O-News 24 May 2024

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Students, Parents, and Staff,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and in good spirits. It has been an eventful and inspiring term at our school, and I'd love to share some wonderful updates and acknowledgements with our entire community.

From our recent strategic planning consultation, our school purpose is defined as ‘inspiring minds to shape a positive future’. This week I had the pleasure of hosting the Principal’s Honours Breakfast, where we celebrated the outstanding achievements of our exceptional students. An impressive 32 students received the highest honour, having achieved an A in every subject. These students exemplify dedication, hard work, and a passion for learning. 

The atmosphere at the breakfast was one of pride and joy, with students, their families, and their teachers all coming together to celebrate these remarkable accomplishments. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our honourees and can't wait to see the many contributions they will continue to make to our school and beyond.

It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to two outstanding teachers, Mrs Meggan Zischke and Mrs Lauren James. Both teachers have been a cornerstone of the Arts and Maths Departments respectively, inspiring students with creativity, passion, and dedication to their students learning and wellbeing. It is with great pride that we announce that both teachers have achieved promotion to Head of Department positions at other schools outside of our region. Mrs Zischke has already started in her new role, while Mrs James commences in Week 10 of this term. Recruitment is being finalised to ensure continuity of learning for the students of both teachers’ classes. Both teachers have made an incredible mark on our school community, and we wish them all the best.

Warm Regards,

Dan Murtas

Principal

Head of School Update

In respect of teaching and learning, a school value, I inform you of analytics that have guided decision making and focuses for Term 2, as well as current progress towards our academic goals of 92% A-C grade, 55% A-B grade and 20% A grade as demonstrated on Term 1 student report cards.

Analysis of tables as seen below, amplifies the work of the senior schooling team, Michelle Rivadeneyra (Senior School Deputy Principal), Andrew Jenner (Head of Year 11 & 12), Andrew Fleming (Coach) and Chris Thomas (Coach) in ensuring senior school students are achieving and pathwaying to their desired post school destinations with ever increasing success. Well done to our year 11 and 12 cohorts and their investment into their studies and academic growth.

Though interim reporting highlights a positive start to the year, we are further supporting students with a strong message and expectation that improved efforts will reap improved outcomes. We express daily that effort put into studies is controllable. Though we can’t always control getting things right first time, we can control whether to try again with increased focus!

This challenge has been especially communicated to our year 8 students, teachers and families in response to term 1 year 8 effort and achievement outcomes in comparison to performance with other year levels.

Significant strategies incorporated to support the year 8 team have included:

• Communicating high expectations of student learning to students, teachers and families
• Regular monitoring of effort and engagement every day, for every class
• Observing students learning and teachers teaching through classroom visits
• Providing individualised feedback and recognition to students meeting high expectations
• Communicating progress to families through Case Management Processes
• Monitoring of student draft and final assessment submissions
• Reinforcing key priorities, messages and progress on Yr8 assemblies
• Providing after school tutoring for Maths (Tuesdays) and English (Thursdays)

In tracking progress of year 8, I am pleased to report re-invigorated student efforts and support from teachers and families to assist our students in realising their potential.

In strengthening the conversation regarding educational outcomes there is recognition of the year 7 and 9 achievement in this year’s NAPLAN. Analysis of preliminary reading and numeracy data highlights lifts and progress from 2023.

Further information regarding NAPLAN successes will be forwarded once all data has been released.

Regards,

Matt Silcock (Head of School & Performance)

Subject and Careers Expo

We warmly invite all students and families to join us for an exciting evening of discovery and opportunity. Come explore the diverse pathways and subjects available. Speak directly with representatives from universities, TAFE, trainers, and employers and connect with our dedicated school staff who will be available to discuss subject options for both middle and senior school.

Don’t miss this chance to plan your future and discover the exciting possibilities ahead!

Tuesday 28 May 2024

MPC (Multi-Purpose Centre)

5.00pm to 7.00pm.

We hope to see you there!

Meet the Staff

Troy Austin  |  HMS - Academy of Rugby League Excellence

I have been teaching for six years. In addition to my current role at Ormeau Woods SHS, I have also taught at Keebra Park SHS. I'm actively involved in touch football and rugby league. When I'm not working, I love to go fishing.

Jae Shirtcliffe  |  HMS, Humanities, English

Hi there, my name is Jae Shirtcliffe. I have been teaching at Ormeau Woods for 4 years. This is my first school I have taught at since graduating university and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I currently coach our senior basketball team while also dabbling in Touch and Football coaching at the school. When I’m not at school, you can find me playing sport, at the beach or playing video games.

Jordan Ludowici  |  HMS - Sports Coordinator, Senior PE, Cert III Fitness

I have been teaching PE since 2015 with a sprinkle of business in there too. I did my pre-service teaching on the GC before getting my first teaching gig out at Dalby SHS. I was there for 4 years before I had my daughter and then moved back to the coast to be closer to family. I spent a year working at a couple of different schools before I found my home at OWSHS in 2020. Soon after, I became involved with Volleyball and teamed up with Mrs Augur to build our program to what it is today. I enjoy doing craft and roller skating with my daughter, hanging out with my husband and mates, playing with my dogs Tiger and Yuki and learning new things. I love teaching PE and am grateful to be part of our OWSHS community. YEAH WOODS!!!

Josh Sheldon |  HMS - Academy of Soccer Excellence

I was born and raised in North London, England and taught HPE in Berkshire for 2 years before moving to Australia in 2022. I travelled all over Australia and decided to settle on the Gold Coast! I taught at Windaroo Valley SHS throughout 2023 and I am enjoying my time at Ormeau Woods SHS this year. I am heavily involved in our soccer extra-curricular activities, and I am super excited to be a part of our Academy of Soccer Excellence next year. Outside of school I play soccer competitively on the Gold Coast and enjoy travelling, hiking and going to the beach.

Academy Trials

School Photos

Advancedlife School Photographs

Dear Parents and Carers

If you have paid and ordered a school photograph through Advancedlife, due to first time processing errors they have re-issued ALL school photographs.  They will be distributed to students next week through their futures classes, at no extra charge.

Please contact them direct if you need any further assistance - Click here

In the Woods

𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟮 𝗥𝗘𝗖

A huge shoutout to our Year 12 REC students who traveled to Woongoolba State School to assist with their Athletics Carnival. It was wonderful to see our students helping with various events and supporting the younger students.Well done, everyone!

𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 

Our talented ensembles competed in FANFARE on Monday and brought home some incredible results:

Concert Band - GOLD

Stage Band - SILVER

Drumline - SILVER

Strings - SILVER

The students played exceptionally well and represented our school beautifully. We couldn't be prouder of their achievements!

𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

It was a special day at OWSHS as we welcomed the student representative council from Yirara College in the Northern Territory to our school! They were on the Gold Coast for a 3-day leadership summit, and it was an absolute pleasure to have them stop in to visit during their busy schedule. But that's not all—the icing on the cake was welcoming back one of our beloved former teachers, Mr Wilson Marsh, who has embarked on a life-changing journey teaching in the Northern Territory.

For many of these bright students, this trip marked their first time outside the Northern Territory, their first plane ride, and their first glimpse at the ocean, and we were thrilled to be a part of their new experiences.

During their visit, the Yirara students engaged in sports activities on our oval, enjoyed lunch at Goldmine Cafe, and participated in a heart-warming cultural exchange with our Tu Tangata students. It was a truly enriching and joyous experience for everyone involved.

Moments like these remind us of the power of connection and learning from each other's cultures. Here's to more meaningful exchanges and unforgettable memories in the future! Thank you to Mr Marsh for this incredible experience.

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𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗨 𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝘃 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗛𝗦

A big round of applause to all the students who represented our school in the recent match against Southport State High School. Your hard work, dedication, and positive attitude were truly commendable! While the results may not have been what we hoped for, we're thrilled to announce that there are more opportunities coming up with fixtures lined up for Week 9.

Keep up the fantastic effort, team!

𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟬 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠

Students in Year 10 STEM have been busy conducting their modified practical's for their assessment this term. As a class, students completed a variety of experiments across biology, chemistry and physics before selecting one to modify and investigate further.

There have been a variety of investigations occurring, from pH of solutions or rate of reaction to photosynthesis in plants to resistivity of various materials. Students have really enjoyed the challenge of designing their own experiment and collecting the data for their practical report.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬

18 students represented OWSHS at the District Cross Country carnival. Despite challenging conditions, our students showcased outstanding sportsmanship and support for each other throughout the event.

Let's give a huge round of applause to our top performers:

1st Jacob F (Year 11) - 17 years boys category

3rd Henko V (Year 8 ) - 14 years boys category

We're immensely proud of their achievements and can't wait to see them represent the Pacific District at the upcoming South Coast meet!

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗥

Champs day Soccer was on again and despite some ups and downs, our team gave it their all and represented our school with pride.

Our Year 7/8 boys put up a strong fight going out in the group stages. A huge round of applause to our Year 9/10 boys who battled hard all the way to the final, only to narrowly miss out in a penalty shootout. The girls team showed incredible sportsmanship, making it to the finals, and the moment we've all been waiting for – our Year 11/12 boys clinching victory in a penalty shootout to bring home the win!

A massive shoutout to our dedicated coaching staff for their guidance and support throughout the day. To all our players, win or lose, you've made us proud!

𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟

Year 10 students had a fantastic time at the Gold Coast Careers Festival! They immersed themselves in valuable conversations with representatives from universities, TAFE, and various industries. Engaging with the community and exploring educational and career pathways is a crucial step towards building a bright future. Well done to all our students for actively participating in this enriching experience.

𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

Year 7 have been continuing their investigation of various forces as part of their physics unit. Students investigated how different surfaces have differing amounts of friction by dragging a wooden block across surfaces and measuring the force it took with a Newton meter. Many were surprised at the results as to how much the friction varied depending on the smoothness of the surface.

𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦!!!

The Ormeau Woods SHS eSports team competed in the Gold Coast Region Fuse Cup on Friday May 3. Students competed in Super Smash Bros, a fighting game pitting players 1v1 with a variety of 76 fighters from popular video games to choose from. With 8 schools in attendance, there was fierce competition. In the heats, OWSHS boys Archer, Jack, Noah, and Jaren played against some of the toughest opponents. Jack made it through to the knock out stage, but was eliminated in the first round by a player from Emmanuel College who would go on to win the championship.

Congratulations team on a great effort!

Finance News

Student Resource Scheme, iPad Purchase Program, Subject Levy and other invoices from the school can all be paid using any of the following methods:

Struggling to pay those school invoices? Need a payment plan? Please reach out via: finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au 

Please note that if Curriculum invoices are not paid or on a registered payment plan with the finance office, your student is not eligible to pay and attend non-curriculum excursions such as sporting events. If Curriculum invoices are not paid, or on a registered payment plan with the finance office, your student is not eligible for extra-curricular activities such as Year 12 Formal, Senior Jersey or Year 10 Soiree.

Please ensure your child’s school account is up to date, or make contact with the finance office.

Thank you

Health Hub

Hello everyone,

The school’s Health Hub is located in the Resource Centre. We have a School Chaplain, School Support Officer,  Indigenous Support Officer, two Guidance Officers, visiting School Based Youth Health Nurse, Service from Mission Australia, Health Hub Teacher Aide, and Administrative Officer.

Part of the service offered to students include:

• Conversations about concerns or issues.
• Subject discussion and career counselling
• Support and development of Personalised Learning Plans
• Support if feeling anxious about attending school
• Exploration of other supports if needed
• Adjustments and extensions for senior students

If you are unsure or in doubt about something, please contact the main office and ask for the Health Hub.

Looking forward to meeting and working together.

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 Health Hub team here at Ormeau Woods SHS at any time.

𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗬

What a fantastic way to celebrate Chaplaincy Week!

Chappy Haley hosted a delightful breakfast outside the PAC, near the school drop-off area for everyone to enjoy. It was a wonderful morning filled with delicious pancakes, fun, and friendly games.Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a special morning!

Remember, Haley is with us every Tuesday and Wednesday, and you can find her located in the Health Hub.

International Homestays

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR UPCOMING STUDY TOURS 

Our school has four international study tours arriving in Term Three and we need families to host our visitors or your son/daughter to be a buddy at school. 

Additour Fukien Secondary School from Hong Kong – two-day school visit; no host families required, buddies only 

Sister School – Kobe Koryo High School from Japan – 10 host families needed including a family to host two chaperones.

Arriving 24 July; departing 9 August. Payment is $420 per student

Showa Daiichi High School from Japan – 12 host families needed.

Arriving 11 August; departing 24 August. Payment to be advised 

MEM SMP Labschool Kebayoran from Indonesia – four-day school visit; no host families required, buddies only.

If you would like further information on hosting our international visitors, get in touch with International Student Coordinator Jules Carson on jcars66@eq.edu.au or mobile 0455 898 066.

Carpark

Parents are still continuing to use the MPC carpark as a drop off area.  This is strictly for Staff Entry Only – Please DO NOT drop your children off in this carpark, it is crucial for everyone's safety.

Please use the designated drop-off zone and student parking area in the Minka Lane carpark.  

Let's keep our campus safe for all.

Thank you for your cooperation!

IT Department

Important Message: Student VPN Usage

We have detected a large number of students using an app called “SkyVPN” that bypasses the Department of Education’s website filtering and security systems. Students are currently using this app on their iPads to access blocked apps and websites during school hours. This is a breach of the OWSHS ICT/BYOD Agreement and the Education Department’s secure operating environment as the network is for educational use only.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) route all of a user’s online activity through to their servers to bypass any firewalls or filters. In this instance, SkyVPN offers a free service in exchange for data being collected for real-time analysis as well as being stored. This software is created by an overseas company and any data collected will be stored overseas and subject to the rules and regulations of the country where it is stored. It is also been reviewed as untrustworthy as it logs your IP address and fails to encrypt web traffic. This is a major security and privacy risk to students as their personal data is being processed by a third party while using this app.  It is possible that this app may also be used by students to circumvent parental controls and filters. 

As per the ICT Agreement, seeking access to any blocked applications or attempting to bypass websites by bypassing the Department of Education’s Proxy Filtering system by using hotspots or VPNs is prohibited. As a result of this, any students detected using SkyVPN on the school network will lose access to all ICT resources, including school emails, WiFi, and computer logons. The incident will be logged on their OneSchool record, and the student and a parent/carer must complete and return the ICT Agreement again to regain access to the school network and ICT resources. 

We are constantly monitoring the school network to ensure the security and safety of students and the learning environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at IT@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au.  Thank you for your co-operation.

For more information on the iPad Purchase program please visit:

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

Every Day Counts

Tutorials

Ormeau Links - Community Business Alliance

Griffith Film School Experience

𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮

Griffith Film School's annual Experience Week is a unique, week-long program tailored for current Year 11 and 12 students considering future tertiary study in game design. During this weeklong program, participants will be taught by our skilled, industry-connected teaching team. Students will learn practical skills, which will result in the creation of their own board game and digital arcade game using Unity Game Engine. Not only do participants complete a piece of work for their creative portfolio, but they also get a feel for what it’s like to study at Griffith Film School as a first-year Game Design student.

Game design workshop:

• Dates: Monday 24 to Friday 28 June

• Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm daily

• Venue: S08, Griffith Film School, South Bank campus

• Cost: $450 (including GST)

• Lunch provided

This program is a great fit for students eager to dive into the life of a first-year game design student and learn about the various components of game design careers and game development.

For more information and to register for the 2024 Experience Week visit  https://www.griffith.edu.au/arts-education-law/griffith-film-school/griffith-film-school-experience

If you have any additional questions please email justin.carter@griffith.edu.au Program Director Games Design

Future Female Fire Fighters

Pilot program for potential future female fire fighters from year 9 and 10 with school endorsement

Girls Firefighter Experience Camp 2024 is a pilot program that provides girls in years 9 or 10 at high School in Queensland to join Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) for a weekend to experience a diverse range of activities that relate to being a firefighter. Selection will be undertaken from all EOIs received with consideration for the following:

1.    Interest in FIREFIGHTING as a career (100 words or less)

• Describe why you might be interested in firefighting as a career and what you know about the role.

2.    Involvement in extra-curricular and community activities beyond normal school attendance (200 words or less)

• Describe your involvement in school-based, community and/or extra-curricular activities.
• Explain your role in these activities and any leadership opportunities you have experienced.
• Provide any outcomes of your participation including personal growth and development (for example – playing sport supports teamwork, community engagement and volunteerism, and models a healthy lifestyle).

3.    Firefighting is a very physical career. Describe your activities that relate to fitness and your level of fitness (100 words or less). 

https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/join-our-team/fire-and-rescue-service/experience-camp

Community Notices