I am thrilled to be joining the Foxwell State Secondary College community as your new Principal for Term 2. My first week at Foxwell has been warm and welcoming from both staff and students across the college and I am excited to learn more about our Foxwell way of working and learning as this term progresses. I have already been able to observe that the College is built upon strong foundations to foster a deep learning culture.

Our vision to provide a world of opportunity for every student, is evident in the conversations I have been having with staff across the college this week, and I look forward to seeing the outstanding opportunities and experiences that are provided to your children in their classrooms and in extra-curricula events. I am also looking forward to meeting with many of our college parents and community at these events throughout the term.

I have worked in education for 22 years, with most of my career at Marsden State High in Logan City, and my most recent role as the Principal of the Senior School. I am passionate about providing opportunities to students to thrive in their educational pathways and supporting our young people in finding their passion and interests to achieve success. 

The college's philosophy of Kindness is the Foxwell way is something that is encouraging to see along with the SPIRIT values of:

• Service
• Perserverance
• Integrity
• Respect and Responsibility
• Inclusivity 
• Teamwork 

As your new principal, I am committed to continuing to build upon the strong foundations already established while maintaining high expectations in our classrooms to foster an environment where every students can thrive and achieve their full potential. 

We seek your support and thank you in upholding the high expectations of our College in terms of Uniform and Appearance. Provided below are some reminders.

As the weather cools down, we would like to remind you that during the colder months the following items are acceptable:

• Foxwell SSC Wattle coloured knitted jumper (with college logo)
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue jacket (with college logo)
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue soft-shell jacket (with college logo) *NEW- fleece lined, windproof and warm.

* All jumpers and jackets must be Foxwell branded, no other jumpers, including plain navy crew neck or jackets are permitted unless they are worn beneath and not visible, under a school branded jacket/jumper.

• Foxwell SSC Ink blue track-pants (with school logo) – may be worn with Sports Uniform
• Ink blue stockings/tights
• Foxwell SSC Ink blue scarf (with school logo)

Beanies, balaclavas, knit caps with ear flaps or other similar headwear are not permitted. Undershirts must be not be visible outside/through the uniform (e.g., T Shirts, Tank Tops and singlets)

Socks

• White school crew socks with stripe (compulsory for school events - photos etc.)
• Plain white crew socks - minimum length 5cm above the ankle, maximum length base of calf

 Socks must be visible at all times whether plain white or school socks.

 Shoes

• Black leather lace up shoes or black leather joggers that are below the ankle
• Black shoe laces only
• No ankle boots, work boots, Doc Martins, ballet flats or other shoes which do not cover the upper part of the foot are permitted.

Students are permitted to change into approved footwear in order to access the curriculum. These include sports shoes for sport, steel-capped work boots in design or ballet/dance shoes for dance.

Full black leather shoes are required to be worn with the formal uniform whilst plain black fabric sports shoes are permitted with the sports uniform. Black leather sports shoes can provide a single shoe solution which can be worn with both the sports and formal uniform and which meet WH & S requirements in laboratories, workshops and kitchens.

Hats

We still have a large number of hats in lost property.

Students must wear the appropriate hat every time they are outside a classroom. Students without hats or other items of uniform that are not explained by a parent/guardian, will receive a 20-minute detention.

Students, out of uniform must report to Student Services before school with an explanation from parent/guardian in order to be issued with an uniform variation slip and to not be issued with a detention.

Please ensure all items of your child’s school uniform are clearly labelled with their name so items can be easily identified and returned to them.

Please be reminded that our Student Code of Conduct – Appearance Policy states:

 Jewellery

• One flat ring
• Two (2) pairs of plain studs or sleepers worn in the lower lobe of the ear

Any item of approved jewellery may  still  be  required  to  be  removed  in  subjects  or activities for safety reasons under Workplace Health and Safety legislation.

Facial piercings and other visible  body  piercings  are  not  permitted.  Facial piercings include but are not limited to nose, lip, chin, eyebrow and tongue piercings. Piercings in the ear, other than in the lower lobe are not permitted. Clear plastic facial piercings which do not protrude and are not clearly visible may be permitted, upon application to the Principal.

 Hair

• Hairstyles must be neat, clean, tidy and well-maintained.
• Natural toning only is permitted.
• Hair ribbons or hair bands in any of the school’s colours may be worn (ink, gold
• or white).
• Other hair accessories such as bandanas, beanies, brightly coloured or
• patterned headwear, tiaras, hair claws, feathers, beads or bun nets are no
• Long hair (below the shoulder) must be tied back when in practical work spaces such as laboratories, workshops, and kitchens, as this is a Workplace Health and Safety requirement.

We will continue to work as partners with you in ensuring every child in our school maintains our high expectations of uniform and appearance and that each child continues to be a valued ambassador of our College.

All Year 10 students and their families are invited to attend our Senior Schooling Information Night, to be held directly after our Career Expo on Wednesday 17 May from 6.00pm. The purpose of this event is to provide students and families with details regarding key aspects of senior schooling including: 

*Course selection in Year 11 and 12, developing a Secondary Education and Training Plan (SET-P) and attending a SET-P Meeting 

*Opportunities and pathways for study programs in senior schooling including how to gain a Queensland Certificate of Education, and working towards an ATAR or a flexible pathway approach (e.g. diploma, certificate and other vocational training courses)

*Support structures and opportunities beyond our school-based programs

*Prerequisites/requirements for entry into courses and programs in senior school

It is vital that all students and families attend this event as the information shared is too important to miss or find out at a later date. 

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 17 May 2023. 

I am very happy to have joined Foxwell SSC and it has been my great pleasure to meet the amazing students we have here. 

As Industry Liaison Officer, it is my role to help students discover and develop their career paths. I am looking forward to working with the students to support them with traineeships/apprenticeships, certificate courses, work experience, career advice and career programs. I work closely with different businesses, groups and organisations to bring opportunities for our students so that they may gain industry relevant skills and experience.

Soon I will be launching the Lunch Box Sessions.  These sessions will bring in Industry Representatives to address students about their industries, their roles and their expectations from their new employees. In these sessions, students will get an opportunity to interact and learn from them. These sessions can spark ideas and provide valuable insights to students that can help them with their career decisions.  We will also have industry reps come in to do resume writing sessions and share what they would expect to see from their applicants. I will shortly be sending a questionnaire to students to gain a range of industries they would be keen to hear from.  

My role is not just limited to working with students.  I am also available to meet with parents and discuss their child’s career aspirations.  If you would like to arrange a meeting with me, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at ldavi@157eq.edu.au. Students can find me in the Learning Hub, opposite the Administration Building. 

Ms Lynn Davies

Interschool Sport begins on Week 3 Tuesday 2nd May, and students who have submitted their preferences have been allocated into a sport.

Permission forms have been distributed to Team Coaches, with students needing to collect their note from their coach. Permission forms are to be returned to their Team Coach or to the College Sports Coordinator Dane Watmuff. Coaches have posted their team lists on SharePoint for students to access. If students are unsure of their sport, they will need to email Mr Watmuff (drwat1@eq.edu.au)

To attend the Interschool Sport Gala Days, students must have handed in their permission note and either paid the cost in full or begun a payment plan before Thursday 27th April.

Invoices have been distributed.

For any questions regarding payments or permission notes please contact the school via finance@foxwellssc.eq.edu.au

Students in Year 7 Social World have begun their deep dive into the genre of letter writing this term.  In particular, students have been analysing films and applying their knowledge of the Mood Meter and VIA Character Strengths to gain a deep understanding into characters, their actions and their emotions and ultimately how these impact on those around them.  Students will have mulitple opportunities and exposure to the genre of letter writing before they begin their assessment journey.  

I would like to remind families that students should be arriving to each lesson with an exercise book and stationary as well as a charged ipad to engage in their lessons.

Year 7 Social World students have also changed their Arts focus area this term, which sees them either participating in Dance or Media.  The Arts are an incredible way for students to engage with the complex world around them in a practical manner.  It has been great to see our students outside of their classrooms, collecting evidence of shot types and camera angles or to see them having fun and engaging with their peers through dance.

Our Year 8 Social World students have jumped straight into their Novel studies this term.  Each class will be engaging with a different novel, selected by their teacher based on the interests of the students.  While teenagers will often tell us that they don't enjoy reading, I have seen some first hand evidence of students enjoying being read to by their teachers.  Students will be working to identify how authors represent identity through their language choices.  Please ask your student what they are reading in class this term.

Again, I would like to reiterate that students should be attending their Social World classes with an exercise book, stationary and a charged iPad to ensure that they are able to engage with their lessons.

Arts for Year 8 is Drama and Visual Art this term.  I have seen some great colour wheels being created with paint as students begin to learn all about the magic of colour.  Drama will see our students work in groups to bring to life a scripted text called Stories in the Dark, which is incredibly relevant to what is occuring in our world currently.

Please take the time to engage with your student around their learning in Social World.  If they can articulate clearly to you what they are learning in class, then we know that we have been successful as educators!

Happy Term Two!

Welcome back to Term 2!

Year 7 and 8 Japanese

This term, we look forward to helping students develop their skills in reading and listening to Japanese texts. Students in all year levels will apply their understanding of the Japanese language and scripts (hiragana, katakana and kanji) and language to understand short written and multimodal texts.

Key topics are:

Year 7: Omoiyari - Compassion

Year 8: Matsuri - Festival

Anime Japanese: Tokimeki -  the feeling of nostalgia and Kizuna - positive relationships

Year 10 Japanese: Oshare -  trendy/fashionable

Home Support

Keen to know how you can help support your child in Japanese? 

The Japanese team often have EP tasks assigned to students to help them learn key vocabulary for each unit. This is a quick and easy way for students to consolidate their class learning.

Please see below for some other prompts to help check in with your child about what they are learning in Japanese.

Term 2 - 2023 Maths at Foxwell Overview

Welcome to all familes for Term 2 Maths! Years 7 - 9 will continue their number and algebra unit from term 1, and there will be a short examination in week 4 (year 8 and 9) and week 5 (year 7).  Details will be available on Seesaw via classroom teacher communications.  Students will then move onto financial maths and have an assignment due in week 9 (year 7) and week 8 (year 8 and 9). 

Year 10 have started their unit on statistics and will have an assignment due in week 5 and then they will move straight into a unit on chance with an exam early week 9.

As you can see there is a significant amount of learning in action happening in maths this term.  As such it is essential students are ready and prepared for learning EVERY lesson.  This looks like:

- being on time to class

- having all equipment necessary for the lesson (charged iPad), exercise book, pencil case and a CALCULATOR).

- reviewing concepts learnt in class throughout the week to ensure understanding and retention is maximised.

- attending WIN time or tutorials held by the classroom teacher.

- seeking feedback and developing a can do attitude.

- taking initiative if away for a lesson by reviewing the work on One Note and asking the teacher for assistance.

The education of children is a joint partnership between teachers and caregivers.  Caregivers can support students by ensuring all the equipment is being packed each day, regularly checking their student's one note and exercise book to view work being done, ensure adequate time is being allowed for revision and deliberate practice at home, particularly where students have outside of school activities. The use of WIN time is perfect for these purposes.  Our teachers encourgae students to form a study group and use WIN time a few times a week to come together to practise.

I have communicated before that high school maths requires a significant amount more of attention than in primary school.  Like a sport; training, the right equipment, practice and a growth mindset is essential for success. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's classroom teacher.

Through numbers there is true beauty in looking at the world around us.  I look forward to seeing all students discovering the beauty around them and being excited in their maths journey this term!

Mrs Tania Russell

Head of Department Mathematics

txrus5@eq.edu.au

Year 9 and 10 English

In Year 9, students are working on their analysis of sitcoms and in Year 10, students are working on their analysis of heroes and villains in films and other texts. It is vital that students have created their TV4Education account and are able to access this resource for their English tasks this term.

We would also appreciate your assistance in ensuring that students bring a notebook (they may leave these in the cupboard in their classroom if they want) and pen for each lesson.  Whilst we use our iPads for various activities, students are required to work in their notebooks as well for other activities.  Unfortunately there are a large number of students who do not bring a notebook or pen to class and this is impacting their learning.  We appreciate your support in your student's learning.

Assessment dates (specific dates will be provided by class teacher):

Year 9 English

Draft due Week 6 and Final due Week 8.

Year 10 English

Script and Storyboard Draft due Week 6, Video draft due Week 7 and Final due Week 8.

Our Year 9 students will be participating in our Future Anything program this term and next term.  This program aims to transform young people's passions and curiosity into innovative ideas that make their world a better place.  In this program, we aim to connect students to the real world with authentic 'future ready' curriculum that embeds entrepreneurship into their lives.  Students will pitch their enterprise ideas and prototypes in class in Week 8 of Term 3 and will present their ideas either through a tradeshow display or an invitation to pitch at our showcase event the following week.  Any student who wishes may also nominate for the National Finals that will be held in November this year.

As part of this program, we would love to invite members our community to participate in a variety of ways with our students to build their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.  If you would like to offer your expertise and experience, then we invite you to use the QR code below to complete our survey for how you might assist and we will be in contact with you very soon.

We are looking for mentors who are willing to talk with students about their ideas, prototypes and pitches and give them advice on how to improve, questions they might not have thought of or anything else that might assist them.

We are also looking for people who would be willing to present a masterclass of 20-30 minutes to a group of students on areas such as:  marketing, logos and branding, product packaging, financials, Canva, prototyping of different kids such as physical and digital etc.

Finally, we are looking for people who would be willing to be on our judging panel for our Showcase and Tradeshow.

If you feel that you can assist our students in any way, please use the QR code to complete the survey and we will be in contact with you.

Danielle Goddaer

HOD English & Humanities

It is our great pleasure to invite you to attend our Night at the Museum!

Welcome to Science in Term 2! I encourage all familes to view their child's SeeSaw accounts with them and review thier Term 1 assessment feedback and results. SeeSaw is the platform all teachers use to provide continuous feedback throughout the term, communicating with both students and families.

If you identify that you are not connected to your child's SeeSaw account, please contact either the class teacher or myself as the Physical World/Science Head of Department on sehol0@eq.edu.au I would just need to know your child's name and what Physical World/Science class they are in, to provide you with an access link.

Please also ensure your child is attending school with leather shoes, so they are able to enter the Science laboratories and participate in these lessons. Additionally, a reminder that long hair needs to be tied back when students are in the Science laboratories, so students should have a hair tie with them when needed.

What a huge start to Term 2!

The term sees in a subject discipline rotation for Years 7 and 8 to allow them to experience all areas of the Technologies curriculum. A summary of their new disciplines and the current allocated teachers is listed below.

Likewise, our Year 9 Personal Endeavour Courses (PEC) have also changed over. This term’s subjects and their teacher are:

Notably, as all Term 1 teachers conclude their assessment marking, each will be in contact with students, parents and guardians to ensure any outstanding assessments are submitted for inclusion in the end of Semester One reports. Could I please ask that all parents and guardians support their students in submitting any outstanding learning activities as soon as possible. 

Health & Safety Requirements

As students enter their new subjects, classroom teachers may be required to issue new ‘health and safety understanding’ letters to students and parents and guardians. As outlined in the letter, Foxwell State Secondary College is committed to providing safe learning environments for all staff and students to meet our WHS obligations and to ensure the safe care of all students. In support of this, we ask that all parents and guardians take the time to read and sign the accompanying form in recognition of the associated hazards and risks your student may engage with. These forms must be returned the college prior to students engaging in practical activities.

Can I also take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians that students must wear their formal dress shoes when participating in practical activities. Students without appropriate footwear will be reallocated to another classroom to complete alternative learning activities and an academic detention will be issued where a student does not present a uniform pass and valid reason. If parents and guardians require alternative arrangements for their students, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Nicholls for a confidential discussion.

Term Two is shaping up to be a huge term in the Arts Department.  

Rehearsals are well under way for many events including our Creative Voices students preparing their entries for the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival.

Our Dance Troupe have been busy rehearsing and polishing for their many performances over Eisteddfod season.

Our choir and Instrumental students have been working tirelessly to bring together their performances for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod.

Art Club also had its first meeting today with students eager to explore the medium of painting.  This is open to any student who has a keen interest in Art and will run each Thursday at lunch time in the H Block Art Studios.

Broadcasting Club students have also been busy capturing evidence of all of these events as they develop and refine their skills in photography and editing.

It has been heart warming to see so many of our Foxwell students take every opportunity provided to them.  I can't wait to attend the many events that they will shine in over this term.

I can't thank our Arts staff enough for all that they do to provide our students with these opportunities to shine.  They really are an amazing bunch of creative educators who make me so proud each and every day.

If you feel like your student would like to join any of our extra curricular programs, please do not hesitate to email me (cwils138@eq.edu.au) with any questions.  

Foxwell Career Expo

The Foxwell Career Expo is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about different careers and industries. It will provide them with the chance to explore potential career paths and gain insight into the skills and qualifications required for different professions.

We believe that it is essential for parents to be involved in their children's education and career choices. Therefore, we would like to invite you to attend the Career Expo alongside your child. You will have the opportunity to meet with industry professionals, ask questions and learn more about the various career options available.

Breakfast Club

We are excited to announce the launch of our Breakfast Club at school! We understand that the mornings can be a hectic time for families, and we want to provide a solution that ensures your child starts their day off right with a healthy and nutritious meal.

Our Breakfast Club is open to all students and runs from 8:00 am to 8:30 am every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. The initiative is run by our school Chaplain, Mike Rapata. 

Mental Health Resource

We are excited to share the launch of a new resource that aims to provide mental health support for young people. Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and we believe that everyone deserves access to resources that can help them cope with life's challenges.

We encourage you to support your child to scan the QR code and save the link as a favourite in their device.