FROM THE PRINCIPAL

PRINCIPALS REPORT There are always so many fantastic items of news to share in the school newsletter, but I will start with my own news. After over 2 years of relieving in the position of Principal, I have been fortunate enough to be merit selected as the substantive Principal this month. It is an honour to be Principal of this wonderful school, and I am thrilled with the appointment. The vacancy has been created by the retirement of our former Principal, Mrs Anne-Marie Gill, who has been working in our network in the last 2 years as Principal, School Leadership, an incredible support to Principals and schools, specifically with strategic planning and evaluation. On Thursday 25th November she was honoured with a staff morning tea. Anne-Marie has been an outstanding teacher and leader in NSW Public Education. She has taught students at Lake Cargellico Central School, ; taught and led at Corowa High School, Batlow High School, and James Fallon High School. Her warmth, intelligence, fairness, sense of family and her constant ability to maintain a positive perspective have made her one of the finest educators in the . Our school is better for her leadership and I know many students, parents and staff have been mentored, guided, supported and inspired by her. She will retire to spend time with her family, which has always been her first and most important love. I know how lucky I am to call Anne-Marie Gill my friend and mentor. She deserves the best and brightest of retirements.

The year is drawing to a close, with the HSC and graduation done, the Year 10 Record of School Achievement assessments submitted, elective subjects for 2017 completed, and the Magazine sent to the printers. With every year, I marvel at the extent of student achievement and staff support at James Fallon High School. Anticipated numbers for 2017 show growth in our enrolment, which is positive for the future. 2017 There are strong plans in place for 2017 to improve our school further. A team of leaders travelled to in late October to investigate a framework for school improvement alongside our learning community and the two other secondary schools in Albury. This has added a 2 year step by step plan to our Year 7 focus and beyond for 2017. There will be deliberate changes to the way students are supported in their learning, in order to further personalise and engage our students. Some of those changes for Year 7 (as a starting point) include:

• A specific selection of Year 7 teachers who will receive support and training in their classroom practice throughout the year; • A reduction of teachers whereby Geography and Indonesian and History and English will be taught in each Year 7 class by the one teacher; • The explicit lesson outline of learning intentions and success criteria for each Year 7 lesson; • Skills based learning experiences that will support improving literacy for each Year7 student. While the focus is on Year 7, the amount of teachers involved will span over half of the staff, and will therefore support classes in the other year groups. Also, for the whole school, the changes include: • Horizontal (year group) rolls for closer and more supported monitoring of attendance; • Teachers facilitating project based learning, with the support of Big Picture Australia, as a Big Picture Inspired School; • A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning centre and an ISTEM elective class in Year 8.

Our staff are keen to work towards these goals, to further increase student achievement. To facilitate this learning and improve student access to technology, moveable laptop labs have been purchased for 6 key learning areas, with mini labs being developed in the new Drama Space (the Box – the baby version of the Cube) and in the TAS area. To University…and beyond! We have enjoyed huge success with our university partnerships and early entry schemes in 2016 and all looks very promising for 2017. We have had several students achieve early entry already for La Trobe University and The University of Wollongong, including: La Trobe University: Aspire Program This is for volunteer work in the community –entry is on a minimal ATAR.AW – Albury Wodonga. Georgia Pontt - Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Occupational Therapy Practice (AW) Timothy Osteraas - Bachelor of Business (Accounting) (AW) Katalina Brown -Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work (AW) Sasha Enever - Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work (AW) Sarah Booth - Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) (AW) Arjun Majhi -Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (Bendigo) Sophie Peffer - Bachelor of Arts (Melbourne Bundoora) Hannah Knight - Bachelor of Arts (Melbourne Bundoora) Lucy Mckenzie - Bachelor of Criminology (Melbourne Bundoora) Cameron Evans -Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Relations (Melbourne Bundoora) University of Wollongong: Early Entry Scheme This information may not be complete, as others to inform the school of their outcome. Curtis Iverson – Bachelor of Science (Pre-Medicine) Hannah Knight – Bachelor of Arts Meagan Woods – Bachelor of Arts Lucy McKenzie – Bachelor of Arts Our two local universities have worked so very positively with our school this year. Charles Sturt and JFHS have been a Professional Experience Hub from 2015 under the Great Teaching, Inspired Learning Blueprint. JFHS is the one of only rural high schools to be identified and charged with the development of highly innovative professional practice experiences for university students in a learning community model, in partnership with Charles Sturt University. Initial undertakings have shown highly positive outcomes for pre-service teachers. Charles Sturt University has identified our staff peer coaching model as a distinguisher for innovation in Initial Teacher Education, and in 2017, a member of our staff will be teaching alongside Charles Sturt University academics in the K-12 Education third year course. La Trobe University and JFHS have developed a pilot scheme commencing with Year 11 this term to support student aspirations. Already the school has enjoyed exposure to local university events and excursions, but this pilot involved liaising with the Head of Campus at La Trobe University to create a model of student entry to appropriate higher education beyond ATAR requirements, based on the Melbourne Declaration of Educational Goals for Young Australians. This could mean that up to 50 Year 11 students could be supported to achieve local university entry, thanks to this local initiative. Wow!

There is so much to celebrate at our school. Enjoy the end of year events. Jenny Parrett PRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM

Year 12 - 2016

With the final HSC examination over, the final formal assembly complete and the graduation dinner done, the school has farewelled this wonderful group of students. Right down to Pam and Dan’s final speech, delivered at the Commercial Club a few days ago, the class of 2016 did themselves and their school proud.

On 15th December the HSC marks will be released. All staff, particularly teachers of our 2016 HSC students, look forward to seeing the dedication and sustained effort of so many of our students recognised and rewarded at that time.

Year 11

As one HSC year comes to a close, so another begins.

Year 11 students are already at the halfway point of their first term of four in their HSC courses. With the first of the HSC formal assessment tasks in most subjects falling due over the second half of this term, it is important that students plan and structure their study and homework timetables so that they meet deadlines.

In order to assist that process, Mrs Lieschke has established a streamlined mentor program earlier than in previous years for those Year 11 students who requested a mentor teacher with whom they could meet regularly in order to be supported throughout their HSC year.

Whether students have elected to be paired with a teacher mentor or not; communicating clearly with teachers, as well as being familiar with assessment schedules and the procedures of variations to assessment are sought, are all important to each student’s success now and throughout the next 11 months.

If in doubt, students should always ask and ask early.

Year 7 2017

Our second Information Evening for the families of our 2017 Year 7 students was held in the school hall on Tuesday, 8th November. There were a good many families in attendance, almost all of them sending a child to high school for the first time. Mr Donnelly, the 2017 Year Adviser, who reminded us that he will be ushering through what will become the HSC class of 2022 (!), provided a good deal of practical information and advice. An information kit including details around uniform, book pack purchases for next year’s Year 7 and important dates were also distributed to families.

Any parent or carer who was unable to attend this final information session should feel free to contact Mr Donnelly or me at the school if they wish to collect the information kit or if they have any questions about high school for their child in 2017.

Ross McGarvie Deputy Principal Curriculum (Rel.)

CALENDAR TERM 4 WEEK 1 – WEEK 5 Year 7 Formal Assembly Wednesday 7th December - 9.30am

Year 9 Formal Assembly Friday 9th December – 9.20 am

Year 8 Formal Assembly Friday 9th December – 11.00am

Years 10 and 11 Formal Assembly Friday 9th December – 1.00pm

Annual JFHS Presentation Night – Albury Entertainment th Monday 12 December – 6.30pm Centre Final Day of School Friday 16th December, 2016 Monday 30th Jan 2017 – Years 7, 11,and 12 2017 Back to School st Tuesday 31 Jan 2017 – All students JAMES FALLON PRESENTATION BALL 2016

The annual James Fallon High School Presentation Ball was held on Friday 23rd September. There were a total of 24 couples who were committed to learning two dances throughout Term 3, giving up their Sunday nights and sport afternoons.

The Presentation Ball allows the couples to be a part of a tradition that acknowledges the move into a new phase of life with different roles and responsibilities. These roles could be entering into their final year of secondary education or moving into further training or the workplace. The night gives the presentation couples and their loved ones a reason to celebrate their achievements in a formal setting with a great deal of fun mixed in. Special thanks must go to Steve from Bowen’s Entertainment for providing all of the fun of the evening and to The Entertainment Centre for allowing the night to run as smoothly as it did. If any current Year 10 students are interested in participating in the 2017 Presentation Ball, be sure to listen out for announcement s regarding sign up during Term 2 of next year. We will be holding meetings to discuss the organisation of the night as well as a parent information evening. Many thanks to the amazing young people who participated in the 2016 James Fallon High School Presentation Ball, hopefully many memories were made and cherished. Mrs Ainsly Vigar, Ms Aimee Baldock, Mr Adam Donnelly. Presentation Ball Committee

2016 HSC DRAMA PERFORMANCES

On Tuesday 30th August, Year 12 Drama performed their major works for the HSC.

Mikahla Williams Drama

SPECIAL EDUCATION

History

Miss Callaghan’s wonderful History class from Special Education studied the Vikings.

They found it very interesting to find out that the Vikings came from North-West Europe, around Scandinavia. The Vikings lived a harsh and cold life trying to live off the land and the ocean. When trying to gain more land for farming, the Vikings went on raids and simply took what they wanted. They were very hard and scary people. This is how they got their name Viking – because viking means raiding. The students learned that the Vikings were not just mad marauders; they actually were responsible for changing the face of nautical history. The Vikings designed a boat that was shallow enough to come right up to the coastline. Further, this design of being pointy at both ends meant that it did not need to be turned around to go forward. It did not matter which way the boat was facing to move. This design allowed for many surprise attacks on. The shallow depth of the longboat meant that it could go further up rivers than ever before. This meant that many more places were reached and raided by the Vikings. To take these long ocean journeys, the Vikings need a good food supply. They were responsible for devising a way to dry fish so that it would keep for long periods of time. This became a great item to trade with. During their study of the Vikings, the students were also very hands on in making their own version of a Viking Longboat. The students researched longboat design; shield design, helmet and sword design so they could accurately recreate their own pieces. The reward for their hard work and study came when the class of Vikings went raining around the school. They took the Principal hostage, stole loot from the library and front office. The Deputy Principal was raided also and he handed each viking their very own award for achievement and effort and hard work in this unit. They even made the Special Education Head Teacher, Ms Webster, a slave. Finally, they enjoyed the fruits of their raid around the giant, nine metre Viking Longboat. Every student was involved in all aspects of design and creation and they all very much enjoyed the raiding part the best.

Year 7 Multicat

Miss Callaghan’s Year 7 Multicat class studied about Ancient China. In doing so, they decided to recreate a section of the Great Wall of China. In doing this, they carefully researched the wall and made some of their own drawings. There are many interesting facts to be learnt about the Great Wall of China, such as; because it stretches over 6300 kilometres there were over 700 lookout towers along the wall. Also, as so many people died while building the wall, it can be considered as quite a large cemetery. The wall began construction over 2000 years ago and continued to be built and added to throughout many future dynasties. A famous myth circulates about the Great Wall of China. It is said that it can be seen from space. Unfortunately this is not true. The Year 7 Multicat class worked very well as a team to complete this project together.

Simone Callaghan Special Education

ATTENDANCE @ JFHS

The law in NSW places the responsibility on parents to ensure their child is enrolled at a government or non- government school and attends the school whenever teaching is provided (or is registered for home schooling). Under Section 22 of the Education Act 1990 parents have a legal duty to ensure their school- aged children attend school. Non- attendance at school for a prolonged period of time without satisfactory explanation is classified as Educational Neglect. School staff are duty bound to report such cases to Community Services which may result in an investigation and further action by them.

It is important to communicate any concerns you have with your child’s attendance to the school. Working together with the school often solves the problem. If more assistance is needed the school can refer the case to the Home School Liaison Program. The Home School Liaison Officer will work with you and the school to develop strategies to improve attendance. If this is not successful the Department may choose to proceed with legal action which could result in prosecution and a fine of up to $11 000.

It is important for your child’s attendance to stay above 85%

Missing just one day a week will put your child below this line and the school will contact you to discuss their welfare, if no reason (e.g prolonged illness) has been provided

HIGH ATTENDANCE = MORE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES = MORE QUALIFICATIONS = MORE CHOICE

Ways for parents to encourage attendance:

Regularly check your child’s attendance record at the school to see if it matches with your own record.

Talk regularly with your child about school and how they feel about it. They are more likely to attend if they feel supported and their anxieties are acknowledged.

Only grant days at home for genuine illness.

Avoid taking holidays in school time.

Praise and reward good attendance and punctuality in the mornings.

If you have concerns, ring the school and ask to talk to your child’s Year Adviser.

Regent Cinemas is sponsoring the School Cleanliness And Beautification Draw

And a Double Pass to a movie at Regent Cinemas could be yours!