Newsletter - Issue 1 2024

Message from the Principal

Key Dates

Year 7

A message from Deputy Principal Student Services and Year 7, Mr Greg Cooper. 

Behaviour Lessons

Over the past two weeks, the whole school has been participating in daily behaviour lessons to reinforce our school behaviour values.  This is one of our universal supports that we put in place for every student.

Parents/Carers are encouraged to discuss these behaviour values with their children and to use them in their homes. School leaders and staff model these behaviour expectations daily and work regularly with students to positively reinforce the values.

STYMIE

Stymie is an anonymous harm reporting tool that James Nash SHS proactively using to support our students to say something without fear. Students can go to https://stymie.com.au to report a range of behaviours that may harm a student.

Stymie helps your child to say something by enabling them to report all kinds of concerns, safely and anonymously. 

• The bystander effect occurs when the presence of others discourages us from intervening in an emergency situation.
• Social influence affects how many children behave, so they are less likely to stand up to inappropriate behaviours in public when the number of onlookers is high.
• Often our children are burdened by serious issues involving their friends but don’t know how to help.

Rather than trying to work against all of these pressures, stymie recognises the nuanced nature of their social currency, by providing them with a safe place to start a conversation.

Travel on the Bus

Students travelling to and from school must abide by the James Nash State High School Student Code of Conduct. Students who travel on the bus must also meet the bus company’s Code of Conduct.  It is extremely important that all students conduct themselves in a safe and courteous manner on the bus so as not to distract the driver. It is dangerous for the students if the driver’s attention is taken away by poor behaviour.

How can our students be safe and responsible passengers?

If your students follow these guidelines for student expected behaviours they will be a safe and responsible passenger:

Students’ expected behaviours:

• Hail the bus and wait in an orderly manner.
• Respect other people and their property.
• Behave in a way that ensures a safe bus journey for all passengers by:

             - following bus rules

             - staying in the right place

             - behaving in a calm, non-aggressive way

             - keeping hands and feet to self

             - speaking politely

             - storing all objects safely

• Get off the bus in an orderly manner.
• Follow the driver’s safety instructions.

Students’ expected Bus Stop behaviours:

• Hail the bus and wait in an orderly manner
• Stand in a visible location or at a designated bus stop
• Stand well back from the edge of the road when waiting for the bus
• Hail the bus as it approaches
• Remain quiet and calm without pushing or shoving
• Be patient and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on
• Have bus pass, ticket, card or money ready
• When the bus stops, move quietly to the bus

Welcome Year 7 2024

We welcome 180 new Nashies to high school this term. They survived the first four days of hot conditions while finding their way around their new school. They also had to remember lots of new teachers’ names and the names of their classmates.

And they did really well.

Entering high school is a milestone, and we understand that it might feel like stepping into a whole new world. A big shout out to our amazing staff here at Nash who helped the students make the transition as smooth as can be.

To help students develop a sense of belonging here at Nash, it is essential that the students attend CARE class every morning (8:45am) to find out what’s happening in the school day. It sets them up for success at high school. They connect with the same teacher everyday who can help them with any issues they have at the start of the day.

You'll find that high school is a place where you can explore your interests and talents. Whether you're passionate about science, arts, sports, or anything in between, there's a place for you here. Join clubs, participate in extracurricular activities, and discover what makes you truly excited about learning. You’ll hear about these in CARE class.

Expect to be challenged, but also know that growth comes from overcoming challenges. High school is not just about academic success. It is also about your wellbeing and feeling included. We want you to develop  a love for learning that will stay with you throughout your life.

We encourage you to embrace every opportunity, make new friends, and enjoy the adventure that awaits you. High school is a time to spread your wings, and we are confident that you will soar to new heights during your time with us.

Once again, welcome to high school, Year 7! Your journey is just beginning, and we can't wait to see the incredible individuals you will become.

My email is aport62@eq.edu.au if you need to contact me.

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Year 8

My name is Ystyn Francis and I am the Deputy Principal responsible for Year 8 in 2024. I have a great love for James Nash as a former graduate and am looking forward to working alongside our junior students this year.

Year 8 News

Thank you so much to each and every Year 8 student for the excellent behaviour and immediate engagement with learning they have demonstrated since our return to school. Ms Hyde (Year 8 HOD) and I are very grateful for the respect that is being shown and the willingness of students who make a mistake to own it, fix it and then move forward positively. In Learning and Wellbeing lessons in Session 5 on a Wednesday afternoon, they are getting to know their peers through fun, collaborative team building activities. These have focused on respecting others, communication, working together, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

We would also like to formally recognise our Year 8 student leaders who have hit the ground running this term providing servant leadership to the cohort. They will also be engaging in a Leadership Day on Wednesday 21^st February.

“Win@Life” with Darren Burns

We feel very lucky to once again have access to the services of Darren Burns from the Brisbane Broncos who will be running the program, “Win@Life”, with boys across Years 7-10 in 2024. His class teaches young men about identity, resilience, chivalry, and other vital characteristics in an effort to help each participant experience success both inside and outside of school. Each year level group will meet with Darren twice in the semester before he does the same again in Semester 2 with a new set of lads from each grade. Darren Burns also works at Gympie SHS and is heavily involved in the Gympie rugby league scene.

First Nations

In 2024, James Nash SHS has recommenced its reconciliation efforts with a number of cultural experiences for students to engage with. In Week 3, members of the Beyond The Broncos girls academy had their first workshop for the year, being taught by current Bronco and Maroons player, Romy Teitzel, on how to be a deadly leader and the importance of attendance at school.

During Care classes on Tuesday 13^th February – National Apology Day – students watched the famous speech given by then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples considered part of or affected by the Stolen Generation. It served as a valuable reminder of the responsibility each of us has to look out for each other.

At the end of Week 5, Year 12 students Blake Catlin, Hayley Cummings, and Kiah Small will be representing James Nash SHS at the annual QATSIF New Recipients Celebration at the Australian Catholic University where they will receive their sponsorship certificates and Hayley and Blake will receive badges as First Nations leaders in the school.

Finally, on Thursday 29^th February, we will be hosting our next First Nations Assembly in PA block at 8:50am which parents and community members are invited to attend. Please sign in at the office when you arrive.

Year 9

Welcome to 2024

Year 9 students are being supported by Deputy Principal Student Support, Shelley Gauld and HOD Student Services, Zak Green together with teachers and support staff.  We will be working to ensure that all our Year 9 students achieve their full potential whilst at James Nash State High School.

Attendance

Attendance to date is 92.7% which is an excellent start to 2024.  If your child is absent, please let the school know the reasons why and duration of absence.

Behaviour Expectations  

All students at James Nash State High School are governed under the Student Code of Conduct. This code outlines what is expected when attending our school and governs our decisions around behavioural consequences. The code can be found on the James Nash State High School Website.

Our four school values - being positive, respectful, resilient and hardworking supports students to avoid conflict in our school. 

White Card and RSA Training

During the first term students will be given the opportunity to complete either their White Card in Construction or their RSA. As these are done by external provider spaces are limited.

Year 9 Leadership Camp

The Year 9 Leadership Camp will take place during Term 1 – Week 10 (Monday – Wednesday). Students whom have taken on leadership positions and or have meet behaviour, attendance and effort are eligible to apply. 

Support

If your child is experiencing any difficulties at school, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We will review the needs of the student and put in appropriate supports either academically (classroom teachers) or for social-emotional and wellbeing (social-emotional wellbeing team).

Year 10

Hello to all parents of students in Year 10. This year marks a special one in your child’s education, as for the first time ever, they get to choose the majority of their subjects.

In Year 10 at James Nash, all students will study Maths and English as well as 4 different elective subjects of their choosing. Students will have access to subjects such as Biology, Legal Studies, Chemistry, Hospitality and Engineering, just to name a few.

The premise of this is to expose students to senior style subjects now, so that when they do select their senior subjects, it will be an informed decision. Students are encouraged to trial a range of subjects in Year 10 and also have the opportunity to change any of their electives for Semester 2. It is also worth noting that for both Maths and English there are 3 levels (Extension, General and Essentials) that cater for different stages of learning.

The key staff for this year (apart from the actual class teachers) are Mrs Shannon Fox, Mr Simon Knight and myself, Mr James McKee. I am the Deputy Principal in charge of Year 10 and Mrs Fox and Mr Knight are the Heads of Department Student Services Year 10, and look after student welfare for that year level. Currently Mr Knight has that role Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Mrs Fox works on Tuesday.

I encourage all of you to keep the lines of communication open with the school and anything that is curriculum specific should be directed to your child’s teacher for that particular subject. For anything that falls outside that realm, please feel free to contact one of us.

Thank you,

James McKee,
Deputy Principal

Senior Schooling

Welcome to our first newsletter for Senior Schooling 2024. 

Compulsory Participation Stage:

Year 11 & 12 is known as the compulsory participation stage, compulsory schooling finishes at the end of Year 10 or when a young person turns 16.  In the compulsory participation stage, a young person must be engaged in one of these options until they turn 17:

• Attend school working towards achieving QCE;
• Go to work, must have at least 25 hours every week; evidence needs to be provided of this for a student to exit school.
• Enrol in a Certificate III Vocational Education Certificate with an RTO external to school; evidence needs to be provided of this for a student to exit school.

For students who choose the first option they need to demonstrate their participation through on-time attendance at school and all classes including CARE, Parades and Learning & Well Being classes and consistently work to the best of their ability.  Senior is designed to prepare students for Year 13, whether that is going off to work or further studies, therefore attendance and workplace expectations for effort and behaviour standards are our focus in senior.

Courses of Study and Assessment Calendars:

Subject changes have now closed for our senior students until the end of UNIT 1 for Year 11s and our Year 12s are now locked into their subjects for the remainder of the year.  Last week we saw the commencement of some or our Work Pathway VET Certificate courses with TAFE and AXIAL classes commencing as well as the Cert II in Horticulture and Cert III Aviation.  Like all subjects undertaken in senior it is vitally important that students attend these subjects each day they are delivered and put in their best effort so that the qualification is achieved at exit.  The trainers for these courses will be requiring our students to meet the expected industry standards for attendance, punctuality, effort and behaviour.

Assessment calendars for Semester 1 have been emailed to students and parents.  QCAA sets the guidelines for the administering of assessment for all Year 11 & 12 students in Queensland.  More details, including the assessment policy for senior students will be emailed out to all Year 11 & 12 students and parents in the next few weeks.

Upcoming Events:

• RYDA – Road Education Safety Program designed for 16 – 18 years old – Monday 12 February @ Pavilion. There is no cost to students; permission notes should be returned by now.  There will be no timetabled classes running on Monday for Year 11 & 12 students.
• Uni Showcase – Wednesday 14 February @ school. Opportunity for our ATAR students to talk with representatives from a variety of QLD universities, TAFE and Defence Forces about courses, employment etc.
• Swimming Carnival – Friday 16 February. All Year 11s & 12s expected to attend school.
• School Photos – Wednesday 21 February. All Year 12s to wear formal uniform if they have one. 
• GRIP Leadership Day Friday 23 February – Leadership day at Sunshine Coast for our Year 11 & 12 school leaders.

SENIOR SCHOOLING TEAM:

What's the Buzz in English

It has been a great start to the year in the English department here at Nash.

In Years 7 – 9 students are currently working on imaginative tasks. This is a great time for students to capitalise on their budding creative abilities. In classes, students will be reading, watching, analysing and writing texts like short stories, audio-visual narratives and memoirs. At home they could be engaging with reading a range of creative texts including short stories, graphic novels or full-length fiction novels. This is a great term for students to think about the world around them and the way in which narratives convey meaning and point to real life experiences and social issues.

In Year 10, students in General English will be studying media texts while Essential English students will be working on texts for the world of work. At home, General English students should be reading and watching the news and thinking about the wide world of media issues. Essential English students should be having conversations about and researching their options for future work pathways. They should also be considering their own values and the way in which these align with vocational fields. In Extension English, students are analysing rationality in novels (pictured) and considering the ways in which humanity reacts to constructs of power and control. At home, these students should be reading their novels and considering the nature of human rationality through research of their own.  

In the Senior Schooling space, General English students are in the process of working on feature articles using two different texts in their analysis of cultural attitudes, values and beliefs. These students are reading and viewing texts in order to analyse the messages these hold for the world around us. In the Year 11 Essential English world students will also be focussing on the world of work and will eventually produce a persuasive speech that markets a particular job industry of their choice. At home they should be researching their chosen field and thinking about ways to improve their speaking skills. Year 12 Essential English students should likewise be practising their speaking skills in preparation for their persuasive speech aimed at local issues. The English faculty would like to thank Councillor Bruce Devereaux who kindly appeared as a guest speaker to selected Year 12 Essential English classes to field some questions relating to issues in our community.

As always, it’s a busy time for students in English, but in the words of Malala Yousafzai, “Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism.”

Science

The science faculty has seen a very busy start to the year.  Year 7 students have enjoyed already doing a number of experiments in the laboratory, and conducting ecological field study across the school grounds.  Year 7 Go for Gold class are looking forward to an excursion in week 7 to examine the health of the Mary River.

Many year 7 students have also been attending the weekly Science Squad during morning tea on Thursdays.  Science Squad is an opportunity for students (from any cohort) to participate in engaging hands-on science activities that do not feature in the usual classroom curriculum.  So far students have enjoyed making ice cream, and studying the electrolysis of water.

Year 8 students are conducting an Experimental Investigation in their Chemical Sciences Unit this term.  Students have been very busy in the laboratory safely using Bunsen burners and testing, measuring, recording and presenting quantitative data.   The Go for Gold class has started the year with the Biological Science unit, and are learning about cells, organs and systems in living organisms.  An excursion to the nursing facilities at the local Gympie USC campus will conclude their unit in week 10.

The year 9 students are studying Physical Sciences Unit which focuses on the transfer of energy as per the particle model (electricity) and wave model (heat).  An assignment is due in week 6 that requires students to modify and experiment done in class, conduct their own investigation, and report their findings in a scientific report. 

The University of the Sunshine Coast along with the staff from MindSET-do are running the 2024 Science and Engineering Challenge on March 5.  A team of year 10 James Nash SHS students will be competing against other high schools from across the district in a series of hands-on problem-solving activities.  In class year 10 biology students have been practicing their surgical skills with a number of dissections including a cow’s hearts.  Whilst the physicists have been using dynamic carts to test Newton’s Laws of Motion.

Humanities/Languages

The Humanities/Languages department have had an action-packed start to the year with students jumping head first into learning over a number of topics. These topics range from studying the migration of Frist Nations Australians across Australia, to Medieval Europe and Australia’s involvement in World War 1.

As we settle into the year, teachers are working with classes to engage students in their learning so they can learn about our world in a multitude of ways.

There are a number of opportunities for students to engage with their learning via excursions throughout Semester 1. Find below the opportunities being created for students to take advantage of:

• Year 9 and 10 Japanese Embassy Visit (8^th of May)
• Year 10 Geography visit to the Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre (8^th of May)
• Year 9 History visit to the Maryborough Military Museum (10^th of May)
• Year 9 Geography farm visit to complete hands-on field work (24 of May)

We look forward to working with students throughout 2024 and look forward to seeing what learning opportunities come our way.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Walters 
Acting Head of Department (Humanities/Languages)

The Arts

My name is Chloe Bailey and I am a Creative Arts Captain for 2024. In my role as captain, I will be leading the Academy of Creative Arts Programme of Excellence.

 I have been evolved in ACA since Year 7, participating in the ACA JAAM programme where I learned that the Arts was what I truly had a passion for.  Through the years I have also participated in ACA InterACT, Aladdin Jnr, Matilda Jnr, and ACA Excel. These ensembles have built my confidence, teamwork and creative skills, helping me to successfully receive a role of captaincy. This year, I am also involved in ACA Production, High School Musical Jnr, which will be a must-see event this August, starring many of the talented students here at James Nash SHS.

 I believe that Arts is a place where students build connections with others who also share the same passion. It is a place where students are free to be themselves, and can discover their emerging strengths and skills.  Being involved in the many ensembles that the ACA Programme offers, will not only teach you how to expand on your current Arts knowledge but will also create fun, ever-lasting memories that will be hard to forget. 

 This year ACA will be running the following ensembles that students should definitely get involved in. These include: 

• ACA JAAM: Year 7 Programme.
• ACA InterACT: Year 8 and 9 drama programme.
• ACA Photography Studio: Year 7-12 students.
• ACA Production High School Musical Jnr: Year 8-12 Students.

Any queries or further details, please contact ACA Coordinator Mrs Courtney Perren on cmper1@eq.edu.au or via phone 5480 6333

I hope you all have a fantastic year and become a part of the ACA family this year. 

Chloe Bailey, 2024 Creative Arts Captain 

AIM – Lessons and Ensembles UPDATE

Lessons for our Academy of Instrumental Music programme started in Week 2 with students being allocated to a teacher and group. Please check outside either the Arts Staffroom (E41) or Instrumental Music room (F3) to check your group and lesson time. Arts HOD, Mrs O’Loughlin, has made contact with parents for any outstanding enrolments. Ensure all enrolment paperwork is complete in order to maintain a place in the programme.

Ensemble rehearsals will begin in Week 3 in F4 and are as follows:

Concert Band                     Monday                 7:45am

Stage Band                          Tuesday                 7:45am

Aria (Yr 7 Strings)            Wednesday           P5

String Ensemble                Thursday              7:45am

ACA Ensemble Rehearsal Updates

ACA ensembles begin this term both during and after school. Please ensure that permission forms are returned to the Arts staffroom to secure your child’s position in the programme. Any enquires, please contact ACA Coordinator Courtney Perren on cmper1@eq.edu.au.

Ensemble Rehearsal Days & Times

• ACA Production:  Wednesday 3:30pm – 7:oopm.  Beginning Week 4, Term 1
• ACA JAAM:  Wednesday 2:10pm – 3:05pm (Period 5). Beginning Week 5, Term 1
• ACA InterACT:  Wednesday 2:10pm – 3:05pm (Period 5). Beginning Week 5, Term 1
• ACA Photography:  Thursday 3:30pm – 4:30pm. Beginning Week 5, Term 1

From the Workbench - ITD & TTC

As the new term kicks off at the Trade Training Centre and in our ITD faculty, students are diving headfirst into their coursework with enthusiasm and determination. With the majority of students having completed their mandatory safety training and induction sessions, there's a palpable sense of readiness to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practical settings. From wielding tools to understanding construction protocols, students are poised to integrate their skills and expertise to construct projects safely and effectively.

As classes commence, it's essential for students to remember the importance of being fully prepared for every lesson. A friendly reminder to all students: ensure your device is fully charged and onboarded for all theory sessions. This ensures seamless access to the necessary learning materials and resources, allowing you to maximize your educational experience and stay ahead in your studies. Let's embrace this new term with eagerness and dedication, ready to tackle challenges and expand our expertise in the field of trade training and ITD!

Finance News

Due dates

• Due dates will depend on your previously chosen payment option. You have been invoiced accordingly.

Our preferred method of payment is via Bpoint or QParents.

To pay an instalment, please use your original invoice, click on the BPoint hyperlink in the bottom left-hand corner of your invoice and change the amount to be paid before entering your payment details. 

Alternatively, you can pay via QParents or the Qkr app.

Debtor Statements

Debtor Statements will be generated at the end of each month.  This assists parents and carers to track their current invoices.  Please pay invoices by the due date.  Please do not use a Debtor Statement BPOINT link to pay an invoice. Please use the BPOINT hyperlink on the original emailed invoice to make a payment or use QParents.

If you have a credit on your student/s account this will be represented as a negative figure e.g.

 -$25.00.

If you have a credit and would like to apply it to an existing invoice, please:

• Reply to the email attaching the invoice and request the credit be applied, you can then pay the balance owing using your existing invoice; or
• Call our Accounts Receivable Officer, Jacinta McKee.

Who receives the invoices and debtor statements?

Only one parent or carer can receive the invoices and debtor statements.  This will be the parent or carer who was nominated as the debtor on enrolment – the person who completed the Student Resource Scheme Participation Agreement.  If you wish to change this, please complete a Change of Details form available from the office.

More Information

For more information on the Student Resource Hire Scheme please see the school’s website: https://jamesnashshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments/resource-scheme

If you are experiencing financial difficulty and would like to discuss setting up a Payment Plan, please come into office or email jmcke130@eq.edu.au. We would be happy to assist.

Facilities

Upon your return to school, you may have noticed some major works that were undertaken over the holiday period.  The next stage of our school beautification project was completed at the front of the school.  This included the removal of old gardens and garden edging and replaced with new block work retaining walls new gardens.  This has certainly made a difference to this area with many comments from staff, students and visitors. 

Our Performing Arts Auditorium was in desperate need of new and improved seating.  This is where whole school performances, musicals, concerts, and parades are held.  The old seating was removed and new state of the art seating installed.  This has certainly made a difference in this space. 

Other works that were undertaken during the holiday period were: 

Installation of new carpet in 6 classrooms in B Block.  B Block is one of our oldest buildings in the school so it was nice to make these learning spaces feel fresh and new again.  

MPS undertook a facelift with the whole building receiving an external clean and repaint.  This has lifted this area considerably. 

Some exciting works that are coming up later this term and into the Easter vacation period will be the redesign of the turning circle at the back of A Block.  This area will be converted into new outdoor learning spaces with new shade structures, seating and landscaping to be undertaken. 

We're Hiring!

We are looking to hire a Community Education Counsellor (CEC) to work with our First Nations students. If you're interested, find more details here:

https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-NCR543914-24T

Whooping Cough

Please find attached to today’s newsletter, important information from Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit and North Coast Region, to raise awareness for parents and carers of the growing cases of pertussis (‘whooping cough’) across the region.