Newsletter_2016_May_26 - Yeronga State High School

Yeronga
State High School
Page 1
Address
159 Villa Street
YERONGA 4104
PO Box 3203
YERONGA 4104
Phone
07 3249 1400
Newsle.er #5
27 May 2016
From the Principal
Dear Parents /Carers and Students
As I write this ar cle, we are over halfway through the term with end of
semester exams a few weeks away. The exam week is scheduled for 13 - 16
June where an alterna ve day structure will operate.
As usual, staff will work diligently to mark exams and compile reports in the
last week of school to enable Semester 1 reports to be sent home on the last
day of term. As a parent, it is a great opportunity to review your child’s
progress during the holidays and then nego ate goals and expecta ons for the
next semester. I would also encourage you to a+end the Parent/Teacher
Evening that has been scheduled for Wednesday, 3 August.
Terry Heath
Email
offi[email protected]
Website
www.yerongashs.eq.edu.au
Uniform Shop
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri
7.45 - 8.45am
Recent Achievements
Congratula ons to
• Loraine, Gad and Khadijeh who came first in the Royal Australian
Chemical Ins tute’s Titra on Compe on heats held at UQ last week
• Year 12 students who have recently graduated with their Diploma of
Business through Careers Australia.
Student Absence
Line
07 3249 1460
P & C Mee*ngs
2nd Monday of the
month - 6.30pm
Cricos Provider No
0608A
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yeronga-StateHigh-School/111292105740412
Year 12 Formal
The Year 12 Formal is to be held at the Greek Club at South Brisbane on Thursday, 23 June. A
number of students have requested outside guests. All partners will be personally ve+ed by the
School Execu ve Team.
Open Day
Approximately 450 students from five of our local primary schools and other smaller local
schools a+ended our annual Open Day. Students in Years 5 and 6 experienced life in a
mainstream high school for the day. Numerous Yeronga SHS student ambassadors volunteered
for the day and provided wonderful assistance, guidance and role modelling for the younger
students. Feedback indicated a great day was had by all, including our primary teaching
colleagues.
Finally, there are numerous ac vi es and events highlighted in this edi on of the newsle+er
that focus on the business of learning, the opportuni es for students and the associated
outcomes that have been achieved.
Terry Heath
Principal
Page 2
From the Deputy Principals
Na onal Sorry Day is held on 26 May each year to acknowledge and recognise members of the
Stolen Genera ons.
The first Na onal Sorry Day was held on 26 May, 1998, one year aOer the
tabling of a report about the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
children from their families. The report, known as Bringing Them Home,
acknowledged that Indigenous children have been forcibly separated from
their families and communi es since the early days of European occupa on
in Australia. Governments and missionaries were responsible for this forced
separa on. Reconcilia on Week is 27 May to 3 June.
Di Goodison
2016 Open Day
On 17 May, Yeronga SHS opened its doors to 450 primary students from our
closest primary schools for our annual Open Day. Students in Years 5 and 6
from Junc on Park, Yeronga, Moorooka, Acacia Ridge and Watson Road
primary schools a+ended as well
as an addi onal 20 students
from other neighbouring schools. Students were engaged in
ac vi es such as dissec ng a bull’s eye, finding microorganisms
on your hands under UV light, poetry-making and cracking codes.
Our teachers kept the students busy with their engaging
ac vi es. Over 100 Yeronga student volunteers were there to
lend a hand, making Open Day 2016 one to remember!
Di Goodison
Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary
Yeronga SHS Students – Leaders of the Future
At Yeronga State High School, we pride ourselves on suppor ng our students to become
empowered members of our society and ac ve ci zens. As Deputy Principal of the Senior School, is
it my absolute privilege to work with young people who are on the very cusp of young adulthood.
Some have already matured into fine young men and women and I feel very safe with our future in
their hands.
Jessica Walker
On Saturday, 21 May I was incredibly proud to see Nasteho, Adam, Angel, Chris ne and Esthela
par cipa ng in the first Queensland African Communi es Council consulta on mee ng. At this
mee ng, young people were invited to share their experiences and hopes for the future in rela on
to educa on, training, employment and sport. Our students were excellent representa ves of our
school and in giving up their Saturday mornings, demonstrated true servant leadership. On behalf
of our school community, I would like to thank these five young people for commiIng their me
to this important event. (See Angel’s report on page 12)
As we prepare for the Semester 1 assessment period, I would like to remind all students about the
importance of staying calm and relaxed. We learn be+er and retain more informa on when we are
smiling and happy! It is important for students to take a break from their studies when they feel
pressured or stressed and do things that bring them joy. Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s
best-known psychologists, recommends a great free phone app for students (and adults!) that
gives li+le bursts of happiness: Smiling Mind – Modern Media on for Young People h+p://
smilingmind.com.au/. I encourage all our students to download this app and use it when you need
to take a break from studying – it will help you learn more effec vely.
Jessica Walker
Deputy Principal - Senior Schooling
Page 3
From the Head of Special Education Services
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) Unit
Open Day and the Social Network
The highlight of last week for some of our students was Open Day. Many of our Social Network
Leaders arrived at school on Tuesday looking fantas c in their formal
school uniforms ready to show new primary school students around our
school. What an experience it was for them. It was great to see them
nurturing rela onships with the new students and becoming confident
in their ability to speak to larger groups of people. To see this growth
and development, par cularly in some of the students whom I taught
four years ago at Milpera, was truly rewarding.
This week, the Social Network leaders welcomed students from Milpera
Senior School in their classrooms. This support helps the transi on of
the Milpera students to high school.
Class Visit – Year 12 English Communica*on
Last week I visited Dr Solano’s Year 12 English class. The students were studying “The Sapphires”,
one of my favourite films! The students began by showing their knowledge of the plot, seIng and
characters. It was wonderful to see the students show this knowledge using their mini-whiteboards.
What fun! Later they worked in pairs to iden fy the features of a play script, a difficult task but
achieved at a high level due to the co-opera on and discussion between pairs of students. The highly
respecRul rela onships between the students in this class enabled a high level of class work to go
on. Well done!
Queensland African Council Consulta*on Mee*ng
Last Saturday the first Queensland African Council Consulta on Mee ng was held at MDA. Some of
our students and Ms Jessica Walker a+ended the mee ng. The aim of the mee ng was to bring
together young people of African background, to give them an opportunity to contribute to future
ideas about se+lement and educa on. Well done to students who a+ended this mee ng. Mee ngs
such as this give students from different cultural backgrounds their voice and are an important
process in the empowerment of our youth.
Homework Club
The Homework Club is on every Thursday. It is staffed by teachers, teacher aides and volunteers.
Students can receive help for all of their subjects. There are spaces for many students, so encourage
your child to come along if they need help between 2.45 pm and 4.30 pm. AOernoon tea is provided.
Julie Peel
Head of Special Educa on Services
3249 1433
[email protected]
Julie Peel
Page 4
From the Guidance Officer
Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo
The Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo will be held at the Conven on and Exhibi on Centre on
Friday, 27 May and Saturday, 28 May. Representa ves from educa on ins tu ons, recrui ng
companies and Government departments will be available to provide students with the informa on
necessary for the development of career plans.
Brad Milford
While all Year 10 students at Yeronga State High School will a+end this event on Friday, 27 May,
students from all year levels together with their parents/guardians can benefit from this Expo. Career
decision making is a developmental process which should be addressed in all year levels. Admission
to the Expo is free.
Further informa on about the Expo is available at careersemploymentexpo.com.au
Griffith University Uni-Reach Program
On Monday, 9 May and Tuesday, 10 May, 32 students from our Year 12 cohort experienced university
life on a Griffith campus. They joined more than 200 Year 12 students from secondary schools in the
Brisbane area. Uni-Reach On-Campus is an annual event which is facilitated by Student Equity
Services at Griffith and provides an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of university life. Most students
a+ended the Nathan Campus for both days although some travelled to the Gold Coast, Logan or
Southbank Campuses.
Students at the Nathan Campus.
University of Southern Queensland Student Experience Day – Springfield Campus
Yeronga State High School is in the process of developing an affilia on with the University of
Southern Queensland (USQ). In par cular, we are focusing on the campuses at Springfield and
Ipswich due to both their geographical proximity to Brisbane and public transport services that are
available.
FiOy-eight Yeronga SHS students from Years 11 and 12 a+ended the USQ Student Experience Day at
the Springfield Campus on Friday, 20 May. Approximately 190 students from thirteen schools
par cipated in this event which provided students with an insight into
the programs offered by USQ including Health/Community,
Engineering/Built Environment and Communica on/Media.
Brad Milford
Guidance Officer
Page 5
Junior School News
With NAPLAN tests over once more, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Year 7
and 9 groups on the way they approached the tests. As I walked around the tes ng rooms, I was
impressed with the calm and focussed aItudes of our students as they worked through the five
tests. I look forward to seeing the results of these groups to assist us in con nually improving our
curriculum and programs in the Junior Secondary phase, and striving to enhance our student’s
founda on skills.
With regard to assessment, I would like to draw parents’ and carers’ a+en on to the Study
Techniques and Approaches sec on of the student diary found on pages 160 - 165. I would
encourage all parents and carers to work through this ac vity to assist with exam prepara on. The
diary serves many purposes and also includes ideas to assist your student to make the best use of
me when wri ng assignments and preparing for exams. There is no subs tute for EFFORT when it
comes to assessment and I look forward to seeing the students’ work and results at the end of
Semester 1.
Ma8 Petersen
Year 8 Co-ordinator
Head of Department - Junior Secondary
Matt Petersen
Senior School News
The Senior Schooling Department has been busy this term with various pathways and programs on
offer. Last Friday, Mrs Dibble (Senior Support Officer) and I had the pleasure of visi ng the Cer ficate
II in Health Support Services students at
Southbank TAFE. This course is a great stepping
stone towards a Diploma of Nursing, where they
learn valuable knowledge and skills within the
health industry.
Phuong Truong
There is a range of TAFE courses available
including Cer ficate I in Building and
Construc on, Cer ficate I in Plumbing Services,
Cer ficate II in Tourism, Cer ficate II in
Hospitality, Cer ficate II in Health Support
Services, Cer ficate II in Hairdressing, Cer ficate II in Rural Opera ons, Cer ficate II in Automo ve
Cylinder Head Recondi oning and more. Students interested in enrolling in a TAFE course for
Semester 2 should come and speak to Ms Truong, Mrs Dibble or Ms Kallis to find out more details.
Cer ficate II Health Support Services
My name is Reem and I’m in Year 12. I am currently a!ending TAFE once a week to study a Cert II in
Health Support Services. Doing this course has really helped me to understand the duty of being a
nurse and the responsibili+es involved. So far I have learnt how to care for pa+ents, work health and
safety procedures involved in hospital care and many more important skills that will help me become
a nurse in the future.
My name is Amna and I am in Year 12. I study Cert II in Health Support
Services at Southbank TAFE. By doing this course I have learnt a lot of
important things, such as how to interact with people, teamwork and
communica+on skills that will help me in my future career as a nurse.
Phuong Truong
Year 10 Co-ordinator
Head of Department - Senior Schooling
Page 6
From the Year Co-ordinators
Year 8
Last week I spoke with all Year 8 students about me management around this busy me of term.
Students should have confirmed all of their assessment dates and be working consistently up to the
next exam block period which is a li+le over two weeks away.
This week I have been checking student diaries and giving them feedback with regard to their Term
1 reflec ons and Term 2 goals. This is an ongoing process that aims to assist students to increase
their independence and work on short-term processes or steps on their way to success.
Matt Petersen
Ma8 Petersen
Year 8 Coordinator
[email protected]
Year 9
We are geIng to the business end of Term 2. NAPLAN has now finished and exam block is now
looming fast in Week 10. AOer siIng through NAPLAN recently, all Year 9 students are now very
familiar with the long tes ng procedure. Well done to all students for conduc ng themselves with
excellent behaviour and effort over the three days. This is the last NAPLAN test our Year 9 students
will have to complete.
Lexie Buswell
Open Day took place on 17 May and I would like to personally thank all those Year 9 students who
volunteered their me to help showcase our wonderful school to all our partner primary schools.
Also on Tuesday, 17 May, our Year 9 GOALs students par cipated
in the launch of the program at our school. The 18 students
involved were able to meet their mentors, learn more
about the program and enjoy a delicious morning tea.
I am not sure who were more nervous, our students…
or the mentors! The first GOALs session will take
place on Tuesday, 31 May 2016 at Norton Rose
Fulbright. All students will travel to and from school
together.
This newsle+er’s featured subject for Year 9 is SCIENCE. The
students are learning about natural disasters. What causes them?
Where do they occur? On whom do the disasters impact? Ask your
child about the disasters they have spoken about in class and see how much they can teach you!
Lexie Buswell
Year 9 Co-ordinator
[email protected] 3249 1462
Page
Page
7 7
Page 7
From the Year Co-ordinators
Year 10
We are more than half way through the term and it is great to see the Year 10s working hard in
class. As we are approaching the SET Planning process, over the next few weeks the Year 10
students will be listening to various subject talks from the Head of Departments about the subjects
they can study in Years 11 and 12. It is important for students to listen to the talks and ask ques ons
about the subjects and the different pathways on offer in the senior schooling.
Today, students are a+ending the Careers and Employment Expo at the Brisbane Conven on
Centre. The Expo is an important event for students where they are able to meet and speak with
over 40 ter ary, VET and training educators who will be able to advise on course entry prerequisites, flexible learning op ons and career progression pathways. Parents are also encouraged
to a+end the event with their child tomorrow - Saturday, 28 May.
Phuong Truong
Phuong Truong
Year 10 Co-ordinator
Head of Department - Senior Schooling
Year 11
We are pleased to formally announce the Year 11 leadership camp. We are excited to have
secured a posi on at Emu Gully, Helidon Campus for Monday, 20 June to Wednesday, 22 June.
This is well situated in the last week of this term aOer all exams and assessment are completed.
This camp is a key element of our senior leadership program and any student who aspires to be a
school leader in Year 12 is encouraged to a+end.
The philosophy at Emu Gully is that your success in life will be based primarily on your character.
That is, "The real you" and the way you handle the circumstances of life, whether they be good or
bad.
The ac vi es at Helidon are purpose built for developing teamwork and leadership quali es and
are typically based around epic ANZAC events. The Helidon program is seen by many as an
essen al element of their curriculum, oOen being used by schools specifically to select
and empower their leadership teams.
The Emu Gully Helidon Campus is set on approximately 180 acres and is situated 17km east of
Toowoomba. It is very well developed with air condi oned dormitory style accommoda on for
170 guests.
Informa on and permission forms have been distributed to students. Please read this
informa on. Payments should have been made to the school office by Friday, 27 May to secure
posi ons on the camp.
It will be great!
Geoff Palmer
Year 11 Co-ordinator
[email protected]
Geoff Palmer
Page 8
From the Chaplain
Jennifer Bennett
Chappy Week
I’ve just celebrated my second YSHS Chappy Week with
lots of different ac vi es, including a dodgeball
compe on and a free staff car wash. At assembly, I
encouraged students to look for opportuni es to show
kindness and to con nue to change the world around
them with “kindness inspiring more kindness”.
Together we created a “kindness tree” with ideas of how we can show kindness or how others have
been kind to them. Their ideas included smiling, being friendly, volunteering, being helpful, listening
and buying lunch. I think they did very well. How about you? What are you doing to change the
world around you?
Queensland Father of the Year Compe**on
Nomina ons are invited for a deserving Dad or father-figure for the 2016 Queensland Father of the
Compe on presented by SU Qld. The Queensland winner will win a five night family holiday at Sea
World Resort and Water Park. In 2014, a wonderful YSHS Dad was the regional winner for Brisbane
South.
Do you know an inspira onal father to honour and nominate?
Visit
www.qldfatheroOheyear.org.au
Jennifer Benne8
“Chappy”
[email protected]
From the Student Welfare Worker
Ten Year 11 students are par cipa ng in the fourth week of the
Save the Children Childcare Workshops that are held during
Wednesday aOernoon forum. The students are learning about
child development, safety, nutri on, play and gathering skills for
babysiIng responsibili es. It is wonderful to learn about the
different cultural skills, knowledge and abili es our Year 11
students demonstrate.
Tracey Beck Gude
Tree of Life workshops with three Year 7 groups con nue with our Art therapist, Ms Taraka and
me. Week 3 is always my favourite week. The students are more se+led and understanding of the
opportunity to engage in such a strength building group. We are learning about culture and
belonging, migra on experiences and se+lement in new countries. I am always inspired by
young people’s experiences, strengths, resilience and determina on to achieve their goals.
Learning about each others experiences helps create understanding about diversity and
acceptance.
At the end of this term, the Year 8 RespecRul Rela onships workshop will commence for
25 students. The workshop aim is to develop students’ understanding of gender and how it
lays the founda on for respecRul rela onships. There are many engaging ac vi es and will
finish up with the students crea ng some ar s c resources for the school that promote
respecRul rela onships.
I have a great job!
Tracey Beck Gude
Student Welfare Worker
Page 9
From the P & C
Congratula ons to the families, students and teachers who were involved in the Filipino
Feast. The food, hospitality and entertainment were outstanding. It’s great to see the
energy, enthusiasm and engagement from our school community.
The P & C have nominated two new parent representa ves to the School
Council. Congratula ons to Kirsty Keable and Heather Stock. P & C representa ves and
other School Council members took part in a workshop to be+er prepare us for our role as
supporters and champions for Mr Heath and our school.
The P & C con nues to support the “Free Mojgan” Campaign and is grateful for the
leadership of Jessica Walker.
Tony Stevenson
Everyone is welcome to a+end P & C mee ngs on the second Monday of the month at
6:30pm. Our next mee ng is Monday, 13 June.
Tony Stevenson
0400 555 433
[email protected]
From the English Department
Year 9 English – Specula*ve Fic*on
Our Year 9 students have been delving into the world of what ifs to explore specula ve fic on. Over the next few
weeks, our Year 9 English students will explore this topic further using process drama to elicit ideas that will be used to
enhance their individual wri ng. A huge thank you to Dr Julie Dunn and Adrianne Jones for facilita ng these ac vi es.
Year 12 UQ Enhanced Studies Award Recipients
Earlier this year, four Year 12 students took part in the University of Queensland Enhanced Studies Program.
Congratula ons to Kimberly, Xanthe, Czarina and Loraine for successfully comple ng the program.
Tiffany Ostwald
Head of Department - English
Page 10
Yeronga State High School Teachers Perfec*ng their Prac*ce
Three mes a term, Yeronga State High School staff engage in professional development around the school’s key
priori es of: Literacy, Numeracy and Quality Teaching and Pathways to success. This term Yeronga staff spent me
engaging in discussions and ac vi es around:
• Teaching and suppor ng students with English as a second language or dialect
• Scaffolding tasks to engage students in higher order thinking prac ces
• YConnect Project - using movement sequences to consolidate student understanding
• Numeracy and problem solving strategies
• eLearning – Engaging our 21st century students
• Reading strategies for the classroom – DRTA
• Differen a ng for diverse learners in the classroom.
Photos below show the Scaffolding Professional Learning Group teaching their short scaffolded lesson to teachers. Over
the next two weeks, teachers will be
observing each other in the classroom as
they deliver lessons to our students.
Coaching and mentoring is an essen al
part of the lifelong learning and
professional development that YSHS
teachers engage in every day.
Lexie Buswell
Master Teacher
What a Wonderful Open Day at our Confucius Classroom!
There have been many exci ng things happening in our Confucius Classroom over the past few weeks. On our Open Day,
we welcomed more than 80 students from different primary schools into our Confucius Classroom. The students were
able to sample what learning Chinese at Yeronga State High School is like. The students enjoyed food, singing, paper
cuIng and more. Many students said they would love to come to our school to study Chinese in the future, as they were
impressed by what our school offers.
This year has been an exci ng year for our students. On 28 May, there will be a group students par cipa ng in the
Chinese Speech Compe on at QUT. Our students are also currently enrolled www.educa onperfect.com to complete
their Chinese online learning studies. We wish them good luck and best wishes for their studies and the compe on.
Song Huang
Chinese Language Teacher
Page 11
Ending the Nightly Homework Ba.le
Except from: Homework Hell? Part I: How to Turn It Around By James Lehman, MSW
Why is homework me oOen so difficult? One of the major reasons is because it can be hard for children to focus
at home. When your child is at school, they are in a classroom where there aren’t a lot of distrac ons. The
learning is structured and organized, and all the students are focusing on the same thing. However when your
child comes home, their brain clicks over to ‘free me’ mode. OOen in their mind, home is a place to relax, have a
snack, listen to music and maybe watch TV and play video games. So for be+er or worse, children oOen simply
don’t view home as the place to do schoolwork.
The good news is there are effec ve techniques you can use to end the nightly ba+le over homework.
1.
Start early
The earlier parents can begin to coach their children with the idea that schoolwork is a part of home life—just as chores are—the
more their children will internalize the concept of homework as being a regular part of life. If your child is older and you haven’t done
this, that does not mean there isn’t hope for them. It simply means you will ini ally have to work a lot harder to get him on track with
his schoolwork.
2.
Make Night *me Structured Time
When your child comes home, there should be a structure and a schedule set up each night. I recommend that you write this up and
post it on the refrigerator or in some central loca on in the house. Children need to know that there is a me to eat, a me to do
homework and also that there is free me. And remember, free me starts a5er homework is done. When it’s homework me, it
should be quiet me in your whole house. Siblings shouldn’t be in the next room watching TV or playing video games. If your child
doesn’t have homework some nights, it s ll should be a me when there is no Facebook, TV or video games. They can read a book or
a magazine in their room, but there should be no electronics. The whole idea is to take away distrac ons. The message to your child
is, “You’re not going to do anything anyway, so you might as well do your homework.”
3.
Know Your Child’s Homework List
It’s very important to know what your child’s homework involves. At Yeronga, all homework is wri+en into your child’s diary or
planner. Having good communica on with your child’s teachers is also key as your child will have homework every night as he or she
gets older. If your child is not handing in their work on me, you can set it up so the teacher will send you any assignments that your
child didn’t get done each week. You might have to work to get your child’s teachers to do this, but you’re going to get important
informa on from them about your child’s progress. And the bo+om line is that you want to hold your child accountable for doing
their work. That way, when the report card comes home, you—and your child—won’t be surprised by the grades they receive.
4.
Establish a Token Economy in Your Home
Don’t forget, we want to pay children in a currency that they desire. Extra carrots are not going to get much out of your child, but an
extra fiOeen minutes before bed me or extending their curfew by half-an-hour on Friday night will. (This kind of system is called a
“token economy”. The “tokens” become the currency, and in this case, the extra me playing video games, watching TV, and using
the computer is the money. You want to withhold it or give it out according to how your child is earning it.)
5.
Map out a List of Rewards and Consequences
Parents should have a list of rewards and consequences mapped out for all their children. It should be a pre+y big list and might
include things like going to the park, going to the movies or going bowling. Have a sec on that lists the video games your child likes to
play and the TV shows he likes to watch, because this is what they will be rewarded with. I have parents sit down with their children
and say, “All right, when you do well and I want to reward you, what kinds of things would you like to do?” Be sure to include
ac vi es that don’t cost money too, like going to the beach, taking a ride in the car or playing board games. Then, if your child is able
to finish his homework on me for a whole week, at the end of the week he gets rewarded from the list you’ve compiled.
Keep in mind that our job as parents is to help guide and coach our children with their schoolwork, but it’s also our job to let them
experience the natural consequences when they don’t get it done. That might mean that they get a poor grade, which is the result of
not following through on their responsibili es. It’s so important to let your child experience the disappointment that comes with that,
because that will help mo vate them to try harder next me. And as a parent, when the report card comes along, if your child is not
at some baseline that you’ve determined, (it might be that they should get nothing lower than a B, for example) then they should lose
some of their privileges at home. That might mean they can’t study alone in their room un l they bring their grades up, and you might
have to watch them more closely when they do their work.
Remember, a major part of ending power struggles over homework lies in establishing structure, giving consequences and rewards,
and geIng your child to see that schoolwork is a regular part of home life. Once they accept that, you’ve already won half the ba+le.
Lexie Buswell
Master Teacher
Page 12
Home Economics News
Tex*le Incursion
Year 12 tex les students a+ended an all-day tex le workshop with Kim Bailey, a fashion teacher who specialises in
sustainable tex les. She has her own business, East of Grey, designing and
making upcycled tex le items to wear and for the home.
All students developed new skills as they turned business shirts into
fashionable cushions for their homes. They added textures, pa+erns and
colours using fabrics, laces, ribbons and a variety of machine techniques. They
were able to see their designs emerge from concep on to comple on.
This was an excellent opportunity for students to engage with the fashion
industry and have a sustained opportunity to develop new skills they can use
both in Home Economics and in their own lives.
Karen Bate
Home Economics Teacher
YOUNG AFRICANS LIVING IN AUSTRALIA
On Saturday, 21 May a couple of my friends and I a+ended a QACC consulta on workshop at the Mul cultural
Development Associa on (MDA).
I arrived at MDA around 9.00am and met Silvia Aparicio who welcomed us. We enjoyed the breakfast provided. Before
the main workshop began, we had a small ac vity where we had to introduce ourselves to everyone and get to know
each other, talking about what we like and what we enjoy doing.
We were then divided into two groups of people to talk about employment, educa on, training
and sport. The main point of the workshop was speaking about the things that makes us proud
of being an African Australian, such us the dances, culture, food, language and also the way we
dress. We spoke about how we see ourselves in ten years me and the skills and experience we
need to keep a job. There were different responses from young African students from our
school - some see themselves as actresses, fashion designers, doctors, nurses, poli cians and
others desire to travel the world or go back to their country to help people.
We also discussed ideas on how to connect and build rela onships with young people, not only
African, but to young Africans who are proud to be African Australian.
Finally at the end of the
workshop, they delivered important informa on
about how we can get in touch with them personally
and through social media in order to help and support
young people to reach their fullest poten al. It was a
beau ful day where we had to unite and reach out
goals.
Angel, Year 11 student
PagePage
13 13
Excursion to Gold Coast Beaches
Our young Geographers in Year 10 completed field work at the Gold Coast this term to inves gate coastal change and
management. Students inves gated Palm Beach, where the fore-dunes are eroding people’s backyards, as well as
Narrowneck, which hosts an ar ficial reef and is currently construc ng a seawall.
Lastly we visited The Spit, which has built a sand-bypass system to deal with the massive deposi on of longshore
driO. Over the next few weeks they will be wri ng a geographic inquiry, inves ga ng the management solu ons
underway as well as how that affects the stakeholders involved.
Ian Vogt
Geography Teacher
Diploma in Business – Chrysalis Conversa*ons
The Chrysalis Conversa ons are a series of leadership seminars in the form of Q & A panel discussions about
contemporary global issues in society. AOer school, on Friday 22 April we went along with 25 Year 11 Diploma in Business
students and Ms Hopewell and had the wonderful opportunity to a+end one of their first conferences at the University
of Queensland (UQ).
Chrysalis Young Leaders develop valuable leadership skills useful for school, university and in realising future goals and
opportuni es. The Yeronga students were keen to demonstrate their leadership skills by interac ng throughout the two
hour conversa on. Several students won prizes for asking challenging ques ons of the UQ panel members.
We really enjoyed the conference as it was very insighRul and relevant to today’s interna onal issues. The panellists
were very inspiring and helped students to conceptualise the world from much larger and more diverse perspec ve,
whilst also focusing on certain aspects of humani es and social science studies. Thanks to Huyam for invi ng Yeronga
SHS to the conversa on. We cannot wait for the online business conference later this year.
Haitham and Kathryn
Year 12 students
Page 14
Crea*ve Genera*on State Schools Onstage
What is Crea*ve Genera*on State Schools on Stage?
In 2016, Crea+ve Genera+on - State Schools Onstage (CGEN)
will celebrate its 12th year as Queensland's largest youth
performing arts event at the Brisbane Conven on and
Exhibi on Centre (BCEC) with four performances on Friday,
15 and Saturday, 16 July. More than 1500 students from Prep
to Year 12 will represent state schools from across
Queensland.
CGEN aims to mentor and foster
performers and provides opportuni
and learn from professional
entertainment event has launched
television and musical produc ons.
the next genera on of
es for them to work with
ar sts. This annual
the professional careers of many students who have gone on to star in theatre,
Mul*cultural Performance & Circle of Life Choir
In 2015, Yeronga State High School held its third biennial Mul cultural Day. This day was a wonderful celebra on of
mul culturalism, cultural diversity and harmony. It was such a colourful day with many students in cultural dress for the
Parade of Na ons and the aOernoon concert.
The Crea ve Genera on organisers saw footage from our Mul cultural Day and decided that they wanted to showcase
Yeronga SHS as a leading example of mul culturalism and harmony in Queensland schools. As a result, 60 Yeronga SHS
students represen ng a cross sec on of cultures, including Australian, will perform on stage at this year’s Crea ve
Genera on – State Schools on Stage.
Crea ve Genera on is performed to an audience of thousands during show week and is also broadcast to Australia later
in the year on Channel 10. This is a great opportunity for Yeronga SHS and its
students to showcase mul culturalism at its best.
Look out for Crea ve Genera on - State Schools on Stage Permission Slip.
Students will be bringing three separate permission notes home.
Page 15
Tutorial Days at Brisbane School of Distance Educa on (BSDE)
On 18 April, Kim, Monique and I went to BSDE. We par cipated in fun German ac vi es all day and were able to
experience German food. While we were there, we also met some of our classmates and our teacher, with whom we
have lessons on Monday and Wednesday mornings before school. The day was a great experience and very enjoyable.
Nyssa, Year 11 BSDE student (German)
Recently I went to the Brisbane School of Distance Educa on to experience a Spanish tutorial day. It was fun and there
were lots of ac vi es where we were able to prac se our Spanish. It was really nice to meet my classmates and there
were many Spanish dishes there that I was able to try. All in all, it was a great day.
Sophie, Year 11 BSDE student (Spanish)
Geography Excursion - Yeronga TAFE and Surrounds
On Friday, 29 April the Year 11 and 12 Geography students and Miss Truong spent the day observing the Yeronga TAFE
site and other areas in the local suburbs to gain background knowledge and field data for our assessment task this term.
We walked through the TAFE site, making observa ons, taking photographs and notes of its current condi on.
We walked to the Yeronga train sta on and counted the traffic
travelling both ways on Park Road and surveyed members of the
public about the Yeronga TAFE site.
We then held a mee ng with Councillor Nicole Johnston where
we discussed Council procedures, the TAFE and other relevant
topics. We then stopped for lunch at the Yeronga Village before
walking to the Fairfield Shopping Centre to con nue our
interviews, count traffic and explore the shopping centre.
We walked back to school through Fairfield and Yeronga, no ng
the services that each provide to the public. It was a very interes ng and informa ve day. Thank you Miss Truong for
taking us!
Genevieve
Year 11 Geography student
Page 16
Sport News
Girls Cross Country Age Champions
Boys Cross Country Age Champions
12 years
Nuha
12 years
Levi
13 years
Riyak
13 years
Nyedah
14 years
Ruth
14 years
Coen
15 years
Alene
15 years
Bosco
16 years
Meriam
16 years
Mathews
Open
Alek
Open
Abdi
District Cross Country Results
2nd
Abdi
6th
Nyedah
5th
Mathews
7th
Negasi
6th
Alek
8th
Dennis
6th
Deng
9th
Saed
Thank you to Mr Jensen, Ms Askin and Mr Tucker
Page 17
Summer District Champion Teams
Year 8/9 Boys Basketball
Year 7 Boys Touch and Year 8/9 Boys Touch
Metropolitan Finals round 2 results
Year 8/9 Boys Touch
Cleveland SHS 13 d Yeronga SHS 3
Year 8/9 Boys Basketball Runcorn SHS 54 d Yeronga SHS 17
Representa ve Sport
Congratula*ons to:
Domonic - 18 years Basketball
Tito - 15 years AFL
Winter Teams
Junior Girls (Gala Day Wk 10)
Junior Boys (Gala Day Wk 10)
Year 7 Soccer
Year 7 Soccer
Year 8/9 Soccer
Year 8/9 Soccer
Year 7 Netball
Year 7 Rugby League
Year 8/9 Netball
Year 8/9 Rugby League
Year 7 Volleyball
Senior Boys
Year 8/9 Volleyball
Year 10 Soccer
Senior Girls
Year 10 Soccer
Open Soccer
Year 10 Netball
Coach
Mr Petersen
Ms Askin
See Mr Palmer
Coach
Mr Presland
Open Soccer
Mr Dilly
Year 10 Basketball
Mr Ung
Open Basketball
Mr Roberts
Year 10 Tennis
Mr Ward
Open Netball
Ms Bloss
Open Tennis
Mr Ward
Year 10 Tennis
Mr Ward
Year 10 AFL
Mr Palmer
Open Tennis
Mr Ward
Open AFL
Mr Palmer
Year 10 Rugby League
Mr Salmon
Year 10 Volleyball
Open Volleyball
Mr Habermehl
Ms Buswell
Open Rugby League
Mr Bray
Page 18
YConnect News
May is a very important and busy month for YConnect. We have ar sts visi ng but also ongoing workshops in
par cular classes.
In Year 9 English we have been working with Dr Julie Dunn to create drama workshops to explore the character of the
novel Tomorrow When the War Began. Students have moved effortlessly into improvisa on and then into wri ng in
role.
On Monday aOernoons, we have our Performing Arts Club with teachers Sanaz Hamoonpou, Tiffany O’Neil and writer,
podcaster and award winning novelist, Claire Chris an. The group create and perform work and will be presen ng a
recrea on of Midsummer’s Night Dream at The Big Gig on Tuesday, 21 June.
In Forum on Wednesdays Dr Penny Bundy and Sanaz Hamoonpou have been working on a drama around a young girl.
Each week it has been unfolding with complica ons and challenges. The students work together to explore the
dilemmas.
On Wednesdays we have a circus group running with students who have displayed poten al in the performing arts and
physical theatre. The group work with Bree Le Cornu from Circa and will be performing at ‘The Big Gig’ on Tuesday 21
June.
In Year 10 Essen al English the students have been working all year in drama workshops to support their oracy, vocal
delivery and complex thinking. The teaching team of Jacqui Bo+ger, Sanaz Hamoonpou, Sandra Ban ck and Adrianne
Jones and from Griffith University, Dr Madonna S nson, have been crea ng new units of work that are infused with
aesthe c educa on and drama. The four units of work created for the year are: What is belonging? What is strength?
What is truth? What is hope? All four units have a range of s mulus and resources including process dramas, vocal
workshops, short stories, movies and novels.
This week we welcomed playwright, Future D Fidel and the actor, Zac Boulton to our school. Stay tuned for more
exci ng news and photos in our next newsle+er.
Adrianne Jones
YConnect Project Manager
Claire Chris+an Producer La Boite Theatre who is
working with our Performing Arts Club on Mondays
Students perfec+ng balancing in
Circus on Wednesday mornings
Students doing a role play in
Essen+al English
Page
19 19
Page
Name: Andy Tran
Subjects you teach: Maths and Science
What is one thing you are passionate about in the
classroom?
One of the things I love about teaching is a posi ve studentteacher rela onship, which not only facilitates student learning,
but shapes student behaviour as well.
What kinds of ques*ons do you suggest that parents ask their children on a daily basis about your class?
• Tell me one interes ng thing that you learnt today.
• How are you progressing in class?
• Is there anything that you need to improve?
Is there technology you'd recommend that can help support a student in selfdirected learning at home?
One technology tool that I’d recommend is online learning, eg IXL, Manga high,
Youtube or any interac ve sites. Online learning tools increase student
mo va on in learning by scaffolding instruc ons.
What ques ons do you wish parents would ask you?
• How is my child progressing in terms of academic performance and behavior?
• What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Name: Anthea Heiniger
Subjects you teach: Maths - Science – Informa on Digital Media & Technology.
What is one thing you are passionate about in the classroom? Well-prepared lessons then seeing
the students totally understanding and enjoying the process of learning. Seeing the kids happy and
healthy and ready for the business of learning.
What are your interests outside of school? Coaching students for deba ng, seeing the challenge
they face and their enthusiasm.
What are your special talents? I am pa ent, work well with others and have excellent people skills. I play the piano,
playing music from classical composers such as Mozart, Bach and Beethoven.
What kinds of ques ons do you suggest that parents ask their children on a daily basis about
your class? What did you learn from your teacher today?
Is there technology you'd recommend that can help support a student in self-directed
learning at home? Maths online, Manga high, IXL, any Maths games that helping students
learning and having fun at the same me.
What ques ons do you wish parents would ask you? Is there a way that we can work
together to assist our sons/daughter to get them to a higher level or see their best poten al
outcomes?
Term 2 - 2016
31 May
Science ICAS compe
on
16 June
Y Tour Enrolment sessions (9.00am, 5.00pm)
2 June
Regional Cross Country
Year 11 Leadership camp
GriffithBUSINESS program - Year 12
20-22
June
23 June
7 June
13-16 June
Exam block
24 June
Field Events Day/ Last day of school
Year 12 Formal
Get a Grip on Grammar – What is a comma?
Unlike a full stop, a comma is a soO stop, a pause or a break. It is used to connect new ideas with old ideas and to tell a
reader when to pause for a moment in their thinking, speaking or reading. Commas can also be used to separate clauses,
list events and describe items and or characteris cs. This pause allows the reader to make sense of what is being read.
Examples
I only slept for three hours last night, but I’m not red today. For dinner, there’s pasta, garlic bread and green salad.
Despite the snow, the buses are running on me. Anna’s parents are very, very proud of her.
DATE CLAIMER: The Big Gig 2016
It’s that me of year again! We are excited to announce that we are holding a junior Crea ve Industries evening to
showcase the broad range of talent in our junior school. The evening will be Tuesday, 21 June 2016 at various
loca ons around the school. The event runs from 5:30pm – 8:00pm.
Stay tuned for more details and informa on about the performances, displays interac ve installa ons and events.
Many of our talented students will be involved so please mark it in your diaries.
Food will be available on the evening in various sites.
We look forward to seeing you, Crea+ve Industries Department
Extracurricular Ac*vi*es
Before school
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Instrumental Band
CULTURAL CENTRE
7.30 - 8.45am
Junior boys
Volleyball
SPORTS CENTRE
7.45 - 8.45
Volleyball Club
SPORTS CENTRE
7.45 - 8.45
Chess Club
ROOM E04
Working in Child care course Save the Children
1.00 - 3.00pm
First break
AOer school
Drama Club
AUDITORIUM
2.45 - 4.30pm
Soccer Club *
(boys and girls)
TOP OVAL
3.00 - 4.00pm
Soccer Club *
TOP OVAL
3.00 - 4.00pm
Badminton and
Table Tennis Club
SPORTS CENTRE
2.50 - 3.50pm
Gym Club
SPORTS CENTRE
2.45 - 3.30pm
Lions Cup AFL
OVAL
3.00 - 4.00
( ll 16/3/16)
Maths B & C tutoring for senior
students
E04
2.45 - 4.00
Need for Feed cooking lessons Diabetes Qld
3.00 - 5.00pm
Thursday
Friday
Senior Deba ng
Team
P06
Homework Club
ROOM I-10
2.45 - 4.30pm
Soccer Club *
TOP OVAL
3.00 - 4.00pm
Maths B & C tutoring for
senior students
E04
2.45 - 3.30
By appointment only
Gym Club
SPORTS CENTRE
2.45 - 3.30pm
Art Extension Club
G-10
2.40 - 3.40pm
Soccer Club *
TOP OVAL
3.00 - 4.00pm