O-News 10 November 2023

From the Principal's Desk

Hello Everyone,

Last Wednesday evening, our school held an amazing event that showcased our student talents, achievements and quality in teaching, learning and school culture. Our annual Night of Excellence ensured the opportunity for our students to be celebrated for their outstanding efforts and achievements aligned to our 4 excellence pillars: Community, Academic, Cultural and Sport. 

It was great to see all of our high performing students from Year 7-11 cohorts stand up on stage receiving their awards with pride. I know our school community who attended the event were very proud of our students’ achievements. Our School Captains for 2024 did a wonderful job hosting our Night of Excellence and ensured it ran very smoothly. Congratulations to Maya, Grace, Karrah and Paige for being selected as our 2024 School Captains. These exceptional students have made a great start in their new leadership positions.

Our Year 12 students are nearing the end of their final exams! These fine students will be celebrating the end of their high school education by participating in their graduation ceremony next Thursday evening. I wish all of our Year 12 students the very best and look forward to their special and final event as students of Ormeau Woods State High School.

In line with Community showcase events, tonight we will be hosting the inaugural Woods Fest Arts Exhibition. This event will be spectacular and will be a real treat for all people who appreciate great art.  Our school Art students and teachers have worked very hard to prepare for this event and will showcase the outstanding creative talents of our students.

Finally, we are fortunate to be able to host international school students and staff from Japan. This week we welcomed Yamate Gakuin High School who were immersed in our school culture.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be highlighting some information around the ‘phones away for the day’ process which will be enacted at the start of next year. Stay tuned and have a great week.

Dan Murtas - Principal

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.

Chappy News:

Breakfast Club:

Currently we have pancakes Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. 

Free to all students and staff who didn't get the chance to have breakfast whilst rushing out the door! (Or if you just like second breakfast).

Breakfast club is slowly expanding and is looking for helpers for next year!  You will need to be able to arrive early to school (7:45am).

Please email me ASAP if you're interested so we can solidify the team before the end of this year.

Christmas hampers/care packages:

Thank you to local services including Highway church, Hillsong church and Newlife church for arranging a total of 30 care packages for students and families. Times are fairly tough at the moment for a lot of families. If you would like to receive a care package at the end of this term, there are still 20 hampers yet to be allocated, so please feel free to contact Haley, no questions asked! 

Anime Club:

Our anime club is on Tuesdays at first break in the Resource Centre. We are up to episode 6 in Spy Family. If you would like to join, as always send me an email or come and have a chat with me.

Blessings, 

Chappy Haley - hradu1@eq.edu.au 

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.

Night of Excellence

The 2023 Night of Excellence was an evening filled with pride, celebration, and recognition for our exceptional students, who were awarded for their outstanding work. It was a wonderful occasion where the achievements of our bright and dedicated students were honoured and applauded.

Your hard work, commitment and remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed. Each award is a testament to your dedication and the outstanding contributions you've made throughout the year.

From academic accomplishments to exemplary performances in various fields, your efforts have set a standard of excellence for the entire school community. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the positive impact you've made within our school.

The Night of Excellence was a true reflection of the pursuit of excellence within our school. It's a reminder of the incredible capabilities and potential within each and every one of our students.

Once again, congratulations to all the award recipients! Your achievements are a source of inspiration for all of us and a testament to the fantastic capabilities of our student body.

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JUNIOR AND SENIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

We are incredibly proud of the outstanding sporting talent within our school! This year, we had the honour of recognising two remarkable students who have demonstrated excellence across various sporting fields, both within and outside of our school community.

A huge round of applause and congratulations go out to Henko and Jacob for their spectacular achievements in sports throughout the year! Your dedication, skill, and passion for sports have truly shone brightly.

We'd also like to extend a massive thank you to our generous sponsor and Ormeau Links member, Snap Fitness Ormeau, for their continued support of this award. Both the Junior and Senior Award winners will be receiving a year's membership at Snap Fitness Ormeau, providing them with further opportunities to pursue their athletic passions.

Henko and Jacob, your hard work and commitment to sports have not gone unnoticed. Your achievements serve as an inspiration to our entire school community, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication within our student body.

CPR for Life | Year 10

We are thrilled to showcase the amazing progress of our Year 10 students in the CPR for Life program! Over the next few weeks, Year 10 students will rotate through these crucial lessons, mastering vital life-saving techniques that can truly make a difference. Special thanks to Mrs. Norton for sharing her valuable knowledge in this area.

2023 Touch Awards

After school last Tuesday afternoon, we celebrated the success of our Ormeau Eagles Touch players. A massive congratulations and thank you to all players, parents and staff members involved in the 2023 Eagles Touch Football season. A year in which the connection between our senior players and the new junior players has gone from strength to strength. Special mention to our departing players for everything that you have brought to our program, we wish you nothing but the best with your future endeavours both on and off the touch field. Enjoy your break from touch football, you have earnt it. Finally to Mr Austin, Mr Ulcoq, Mr Dyer, Mr Johnson, Miss Ulcoq and Mrs West, the voluntary work that you put into our program before, during and after school is the enabler for all of the successes that our students have experienced whilst wearing the Eagles jersey this year.

Well done to all award recipients!

Team Awards:

Danny Devries Leadership Award -

Coaches Award -

Player’s Player -

Wilson Marsh MVP -

Major Awards:

Joshua Sealey Community Service Award - Jorge Mc

The Chad Hastings Memorial Shield, Excellence in Touch Football Award - Emily M

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Tuckshop Day

We celebrate and express our heartfelt appreciation for our incredible Canteen staff. These amazing ladies go above and beyond each day to ensure our staff and students are well-fed and taken care of.

Stepping into the canteen is always a delightful experience where you're met with warm smiles and a can-do attitude. These remarkable individuals make it their mission to ensure that everyone is not just well-fed but also greeted with kindness and positivity.

Thank you, ladies, for your exceptional commitment, for always going the extra mile, and for brightening our days with your cheerful spirits. Your efforts make a significant difference in our school community, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Nat Pop Incursion

Last week we had a terrific incursion with the wonderful Gold Coast artist Nat Pop. Nat is a still life artist and the co-founder of the artist collective 'Mint Art House' in Burleigh. She worked with the Year 11 General Art students to create indirect portraits based on seemingly unremarkable possessions. The impromptu Still Life paintings indirectly convey students’ values, personalities, and interests. Students learnt invaluable techniques from Nat, including rendering techniques, restricted colour palettes, underpainting and layering. Students had a great day and are eager to finish their paintings.

eSport

Ormeau Woods SHS eSports team was invited to compete in the Queensland State Championships, representing the Gold Coast.

Seanna, Olivia, Charlie, and Reid danced alongside schools from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich. Despite their amazing efforts they fell just shy of advancing to the National Finals.

We couldn't be more proud of our team's accomplishments throughout their journey this year managing to secure third place in all of Queensland!

Well done team!

Fia Fia night

FiaFia night was a captivating journey through the beautiful islands of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Hawaii at the inaugural Ormeau Woods State High School FiaFia night.

The students absolutely wowed the audience by coming together to showcase not only their own vibrant cultures but also the rich diversity of others. It was an unforgettable night filled with incredible performances, delicious food, and a deep appreciation for the cultures that make our school community so special.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this night so memorable. Special mention must go to Marcel from Jacobs Financial Advisory and the OWSHS P&C, for providing financial support to make this night possible. Thank you also to our amazing teachers Ms T, Mr Naufahu and Ms Love for the hours of work put in to help bring this vision together. And most of all the students, your hard work has really paid off, the night was spectacular. We look forward to many more cultural celebrations in the future!

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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 on the iPad Purchase program please visit:

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

...where you will find the 2024 iPad Purchase Program paperwork available to download. 

Transitions - New students in 2024

Thank you for enrolling your child at Ormeau Woods State High School.  We look forward to welcoming you and your student/s in 2024. 

From Tuesday 28 November through to Thursday 30 November 2023, we are conducting a three-day Orientation Program to welcome new students and to familiarise them with our school before the holiday break.  On these days, students will participate in a range of exciting activities, have the opportunity to meet key staff and make new friends. We encourage students to attend all three days to receive the most out of this program. Further information along with permission slips required to attend will be emailed to all enrolled families soon. Keep your eye out for this communication and be sure to return what is required by the due date.

We are so excited to get to know all of our amazing 2024 Year 7 students over these three days.

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 Student Resource Scheme participation (for one year).

To be considered you MUST:

1. Complete the application form – found at:

    https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/excellence-programs/student-bursaries

2. Gain endorsement and support from your 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 the nominated date of 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.

Arts Academies

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗙𝗔 𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗫 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲!

Exciting news! We still have a few available spots in the SoFA (Studio of Fine Arts) and DigiX (Digital Excellence) classes for 2024.

If you're passionate about art, creativity, and digital innovation, this is an incredible opportunity to join a community of like-minded students if you didn't apply in the first two rounds. To apply, download the application form from our website and secure your chance to explore your artistic talents or digital expertise: https://tinyurl.com/8eb58ckx 

Curious to see what our SoFA and DigiX students are capable of? Join us this afternoon at WoodsFest and witness these talented individuals in action as they work on their masterpieces. It's a fantastic opportunity to get a glimpse into the inspiring world of creativity and innovation. Don't miss this chance to be a part of an amazing creative journey at Ormeau Woods SHS!  Apply now and come see our students shine at Woodsfest!

Finance News

The Finance Office will be closed after final trading on Friday 24 November 2023 (week 8).  Now is the time to make sure all outstanding curriculum and iPad invoices are finalised, via Direct Deposit, Qkr! or card/cash at the Finance Window.

Thank you to all those families who have settled accounts for 2023.

2024 iPad Purchase Program paperwork is now up on the school website, so if you are wanting to acquire a device through the school, the form can be completed and returned now for invoicing in the new year.

Important Dates to Remember:

Friday 24 November 2023 – Final trading day for Finance Window.

Tuesday 16 January 2024 – Curriculum SRS & iPad invoicing.

Wednesday 17 & Thursday 18 January 2024 – Finance Window Open 8am – 2pm.

Monday 22 January 2024 – Finance Window Regular Opening Time – M/W/F 8am – 11am.

Friday 26 January 2024 – School Closed for Australia Day Public Holiday.

Friday 16 February 2024 – Subject Levy invoicing (Year levels 9, 10, 11, 12).

For any finance queries, please contact us on finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au or 07 5540 9222 option 4.

Movember

The amazing Mr Bryan always takes part in Movember but this year it means so much more to him. Mr Bryan has been a Maths/Science teacher at Ormeau Woods SHS for the past 9 years and now we are hoping we can give a little back to this remarkable teacher. We are with you Mr Bryan and we can’t wait to see that Mo for the entire month of November!!! Please read a message from Mr Bryan as to why this cause is so close to his heart.

Donate at: https://movember.com/m/mitchellbryan?mc=1

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 0455 898 066 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