FEBRUARY 2016
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Taking every opportunity that comes your way It has been a great start to the term and already I can see many students taking the big steps to grow their potential. Every experience, every success, every failure builds our ability to grow. Action fuels fulfilment, unpacks experiences and provides colour and texture to our lives. I challenge all students to set a goal of refining and improving one area of their subjects every week. Striving for your best will inspire others! Schools are places that successfully manage a huge number of individual students…1100 in fact here! We endeavour to build self‐regulation in students and the skills it takes to work cooperatively in the real world that is defined by boundaries and rules. Work Health and Safety is a modern boundary to protect all people at work and school. Thank you to the vast majority of parents who have supported our shoe policy. We are very grateful. As a school we have set our standard and you have ensured that your child understands the need to have the correct footwear. We appreciate that you have successfully negotiated this decision with your child. Having boundaries on the small issues makes negotiating the big issues much easier. Mr Paul Tracey Principal
FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL On Friday 5 February Callaghan College staged its DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Annual Presentation Day at the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall. The College presented 221 26 Feb Campus Swimming Carnival Parent Teacher Interviews awards to students from across our three campuses 1 Mar that represent Callaghan College. Together these Years 7 and 9 Parent Teacher Interviews campuses educate over 2400 students and the annual 2 Mar awards celebrate student achievements academically, Years 8 and 10 vocationally, culturally, in citizenship and in sport. 9 Mar Year 7 Immunisation Here are just a few of the highlights from across the 21 Mar Year 6 Expo College in 2015: 25 Mar Good Friday Callaghan College was named as one of the Top 28 Mar Easter Monday 40 Innovative Schools in Australia by The Educator magazine. Our College was one of only 8 April Last day of Term 1 three government secondary schools in NSW to 26 April Staff return for Term 2 receive this award. This continues our success 27 April Students return for Term 2 of 2013 when Callaghan College was named in the top three in the world in 21st Century 10‐12 May NAPLAN Years 7 & 9 Learning by Pearson Education;
A team of Year 12 Students from Callaghan College Jesmond campus won the 2015 Australian schools STEM Video Game Challenge. The winners were announced at the PAX technology convention held in Melbourne where more than 1500 teams entered the competition. This event is regarded as the best of the best for school students due to the difficulty in producing a marketable product. Our student’s developed a game app, Dolphin Dive, which was made available for the tens of thousands of convention guests to download and play, before being judged as the national best by a panel of industry and university experts. Increased enrolments in all campuses – we have the largest 7‐10 campus in Newcastle & Hunter with approx. 1100 students at Wallsend Campus; and this year there will be 800 students in Year 11 and 12 at Jesmond Senior Campus for the first time in twenty five years! One quarter of those students come from schools outside Callaghan College which means Callaghan College is increasingly becoming the college of choice for local and senior enrolments. Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus is the largest government school provider of School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships in NSW and an innovator in Vocational education. In 2015 Jesmond Senior Campus established their own Hairdressing salon for trainees, initiated a course in Horticulture in conjunction with Newcastle trees; and in 2016 Callaghan Jesmond is offering to students a VET subject ‐ Cert III Aviation Remote Piloting, which teaches students how to fly drones. This is the first and only course of its kind in Australia!! Our two 7 ‐ 10 campuses volunteered to be a part of the first round of the state‐wide School Excellence Framework validation process and came through with flying colours. In this way Callaghan College has helped set the standard of excellence for all other NSW schools. In 2015 every campus of our College established and trained Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups to provide indigenous students with a stronger voice in their learning, AND We trained Aboriginal students from 11 of our 15 partner primary schools in leaderships skills; The second year of our College Outdoor Digital Media Festival saw about 2000 people attend in a huge display of community support in 2015, nearly double the turnout of our initial year in 2014 and the weather was bad!! Mr Cale Wallace, Head Teacher HSIE at Callaghan Wallsend won a prestigious NSW Premiers scholarship to conduct overseas research this year; and 10 college staff were successfully promoted either within or outside the College. Already in 2016, as a College we have: Confirmed the attendance of World Educational Leader Professor Yong Zhao at our college wide professional learning evening. This is a reflection of the outstanding collaboration with Professor John Fischitti, the Head of Education at the University of Newcastle; and Extended our partnership with the University of Newcastle to include the Conservatorium of Music, which will mean that University trained music students and staff will mentor and train music students from Stage 3 to Stage 6 in our College Bandlink program. This means students from our partner primary schools who participate in the program will be tutored by University musicians and will culminate in a concert at the conservatorium of Music in December this year, where the CEP Bandlink band will perform with the Conservatorium band! Mr Graham Eather College Principal PAST STUDENT SUCCESS Jordan Pasterfield is a former student of Callaghan Colleges Wallsend and Jesmond and former School Captain of Maryland Public School Captain. Jordan has been selected to attend WAPA (Western Australian Performing Arts College) for dance. She is one of 18 new intakes across Australia. A huge achievement. Congratulations Jordan, we wish you well.
E GOTCHAS 2016 will again see teachers utilising the school’s E Gotcha reward system. The System is based around a philosophy of catching students “doing the right thing”. Teachers can allocate and E (Electronic) Gotcha which will accumulate throughout the year. The system has proven to be popular with both students and staff and has had a positive impact upon student engagement. During Term 4, a reward excursion will be organised for students based on the number of E Gotchas accumulated. Parents can monitor E Gotchas through the parent Portal. If you would like more information, please contact Mr Marc Unthank, Deputy Principal Year 9.
YEAR 9 2016 Welcome back to another exciting school year. Year 9 have hit the ground running and have made a positive start, both in and out of the classroom. Year 9 have over 250 students in the cohort and three fantastic Year advisors in Ms Mel Yorke, Ms Lauren Daniel and Mr Nathan Jones. WELFARE DAY: A welfare day is being planned for Year 9, which will be held later in Term 1. This day will include topics such as responsible and ethical use of social media, maintaining positive relationships, and of course include educational aspects. ELECTIVE SUBJECTS: Year 9 students have started their Stage 5 electives. These will run over 2 years and students have already shown a high degree of engagement with the subjects they have chosen. Several programs and events outside of the classroom have already begun and have proven to be very popular. The SRC has been established and Ms Andrews and Mr Turner welcome students who may be interested in being part of the Student Representative Council. Ms Andrews has also started a highly popular barista course, which teaches students not only the art of making a delicious coffee but also the important aspects of customer relations and good service. Job Quest has again joined CCWC in attempting to provide students with a varied curriculum with several students already taking part in the Wallsend Library E Book program, whereby students assist members of the local community to use and enjoy the benefits of Electronic Readers. 2016 promises to be a fantastic year for all students at CCWC and Year 9 will certainly have large range of academic, sporting and cultural opportunities presented to them. It is my very great pleasure to be the Deputy Principal for Year 9 and I look forward to working not only with the students but also the parent body and wider community to ensure continued success for this cohort. Please feel free to contact me at the school on 49511811. Mr Marc Unthank Deputy Principal Year 9 GATS AT CCWC Once again Callaghan College Wallsend Campus GATS program is up and running for 2016. 7W class of 2016 seem to have settled in and now have their heads down completing a variety of tasks from differing KLAs. The ongoing challenge for this group is to ensure they manage their time efficiently to produce the highest possible standard of work for the tasks provided. Applications for the GATS entry exam for Year 7 2017 can be found on the new Callaghan Website and all primary schools are forwarded information regarding this process. GATs application forms are required to be submitted to Primary schools by Friday 11 March and then bought to CCWC by Friday 1 April. The GATS Entry exam will take place in the school hall on Wednesday 18 May, where all students sitting the exam will be required to hand in a portfolio of work. Full details can be found in the Application Package.
GATS EXTENSION PROGRAM Once again we are also offering students from Years 8 ‐ 10 a chance to participate in our highly successful GATS Extension Program. This program allows students to undertake an extended project of their choice, which will then be presented at our Annual GATS Showcase in late November. Students work closely with a chosen Teacher Mentor throughout the year on projects that vary from producing their own Website and music video, drama productions, completion of first year university subjects and outstanding short stories. For further information regarding this program please contact GATS Coordinators Mr Jivvel Kilham or Mr Cale Wallace during school hours on 4951 1811.
HSIE NEWSLETTER The HSIE Faculty would like to take the opportunity to welcome back all of the students, parents and carers, to what promises to be another exciting year for students to grow and build on their strengths. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HSIE? Students are settling in well and working on some exciting projects in their classes: Year 7 HSIE are looking at the ‘Nature of Geography’ which examines the fundamental skills and concepts of the Geography Curriculum; Year 8 HSIE are studying the topic of ‘Globalisation’ and in particular, analysing the difference between an ethical and an unethical Transnational Company; Year 9 History are immersed in the study of the ‘Movement of People’, which examines the role that slaves and convicts have in educating us about the past; Year 9 Geography are discovering the ways in which Australia is unique; Year 10 History are enjoying their study of the Holocaust which seeks to deconstruct the historical paradigm of the Holocaust through source studies, oral histories and survivor testimonies, and finally; Year 10 Geography are working through the topic of ‘Coastal Management’ which fits in perfectly considering students are fresh from their summer break! GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS There are some excellent opportunities at CCWC in 2016 for students’ who demonstrate a particular talent or skill across any area of the curriculum. GATS enrichment opportunities are currently open to students across the Years 8, 9 and 10, to work with a mentor teacher to ‘enrich’ their learning through project based opportunities across a range of learning domains. Some project ideas that I will be reading as Head Teacher HSIE include: ‘The exoneration project’ – where complex legal cases are deconstructed and evidence reviewed in order to see if there is the opportunity to challenge the evidence and provide freedom for the accused. ‘The Geography of change’ – in a world where progress happens in the blink of an eye, studying what factors contribute to ‘change’ within the world in which we live and the impact that these ‘change factors’ can have on our future (intergenerational equity) are essential if we are to be the global citizens that the 21st century and beyond demands. ‘Turning points in History’ – History is littered with circumstances where a turning point has provided a pivotal point of departure for individuals, organisations and societies to change the course of History. However, by examining the ‘what if’ or ‘how would History be different if these events did not occur’? Can provide historians with vital information that links our past to our present. What would have happened if Hitler did not rise to power after WWI or how would America be different without slaves, provide us with an excellent platform in which to critique aspects of BIG History!
EXCURSIONS In HSIE we have some exciting excursions that provide the students with an opportunity to explore their learning by way of specific site studies that serve to broaden the understanding of the particular topics under study. Listed below are the excursions coming up in the near future: Year 7 HSIE: Glenrock State Conservation Area provides an ideal site study for Geography and History. In this excursion students study the biophysical factors of the area, the history of the area including Aboriginal perspectives, and seek to draw connections between the concepts of sustainability and development. Year 8 HSIE: Students will have the opportunity to attend Taronga Zoo to undertake a study of threatened habitats. This excursion provides a broad perspective for students to draw connections between their study of ‘Rainforests’ and ‘Threatened Habitats’. Year 10 History: Attending the Jewish Museum where they will hear testimony from a holocaust survivor, discover the ‘Story of Anne Frank’, and undertake a site study relating to Jewish Culture. Year 10 Geography: Students will undertake a study of a ‘Coastal Management’ system and explore the relationship between ‘Coastal Management’ and ‘Sustainability’. Mr Cale Wallace Head Teacher HSIE
SUPPORT UNIT NEWS FUN IN THE SUN On Wednesday 3 February the Support Unit sent 17 students to commence a four week Surf Fun Safe Program that is organised by the House With No Steps and led by instructors from the Hunter Surf Lifesaving. This program has been designed to promote: Water safety – You must swim between the red and yellow flags and the black and white flags remind surfers that no surf craft are allowed in this area Sun safe practices – using sunscreen, wearing rash shirts and hats Fun at the beach – ball games, catching waves and playing in the sand Week 1 Beach safety and awareness Nipper boards ‐ trying to catch the waves Fun in the surf and on the sand Week 2 Change of location from Nobby’s Beach due to blue bottles Surf education – marine stingers Beach volleyball / Newcomb ball Flags in the Canoe pool at the Ocean Baths Week 3 Large surf limited our time on the nipper boards Beach volleyball / Newcomb ball Beach soccer There is still one week to go before this fantastic program and opportunity finishes for our support students. We would like to thank The House With No Steps and in particular the
instructors from Hunter Surf Lifesaving who have given their time to support and educate our students. Below are comments and observations from our students. Abby – I went to Nobbys Beach with my friends. I ran in the sand and swam in the waves. It was good. Aiden – I rode a surf board at the beach. I swam in the waves. I had fun. Chloe – I had fun surfing at the beach. Gabriella – The surfing was fun. Mr Ward was behind me and made me laugh. I watched Mr Gallard surf without a board. My instructor taught me how to surf on a Nipper board. Hayley – I went surfing and played with Katelyn. Jaye – I played in the waves and the sand. Jessica – I drew a picture in the sand. Kyle – I went surfing at Nobby’s Beach. It was great. I had a wonderful time, I fell off the board once and got hit by it twice but it was still great. Mitch – On Wednesday I went to the beach with my friends. First we went to the beach for activities. Then secondly we went surfing in the waves. After that we all went into the water to have more fun. I even saw Dolphins in the distance. Then we got out, changed back into our uniforms, had something to eat and then went back to school. Nicky – The blue and green rash shirts were very uncomfortable. There were Dolphins at the beach. It was very windy and overcast. The waves we were big and powerful we played volleyball and we played beach soccer. I went on very powerful waves on nipper boards. Tyler – I went to Nobbys Beach and swam in the waves. I rode a surfboard for the first time. It was scary but I will do it again tomorrow.
FEARNLEY CLASS ENGINE PROJECT The Fearnley Class would like to send a huge thank you to Scott Forbes of Scott Forbes Automotive and also Repco for the very kind donation of a 125 piece tool set in a cantilever toolbox for our class engine project. Fearnley Class students are dismantling two‐stroke motors to discover how they work and had a nut that could not be undone. We took the engine across the road to Scott to ask if he could undo it for us and left his workshop with the unexpected gift of a box of spanners and socket wrenches! Two days later Scott presented us with a brand new 125 piece tool box set which had been donated by Repco. The generosity of the Wallsend Community is constantly amazing and is one of the many things that make this a wonderful place to live, learn and work. Thank you again Scott Forbes and Repco Rob, Carol and the Students of the Fearnley Class
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEW AFTERNOONS Parent Teacher Interview Afternoons will take place during Week 6. Years 7 & 9 will be on Tuesday 1 March and Years 8 & 10 on Wednesday 2 March. Both afternoons will run from 3.30pm until 6pm. Online bookings can be made via the Parent Portal on Sentral. If you don't have a parent portal account please follow the link from our school website. A tutorial session on the parent portal will be delivered in the library on both afternoons. If you are unable to access the internet, please contact the school office.
ATTENDANCE: IT’S NOT OK TO BE AWAY! A considerable number of students across Australia and at CCWC are having their opportunities to perform to their potential adversely affected by parent condoned absences. Once it was the case that students only missed school when they were genuinely ill, but now that has changed. Students are being allowed to stay away from school for an ever increasing number of reasons including: - A day off for their birthday - A day off because relatives are visiting - A day off to be with parents at home - A day off to look after younger brothers and sisters - A day off to go shopping The thought of an argument with children to get them to school often is too great to bear for some parents. Every day a student is away, they are losing a learning experience. Over time, their knowledge base will be full of holes like Swiss cheese. Learning is sequential and attending three out of four lessons leaves gaping holes. A sobering fact is that in Australia today, the average student will lose one year of education (200 days) through parent condoned absences over their school career from Kindergarten to Year 12. After love and care, the most important thing that we as parents can give our kids is an education. Let’s do it. Should you require support in saying NO to your son/daughter on their attendance or any other issue please contact us immediately. We all can work together to make a difference to your student’s future. Be on time, be at school, that’s the rule! Regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. Callaghan College Wallsend Campus wants to work in partnership with all parents to promote regular attendance of students. Parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children and school staff, as part of their duty of care, monitor part and whole day absences. If a student is absent we ask that parents or guardians explain this absence as soon as possible. The DoE Attendance Policy states that absences should be explained within 7 days. Here at CCWC we value regular communication with parents. To that end we will contact parents in regards to an unexplained absence by 3pm the day after an absence. This contact will be via SMS or email. A letter will be sent if SMS or email facilities are not available. Explanations may be returned via our Sentral Parent Portal, our App or by responding to the SMS. Responses automatically lodge in our Sentral Attendance Module. This will save the campus significant money, reduce our use of paper and save time! You can register for Parent Portal access via our website – www.wallsend‐h.schools.nsw.edu.au This contact will not only remind parents that an absence is still unexplained but it will also alert parents to any unauthorised whole day absence. On the day of the absence the easiest way to explain the absence is by a telephone call to the administrative office on the morning of the absence or by delivery of a written note to the front office. LEAVING EARLY If students need to leave school early, they should present a note to the front office explaining all details. They will be issued with a Leave Early Pass that will allow them to leave class at the appropriate time. They should carry this pass with them and present it if required e.g. if approached by an authority such as a Home School Liaison Officer. LATE ARRIVALS Students need to be at school by 8.55am. If a student is late to school they should present a note to the front office explaining their lateness. Unexplained lateness is not acceptable.
CONTACTING STUDENTS If you need to contact your child unexpectedly during the day, please do so through the front office. If you need to collect your child unexpectedly, the front office will be able to help. Please do not call or message students on mobile telephones with directions to meet you at the office. SICK BAY Finally, Callaghan College Wallsend Campus has a large population of students. For this reason, policies and procedures are put into place to ensure the smooth operation of the school. If your child becomes sick during the school day, it is our expectation that your child will report to our sick bay for assessment and at times treatment. If your child needs to be collected, we will notify you by phone. Please note that we do not have the facilities for sick students to remain at school for long periods of time uncollected. We appreciate your efforts to have them picked up as soon as is practicable.
TEENAGERS IN THE KITCHEN HUMMINGBIRD MUFFINS ‐ Try this healthy and tasty muffin suitable for school or snacks! Ingredients 2 eggs ¼ cup caster sugar 200 mL low‐fat vanilla yoghurt 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 large ripe bananas, mashed 440 g crushed pineapple in natural juice 3 cups self‐raising flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon ¾ cup walnut halves Olive or canola oil spray Method 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180ºC fan forced). 2. Spray muffin tins with oil. 3. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer on high speed for 2 minutes until light and creamy. 4. Gently mix in yoghurt, vanilla, bananas and pineapple with juice. 5. Sift flour and cinnamon onto the batter then stir to combine but do not over mix. 6. Spoon mixture into prepared muffin tins (3/4 full) and top with a walnut half. Bake mini‐muffin tins for 20 minutes and larger muffins for 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in centre comes out clean. 7. Cool in tins for 5 minutes then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATIONS IN SCHOOLS What are medications? Medications are substances used to promote healing, relieve symptoms and/or to prevent further illness. All medications are potentially dangerous if misused in any way. What are Prescribed Medications? These are medications which have been prescribed by a doctor and are to be used according to the directions of the doctor. Are there different types of prescribed medications? ‘Prescribed Medication’ and ‘Prescription Only Medication’ refer to any medication listed as either Schedule 4 or Schedule 8 of the NSW Poisons List and are only available to the public on the prescription of a medical practitioner or dentist.
Schedule 4 medication: usually labelled ‘Prescription Only Medicine’ also known as ‘Restricted Substances’ Schedule 8 Medication: usually labelled ‘controlled drug’ also known as ‘drugs of addiction’ Parents and carers of children who require prescribed medication to be administered at school must complete a written request. The parental request form can be obtained at the school and must be completed prior to medications being administered. Parents and carers are responsible for supplying the prescribed medication and any consumables necessary for its administration in a timely way. Staff will only administer prescribed medication from a labelled container (from a pharmacy labelled container or Webster‐pak) according to written directions from a doctor or pharmacist provided by the parent or carer. Please note the following: Staff will not prepare medications for ½ doses Staff will only administer medications that are in a pharmacy labelled container or Webster‐ pak. Instructions for times and dosage must be on label. Staff will not administer medications from a commercially bought tablet box. For overnight camps and excursions ALL prescribed medications must follow the above guidelines. All other forms of medication such asthma puffer or creams must have the name of the student clearly displayed and specific dosage directions also displayed. ANAPHYLAXIS INFORMATION The DoE (Department of Education) received notification last year from ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) that the ASCIA Action plan format was updated in 2015. At this stage, this is what we require parents/carers to provide for 2016. The 2016 ASCIA Action Plans include the following important changes: Colour shading – signs/symptoms and action for mild to moderate allergic reactions are shaded blue and signs/symptoms and action for anaphylaxis are now shaded in distinct colours on each 2016 ASCIA Action Plan. Asthma information – all information relating to asthma is now at the bottom of the action plan and the wording has been revised. Inclusion of doctor authorisation regarding medications – this has been included on the personal (red and green) versions of the 2016 ASCIA Plan. It is important to note that ASCIA Action Plans are medical documents. They must be completed and signed by a medical practitioner (GP or specialist). The updated ASCIA Action Plans can be downloaded via the link: http://www.allergy.org.au/health‐professionals/anaphylaxis‐resources/ascia‐action‐plan‐for‐anaphylaxis All schools have been directed by Work Health and Safety Officers that all ASCIA action plans must now be in colour. No black and white printed plans are acceptable. The school will attach a photo and make coloured photocopies for the school’s use. We can also provide you with a coloured copy if requested. We must have the original copy signed by the doctor on‐site. Action steps for parents Promptly notify the school if you find out that your child is at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Assist in the development of an Individual Health Care Plan for school support of your child’s health with school staff. Provide an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis completed and signed by a doctor. A new plan is completed by the doctor each time an adrenaline auto‐injector is prescribed. Provide an adrenaline auto‐injector to the school when prescribed. Replace the adrenaline auto‐injector in a timely manner before it expires or after it has been used.
Callahan College Wallsend Campus requests students keep one pen with a copy of their ASCIA action plan in their student bag and a spare pen will be kept at the office with ASCIA action plan for each student at CCWC that has been identified. If you have any concerns or queries please contact the school office on 4951 1811. Mrs Sharon Jenness Rel. HT Wellbeing LIBRARY NEWS The Library welcomes all students back to the 2016 school year! There are some new opportunities for our students to make the most of in the Library. We are now open for After Hours Access (AHA) on Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 – 3:30pm. Students are encouraged to come in and use the facilities to get a head start on assignments, class tasks, homework, checking school emails etc. The new Teacher Librarian, Adele Lenskyj will be present to offer individualised support for student learning. Come and see the friendly staff in the Library for assistance with assignments and study. It is equipped with a wide range of resources, that are selected to support learning and many aim to support student interests and reading for enjoyment too. There is a Book Club meeting every Friday in Break 1 for students to share their thoughts and opinions on books they have been reading. We have been exploring reading online using the eBooks available for loan on the Library’s inquiry system ‘Oliver’. Year 7 has been undergoing Library orientation as they complete their Japanese Festivals assignment in the Library and are learning how to use effective information search skills online. If there is something you would like to see in our Library as a student, parent or caregiver, please feel free to contact the library staff and we will do our best to accommodate your individual needs. We are always looking for feedback as we strive to maintain our Library as an excellent information resource centre. A great way for students, parents and caregivers to keep in touch and stay current with Library news and events is by following us on Facebook! Find us at: Callaghan College Wallsend Campus Library page. Miss Adele Lenskyj
STAFF INTERVIEWS: ENGLISH FACULTY MISS GRAHAM INTERVIEWED BY NINA MOORE OF 10P1 ENGLISH What made you want to become an English teacher? It was my favourite subject at school and I am passionate about film and literature.
What is your perfect pizza? Something very spicy with lots of olives! If you could be any age for a week, what age would you be and why? I would be 30 so I could see what my life will be like and if I need to change anything before I get there. What meal would you cook if you were in a kitchen with every type of food? I would create a ten course degustation of different Asian foods. What question do you hate to answer? This question!
MISS BARRON INTERVIEWED BY KATELIN GIBSON OF 10P1 ENGLISH What made you want to become an English teacher? I really like reading, it was one of my favourite subjects at school. I really think young people can appreciate literature. Did you find English difficult at school? No, I really enjoyed English. What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t teaching? When I’m not teaching I like to walk my dog, go on my boat with my husband, see plays and read books. Was becoming a teacher always your dream job? No, I originally wanted to be a bank teller!
MISS SOMMERLAD INTERVIEWED BY HONEY DELA CRUZ OF 10P1 ENGLISH What inspired you to be an English teacher? What inspired me to be an English teacher was being able to take my passion for teaching and share it with others.
Has teaching English literature always been a passion of yours? Y es. It is something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Being able to help kids understand the English language and the many techniques it holds is what has drawn me to wanting to teach English. Besides from being a teacher what other profession would you consider? Outside of teaching I have a hidden talent for singing. It’s something that not many people know about me. What aspect of the English curriculum is your favourite? The fact that the English curriculum doesn’t focus on one text is what I love about it. With English, I get to teach the students many different texts, but at the same time I also benefit from the fact that I get to study those various texts as well. In your opinion, what does quality teaching mean to you? Quality teaching for me is being able to value my students, getting to know them as a person, who they are, where they come from, their cultural background, their ancestry and forming a close relationship with them.
ESL HOMEWORK CLUB Ms Cannon has commenced a homework club for any ESL students or parents in the area. This is being held in our School Library – from 3.15pm until 4.45pm every Thursday afternoon. If you are a teacher, or parent who would like to help out, we welcome you with open arms! Volunteer parents are required to obtain a free ‘Working with Children’ check, which is available from the Service NSW office (formerly RTA).
Tell Them From Me student survey: Information and consent form for
parents and carers
THE TELL THEM FROM ME STUDENT FEEDBACK SURVEY We are delighted that this term, our school, like many others in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey aims to help improve student learning outcomes and measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW‐wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices. More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information‐for‐parents The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide our school with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help improve how they do things at school. We want to assure you that the survey is confidential and school staff will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 14 March and 8 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please contact Mrs Stacy Lambert or Mr David Summerville via email [email protected] or [email protected] by Friday 26 February. Alternatively, you can fill in the non‐consent form and return it to Stacy Lambert. The FAQs are available from the website above. ______Tell Them From Me Student Feedback Survey non-consent form If you do not want your child to participate in the student feedback survey, please sign this form and return it to Stacy Lambert by Friday 26 February 2016. I DO NOT give consent for my child/children to participate in the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey.
Name of student/s ……………………………………………………………………………………………
English Class ………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Name of parent/carer ………………………………………………………………………......
Signature of parent/carer …………………………………………….………Date ………………………
CENTRE FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS AND EVALUATION [email protected] WWW.CESE.NSW.GOV.AU
Hunter New England Population Health Direct Contact Details Phone: (02) 49246477
NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM
VISITING CCWC ON 9 MARCH, 4 MAY AND 14 SEPTEMBER IN 2016
Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.
In 2016 the following vaccines will be offered:
Year 7 students*
dTpa vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough)) as a single dose varicella vaccine (chickenpox) as a single dose; and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 3‐dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months (students who commence HPV vaccination in Year 7 but do not complete the course may be offered catch‐up doses at school in Year 8)
* The Parent Information Kits contain a consent form, information sheet and privacy statement that details how personal information will be collected, stored and utilised.
Consent form kits will be sent home to parents/guardians. To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/guardians are advised to:
read all the information provided complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their child to receive return the completed consent form to their child’s school ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic. Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation
To improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses throughout the year where possible.
Please note that for HPV vaccine only, parents/guardians must record their Medicare Number (all 10 digits and the 11th number beside the child’s name) on the consent form, as this is required to record the student’s information on the National HPV Vaccination Register and (for female students only) link to the National or State Cervical Screening Program.
A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic. Parents/guardians should ensure that this record is kept for future reference and should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination.
Hunter New England Population Health ABN 96 304 742 457
Locked Bag 10 Wallsend NSW 2287 Phone (02) 4924 6477 Fax (02) 4924 6490 Email [email protected] www.hnehealth.nsw.gov.au/hneph
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE SMITH FAMILY - SAVER PLUS PROGRAM How does it work? A Saver Plus participant selects education-related items they wish to save for (think ahead to what’s coming up in 10 months’ time) and agree to a savings routine over a period of 10 months (only $12.50 a week, $ 25.00 a fortnight or $50.00 a month). If they make regular and consistent deposits and attend the 4 FREE workshops, every dollar they save will be matched with an equivalent dollar, up to a total of $500.00 Matched funds are used to buy the education-related product or service for the participant’s personal or children’s educational expenses. Who is eligible? 1. people over 18 years old 2. + have a current Health Care Card OR Pensioner Concession Card 3. + live, work, study or have a child studying in the local area 4. + commit to attending moneyminded workshops (total 4 sessions, each about 2 to 2 ½ hour – free training about basic financial skills, tips, budgeting and links/guest speakers to free services in your area) 5. + have some income from paid employment (part time, casual seasonal, full time, own business) 6. + have not received matched savings from Saver Plus before Where are the savings deposited? In an ANZ Progress Saver Account, this has no monthly account keeping fees and a high interest rate – no obligation to keep the account open after the program completion. How will the participants receive the matched funds? At the end of the saving period, the Saver Plus national office will arrange for a cheque to be issued to the TAFE, schools or organisation supplying all or part of the chosen education resource. Alternatively, participants can purchase the goods themselves (after finishing the program) and be reimbursed with EFTPOS cash if they provide a receipt. Saver Plus is an initiative of Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ, delivered in partnership with The Smith Family, The Benevolent Society and Berry Street and other local community agencies. The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Social Services, with ANZ providing matched savings for participants. HOW TO APPLY: Phone 1300 610 355 SMS your name and postcode to 1300 610 355 Email [email protected]
HB Rehab (147 Nelson St, Wallsend) is offering Occupational Therapy services to children and adolescents. We specialise in therapy for children with concerns in the following areas: sensory, development, behaviour, hand writing, gross motor, fine motor and concentration. Referrals can be made by a parent/carer. Please call 4946 4946 for more information or to make an appointment.
WALLSEND SWANS JUNIOR AFL CLUB 2016 REGISTRATION
Registrations for the 2016 Season are now open Players in all age groups from Under 9’s to Under 17’s are now invited to register & play for the Wallsend Swans in the Hunter Coast 2016 AFL competition. We are also looking for Youth Girls aged 13-16yrs interested in playing a modified version of AFL to take part in our Inaugural Wallsend Swans Youth Girls Team Children aged between 4-8yrs old are also able to register for our Nationally Accredited NAB Auskick Program. Come and have some fun, learn new skills, make new friends in a community based, family club environment with both boys and girls welcome. Registration Date:
Wallsend Plaza Shopping Centre: and Saturday 27th February 2016 from 9.00am - 12.00pm; You don’t have to know much about AFL & No prior knowledge/training of the game is required. The Wallsend Swans have fully accredited Level 1 & 2 AFL Coaches to help teach you the skills so you can safely learn to play the game we love. We also pride ourselves on being a Good Sports Club. Training: Wednesday’s & Fridays 5-6.30 pm at Bill Elliot Oval, Maryland (opp Maryland Tavern) Season Starts: 1 April 2016 If you’re not sure; Why not come along to the club during training and give it a try, or contact President - Steve Lewer on 0459 082 162, or Vice President - Darren Bird on 0404 839 317. Alternatively you can register online at http://reg.sportingpulse.com.au and look for Wallsend. NAB Auskick: 5 to 8 Years (Friday Evenings) - $75 (Includes an Auskick Pack and Half-time match in front of the Sydney Swans home crowd) Male and Females 8 to 17 Years (Played on Sundays) - $95 (All new players receive a free Club polo shirt, shorts & socks) Females aged 13-16 for our Youth Girls Team - $95 (All new youth girls players receive a free Club polo shirt, shorts & socks) ***** NO WEEKLY MATCH FEES *****
Air Force Cadets offers sky-high opportunity for local youth Young people in the Hunter region who are looking for a challenge are invited to join a dynamic and exciting youth organisation. The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a voluntary organisation which aims to equip young people for community life by fostering initiative, leadership, discipline and loyalty. It is supported by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Officer Commanding 3 Wing (NSW & ACT), Wing Commander (AAFC) Wayne Laycock said cadets participate in a wide range of activities. “Our syllabus includes practical aviation, bushcraft and survival activities,” Wing Commander Laycock said. “In addition to weekly meetings and weekend activities, cadets have the chance to apply for specialist courses conducted on Air Force bases during school holidays.” Cadets develop a range of life skills including self-reliance, teamwork, initiative and a sense of mateship. They also make new friends and importantly, have fun! There are four Air Force Cadet units in the Hunter region. No 308 (City of Maitland) Squadron meets on Wednesday nights during the school term Address: Scobie Barracks, Harvey Road, Rutherford. No 316 (City of Lake Macquarie) Squadron meets on Friday evenings during the school term and will hold a recruit information session on Thursday 4 and 11th of February at 7.00pm. Address: Bullecourt Barracks, Military Road, Adamstown. No 321 (City of Newcastle) Squadron meets on Wednesday evenings during the school term Address: Bullecourt Barracks, Military Road, Adamstown. No 335 Squadron meets on Tuesday evenings during the school term Address: RAAF Base Williamtown. Anyone interested in joining the AAFC should attend the appropriate information night with their parent or guardian to learn more. New applicants must be between 13 and 18 years of age. For more information about Australian Air Force Cadets, visit www.aafc.org.au.