THE REDGUMREDGUM GLENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Innovation Opportunity Diversity Success
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THETHE REDGUMREDGUM GLENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Innovation Opportunity Diversity Success ISSUE 5 TERM 3 6 AUGUST 2014 Tribute to Mrs Amanda Atkinson 9/6/1957 – 24/6/2014 Mrs Atkinson dedicated her working life to the education of our children focusing, not only on developing their mathematical skills, but also on the wellbeing of every child in her care. Mrs Atkinson began teaching in 1980 and taught at Killara High School as a reserve teacher whilst she waited for a permanent position to become available with the Department of Education. At the end of February she was appointed to Mosman High School where she didn’t use photocopiers or printers but gestetner machines to reproduce the mostly hand written handouts for students. Following two years at Mosman High School, Mrs Atkinson was appointed to Cumberland High School where she remained for 10 years. She then transferred to Erskine Park High School in 1992 and on to Windsor High School in 1995. In 1998 she was appointed Head Teacher Mathematics at Windsor High School. After more than three years as Head Teacher, Mrs Atkinson joined the newly formed Secondary Numeracy Assessment Program (SNAP) at Bankstown State Office. The SNAP program applied best practice in assessing numeracy through extended responses, providing the opportunity for Year 7 & 8 students to communicate mathematically. This was ground breaking practice and was successfully implemented at state wide level and was a forerunner of the NAPLAN tests we have today. Mrs Atkinson worked with the SNAP team for a period of 6 years rising to the position of Principal Education Officer, in which time the assessment went from strength to strength, from pilot to a highly regarded cross curricula program. From this position Mrs Atkinson took on the role of Special Project Officer, supporting the work of the Director of the Educational Measurement and School Accountability Directorate (EMSAD). Mrs Atkinson’s work with the Director involved providing policy advice, giving presentations, representing the Directorate on various committees and conferences, advising on restructures, organising correspondence and parliamentary briefings to Ministerial enquiries for the whole directorate as well as managing the Director’s workflow. She performed these difficult duties with the utmost efficiency and discretion. Seeking further challenges in 2011, Mrs Atkinson accepted a position as Policy Advisor to the Illawarra Regional Director, a position of enormous responsibility. In 2012 Mrs Atkinson found her way back into the school environment when she was appointed Head Teacher Mathematics at Glenwood High School. Telephone: 9629 9577 Fax: 9629 2796 Website: www.glenwood-h.schools.nsw.edu.au At Glenwood High School Mrs Atkinson calmly led a large, dynamic faculty of outstanding teachers. Teachers who consistently inspire students to improve their skills resulting in exceptional Higher School Certificate results. Mrs Atkinson quickly recognised the gift she had received through her appointment and praised the work of the Mathematics Faculty every day. She was a true advocate of their practice and strove to support them in every way. Mrs Atkinson used the vast skills she had gained working in EMSAD and led the Numeracy Team at Glenwood High School helping teachers to develop a stronger understanding of the importance of numeracy in all key learning areas. Mrs Atkinson’s compassion for others was evident in her work with the Learning and Support Team at Glenwood High School. She played a vital role in the development of processes and policies to ensure students with learning and support needs were able to access the curriculum and have every opportunity for academic success. Similarly, Mrs Atkinson’s work with the Aboriginal students was exceptional. She mentored the coordinator of Aboriginal education ensuring all educational needs of the students were addressed. Her particular passion for Aboriginal education manifested itself in assemblies and special recognition of Aboriginal culture across the whole school. She brought all our Aboriginal students together once a fortnight so they could get to know each other and discuss their plans for the future. As Head Teacher Mathematics, Mrs Atkinson was a key member of the school leadership team. She was our processes expert helping with the coordination of assemblies and offering advice to streamline the many procedures and policies needed in a large high school. On 18th June 2014 the executive team began planning for the future – looking at what we hope to achieve as a school in the next five years. Mrs Atkinson’s enthusiasm for this planning and how she could contribute to the second decade of Glenwood High School was inspiring. Little did we know that she would not be able to join us on the physical part of this journey. However, we know she will be with us in spirit always. Finally as a classroom practitioner, Mrs Atkinson’s passion for mathematics was obvious. Her many students recognised this passion, inspiring them to excel in the classroom. However, and more importantly, her students recognised Amanda’s nurturing side. Much to their delight she treated her Year 11 class to homemade cupcakes on her birthday earlier this month. Parents have commented how she would always go above and beyond to ensure their children’s needs were addressed. Students, staff and parents have many happy memories of Mrs Atkinson at Glenwood High School. Her positive personality and nurturing approach will be appreciated forever. Her passion for mathematics and commitment to public education resonated in all aspects of her working life. Telephone: 9629 9577 Fax: 9629 2796 Website: www.glenwood-h.schools.nsw.edu.au From the Principal \ Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. - Dr. Seuss In Praise of Our School Community On behalf of the Glenwood High School community I would like to thank all of the caring and considerate people who expressed condolences and showed selfless support to all of us after the loss of Mrs Amanda Atkinson on 24th June 2014. The staff were overwhelmed by the generous community response and in particular, the respectful, responsible and compassionate reaction from our student body. The empathy and concern they showed for both their peers and their teachers cemented our belief that we truly belong to the most wonderful community. To have students approach staff and stress that they want the teachers to know they can rely on them for support is astounding. At their own time of grief they were still thinking of others in the true Glenwood way. Year 12 baked cakes, biscuits and slices for the staff on the last day of term and presented us with beautiful flower bouquets. Accompanying the flowers were letters addressed to ‘Our Incredible Teachers’. A letter that brought tears to us all. The students at Glenwood are a very special group of young people. Parents and carers you must be as proud as we are of these fine young men and women. Semester 1 Reports By the time this article is published all students will have received their Half-Yearly Reports. I have been very impressed with the quality of the reports and the huge number of students who have improved their skills and knowledge so far this year. Parents/carers are encouraged to compare previous reports with their children to celebrate improvement as well as identify areas for particular focus. Open Girls Soccer Team - Final Eight in the State Our wonderful Open Girls Soccer Team defeated Kelso High School (Queanbeyan) 201, on Friday 27th June 2014. The girls and many of their parents travelled to Bathurst on the Friday accompanied by Mr Stefanic(Coach) and Mr Wood (Coach). It was a great way to end the term. The team then played Freshwater Senior High School on Tuesday 22nd July, 2014 but unfortunately were defeated 1-0. Throughout the entire game they never gave up against a much bigger and older team. We are very proud of their skill, sportsmanship and teamwork. Congratulations Kira Owen (C), Year 12; Nicole Adamson, Year 12; Rachel Camara, Year 12; Caitlin Barlow, Year 12; Renee Blakemore, Year 11; Lucinda Pickett, Year 11; Sarah Zavovich, Year 11; Olivia Callaghan, Year 11; Laura Byrom, Year 11; Lydia Surgeon, Year 10; Tayla Chaplin, Year 10; Ruth Wigley, Year 9; Tiana Jaber, Year 9; Lauren Santos, Year 9; and Lisa Mays, Year 8. Congratulations to Year 11 Crossroads Camp Participants I have had wonderful feedback from Mrs Fleurant, Year 11 Adviser, about the Year 11 students who attended the Crossroads Camp, 23rd – 25th July 2014. She said the instructors at camp were extremely impressed with the students, stating that compared to some other schools the students were a breeze. One instructor said it was more like a holiday working with our students than being at work and another said she had been working at the camp for 3 years and it was the best group she had ever had. Worthy praise indeed, and I know the teachers on camp were so proud of the way the students interacted and supported each other in the challenging physical activities. Once again Glenwood High School students prove to the world that they are amazing young men and women. Telephone: 9629 9577 Fax: 9629 2796 Website: www.glenwood-h.schools.nsw.edu.au P&C Back to the 80s Fundraising Night – Saturday 9th August 2014 Our fabulous P&C are organising a great night out for all of us. The theme for the evening is ‘Back to 80s’ so dust off those formal dresses and come along. We are looking forward to a great evening with a live band and lots of auction items. We may even have a certain P&C President warm up her vocal chords and treat all of us! The P&C have been working hard collecting lots of sponsors and the prizes look amazing.