Term 3 | Week 8 | Issue 4
From the Principal
I am constantly astounded by this wonderful school! FLAIR was outstanding in so many ways. It was so incredible to witness so many talented acts. What a colourful array of talent we have here at KSHS! A student driven event, wonderfully supported by staff. In particular we should mention Caitlin “Penny” Penfold, Sue DR and Brooke Rankin for the hours and hours of work organising and promoting this event. Additionally, thank you to Craig Reiger for donating the lights to help make the show very professional in its aesthetic and to the P and C for running the canteen and finally to all of the staff involved in supervising backstage and lending a hand without hesitation.
Last Thursday 25th of August, Abbie Laherty travelled to Adelaide for the 10 to 19 Years Cross Country Championships at the Oakbank Racecourse. On Saturday, Abbie ran in her 3km individual race (Girls 13-14yrs Multi-class, T21 Classification) and she won! Another athlete from Qld came third so both girls received a gold medal for the Qld team as well. On Monday, Abbie ran in her 4x 1000m relay and her team came in second. She was very proud of her time 5:50. The QLD team also took out the trophy for the relays. We are so proud and just amazed by her achievements.
There have been so many highlights over the last few weeks at KSHS
- Year 12 2023 Student Leadership applications were due
- Wide Bay Track and Field
- Year 8-10 2023 new student induction and school tours
- CLONTARF trip to Canberra
- FLAIR
- Year 7 2023 Parent Information Evening
- New Year 12 Student Room opens
- Agriculture Show Team success at Wondai show
- Year 9 Business Market Day success
- Mountain Biking team Champion School for the third year running
We are so proud of our students and their wonderful achievements. What opportunities students have at Kingaroy State High School!
Responsibility – Upcoming School Review
Kingaroy SHS is undergoing a systematic review of its strategic plan by the School Improvement Unit in Term 3 this year. School reviews occur at least once every four years. The reviews play an important part in how the department supports school improvement. They provide schools with independent feedback, tailored to their context and needs. Principals use the review findings to work with their school community and Assistant Regional Director (or principal supervisor) to develop clear actions to move the school forward.
Review Process:
Reviews are conducted by experienced educators trained in the use of the National School Improvement Tool, a nationally recognised framework for reviewing teaching and learning practices. Review teams generally consist of two to four reviewers, but the number of reviewers and length of each review depends upon a range of factors, including the size and context of the school. Reviewers look closely at each school’s performance data and speak with a wide range of staff, students, parents and community members to get an accurate picture of the school. Unlike many other review systems, schools aren’t ranked or given a performance rating. Instead, the school is given a comprehensive report for consideration. The report details key findings and recommended improvement strategies to maximise student outcomes. Principals are encouraged to share this information with their staff and school community to help shape the school’s strategic direction.
Parent and Community Participation:
Feedback from parents and the community is an important part of school reviews, with everyone encouraged to have their say. To register your interest in participating in our review, email the EIB at eibmb@qed.qld.gov.au.
More information For more information about school reviews, please visit the School Reviews website at www.schoolreviews.education.qld.gov.au, or contact the EIB on (07) 3035 2217 or at eibmb@qed.qld.gov.au
Resilience Introduction of Parent TV
As part of the focus on resilience via activating partners, students and staff wellbeing and inclusion KSHS have partnered with schoolzine to make available Parent TV as a way of working with families and careers to help build resilience in our young people in our care.
This week's topic – How to put safety fences around technology use
Principal Selfies! FLAIR and BaconFest
Happy learning,
David Thomson
Principal
Senior Schooling News
Year 12
Year 12 students begin their preparation for the external exams with the Mock External exam block starting on Monday. This will run for 3 weeks finishing at the end of week 1 term 4.
It will be great practice for students not only sitting the exams but managing their life habits:
- Making sure they are having at least 8 hours of sleep each night
- Doing some sort of exercise to keep the mind and body healthy
- Eating well….avoid high caffeine and sugar drinks
- Managing their part time work commitments
All Year 12 students should be busy revising and working on assessments at the moment.
Formal
As you and the students are aware, the school has criteria for students to meet to be eligible to attend the Year 12 Formal. The school has had many conversations with students and their parents/carers around these and that it is the responsibility of the students to meet these.
The KSHS Formal is a school run and managed event that is only open to current Year 12 students of the school.
Date Change
The final Year 12 Graduation Assembly will now be held on Friday 18 November beginning at 9.00am in KPAC. This has been moved from Wednesday 16 November.
Year 11
Year 11 students are very busy preparing for their block exams beginning next Thursday.
It is now a 7 day exam period due to some of our students having to sit 10 exams over this time.
A reminder that if a student is feeling unwell (or tests positive for COVID), they should remain at home, the parent/carer notify the school and an alternative exam time will be arranged.
Year 11 reports will be produced early next term using the results of the upcoming assessment to report to parents and carers.
Students who have decided to change subjects from Unit 2 to 3 can start this process now by seeing Mr Freeman or Ms Krosch.
This will be the very last opportunity to change subjects as Unit 3 and 4 are considered a pair by the QCAA.
Leadership
We have had over 30 students apply for the formal school leadership positions and nearly 80 Year 11’s apply for their Senior Badge.
I am looking forward to interviewing 30 students, along with Ms Maudsley, Mrs Connelly and Ms Fredericks this coming Monday followed by the speeches next term.
Mark Freeman
Deputy Principal
Senior Schooling
The Arts News
FLAIR!
WOW!!! The only word that comes to mind when anyone thinks of FLAIR 2022.
This show saw over 60 Kingaroy State High School students take the stage to show off their talents. From bands, to singers (do we include the Men’s choir?), to amazing dancers, and then back to some hilarious variety acts, KSHS certainly showed up and put on a show!
There’s not much else to say, but well done to the school captains, Joe Meikle, Steffanie Humphries, Bridie Prendergast and Phoebe Day. These four captains dedicated hours of their own time to hosting this wonderful showcase and exceeded any expectations that were set.
A big shout out to all the other staff and students who helped bring this show to life, I know that I am very proud of all that were involved. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Ms Penfold (Penny)
FLAIR
Baconfest
What a fantastic display of all our school has to offer! From our phenomenal Stage Band performing on the main stage, to our Dance Krew and School Choir, our school certainly shone to the wider community.
BaconFest
Science & Agriculture News
Over Friday night and Saturday at the Wondai show our students competed against around 60 other students from South East Queensland including schools as far as Gympie and Bundaberg.
We won Champion school which is a great achievement and we did so in stunning fashion. Domination of the junior judging with Rhiannon Braithwaite winning the 14-25 years section and Harry Campbell winding the 10-14 years section. Liam Cullen and Bobby Hodson were also asked to speak in the judging which is an achievement in itself. It was also awesome to see other students Hannah Needer and Lucy Needer competing and getting results with Lucy placing in the 10-14 year old judging competition as well.
On Day 2 it was the young bulls time to shine with a clean sweep of first second and third in their class expertly led by our students Indy Eriksen, Amity Campbell and Liam Cullen.
It was also wonderful to see some past students out in the ring with Chloe Plowman and Abby Nowland (2021 graduates) strutting their stuff. It was even better to get the chance to chat to them and hear that they are doing great things out in the wider world since leaving school.
A tiring, exciting and fantastic weekend for the Show Team with a special thank you to Mr Cam Webster who has been working day and night this season keeping things running smoothly and lately making sure our next generation of stud cattle are calving well. It is never ending work for Mr Webster but he is always giving his all and helping the students learn their craft with passion.
Angus and Brangus Sale
Kingaroy High School's Palyah Angus Stud sold 2 bulls at the Aussie land and Livestock Coolabunia Angus and Brangus sale on Saturday 20th August. These bulls were Lot 1 who sold for $15000 and Lot 2 who sold for $14000. This was a very pleasing result for the school as it was our first-time selling bulls through an Angus Sale.
Home Economics & Hospitality News
The Hospitality students, as part of their competency assessment, were able to help the Kingaroy Branch of the QCWA out at their recent Gala Dinner celebrating 100 years. Past Kingaroy teacher, Marilyn Stephens, co-ordinated the student’s inclusion in this event. Year 11 Certificate II in Hospitality students helped set tables on the Friday afternoon, prior to the event. They were then joined by some of the Year 12 students to serve on the evening. Students helped plate cheese platters, main and dessert and serve and clear tables.
Congratulations for 100 years and thank you for allowing our students this opportunity.
Mrs Lisa Hutton
Sporting News
WE HAVE A NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORT CHAMPION IN OUR SCHOOL!
Abbie Laherty has just recently returned from the National Schools 10-19yrs Cross Country Championships that were held in Adelaide. Abbie had a successful meet over a couple of days. On Saturday, Abbie ran in her 3km individual race (girls 13-14yrs Multi-class, T21 classification) where she placed first. Abbie was also a member of the Qld girls team who also placed first. On Monday, Abbie ran in the 4x 1000m relay and her team came in second. She was very proud of her time 5:50 which is a great PB. The QLD team also took out the overall trophy for the relays.
Congratulations Abbie on a wonderful achievement and we look forward to seeing your medals on parade this week.
Business News
The Year 9 Business class has been working really hard for a period of 6 weeks. They created their own survey to gain information on what some of the students regarding what their likes and dislikes were in terms of the products they were offering (frogs in ponds, brownies, ice cream sandwiches, cookies, lollies and sausages). They used that data to make some decisions (after writing a report about it!). Everything was handmade and designed by the students - they had a lot of autonomy for this project and worked really well in their teams.
It was a great way for them to build teamwork skills and consolidating their knowledge of business concepts.
Now they have to write another report on it, something I’m sure they’ll love just as much!
Mrs Bonnie Crawford
Clontarf News
Over the last two weeks, the Clontarf boys have been visiting the Kingaroy Police Station and walking Boat Mountain.
Guidance News
Next week, 4 – 10 September, is National Child Protection Week. “Every child, in every community, needs a fair go. To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy”.
National Child Protection Week continues to embrace the overarching message that ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’. In particular, this year the focus is on shining a light on children growing up safe and supported. Children and young people thrive when they grow up safe, connected and supported in their family, community (including schools) and culture.
National Association for Prevention of Child abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) develop valuable resources to share within our communities to promote this.
Resources can be found at:
https://www.napcan.org.au/tips-for-playing-your-part/#1547590911384-76aeab57-35e5
Bec Zischke & Sean Wicks
Guidance Officers
R U Okay Day
R U Okay Day is next Thursday September 8. This is a great opportunity to check in on you colleagues, your friends, you children and your students to see how they are coping.
Rebecca Zischke
Guidance Officer
Senior Secondary
Community Notices
Wondai Regional Art Gallery
Elevate Webinar
The next webinar will focus on Exam Room Skills and be held on Wednesday September 7 at 6:30pm
External Assessment Invigilators for the QCAA
Background
The QCAA appoints members of the Queensland community to observe the administration of external assessments. The invigilator role is independent; they are appointed to observe and report on the administration of the external assessments. Invigilators play an important role in promoting public confidence in the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) system and ensuring that proper and fair administrative procedures are implemented.
Invigilator roles
Applications from Queensland community members for invigilator roles are now open. Invigilators are appointed as casual employees under the Education (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) Act 2014.
Role summary
Invigilator duties and eligibility requirements are detailed in the External Assessment invigilator: Position description located at www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/external[1]assessment/qcaa-invigilators. Invigilators are required to attend allocated assessment sessions at assessment venues to observe the administration of assessments. Invigilators report their observations to the QCAA after each assessment session by completing an online Invigilator report.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for a QCAA invigilator role, community members must hold a current, paid blue card / exemption card from Blue Card Services or for teachers, a current Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) registration. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in Australia. They must possess personal attributes of discretion, tact, attention to detail, and an ability to maintain confidentiality, as well as meeting straightforward requirements for identification and access to technology
Nature's Basket
We are a local artist group, Jumping Ant Arts and we wil be holding our annual art exhibition at the Kingaroy art gallery from 30th September to 28th October.
CTC Safer Communities
