Colyton High School
2019 IMPORTANT DATES PRINCIPAL’S REPORT The Show Goes On…… Term 3 / Term 4 Term 3 continues to be one of the busiest terms during the year, September 9 P&C Meeting particularly around Performing Arts Showcases of our amazing September 10 Werrington Cup talent and finalisation of HSC Oztag practical exams. It has been a huge few weeks since the last newsletter and we are September Y11 Yearly Exams in the process of hosting our wonderful Colyton 16 - 27 Learning Community’s (CLC) partners at our school for the upcoming Showcase of Performing Arts. September 27 Y12 Graduation Spread across three nights of superb entertainment, Breakfast &Assembly students from local Primary and Secondary schools, as well as our very own students, this is a highlight of September 27 Last Day Term 3 the year. It also showcases Colyton High School at its very best and forms an important part of enhancing October 14 Students Return our community image. Congratulations are extended Term 4 to all staff across the school for an amazing effort to make this happen and in particular, our own Alex October 12 – HSC Final Exams Lane and Amy Ciocca on our staff, for their November 12 outstanding professionalism and positive energy in bringing it to Colyton High School as hosts! A big October 28 - Y10 Yearly Exams thank you to all the behind the scenes staff and November 8 students working in the Canteen, sound and lighting and backstage. We are looking forward to continuing November 1 Y7 Vaccinations the success of recent years. November 1 Y8 & Y10 Catch Up Everyday Leadership Vaccinations Our Everyday Leadership projects continue to build strong momentum as we move towards the selection November 4 P&C Meeting phase of our 2020 School Leaders. We are in the process of developing and implementing robust and sustainable leadership identification and development programs, designed to increase the pool of interested The next P&C Meeting and capable student leaders. We are creating new will be held on Monday September 9 opportunities for students to practice leadership and in the Common Room there have been some outstanding recent examples of at 7.00pm the high quality of young leaders we have in the school. This includes our Pasifika students sharing All are welcome to attend culture across the school and wider community at the Western Sydney University, and developing some powerful posters delivering strong, positive messages also leading an invaluable professional learning around mental health and self-care for young people program for some staff on Teaching Students from at school and in the community. We thank Mele Refugee Background, a 20 hour accredited Taufa, on our staff, for leading this part of the professional learning program. program in partnership with Albert Tevita, who connects us with community. Albert is an impressive Staff Professional Learning – Berry Street leader making a difference in his local community Education Model through Christ Mission Possible. He is delivering the As we go to print, Colyton High School staff have Life Program at school and together with Mele Taufa just completed Session 3 of our Berry Street and Bronwyn Williams from Western Sydney Education Model on Saturday 31 August. We University and the PATHE Program, we are creating thank our staff for giving up their family and some great opportunities for our students to shine, and relaxation time to allow this invaluable training to they are. continue. Together with our other key professional learning programs from recent years, Berry Street On Sunday 25 August, I was delighted to attend the training delivers some expert training to our staff, Kokoda – Walking With Legends, video launch at to support students from our diverse Colyton Panthers. The video recounted the outstanding community. Our previous sessions have covered achievement of seven local students, including our training on Body and Relationships. Session 3 is very own everyday leader Harry Lancaster, who about Stamina and Engagement. Session 4 on late in 2018 pushed themselves to their limits in December 19, 2019 is the last session, and finishes honouring past Australian Servicemen by walking with training on Character. So by the end of 2019, the gruelling Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. nearly 100% of our current staff should be trained Harry represented Colyton High School with great and beginning to implement Berry Street strategies distinction and completed the challenge that would that will enhance learning and wellbeing outcomes test the best of us. We congratulate Harry and for our students. Our goal is for our teachers to be acknowledge his outstanding achievement. Great Teachers Leading Inspired Learning at Student Support – Students from Colyton High School. Please note that our last Refugee Backgrounds official day of school for students will be Wednesday December 18, 2019. I haven’t begun about the new program supporting our students from refugee backgrounds. We have HSC 2019 – Well Wishes for Year 12 some amazing students and families who, in recent Finally, we encourage all our Year 12 students to or current generations, have travelled to Australia finish their HSC program strongly, working to live and start a new life. Many have left behind towards graduation and their formal by being in the challenging conditions in their countries of birth right place, at the right time doing the right thing; and many have also left behind family. We working hard in partnership with their teachers to welcome them to our school and our community be ready to tackle HSC exams next term! Thank and it is so important we pay forward, our good you to all staff and supporters, including parents fortune to be born in the peaceful, prosperous and carers, for their contribution in getting the country of Australia, for the benefit of others. We students to this point of their school life. We wish cannot change things on the other side of the world them well in their preparation and transitioning to but we can have a huge impact in our own patch; work or further study at TAFE, College and our school, our local community, by the way we University. treat each other. We thank Ms Pitt and her team including Alfred Mupenzi from Western Sydney Yours in partnership University’s Widening Participation Program, for delivering some special opportunities for our MR D BUTLER PRINCIPAL students to achieve success. Ms Pitt is currently
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S all, the school and the parents have been on the REPORT same page. They have worked together to provide From the desk of Ms White a learning experience that is beneficial for the child. Learning and student wellbeing have been the “To prepare for a better centre of our discussions. As we come to the end of tomorrow, we need to start this journey, we can all be very proud of the path today. School provides you we have carved for these students, now they have with this opportunity, those that to walk on this path and make it their own. grab it are putting down the foundations for a bright future, those that let it slip The students are empty vessels, eager and ready to through their fingers, are putting their futures in learn. The teachers are the facilitators of jeopardy”. knowledge and a guiding light. This journey wouldn’t be this beautiful, if not for the teachers. As I write this newsletter, many thoughts and The teachers have worked hard over the 6 years to images are running through my mind. Some evoke polish the piece of jewellery entrusted to them in joy and some sadness. This mixed emotion is for Year 7. The final product is a glimmer of hope for my Year 12 cohort, who in a few weeks will the future. I am forever grateful for the jobs the graduate from High School and prepare for their teachers do in their classrooms. They spend final exam. They have completed one part of their countless hours preparing, thinking, evaluating, journey and are now ready to venture out into the assessing, and reflecting on their practices. Many world with the skills that they have gathered over hours of devotion has resulted in another cohort of the years. I thank the students for the work they students graduating. I thank the teachers for their have put into the efficient running of the school. hard work and vision for the students. As the They leave a legacy for others to follow. For some students leave our care, they are taking a piece of the future is exciting, filled with dreams and us with them. We, through our teaching have ambitions, while for others, it is foreboding and become a part of their lives for ever. This is a great unknown. Whatever the feelings, the fact remains gift to have. that, this part of their learning is coming to an end. The role of their Year Advisers – Ms Taylor Along the way, we have lost many of our peers, (retired in 2018), Mr Sewak who stepped up to fill some to work, some to Traineeships, some to the Year Adviser’s role and Mrs Hussain, assisting apprenticeships and some have just walked out of him, has been vital in ensuring that the needs of the the gates and never came back. The remaining cohort is met . These teachers have worked hard to students, who have faced the torrent of exams, ensure that the students are nurtured, heard and assessments as well as classwork, have been flourish at school. I thank them for providing a victories. They have mastered the demands of early memorable and valuable experience to the students. start, long days and work commitments. These virtues will serve them well in the future and enable My Year 9 cohort continue to grow in numbers. them to be successful. The remaining Year 12 This Year group is the largest cohort in the school students have worked hard and endured a lot of and I am proud to say that they are one of the best stresses to come to this junction in their lives. group of students I have worked with. They are working with me to change the culture of the school They have been supported by an army of people, and when they leave in Year 12, they will leave a either standing beside them or providing support legacy of what it means to be a proud Colyton High from afar. Parents and care givers have been pivotal School student. They are working towards a settled in their children’s success and have forged a long institution where learning is the key focus relationship with the school. We have had some surrounded by extra-curricular activities that build heated discussions, some disagreements but above capacity in them. There are some great leaders and
emerging leaders in this group and I look forward Adviser devote so much time in enhancing the to seeing them develop their full potential and be abilities of these students. They are a great team community leaders of tomorrow. who work together for the benefit of the students. Thank you!! Within this group are peer support leaders, taking the responsibility of guiding and mentoring the MS D WHITE incoming Year 7 cohort. This group of students DEPUTY PRINCIPAL have the skills of nurturing that is vital in supporting the new comers into our school. The Year 9 cohort are represented in all aspects of the KEY MESSAGE! school life. They are found in the Debating Team, We start school at 8.30 am and the Performance Night, LIFE programs, Aboriginal Programs, Science Week celebrations, SRC, House students are expected to be at school, Captains, Sporting programs, in the Homework in roll call by that time. The students Centre, cultural performances and above all, are need to be in class for the duration of academic and excel in their classes. The future of the lesson and not leave the class our school looks very bright. They are mentored by without permission. Each minute of the two great teachers – Ms Ciacciarelli and Ms lesson is important for learning. Chambers. This Year Adviser and Assistant Year
ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY EVERY MINUTE COUNTS
As Mr Butler addressed the theme of attendance and how EVERY MINUTE COUNTS in the May edition of the Newsletter, I would like to include the importance of how EVERY DAY COUNTS in regard to student attendance at Colyton High School.
We are working through strategies to improve the attendance of some students with lower than expected attendance. I would like to notify parents that in Week 9 of this Term (Term 3), Colyton High School will be running an intensive phone calling intervention to contact some parents and raise concerns about their children. The phone call is aimed at relaying important attendance information and addressing any concerns that are raised during the conversation. We would also like to collect information about any support that may be required for your child.
If you would like to discuss the attendance of your child at any time, please feel free to contact the school and make an appointment.
MR A CIOCCA KEY MESSAGE! HEAD TEACHER, ADMINISTRATION Colyton High School is a uniform school, as a result everyone is expected to be in full school uniform every day. If you have any difficulties with purchasing a uniform, then please inform us so we can work together to provide the uniform for the student.
Maths in Trade Mural Over the past few weeks Mrs Hapu’s Year 10 Maths in Trade students embarked in creating a mural with the help of TAFE Teacher Peter and Miss Dobie.
The students collaborated to come up with the theme of Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow, they also tried to incorporate all the diverse cultures and nationalities within our school community. Students and teacher’s helped out and were busy painting and decorating.
The students who participated were given a certificate from TAFE for Painting and Decorating which could help them further a pathway in Trade. Thank you to all that attended and contributed, much thanks to Mrs Hapukotuwa for organising a unique experience for the students.
MISS P DOBIE LEARNING & SUPPORT TEACHER
Colyton Cheer Squad This year saw Colyton form their very first cheer squad. The girls involved are in Years 7-12 and have already performed at a number of events where they were able to showcase a highly energetic pom routine.
The students had the opportunity to perform as part of the half time dance spectacular at the Tigers, GWS Giants and Rabbitohs NRL and AFL matches. Performing at these events was a great experience for the girls involved and the thrill of running on the field will not be forgotten. The girls were lucky enough to perform at the brand new Bankwest stadium as part of the very first Cheer Spectacular to be held there. Colyton High School Cheer Squad were 1 of 500 students performing and were the ONLY High School participating, with all other performers representing private dance studios.
These students gave up weekends including evenings, to rehearse and perform at these events. Most performances were in cold conditions and involved travelling to Concord, Parramatta, and Olympic Park multiple times.
The Colyton High School Cheer Squad were also successful in their audition for the Public Education concert with their item being the finale of the show.
We would like to congratulate the girls on their efforts, they represented our school proudly and professionally at all times!
MRS A CIOCCA DANCE/PDHPE TEACHER
Maths Faculty News Term 3 is a very busy term for Maths Faculty staff and students as the term is filled with lots of events. Year 10, 5.3 Maths class students went on the Maths in Surveying excursion to Homebush Bay and learnt numerous practical skills related to Mathematics. I thank Mrs Boxwell for organising the excursion and the Surveying in Mathematics committee to giving this rare opportunity for our students.
Year 10 Maths in Trade students have completed the Trade Readiness Program in Week 3 this term and received a Certificate of Completion. Students have painted a mural on the southern side of the library wall during this week and proved for themselves, that they can achieve at a higher level if they put their mind into the work they are doing. Students planned the design of the mural with Ms Dobie on the ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ theme with a touch of the cultural diversity across school. The program was funded by the Apprentice Engagement Forum and I thank them for giving an unforgettable experience for our students where they can be proud of their achievement. I thank Mr Adel Abourjaily and Mr Peter Shewring, the two TAFE teachers who patiently worked with our students, getting them involved in painting the mural. I also thank Ms Dobie for her time and effort in making this dream come true, by turning a dull bare wall into a colourful mural.
The students in Year 9, 5.3 Maths class have given up one period of their Maths lessons, once a fortnight, to tutor Year 7.5 and Year 8.5 classes. Students in Year 9 were buddied up with students in Year 7 and 8 during this lesson, to complete various Literacy and Numeracy activities. Ms Chambers, Ms Melik and myself have discussed a strategy where Year 9 students can be good role models in
Peer tutoring these young students, to improve their basic literacy and numeracy skills, while having fun by doing activities which will improve these skills. The students’ progress
will be assessed at the end of the Term and I thank Ms Melik and Ms Chambers for agreeing to run this program with their classes. I also thank our student teacher, Mr Stanley for running the numeracy activities during this
program.
The World of Maths Day will be held this Term in the Hall, on Thursday September 5, for all Year 7 students. This is an annual event held during Literacy and Numeracy Week at Colyton High
School, to give our students a chance of challenging their brains by solving mathematical problems. Students enjoy these problem solving activities and learn different ways of solving practical mathematical problems. I thank Mr Sewak for organising this event.
Last but not least I thank all Maths Teachers for their commitment in giving up their time preparing our students to go out of their comfort zone and achieve at a higher level in all activities in and outside the classroom.
MRS J HAPUKOTUWA HEAD TEACHER, MATHEMATICS
CHESS CLUB Come join the chess club and learn a new skill!
All students of all skill levels are welcome. Chess club meets in the Library every Wednesday at Lunch
New Members Always Welcome
Meetings are held on Mondays in week 4 and 8 of each term at 7pm in The Common Room Next meeting: 9 September 2019 For more info call 9623 2789
Student Representative Council of Colyton High School The SRC of Colyton High School have had a busy and rewarding year so far. In Term One we presented a moving ANZAC Commemoration Service for the whole school where we not only remembered the original Anzacs but also commemorated the Christmas Truce of 1915. The students recreated the Truce to close the assembly and retold the story of friendship and harmony that was created on that day – playing football and swapping rations contained in their food parcels from home. This is where the haunting strains of Silent Night
rang out across the Western Front as for one brief moment in time the soldiers were no longer enemies but someone’s husband, brother, son. It proved that with a little bit of understanding our world could be a good place to live – if we do but try.
In the holidays several students participated in the local St. Marys Anzac March and the Dawn Service. Special mention to Georgia Crebbin of Year 11, who laid the Ceremonial Slouch Hat – representing all Soldiers who have died in War – at both services.
In Term Two the students from Years 9 to 11 worked hard to organise the inaugural Academic Challenge for Year 7. Each class elected 4 students to represent them in the challenge but on the day the teams were mixed so that everyone had a chance to succeed. The students planned
the activities, created the score sheets and ran the activities on the day. There were 6 challenges for the students to undertake in the KLA areas of English, Maths, Science, HSIE, CAPA/TAS and PHP. Students rotated around the different activity stations scoring points for their team. Each team worked together to build on their strengths and it was pleasing that the six activities all had a different winner. However the team that was the most consistent over the six activities and scored 370 points out of a possible 400 were Team Pulse followed closely by Team Lightning. Each of the participants were presented with a Certificate on the day – thanks to the office ladies for printing them so quickly! The students of Years 9, 10 and 11 got as much out of the challenge as the students participating in it– some fine Everyday Leadership skills were on display – summed up in a quote from Roseanna Marshall “Eyes to the front and listen carefully to the instructions” a future teacher in the making.
Term 3 saw us represented at the Vietnam Veterans Long Tan commemoration on Sunday August 18 by Jordan and Kansas Tuati’Alili Mailei. The boys were wonderful Ambassadors for the school and laid our floral tribute with a great sense of dignity and decorum. Term 3 also sees us preparing for RU Okay Day on September 12 and World Teachers Day in October. Two very worthwhile events – one asking us to look out for our mates by asking R U OK and genuinely meaning it and the other celebrating the many passionate and caring Teachers that we have here at Colyton High School. However our biggest achievement
of the Term so far was our fund raising event for Beanies for Brain Cancer where the Colyton High School community came together, wore a beanie and made a gold coin donation for the Mark Hughes Foundation. Brain Cancer is the biggest childhood cancer in children and was a cause very close to a number of our Communities’ hearts. Together we raised $536.60 – a very noble effort and for this we say thank you.
As you can see the elected representatives of each year are certainly doing their cohorts proud and are really buying into the Everyday Leaders ethos of our school as we continue to move forward and they are most certainly living up to their motto “Value what we do and how we do it”.
MISS S HARMAN SRC COORDINATOR
Maths in Survey Excursion On August 9, 2019, students in Year 10, 5.3 Maths class braved the winds of Homebush Park to learn about Maths in Surveying and learnt Surveying as a career path. They began the day by using measurement and learned how a customer gets a quote from a surveyor to make a plan of the land based on its size and layout.
Then they went on to use the ground penetrating radar machines. These machines look a little like a lawn mower with a computer link. The Surveyors explained their roll in locating water pipes, telephone wires and underground electricity wires so that when they do extensions to roads or have to dig up part of a park they don’t cut through them and add costly repairs and delays. They also get used in the mining industry to protect life while they are drilling.
They then had a look at the history of survey equipment and learnt how they measured land in the early 1900 by using a chain made up of set size links rolled on a large roll. This in the old imperial system of measurement is where the chain length came from. They also looked at different calculators of the past the abacus through to the different wheeled calculators to the modern computer calculators of today.
The next task used their trigonometry skills to measure various parts of the Treillage Tower. They found this challenging and interesting to get the angles and the heights using the equipment. They also turned the equipment around and measured the Opal Tower which is topical because of the evacuation of the residence. The surveyors explained their rolls in the building industry. KEY MESSAGE! Another task they did on the day was to look at the sun dial and measuring the radius of the earth. The The phone is on silent and out of sight. The students got to demonstrate how time is worked out phone is becoming a major distraction in the and adjustments needed on the sundial time due to classroom and is impacting on the learning of it being 4 degrees away from the meridian. They the students. We ask parents and care givers to got to work out where North was using their dial have a discussion with their child about the face watches and the fact that in the Northern correct use of the phone.
Hemisphere it would be South. They also learned If students are asked to hand their phones into the qualifications required to become a Surveyor in the office because of inappropriate use in class, the future and looked at the courses at both TAFE it is expected that the request is followed. and University to what courses are on offer. Failure to follow the Teacher’s instruction could be deemed as continued disobedience MRS L BOXWELL and may result in disciplinary action. MATHEMATICS TEACHER
SENIOR Pathways Scholarship Year 11, 2020
Colyton High School is offering 3 Scholarships for current Year 10 students returning in 2020 to commence their Year 11 studies at Colyton High School. These $1000 Scholarships will be awarded in Term 4 for distribution in Term 1 2020.
For your chance to be considered, application forms are available from either Ms Gibson (Deputy Principal) or Ms Grewal (Year 10 Adviser), alternatively you can download a blank form from the Colyton High School Website, find the link on the front page – a blank application form is also available under the Scholarship tab on the Skoolbag App.
Good Luck
High School Entry Scholarship Year 7, 2020
Colyton High School offers up to ten Scholarships for students enrolling in Year 7 for 2020 to provide assistance with starting their secondary education. The Scholarships will be awarded to successful students who attend one of the following Primary Schools:
Bennett Road Public School St Marys Central Public School Colyton Public School St Marys South Public School Oxley Park Public School
For your chance to be considered, applications forms are available from your current Primary School, alternatively you can download a blank application form from the front page of Colyton High School website or the Scholarship tab on Colyton High School Skoolbag App .
National Science Week At Colyton High School
Library NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge 2019 The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) 2019 has come to a close on the 30 August 2019. All Year 7 to 9 students have had an opportunity to participate in the challenge. This year, we congratulate Aden McAlpine (Year 8) and Emily Clavan (Year 7) on completing the challenge. These students will be recognised with a PRC certificate later this year. Well done on completing the challenge by reading 20 PRC approved books.
National Science Week 2019 – Destination Moon It was National Science Week from 12-16 August 2019. This year’s theme was Destination Moon – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing. The Science Faculty ran some fun Science activities and experiments. Whilst the Library particpated by showing a couple of movie clips relating to the Moon Landing.
The first was a Mythbusters Special Episode titled, NASA Moon Landing Hoax. This episode was very interesting as the team from Mythbusters went on a fact or fiction finding mission to determine if the Moon Landing was real!
Many people questioned many aspects of the Moon Landing such as: How did the flag flap around if there is no atmosphere or breeze?, The shadows on the ground are not right if there is only one source of light?, Did they just shoot the photos and video in a studio? Using many sources of help, including NASA, the Mythbusters team set about creating their experiments to find out if the Moon Landing was a fact or just a hoax.
The second was a Behind the News Episode (19) which was full of factual information about the Moon Landing. It showed actual footage and explained how Australia played a vital role in communicating with the astronauts and relaying the information to Houston. Australia also gained the clearest and best pictures using the Parkes Radio Telescope which was then broadcast all over the world.
Until next time …
MRS J ABIWAHAB TEACHER LIBRARIAN
ANAPHYLAXIS AND US KEY MESSAGE! Ways to support us to keep everyone safe are: Students who have been awarded “N” • Talk to your children about allergies and how awards for outstanding classwork or serious they can be for some people, so they must not ever share their food with other assessment tasks, must work towards children. Its not mean to not share food, it’s clearing them. Not clearing the keeping people safe. outstanding task may be deemed as the • Discuss how important it is to wash hands before student not meeting the requirements of and after eating so that food allergens don’t get the course. Access help from the class transferred onto other people or their food. teacher or the homework centre to work Thank you for working with us to through them. keep our children safe.
SICK BAY Students should not be sent to school without adequate care being taken of injuries already received, or if sickness is anticipated. If your child suffers from a disability please notify the school of this at the time of enrolment.
If your child becomes sick at school, they will be required to get an out of class note to take to A Block office. You will then be contacted by A Block Office Staff to collect your child. Your child is NOT to contact you directly to collect them. It is school policy that all students are to be collected and are not permitted to leave the school unaccompanied.
Compulsory School Attendance-Information for parents EVERY DAY COUNTS- ‘If student misses as little as 8 days in a school term, by the end of high school they’ll have missed over a year’
What are my legal responsibilities?
Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age (17). The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards for home schooling.
Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for students.
The importance of arriving on time School starts at 8:30am each day with a warning bell at 8:27. Arriving at school and class on time: • Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day • Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine • Give students time to greet their friends before class • Reduces classroom disruption
Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.
What if my child has to be away from school? On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include: - Being sick, or having an infectious disease - Exceptional/urgent family circumstance (e.g. attending a funeral) - Attending a recognised religious holiday - Having an unavoidable medical appointment
The required attendance rate is above 85% and information following an absence from school must be submitted within 7 days. You can provide the school with a verbal or written explanation or respond to the schools SMS for the absence. However, if the school has not received an explanation from you within 2 days, the school may contact you to discuss the absence.
The school may decline to accept an explanation that you have provided if they do not believe the absence is in the best interest of your child. In these circumstances your child’s absence would be recorded as unjustified.
The school may request medical certificates or other documentation when frequent or long term absences are explained as being due to illness. Principals may also seek parental permission to speak with medical specialists to obtain information to collaboratively develop a health care plan to support your child. If the request is denied, the school can record the absences as unjustified.
Travel Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, discuss this with the school principal. An Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year. In some circumstances students may be eligible to enrol in distance education for travel periods over 50 school days. This should be discussed with the school principal.
Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. NSW public schools work in partnership with parents to encourage and support regular attendance of children and young people. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and they will build and maintain friendships with other children.
My child won’t go to school. What should I do? You should contact the school as soon as possible to discuss the issue and ask for help. Strategies to help improve attendance may include a referral to the school’s learning and support team or linking your child with appropriate support networks. The principal may seek further support from the Home School Liaison Program to develop an Attendance Improvement Plan
What might happen if my child continues to have unacceptable absences? It is important to understand that the Department of Education may be required to take further action where children of compulsory school age have recurring numbers of unexplained or unjustified absences from school. Some of the following actions may be undertaken:
• Compulsory Schooling Conferences You may be asked, along with your child, to attend a Compulsory Schooling Conference. The conference will help to identify the supports your child may need to have in place so they attend school regularly. The school, parents and agencies will work together to develop an agreed plan (known as Undertakings) to support your child’s attendance at school. • Application to the Children’s Court – Compulsory Schooling Order If your child’s attendance at school remains unsatisfactory the Department may apply to the Children’s Court for a Compulsory Schooling Order. The Children’s Court magistrate may order a Compulsory Schooling Conference to be convened. • Prosecution in the Local Court School and Department staff remain committed to working in partnership with you to address the issues which are preventing your child’s full participation at school. In circumstances where a breach of compulsory schooling orders occurs further action may be taken against a parent in the Local Court. The result of court action can be the imposition of a community service order or a fine.
What age can my child leave school? All New South Wales students must complete Year 10 or its equivalent. After Year 10, and up until they reach 17 years of age, there are a range of flexible options for students to complete their schooling.
Working in Partnership Colyton High School recognises that working collaboratively with students and their families is the best way to support the regular attendance of students at school. We look forward to working in partnership with you to support your child to fulfil their life opportunities.
Further information regarding school attendance can be obtained from the following websites: Policy, information and brochures: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/programs/attendance.php
The school leaving age: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/leavi ngschool/index.php Do you need an interpreter? Interpreting services are available on request, including for the hearing impaired. The Telephone Interpreter Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 131 450. You will not be charged for this service.
Good luck to all HSC students for their exams, major works, performances and final sessions!!! We have successfully completed our year 12 exit interviews and students have now a clear view about their post-school options. I am pleased to see that our HSC students are prepared and ready to step into the real world. This term is very significant for year 12 students, and I encourage the students to use their time wisely to do well in the future.
Congratulations to all the JobQuest students. JobQuest program is successfully completing in week eight. Students participated in the JobQuest program have gained employability skills, developed the confidence and achieved Certificate II in Vocational and Workplace skills.
2019 Apprenticeship & Traineeship Expo
Western Sydney Apprenticeship & Traineeship Expo Tuesday 10 September 2019 – 3pm to 8pm Penrith Panthers Exhibition Marquee, 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith NSW
Scholarships for future teachers teach.MathsNOW Scholarships are now open
Parents and carers, this is for you. Do you know an Industry Professional or current University Student in a career area requiring tertiary studies in Mathematics - for example, in Engineering, Accounting, Finance or IT - who would make a great Secondary Mathematics Teacher? The teach.MathsNOW Scholarship offers an opportunity to change career path and retrain as a Mathematics Teacher in a NSW public school.
teach.MathsNOW scholars will receive up to $50,000 in equivalent upfront course contribution fees, paid part-time employment during studies and a guaranteed permanent teaching position in a NSW public school on successful completion.
To find out more about these and other great opportunities, please visit the teach.NSW website and follow the teach.NSW social channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
Post-School Opportunities
Defence Forces Work Experience- Dozens of Options Across Army Navy and Air Force The Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). For queries about the Defence Work Experience Program please email: [email protected]
or go to the link below: https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm?event=jobs.listJobs&audiencetypecode=defenceworkexp
If you need help, please contact Mrs K.Kaur
TAFE Your Future at TAFE Open Day KEY MESSAGE! Saturday 14 September, 9AM - 1PM Hands and feet to ourselves – TAFE NSW Mount Druitt play fighting or fooling around
Join us at TAFE NSW Open Day for interactive workshops, live often results in serious demonstrations, explore our world-class facilities and meet consequences. It is expected your expert Teachers! If you're looking to kick-start your career that we follow the PBL with a diploma or degree, become an aspiring Apprentice, expectations and make our launch your small business, or gain exciting new skills, TAFE school a safe place. NSW can help you be in a career you love. Register here:
https://events.tafensw.edu.au/open-day Apprenticeship Support Australia Advice on Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Good support advice for parents. http://www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au/Parents
AFL Sports Ready Traineeships Traineeships are very similar to a regular full-time job and are the most cost-effective way to hire a motivated, entry- level employee. Think of a Traineeship as a 12 month, try before you buy, ‘Apprenticeship for the Office’, that combines full-time work with a little bit of study. It’s the ideal mix of: • Practical experience in the workplace • Formal qualification (Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma level)
https://aflsportsready.com.au/traineeship/
Study at the Zoo - Taronga Zoo Choose to study with us by completing a Certificate course in Animal Care and Management or Tourism, or enrolling in a University of Sydney degree program offered through our innovative alliance. Pushed for time? You can also enrol in a short course or workshop.
https://taronga.org.au/education/programs-and-courses
Youth at the Zoo, Cadet Keeper, Community Youth Programs Taronga’s Youth at the Zoo program (YATZ) gives teens the opportunity to learn more about how our Zoos operate, develop skills for the future and spend time with like-minded people who share a passion for animals.
https://taronga.org.au/education/youth-engagement
QANTAS Cabin Crew Training and Recruitment Being one of our cabin crew team members is a truly rewarding experience. You'll meet new people every day, travel to incredible places, and be part of a passionate and welcoming team who take pride in wearing our uniform. This isn't your usual nine-to-five job – you’ll need to go above and beyond - but that's why it's so unique. You’ll need to be flexible and committed as you face exciting and new challenges every day.
https://www.qantas.com/ie/en/about-us/qantas-careers/customer-service/cabin-crew.html
Interested in a career in acting, music, theatre or dance? Here's what the world's best performing arts schools have to offer. Click the link to find out more information
https://www.crimsoneducation.org/au/blog/interested-in-a-career-in-acting-music-theatre-or-dance-heres-what- the-worlds-best-performing-arts-schools-have-to-offer
MRS K KAUR CAREERS ADVISER
Outdoor Concert On Thursday the 20th of June during lunch, students were treated to an outdoor concert, performed by some of Colyton High School’s most talented musicians and dancers. The atmosphere around the COLA was buzzing, with the concert attracting a large, and extremely encouraging crowd, as the students lit up lunch time through several highly entertaining songs and dances. The concert was aimed at showcasing the vocal, instrumental and performative talent that Colyton High has, and judging by the mass of Teachers and Students that spent their whole lunch break watching, it succeeded!
A large thanks goes out, first and foremost, to Mr. Lane, who took the time out of his busy week days to pull together what was a fantastic event. Colyton High School would also like to thank the dedicated students who spent hours practicing and rehearsing to perform for the school. We certainly look forward to seeing further concerts in the future.
Written by Jayde Clements
We learnt more about the importance of the design Crocobots Team process, how quick the build time flie s by, along with ways we can improve our robot and team for the next competition. We have expanded our Team 7780 from 7 members to almost 20. We were able to Colyton High School’s very own develop our knowledge and understanding of all Robotics team known as areas of FRC, gained experience and improve our ‘Crocobots’ competed in the ‘Duel robots capacity and the team’s ability to strive for Down Under’ 2019 Competition from July 26-27. success for the 2020 competition ‘Infinite We competed against teams from all over Recharge’. Australia. Women in Stem “Our team was involved in this years ‘duel down The funds provided by the school and by students under’ women’s morning tea that was sponsored by enabled us to purchase the kit of parts (the robot), pay the entry fees to compete, along with all of the equipment and tools to make our robot successful. During the competition we had an incident with another team’s robot (blue flamingos) and managed to tip their robot.
google and had a person from google speak to us about the importance of women belong able to participate in STEM. It was a nice opportunity to be recognised and acknowledged and even celebrated to be involved with this. We had the chance to speak with other ladies from local teams about their experiences and thoughts on FRC and robotics.” –Bryana Wicks The Robotics team includes a range of students from Colyton High School along with mentors Ms. MS N RODRIGUEZ Rodríguez and Mr. Stratford. The team meets TAS TEACHER regularly on a Wednesday afternoon to work collaboratively in order to be ready for each competition. Our team was fortunate to compete with many young and inspirational people from around Australia. Our initial arrival at the tournament was extremely overwhelming and yet familiar due to it being our second competition of the year. The team enjoyed having conversations with other groups and brainstorming strategies for next time which revolved around these conversations.
On the 26th of July, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students of Colyton High School’s Livin Deadly program worked together to showcase their culture in an engaging and stimulating NAIDOC performance. The outdoor assembly of Colyton students held a positive atmosphere with student’s families also attending to show their support.
The performance opened with a speech from Jai and Smoking Ceremony to connect to greater spirits. A ceremony of cleansing Mother Earth was followed by the National Anthem accompanied by Didgeridoo. The Aboriginal students then took it in turns speaking of their past and personal experiences growing up in Australia and how their culture is represented in today's society. Mr Butler went on to speak of his connection to the Australian culture and the authentic nature of Aboriginal Elders, and how proud he was of Colyton High School’s strong association with Aboriginal culture. A performance celebrating Australian Totem Animals begun. This celebration invited Students and Teachers to the circle to perform the Totem Animals. The students quite enjoyed seeing Mrs Raj in action.
The Director of Education and Leadership, Karen McSpeerin also attended, taking part in the celebration of Australian Totem Animals, and closed the performance speaking of the NAIDOC days theme, Voice, Treaty, and Truth.
We would like to thank Jai and his team of Livin Deadly students, who put in so much effort to showcase their culture in such an amazing performance. Thanks also to Mr Lane, Mr Butler, Mr Burton, Family and Community members and of course the students of Colyton High School for their cooperation.
Written by Jayde Clements
Performing Arts Showcase On Tuesday the 6th and Wednesday the 7th of August, Colyton High School hosted their annual Matinee and Evening Performing Arts Showcases. The event showcases music and dance performances from Year 7 – 12 students. As usual, all students involved performed to a very high standard. The time, dedication and commitment that was poured into the Matinees was clearly very well spent. We would like to give a huge thank you to Mr. Lane, Mrs Ciocca and Ms Humphries for their continued hard work in allowing the school community an insight to Colyton High School’s performers. Another thank you to everyone that helped out behind the scenes, including Nicole Burrell and Chelise Kita in Year 9.
A huge shout out to all students that participated in the showcase. It kicked off the term on a massive high, and we look forward to seeing more performances next year. Written by Jadein Rogers
KEY MESSAGE!
If a student chooses to bring their device to school, such as mobile phone, then they are responsible for it. The school will endeavour to help locate a lost device but cannot be held responsible for it.
Terrific Taiko Drummers Year 8 Japanese students participated in a Taiko drumming workshop hosted by YuNiOn Taiko Percussion. The students learned how to perform different drumming patterns and they were also able to use their knowledge of Japanese numbers by counting in time with the beat.
Traditional Taiko drummers often perform for hours at a time during Japanese festivals so the students tried their best to keep up the arm movements for the whole of Period 5.
Special mentions go to Sathnidu Silva and Natasha Willemsen. Sathnidu was the perfect example of different cultures coming together as he performed while he still had paint from the NAIDOC assembly earlier in the day. Natasha had the most fun in the group since she showed lots of enthusiasm and danced along to the music while playing.
The workshop was a great opportunity for the students to experience an authentic aspect of Japanese culture and to practise their Japanese speaking skills.
MS C LAM JAPANESE TEACHER
Spring has Sprung The Year 10 Japanese class welcomed in the beginning of spring during the Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanic Gardens. The students learned about this Japanese festival in previous grades and were lucky to see the flowers in full bloom as they usually only appear for two weeks every year. The class was also given a Photo Scavenger Hunt challenge to complete in groups to see who could take the best photos. Some top picks include Keith Woods with the local geese, Diya Patel and Samr Jouhar with a festival cosplayer, and Caitlin Buchanan whipping out her dance moves. During the lunch break, the students took full advantage of the many food stall options. The daring Drew Gibson tried a wasabi burger and Blake Taylor ate not one, not two, but three cherry blossom flavoured ice creams!
A big thanks to Mr Samir who helped to keep the day running smoothly. It was a cherry-fic time for all involved.
MS C LAM JAPANESE TEACHER
KEY MESSAGE!
It is not a culture of our school to confront other students or to intimidate others. Teachers can be approached if there are issues between students. We want to create a safe environment for all students.
Spectroscopy Excursion Year 12 Chemistry students attended Spectroscopy workshops at Western Sydney University, South Parramatta Campus. Students investigated many experiments in the area of Ultraviolet – Visible Spectroscopy, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Analysis of sulfate content in fertiliser using titration. It was a great learning experience and students were able to use equipment not available in schools.
VIRANGNA RAJ HEAD TEACHER, SCIENCE
KEY MESSAGE!
There are many items that are not permitted at school. Please ensure that your child only brings to school equipment that is needed for classwork. Some items may be considered as weapons and result in serious consequences.
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