Warilla High School Student Services Faculty 2006 – Student Services Programs, Initiatives & Structures

Warilla High School: Student Services Faculty

WARILLA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES FACULTY 2006 – STUDENT SERVICES PROGRAMS, INITIATIVES & STRUCTURES

Warilla High School Student Services Faculty has actively sought to develop strong collaborative partnerships with local community, business and training organizations and utilize existing school based resources more effectively. The outcomes have resulted in the students from Warilla High School being offered a variety of exciting, innovative, challenging and successful student services programs and initiatives in 2006. These include:

Encouraging Programs (DEVELOPMENTAL)

• The Merit System (Bob Pastor, Program Coordinator) – at Warilla High School we are strongly committed to a policy of encouraging and rewarding achievement in all aspects of school life. For achievement within the classroom, teachers are able to award class Merit Certificates to deserving students. These certificates can be awarded for achievements such as: ~ significant improvement/excellence in class work ~ diligent and active participation in learning ~ significant improvement/excellence in an assessment task ~ significant improvement/excellence in tests/exams ~ significant improvement/excellence in research, assignments, information skills, technology, or employment related skills ~ cooperative sharing/behavioural improvements

Students are encouraged to collect and hand in awards for upgrading through the Merit System:

o 10 Classroom Merit Certificates = 1 Bronze Merit Award Certificate o 2 Bronze Merit Award Certificates = 1 Silver Merit Award Certificate plus $10 CD Gift Voucher o 2 Silver Merit Award Certificates = 1 Gold Merit Award Certificate plus engraved Medallion (both of these Awards are presented at the end of each Semester at a Special Gold Merit Award Presentation/Luncheon with parents. Each student is also given a complimentary individual Gold Merit Award Certificate presentation photograph of the student/parent/s o New Award 3 Gold Merit award Certificates = 1 Platinum Merit Award Certificate

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• Other Positive Initiatives/Practices include: ~ 100% Attendance Certificates ~ certificate of Commendation (for students who have not been placed on a Level in any Calendar year) ~ good Report Certificates ~ certificate for Achievement in being First in Individual Courses which are presented at the Annual Presentation Night at the end of the Year School Performance Achievement Letters/Phone Calls in academic, sporting, visual/performing arts, citizenship and community service ~ monthly Quiet Achievers’ Awards (includes 2 x Quiet Achievers Merit Certificates and $5 Canteen Gift Voucher).

Practices to Recognise Student Achievement – Student achievement is recognised and reinforced by: ~ awarding Merit Certificates in the classroom ~ achievement ceremonies to recognise achievement and present awards. These celebration ceremonies include: o Graduation Presentation Celebrations o Presentation Night o Year Assemblies and Formal Whole School Assembly o Special Induction Ceremonies for School Leaders and SRC and other groups o Promoting student achievement in the School’s Newsletter and Local Media Outlets: newspapers, radio and television ~ providing regular reporting to parents regarding student achievement and behaviour ~ rewarding groups and whole years with appropriate BBQ’s excursions, activities …. ~ involvement in sporting, debating and academic tournaments and competitions ~ regular contributions on the school website to show the positive aspects of school life.

• Special Focus Teams – six cross-faculty teams were established in 2004 to support effective learning at Warilla High. These include: ~ Curriculum ~ Welfare ~ Teaching and Learning ~ Technology ~ Assessment and Reporting ~ Community Partnerships These teams meet at least twice a term to plan and implement approved strategies.

• Personal/Social and Living Skills Program (Maria Prudente, Facilitator) using a 1:1 and/or small group approach Maria works to encourage the development of ‘hands on’ skills that will enable them to be more successful at school. Often this involves students better understanding themselves (both

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the positives/negatives) and encouraging teamwork, initiative, organizational, communicative, conflict resolution, stress management …..

• Wollongong Hawks ‘Dare2Dream’ Program (Bob Pastor, Facilitator) – targets all Yr9 students. This program has been developed to provide young people with Life Skills training and assists them to consider: the impact of choices they make in their lives, consequences of these choices, the influence of peer pressure, goal setting for success, dealing with setbacks. Support networks required to achieve life goals….

• Shellharbour City Council Youth Services ‘Transition to Teens’ Program (Nick Higgins/Megan Lee, Program coordinators) – an off-shoot to the Youth Worker in Schools Program where contact is made with all feeder primary schools to introduce and familiarise Yr6 students going to the Youth Worker in High Schools Project eg meeting staff, understanding their roles, promotion of activities in schools/outside of schools, facilitate workshops on self-esteem, circus skills, drama, BBQ .. during the year leading up to their move to High school

• Warilla High School Year 7 ‘Job of a Student’ Program (Bob Pastor, Coordinator) - this is a part of a school based transition program targeting all Year 7 students. The whole school program commences at the start of Term 2 and has been very successful in encouraging all Year 7 students to continue to develop good school habits by reinforcing the 8 student focus areas on a week by week basis at school. These focus areas include:

~ Be On Time ~ Bring Equipment ~ Wear School Uniform ~ Listen ~ Follow Instructions ~ Stay on Task ~ Work Quietly ~ Do your best

Year 7 teachers nominate students weekly for a ‘Job of a Student’ Merit Certificate for best meeting each week’s focus area. At the completion of the 8 week period, students who have been awarded a “Job of a Student’ Merit Certificate in all 8 focus areas are presented with a Gold Commendation Certificate, in 7/6 focus areas a Silver and in 6 focus areas a Bronze. These Special Awards are presented at a Formal School Assembly

• Yr10 and Yr12 Mentoring Program (Bruce Tapp/Bob Pastor, Facilitators) – Targets the top 10-14 students in Yr10 and Yr12 with 1:1 teacher mentoring support with the view of moving the Top Band 5 students into the Band 6 range at both the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate levels

• ‘Dare to Lead’ Indigenous Education Program and Initiatives (Bob Pastor, Ron Ashby and Sharon Maher, Program Coordinators) – Warilla High School have been a foundation participating school since 2004. The ‘Dare to

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Lead’ Program is a National Commonwealth initiative that aims to improve Indigenous academic, retention and completion rates for Indigenous students. The School has implemented a number of successful programs including the development of the 2005 WHS Indigenous Education Plan which has set the school agenda for the next three years at our school. The establishment of a Koori Homework Centre, and successful Koori Sports/Cultural Days. Staff Awareness Raising in Aboriginal Education as part of a School Development Day has proved successful. In 2006 the School established a Koori Management Group whose membership includes Koori students, parents, staff and community members and also WHS teachers, Principal and executive staff. The brief of this group is to establish a strategic direction for Koori Education at WHS and to gather information on the perceived state of Koori Education at Warilla High from our community

• Introduction of Scripture lessons in Yrs7/8 - Matthew Bartlett has been appointed as the on-site Scripture teacher. Parents in Yr 7 and Yr8 have the choice of their son/daughter being taught Scripture as part of the Schools Curriculum (values education)

• Links to Learning (LOTE) Program (Illawarra Ethnic Communities Council Inc) – Michael Marino (Program Facilitator) – targets Yr9 LOTE students who are considered ‘at risk’ of not completing Yr12 and leaving school early. Students are provided with a range of highly sought out experiences and skills. Students are referred to and participate every Wednesday for the year

• Community Justice Centre (CJC)/Warilla High School Peer Mediation Program (John Berry/Sue Connell Program Coordinators) – in partnership with CJC since 2004, CJC have provided a highly successful Peer Mediation training for over 70 Yr8/9/10 students. Not all students meet the rigorous standards to become a School Based Peer Mediator. The Peer Mediation Program is very much a preventative arm that the school wishes to build on to deal with issues of school bullying, harassment, aggression and conflict. The Program includes highly sought after employable skills of conflict resolution, mediation, stress/anger management, leadership, initiative, teamwork, negotiation, communication and goal setting. Peer Mediation involves bringing two parties in a dispute together for the central issue to be discussed and hopefully, an agreement between both parties can be reached

• Senior Assisted Independent Learning Sessions (SAILS) (Bob Ashby Program Coordinator) – this program targets Yr12 and is designed to give them the opportunity to: be more responsible for their learning, access staff for help, enhance their skills such as goal setting, time management, and study preparation, work on their assessment tasks and homework where resources are readily available

• Preliminary Accomplishment, Confidence and Encouragement (PACE) (Marion Hing, Program Coordinator) - targets Yr11 students (maximum of 15 volunteer students) each term. The program will focus on research, study and career skills. The aims of PACE are:

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~ Provide a series of exercises to help Yr11 students accomplish their academic goals, gain confidence in their ability to cope with senior school and encourage them to gain maximum benefit from their senior years at WHS. ~ Enable students to work on their assignments and homework in a supportive environment ~ Provide evaluation data which could be used by the School, the Careers Adviser, Year Advisers and other staff for on-going planning and support of senior programs and students

Topic Areas Planning for the Future Resume Writing Study timetables, motivation, exam preparation Time management, personal organization Note taking, summarising, concept mapping Barriers to achievement and strategies to overcome these Research Skills Essay Writing Skills

• ‘Having a Go - You Can Do It’ Program (Bob Pastor, Program Coordinator) – a positive initiative program that attempts to encourage young teenagers to develop active lifestyles through a variety of recreational activities. The Cataract Park Challenge Course provides an opportunity for students to explore this area at the same time encouraging teamwork, co-operation, communication, positive risk-taking, leadership and fun. Targets 50 Yr7-10 ‘Good Students’ who are nominated by the Head Teacher Student Services as a reward/recognition for this fact

• ‘Eating Out’ (Bob Pastor, Coordinator) – Warilla High School in partnership with Warilla Bowling and Recreation Club have developed a positive initiatives program where students through a variety of fun activities/experiences have the opportunity to prepare to deal with the social etiquette of eating out in all forms such as formal function, formal home, a-la- carte dining to casual alfresco, buffets and take-away eating. The program is covered over two sessions. In the first session students visit the Warilla Bowling and Recreation Club and view first hand the variety of on-site eating environments and actively participate in a number of on-site eating workshop activities facilitated by the Functions Manager. In the second session, students are given the opportunity to put their new knowledge and skills to the test in a practical display as we again visit the Warilla Bowling and Recreation Club for an ‘all you can eat’ buffet lunch

• Yr10 and Yr7 Peer Support Program (Coordinated by John Berry) – the Peer Support Program has recommenced at WHS this year following the enthusiastic support and commitment of John Berry. Underpinning concepts of the WHS Peer Support Program incorporates a sense of Self, a feeling of connectedness, resilience and possibility for the future. The Peer Support Program aims to improve students’ self confidence, relationships with their

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peers, enjoyment of school, perception of support from others, academic self concept and attitudes to bullying behaviours

• ‘Bold Beautiful Babes’ Warilla Youth Connect sponsored program targets girls in Yrs 8-10. The program is all about increasing a student’s self-esteem and self confidence and utilizes the areas of beauty/hair and personal deportment to get this message across. Run in Wollongong the program is facilitated by the on-site school Youth Worker over 6 weeks

• ‘Young Women’s Forum on Workshops covering Sexual Health, Drugs and Alcohol, Self Defence and Belly Dancing –Warilla Youth Connect sponsored program – targets Yrs 9/10 students raising self-esteem, self confidence and general awareness on the above issues in a practically based series of workshops as a positive initiative for ‘good students’

• Boys and Girls Sexuality Workshops (Facilitated by Darryl Caine for boys, and Cheryl Maylin for girls – Illawarra Health, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Port Kembla Sexual Health Clinic) – targets students in Yrs 9/10 sometimes Yr8. Warilla High School has developed a close partnership with Illawarra Health in presenting Teenage Boys/Girls (separate same sex workshops) with current factual knowledge about this area and awareness of the availability of local support services. Most sessions are small group (maximum of 10-12) though open forums of up to 50 students have been facilitated

• Warilla High School Student Leadership Program (John Berry, Program Coordinator) – John has progressively developed and implemented a highly successful structured Student Leadership Program so far in Yrs7/8/9 which is undertaken in the last week of the school year. The program aims to empower the participating students to realise their dreams. The program teaches the students to have a vision, teamwork, self-belief, goal setting, conflict resolution, appreciation of cultural diversity, developed social conscience and provides a wonderful array of role models for both boys (and especially girls) and offered a range of sporting (and other activities) where participating students could excel. Year Advisers are using John’s Leadership programs as templates for their year. A culture of quality student leadership is progressively being fostered and developed at Warilla High School under John Berry’s tutelage which features and encourages students/schools to:

~ develop a culture of student leadership and empower students in their schools ~ build student self-confidence and self-esteem ~ encourage the development of social skills such as conflict resolution, negotiation, teamwork, positive risk taking, resilience and communication ~ motivate staff/students to believe in themselves ~ foster school/community connectedness (sense of community pride) ~ tackle negative anti-social community held stereotypes about local youth ~ make a real difference to student/s lives ~ ensure students/staff experience success and are a success

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• Australian Student Leadership Conference (aydp) – (Ros Gaynor, Program Coordinator) – is a three (3) day annual Leadership Conference held in January at the Novotel, Homebush, Sydney Olympic Park. Warilla High School provides the Yr12 Student Representative Council School Leaders the opportunity to attend. It also provides the opportunity for the SRC School based facilitator to meet with their student leaders to undertake a Goal Identification for the SRC Leadership Team. The Conference covers: ~ How Leaders Can Create a Positive High Energy Environment ~ How to Make People Sit Up and Listen - The Art of Impromptu Speaking ~ Seven Uncompromising Principles of Leadership ~ Persuading Your Peers ~ Working with the School Administration ~ Speeches that Inspire ~ Will the Real Leader in Me Please Stand Up ~ and Others

• Warilla High School Yr7-12 SRC Leadership Day at Killalea State Park (Ros Gaynor, Program Coordinator) – all SRC members have the opportunity to participate in exploring and developing their Student Leadership skills in the Outdoor Learning Environment of Killalea State Park. In a unique and excellently facilitated Student Leadership Program developed by Stuart Delandre (Teacher-in-charge) students undertake a number of structured challenging learning experiences

• Warilla High School Indigenous Leadership Program (Ros Gaynor/ Sharon Maher, Facilitators) – the Executive Team have supported the on- going appointment of an identified Koori student leadership position on the Student representative Council to build Koori leadership capacity in our school. Two Koori students in Yrs 9-10 have the opportunity to attend the annual Aboriginal Student Leadership Conference organised by a committee called Q-SCALE (Queanbeyan South Coast Aboriginal Leaders in Education). The aim of this Conference is to gather Aboriginal students together from our region to develop Aboriginal Leadership within their schools. The conference is conducted over two nights/three days

• Bike Maintenance Program (Warilla Youth Connect sponsored program in partnership with Shellharbour TAFE (Cathy Finnigan, TAFE Outreach Coordinator and Cassy Kanitz, Youth Connect Coordinator) – targets at-risk 15 year old male students who may be thinking about dropping out or who may be asked to leave school due to behaviour/attitude/work related issues. This program provides a practical vocational ‘hands-on’ approach to re- engage students back at school and encourages personal/life skills to be developed

• Girls Retail Course (Warilla Youth Connect sponsored program in partnership with Shellharbour TAFE) (Cathy Finnigan, TAFE Outreach Coordinator and Cassy Kanitz, Youth Connect Coordinator) – targets at-risk 15 year old female students who may be thinking about dropping out or who may be asked to leave school due to behaviour/attitude/work related issues. This program provides a practical vocational ‘hands-on’ approach to re-

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engage students back at school and encourages personal/life skills to be developed.

• Plan-it Youth Program (Lyn Wood - DET Coordinator, John Berry, School Based Coordinator) - schools nominate 10-14 Yr10 students (depends on the availability/numbers of community mentors) who need some additional support, encouragement, help in setting goals and working to achieving them during their School Certificate year. Using a Community Mentoring approach (Mentors are trained by TAFE) students/mentors meet weekly over a term/semester

• Open Minds ‘Mental Health First Aid Certificate Course’ (Fay Jackson, Facilitator, supported by John Berry/Megan Lee) – the state of students’ mental health in schools is an emerging issue. Often both staff and students are at a loss to be able to recognize symptoms and support students/staff who may have mental health issues. As part of the Yr10 Peer Support Program students have been prepared and empowered to deal with this issue in schools

• Student Services Programs (Yr7 to Yr9) - a structured and sequentially developed Student Services Program has been developed by the Year Advisers that has been linked to the various stages of student development and needs in the Junior School. All major issues that impact on young teenagers at school are covered in what I believe is a model of best practice in this area

• Warilla High School Community Volunteers/Charitable Fundraising Program – has developed a highly successful program in this area. In close partnership with the Australian Red Cross, World Vision and the St Vincent de Paul Society, our students have the opportunity to develop a strong and healthy community spirit while at the same time developing personal, social, life and community skills. Pride in themselves, their school and community is self-evident through the positive successes achieved and recognition gained through the media. Warilla High School was named the 2005 Inaugural Illawarra Red Cross Calling Champion School and has successfully defended this title in 2006 raising in excess of $8000. In 2005, Warilla High School Students raised over $5000 for World Vision and $5000 for St Vincent de Paul

• St Vincent de Paul ‘Giving and Helping Out’ Youth Volunteer Program (Kellie Marsh/Bob Pastor Coordinators) - Warilla High School and St Vincent de Paul have established and built a very close and committed partnership which aims to encourage WHS students to put something back into the Warilla/Shellharbour communities. In 2006 this relationship grew into another first at Warilla High School with an on-site St Vincent de Paul shop front presence where Kellie Marsh works at the school for two days per week (Mondays and Tuesdays). Under the enthusiastic leadership of Kellie Marsh this program has grown to incorporate opportunities for student leadership, work experience, life/social and personal skilling, public relations and a counselling referral agency (Centacare) for both students, parents and families. Some of the recent successes of this program include:

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~ 2005 St Vincent de Paul Society – Door Knock Appeal – WHS raised $2338.55 ~ 3 WHS students assisted in the 2005 Launch of the St Vincent de Paul ‘Bunnings Warehouse Giving Tree’ ~ 6 WHS students participated in the St Vincent de Paul/Wiggles Xmas Appeal Launch Photo Shoot ~ 20 WHS students participated in the wrapping of the 2005 Christmas Hampers ~ 47 WHS students participated in the 2005 St Vincent de Paul/Wiggles Christmas Appeal at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and raised $2300 on the day ~ 4 WHS students raised $345 for the WHS Sports Assistance Scheme ~ 3 WHS students raised $356 for St Vincent de Paul ~ 75 WHS students raised $8007 for the Australian Red Cross as part of the Red Cross Calling Fundraising Drive ~ organised a highly successful ‘Tribute to Grandparents’ Day’ where over 30 WHS St Vincent de Paul volunteers organised/facilitated this day attended by over 250 Grandparents, parents and Year 7 students

• 2006 Energy Australia Red Cross Youth Challenge (Kellie Marsh, Program Coordinator) – following the Red Cross Calling Fundraising, Kellie has selected a squad of 30 WHS students who will represent the school in this 2006 State Wide Challenge. Energy Australia Red Cross Youth Challenge involves young people (12-18) working together on a project/s that benefits the local community. Young people learn more about their local community and its needs, while gaining skills in project management, problem solving, research and communication. Through the Energy Awards participating students/schools also have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, excellence and contribution of their students/school as being active members of their community

• Australian Red Cross Student Blood Donation Program (Marion Moore, Coordinator) – students who are 16 years and older have the opportunity to donate blood with parental consent. This program usually follows a talk by Mr Richard Webb (Red Cross, Blood Service Marketing) about the need for blood donations and what student blood donations entail. The mobile Blood Bank Unit is based at Stockland Shellharbour with the Red Cross providing transport for students to/from there – Marion Moore/Bob Pastor coordinate these movements

Helping Programs (REMEDIAL)

• Access Youth Pathways Program (facilitated by Kim Griffen) is a 1:1 mentoring and life coaching program targeting Yr9/10 ‘at-risk’ students to make a successful transition to completing Yr12, and ultimately to further education, training or employment and active participation in the community. Up to 20 students are referred for this program per year. Meetings are arranged on-site every Tuesday. A range of fee paying vocational courses are also available

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• The Smith Family Peer Literacy Program –‘Student2Student’ (Ros Gaynor, Program Coordinator) – Warilla High School has gone into a partnership with The Smith Family in 2005 to undertake the above program. This program involves WHS student volunteers being trained as mentors to listen to young students from the WHS feeder primary schools (who have been targeted for extra support). The primary school students read to WHS students over the phone and provide them with literacy assistance, encouragement, time and support

• ‘School to Work’ Activities (facilitated by Bob Pastor) – Warilla High School has a very proactive ‘School to Work’ Program which specifically targets students in Yrs 9/10, aged 14 years and over and provides them with opportunities to prepare themselves for the World of Work, gain work related credentials in such areas as OH&S (Greencard) and First Aid or specific Industry Skills in areas such as Retail, Customer Service and Building Trades. Hairdressing and Mechanics both organize their own one week Industry Based Work Experience.

• Koori Homework/Study Centre (Bob Pastor/Marion Hing, Coordinators) - Warilla High School established the Koori Homework Centre in 2005. Open every Wednesday afternoon from 2.45pm – 4.30pm the Centre operates from the School Library. Library computers and volunteer staff (up to 6-8) per session cover most KLA areas. The Centre assists students with their homework, assignments, study and/or class work. While originally set up for Indigenous students only, these students in a true gesture of reconciliation have given their approval for the Centre to be available to all Warilla High School students. Warilla High School in partnership with Shellharbour Aboriginal Community Youth Association (SACYA) who provide an afternoon supper for the students and co-ordinate Koori students bus transport home under Duty of Care responsibilities

• OH&S (Greencard) Courses (Facilitated by Garry Broadbridge - Warilla High School is in partnership with Dapto/Shellharbour Youth Support Scheme (Maria Prudente) to organise at least one course every term for an individual cost per student of $80. A maximum of 20 students in each course are taken and they must bring 2 primary ID documents. Garry is an interesting/experienced OH&S (Greencard) Course facilitator

• Red Cross Senior First Aid Course (facilitated through Pat O’Shae/Bob Pastor) – through our partnership with the Australian Red Cross, Warilla High School has been offered the opportunity for WHS students/staff to undertake their Senior First Aid Courses free or at a greatly reduced cost. (In 2005 – 40 places offered). Courses are run over two days at the Blackbutt Youth Centre. Priority is given to students who participate as Youth Volunteers

• Warilla High School Year 10 into Year 11 Program (John Hambly, Bruce Tapp/Karen Brookes) – is a structured 3 week program involving students participating in workshops where students gain information to make informed decisions about Continuing School Studies and Yr11 Subject Selection in

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2007, Leaving School, Alternative Education/Training Pathways. The workshop sessions include: ~ Decision time – why continue at Warilla High school ~ The Structure of the Preliminary and HSC Courses ~ Question/Answer – A Mock Selection ~ These workshops will lead to a Parent Evening/KLA Information Session in Week 4

• ‘Inspire’ Tutoring and Mentoring Program (Coordinated by Marion Moore, Teachers Aide) – targets students at risk in Yr9/10 who are experiencing difficulty in completing subject tasks and requirements. The program takes place on Thursday sport afternoons utilizing Funding Support Aides who provide students with 1:1 tutoring/mentoring to ensure students stay in touch with class work and avoid ‘N Warnings’.

• Special Programs that Support Effective Learning (Ros Gaynor/Bob Pastor, Facilitators): o Warilla High School Learning Support Team (LST) (Coordinated by Ros Shiaxiates/Bob Pastor/Anne Whitteron) – established in 2004 the team meets every Thursday morning at 7.30am at the Student Services Faculty Centre. All staff are welcome to attend. Currently time/resources has seen The Learning Support Team functioning very much as a clearing house for student information and a staff reference point for student referrals and information about students. Also develops and coordinates learning programs such as those outlined below o Team Teaching – Ros Gaynor (STLA) teams with classroom teachers in regular classroom settings to provide remediation and help, to those students having difficulty accessing regular classroom programs. At times, students are offered modified classroom programs and assessment tasks that have been adapted to suit their abilities. The STLA will work with selected facilities to develop appropriate teaching strategies across the school o Withdrawal Program – Ros Gaynor (STLA) works with individuals or small groups of students on a short term “withdrawal basis” to address their specific learning needs o Special Provisions – Bruce Tapp/Ros Gaynor/Bob Pastor (Program Coordinators) – the School offers Special Provisions to support students, who have special examination and assessment needs, in a practical way. Special Provisions may be approved if the student’s special need prevents them from reading and interpreting test questions or hinders their ability to communicate a response. These provisions are offered under the general guidelines of the NSW Board of Studies. The Support Teacher Learning Assistance oversees the identification of students, parental contact, applications and special provisions in examinations. Head Teachers oversee Special Provisions delivery at the faculty level o ELLA and SNAP – all students in Yr 7 and Yr 8 sit for the ELLA exam. The results are used to help all students develop their literacy skills. The results are used to identify students with high literacy needs.

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Following individualised focussed assessment the specific needs of these students are clarified. The STLA develops Individual Literacy Plans to target the student’s literacy needs and to develop an effective plan In Year 7 and 8 students sit the SNAP (Student Numeracy and Assessment Program) exam. This allows for a comparison of numeracy levels across NSW and identifies numeracy needs of individual students. The STLA in cooperation with the Head Teacher Maths analyses the results and plans necessary interventions o Integration – (Bob Pastor, Program Coordinator) – applications are made for Integration funding to support each child with an identified disability. An Individual Educational Plan is formulated for students where assessment levels are 3 and 4 on the disability criteria listed by the DET. These will detail additional help and support for students to access regular classroom programs. Students on Assessment Levels 1 and 2 will receive class support from the teachers’ aides

• Positive Aerosol Graffiti Art Mural Programs (Shellharbour City Council/Warilla High School Initiative) (Coordinated by Josh Wiffen, Youth Worker and Bob Pastor) – a number of these projects have been undertaken around the school as School Beautification Projects. Used as a part of the ‘Positive Initiatives Program’ Year Advisers were asked to nominate students who showed an artistic flair or who they felt had been working really hard at school and deserved to be rewarded and recognized for their efforts

• Warilla High School Time-Out Cards (Bob Pastor, Program Coordinator) – from time to time special case students are recommended to be issued with a time-out-card which aims to avoid situations of student/teacher conflict in the heat of the moment. The time-out period provides both the student and the teacher with a cooling-off period so the opportunity is created at a later time to work together at resolving the issue at hand

• Managing My Life (MML) (facilitated by Bob Pastor) - is a proactive program focusing on mentoring/case managing ‘at risk’ students (male/female) to provide them with positive opportunities to develop skills which will enable them to manage their lives more effectively both inside/outside of school. Targets students in Yrs7/8 so they develop these skills early in their secondary education

• ‘At the Crossroads’ (facilitated by Brett Dowd-HIGTC Apprenticeship Consultant) - targets students in Yrs9/10/11 who are considering their options in regard to staying at school or exploring the possibility of seeking an apprenticeship/traineeship. Brett has used both a group and 1:1 approach. He also assesses and advises students on job readiness

• Campbell Page ‘Early Leavers Project’ (Leanne Batey, Coordinator) - provides an alternative education safety net for students who are 15 years and over who cannot fit into the mainstream school system. Often students who are at expulsion level/early leavers, Campbell Page assists these students to

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further their education/prepare them for the world of work. Operates at the Blackbutt Youth Centre 3 days per week (8 week courses)

• Shellharbour City Council, Warilla Youth Connect Program (Cassy Kanitz, Program Coordinator) – targets ‘at high risk’ Warilla High School students who are at risk of suspension, on suspension, expelled and/or chronic truants. Youth Connect provide a 1:1 case management approach model to support/help/advocate for the individual student/family. Operates on a referral system

• Police Connect (Senior Constable Jason Harrison, Youth Liaison Officer) ‘An enhanced NSW Police Work Experience Program for selected school students’. A 6 week (one day per week) program that provides Yr11 students who have a genuine interest in a career within the NSW Police an advanced overview of policing. Over the 6 weeks the students will be exposed to all facets of policing from administration, logistics, intelligence, education, and training, specialist crime scene investigation and a special tour of the NSW Police College at Goulburn.

Overcoming Programs (PREVENTATIVE)

• Dapto/Shellharbour Youth Support Scheme (Maria Prudente, Program Coordinator) – DET sponsored, provides an alternative learning environment for a small group of students (Yrs9/10) who cannot fit into mainstream education settings. Focus on developing personal/social/workplace skills and schools nominate students to access this program

• Celebrate Your Day by ‘Going With The Flow’ Boys/Girls Education Initiative (John Brown, Coordinator) - students from Yrs7/10 are invited to participate in this program with the aim of providing additional support or encouraging greater engagement at school. The program is voluntary with major outcomes focusing on: ~ acknowledgement that there are ups and downs in our present circumstances, future opportunities and feelings they generate within us ~ reflect on times when there has been an uphill struggle ~ recall the enjoyment of effortless success and ease of application BUT MOST OF ALL ~ Take a chance of enjoying a day of ‘Going With the Flow’ Utilizing an outdoor Education approach and the backdrop of Killalea State Park and the Minnamurra River, John utilizes the natural environment of land and water to develop the above outcomes

• Beacon Foundation ‘No Dole’ Program (Coordinated by Karen Brookes) - the program aims for all Year 10 and Year 12 students to commit themselves to explore all available options in education, training and the world of work. In essence this cultural shift means that as a school community no one accepts unemployment as an option. It also means that students make choices about future career options that are fully informed. The Beacon ‘No Dole’ Program outcomes include:

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⎯ To increase retention in Yr 11 ⎯ To ensure all Yr 10, 11 and 12 leavers participate in further education, training or the employment market ⎯ To build positive relationships with the local business community Other programs under the ‘No Dole’ Program are Choices Workshops, Adopt- A Class, Adopt-A-Professor …. The Beacon Foundation ‘No Dole’ Program is a National Program that commenced at Warilla High School in 2004. The Beacon Program is seen as an umbrella structure which links many highly successful ‘School to Work’ transition programs and Student Services initiatives including: ~ School to Work ~ VET ~ Community of Schools ~ Community/Business Links ~ Work Placement/Work Experience ~ Careers Market ~ Year10 to Yr11 Transition ~ Welfare Programs – Developmental, Preventative and Remedial

• Shellharbour City Council Youth Services Network Partner (Coordinated by Nick Higgins) – Warilla High School was the first High School to host a Shellharbour City Council Youth Services Network Meeting in 2004. Warilla High School Student Services Faculty has been an active partner ever since. A host of important network links/partnerships have been established and have grown very strong since 2004 and have included Shellharbour City Council, and a number of other out of school youth service providers including: Lifeline, Illawarra Health Drug and Alcohol, The Smith family, Illawarra Health Sexual Health Unit, Community Justice Centre ……

• Shellharbour City Council/Warilla High School ‘Youth Worker in Schools’ Project (Nick Higgins/Bob Pastor/Megan Lee) – first High School to introduce this program in 2004 where a Youth Worker works on-site every Wednesday in undertaking identifying emerging needs, developing programs, offering counselling support, referrals and linking to other out of school, student advocacy, youth service providers, promotion of out of school Youth programs …..

• ‘Looking After Our Own’ (Bob Pastor, Coordinator) – Warilla High School has a long and proud tradition of helping students to realise their dreams. Many students through their efforts and achievements are given opportunities in academic, sport, performing arts, community service or citizenship areas to represent their school, Region, State or Country. Unfortunately, the tremendous financial cost sometimes associated with this representation makes it difficult for some families. Through student run school barbeques we have managed to help off-set some of these costs. In a win-win situation, students who have participated in any of the barbeques have gained highly sought after practical job related skills sought by employers including the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, work as a team, show initiative, be creative, plan, organize, communicate, clean …….

www.warilla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Warilla High School: Student Services Faculty

• ‘No One is Perfect’ Anger Management Program (Maria Prudente, Facilitator) - a five week program (2 periods every Friday) held at Blackbutt Youth Centre. There is a limit of 4 same sex/year students per program. Program outline includes Anger Profile, Types of Anger, Dealing With Anger, Behaviour Habits, Control and Change and Understanding Anger and Consequences. Students nominated by Head Teacher Student Services/Year Advisers

• ‘Project Energy’ (a Youth Connect sponsored program in partnership with the Police/Department of Juvenile Justice) (Senior Constable Mark Hedges, Facilitator) – targets both teenage boys and girls separately. Is an early intervention program to reduce crime, car theft, repeat offenders and combat non-attendance at school. Utilizes an alternative education approach

• ‘All About It’ – Life Long Skills for Boys Initiative (Bob Pastor Coordinator) - aims to provide a positive platform to address the needs of teenage boys so they become empowered in their capacity to manage challenging circumstances and develop caring and respectful relationships throughout their lives. The program seeks to actively involve and challenge teenage boys to strengthen individual talents and capabilities. The boys will be encouraged to promote and develop a fair and just society that values women and men, values diversity, demonstrates empathy, tolerance and compassion. Warilla High School is the first school to pilot this program The program structure includes 4 components: ~ prior knowledge survey ~ in-class lessons ~ whole day workshop involving 3 structured rotating groups, held at Killalea State Park and facilitated by teachers and key community members. The sessions included: 1. ‘Money Stuff’ – taking control of finances, savings, budgeting, and credit cards 2. ‘Showing Initiative’ – physical activity, problem solving, teamwork and communication 3. ‘Personal and Team Creativity’ – interacting, dance, construction and role play ~ Follow-up activities at School

• ‘GirlSavvy’ Program (Patty Rotziokos, Coordinator) – the program is voluntary and targets all Yr9 girls. The Program is run by the Premier’s Department of NSW – Office of Women in conjunction with the YWCA, Guides Australia and the Commonwealth Bank. The program aims in a fun and entertaining way, to make young women realize the balance between career choice, the size of your pay packet and corresponding life choices. A highlight of this program is the outstanding quality of local professional and business women who volunteer as mentors for Yr9 students for the day to introduce them to the exciting, yet often daunting concept of financial independence. The girls dress as they would for a business meeting. The girls sit in groups of 10 with their mentor and undertake a variety of challenges throughout the day. The day is all about boosting young teenagers self- confidence, awareness of career potential, show them they have choice and

www.warilla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Warilla High School: Student Services Faculty

options in their life, learn to become financially independent, allow young women an opportunity to talk through issues face to face with successful women from their own communities and challenge a lot of misleading impressions girls have about their future

• Youth Connect ‘Leadership Games and Activities’ (facilitated by Mark Hedges) – targets ‘at risk’ students in Yrs7/8 who are at risk of being suspended/have been suspended from school. The program aims to re-engage students at school by providing activities that are fun but also provide students with the skills they need to overcome personal barriers to be successful at school

• Source of Life Scoliosis and Spinal Awareness Talk and Testing (Rory McKnight, Chiropractor) – will speak to all Year groups about the above and undertake individual testing of students. Feedback will be provided to both students/parents in the form of a one page spinal and posture assessment report. Patty Rotziokos has volunteered to coordinate this program in the school starting initially with Year 7

• ‘Rock & Water’ Program (Phill Chapman/Janine Neden, Facilitators) – have been trained to facilitate this program at Warilla High School. Initially students in Yrs 7/9 who have been identified as ‘Bullies’ or ‘Victims’ through the WHS Bullies Register will be targeted in the initial 2 groups (up to a maximum of 20 in each group). The program aims to provide both groups of students with the assertiveness skills, experiences and tools to overcome this problem using a physical/social approach. This program is a major focus of the 2006 WHS Anti-Bullying/Harassment Strategy

• Student Anti-Bullying Committee (ABC) – has been established under the enthusiastic and committed leadership of a Year 10 student. A committee of interested students meet twice a term (or more if the need arises) to discuss issues and make recommendations for action in regard to bullying/harassment issues at Warilla High. A welcome addition to the school’s proactive Bullying and harassment strategies, it provides all students with a forum to seek help and/or advice. The group regularly speak at weekly assemblies

• ‘Start Me Up’ Healthy Food Breakfast Program (Bob Pastor, Program Coordinator) – the Student Services Faculty were successful in their application for ‘The Healthy School Communities Grant’ for $1650. This funding has allowed the Student Services Faculty to run a Breakfast Program for needy students. This funding is also supporting similar programs operating in the ED Unit and the Aboriginal Education Unit

• Warilla High School Body Image and Eating Disorder Program (Emma Foley, Program Facilitator) – targets a maximum of 6 students in Yrs7/8 (12- 14 yrs old) in providing them with strategies to assist them to improve their self esteem and to combat negative body image messages which could lead to the development of a range of eating disorders. The program involves a range of activities including brainstorming sessions, questionnaire, art therapy, stress management and healthy meal planning

www.warilla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Warilla High School: Student Services Faculty

• Families Matter Program (Bob Pastor and parents, Program Coordinators) - a new Commonwealth Government initiative, WHS have been involved since 2005 where four parents (Jenny Mahony, Marion Moore, Lee-Anne Setter and Jane Newton) together with Head Teacher Student Services Bob Pastor, attended a ‘Families Matter’ Training Day in Wollongong. Since that time over five ‘Families Matter’ meetings have taken place, some on- site/some off-site. The ‘Families Matter’ Program encourages families and the school to work in partnership to bring parents on board to support the school with issues such as Bullying/Harassment …

• Bullying No Way! Warilla High School has a Zero Tolerance Approach to Bullying (Bob Pastor, Program Coordinator) – the School will provide a positive culture where bullying is not accepted, and in so doing , all will have the right of respect from others, the right to learn, teach and work, and a right to feel safe, happy and secure in their school environment.

‘Care for self, Care for Others, Care for this Place’

Warilla High school has adopted a four phase approach to Bullying

1. Primary Prevention

~ Professional development for staff relating to bullying, harassment and proven counter measures (Anti-Bullying Conferences, Rock & Water..) ~ Community awareness and input relating to bullying, its characteristics and the school’s programs and response (School Newsletter, Families Matter – to target parents of Yr6 going into Yr7 in 2007) ~ To provide programs that promote resilience, life and social skills, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and problem solving (John Brown: ‘Celebrating Going With the Flow’) ~ A bullying/playground survey will be administered and acted upon annually (completed 2005) ~ Each classroom teacher to clarify at the start of each year the school policy on bullying ~ The curriculum to include anti-bullying messages and strategies – lessons from Mindmatters Bullying/Harassment Booklet (cross curriculum approach) ~ Student Representative Council, peer support delegates, staff and students to promote the philosophy of ‘No Put Downs’ ~ Introduced a structured activities/clubs/electives program that is available to students at Recess and Lunch Breaks.

2. Early Intervention

~ Promote students and staff reporting bullying incidents themselves or others ~ Classroom Teachers, Head Teachers, Principal on a regular basis reminding students/staff to report incidents of bullying ~ Parents encouraged to contact the school if they become aware of a problem

www.warilla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Warilla High School: Student Services Faculty

~ Manyana Room – a designated safe and quiet place for students to access at recess and lunch times is available at the Student Services Hub and is provided in our Library ~ Public recognition and reward for positive behaviour and resolution of problems ~ P&C will be provided with regular updates and reviews on this issue.

3. Intervention

~ Once identified, each bully, victim and witness will be spoken with, and all incidents or allegations of bullying will be fully investigated and documented ~ Students and Staff identified by others as bullies will be informed of allegations ~ Both bullies and victims will be offered counselling and support ~ If student bullying persists parents will be contacted and consequences implemented consistent with the School’s Fair Code of Conduct ~ If staff bullying persists the Principal will counsel staff and if on-going commence formal action.

4. Post Violation

~ Proposed consequences for students will be individually based and may involve: o Name included in the Bully Register o Exclusion from class o Exclusion from Playground o School Suspension o Withdrawal of privileges o On-going counselling from appropriate agency for both victim and bully ~ Reinforcement of Positive Behaviour ~ Faculty Meetings ~ Support Structures ~ Rewards for Positive behaviour ~ Consequences for staff will be individually based and may involve o counselling o a period of monitoring o a formal support work o disciplinary actions

EVALUATION

Policy/structures, programs and initiatives will be reviewed with the whole staff, students, parents and School Community input as part of the School’s on-going three year cycle reviews.

www.warilla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Warilla High School: Student Services Faculty

• Foxtrot ‘Anti-Bullying through Drama Program’ Adam O’Brien (Facilitator) – Adam has designed a unique program which utilises Drama to address and help ‘Bullies’ ‘Victims’ and their families better understand, support and overcome the emotional and mental issues confronting each. Targets 30 students (boys/girls) from Yr7 and Yr8. Students work to a final public Drama Presentation. In 2006, students performed a variety of presentations at both a Whole School Formal Assembly and the South East Sydney Illawarra Area Health SHIP Awards Presentation.