Education Matters 2015 Term 2 Week 6 21 May 2015 Dear Parents, Families, Friends, Staff and Students Diary Dates This Term Is Really Moving at a Rapid Rate

Education Matters 2015 Term 2 Week 6 21 May 2015 Dear Parents, Families, Friends, Staff and Students Diary Dates This term is really moving at a rapid rate... where has the time gone. As we continue into the latter weeks of Term 2 the pace continues Thursday 4th June with a number of events and opportunities presenting themselves Next School Newsletter along with all the usual activities at school.

Tuesday 26th May Tennant Creek High School - The first major event is next week with a formal School Review taking School Photos place. The team reviewing the school from all angles is Brian Collins,

Friday 29th May Bill Armstrong (Regional Director of the Barkly Region) and Anne Student Free Day White (Principal Katherine High School). The team will be present at school all week conducting a range of interviews with different th Friday 29 May stakeholders to gauge the school’s performance and future Staff Personal Development Day direction. This is an opportunity that is welcomed and the feedback Friday 5th June received will be invaluable. TCHS Athletics Carnival th Friday 19th June School photos will also be commencing from Tuesday 26 May 2015 Last day of Term 2 with the school contracting locally. Ms Natasha Nichols will be completing the school photos over 3 days next week allowing th Monday 20 July flexibility to complete our school photos without the traditional rush. Term 3 commences for staff School photo packages are ready for collection at the front office Tuesday 21st July and many students have already taken them home for family Term 3 commences for consideration. The school will be purchasing a photo of every students student at the school for our own records. Students will need to be

Friday 21st August ready and wearing their school uniform. TCHS School Formal There is a letter that has been circulating that has hopefully made it

home to families explaining the circumstances of the student free day next Friday 29th May 2015. All Tennant Creek High School staff will be involved in a whole of School Professional Development Day endorsed by the school council. This Professional Development Day

will focus on School Wide Positive Behaviour facilitated by Louise O’Kelly. This is a fantastic opportunity for staff development and as previously explained students will not be required to attend school

on this day as there will be no programmed lessons or supervision provided.

Make sure that you mark Friday 5th June in your diary; the long

awaited Athletics Carnival is scheduled for this day and the anticipation is growing. Let’s see which house emerges victorious in 2015 and let the competition begin. An invitation is extended to all families to come along to what is a top day. Feel free to come and help out or join the crowd in cheering on the students and staff participating in events or even have a race in the relays or participate in the novelty events yourself. Ms Maisie Floyd Learn Today - Lead Tomorrow Principal Education Matters

Breakfast Club Program Remember to come along every morning from 7.30 — 8.00am (Monday to Friday) and have breakfast. We have Toast, Spreads, Fruit and Juice on offer so come and have a bite to eat before school starts and begin the day feeling happy.

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

26th May - Tuesday Block 1 and 2: Individual student photos and Sibling photos

26th May – Tuesday Block 3: Staff individual photos

27th May – Wednesday Block 1: Year 7 / 8 / 9 Group photos

27th May – Wednesday Block 2: Year 10 / 11 / 12 Group photos

27th May – Wednesday lunch 1230pm to 1255pm: Staff Group photo

27th May – Wednesday Block 3: Clontarf / Stronger Sisters etc

28th May – Thursday: Catch up day

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

Where: High School

When: Friday 5th June 2015

Time: 8.15am to 2.40pm

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

to the following students who celebrated their birthday over the past fortnight…

9th May - Michael Woodman / Maddison Burns

11th May - Venita Newcastle

12th May - Taliyah Bradshaw

13th May - Charles Walden

16th May - Tessila Newcastle

22nd May - Ms Maisie Floyd

Maddison Venita Tessila Ms Floyd

Georgie

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

Catalonia? A state of Spain, or a country living within a country? That’s the question. Many Catalonian people believe this. The different languages, cultures and beliefs, they claim themselves as entirely different people to the Spanish. These are the talking points which need to be discussed when considering a break-off from their “parent” nation Spain. The politics of it is huge and of course it should be, they’re talking about a state of a country becoming its own nation. The political effect Football Club Barcelona has on the decision is frightening and the way politicians or ‘top dogs’ will use this world powerhouse is just as scary. As much as people don’t want to hear it, sports and politics do mix. Especially in the “world game” they seem to go hand in hand.

FC Barcelona, one of the biggest clubs in the world. FC Barcelona, one of the biggest pawns Catalonia has in its bid for freedom. One ex-Catalan parliament separatist member, who has now been exiled to the UK, tells The Guardian how his father always said “the day there are chants for independence at the Camp Nou is the day we will get independence.” This single quote represents what I think is the untapped power this club has in its nation’s bid for ‘freedom’. This single quote said by one man; however I think represents many people’s points of view who want to see Catalonia, the nation and who see Barca as the way to make this reality. If Catalonia was too break away now Barca could no longer take part in the Spanish League and would be left in sporting wilderness and in turn one of the world’s best, wealthiest and most powerful teams would exist but wouldn’t be doing what it does best. Simply, entertaining. The rule is, only one non-Spanish team can play in La Liga and at the moment that’s reserved for FC Andorra of the nation with the same name. However how can the rules possibly be taken into account when Catalonia the nation does not yet exist, surely there are powers hidden somewhere that can change this law and it would be very justifiable because you’re changing the law to suit a country’s birth. The law itself and its stubbornness is almost a reflection of La Liga and of Spain saying to Catalonia that if you leave where will your beloved Barcelona go. In fact the president of the league said “if you go, where are you going to play?” This is totally the wrong approach. They’re simply waiting for Barca to call their bluff. With a league dominated by two teams, maybe three, Continued...

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters you cannot simply let one of them walk out. The revenue, the fame, even just being associated with them brings you fame and I’m sure a nice bit of money. So Javier Tebas, the president, says, “The only way Catalan teams could play is if the Parliament itself decides to change the laws, and we can’t control politics. It would be in their hands.” That’s just lazy. The league itself, who is it governed by? The La Liga board and presidents, that’s who. To say you can’t control the rules of the thing itself you’ve been founded to take care of. The blame shifting has started already. La Liga straight away, before anyone else, has already tried to uninvolve itself. It’s ridiculous, as an Australian imagine the AFL governing bodies having to go through the Federal Government to make sure a new expansion club could play. If this is the case in Spain however, Barca has no chance. Spain, a proud nation, would not change its rules so that they would be suited to the formation of a new country. Especially if the country is Catalonia. So in turn if Catalonia leaves Mr. Tebas has handed FC Barcelona a leave-and-don’t-return card. He surely must be Spanish, because loyalty to his home nation has indicated this. He definitely is not looking after the league when he comes out with comments like this. I think within the next 10 years Catalonia will no longer be a state of Spain, however young, it’ll be its own self-functioning nation. Now when it comes to football its ventures to become a member of FIFA and UEFA would be complete if not well under way. They would have their own national team as well as their own national league, however low the standards. Now Barca would ultimately have three choices. Try to stay in Spain and push for the right to play there, but really why play where you’re not wanted. Second choice: play in what I think would be the lowly league levels in Catalonia where only one other team would have the experience in playing in a top tier. What I feel is the smartest and most viable option would be for Barca to join the French league. Ligue 1’s set-up is very similar to that of the Spanish League. Yes, the game speed and style of play are very different but like Spain at the moment the French league is dominated by three teams and the rest are just making up the numbers. In terms of silverware Barcelona would have no problem. Paris St. Germain (PSG) has arguably been one of the best funded team in the world over the past couple of seasons. Even with all their spending they did not stand a chance against Barcelona in a recent Champions Cup clash where over two legs they lost 5-1 and to be honest they were actually utterly embarrassed by the performances. One of the best defences in France were run around by Barca. So hypothetically if Catalonia were to become independent next year and FC Barcelona were quick to join Ligue 1, then definitely in a decade or so time out of all the trophies they could win I feel they could at least have 20 to their name. Joining the French league would also be smart on behalf of the players. Barca host some of the greatest of all time and some still in the making such as Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Neymar and Suarez. The biggest names want to play in the biggest competitions. The Ligue 1 would be no step down. I for one am not going to come out with a political point of view saying if it’s right for Catalonia to become its own nation or not. However as a football fan and, someone who loves the way Barca plays, do not want to see them fold. I can’t see this happening with the options I gave before, but La Liga just wouldn’t be the same without Barcelona nor I think would Barcelona be the same without La Liga. It’s their heritage, the league they helped found, the league they have dominated for years. You don’t just play the same teams for decades and not have some respect as well as the bitter rivalries (not just locational but traditional as well), we love to see. So, I can’t see the great FC Barcelona just folding and no longer being in existence but, I would love to see them continue to do what we all know they were made to do in La Liga, and that is, simply, to entertain.

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

Strength Courage Unity Everyone is thrilled to hear that Ms Webb has arrived safe and sound in NSW and is busy settling into her home and awaiting the arrival of baby. The Stronger Sisters room was abuzz with excitement and also tears. During the course of the morning tea, both students and Ms Webb were given the opportunity to reflect upon special times at Tennant Creek. There was also a mad rush to have a photo with Ms Webb. As promised, we will keep Ms Webb up to date with our school newsletter and what is happening with the Stronger Sisters. All the best Ms Webb and we look forward to hearing about the safe arrival of your baby in the weeks to come.

Continued...

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

Softball is back in Tennant Creek...

It has been a long 20 years but finally Softball starts again in Tennant Creek. We hope a lot of girls join in on the competition and support this initiative organised by Sport and Rec. The Stronger Sisters have organised a team and they will be led by Support Staff member Tiffany Albert and Year 11 students Tshanka Storey and Natasha May. Once the competition is up and running we will also fundraise for some super Softball uniforms. Here’s to a lot of action every Saturday morning.

Games will be held at Purkiss Reserve oval on Saturdays at 9.30am sharp. Stronger Sisters Mentor Team

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

For the past few weeks the Certificate I AgriFood students have been using the metal workshop to learn about workshop safety and the use of hand and power tools. Students have been making portable BBQs that could be thrown in the back of the car to take camping. This work is part of their unit which is called “Work Safely” and “Maintain the workplace”. The first BBQ finished last week was by Adnya Barton-Bright. Worthy of mention is the fact that Adnya showed some initiative when he re-designed the legs so that they would lay flat when folded. Later this was found to weaken the legs so he added strengthening struts where needed.

Antonio Godilla and Chabascoe Bostock Adnya Barton-Bright grinding some using one of the welding bays. excess steel back.

Teacher

The work team with the first BBQ - back row (L to R): Chad Walker, Emilio Dobbs, Jacob Spratt, Antonio Godilla, Alvino Anderson, Zac Limerick and Jamarl Bostock front row (L to R): Chabascoe Bostock, Troyston Corbett and Adnya Barton-Bright

Mr Jon Eckart Mr Jon

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters Tennant Creek High School: Certificate I in AgriFood Operations and Certificate II in Rural Operations

Come, try and explore!

It’s an incredible course. Only Tennant Creek High School offers this opportunity.

“I started my certificate in AgriFood Operations in 2014 and since then I “I love going out to Bluebush, with my have learned a lot of new skills and work friends in the class and my teacher Ms in a team with my classmates. This year I Gina. I love working with the cattle started my cert II in Rural Operations and horses, and I learn different things and we are doing lots of different every time we go out to Bluebush.” - things.” - Jezeeta Tessila. Continued...

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters Certificate I in Why should you join Certificate II in AgriFood Operations AgriFood Cert I? Rural Operations  Because you will gain In Certificate II students go new skills about the out to Bluebush every land and animals as second week, and do horse well as learning to work, cattle work, fencing work with new people. and a range of other things. The week that the students Tennant Creek High School  Get to be up close are not out bush they do gives students opportunities with animals and some welding and paper to explore a new class with always out in the work on Thursdays and on new skills to learn along the outdoors in the Fridays they do some way, and that class is garden learning to hospitality in the Home AgriFood Operations. If the plant food and Economics Room. students are in Year 8/9 they learning how to keep In Cert II the students have can start Certificate I in a good garden clean to cover 16 units by the end Agr iF o od O per a ti ons . and tidy. At the end of of two years. The students Students will learn new skills the year you will end all work together in the such as fencing, working up with a Certificate I classroom to finish each unit with cattle and when on i n A g r i F o o d with help from each other school grounds they go Operations. and the teacher. down to the garden to do This class does not have some planting and also look This is a great opportunity many young ladies in it after the chickens in the for young students to get in because they do not know classroom. This class will also and open up a pathway for what this class is about. This be working as a team, their future also learning school is looking for more helping each other, new great skills along the young ladies with the discussing things and just way. potential to get along with joining in. others and learn new skills.

The school is giving you the great opportunity to become a part of this class and it can also open doors to your future career and pathway in life. This would be a great Certificate to have in the future. Agrifood and Rural Operations Students

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This term Middle Years Health classes with be participating in the ‘Better Choices Program’ facilitated by Anyinginyi Stronger Families employees.

During the sessions students will be participating in learning activities based on the following topics:

• Bullying • Drugs & Alcohol • Relationships • Personal Health & Wellbeing

Educational resources will be shown during class which will include: posters, videos and songs.

If you have any questions about this opportunity then please feel free to make contact with the school.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Martin Power and Ms Tahlia Rutherford Health & Physical Education Teachers

Confidence Acceptance Respect Excellence Safety Education Matters

We encourage all students from Year 7 to 12 to attend Homework Club or Sundowner’s as this is a great way to finish any work that you have outstanding and also to get help from our wonderful teachers/staff at Tennant Creek High School.

Homework Club Middle Years:

Monday 2.45pm to 3.45pm

Tuesday 2.45pm to 3.45pm

Thursday 2.45pm to 3.45pm

Sundowner’s Senior Years:

Monday 7pm to 9pm

Tuesday 7pm to 9pm

Wednesday 7pm to 9pm

Thursday 7pm to 9pm

Sunday 1pm to 5pm

SCHOOL CONTACTS

Principal Maisie Floyd

Assistant Principal Pauline Davenport

SECONDARY CAMPUS [Middle & Senior Years] Telephone 8962 2102 Fax 8962 3334

PO Box 546 Tennant Creek NT 0861

EVERY CHILD, EVERY DAY Learn Today - Lead Tomorrow