O-News 20 October 2023

From the Principal's Desk

Hello Everyone,

It seems this year has flown by.  We are at the end of Week 3 Term 4, and this marks an annual milestone for our year 12 cohort.  Next week, Year 12 students will be participating in external examinations over the duration of a 3 week period.  It has been great to see all of our Year 12’s focus heavily on their studies and also finalising outstanding assessments this week. It has also been fantastic to see our Year 12’s participate in their organised week of dress up themes, having fun while also focused on their work and demonstrating our school values. I wish all students who are undertaking exams, the very best and I’m sure their hard work and dedication will shine through.

I would like to announce that our school is a Gold Coast Schools Digital Technologies Award finalist. Presentation of the awards will occur at the EducateIT 2023 conference to be held at the Griffith University Gold Coast Campus on Saturday 25 November. We have been acknowledged for our strong Digital Technology program which focuses heavily on innovation, comprehensiveness, and inclusiveness.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work from our Tu Tangata group who are going from strength to strength with their commitment to fostering cultural appreciation and understanding across our school and community. Tonight, our students will showcase Pasifika culture by holding Fiafia Night, an immersive experience for all who attend, in the journey through Pasifika heritage. I would like to congratulate the exceptional students and staff who are coordinating and participating in what will be an amazing school community event.

Finally, consultation of the future school strategic plan regarding, culture, teaching and learning, curriculum and resourcing has commenced. Opportunities to provide feedback and voice about the plan will be communicated throughout the term.

Have a great week everyone.

Dan Murtas - Principal

Head of School Update

I hope this message finds you well and looking forward to the exciting term ahead. Welcome to the Head of School edition of Term 4.

In this O-News, we will be reviewing the current levels of performance as measured against school targets and raising attendance as a pre-requisite for success

Throughout Semester 1, I had the privilege of highlighting how our students' level of achievement has been steadily on the rise since 2019. This progress owes much to the tireless efforts in refining our curriculum, assessment methods, teaching approaches, and interventions. These improvements have been instrumental in supporting students across the spectrum, from those who may face challenges to those who excel in various aspects of the school curriculum.

Below, you'll find our current performance indicators for the year, illustrating student achievement percentages in A, A-B, and A-C grades. As demonstrated in the tables, our students have shown remarkable dedication, achieving an increasing number of A grades across all subjects and year levels. Notably, our students in Years 7-9 have built upon the successes of Semester 1, showing gains in A-B grades. While the A-C percentages for Term 3 are slightly lower than those in Semester 1, they provide a strong foundation for the work to come in this term, surpassing the starting point set in Term 1.

We are setting high standards and challenges for our entire school community to strive towards our school-wide targets: 92% A-C, 55% A-B, and 20% A.

I'm also delighted to acknowledge the significant improvements in Year 10 Science last term. An analysis of subject-level achievements in Semester 1 revealed some gaps in understanding of term 1 and term 2 work, resulting in 78-79% A-C grades. However, during Term 3, the school dedicated time for the entire Year 10 Science teaching team to convene each week, focusing on curriculum, assessment, moderation, and teaching strategies to support all students in achieving higher grades. This collaborative effort among the teaching team led to a remarkable increase in Year 10 Science results, with an impressive 89% achieving A-C grades.

I extend my thanks to Janelle Norton, Head of Science, Jack Johnson, Year 10 Science Coordinator, and the entire teaching team for their support in ensuring student success in Science.

This term, we are placing increased emphasis on attendance, ensuring that students are present in the right place at the right time, and that accurate roll marking is conducted daily. This is paramount in guaranteeing the safety and well-being of each student on a daily basis.

In my capacity as Head of School, I hold daily meetings with our dedicated attendance officers. Together, we prioritise actions and follow up in accordance with our school's Attendance Framework. This framework has been thoughtfully crafted to guarantee that each student's attendance is accurately recorded, contributing to the maintenance of a secure and structured learning environment.

For your convenience, we have outlined the expectations for each stakeholder:

School Responsibilities:

• Foster a positive school culture through the principles of Respect Teaching and Learning, Respect Myself and Others, and Respect Property.
• Clearly communicate high attendance expectations to students, parents, staff, and the community.
• Recognize and celebrate exceptional and improved attendance.
• Monitor attendance patterns at the school, cohort, and individual levels.
• Administer absences and late arrivals in accordance with school policy.
• Implement intervention and support strategies for students.

Student Responsibilities:

• Attend school every scheduled day, including sports days and carnival days.
• Arrive at school on time each day.
• Attend all lessons on timetable
• Provide a valid explanation for any absences.

Parent/Caregiver Responsibilities:

• Encourage and support your child to attend school consistently.
• Ensure your child arrives at school on time daily.
• Provide a valid explanation for any student absences or late arrivals.
• Report any concerns about your child’s attendance to school staff.

By working together, we can ensure that every student receives the best possible education in a safe and nurturing environment. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to a successful term ahead.

Additionally, please note that the attendance team will be in regular contact with classrooms to monitor attendance, obtain reasons for lateness, and address any unexplained absences throughout the week and term. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your cooperation and partnership in prioritising the safety and education of our students.

Warm Regards,

Matt Silcock - Head of School

Year 12 Exam Tips

Sometimes the pressure you feel can help keep you focused, other times it can cause stress. Check out these tips to help you cope with stress during exam time.

• Study Schedule and Planning: Create a realistic study schedule that breaks down your study material into manageable chunks. A well-organized plan can reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.     
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. These habits can significantly impact cognitive function and stress levels.

• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Use mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises during study breaks or before exams to reduce anxiety. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can be beneficial.
• Self-Care: Prioritize self-care, including activities they enjoy, spending time with friends and family, and taking breaks to recharge.
• Positive Self-Talk: Recognize and challenge negative self-talk. Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations and realistic expectations.
• Stress Reduction Techniques: Utilise stress reduction techniques such as journaling, art, or music therapy to help you express and manage your emotions.
• Stay Organized: Be organised, including using planners or digital apps to keep track of important dates and deadlines.
• Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Students should limit their consumption of caffeine and sugary snacks, as they can contribute to anxiety and energy crashes.
• Peer Support: Form study groups or seek peer support. Discussing concerns and sharing strategies can be comforting and helpful.
• Professional Help: It is perfectly acceptable to seek guidance from the school Guidance officer or mental health professional if your stress becomes overwhelming.
• Test-Taking Strategies: Remember effective test-taking strategies, such as reading instructions carefully, managing time wisely, and not getting stuck on difficult questions.
• Visualisation: Visualise your success and positive outcomes. This can help reduce performance anxiety and boost confidence.
• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break your study tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Completing these smaller goals can provide a sense of accomplishment.
• Supportive Environment: If you have concerns, discuss them with your teachers, Guidance officer and/or peers.
• Time for Relaxation: Set aside time for relaxation and leisure activities to prevent burnout.
• Stay Balanced: Final exams are important, but they are not the sole measure of your worth. Take a balanced perspective on academics and life.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost motivation and confidence.

Health Hub

If you find yourself in need of extra support there are lots of places you can contact for assistance, please see the attached document with a list of places that can help.  Please also reach out for support from the Guidance Officers and the Health Hub team here at Ormeau Woods SHS at any time.

Introducing Ormeau Woods State High School's onsite Psychologist

Morgan is a Registered Psychologist with a six-year background in mental health, including prior work supporting young people in schools. Morgan's expertise spans across various mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, family conflict, emotion regulation, stress management, and performance psychology. Morgan utilizes evidence-based strategies including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) to empower students throughout their schooling years and beyond.

Please note that all referrals to the School Psychologist must be made through the Guidance Officer.

ATTENTION YEAR 12 STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

2024 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

A reminder that our Year 12 students will be invited to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey starting in March 2024. The short confidential survey will ask questions about graduates’ activities since finishing school, like study and work.

Graduates can expect to be invited to the survey via a letter from the Minister for Education or an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office on behalf of the department. Please check your contact details are correct with your school and your learning account by logging into the student portal at https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/

We appreciate your participation in this important survey as it helps our school improve our senior services for future students. For more info visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Celebrating Student Success

Congratulations to Jacob F in Year 10 for his outstanding achievements in the boxing ring. Not only was Jacob selected to attend the Australian Institute of Sport recently, he will also be proudly representing Australia in a tournament all the way over in ARIZONA, USA. What an incredible opportunity to shine on the international stage!  The entire school community stands behind you and can't wait to see the amazing things you'll achieve in the future. Well done Jacob!

Ella F in Year 12 recently embarked on a journey to Dubai, where she proudly represented Australia in the Junior World Series for Indoor Cricket.

Not only did Ella take part in this impressive tournament, but she and her U18’s team brought home the Championship title!

Ella's dedication, talent, and hard work have led to this remarkable achievement, and we couldn't be happier for her and the entire team.

Join us in congratulating Ella on this outstanding accomplishment and wishing her continued success in her future cricket endeavours.

You've made us all incredibly proud!

It is with great pride and excitement that we reveal the exceptional individuals who will be guiding our 2024 Student Leadership Council. Congratulations to Maya, Grace, Karrah and Paige, our 2024 Ormeau Woods SHS School Captains. As these young leaders’ step into their roles, we are confident that they will uphold the values of our school, inspire their peers, and leave a positive impact on our community. Your journey begins now, and we can't wait to see the great things you will accomplish.

Empowering young women leadership masterclass

On Tuesday, a select few of our Year 10 and Year 11 students attended the Empowering Young Women Leadership Masterclass at Southern Cross University. The students were given the opportunity to network with fellow young female students from different schools and hear from motivational and inspiring business women from the Gold Coast. At Ormeau Woods State High School, we believe in empowering our young women to become confident, strong, and influential leaders. This masterclass was a perfect step in that direction, providing our students with valuable knowledge, insights, and connections to help them thrive.

Relay for Life

On Saturday 14 October, our Year 10 Northern Collegiate leaders participated in the Gold Coast Relay for Life at Griffith University. Not only did they walk many laps of the track, they also worked tirelessly assisting with the running of the event. Our students did everything from setting up marquee tents and displays, to judging competitions, cooking sausages, handing out lap-tracking beads, collecting can donations and cleaning toilets. Relay for Life is a major fundraiser for the Cancer Council and it is not too late to donate for our students and boost our total. If you would like to donate towards this very worthy cause and show our students your appreciation for their hard work, click on the links below:

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/faitharcher/gold-coast-2023

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/vanessakimber/gold-coast-2023

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/caleblag/gold-coast-2023

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/ariandapasca/gold-coast-2023

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/elizabethcullen/gold-coast-2023

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/sharonrogers/gold-coast-2023

Roxinho for the Win!!!

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗥𝗢𝗫𝗜𝗡𝗛𝗢 - 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!

We are thrilled to announce that Roxinho has once again claimed the Ross Wallace Shield, making it three years in a row!

A heartfelt shoutout to our incredible captains, Zara and Jai, for their exceptional leadership and dedication. You led your team to victory with spirit and determination.

A special thanks to our amazing teachers, Ms Kenny, Miss Marks, and Miss Schultz, who provided guidance, support, and mentorship to the team throughout their journey. Let's not forget our youngest Roxinho supporter, baby Parker, who was there to cheer on the teams win as well!

Mental Health Week

Ormeau Woods State High School had a visit from Old MacDonald's Travelling Farm Gold Coast as part of Mental Health Week, and it was absolutely fantastic!

Our students had the chance to meet and cuddle some adorable animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, and one very cheeky little pig.

It was heartwarming to see so many smiles and happy faces during this special day. Connecting with animals and spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on mental well-being, and today's event was a shining example of that.

Thank you to Old MacDonald's Travelling Farm, Simon and the Health Hub team for bringing joy and furry friends to our school. We hope everyone had a fantastic time and found a little extra happiness. Remember, it's okay not to be okay, and there are many ways to find support and moments of happiness during challenging times.

Let's continue to prioritize mental health and create more days like this.

The Health Hub team are located in the Resource Centre if you ever need extra support.

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IT Department

Your iPad is a tool that empowers your education and creativity. To ensure it stays safe each day, we recommend considering these two essential lines of defence.  If you are in the school's iPad Purchase Program, these can be purchased through the schools IT department, payable through Finance:

A Sturdy Case - $40 - These iPad cases are designed to withstand the rigors of school life. From crowded hallways to bustling classrooms, our cases offer a shield against accidental drops, knocks, and spills.

A Screen Protector - $20 - The screen of your iPad is your window to the digital world. Protect it with a Screen Protector.

Please visit the IT Department, located outside the Resource Centre to chat to the team about how you can protect your device or email: IT@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au 

GET READY FOR 2024

For more information iPad Purchase program visit:

https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/bring-your-own-device

Transitions - New students in 2024

Greetings to all the new families of Year 7 students starting in 2024! We are thrilled to have you join our school community, and we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you.

Starting secondary school is a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey, and we are here to support and guide them every step of the way. Our dedicated staff and teachers are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where your child can thrive academically and personally.

At Ormeau Woods, we place a strong emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Our strong belief that every student is unique and has something valuable to contribute to our school community is at the core of all we do. We encourage open communication and active participation from both students and parents.

From the very start of Year 7, you can expect exciting opportunities for your child to explore their interests, build friendships, and develop the skills and knowledge necessary for their future. We are committed to ensuring that the first year of your child's high school experience, will be filled with growth, achievements, and memorable moments.

Once again, welcome to our school family. We look forward to meeting you and your child at our spectacular O-Week event, taking place later this term. We’ll share more about this exciting experience and other important details for the start of the 2024 school year through these newsletters and direct emails. Please keep your eye out for this communication. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead in 2024! 

Attention all current Year 6 students and families enrolling for Year 7 in 2024!

We have exciting news for those who excel in Academic studies, Cultural and creative fields, Sporting pursuits, and Community service and leadership. The application period for our 2024 Student Bursaries has been extended, so you still have time to apply.

There are 8 Bursaries up for grabs, and we're offering 2 in each of the following pillars: Academic, Cultural, Sporting, and Community. The application deadline is Friday 17 November. Please ensure you submit your application before this date for consideration. Bursary recipients will receive

• one Formal Day Uniform (socks included),

• one Sports Uniform,

• one winter jumper or tracksuit top and pants,

• free School Resource Scheme participation (for one year).

To be considered you MUST:

1. Complete the application form – found at https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/.../student-bursaries

2. Gain endorsement and support from current Primary School Principal.

3. Indicate which bursary you are applying for and why you believe you would be a worthy recipient (max 150 words). 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘦.𝘨. 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘴, 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴)

4. Submit application at the Administration office or mail to ‘The Principal, Ormeau Woods SHS, 148 Goldmine Road, Ormeau 4208’ prior to nominated date - Friday 17 November 2023. Please submit with enrolment paperwork if not yet completed.

5. Attend an interview (if required).

Students will then be announced during O-Week, transitions in week 9.

We look forward to receiving your applications.

For those of you who would like to start getting organised regarding uniforms, please see below for information on where to purchase these. The School Locker will be able to help you with all your uniform questions and needs. For any other enrolment inquiries please feel free to contact our Enrolment Officer, Michelle Stewart, on 5540 9222.

Finance News

Thank you to the many families who have finalised payment of curriculum invoices and cleared accounts with the school.  Resources have been supplied to your child/ren through the Student Resource Scheme and Subject Levies throughout 2023.  If your child's account is not up to date, please ensure this is addressed as a matter of urgency. 

A reminder that school fees based on curriculum requirements (SRS and subject levies) must be finalised or on a registered payment plan prior to eligibility for extra-curricular activities.

Any outstanding invoices can be finalised using BPoint, Qkr!, Direct Deposit or at the Finance Window.

For any finance queries, please contact the team on finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

Year 10 SOIREE  ~  Fitzy's Loganholme  ~  $40 due by Wednesday 8 November (for catering purposes) 

Learner Driver Day

The Queensland Police Service and Norwell Motorplex are partnering again for another Learner Driver Event.

The first interaction with an emergency service vehicle can be confusing and intimidating; especially for young drivers who are more likely to experience this when they are by themselves and don’t know what to do.

The program, which is aimed at Learner and Provisional licence holders, is designed to provide them with experience around these interactions with emergency service vehicles, making it a safer environment for everyone involved.

The next event is being held on Sunday 12 November 2023, at the Norwell Motorplex at 75 Norwell Road Norwell. There are five one-hour long sessions being run on the day; these sessions consist of a 15-minute road safety briefing and 45 minutes of on track driving in a safe and controlled environment. While the participants are driving around the track, several police vehicles will join them; the officers will drive around with lights and sirens on to simulate giving way to an emergency vehicle, they will also perform mobile intercepts and at the end, a static breath testing site.

There is a small booking fee of $25 and bookings can be made through the Norwell Motorplex website (norwellmotorplex.com.au). Participants (especially learners) must have a supervisor (over the age of 25) in the car with them while on track. The speeds are kept low so there is no requirement for helmets or protective gear.

For more information please contact Norwell Motorplex on (07) 5546 1366

IMPORTANT - QParents

SIGN UP BEFORE THE START OF 2024

Ormeau Woods State High School has been offering our families access to the convenient online parent portal called QParents for some time now.  This web and mobile application provides an easier way to interact with the school and give registered parents secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere.  To date we have only seen around 33% of invited parents register for QParents.

In 2024, we will be introducing online consent management.  This will provide a streamlined service around permissions for excursions, third party applications and Student Resource Scheme participation and will remove the need for paper forms which have the potential to go missing.  In order for the school to effectively manage and implement this new system, we need as many parents as possible to be registered with QParents by the end of next term (Term 4, 2023).  The benefits of convenience and time saving for parents, greater transparency of information and improved efficiencies at school make QParents a worthwhile app to have at your disposal.

Register now!  In the recent past we have sent invitations to those parents and carers that have not registered for QParents as yet.  Please feel free to review the information contained in the QParents Help Portal HERE which has handy information to assist you with completing your registration.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information or additional support.

If you no longer have access to the invitation you can send an email to qparents@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au and request a new invitation. (𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭, 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘭 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦)

Within the QParents app you have quick access at your fingertips to information like -

- student and attendance details,

- behaviour information,

- report cards and assessment planners,

- student timetables and upcoming events,

- invoices and payment history,

- and online consent forms.

QSchools is also a fantastic app to have at your fingertips.  Here you can access school calendar events, newsletters, staff contact and receive important notifications from the school.   You can download QSchools at anytime, this app does not need an invitation to join.

Ormeau Links - Community Business Alliance

Homestay - International Program

Welcome to Term 4, 2023!

As we approach the end of this year, Ormeau Woods SHS would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude and thanks to all our homestay families for your great effort and constant support.

In 2023, OWSHS has seen a rapid growth in the number of homestay students and increase in Study Tours. We welcomed four long-term students and study tour groups who stayed in our homestay program. We could not have achieved such success without you - all our homestay families.

We would like to say a BIG thank you for hosting our students, taking emergency placements, being flexible with changes, being proactive to communicate with us and so much more.  We know many of you have gone the extra mile to support our international students.

Moving forward to 2024, OWSHS is excited to welcome our sister school Kobe Koryo Gakuen HS in July, return study tours and more international students into our homestay program.

This means:

• It is now open to register your interests in hosting study tour students next year from Term One. Soon, we will send out some study tour details to families who are interested in hosting study tour students.
• Let us know if you have an additional bedroom to possibly host a long-term student in the future.
• Refer or recommend a friend who might be interested in our homestay program and hosting students in the future.

If you would like to know more about hosting an international student, please get in touch by email to homestay@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au or mobile 0434 916 155 to speak with Jules Carson.

Thank you again for your on-going support of our students and international program at OWSHS.

Tutorials

Key Contacts

General School Information

Vaping Prevention Study

Are you concerned about your child vaping? 
 
Take part in our research study which aims to prevent vaping in adolescents aged 12-15.  
 
This study is run by researchers at the University of Newcastle and will test how effective text messages are at stopping vaping in adolescents.  

Want to take part with your child? Sign up here: vapingpreventionstudy.com