7 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Thoughts

What makes a great learning experience?

I have been reflecting recently on the famous saying “Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication” (Leonardo da Vinci). Even though da Vinci died in 1519, it seems this quote has as much relevance now as it might have had in Leonardo’s time. In professions like education, increasing complexity and competing ideas about the best way forward seem to be common place. However, some new research seems to be presenting a simpler view on what consistently makes a great learning experience. Interestingly, much of it sounds a little like common sense.

Research indicates that lessons which contain the following characteristics seem to have the biggest impact on learning for young people and adults:

• At the beginning of the lesson or part of a lesson the teacher makes it crystal clear what the learning intent of the lesson is. That is, all the learners can describe ‘what they are learning today’ and what they will be able to do successfully and independently at the end of the lesson.
• The teacher makes it clear to all students why they are learning it. Students can talk about why this learning intent or skill is important to the overall unit of work, how the learning may transfer to other learning activities or have real world application.
• All students know what success looks like. That is, they know what they are aiming for and have been provided with a description of what success or an “A” example looks, feels and sounds like.
• The teacher constantly checks for student understanding and gives just in time feedback to help the learning progress.
• The classroom environment has a positive vibe, trusting relationships and business like energy.

All sounds pretty straight forward? As a teacher, participating in a great lesson is really exhilarating. To see students’ progress and experience the joy of learning is why most teachers love teaching. And to finish with another more modern quote, ‘designing and delivering a great lesson is not rocket science, it is much harder than that’.

Senior Exam Block

Exam Blocks for Year 11 & 12 students have been sent out to students and parents. Students are required to attend all scheduled exams and VET catch-up sessions. Our school assessment policy aligns with QCAA (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) and ALL students are required to follow the outlined procedures should they be absent and miss an exam or a due date for an assignment:

Missed Examinations

Advance Notice:

Students must complete an ‘Extended Absence’ form to advise the school of an unavoidable impending absence immediately when they become aware of it.

Documentary evidence must be supplied (eg. Medical Certificate). The Head of Department will determine the possibility of, and circumstances regarding, the rescheduling of a missed exam.

Unforeseen Circumstances:

If a student is absent on the day of an exam, they should:

Have their parent phone the office/relevant Head of Department (HOD) to explain the reasons for their absence.

Immediately upon their return to school the students will provide the required documentation (eg. Medical Certificate) confirming earlier phone contact with the HOD.

Student will negotiate with the relevant HOD a suitable time (at the earliest convenience) to sit the exam.

Nicole Brazeau – Head of Academic Performance

Industrial Design & Technology News

Time is flying by here at the Vale, with Semester 1 rapidly coming to an end. The students have done some great work with a whole range of projects being attempted. The Year 12 Construction classes are on track to finish our Cubby Houses well ahead of schedule. So if you are looking for an ideal Christmas present for the kids, we have 2 Cubbies for sale this year, but get in quick as they sell fast. Next semester will see a new range of projects being constructed and I look forward to seeing engaged students not only learning valuable skills, but enjoying what they are doing as well.

Photography

STUDIO LIGHTING WORKSHOP

On Thursday 25th May, the Year Twelve Photography students studying Certificate II in Visual Arts, had the opportunity to take photos using four different photographic studio environments in the Visual Arts Block. Professional photographer Jason Buck, from Buckshots Photography, was on hand all day, giving advice and suggestions to the students. Prior to the workshop, the students prepared by creating a shot plan; focusing on poses, compositional techniques and props. It was a great experience for them to expand their folios and assert their personalities as professional photographers.

Janelle Caughley
Certificate II in Visual Arts Coordinator

ARTS Academy

Congratulations to Connor Lynch, Year 8, who is starring in the Spotlight Theatre Production, “Planet of the Nebulons”, during the school holidays. Connor is one of our talented Arts Academy Drama students. He also is in the school’s EXCITE program.

Well done Connor! You are flying the Helensvale State High flag high!

MUSICAL

Tickets for Helensvale State High's production of 'Beauty and Beast' are on sale now. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the Gold Coast Arts Centre Box office on 5588 4000 or online at the link below.

Helensvale participates in OECD Study

Helensvale is in partnership with Benowa and Merrimac State High Schools as part the STEM (Science, Technology, English, Maths) Teacher Education Centre of Excellence (STEM TECE). This is a very successful program designed to prepare trainee teachers identified as having high potential to be effective teachers of Mathematics and the Sciences.

The Department of Education nominated the STEM TECE as the best practice exemplar in Queensland for a recent Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Study group to visit. The OECD Study seeks to provide policy makers with examples of effective and innovative policies to improve teacher preparation programs. Australia, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, the United States and Wales are participating in the study.

Representatives from each of the partner schools contributed to the OECD interviews. Helensvale was represented by Deputy Principal Janelle Dickman and Teacher Keira Broadby, herself a STEM TECE graduate.

Outcomes and recommendations arising from the visit will be available next term.

Host Families Required For Japanese Students

Helensvale State High School will be hosting students from our Sister School, Shiraoka High School, from Wed. July 26th until Tues. August 1st (6 nights). We are looking for families to take care of our “Japanese family” during this time.

Hosting an international student is an excellent chance for a family to learn about the culture and language of another country and to make some international friends.

Host Families will be required to supply three meals per day, transport to and from school (bus is okay) and a warm, friendly environment. This exchange experience has been going strong for over ten years now due solely to the generosity of families both here and in Japan. While this is a volunteer homestay arrangement and as such does not provide any remuneration, the experience itself is priceless.

If you are interested in hosting a student during this period, please contact Mr Brett Middleton via email bmidd32@eq.edu.au. Thank you for your support of Helensvale’s International Sister School Relationship.

Netball Academy

Congratulations to the Helensvale Netball Academy who are the INFQ Champions 2017!! The Helensvale U13s team defeated Southport in the Grand Final 36-40, Most Valuable Player (MVP) was Stevie Morrison. Helensvale U15 year 10s defeated Helensvale year 9s in the Grand Final 36-35, MVP Dannii Barker. Helensvale Opens defeated Keebra in the Grand Final 36- 28, MVP Maya Costello. All stars Team Selection U13 Tamika Smith, Mackenzie Coombes, Tamzyn Tamariki, Stevie Morrison, Saphire Palmer, U15 Reilley Batcheldor, Abbie Pluples, Ashiana Laban, Dannii Barker, Opens Etelini Roberts, Lea Pue, Bailey Stephens-Makea, Elli-Jay Beck, Kirstyn Lole, Maya Costello. Well done to the entire Netball Academy!

Volleyball

The Junior School Volleyball Cup was held in Toowoomba, May 25th – May 27th. Helensvale entered 3 teams – 2 girls’ and 1 boys’ team. The competition was of a very high standard with the students engaged in some great rallies and sets. The girls stayed at a private school – The Glennie- and became part of their school culture for the long weekend. The Year 10 girls tasted victory, winning the competition – only dropping a set in the whole competition. A big thank you to the 2 coaches Sean and Serene for their hard work in preparing the girls. Also a big thankyou to Mr Hinds who organised the event, Jax and Alyssa Gill for coaching the Year 8 Girls and Renea for coaching the Year 10 boys. Most of the students competing were from the Volleyball Academy Program.

If you require further information about the program please don’t hesitate to contact the PE Department.

GIPSA results

Our teams did tremendously well in the GIPSA competition, with Helensvale SHS the champions overall.

We have a large number of teams that are heading to the crossover finals this Wednesday – and we wish them all the best.

Congratulations to all the teams and coaches that have tried so exceptionally hard in their competitions.

These teams won their competitions:

AFL junior boys , Girls junior basketball, Boys junior cricket, Netball girls years 7,8,9,11/12, Year 9 Rugby League boys, Year 7 boys football, Mixed junior table tennis, Boys touch – years 8, 9, 11/12, Touch girls – year7, 8, 9, Volleyball boys 7/8, volleyball girls year 7/8, 10, 11/12.

Well done tmgrifeams, coaches and support!!

Collection for the Homeless

Around this time of year I know that many of you are going through your wardrobe getting ready for the change of season and getting rid of unwanted items of clothing. We are happy to take them off your hands and pass them on to those in need. There is an allocated wheelie bin in SWeLL to receive your donations. There is a list of suggested items on the bin, however, in general, we are looking for non-perishable food items, clothing, personal hygiene products/toiletries, blankets, towels etc.

If you have any questions please feel free to come and have a chat or email lbrad49@eq.edu.au.

Thank you for your generous support. Long Bradley.