IRRAWANG HIGH SCHOOL Promoting excellence in academic, cultural and sporting performance Newsletter - Issue 2 - March 2015 Important Dates Principal’s Comments thanks in many cases, to the enthusiasm and commitment of our staff. Please enjoy reading TERM 1: TUE 27 JAN - THURS 2 APR I have just returned to the school after having taken a term and a half long service leave. about some of these on our web page and in this newsletter. Thurs 17 Mar Yr 12 - Riverside Theatre I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr It has been a very busy term for teachers, students Fri 20 Mar Spanish Culture McCord for his outstanding job as relieving and of course parents and carers. This past week I Day - LLC principal in my absence and to thank those staff who occupied relieving positions as a result of my have enjoyed listening to the great things that Fri 27 Mar Yr 9 Geography taking leave. have happened during term one at our school. I would like to thank all those staff, parents and Excursion - Glenrock Lagoon A very special welcome students who have either Congratulations to attended the functions or Thurs 2 Apr Last Day of Term 1 to all our Year 7 and Raymond Terrace have put a lot of time in to other new students, Lions Youth of the their organisation and TERM 2: MON 20 APRIL - FRI 26 JUNE parents and staff to our Year - Alannah school community for Newell. Well done! preparation. Mon 20 Apr Pupil Free Day 2015. I want your time First Day of Term 2 with us to be positive Having read many for STAFF ONLY and rewarding and I educational articles over the *School development days occur at really look forward to past few months from around the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3 and you becoming the world I stand firm in the the last two days of the school year. productive members of belief that our school is at our school community. least as good as those found in most places in the world. Meetings I would like to welcome However, we will not rest on Date Time Place Kath Donnelly who has our laurels, but will continue to provide a world-class 19 Mar 10:00am Medowie been appointed HSIE education for our young Public School Head Teacher from the beginning of next term. people to ensure that we 13 May 5:30pm Pt Stephens prepare them for their future. Family Support Congratulations to Stephanie Mole who 11 June 10:00am Karuah Public Our school plan 2015 - 2017 School has been appointed as English Head Teacher Rutherford High School from the beginning of will be published early next term. This plan will 5 Aug 5:30pm Pt Stephens inform you of our directions for the next three Family Support Term 2. years. 3 Sept 10:00am Dungog High School The term has begun smoothly with staff and students settling into their classes and extra I believe that this term has continued to create a 28 Oct - 5:30pm Pt Stephens positive, enriched environment where students AGM Family Support curricula activities in a very productive manner. Apart from regular classes there are many are able to enjoy learning, reflect, discern, 26 Nov 10:00am Hunter River question and grow. As our first Term for the year High School activities, competitions and experiences that our students have the opportunity to be involved in, comes to a close, exceptional students use Breakfast Club feedback to improve their learning. I encourage Every Tuesday 8:00 - 8:30am. Inside this issue: Page P & C Meetings Principal’s Comments 1-2 P & C meetings are held on the fourth P & C/Commendations/TFN 2 Monday of the month. There is no meeting No P & C Youth of the Year/King St 3 for the month of March 2015. The next Festival meeting is on: Meeting in March Year 7 BBQ Breakfast/Sport 4 Mount Hall Road Date: Monday 27 April 2015 RAYMOND TERRACE NSW 2324 Time: 6:30pm Sport cont’d/GOTCHA Prize 5 P: 49874687 F: 49831027 Where: MICA Room Winners Principal: Mr C Elliott This is a chance to meet other parents and learn what is going on at Forensic W’shop/Canteen 6 your child’s school. Volunteers Needed/Tips www.irrawang-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Become involved in your school community. School Farm 7 [email protected] Have your say in your child’s/children’s education. Year 12 Fundraising 8 Principal in attendance. Energy Rebate/Supporters 9-11 P & C/Open Evening/Commendation of the Month/ TFN Program you, as parents, to assist in the reflection and goal setting process Changes to the Secondary Schools Tax File for your student. This will support well the work of our teaching staff. Number Program I would like to wish all an enjoyable, safe and restful holiday. It is How students can apply for a TFN the end of a term in which Irrawang High has again engaged in a The Australian Taxation Office in partnership with Australia Post is making it easier for individuals to apply for a TFN. vast and varied array of impressive and high quality activities. Remember staff return to school on Monday 20 April and students Students can now apply for a TFN online and have their identity Tuesday 21 April next term. verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post President office. P & C Meetings Vice-Presidents x 2 The general monthly P & C meeting Secretary Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN. More information on applying online can is cancelled this month and is Treasurer rescheduled for Monday 27 April, be found at ato.gov.au by searching for ‘QC27248.’ 6:30pm in the Mica room. This All current members are eligible for nomination. meeting will include the AGM where Students who are unable to visit a participating Australia Post all Executive positions become If you wish to become a financial office will need to complete the application form Tax file number - vacant and then re-elected. An member, annual membership is $2 application or enquiry for individuals form (NAT 1432). More audited financial report will be at the conclusion of the AGM. information about lodging this form can be found at ato.gov.au by presented and the following A general meeting will follow searching for ‘QC22604.’ positions elected: immediately after our AGM. Open Evening for Stage 3 and 4 Families By Mrs L Fagan Community Liaison Officer It was very pleasing to see such a good turnout of parents/carers and families of prospective Year 7 students for the intakes of 2016 and beyond to the Open Evening held at school recently. Following a welcome to our school by Relieving Principal Mr Chris McCord and addresses by staff on the curriculum, pedagogy, social and personal student support, families were taken on a guided tour of the school and facilities. Why send your student to Irrawang High School? Irrawang High School provides an innovative and diverse teaching and learning environment that offers a challenging, disciplined range of educational training and co-curricular experiences, designed to staff member on any aspect of your child’s future education at bring out the best in each student. If you would like to speak to a Irrawang High, please contact the office on 49 874687. Commendation of the Month - Commendation of the December 2014 Month - January/February 2015 Name: Kyle Dwyer Year: 8 Name: Kasey Tyson Year: 7 Nominated By: Nominated By: Mrs K Devetak Mrs L Petersen Reason for Nomination: Reason for Nomination: Quality Work Quality Work Congratulations Kyle! Congratulations Kasey! Youth of the Year/ King Street Heritage Festival Congratulations to our Lions Youth of the Year All were asked two impromptu questions, then presented a five minute speech on subjects of their choice. Eliza won the Public Competitors Speaking competition with Alannah announced as the overall Youth By Mrs L Fagan of the Year for the Raymond Terrace Lions Club. Ms Mamin, Mr Community Liaison Officer David Pearson and Ms Lue Fagan the school's Community Liaison Officer along with the student's parents attended as the support A huge congratulations to our Captains and Vice Captains; Brodie team. A highlight of the night held at the Raymond Terrace Bowling Daniels, Alannah Newell, Jed Wallman and Eliza Cummings, who Club were the students themselves, they were wonderful participated recently in the Medowie and Raymond Terrace Lions representatives of Irrawang High School, with many Lions Youth of the Year competition. The students prepared their congratulating them on their behaviour, dress, well prepared speeches with the assistance of English teacher Ms Sonja Mamin speeches, friendliness and good manners. (pictured below). Pictured above L-R: Ms S Mamin, Alannah Newell, Jed Wallman and Mr D Pearson. Front: Eliza Cummings. Year 10 subject selection In Year 10 students are asked to select subjects for Years 11 and 12. Here are some tips to help your teen choose well. Find out more: http:// www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu. au/homework-and-study/ planning-for-the-future/ year-10-subject-selection A crash course in poetry appreciation Understanding why an author uses certain words or structures in their poetry can help your teenager enjoy the English subject and give greater depth to their writing and language skills. Find out more: http:// www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu. au/en/homework-and- study/english/english- tips/a-crash-course-in- poetry-appreciation-for- your-high-schooler Year 7 BBQ Breakfast/Sport Welcome to New Year 7 Students and Their Families By Mrs L Fagan Community Liaison Officer It was wonderful to welcome so many families to our school for the Year 7 Welcome BBQ breakfast recently.