Dear Parents, Welcome to the new school year – with the promise of an exciting schedule ahead for us all. I extend a very warm greeting to our many new families. Enrolments should stabilise at around

1350 students. This figure includes a Year 8 cohort of 290 students placed across eleven form-classes. Many great things were achieved by our students and staff throughout 2011 –the Wavell school community will need to work hard to emulate these achievements this year. Congratulations to our 2011 Year 12s for outstanding outcomes. Special congratulations to our two OP1 students; Ellen Hibbet and Grace Charles and our four students who achieved OP2s; Connor Bloxam, Bogdan Borungle, Emily Ind and Bhagyashree Shelke. Wavell also had 73 per cent of students achieve OP 1-15. This is the second best result achieved in the twenty years of OP scores being awarded in Queensland. Our graduates have been very successful with their University applications – 93.5 per cent have achieved an offer with nearly 80 per cent scoring their first or second preference. Congratulations to Ellen on achieving a University of Queensland scholarship valued at $24 000 over four years and Grace achieving a University of Queensland $6 000 merit scholarship. I would like to thank parents for ensuring our students have been well prepared and presented for the new school year. We make no apology for insisting on high expectations and standards. Pride in appearance and standards of attire set the school tone and extend to high expectations in class for behaviour, effort and achievement. Nothing great ever came from low expectations! I would like to welcome the small number of new teachers who have joined our staff of 90 teachers: Ms Kirsten Baker – (English/SOSE) from Kenmore SHS Mr Gavin Campbell – (Manual Arts) from Albany Creek SHS Mr Peter Collins (Maths/Business) from Kelvin Grove SC Mr John Elliott – (Maths) from Corinda SHS Mr Joshua Kersevani - (English/SOSE) from Northern Beaches SHS – Townsville Mr Chris Main – (Chemistry/Maths) – from Japan Mrs Lizzy Mathai – (Maths) Mrs Kimberly Setterlund – (English/SOSE) from Clontarf Beach SHS Ms Kristy Steel – (English/SOSE) from Cloncurry SS

Congratulaons to Mrs Deb Deaves on her permanent appointment as Business Services Manager for Wavell. In addition to our usual busy academic, sporting and cultural calendar, a number of issues will require careful consideration by parents and staff. Academic issues include the

introduction of a laptop computer program for students; the introduction of the National Curriculum (Years 8 to 10 English, Maths and Science) and planning for the movement of Year 7 into High School in 2015. Improvement in student safety should result from the planned relocation of afternoon bus departures from White Street to Edinburgh Castle Road. This should occur during Term 1. Planning and consultation are under way for the construction of a new amenities block adjacent to the school pool. In addition to these matters the soon to be released review of school funding commissioned by the Federal Government will require our community’s careful consideration. I am hopeful, but not confident, that a fairer funding model will be announced. It is crucial that public schools receive a better share of government funding. Our first P&C meeting for the year is to be held on Tuesday, 21 February with the AGM commencing at 7:00p.m. in the Administration Block. Nominations have been received for all positions. This is an important forum for issues raised previously and of course, many others to be discussed. Wavell needs an increase in parental support and involvement; please give your attendance at this meeting serious consideration. Resource scheme payment or payment plans should have been made by today ($240 plus specific levies). Resources and texts are to be issued to students from Monday, 30 January. Students deserve to commence the academic year with all of the required resources. Your attention to this detail will ensure that they are appropriately prepared.

JJ Major, Principal

Newsletter Issue No.1 27 January 2012

P & C AGM - Tuesday 21 February 2012, 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

“In our work and in our living, we must recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a

reason for destruction.” Audre Lorde

It is important that students attend school all day, every day. • Parents are requested to communicate

student absences by phoning the Absentee Line as soon as possible. If this is not convenient, please send a note to the Form Teacher on return to school.

• A note proforma has been included in the 2012 Student Planner.

Helping us to keep accurate rolls will ensure attendance reports are accurate. These appear on Student Academic Report Cards and may have financial implications for some. Keeping the school advised of current home and mailing addresses and phone numbers is essential and especially important in the case of emergency. Cooperation is appreciated.

Top Scholars 2011

Year 8 Parent Evening

Wednesday 15 February 7:00pm in Assembly Hall

Congratulations to our top scholars for 2011. Grace Charles - OP1 is to study Bachelor of Psychological Science at the University of Queensland. Grace has received a $6,000 merit scholarship. Ellen Hibbett - OP1 and Dux 2011 will study Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Queensland. Ellen has received a scholarship worth $24,000 for her

four years of study. Conor Bloxham - OP2 has chosen to study a dual degree in Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Queensland. Bogdan Borungel - OP2 will also commence a dual degree in Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Economics at the University of Queensland. Emily Ind - OP2 will attend at Queensland University of Technology to study a dual degree: Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Creative Industries. Bhagyashree Shelke - OP2 will study for a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Queensland. Wavell congratulates all of our graduating students for their success at securing their place in tertiary study. The most popular fields of study selected by our 2011 graduates have been Management and Commerce, Health and Society and Culture (e.g. Law, Economics, Psychology). Forty-one students will attend Queensland University of Technology, nineteen will go to Australian Catholic University and seventeen have been accepted to study at University of Queensland. The rest of our students will study at a range of other universities. Congratulations also to other students who will continue with their apprenticeships and vocational training or commence work. The Wavell community wishes you all the best in your future endeavours.

Attendance

P & C Meetings

Tuesday 21February 2012 AGM 7:00pm & General Meeting at 7:30pm

Administration Block - All Welcome

Diary DatesDiary DatesDiary DatesDiary Dates Monday 30 January �Year 10 Work Experience in Hall Form & Lesson 1 �Dance Troupe Auditions 3:30-6:00pm �SRC Executive Meeting 10:45am, Conference Room. Tuesday 31 January �Year 9 Swimming nominations and House Meeting Lesson 4 in Hall. �Leadership Day for Prefects, House Captians & SRC Executives at Kedron Wavell RSL Wednesday 1 February �Years 10,11 & 12 Sport Organisation in Sports Hall Lesson 4 �Years 11/12 Tutorial Organisation in Hall Lesson 4 Thursday 2 February �Year 8 Rugby League Trials on Oval 3:30pm Friday 3 February �Presentation of Year 9 Leaders Badges. �Presentation of House Captain Badges �Academic Monitoring commences in WDP/WTP - Goal Setting. Monday 6 February �Wavell Swimming Carnival - Valley Pool (All students to attend) �Health & Physical Education at Wavell Week. Tuesday 7 February �Year 9 Summer Sports Inter-House Organisation Lesson 4. Wednesday 8 February �Years 10,11,12 Sport Organisation. Lesson 4 �Dance Committee AGM 7:00pm. �Music Committee AGM 7:30pm. �Year 10 Rugby League Camp to Kenilworth State Forest Thursday 9 February �Year 9 Leader Induction Day �Year 10 Rugby League Camp to Kenilworth State Forest �Year 11 and 12 Dance Ex & FTV Excursion to Movieworld Friday 10 February �Year 8 Welcome to Wavell 4:00-6:00pm �Presentation of SRC Badges. �Presentation of Swimming Age Champions �Last Day for Subject Changes

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Stationery & Clothing Shops Hours - Second Week of School 28 January 8:15 - 10:30am daily

Welcome to 2012 at Wavell

Resource Hire Scheme 2012

All students who: • had their application to join the Hire Scheme signed

and returned; • have made full payment of $240 or entered into a

payment plan through the Registrar, Mrs Debbie

Deaves; • returned all books and resources from 2011; • have a 2012 ID Card, will collect their resources and textbooks next week. Parents of students who are refused entry into the scheme may contact Mrs Debbie Deaves on 3350 0310 to find out what they are required to do in order to re-join the scheme in 2012. Parents were expected to complete payment or arrange a payment plan by Friday 27 January. Students of parents who have not yet made full payment or payment arrangements will not receive relevant resources and texts provided by the scheme 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. Keep receipts for the Government rebate of costs for up to $1500.00 per Secondary student per financial year. To find out how to claim the Education Tax Refund and what expenses are eligible visit www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au.

Absentee Phone Line 3350 0303

Inter-house Swimming Carnival

This year’s Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday, 6 February at the Valley Pool. The program will proceed regardless of weather. It is expected that all students attend the carnival in full sports uniform and wear the school hat. A letter detailing the carnival was issued to students at the end of 2011 and re-issued this week. Permission slips are due and money ($8.00)must be paid to the Office, by Wednesday, 1 February. On the day, 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 2:40pm. The program of swimming will commence at 10:00am. Students may bring lunch or money to buy “carnival food” at the small canteen. Spectators will be undercover for the day. All parents are most welcome to attend and admission is free; however students are still required to pay $8.00 even if they are to go home with a parent. Students, don’t forget your togs, towel and be prepared to have a swim! Please direct any questions to the Health and Physical Education Department 3350 0342.

The school will be trialing an afterschool homework/study programme in Term 1. The program is available for all Wavell students and will be held on Monday afternoons. Students will be fully supervised and assisted with their work by teaching staff and tutors. A brochure outlining the details can be obtained from Mrs Hughes or Mrs Tone in the Library. Parents will need to sign a permission slip in order for their students to attend. The program will commence on Monday, 13 February.

Achievement in Music

Thank You

Thanks to volunteers, current and past students and parents, for assistance in the set-up and sales during our 2012 Book Week, and also to those working in our shops. Thanks also to our patient customers during a very busy period. These services would not be possible without volunteers. Please consider joining us! Contact Noela and Tracey (Canteen); Lesley (New Clothing), Judy (Used Clothing) and Cheryl (Bookshop) on 3359 5126.

Pictured are Year 8 students, - Caitlin Lennon and Lucy Dale. They are among 290 Year 8 students enrolled at Wavell. Our thanks to parents for their efforts in seeing our new students so well prepared to commence their secondary studies. All Wavell students were in regular classes by 9:30am on each of our two commencement days this week, after receiving their timetables and calendars. A rigorous program of four timetabled lessons took place each day. We have commenced the year with a full complement of teachers. Subject changes are to be finalised by Friday, 10 February.

IMPORTANT Please remember to notify the school of any change of address or contact phone numbers for your student.

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

from school. Safety is key!

INTER-HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Monday, 6 February 2012 Fortitude Valley Pool - Cost: $8.00 (includes admission and transport)

Money and permission forms are due to the Office,

Wednesday, 1 February 2012

Sun Safety

Our sports uniform includes a bucket hat, which is now compulsory for all students. Students are required to wear this hat during outdoor activities. Sunscreen is available for student use from the Sports Centre. Students need to ensure that they use the sun protection available at Wavell High. They are also encouraged to drink lots of water on hot days and consider bringing a water bottle with them to school.

Religious Instruction

Instruction is provided to students at Wavell and includes a fortnightly program for Year 8s, a series of lessons for Year 9s (Term 2) and Year 10s (Term 3), as well as a Religious Assembly for all students each term. This is a non-denominational program provided by members of our local churches. Wavell also has a full time Chaplain, who provides support in religious, spiritual and ethical matters. Parents wishing their child not to participate in the Religious Instruction or the Chaplaincy Program are asked to forward a letter to Ms Bullen, Deputy Principal. Other arrangements will be made for your student.

Congratulations to Emma Nash (pictured) who received honors for her Grade 7 piano exam at the end of 2011. Well done.

Wavell Study Support Program