132 Old Illawarra Road, Barden Ridge NSW 2234 Phone: 9543 8317

Email: lucasheigh-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Fax: 9541 0036

‘HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS’

LUCAS HEIGHTS COMMUNITY SCHOOL

K-12

Term 3 Volume 10 July 2013

LHCS Wins GOLD at Bandfest June 2013

Relieving Principal’s Report …

Welcome back to Term 3. Mr Haydon is

currently on leave and I will be the relieving

Principal for the next three weeks. Mr Mitchell

will replace me as Deputy Principal.

On Tuesday the school had a Bushfire

Evacuation drill which was monitored and

observed by the local Rural Fire Service. In their

evaluation they commented on the excellent

organisation and management of the students by

the staff. The whole school body should be

congratulated on their efforts and I thank the

RFS for their support. K-6 students enjoyed the

firemen and the fire truck.

The Department of Education and communities

has implemented a new Working with Children

Check (WWCC). New employees, volunteers

and contractors will be required to meet relevant

requirements under the new WWCC process.

Parents who volunteer at the school (reading,

sport, canteen, uniform shop etc) are required to

contact the organising teacher and complete the

appropriate form. Parents may complete an

application on line. I have included the

information sheet in this Highlights edition. This

process could take up to two weeks. In the

interim we will work on the paper copy given

out by staff. Eventually all volunteers will have

to go through the online application.

Bruce Redman

Published Photographs

Parents are reminded that if they do not wish

to have their child's photo in the newsletter /

website or any other school publication,

contact must be made with the office.

Bruce Redman, Deputy Principal

International Competitions

and Assessments Results

The Primary school had some excellent results

in the International Competitions and

Assessments for Schools (ICAS - Uni Exams) in

both Science and Computer Skills. Well done to

the following students:

Computer Skills

Ayla F Year 3 Credit

Connor F Year 5 Credit

Science

Elena C Year 5 Credit

Samantha J Year 6 Credit

Samuel L Year 3 Distinction

Connor F Year 5 High Distinction

Donations Needed

Dear Parents

We are asking for kind donations of blue

and green fabric and wool for the Support

Unit’s soft sculpture artwork.

Any sheets, tea towels, scarves etc in blue

and green tones will help us make amazing

jelly fish for a new Hazelhurst Gallery

exhibition.

Thank you,

Mrs Nadine Cooke

Canteen News

A special thank you to all the mums who

helped us with the Hamburger Meal Deal

Days. Your help was very much appreciated

by the canteen staff and the children who

enjoyed a fun lunch together. The funds raised

will help us buy some new canteen equipment.

Thank you.

Year 1 getting ready for Jump Rope for Heart with Year 6

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

Total money raised $8,597.50

Many thanks

Premier’s Debating Challenge

Year 7 debaters are to be congratulated on their impressive effort so far in the Premier’s Debating

Challenge. Despite never having debated before, their effort, preparation and determination led them

to win two successive debates.

In this competition, students are unaware of the topic beforehand. On the day, both schools meet and

are given a few minutes to rank three topics that are selected by an adjudicator. The most popular

choice wins and then a coin toss determines ‘affirmative’ or ‘negative’ positions. Both teams have

only one hour to prepare for the debate.

The first debate was against Gymea Technology High School where the topic decided was ‘School

uniforms should be abolished’. LHCS debaters argued in the affirmative and delivered some sound

arguments around the suppression of individuality and cost.

The second debate was against Heathcote High School where the topic decided was ‘Parents should

ban social networking sites’. LHCS argued in the affirmative and claimed that social networking sites

are distracting and destructive as they interfere

with educational pursuits, exacerbate bullying and

lead to a deterioration of language skills.

LHCS debaters showed maturity and confidence

in delivering their matter, manner and method.

More importantly, they displayed impeccable

behavior as hosts and guests of other schools.

Their next debate is closer to home. They will

verse LHCS Year 8 debaters. We wish both teams

all the best in their next debate.

The debating team includes: Megan D, Thomas J,

Alex C, Jared T and Thomas S.

Ms Taoube, Year 7 Debating Coordinator

Homework Club

The teachers of Lucas Heights, on a Wednesday afternoon, have established a homework club for

students. It runs between 3.00 and 4.00pm, every Wednesday and every faculty has at least one

specialist teacher there to support our students. All students from all year groups are welcome and

students get the benefit of one-on-one tutoring and guidance in all their subjects. Many of our

students find it helpful as they get the support that they need and complete school work without the

distractions of TV and their gaming consoles.

We are trying to come up with a new name for the group - as many students find the idea of

Homework Club - 'uncool'! Any creative suggestions for 'rebranding' the name would be welcome.

Please contact Mrs. Jones in the HSIE if you have any questions or ideas as to how we could

support your child even more.

News from Science

The media have been talking a lot lately about how Australian students are falling behind our

surrounding Asian nations when it comes to scientific knowledge and understanding. The media has

also focused on the lack of general scientific knowledge the general Australian has compared to other

nations.

We in the LHCS science faculty have been

working away for years to engage our kids, to

improve their scientific knowledge in a fun and

informative way. In response to the recent media

discussions I thought you would be interested in

what we have been doing - so take a look!

We had the CSIRO come and work with Year 10

on Biotechnology and students extracted some

DNA using equipment that would be used in

hospitals and industrial labs.

Ms J Rogers, Science Coordinator

Science News (continued)

Modelling in science is one of many methods used to show what microscopic structures look like

from a macroscopic view. Modelling helps students to understand what a structure looks like or how

a structure works. This process of building, design or even animation, aids students’ knowledge and is

often a fun way for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical hands-on way.

In the LHCS science department this year we have Year 7 currently working on a cell modelling

assignment and Year 10 have been checking their knowledge of the structure of DNA.

Below members of 10S proudly show off their efforts.

Autism News

At the end of term 2, we were fortunate enough

to have a wonderful speaker come to Lucas

Heights to speak with parents of students with

Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. Steve

Drakoulis is the Co-ordinator of Autism

Community Network. Autism Community

network provide information and support

families of children with Autism.

They hold regular groups for both parents and

children. They also organise events for children

and provide a network for families to support

each other. Should you be interested you can

take a look at their website:

www.autismcommunity.org.au

The good news is that some time in the near

future there will be a group set up at Menai for

both parents and children, this grew out of the

meeting we had at school, parents in the area felt

the need. Once we receive the details of times

and location I will publish them in the

newsletter. So please keep your eye out for the

details.

Priscilla Wille (Autism Teacher High School)

Bandfest June 2013

On Thursday 27 June the Senior Band competed

in the Annual Engadine Music Bandfest

competition. The Training Band attended as an

audience.

We listened to a number of bands from other

schools before our school performed. Mr

Newham was doing a silent rehearsal with the

children in the waiting room. Four high school

students assisted with this performance - Patrick

W, James H, Tommi E and Alicia F. Everyone

appreciated Patrick’s bass guitar representation

as the bass students from the band were on

holidays.

The Senior Band was very professional and

articulation and expression were emphasised in

their music. They received a GOLD trophy for

the school. We are so proud of their effort. We

are also proud of both the Senior and Training

Bands for their impeccable behaviour at this

event.

Thank you Mr Newham for teaching the

students.

Mrs Helena Turner

On 27 June 2013 Lucas Heights Senior Band

played at Bandfest. They played Rolling in the

Deep, Moondance on Broadway and Halo 3.

Their playing was fantastic! When the

adjudicators announced the results, the whole

band rose to their feet. ‘We got GOLD!’ Our

conductor/band teacher had a wide smile

across his face of both relief and

excitement.

Well done to all the people who performed.

You were all amazing!

Aliesha F, 8L

Welcome back everyone

Year 10, hopefully over the holidays you had time to

think more about the information you received at subject

selection night and you are closer to deciding on the

subjects you are keen to choose as you head into senior

school. A reminder that the career booklets we are

working on at school have great activities to help you

investigate in more detail these choices. The website is

www.myfuture.edu.au

The key points when selecting were:

Choose subjects that suit you, they need to interest

you as you study them.

They need to be your choices and not the choices of

others.

The study and school work needs to be manageable.

They should enable you to work with your strengths

so that you know you can do well.

Finally provide you with a pathway to the

qualification that you need to pursue your career and

ambitions after you leave school.

Year 12, with the HSC looming it’s hard to focus on what

you are going to do afterwards. For students aspiring for

University the 2014 UAC books will be distributed in the

next few weeks. For most of you the preliminary course

investigation work has been done and it will now be a

matter of double checking course outlines and

descriptions.

For those looking at TAFE pathways I hope you gained

some valuable information from last month’s TAFE expo.

If you did not receive the student booklet from the day

please come and see me for your copy. As always the

Careers office is open to discuss any questions you have.

Remember there are lots of great websites to explore if

you are still unsure of your plans for next year, they

include:

www.myskills.gov.au

www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au

www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au - hard copy available in

Careers office

www.abc.net.au/acedayjobs

www.skillsone.com.au

www.virtualcareersexpo.com.au – new website

Upcoming Events

Billy Blue Day in the Life of a Designer Workshops

Sydney

Saturday 27 July 2013

More Information: http://www.billyblue.edu.au/events/

sydney-events/day-in-the-life-of-a-designer-workshops-

sydney

Meet the Business Leader

Tuesday 30 July from 4.30pm, Institute of Chartered

Accountants - This event will provide Year 10 & 11

students the opportunity to meet young professionals from

a variety of business roles to gain a better insight into the

business profession.

University of Wollongong - Early Entry Applications

Open

Thursday 1 August 2013

Details: http://www.uow.edu.au/future/earlyentry/

UAC Applications Open

Wednesday 7 August 2013

From today, you can start submitting your UAC

preferences for the universities administered by UAC.

See: www.uac.edu.au

University of Wollongong Information Evenings Year

12 Students and Parents

Tuesday 13 August - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club

461 Captain Cook Dr, Cronulla

Wednesday August 14 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

UOW Shoalhaven Campus, George Evans Road, Nowra

Monday August 19 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

St George Leagues Club, 124 Princes Highway, Kogarah

Tuesday August 20 - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

University of Wollongong - Uni Hall

Northfields Avenue, Wollongong

Wednesday 21 August - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Campbelltown RSL Club

Carberry Lane, Campbelltown

Full Details at: http://www.uow.edu.au/future/events/

William Blue College Open Day

Saturday 17 August 2013 - 10.00am to 2.00pm

North Sydney Campus,

171 Pacific Highway, North Sydney,

Cost: FREE

Contact: Jake Brown – jbrown2@williamblue.edu.au

This interactive open day allows prospective students to

talk to current students and graduates of William Blue

College, meet our Industry Partners and speak to our

Career Management team to see why William Blue

graduates are so highly sought after.

Mrs Eagles and Ms Smith, Careers Advisers

Pierre de Coubertin

Left: Nicholas H receiving the 2013 Pierre de

Coubertin Award pictured with Fiona de Jong,

Director of Sport and Acting Secretary General

of the AOC and James Chapman, Silver

Medallist in Rowing, London 2012.

Below: Group photo of the State Presentation

recipients

Remote Control Car Club

During the last weeks of Term 2, the High School

SRC held a day to raise new ideas for school

projects. Both of us being in the Year 9 SRC, came

up with an idea for a new school club, the Remote

Control Car Club. We both liked the idea so we

brought it to the attention of Mr Haydon.

Mr Haydon agreed with the idea but we had to get a

patron teacher; in our case two teachers. We asked

Mrs Rogers from the Science Department and the

Environment Club and Mr Lazzaro from the TAS

Department.

After plotting a track design, construction began

with student interest growing. After a lot of effort

and teamwork, the course was starting to take shape.

Students have given up their recess and lunch and

even in some cases, sport and class time, to dedicate

time in order to help complete the track.

The track is now nearly complete with just a few

finer details to be added in order to make it a

successful track.

Unfortunately for the primary school, this will be a

facility not to be used because of the location and

teacher supervision. If you would like to join, as with

all clubs, membership is needed in order participate

plus you will need to bring in your own electric

remote control car. A driver’s stand will be

constructed for the racers plus a special area will be

allocated for members to sit and watch the races.

A very big thank you goes out to everybody who has

helped contribute to this project, from track design to

construction and a special thank you to John the GA

who has let us borrow his tools in the past weeks to

complete the track. Simply put, without his

generosity, the track would not be where it is today.

Racing should commence in 1 or 2 weeks’ time, an

event which we are all looking forward to. We hope

students will enjoy this venue as much as we will

and that it will be used in the correct way. We hope

that this will succeed as a never-seen-before project

in the school and that this is a community school

project.

Patrick W, 9L and Lachlan D ,9H

Uniform Shop Hours

Monday Closed

Tuesday 8.45 to 9.15am

2.45 to 3.15pm

Wednesday 8.45 to 9.15am

Thursday Closed

Friday 8.45 to 9.15am

2.45 to 3.15pm

FREE WOMEN’S COURSE!

SUTHERLAND COLLEGE -

GYMEA CAMPUS

SKILLS FOR WORK & TRAINING

We still have vacancies for the Career

Education & Employment for Women course

at Gymea Tafe.

This course is for women who wish to refresh

their skills to re-enter the workforce or do

further study.

Classes are 3 days per week within school

hours commencing 29 July 2013.

There is no administration fee.

Subjects include: Computing, Resumes,

Interview Skills, Communication, Workplace

Writing, First Aid and more.

Enquiries: Phone 9710 5013

Uniform Shop Update

Welcome back to Term 3.

School Tracksuit and Sport Polo back

orders have been filled. Due to

overwhelming demand, not all orders have

been met. More garments are expected

within 4-6 weeks from the manufacturer.

Please accept my apologies if you are one

of the few who are affected.

School Socks are in stock and available in

all sizes. $7 per pair. For every day wear.

Swimming Bags are available for $12.

Waterproof and durable, they fit everything

your child needs for swimming this Term.

Red or Navy colour available. Ideal bag for

school excursions.

Navy Double Knee Fleecy Trackpants

are available for Kindy-Year 4. Can be worn

on Sport Days. Great way to stay warm and

are affordable at $19 (Sizes 10-16 $22).

Sale on Stationery Loose stationery items

priced from 50c. Deleted Year 4 packs for

sale $25, a bargain with well over $35

value.

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8.45-9.15am & 2.45-3.15pm

Wednesday 8.45-9.15am

Friday 8.45-9.15am & 2.45-3.15pm

Price lists and Order Forms available at

the Front Office or via school website at:

www.lucasheigh-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Know what you want? Order via email

and have your order sent home with your

child.

Email your order to lhcspandc@gmail.com

and pay via credit card or direct deposit.

Thank you for your continued support.

Rebecca Embury

Uniform Shop Manager

Home stay host families needed for Japanese students visiting

Lucas Heights Community School from Hitachi Omiya Junior High

Thursday 15 to Tuesday 20 August 2013

Lucas Heights Community School will be hosting a visit of 17 students from Hitachi Omiya Junior

High School in Japan during their summer holidays. This program has been operating very

successfully for over 15 years at Heathcote High School and 6 years at Port Hacking High School.

We have been invited to join them and participate in this wonderful program. It is a chance for

students to gain some insight into a different culture and to provide students with the opportunity for

greater understanding and tolerance of others.

Students (particularly in years 7 – 10) are invited to participate in the program by hosting a student

from Japan.

In brief, the students from Japan will arrive at school after rollcall on Thursday 15 August and will

depart on the morning of Tuesday 20 August. They require an individual home stay with a host

family for five nights of the visit. Activities at school and excursions to places of interest such as

Symbio, Sydney Tower and Sydney Aquarium are planned for all students at no cost to the host

family. A family dinner and Japanese cultural night is to be held on Sunday 18 August at the

Sutherland Entertainment Centre. The remainder of the weekend’s activities are arranged by the host

families depending on family schedules. Following the home stay there is a small payment to

families to assist with expenses.

Should your family be interested in hosting a student, please return the form below to Ms Homma as

soon as possible. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Gaelle Homma on

9543 8317 during school hours or by email to Gaelle.homma@det.nsw.edu.au

G Homma

Languages Teacher

——————————————————————————————————————

Student name: ________________________________ Year: ________ Rollcall: ____________

We are interested in hosting a Japanese student visiting Lucas Heights Community School from 15

August to 20 August 2013.

__________________________ ______________________

Signature Parent / Guardian Date