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Mother's Day Breakfast: Friday 10th May
Year 10 Pathways Day: Thursday 23rd May
U8's Day: Friday 24th May
Fanfare: Friday 24th May
Report Cards: Friday 21st June
Year 12 Formal: Friday 21st June
Last Day of Term 2: Friday 21st June
First Day of Term 3: Monday 8th July
Prep Expo: Wednesday 10th July
Primary Parent/Teacher Interviews: Tuesday 23rd July
Secondary Parent/Teacher Interviews: Wednesday 24th July
Curriculum & Pathways Expo: Wednesday 7th August
Term 2 has started well. Current enrolment is 1850 students. 642 on the primary campus and 1208 on the secondary campus. We are currently fully staffed which is fantastic given the teacher shortage.
I welcome Julie Falchetti as the new Executive Services Officer. Julie has replaced Lyndi Ma. Julie has already hit the ground running and is already a very highly valued member of our administration team.
Maurice Andrejic is currently Acting Principal at Mareeba State High School. He will be there for the rest of the semester at this stage, with a high chance that he will be extended in the position beyond that. Adrian Hooper is currently Acting Head of Campus - Secondary
Congratulations to Nadine Eddy and the team that put on yet another successful ANZAC Ceremony. It was an absolute privilege to be part of such a professional ceremony. It clearly demonstrated to me the respect and appreciation we collectively have for the service men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to those that continue to serve so that we may live in the Australia we call home. To our parents who currently serve in the Australian Armed Forces – thank you for your service!
Mr Hooper, Mrs Eddy and I further had the privilege to attend the Cairns Dawn service with our College Leaders who placed a wreath on behalf of the college. Mrs Molloy, Mr Bruno and many other staff and students attended the Stratford service and once again paid their respects.
Road safety remains a concern with a number of near misses in the last week. Helmets continue to be an issue and students not taking due diligence in terms of care when riding in the traffic is another concern. Please once again reinforce your expectations for road safety with your children.
I am also concerned with the congestion issue that we see each afternoon at student pick up time. I am aware that some if this congestion is caused when students are late leaving the school grounds and parents have parked – sometimes illegally to pick the students up. Can I thank the many parents who circle around for another lap to keep the traffic moving and encourage those currently parking illegally to also circle around for a lap to stop the current frustration and keep the traffic moving. Thank you for your corporation.
New Building is on track to be completed by sometime in August now. The incredible amount of rain has put the completion date back a little. I will provide further updates on the progress in a later newsletter.
Parent Teacher interviews for the Secondary Campus were held on Tuesday 30 April. The Primary Campus Parent and Teacher interviews were held late last term. I strongly encourage parents and carers to be in contact with your children’s teachers to help monitor progress.
I am on Long Service Leave from Friday 7 June returning Monday 29 July. My wife and I are, once again, visiting family in Denmark. I will advise who is replacing me at a later date.
Mike Hansen
Executive Principal
Welcome to the mid Term 2 newsletter.
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Year 7 |
90.5% |
Year 10 |
86.1% |
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Year 8 |
88.9% |
Year 11 |
90.7% |
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Year 9 |
86.9% |
Year 12 |
88.5% |
Last week on our Secondary campus assembly I took some time to talk with our students and reflect on our attendance data in the secondary school for Term 1.
What can be gleaned from this snap shot of attendance?
- Year 7s always start the year strongly as they put their collective best foot forward starting high school
- Attendance and engagement remain a challenge as students enter the “middle-schooling” years, culminating in a dip in Year 10
- Year 11s, motivated by a renewed focus on their pathway and academic success, like Year 7, always start the year strongly
- Year 11 attendance data receives a bump as a small percentage of students transition out of school to a vocational pathway
- Year 12s need to be reminded to not lose sight of the end goal in their final year of schooling
- Year 12 attendance data is sometimes adversely affected if students, with more responsibility and freedom, forget to correctly follow our sign in/out procedures
- All year levels have vast numbers of students attending over 90% (and 95%) as averages in all year levels are brought down by a small minority with very low attendance
All this said, we still aim for a minimum attendance rate of 90%. I thank all the students and parents/carers in pursuit of our shared goal of maintaining high rates of student attendance at RSC. As we are regularly reminded; Every Day Counts.
Can I also take the opportunity to thank the Parents/Carers that took the opportunity to attend Parent/Teacher interviews last week. On the back of Term 1 interim report cards, Parent/Teacher interviews allow the chance for Parents/Carers to meet their child’s teacher and to provide further opportunity for teachers to give feedback on your child’s progress. Our end of Semester 1 report cards will be out on the last day of this term and Term 3 Parent/Interviews will be Wednesday 24th July, Term 3 Week 3. May I also take the opportunity to remind you our 2024 RSC Curriculum and Pathways Expo will be held two weeks later, Wednesday 7th August, Term 3 Week 5.
That’s all from me this edition. Enjoy reading the other contributions from our wonderful RSC Secondary staff.
Welcome to our Primary Campus update
With Term 2 well underway, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all our parents and carers for working with us to support your child’s education. There are so many highlights and successes to be celebrated on a daily basis. What a wonderful vocation teaching is!
Reporting: I would also like to thank you for taking time to connect with your child’s class teacher(s) at Parent Teacher interviews at the end of last term. These interviews are an important snapshot into your child’s progress and sets the direction for improvement over the next term.
At the end of this term we report back to you on your child’s progress at school, with report cards being emailed home in the last week of term. Please ensure that you have updated your email details with the school if they have changed recently.
Staffing: After 13 years with Redlynch State College we farewell Melinda Klingner and wish her all the best in her new adventure with Distance Education. Melinda has been a valued member of staff and was instrumental in the development of our Innovation Zone and technology programs. In her place we welcome Liam McComb who joins us, bringing a wealth of knowledge in Technologies with him from South Australia. There will be some exciting innovation coming up over the next few months.
We also farewelled Danielle Bowthorpe, our wonderful and long-standing teacher aide, as she retires and heads off to new and exciting adventures. Danielle has been a valued staff member and has had a positive impact on the many students she has supported over the years.
ANZAC Day: We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students, parents and staff who attended the ANZAC service at Stratford. Your presence and participation made the event truly special and meaningful for us. Thank you also to Nadine and all those who attended and participated in our service at school this year. It is important for us to come together as a community to honour and remember the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women. We are grateful for your support in teaching our younger generation about the significance of ANZAC Day and honouring those who have and are serving.
Prep Enrolments: We are now taking Prep enrolments for 2025. Please collect an enrolment pack from the Primary Campus office. Our orientation and transition programs kick off in Term 3 with our Prep Expo on Wednesday 10th July in our Prep area. More information is available in our enrolment packs and will be advertised later in the term through Facebook.
Facilities: The pond at the front of the school was cleared during the recent holidays and is now levelled. Watch this space for further enhancements. We have also had I Block re-roofed so we are leak free in Year 2.
We have had an approval to reconfigure the office area to make it a little more appealing to visitors and new parents. We are looking forward to a revamped and more welcoming office area.
Wellbeing: The Year 4-6 students have just participated in the Q survey which provides us with valuable information on the wellbeing of our students. We use this data to inform our next steps for implementing wellbeing initiatives in the school.
AEDC data collection will take place in Week 5. The AEDC is a national census that is conducted every three years by the Australian Government, in partnership with State and Territory governments. It measures how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.
Under 8s Day will be on Friday 24th May. Teachers are currently planning for this event and we have quite a few members of the wider community coming to support us.
NAPLAN had been completed successfully on the Primary Campus under the guidance of our Head of Department Teaching and Learning Ailsa Connor. We have had a look at some of the preliminary results and are quite pleased to see some improvements.
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Samantha Molloy - Head of Campus (Primary) |
Sue Hall - Deputy Principal |
Mike Bruno - Deputy Principal |
Our Library, Our Stories
This year our Primary Library is its usual hive of activity. We have settled in to our new carpet and have enjoyed creating a welcoming space for all of our students, families and staff. Each passing week brings new books and understandings to share. Our efforts to ensure that each student can enjoy books about themselves and their community continues.
Lunchtimes are busy in our library with a range of activities to engage in. Many students have joined us at lunchtimes for Lego, Marble Run and other creative play pursuits. Our computer lab is timetabled for each year level to have access throughout the week. This year we have begun our Silent Reading Club. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon tea our Year 3/4/5 students may choose to enjoy a quiet and comfortable place to engage in free choice silent reading. We look forward to continuing this gentle recreation in our busy school week.
Every week our P-2 students visit for borrowing and literacy lessons and these days are the highlight of our week. Our Year 3-6 students visit with their teachers every fortnight to borrow from our every evolving collection. Books can be returned during these lessons, but we also accept returns any time throughout the week. If you and your child have trouble locating a library book at home, please call in to see Ms Thackray or email cthac10@eq.edu.au
Our Book Fair this year will coincide with National Simultaneous Storytime and Under 8’s Week. A very busy time in our calendar, but we are excited to bring the fair back to our school. In Week 6 of this term, books from Scholastic will be available for purchase. Each sale contributes to the Scholastic Rewards we can earn. This reward system bolsters our book-buying budget and ultimately the quality and range of books your children can borrow. Information and flyers about our book fair will be coming home to you soon. Like last year, we will have eft-pos available and also a pop-up style shop during Under 8’s Day celebrations. Please consider supporting your child’s school library by popping in during the book fair and making a small purchase. It can be a great way to shop for celebrations and support your child’s school at the same time.
We look forward to sharing more of the wonderful happenings in our library this year. Check out the before and after images for a quick insight to our wonderful library.
Our Primary Campus is setting up a Lego Club and is looking for donations of any Lego you no longer need. Lego Club supports our students' creativity, fine-motor and social skills. Any kind donations welcome at the Primary Campus Administration building. Thank you!
YEAR 12 UPDATE
A busy term for our Year 12 cohort. Students are finalising their unit three assessments and gearing up for the event of the year – The Formal.
The Formal will be held on Friday 21st June, 2024 at the Pullman International, and our theme this year is ‘Enchanted Forest’. All parents/carers of Year 12 students were sent an email with important information and dates regarding the formal. This is a reminder that all Year 12 students wishing to attend the formal event will need to secure their ticket with a $50 deposit that is due Friday 10th May.
While the students are busy studying and completing assessments, they are also busy booking times for arrival cars, working out table groupings and what they are going to wear. Please remember that the dress code for the event is Formal attire for a SCHOOL event. Students are to be mindful that the event is supervised by school staff, and attire/dress needs to be modest.
Student Parking – The College has a dedicated student carpark, located off Giauca St at the top of the Secondary Campus. This was developed several years ago, in the interests of the safety of students, the rights of our neighbours and school community/parents. With the loss of one of our staff carparks due to the construction of our new Hall, parking is very tight for the 150 staff, let alone the P platers taking up parks and not utilising the dedicated student carpark. If your student drives to school, could you please support the College and remind your student to park in the student carpark.
Attendance – Our overall attendance rate for Year 12 is currently at 86.7% Our Year 12 students have about 33 weeks or 165 days of learning in the year, excluding public holidays and exam blocks. If a student is only attending school 87% of this time, they are missing 4.2 weeks or 21 school days of teaching and learning. As this is the final year of high school education, physical attendance in classes makes a big impact on overall final results. Please encourage your student/s to attend all timetabled classes every day. Remember – EVERY DAY COUNTS! If you are struggling to get your teenager to school, check out the link from Education Queensland.
On the 3rd of May Redlynch State College sent over 30 senior students to Saint Andrews Catholic College to compete in the 2024 TCN Cross Country. The kids not only competed extremely well but also supported each other at the finish line cheering them on in the final leg. In total RSC had 20 runners that will represent the TCN Cross Country team at the Peninsula Cross Country trials, meaning they placed in the top 8. Out of the 20 students, 9 students finished top 3. A solid effort by all who attended resulting in RSC placing 2nd overall. We look forward to seeing how our athletes run at the Peninsula Cross Country trials in Yungaburra on the 17th of May. Go Dragons!
A lovely start to term 2 for the Performing Arts. We began with the String Orchestra and College Vocal group combining for a stirring performance of ‘I still Call Australia Home’ at the ANZAC ceremony. Student vocalists and string players were amazing with special thanks to Strings teacher Ms. Emma Baker, Piano accompanist Dr Katrina Pring, teacher vocalists Mrs. Lisa Giles and Mrs. Sharyn Crookes and Live Production teachers Mr. Daniel Bruce and Mr. Gary Holloway for supporting this amazing performance with thorough rehearsal preparation and attention to detail.
‘Local & Vocal’ a recent event in Cairns saw some of our college stars shine. Ex – student Topaz who is now studying a Bachelor of music in performance at JMC Brisbane University returned to Cairns for a weekend of workshops with professional song writers and music producers. Joining them was our own college Year 11 music student, Mia, who was invited to perform three of her own original songs and all were well received.
Mia and several of our staff also performed recently in another local concert presented by the Cairns Choral Society. Included in the program was a special vocal piece ‘Illuminare’ by American composer Elaine Hagenberg. This was the first time this body of work has been performed in Australia with 90 vocalists and accompanied by a full Chamber Orchestra lead by Ms Emma Baker. This was a spectacular performance held in a sold out St Monica’s Cathedral and it was lovely to see so many of our staff and students involved. Special thanks to Tom, a Live Production student who captured the whole event in recording.
Student Absence, Late to school and Early Departure College Protocols
The safety and wellbeing of students are the highest priorities for the College and the department. Parents need to know if their child hasn't turned up for school, and schools need to know when and why a child is absent. State schools are required to notify parents on the same day that any student is absent from school without explanation.
How to advise of student Absence, Late to school and Early departures
All absences, late to school and early departures must be notified by someone who is the legal parent/carer of the student. If your student is going to be:
- Absent – please call the absence line (07 4039 9294), write a note (see below), reply to the absence SMS, notify via QParents, or advise personally at Student Services.
- Late to school – please call the absence line (07 4039 9294), write a note (see below), reply to the SMS, notify via QParents, or advise personally at Student Services.
- Leaving School Grounds / Early Departures
Primary Campus
Report to Student Services to collect and sign your child out. If a person other than the parent/caregiver is to collect the student, please give a note to your student stating the name of the person who is to collect and sign the student out. This note must be dated and signed.
Secondary Campus
Students leaving early MUST have a note clearly explaining what time they are leaving and the reason for their early departure from the College. Parents/legal carers needing students to leave early from school are required to:
- Give the child a note to bring to school advising the time and the exact reason (the nature or purpose of any appointment or family type reason must be explained) for departure. This note is to be signed and dated by the parent/legal carer.
- The note must be countersigned by a Deputy Principal on the student’s arrival at school.
- The student shows the note to their teacher to be released from class.
- The student presents the note at Student Services, at the time stated, to sign themselves out.
If a person other than a parent/legal carer is to sign out and collect the student, this and the name of the person, must be stated clearly on the note.
We are not permitted to use the College PA system during class time to call students to the office. Please ensure that you provide your students with a note, as outlined above, so they can be ready to leave when required.
ANZAC Day 2024
On Wednesday, 24th April, our College commemorated ANZAC Day with a moving ceremony paying tribute to those who landed at Gallipoli in 1915, in addition to acknowledging our very own Defence personnel and families within our College Community. This year, we had an outstanding number of Cadets participate. Their role in our College Ceremony was significant as not only did they lead in our Executive Principal and VIP guests, they also performed a fitting guard of honour at the conclusion of the Ceremony as our VIP guests, Defence families and staff made their way to our Chalk and Talk Café for morning tea.
On the morning of April 25th, our Executive Principal, Michael Hansen, Acting Head of Secondary Campus, Adrian Hooper, Defence School Mentor, Nadine Eddy and Year 12 College Leaders, Captain Natalie, Vice Captains Taryn and Joyce attended the Dawn Service on the Cairns Esplanade. Following the Dawn Service, Defence students Shaynen, Denika, Aila, Zoey and Thomas participated in the City March as banner holders. On completion of the City March, there was a significant turn out of both Primary and Secondary Redlynch State College students at the Stratford March and Ceremony. Primary Campus College Captions and Vice Captains Bhavni, Eddie, Paige and Cruz had the honour of leading our College, alongside our Primary Campus Leadership Team. Eddie and Paige beautifully recited the poem “For the Fallen” and all four student leaders had the opportunity to lay a wreath. It was wonderful to see many of our students and families bring their own wreath to lay.
Thank you to all who supported our College ANZAC Ceremony and to all who attended a service to honour the fallen.
Lest We Forget.
Education Queensland International
Some of our Education Queensland International students experienced their EALD lesson in the Hospitality kitchen this morning with Mr Bertram. They learnt about the origins of the Anzac biscuit and then baked them for RSC’s Anzac Day Parade VIP guests. Students also enjoyed tasting the biscuits themselves, having previously tasted the mixture like many young Australians.
