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

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

Fax:Fax: 07 4726 7600

25 March 202025 March 2020

DATES TO REMEMBER

Thursday 26March

Year 7 Immunisations

Tuesday 31 March Year 7 & 9 Geography Competition

Wednesday 1 April World’s Greatest Shave

Friday 3 April Final Day Term 1

Monday 20 April First Day Term 2

Tuesday 21 April P&C Meeting

Wednesday 29April

Regional Chinese SpeakingCompetition

Friday 1 May Inter-House Cross Country

Monday 4 May Labour Day Public Holiday

Monday 11 May Open Day

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

“TIMES ARE A CHANGING”

It is without doubt that we are entering intoa new world order. I can openly declare wehave never in the past been challenged byevents that are happening today, both at alocal level and far wider afield. This event ischanging and challenging all of us on aday-by-day basis and as a school we are

adjusting and responding to these challenges.

As at today, ‘schools are open’.

Parents who send their students to school will receive theireducation, this process will not stop. Our commitment toparents and students is to ensure their education is the forefrontof our purpose.

As a school, we have followed and implemented all availabledirections and structures possible to address all health andhygiene concerns that target the reduction of the virus to allmembers of our school community.

If events change and schools go ‘online’ I can assure parentsthat William Ross has already undertaken steps to prepareour curriculum for an online delivery method. In preparationstudent have been asked to confirm their EQ Login – usernameand password, to enable access to such information (futuresplanning).

Deputy Principal Shauna Fowler article in this newsletter hasalso outlined the progressive steps already undertaken andexpectations for the William Ross community now and in thefuture.

William Ross will continue to maintain our school’s Facebookand website as a consistent mode of communication withparents and students, for updates and sharing information. Atthis very challenging time, I wish all a safe place and lookforward to a cooperative partnership between staff, studentsand parents as we move through this event.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the school for furtherinformation if required.

Allan EvansPrincipaltevan38@eq.edu.au

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (YRS9&10)

SUBJECT CHANGES

As the end of the term draws nearer andassessments tasks are being submitted,many students are now realising that theymay have selected the wrong electivesubject and are looking for a subjectchange for Term 2. If that is the case,students may collect a subject change form

from the display rack in the administration foyer or from Mr Kehland complete the following steps.

Step 1 - Fill out details on form including proposedsubject change.Step 2 - Formed signed by the Head of Department oftheir current subject.Step 3 - Formed signed by a parent or guardian.Step 4 - Return form to Mr Kehl.

All subject changes are dependent upon class numbers.

NAPLAN 2020

In recognition of the disruption being created by COVID-19 toschool routines and to enable teachers to continue their focuson student learning and wellbeing, all Australian EducationMinisters agreed that NAPLAN will not proceed this year.

BIKE RACKS

We have many students who ride their bikes to school, whichis a great way to keep fit and help reduce carbon emissions.For those who are riding their bikes, it is imperative that you aredisplaying appropriate bike safety. This means that everydayyou are wearing a helmet, riding in a safe manor while obeyingall of the road rules and being respectful of all road users. Oncestudents arrive at school they should be securing their bikeswith a good quality bike lock in our bike racks behind thestudent centre. Students should NOT be locking their bikesto any other fencing around the school including the netballcarpark fence.

Adam KehlA/Deputy Principalakehl3@eq.edu.au

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (YRS 7&8)

ATTENDANCE AND REPORTINGSTUDENT ABSENCES

School attendance is a community concernand continued focus at William Ross StateHigh School. There is clear evidence thateveryday counts; not just in terms ofacademic engagement but also in beingpart of a community and maintaining

relationships. The best way for young people to feel successfuland connected to their school community is to attend everyday. If your student is unwell, please respond to school

communication (texts, emails) or contact the front office on47267666 so that we are aware.

ATTENDANCE, HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Firstly, thank you to the school community for your patienceand support during these very uncertain times. At William RossState High School we are working within the guidelines andavailable resources to manage the health and wellbeing ofstudents. What I do ask from parents and carers is that youengage with all government media releases to inform yourjudgements about school attendance. At this stage, theGovernment advice is that unwell students stay home andhealthy children are to attend school.

If you are choosing to keep your student/s at home can youplease note the following:

For families who are choosing to continue sending theirstudent/s to school, I ask that you support the hygieneinformation that we are using at school by encouraging yourchildren to:

I appreciate that the current situation is not an ideal start forstudents beginning their high school education although ensureyou that all measures are being taken by the department andthe school to support student wellbeing and education.

YEAR 7 CAMP

Unfortunately the impact of Covid-19 has meant that schoolsare to cancel or indefinitely postpone school camps, excursionsand travel activities. At this stage, we have been unable tosecure another date for the Year 7 camp and will have to cancelthis event. The team is presently working on an alternate activitywith similar learning opportunities for later in the year. Depositscan be refunded by contacting staff in the front office.

• The school will continue to follow an assessmentschedule and ask that you review your student’sassessment calendar to maintain deadlines.

• Communicate with the school by responding toabsence emails or alternatively contacting a memberof our administration team to discuss your family’sintentions regarding attendance during this time.

• Follow Government advice for accessing schoolwork. This is not being provided at a school-level atthis stage as classroom teachers are focused onclassroom instruction which will remain the case untilthere is a systematic school closure.

• wash their hands regularly with soap and water,particularly before and after eating, and after going tothe toilet;

• use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap isunavailable;

• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the insideof their elbow; and

• dispose of tissues in the bin immediately.

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MR HUSTLER RETURNING TERM TWO

I would like to congratulate the Year 7 and 8 cohorts for theirexceptional start to 2020. I have been so impressed by theircommitment to learning, resilience in a challenging time andhow they have upheld William Ross State High School’s visionand values “Be Safe, Be Engaged and Be Respectful”.

The commencement of Term Two will see me returning tomy previous role and Mr Nathan Hustler returning as DeputyPrincipal. Nathan and I have continued to work closely duringhis leave period so he is well aware of the progress of the cohortand I am confident of a smooth transition. It has been absoluteprivilege to work with your students during Term One and I willno doubt have more time with them over the year.

Shauna FowlerA/Deputy Principalsfowl13@eq.edu.au

FROM THE ARTS & LANGUAGESDEPARTMENT

WILLIAM ROSS AMPHITHEATRE

Something exciting is happening in ourWilliam Ross Ampitheatre! Acclaimed streetartist John Bradshaw is working with ourCertifcate 2 Visual Art students on a liveStreet Scape. Principal Allan Evans hascomissioned the mural as part of thestudents’ authentic assessment task. So

stay tuned as this space comes alive!

HEAT 1 - Y FACTOR 2020

Heat 1 for Y-Factor went off with a bang! Our student audiencewere delighted and entertained by some incredibleperformances from our very own William Ross home growntalent! The judges had a tough time awarding a winner but inthe end they reached a decision. And…the winner was…TheReserves Dance Troupe!! These students were amazed tounwrap a real Wonka bar to reveal a golden ticket to WRevue2020! Congratulations to the hard working and dedicatedDance Troupe and to all of our wonderful performers forparticipating in Heat 1 Y-Factor 2020! Stay tuned for theannouncement of Heat 2!!

Heat 1 Y Factor finalist and Senior Arts Ambassador LileyHeat 1 Y Factor finalist and Senior Arts Ambassador LileyGray.Gray.

Winners of Heat 1-The Reserves Dance TroupeWinners of Heat 1-The Reserves Dance Troupe

Lucky door winner Teagan Gowley!!Lucky door winner Teagan Gowley!!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AND LANGUAGESAFTERNOON TEA

To welcome in a fantastic year, Instrumental Music, Languagesstudents and families/carers were invited to attend a veryspecial afternoon tea in our Performance Arts block (PA block).Mrs Rush presented all new Instrumental students with ahandcrafted Music shirt. Students are encouraged to wear thishighly sort after shirt each Friday as part of their school uniform.As part of the formalities, Mr Kehl and Mrs. Rush presentedthe 2020 Language Ambassadors their badges. This year ourfantastic Language Ambassadors are Erik Moston KatherineFraser, Madison McIntosh, Indiah Rieck, Brodie Ridge, AshleighDalton, Isabelle Cleland and Hannah Ensbey. Congratulation toall of our recipients and wish each of them a very prosperousand successful year. We would also like to thank our parent/carers for their support in our Instrumental Music andLanguages students.

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William Ross Concert Band-Bandmaster Mr Paul Temple.William Ross Concert Band-Bandmaster Mr Paul Temple.

William Ross Vocal Group-Conductor Mrs. Rush.William Ross Vocal Group-Conductor Mrs. Rush.

Taiko EnsembleTaiko Ensemble

2020 Language Ambassador’s.2020 Language Ambassador’s.

Instrumental Music students and 2020 LanguageInstrumental Music students and 2020 LanguageAmbassador’sAmbassador’s

WILLIAM ROSS COMMUNITY STRINGSORCHESTRA AFTERNOON TEA

Bowing their way into the second year of formation, the WilliamRoss Community String Orchestra hosted an open rehearsaland wonderful performance. This orchestra is conducted byMrs Rebecca Stevenson and is comprised of String studentsfrom William Ross and our cluster schools, Wulguru, Oonoonbaand Annandale State Schools. These dedicated musiciansrehearse at William Ross every Monday afternoon. PrincipalAllan Evans addressed the importance of learning an instrumentand how valued Instrumental Music as a program is not justhere at William Ross but on the global stage. We encourage allof our wonderful musicians to pursue their musical dreams andthank our parents/carers for their ongoing support.

William Ross Community String OrchestraWilliam Ross Community String Orchestra

QUEENSLAND BALLET IS COMING NEXT TERM

Queensland Ballet’s Education TeachingArtists will be visiting William Ross next termas part of their 2020 regional Queenslandtour. These teaching artists will be deliveringtwo free workshops, Ballet History and Indigenous Perspectivesto our young aspiring William Ross dancers. We encourage allinterested students to explore the wonderful world of ballet andregister their interest with Mrs. Rush.

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NOW SHOWING: AMPHITHEATRE LUNCHTIMEENTERTAINMENT

An open rehearsal and performance during lunch this weekwowed our William Ross community. Our amphitheatre spacehosted our very talented Percussion Ensemble and bandmasterMr. Paul Temple. This incredible ensemble performed severalvery popular pieces including Dance Monkey and Senorita. Weare so proud to have such dedicated and committed studentshere are William Ross. Keep up the great work team!

Rose RushHOD The Arts & Languagesrrush6@eq.edu.au

FROM THE PRACTICAL TECHNOLOGYDEPARTMENT

MASON & CO

Students and staff have been very busyduring Term 1. Our school café, Mason &Co, has been operating on Thursdaysduring first break. The menu selection hasbeen popular with both staff and students,especially the refreshing cold beverages.Keep an eye on this space as we plan to

open during other lunch breaks next term.

YEAR 9 INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY ANDDESIGN CLASS

Our CO2 Car Unit has been a hit with the Year 9 IndustrialTechnology and Design classes. They have designed and builttheir racers and will soon be sending them down the track.Our fastest cars will be sent to complete in the MaryboroughTechnology Challenge in term 3. Other cars will be enteredin the Show and Shine category. While 2 classes have beenworking on their cars this term, there are another 2 classeswho will build theirs next term. We look forward to having someamazing entries for the nationals this year.

Veronica FarinaHOD Practical Technologyvfari1@eq.edu.au

FROM THE HPE DEPARTMENT

HPE WEEK

HPE week saw students participate in awide range of physical activities at morningtea breaks last week. From basketball tobadminton, dodgeball to rock climbing, ayoga class run by Ms. Jorgensen and somehealthy cooking with Miss Alloway, studentshad a great time being involved! Our

culminating event was our traditional Ashes student versusteachers volleyball game. Despite talking a strong game, thestudents were never in the hunt as teachers dominated fromstart to finish to win 63-28.

HPE 1.jpg

INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Last week the WRSHS swim team competed in the interschoolswimming carnival. The students showed a great level ofenthusiasm and represented our school with pride. Thanks toMs. Morrison, Mr. Yeo and Mrs. Briant for looking after ourswimmers on the day. Overall our boys placed 4th and our girlsfinished in 3rd position.

BLOCK SPORT, TOWNSVILLE AND REGIONALTRIALS

Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the Coronaviruspandemic, all block sport, and regional school sport (includingTownsville and North Queensland trials) has been cancelleduntil further notice.

At this stage the Queensland All-School Touch championshipdue to happen in October is still taking place. Players involvedwill be notified if there are any changes.

Cameron FrostHOD Health & Physical Educationcfros12@eq.edu.au

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FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL / VETDEPARTMENT

YEAR 10 CSQ TRY A TRADE –TOWNSVILLE TAFE, BOHLE 2020

On Thursday the 12th of March two year 10female students represented William RossSHS with pride at the CSQ Try a Tradeprogram held at Bohle, TAFE Queensland.Together with WorldSkills and TAFEQueensland, CSQ’s Try a Trade delivered

an interactive program which allowed students to try their handat various skills and trade areas. Kayleigh Clein and Piper Fordexperienced first-hand informative, entertaining and basic skillsassociated with a number of professional trades includingplumbing, painting, refrigeration mechanics and furnishing.Both girls were actively engaged in the day and participatedwell, walking away from the day with a ‘taste’ of possible careerchoices. Well done girls for representing our school so well inthe Vocational Education Sector.

Kristy KirkHOD Senior School / VETkkirk65@eq.edu.au

FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICERS

LOOKING AFTEROUR FAMILY’SMENTAL HEALTHDURING THEPANDEMIC

This year has certainlyposed many challenges to

us all, especially parents. It seems each day we are bombardedwith negative news stories, disasters and tragedies that can attimes challenge our own sense of wellbeing! What are someways we can help our family cope during these challengingtimes?

However, for older children and teens it is important to talkabout it more openly in terms of the facts and always with apositive slant focussing on how your family can work togetherin practical ways to avoid the Coronavirus. This is reassuringand helps answer the real question we all ask, including ourchildren: “Am I safe?”

Whilst we can’t offer guarantees that family members won’tcontract the virus we can empower our families through theCARE approach:

Choices – Channel anxiety into useful action to avoidthe disease by practising the recommended preventativestrategies, limiting exposure to media reports,maintaining normal routines (as much as possible) andfinding healthy distractions.Agenda – develop and discuss plans for how your familywill deal with activities being cancelled and also if a familymember contracts the virus.Resilience – find ways to focus on the positives (e.g.taking time to be grateful), enjoy some humour (there’ssome great toilet paper memes circulating!) andencourage your family to turn their attention tosupporting others during difficulty e.g. picking up somegroceries for an elderly neighbour or running an errandfor and checking on a vulnerable family member.Emotional Support – keep an eye on how your childrenare feeling and remind them you are there to listen totheir concerns. Look for signs they are not doing well –sleep issues, appetite changes, behaviour difficulties arejust a few things that indicate your child may need someextra reassurance and support.

It’s good for all of us to remember that we will get through thispandemic and hopefully our families will grow stronger throughthis challenge.

(Source: Ideas to Manage T(w)een Anxiety about COVID-19 – CollettSmart, 2020)

1. Be aware of and find ways to manage your ownstress. Children look to adults for behavioural clueswhich tell them how concerned they should be aboutanything unknown or difficult. Therefore, it isimportant that we have support people to turn to andhealthy coping mechanisms when we are feelinganxious ourselves so that our stress does notbecome contagious.

2. Normalise anxiety for your children as a completelyunderstandable reaction to all the corona virus

information out there but it is not always a negative.On the positive side, anxiety does work as a warningsystem in our brains to help us keep safe and alert todanger. It only becomes a problem or a negativewhen the alarm system is oversensitive and leaves uswith irrational fears that effect our daily functioning.

3. Keep in mind your child’s age and maturity levelwhen exposing them to information. Try to lessenexposure to media particularly for younger children asthey will pick up enough information from overhearing adults and other kids talk. If they raisequestions around what they have heard it is good tomake sure the information they have is accurate andnot based on imagination or conjecture. Take time tolisten to their feelings and validate them e.g. “Thatmust have worried you.” This is better thandismissing feelings with “Oh that’s a silly thing to say”or “Just forget about it.”

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Below are some contact details if you or your familyrequire further mental health support:

In an emergency always dial Triple Zero (000)

1300 MH CALL (1300 642255) is a confidential mental healthtelephone triage service that provides the first point of contactto public mental health services to Queenslanders.

Privacy and confidentiality

All calls to 1300 MH CALL are recorded as confidentialQueensland Health medical records.

Lifeline website at the link below

Counselling services for anyone at any time.Phone 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Kids Helpline website site the link belowTelephone and online counselling for young people.Phone 1800 551 800

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Beyondblue website at the link belowInformation and referral for depression and anxiety.Phone 1300 224 636

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/home

Parentline:Support, counselling and education for parents.Phone 1300 301 300

Headspace website at the link below

Support and counselling for youth between 12 and 25 yearsold.

Phone 1800 650 890

https://headspace.org.au/

Have a great week!

Astrid Neiberding and Helen MurdochGuidance Officersaneib2@eq.edu.auhjmur0@eq.edu.au

FROM THE SCHOOL BASED YOUTHHEALTH NURSE

SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM

The School Based Youth Health Nurse ispart of the School’s Support ServicesTeam. My core business is student supportand wellbeing. This is delivered in a varietyof ways ranging from one to one supportiveconsultation, to wider whole schoolprograms.

Current wellbeing programs on offer at William Ross State HighSchool include:

Toast Room – This operates Monday, Wednesday andFriday Mornings between 8am – 8.30am and offers the

opportunity for any student or staff member to accessfree toast for breakfast, this program is supported by PTFuel for Schools a local personal Training business.Emergency Lunches – This program run at both lunchbreaks daily and offers students the opportunity toaccess Emergency sandwiches if they have forgottentheir lunch or access to food at home is an issue. Thisprogram is supported by Brumbies Annandale, anotherlocal family owned business.Chillout Room – Chillout room currently operates dailyout from a classroom attached to the Library and is asafe space where students can gather to play card andboard games, participate in craft activities or build Legoconstruction. This program also utilises senior studentto assist with supervision, providing peer support. Thisis helping to develop empathetic, peer support skills inthose students.Healthy Minds Activities – Healthy Minds is a studentled program, supported by The Black Dog Institute,Junior Student council and the SSST. Healthy Mindsis about promoting Mental Health, self-care and overallwellbeing. Each week on a Tuesday we deliver a differentHealthy Minds activity to engage students. Theseactivities are fun, active, creative, restorative and areaimed at making everyone’s day a little better. Activitiesso far have included Bubble blowing and the limbo withlots of fun things planned for the future.Dental Van – William Ross State High School andTownsville Oral Health Services are workingcollaboratively to deliver a dental screening andtreatment program to students in year 8 & 10. The Dentalvan will be at the school during Term 2.Lift the Lip Dental Examinations- James CookUniversity Dental students and Townsville Oral HealthServices are teaming with WRSHS to deliver Oralhygiene information sessions and Lift the Lip DentalExaminations for year 7 students, ensuring they receivevaluable information regarding oral health and theopportunity for referral to free dental treatment ifrequired.Onesight Vision Program – William Ross State HighSchool will once again be teaming with Onesight VisionAustralia to deliver year 7 and 10 students free eye testand glasses if required. The program is scheduled forTerm 3, 2020.

These exciting programs are also supplemented with smallerscale promotions throughout the year focussing on Mentalhealth, Women’s health, Men’s Health, LGBTI+ inclusiveness,Belonging and Kindness.

If there is any wellbeing program you would like to see happenat William Ross State High School we are more than happyto hear your ideas and welcome student ownership andcollaboration in their delivery.

Tania SmithSchool Based Youth Health Nursetsmit1082@eq.edu.au

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P & C ASSOCIATION

P&C UPDATE

Please help me welcome our new P&C Executive team

Vice President – Vickie KehlSecretary – Jo-Anne TawseTreasurer – Natasha Wellby

I look forward to working and bouncing ideas around with themthis year. We also voted in our fundraising and social mediacoordinator. Please welcome -

Fundraising Coordinator – Krystle BrunkerSocial Media Coordinator – Garrett McKenzie

Since taking over and being the main seller of our schooluniform, it has been very profitable for us in the uniform shop.We are now in a position to transfer money to the school toput towards the improvements to the Student Centre. We lookforward to fundraising this year for more improvements aroundthe school grounds.

The P&C is in the process of buying, then donating, formal hatsfor the band and the leaders of the school. I can’t wait to seeour students looking very professional wearing them.

We are continuing with the Container Refund Scheme (CRS)supporting the Year 12’s. Last year we were able to cover thecosts of their year books. The students this year have alreadybeen helping with emptying and sorting the bins out. Yes, it’s abit stinky, but thank you for your support!

Our CRS number is C10203588 if anyone wants to donate toour scheme ID.

We had our first working bee for the year. It was a fantasticturnout with students, parents and teachers all pitching in.Thank you to all those who came.

We have an Easter Raffle currently underway. Running fromthe tuckshop, tickets only $1. The 2 prizes will be drawn onThursday 2nd April.

If you have any queries our email address ispandc@williamrossshs.eq.edu.au

Our next meeting (at this stage) is 21st April 2020 in the Adminbuilding 7pm.

Please take care over this time of uncertainty.

Nicole KnightPresident

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