O-News 8 March 2024

Ormeau Woods State High School... The Right Choice for You

This term, Secondary Schools received communication from the Minister for Education, celebrating record results achieved in Public Secondary Schools since 2021.

At Ormeau Woods SHS we have also achieved record results, progressing each year since our last school review in 2019.

Please see comparative table below referencing Senior School, English and Mathematics outcomes:

Our achievement in all students gaining their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), at Year 12, has been recognised as excellence by the Department of Education.

We Add Value and are Great Value for Money

Please join us for our Enrolment & Open Night, on Wednesday 20 March where you can gather further information about our school and the Excellence Academies for 2025.

Meet the Staff

In this edition of O-News, we would like to introduce our Deputy Principal Team.  

Mr Joel McCarthy   |  Deputy Principal Year 7-10 Support and Intervention

Shalom everyone.

What is there to know about me of interest? I suppose that comes down to what you, the reader, finds interesting. Let’s see how I go.

I was born on a great year in the old Southport Hospital but grew up sort of 50/50 between the Gold Coast and Ipswich – you will never get the boy out of the old jacaranda trees in Queens Park. Never had any intention of becoming a teacher till I left High School (Anecdotally, when old high school chums hear of what I do they find it very funny- I don’t know why). My teaching areas are Drama, History and Geography but I think in the 13 something years of working in the profession, teaching at Keebra Park, Ashmore Primary, Beenleigh High, Aurukun, Singapore International School Saigon and the great OWSHS, well I reckon I’ve taught/had a crack at teaching almost everything except Physics and Specialist Mathematics. Not an accident, it would probably be my worst nightmare.

I take my job very seriously – not because I’m a serious person mind you. It’s because after every day at school I always stop and reflect. Every day I know despite the tough times and the tough calls - the team that I lead is committed to improving the outcomes of students. It’s a big team full of big hearts and the better I can be at working with the staff and the students the more young lives we can positively impact upon, potentially changing futures for the better. That’s worth taking seriously in my opinion.

On a personal note, I love a game of golf -especially when I play our Head of School and beat him convincingly, love fishing, love my family and I love the red V. St George. 2024 may not be the year for the mighty dragons, but they could surprise and my colours will never run – Dragon for life.

Keep it classy Ormeau Woodians.

Mrs Michelle Rivadeneyra  |  Deputy Principal of Senior School

This is my 3rd year at Ormeau Woods SHS and my 16th year working for Education Queensland. I have worked at schools across the GC and Brisbane with a focus on student support, curriculum development, leadership and staff development. I have continued to learn and foster my growth mindset for improvement over my career through further studies achieving a Masters in Leadership Management from QUT and completing the Advanced Leadership Program from the National Education in School Leadership Institute. I have also participated in research and pilot programs at QUT and continue to be a QUT Mentor for students in 2024.

My why is helping others achieve success. Central to this is my core belief that success by one can be shared by all, and all together we will achieve greatness. Building upon experience and successful projects awarded me the 2019 Bond University Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Award and a 2020 Teach X Nominee.  By focusing my skills and experience to help develop and grow both teachers and students, I strive to improve our schools results, year on year, and ensure Ormeau Woods is a destination high school on the Gold Coast.

Outside of school I thoroughly enjoy spending time on the water with our two dogs – Balter and Wolfe the Rhodesian Ridgebacks. From swimming in the ocean to crabbing in summer, as a Canadian I never get tired of the long summers and warm days.

Ms Libby Graves  |  Deputy Principal High Impact Teaching

This year marks the 21^st year since I first moved into a career in education, my 11^th year working for Education QLD and my 4^th year here at Ormeau Woods. I feel a profound sense of gratitude that the work I am fortunate to do every day is about empowering others to reach their full potential and strive to ensure the continuous growth of myself, so I can do this authentically. My unwavering belief that children and adults have more chance of achieving success when feeling valued, respected and heard, rests at the core of who I am, and drives my daily interactions with those around me.

I have worked across schools in NSW and on the Gold Coast in the areas of education management, student support & wellbeing, teacher development & literacy intervention. I am an accredited Instructional Coach and Classroom Profiler, and use this knowledge to guide and develop others to ensure the best outcomes for our students. In 2023, I was honoured to be our school winner nominated in the Bond University Excellence in Secondary Education Leadership Awards and recognise the immense responsibility that comes with my role – the duty to guide, support and empower both students and fellow educators in their pursuit of excellence.

When not at school, I am hanging out with my 7 (going on 17) year old daughter, spending time with family and friends, cooking or watching the latest binge worthy series on Netflix or alike.

Ms Louise Ferguson  |  Curriculum

As the Deputy Principal of Curriculum at Ormeau Woods, I bring a lifetime of dedication to education. Inspired by the remarkable teachers who influenced my own journey from school, my passion for education began when I was in high school. Propelling me from student to teacher, I went straight from school to university to pursue my career in education. As a graduate student, I began my career in a Prep-12 College, undertaking a variety of roles in with a focus on student engagement. I have consistently worked within the Department of Education since the beginning of my career, commencing at Ormeau Woods SHS in 2020 and have been in my current role since 2021.

At Ormeau Woods, I am committed to fostering an environment where learning thrives. Together with our exceptional team, I aim to provide and deliver a curriculum that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for lifelong learning. Aligning with my personal vision of providing educational opportunities to support all students to realise their full potential, I strive each day not only enrich the educational journey of our students but also to cultivate a supportive environment that fosters professional growth among our dedicated staff.

When not at school, I enjoy spending time away camping with family and reading a good book by the beach.

I feel extremely privileged to be part of the Ormeau Woods community, and I look forward to continuing our journey of student success.

2023 Senior Results

We're thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of our Class of 2023!

With our highest ATAR of 98.35 and a remarkable 100% QCE/QCIA attainment, we couldn't be prouder of our incredible graduates. Join us in celebrating the remarkable success of the Class of 2023. Their achievements are a testament to their commitment to excellence.Congratulations to all our graduates!

Welcome International Student Risa

Let's extend a warm welcome to our newest international student, Risa, all the way from Urawa Gakuin High School in Japan! Risa will be joining us to complete Year 10, and we're thrilled to have her as part of our school community. Not only is she embarking on an exciting academic journey, but she's also lucky to be staying with a wonderful local Homestay family.

Risa's journey with us has already been filled with amazing experiences! Last Thursday, she had the opportunity to attend the Gold Coast International Students welcome at Bond University. Alongside students from 12 different schools, Risa was greeted with a warm welcome from Bond University Regional Manager Sean Johnson. She even received her Honorary Gold Coaster certificate, followed by a campus tour and a delightful lunch in the ADCO Amphitheatre.

Despite the busy start to the school year, Risa has been handling everything with grace and determination. From completing her Water Assessment Skills test to navigating her way around the school and mastering speaking English, she's showing incredible resilience and adaptability.

Let's continue to support Risa as she embraces new challenges and experiences during her time with us at Ormeau Woods!

If you are interested in becoming a homestay family you can find all the details below:

Celebrating Student Success

We're thrilled to announce a new addition to our school Canteen team this year, all thanks to the amazing support from our P&C who run the Great Ormeau Bites Canteen.

Please join us in welcoming Olly, a Year 12 student, who has taken on the challenge of pursuing his Certificate III in Business and a traineeship through our very own Canteen.

You will see Olly every Wednesday, so be sure to give him a big high five for his effort!

If you're interested in exploring a traineeship opportunity like Olly? Look no further! Head over to the Resource Centre and speak with Ms. Whyte to discover more about how you can embark on this rewarding journey.

Let's cheer on Olly and all our students undertaking a traineeship as they take bold steps towards their future careers!

In the Woods

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦

Eight of our outstanding Ormeau Woods State High School leaders had the privilege of attending the School Leaders Celebration, hosted by the Gold Coast Secondary Principals' Alliance at Griffith University.

It was an incredible event that brought together the brightest minds and future leaders from 16 school across the Gold Coast. We're so proud of our representatives for their dedication and commitment to leadership!

You can read all about our amazing Gold Coast leaders in the Gold Coast Bulletin - 

𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟭 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛 – 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗬 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

What an eye-opening experience for our Year 11 Health students!

Students embarked on a transformative journey to the Gold Coast University Hospital for a "PARTY" presentation – Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth.

It was a day filled with invaluable lessons and real-life experiences. Our students had the privilege of hearing from actual trauma patients, emergency department staff and paramedics, gaining firsthand insight into the consequences of risky behaviour.

They ventured into the Emergency Department, where they participated in a gripping real-life emergency simulation. From there, they delved into rehabilitation procedures alongside Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Pathologists.

It was a jam-packed day of learning and reflection, leaving our students equipped with a deeper understanding of the choices they make and the potential consequences they may face.

A huge thank you to Gold Coast University Hospital and the PARTY program for this invaluable opportunity!

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 22

Next

𝗔𝗢𝗗𝗜 𝗠𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

As part of the AODI Term 1 assessment students will present in 4 x mock auditions with an external artist who comes in to audition them. The mock audition was based on Children's Entertainment, and the students have been researching and preparing themselves to be able to present appropriately for this genre. This audition experience supports our wholesome vision of linking learning with life, as its sets the students up with the tools and knowledge they will require when they take on real world auditions.

𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟮 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗔 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡

Year 12 students participated in the Material World Workshop at HOTA. The workshop explored materiality and creative approaches to making art in 3D forms. Students were encouraged to think like an artist, finding potential and endless possibility in the way artists use interesting materials to tell their stories. After the workshop students viewed the Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street exhibition which charts the design and cultural journey of sneakers. Students viewed the “footwear phenomenon that’s challenged performance design, inspired subcultures, and shaken the world of fashion”.

𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Our Aviation students took to the skies - or rather, the oval - to put their drone skills to the test! Under the guidance of their instructors, they honed their hands-on skills, fine-tuning their abilities with these cutting-edge flying machines.

If you're in Year 10, 11, or 12 and fascinated by aviation, this could be your chance to soar! Speak with Mr Flemming in the Resource Centre for more information on how you can obtain your Cert III in Aviation and embark on an exciting journey into the world of flight.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟭 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬 | 𝗜𝗔𝟮

Students in grade 11 Biology are currently collecting data for their IA2 assessment. The purpose of the experiment was to investigate the effect of substrate availability on enzyme reaction rate to better understand, and further investigate, how these catalysts function in particular conditions. Students will now take their initial findings and select particular phenomena to report on for their first assessment of 2024.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 14

Next

𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦

The Ormeau Woods SHS eSports team competed in the first eSports FUSE Cup of 2024: Rocket League! The Year 7/8s played extremely well, but the competition was very fierce with 18 teams all vying for the trophy. Both Ormeau Woods teams played well and went 2/3 in the heats. Jon and Charlie were knocked out in the qualifying round. Reid and Noah made it to the semi finals where they were narrowly defeated in a nail biting match.

The Year 9/10 team competed against 16 teams, and once again there was stiff competition from schools all around the Gold Coast. Sam and Noah went undefeated in the heats to enter qualifiers with a good seed. The team made it to the quarterfinals before losing a riveting match against Emmanuel College.

Well done team on a great competition.

𝗢𝗪𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗚

A new and exciting opportunity has been introduced into the Humanities department – Linking Learning with Life. Mr Joseph, Mr Rosemond and the Humanities team have spent many hours creating a simulated archaeological dig site for students to experience first-hand how the process works.

First to get their hands dirty were the Year 11 Ancient History class. They were introduced to the importance of digging techniques, recording finds and understanding the context of the finds as they related to the excavation and history.

Back in the classroom the finds were analysed and reconstructed to generate potential historical understanding of the site.

It's moments like these that bridge the gap between theory and practice, enriching our students' learning experiences and nurturing a deep appreciation for the world around us.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 11

Next

Health Hub

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

Breakfast Club

When? Before school Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Where? Outside Resource Centre

Who? Everyone

Chappy Haley is looking for volunteers for her Breakfast club, if you're a staff member or student that is interested in helping run breakfast club, please email the school Chappy hradu1@eq.edu.au. if you're someone that would like to make a donation of a product or appliance to the breakfast club, please also get in touch.

Finance News

iPad Private Treaty

The SRS covers all resources supplied to students, excluding basic stationery. It includes class novels, dictionary & textbooks, basic supplies & consumables for practical subjects, class photocopying, and licences for software & learning apps provided on BYOD and Purchase iPads.

Monies paid for the SRS, in addition to the Textbook & Resource Allowance paid from the Qld Govt directly to the school, is utilised for resources for your student.

If you have elected to not participate in the Student Resource Scheme, you are required to supply your student with items as per the SRS breakdown which will soon be on our website.

Payment of the SRS invoices would be appreciated by due date of Friday 15 March 2024, unless a current payment plan is in place and registered with the Finance Office.

QParents

QParents is a wonderful way to keep an eye on all things finance with your student’s school account. If you haven’t already, I would strongly encourage families to sign up for QParents as soon as possible, to be well informed of invoices, credits, due dates and more.

Curriculum vs. Extra-Curricular

Curriculum invoices include the SRS/Student Resource Scheme and Subject Levies, and must be paid or on a payment plan, prior to eligibility for extra-curricular activities.

Extra-Curricular invoices may include incursions & excursions, sporting events, camps, Soiree, Senior Jersey and Year 12 Formal, for payment after Curriculum invoices are paid or on a registered plan.

Flexischools for Canteen Vouchers

Please note that the Finance Window/School will no longer be issuing Canteen Vouchers, due to Flexischools being up and running and including Vouchers in their menu.  If your student requires lunch from the Canteen, and they don't have bank card or cash, jump on the Flexischools app and order food or a voucher - Easy!

Over the phone payments

For any last minute payments made to the school, please use the BPoint link at the bottom of invoices, deposit into the bank account or load to the cart via the Qkr! app, all explained below.  Over the phone eftpos payments will cease, with BPoint phone payments available using the number 1300 631 073.  Also important to note that you should never send credit card details via email, at any time.  This is to ensure your payment data is safe and secure, and not open for online breaches. 

IT Department

Important notice about the iPad Locked Down Browser for 2024

QCAA was recently advised that on some iPads with iOS versions 17.1 or 17.2, the Locked Down Browser (LDB) may close and then relaunch when the ‘play audio’ function is selected in the Device Check Tool or in a test item (e.g. a spelling question). Not all iPads with these iOS versions will experience the issue reported.

This issue is resolved when the iPad is upgraded to iOS 17.3 or later.

For more information on the iPad Purchase program please visit:

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

Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN information

Every Day Counts

Tutorials

Ormeau Links - Community Business Alliance

Community