Woree Highlights - End of Term 2 Newsletter - June 2024

From the Principal

As we approach the midpoint of the year, it’s a pleasure to reflect on the activities and achievements that have filled our school with energy and enthusiasm. Our students and staff have embraced a multitude of events and initiatives, showcasing their talents, commitment to community, and dedication to excellence.

Pink Day was a tremendous success this year as we united to raise awareness and support for anti-bullying initiatives. The sea of pink across our school was not only a visual testament to our solidarity but a reminder of our ongoing commitment to kindness and inclusivity.

Our inaugural EcoFest was a highlight, where students engaged in hands-on activities promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. From eco-friendly workshops to innovative projects, our community demonstrated a collective passion for preserving our planet.

Reconciliation Week provided a meaningful opportunity for reflection and learning as we acknowledged the rich cultures and histories of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Our activities fostered understanding and respect, reinforcing our school’s commitment to reconciliation.

It was a pleasure to welcome our Year 6 students and their families to our school community during the Introductory Night. This event not only introduced them to our campus but also highlighted the exciting opportunities and supportive environment awaiting them at Woree State High School.

The Drama Department’s performance of Revolting Rhymes captivated audiences with its creativity and talent. Our students’ dedication and hard work were evident in every scene, showcasing their theatrical skills and artistic flair.

Our recent Year 10 High Tea and Year 12 Canape Capers were delightful celebrations of student achievement and excellence. It was a joy to acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of our students across various fields, highlighting their outstanding contributions to our school community.

I am thrilled to share some exciting sports news. Congratulations to Sydney K (Year 11) for his selection to trial for the Olympics, representing our school and community with pride at the National Trials recently in Brisbane. Additionally, a special commendation to Wari Wari for their impressive performance at Athletics Day, hosted here at Woree State High School the first time after many years at Barlow Park.

Congratulations to Zariah B (Year 7), who has been heavily rehearsing for Creative Generation dance performances in July in Brisbane. She also performed at the Cairns Eisteddfod with her dance group, and they were the first Indigenous dance group to do so.  Good luck in Brisbane, Zariah!

Have wonderful holidays and we will see you all in Term 3 when Ms Todd will be back at the principal’s desk!

Alicia Smith

Acting Principal, Term 2

Good News Stories

One of Woree's Finest Students

Cooper G, Year 12

What a great reflection of Woree High this lad is. Checks in on us every week to see if we need a hand. Steps up when he can in his own lunch time without hesitation and asks for nothing in return.  It's a win/win as we can see other students noticing and taking a leaf out of his book. Well done Cooper!

Anonymous Teaching staff

Swimming for the Olympic Dream

Congratulations to Sydney K, who in Week 9 trialled for the Australian Olympic Swim Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He competed in the 200m Backstroke and 400m Individual Medley. While not making the Olympic Squad, he is ranked as one of the top swimmers in the Nation and we are very proud!

Sydney was supported from school as students and staff gathered to watch him on the ‘big screen’ and cheer him on. Sydney is definitely a name to watch in the future of Australian Swimming

Alicia Smith

Acting Principal, Woree SHS

Photo: Courtesy Cairns Post

Opening Night Dance Performance

Zariah, Year 7 (and her dance group) were invited to perform their Indigenous contemporary dance at the Cairns Eisteddfod - to open the school dance section.

This is an historical and major moment as the regional Eisteddfod has never before had an opening act acknowledging First Nations culture.

They performed at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre on the 20 June at 7:30 pm.

Congratulations Zariah!

Alicia Smith

Acting Principal, Woree SHS

Junior Secondary School

Year 6 into 7 Night

On Tuesday the 11 June, we held our annual Year 6 into 7 information evening. We had approximately 60 guests attend an information session in our hall where they received important information on how to enrol their child, how to apply for our 10 scholarships for Year 7 in 2025, the enrolment interview process and our upcoming transition and orientation days.

After the information session, the guests got to go out and sample three Year 7 lessons. The lessons on offer were the VR Room, Library, Humanities, Science, Art, Music and Drama, followed by a tour of our woodwork, cooking rooms and Clontarf Academy. The Year 6 students and their families enjoyed a hands-on experience of our subjects available at Woree SHS and a guided tour from 12 of our current Year 7 students.

Thank you to all of the staff members that attended on the night and assisted with the event.

Doug Ryan

Head of Department Junior Secondary

Senior Secondary School

RYDA Program

This term, Year 11s attended a workshop held on the schoolgrounds run by local Rotarian facilitators, Stuart and Col Craig, along with the support of our SBPO, Officer Marshall. The RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) is a road safety program that provides Year 11 students with the tools and understanding on how to be future responsible drivers and riders.

Editor

Year Coordinators Reports

YEAR 7

This term, Year 7 students have engaged in a Zooper Dooper Day, a bowling rewards trip and a rewards pizza and movie lunch for students on Good Standing.

Zooper Dooper Day was held at the end of Week 5 to celebrate all the students on Good Standing for their efforts and to celebrate all the students who were not selected for the rewards bowling trip, (all students with no major behaviours and 85% attendance or above 101 students). 

Due to the large number of students on Good Standing and having to distribute the consent forms at Week 5, the criteria for the Go Bowling trip was 100% attendance and no negative behaviours which left 42 students eligible.

Pizza and movie lunch was split into two groups as there were 33 students eligible in 7A and E and 34 in 7B, C, and D, again, for students with no major behaviours and 85% attendance. 

Also, this term, top achievers were recognised with the top 14 students receiving awards for GPA 4.50 or above.

Term 2 saw the beginning of 11-4-7s activities with Friday craft days, with our Year 11s supervising the Year 7s in P Block to complete a range of activities including colouring in, loom bands and macramé.

We also had our first in-class activity with an Escape Room during an English class!

The Term concluded with a Good Standing disco and a special movie and snacks afternoon for 7E who had the greatest number of positives recorded by far for the semester.

Term 3 will see the increased engagement of The Year 11-4-7s. We are hoping to run a scavenger hunt and a disco with lunch as end of term rewards day.

Kasey Casey

Year 7 Coordinator

YEAR 8

The Year 8s term was incredibly busy, stretching into the tenth week with a series of events. We continued our fundraising efforts for the Year 8 camp by kicking off the second term with a school-wide sausage sizzle and slushy. This event was a huge hit, raising $493, thanks to the support of numerous staff and dedicated Year 8 volunteers. In Week 9, the final fundraising event of the term was a car wash. A group of selected students spent their Friday afternoon washing over 20 cars with Mr Ballantine, Mr Ryan, and Mr Massey. The work was worth it, as we managed to raise $310 from this event. All the fundraising activities together amounted to $981, which will be used to lower the costs of Year 8 camp fees. As shown in the photo below, the girls were having a blast splashing each other around. Meanwhile, the boys were busy working on Mr Wright's car with Mr Ryan.

Every Thursday throughout the term, the Year 8s had a form class challenge which involved a weekly trivia. The competition was fierce but 8D came out on top in the end with the class coming to the decision of being rewarded with a KFC reward lunch on Tuesday in Week 10. The very next day we had our Year 8 rewards activity for students with over 85% attendance, and only 2 or less One Schools from Week 6-10 being able to attend. Selected Year 8 students enjoyed a movie with a sausage, slushy and some other treats; some photos can be seen below of these students enjoying their well-deserved reward. 

The Year 8s as a cohort have started the semester off debatably as the best cohort in the school. Across Term 2, there were 362 individual positive behaviour reports with 196 negatives reports, resulting in higher positives than negatives, which is a really positive sign! This behaviour is recognised every week on parade by randomly selecting a student from the positive behaviour list to receive a tuckshop voucher, and the same process for students at 100% attendance for the term. Another routine that has been set for Year 8 parade is asking the Year 8 teachers of a particular class, e.g. all Year 8 English classes, to nominate their star students for the term. Each week on parade, certificates were handed out to those nominated students, so they are recognised for their effort and behaviour in class. A photo from parade during Week 6 can be seen below.

Zac Ballantine

Year 8 Coordinator

YEAR 9

This term, 79 students qualified for end of term rewards which was a pizza and movie afternoon. To make rewards, students have to have 85% or above attendance and no more than 3 One School incidents. Congrats to all who made the list. 

Lauren Maxwell

Year 9 Coordinator

Events and Special Days

Reconciliation Week

Each year, during Reconciliation Week, Woree SHS hosts activities around the school to help bring people together to help promote a greater awareness and to strengthen relationships between not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders but all cultures. Face painting, cooking and sharing of food, wearing cultural dress were just some of the activities held this year.

An enormous thank you to Ms Meker Adidi, parent of Leilani, who graciously visited us to teach interested students the Miriam language from the Eastern Islands, everyone in attendance learned to say the greeting "Nako" (hello). 

Editor

PINK Day

A brekky of PINK pancakes and PINK smoothies, prepared and served by staff and students all wearing their brightest Pink attire kick started PINK Day, a day where the Woree school community reinforces the importance of showing kindness to others and fostering the message that bullying in any form is NOT okay.

The school gallery displayed previous years PINK Day memorabilia along with some new surprises and a competition for the most creatively PINK decorated staffroom was held. Congratulations to the Administration Team for your excellent theme, “Building a Better Tomorrow”.

During first lunch our Tourism students prepared and handed out decorated bikkies to students who wrote messages of what kindness means. Thank you to these fabulous young people for their involvement in the days event and to all those students and staff who dressed for the occasion.

Editor

Editor

Woree EcoFest

 A Successful Inaugural Event

The Woree Youth Advisory Committee, in partnership with the Cairns Regional Council, proudly brought Woree EcoFest 2024 to Woree State High School. The event aimed to educate students on sustainability initiatives and raise awareness of ethically sustainable products and produce. Interactive displays from the Engagement, Humanities, and Science departments were featured, alongside contributions from external providers such as the Cairns Regional Council Recruitment team, Native Australian Stingless Bee Association, Cairns South Together (Mission Australia), and Bunnings. A thrift shop with donated items from staff and students and a free sausage sizzle added to the festivities, making the event a resounding success. Read below student's testimonials on the event.

Jodi Shepherd

Engagement Teacher

“Personally, after participating at the EcoFest, I feel a sensational joy because there were games and many other events to participate in. We were able to enjoy different things whilst commemorating what nature has provided for us. In the EcoFest, the important things that we should follow is recycling, plants, and the environment. Starting off with recycling, it allows us to create a healthier planet for not only ourselves but everyone including future generations. It also helps benefit us with a clean space, so it basically helps prevent wastage as well of many other things. Secondly, plants also play a very important role in the eco system by providing such things as food, medicine and habitats for animals.” Lana

“I really had fun in the EcoFest at our school because we had the chance to be one with nature and learn about recycling. At EcoFest at Woree SHS, we had students make their own plant pots and plant their own choice of seeds in it. Also, many students donated their old unused clothes to the thrift shop made by Student Leaders. This was the perfect moment to set up an event where students can learn about recycling because my Year 7 English class is currently working on a board game about recycling, also in geography, we played a game where we have to clean up a river to attract people to get outdoors and for a cleaner place for fish. This event not only educates us, but this also helps the environment because we planted more plants, and we also reduce the rubbish thrown in the ocean by setting up a thrift store. An idea I have to make this event even better for the next generation of high schoolers is that they should set up recycling bins around the school to improve recycling and we should plant more trees around the school and not in tiny little pots that they will eventually grow out of. I do encourage more people to participate in these types of events.” Brent

“I think the EcoFest at Woree was interesting and enjoyable. There was a variety of activities to interest everyone and free food. The hessian bag races were fun to watch, the native bee hives were interesting, there were opportunities for employment working in sustainability on display and there was a stall selling reused books, trinkets and clothes. It was a good occasion for students to think about how they can be sustainable in their own lives by recycling, going vegetarian, and having a low carbon footprint. “Cayla

“The EcoFest has been GREAT here at Woree because it included sausage sizzles, thrift shops, places to relax with mats and games like bag racing and free prizes like a yo-yo, pen, balls and more. They started this EcoFest at Woree to encourage not littering, being healthy, to plant, and much more. They added plants in a small pot and soil to grow at home. This encourages planting at home because of the rate of forest deforestation around the world making planting at home to make your house more beautiful and the air cleaner. They also added a game area to encourage movement to exercise and get fit like bag racing, racing in general and balls to get the human body active. They also added rest areas for after a long day or after playing sports to have a nice rest on the mats in the shade. I think they could have added more time for it to be open like both lunch sessions and maybe even till Friday, to quickly save up for items in the thrift shop. They also could have added more food instead of just a sausage sizzle. Overall, the EcoFest at Woree has been a great time and was definitely a very, very fun first session. “-Putu

“Personally, what I really liked about the EcoFest was the number of events happening, the food and just in general a really entertaining small festival. I enjoyed spectating people who did the bean bag challenge, because it gave a mix of excitement and awe. Also, the hotdogs were decent, and it wasn't worth the wait, but at least it tasted nice, and far more. The mini thrift store was filled with tons of attire such as dresses, shirts, shorts, glasses and whatever you could think of. However, there were 2 things I disliked about it. Firstly, the crowded area. Sometimes I couldn’t get through because nearly every event was packed. And then there comes the bug exhibit. It kind of disgusted me to see there were various types of bugs just creepily crawling around the cage, just icky. If I were to improvise this festival, I would make these 2 separate breaks. One Seniors, and one for Juniors. In the result of this, it would be a much larger space and so people can have access to walking through without any complications. Furthermore, I would also add more physical events rather than just a bean bag competition. For example, you could possibly add a game where the person who has the most plastic bottles wins, there are loads more other ideas for games, but overall if the ambassadors ask for our opinion and ideas, that is a chance for everyone to make the festival to the best of our standards”. - Xylia

“I enjoyed the EcoFest event because there was different stuff, and you can get cool clothes and you can catch up with your friends and have a hotdog...it was the best. There was some stuff that you can recycle like some clothes and some paper and there was also a strange thing where you grab a sticky note and write what you want to change the school, the world, and the community it was kind of fun, but I want there to be more food and other different clothes.” - Haylee

Athletics Carnival

CONGRATULATIONS HOUSE WARI WARI for taking home this year’s trophy.

Although the venue was changed from Barlow Park to our school oval, the day was a ripping success. The weather was perfect, the events were thrilling, the music both live and recorded were inspiring, the sausage sizzle was well received with nothing left at the end of the day, and the supporters played their role beautifully. The war chanting was the highlight of the day with everyone enthusiastically screaming and cheering for their house.

Well done to all staff and students for the day’s success.

Editor

Digital Technologies / The Arts

eSPORTS FUSE Cup

This term Woree SHS had the privilege to host the FUSE cup Smash Brothers tournament. FUSE cup is a national ESports competition for school students in Years 5 – 10. This was the first time Woree SHS got to host such a prestigious eSports competition and the eSports coaches David Mead and Heather Crothers made sure our Library annexes were an impressive arena of big TVs and Nintendo switch consoles.  Four schools from the Cairns Region competed and our students and coaches made sure they were all impressed and felt welcome.  
 
Woree SHS eSports Program prides itself in having committed players with respectful sporting attitudes and throughout the day our Woree players bumped fists and congratulated oppositions on all games with “GG” (Good Game), whether they won or lost. They competed hard with Casimera and Eli reaching the semi-finals before going down to Cairns State High School.  

Teachers and coaches then had a playoff, and our very own eSports Coordinator Mx Crothers took out the win!

Already looking to the future, the students will be straight back into competing Term 3 with two more national eSports competitions, this time in Rocket League and Mario Kart.  

Rob Davies

Physics Teacher, HOD Arts/IT

Players Reviews of the Tournament

Jani (Cairns SHS) - "It is a pretty good experience going to other schools."

Lily (BPC) - " Gives me a great chance to meet new people and compete against other schools."

Haylee (Woree SHS) - "Really fun making new friends and finding their moves. Some are tough competitors."

Thomas (Cairns SHS) - Tough competition from all the players."

Ethan (BPC) - "The players here are at a similar level to me."

Jade (Woree SHS) - "It's fun watching other players. I lost my concentration, so I didn't do too well but competition was tough."

YEAR 9 DRAMA

-Just Make it Up-

The Year 9 Drama students have been studying Improvisation in their class this term.

This extraordinary creative style was explored through puppetry! By creating stories and characters, using voices and movement, they were able to use all of their amazing performance skills whilst having heaps of fun!

Many thanks to our wonderful students who tried their best and shone like stars!

Claire Williams

Drama Teacher

Utterly Revolting Rhymes Production

This year’s Junior Production, Utterly Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl was a huge success! With nearly seventy parents, friends and teachers in attendance, the audience was laughing, grooving to the music and singing along. By no means a polished production, this show was nonetheless super funny and entertaining. The students were well-dressed, clearly spoken and almost everyone had learned their lines and cues. It was a delight to see them shine and learn!

The Tech Club students ran lighting, sound and backstage with great skill and reliability.

Our next production, entitled, “When I Was Little” will commence rehearsals next term, after a restful holiday, and will be performed on December 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th.

Claire Williams

Drama Teacher

MUSIC Program

Well, what a term it has been for music! We had numerous performances across all year levels!

We kicked off our veranda sessions with the Year 10 students. These students had been working in class really hard to practice their bucket drumming! They performed 2 pieces (Kung Fu Fighting and Seven Nation Army) for a larger crowd than we anticipated! It was lots of fun with cheering from the audience, and the Year 10 students did really well to stay composed and keep going with a first performance ever for some of these students!

We then continued with our senior music students! These students were tasked with choosing a song to perform at the Cairns State Special School! The students arrived at school at 7:45am in the morning to load gear and walk over to the Special School! In total they had three pieces to perform across the Year 11 and 12 students! It was a great morning of dancing, singing and enjoyment! I would like to shout out the Year 11 students who performed for their first time! Can’t wait to see what you do next year!

Our next performance was at the Athletics Carnival and our senior boys; Henry, Eymon and Dinto with the support of Miss Ulu, performed 4 Songs for the carnival! Despite hearing and timing challenges! The boys kept going and did an amazing job! They should be so proud of themselves!

Finally, to end the term our 7A Music Class volunteered themselves to perform 2 songs at Year 7 parade! These students worked on their songs after they completed their assessment and did a superb job! There were a few nerves, but they all got up there and did their best! Congratulations 7A!

Thank you to all the music students for all their performances and hard work during classes and lunchtimes! It is great to see students excited to perform, practice and jam out together! I look forward to next term and the continuation of our veranda sessions!

Morgan Harrison

Music Teacher

Engagement Programs

EEL PROGRAM

Digging Into Learning: Year 8 Students Plant Potatoes in the Veggie Patch

Year 8 students in the Engage, Empower, Learn program recently got their hands dirty in the veggie patch by planting potatoes. They prepared the soil, dug trenches, and planted seed potatoes, learning about soil preparation, planting techniques, and sustainable agriculture. This project not only deepened their understanding of food sources but also fostered teamwork. The school community eagerly anticipates the potato harvest.

Jodi Shepherd

Engagement Teacher

Year 8s Plant a Tropical Fruit Tree

Year 8 Engage, Empower Learn (EEL) students recently planted a tropical fruit tree, grown from seed by Ms. Shepherd, replacing a tree that didn't survive last year. Bek, Bradly, and Morris took turns with a two-handed shovel, making digging a breeze. Bradly then watered the garden. After the planting, the students enjoyed a game of chess, combining teamwork in the garden with strategic fun.

Jodi Shepherd

Engagement Teacher

Soil Week Comp

Students Enter Soil Week Australia Competition

Bek, Sienna, and Bradly recently participated in the Soil Week Australia competition, an event open to all grades from prep to Year 12 across the nation. Each year level has its own categories, and this year's theme is "Healthy Soil, Healthy Food." The trio focused on how compost and organic matter can enhance plant growth. You can check out their poster entry below, which combines class resources and their own research. The competition wraps up in Term 4. Good luck to our budding soil scientists!

Jodi Shepherd

Engagement Teacher

Building Stronga Sistas Program

What’s for lunch Ms Ula?

The question our Indigenous girls ask our Youth Support Coordinator each Friday when she cooks up a tasty meal outside J Block to reward female Indigenous students that have an 85% attendance rate and no behaviour reports for that week.

This lunch program is open to all female Indigenous girls in the school, and out of 170 girls, it is usual for 60 - 75 girls to be invited. A mix of cultural and other foods ie; steak burgers and pizzas are sometimes on offer. Some Year 12 students help out when they can and leftovers are bagged, frozen and offered to students when in need. This week it was curried sausages and they were delicious!

Editor

English Department

Year 8 Students Debate:

Is Shakespeare Still Important?

Ms. Shepherd's Year 8 class recently had an exciting debate about whether Shakespeare is still important to learn. One group said that his stories are timeless and still matter today because they deal with feelings and situations that people still experience. They believe Shakespeare’s works helps us understand human nature.

The other group argued that we should study more modern authors who are easier to understand and who come from different cultures. They think it’s important to read a variety of books, not just Shakespeare, since language has changed a lot since his time.

Both groups were very passionate and made strong points, making it hard to decide a winner. Ms. Shepherd was proud of the students for their thoughtful arguments and said the debate showed how much they care about learning.

Jodi Shepherd

English Teacher

Humanities / Business Studies

Industry Expertise Shared with Students

On Wednesday 22 May, the Year 11/12 Business class attended the BDO Accounting Discovery Day. The students spent the morning at the offices of BDO on Level 1, Cairns Corporate Towers. The students enjoyed presentations from BDO staff, explaining the various roles within the organisation. Students were also taken on a tour of the large, corporate office as well.

Michael Stephens

Business Studies Teacher

School Captain Amrita said, she really enjoyed the visit and seeing that there are so many different career options within a business which also may include opportunities to travel.

HPE / Sports

Netball

This term we entered a junior and senior team into the Vicki Wilson Netball Carnival. We had our best results ever with our senior team winning the grand final of the Development Division and the juniors posting 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. The girls also showcased their new uniforms which they designed in collaboration with Netball QLD. We looked super professional.

Lauren Maxwell

HPE Teacher, Year 9 Coordinator

INTAD / Home Economics

YEAR 11 Engineering

Diverse Jobs within the Shipyard Industry

Year 11 Engineering attended Norship’s Cairns branch at the dock yards. Students observed a variety of ships being serviced and reconstructed; including a Navy defence ship having half its hull being replaced.

Woree SHS students and Norship staff discussed the diversity of future career opportunities, pathways and pay scales. A big thank you to Devon and CLONTARF for helping with transport. 

Ramon Affleck

Engineering Teacher

HOME ECONOMICS

High Tea Enjoyed by Many at Woree High

“Year 10 Food Technology students have been learning about the history of High Tea and how it has evolved into a popular menu option for entertaining friends or celebrating special occasions. Students investigated the various types of food and beverages served at High Teas and loved preparing High Tea-themed treats. As part of their evaluation, they had to research, plan, prepare, serve, and clean up a High Tea Function for invited guests and Food Tech students. On behalf of Mr Cecchi and myself, I'd like to thank all of the Food Tech students who hosted the High Tea and demonstrated their culinary skills, as well as the parents who came out to support this magnificent event. Well done, students.”

Hazel Ashley

HEC Teacher

“This term our year 10 Food Tech classes participated in making many variations of finger foods which we served at our High Tea function. We invited many guests including our families and people from our school community to enjoy our wonderful food. We enjoyed practicing our hospitality skills and working together as a team to serve our elders.” - Ava 

Year 9 FoodTech

Market Stall

“Empowered by the passion for culinary creativity, Year 9 Food Technology students embarked on a journey to develop delectable delights suitable for a market stall. With a focus on creating a suitable dish, presentation styles and packaging techniques, they diligently researched, planned, produced, packaged, and labelled their baked products. The assessment outcome was a diverse array of mouth-watering baked goods, including Gluten-Free Brownies, Jam Drops, White Choc-chip cookies, and Coconut Chocolate Slice, their professional quality and high standard inspired a sense of pride among the young chefs. Kudos to the students for their dedication and commitment to excellence!”

Hazel Ashley

HEC Teacher

Library / Resource Centre

Classics Challenge

This term, we held a Classics Reading Challenge. There were 2 levels to this, the Senior Classics Challenge and the Mini Classics Challenge. Senior Classics books were full size books and the Mini Classics books were graphic novels or the abbreviated versions. Students received a raffle ticket for each book that they read and were entered into a draw to win tuckshop vouchers.

Congratulations to those who participated and to Jack and Braydon who won the Tuckshop vouchers and special congratulations to Carter and Mary who read the most books in each part of the challenge and who won a Classics book pack.

Larraine Moseley

Teacher Librarian

Science Department

YEAR 11 AQUATIC PRACTICES

Rod Ingersoll OBE, owner of Barron River Barramundi Aquaculture Farm in Biboohra, came to visit our Year 11 Aquatic Practices students. He discussed his farm set up and his new ventures with Red Claw crayfish after his devastating loss after Cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding in December. Rod inspired students to think outside of the box when starting up new ventures! He was kind enough to leave us a couple of his selectively bred crayfish, which can be respectfully viewed in M12.

Sarah Anning

Marine Science Teacher

YEAR 12 AQUATIC PRACTICES 

This term, 11 of our Year 12 Aquatic Practices students completed all the requirements to obtain their Recreational Marine Driver Licence. Students completed the theory work in class and a BoatSafe Instructor visited the school to conduct the assessment. Students were then taken to the boat ramp to practice operating a boat with the instructor. Everyone did a great job with getting the boat on the plane, emergency stopping, mooring and docking the boat. We’re proud of all who went through! 

Sarah Anning

Marine Science Teacher

MARINE SCIENCE

Marine Science students took a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef on Down Under Cruise and Dive this term to collect biodiversity data for their assignments. Students collect data using the Eye on the Reef 10-minute swim survey method and recording all the key species they see on the Eye on the Reef waterproof slates. The Eye on the Reef is a program put forth by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to collect and record citizen science data. Anyone can participate and record the data to help GBRMPA monitor the health of the reef. WSHS will provide data to GBRMPA as well as collate data over numerous trips to the reef.

Sarah Anning

Marine Science Teacher

PHYSICS

Woree SHS Alumni Sam Moseley, returned to Woree State High School in Week 10 this term to talk all things engineering with the current cohort of Physics students. He talked about the exciting career of Engineering and projects on renewables that he worked on in Adelaide and London. The highly engaged Physics class got great insight into studying engineering and some excellent tips for university life.

Mr Davies

Physics Teacher, HOD Arts/IT

Woree Youth Advisory Council

WYAC Committee and Cairns Regional Council Discuss Jeff Pezzutti Park Upgrades

The WYAC Committee recently met with the Cairns Regional Council and project consultants to discuss the upgrades to Jeff Pezzutti Park. During this meeting, students filled out a questionnaire about the park's upgrades and shared what they want to see more of and less of.

Students also voted on their preferred designs for the new pump track and skate park by placing orange dots on their favourite pictures. This interactive activity ensured their voices were heard in the planning process.

Parents interested in the upgrades can have their say by visiting the Cairns Regional Council website: https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/council/projects-and-priorities/have-your-say/closed/jeff-pezzutti-park-masterplan-consult

Stay tuned for more updates on the park's transformation!

Jodi Shepherd

Engagement Teacher

A Word from Admin

Important Information

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, arrives late or departs 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 2 - 2024

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.