Woree Highlights - End of Term 3 Newsletter - September 2024

From the Principal

Principal's Report - Term 3

As we come to the close of Term 3 at Woree State High School, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our teachers, support staff, and community partners who have worked tirelessly to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment for our students.

Our teaching staff has been nothing short of excellent this term. Their commitment to student achievement, well-being, and personal growth has been reflected in the classroom and beyond. From engaging lessons to one-on-one support, our teachers continue to inspire our students to strive for excellence.

I also want to express deep gratitude to our support staff, who work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of the school. Their contributions often go unnoticed, but they are vital to the success of our school community. Whether it’s through administrative support, maintenance, or student well-being, their hard work makes a significant impact.

Clontarf Academy Excursions

A special highlight this term was the Clontarf Academy’s recent Year 9 excursion to Weipa. These opportunities for our students to explore new environments, learn, and bond with their peers are incredibly valuable. Our Clontarf leaders consistently provide enriching experiences that leave a lasting impression on our young men.

R U OK Day

This week, we celebrated RUOK Day with a fantastic morning tea shared between teachers and students. The warm atmosphere was enhanced by Mr. Massey’s homemade scones, bringing everyone together in a spirit of connection and care. Days like this remind us how important it is to check in with one another and maintain a supportive community.

Book Week and Reading Initiatives

Book Week was an exciting celebration of reading across the school. At Woree, we are thrilled to be improving our approach to teaching reading through the science of reading, which provides evidence-based strategies to support literacy development. This year, we focused on improving the reading levels of all students, and we are stoked about the progress we’ve made so far. We are already looking forward to next year’s Book Week, which promises to be even bigger and better as we continue to implement these innovative practices.

The science of reading refers to multidisciplinary research from education, linguistics, cognitive psychology, and neuroscience that explains how students learn to read. This approach highlights the importance of explicit, systematic instruction in phonics and language comprehension to build strong reading foundations. Reading is essential for a student's success, both in school and in later life, and we are committed to ensuring all of our students develop these critical skills.

End of Term Highlights

As we reflect on the term’s many achievements, there are several events that stood out and brought our school together:

• Rewards Days: Years 7-9 enjoyed a day at Sugarworld, while our senior students had a fantastic day at Green Island. These well-deserved rewards celebrated the hard work and positive behaviour of our students.
• Year 7 Big Day In: A day filled with fun, team building and connection for our Year 7 students.
• Welcome to Belinda Smith: We are thrilled to welcome our new School Based Youth Health Nurse, Belinda Smith, who has already started making a positive impact on our students’ well-being.
• Read Around the Library Challenge: A fun initiative that encouraged our students to explore new books and develop their literacy skills.
• English Department: Our Year 7 and 10 students were treated to an exciting performance by the Shake n Stir Theatre Company, which brought literature to life in an engaging and memorable way.
• WYAC: We were honoured by a visit from Cairns Mayor Amy Eden, who met with our Woree Youth Advisory Council (WYAC), further inspiring our student leaders.
• Flexible Learning Spaces: The refurbishment of flexible learning classrooms in P and C Block has been completed, providing our students with modern, adaptable spaces for learning.
• Energy Art Exhibition: We are proud to announce that five of our students have entries in the Ergon-sponsored Energy Art Exhibition at the Tanks. Our school rock band will also be performing at the launch event on Friday night of Week 10, a perfect way to showcase the talents of our students. The exhibition will be open during the holidays, and we encourage everyone to visit.

As we head into the holidays, we look forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation. We encourage all of our students and staff to travel safely, enjoy the beautiful weather, and, most importantly, continue to be kind, caring, and supportive of one another. We hope everyone returns energized and ready to take on the challenges of Term 4 as the tropics warm up. This will be a significant term as we prepare to bid farewell to our respected and valued Year 12 students, who are getting ready to take on the world and embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives.

In Term 4, we will welcome relieving principal Maurice Andrejic for Weeks 1-7, before our substantive principal, Kathryn Todd, returns to lead us through to the end of the year.

Have a wonderful break, and we look forward to an exciting Term 4!

Regards

Michael Starr

Acting Principal

Good News Stories

Deadly Start Program

One of our Year 12 students, Jeniaya (Year 12), was one of the first graduates of the Deadly Start traineeship program with QLD Health. In partnership with Seed Foundation, Connect n Grow and the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service, the Deadly Start students have attained a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance, completed a traineeship with QLD Health and commenced their career journey in Health. Congratulations Jeniaya.

Travers Toohey

DP Senior Secondary School

Commonwealth Work Experience Program - Canberra

Zyon, Year 11 has been selected to participate in the Work Exposure in Government (WEX) Canberra 2024.  WEX provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with hands on experience and information about job opportunities and career pathways in the Australian Government. WEX Canberra 2024 will run from Sunday 6 October to Friday 11 October 2024 in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory. All transportation, accommodation and meals will be provided. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for Zyon.

Kathryn Todd

Principal

Work Experience with Kynan: Garden to Table

Kynan, Year 10 joined Ms. Shepherd for work experience in the garden, where we learned how to prune plants and took care of watering the garden. Together, we harvested both potatoes and sweet potatoes. Later in the week, Kynan joined us again for cooking, and we used the produce from our harvest. It was a productive day, and we’re looked forward to preparing a meal with our fresh vegetables!

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Year Coordinator Reports

Year 7 - Big Day In

On Friday 23 August, the Year 7 students participated in the first Big Day In where they competed with their form classes in a range of activities based around building team spirit and engaging with their teachers.

The first event was the Sports Extravaganza in the Hall, Basketball Courts, and Football Field where our HPE staff, including Mr Massey, Mr Harreman, and Ms Wone, assisted in an exhilarating range of sports activities. The day kicked off with three high-energy activities, the first: a shooting competition where classes relayed a basketball, taking shots and racing against the clock. The second competition was fast-paced dodgeball games, featuring two exciting 3-minute halves. The highlight was the intense Capture the Flag contest, which saw students sprinting and strategising to claim victory.

This was followed by the Enigma Escape Room with the English staff, including Ms Smith, Ms Hubbard, Ms D’Arcy, Mr Taylor, and Ms Ball. Students worked in teams to solve clues and riddles, utilising hints to unravel the mystery. This activity not only challenged their problem-solving skills but also encouraged collaboration and critical thinking.

The Amazing Race around M Block, with our Science staff—Mr Ransom, Mrs Casey, Miss Casey-Cox, and Mrs Nair—led the students through an action-packed Amazing Race. Teams navigated through various stations, each featuring unique tasks and puzzles, such as word riddles, puzzles, and an “I Spy” challenge. Students raced against time, demonstrating agility and ingenuity.

The day concluded with a disco and arts & crafts in Q Block, staff present included Mrs Williams, Miss Harrison, Mr Seirlis, Ms Kirkpatrick, Mrs Provan, and Mr Wass who all helped transform the area into a vibrant space of music and creativity. The disco session had students grooving to music in the newly refurbished theatre, with a smoke machine, bubbles and lights supported by a playlist cultivated by Mr Ransom. Meanwhile, the arts and crafts room offered a delightful range of activities, including loom bands, colouring, and magic eye weaving. The creative buzz was alive and well and students had a blast.

Overall, the day was a resounding success, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable experiences. A big thank you to all staff members and students who participated and made the day so special!

Looking forward to more exciting events in the future!

Kasey Casey

Year 7 Coordinator

Year 7 - 9 Rewards Day at Sugarworld

We took 120 Year 7-9 students to Sugarworld as part of the Junior Rewards program. We had the park to ourselves and enjoyed a sausage sizzle in the park. Students demonstrated exemplary behaviour and were praised by the Sugarworld staff for having excellent manners and respect.

Lauren Maxwell

Year 9 Coordinator

YEAR 8

Term 3 Recap: A Season of Growth, Learning and Fun

As Term 3 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey our Year 8 students have undertaken over the past few months. This term has been a period of significant growth, not just academically but also personally, as students have navigated new challenges, developed new skills, and strengthened their bonds with peers and teachers alike.

Camp

The biggest event on the Year 8 calendar this year was the much-anticipated camp, which took place during Week 5 of this term. It was a week packed with excitement and adventure! From conquering the high ropes course to paddling through kayaking challenges, students pushed their limits and discovered new strengths. They worked together to build sturdy rafts, collaborated in team challenges, and navigated the wild during orienteering exercises. It was a week of bonding, bravery, and unforgettable fun, leaving everyone with memories that will last a lifetime!

Behaviour

Our Year 8 students have truly set the standard for exemplary conduct this term, earning plenty of praise for their positive behaviour reports across the entire school. Their commitment to showing respect, responsibility, and kindness has been remarkable, reflected not only in their positive reports but also in having some of the lowest negative behaviour reports as well. Year 8 has shown what it means to lead by example, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements! Keep up the fantastic work!

Special Shout Outs

A special mention to Dexter for being a part of the winning Interschool Chess Team in Week 9, (winning 7 out of 7 games!). Additionally, Dexter was one of 3 Woree students who entered the FNQ Individual Junior Chess Championship on a Saturday. Dexter placed 2^nd at this event. So, Dexter is officially the second-best secondary school student chess player in Far North Queensland. Not bad for Year 8!

Aleya was a part of the Golden Gloves boxing competition during the term, and she came away as runner up making her the second best in her division for Queensland!

Walter, for winning a premiership for the South Cairns Cutters, best on field for the finals and winning the best and fairest of the league for his age!

I am sure there are many more amazing achievements amongst the Year 8s however, this is all that I am aware of at this moment.

Rewards

To celebrate their hard work and positive behaviour this term, Year 8 students enjoyed a fantastic Rewards Day at Sugarworld along with Year 7 and 9 students. It was a day filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of splashes as students raced down waterslides, enjoyed time with friends and craved their hunger with a sausage sizzle, snacks and a slushie. The day was a well-deserved break and a great way to celebrate their achievements this term. Everyone left with big smiles and memories of an unforgettable day! Due to limited spots, only a select group of Year 8 students were able to attend. However, all Year 8 students were invited to enjoy a movie in Q Block as a reward on Friday of Week 10, complete with snacks.

Due to the Year 8s incredible behaviour, Michael Starr, the Deputy Principle of Junior Secondary rewarded all Year 8s to a pizza party on Thursday, Week 10 of this term. Mr Starr also provided some lollies, Tuckshop vouchers and vouchers to any Year 8 selected from a random wheel draw during our last parade for the term. Check out the camp photos below.

Zac Ballantine

Year 8 Coordinator / HPE Teacher

YEAR 12 - Carwash

Term 3 has been a seriously busy time for the Year 12s as they make their way to the business end of their school life. This term saw the 12s finish the last of their internal assessment tasks and sit their MOCK exams in Week 10. This is all in the leadup to external exams for ATAR students and finalisation of points for QCE and graduation. At the time of writing this they have 21 days of school to go!

Term 3 also saw the last of our legacy fundraising events happen on the student free day in Week 8. We had 25 cars to wash and approximately the same number of students to wash them. It was a beautiful day, and many hands made light work as we powered through the job and were done by 11.30am. The legacy will be installed into the roof of the library over the coming school holidays, so more news on that in next terms newsletter.

Lauren Maxwell

Year 12 Coordinator

SENIORS REWARDS DAY to Green Island

Our Senior Rewards Day happened on Friday 6 September. Unfortunately, the conditions were not ideal, with a strong wind warning, rough seas and low visibility. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, we had a really great day. We snorkelled, built a sandcastle and played in the resort pool.

Lauren Maxwell

Year 12 Coordinator

Events and Special Days

Book Week

Thanks to everyone who supported Book Week and dressed up and decorated staffrooms, especially Sabrina who took photos and Kelly and Travers who did the judging.

The winners were:

Best Dressed Year 8: Michaela

Best Dressed Year 9: Amelia 

Best Dressed Year 12: Jasmin 

Best Dressed Couple: Chanel and Hailey (Year 9)

Best Dressed Staff: Heather and Claire (Tied)

Best Group: J Space Emotions

Best Individual: Belinda Smith 

Larraine Moseley

Teacher/Librarian

R U O K Day

Thursday 12 Sept was R U O K Day.

Staff and students at Woree SHS were asked to wear yellow and were able to participate in a morning tea of scones with jam and cream and delicious fruit platters, all prepared by Mr Jordan Massey (Acting DP), Mr Josh Wass (Acting HOD, Engagement) and Mr Jeremy Anderson (SSO). Outside J Block, the YSC, Ulu Tautu and Cayden Matehaere served up 180 scones to hungry students and staff. The most asked question was, “does the jam or cream go on first?"

What is R U OK Day?

“The R U OK MISSION - to inspire and empower people to meaningfully connect with those in their world and lend support when they are struggling with life.”

Digital Technologies / The Arts

MUSIC NEWS

Miss Harrisons Year 9 Music class had a stimulating time practicing on their chosen instruments. Bucket drumming is always a popular gig with intense concentration required to get the performers playing together accurately (and it is very loud)! Colin and Ashley played a tune together whilst Thomas accompanied them on the keyboard.

Sabrina Paterson
TA, Arts/IT

DRAMA NEWS

ARTS NEWS

A Captivating and Bright Exhibition

During the final weeks of term, the Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice (VAP) students were really excited to showcase their latest imaginative and original artworks – printmaking, wearable art and an outstanding display of Light it Up works were exhibited in the school gallery. This was a very appealing exhibition of fun and creative pieces that was enjoyed by students and staff.

Sabrina Paterson

TA, Arts/IT

ENERGY EXHIBITION

Every year the Energy Art Exhibition showcases the creative talent of our region at the Tanks Art Centre. I am very proud to announce that five of our creative Visual Art students from Woree SHS are featured in this exhibition. The exhibition opened on Saturday 25August and is free to view until the end of the September school holidays.

The official launch is scheduled for Friday 13September at 6pm, and is an occasion where awards are announced for outstanding student work. This is always a wonderful night, and I invite everyone to please come along and join with me to share in the excitement with our students. If you are unable to make it to the launch, then please visit the gallery during the school holidays.

Students exhibiting artwork are:

Jasmin, Year 12

Elsh’Maya, Year 12

Will, Year 12

Chantel, Year 11

Sheng, Year 10

In addition, this year our very own Woree SHS band, “Nova’s Element” will be performing on the night. Their performance will begin after the presentation of the awards at approximately 7:00pm and will finish by 8:00pm.

Woree SHS Band members: “Nova’s Element”

Elsh’Maya, Bulou, Savannah and Fa'asega.

Well done students, this is an acknowledgement of your creativity and dedication to your artmaking!

Mary Provan

Acting HOD, Arts/IT

 esports - FUSE CUP

Woree State High School Hosts the Mario Kart Fuse Cup!

Woree SHS recently hosted a high-octane esport event that had everyone at the edge of their seats—the Mario Kart Fuse Cup. This exciting esports tournament brought together top high school teams from across the region for a day of racing, strategy, and fun.

Our very own Woree State High School team made it to the quarter-finals, demonstrating impressive skills and sportsmanship throughout the competition. The racing was intense, with every team pushing their limits on the tracks.

In a thrilling finish, Trinity Bay SHS emerged victorious, taking home first place with their top-notch racing strategies and consistent performance. Cairns SHS claimed second place, showcasing their competitive edge and expert gameplay.

Adding to the excitement, Woree State High School's very own Jade was awarded the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the day. Their exceptional driving skills, strategic plays, and outstanding contributions to the team earned them this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Jade for her remarkable achievement!

The event also featured a fun twist with a teacher competition, where Mr. Morrison from Woree SHS took the top spot! His victory in the teacher's race was met with cheers and laughter, proving that educators can be just as competitive and skilled as their students.

The Mario Kart Fuse Cup was a fantastic showcase of talent, teamwork, and school spirit. A big congratulations to Trinity Bay and Cairns High for their impressive victories, and a special shout-out to Jade for their MVP performance. 

We’re excited to announce that Woree SHS will be hosting more esports competitions in the near future. Stay tuned for upcoming events where we’ll continue to celebrate and support the incredible talents of our students and staff!

David Meade

ICT Manager

Engagement Programs

EEL

Spring Gardening: Get Ready for the Season in Cairns

Spring has arrived in Cairns, offering the perfect chance to prepare your garden before the intense heat and wet season set in. Now is the ideal time to tackle some essential gardening tasks that will help your garden thrive in the coming months. Year 8 Engage, Empower, Learn completed a number of tasks before the school holidays. 

Pruning Fruit Trees

Spring is a prime time to prune your fruit trees, especially citrus. Before you grab your secateurs, take a moment to assess the tree. Look for the three D’s: dead, diseased, or damaged wood. These should be removed first to promote healthy growth. In our garden, our young trees are in good condition, so we focused on pruning the lower branches to give them a lift, improving airflow and sunlight penetration. Dylan remarked, "Pruning was fun!"

Compost Care

Spring is also the perfect time to give your compost some attention. Regularly turning your compost helps keep it active and balanced. We don't have a compost spinner, but an old wooden stake worked just as well. After turning, we noticed the compost needed a boost of carbon, so we added some straw hay to the mix. Bek observed, "The compost looked too wet, so we needed to add in a carbon material."

Mulching

Mulching is a fantastic way to keep your garden moist and the soil cool, especially as temperatures start to rise. Bek has been using straw mulch to cover the flower beds, creating a protective layer that helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. This not only benefits the plants but also reduces the need for frequent watering.

By taking these steps now, you’ll set your garden up for success, ensuring it remains healthy and vibrant before the more challenging weather conditions arrive. Happy gardening!

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Students from Engage, Empower, Learn and OnTrek Team Up to Make Chicken and Avocado Sushi

Towards the end of term, Year 8 Engage, Empower, Learn students had the opportunity to make chicken and avocado sushi. With some special guests from the Year 10 OnTrek class helping out, the students worked together to prepare and roll the sushi. It was a fun and productive afternoon, giving students the chance to practice their cooking skills and enjoy the food they made. The collaboration between Year 8 and Year 10 students made the experience even more enjoyable.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

English Department

Shaking Good Stuff!

The Year 7 and 10 English students enjoyed two magnificent performances put on by the visiting troupe from Shake and Stir! These three-hander shows delved into the dark depths of these two challenging stories.

Animal Farm was so engaging for the Year 10 students, who had never seen or read the story. The play was, as expected, pretty brutal in some sections, but the power of this particular allegory was vastly effective for the young minds who were silently absorbing the message. Through the use of silhouette and projections, the story was brought to life in vivid detail. Some of the senior students reflected at the end of the play that it was not really about a farm at all, but a reflection about modern politics. This experience will remain etched into their memories for many years to come, such is the power of theatre.

I was lucky enough to watch The Twits. This rollicking and often filthy story of two utterly revolting individuals, whose hearts were as twisted as their grimy beards, had the students laughing loudly! The sound effects were hilariously rude, and their performances were strong. I particularly enjoyed their use of language, with the performance spoken oftentimes in rhyme. Their characters were delightfully over the top and very expressive. All of the students felt a lot of enjoyment throughout the show.

Many thanks go to Mel Geyle, HOD of English, for organising this important event on the cultural calendar of our school.

Claire Williams

Drama Teacher

Year 7 Student Reviews on The Twits

Carter – “I loved all of the pranks in the play”

Jordi – “I thought it was really funny. I read the book when I was in primary school, so the play brought back lots of memories”

Frieda – “The performance was amazing, hyped up, funny and great to watch”

Karlisha – “I really enjoyed the visiting performance which was fun and entertaining”

YEAR 10 ENGLISH

Fantastic Farmyard Theatre: Year 10s Watch 'Animal Farm' Come to Life!

Year 10 students recently had the wonderful opportunity to watch a live performance based on George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The production brought the novel's powerful themes to the stage with dynamic energy, captivating the audience with its physical theatre elements. Students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, which added a new layer of understanding to the story. It was a brilliant chance for them to see literature brought to life through performance!

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

YEAR 11 ENGLISH

Poetry in Action

Theatrical group, Poetry in Action, came to perform for the Year 11 English students. Their performance and stage props were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

YEAR 9 ENGLISH

Explores the Mysteries of Gothic Literature

In Year 9 English, students have immersed themselves in the intriguing world of Gothic literature. We've studied Edgar Allan Poe’s classics, including “The Raven” and “The Black Cat,” to understand the dark themes and atmospheric elements of the genre.

Our exploration extended beyond the page as we analysed Gothic influences in the Netflix series Wednesday, Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” music video, and the film Coraline. These diverse examples helped students see how Gothic themes are adapted across different media.

The unit culminated in students writing their own Gothic stories, showcasing their grasp of the genre. We’re thrilled to highlight Jessie’s impressive story, which exemplifies the eerie and captivating qualities of Gothic literature. 

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Carlos de Agosto and the Strange Door

By Jessie

It was a cold and dark gloomy night. Kiesha invited Carlos de Agosto over for dinner. Carlos lived in a big house like mine but with lots of pictures of his family tree. He often spends his days in his reading room where he spends hours and hours writing long stories about his family. He also had a deceiving back story, but we don't talk about that. I just thought that he needed someone to talk to but that was not what is thought. The house was completely quiet. Suddenly the door rang BUZZ BUZZ. “Who could this be?” said Kiesha. The door slammed as it echoed through the empty hallways.

“Hello” said a deep voice from down the hallway. I peeked through the hallway to see who it was. I saw a dark shadow standing by the door. I walked over and I could feel the presence of someone with such overwhelming desire that it was evil. “Carlos?” I spoke. “I was not expecting you to come this early”. I walked over to greet him, “Wow what a wonderful house you have” he exclaimed. He walks through the hallway with a disgusted face. I knew he was being sarcastic because this house was over a hundred years old, the paint on the walls was hanging like dead skin and there were spider webs everywhere. I walked him to his room upstairs. The floor behind me creaked as we walked through the long hallways. The hallways felt different. I had a feeling that a ghostly figure was following me from behind. I had never felt like this before, and I started to regret having Carlos over for dinner.

When it was dinner time I yelled out to Carlos “come down for dinner!” “I'm coming!” said a deep voice. I could hear the floor creak behind him. I started to feel uncomfortable. While we were eating Carlos was staring at me as if he had some sort of grudge on me. I could not help it, I had to ask him “what’s wrong”. “Oh nothing?” said Carlos as he ate quietly. When we were done eating Carlos was already in bed and I was downstairs cleaning the kitchen. When I was done, I went to lock all the doors and turn off all the lights. As I was about to go upstairs, I felt like someone was watching me. I quickly ran to my room and slammed my door shut. 

The next morning, I was cleaning the house when I saw a strange door. This door was not here before (at least that is what I thought). I opened the door, and I felt an eerie presence. I peered in, as I was about to go in Carlos stopped me. “Do not go in there, it is dangerous!”. He didn’t tell me why, but I listened to him. For the rest of the day Carlos was upstairs and I kept to myself in my office, finishing off my first book.

Throughout the day when Carlos wanted something, he would yell down the empty hallways, it would give me shivers down my spine. That evening, I yelled “Dinner!” Carlos did not come down. I walked upstairs to investigate, and that strange door was there again. I opened it. Inside I could hear a voice speaking to Carlos. I called out to Carlos, “Carlos.” I said, as I was moving forward to him, I looked and saw that he wasn’t his usual self. His eyes were grey instead of brown, and he was standing still like a statue.

I grabbed his shoulder and shook him forcefully, but it had no effect - he just grinned at me. As he slowly advanced, I instinctively backed away; fear tightened his grip on me. The moment I spotted the door, I turned and sprinted as fast as I could. But just before I escaped, I glanced back and saw his face twisted in agony, as if he was trying to break free from something unseen. He suddenly yelled “help!” The door closed behind him, and as I reached out, it started to fade vanishing before my eyes. The house was no longer just haunted, it was cursed. I knew that I had to get out, so I sold the house. But even after it was gone, the sense of dread lingered, making me question if I’d ever truly escape.

The end

YEAR 10 ENGLISH

P Block’s newly renovated classroom is a big hit with Mr Taylor’s Year 10 English class! The newly renovated classroom provides the perfect space for students to work collaboratively and even includes desks with a whiteboard surface for students to write on. Our Year 10 students have just begun their final unit of the year where they’ll write a comparative essay on how filmmakers shape meaning in their films, and in particular, how these films explore what it means to be human. This provided the perfect prompt for our Year 10 students who worked in groups to brainstorm what it means to be human and what makes humans so great! It was amazing to see how well the Year 10s worked together and collaborated to build a shared understanding of this thought-provoking topic.

Nathan Taylor

Teacher (English & Humanities)

HPE

Health - Gateway School – Ambulance workshop.

Woree SHS has now joined the Gateway Schools to Industry – Health Gateway program.

This is an exciting time for Certificate II and III in Health students at Woree SHS. Being part of this program will provide opportunities for our Health students to visit different aspects of the health industry as well as the program supporting students finding work experience and traineeships.

Term 3 saw the Health Gateway Program organise an Ambulance workshop visit to Woree SHS for the Certificate II and III in Health students. Students were able to see up close what it is like to be an ambulance officer or paramedic.

Term 4 there are more opportunities for our Certificate II and III Health students through the Health Gateway Program.

Trish Goodwin

HOD, HPE

INTAD / Home Economics

Manufacturing Firepits

Foundations in Engineering students had a big learning curve this term. Firstly, they learnt to stick weld using E6013 rods, then they learnt AutoCAD 2D drawing software to have the Brand-new CNC plasma cutter cut out. It was a busy term, but the eagerness of these students shows through in their quality custom made firepits. 

Ramon Affleck

INTAD Teacher

J Block Support Staff

A big welcome to Belinda Simpson, Woree SHS School Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN). Belinda took on the SBYHN role in July and is in attendance here on Monday and Tuesday each week. Below is the role of the SBYHN and how she can help you and your child. 

Editor

Library / Resource Centre

Read Around the Library Challenge Award Winners

Well done those who entered the Read around the Library Challenge.

Those who read books and got them signed off went in the draw to win tuckshop vouchers.

These prizes went to:

$20 voucher: Emma (Year 7)

$10 Voucher: Sophia (Year 9)

$5 Voucher: Jade (Year 7)

These people received a participant award for returning their forms:

 Shalida (Year 8), Victoria (Year 8) and Jade (Year 7). Jade came runner up and read the second highest number of books)

Well done to Sophia who read 15 books and has won a $20 voucher to choose her own book.

Well done to Ms Maclachlan who was the only staff member who completed the challenge. She won a block of chocolate for her efforts.

Larraine Moseley

Teacher/Librarian

Maths

The WSHS Maths Faculty were visited by Ms Narelle Morris.   Ms Morris is a Mathematician and a practicing maths teacher, specialising in teaching the senior course of ‘Specialist Mathematics’.  A group of Year 8-10 students participated in a lesson on the topic of ‘Matrices’ taught by Ms Morris.  It was a fantastic opportunity for WSHS students to engage with a Mathematician, and learn about a topic from Specialist Maths. Thank you to the WSHS students for participating, and also to Ms Morris for sharing her expertise with us!

Mark Stubbs

HOD, Maths

SchoolTech

Congratulations Keshab, this term Keshab was signed up for a School Based Apprenticeship with Gower Smash Repairs, another SchoolTech success story. 

Tracey Bujora

Community Liaison Officer at SchoolTech

Our Year 11 SchoolTech Metal Fabrications students proudly show off their creativity and craftmanship.

Our students have worked diligently on their latest project: custom fire pits.  Their dedication to learning and skill development is truly inspiring #schoolTech #MetalFabrication #studentProjects #Craftsmanship

Tracey Bujora

Community Liaison Officer at SchoolTech

Year 11 SchoolTech students hard at it on the tools.  Teamwork makes the dream work! So proud of our SchoolTech construction students for collaborating and creating this timber fence.  #SchoolTech #HandsOnLearning #TeamSpirit #FutureBuilders

Tracey Bujora

Community Liaison Officer at SchoolTech

Big shoutout to Matthew for landing a full-time apprenticeship with Cairns Auto Spark and Mechanical! 🚗💪 It's a huge step from SchoolTech to the real world. Can't wait to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve! #SchoolTech #ApprenticeshipGoals #Newbeginnings #ProudMoment

Tracey Bujora

Community Liaison Officer at SchoolTech

Proud moments at SchoolTech! Shamarla is making the most of her placements at Off the Wall Mechanics and Norweld. Here’s to building skills and confidence #SchoolTech #CareerReady #StudentSuccess

Tracey Bujora

Community Liaison Officer at SchoolTech

Science Department

AQUATIC PRACTICES - YEAR 11

This term our Year 11 Aquatic Practices students have been busy practicing collecting citizen science data using the Eye on the Reef program through the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). They conducted a couple surveys to see what sea creatures are present on the reef and report their findings to GBRMPA. Data collected and provided to the managing authority helps monitor the health of the reef and informs them of areas where extra attention is required. With the Eye on the Reef monitoring survey, students have learned a new way to look after the beautiful reef we all call home.

To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Queensland Government, through the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program, provided a subsidy to the school of $40.00 per student who went on the excursion. Students worked alongside a Marine Biologist conducting continued research on the reef and got to witness a day-in-the-life of a real scientist. It was a beautiful day observing the lives of the sea creatures off Green Island.

Sarah Anning

Marine Coordinator / Science / Aquatics Teacher

AQUATIC PRACTICES- Year 12

On Tuesday 20August, the Year 12 Aquatic Practices classes travelled to HBEEC to test our handmade lures. We made the most of a very rainy day and even managed to catch 2 fish. Congratulations to Cooper, who managed to catch a beautiful baby bream and to Jason who landed a dusky flathead that would have been a keeper but got off the line just as it came out of the water. There were plenty of fish biting, but we had trouble landing them.

Kudos for the trip goes to Lucas and Torence, who helped save the day when the tide dropped faster than anticipated and left our crab pots high and dry on the bank of Richter’s Creek. Due to crocodile issues, we couldn’t get off the boat to collect them, so the boys used the anchor and fishing lines to pull one in. Unfortunately, the other crab pot had to stay insitu overnight with HBEEC crew rescuing it the next day. Lots of very wet laughs were had 😊

Jodie Keirle

Aquatic Practices teacher/Year 12 Coordinator

Woree's Youth Advisory Council

WYAC Meeting

 A Visit from Cairns Mayor Amy Eden

The latest Woree Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC) meeting was a resounding success, highlighted by a special visit from Cairns Mayor Amy Eden. The students came together to discuss and identify key issues within our community, resulting in several jobs being logged with the Cairns Regional Council for resolution.

Mayor Eden was notably impressed by the passion and dedication shown by the students. The meeting was chaired by Cairns Youth Councillors and Woree State High students Olivia Morris and Braydon McCormack. Reflecting on the Mayor’s visit, Braydon expressed, "It was awesome to have her come and listen to us and show action to our issues."

Among the critical topics discussed were the creation of a community garden in Woree, the need for more CCTV in the Woree area and Jeff Pezzutti Park, assistance with a Containers for Change program at Woree State High School, and the replacement of park equipment and shade cloth at Slipper Street Park in Edmonton.

The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by all the students were remarkable, and everyone is already looking forward to the Term 4 WYAC meeting. Stay tuned for more updates as these young leaders continue to make a significant impact on our community!

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Mission Australia Visits Woree SHS

Money Matters and Community Ideas: Cairns South Together Workshop Inspires Students

This week, students at Woree SHS were treated to a thought-provoking workshop delivered by Robbie, Daniel, and Polly from Cairns South Together, Mission Australia. The interactive sessions challenged students to think critically about finances and community improvement.

In the first session, Year 9 and select Year 10 students discussed the value of money and how they would manage a budget of $2000. The exercise sparked creativity and compassion, with many students opting to use their funds to support family members, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and care.

Year 8 students tackled a different challenge. Tasked with allocating $20,000 to improve youth facilities on the southside, they generated a wide range of ideas. Popular suggestions included building new playgrounds, creating sports equipment swap programs, and establishing volleyball and netball courts, showcasing their desire for spaces that promote both fun and fitness.

These workshops not only helped students explore budgeting but also encouraged them to think about how they can positively impact their community. The insights gained will undoubtedly influence their future decisions, both personally and as leaders within their local area.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

From the Business Manager

Upcoming School holiday Works 

During the next school holidays, we will be undertaking several important projects to improve our school facilities. These works include:

• P, K, and E Blocks: Full roof replacement 
• K Block: Installation of Senior Legacy project
• A Block: extensive sewerage works 
• C Block: Installation of window film
• Whole School: Capacity audit, annual alarm system check, and fire hydrant inspection
• M Block: New air conditioning installations in M04 and M09

These upgrades will enhance the safety, comfort, and learning environment for our students and staff. 

School Fees and Financial Support Options 

We understand that some families may face financial difficulties, and we are here to help. If you are experiencing challenges with school fees, we may be able to offer support or arrange a flexible payment plan. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a confidential discussion. You can contact me directly at bm@woreeshs.eq.edu.au or call 4081 5210. Your situation will be handled with care and discretion, as we aim to ensure every student has access to the best education possible

General Information

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:

Late arrivals - When a student arrives late to school, parents/carers are required to supply information to document the reason. The student must report to the Student Attendance Office and will be provided with a LATE Note and then attend their scheduled lesson.

Early Departures – If your student needs to leave school early during the school day for an appointment prior notice for Parents/Carers is required. Students must come to the office to sign out before leaving the school grounds.  

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. 

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.
  

We Want Your Feedback: Tuckshop Opinion Survey

We are seeking input from our school community to help improve our tuckshop! Your feedback is valuable in ensuring that we provide a variety of healthy and appealing options for students. Please take a few minutes to complete our tuckshop opinion survey and share your thoughts on the current menu, service, and any suggestions for improvement. Your input will guide us in making positive changes.

To participate, please click on the link below and complete a quick 5 minute survey. Thank you for helping us create the best possible tuckshop experience for our students!

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

Are you looking for some exciting activities to do these school holidays? Below are some free events that everyone is welcome to attend.