NEWS LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017 Year 7 Bonding Day On Friday 5th May our year 7 cohort finally went on the second day of their Bonding Excursion. After being postponed twice due to poor weather in Term 1, there were smiles all around as we boarded the buses to the Bonville Coffs Coast Adventure Centre in sunshine. Screams could be heard as students zipped down the Skywire, only to be replaced with laughter and excitement as the students dismounted at the other end. Kyan Edwards was even heard singing as he zipped down the line, although he told me at the end it was his “scared song”. Our students challenged themselves and displayed great teamwork and encouraged each other as they jumped off the Megadrop, pulled up the Giant Swing or scrambled through the muddy Commando Course. Thanks must go to Snr Constable Snow, Michael Gibbs, Uncle Barry & Aunty Debbie who joined Adrienne Gillingham to present an engaging session for our students. After a busy day, and a great lunch, we boarded the buses for home, full of stories about the day’s experiences. Julie Roberts, Head Teacher, Teaching & Learning
Charlet East - The Bonding Day was an amazing experience. The funnest thing was the commando course, where Cori & I had a mud fight. Tyler Morris - I enjoyed every second of it, it was so fun! Jake Wilson - I thought the Bonding Excursion was awesome. The commando course was the best by far. Kyle Potter - I was happy the whole time I was there!
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017
Mid Northcoast CHAMPIONS Toormina High School are Mid Northcoast Champions in soccer for the first time in a long while. Having defeated both Bellingen High and South Grafton High respectively, the boys faced a very strong Coffs Harbour High School side in the third round. Having failed to reach the second round in the previous four years this was a huge opportunity for the team to show how much it has improved. Toormina started strongly with Innocent Mbuto scoring a hat trick inside seven minutes, with some very slick passing from Jackson Petrie and Keeden Corliss contributing to the goals. Toormina took a commanding 3 nil lead at the break demonstrating amazing skill on the ball. Coffs Harbour rallied to score early in the second half before Ezekial Mbuto dribbled the length of the field before slotting it past the Coffs Harbour keeper for a 4-1 lead. Coffs Harbour fought back to score 2 late goals, and if it wasn't for some outstanding defending from Travis Lee and some handy keeper work from Zac Paunovic, it could have ended up going to extra time. Fortunately Toormina held on and will now face Lower Northcoast Champions, Melville High School, for a spot in the Northcoast final. Adam Berrada, PDHPE Teacher
INTEGRITY Glen Cahill in year 8, received a Spirit of Toormina Award this week after demonstrating outstanding mateship and selflessness whilst competing in the Zone Cross Country in Grafton. Glen was running well, near the front of the race and looking like qualifying for the Regional Cross Country when a fellow THS student collapsed in front of him. Glen stopped and dragged the student to the nearest teacher for help, which cost him his place in the regional team, but earnt him the respect and admiration of everyone at THS. This type of selfless act epitomises what the Spirit of THS Award is all about. Ky Schwartz, PDHPE Teacher
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017 Congratulations Alex! Alex Pyke has gained selection in the Northern NSW 15/u Australian Rules team. This team includes players from north of Sydney to Tweed Heads. Alex will now compete in the NSW All Schools Carnival hoping to gain selection for the NSW All Schools team. This is a fantastic effort from a highly skilled player. Adam Berrada, PDHPE Teacher
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING Toormina High School is launching into the merits of an approach which has been adopted in many schools across not only New South Wales, but across Australia, the US and New Zealand known as Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). This refers to a systems change process for the entire school. The underlying theme of PBL is teaching behavioural expectations in the same manner as any of the core curriculum subjects. A school team of approximately six representative members attended three days of training, in week 4, provided by a group of PBL Head Teachers. This school team will be comprised of staff from a variety of roles across the school. In the lead-up to this training, all staff members have attended professional learning and discussions as a whole staff, which was done after school last term and during staff development day at the start of this term. After the training in week 4, the school will focus on three or four behavioural expectations that are positively stated and easy to remember. In other words, rather than telling students what not to do, the school will focus on the preferred behaviours. As we delve further into PBL, there will be regular updates in the school newsletter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. Jo Stewart, Regional Head Teacher-Coach Mentor/Positive Behaviour for Learning
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 3 | MAY 2017
Debating ZONE CHAMPIONS 2017 has started successfully for our Senior Debating Team, having just won the zone competition. The team first competed against Woolgoolga High School as the negative team, debating against the topic "That we should ban scripture in government schools" and were successful in winning. Their second round was against Nambucca High School with the topic "That we should force Australian films and TV shows to have at least one Indigenous actor." The team were once again given the negative side and some very interesting arguments were produced by both teams, however, Nambucca were unsuccessful and Toormina won again. Finally, the third debate was held against Grafton High School with the topic "That we should scrap our defence ties with the United States of America", with Toormina being the affirmative team this time. The teams produced some excellent arguments, and, although a close debate, the result went to Toormina High School. All three debates were conducted via Virtual Classrooms, which enables students to compete in their own classrooms without having to travel. This is an excellent experience as students engage with technology that they may encounter in their future careers. The three wins mean that Toormina have become the Zone Champions and will now compete in the Zone Finals in the upcoming week. Congratulations to all the members of the senior debating team: Danielle Tate, Oriana Watts, Mitchell Biggin, Natalie Hawkins and Quinn Jones, and good luck in your next debate!! Debating Coach, Sally Johnson
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017 Univeristy Shield WINNERS Toormina High School’s Opens Univeristy Shield Rugby League Team has progressed to the Mid North Coast Final after two big wins over Bellingen High School 44-16 and Woolgoolga High School 40-22. Toormina went into both games under strength and despite having only one substitute player, were far too impressive for both rivals. Standout performers in both games were Ryan Pemberton and Tyler Brunton. Toormina will now play South Grafton High School to place in the top four of the North Coast. Photos are from the game against Woolgoolga High School, more are available on our website.
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017
VOLCANO The end of last term the Room 21 Class in the Support Unit created a volcano out of papier maché, as part of their science units. All students showed enthusiasm for the project and aided in the creation and painting of the volcano. The class then invited the other students to join them as they created the lava with baking soda and vinegar. Although the reaction was not as large as hoped, it was an enjoyable learning experience.The class were pleased when a larger reaction was achieved with the method which combines Mentos® and Coca Cola. Bridget Thornton, SU Teacher
2017 Excursions Please pay your $50 deposit for the Year 9 & 10 excursion to the Blue Mountains Camp and the Year 7 & 8 excursion to the Great Aussie Bush Camp. A limited number of students will be able to attend these excursions. If you require more information please ring the school, 66533077 and speak to the year adviser. Matt Gray - Year 7 Leanne Firkins - Year 8 Ky Schwartz - Year 9 Adrienne Gillingham - Year 10
THS UNIFORM SHOP, open every MONDAY, 8:00am - 4:00pm, Karina 0468 436 217 Jackets $60, now in stock.
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017
Movie Ticket WINNERS SPIRIT OF TOORMINA AWARD Random student names from every year are Congratulations for showing a fantastic called out at assembly each week and if the attitude that embodies the Toormina High student is in FULL school uniform they win a movie School philosophy of caring, sharing and ticket! participating. Here are some of our recent WINNERS... Glen Cahill Billie Denman Kirra Richards Sally Young Chloe Edwards Zac Clark Gwillum Jones Jireh Joaquino
Food Allergy Week Last week was Food Allergy Week for more information click on this link. http://www.foodallergyaware.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/FAW_2017_Social_Media_Toolkit.pdf
Year 9 Electronics
Students in Year 9 Electronics have just completed their first major project for the year, a doorbell. Students first completed drawing the circuit diagram and then produced a printed circuit board (PCB) layout. Next, they were given a PCB for the project and started to populate the board with components and solder them in. Some students were able to master these skills very quickly and were then able to help their fellow students along the way. Finally, they had the opportunity to design their own front panel for the project. They researched possible ideas on the internet and used Adobe Illustrator and the school’s laser engraver to bring their ideas to fruition. All students showed great interest in the project and were keen to learn how all those little bits actually worked. They are excited to start the next project, a siren. Greg Driscoll, Relieving Head Teacher TAS
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017
We like to introduce new staff members to our THS community via a short questionnaire...
Name...Jo Stewart THS Position...Head Teacher-Coach Mentor/Positive Behaviour for Learning. This is a regional position but based in a school… luckily for me, that school is THS. The high school I attended was...Inverell High School On weekends I enjoy...eating out, cycling, and seeing friends and new places. I love...my family, friends and fairness. I also love to learn new things and to travel. I don’t like...racism and inequity. When I was a teenager I wish someone had told me...“You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think” (a quote from Christopher Robin to his friend Winnie the Pooh).
Name...Ben Ainsley THS Position...Outreach Youth Worker The high school I attended was...Coffs Harbour High School. On weekends I enjoy...playing music, surfing, fishing and spending time with my son. I love...my family. I don’t like...baked beans.
Name… Bridget Thornton THS Position… Teacher (Support Unit) The high school I attended was… Castle Hills GM Community School, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK. On weekends, I enjoy… reading, computer programming, collecting badges and teddy bears and when I have the time, sewing. I love… my husband and living in such an amazing country. I also love technology and everything that is open to us through the use of technology. I don’t like… bugs, birds and being so far away from my family. When I was a teenager I wish someone had told me… to stop worrying so much, it all works out and that you should take photos of everything because one day you will need them to remind you.
Name...Carina Griffiths THS Position...Speech Therapist The high school I attended was...Mary MacKillop College, Bathurst. On weekends I enjoy...brunch, and Netflix with my cat. I love...Kmart and flying kites. I don’t like...coriander. When I was a teenager I wish someone had told me...how to do taxes.
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017 Mid North Coast CHAMPIONS
Toormina High School are once again Mid North Coast Champions in Touch Football defeating Orara, Woolgoolga and Bellingen High Schools on route to the North Coast semi finals. Star performers were Keeden Corliss, Jarod Reeves, Seth Martin and Tyke Kemp. All four students gained selection in the MNC Opens team. THS will now play against Melville High school for a place in the North Coast final. Adam Berrada, PDHPE Teacher
ACTIVE ARVOS - every MONDAY, start date Monday, May 22! Physical activity is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle and is proven to enhance physical, mental and social wellbeing. Studies show that 9 out of 10 young Australians do not move enough. In an effort to increase the physical activity levels of our students and provide more opportunities to participate in a range of sports Toormina High School is proud to introduce Active Arvos. Active Arvos is a program which aims to enhance student health and wellbeing through participation in a range of non - competitive, social and sporting opportunities. The program will run on Monday afternoons at school from 3.30 to 4.30pm. All students from Toormina High School are welcome to attend and participate in a range of field, court and fitness based activities which will be run by qualified teachers and based on student interests and the facilities available. If your child is interested in attending Active Arvos on a weekly or intermittent basis it is essential you fill out the permission slip (available from the PDHPE staffroom) and students return it to the PDHPE staffroom. A roll will be kept each week and it is important that you fill in any relevant medical conditions. Parents of students who are choosing to attend Active Arvos on a regular basis are asked to inform the school if their child will be away so staff are able to ensure the whereabouts and safety of students. Students will be required to make their own way home. Kyah Schwartz, PDHPE Teacher
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017
IMPORTANT DATES THURS 18/5 - Year 11 Half Year Examinations 26/5 Timetable on THS website
THURS 25/5 Year 10 Career Expo
THURS 25/5 SU Coffee Shop 10am - 2pm All welcome!
FRI 26/5 Whole ATHLETICS CARNIVAL School MON 29/5 - Year 9 Half Year Examinations 2/6 & 10
FRI 9/6 Regional Cross Country
FRI 9/6 Dance Eisteddfod Woolgoolga High School
WED 14/6 - Year 11 Physics, Chemistry & 16/6 Electronics Excursion to Sydney, details on website.
Homework Centre Every Monday 3:30 - 5pm in the library Qualified teachers - all welcome!
Photos of year 7 students during NAPLAN Skoolbag is a FREE app for your smartphone, ipad or tablet which allows you to receive alerts and information & the newsletter instantly from our school.We are encouraging everyone to please install Skoolbag. This is an easy, cost effective means of communication for THS.
Simple instructions are on the THS website or contact us for help on 66533077.
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017 DJ Tara THS year 8 student, Tara Year 10 Guilbert has her own radio Careers Expo program! Reminder, the Year 10 You can hear Tara on Careers Expo is this Thursday, CHYFM 104.1 on Monday 25 May, 2017 from 1pm to mornings 7:00 - 8:30am. 2.30pm at the Coffs Harbour Tara said although Racecourse. sometimes nerve-wracking Notes must be handed in she loves being a radio to the office no later than announcer and has had this Wednesday, 24 May, 2017. shift for 6 months. Listen to daily notices for If any student is interested details. All Year 10 are they can ask Tara about required to attend. how to get involved or Rob Berry, Careers contact the station.
'Yidaki Vibe' Our year 8 Indigenous students have been enjoying a cultural experience every Friday in a didgeridoo making workshop. We had world renowned, Kristian Benton, of 'Yidaki Vibes' pass on his wealth of knowledge and skills to our very fortunate students. Kristian makes didgeridoos for the world's best players so we are honoured to share his talent here. Students will keep their hand crafted and very personalised didgeridoos. They are crafted from seasoned Mallee timber, hollowed by white ants, direct from the western plains of NSW. Andy Robb, Program Coordinator
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 5 | MAY 2017 Last week THS hosted the Plain Speaking Award Zone Final. This competition encourages students to 2017 Plain Speaking Award develop their speech- writing and public speaking skills. The participants represented schools from Taree to Tweed Heads and displayed excellent oral skills and raised thought provoking perspectives in their speeches. Their impromptu speeches were highly regarded by the adjudicator. The winner, Marylyn Sendah from Chatham High School, will now go to Sydney in June to represent the area. Toormina High students, Nadine Hughes and Natalie Hawkins, displayed great public speaking skills and were a credit to the school. Cherie O’Brien, English Teacher
A class of year 8 students recently took part in a Screenwave Screenwave Film Workshop film workshop which took place in our newly refurbished Tiered Learning Area (TLA). Screenwave is a local organization whose aim is to develop film culture throughout the mid-north coast region of NSW. Along with headspace, Screenwave also encourages students to take part in the [REC] Ya Shorts Youth Film Festival shines a spotlight on young filmmakers throughout the Mid North Coast of NSW, giving young people aged 12-25 an opportunity to tell their stories, to have their voices heard, to develop as a filmmaker, to be recognized and to win some amazing prizes! The Screenwave crew put the TLA to great use as they worked with students in script writing, filming and the skills needed to edit their short films. The workshop gave students the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into the world of film-making and the telling of stories through sound and pictures. Cherie O’Brien, English Teacher
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 3 | MAY 2017 2017 MID NORTH COAST ZONE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS
Zone Champions from left, Dylan Shepherd, Josh Marsden, Ee Ee Nuon and Casey Cowgill. The 2017 Toormina High School Age Champions for Cross Country are: 12 year - Casey Cowgill, Jayden Green , 13 year - Josh Marsden, Srey Noy Nuon, 14 year - Maddy Rogan, Dylan Shepherd, 15 year - Karli Rann, Zack Gillett, 16 year - Obian Laidlaw, Jenna Stevenson, 17 year - Darby Sherrin, Jaydan Stevens, 18 year - Aidan Loveday, Moesha Cobden.
Principal’s Column It has been an extremely busy start to the term with so many activities occurring in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to our soccer team and their coach for becoming the Mid North Coast Champions; our Open’s Rugby League team who are through to the Mid North Coast final in the University Shield competition; our Mid North Coast champion Touch football team; and our Senior Debating Team who are Zone Champions in the state-wide Premier’s Debating Competition. We also completed NAPLAN last week with students involved working extremely diligently, as well as the final Year 7 Bonding Day. Congratulations to all of our students and teachers involved in these teams and activities. Our focus as a school will always be on improving student outcomes and preparing them for their lives beyond school. Our expectations are that students will attend school regularly and will strive to achieve their personal bests. As we head into the half yearly exams, I ask that parents work in partnership with teachers in assisting students to develop effective study patterns. Students should be reading every day and completing some study/revision of the work covered at school that day. There are assignments that will be due and there may also be homework that needs to be completed. All students are expected to be doing some school work outside of the school day. It is essential that students revise work prior to examination periods; effective preparation includes summarising notes, reading over notes, going over previous exams, discussions with peers and practice answer writing. Encouraging your child to spend time doing these activities will make a difference to their final result in a subject. Good luck to all our Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 students as they prepare for and undertake exams. Paul Humphrey, Principal
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 3 | MAY 2017 Year 7 Extension Class 2018
Applications are now open for year 6 students interested in applying for a place in the 2018 Year 7 Extension Class at THS. This amazing opportunity offers Gifted & Talented students a chance to extend their skills in a challenging and supportive learning environment. Students will be encouraged to participate in a wide range of school-based and extra-curricular events, including debating, public speaking, Project Based Learning, cultural and sporting activities. Application forms have been forwarded to local Primary schools and are also available from the THS office or our website. Families should complete their sections of the application, provide relevant documents and return these to the student's primary school office for completion of the school's section by Monday 5th June. The primary school will then forward all applications to Toormina High School. Applicants will be contacted by the end of Term 2 and interviews for the class will be conducted early Term 3. Julie Roberts, Head Teacher, Teaching & Learning Dance Ensemble The Toormina High School Dance Ensemble have been hard at work rehearsing for their upcoming performance at the local dance eisteddfod. The dance eisteddfod will be held at Woolgoolga High School on the 9th of June. Sally Johnson, CAPA Teacher
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au NEWS
HIGH SCHOOL LETTER TERM 2 | WEEK 3 | MAY 2017 CAREERS Year 11 or 12 students interested in a career in engineering? Southern Cross University is holding an Engineering Roadshow, Wednesday, 7 June, 2017 looking at areas of civil and mechanical engineering such as clean energy and our future. Interested students please register with Mr Berry or Mr Francis in Careers before 30 May 2017. Year 9, 10 and 11 Indigenous students considering a career in the health industry, for information regarding an upcoming expo please register with Mr Berry in Careers. Year 12 students considering a career in teaching, Teach.NSW has a variety of scholarships available for HSC students intending to enrol in an Education or Teaching degree for 2018. Please use the following link or see Mr Berry in careers https://www.teach.nsw.edu.au/getpaidtostudy Year 11 and 12 students 2018 SCU Head-Start provides an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to gain direct entry and advanced standing into a variety of courses offered at Southern Cross University. See Mr Berry or click on this link for more details http://www.scu.edu.au/headstart Want to be a doctor? For information click on link below. http://mailchi.mp/thefootnotes/xynh5suqm1-2405705?e=0cd693fabc Year 12 University of Newcastle Excursion The Clarence Coffs Careers Advisers Network will be conducting an excursion to the University of Newcastle Schools Open Day on Thursday 29th June 2017. This excursion is a valuable opportunity for students to get a feel for the university campus, investigate possible future courses and to look at the on campus accommodation. Interested year 12 students please see Mr Berry in Careers ASAP as places are limited.
ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au HIGH SCHOOL
Building the Future Workforce in the Health Sector
The careers day (May 25th 2017) is about informing young people of vocational options and inspiring them to build a career path. A particular emphasis is placed on careers in the health sector as it is the most significant sector for projected growth in the regional workforce. There is already evidence of a skills deficit in this sector. Health Careers Workshops are ten minute career conversations between a professional (and a current university student) in small groups of 8-10 students, organised in 3 x 1½ hour blocks (10am to 2:30pm). These workshops are organised in conjunction with the Mid North Coast Local Health District. Students can participate in workshops for three of the follow by professions during each half- hour session: • Aboriginal Health • Nursing and Midwifery • Aged Services • Nutrition and Dietetics • Chiropractic • Occupational Therapy • Home and Community Care • Paramedic • Medicine • Pharmacy • Medical Radiation Science • Physiotherapy Students from Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, the University of Newcastle, and the University of New South Wales will contribute to workshop discussion.
To participate in the Health Career Workshops advise your Careers Adviser Limited places are available for each school attending Coffs Coast Career Connections 2017