October 17, 2014
Bellingen High School NEWSLETTER
Telephone: 02 66551 315 Fax: 02 66552 630
http://www.bellingen-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
BLUESTAR Program
Congratulations to Elisha Thompson, Joshua Thompson, Jessica Gough, Chloe Gough and Aaron Scheef who have completed their BLUESTAR Program.
The students attended 2 camps – one during the July school holidays and the other during the October school holidays, alongside 48 other students from around New South Wales. These students also gave up their time and volunteered at the Coffs Harbour PCYC during Term 3 in the office and assisting in the sporting groups.
These students have now been awarded with the Duke of Edinburgh (Bronze) Award, a First Aid Certificate and a Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering.
Jody Newhouse
BLUESTAR Program Coordinator
Year 10 into Year 11 2015 Scholarships
Scholarships are available for Year 10 students who will be enrolled at Bellingen
High School for the 2015 school year. The scholarships are available to our
students primarily through the generosity of community and individual
benefactors. The scholarships cover both academic and non-academic categories.
Information letters are available from the Front Office and applications need to be
completed and returned by Tuesday 21st October. Interviews will then be held on
Friday 24th October.
Year 7 HSIE Excursion
On Friday 10th October our Year 7 students went on an excursion to see the ‘Mysteries of the Ancient Empires’ Exhibition. The exhibition was held in Dorrigo at the local hall.
We travelled by bus up the jagged roads to Dorrigo. When we arrived, we were split into groups where the leaders of the groups took us around to the different sections of the exhibition. Off we went for a journey to reveal the mysteries of the past.
The exhibition included Ancient Egypt, the Dead Sea Scrolls, a replica of Tutankhamun's tomb, a table of hieroglyphics, cuneiform writing and much more. The display had over 180 pieces with tons of history to learn. We had the opportunity to look and hold broken pieces of pottery from Ancient Egypt. The distinctive and well preserved art that we saw, in the form of sculptures, pottery and architecture added to the information and depth of our learning.
We had a look at evidence that historians use to discover how people lived during those times. The artefacts were elaborate and ornate.
Afterwards we sat down on the grass and discussed what we had seen and what each other liked about the display.
A big thank you to Miss Hibbert, Ms Newhouse and Miss Hill for organising this excursion for Year 7. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Kelsey Williamson-Leslie (Year 7)
From the CAPA Faculty
Year 10 Visual Arts
Our Year 10 Visual Arts students have produced some brilliant work in our unit on portrait drawings - "Up Close and Personal"!
Megan Newbound CAPA Faculty
Georgie Mason Madelin Perry Brittany O'Neill
Meg Galloway Hannah Ford
Isabella Lee Briana Edman
Lola Barcala Dylan Connors
Monique Taylor
Janna Elliott
Jasper Lopez
Ezra Malcisi
Music Notes Horns On Helium
For those of you who have an interest in Jazz, Horns On Helium, the small jazz combo put together by Oscar Eager, performed to a very enthusiastic audience last Saturday night. This group performed mostly original jazz pieces composed by Oscar Eager and Blaise Borrer. They were performing with the Roger Bourke Jazz Ensemble.
Lachlan receives AmusA Award
It’s a busy time for Bellingen High School violinist Lachlan Wilkins who recently received a Distinction in his Associate Diploma in Music, Australia (AMusA).
In December Lachlan is off to Tasmania for two weeks where he will be attending the Australian International Symphony Orchestra Institute. AISOI is widely acknowledged as one of the most innovative and professionally structured orchestral training schools in the country. Lachlan was again successful in gaining entry into the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists and National Music camp where he will catch up with Australia’s best young musicians.
London Symphony Orchestra Program
Congratulations to Meagan Davis who has been accepted into the London Symphony Orchestra Program. Students from all over New South Wales auditioned for a place in this program.
Schools Spectacular
Congratulations to Natasha Dyason, Liam Mallinson and Kalinda Scheef who have been accepted into the Schools Spectacular Orchestra.
Ann Phelan Head Teacher CAPA
New England Sings
Bellingen School Choir is heading to Armidale for the “New England Sings”, an award winning performance project involving schools from the northern regions of New South Wales. Repertoire includes a world premiere of “Two Birds”, a poem by Judith Wright with music by Christopher Jordan. “Ancient City” a gorgeous original work by local composer Paul Jarmon and Andrew DeTeliga, will be included in the repertoire. Elena Kats Chernin, a prolific Australian composer who’s composition “Deep Sea Dreaming” in honour of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef will also be a performance highlight. Our choir will be travelling up for a weekend of rehearsals with other regional schools in combination with the New England Orchestra. The choral and orchestral performance will be held on Sunday 2nd November.
Lyn Williams, who is conductor for Australia’s national renowned Gondwana Voices, will be facilitating the rehearsals. This is a very exciting learning opportunity and performance event for our choir members.
Linda Cochrane CAPA Faculty
Year 7 Girls Lunch
Our Year 7 Girls Group recently had a lunch get together with Janie from Nortec. A big thankyou to Nortec – Janie Smith and Leanne Woods for everything they do.
‘SAVE THE DATE’
YEAR 7 FAMILY PICNIC DAY
Monday 15th December
12.30pm – 2.30pm
Bellingen Swimming Pool
From the SRC
The SRC will be supporting CanTeen’s National Bandanna Day on Friday 31st October with the sale of bandannas and pens - limited stock will be available so get in early! CanTeen aims to raise $1.1 million to support young people living with cancer. Every year, another 23,000 young people have to deal with the challenge of cancer - whether it's their own diagnosis or that of their parent, brother or sister.
Young people at CanTeen wear bandannas to show they're fighting cancer together. Join the fight this National Bandanna Day and raise funds to help CanTeen support young people when cancer turns their world upside down.
Karen Hayward SRC Coordinator
PDHPE Faculty Update
Thank you to our fantastic General Assistant’s - Matt,
Warren and Kieran for their hard work in the school
holidays. The team were responsible for remarking all
of the lines on the MPC floor in readiness for
resurfacing.
Because of the resurfacing it is important that students
have "non-marking soles" on their shoes.
Students are reminded to ensure that they bring a hat for their PE lessons – remember
to be sun safe!
If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress in PDHPE please do not
hesitate to contact their relevant teacher.
Julie Taylor
Head Teacher PDHPE
Science News Down at the Ag Plot
G'day from the Ag Plot - students and their families who have pre-purchased
poultry from the school are welcome to pick up the new members of their family on
Monday and Wednesday from Ms Lockman at the Agriculture shed. Please bring a
big box for the transportation of the bird(s).
We are running another field trial day in conjunction with Valley Seed Breeders on
TUESDAY 21st OCTOBER from 10am 'till 1pm. The field trial is examining the
susceptibility of a variety of paddock grasses to rust. Anthony Leddin (Valley Seed
Breeders) will be with us to examine the results and to advise local agriculturalists.
All interested parties are welcome to attend. Year 11 students will be hosting a
free BBQ for all participants. Please register your interest by calling Valley Seed
Breeders on 1800 226 905 ASAP.
The annual Dorrigo Show is fast approaching, so it's all hands to the wash bays as
the cattle are groomed to within an inch of their lives! However, we've still got a
few rows of veggies to be planted in the garden before cattle mania really takes
hold.
Let's hope for a drop more rain and few more cooler days before the summer heat
is really upon us.
Happy farming. Hooroo 'till next time!
Trainee Farmer Hook
ESSA Science Skills
The ESSA test for Year 8 students will be held in Week 6 of this term. Please see
the parent information note in this Newsletter about the test.
Marijke Verschuuren Head Teacher Science
Careers News
Senior Schools Day
Southern Cross University in Coffs Harbour will be holding a Senior Schools Day on
Tuesday 21st October. This event provides an opportunity for senior high school students
to visit a university campus, meet with students currently studying at university, receive
information on the range of courses on offer and the financial cost of study.
The day commences at 9.50am and concludes at 2pm. See Mrs Kirk in the Careers Office
for more information.
Position Vacant – Apprentice Cabinetmaker
Coffs Harbour Kitchens are looking for an apprentice cabinetmaker. They are after
someone who is very accurate, motivated and has a good eye for detail. Any students in
Years 10, 11 or 12 interested please see Mrs Gorman or Ms Kirk ASAP for more information.
Trish Kirk
Careers Advisor
Year 11 News
Year 11 students are reminded that if they decide to drop a subject they must bring a note in from home, plus speak to Mr Holding, Principal before the process can begin.
Keira Hibbert Year 11 Advisor
Bronze Awards and Bronze Barrel Draw Congratulations to Year 7 students Max Murphy (Year 7), Ruby-May Jenkins (Year 7) and Conaire Deagan (Year 9) pictured below, who were our winners of a $25 voucher from the Bronze Barrel draw.
Updated Bronze Awards should be displayed by Year Advisors by the end of the week so keep an eye out for them.
Gold Excursion
The Gold Excursion to the Gold Coast is on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd December. We will be visiting Wet ‘n Wild and Movieworld, staying overnight at the Sea World Nara Resort. The cost of the excursion will be $250, will a non-refundable deposit of $50 due to the Front Office by Friday 31 October 2014. The balance of $200 is to be paid by Tuesday 18 November 2014. The Gold Excursion is for students who have achieved Gold Level (that is 20 or more Bronzes), and not been Level 3 or above of the School's Level System.
Unfortunately due to lack of numbers our Silver Excursion for this year has been cancelled. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rob or myself
Julie Taylor/Rob Wickham Coordinators
From the Principal
The term is up and running with Year 12 already completing their Higher School Certificate English exams. It was great to see our students there on Monday all ready to go. It’s an exciting time that can be stressful for many. Don’t forget there is help at school from your students teachers if study advice is needed. Mr Kingsley is managing Misadventure applications and we can help with stress or anxiety if you let me know.
Year 10 into 11 Scholarships are on offer again this year. Year 10 students have been advised of the process and timeline and been issued with an application form. They close on Tuesday 21st October and interviews will be on Friday 24th October for those students invited. They will need to be dressed in school uniform, prepare answers to two questions in advance, answer a third given to them during the interview and provide the panel with a resume. Good luck to all applicants.
The school has started the planning for the next three year school management cycle. On Thursday 16th October we held a community meeting with a pleasing number of people attending to look at what our school means to them, what do they value about our school and what positive improvements could we make to better cater for our students and community’s needs. This process will be repeated with groups of students, staff and a parent meeting at school on the evening of Monday 10th November. I look forward to these opportunities to discover more about our school and our community.
A reminder to parents that there are funds available from the school in response to specific requests from needy families with secondary aged children.
The following are listed as a guide to the types of items which would be regarded as acceptable for the purpose of attracting funds from the Student Assistance Scheme:
educational/stationery needs;
excursions;
school uniforms;
specific subject costs; and
books
Requests must be made on an application form which is available from the Front Office or alternatively, contact me direct. Each application will be considered separately and is treated confidentially.
At times it may be necessary for the school to contact parents/guardians so it is important that enrolment information (especially contact numbers) are correct and kept up to date. If your number, email, address etc. has changed please let us know so we can change it on our database.
Paul Holding
Deputy Principal’s Report
Welcome Back Welcome back to all students and families for Term 4. As I have said many times at Assembly, every new term is the chance for students to make a fresh start with their studies and general school life, especially if their preceding term wasn't what they wanted it to be. This includes being kind to one another and demonstrating fair play in areas of school life. I am expecting that all students will do their best this term.
Uniform Survey It's been a long time coming and a lot of discussion has taken place with the Bellingen High School Uniform Committee to get the uniform survey to the stage it is at right now. All parents, students and staff will have the opportunity to participate in the on line survey but we need your current email address for this to happen. Without your email address we will not be able to send you an invitation to participate. Students will complete the survey through their school portal address and this will be arranged during class time. The aim of the survey is to see where we are at and get information as to whether we need to amend and or completely change the Bellingen High uniform, so your input is very important. The survey will go live on within the next two weeks and will remain open for two weeks. If necessary the survey will be made available again for any parents who may have missed out.
Anti Bullying Procedures at Bellingen High School Remember that all bullying must be reported so that we can move swiftly to stop it and assist all students to enjoy their school days. If your child reports any issues to you, please let Mrs Gorman or myself know immediately. See this Newsletter for a re-print of the Anti Bullying procedures. Until next time.
Dot Panaretos Deputy Principal
GARAGE SALE TRAIL COMING UP
Saturday 25 October 2014
Garage Sale Trail is a national program that’s about sustainability, community, commerce and fun! Communities around Australia are organising garage sales on the same day to promote reuse, reduce waste to landfill, enable new neighbourly connections, provide a platform for fundraising, inspire creativity and stimulate local economies. Now in its fourth year, Garage Sale Trail is a not-for-profit mission that works hand in hand with government to inspire social and environmental change. Last year, 1.5 million items were listed for reuse (that’s an average of 8 shopping trollies redistributed per sale), and over 230,000 new community connections were made (13 new connections per participant). This year’s event will be the biggest national community and sustainability event Australia has ever seen! Garage Sale Trail is for buyers, sellers, makers and creators. Absolutely everyone can get involved. See more at http://garagesaletrail.com.au
Our Canteen is keen to have new members on the roster. If you are able to assist at any time we would love your help.
The school canteen is a great environment to work in, not only because of the air conditioned comfort; it is also a great place to meet the staff of the school.
If you are able to give any of your time please complete the volunteer form below and have your child return it to the Canteen at the school.
Thank you.
Canteen Volunteer Form
I will be able to work at the Canteen (please tick):
Once a week
Once a fortnight
Once a month
Once a term
I would prefer (please tick):
Monday My name is:
Tuesday
Wednesday My child’s name is:
Thursday
Friday My contact no. is:
ESSAonline 2014 Essential Secondary Science Assessment (ESSA)
Test period – Monday 10 November to Friday 14 November ESSA is an assessment program that provides information about the scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes of Year 8 students. Its aim is to enhance teaching and learning in science and to support the integration of assessment into the teaching-learning cycle. The focus of the assessment is the mandatory outcomes and their associated essential content as described in the NSW Board of Studies Science Years 7-10 Syllabus, 2003. (The test will transition to reflect the outcomes of the Australian curriculum: science at the suitable time.) Students will be tested on their:
knowledge and understanding of science;
understanding and skills in the process of scientific investigation;
ability to evaluate evidence, make judgements and think critically;
ability to access information and communicate scientific ideas using a variety of strategies. The test also includes a survey of students’ attitudes to the test, to science and their learning of science. The ESSA test is now completed online as an interactive multimedia assessment called ESSAonline. It consists of:
three extended tasks, which provide opportunity to assess higher order thinking and deep understanding, and provide the scope for times of high order of difficulty;
approximately eighty short response and multiple choice items. Assessment items are framed in real-life situations related to self, the family and the community. The times give students the opportunity to demonstrate their understandings at both local and global levels. Students are able to choose their own pathway through ESSAonline and to control their use of videos, animations, graphics, audio and text. Each student requires a computer and ear/headphones to be able to complete the test. Note that ESSAonline can be held in sessions throughout the test day; all students do not have to complete the test simultaneously. The test takes approximately 80 minutes. Individual information about student performance is provided to students and parents through the Student report to parents, which is printed and sent to the school for distribution. For more information about the test you can go to:
http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/7-12assessments/essa/index.php
Sport News Athletes Continue To Excel
What an outstanding season the athletes at Bellingen High School have had
during 2014. The best was yet to come at the NSWCHS Athletics Carnival held
in Sydney on 4th-6th September. Bellingen High School had a massive 14
students selected to represent North Coast at these Championships. All
performed well but there were a few ups and downs!
There is the story of the 16 years boys relay team, near the front, entering
the final changeover - trouble was the third runner couldn’t catch Ezra. In
fact, who can?
To finish in the top ten in the State is really amazing and many of our athletes
did just that.
Luke Thorn 17+ years boys 10th 200m 5th Pentathlon Brie Thomas 16 years girls 9th Triple Jump Kaizin Clapson-Downey 16 years boys 8th 400m Jonty Neaves 16 years boys 7th 800m Jesse Vincent-Ellis 16 years boys 5th Shot Put Andrew Trist 16 years boys 4th Javelin Ezra Malcisi 16 years boys 2nd 100m
These are great results and all the athletes should be congratulated.
Photo shows some of the amazing athletes that performed so well at State Athletics:
Back Row Jesse Vincent-Ellis, Kaizin Clapson-Downey, Jonty Neaves, Ezra Malcisi
Front Row Luke Thorn, Katie Thorn, Andrew Trist
Thorn Success at NSW All Schools
Athletics
The NSW All Schools Athletics
meet was held recently and Katie
Thorn (Year 9) entered the
Triple Jump, 200 metre and 400
metre events, with up to 50
competitors in each event. Katie
placed 5th in the Triple Jump -
a remarkable achievement.
Jacob Thorn (Year 10) entered
the 2000m Steeplechase event
and came in an outstanding 7th
place! Amazing results
considering most competitors
were from elite specialist sports
schools. Well done Katie and Jacob.
BCU are awarding $10,000 in scholarships to students who demonstrate motivation, drive and prior achievement.
Students can apply for up to $1,000 to help cover the costs of study or career development, whether that be fees, a laptop, or a specific item for their chosen field of study.
Applying for the scholarship is easy, students just need to visit www.bcu.com.au/scholarships and fill in the online nomination form before Friday 7 November 2014.
Eligibility for Scholarships:
Studying in Years 10, 11 or 12, or in the first year of university, an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Demonstrated commitment to reaching their career goals.
Recipients need to have an active BCU student access or BCU basic access (everyday account)
DATES TO REMEMBER
OCTOBER DECEMBER
21 Year 11 Senior Schools Day 1-10 Year 10 Work Experience (continues)
24 Year 11 2015 Scholarship Interviews 2-3 Gold Excursion
31 National Bandanna Day 8 Year 6 into 7 2015 Orientation Day
NOVEMBER 8 Year 6 into 7 2015 Parent Evening
3-7 Years 7 and 8 Exams 8 P&C Meeting 7 HSC Concludes 11 Year 10 Clearance Day
7 NCCHS Surf Lifesaving 12 Presentation Day
10 P&C Meeting 12 Years 7 to 10 Reports issued
10-14 ESSAonline – Year 8 15 Year 7 Family Picnic Day
10-14 Years 9 and 10 Exams 17 End Term 4
17-21 Year 10 Futures Program 18-19 School Development Days
24-28 Year 10 Work Experience (commences)
28 CLAPPER Awards
2015
JANUARY
27 School Development Day
28 Years 7, 11 and 12 students commence
29 Years 8, 9 and 10 students commence
MARCH
19 School Photographs
APRIL 2 End Term 1
20 School Development Day
Field day includes:
Agricultural presentation by Bellingen High School students. Simple descriptions of the “scientific lingo” used by seed companies. Choosing the right pasture species for your farm with practical in paddock identification. Making the most profitability out of your pastures with improved grazing management
practices. Caring for your pastures to increase productivity with agronomy tips. Preparing your own pasture planner so you can take control of when you want the feed. Managing the time phase from tropical to temperate grasses.
ASSESSMENT TASKS – TERM 4
YEAR 10
SUBJECT TASK/S DUE WEIGHTING Agriculture Yearly Exam Week 6 20%
Child Studies Children’s services and related career opportunities Yearly Exam
Week 4 Week 6
15% 10%
English Poetry Yearly Exam
Week 4 Week 6
15% 20%
Food Technology Food service and catering Week 4 25%
HSIE Yearly Exam (Geography) Week 6 20%
IT Metal Yearly Exam Week 6 15%
IT Timber Yearly Exam Week 4 10%
Maths Yearly Exam Week 5 40%
PASS Promoting active lifestyle Term 4 15%
Photography Final practical portfolio of photographs Week 4 40%
Science Yearly Exam Week 6 30%
Visual Arts Yearly Exam Week 6 25%
Valley Seeds Pastures Field Day
Tuesday 21st
October 2014
Bellingen High School
10am-1pm
Free BBQ Lunch Provided!
YEARS 7/8/9
YEAR/SUBJECT TASK/S DUE WEIGHTING Year 7 HSIE Yearly Exam (History) Week 5 20%
Year 8 HSIE Yearly Exam (Geography) Week 5 20%
Year 9 HSIE Yearly Exam (History) Week 6 20%
WHAT TO DO IF I AM BULLIED
If I feel hurt or upset by what someone else has said, written or done.
I tell a teacher or my Year Advisor
or
A friend tells my teacher or Year Advisor
or
I use the Bully Box in the Library
First Report Teacher will tell the bully to stop and help work out the problem. My Year Advisor and Mrs Gorman will be informed.
I may want to talk to the School Counsellor
Second Report Mrs Gorman or my year Advisor will help me work out a solution. The bully will be given a warning by Mrs Gorman.
My parents may be involved
Third Report Mrs Gorman will inform the Deputy Principal. The bully will be given a warning by the Deputy Principal
I will receive continued support from teachers, Mrs Gorman, Counsellor and Deputy Principal
Fourth Report or IF I AM IN DANGER Deputy principal or Principal will interview the bully. Bully may be suspended.
