Alstonville High School Newsletter · 7/3/2019 · Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 10, 3...
Transcript of Alstonville High School Newsletter · 7/3/2019 · Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 10, 3...
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 10, 3 July 2019
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Alstonville High School Newsletter
Developing future citizens and leaders of the community – life long learning!
Cawley Close Alstonville Phone: (02) 6628 5222 Web: alstonvill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6628 1223 Email: [email protected]
Issue 10 03 July 2019
Our strategic guiding question? How can we ensure that our students achieve at least one year’s worth of learning growth from one year’s worth of teaching?
Values
We value and support:
A positive, healthy and safe
learning environment
Respectful attitudes and
actions
Diversity
Pursuit of personal excellence
Service to community
Team work
Quality learning and teaching
Initiative, leadership and self-
discipline
Learning
We aspire to be:
Life-long learners
Creative and critical thinkers
Effective communicators
Skilled in literacy and numeracy
Independent and organised
Competent and innovative with
technology
Environmentally, socially and
culturally informed
Caring and compassionate
Alstonville High School
Our community values integrity
in all aspects of life
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
5 July Friday Last day Term 2
Term 3
23 July Tuesday Students return for Term 3
24 July Wednesday P&C meeting 7pm
25 July Thursday NAIDOC Assembly 10.00am
29 July Monday Zone Athletics Carnival
30 July Tuesday ‘Future Careers’ Excursion Years 10/11/12
9 Aug Friday Year 8 EKKA Excursion
25 Aug – 31 Aug Mon - Sun Year 10 Snow Trip
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Principal’s report
Thank you to all the staff, students and families who have contributed to making term 2, 2019 a productive and
stimulating term. The highlights for me this term have included:
P&C meetings – working with parents to improve how we support students and the school as a whole Representing the school at various service club meetings as our students receive recognition for their achievements.
These very worthy clubs provide additional support for students Getting into classrooms and watching teachers and students engage in learning together Meeting with our school captains and other students as they explore new initiatives or provide ideas and feedback on
the where the school is headed Watching the school emerge bright and polished in those areas where upgrades have been happening Hearing about (and quite often celebrating) the many and varied achievements of our students, staff and families out of
school hours Hosting visitors to our school and reflecting on their impressions and feedback
A definition of functional teams that motivates me is “People of goodwill working purposefully towards the achievement of
common goals”. I am privileged to be part of the Alstonville High School team.
Last week of term – ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ Week
This newsletter will be distributed during our ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ week. During the week, the SRC will be running a series
of activities for students and staff. I am writing this article on a Monday and already I have seen positive messages appearing
around the school. There have been some special morning teas and small tokens of appreciation being exchanged. We will run a
new quote on our school sign each day and try to leap into the winter vacation on a positive note.
Wellbeing and teenagers
We all want our teenagers to be happy and well, and by helping them develop mental wellbeing, they will have every
opportunity to get the most out of their teenage years. (The information for this section of the newsletter was drawn from the
NSW Department of Education website: Wellbeing and teenagers
What is wellbeing?
The World Health Organisation defines mental wellbeing as ‘a state in which every individual realises his or her own potential,
can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his
community.’ It reflects a state in which someone is healthy, happy and prosperous. A strong sense of wellbeing helps us to feel
good about ourselves and the way our lives are going.
Why is wellbeing important?
Wellbeing is important since it allows us to feel emotions like happiness, contentment, curiosity, satisfaction – all of which help
us function well in the world and lead our lives to their fullest. Wellbeing also plays a role in supporting our mental healt h, by
giving us a greater ability to manage our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This helps us to maintain good relationships, set
and achieve goals, and find meaning and purpose in our endeavours.
The interesting thing about wellbeing is that it can have an upward spiral effect. If you do something that increases your
wellbeing, it is likely to make you feel good, which is turn will help give you the motivation to do something else that to improve
your wellbeing and make you feel good.
What effect does wellbeing have on teenagers?
High levels of wellbeing in teenagers can help them flourish in l ife, as well as act as a protective factor against some of the
challenges that may arise during the teenage years. Teenagers with strong mental wellbeing are able to:
manage their emotions enjoy positive relationships with friends and family apply themselves at school participate in activities that interest them have optimism about the future.
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5 Ways to Wellbeing
A simple framework to increase wellbeing is the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, developed by the New Economics Foundation in the UK.
The framework outlines 5 strategies that have been proven to have a positive effect on mental wellbeing. These strategies are:
connect be active take notice keep learning give
Tips for supporting your teenager (Click on this link for more information and ideas)
Brett Price
At the end of this term, Brett Price will be retiring. Mr Price has been a conscientious, talented and compassionate teacher and
school leader.
Mr Price is passionate about science. As he moved from classroom teacher to the role of Deputy Principal, he maintained his focus
on engaging students with science. He brought to his teaching experience skills drawn from working in industry.
As Deputy Principal at Alstonville High School Mr Price was dedicated to building and nurturing teams that collaborate effectively.
He was tireless in seeking to support the welfare needs of students, often arranging for innovative partnerships with groups
outside of the school to provide students with alternative opportunities or support. Mr Price took on the role of school Principal
on a number of occasions – leading the school in a calm and considered fashion.
Mr Price has a wonderful sense of humour and we will miss his hearty laughter around the school. Mr Price contributed to a broad
range of extra-curricular activities and pioneered the development of the Alstonville Certificate of Excellence and the new merit
scheme. He made a significant contribution to our improved focus on using data to inform practice. Mr Price is able to link a
surfboat metaphor or analogy into any conversation.
Brett has had a positive influence on countless young people, their families and his colleagues over his professional career. He has
been a mentor, a supporter, a counsellor and a firm but fair authority figure – as needed for the myriad of circumstances that
arise in the daily life of a Deputy Principal (or any teacher for that matter). He has been a great friend. We wish Mr Price all the
best in retirement. I know that we will continue to see him around the school from time to time as he helps us with some of our
projects. Thank you Mr Price.
Canteen Volunteers Remember:
Please volunteer for our school canteen. We need you – our students need your support
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MOVIE MONDAYS ARE BACK! Every Monday in the lower library.
Next Term: Jumanji (the original.)
#loveozya stands for Love Australian Young Adult literature. From their website http://loveozya.com.au/. LoveOzYA is, at its heart,
a way to focus the discussions around young adult (YA) fiction in Australia and by doing so, promote local content to local readers.
The movement began – as all important conversations do nowadays – online, and rapidly garnered the attention of writers,
readers, publishers, booksellers and so many more invested in our national youth literature. We all want the same thing – to draw
the attention of Australian teens to Australian books that speak to their experience, and unite the youth-lit community by:
promoting a united message centralising information raising the profile of local content
LEGO MINDSTORMS We have three available to all year groups to be used during recess and lunch.
What’s happening in the library?
Like much of the school, we are getting an upgrade of new carpet and tactile buttons. It has been a huge job and we are happy
to open the doors again, just in time for school holiday borrowing. Please see the SENTRAL message with an attachment showing
the new books available.
Alstonville High has upgraded its SENTRAL communication program. Access to SENTRAL
for staff, parents and students on the computer will now be through the following link:
https://alstonvillehs.sentral.com.au/
The SENTRAL app should still work as normal.
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Curriculum Initiatives in Visual Arts 2019 saw the introduction of a new way of delivering art-making experiences to visual art students. Units of works were developed
to cover multiple components of theory, mediums whilst exploring a common theme.
Year 10 students have investigated the human form through a series of mediums, beginning with rendering portraits of a student’s
favourite person using graphite pencils. Artists researched were Chuck Close and Kathy Kollwitz. Several of the artworks were sent
to the NSW Art Gallery as part of the Young Archie’s Exhibition.
Expanding upon knowledge learnt from drawing faces, students produced a portrait painting of a close friend or family member.
Students’ representations ranged from traditional images to abstractions.
Narrative sculptures completed the unit of work with students creating three-dimensional portraits in ceramics. The focus of these
works was for students to tell a story about the person portrayed using symbolism. Artists researched included Frida Kahlo and
Amanda Shelsher.
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Year 8 English
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Science and Engineering Challenge 2019
On June 21, a motivated group of year 9 and 10 Alstonville High School students participated
in the 2019 Science and Engineering Challenge. They had a fantastic time completing many
different challenges. Some of the more memorable activities the group took part
in were Bridge building, Flat-pack designing, Bionic hands, Earthquake-resistant
structures and code creating.
All the activities required close teamwork from the students involved as the
resources and time allocated were strictly limited.
Each team received points for their efforts, which combined to give a total score
for the day. Alstonville High School placed 2nd out of the 8 schools present – which
was a very pleasing result!
This event was possible because of the support from Alstonville Rotary
Club, Mrs John, Mr Sharp (for his terrible fashion sense), Southern
Cross University and all the sponsors involved. The students
participating on the team would like to thank everyone who made this
wonderful event possible. This day was a fun and worthwhile
experience for all included and very inspiring. We hope that
others can partake in this awesome experience in the future
and enjoy it as much as the students of 2019 did.
Charlotte Munday and Ava Carruthers
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Agriculture
Cows create careers
Year 9 agriculture students have undertaken this dairy project during term two. They have developed skills and knowledge in
animal husbandry and the dairy industry using the S.O.L.E learning process (Student Organised Learning process). The student
outcomes of teamwork, organisation, negotiation, responsibility and time management were a rich part of the learning
experience. Thank you to Mrs Rezai-Smith and Jill Groth for their communication and assistance with supporting students during
this activity.
World skills practice day at Richmond River High School
Thirty-five students from Alstonville, Richmond River, Bonalbo and Murwillumbah High Schools and Woodlawn Catholic College
attended the world skills training day, which is a practice event for the official event in term 4, 2019.
Alstonville High submitted a team of four consisting of Lily Christmas, Eloise Hagate, Nelson Butler and Owen Halpin.
Three activities were conducted during the day including; the operation of a tractor and spreader implement, livestock handling
and the application of agricultural chemicals and a fencing activity.
Students paired up and demonstrated a range of skills during the event. A number of networking opportunities were apparent.
Special mention to Lily Christmas who received an equal second placing during the event.
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Careers Communication Corner
TAFE TVET message reminder to students enrolled in TAFE this year:
If you cannot attend TAFE you need to inform your TAFE Teacher and the school
You must come to school in normal full school uniform and then you can change into TAFE clothing prior to catching the TAFE bus
You need to go to the first 20 minutes of Period 3 to find out what work you will miss in that lesson. It is your responsibility to catch up on any work missed by attending TAFE
If you wish to withdraw from TAFE you must see the Careers Adviser to fill out a withdrawal form to be signed by you and your family
You cannot leave school and go to a paid job instead of going to TAFE. TAFE administrators send out an attendance spreadsheet each week to check attendance
Future Options Expo Excursion
I have booked a bus for any students in Years 10, 11 or 12 to attend this annual careers excursion held in the Trinity Sports Hall,
on Tuesday, July 30. We leave school at 9.05am and return to school by 11.40am. Cost is subsidised at $1 per student for bus fare.
Parents can attend at any time, FREE, between 9 am and 1 pm on the day. Many universities, TAFE, Private Providers, Employers
& other education and training personnel set up at information tables. A list of proposed attendees is attached to the permission
note in the box attached to the Career/Welfare Office Door.
Year 12 Initial Careers Chats are almost complete, allowing more time next term for individual catch-ups for university and
scholarship applications, resumes and other careers assistance. Parents are welcome to seek advice by email or arrange a time to
come in to Careers Office. Students: DO NOT leave things until it is too late or you will become more stressed in Term 3.
Karen Horne Careers Adviser
email:[email protected]
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Sport News
Zone Athletics - rescheduled for Monday, 29 July (Week 2, Term 3) at Riverview Park, South Lismore.
Due to ground closure and a forecast of continued wet weather that is preventing the grounds drying out sufficiently to enable
safe competition, this Thursday's Zone Athletics Carnival has been POSTPONED AGAIN. The carnival has now been rescheduled
for Monday, 29 July (Week 2, Term 3) at Riverview Park, South Lismore.
North Coast Regional Cross-Country Championships
The North Coast Regional Cross-Country Championships was held at Nana Glen Sport Recreation and Equestrian Centre on Friday,
21 June. Alstonville High School had 21 students compete at Nana Glen in perfect conditions for running. Students that completed
at this event have commented that it was a very challenging course to navigate and it included a 200m long hill.
Our students were successful on the day, and nine students have won the right to represent the North Coast Region at the NSW
All-Schools Cross-Country Championships to be held at Eastern Creek International Raceway, Sydney on Friday, 26 July (Week 1,
Term 3).
Thank you to all the parents who took the time to support the team and drive students to Nana Glen and to the students who
represented the school with great results and conduct.
These students and their results are as follows:
Other AHS Students that competed at the North Coast Cross Country Championships held at Nana Glen:
Bailey, Jade Ball, Zoe Bird Lennox
Bowker, Tom Harding, Anna Hoskings, Bodhi
Irvine, Andrew Jobson, Kiara King, Yasmin
Sweeney, Reid Torres, Mia Wren, Hunter
Touch Football
Brooke Hofmeyer from Year 12 travelled to Wollongong to represent the North Coast Region at the NSWCHS Open Girls Touch
Football Championships last week.
The State Championships involves 10 regional teams and the competition involves a round robin. After the round robin games,
the top 4 teams going through to the finals that are held at the afternoon of the final day. The North Coast team played well and
after losing their first two games, the team won their next seven games to make it into the semi-finals. The North Coast Team
played Hunter in the semi and was narrowly defeated by Hunter 3 to North Coast 2.
Brooke Hofmeyer played very well and was selected into the NSWCHS State 18yrs and under Open Girls Touch Team. This is the
second year in a row that Brooke has been selected into this team. Selection into this very select team is a great achievement.
Brooke will now compete at the National Youth Touch Championships that involves both the National Youth Tournament and the
School Sport Australia National Championships. The best 18 years and under touch teams from Australia and New Zealand will
compete at this event to be held at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Caloundra from Wednesday, 18 to Saturday, 21 September.
Congratulations Brooke for your selection into the team and good luck at Nationals.
Student Year Age & Gender Distance Place
Ball, Finn 12 18yrs Boys 8000m 6th
Fox, Christian 8 14yrs Boys 4000m 5th
Hofmeyer, Brooke 12 17yrs Girls 4000m 4th
Hunt, Kai 9 16yrs Boys 6000m 9th
North, Charlie 7 13yrs Boys 3000m 8th
Offley, Lachlan 8 14yrs Boys 4000m 6th
Wenban, Ally 8 14yrs Girls 4000m 7th
Young, Joseph 8 14yrs Boys 4000m 8th
Young, Joshua 8 13yrs Boys 3000m 4th
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Hockey
Recently Aeryn Peiti of Year 10 returned from the NSWCHSSA Open Girls Hockey Championships held at Liverpool Hockey Stadium
at Moorebank. The State Championships involves ten regional teams being divided into two pools, where the pools play a round
robin and the top two teams from each pool go through to the semi-finals. The North Coast team won both their games on day
one but lost both their games on day two to the teams that would go on to play each other in the final. The North Coast team
missed out on the finals, but defeated South Coast in the game for 5th and 6th place. The North Coast team played very well and
finished 5th out of the 10 regional teams that competed at state. The North Coast Region will be hosting this event in 2020, which
is a great incentive for Aeyrn to make the North Coast Team for a third time. Well done Aeryn.
Paul Francis/Sport Coordinator
Girls Rugby Union at Alstonville High
Girls rugby union is flourishing at Alstonville High. A squad of enthusiastic girls train at lunchtimes and actively seek out any
opportunities to play a game.
This week the school team of twenty girls travelled to Queensland to play an invitational carnival at Miami High School. Whilst the
team did not win the carnival, they won the hearts of all attending schools, for their sportsmanship, enthusiasm and good humour.
Hillcrest High and Miami High will travel to Alstonville High in term 3 for another great day of girls playing rugby. Special mention
to Jeannie Ritchie for her score trying finesse. Well done girls on a sterling effort both on and off the field.
Stephanie O’Brien
TAS News As we move to the end of Term 2, we have more finished projects to highlight. In year 7 a “puggly” which incorporated e-textiles,
and year 8 memo books. In year 8 food technology, the students studied the culture of France and whipped up quiches. Digital
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technologies focused on coding, using “Scratch”. Our TAS classes continue to inspire our students. As you can see from the vast
array of projects and the wonderful results featured throughout our TAS section in this weeks’ newsletter, the projects are full of
innovation, imagination and show the student’s creative flair in various areas throughout our technology subjects.
Food Technology Stage 5 - Have been designing their own unique birthday cakes. The results can be seen below and show the
brilliant talents of our food technology students.
Kitchen update – the completion to our first kitchen upgrade in 30 years is very close. Stay tuned for a date re an open night to
unveil this new space. Take a look at the attached photos and the superb new fresh looking bays.
Year 10 Textiles Technology
The Year 10 Textiles Technology class had
another visit to Maranoa nursing home this
week. The girls are finding it rewarding to get
involved with the elderly in their local
community. They enjoyed celebrating
“Random Act of Kindness Week” with the
residents. Brightening their day with a
chocolate surprise and home baked muffins by
the wonderful Elspeth Ezzy. They chatted with
the elderly, telling them about their last
project, their exams, an upcoming snow trip
and listening to stories of about the residents.
Vanessa Christmas/Relieving Head Teacher TAS
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Music Careers Symposium
9am – 3pm,
Friday 16 August 2019
Southern Cross University,
Lismore Campus, D Block.
Cost: Free (bookings
essential)
eventbrite.com.au/e/63545607623
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