Close the Gap - Moss Vale High School · School student, Sarah Morris, wrote an exceptionally good...

Moss Vale High Newsletter Issue 4 Term 1 2012

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Moss Vale High

P. O. Box 137 Moss Vale 2577

Tel: (02) 4868 1717 Fax: (02) 4868 2787

“Innovation, Opportunity, Connection

Inspiring Success”

E-mail : [email protected]

30 March 2012

This Newsletter can be viewed in colour on our website : www.mossvale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Students Making a Difference

Close the Gap

All the Red Cross Calling students from Years 8, 9, 10 and 11

Reminder : Staff Development Days Term 2

The first two days, 23 & 24 April, of Term 2 are Staff Development Days

(Pupil Free).

They are followed by ANZAC Day on 25 April,

so students return to school Thursday, 26 April 2012

Year 12 students Hayley Cruickshanks and Amy Lewis-Keating at the “Close the Gap” fundraising barbecue last week.


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PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Last week we held our second „Close The Gap‟ BBQ to raise money and promote awareness of the terrible and growing gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Thank you in particular to Mr Dave Barros, Mr Yianni Vasilakis, Ms Josie Davidson and the rest of the Aboriginal Education team who worked extremely hard to make it such a success. Previous Moss Vale High School student, Sarah Morris, wrote an exceptionally good piece for the OXFAM blog about Moss Vale High, which you can read by clicking on the link on our website or going to www.oxfam.org.au . Here are some facts about indigenous health in Australia from the A.B.S. :

“The health status of Indigenous Australians has shown little improvement in recent years, and remains considerably below that of non-Indigenous Australians:

Indigenous adults are twice as likely as non-Indigenous adults to report their health as fair or poor.

Hospitalisation rates are higher for Indigenous Australians, particularly for conditions that are potentially preventable such as diabetes and kidney disease.

The mortality rates of Indigenous people in 2001-2005 were almost three times the rate for non-Indigenous people in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory, the only jurisdictions for which coverage of Indigenous deaths was deemed sufficient to report.

Other findings from the report include:

Indigenous people were half as likely to complete Year 12 as non-Indigenous people.

Indigenous adults were more than twice as likely as non-Indigenous adults to smoke regularly.

More than half of Indigenous people were overweight or obese.

Indigenous people face barriers in accessing health services, in particular primary health care.” Source: ABS

On Tuesday evening I was thrilled to be in the audience of our first CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) concert for 2012. The depth of talent at Moss Vale High has grown and grown, and along with a full house I was entertained by individual singers, choirs (of all types), ensembles, flautists, drummers, rock and blues guitarists and drama performances. This year our talent has grown to include art works. I cannot tell you how proud I was to see our students perform with pride and confidence. It is not an easy thing to get up on stage and lay your talents bare to be judged, but this what all of our students did,

knowing that they had a supportive audience and teaching staff. Thank you again to all the staff and students who put in the many extra hours to make this happen.

Red Cross Calling was, as always at Moss Vale High School, a major fundraising event on our calendar. Again Mrs Bev McAndrew and Ms Jemima Finlayson oversaw a smooth and professional event where 76 students represented our school by collecting across our community. Thank you again to both staff and students.

This week we have had a number of important visitors to the school including Ms Cheryl O'Connor, our Southern Highlands School Education Director and Ms Jenny Tillet, the School Education Officer overseeing Aboriginal Education. Our school has grown so strong in Regional reputation that visitors often want to 'drop in' and have a look around to see what is happening. Both of the visitors were impressed with the settled nature of our school, the hard working staff, the polite confidence of our students; who when introduced always spoke with respect and pride about Moss Vale High. It gives me enormous pleasure to "show off" our school and I wish to thank all


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the staff and students who took a little time out of their busy day to stop and chat. We have had our first PBS (Positive Behaviour for Success) assembly, which was a fantastic event. Congratulations to the students who won the prizes and thank you to all who have contributed to the playground looking so clean. Our focus moves to the canteen now and everyone needs to remember that they must be:

* Respectful - rubbish in bins; speak politely to canteen staff * Safe - wait patiently in line * Responsible - use own money; purchase then leave.

Please remember that it is vital for the school to have your correct email address. Please ensure that it is correct and included on the „Student Emergency Contact Detail Report‟ enclosed.

Congratulations to our two new dads on staff, first time dad is Mr Tegan Bilbija whose wife has a little girl, Sophia, and to Mr Rob Berman whose wife had their second son, Thomas. Suzi Williams

Principal

The First CAPA Concert For 2012


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Picasso Soft Sculpture Students used Picasso’s figurative paintings done during his cubist

phase and adapted them to a soft freestanding sculpture form.

Picasso Dogs Students created their own abstract dog

reminiscent of the style of Pablo Picasso.

Artworks at the CAPA Con-


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Positive Behaviour and our Merit System Our Positive Behaviour for Success program has already made a significant impact on the school community. Last week our focus was on respecting our environment by placing all litter in the bins provided. Our school grounds looked immaculate and the students have continued to keep the playground clean with the positive reinforcement of „free and frequent‟ tickets. The tickets enable staff to reward students for „doing the right thing‟ rather than focusing on changing behaviour through the use of disciplinary measures only. When students receive a „free and frequent‟ ticket for expected behaviours, they place the ticket into the box in the front foyer for the Monday assembly where great prizes can be won. Last Monday six students won prizes ranging from canteen vouchers to double pass tickets to the Empire cinemas. This week we have had a focus on respectful, responsible and safe behaviour in the canteen area where all students have been lining up appropriately and acting in a responsible manner. I have also been impressed with the hard work and enthusiasm of our students who have achieved their first ten merit certificates and, as a consequence, their Moss Vale High School Red Award. Congratulations to the following students on this outstanding achievement: Josh Huggett, Olivia Yearsley and Bronwyn Handley from Year 7, Brad McMahon, Chloe Downs, Ashley Thatcher and Catherine Elliott from Year 8, Tom Strong, Jordan Andrwas and Nick Stanmore from Year 9 and Alyse Sullivan and Melanie Fitzgerald from Year 10.

From the Deputy Principal

Safety It is a timely reminder with the holidays upon us that our students think carefully about safe behaviour. We know young people can act impulsively with sometimes little thought to how their actions may affect their own lives and those around them. Firstly, I would ask that parents speak to their children about the safe and responsible riding of skateboards. Staff and members of the community have commented on the dangerous way in which some of our students ride skateboards around the local streets either on the way to or from school. We would hate to say that students were banned from bringing skateboards to school because of the irresponsible behaviour of a few students. Please be respectful of other pedestrians and of motorists who have been alarmed by the dangerous actions of these few people. Secondly, ALL students need to look after their own safety by acting responsibly when using technology whether it is on Facebook or sending/ receiving text messages. Young people also need to be aware of their responsibilities, and the consequences for the misuse of such technologies. For more information, parents and student should go to the following web address: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ I wish all our staff, students and their families a safe and happy holiday. Mrs Patricia Holmes Deputy Principal

Josh Huggett, Year 7, our first Red Award recipient with

Ruby Walsh, Year 12, our first Senior Red Award

recipient.

The lucky students who had their name drawn out of the

barrel for ‘free and frequent’ reward :

Conner Sheather, Tom Strong, Taneesha Stuart-

Clancy, Jack O’Dowd, Scott Woods, Renee Sharman and Taylor Carson

http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/


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Teen Ranch for me was a time well spent on enjoyment, fun activities and new experiences that I personally have not done before. On Day One, when we arrived at Teen ranch, we were greeted by the supervisors and then put into our cabins to organise all of our bags and things we brought. We then had free time until the activities and groups were sorted and sent off. Free time was fun to just lie around, talk, enjoy the open pool and use sport equipment as well. So there was a range of things to do and you were never bored as long as you were not cooped up in your cabins, which you were not allowed to do, by the way. The bathroom and showers were spacious, well maintained and clean for new visitors. Even the showers were hot, not like other camps. The food was also good and you were never left hungry after each meal, and after most activities they would place fresh fruit, cakes, biscuits and drinks to enjoy while relaxing and waiting for the next activity. The activities that each group was sent off to do were really fun even though before you go you will be thinking that it‟s not something you want to do, but believe me, if you sit out, you are only going to be bored and miss out on the activities that you would regret not doing later, like horse-riding, high ropes, archery, canoeing, crate stacking to climb to the ceiling, indoor activities, ping pong and giant swing which were all awesome! Although fishing was not part of the list, my friends and I asked to do it and we were allowed to, and it turned out to be better than we thought even though we did not use fishing rods or catch anything, by the way. So do not limit yourself on the possibilities of the camp supervisors allowing you to do something in your spare time. In summary, I liked the camp and everything we did there like the activities, food, spare time and even cabin time was good staying up late in your cabins, but do not forget to bring the Aerogard or the mozzies will eat you alive. Ben Ditton, Year 11 Only one word can be used for this camp . . .awesome! The weather was perfect, the paddocks were green and I was with all of my friends. When we arrived, there were horses tied up in the arena ready to ride. Ready for action! We had activities that ranged from horse-riding, crate-climbing, high swing, high ropes and lots more. In our free time we could swim in the pool, play volleyball or just run around in the beautiful grounds. All the teachers and people helping out at the camp were fun and we all had a great time. Monique Miller, Year 8

Teen Ranch was the perfect way to end the year. The days at Teen Ranch consisted of numerous activities and exciting challenges that we completed with our friends. We had up to four activities each day and free time to relax or swim with our friends. Our activities ranged from archery and crate climbing to high ropes and horse-riding. Teen Ranch was the best! Stefanie Clifton, Year 8

What comes to mind when I say the word „adventure‟? How about „Lessons you want to learn‟? Or „s‟mores‟? Where could you possibly find all of these things in one place? No, I don‟t mean the Master Chef Kitchen, although... Teen Ranch was an action-packed, four-day finish to the school year. My friends and I spent the time learning archery, on the giant swing, exploring high-ropes, climbing to the ceiling on milk-crates, canoeing, playing volleyball, tennis and my favourite: riding and grooming horses!! The girls and I loved the quiet sessions, where we were shown our choices for life and were read encouraging verses from the Bible. If you‟re wondering where s‟mores fit into all this, I‟ll tell you. We navigated our way through trees, shrubs and paddocks. Perched on a hill, a bonfire was lit. Sparks drifted in the air, and as the sun set, our voices could be heard, belting out tune after tune. Watching the fire crackle along merrily, we toasted our marshmallows and munched on s‟mores. Can you hear murmuring voices bubbling excitedly, or smell the smoke in the evening air? What a relaxing way to end the term! Samantha Drayton, Year 8

Teen Ranch was one of the best things I have ever done! Full of amazing opportunities and great people, my friends and I had an awesome time. There are so many brilliant activities like horse-riding, crate climbing, giant swing, high ropes and the list goes on . . . I have to say when the day came I did not really want to go, but I am so glad I did. It really was one of the best things I have ever done. I definitely recommend Teen Ranch and the wonderful, fun memories will stay with me forever.

Harriet Snaith, Year 8

Activity Week 2011 “Teen Ranch” Report


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Teen Ranc

h Activit

y


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Check out our new improved website for all the latest information, news and

coming events

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

http://www.mossvale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au


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Activity Week 2011 “Highlands Fun” Report

On Tuesday, 13 December, we all arrived excited ready to catch the train up to Central station. When we arrived we walked to Aaron‟s hotel to settle in and set up our rooms. Once we did that we left for lunch walking through China Town towards Sydney Harbour for lunch. On our way we caught the ferry where we hopped aboard for a trip around Sydney Harbour. When we saw the giant face of Luna Park everyone was excited. We got our wrist bands and started with the rides; the Ferris wheel, wild mouse rollercoaster, tango train and side show alley just to name a few. Once it was time to leave we reboarded the ferry to go back to the hotel to get changed for dinner and a movie. We walked for 30 minutes to dinner at a mall just near the cinema. We lined up waiting to receive our tickets from our teachers. None of us could wait to see the movie of New Year‟s Eve. Everyone was really shocked about how good the movie was. We then set off for our half an hour walk back to the hotel.

The next morning we woke up for buffet breakfast where we found fruit, pancakes, bacon and eggs, sausages, toast yogurt and juice plus loads more. Once we were filled to the brim with breakfast we packed up our rooms and headed to Pitt Street shopping mall for four hours where you could find anything from books to DVD‟s to stacks and stacks of food. Once we shopped till we were about to drop we headed back to the hotel to collect our bags and head to Central station to get on the train home.

Day 3 was the day to shop at Macarthur Square where there were shops, shops and more shops. Anything from clothing shops to shops like EB games. Some went bowling, some went to the movies and others just spent all their money at the shops. Once all our money was gone we went down to our meeting place where we boarded a deluxe Grey Hound coach to Picton station where we caught a train back to Moss Vale.

The last and final was a day where we all controlled the action at Jamberoo Action Park. We changed into our swimming gear and ran straight to the most famous ride in the park the, Taipan, a long dark pipe full of screams and water. All the rides were amazing like the rapid river, the rock, wave pool and one of the best was a half-pipe slide from the top of the hill down to the bottom with a range of tunnels, twists and turns. Finishing off with a ice cream we packed back onto the bus to head home for the holidays.

We would like to thank Mr Vasilakis, Mrs Middleton and Mrs Rossi because without them organising this amazing week would have never happened.

By Melanie Aitken and Rachel Goodacre, Year 10

On activity week last year I participated in the Southern Highlands Fun Activity week and it was just that; fun!

On the first day we went to the Empire cinemas in Bowral then later went shopping. “Puss „n Boots” was quite entertaining but the food was outrageously priced! I was tempted to steal an ice-cream or something! I think we should try a different cinema!

On the second day we went bushwalking in the Morton National Park. We walked down to Fairy Bower waterfall which was quite a long walk. On the third day we went bowling at Mittagong. I won a game and then we all went and had lunch in the food court.

On the last day we went to Moss Vale Pool and this was probably the day that I had the most fun and helped to top off the whole week.

By Fletcher Hickling,Year 10

Activity Week 2011 “Best of Both Worlds” Report

A number of our students competed in the South Coast Golf Championships recently at the Kiama Golf Club. The school was represented by Brad Johnson, Matt Johnson, Hamish Schaefer and Tyler Snelgrove.

Hamish Schaefer had a great day and was the overall nett score winner on the day. He has now been asked to compete at the CHS championships at Blackheath later in the year. Tyler Snelgrove also competed well and was the scratch runner up in the 13-40 handicap division. Well done boys.

South Coast Golf Championships

Hamish in action


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At Moss Vale High School, we want you to achieve success in all areas of school life and to be respectful, responsible young people who value the opportunities offered at our school. We strongly believe that success at school will lead to even greater success in life beyond school. In an effort to build a positive school culture and to encourage positive behaviour for success, we are introducing a new merit system that will reward student achievement and effort in the following areas: academic, cultural, sporting, community service, school service and for outstanding, positive behaviour. Merits are NOT issued for simply complying with normal school rules and general instructions. Merit certificates will be awarded by teachers to reward and recognise effort, improvement or achievement in any of the above areas. The first stage of the merit system is comprised of the red and green awards. Each time a student collects TEN merit certificates, he/she simply takes them to the Deputy Principal where the appropriate award will be organised for the next school assembly. The first TEN merits lead to a RED award and a total of 25 merits lead to a GREEN award. The award recipients will be issued tickets for the assembly draw, where various prizes can be won (canteen vouchers, Empire cinema tickets). A letter of commendation will be mailed home on completion of Stage 1, the Green award. When students collect a total of 50 merits they move into the next phase of the merit system, where greater rewards can be earned. This is the Bronze, Silver and Gold stage. 50 merits lead to a BRONZE award, 75 merits lead to a SILVER award and 100 lead to the GOLD award. Each Bronze, Silver and Gold award recipient will also be invited to a special lunch or morning tea with the Principal and Deputy Principal. Silver and Gold award holders will be permitted to also use the DP area during recess/lunch and will be involved in an end of year Merit Reward. Gold award holders will receive a gold card that affords them additional privileges. A faculty merit is equal to two of the yellow merit certificates. The merits accumulate over one calendar year, so you do NOT have to start again after reaching a particular award. Award holders are expected to comply with school rules and meet our expectations of

respectful, safe and positive behaviour. Therefore, award holders will lose privileges if they are

placed on the school’s level system for unsatisfactory behaviour.

Merit certificates can be handed to the Deputy Principal at recess or lunch each day for collation.

Patricia Holmes Deputy Principal

Moss Vale High School Merit System

Positive Behaviour for Success

As I mentioned in our last newsletter, our entire school community is embarking on an exciting program which is designed to create a school environment that actively encourages positive behaviour. As part of this new program, „Positive Behaviour for Success‟, we have implemented a new merit system that will trial throughout 2012, and review its effectiveness towards the end of term four this year. The new merit system will be part of a whole school approach to encouraging positive behaviour in our students, and a focus on striving to do their personal best in all areas of school life.

Below is an outline of the merit system, that has also been issued to our students at recent Year meetings :


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NEWS from the DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

10 Merits

25 Merits

50 Merits

75 Merits

100 Merits

Red

Award Award presented at assembly 1 ticket in assembly draw

Green

Award

Silver

Award

Bronze

Award

Gold

Award

Letter of commendation (stage 1) Award presented at assembly 2 tickets in assembly draw

Letter of commendation

Award presented at assembly

Merit lunch at end of term

3 tickets for assembly draw



4 tickets in assembly draw


Use of DP area at recess/lunch




Use of DP area at recess/lunch

Gold card privileges

Moss Vale High School Merit System


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mornings, 9am to11am

To do washing up and dicing

fresh vegetables for soups, etc.

Ring Robyn Kirby on 4868 1883


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TO : MOSS VALE HIGH NOTE OF ABSENCE

Date : ___________________ Address : ________________________________

________________________________

Roll Class : ______________ Year : ___________

Please excuse the absence of my son/daughter : _____________________________________

on (dates) _____________________________________________________________________

Total number of days absent : ______________

The reason for the absence/s (this reason must be specific, not just "he/she was sick") : ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name : ______________________________

Parent Signature : ___________________________ Date sent : _______________

TO : MOSS VALE HIGH NOTE OF ABSENCE

Date : ___________________ Address : ________________________________

________________________________

Roll Class : ______________ Year : ___________

Please excuse the absence of my son/daughter : _____________________________________

on (dates) _____________________________________________________________________

Total number of days absent : ______________

The reason for the absence/s (this reason must be specific, not just "he/she was sick") : ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name : ______________________________

Parent Signature : ___________________________ Date sent : _______________

OFFICE USE ONLY

CHANGED ON

ERN

EMERGENCY CARD REPRINTED

BUS Co NOTIFIED

RECEIVED NEW BUS FORM

CHANGE OF ADDRESS / CONTACT DETAILS NAME :................................................................... Roll Class : ........ .... Year : …. .......

NEW ADDRESS : ............................................................................... PO BOX .....................

....................................................................................................................................................

New Phone No's : Home : ...................................... Work (M) : .........................................

Mobile (M) : .......................... Work (F) : ............................ Mobile (F) : ..............................

DATE YOU CHANGED ADDRESS : .......................................................................................

PARENTS / GUARDIANS NAMES YOU ARE LIVING WITH :

................................................................................................................................................................................ Do you currently have a bus pass? …………………………………………………………

NOTE : A new bus pass application must be completed when a student has : a change of address, a change of

name, change of school, change of details or comes under joint custody.

Close the Gap - Moss Vale High School · School student, Sarah Morris, wrote an exceptionally good...

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