Cowra High School Newsletter March 7

Volume 2014 Issue 3 Friday 7 March, 2014

Principal: Charles Gauci B.Ed., Dip.T. Deputy Principal: Paul Bullock B.Sc., Dip.Ed.

Deputy Principal: Ian Pattingale B.App.Sc., Dip.Ed.

PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: [email protected]

We value moral ~ we can

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Our Mission: To provide a quality comprehensive and inclusive educational environment where all students can achieve Newsletter also on the web at www.cowra-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Late in 2013 I was very excited by a phone call from ABC radio informing me that Sean Simpson (now in Year 11) had won the Regional Heywire competition and was a finalist in the national competition being held in Canberra early 2014. Unfortunately I was not allowed to tell anyone until it was officially announced in January ~ not an easy task, but I did manage. Heywire is a national

competition where rural youth speak about their life in the ‘bush’ and now I can sing the praises of this fine young man. Sean is very successful academically, previously participating in our vertical selective high school (Xsel) for four years and a gifted soccer player. Sean’s Heywire entry spoke of the long hours spent travelling tens of thousands of kilometres to and from Sydney so he could participate in state & national football teams. He spoke of the difficulty an elite athlete can have competing in his/her sport and living in the country. Being the thoughtful young man Sean is, he was quick to acknowledge the sacrifices his parents have made over the years ensuring he has had every possible opportunity. Please visit the ABC Heywire site at www.abc.net.au/heywire/winners2013.html and you will be able to hear Sean’s entry and that of other rural students from around Australia. I extend belated but well-earned congratulations to Sean ~ you have made us proud. I expect most if not all parents are aware that Friday 21 February Cowra High enacted our lockdown procedures. The decision was taken as a result of a domestic situation outside of our school, as a precaution to protect the safety of students and staff. I was very pleased with the response of both staff and students. Although not practised this year, we have had drills in lockdown procedures for a number of years and in this ‘real’ situation, they worked smoothly and exactly as planned. This in no small way was aided by the very loud and clear alarm system we installed in 2013 with the financial support of our P&C. So again I thank the P&C for their generosity. If your child has suffered any stress as a result of the lockdown and you would like him/her to speak with a counsellor, please contact the school and we will arrange an appointment with Mrs Farley. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday last week saw over 80 Year 7 students head off to camp with 25 Year 11 mentors and staff. This annual event is an extremely important part of the transition into high school. It provides a fun experience ~ the students get to know each other and

teachers in a new setting, while building very valuable relationships with senior mentors/role models. Feedback over the years has proven friendships formed at this camp significantly enhance student confidence and success in the first years of high school. Thank you to Year 11 and staff who made the camp so successful. 2014 is the 50th anniversary of the Cowra Festival of International Understanding and has invited the United Nations as the guest nation. The Festival is a significant event each year for us, recognising Cowra as a centre for world peace and bringing members of the community together to celebrate diversity. To mark such an important anniversary Cowra High, Mulyan Public and Cowra Public are combining our entries in the parade. The theme of our float is the United Nation’s International Year of the Family Farm and I invite all students to participate. Please come along dressed in appropriate ‘farming attire’ eg blue jeans, checked/work shirts, bib & brace overalls etc with a wide brimmed hat or a suitably rural cap and march with other students from the three schools.

The P&C is also running a drinks stall at the parade as a fundraiser. If you are able to contribute some time manning the stall I am sure you will be most welcome. If you are interested, please contact Carolyn Devery regarding details. Have a great fortnight.

Charles Gauci

COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: [email protected]

Cowra High School’s annual three day excursion for Year 7 students was held in Week 5 of Term 1.

Wyangala Dam was chosen again this year, as the venue provides the opportunity for a wide variety of activities and allows the cost to be kept low, so that as many students as possible may attend. This year’s excursion included 82 Year 7 students and 25 Year 11 Leaders who ably conducted the Peer Support program.

The portable rock climbing wall where students challenge each other to climb to the very top under the guidance of trained outdoor education experts, was a hit again this year. Also popular were our water activities and the tug-of-war challenge!

All staff involved in the camp would like to thank the students for their respectful and responsible behaviour. It was a pleasure to spend the three days at camp with such wonderfully motivated students who made the absolute most of all activities and opportunities offered to them ~ we look forward to doing it all again next year!

Anthony Hamer ~ Camp Organiser

SCHOOL FEES

Thank you to all those parents who have responded to the school fee invoices that were recently mailed out. We try very hard every year to keep these to a minimum, but they are necessary for us if we are to offer our students as wide a curriculum as possible. Please be aware subject fees are compulsory in order to cover materials used, but you are also encouraged to pay the voluntary contribution so we can provide maximum resources for our students. EFTPOS facilities are available at the school or you can pay by direct debit into our school account: Bank: Westpac BSB: 032 001 A/C: 154075 Please indicate the student’s name and what the deposit is for.

REMINDERS FOR FRIDAY 21 MARCH

School Photos ~ catch up date for photos

Vaccinations ~ Year 7 students & Year 9 boys



7B HISTORY TIME

TRAVELLER HELMETS

Coming to a computer near you …. Access to the Millennium Portal for

students & parents Up-to-date information on

assessments, reports, attendance, merits, discipline, timetables & more at Cowra High School

More information next newsletter



NAPLAN TESTS

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 ~ it has been an annual event for schools since 2008.

On Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14 & Thursday 15 May, students will take the 2014 NAPLAN tests.

NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy & literacy skills against national standards for all Australia children. It also provides valuable information that allows schools & governments to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives.

All students are expected to participate in the tests. Students with disability may qualify for reasonable adjustments that reflect the support normally provided to them in the classroom. Some students with very specific circumstances may be exempt from participating in the tests. For information about participation in NAPLAN, you can go to: http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support.html

NAPLAN tests fundamental skills rather than specific content, and as such is not a test for which students can study or drill. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day. The use of services by coaching providers is not recommended.

An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later this year. Parents can use this

information to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern. Parents may also wish to use their child’s results to discuss progress with teachers. More information is available at www.nap.edu.au.

MOTIVATIONAL MEDIA

Motivational Media will be showing their high impact cinematic presentation at Cowra High School on Friday 14 March during Periods 3 & 4. This is free and is a welfare initiative which will be supported by the whole school. It provides students with confronting, challenging and inspiring stories dealing with situations faced in everyday life. These are stories of overcoming adversity and achieving. They provide strategies to control harmful behaviour and build self-esteem. This is always an exciting and well received presentation and we look forward to it.

THE BIGGEST MUSICAL PRODUCTION YET!

Rehearsals are well under way for the 2014 musical! The actors, singers, musicians, dancers & the stage crew are all busy preparing for

this year’s production. Everyone who is part of this show is contributing their time on Monday afternoons as well as Wednesday during Sport. With all the talent and effort on display it is something to look forward to! Keep an eye out in later newsletters for ticket details.

Banyette Bohman Year 9

INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2014 COMPETITIONS

If you would like to enter any of the competitions please tick the appropriate box and pay your money to the office by the closing date.

Student’s Name: ___________________________________ Parent/Caregiver’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _______________

√ COST SUBJECT CLOSING DATE SITTING DATE

$8 Computer Skills Friday 4 April Tuesday 20 May

$8 Science Tuesday 29 April Wednesday 4 June

$8 English Tuesday 20 June Tuesday 29 July

$8 Maths Tuesday 29 April Thursday 7 August

Total $


STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR MARCH 5 REASONS NOT TO PUT OFF STARTING

ASSIGNMENTS

Here are 5 reasons why you should start working on your assignment immediately.

1. Get Your Brain Thinking About the Topic: Even if your assignment isn’t due for weeks, start thinking about it immediately. At the very least, answer the key starter questions on the day you get your assignment. Even if you are not thinking about it directly, your subconscious will be.

2. Find Library Resources: Books, periodicals & magazines can sometimes be a useful general overview for an assignment & they help to clarify a direction as you begin to immerse yourself into the assignment topic. Don’t only use Google!

3. Discover Other Resources: Librarians are often your best source of information ~ they know how to help people access relevant and appropriate information, in books, the Internet or computer based references. One of the challenging aspects of Internet based searches for school students is the complexity, language and purpose of websites, not to mention bias and reliability.

4. Starting Early Means More Time to Explore & Ask For Help If Needed: If you do some initial research on the assignment points you’ve identified through the library, references your teacher may have given you, school textbooks, and general internet search engines, you could find yourself having more direction in your research. For example: perhaps there isn’t enough information, or maybe you find you don’t understand important concepts, or possibly you need to speak to your teacher to get further clarity. If you find this out early, you will still have plenty of time to plan, research, write and present your assignment. Imagine if you didn’t start your assignment for a week or so, and then discovered you needed more guidance. You could easily run out of time.

5. Create a Safety Net: Starting your assignment immediately will give you a safety net in case you get sick, or something unexpected happens. Assignments are usually given because they require more time; students must plan a strategy or schedule to ensure they are completed. You should always have a schedule that allows for the unexpected.

Learn more by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Our school’s access details are:

Username: cowrahs Password: 174results


MERIT SCHEME NEWS

Students who achieved Gold Medallion status in the Merit Scheme last year have enjoyed some well-earned rewards this year. They received a free drink at the Swimming Carnival and have enjoyed three “Pop-up Shops” this term where the hot favourites were the icy cold Fruit Bombs. These students will be receiving their Gold Cards at Assembly in Week 7. These will entitle the students to certain privileges during the year including free entry into Socials and similar school events, access to Pop-up Shops, sausage sizzles and permission to go to the front of the bus lines. Caregivers are welcome to attend this school Assembly next week, Wednesday 12 March, 10am in the Hall.

A number of students have received Service Eagles for School or Community Service already this year. These include students who assisted at the Small Schools Swimming Carnival, who participated in the Lions Youth of the Year competition, who hosted our Seikei exchange student and students who presented a fantastic gymnastics display at our final school assembly last year and students who performed at Schools Spectacular.

Our Merit Scheme encourages students to consistently display our core values of respect and responsibility. Please encourage your children to hand in their Bronze Eagles so they too can progress through the Merit Scheme and enjoy the rewards.

PBL Barrel Draw Winners for Week 6 Congratulations to Mason Beath who won the $50

VISA voucher $5 Canteen voucher winners were Daniel Watson,

Tahlia Donovan, Joshua Boland, Meisha Harris & Coen Morante

A huge thank you to Jeremy & Julie Ryan of Mr Embroidery who have sponsored PBL again this year ~ your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Mary Bullock ~ Merit Scheme Co-ordinator

CHANGE OF DETAILS

Just a reminder to parents/caregivers how important it is to advise the school of any change of details relating to their children. This includes change of address, phone numbers, emergency contacts and newly diagnosed medical conditions.

CLOTHING

Please put names on items of school clothing as it makes it much easier to find the owner.


WESTERN AREA SELECTION TRIALS ~ SECONDARY CALENDAR ~ 2014

Sport Div A Div B Region State

Athletics 25 Jul (T3/W2) 4-6 Sep (T3/W8)

Basketball – Boys 1-3 Apr (T1/W10)

Basketball – Girls 25-27 Mar (T1/W9)

Cricket – Boys 19 Nov (T4/W7)

Cricket – Girls 12 Nov (T4/W6)

Cross Country 11 Jun (T2/W7) 18 Jul (T3/W1)

Football – Boys 18 Mar (T1/W8) 20-22 May (T2/W4)

Football – Girls 13 Mar (T1/W7) 6-8 May (T2/W2)

Golf 17 Mar (T1/W8) 24-26 Jun (T2/W9)

Hockey – Boys 2 Apr (T1/W10) 27-29 May (T2/W5)

Hockey – Girls 20-22 May (T2/W4)

Lawn Bowls 9 Apr (T1/W11) 5-7 Aug (T3/W4)

Netball 20 Mar (T1/W8) 28 Mar (T1/W9) 27-29 May (T2/W5)

15 League 3 Apr (T1/W10) 10 Apr (T1/W11) 2 May (T2/W1)

Open League

Rugby 4 Apr (T1/W10) 21-23 May (T2/W4)

Softball – Boys 13 Mar (T1/W7) 19-20 Aug (T3/W6)

Softball – Girls 19 Nov (T4/W7) 25-27 Feb (T1/W5)

Squash 5 May (T2/W2) 24-26 Jun (T2/W9)

Swimming 6-8 Apr (T1/W11)

Tennis – Boys 1 Aug (T3/W3) 28-30 Oct (T4/W4)

Tennis – Girls 16 Jun (T2/W8) 9-11 Sep (T3/W9)

Touch – Boys 9 May (T2/W2) 17-19 Jun (T2/W8)

Touch – Girls 3-5 Jun (T2/W6)

Volleyball – Boys 25-27 Mar (T1/W9)

Volleyball – Girls 1-3 Apr (T1/W10)

Cricket News ~ the junior boys cricket team were recently bundled out of the Lachlan Schools Cricket Comp by a talented Blayney team. The boys previously had victories over Peak Hill, Forbes & Young and therefore had a good season.

The senior boys commenced their Davidson Shield campaign last Friday with a comprehensive victory over Orange High. Cowra scored 6 for 197 in their allotted 40 overs. Significant contributions from Jamie Sinclair (50), Jacob McNaught (29), Sai Penukonda (25), Charlie Johns (24), Kurt Johnstone (20no) & Drew Johnstone (15).

The Orange boys were all out for 73 in reply. Best with the ball for Cowra were Sai Penukonda (2/4), John Clarke (2/13), Jacob McNaught (2/14) & Angus McFarland (2/18). The Cowra team now play Kelso in the 2nd round.

Western Area Selection Trials ~ see above. If any student is interested in trialling they should contact their school coach or Mr Johnstone for more information.

Camden Visit 2014 ~ Cowra will be travelling to Camden High on 2 – 4 June to defend the Robert Montgomery Shield. Students should by now be aware of what sports and cultural activities are being contested. Listen out for nomination/selection procedures as the term progresses. See Mr Johnstone or the respective team coaches for more information.



SIZE QTY PRICE TOTAL

$53.10

$55.80

$37.80

$41.40

$34.20

$36.00

$36.00

$38.70

$24.30

$25.65

$27.00

$34.20

$36.00

$20.00

$11.65

$14.35

$18.00

$18.90

$22.50

$72.00

$81.00

$27.00

$38.70

GARMENTS

Skirt 6-10

Skirt 12-18

Navy Hoodie 10-16

Navy Hoodie S-3XL

Grey Cargo Pants Oz Surf 4-16

Grey Cargo Pants Oz Surf S-3XL

Girls Navy Bootleg pants 8-16

Womens Navy Bootleg pants 10-18

Girls L/S blouse, Boys L/S shirt 4-8



Microfibre Trackpants 4-16

Microfibre Trackpants S-3XL

Navy sports shorts microfibre

2 pack white knee high socks

3 pack short grey/white socks

Royal, Sky, White polos 4-16

Royal, Sky, White polos S-3XL

Tie

Navy Woollen Jumper 10-16

Navy Woollen Jumper 18-24

Sports Shirt 8-3XL

Wetseal Girls Pants 4-18

Please return order forms by 1 April 2014 to 119a Kendal St @ Mr Embroidery.

Email: [email protected] Ph: 6341 3163 All form prices are reduced by 10%

Orders cannot be picked up before 15 April 2014 Laybys welcome

TOTAL $

Mr Embroidery Cowra Cowra High School Winter Uniform Order Form

Name: __________________________ Phone: __________

One lucky shopper will win their total order FREE. Return form by 1 April 2014 to be eligible.


Friday 14 March FESTIVAL MORNING TEA 10am @ Bilyara Re rement Village Contact Vanessa on 6341 1681 FESTIVAL LUNCHEON hosted by COWRA VIEW CLUB 12 noon for 12:30pm @ Cowra Services Club, Brisbane Street Guest Speaker—Julia Dean Na onal Informa on Officer, UNIC Bookings essen al and costs apply. Contact Anne e Lynch on 6342 3834 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Fes val Film Screening 7pm @ Civic Centre Theatre e “Mary Meets Mohammed”

Saturday 15 March FESTIVAL TREE PLANTING 11.30am @ Brougham Park Interna onal Arboretum Plan ng of an Olive tree to signify the United Na ons involvement as Special Guest for the 2014 Cowra Fes val of Interna onal Under‐standing MAIN STREET FESTIVAL PARADE 12noon start from Brougham Park Contact Frank on 6342 3660 Book in from 11am with floats to have assembled by 11:30pm at Darling Street end of Brougham Park. Parade moves off at 12nn, down Kendal Street to River Park.

FESTIVAL CARNIVAL 9.00am—5.00pm @ River Park Market Stalls All Day Stage Show 1.00‐4.30pm Featuring Food and cra s, carnival rides, dances and performances by local ar sts

Sunday 16 March FESTIVAL FUN RUN 9am @ Cowra Peace Precinct 5km, 10km & Half‐marathon SRI LANKAN 11 vs MAYOR’S 11 10.30am @ Holman Oval, River Park T20 match See the best of the ACT Sri Lankan community and Cowra cricket community ba le it out for the Fes val Cup

Exhibi ons FESTIVAL SCHOOLS DISPLAY

Main Street Shopfront Windows 6‐21 March

Community Events

Monday 3 to Wednesday 6 March

COWRA FESTIVAL FOURS Cowra Bowling Club

For further enquiries contact Council’s Community Projects Officer on 6340 2064, email [email protected] or find us on Facebook.

- 50th Anniversary


Saturday 8 March FESTIVAL PEACE CEREMONY & OFFICIAL OPENING 6pm @ Peace Bell, Darling Street Hosted by the Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell Associa on YOUTH AMBASSADOR CIVIC RECEPTION 7.30pm @ Cowra Bowling Club Hosted by Cowra Mayor, Cr Bill West Incorpora ng the 50th Anniversary Reunion of Fes val Princesses Tickets available at The Closet and Council

Sunday 9 March UNVEILING OF INTERPRETIVE SIGNAGE 10am @ Cowra Japanese War Cemetery UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF FAMILY FARMING AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH 11am @ Pridham Conference Centre INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCHEON Celebra ng Women in Family Farming 12.30pm @ The Mill Guest Speaker represen ng UN High Commission for Refugees Cost: $30 Tickets available from The Closet

Tuesday 11 March FESTIVAL LUNCH‐TIME THEATRE 12noon @ Cowra Civic Centre “Imperfect Speakers” Presented by the Cowra M&D Society Cost $5 includes light refreshments

Wednesday 12 March DINNER WITH THE UNITED NATIONS Hosted by COWRA EVENING CWA 6.30pm @ Cowra Services Club Guest speaker ‐ Sue Conde AM, Past President Australian Na onal Commi ee for UN Women Cost: $25 RSVP by Sunday 9 March to Jo Chambers on 6341 4346 or Email: [email protected]

Thursday 13 March FESTIVAL LUNCHTIME THEATRE 1pm @ Cowra Civic Centre ‘Imperfect Speakers’ Presented by the Cowra M&D Society Cost $5 includes light refreshments INTERNATIONAL DINNER and PEACEKEEPING REUNION Hosted by ROTARY CLUB OF COWRA 6pm for 6.30pm @ Cowra Bowling Club Guest Speaker ‐ Dr Russell Trood President United Na ons Associa on of Australia Bookings essen al and costs apply Contact George on 6342 3230

The first PARENT / TEACHER EVENING for 2014 will be held on Tuesday 1 April for all years. Sheets will be sent home closer to the time.

SATURDAY NETBALL COMPETITION

Where: Col Stinson Park When: Competition runs each Saturday commencing on the 29 March 2014

5-7 years 11am-12:00noon 8-10 years 10:30am-12:00noon 11-12 years 10:30am-12:00noon 12-14 years Time slots rotate weekly between 1pm & 2:30pm

Uniform: Cowra netball shirt - free to registered players + black netball skirt Cost: 5–10 years $50 (NetSetGo)

11–17 years $100 (Juniors) $125 (Seniors) Player with a disability $30

5-10 year olds will be part of our NetSetGo program

and will also receive a participant pack consisting of a netball, ANZ NetSetGO t-shirt and medal.

Registrations will be taken on Saturday 8 March at Col Stinson Park from 11am-2pm and Saturday 15 March at River Park following the festival parade.

For more information please contact Kristen Ryan on 0409 813 802 or email [email protected]

Cowra High School Newsletter March 7

Documents

Transcript of Cowra High School Newsletter March 7