FROM THE PRINCIPAL

A MESSAGE TO FAMILIES

At the time of writing, we have had some rain, and a little bit of cooler weather, to make life a little more comfortable.

We have farewelled Year 12, and seen them go through the examination process. I would like to thank Mrs Joy Dinsdale, our ever supportive Presiding Officer, who has again worked with our students as they undertake their examinations. I will say that this year, it has been bookended with cancer treatments, and so her commitment to our school is something I am very thankful for. Already we have students who have secured traineeships and apprenticeships, and are looking forward to their futures at further tertiary study.

There is some very special news for our school. Now, this next matter has to do with an announcement. It is an achievement of our school. Last month, the Minister for Education, Mr Adrian Piccoli, announced that there were 11 schools across the state that have been named Professional Experience Hubs – centres of excellence for working in partnership with universities to achieve support for teacher education students. Our school, JFHS, has been named in those 11 schools. This may not seem much in the title, but the nomination has come about because we have a diversity of staff who wish always to improve their teaching, work collaboratively together, to achieve improvement in their teaching, which can be passed on to our students. Quite simply, we have been recognised for our positive approach to our work, and the way that we work with other people in achieving this. We have been partnered with Charles Sturt University, and have been given a substantial grant to achieve innovation for teacher education students. Most importantly, we have been recognised for being a school with excellent drive to do better. What this means for our school is a substantial grant for our teachers to engage in supporting teacher education in our local context. I am thrilled about this opportunity for our school.

This term we have also undertaken an external validation pilot for our school plan. It was a very in-depthprocess in a short time frame where we looked at the differences we were making in our school as outlinedin our school plan. The summary of those findings have been strong in the area of teacher professionalism and collaboration, and learning support. We are also investigating streamlining our awards system and considering our programs for student wellbeing. In future years there will be a strong focus on student achievement.

Since the last newsletter I have also had the pleasure of working in different ways with our fabulous Northern Spirit Learning Community schools. I was invited to the Thurgoona Public School P&C, which was a very positive experience, and I appreciate the time that this group took to meet with me, even thought they were very busy with fete preparations. This week I was the Mystery Reader for Albury North Public School reading group – and this was truly so much fun meeting our young readers. The school has also been involved in various other Northern Spirit activities – Mrs Joss has been working hard with students from Glenroy and Albury North Public Schools for a superb dance performance at the schools’ opening for the MAMA gallery, and our Year 10 students led the teams from our learning community for Backyard League at Jelbart Park. We have a wonderful association with our partner schools – we are very lucky.Enjoy the lead up to the end of the year.

Jenny ParrettPRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM

Year 12 – 2015

As I write this column, the final HSC written examination involving our students is scheduled for tomorrow - the ninety minute Visual Arts examination on Wednesday afternoon concludes the three week HSC examination period.

Ms Dixon and Mrs Alvey have just returned from a week of intensive HSC English examination marking in Ashmont, one of many HSC English marking centres around NSW; their experiences there a reminder that every single student response and essay in those first examinations of the three weeks have already been read and marked by at least two, and sometimes three, different markers. On Wednesday, 16th December the HSC marks will be released. All staff, particularly teachers of this year’s HSC cohort, look forward to seeing the dedicated learning and effort of so many of our students recognised and rewarded at that time.

Year 11

As one HSC year comes to a close, so another unfolds. Year 11 students are already at the halfway point of their first term of four in their HSC courses. With the first of the HSC formal assessment tasks in most subjects falling due over the second half of this term, it is important that students plan and structure their study and homework timetables so that they meet deadlines. In order to assist that process, Mrs Thurling has once again put the mentor program in place for those Year 11 students who requested a mentor teacher with whom they could meet regularly in order to be supported throughout the HSC year.

Whether students have elected to be paired with a teacher mentor or not, communicating clearly with teachers, as well as being familiar with assessment schedules and the procedures if variations to assessment are sought, are all important to each student’s success now and throughout the next 11 months. If in doubt, ask!

Year 7 2016

Our second Information Evening for the families of our 2016 Year 7 students will be held in the school hall on Tuesday, 10th November from 7.00 until 8.00 p.m. There will be some brief presentations followed by the opportunity for families and intending students to ask questions about our school. The 2016 Year 7 adviser, Mr Finn and I look forward to welcoming families to the night.

Any parent or carer who cannot attend this final information session should feel free to contact me at the school if they have any questions about high school for their child in 2016.

Ross McGarvieDeputy Principal Curriculum (Rel.)

P & C NEWS

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is especially calling all Year 12 and Year 10 students to donate their uniforms, whether students are finished with their uniforms, or are changing to senior uniform at the end of the year. Donations of good quality, clean uniforms, either winter or summer, will be greatly appreciated and can be dropped into the Canteen to Judi Gadd (our Uniform Shop guru) or Merelda. Enquiries can be made by phone on 6025 1688.

Please consider that by donating these uniforms you are providing a cheaper alternative for students who are unable to afford purchasing a new uniform. Funds raised from the sale of these uniforms is returned to the school when the P&C provides equipment throughout the year, in addition to supporting individual students.

Canteen

The Canteen would like to let students know that lunch/recess meals can be pre-ordered each morning prior to the start of school. You can ensure that your meal of choice is held for you by simply attending the Canteen, obtaining a lunch bag from the counter, and completing the relevant details - name, meal (lunch or recess) and food requested. Payment must be included when submitting these orders.

Enquires can be made by phoning 6025 1688.

Art Show

On Thursday, September 10 the school, in conjunction with the P&C, held an Art Show in the Library which showcased the artwork of our PDI students both to the school and the general community. There was an amazing array of original images from which copies could be purchased. The money raised from the evening will be donated back to the Visual Arts faculty for the purchase of replacement stylus.

The P&C would like to thank Mr John Skillington for opening the show, and for providing an informative address to the attendees. Thanks also to those students, parents and friends who attended. It is hoped that this Art Show could possibly become an annual event through which the school can celebrate the amazing work which our students produce in Visual Arts classes.

Book Pack Sales

The year is fast coming to a close, and once again the P&C is co-ordinating the sale of book packs for students in Years 7 to 10.

As per last year, we will be using Barkers Office Supplies as the supplier of book packs. The dates for purchasing Book Packs for 2016 have now been set, and the packs will be available at the Canteenon the following days:

Tuesday December 15, 2015 8am to 1pmWednesday January 27, 2016 8am to 1pm

The eftpos machine will be in use on these days for both credit and debit purchases, and the usual processing fee will be waived on these days.

Note: Book packs will be available at the Canteen only, with no direct access via Barkers. If you have difficulty in purchasing the book packs on the days listed, please advise Merelda at the Canteen on 6025 1688, or email Kathy Anderson at naauto@westnet.com.auwith details of the books required. Credit card details can now be taken over the phone and processed for those who cannot attend on these days. Any orders taken will held at the Canteen for collection (and payment if not prepaid).

P&C Meeting

The next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 11 in the Staff Common Room at 7:15pm. Please note the earlier meeting time, as we will be touring the proposed new Transgrid sponsored garden area. All are welcome to attend and be involved in supporting our school!

GLENLY STREET ENTRANCE

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR FAMILIES WHO USE THE GLENLY STREET ENTRANCE

It has been a significant concern for some time that our entrance at Glenly Street has been a safety concern. There are many reasons for this, including:

The pedestrian access being so close to the motor access;

The cul de sac in which our main entrance sits;The small nature of our car park, which holds many more cars than it has previously.

Some families have used the car park to drop off their students, and this has created huge safety concerns, especially at peak drop off times.

As a result, a vehicle access chain will be placed across the vehicle access gate for 15 minutes each day – approximately 5 minutes each side of the bell time for the end of school.This will prevent motor access, and allow pedestrian access at this time. This will start in Term 4. Any car in the car park will not be able to leave while the chain is up, and any car who wishes to enter the car park will not be able to enter while the chain is up.

This will provide our students with a safe exit from school.

CALENDARTERM 4, WK 5 – TERM 4, WK 10

Year 12 HSC Examinations – Final Day Friday 6th November

Under 16 Boys and Girls Water Polo – Albury Pool Tuesday 10th November

Year 7 2016 Parent Information Evening 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday 10th November

Rixon Cup Cricket JFHS v Albury High Wednesday 11th November

Duke of Edinburgh HikeWednesday-Friday 25th, 26th, 27th

November

JFHS Gala Evening P&C Friday 20th November

Schools Spectacular Sydney Tuesday-Friday 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th November

Year 10 Camp 25th, 26th, 27th November

Year 9 Tasmania ExcursionMonday 30th November –Friday4th December

YEAR 12 GRADUATION DINNER

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DRAMA?

It has been an incredibly busy start to Term 4 for our Drama students.

On Saturday 17th October, nine enthusiastic Year 8 students spent the day at the Albury Applause Festival. They performed as a variety of characters from Commedia dell Arté – aform of Theatre that originated in Italy during the 15th Century. They had a blast raising money for kids in need and they even scored a free sausage sizzle!

Year 11/12 have begun the HSC course and are currently studying Contemporary Australian Theatre. They are lucky enough to have a new and enthusiastic preservice teacher called Mr Wright on board. They were overjoyed this week after being presented with shiny, fancy new logbooks.

In week 4, Year 10 Drama presented their class production of ‘Love and Information’. Over 50 scenes played out in 90 minutes, this play had everything! Love & censorship & exes & recluses & things left unsaid & pain & mental health & death & chickens.

Week 3 saw the Drama Ensemble take part in the Dramatic Minds Festival at the Hothouse Theatre. The group devised an amazing piece of theatre about Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and the effects they have on patients and families. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house and even though the festival wasn’t a competition, the James Fallon Drama Ensemble totally won. We even received some excellent coverage on WIN News, which showed our fabulous thespians as mature, thoughtful and eloquent young people. The Misses Gifford and Williams – and the irrepressible Mr Wright - are immeasurably proud!

Written by Ms M. WilliamsEditor: Ms A. Gifford

Regent Cinemas is sponsoring the School

Cleanliness And Beautification Draw

And a Double

Pass to a movie at

Regent Cinemas

could be yours!