Woree Highlights - Mid Term 2 Newsletter - May 2024

From the Principal

We are halfway through Term 2 and the cooler weather is starting to set in! We have had a busy term so far with some remarkable events and achievements that have happened in our school community in recent weeks. From honouring our nation's heroes to celebrating the outstanding triumphs of our students, Woree State High School is continuing its community partnerships and student-centred focus in all of its work.

This year's ANZAC Day held special significance for Woree SHS, as our school leaders had the honour of participating in the ANZAC Day parade and ceremonial dawn services in both Cairns city and Edmonton. It was a solemn occasion where we paid tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation with unwavering courage and dedication. Their sacrifice will forever be remembered and cherished by our school community. Our school leaders and Clontarf Academy represented the school with pride.

We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to two of our exceptional students for their outstanding achievements. Aleya (Year 7) performance in boxing at the NQ Games earned her a well-deserved gold medal. Her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship has paid off with her success. Additionally, we congratulate Kavinh (Year 10) for being accepted into the prestigious SPARQ-Ed Immersion Program at the Translational Research Institute in Brisbane. This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to Kavinh's passion for scientific inquiry.

In line with our commitment to providing comprehensive support for our students' academic and career development, Woree SHS recently hosted its inaugural Careers Expo. Designed exclusively for Years 9 - 12 students, the event showcased a diverse array of exhibitors representing 28 different career providers and higher education options. From vocational training opportunities to university pathways, our students gained invaluable insights into their future prospects and aspirations. We extend our gratitude to all exhibitors for their participation and unwavering support in guiding our students towards a fulfilling future. We also thank the numerous staff who were involved in bringing this Careers Expo together for such a successful day.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the term, we have a number of events and excursions planned that require students to have permission forms returned, or accepted on QParents, and payments to be made, so that students can participate. If you have any queries about these for your student, please contact the school office before the due dates so we can help you.

Have a wonderful second half of Term 2.

Alicia Smith

Acting Principal, Term 2

E-Scooter Rules

Rules for Riders of E-Scooters, E-Skateboards (PMD)

• The speed limits for PMDs are 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths, and 25km/h max elsewhere unless signed otherwise
• Fine for using a mobile phone whilst riding
• It is mandatory to wear a helmet (either bicycle or motorcycle)
• Devices with handlebars require bells
• Age limits:
• Only those aged 16+ can ride e-scooters and e-skateboards
• 12–15 year old’s can only ride with adult supervision. (Adult supervisors must have close direct oversight of the juvenile PMD rider at all times to provide direction, guidance and potential intervention)
• Primary school aged children under 12 years, shouldn't be riding e-scooters or e-skateboards
• No passengers – one person only at a time per scooter
• Where to ride:
• Paths – footpaths, shared paths, separated paths and bike paths
• Local streets (speed limit of 50km/h or less with no dividing centre line)
• On-road bike lanes (where the road speed limit is 50km/h or less, or where the lane is physically separated from the road).

Mobile Phone Policy

It is always a good time to remind everyone of the mobile phone expectations at Woree SHS and we urge you to discuss these responsibilities with your student/s. The following information is from the school handbook.  

Good News Stories

Boxing Her Way to the Top

Congratulations to Aleya (Year 7), who recently competed in the NQ Games and won gold in the 38kg boxing event. Aleya has been training for the past 2 years and initially started boxing because her sister was doing it, she however came to love it and says she is better at it than her sister! She trains weekday for 1 - 2 hours at Wrights Creek DO IT Boxing and will shortly travel to Cloncurry  to compete, where she hopes to wins. Best of luck Aleya, Woree SHS is proud of you.

Editor

Junior Secondary School

Year Coordinators Reports

YEAR 10

Woree State High Senior Girls Rugby League Team

On Wednesday Week 5, Year 9/10 students versed Kirwan High in a special event organised by Mr Harreman. Despite a loss, it was an amazing opportunity for our girls to play and represent Woree SHS in football.  Thank you to Mana and Josiah for being well organised and helpful managers.

Lyndsey Wray

Year 10 Coordinator and English Teacher 

Events and Special Days

ANZAC DAY - 2024

Woree SHS honoured the legacy of the ANZACs with a poignant ceremony held in the school hall on April 24. Led by our school leaders, the event was attended by students, staff, and members of the community who paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all service personnel and service animals.

The ceremony commenced with the "Woree Voices," performing the New Zealand and Australian anthems, serving as a reminder of the unity and shared heritage of both nations. Next followed guest speakers from the Australian Defence Force and a veteran from the Cairns RSL. A symbolic laying of wreaths and candles then took place by our Year 10 students, symbolising respect and remembrance for the fallen. Lastly, a moving rendition of the Last Post and a minute silence to reflect on the profound impact of war.  The ceremony concluded with the students address from one of our school leaders, Jesse.

One of the most solemn and visually striking aspects of the ANZAC Day ceremony was the Catafalque Party, comprising of 3 Army Cadets (students from our school), as they carried, raised and lowered the flags during the ceremony. Their disciplined movements and immaculate uniforms added a sense of dignity and formality to the proceedings.

After the ceremony, refreshments were served by the Hospitality students.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping to make this event so memorable.

A sincere thanks to the Woree Concert Band for their professional performances throughout the ceremony.

Sabrina Paterson

Editor

Note : A special thank you to Will S, (Year 12) and Ms Crothers for taking photos of the event.

Careers Expo

On Friday 17May, Woree SHS held a Careers Expo in the school library with over 25 organisations in attendance along with  James Cook University and Central Queensland University representing the university sector. 

The expo aimed at giving Years 9, 10 ,11 and 12 students the opportunity to talk to industry professionals about their organisations, the types of roles on offer and also training options for after school.  The expo was also designed so that it sparks conversation with the student about what they want to do and achieve after leaving school and what career path they may wish to pursue.

The Careers Expo was a big success with students and exhibitors all having a great time engaging with one another.  We look forward to holding another one next year which will be even bigger and better!

Woree State High School and Link and Launch would like to thank the following exhibitors for their time and assistance with guiding students down their desired paths.

Ben Holt

Link and Launch Coordinator

Woree Highlights asked some students their views on the Career Expo.

Year 9 - "The amount of information was helpful and consistent". - Michael

"Very helpful as it gave ideas on future careers". - Khoi

"It was so good seeing different jobs and opportunities". - Braydon

"It was good to see the opportunities for a trade or something you want to do, and learn that being able to do something before leaving school can help get you there".

Year 11 -"It was good to have everything in one place where it wasn't too busy and that it targeted industries that people are interested in and so much free stuff".

EXHIBITORS

Digital Technologies / The Arts

Junior Art Exhibiton

Woree SHS is fortunate to have a dedicated art gallery space where our art students are able to showcase their work. This term, our junior art students were delighted to exhibit their latest works which was open in Week 5 for staff and students to view during lfirst lunch.

Year 7s - "The Great Outdoors,"met the criteria of painting an appealing  landscape of their choice. During this process they developed skills in colour mixing and using the Elements of Design such as space, texture and colour.

Year 8s - using graphite pencils, designed a "Chimera," a mythical hybrid creature with body parts taken from various animals, whilst also adding the environment that their creature could thrive in.

Year 9s - were tasked with painting a portrait of a person most meaningful to them, whilst also providing an artist statement as to why they chose that person. Teachers, friends and family have been honoured in their artwork.

Year 9s - explored a variety of mediums to create their own artwork that represents an object.

Sabrina Paterson

TA, The Arts/ Digital Technologies

ESPORTS Practice and E Play

The VR Room in the school library comes alive during first lunch when E Sports Practice and Play sessions are open to all students (see photo for schedule).

All students are welcome to come, play and make new friends.

Please note: Wednesday after school sessions is restricted for E Sports participants to train for competitions against other schools.

Thank you to David Mead and Scott Morrison (IT), Mr Davies and Ms Crothers for the running of  this excellent program.

Scotty

Tech Officer

So, what is it that students like about E Sports?

Braydon (Year 9) – “Playing with friends is the best part”

Phoenix (Year 7) - “You can have fun and it’s a great time to enjoy with friends”

Jade (Year 7) – “I like being able to have fun with friends and meet new players, I’m also hoping to make the team”

Haylee (Year 7)– “I come here to cheer on friends and game”

Zoe  (Year 9)– “I like E Sports and the skills involved in CTR (Crash Team Racing)”

Desmond (Year 7) - "It is a really fun idea for adding VR for those people that are interested in it and for those that have never tried it before"

Christian (Year 10) - "I like the variety of game options that are available"

YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A Wacom One 12

Drama Department

Thrilling Escape

On the last day of Term 1, the Drama Club students embarked on a thrilling journey over the road to visit our Primary School neighbours.

Dressed in our best zombie costumes, we performed a rendition of Michael Jackson’s famous Thriller Dance. The young students were very excited to receive us, as were the teachers, who were filled with pride to see their ex-students all grown up and performing like champions!

It was a great deal of fun, and we hope to do it again one day in the future.

Many thanks go to the students of Drama Club, their parents, Ms Turner for arranging our visit and playing the music track, and to Ms Sabrina Paterson for photographing our performance.

Claire Williams

Drama Teacher/Coordinator

Music Department

This year, the Woree State High School Concert Band and The Woree Voices (School Choir) performed the national anthems from New Zealand and Australia for the school ANZAC Day ceremony. The students practiced hard leading up to the ceremony and set up and prepared well!

The Concert Band, also performed the following pieces as entrance and exit music; Abide with Me and Waltzing Matilda.

This year, The Woree Voices were joined by Senior student Haleigha to sing the New Zealand anthem. Haleigha did a great job by pushing aside nerves and it was truly wonderful to listen to!

It has been a highlight this year to see the Performing Arts coming together and performing as a group. We look forward to future performances later in the year!

Kind Regards,

Morgan Harrison

Engagement Programs

EEL Program - Year 8s

Greener Spaces Garden Tour

On April 22, Year 8 students from Engage, Empower, Learn (EEL) embarked on a field trip to Jess Mitchell Park in Edge Hill. This educational garden, known as the Green Space, was established by the Cairns Regional Council to train volunteers in cultivating produce using sustainable methods. Our class had previously worked with Sarah, the coordinator of Greener Spaces, on building wicking beds last term. During the excursion, Sarah led an interactive session where students honed practical composting skills, explored seasonal fruits and vegetables, identified various beneficial insects, learned about propagation through cuttings, and participated in the cultivation and harvest of luffas (a tropical and subtropical vine in the pumpkin, squash and gourd family).

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Lifting the Lid on Composting

Written by students: Damar, Sienna, Morris, Dylan and Rebekah

Have you ever thought about how cool it would be to turn food scraps into dirt? Well, at Woree SHS, we take composting seriously, especially during Compost Week in May. Our teacher, Ms. Shepherd and Sarah from the Green Space program at Cairns Regional Council have taught us a lot about composting. We've also watched videos on YouTube from Gardening Australia and read articles in the Organic Gardener magazines.

We learned that you can compost all your fruit and veggie scraps, and you don't need a big bin to start. We began with a small bucket with holes in it for air, and now we have a bigger compost bin system. Our dream is to have even more bins so we can make lots of compost and soil. We want to be compost champions!

English Department

Year 7

A Learning Journey Towards the future

With 29 students, Miss Smith’s routine for teaching reading and vocabulary, involved the standard teaching of prefixes and suffixes but with an added element designed to engage the students, of moving around the room., to share words and their meanings. Some nay sayers who would say this is impossible, it will just be chaos, were not in this Year 7 classroom this term.

With careful planning and knowledge, Miss Smith embarked on the challenge to make prefixes, suffixes, phonics and morphemes, and Latin root words popular again.

Reintroducing our young people to joys of reading, and understanding how language is used for meaningful communication in all areas of our lives and all arenas of knowledge, this Year 7 class took the first steps this term. Clearly the students turned learning about a singular word into an interactive and collaborative event.

Improving literacy skills and competency and designing learning programs that are engaging and educational seems to be working in Miss Smith’s class.

Belinda Smith

English Teacher

Year 9

"12 Angry Men"

This term in English, our students have embarked on an engaging journey into the themes and ethical quandaries presented in the play, "12 Angry Men". Assigned specific characters, students immersed themselves in the text, assuming roles with passion, and bringing their characters to life through voice effects and expressive readings.

One particularly memorable session saw us utilising the APEX room, transforming it into a courtroom setting for an immersive lesson. It has been truly gratifying to witness the passion and dedication our students have brought to their readings and discussions.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher / Engagement, Humanities and English

Humanities Department

Year 9 History

Over the past few weeks of this term, Year 9 History has dived deep into the theme of 'Making and Transforming a Nation,' exploring pivotal moments and narratives that shaped Australia's history. From the pre-contact life of First Nations peoples to the harrowing Frontier Wars spanning from 1788 to 1930, students uncovered the complex layers of our nation's past. Venturing closer to home, an intensive study of the Jardine brothers shed light on the atrocities inflicted upon the Kunjen and Kokomini peoples in Kowanyama. In addition, students completed a source analysis task, utilising the APEX space and the whiteboard tables.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher / Engagement, Humanities and English

Library / Resource Centre

The Term 2 Classics Challenge

This term, in the library, we are doing a Classics Challenge. This has 2 levels, The Senior Classics Challenge and the Mini Classics Challenge. Books are available as both print and eBooks.

The Senior Classics challenge has books such as Frankenstein, The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin, 1984 and To Kill a Mockingbird.

The Mini Classics Challenge has smaller versions of some of the more difficult books, some graphic novels and other novels such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Students will get 2 tickets to enter the draw for 2 x $10 tuckshop vouchers for each book they read in the Senior Challenge and 1 ticket in the draw for 1 x $10 tuckshop challenge for each book read from the mini challenge. [Students need to tell us about what they read to get the ticket]

The student who reads the most in each challenge section will win a small selection of Classics books.

Larraine Moseley

Librarian/Teacher

Reward Tickets

Through good behaviour, actions and effort, students earn Rewards Tickets to trade for items at the library shop such as stationary, sporting goods, fun stuff or to bank them to pay for camps, uniforms, Year 12 Formal and work experience fees they however, cannot be traded for Tuckshop purchases.

Science Department

YEAR 7

During Weeks 4 and 5, the Year 7 Science classes visited our Virtual Reality Room (VR) for an interactive and immersive experience to explore space and its planets, the phases of the moon, eclipses, seasons and calendars. All of the students had a great time and particulary enjoyed being able to zoom into the sun and manipulate the planets to compare their size with that of the sun and earth.

Sabrina Paterson

TA, The Arts/Digital Technologies

Not: A special thank you to Michael S (Year 12) for his valuable assistance in helping out in some of these classes.

A Word from Admin

2024 School Fees 

REMINDER: Student Resource Scheme and Subject Fees for 2024 are due for payment. 

Please ensure your fees are up to date to ensure students receive access to all school resources.  Parents and Carers are able to view and pay student accounts via the QParents App, payments options are also on the invoice and or statements emailed to parents.  We also offer payment plans to spread the cost of school fees over the school year.

If you are having financial difficulties we may be able to assist. Please contact Kelly Metcalf, Business Manager on bsm@woreeshs.eq.edu.au to arrange a confidential discussion. 

Student Absences

When a student is absent from school, arrive late or depart early, parents/carers are required to supply information to document the absence and encouraged to contact the school in advance or on the same day via:

General Notices

Are Your Contact Details Up to date?

Communication between parents/carers and Woree State High School staff relies on your contact details/postal address, home/work/mobile phone numbers and email addresses) being up to date.

If you have changed your postal address, phone number/s, email address or emergency contacts recently, please log into QParents App and update or alternatively email enrolments@woreeshs.eq.edu.au with details to be updated. 

Uniforms and Student Dress Code

The image we present to our community is important to maintain the positive reputation of which we are so proud. At all times, students are required to wear appropriate footwear (closed in shoes). Students are to wear their uniform with pride and present themselves in a neat, clean and tidy manner at all times, whether wearing the uniform in school, on excursion or out in the community. 

In the event a student is unable to wear their uniform, a note from the parent/carer is required. 

Please note that our school policy is that students are to only wear either a school jersey/jacket or a plain black or maroon jumper ie: no logo or hoodie.

Concerns and Complaints – Parents/carers are encouraged to discuss classroom issues/concerns with the class teacher first. If the issue is unable to be resolved, parents/carers are encouraged to make an appointment with either the subject Head of Department, Year Level Coordinators, Responsible Behaviour Officer or Deputy Principal Student Services to discuss the matter further.

Safety Awareness and Electronic Sign 

Please continue to watch out for important news and messages on our electronic notice board at the front of the school.  The sign is a valuable asset to our school for advertising and communicating a variety of messages to our students, parents/carers and the wider school community. 

Important Times and Dates

Class Times, Semester 1 - 2024

Useful Information on School Travel

Students have a responsibility in having appropriate behaviour when travelling on bus networks whether that urban or school and need to abide by the Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses. There are guiding principles which the Queensland Government has outlined and this includes appropriate behaviour, paying the correct fare and safe travel .

Information on the fare and zones of the urban bus network in Cairns, including the network map, is available at www.translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares or by contacting Translink’s 24/7 call centre on 13 12 30.

Should you have any questions regarding school services, please do not hesitate to contact cairnsschools@Sunbus.com.au

Have you Downloaded the QParents App Yet?

Invitations to the App are emailed to the Primary and Secondary residential caregiver registered with the school. Please check your emails and follow the instructions. If you have not received an invite of wish to have one resent, please email BSM@woreeshs.eq.edu.au  

Tuckshop and Uniform Shop

WARI JIGUUL TUCKSHOP – PROTOCOLS

ORDERING

• All students and staff are encouraged to order through the Flexischools app with ALL LUNCH ORDERS BEING PLACED BY 8:45am.
• To download the app please search Flexischools and then set up a login profile. You will need to link an eftpos card or set up the wallet where parents can control how much money is attached to their child’s account.
• The tuckshop will be available in the mornings from 8:00am - 8:45am for students to order their lunch via cash or Eftpos.
  

LUNCH

3 windows will be open 1^st and 2^nd  lunch where students will line up to receive their lunch orders

1. Years 7 to 10 Students whom have pre ordered their Lunch 
2. Years 11 & 12 Students and Staff whom have pre ordered their Lunch 
3. All Students and Staff whom have not pre ordered (Cash and Eftpos sales, no phone payments please) 

• It is really important that all students line up in the correct line as the orders will be placed in year group baskets at the corresponding window and will allow for timely service.
• We will be using a traffic light system in that Red lines indicate the boundary lines in which only students purchasing from the tuckshop should enter. Orange lines indicate where students are to line up and green squares are where students pick up or purchase their items. 
• Students MUST line up in single file. If a student who is not lined up and pushes in or asks a friend to purchase an item they will be asked to go to the back of the line. It is important that students do not gather in the tuckshop lines and keep the lines moving quickly and efficiently. STUDENTS NOT PURCHASING ITEMS MUST WAIT OUTSIDE THE RED LINES
• Students who line up in the wrong line they will be asked to go to the back of their correct line.
• Students MUST only pick up their own lunch order. If a student forgets to pick up their order it will be repacked for the 2^nd break, after that if the student still does not pick up their order they will forfeit their lunch order. 
  
• Students are not to walk through the tuckshop area i.e. inside the red lines. Please walk around the outside of the red lines.
  

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open every Monday and Thursday  between 8:00 – 9:30 am.

Pre ordering for collection on these days can be ordered via the Flexi Schools app. 

Cash and Eftpos Facilities are available for purchases during open times. 

A limited range of second-hand uniforms are available for purchase. Any donations of good quality used uniforms are welcomed. 

Special Interest

The following may be of interest to you.