15 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

Executive Principals Report

Dear Parents and Friends

Our students are well and truly immersed in assessment this week. Our year 12’s are at a critical point with their OP data and QCE attainment. Semester one data will be analysed closely with year 12 students following the June vacation to assist them with QTAC applications and pathway planning.

Congratulations Dhruv Singh

I am pleased to report that Dhruv Singh year 11 has been successful in his application for the Australian Youth Aerospace Forum 2017. This year AYAF received a large number of high quality applications, and Dhruv’s selection is a credit to him and reflects the strength of his application and passion for this work. Dhruv will be attending the forum during the second week of the holidays. This is a national event, and is being held in Brisbane this year. We look forward to hearing Dhruv’s account of this amazing experience.

DET International Award

Recently we attended the Department of Education and Training International Awards dinner. Corinda was selected as a finalist in the Excellence in Global Engagement category. We were named as runner up in this very competitive category. This supports the work we are doing as part of our strategic priority to connect our students globally in this flat world.

New Senior Assessment System

Our school is currently preparing for the implementation of the new Senior Assessment system, which will be introduced in Queensland in 2020. Our current year 9 students will be the first cohort to progress through the new proposed senior assessment system.

Our staff have been trialling some of the assessment tasks and have been involved in working parties with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority in order to have access to relevant information as it is released. We currently have a working party within the school made up of key Heads of Department, and have developed a detailed action plan in order to prepare our school for this reform.

The new systems include:

• a model that uses school-based assessment and external assessment
• processes that strengthen the quality and comparability of school-based assessment
• introducing the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).

Information sessions will be conducted early next year to familiarise parents with the new system and provide an understanding of how the system operates and what this means for students. The new system is a uniquely developed system which combines school based assessment and external assessment. It is by no means anything like the New South Wales or Victorian systems where there is major assessment at the end of year 12.

If you are a parent of current year 9 students, I strongly urge you to take up opportunities to learn about what this means for your student. If you would like more detailed information on this, I suggest you go to the QCAA website, New Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and tertiary entrance systems.

We will continue to provide information as it becomes available. If you wish to discuss this in further detail please do not hesitate to contact either myself or one of the Deputy Principals.

Helen Jamieson
Executive Principal

Coming Events

Open Classrooms – After School Tutoring

Students can get expert help for assignments and assessment, every Monday to Thursday 3 - 4 pm in the air-conditioned comfort of the library. Each day offers a different tutor for each subject area:

Enrolments for 2018

We are now taking enrolments for 2018. Enrolment forms are available from our website or in person from our office. We look forward to receiving these as soon as possible! The closing date for our Excellence Programs is 25 August 2017.

Student Services

Senior Schooling

Senior Schooling held the 2017 My Future Options Day on Wednesday 7 June. We were lucky enough to have 31 exhibitors. The Expo was an opportunity for year 10, 11 and 12 to explore career opportunities and training in the trades, corporate and professional sectors. We received fantastic feedback from the exhibitors who expressed their delight at the enthusiasm and engagement shown by the students. A big thank you goes out to everyone involved in making the day such a success!

Internet Safe Training

Brett Lee from Internet Safe Training will be visiting the school on Wednesday 21 June. Brett is a former undercover internet detective who talks to thousands of students, teachers and parents about how to keep children safe online. The main issues Brett will cover are related to internet safety and cyber bullying i.e. social media, cyberbullying, gaming, predatory behavior, digital footprint, sexting, legal responsibilities, etc.

We are excited as a school to be taking proactive steps to educate and empower our community to stay safe online.

Attention Primary School Students

Golden Opportunities Experiential Learning Days

What: Corinda S.P.A. (Soils / Plants / Animals) Students will work on rotation, through three separate workshops run by industry professionals (University of Queensland) to develop an understanding of ‘interdependence’ – No one element can survive without the other.
Who: Any year 3, 4 and 5 students
When: Friday 2 June 2017
8.30 am to 2.50 pm
Where: Corinda State High School, 46 Pratten Street, Corinda 4075
Cost: $20 per student
Contact: Erin Clare, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Corinda State High School
Phone: 07 3379 0222
Email: echud0@eq.edu.au

About your presenters:

Soils: Dr Bernhard Wehr is a lecturer for soil chemistry at the University of Queensland, St Lucia. His main interests are the effect of salinity, acidity and pollutants on the biological, chemical and physical properties of soil. He is interested in developing practical solutions to overcome soil degradation and he considers the degradation of our soil resource a major challenge facing humanity.

Plants: Stuart Halsey, Head of Senior Science & Agriculture at Corinda SHS, is very passionate about educating everyone about food and fibre science. Australia has a rich history of agricultural innovation which will continue long into the future with the right experiences to inspire the next generation.

Animals: Chris Butcher is Corinda’s very own resident animal expert. He has extensive experience in the animal industry through his industry experience prior to teaching. Mr Butcher takes great pride in the farm and is passionate about industry connections to support employment opportunities for students in one of our most economically important industries.

Humanities

Geography

As part of their inquiry into managing river catchments, the year 11 Geography students set out to test the water quality along the Oxley Creek. Students used state-of-the-art technology to test and collate data on the pH, turbidity, conductivity and temperature of the water. We started the day with a walk through Greenwood Lakes, learning about native and introduced flora and fauna. We then made our way to Archerfield, stopping at Norma Croker Park, to examine the impact of pollution on water quality. We finished the day at Oxley Common, enjoying the landscape and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation strategies. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to participate in field work and apply their geographic skills to an important local case study.

Science

Year 9 Science and Mathematics Excellence Class

During week 6, David Close, a geologist from Origin Energy visited the year 9 Science and Mathematics Excellence class to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the structure of the Earth and plate tectonics. Josie O’Shea from the CSIRO Scientist in Schools program was also present to showcase the partnership Corinda State High School is forging with real-world scientists.

With David’s vast knowledge on topics such as tectonic plates, oceanic vs. continental crust, new vs. ancient land, and rock analysis techniques, the year 9s were able to come away from the discussion with more of an appreciation for their chemistry & earth science unit. In addition, the students now have a better idea of what career pathways exist for geologists. The questions the students posed to David were also very impressive and demonstrated maturity and depth of thinking.

Year 8 Science and Mathematics Excellence Class

On Friday 26 May, the year 8 Science and Mathematics Excellence class visited QUT Gardens Point to participate in a range of STEM engagement activities. In the first session, we learnt how different variables could affect the flight and velocity of a simulated rocket. After experimenting with a variety of factors, we competed to see if we could launch our simulated rocket to the highest possible altitude. The existing record was 15.89 km by Benowa SHS and several of our groups was able to match or beat the existing record! By the end of the session, the highest altitude was 16.49 km, which was achieved by Alex, Raven, Angeline and Cindy.

Corinda SHS is now the school to beat for every group that participates in the QUT Rocket challenge!

In the second half of the day, we learnt how to use “LittleBits” robotic parts to construct a range of different gadgets. We were set a challenge to construct a two-part device, which used infrared light to transmit a message wirelessly across a short distance. We were given a budget and a variety of building materials as well as the “LittleBits” kits to use. By the end of the session, the cube was filled with music being transmitted wirelessly from table to table! Thank you to Mr Grevell for organising this enriching experience for our students!

Amy Scott-Preimonas Head of Department – Junior Secondary Science

The Arts

Dance

Recently our Dance troupes have been busily participating in the regional competitions for dance in Brisbane. All of our students have represented the school with pride and enthusiasm and truly demonstrating our school values both on and off the stage. The students spent some long days at the venues and competition was fierce in all categories. The results were as follows:

• 2nd Place BPAC Junior Troupe Hip Hop
• 2nd Place BPAC Junior Musical Theatre
• 2nd Place BPAC Senior Lyrical
• 3rd Place BPAC – Tap Troupe
• Very Highly Commended BPAC Junior Contemporary

Creative Generation

Excellence Awards in Visual Art

8 April – 30 July 2017
Goma | gallery 2.1 | free

The annual 'Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art' showcases the outstanding achievements of senior Visual Art students from schools throughout Queensland. CSHS is proud to have two students’ works on exhibition this year at GOMA – Annabelle Wood and Elouise Hulme.

The exhibition includes works that hold a quintessential Queensland flavour, whilst exploring cultures and identities from around the world. The artworks invite conversations, stir feelings, and embody ideas not easily expressed in words.

The exhibition features an interactive digital catalogue with artwork information and images and artist statements are available throughout the space. Teachers and students can download a copy of the Artists' Statements which feature images and information about the artworks.

The 'Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art' is an initiative of the Department of Education and Training, supported by the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art.

Sport

Bill Turner Cup U / 15 Football

Good news for our U15 Boys Football (Bill Turner Cup) team. On Friday 2nd May, Corinda SHS defeated Marsden SHS 4 – 1 in the Area Quarter-Finals. This leaves Corinda as one of the 4 remaining teams in Brisbane South and West. The boys will now play their Area Semi-Final against Ipswich Grammar School during Week 10. Good luck boys!

Athletics Carnival

The Corinda SHS Inter-House Athletics Carnival is fast approaching (Tuesday and Friday of Week 10). Students need to be aware that events have already begun during lunch breaks (schedule below), as there is not time for all events over the two days. Training is offered weekly for throws, jumps, and sprints (schedule below) and students looking to compete at the District and Regional Athletics Carnivals should be accessing these sessions. Be sure to listen to morning notices to know when specific events are being held so you do not miss out!

Jumps Training: Thursdays 3 – 4 pm
Throws Training: Wednesdays 3 – 4 pm
Running Training: Mondays 3 - 4 pm & Thursdays 7.30 am – 8.15 am

Lunchtime Events

Representative News

Well done to Ella Borcak (Year 7) who was named in the Metropolitan West U/ 12 Tennis team. Ella will now represent Met West at the State Tennis Championships in Toowoomba in early August. Go Ella!

A big congratulation to Keirrah Andrews-Young (Year 11) who has been selected in the Australian Futsal team to tour China later this year. Keirrah has been a member of our Football Excellence Program since year 8 and this is a great reward for her dedication and effort over the years. We are sure you will represent Corinda with skill and passion in China, Keirrah!

Well done to those students who represented West Brisbane District at the Metropolitan West Cross Country Carnival on Thursday 1 June. While no Corinda students were successful in being selected for Metropolitan West, all ran well on the day.

Upcoming District / Regional Trials

Any students wanting to attend the upcoming West Brisbane District / Metropolitan West trials need to see Mr Ben Cameron for information and paperwork. It is expected that students are performing at a club / representative level in the sport they wish to trial for…

Metropolitan West U/12 Girls Softball – Thursday 13 July
Metropolitan West U/12 Boys Softball – Friday 14 July
West Taylor Bridge U/12 Boys Cricket – Wednesday 2 August
Metropolitan West U/12 Girls AFL – Tuesday 22 August
Metropolitan West U/12 Girls Cricket – Wednesday 6 September

Sporting Excellence Applications for 2018

Applications for both the Football and Tennis Excellence Programs continue to be received throughout Term 2 and 3 this year. Students who have applied will be invited to a trial and tour day at the end of Term 3.

For more information or application forms:

• Tennis Excellence Program, Head of Tennis – Kent Linyard – kliny1@eq.edu.au or 3379 0240
• Football Excellence Program, Head of Football – Ben Cameron – bcame70@eq.edu.au or 3379 0210

Ben Cameron

Resource Centre

Readers’ Cup

Readers’ Cup season is about to begin. The school Readers’ Cup will be held on Monday 19 June for the Year 8 and Wednesday 21 June for the Year 7. Each class is entering a team to battle out for the championship. Students in all grades are also preparing for the Interschool Readers’ cup. Books for this competition are now being distributed so that they can be read over the holidays.

Accelerated Reader

Our year 7 and year 8 students are involved in a new reading program called Accelerated Reader. On junior assembly on Friday, we presented awards for the most promising reader in each Year 8 class, to the student who had read the most books in term 1 and to the form class who had read the most books in term 1. Great reading everyone!

EQ Digital Library

All students in Years 7 – 9 and most staff are enrolled in the EQ digital library. This is a fantastic opportunity to access over 14000 eBooks and audiobooks.

Books can be read on laptops, computers or digital devices. Students in years 10 - 12 who would like to have access to the eBooks should contact Mrs Lanham at the library or email planh1@eq.edu.au

All students have access to more eBooks through the link below:

Teacher Spotlight

Stephen Thrum Student Leadership Coordinator

1. What is the best thing about Corinda High? Memories – I have memories here as a student, and now I am creating memories here as a teacher.
2. What is your favourite colour? Green
3. What TV show do you love? West Wing
4. What is your Junk food of choice? Freddo Frogs
5. Do you have a Hobby? Yes. Building scale models
6. Who is the best band/singer of all time? Bee Gees
7. What sport do you love to watch? Monster Trucks
8. If you could only travel to one more destination in the world, where would you go? Alaska
9. What do you love about teaching? Passing on my knowledge to the younger generation. This is certainly a legacy we should all aim for.
10. What is your favourite life quote? I have two actually - “Do Good Work” (by astronaut Gus Grissom). “A pound of pluck is worth a ton of luck” (my own)

Community Notices

Position Available

Science Operations Officer

We are looking for a full time casual Science Operations Officer to assist our Science Department. If you are interested in applying, please send your cover letter and resume, with two current referees to Kelli Gallagher, Executive Business Manager, hr@corindashs.eq.edu.au. Applications are due by 4:00 pm on Thursday 22 June.

Parent Education Event

Yeronga State School P&C is hosting a community parent education event on Wednesday 23rd August. The seminar is entitled Before You Hit Send: A Social Media SOS for Children & Parents and will be presented by local author and journalist, Rebecca Sparrow. The admission price is $25 per adult and $10 student. Due to content presentation, children must be 10 years old to attend.

School Parking

A friendly reminder, there is NO parking on the school grounds at any time.

The 2017 Schoolgirl Sporting Star Awards

Awards open! Are there girls at your school who deserve recognition for their sporting achievements over the last 12 months? This year, ACHPER offers the Junior Star and Senior Star Awards for outstanding sporting performance as well as the award for Service to Sport, which recognises students who have significantly contributed to school or club sport and/or the sporting pursuit of others.

The awards are a fantastic way to celebrate female sporting achievements and inspire the next generation to get active. Winners of these awards and the 2017 Queensland Schoolgirl Athlete of the Year will be announced at the Women in Sport breakfast held on the 25 October. For more information, or application forms, please visit the link below:

Taringa Rovers F.C.

June - July School Holiday Football Camp

Taringa Rovers is pleased to announce a 3-day Football Camp during the June / July school holidays. This is open to all junior players (Boys & Girls, Taringa & non-Taringa players). The camp is open for all players from U6 thru to U14 in 2017, and all ability levels. It will be run by Taringa Rovers Junior DOC, Kelvin Wheeler (AFC B licence).

When: Tuesday 4 July, Wednesday 5 July & Thursday 6 July
Times: 2 pm to 5 pm
Where: Taringa Rovers F.C. at Jack Speare Park, Indooroopilly
Cost: $95 per player
Contact: Kelvin Wheeler
Phone: 0412 085 388
Email: juniordoc@taringarovers.com.au

To register your interest for the clinics please send an email containing the following information to the above email address.

Please supply the following Player Registration details:

• Players Given Name and Surname
• Date of Birth
• Parents contact details - Mobile phone and email address.
• Any medical condition

Holiday Day Camp

Be a young leader at DayCamp! A program run in the June School for primary school aged kids by the Oxley Uniting Church. We are looking for young leaders in Year 8 to 12, training and support are provided for you. This is a great opportunity to complete your community service hours.

The program is run at the Corinda Pony Club at the end of Rinora St, Corinda from 27 – 30 June 2017 9 am – 3 pm each day. We also run a program called FunFari for kids in years 6 and 7.

Centenary Knitting and Crochet Circle

The Centenary Knitting and Crochet circle are holding a ‘Drop in and Knit’ Day on 15 July (see poster for times and location). The aim is to complete as many squares as possible, with the goal set at 500. Squares are assembled into rugs for charity. Drop in and knit/crochet a square. Stay for an hour or stay for the day.

• Browse through the craft display of items made by local artisans.
• Find something special on the stall selling handmade items (not just knit and crochet).
• Hourly raffles (proceeds to purchase wool for rugs)
• Be in with a chance to win one of the 3 major prizes (not necessary to be present at time of draw):
  - Primary School and High School student sections – complete a square and go into the draw. One entry per square completed, and you can start working on them at home: Junior - $20 gift card, High School – I-tune card.
  - Most squares completed on the day (no age limit) – sorry, you can’t start these at home! Prize is a voucher from Just Poppy’s at Riverhills.
• Sausage sizzle lunch and tea and coffee throughout the day.

8 ply yarn, 4mm needles, 30 stitches and knit to make a 15 x 15cm square. Garter stitch (all plain knitting) is fine, but be adventurous if you would like to.

If you crochet, we regularly have squares that need to be crocheted together, please get in touch.

UQ Parenting and Family Support Centre Study

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