developing responsible and independent learners

Carlingford Calling

Issue 5

April 3 2009

SRC Dinner

Year 7 Camp

The Green Machine Economics & Business Studies Comp Congratulations SRC Library News Lims Mock Trial P & C News What’s happening at Carlingford High School

Carlingford High School North Rocks Road Carlingford 2118 9871 4222 Fax: 9873 1145 carlingfor-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au OUR WEBSITE www.carlingfor-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

1

2 & 3

4

5

6 SRC Rotary Dinner On Tuesday the 10th of March, the SRC hosted and attended the annual Rotary dinner. Every year the SRC hosts a dinner for the Carlingford Rotarians, who continually support the SRC throughout the year and provide much appreciated funding and support The dinner is held to show our thanks for their ongoing involvement. The Rotary do a lot within the community and for our school. They helped our school to set up the first SRC in NSW and organise the training camp, continuing their support over 25 years. Each year the SRC comes up with a theme for the night, this year it was ‘Disney and Fairytales’. We had an array of characters, such as Willy Wonker, the ugly step sisters from Cinderella and Belle from Beauty and the Beast, to name a few! Everyone looked great and it was evident that a lot of thought and effort went into the costumes. Some even had everyone in stitches of laughter! Rotary also have their meeting on this night and each year Carlingford Rotary club have one exchange student who is hosted by the club and attends Carlingford High for a year. This year Charlotte Dahl from Norway gave a confident and insightful explanation of what a great experience student exchange can be and the sorts of fun activities you do and learn while on exchange. She invited the SRC members to apply to the club if they would like to spend a year overseas at the end of year 12. Overall, the night was great fun and I think I can safely say everyone enjoyed themselves. The food was great and the costumes looked fantastic. However, the best part of the night was the company, the Rotarians, who are very friendly, kind hearted people and made the night extremely enjoyable. BY: Sarah Wade, year 10

7

8

STUDENTS RETURN FOR TERM 2 WEDNESDAY APRIL 29

developing responsible and independent learners

The Great Aussie Bush Camp 2009 On Wednesday the 18th of March, 127 brave students and 8 even braver staff members headed to the Great Aussie Bush Camp for 3 days of amazing fun. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to challenge themselves and to build friendships with their peers and teachers. I

am so proud of my wonderful students. They were polite, enthusiastic and demonstrated excellent leadership skills. I would like to extend a huge thank you to the marvelous crew of teachers that supported the camp. I couldn’t have done it without you. Fiona Davidson Year 7 Advisor 7 Blue have written some stories about their experiences at camp: On Wednesday 18th March 2009, students from Carlingford high school went to the Great Aussie Bush Camp in Tea Gardens. The students had to be at school by 8:30 am. It was a three hour trip to the Aussie bush camp. There were no toilet breaks for bus three. Some of the activities inluded:

Giant Swing: The giant swing is like a swing except that people pull you up to the top or where you want to stop.

Lost island: Lost island is probably a boy’s best dream. In lost island you MUST get muddy. There are courses that all involve mud.

Abseiling: Abseiling is when you climb up a ladder and get harnessed to the top of the climbing wall. Then you have to walk down backwards. Don’t worry it is safe!

Alpine rescue: Alpine rescue is the toughest out of them. There is a stretcher that one person has to lie down in while four people carry the stretcher around the course.

Survivor: Survivor is when there are tyres in the muddy water. You have to get your team across the tyres with planks of wood to the island in the middle.

High ropes: High ropes are courses that are high in the air. You are harnessed to the safety ropes.

Low ropes: Low ropes are basically like high ropes except they are low.

We also had activities at night:

Commando: Commando is like a game called Spotlight. We choose 9 hostages while the rest were put into groups to look for them in the dark in the bush. It was teachers vs. students and the students were victorious.

Disco: The theme for the disco was Crazy costumes.

After the night activities the guides told weird stories about their past while we drank and ate milk and cookies. Lauren Kang

...o0o...

Before year 7 camp, all we heard about it was that the food was awful, bad, cockroach- infested, etc, etc. But those people were all proven wrong when the camp served us a big bowl of spaghetti. Yum! Everything was almost as good as the food. We had great fun, doing the giant swing, (which was painful on the guys, but still got the adrenaline running), freaky abseiling (from about 10m) and

lots of other activities that were designed to push our limits. Probably the most exiting activity (and the muddiest) was “The lost island” (also known as Mud Island). We had to make our way through cold, sloppy, slippery mud through different obstacles. In one

section we had to stick our heads under muddy, cow manure-filled water! We had an awesome time and thank all the teachers who organised this great fun event. Zach Walker and Jack Quinn 7B

...o0o... On Wednesday 18th to Friday 21st Year 7 went to The Great Aussie Bush Camp. We had to take a three hour trip on the bus and did many activities, which were awesome. Our sleeping place was tents that could fit 12 people in them. They were a bit like hammocks, and were not very comfortable. We ate our food inside a fake Uluru. We did many activities, including Alpine Rescue (carrying someone from place to place in a stretcher while not touching the ground), the Giant swing (which was 15 metres high), High Ropes, Survivor, Low Ropes and abseiling. We also did a mud challenge, called Lost Island. We had to go through a mud course, which was awesome. One of our night time activities was a game called COMMANDO, where we had to go into the bush and find the hostages, without the teachers finding us. On the night before we had to leave, we had a disco. The theme was Clash, where we had to wear anything that didn’t go together. On the last day, we boarded the bus back home, and went back to school.

On Wednesday the 18th,, year 7 went on a bus to The Great Aussie Bush camp. The bus ride was very

developing responsible and independent learners

interesting. There was a lot of highway and nothing to look at except highway apart from some cows. But we found ways of entertaining ourselves. Annoying the teachers almost to breaking point was a great pastime. Then we arrived. Then Mr Nesbitt sat us on the logs and gave us a lecture on manners. After this

we were sent to our tents to put our bags in them. We then bagsie beds and went to lunch. Lunch was a hot dog and the vegetarians got SUBWAY!!!! After lunch there was a plot to try and pretend to be vegetarian to get second helpings. Our first activity was survivor. This was a strategy game to get your team to the centre of a lake using three planks. We then got snow cones and doughnuts. We then went to our tents to wait to find out what commando was. When it was dark the instructors called us out and told us our instructions. Our mission was to free the hostages without being seen. This was made slightly more complicated by it being pitch black, animals roaming around and cargo net traps. One mistake would have you hanging by your ankles waiting for someone to get you down. The other option was to try and undo the not and fall crashing through the

undergrowth to hit your back on the ground. And that’s if you’re lucky. It was teachers and instructors VS students and the teachers were shamefully OWNED. Anna Scott and Rebecca Davies 7B

...o0o... When we arrived at camp, no one

had predicted that the camp looked so bush like; after all, it was the Great Aussie Bush Camp. We went straight to our activities. There 5 day groups, each having a teacher and an instructor. The activities they provided were: Abseiling, Low ropes and High Ropes, Alpine Rescue, Survivor, Lost Island and the Giant Swing. Abseiling was an activity where you had to walk down a rock climbing course. Low ropes and high ropes was a very safe activity where we had to walk across several

obstacles, such as, logs and wires. The Alpine Rescue was where we had to save Bill gates (a team member) from crashlanding to the ground. We had to carry Bill Gates around through the whole obstacle. The survivor challenge was where we had to move planks of wood to go to the middle of the pond by moving the planks on the tires. The Lost Island was where we had to go through obstacles through the mud. Each day was followed by an exciting activity at night. On the first night, we played Commando. There were eight hostages and the rest of the year 7 had to go through the bush without getting caught by the teachers who had torches

whereas the year 7s didn’t have any light to see in the dark. Year 7 had to save the eight hostages but they must have a token to save a hostage. After that we had supper, Chocolate milk and Choc-Chip Cookies. While that was happening, one of the instructors was telling a story by the camp fire, while we were sitting on the logs. The next day came by and got to do three different activities, after the first activity, we had a relaxing place, eating snow cones. The activities continued after that and either some groups came to lunch dry or where some groups came to lunch wet. Night came by and we had a great time at the flashy disco. Everyone was hyped up on the dance floor, wearing the theme of the night; ‘CLASH’ where everyone had to wear unmatchable clothes. The last day came by and we were all tired by then. We had our last activity and then we got ready to go home. We tidied up our tents we had to sleep in for the two nights and we headed home. It was an enjoyable three days. Eva and Jenny

...o0o... When we arrived, we sat around the fire, while we were split into our tents. The boy’s tents had doors and the girls had zip-up doors. The beds we were to sleep on were gym mats. After that we went outside to be split into our day groups. We went to our first activity and were really excited. We had fun doing the day activities which were, low/high ropes, abseiling, survival, alpine rescue, giant swing and lost island (mud course) was the best out of all the activities we did. The night activities were fun, especially the one of them on the first night, Commando, which was awesome. The disco was pretty fun, which is on the second and last night. The food was good there. Our morning tea was snow-cone everyday and donuts, and we had hot dogs for lunch and dinner for the first day. The second day food was nice. The tents we slept in were uncomfortable, but still able to sleep on. On the last day, we were all very, very sad we all had a lot of fun at the Great Aussie bush Camp and loved the activities and food. Jonathan Siu and James Zhang

...o0o...

developing responsible and independent learners

The Green Machine The year 10 Metal Technology class put

their heads together to help manufacture this electric go cart. It is made from 100% recycled materials and it has been seen in the quad this week undergoing trials. It is powered by a 12 volt car battery, it is quiet, it is quick and it has a low carbon footprint.

Economics and Business Studies Competitions

The Commerce & Economics Society of the Univer-sity of New South Wales is running their annual Economics and Business Studies competitions, this year for students in Years 11 & 12. The Economics competition will be held in Period 3 on Thursday 7 May (Week A) in room A2

and Business Studies competition in Period 3 on Thurs-day 14 May 2009 (Week B,) in room A12. Students have to answer 40 multiple choice ques-tions in 50 minutes, in both competitions and need to bring a 2B pencil and rubber with them. There are two divisions – (1) Year 11 and below; (2) Year 12 Results and certificates will be issued in August/September. The competition has its own web site, where stu-dents can check out past papers and answers. It is http://www.studentcompetitions.org/ To enter students need to pay $5.00 for each com-petition to the school office by Tuesday 7 April 2009. I commend these competitions to all Year 11 and 12 Economics and Business students. It is a won-derful and useful addition to any student’s resume.

Cross Country The X country carnival was run on Wednesday 25/3/09. There were many keen and talented runners who braved 30 degree heat to compete. The Juniors did extremely well and we have good depth in our teams for the 12, 13, 14 years age groups as we head to the Zone carnival next term. There were also a large number of senior runners who encouraged each other the whole way through the gruelling course. At the end of the run competitors were treated to a nice cold drink and a rest in the shade. The fastest runner in the 12,13,14,15 age group (3km) was 13 yr old Harrison Chalke in a time of 11.09 min and the fastest time in the Senior group (3.8km) was Fraser Nixon in 12.04min. The winning house was Aegir. Congratulations to all competitors. The Age Champions were as follows

BOYS GIRLS 12yrs Joon Hu Megan Ramsdale 13yrs Harrison Chalke Hannah Dudley 14yrs Ben Henry Elizabeth Barron 15yrs Brett Aalders Jarrah Nesbitt 16yrs Phillip Mathew Candice Skelton 17+ Fraser Nixon Amy Ghataora

developing responsible and independent learners

Congratulations Mark Trau (Year 12) NSW CHS Baseball Team Richard Vorobieff Year 12 2008 exhibited in Art Express Student Representative Council 2009/2010 Year 7 Jeremy Dominy Jasmine Russell Ben Tomc Stephanie Valanidas Year 8 Andrew Lingley Tammy Loh Tanisha Truong Nick Wilson Year 9 Ally Eley Tom Fewchuk Jessie He Max McKenzie Abbey Roberts Chris Song Year 10 Kim Cochrane Andrew Davis Alli Deagle Holly Jenkins John Lee Daniel Lyu Sarah Moten Damian Turco Year 11 Catherine Chen Millie Dominy Tamara Gray Matt Hampe Justin Lee Priscilla Mok Brodie Owen Jason Pang Alex Pinker Sayo Sivapathan Thank you to all the wonderful candidates who nominated to be a part of the 2009/2010 SRC. I would also like to mention the outstanding efforts of the outgoing SRC. Your dedication and enthusiasm is much appreciated. Ms Joanne Reynolds

Get Them Hooked!

Recent research in Britain has proved what we already understand to be true in our country. As children grow older and become more proficient at reading, the extent to which they read as a leisure ac-

tivity increases up to the age of about 11 or 12. Then it tails off suddenly when children start secondary school – particularly

among boys – until by the time they leave school, many are not reading for pleasure at all.

The research confirms that readers also needed to be hooked young. Those who enjoy reading from an early age tend never to

give up the habit, and though at certain times of their life they might find it hard to read as much as they would like, they usually

become heavy readers again once they get the chance.

Furthermore, even among those parents who have never devel-oped the habit of reading themselves, there are many who read to and with their own children, and encourage book reading because

of the benefits they believe it carries.

Books for Papua New Guinea Late last year our school donated approximately 1,100 books to schools in Papua New Guinea. The Book Drive was organised by Hope Worldwide, a Christian organisation.

Study Guides If your child needs a little help with English, Maths or Science might I suggest that he or she borrow one of our new Excel Study Guides. These are specifically designed to assist students with their stud-ies in years 7 – 10. Holiday Reading Now is the time to pick out some good books for those days when you have nothing to do during the holidays! The library has many excellent books well worth reading.

developing responsible and independent learners

Leadership in Middle School (LIMS) For Year 7 Students

In term 2, Year 7 students will be given the opportunity to take part in a student leadership program. Inter‐ested students (the program is optional) will be given information booklets and application forms which they must return to Mrs Parkes Week 1, Term 2.  Why LIMS?     We understand that students who were seniors and leaders in year 6 need to be encouraged to further de‐velop and utilise their leadership skills in years 7, 8 and beyond. This program allows a greater number of stu‐dents to take part in active leadership roles and to demonstrate leadership capabilities.  It gives opportunities for a range of students of different abilities and cultural backgrounds to succeed. It gives students opportunities to learn and practise decision making skills and to develop enhanced confidence, pub‐lic‐speaking, time management skills and teamwork. It helps to create in students a sense of belonging, en‐gagement and improves student connections.  The Team A group of teachers will act as facilitators: initially organising meetings, planning meeting programs, mentor‐ing students and monitoring their progress. Students already in leadership roles (Peer support leaders and SRC) will be encouraged to take active roles in this program assisting individual students in determining their tasks and in running some of the meetings. Eventually students who complete the LIMS program will act as mentors to others. The Commitment This student leadership program requires students to take responsibility for: 

Making a commitment to the program by means of a written application Finding opportunities within the school to fulfil the components of the program Completing all task evaluations as outlined in the LIMS Log Book Attending LIMS meetings in school each term Handing in the student record log book to the supervising teacher by the due date  

The Program Students commit to the program for at least three terms and fulfil the following 5 minimum components: 

Simple Tasks‐at least five activities e.g helping a teacher with a task Complex Group Task‐organise a major activity e.g. running a year assembly, charity drives, a year based 

lunchtime sports competition  Ongoing Skill or Task‐develop or enhance a personal skill for at least one term ( 10 hours) e.g. students 

develop a sporting skill or a learn to play a musical instrument.  Public Speaking Presentation‐prepare and present a three minute talk e.g. at a yr assembly, a staff meet‐

ing, a P&C meeting  School Service or Extra Curricula Activity‐a minimum of two hours of service for the school e.g. helping in 

the library, voluntary work, choir, band or sports team 

developing responsible and independent learners

MOCK TRIAL

James Ruse High School fell to these people- Wei Huang, Michael Pierotti, Virat Neruh, Claire De Mel-

low, Natalie Payze, Damien Turco and Sarah Moten(absent from the photo)

Carlingford won the Mock Trial event against James Ruse Agricultural High on Friday night. It was a close event and both sides summed up their cases to a professional level. Each team member had carefully practiced their roles and acted them out methodically and with confidence. Our team looked very well in their blazers and that, in itself, was an advantage to the team. Because of their enthusiasm and their demeanour it is fair to expect these people to go far in this prestigious event. The magistrate com-mented, "I have not heard, this year, summing up statements as well as I have heard from these teams tonight."

developing responsible and independent learners

What’s happening at Carlingford High School April 6 & 7 CHS Swimming Carnival April 6—9 Year 12 Half Yearly Exams continue April 6 and 8 Year 7 Swim School April 8 P & C Meeting April 9 Last Day Term 1 April 28 Staff Development Day April 29 All Students Return April 30—May 1 SRC Camp May 4—8 Year 7-10 Assessment Week

NEXT P&C MEETING

When: Wednesday 8th April, 2009 : 7.30 pm – 9.30 pm Where: Student Learning Centre (Library), Carlingford High

ALL WELCOME

Would you like to be on the P&C’s email contact list? If you would like to received P&C emails, including Agendas and Minutes please

forward your details to Lesley Healey (lhealey@melrina.com.au)

or Contact Mrs Jillian Morton at the school office on 9871 4222

P & C News Mr Dave Erwin – Computers will be giving a faculty presentation at the next P & C meeting on the 8th April.2009.

The P & C School Representation Fund is to provide recognition in the form of a $100 cash payment to students who are selected for representation (individual or team) at state, national or international level in any activity associated with public education, and who must bear some or all of the costs associated with that representation activity. For full eligibility criteria and conditions please contact lhealey@melrina.com.au

From the Finance Department Fee Receipts are available for collection from the office at recess and lunch. A great deal of lost property has accumulated over the term. If your child has lost anything, please send them to the office for collection. Items not collected will be donated to charity in the second week of Term 2.

Attention all Rugby Union players in Years 10, 11 and 12. The Ku-Ring-Gai Zone Combined High School Rugby registration will be held at Marsfield Park, Epping, opposite Epping Boys High on Friday 3rd April 3.30—4.00pm start. Bring your rugby gear. The first trial will

be held against the Central Coast on Tuesday April 7. Contact Mr Abercrombie at Galston High (9651 2222) for more infor-mation if you can’t make the registration afternoon.