It’s been sensational returning to Oakey State High at the start of term 3. I love this place. I will have been here 7 years at the end of term. Wow- hard to believe. This is the longest I have ever stayed at a school and I have worked at William Ross High ( Townsville) Tannum High ( Gladstone) Moranbah High, Trinity Bay State High ( Cairns) Innisfail State College, Oakey High and TSH. It’s been a wonderful journey thanks to my wife Angela our 3 wonderful kids.

I am indebted to Lachlan O’Connell for his outstanding leadership in my absence. Emma Castles and Mark Ashley and the entire team were also exceptional. They are outstanding because they care about kids and work hard and smart to best deliver for them.

Acting as the principal at Toowoomba State High for the second time was a great privilege and taught me much. It is a school with many wonderful teachers, leaders and some exceptional students. That said, it is easy to think that because a school is smaller, like Oakey High, we don’t offer the level of opportunity or care. That is wrong.

It is true we cannot always offer the range of senior subject choices some schools do but we have great success with distance education for the subjects we cant staff. The level or case management for kids at this place is rivalled by few other schools I have ever been a part of. That’s thanks to our teaching and non teaching staff.

We are in the midst of a deep, long teacher shortage and it is not likely to change anytime soon. It is almost impossible to get supply teachers to Oakey and we fight for every staff member we can. We appreciate the ongoing support of our wonderful P and C and parents who know school is a partnership, not a one way ticket. Great to be back.

- Danny Keenan

  Principal

At the end of Term 2, the Senior Music In Practice and Drama In Practice classes came together to produce and perform in an Arts Festival evening showcase as part of assessment requirements. Music In Practice students had been learning about the technical requirements of live music performance, including lighting and sound production, while Drama In Practice students had been studying a classic Australian play, ‘Away’ by Michael Gow, with a focus on performance.

To facilitate assessment, the Arts Festival showcase required Music In Practice students to produce and operate sound and lighting for live music performances, and Drama In Practice students performed excepts from ‘Away’. The performance event also allowed for the public performance of some work by students which had previously already been successfully assessed from the General Music class and Instrumental program. A wonderfully supportive audience of invited friends and family enjoyed the performance outcomes produced, and the real world experience was invaluable to our students.

A big thank-you goes to the following people for their contributions and involvement:

• Layne Steel as Head Usher did an amazing job greeting audience, distributing programs and operating the ‘candy bar’ at interval (also thanks to Mrs Chris Rowen for assisting)
• Lachlan Jasper for volunteering your time and talents in designing promotional material and programs, and for filming and photographing the performances
• Mrs Bec Birch for being the evening’s MC
• Fiona and Tanicia Ireland for printing and folding programs
• General Music and Instrumental Program students for your performances: Deborah Heyze, Jessica Lee, Sasha Lee and Patricia
• Music In Practice students who performed as well as producing: Taneisha Campbell, MK Harvey
• Members of local band Palinola who performed: Patrick Back (former OSHS student) and Hamish Sharpe-Liston (current Music In Practice student)
• Mr Michael Stockwell our strings Instrumental Program teacher for his performance contribution
• Julie for tech support of Drama In Practice performances
• Taneisha Campbell and Deborah Heyze for your extra-curricular Dance performance  
• Mr Rhys Grimly and Ms Jessica Wilson for your work with organisation and set-up as well as work with the Music In Practice and Drama In Practice classes

On the 8th of August, Year 11 and 12 Ag students travelled to the Brisbane Ekka to participate in the Prime Beef Young Judges. Of the large line-up of participants, Oakey High's very own Skye was placed in 1st place! 

Deb Goudie stated that, "The cattle team conducted themselves absolutely brilliantly yesterday. It is a pleasure to take our students to events such as the Ekka as they mix in with the best, learn a lot, have some fun, make a few memories and come home with some recognition of their hard work and effort." 

Well done Deb, Skye and the entire team for their efforts at the show! 

Each year, Oakey State High School awards students who excel in a range of activities during our Athletics Carnival. After a long-awaited few weeks following our Athletics Carnival in Term 2, our Age Champions have been announced:

Congratulations to our winning Age Champions of 2023!

12 Years Boys - M.J. Bunter

12 Years Girls - Jessica Ziebell

13 Years Boys - Jake Spies

13 Years Girls - Elanna Travers

14 Years Boys - Declan Jackson

14 Years Girls - Amelia

15 Years Boys - Sonny McCormack

15 Years Girls - Maddy Russell

16 Years Boys - Charlie Kaiser

16 Years Girls - Abby Taylor

17-19 Years Boys - Harry Reeves

17-19 Years Girls - Holly Baartz

Back in early term 2, students were asked to register their interest in forming a school touch football team. The last competitive touch football team the school had was a junior mixed team way back in 2010. A number of Year 7 and 8 girls jumped at the opportunity, even though many had never played a game of touch before.

The girls understood that they needed to display our REPPS values and a clear expectation was set around attendance and behaviour to be part of the team. The girls had been training two lunch times a week and their commitment to each other and improving their skills has been outstanding.

The team has been participating in the Swans Schools Cup competition in Toowoomba on a Monday evening and so far have had 3 wins and a loss, a sensational result considering the experience level of the team. They have a couple of games left, next Monday against Fairholme and a finals game the week after.

Just last Sunday, the girls also participated in the South West All Schools Tournament where they played 4 games of touch during the carnival. For many, it was their first taste of carnival sport, let alone touch football and although we didn't get the results, the girls represented the school and community exceptionally well - I couldn't be prouder of their application and effort for each other.

A special mention to the support staff and assistant coaches the girls have. Ally Darr and Isla Prior-Mead give up their break times, Monday evenings and Sundays to help the girls improve their game. Macy Hall, who works at the school as a Student Support Officer, also generously gives up her time to be actively involved with the girls. Thanks to Sonny and Corbin McCormack and their parents who volunteer to referee at these tournaments, it wouldn't be possible without you.

I'd like to also thank the parents/carers of the girls who give up their precious time to transport the girls into Toowoomba every Monday afternoon and to the All Schools Tournament last Sunday. Without your support, none of this would be possible.

It's such a pleasure to be involved with so many great young people and see the improvements they are making. I hope they continue to pursue their touch football at school into next year and also at a club level. The junior season with Oakey Bears Touch Football club will tap off in term 4, it would be great to see the girls and any other interested students involved with that great club.

- Mark Ashley

  Team Coach and Acting Deputy Principal

Oakey State High School will be turning pink and holding a free dress day and Staff vs Students cricket match on Thursday 31st August in support of the McGrath Foundation’s mission to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse.

The McGrath Foundation raises funds to support people with breast cancer by providing specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses where they are most needed across Australia. It is through the support of incredible community groups like Oakey High that the McGrath Foundation can continue providing this crucial support to local families experiencing breast cancer.

“It’s the McGrath Foundation’s goal to fund 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025, as we work towards our mission of ensuring that no one misses out on care. Events like this are truly helping us to make a difference and move towards that goal; we couldn’t do it without you,” says McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director Tracy Bevan.

The Pink Stumps Day is being organised by the Senior Business Studies class is their major piece of assessment for this unit. Students are organising every aspect of the day and are planning activities to cater for every student.

Year 12 business student and event organiser Charlotte, says “everyone in the class is excited to turn pink and support the McGrath Foundation and it is especially meaningful because Mrs Delander-Curle came and spoke to us about her experience with her breast cancer”.

Year 11 class member Shantel says “The teachers have won the last two staff versus student matches, so it’s time for the students to take the win in 2023”.

Fellow class member Kyra says, “For the people not interested in cricket, we will have other activities and competitions that will allow them to help us reach our fundraising goal, but everyone can start by wearing pink for a gold coin donation”.

If you are interested in donating a prize for the day please contact the office. To donate to the Oakey State High School Pink Stumps Day online fundraising page, please visit the link below:

 https://www.pinkisthecolour.com.au/fundraisers/OakeyHigh

On the 26th of July, the Student Representative Council ran a 'Wear Your Pyjamas Day', to fundraise for Starlight Foundation. Starlight Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to bring the fun, joy and laughter that is essential to sick kids’ health and wellbeing.

Students were welcome to hang out in a "chill-out zone" in the HUB during both first and second break, where they enjoyed plates of snacks and a movie!

On the 17th of July, Alice Collins (Community Education Counsellor) shared her story on stage at our School’s NAIDOC ceremonial parade, encouraging the students to look toward their Elders and mentors who have been guides throughout their lives.

Elders of the community – being the topic of this year’s NAIDOC week - joined the school for the day, leading various traditional games and serving a wonderful lunch (including fresh damper!) for students to enjoy. During second break, a cake was cut and shared amongst the students, both in celebration of NAIDOC week and Alice’s service to the school.

The students had a wonderful day and certainly learned a lot from the Elders!

We are excited to announce the upcoming creation of the 2023 Oakey State High School Yearbook! This eagerly anticipated publication is a reflection of the incredible achievements and memorable moments your student/s have experienced throughout the year. We would like to take this opportunity to provide you with some important details about the yearbook and how you can be a part of it.

Price and Availability:

The 2023 Oakey State High School Yearbook will be available for purchase at a cost of $25. This all-inclusive price ensures that you and your child will have a treasured keepsake that encapsulates their high school journey. Please note that there will be a limited number of yearbooks available and will be available for order in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for further information on how to secure your copy.

What to Expect:

The yearbook will capture and celebrate the year-level highlights, showcasing the experiences and achievements of our students. It will feature a collection of student class photos, documenting the growth and camaraderie developed throughout the year. Additionally, the yearbook will include captivating images from exciting excursions, showcasing the real-world learning experiences our students have enjoyed. Moreover, the Year 12 formal photos will grace the pages, capturing the elegance and joy of this milestone event.

Stay Connected:

To stay informed about the release of the 2023 Oakey State High School Yearbook, please ensure your contact information is up-to-date.  We also ask that you review your students media permissions and consider how you would like your student represented in the year book e.g. Students with a full name allowed will be represented with their cohort in a group photo array.  To update your students media permissions in relation to the yearbook please contact the office or email admin@oakeyshs.eq.edu.au .  Please ensure that any updates are done by the end of week 8 (1st September) so we can ensure all students are appropriately represented.  

We are looking forward to preserving the cherished memories of the 2023 academic year in our upcoming yearbook. Thank you for your continued support in making Oakey State High School a vibrant and thriving community. 

We love nothing more than to celebrate the acheivements of our students, whether it be from Darling Down's sport to in-classroom accomplishments. One of this term's highlights comes straight from the Year 12 English classroom, under the topic of creative writing. Have a read of a sample below! 

I watch, observing the small creature fluttering amongst the clouds, radiant light silhouetting its angelic figure. It peacefully sings out, relishing in its serene existence. Unbeknownst to the bird, whose feathers seemingly blend into the sky, I was hiding in the shadows of the branches waiting for it to make a mistake and perch in my vicinity. 

As I slink closer to the bird, along the gnarled branch, the creature spins and somersaults in the sky creating a makeshift dancefloor. The little thing thinks its free, up there feeling the wind kiss across its feathers, but it’s blinded by its own euphoria. It will never be free, for I am here. 

I am the one who is truly free. As, I have nothing tying me down. I can experience life at my own whim, my own discretion. If I wish to be curled in my owner’s lap, purring in delight, I simply go back to where I am fed. However, if I wish to explore the vast streets, mingle with the others like me, or simply catch the falsely free, I may. I am my own master, not directed by a pack or driven by survival. 

My whiskers vibrate, feeling a sudden whoosh of air that shakes me from my reverie. That delicate creature finally put its wings to rest and landed on the other end of the branch. It is trapped, its life now dangling from the tips of my claws. Yet it is unaware just how powerless it really is. Its life is entirely reliant on my decision to pounce. 

Oh, how fun it was to strike. I felt the life dissipate from underneath my claws, slowly smiling and relishing in the serene experience. How free are you now, little birdy?

In the Senior School at OSHS we celebrate “Students of Excellence” - those students who are achieving success in their Academic Program and achieving Excellent/Very Good ratings within Behaviour and Effort Ratings for EVERY subject studied at each reporting juncture.

Our Senior School Semester 1 Reports identified 50% of our Year 11 and 12 students are exhibiting outstanding academic success and behaviours in EVERY subject studied. We acknowledged these students with certificates at our Senior School Year Level Parade and celebrated with them with a Pizza Party on Pyjama Day. A fantastic way to celebrate our wonderful Senior students. Congratulations to our “Students of Excellence”. 

Our Year 12 students have had the opportunity to attend some vital information sessions presented by both Uni SQ and TAFE to consider the range of options available to students post-Year 12. Presenters explored the various programs and courses available, the resources and opportunities afforded through these organisations and the support networks – human, physical and financial – that our students may be able to access post-Year 12.

Additional sessions will be forth coming with DISCO presenting to our Seniors in the near future alongside of a QTAC/Uni Application presentation by our Guidance Officer. If you have any questions regarding post-school pathways, please feel free to contact either our Guidance Officer or Head of Senior Schooling via the front office.

All Year 10 students participated in SET Plan interviews in term 2 to consider Senior School subject selections and post-school pathways. A number of subject changes have occurred this Semester to further support these SET conversations. In addition to these changes, both Mrs Beauchamp (Head Senior Schooling) and Mr Ashley (Year 10 DP) have been checking in with Year 10 students following their Semester 1 Report Cards to review their SET Plan choices and future pathway options. 

In the following weeks, all Year 10 students will be participating in the sessions of “World of Work” and “Mock Interviews” to support understanding and decisions regarding potential future pathways and choices. If you would like to review your child’s SET choices for Senior subject selections and/or discuss potential pathways moving beyond Year 10 including Head Start Courses, Work Experience, TAFE, School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships etc … please feel free to contact the front office to organise an appointment with Mrs Jodie Beauchamp – Head of Senior Schooling.

Our best wishes to our Senior students completing ‘exam assessments’ across their General Subjects. Our Year 11 Students studying ATAR General subjects will complete Exams in Week 10 Term 3 to complete their Unit 2 Assessments. Our Year 12 students studying ATAR General subjects will complete “MOCK EXAMS” – practice exams in preparation for the EXTERNAL EXAMINATION Block in Term 4 Week 4. These ‘MOCK EXAMS” will provide students with vital experience in exam conditions and feedback as to further areas for review and consolidation. Students and families have been made aware of expectations throughout this week. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs Beauchamp – Head Senior Schooling.

On the 31st of July, our Year 11 students learned some statistics on road accidents by 17 to 24-year-olds, identified main causes of accidents by young people, watched some real stories, and learned how many people are affected when one young person has an accident. Afterward, they performed an experiment with “beer goggles” to learn how alcohol alters your perception and physical abilities. They also learned some valuable strategies on how to stay safe as a driver or a passenger.

Thank you QFES for educating our seniors and for all of the the wonderful work you do supporting the people in our community!

As our Year 12 students are preparing to move beyond school we wanted to highlight the success we have at OSHS with our School-Based Apprentices and Trainees. We have 29 students who have completed or are continuing a Certificate III qualification. This is an outstanding effort on behalf of all of the students completing a nationally recognised qualification, juggling school and work commitments. A special mention to our employers, who without you this would not be possible.

Annabelle Anderson- Certificate III in Business, Pizza Hut

Paige Bennett- Certificate III in Business, JLC Real Estate

Lilly Bradley – Certificate III in Individual Support, Ozcare

Mitchell Casey - Certificate III in Business, Pizza Hut

Jorja Charles - Certificate III in Business, Oakey Newsagency

Charlotte Cooke - Certificate III in Business, The Biddeston Store

Ally Darr - Certificate III in Business, Wendys Clifford Gardens

Charlotte Densley- Certificate III in Business, Foodworks Oakey & Certificate III in Agriculture, CAMM Agricultural Group

Sophia Espiritu- Certificate III in Business, Pizza Hut

Bethany Frizzell- Certificate III in Business, Pizza Hut

Ellie Gale - Certificate III in Business, Pizza Hut

MK Harvey – Certificate III in Hospitality, The Paddock

Darcy Hensley- Certificate III in Agriculture, Kerwee Lot Feeders

Deborah Heyze- Certificate III in Business, Pizza Hut

Libby Hoopert - Certificate III in Business, Oakey Rural Supplies

Sam Jackson – Certificate III in Fitness, HMPT

Maddison Lander- Certificate III in Business, Lander Support

Chloe Ollier- Certificate III in Business, Red Rooster

Joshua Pearce- Certificate III in Business, Flick Food and Coffee Bar

Isla Prior-Mead- Certificate III in Business, Wendys Clifford Gardens & Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care- Little Kookas Kingsthorpe Childcare

Leland Pukallus- Certificate III in Agriculture, Yarrabee Boer Goat Stud

Harry Reeves- Certificate III in Baking, Great Country Pies

Jack Reeves- Certificate III in Warehousing Operations, The Barn

Brooke Taylor- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Kids Patrol Oakey Academy

Blake Walker- Certificate III in Engineering- Fabrication Trade, Golden West Apprenticeships

Haleigh Wall- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, Kids Patrol Oakey Academy

Gypsy Woodward- Certificate III in Business, Foodworks Oakey

Sharmekha Young- Certificate III in Hospitality, Jamaica Blue Grand Central

Congratulations to the following students who have recently signed up as School-Based Trainees.

Brianna Keen is completing a Certificate III in Business with Flick Food & Coffee Bar.

Charli Mickelborough is a new trainee at Oakey RSL completing a Certificate III in Business.

Thank you to the employers for their continued support allowing our students to have these great opportunities.

Oakey State High School is one of 32 Schools in Queensland that has access to work experience and industry placement after Year 12 in the production and construction around making Hydrogen gas.  This program will complement the Hydrogen Horizon course and competition we run in Year 9 through to Year 11.  Already some of our Year 10 students are using our contacts in the industry to get work experience in a career field which is emerging in Australia.  On competition of a University course or Apprenticeship after leaving Year 12 they will become the leaders in this field. 

See the link below for pathways and Job roles in Hydrogen supported by GISPH2.

https://energyskillsqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GISPH2-PATHWAYS-FlYER.pdf

The emerging Hydrogen PATHWAYS for students include general entry positions all the way to PHD roles.  Therefore, Trade and ATAR pathways are just as valued as one another. Scientists are playing a crucial role in the hydrogen energy revolution through studying atomic and molecular interactions and developing new materials for fuel cells, storage tanks, and hydrogen transport vehicles as an example.  Computational scientists design computer hardware for hydrogen-related applications, relying on STEM and STEAM education. Regulatory experts navigate evolving government regulations and provide guidance to ensure compliance in the hydrogen industry.

Check out our recently released Hydrogen Pathways and Jobs Roles to show students, parents and teachers the latest to help students self select the best pathway for them, or get in touch if you have any questions. 

Sleep plays a large role in our mental wellbeing and daily functioning. However inadequate sleep is quite common, affecting 33-45% of Australian adults.

When it comes to the workplace, the Australian Sleep Foundation found that in the space of three months 1 in 6 people reported making errors at work or school because of sleepiness or sleep problems.

There are times when gaining a good night’s sleep can be difficult. If you or your children find sleep elusive, there are a few strategies to try. Listening to a sleep podcast is a very useful strategy. Here is one such podcast source:

Listen on this website, or in your favourite podcast player (apple podcasts, spotify, google podcasts, etc) - https://www.nothingmuchhappens.com/stories

The internet has given children and young people new opportunities to learn, play and socialise. However, this increased online presence, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic, also exposes them to new harms and risks. 

Concerningly, reports to eSafety’s cyberbullying complaints team show younger children are increasingly experiencing negative online behaviour. Reports of serious cyberbullying of children between the ages of eight and 13 years has more than tripled compared to pre-pandemic 2019 – jumping from a little over 200 complaints in 2019 to almost 740 in 2022. 

With Term 3 just around the corner, take a few minutes to learn more about cyberbullying – what it is, ways to protect your child, and how to get help if your child experiences it. 

Tools and resources to safeguard children from cyberbullying

eSafety is here to help with advice and resources to help you support your family’s online safety. 

·         Set up a family tech agreement and parental controls 

·         Explore ways to stay safe online for parents, kids and young people  

·         Learn digital skills for staying safe in games and apps using The eSafety Guide 

·         Get help for online issues by reporting to eSafety 

·         Join an eSafety webinar to help your children have positive online experiences 

·         Download online safety resources, including this guide to reporting cyberbullying