used to
create a banner to be displayed around the
school, free food and music.
As a year level, we are doing our best to stamp
out bullying and violence in our school.
SHELLY SILVER, TEACHER
Charli, William, Sharnah and Radan
Every Monday afternoon, from 3:15 to 4:15 students
from all year levels are encouraged to explore their
creativity through Art Club in the Art Room. Art Club is
a safe, fun and inspiring zone that allows all students to
create an artwork in one afternoon. Students then get
to take these creations home, and hopefully are able to
share their knowledge to others. At the moment we have covered two watercolour workshops and one Marbling Paper
activity. Next week we will be covering Zentangles and more drawing activities. As it is a non-assessed Art class we would
love suggestions on topics we could cover next term. We hope to see you next Monday! (Please see photos on next
page.)
RAYLEA THOMAS AND MICHELLE STEWART
This term in Year 9 Visual Art, every student has done a wonderful job at creating a two tone Linoleum Print. This
technique of printmaking has descended from the Ancient Chinese methods; which they used to decorate fabric and
textiles. The students had to choose their favourite animal to inspire their simplified designs. It is a very difficult technique,
as students have to imagine their finished designs before actually completing it. This is because the method we are using
requires students to carve out their designs, print with one colour, carve again and print over the top of their first colour.
This method is called a reduction method and requires a lot of patience. Most students are near completion and are ready
to reflect and frame one of their works. I am looking forward to showing you some more pictures in the near future! (Please
see photos on next page.) MICHELLE STEWART
Food for
Thought
One of the things that all of us
benefit from is encouragement.
When you are feeling tired or
are anxious about a situation in
your life, a few well thought out
words from a friend or family
member can give you that
emotional lift that helps you to
pick yourself up and keep
going.
However, it is very easy to get
so involved in your own needs
and wants that you don’t even
notice when someone other
than yourself is struggling. In a
school community as large as
our own, there are many
opportunities for you to get
alongside someone who may
not be having the best of days.
If you notice that someone
seems unhappy, don’t just
walk away. Why not take a few
minutes to talk to them, to offer
your support? If they need
more help than you can give,
why not accompany them to
talk to the School Chaplain?
Looking out for others is
something that we should all
be doing. Please play your part
in making our school a truly
caring community.
SHARON BEVERIDGE AND
HELEN MILTON,
The end of 2014 marked the conclusion of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s military contribution to the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan, and the International Coalition
against Terrorism mission across Afghanistan and the Middle East. Since Australia commenced
operations in the region in October 2001, more than 34,500 Australian Defence Force personnel,
Australian Public Servants and Australian Federal Police have deployed to the Middle East Area of
Operations.
Australia committed forces to Operation Slipper to ensure Afghanistan would never again become a
safe haven for terrorism that threatened Australia and the world.
North Queensland’s current and ex serving Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen as well as Australian Federal Police and Australian Public
Servants will march from The Strand Park, Townsville to ANZAC Park on Saturday 21 March 2015. The march will commence at
1000 am and will finish at ANZAC Park with a commemorative service.
The Governor General, the Deputy Premier, and the Assistant Minister of Defence will be attending the parade and commemorative
service. We’d like to encourage as many spectators to come down to the Stand on Saturday and show their support to these brave
veterans.