Newsletter - Issue 4, 2024

From The Principal's Desk

Welcome to the latest issue of our Newsletter.

In my last message I discussed the importance of hard work and the opportunities that exist for students as they progress to the world of work or further study.

For many young people this seems like a lifetime away and doesn’t really represent a motivational piece for the effort and behaviour required every day.

In terms 2 and 4 we celebrate the behaviour and effort of students in the preceding term with our Gold and Silver awards.

Gold awards are presented to students who receive “Excellent” rating for behaviour and effort in every subject whilst silver awards are presented to students who receive “Excellent or Ver Good” ratings in every subject.

These are very special awards as they recognise the attributes that are most likely to lead to success in the future.  These results do not take into consideration the academic achievement of students.  As such, it is my belief that every student has the potential to receive one of these awards.

Based on Term 1 performance the table below shows the results for students in each year level.

I encourage you to review your student’s report card from term 1 and join us in celebrating their achievement and if that hasn’t occurred this term take the opportunity to review why that might be the case.  This is definitely one area where every student can excel.

Jackson Dodd,
Principal

Year 7

We are amazing.

We are fine.

We are graduating in 2029

LWB – What is it?

Period 5 on Wednesday is a subject called Learning and Wellbeing (LWB) This time is for developing our school values of Respectful, Resilient Hardworking and Positive. These values help students to develop their personal and social capabilities. Term 1 focused on Respect, an important part of building positive relationships. Term 2 the focus was on Resilience.

In Term 3, the focus is on being Positive. Students will be able to choose an activity to participate in across year 7 and 8. We are looking forward to having students being actively involved in LWB through activities they chose.

Defiance

Education Queensland defines this as “a student refuses to follow directions given by staff”.

There have been some Year 7 students being defiant to staff. We at Nash understand the changes that are occurring in our young adolescents. We allow them take up time and speak with the students respectfully. We have an inclusion teacher, co teachers and support staff to help our students navigate high school. But it is important for our students to follow staff direction. It keeps everyone safe and allows teachers to teach and students to learn.

Go 4 Gold - See what they have been doing in Science!

Go 4 Gold - Read what they have been doing in English & Humanities

Friday, March 8th, was not just any ordinary day for the year 7 'Go For Gold' class. It was a day filled with exploration, learning, and connection as they embarked on an exciting excursion to various landmarks within their community. The excursion was a combined Science and Humanities trip visiting the Mary River, Mary Street and One Mile. 

Students participated in science activities aimed at understanding the ecosystem and health of their local environment. Armed with a variety of scientific equipment, they collected data from the Mary River, analysing water and air quality and detecting any signs of pollution. Through hands-on experimentation, they honed their scientific skills of data collection while developing a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems

Students engaged in meaningful conversations with local shopkeepers, teachers, insurance brokers, and homeowners. Through these interactions, they gained invaluable insights into the enduring impacts of the 2022 flood that ravaged Gympie. They listened attentively to personal accounts, witnessing firsthand the resilience and community spirit that emerged in the face of adversity.

Thanks to the many people who contributed to making this excursion a success. Using the data collected during this excursion, students will now create a documentary about the social, environmental and economic impacts of the 2022 Gympie Flood. 

Year 7 Kindness Group

Our wonderful chappy, Alison Dodsworth is working with a group of Year 7 girls for one lesson every Friday to collaborate on projects, using the students’ ideas, to make Nash a kinder place. This week they started at the best place to start, cooking.

QParents

Please register for Q Parents to access report cards and camp permission forms. Please contact the office on 5480 6333 if you are having any problems.

School Camp: Mimburri - Belli Park

Our Year 7 camp will be held in Term 3 Week 9 Tuesday 3 – Thursday 5 September. It is being held at Mimburi, Belli Park. The aim of the Year 7 camp is to develop a deeper understanding of our school values of Positive, Respectful, Resilient and Hardworking.

Eligibility for camp:

• Students will need to be financial or up to date with their payment plan.
• Be in Good Standing (20 points or more),
• Have a school attendance rate of great than 80%. No more than 20% unexplained absences. (Students with genuine medical reasons will discuss individual cases with the year level HOD)
• Even if you have returned your consent form, you won't receive an invoice if your child is unfinancial or doesn’t meet eligibility requirements.

Cost:  $200

TIMELINE:

Term 2  Week  8 (7 June)  Q Parents note sent

Term 3  Week 1 (12 July)  Q Parent permission notes signed on Q Parent by  12 July, late permission notes cannot be accepted.

Term 3   Week 2 (19 July)  Invoices will be issued.

Term 3   Week 5 (14 Aug)  Camp payment finalised by, late payment cannot be accepted.

Term 3   Week 9 (3 - 5 Sept) Camp Week

Students not attending camp are still expected to attend school. They will completing an alternate program.

Year 8

Winter Uniform

Parents and students are reminded that JNSHS has a winter uniform that is approved by the school P&C. There are two different styles of jumpers available for sale through the school canteen.

School jumpers (pictrured right) are on special at the moment for $15 (Limited stock is available)

Students are not to wear:

• Any jumpers with hoods at the back
• Jumpers with logos on them
• Jeans
• Coloured tracksuit pants.

Plain Black tracksuit pants or plain black dress pants are the only suitable long pants to be worn.

Good Standing Rewards Afternoon – Week 9

The Good Standing rewards afternoon is being run on Wednesday afternoon in week 9. Students who have accumulated 40 good standing points across the term will be invited to attend. Year 10 leaders are running the afternoon to engage the junior and middle school students in a series of fun activities to build positive school culture.

Greg Cooper,                                                                       Deputy Principal Year 7 & 8

Year 9

Attendance

Whilst the end of Term 2 is in sight it is important that students attend every day. The year 9s are well and truly on the up with our attendance actually increasing from this time in Term 1. As we head in to the cooler months it is especially important that you ensure that you call in and explain your students’ absences anytime they are away from school. As an added incentive the Year 9 team are putting on Pizza parties for any care classes whom explain their absences with COL9A and CAL9B already receiving parties for 100 percent explained absences.

White Card

Congratulations to all 15 Year 9 students whom successfully obtained their White Card. A great number of these students are now actively involved in work experience with students pursuing careers in constructions, plumbing and bricklaying.

The Year 9 cohort have another wonderful opportunity in Term 2 to gain a white card. If your student is interested in completing one of these courses, please see Mr Green ASAP. It is essential that all students completing these courses have a USI number and are fully financial at James Nash in order to undertake these courses. There are also opportunities in Term 3 and 4 to complete this course. 

Behaviours

A massive congratulations to the students who were our Good Standing Champions of the Week.

These students were gifted a $5 tuckshop voucher for their outstanding behaviour throughoutTerm 2.

This term out behaviour focus has been “Defiance”.  Students have been given explicit instructions around what defiance is and the best ways to avoid this. Students have explored how defiance in the “Real World” can affect every single aspect of their lives.  

Zak Green                                                                                                          Shelley Gauld HOD Student Services Year 9                                                                Deputy Principal Year 9       

Year 10

Term 2 Week 6 saw a group of 40 enthusiastic students sign up to participate in the Year 10 Leadership Camp held in Brisbane from Wednesday 22^nd – Friday 24^th May 2024.  The camp followed on from the previous year’s camp held at Barambah, giving students a completely different experience through the opportunity to experience a taste of life in the city.   

The camp was led by Mr Knight and supervised by Miss James, Miss Webster and Mr English.

The focus of the camp was:

• To establish and improve the leadership culture amongst the year group that aligns with James Nash SHS’s values – Positive, Respectful, Resilient, Hardworking.
• To inspire personal growth, capability and practice self-efficacy.
• To encourage cooperation and collaboration by applying problem solving skills as teams.
• To challenge students to embrace new opportunities, grow their comfort zone and to identify that having purpose is critical to anything we do.

This is the third year that we’ve teamed up with a company called Character Builders who, through its dynamic leaders, ran the two main activities.  Our students participated in the following activities:

• A Photo Treasure Hunt through Brisbane CBD
• The Kokoda Challenge on, over and around Mt Cootha
• Exploring Brisbane CBD and Southbank in groups
• Dinner in small groups in Brisbane City on Wednesday night and Southbank on Thursday night
• Train trip home from Roma Street Station to Gympie North Station on Friday

Our students were incredible ambassadors for our school and they enjoyed the unique experiences and the opportunity to work in different groups, developing teamwork in a fun yet challenging environment.

Simon Knight,                                                                            HOD Student Services Year 10

Year 10 Student Explore Subject Offerings

Our Year 10 students are approaching an important milestone in their schooling life – the transition from the middle school to the senior school. This time involves students considering their plans for the future, including: what job or career they might pursue; what education and training is required to perform that job; and, what education or work context will best support them to achieve their goals. 

As part of our SET Planning process, the Curriculum Heads of Department as well as experts in Vocational Education and Training and work experience are currently meeting with our Year 10 students to clarify the different subjects and pathways that we offer at James Nash SHS. 

Head of Department (Senior Schooling) Joe Laing has also prepared a presentation about the new Queensland Certificate of Education, ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) and subject types. 

We are committed to ensuring that our students understand the different pathways and options available to them before they make any decisions about subjects and pathways for senior. 

As part of our commitment to this, we are hosting a Parent Subject Information Evening on Wednesday 10 July at the school from 5:30pm. It is important to us that families are included in this process and we look forward to meeting with many of you at this event.

Set Planning Interviews will be held Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 August.   There will be no Year 10 classes running on the two days of Set Planning.  Students are able to work on these days if they have a part-time job or possibly do work experience for the two days.  If your student would like to do work experience they need to see Mrs Kars or Ms Connolly in B Block before the end of this term to arrange this.

One last thing…

There are a number of Year 10 students who are currently undertaking work experience each week.  This is organised through our Work Placement and SAT Co-ordinators Paulina Kars and Deb Connolly.  The ladies do a fantastic job working with our students and employers. 

If your student is interested in doing some work experience in view of gaining employment, a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms Connolly or Mrs Kars by phone at the school or by email - pkars0@eq.edu.au or ddugg0@eq.edu.au.

DATE CLAIMERS:

• CAREERS EXPO@ Pavilion   –   Week 1, Term 3 Wednesday 10 July.  Year 10s to attend during L & W.

• PARENT SUBJECT INFORMATION EVENING -   Week 1, Term 3 Wednesday 10 July. PA session @ 5:30 pm and Faculty Stalls in MPS to 7:30 pm

• SET PLAN MEETINGSwith Student & Parent – Week 7, Term 3 Monday 19 & Tuesday 20 August

 Shannon Fox,                                                                                 HOD Student Services, Year 10

Senior School

END SEMESTER EXAMS: End of term exams will commence Wednesday 12 June.

• Exams cannot be completed earlier than the scheduled date
• Extension (AARA – Access Arrangement & Reasonable Adjustment) can only be granted if a document such as medical certificate is provided to the Principal if you are absent on the day of the exam. Further information about AARA’s (Extension) Ineligibility can be found below:      

  Students are not eligible for ARAA on the following Grounds:

  • Unfamiliarity with the English language
  • Teacher absence or other teacher-related difficulties
  • Matters that the student could have avoided (e.g. misreading and examination timetable, misreading instructions in examinations
  • Matters of the student's or parent's/carer/s own choosing (e.g. family holidays or sporting events)
  • Matters that the school could have avoided (e.g. incorrect enrolment in a subject?.

Subject Changes - Year 11 Students Only

Year 11 students who want to change a subject/s are able to do so as soon as soon as exams/assignments have been submitted to complete UNIT 1.  Last day for change of subjects will be Friday, Week 1 of Term 3, 12 July.  Students who wanted to change a GENERAL subject at the end of UNIT 1 should have already done so as work has commenced on UNIT 2 at the beginning of Week 7 Monday 27 May.

Year 12 Formal

A letter giving details about the Formal will be sent to students and parents via email this week.  The email will provide information about the ceremony and ticket information.  Invitations will be distributed to students On Good Standing early in Term 3.

Gympie Region Industry & Careers Showcase

Gympie Chamber of Commerce and Gympie Regional Council have organised an Industry and Careers Showcase at the Pavilion on Wednesday 10 July.  Year 11 & 12 students are scheduled to attend from approximately 10:30 am to 12:00 pm.  Permission notes are available in QParents for this event or your student can see their Head of Year Mr Sidey or Mrs Costa to get a paper version of the permission form.  There is no cost for the expo or for the bus to and from the Pavilion.  A large number of local and state businesses, Universities, TAFE and other training organisations will be in attendance to provide information and answer questions for our students.

Navigating Your Post School Plans With Confidence 

FREE WEBINAR provided by MyFuture – (Australia’s National Career Information Services) for students who are exiting school this year, teachers, parents and carers.

 Wednesday 24 July, 5:00pm (AEST)

 Presenter: Dr Michael Healy

In this webinar, students will hear about six simple ideas that will help them think about their future with confidence. Some of them might surprise you!

The webinar will cover:

• Different kinds of post-school pathways. 
• Why it’s OK if you don’t know what you want to do.
• Why it’s OK to change your mind. 
• Why ATAR might not be as important as you think.
• How to research your options.
• Who to talk to for help.

 If you can’t make it to the live webinar, register anyway, and you will be sent the recording to watch later. 

Register now

First Nations News

Reconciliation Walk

Twenty-three (23) students from all year levels engaged in the Aunty Betty’s Reconciliation Walk at Dicky Beach on 29 May 2024.

The event commenced with a short talk from Traditional Owner Lyndon Davis, traditional dance followed by a short walk on country providing information and stories about the area.

QATSIF

Eligible Year 10 and 11 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can only apply through school.

Student Eligibility Criteria

An eligible QATSIF Scholarship Applicant:

• is a person of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent who identifies as an Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islander person, is accepted as such by the community in which they live and reported as such in the school’s Federal and State Government Census Data.
• is an Australian citizen and resident of Queensland.
• is enrolled at this school as an Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander student. Students who have identified following their initial enrolment at the school may be asked to provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality to QATSIF with this application. (Note 1.)
• intends to undertake and complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement* (QCIA) during the school years 2025-2026 and has the ability and the school's confidence of fully completing their QCE or QCIA* by Year 12 Graduation.
• is currently achieving A-C in English and a C or higher in every current grade subject.
• demonstrates effort and behaviour of a C or above.
• participates in school activities which enhance their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural identity.
• demonstrates willingness to fully participate in the life of the school and be a worthy role model of behaviour for other students.

For those students who are eligible (wait until the Term 2 results have been reported on) please see Ms Gauld to check eligibility. Forms are to be completed and return before the closing date – Monday 19 August 2024.

Science

A number of exciting events were provided by the Science Faculty this term.

In week 5, select year 9 science students participated in the Brain Lab Program.  The program was delivered by some amazing presenters from MindSET-do (USC). Students participated in a series of hands-on activities to learn about the structure and function of the brain, brain health, and meta-learning.

A group of enthusiastic year 10 science students travelled to the Sunshine Coast Health Institute in Birtinya to explore a range of careers in the health field.  Students enjoyed seeing a health care team in action, taking part in practical tasks and meeting professionals in the field.

Last week the year 7 Go for Gold Class visited the Wappa Falls Observatory and the Ginger Factory in Yandina.  Students are currently studying the Australian Curriculum unit of Earth and Space Sciences.  They learnt about seasonal changes, phases of the moon, and local agriculture and produce. The ice cream was a highlight at the Ginger Factory!

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Immediately following the holidays, on July 8 Senior Biology students will travel to Brisbane for the day.  Year 11 students will experience ‘A Day in the Life of a Scientist” focussing on antimicrobials and disease, at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR). The itinerary includes hands on activities in the QIMR laboratory, followed by a tour of the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre (IPLC) to view pathological specimens.

The year 12 biology students will visit the University of Queensland St Lucia Campus to participate in their Experience Genetics Workshop.  Students will practice a number of techniques in biotechnology using state of the art equipment, under the guidance of university professors and tutors.

The Arts

AIM Update

Our Academy of Instrumental Music students competed in the North Coast Region Fan Fare Festival of Bands and Orchestras on Monday the 13^th of May. The festival was hosted right here at JNSHS with various schools from across the region in attendance. James Nash SHS entered their string ensemble, stage band and concert band. All of these ensembles had great success and gained valuable feedback from the adjudicator who holds various advanced Music qualifications as awarded in both Australia and America. The competition sees bands being assessed on a criterion of how accurately and well they perform their nominated musical pieces; rather than against their fellow schools. Our String Ensemble and Stage Band were both awarded Silver Awards, and our Stage Band was awarded a Gold Award. All of our students and Instrumental Music teachers did an amazing job, and we would like to extend our thanks to the staff involved in the events set-up.

The Gympie Show Art & Craft Competition

Once again, the talented young artists of James Nash submitted many fabulous entries for the Gympie Show Art & Craft display.  Students from years 7-12 were involved, offering a diverse range of skilfully created works in a multitude of mediums, from graphite to digital art, acrylic paint, gouache, collage and more.  We had 12 prize winners – each receiving a special certificate.  Well done everyone!  Keep inspiring us with your incredible creativity and talent!

ACA Photography Update

Our photography students had great submissions to the Gympie Show and also had an excursion to the Gympie Cemetery to take photos. We are grateful to the Gympie Cemetery Trust for the opportunity to visit. We are looking forward to a series of workshops run by the talented local photographer Tracey Devereaux.

QaGoMA Visual Art excursion – Brisbane

On 23 April, 34 students of Visual Arts and ACA travelled with two of our art teachers to see the beautiful exhibitions on display at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane.  Students moved excitedly round the galleries, taking photos, studying the plentiful eclectic works from local, international and historic artists from Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.  Joyous exclamations of admiration and surprise were heard as they gathered around famous works from the likes of Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Frederick McCubbin and Tom Roberts to name just a few.

Later they walked through South bank parklands and had a leisurely picnic at the food stalls which were selling lots of yummy snacks and drinks.  It was a great day out in the city, experiencing culture and art and all found something to be educated and inspired by!

Gympie South Workshop

On April 24^th, James Nash seniors Alice F., Harrison O., and Keira W. went to Gympie South State School with Visual Arts teacher Marissa Hahn to run a workshop with students. The senior students did an amazing job helping the Gympie South students create work based on local landscape and wildlife for the Gympie Show. The Gympie South students were a joy to be with – enthusiastic, curious and talented. We hope that this begins a long collaboration with our two schools.

Business & Digital Technologies

The ability to problem solve, especially using digital technologies and coding, is a critical skill for students to develop during their time at school.  Learning to code by using micro:bits is one way our students learn and practice their problem solving skills. The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that can be programed and physically interacted with. The latest micro:bit also has sound sensing and playback capabilities.

In Year 8 Digital Technologies, students develop solutions to help children suffering from loneliness or social disconnection.  Students create toys that gain the child’s attention then value add an educational or emotional learning experience.  By using micro:bits, students program the toy to interact with the child using movement, light and/or sound responses. This project is also a makerspace activity, enabling students to show their creativity as well as practice sustainability by recycling resources as they make their toy.

Although a relatively simple device, the micro:bit also allows for more complex problem solving.  The Year 12 Digital Solution class is using the same micro:bit technology however targeting their work towards data collection. In response to comments about the student’s outdoor conditions, the Year 12 project uses Python to program micro:bits to capture light, sound, and temperature data from around the school.  The data, available through a JSON database, can be used by the school's student and staff leaders to identify and plan responses to those negative outdoor conditions.

Sport Update

School Athletics Carnival- Friday 21st June

The school athletics carnival is fast approaching. This is a full day event and all students are encouraged to participate. A number of pre-carnival events will be run on Thursday 20th June – students need to nominate to participate in the pre-carnival events by returning the permission note that has been provided to them in care class. A list of the pre-carnival events is available from the HPE staff room.

On the day of the athletics carnival, students can wear house colours. Clothing must be sun safe and suitable for school. Canteen facilities will also be available on the day. This is a great day and a lot of fun is had by all involved.

2025 Enrolments

2025 Enrolments Closing Soon

During this term, James Nash SHS in conjunction with GSHS have been visiting many of the primary schools in the Gympie area to present an information session to parents of students looking to attend one of the high schools in 2025. Parents need to be aware that the closing date for the submission of new enrolments is fast approaching. Key dates are as follows:

1. Enrolment Applications received by

1. JNSHS – end of Term 2, Friday 21 June

1. Scholarships

1. JNSHS – Open( 29^th July) and Close (2nd September)

1. Enrolments finalised with interview

1. JNSHS – during Term 3 and early Term 4

1. Orientation Day -Week 9, Monday 25 November (only for students with submitted enrolment forms)

If your student is applying for one of the programs of excellence, the enrolment forms need to be submitted by the end of this week – Friday 7^th June.

QParents

Parents, student academic reports for Term 1 are available now! QParents users will be able to view and download report cards online as soon as they are published. It’s not too late to register for QParents – just contact the school administration to request an invitation.

Facilities Update

Students moving around the school will have noticed our new Outdoor Learning Area taking shape between the Administration Building and Home Ec.  This area will provide much needed additional seating and shaded areas for students at break times along with the provision of an outdoor learning environment for classes.  This newly landscaped area will create a welcoming space for our senior students who are looking for a tranquil place for study periods.  We are hopeful that this project will be complete in time for the start of Term 3 so we can take full advantage of this new area.    

Finance News

In order for your student to be eligible to attend excursions/camps/formal etc they must be deemed ‘financial’.

To be financial, Student Resource Scheme Fee payments must be up to date.

1. Depending on how you were originally invoiced, that means:

• Full payment has been made by the due date (1 March 2024)

OR

• Installment payments have been made by the three installment due dates

(1 March, 19 April and 12 July)

OR

• Payment Plans have been negotiated with the finance department and payments have commenced and are up to date.

1. Other outstanding invoices must be paid in full.

To ensure your student does not miss out, the QParents App is a great way to access invoices and keep track of your payments.

Please note that only the debtor parent/guardian will be sent invoices and will be able to view invoices and payments on QParents.

If you wish to change debtor parent, or set up a Payment Plan, please contact the finance department on 5480 6306.

Student Absences

Students are required to attend school every day unless absent due to medical or other acceptable reasons. In the event of an absence, parents/carers must inform the school. To report a student's absence, you can call 5480 6333 and select option 1, or you can reply to the automated text message sent when your child is marked absent from school. If your child will be absent for more than one day, kindly provide the expected date of return. Thank you.

Queensland Child Oral Health Study

The University of Queensland and Queensland Health are pleased to partner with James Nash State High School to conduct the Queensland Child Oral Health Study (QCOHS) 2021-24. The study will provide important information about Queensland child and adolescent oral health and dental care that will underpin future strategies to improve child and adolescent dental health.

Students, aged 12 to 14 years in grades 7 to 9, will be randomly selected to participate in QCOHS. Participation will include completing a parental questionnaire and a free dental check-up for your child at school.

If you receive an invitation via email, we encourage you to participate in this important research project. Participants will receive a toothbrush pack and parents will be notified by email of the outcomes of the dental check-up.

From QCOHS team

Community Notices