Mervyn Crossman DriveAnnandale Qld 4814Subscribe:Subscribe: http://williamrossshs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email:Email: admin@willrossshs.eq.edu.auPhone:Phone: 07 4726 7666

Fax:Fax: 07 4726 7600

15 September 201615 September 2016

DATES TO REMEMBER

Every Tuesday Mathematics Tutorial Q Block 3:00 –4:00pm

English Tutorial Resource Centre 3:00– 4:00pm

Every Wednesday

Business / IT Tutorial I07 3:00 –4:00pm

Japanese Tutorial (Yr 7, 8, 9, 11)Resource Centre 3:00 – 3:45pm

Every Thursday

Science Tutorial 3:00 – 4:00pm B4

17 & 18September

Relay for Life, Tony Ireland Stadium

12 -16 September Yr 11 & 12 - Exam Block

12-16 September Yr 7 - 2017 Enrolment interviews

3 October Public Holiday

7 October Annual Arts Expo – P Block from6:30pm

17 October Student Free Day

18 – 21 October SEP Camp

31 October Awards Night

11 November FTN Film Night – P Block 6:30pm

14 November Mount Stuart Cluster Band Tour

FROM THE PRINCIPALAs Term 3 draws to a close many ‘things’are about to happen. Our Year 12 studentshave just completed their most importantexam block of the year. These samestudents are now counting down the daysleft to complete their formal high schooleducation. For all Year 12 students theseTerm 3 results form the critical evidence

necessary in the verification process for the QueenslandCurriculum Assessment Authority. This evidence isaccumulated into an overall result, which determines theQueensland Certificate of Education, QCE and the TertiaryEntrance OP Score. The final weeks in Term 4 are not times forno work or ‘slack-off’, but provide opportunities for students toimprove their grades and establish higher performance levelswithin particular subjects.

For all other year levels the task of establishing the groundworkfor the upcoming years is well-in-hand. The next few weeksis critical to their future. Dedication, effort and commitment toachieving the best possible results is what will be expected.

Exceptional Students

Our most important event of the year, Annual Awards Nightis acknowledged as our most prestigious. Here we recogniseour highly successful and exceptional students across all yearlevels. These are our students who have successfullyaccomplished, through hard work and dedication, the bestpossible result – the overall purpose of education. I would inviteall parents to attend and become part of this ceremony at theCivic Centre on Monday 31st October starting at 7.00pm.

Acknowledgement:

I would take this opportunity to acknowledge a unsung heroesof William Ross, our dedicated and committed P&CAssociation. This small but illustrious band, work tirelesslybehind the scenes supporting and volunteering at all schoolevents. It is without doubt that our school would not beprogressing if not for this group giving of their time, andtirelessly looking to better ways to support and engage ourstudents.

Their long held belief that the Tuckshop would yield betteroutcomes for the school has come to a stark reality. Not onlyhas the variety and quality of food provided for our studentsdramatically improved, but the revenue from sales has beendirectly injected back into the school via facilities upgrades andstudent support.

While many parents are unable or reluctant to engage in thiscritical element of our school organisation, I must draw yourattention to the most important point, the majority of membersof our P&C Association do not have students at William Ross.These past-parents have continued to actively support thisschool long after their children have graduated. Theircommitment and loyalty to the overall future of William Ross,cannot be more understated. I would publically acknowledge totireless band and look into the future where more parents canaccept and join this pivotal group that helps plan and developour future.

Allan EvansPrincipaltevan38@eq.edu.au

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

JUNIOR SECONDARY

One of the best aspects of working ineducation is reflecting on the distancetravelled. As we almost wrap up for anotherterm of schooling I’d encourage all of ourschool community to reflect on the termthat has past and consider the newlearnings and growth they’ve experienced.

Schools are dynamic places and learnings and growth takeplace in many areas – not only academic but also social,emotional and mental. I hope you’ve experienced positivegrowth this term in all of those areas.

Academic Progress

As the term finishes and students are given results for subjectsI’d encourage parents and students to have some qualitydiscussions around the results they have achieved. This givesan opportunity to celebrate success and plan for futureimprovements. For our Year 9 students, Term 4 is the final termto secure their Junior Certificate of Education (JCE).

Positive Post Cards

Each week I’ve been asking teachers in our Junior School tonominate students who impact our school in a positive way.Studies have shown that positivity and optimism benefit your

health and wellbeing. Besides impacting our personal health,positivity also creates a wonderful culture. I’ve enjoyed writingthese on weekends and posting the out to students. It iswonderful to read and see the many wonderful and positiveactions occurring in our school. I’d remind students, if youreceive a post card in the mail take the time to thank thatteacher. A small thank you and little bit of positivity goes a longway.

Survival Bands

A reminder to students in Year 7, 8 and 9 that Survival Bandsare prohibited items at school. While they are not illegal topurchase, there have been several incidents this term wherethese items have been used inappropriately. They are also notpart of the William Ross State High School uniform policy.Students who continue to bring these items to school will havethem confiscated by the Deputy Principal and returned at theend of the day. Continued incidents of students bringing theseto school or using them inappropriately on school campus willresult in disciplinary action in line with the William Ross StateHigh School Responsible Behaviour Plan. Please assist us inthis matter.

Attendance

Research shows that many of the students who achieve theirbest and who are academically successful are those whoattend school every day. Regular school attendance is not onlya matter of law but also the best way you can support yourstudent to succeed at school. Please support our school andyour student by reinforcing the message that it’s “not ok tobe away” by phoning the school or providing a note to explainall absences. Our school target is 95% so let’s keep workingtowards that. Even just 1 day away per fortnight equals 4school weeks per year. Every Day Counts!

Uniform

A reminder that William Ross State High School is a uniformschool. Our uniform is endorsed by our P&C and students areexpected to wear our uniform with pride. Our uniform includesblack shoes with an impervious upper. If you are unsure aboutuniform requirements please visit our website or ask yourstudent to speak with a Year Level Coordinator.

I hope all our students, parents and staff have a safe andrestful holiday break, ready to return and tackle the final term ofschooling for 2016. Finally, while you choose how you spendyour time at school every lesson of every day, you mustremember that your time here at William Ross State HighSchool can be spent only once!

Nathan HustlerDeputy Principalnhust2@eq.edu.au

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FROM THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Visual Art

Take some time out to visit both PinnaclesGallery at Riverway and Umbrella StudioGallery in Flinders Street. William Ross Year11 &12 Visual Art students are wellrepresented at both venues.Congratulations to Brianna Spring andStephanie Dogao who have work in the

Creative Generation Exhibition. Both girls now have theopportunity to attend a regional printmaking workshop in term4. At the same venue Andrea Nitz, Caroline Waugh, AmyRidgley and Heather Rollinson have work in “Art Now”.Congratulations to Heather who received a Highly CommendedCertificate for her works entitled “Broken Heart Syndrome”.

At Umbrella Studio several Year 11 students have work in the“Students in Case” show as an outcome of an artist workshopat school during semester one. All works are exhibited in CDcases and prints will be exchanged with students from otherschools.

Alice in Wonderland

The dust has settled after our amazing 2016 production. Bothperformances were extremely well attended and audienceswere very complimentary about the whole event. Our cast andcrew proved to be hard working, committed and enthusiastic.Congratulations to Derren Jackson for his perseverance andvision in steering all aspects of the show. The team of studentsand teachers worked since Easter to create a great show. Oneof the highlights was the Mad Hatter’s Tea at interval. Followinga trail of fairly lights the audience found a fantastic tea partyorganized by the Hospitality teachers and students. Studentsand staff from across the school worked as a strong team tomake “Alice” such a success.

Apex Australia - Teenage Fashion and ArtsAwards 2016

WRSHS students win into the State Finals in theSociety & Environment Category.

In Term 2, Cailey and I participated in the regional finals ofthe Apex Australia Teenager Fashion and Arts. My wearableart (Cailey was my model) was successful in the Society andEnvironments Category at Flinders Street, being successfulgives us the opportunity to take place in the state final held aBrisbane.

The Apex Australia Teenage Fashion & Arts (AATFA) YouthFestival is a unique opportunity for students interested in thefashion or design industries to demonstrate their skill and flairthrough a friendly competition. Participating in the SocialEnvironment category, this allows the entrants to portray agarment depicting a civilization, a background or surrounding.This garment could be an opportunity for the student to make astatement on an issue that they are passionate about. Studentswho are placed 1st and 2nd within each regional final areeligible to compete in the State Final.

The cost of traveling to the Queensland Final on SaturdaySeptember 17th at the Mt Gravatt TAFE Campus (Brisbane) isthe responsibility of the entrant. We have been lucky enoughto gain the support from the P and C, this has been greatlyappreciated. Their generous report covers the last of airfaresand accommodation. Hopefully we will return next term withtrophies and be organising our trip to head to Nationals held inMelbourne.

By Taylor Clare and Cailey Prendergast

Green Room update

Our Green Room is almost ready! After some hard work fromMr Evans, Mr Ramsbotham and the construction students,it won’t be long before our Film, Television and New Mediaclasses begin working with our new equipment. With industrystandard cameras, editing program and audio recordingcapabilities, I’m looking forward to seeing what our studentscome up with. One of our year 10 classes are in the process ofplanning an entry into the GreenLight Film Festival.

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TERM 4 Date Claimers

Friday 7th October – Annual Arts Expo P Block from6.30pmFriday 11th November – FTN Film Night P Block6.30pmMonday 14th November – Mount Stuart Cluster BandTour.

Isabella ShatteHOD The Artsisash5@eq.edu.au

FROM THE BUSINESS AND ITDEPARTMENT

QParents is here

The QParents web and mobile applicationprovides a more convenient, easier way forparents and legal guardians of William RossState High School students to interact withour school. Parents will have secure, onlineaccess to their child’s ‘student information’,anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone,

tablet or computer.

Q Parents allows parents to connect instantly with our school toaccess and manage your child’s student information, including:

Q Parents will assist both staff and parents in sharing andresponding to information in an efficient and effective way.

We will be sending out invitations for parents of our current Year7’s to register for QParents in Week 10, Term 3, 2016.

Note that all other year levels will be invited in the early stagesof Term 4, 2016. Invitations will be issued via email for thoseparents who have a registered email address with our school,and a letter will be issued to those parents without an emailaddress.

Q Parents won’t replace the ways you communicate with ourschool, but it will provide another way to communicate with us.

More information about QParents cans be found at:

https://qparents.qld.edu.au/

OR by contacting our Head of Department, IT. Ms RozNorgaard via phone: 0747 267 666 or Email:rnorg4@eq.edu.au

Roz NorgaardHOD Business and ITrnorg4@eq.edu.au

THE PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGY & DESIGNDEPARTMENT

Our Department has been very busy thisterm. We have officially opened our newstudent run café, Mason & Co. The café hasproven to be popular with both studentsand staff, offering a range of tasty treats.Our hospitality students have also beenbusy catering for other school events,including the Farewell Dinner for the

Chinese students and the Mad Hatters Tea Party which wasserved at interval on both nights of the school production. Wehave certainly been making use of our wonderful commercialkitchen!

The Certificate I in Construction students have also been busyaround the school, helping with the fitout of the new mediaroom and concreting sections in the northern staff carpark.Both year 11 and year 12 students have demonstrated theirskills in these areas and been able to mark off some of theirwork for their course. IN addition, we have received the keys toour shed. Thank again to the P&C for their contribution to makethis resource a reality. It’s already being utilised!

Our involvement with the Community Playgroup run atOonoonba State School on Friday mornings continues andthe Certificate III in Early Childhood and Education studentshelp in running these morning activities. It’s a great opportunityfor parents and children to meet up so contact us if you areinterested in coming along.

• attendance and absence details, as well as the abilityto notify the school of an absence

• Academic report cards

• Class timetables

• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, andmaking payments online

• Viewing and updating personal student detailsincluding medical conditions and address

• Enrolment details

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FROM THE HUMANITIES & LANGUAGESDEPARTMENT

Townsville District JapaneseSpeech Competition

Congratulations to our eight Japaneselanguage speaking students for their recentparticipation in the annual TownsvilleDistrict Japanese Speech Competition heldat Ryan Catholic College on the 11th ofAugust 2016. While it is claimed people fear

public speaking more than ‘death,’ let alone in a foreignlanguage, the following students are congratulated on theirconfident performance of their original Japanese speeches infront of not only competitors from over 15 other high schools,but also in front of native speaking judges. Specialcongratulations to Kate Tsakissiris, who was awarded a medalfor 4 years of participation.

Year 7: Henry Doyle & Eden Collins (7X)Year 8: Nakiyah Surasiang (8F) & Elisha Waldon (8X)Year 9: Kirsten Howlett, & Briallen Worsley (9X)Year 11: Charlotte Cumming (11G) & Kate Tsakissiris(11I)

I believe all students represented William Ross well, with muchpride and commitment. We left with many memories, newfriends and next year to look forward to. The speeches wereentertaining and fun. Many of us learnt new words by listeningto others perform. Some contestants were nervous and shookas they spoke in front of a large crowd who, for some, couldspeak better Japanese then they could. Thank you to Mrs.Clarke and Ms Doma for the amazing opportunity! It was veryfun and educating and for many people these two words don'tgo together. It had a very positive air and even though therewere many tough competitors, they all were very kind andpolite, and it altogether made for an excellent day.

By Elisha Waldon (8X)

Jessica ClarkeHOD Humanities and Languagesjthom781@eq.edu.au

FROM THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Science News

National Science Week was on from the16-21st August and was celebratedthrough a range of science activities atWRSHS. There was a screening of someaward winning films from “SCINEMA” whichare like the Oscars for short scientific films.Students also participated in salt water

powered car making and got to view some exciting sciencedemonstrations carried out by Ms. Bowe and Ms. Williams. Onthe final day of science week 30 students participated in a teambased science trivia competition. The competition was closehowever the winning team was Harmeet Singh, MaraJade-Obrien, Ryan Worsley and Braiden McCubbin.

Excellence in Science Program

The annual Excellence in Science program also began lastweek. This program is designed to foster interest and developscience skills in students from years 5 and 6 from the MountStuart Cluster schools. The theme of this year’s program issustainability and the first week’s activities involved investigatinghow various materials break down in soil. During the nextsession, students will be making solar ovens. There are 31students taking part in the program and even after one sessionmany have demonstrated a great deal of knowledge andunderstanding in concepts related to the topic of sustainability.

It was a Cheesy lesson!

Back in Term 2 Week 5 a group of students from Year 10Extension Science class participated in an afternoon of cheese

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making. The students’ Camembert Cheese was sent awayto the 2016 Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) to be judged atthe ‘Student Made Cheese Competition’. Unfortunately thestudents cheese didn’t place, however last week during theirscience lesson the students got the opportunity to taste theircamembert after it had 14 weeks to ripen and mature. Eachstudent blind taste tested their cheese against a popularsupermarket brand cheese. Majority of the students said thattheir cheese was tastier, softer and smoother than thesupermarket brand. Well done 10X – you did a great job ofdemonstrating a practical application of your scienceskills….with a delicious end result!

Miss Williams

FROM THE HPE DEPARTMENT

National Health & PhysicalEducation Day

Australian school children rank among theworst in the world when it comes to theirphysical activity levels. To tackle thisproblem, they need to be taught skills andhave better knowledge and understanding

of how to lead active and healthy lifestyles. That’s why NationalHealth and Physical Education (HPE) Day has been designed toraise awareness of, and advocate for, a greater focus of HPE inour schools.

The theme, Good for Children, Good for Schools and Goodfor Communities, is being celebrated over three years, and the2016 event – on Wednesday September 14 2016 – will focuson how HPE is ‘good for communities’.

If you’re a parent, why not walk home with the kids or takethem to a nearby park for some play time after school? When itcomes to how to get involved, the only limit is imagination – soget moving, because every step counts!

At Home

Parents and caregivers play an important role in promoting anactive lifestyle for their children, and there’s heaps of ways toget involved! To show you are serious, make a parent pledgeand commit to spending at least 30 minutes of physical activitywith the kids on National HPE Day.

It’s not only a chance to put a busy life on hold and enjoy somequality time with the kids, but it also can make a substantialdifference to their health by encouraging good habits that canstay with them for the rest of their life.

How can you get involved?

Be a positive role model and show your children how youplan to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get off the bus oneor two stops early, or take the dog for a walk with the familyat the end of the day.

Australian Sports Commission Youth ParticipationProject

William Ross State High School is currently running a sportsprogram with Netball Australia and the Australian SportsCommission Youth Participation Project within HPE classes.This program aims to better understand how sport can bebest delivered in Secondary Schools, and we interested ingetting your opinions about your child’s sport and your sportengagement, and also surveying your child with your consent.

Parent Survey

We would like to invite you to complete a 15 minute survey(you do not need to compete in sport to complete the survey).Your feedback will offer valuable insight into the how sportprograms can be most effectively delivered to engage studentsin the secondary school environment. Further details about theresearch can be found in the attached Information Sheet.

You can complete the survey by clicking on this link or copyand pasting it into your web browser:

http://surveys.intuitivesolutions.com.au/s3/ASC-Youth-Participation-In-Sport-Research-Parents-1

When you complete the survey, you will have the opportunity toenter the draw for one of seven Coles/Myer Gift Vouchers (1 x$1000; 1 x $250 or 5 x $50).

Jump Rope for Heart Donations

This year, our school participated in Jump Rope for Heart - afantastic physical activity and fundraising program by the HeartFoundation. All students had a fantastic time learning new skills

• Encourage children to participate and get them activeand involved in the community by visiting a local clubor play organised sport

• Instead of heading straight home after school, go tothe local playground, park, oval or beach. Fly a kite orthrow a Frisbee. Play games like tag, jump rope orhopscotch in the backyard.

• If the weather isn’t great, make fun the focus byhaving a family dance competition inside, visit anindoor swimming pool, or try a new activity such asrock-climbing or mini-golf.

• Teach children new skills to help them be physicallyactive – like how to skip, ride a bike, skating,throwing, catching, or hitting and kicking a ball.

• Walk, ride a bike or skateboard all or part of the wayto school instead of taking the car.

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and choreographing their group skipping routines. We ask nowthat ALL donations raised be return to the administration officeimmediately. Any fundraising forms that were not sued may bereturned to the classroom teacher. Prizes should be availableduring term 4 for those students who have reached their prizetarget.

Adam KehlHOD Health and Physical Educationakehl3@eq.edu.au

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Year 12 Parents/Guardians

We wish to invite Year 12 students with theirparents/guardians and other interestedfamily members to a workshop on Friday,21st October from 6:30pm – 8:30pm totalk about what it’s going to be like to leaveschool. We are particularly looking forwardto seeing both mums and dads at this

event. We encourage you to attend as you are a vital supportfor students throughout this transition. Light refreshments willbe available.

During the workshop transition issues will be explored through:

We hope this fun event will help young people make a smoothertransition to life after school. We look forward to yourcontribution on the night and your evaluation. If you havequeries about the workshop, please contact Melanie Hemmett(School Based Youth Health Nurse) on 47 267 666 or emailmhemm1@eq.edu.au.

In order to make this event relevant and useful for you werequest that you complete a very short online survey about yourteenager leaving school. Even if you are unable to attend on thenight, it would be greatly appreciated if you could complete thissurvey. Your responses will be kept confidential. You are ableto RSVP through this survey and we request that you do so byWednesday 12th October.

To complete the survey and RSVP please visit -

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DNN9G5K

Melanie HemmetSchool Base Health Nursemhemm1@eq.edu.au

IN THE COMMUNITY

SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISOR – CasualPosition Available - Annandale

We are seeking interested persons for a casual position,approximately 1hr 30mins per day, on a rotating roster, schooldays only. Approved applicants will be required to undergo amedical assessment and pass a blue card application. Pay ratestarts at $28.00 per hour.

Call 47587533 for an application package.

Check weekly, treat quickly and tell the school

G’Day USA

Holiday Teenage Confidence Course 28th & 29thSeptember

This popular Townsville program has a proven success ofeducating and inspiring young people to develop a positivesense of identity and personal empowerment and a trueunderstanding of confidence. Find out why and what other

• Guided discussions with parents and students

• Past students and parents sharing their positive andnegative life encounters since leaving school

• Hearing from past students who are working, have atrade, attend University and TAFE

• ‘Talented staff’ acting out some humorous scenarios

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Townsville parents have been so pleased about when they hadtheir teenagers attend. Avoid missing out ONLY 12 places.Register Your Interest @ the link below. Check it out to see whatdeportment and etiquette is about nowadays.

http://www.tmtdeportment.com.au

School Holiday Activities

Riverway Arts Centre are conducting school holidayprogram’s 19-29 September 2016.

Age groups 3-6; 7-11 & 12 yrs. +

Please contact below for activities, timetables and associatedcosts.

PH: (07) 4773 6377 Email: admin@lalunanq.com

Please Support our Sponsors

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