Year 10 Geography—Reef & Rainforest

On the 19th of October, year 10 Geography students had the opportunity to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef (their current topic) from Boyd Robertson, a Science Communicator from the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre. In particular, the students gained valuable information on the reef’s location, significance, characteristics and resilience. Jenna Noonan, one of the students who attended said, “The presentation was very educational and engaging, and allowed us to gain access to a primary source.” Despite being in awe of the reef’s beauty and what it has to offer us, students were shocked to find out that the Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) is the third largest threat to the reef after natural occurrences/disasters and coral bleaching. Learning more about the COTS gave focus to the students’ assessment where they will analyse two strategies proposed to manage the COTS to make and justify a decision on which

proposal would be more effective. Overall, Boyd’s presentation triggered a deeper interest in the topic among students, allowing them to be more connected to the term’s work and the importance of protecting our Great Barrier Reef. We thank him for giving up his time to talk to our students.

Junior Rewards Day—Change of Date To conclude 2017, students in year 7-9 have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Secondary Reward Day. This day will occur on Monday 4th of December (week 10). This year, eligible students from grade 7-8 students will be travelling to Sugarworld while the grade 9 cohort will travel to Cable Ski waterpark. For students to be invited to attend the final rewards day for 2017, they will be required to meet the following school clearance criteria based on term 4 data:

SRS Paid/Payment plan in place

Have 90% or better attendance

Have no more than 3 OneSchool incidents

Returned all textbooks and library resources

I strongly encourage all students to

strive to achieve the above criteria.

It will be fantastic to have all junior GSHS students on their final Rewards Day for

2017.

Matt Sperring – HOD Junior Secondary

Junior Secondary News

From The Principal

Personal Excellence, Successful Futures Respect...Quality...Honesty...Safety

Issue 14 - 2017

Upcoming Events

Friday, 10th November—Year 12 Graduation—Pullman

International Tuesday, 14th November—

Presentation Evening Wednesday, 15th November—Sports Presentation Evening

Thursday, 16th November—Year 12’s Excursion—Go Bowling

& Esplanade Friday, 12th

November—Year Day for Year 12’s—Senior

Farewell Parade Monday, 20th

November—P&C Meeting

85 Sheppards Street

PO Box 66

Gordonvale Qld

4865

Phone: (07) 4043

3222

Fax: (07) 4056

3990

Email:

admin@gordonvalehigh.eq.edu.au

Web:

www.gordonvalehigh.eq.edu.au

Last Two Weeks for Year 12 Students

The next two weeks will be filled with mixed emotions for our year 12 students. All year

12 students must be in full school attendance and in full school uniform until Friday

17th November. Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th November, students

will participate in a range of planned social activities. Students will not be permitted to

car pool to any of the activities. On Thursday 16th, all students will travel to the final

planned activity by bus.

On Friday 17th students will be farewelled in a formal whole school assembly between 9am – 11am.

Parents and carers are most welcome to share this exciting time with us.

Immediately following the formal farewell, parents, guests and year 12 students will be invited to

partake in light refreshments before final farewells. Year 12 students will be dismissed soon after the

final ceremony. Again this year, I stress to all our year 12 students to take care, especially whilst

leaving the school area in cars on Friday.

We are all working hard to ensure all our Year 12 students complete the year successfully. The

Queensland Certificate of Education is issued to all students who fulfil the requirements set out by the

QCAA (The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority).

Fundamental to these requirements are: Core, Literacy, Numeracy, and a total Credit of 20.

To earn the required 20 credits, students need to “bank” credits - a semester of successful Year 11 or 12

study earns one credit, so passing English Communication at the end of Year 12 results in 4 credits: the

important point is SUCCESSFUL - this means that at least a C result is required, a D or E for Semester 4

will result in zero credits for that subject. This is true of all subjects.

Certificate courses such as Certificate II Outdoor Recreation also earn 4 credits upon completion: they

must be completed 100% to earn the credits.

Core is often the most difficult factor of the QCE. Twelve of the credits must come from courses or

subjects studied: for example, our students may gain Core from 2 years of English, Maths, and a

Certificate II, an OP Pathway student may earn credit from 2 years study of English, Maths, and

Chemistry.

QCE eligibility is ensured when students enrol in a senior program at Gordonvale State High School, and

• Attend every day

• Complete all set tasks, homework, and assessments

• Pass all their subjects

Online release of results

From 9 am on Wednesday 15th November students will be able to access their individual QCS Test grade

— from A to E — in their learning account on the Student Connect website: https://

studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au

Students’ QCS Test grades will be confirmed on the Senior Statement they receive as part of their Senior

Education Profile sent to them in December.

Release of Year 12 results, OPs and FPs

From 9 am on Saturday 16th December, all results contributing to the Queensland Certificate of

Education (QCE), OPs and FPs will be available in student learning accounts on the Student Connect

website: https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au

From Monday 18th December, students will begin receiving their Senior Education Profiles in the mail.

Depending on students’ individual circumstances, their profile will comprise one or more of the following

documents:

• QCE

• Tertiary Entrance Statement

• Senior Statement

• Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement.

.

Jan Carr

Don’t forget to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ GSHS’s Facebook

page to keep up to date with all up-

coming events and information

As this is the last newsletter for our year 12 students, I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of them all the

very best as they embark on a new journey down a pathway that will offer greater challenges, responsibilities and opportunities. Have a

safe schoolies week, look out for each other.

World Teachers’ Day

Friday 27th October was International World Teacher’s Day. This is a day dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging our teachers for

inspiring learning and making a difference. We are very appreciative of the outstanding calibre of our teachers, who are dedicated and

committed to empowering our students to succeed. During the week leading up to Friday, our teachers were treated each morning, on

arrival to school, with chocolates, nuts, lollies, and fruit - a small token of appreciation for the work they do. On the Friday, they each

received a special ‘paper’ coffee cup which contained a sachet of coffee, a chocolate biscuit, an International World Teacher’s Day badge

and a certificate of appreciation. Our teachers then joined together with our senior student leaders to a morning tea sausage sizzle.

Tuckshop Day

Tuckshop Day was Friday November 3. Thank you Julie (convenor), Trish, Liz and Lyndal, plus volunteers, for

your hard work and contribution to our school.

For many busy parents and families, our school tuckshop provides a vital service, offering students healthy and

tasty food and drink choices.

Travel concession fares for Year 12 school leavers

Year 12 school leavers who intend on continuing their studies in 2018 can travel on concession fares (https://translink.com.au/tickets-

and-fares/concessions) until 31 March 2018.

Students must hold on to their expired Year 12 student ID card to travel on concession fares until 31 March 2018.

P and C

Our next P and C meeting is scheduled for Monday 20th November, commencing at 6:00pm in our meeting room next to the tuckshop.

The P and C committee empowers parents to have a voice in the management of our school. We extend a warm welcome and invitation

to you to attend.

On Wednesday 1 November, the year 7 science students were treated to a special opportunity to work with Sue Helmke and Kat Kaposi from Queensland Fisheries/CSIRO in Schools. Sue and Kat taught the students about prawns and showed them how to classify different species of prawns using taxonomic dichotomous keys. After classifying the prawns, students were then able to dissect the prawns and observe the internal structures. The students really enjoyed having a very hands-on prac and the opportunity to speak to “real life” scientists. Thank you Sue and Kat for your time.

Year 7 Science—Prawn Disection

A Visit from our Treasurer

On Friday 20th of October the Honourable Curtis Pitt visited the Year 8 Geography students at Gordonvale State High School. The students have been learning about urbanisation and urban sprawl. Mr Pitt talked to the students about his job as Treasurer and State Member for Mulgrave. Mr Pitt discussed Queensland’s fast growing population, his plans for the future and urban renewal which is a way of managing urban sprawl. He also explained the importance of interstate and intrastate migration and how it effects the cities and towns of Queensland. Overall the students enjoyed having the chance to meet the Honourable Curtis Pitt and received some very valuable information to help with their assessment. Megg, Year 8 Geography student.

Consumption of alcohol: While parents/carers are welcome to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages at the hotel bar and on the pool deck, no alcohol will be permitted inside the function rooms for the ceremony or the dinner. Students and partners are not permitted to consume alcohol regard-less of their age as this is a school event. Behaviour requirements: Please be aware that if any student planning to attend the graduation is involved in a serious behaviour resulting in suspension during term 4 they may not be permitted to attend the graduation. Their ticket may not be refunded if numbers have already been finalised with the Pullman International. This evening is a momentous occasion for our graduating seniors. It is expected that all who attend the evening behave accordingly in line with both the Pullman International and Gordonvale State High Schools expectations. Any guest whose behaviour adversely affects the running of the night and the enjoyment of others will be warned and then asked to leave should the unwanted behaviour continue. Week 7 – Final week activity program: Monday 13th November – Wednesday 15th November The final week is made up of an alternative timetable which aims to provide some further education to our exiting seniors. Students are required to be at school as though it was a normal school day. There will be two farewell rehearsals scheduled during this week. All stu-dents are required to attend to ensure a smooth running farewell ceremony. The following presentations will be occurring during Monday-Wednesday:

Red Frogs – Party safe

Financial planning

Cyber Safety

TAFE

Queensland Police Forensic Crash Unit

TRUE

Final Excursion – Go Bowling & Cairns Esplanade Thursday 16th November Students in grade 12 are invited to attend the final excursion to Go Bowling Cairns and the Cairns Esplanade. This day is always regarded as a relaxing last day to reflect on fond memories created throughout each student’s school journey. Payment of $10 will be required to the office to cover bus expenses for the day. Letters will go home with students closer to week 7. Students will pay for their own bowling and food along the esplanade. Senior Farewell The senior farewell for 2017 will occur on Friday 17th November in the Frank Rich Hall at Gordonvale State High School. Timing for the farewell ceremony: 8.45am Arrival 9.00am Seating 9.10am Ceremony commences 10.10am Ceremony concludes 10.15am Unveiling of plaque 10.25am Morning tea (R block) 10.45am Students & Parents/Carers depart It is hoped by providing this information in advance parents and carers of Year 12 students are able to make adequate arrangements in preparation for this very exciting time. If you will be attending please RSVP to Lyndal on 4043 3246 for catering purposes.

2018 Senior Shirts and Jerseys

Just a reminder to our Year 11s that information letters, order forms and invoices for your 2018 Senior Shirts and Jerseys have been

distributed. If you have not received yours please collect from Lyndal in

G01.

We have strict deadlines for these orders to have them back here early in

the new year so all orders with payment need to be received by Friday,

24th November for the jersey and Friday, 1st December for the polo

shirt. Please note no late payments or orders will be taken.

Sample sizes were available for students to try on for the first two weeks

of this term. If you tried on samples and have forgotten your size, please

see Lyndal in G01.

Year 12—Final Weeks Information

Our Year 12 Students are entering their final weeks of their schooling. A letter containing information regarding upcoming events until

they exit was provided to students and emailed home for parents. If you did not receive this letter please contact Lyndal on 4043 3246

or see below.

Contact people during this time are: Mr Robbie Williams – Head of Senior Schooling – 4043 3248 Ms Lyndal Jones – Events Manager (Graduation & Senior Farewell enquiries) – 4043 3246 Mrs Kelly Hill – Senior Schooling Pathways Officer – 4043 3223 The graduation format for Friday 10th November:

Timing for the evening: 4.30pm until 5.15pm Arrivals and Photos 5.15pm until 6.15pm Graduation Ceremony 6.15pm until 7.45pm Canapés on Pool Deck/Photos 8.15pm Formal Graduation Dinner 11pm Evening Concludes Please note that this is for your information only. Tickets are no longer available and final numbers have been given to the Pullman. Photography: NQ School photography will be at the Graduation to take professional photos of students, partners and their families both before and after the ceremony. On the night you will be given a code to go online to purchase these photos. This year, in addition to these, Spectrum Sounds Studio Photobooth will be at our graduation to snap some FUN photos with all the fancy props! They will be in the foyer outside the Ballroom from 6pm – 10pm, so be sure to grab a prop and strike a pose! All images will be posted up on the School Network for students to copy as wished during the week after graduation. Dress: This is a formal event. We strongly recommend that all guests are dressed in appropriate attire for the evening. This means no thongs or casual wear.

Graduation Ceremony Graduation Ceremony plus Dinner

Date Friday, 10th November Date Friday, 10th November

Time 4.30pm until 7.45pm Time 4.30pm until 11.00pm

Where Grand Ballroom

Pool Deck

Where Grand Ballroom

Cost per ticket $25 Cost per ticket $110

This ticket includes formal ceremony plus pre-dinner canapés

This ticket includes formal cere-mony, pre-dinner canapés plus formal dinner.

Tickets available per stu-dent

5 Tickets available per student 2 (Year 12 Student & partner)

What is included Certificate & glass presenta-tion, canapés, photobooth, professional photographer

What is included

Certificate & glass presentation, canapés, photobooth, profes-sional photographer, formal dinner, music, dancing

Drinks Alcohol beverages available for purchase for adults on the pool deck

Drinks This is non-alcoholic event. First two jugs of softdrink per table included. Additional soft-drink can be purchased.

Dress Formal Dress

Parking On street parking and parking in the wharf terminal is available

Senior Secondary News

On Sunday 10th December, we will have year 11 students hosting a BBQ at Bunnings in the city. The students will be raising money to attend QLD All Schools Touch Tournament in Brisbane October 2018.

Come down and buy a sausage to help raise funds for the team.

DATTA Awards

2018 All Schools Touch Fundraiser

Last Thursday the BLA (Business Liaison Association) and the INTAD teachers had their 16th annual Design and Technology Teachers' Association awards. From a range of entries in the Graphics and Workshop categories, Nathan, year 10 was a deserving winner taking 2nd place in the category for a house design. Mr Rojahn continued his impressive form in the teachers category getting 2nd place also for a jewellery box he built. Congratulations to both our winners.

Nummus in Aquatics

Ceviche is a traditional seafood dish that originated in Peru and made its way to Japan via trade. It then made its way down into the Torres Straits and other parts of Northern Australia via the Pearl Luggers. This is when the Indigenous adopted Namas or Nummus, the use of vinegar or citric acid as a way to ‘cook’ fish. This term, the year 12 Aquatic Practices cohort of Gordonvale State High are prepar-ing Namas as part of their Indigenous Seafood Unit. One nutritional nummus recipe from Thursday Island is as follows:

This dish can be eaten straight away but storing for several hours or overnight (chilled) if you have the willpower will enhance the flavours. The students and staff involved with the unit would like to give a special thanks to the Clarke family from Seafood Far North Queensland for their very kind donation of the seafood required for the unit. Isaiah on behalf of year 12 Aquatics

Ingredients 500 g white fish fillets, thinly sliced White vinegar 1⁄4-1⁄2cup of fresh limes or 1⁄4-1⁄2 cup lemon juice 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon raw sugar 5 cloves garlic 5 tablespoons fresh ginger, freshly chopped Fresh chili pepper, chopped (as many as you like!) 1 large onion, sliced

Instructions Place the fish in a mixing bowl and pour about half a cup of vinegar over it. Gently knead the fish until it starts to "cook"; adding more vinegar if nec-essary. After a couple of minutes add half the lime or lemon juice and continue to knead for another minute. Add the salt and continue to knead until fish feels cooked (a minute or two should be enough). Add sugar, chilli, garlic, ginger, onion, and mix well. Add more juice and chilli if required.

‘Power of Pallet’ - Cairns Base Hospital Fundraiser

There is a silent auction for the Cairns Base Hospital fundraiser “Power of Pallet” furniture building. Four year 9 students (Jasmine, Alexandra, Kristine and Liliana) and a year 11 student

(Bradley) have given up 90 lunch hours to help construct 2 projects. One is a “rocking motorbike”. The other is an “Adirondack chair”. Please check out the site for our projects (as well as the other entries) and bid or pass the link on to friends for this very worthy cause. http://thepowerofpallets.org.au/cocktail…/place-a-silent-bid Thanks to Robert, one of our parents and Orrcon Steel for delivering some pallets. Thanks also to Ms King and Phil Griffiths for helping out so the projects could be ready to work on each lunch hour.

The students in Junior HPE enjoyed a lesson

that demonstrated how Indigenous music

and dance can tell a story.

Kelvin Oliver-Wason shared his skills and

talents with the class through the use of a

didgeridoo. He played a few songs with each

song telling a different story. One song was

about a Cassowary walking in the forest

looking for food and then going to bed.

Kelvin also taught the students a little dance

to go with the song. The student really

enjoyed walking around like a Cassowary

searching the forest floor for food.

Junior HPE

Clontarf News

Clontarf Cricket Regional Carnival – Howzat for a Day! On Friday 27th October our Year 8 and Year 11 boys headed off to Endeavour Park to participate in our first ever Clontarf Regional Cricket Carnival. The event was organised by our Cairns High Academy and it was a huge success with teams coming from all of our six academies. Year 8 student Diaz and year 11 student Jai led the way for our boys taking out the Clontarf Spirit Awards. The teams got to play against a number of other academies throughout the day and then they got a chance to take some classic catches and see how fast they can bowl on the speed gun. Overall the day was a huge success, thanks to Sharon from Bunnings Innisfail for coming along for the ride as a Clontarf partner.

Table Tennis Pro Paul Uttley Visits Clontarf Over the last two weeks we have been fortunate enough to have Table Tennis Professional player and Level 2 Coach Paul Uttley spend some time with our talented boys. Paul has spent an hour each Monday working with the students to develop their table tennis skills. He has even identified two students, Judah Waigana and Stephen Sartrick, with the potential to go further and represent the region if they dedicated some time to the sport. Well done to the 8 boys that have been working with Paul. We look forward to having him visit our Academy in 2018.

BLA Breakfast with the Law

Each year the Business Liaison Association holds the Breakfast with the Law event. This breakfast provides students the opportunity to listen to interesting and motivating guest speakers from the Legal profession and to interact and liaise with other Legal Studies students from the Cairns area, whilst enjoying a sit down breakfast at a local Cairns hotel. The topic for this year’s breakfast was ‘Social Media and the Law’. This area of law is extremely relevant to students in the new age of technology. Throughout the morning students were inspired and challenged by guest speakers Charlotte Campbell, President of Queensland Young Lawyers and Professor Anthony Gray. Charlotte Campbell’s speech edu-cated students on the consequences social media can have on their lives and careers and how it can negatively impact a case. Professor Anthony Gray challenged students by presenting a case study and allowing stu-dents and teachers to voice their opinions on the verdict. The breakfast overall was an enjoyable experience. The guest speakers inspired and challenged students and encouraged them to pursue a career in the legal industry. Thank you to Mrs Matteo for attending with us.

Poultry for Sale

We have 9 hens and 2 roosters available for purchase on Wednesday 15th November in the Agriculture area at Gordonvale State High

School, 85 Sheppards Street, Gordonvale, from 1:40pm - 4:00pm. The hens and roosters will be sold individually for $20 each.