NSW Department of Education and Communities Cessnock High School News

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CessnockHighSchoolOfficial cessnock-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Issue 3

What’s On At CHS 17th Sept PBL Reward Day PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 17th Sept Ride to School Day Congratulations to the following service, dealing with excursion to Nelson Bay on 18th Sept C2 Formal Assembly students who have been individual student issues, Wednesday. Thank you very 18th Sept Last day term 3 appointed to positions on the representing the school at much to the staff who make it 5th Oct Public Holiday school’s student leadership team special events and generally possible for our students to 6th Oct Staff and students return for 2016. Mrs Martin, Mr promoting all the positive engage in these extra- Goodwin and I interviewed all aspects of our school. Many curricular activities and allow 12-14th Oct Year 10 Camp Broken Bay students who were nominated. of these activities and events the students to share 15th Oct ACE Class Testing The students were then asked to occur outside of normal experiences that may last for 15-16th Oct All My Own Work Year 10 deliver their candidacy speech to school hours. I would like to a lifetime! the school community in a formal convey my personal thanks 19th Oct P&C Meeting 4 p.m. In conclusion I’d like to share assembly in the school hall. There and good luck to each of the 22nd Oct Year 7 2016 Orientation the “Mission Statement” from was great feedback from staff outgoing student leaders. Walhallow PS. I would like to 22nd Oct Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza about the quality of the students The Schools Captains: Emily think that at Cessnock High applying for the positions and the 26th Oct Newc Uni Tour Year 10 Fairley and Carlo Limen. The School we can aspire to very high standard of their 27-29th Oct Peer Support Camp Vice Captains: Sarah Handley create a similar sense of presentations. The following 2-4th Nov Year 10 Authentic Assess. and Joshua Day. The community at our school. students were elected to the Prefects: Teegan Banks, 4th Nov CATS Excursion Student Leadership Team for At Walhallow Public School Macia Borowiec, Eliza 2016. the children are the most 5th Nov Welcome to the College Paynter, Faith Price, Jordan important, not us. 9th Nov 2016 Commences The School Captains for next Bridge and Jayden Milgate year will be Madeleine Hunt and We are honoured by their 12th Nov College 2 Formal Excursions Adam Robinson. Our Vice attendance, not they by ours. 16th Nov P&C Meeting 4 p.m. Approximately 120 students Captains are: Rebecca Noone who have displayed They are not the outsiders, 30th Nov Year 7 2016 Commence and Eliot Jones. The Prefects are: exceptional behaviour this they are the reason for our 11th Dec Presentation Day 2015 Samantha Flemming, Chloe term participated in a existence. Lanesbury, Haylee Post, Montana 16th Dec Last day 2015 Rewards excursion to We do not do them a favour Power, Mia-Jane Thompson, Charlestown Square on by being here, they do us a 26th Jan ‘16 Australia Day Dayna Watson, Oliver Burcham, Thursday. They were favour by allowing us to do 27th Jan Staff Return 2016 Luke Ford, Brandon Bedford and involved in a range of so. 28th Jan Students Return 2016 Ben Sams. activities and seemed to I wish everyone a safe and 8-10th Feb Year 7 Camp Our leadership team will assume greatly enjoy the day. I have restful holiday and look their responsibilities at rollover. been informed that they 25th Feb School Photo Day forward to working with you acted as wonderful role In welcoming our incoming again next term in providing 25th Feb Year 7 Immunisations models for CHS. This is yet student leaders I would also like quality educational another example of the high to acknowledge the contribution opportunities for our quality of the students that that our outgoing Leadership attend our school. This children. Team made in 2015 and thank week our students have also Chris Bice them for their support. They been great ambassadors at have worked tirelessly to support Show Steers, the OATs the school in many ways. From program as well as the 8L volunteering for community MS MACDONALD—DEPUTY PRINCIPAL YEARS 8, 10, COLLEGE 2 Term 3 has flashed past once again looked after whilst out of the funds for their formal and gift to provide a caring, positive and with lots of activities and school. Cessnock High School is the school. We wish Year 12 all challenging environment for successful accomplishments from one of the only schools left in the the best for the next few months all our students to thrive, our students and staff. Hunter that fully manages work and in whatever they decide to do learn and develop into the The term began with Year 10 experience for Year 10 and I once they leave Cessnock High. young adults we now see believe it is of huge benefit to our before us. finalising their subject selections Year 8 are also about to make the students. Many have been for College with most students big step into Stage 5 studies and I wish all our staff, students successful in finding part-time being successful in gaining the they have each chosen 2 electives and families a wonderful and work or offers of full-time work subjects of their own choice. This for study throughout Year 9 and safe Spring holiday, and look from this experience. year we have been able to run 10. Stage 5 studies allow students forward to seeing you all next over 20 different senior courses Year 12 have also had a busy term to focus more closely on the core term. for College 2016-2017. leading into their departure from subjects of English, Maths, HSIE, 13 years of formal schooling. This Science and PDHPE, whilst also Year 10 also completed a very successful two weeks of work is a very important milestone if the having the opportunity to study life of a student and probably one their two electives. This will be a experience and I was pleased to hear so many positive and they have been looking forward to change of pace from the large encouraging stories from our for a long time. This term has been amount of mandatory subjects spent fund-raising, organising the students have completed in Stage community in regards to Year 10's work experience placements. I farewell and of course studying 4 and I hope the students make hard for their Trial HSC the most of this transition into would like to thank Mrs Walker Examinations. All of this has been Stage 5. for all her wonderful work in under the watchful eye of Mrs finding places for students and Finally, I would like to thank all the O'Neill who has been incredible in working tirelessly to ensure that staff of Cessnock High School this her mission to help Year 12 raise students were well-placed and well term who have continued to

Mr Scrivener and the Industrial Arts students had the job of doing a cement slab, what a great working experience for these students, and a great slab.

YEAR 10—Mr Ryan Term 3 has been eventful for to thank Mrs Walker for time management, study into College 1, the “Welcome to Year 10 students. During weeks organising this opportunity for techniques, team bonding and College” function to be held at 7 and 8, students in Year 10 the students and to overcoming challenges. Back at The Sebel Kirkton Park ($85 per attended two weeks of work congratulate all students who school students will be working person incl 2 course meal, drinks experience. During this time completed work experience on completing a portfolio and dj, invitations have gone students had the opportunity to and represented Cessnock demonstrating their work home this week). This will be a work in an industry of their High School with pride. completed in Year 10 and night to celebrate together choice and get a taste of what participating in academic skills before knuckling down for the During the first 5 weeks of that career would be like. workshops. beginning of their HSC. Term 4 Year 10 will be Students were placed over a completing a program to give Year 10 will have their formal Year 10 will commence The large area from Newcastle to them a kick start before assembly, receiving their College (senior studies) on Singleton, we even had one entering the college. During portfolios and awards at school Monday November 9, 2015. student placed at Taronga Zoo these 5 weeks students have 10.30 a.m on Thursday 5th in Sydney! All students have Mr Ryan the opportunity to attend a November, all students are returned to Cessnock High camp. The camp aims to build expected to attend and be in full School with great stories of fun the capacity of students school uniform. Later that experiences and a little bit older through a range of activities evening (6 p.m) is the last event and a little bit wiser. I would like focusing on building skills for; for students before they move

Page 2 SPORTING SUCCESS—Miss White Cessnock High U15 Girls’ Basketball Round 1 team (below) School News Top: Tarnee White, Maddison Sinclair, Emily Dederer, Hollie-Rose Leigh, Jordana Dunn, Miss White Bottom: Chelsea-Leigh Wilson, Chantel Sinclair, Janayah Lake, Angela Campbell, Krystal Dent

Round 2 team (above) Top: Miss White, Hollie-Rose Leigh, Janayah Lake, Jordana Dunn, Tori Cassidy, Emily Dederer, Maddison Sinclair, Krystal Dent Bottom: Tarnee White, Chantel Sinclair, Merrissa George Well done to our Under 15 Girls Basketball Team on getting through to the 3rd round of the knockout competition!!

OATS PROGRAM—Mr Reardon

This past term has seen ten promotes the development the students standing on a Cessnock High School of self-confidence, rocky platform in the students progress through an resilience, team-work and Pokolbin Range before Outdoor Activity Training decision making skills while descending over the edge. Schedule (OATS) focusing on dealing with anxiety and building protective factors environmental stresses. through participation in Students are encouraged to challenging outdoor activities. identify and replace self- These activities include rock destructive behaviours with climbing, abseiling, caving and productive alternatives. hiking. The program The photo below captures

RETURN TO SCHOOL CENTRE NEWS—Ms Doolan

The Return to School Centre Ali. Work in progress have been doing 'Querkles' of include Kurt Cobain, Jimi famous people. Hendrix and Frida Kahlo.

'Querkles' are colour-by- After we've worked number drawings made up through all the famous entirely of overlapping circles. people portraits we'd like They can be very intricate and to tackle the Querkles that the students have time to do feature famous works of

only do a little each day (after art e.g. the Mona Lisa. lots of school work!) so it often takes around five days to finish one 'Querkle'. So far our current students Tyson Barker’s Querkle Cain Lumley’s Querkle have finished Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Amy Page 3 Winehouse and Mohammad YEAR 9 ADVISOR—Mr Penglaze

This year has been very rewarding Peer Support. hard work and I look forward and worth all the hard effort that to continuing our journey Cessnock High School has a Year 9 students have made. As together into Year 10. focus on students doing the Year 9 has progressed through best they can. As their Year Finally I would like to finish the year they have seen their Advisor I wish to thank parents with a quote from Gail school responsibilities increase as and carers for your continued Devers: they move towards Year 10. support and interest in your ‘Every accomplishment starts This year has brought Year 9 lots child‘s progression through with the decision to try’. of happy memories and various school at Cessnock High achievements. They have been School. I firmly believe students provided with many opportunities in my year group and your to be involved in both the school children will ultimately succeed Beanies for and wider community, such as in achieving their dreams whilst Sophie raised excursions, representative sport we continue to build the $450, great job and other representative partnership between the home Cessnock High activities. As Year 9 students, and school. School students, some of you will also be provided staff and Settlers I wish to thank all my students with the great opportunity to Village West in my year group for all their participate in programs such as Cessnock.

SUPPORT CLASS—Ms Bruce

‘Learning the ropes’ fabulous experience sailing Sydney students participated in sailing the boat, with Harbour in Term One, the students “raising sails” and “steering the boat” being During Term Three support class were very keen to test their sea legs the most popular ‘best bits’ of the day as students were fortunate enough to be again. This time though, the boat was reported by students. Support staff would offered a second opportunity to sail like to thank the SWD crew, who try to docked in Newcastle, enabling our with the volunteer group ‘Sailors with emphasise looking beyond challenges at students to see the largest bulk disABILITIES’ (SWD). Following a what can be achieved. They have twice gone shipping port on the out of their way to give CHS students with east coast of Australia, special needs a fantastic, positive experience up close and personal. that has reinforced a healthy ‘I can’ ethos in The group sailed on the support unit. the ‘Winds of Joy’ on the last day of winter, and were blessed with glorious sunshine. All

VACCINATION CATCH UPS—Ms Robson

WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS MISSED A Additionally – any year 8 student ensure that this record is kept for future VACCINE—If your child has missed any who commenced HPV vaccination while reference and should not assume that their vaccinations they will be offered any in Year 7 and are yet to finish all 3 doses child has been vaccinated if they do not receive missed doses at the next clinics at their of HPV (and who has not received any this Record of Vaccination. Any questions, visit school. from their local doctor) can still receive the NSW Ministry of Health website at: these at the next clinic at their school. WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS NOT http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/ RECEIVED ALL VACCINES Don’t forget a Record of Vaccination is Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx BEFORE THE END OF 2015. given to each student for each vaccination. Parents/guardians should Page 4 Any Year 7 student with missed doses of vaccine can be caught up in 2016. Semester 2 - 2015 DEBATING REPORT—ABBIE GRADY Issue 3

Recently, students from CHS were The second day was more active fortunate to attend a two day with a mini debate consisting of debating workshop at Kotara High CHS boys against the girls. From School. Excitement filled the air on this we learnt about what each Book Packs our first day and as Michelle drove person should do on the team, us on the CHS bus, we looked such as providing evidence for forward to refining and developing our arguments. We learnt a lot $20 our debating and public speaking about the methods and structure skills. of a debate. Lectures filled the first day. There What a great two days! The was so much information and we things I enjoyed most were the Next term (Term 4) we will be once again selling book all walked away with more debate we participated in and the packs for Years 8-10. Collect them from Cessnock knowledge. Even Mrs Bennett who information we gained. High School Office, these are reasonably priced at $20 supervised us for the two days Thank you to Mrs Bennett, each and contain 9 books, pens, pencils and all of the commented that she had learnt lots Michelle and Kotara High School. essential stationery items needed to start the new of new ideas. school year on November 9, 2015. (Items for electives Abbie Grady—8C are not included in book packs) Get in quick, there are limited packs available.

COLLEGE 2—Mrs O’Neill

As we near the end of the term, we same time. Many other students have are talking about it. The formal will be also near the last few days our shown their maturity in assisting with held on November 12th at The Mercure College 2 students will attend younger students regularly at Breakfast Hunter Valley Gardens. The students th school!! This Friday, 18 September, Club and break times in the room set chose the location, and it should be a we will have our Graduation aside for the School Support Officer, great night. assembly at 10:30am, followed by Stacy Jacobs. Some even choose to Although I have only been Year Advisor lunch at the school. We will then say spend their free lessons there, which I for the past 2 years, it has been very goodbye to the students for the last believe has occasionally tested Stacy’s enjoyable and I will miss the students time – excepting of course when they patience! However they are more than terribly. I wish them all good luck in return for their HSC exams next willing to do jobs for her and I am sure whatever it is they choose to do once term. she is thankful. the formal and the year is over. I know from speaking to them that they all For most of the students it has been Although we haven’t had a specific have their own plan, well most of them. a very busy year. Some have been fundraising team, many students have I am sure you too, as parents and attending TAFE courses while still spent a great deal of time raising funds carers, are looking forward to when completing classes at school. Some this year. We have had several smaller the stress of studying and what to wear have been completing the activities that took a great deal of time to the formal is over! Horticulture class here at school on a from some, but the ultimate fundraiser Monday. Whatever it is they have was our Krispy Kreme event. Many been studying, they have hopefully thanks to all of you who supported given it their best and the results will this! We had to collect 190 dozen be worth it! doughnuts!! Many thanks also to Stacy The leadership team, led by our Jacobs who organised a small van to capable Captains Carlo and Emily, collect them. We will be deciding on have been excellent role models for what to spend it on as a gift for the the younger students. They have led school this week. by example in being very studious Most students are probably spending students and fulfilling the more time thinking about the formal at expectations of their roles at the the moment than their studies, as many

Page 5 Cessnock High MATHS/SCIENCE CHALLENGE—Mr Atkinson, Ms Mowatt School News The Maths/Science Challenge has After using up more than half of the Winning Primary Team Abermain been run and won this year, with lunch break and still unable to find a some excellent teams taking part. winner it was decided that this year This year the competition was run there will be joint champions. in stages; Stage 4, 5 and one for our Congratulations to both teams on a partner primary students. tremendous performance. The Stage 4 competition saw more In the Stage 5 competition there were than 50 students compete in what 20 students competing and once again proved to be a very close and the results were close. The champion exciting contest. After the final team on the day contained Jeremy round a team from Year 7 and Year Smith, Cody Robinson, Kyle Gillis and 8 were locked together on points Jace Price. Congratulations. and underwent a number of sudden- Our final competition involved teams death questions to decide a winner. Cessnock Public School from our partner primary schools where teams could include Year 5 or Year 6 Winning Stage 4 teams students. The teams worked well together through a series of rounds and a mathematics relay and after some strong results in the final couple of rounds Abermain Public School took the title as Champion School for 2015. Congratulations and thanks to all who participated.

Winning Stage 5 team

Cessnock East Public School Kitchener Public School

LaST NEWS—Miss Baczynskyj

Students are taught explicit skills in phonics, LaST Update comprehensions and Focus on The learning and Support Reading. With these skills Teachers (LaST’s) have been learners are better equipped working hard at Cessnock High to utilise this knowledge

School to improve literacy. This within the classroom, and have has been achieved in numerous become more confident ways from providing in class learners. support to running intensive It is a pleasure literacy withdrawal groups. to be a teacher We are very pleased with the of such students’ participation, positive delightful young attitude, commitment and learners and a

dedication to the withdrawal staff member of program and as a result we are a school so dedicated to improving literacy across the seeing improved results both in curriculum. Page 6 their learning and attitude. SRC NEWS—Mrs Martin PBL EXCURSION—Mr Hamilton

SRC NEWS to the new leaders. 2016 School It has been another fantastic where they played Laser Tag, Members of the SRC have been Leaders were inducted at the term for Positive Behaviour Ten-Pin Bowling and Karaoke. kept busy this term BBQ’s and College 2 Farewell Assembly at for Learning at Cessnock It was a great day had by all, fundraising for our school. the end of term. A ‘Farewell High School. Our students particularly Mr Penglaze who Students have continued to raise Year 12’ disco was held on have achieved great results performed the Titanic classic money for ‘Kick a Goal for Wednesday night. College 2 across a variety of areas, ‘My Heart Will Go On’, which Sophie’, moving towards our chose a 1920’s ‘Great Gatsby’ both academically and in the brought tears to the eyes of $2000 goal. Thanks to all those theme and looked great representative arena. Our the students. The PBL team students who continually give of dressing up in their finery. school is committed to would like to thank all our their own time for the good of providing a positive and safe students for their effort and Well done to all our SRC others. You are an inspiration! learning environment for all readiness to learn this term. members on your fine efforts students. Following a Leaders for our 2016 school this year - especially College 2, Bring on the V8 Supercars in successful reward excursion year have been nominated after term 4! You have been an exemplary to Maitland Cinema last a rigorous process which sees group of young leaders and we term, students were given Mr Hamilton them, participate in an interview wish you all every success in the the opportunity to select before a panel and present a PBL Universals. Respect, future. their reward for term 3. speech to the student body. This Responsibility, Ready-to- After much deliberation, is a very serious process and can Cessnock High School is very Learn they elected to go to Strike be nerve-wracking speaking in proud of the young men and Bowling at Charlestown front of peers. Congratulations women you have become!

LIBRARY—Mr Riley

Left: David Schmidt, William Hammett, Jayden Gurnhill Right: Year 9 visit the library, Shaun Czemerys, Ryan Franklin, Daniel Still, Tarron White, Zachary Tattersall.

Above: Enjoying the pleasures of the library, Jayden Gurnhill, Ky Callaghan, Callum Campbell, Brian Davey Right: Students with new books, Holden Hines, Jayden Gurnhill, Ky Callaghan, Brian Davey, Callum Campbell, David Schmidt.

Page 7 HSC ARTWORKS HSC ARTWORKS

College students completed a Body of Work for their Visual Arts Higher School Certificate Examination. The work represented here (and on the next page), illustrates the diversity in art forms and conceptual ideas. Works were developed over 15 weeks, bringing together artistic intentions and research of influential artists and their artworks. Ms Robson YEAR 5/6 TRANSITION SPORTS GALA DAY—Mrs Miles

Cessnock High School welcomed 240 students in Years 5 and 6 for a sport gala day. All local primary schools attended and showed great participation and sportsmanship.

The message for the day was “I like to move it” . Students were taught the importance of regular physical activity to prevent lifestyle diseases and achieving holistic well-being.

Students earned their team points in a tabloid event and also in a soccer round robin competition. All teams had to design a team bandana and earned there teams extra points in bonus round activities including gangnam style, heads and tails and strike pose competitions.

A great day was had by all and the winning teams won a football to take home. A special thanks must go to The College Sport Coaching class and Year 10 PASS class students who helped run the day and to Mrs Troy for organising the BBQ and bandanas.

LIFELONG PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STARTS WHEN YOU ARE A CHILD

YEAR 7 SPORTS GALA DAY CRICKET— TRY CRICKET DAY WORK EXPERIENCE—YEAR 10

Thomas - Planning for the future

Liam repairing a fountain at The Convent, Pokolbin

Jayk weighing sausages at Barry’s Quality Meats

Daniel stocking the shelves at Best and Less

Jacob gives 2 thumbs up to working at the Council.

Caeley stocking the shelves at Best and Less The Back Page

NSW Department of Education and Communities FROM THE SPORTS DESK Mr Goodwin

Cessnock High School Cessnock High School has continued to excel in number of opportunities to participate in Aberdare Road, the sporting arena this term. Individually, we had sport for the remainder of the year. Year 7 th Cessnock NSW 2325 3 participants represent their school, Coalfields gala day ran at Maitland Park on the 11 Zone and the Hunter Region at the NSW CHS September with great success in 2015 once

State carnival held over three days at Sydney again. As usual the weather was perfect Phone: 4990 1977 Olympic Park. Congratulations to Jeremy Smith, along with the behaviour and participation of Fax: 4991 1815 Liam King and Mitchell O’Neill for such an all of our attending Year 7 students. This Email: amazing achievement. Liam’s 4th in the shot put is annual day is always a fantastic opportunity [email protected] an outstanding result and the whole school and for students to mingle and compete with all Principal: Mr Chris Bice Coalfields Zone is proud of his efforts. other Year 7 students across the Coalfields Zone. Deputy Principals: Our team sports have also excelled this term with the U/15’s girls basketball beating two Before the sporting year is out the Year 7 Year 7, 9, College 1 strong opponents to advance to the Hunter and 8 netball and cricket gala days and a Mrs Liana Gill Schools round robin tournament. Ms White and number of rugby league opportunities are events that students should keep an ear out Year 8, 10, College 2 the girls have recorded the best result for a CHS for during the morning messages. I look team in many years. Ms Hayley Macdonald forward to seeing Cessnock High School Despite term 3 and 4 seeing the end to the continue to perform and succeed in all these Year Advisors year’s major carnivals, students still have a sporting opportunities. Year 7 Mrs Martin

Year 8 Ms Burke

Year 9 Mr Penglaze

Year 10 Mr Ryan

College 1 Mr Goodwin

College 2 Mrs O’Neill

Head Teachers English Miss Payne HSIE Mrs Duncan

Maths Mr Atkinson PD/H/PE Mrs Miles

Science Ms Mowatt CAPA Ms Falconer

TAS Mrs Fairweather State Athletics Representatives, Liam King, Mitchell O’Neill, Support Mrs Bruce Rlg Jeremy Smith. Congratulations on a fantastic effort to all three Suspension Centre Ms Doolan boys.

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