Dear Parents, Welcome to the 2015 school year. This year will be full of adventure and excitement as we welcome the first of our Year 7 students to high school and also our last group of new Year 8s.

Our staff and contractors have worked feverishly over the holiday period to ensure we have our “state of the art” learning facility ready for our Junior Secondary students. I thank them all for their hard work and commitment. Our teaching staff have been back for a week and have ensured curriculum plans and classroom environments are at their best for the year ahead. I warmly welcome all of our new families who join us this year, with nearly one third of our students new to Wavell, due to the two year levels starting this year. I am sure it will not be long before our new students learn the ‘Wavell Way’. Our Year 7 and 8s have settled well into their new school. It was impressive to see the transformation of the students; from the range of different primary school colours (over fifty displayed at Orientation Day in December) to the united group neatly attired in their new Wavell uniforms on day one. Our key focus at Wavell is learning; evident on the first two days of school with our students busy in class by 9:30am after brief periods of induction. Congratulations to all parents and caregivers for presenting your students so well in their Wavell uniform and thank you for your excellent support. Our uniform is a clear symbol of the very high standards and expectations that our school community has for all. It is a measure of the pride students have for their school and themselves. My talks to all year levels this week should ensure all students know clearly the high expectations that I have for them. This year is significant in the history of Australia with many events and ANZAC tributes to come. Wavell Heights was a suburb founded post-World War II and our school has many links to the values and spirit of the brave men and women who have served our country. Our school continues to have strong links to the local RSL through a range of events and activities, with three students to travel to Gallipoli in April. Throughout 2015, Wavell High will commemorate the ANZAC spirit through our publications and involvement in events. The “ANZAC Spirit” mural forms a significant feature in the centre of our new building and was funded by the Federal Department of Veteran Affairs and the Kedron Wavell RSL. This artwork is featured on our calendar and will ensure that the traditions of Wavell, named after Lord Wavell, and the memory of those who have served to ensure our country is peaceful, free and prosperous, will be kept alive. The mural will create an ongoing history lesson with display boxes able to allow students to view a variety of historical memorabilia. I congratulate the team of students, staff and community members involved in working with our artist Jodie Connelly for a really great outcome. This will be officially revealed in connection with the opening of the building and also the 100 Year Commemoration of the ANZAC tradition this year. Prior to school commencement our teachers were engaged in three days of professional development ; part of each teacher’s

commitment to life-long learning. Our 2015 focus is again on our teaching practice - Marzano’s “Art and Science of Teaching” Framework and Design Questions. This focus will ensure a greater degree of consistency in teaching practice and quality across the school. Internationally acknowledged researcher and author of “Understanding the 21st Century Learner”, Michael McQueen presented a key note talk to staff from both our school and affiliate primary schools. This will no doubt further support our teachers’ ability to understand and cater for the different learning capabilities of our students. Our seniors of 2014 achieved some excellent results and well deserved university placements. The impressive OP results include our two (2) OP 1 students; Rose Foster and Leah Baker and the 75 percent OP 1-15 results. These results are the second best ever achieved at Wavell and the outcomes are impressive given the large percentage of students eligible for an OP (55% of 211 graduates). These results enabled 97 percent of the 96 student applicants to achieve a first round offer. Over 82 percent of our students achieved a first or second preference through QTAC. There is no doubt that as future rounds of university offers are made the array of placements will be enhanced. The large number of non-OP students who have apprenticeships, traineeships, technical education placements or have successfully entered the work force is truly pleasing. Well done. During the first two weeks, our students will be engaged in an Academic Monitoring session during their Wavell Development Program (WDP) lesson. This is a vital task where students are encouraged to personally reflect and set individual goals for the academic year ahead. These goals are to be revisited by each student at key points throughout the year. Wavell has a busy and exciting start planned for February. Scheduled activities include; our annual Inter-house Swimming Carnival (at the Valley pool); Prefect and School Captain Investiture; QAISAF Scholarships; Valentine’s Day fun; Welcome to Wavell - a fun after-school event for our Year 7 and 8s; camps for our Sports’ Excellence programs; Senior Pathways evening and the “Meet and Greet” mornings for Year 7 and 8 parents and caregivers. The key to succeed at school is to make every day count. Please ensure your children are prepared for class and attend school, on time, every single day . This will ensure that they get the most out of the opportunities provided. Parents are expected to ensure all school charges have been paid or payment plans are in place. This will ensure your student will have all required resources in order to maximize successful outcomes. Families are urged to please give generously to our tax deductible P&C Building Fund - the bus shelter costing $40,000 and additional oval shade structures ($50,000) constructed by the P&C, would not be possible without our families giving generously.

J J Major,

Newsletter Issue No.1 30 January 2015

P&C AGM-Tuesday 17 February 2015 at 7:00pm, General Meeting at 7:30pm in the Admin Building

Telopia Avenue, Wavell Heights, PO Box 384, Nundah 4012 Ph: 07 3350 0333 Fax: 07 3350 0300 www.wavellshs.eq.edu.au

From the Principal

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela

Top Scholars 2014

Congratulations to our top scholars for 2014. Leah Baker (SRC President) and Rose Foster (School Captain and Senior Dux 2014) – both OP1 students will study dual degrees at the University of Queensland. Rose is to study Bachelor of Law /Arts while Leah will complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science. Catherine Rosenberg – OP2 will study a Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Queensland.

Pictured above: Our high achieving students Leah Baker, Rose Foster and Catherine Rosenberg.

Wavell congratulates all of our graduating students for their success at securing their place for tertiary study. The most popular fields of study selected by our 2014 graduates have been Society and Culture (e.g. Law, Economics, and Psychology), Management and Commerce (e.g. Hospitality Management, Banking and Finance), Health (e.g. Pharmacy, Veterinary Science, Naturopathy, and Speech Pathology), Education, Creative Arts, Science and Engineering. Thirty-three students will attend QUT, twenty-seven have been accepted to study at UQ, twenty-one will go to ACU and six students will study at Griffith University. The remainder will study at other universities and colleges. Congratulations also to students who continue their apprenticeships and vocational training or start work. The Wavell community wishes you all the best in your future endeavours.

Michael McQueen Visits

On Friday, 23 January, Wavell hosted a professional development session by Michael McQueen who is an Australian-born speaker, social researcher and a bestselling author. Michael has a background in marketing and research. Pictured: Mrs Price, Mrs Crawford, Ms Byram and others with Michael McQueen.

“MEET AND GREET” MORNINGS for Year 7 & 8 students and parents

THURSDAYS AT 8.15 - 8.45AM IN N BLOCK

• 5 February - Maths and Science Teachers • 12 February - English and Social Science

Teachers

Diary DatesDiary DatesDiary DatesDiary Dates Monday 2 February �Dance Troupe Auditions: 3.30pm - 6.00pm �SRC Executive Meeting in Conference Room 10.45am �Musical Auditions in Q1: 1.00pm - 2.00pm (until Friday 6 February) Tuesday 3 February �Senior student Leadership Seminar at Kedron Wavell RSL Wednesday 4 February �Junior Leaders Induction Day �Dance Committee Meeting: 7.00pm �Music Committee Meeting: 7.30pm Thursday 5 February �Years 7 and 8 “Meet our Maths and Science Teachers” 8.15 - 8.45am �House Meeting for Years 7, 8 and 9: Lesson 3B Friday 6 February �Presentation of Junior Leader badges �Academic Monitoring commences in WDP - Goal Setting (Years 7, 8 and 12) �Last day for subject changes �Years 7 and 8 Rugby League Trials: 3.30 - 5.30pm Monday 9 February �Inter-House Swimming Carnival at Valley Pool �Combined Shops Committee AGM in A Block: 2.30pm Tuesday 10 February �Year 12 Study Skills Workshop: Lesson 1 �Year 11 Study Skills Workshop: Lesson 3 Wednesday 11 February �WSC Parent Morning Tea/Staff introduction �Musical Rehearsal - Years 11 and 12: 1.00 - 3.10pm; Full cast: 3.30 - 5.30pm �ICT Committee Meeting: 1.00pm - 2.00pm Thursday 12 February �Years 7 and 8 “Meet our English and Social Science Teachers” 8.15 - 8.45am Friday 13 February �Prefect Investiture Ceremony: 8.50am �National Apology and QATSIF Scholarships Presentation �Years 11 and 12 Hospitality Practices students assisting with Investiture �Prefects - Valentine Grams �Red Food Day 1 �Chaplaincy Committee Meeting: 2.15pm

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Combined Shop Hours - Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8:15am - 11:15am

IMPORTANT Please remember to notify the school of any

change of address or contact phone numbers or parent email addresses for your student.

Absentee

Phone Line 3350 0303

Thank You Thanks to volunteers, current and past students and parents for assistance in the set-up and sales during our 2015 Book Week, and to those working in our shops. Thanks also to our patient customers during this very busy period. These services would not be possible without volunteers. Please consider joining us! Contact Noela and Tracey (Canteen) or Virginia (Combined Shops) on 3359 5126.

Welcome to 2015 at Wavell Interschool Sport

Pictured are Year 7 students in Mr Cox’s maths class. These students are among 160 Year 8 students and 260 Year 7

students enrolled at Wavell. They are the first students to benefit from our new specialist classrooms and Junior Secondary precinct. Our thanks to parents for their efforts in seeing our new students so well prepared to commence their secondary studies. All students were in regular classes by 9:30am on each of our two commencement days this week, after receiving their timetables, calendars, planners and prospectus. We have commenced the year with a full complement of teachers. Subject changes are to be finalised by Friday, 6 February.

Junior Secondary: Tuesday afternoons (lunchtime and Period 4) is Junior Sport afternoon for Central District. All students will be catered for in a variety of sports. Selected Year 7, 8 and 9 students will compete against other schools on a weekly basis. Sports on offer are AFL, Basketball, Touch, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Students not in Interschool teams will participate in a Wavell sport program with details available after interschool team selection is completed. Some local venue sports may be offered with a maximum payment of $45 for the summer season. Sports played at school will not involve any costs. Details available soon. For further information please contact Junior Sports Co-ordinator Mrs Pass on 3350 0342. Senior Secondary: Wednesday afternoon Interschool Sport is offered to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. The sports available are: Basketball, European Handball, Touch Football and Volleyball. A Wavell Sports Program is held for non-competitive Year 10 students only. Tutorials are held for Year 11 and 12 students not involved in sport. Students will begin to trial for teams next week. Selected students must have: • Signed up with the relevant teacher • Be in correct sports uniform including hat • Be prepared to pay an interschool sports levy of $30 per season if selected. Please advise your student NOT to trial if you cannot commit to sport levy payment. If selected, permission form and levy payment must be returned by Friday 20 February. All students selected in Interschool teams pay the same levy regardless of sport. This levy includes transport for the season if required, first aid, equipment, uniform variations if required and sunscreen. Personal sunscreen is highly recommended.

MUSICAL 2015 “The Wiz”

• Auditions commence lunchtime next week

• Rehearsal 1 - Wednesday 11 February 3:30 - 5:30pm

Inter-House Swimming Carnival

The Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday 9 February at the Valley Pool. The program will proceed regardless of the weather as the covered stands comfortably seat students. It is expected that all students attend the carnival in full sports uniform including correct sports shoes and the school hat. A letter detailing the carnival was issued to students this week. Permission forms are to be returned to the Form Teacher by Friday 6 February. On the day, all students must report to school for roll marking in form at 8:50am. Students will then be transported to and from the venue by bus and will return to school by 2:45pm. The program of swimming will commence at approximately 9:45am. Students may bring lunch or money to buy “carnival food” at the small canteen. Spectators will be undercover for most of the day. Parents are most welcome to attend and admission is free. Seating will be limited. All students are required to travel to the venue on the bus. Parents wishing to take their own child home from the venue MUST personally see the student’s form teacher. Students, don’t forget your togs, towel and be ready to have a swim! Contact HPE on 3350 0342 with any questions. Permission form is available on the website.

A group of students spent four weeks on expedition in Cambodia and Vietnam at the end of 2014. They spent a week in a disadvantaged community where they helped build a hut for growing mushrooms and

assisted to teach English. A highlight was the cycle tour of Angkor Wat and surrounds.

Resource Hire Scheme 2015

All students who • had their application to join the Hire

Scheme signed and returned; • have made full payment of $280 or entered

into a payment plan through the Registrar, Mrs Deb Deaves;

• returned all books and resources from 2014; • have a 2015 ID Card, will collect resources and textbooks next week. Parents of students who are refused entry into the scheme may contact Mrs Deb Deaves on 3350 0310 to find out what they are required to do in order to re-join the scheme in 2015. Parents were expected to complete payment or arrange a payment plan by Friday 30 January. Students of parents who have not yet made full payment or payment arrangements will not receive relevant resources and texts until this has occurred. Parents who are not in the scheme may request a Resource List from the office so they may purchase their own books and pay for relevant materials and resources.

Students are to wear sports uniform to school only as follows: • JUNIOR SCHOOL - TUESDAYS • SENIOR SCHOOL - WEDNESDAYS On all other days, students must wear their formal uniform to and from school and change into sports uniform for HPE. The only exception is for Sporting Carnivals like our upcoming Swimming Carnival. Remember to pack the bucket hat and apply sunscreen before outdoor activities. Students need to remember to drink lots of water.

Sports Uniform

INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL Fortitude Valley Pool

Monday, 9 February 2015 Permission forms due to Form Teachers,

By Friday, 6 February 2015

Reminder to Parents Please observe parking regulations when dropping off or picking up from school.

Safety is key!

World Challenge