high school newsletter · may 31 support unit excursion to timbertown jun 1 regional cross country...

CHATHAMHigh School

TERM 1 WEEK 11 2018

N E W S L E T T E R

DAVIS ST, CHATHAM 2430| 02 6552 2588 | [email protected] | www.chatham-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Well, term one is done and we’re off to a flying start to 2018! Year 12 have recently finished their mid-course HSC exams and I took the time to address the school regarding the need to make every effort to complete tasks to the best of their ability. “I don’t really mind what the result is, just do your best!” is a saying I’m sure we’ve all used at different times and it’s exactly the attitude we hope our students adopt whatever stage of school they’re at. Learning is one of the school’s three core values, which includes an expectation that ‘We Do Our Best’ in everything we attempt and that high expectation extends to our staff as well.

It was pleasing to see a large turnout to our recent parent teacher interviews, an occasion that again identified how important communication between the adults involved in the equation is to the progress of students. The old saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ has never had more relevance as the pace of life quickens and we find ourselves more and more timepoor. I can guarantee that regardless of how hard the conversation can be, whenever you can take the time to connect with your student about their studies, that investment will reap rewards as they progress through school and on into adult life.

Some students are still making the unfortunate decision to absent themselves from class and are therefore missing valuable minutes from their learning. I would like to remind you that our parent portal provides attendance information in real-time, to again assist the adults involved in a student’s life in getting on the same page in order to support students in making better decisions regarding attendance.

We will start the next term with a new timetable and some staff changes and I would like to take the opportunity to thank our long-term temporary staff who have supported the school over a number of years. In particular one of our Learning Support Officers Marilyn Connors, who has supported hundreds of students and staff over her 18 years at Chatham High School. We will still see Maz, who we hope will support us in a casual capacity, however we wish her all the very best as she considers retirement and thank her on behalf of those families whose lives she had become such an integral part of in her role of classroom support.

I look forward to seeing everyone back safely after the break and putting our school plan for 2018-2020 into action. After a long consultation phase, the plan will be uploaded to the school’s website on Friday 13 April. Can I also thank our neighbours who have been diligent in keeping an ear and an eye out for the school out of school hours. Their efforts have minimised the damage from a number of break-ins that have occurred recently.

I’ll finish off this column with our school’s vision statement, freshened up after recent consultation, we hope it resonates with you…

Quality Teaching and active learning in a supportive environment, developing responsible citizens with strong values and essential skills.

CHATHAMHigh School

Congratulations Xavier Cooper on being selected as a recipient of the NAIDOC Medal of Excellence. Xavier was one of only twenty students state wide to receive this honour. Xavier submitted a piece of creative writing titled “Sorry is not enough” to the NAIDOC Week School Initiative Competition.

Year 11 students have been invited into Ms Wood’s year 7 English class to assist with speech writing and other literacy activities. The older tutors have given up some study periods to volunteer in the class and work with year 7 buddies. This is proving to be a very successful way to engage the younger students in their learning and it also offers an opportunity for the older students to work as volunteer tutors and mentors. The year 7 students benefit greatly from the time and efforts of the older students and respond very positively to the extra support in English class. We will definitely be continuing with these sessions and hope that other year 11 students will join in when they have the time. Ms Judi WoodEnglish teacher

Thank you to all the parents and carers who came along to our Semester 1 interviews.

DAVIS ST, CHATHAM 2430| 02 6552 2588 | [email protected] |www.chatham-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

CHATHAMHigh School


Term 2

Wk 1Apr 30 Staff Development DayMay 1 Students return to schoolMay 2 Athletics CarnivalMay 3 Yr 10 Science and Engineering ChalllengeWk 2May 10 Merit and Yr12 Academic AssemblyWk 3May 15-17 NAPLAN May 17 AECG MeetingWk 4May 24 Zone Athletics CarnivalMay 25 Hunter sports trials - lawn bowlsWk 5May 30 Yr 10 and 11 vaccinationsMay 31 Support Unit Excursion to TimbertownJun 1 Regional Cross Country

Wk 6Jun 4-8 Yr 12 Retail and Construction Work Placement Stage 4 ExamsWk 7Jun 11 Public HolidayJun 12 Yr 11 RYDA DayJun 12-15 Yr 12 Hospitality Work Placement Stage 5 ExamsJun 14 AECG Meeting Hunter sports trial - gymnasticsWk 10Jul 3 Hunter sports trials - girls tennis Jul 5 Stage 4 & 5 Academic Assembly Hunter sports trial - trampoliningJul 6 NAIDOC DayJul 9-23 School Holidays

Term 1

Wk 11Apr 9 Senior Study Night Open Girls Soccer Apr 9-11 Clontarf Rugby League 9’s Senior Carnival Apr 10 Yr 7 Swim SchoolApr 11 Netball NSW Schools CupApr 12 Zone Cross Country AECG Meeting Table top role playing groupApr 13 ANZAC Day Ceremony

Calendar

CHATHAMHigh School


A few snaps of Year 7 having fun at the Coffs Coast Adventure Centre

CHATHAMHigh School

Year 7 Camp

On Monday 12th March, Year 7 travelled to Coffs Coast Adventure Centre for a 3 day camp. We were accompanied by Mr Cambrell, Miss Cong and Ms Shaw. When we arrived at our destination, we were greeted by friendly staff. The staff guided us through each activity step-by-step and didn’t force us to do anything we didn’t want to do. They called it ‘Challenge By Choice’.

The activities that were available to us included giant swinging, mega dropping, a commando course, zorb balling down a hill, sky wiring, canoeing, Capture The Flag and ice skating.

The overall experience was a joyful time spent with friends and teachers. Students made new friends with people they never thought they would be friendly with. A lot conquered a fear or two and the teachers were very supportive of the students. The bus journey back home was long and quiet as most students were too tired to make a lot of noise.

On behalf of Year 7, we would like to thank Mr Cambrell for organising this event. Thank you to Ms Shaw, Miss Cong and Mr Cambrell for having to put up with us for three days and our biggest thanks to Coffs Coast Adventure Centre for letting us stay there and making it a fantastic time.

-Molly Wilson and Victoria Birt


Students commented on their favourite activity:“My favourite thing was playing Capture The Flag at night.”- Makaylah Northam.“My favourite thing was the giant swing.”“All the activities were really fun.”- Chelsea Atkins“Zorb ball was the best.”“The mega drop was the most fun.”“Zorb ball was fun, but it made me feel sick.”- Ali BoorerThe food we were served was delicious and was cooked perfectly by an awesome chef.“The food was delicious.”- Molly Wilson and Shayne Beaumont“The food was great.”- Victoria Birt

“Camp was fun. I liked it a lot.”- Ali BoorerI would definitely like to go again.”- Molly Wilson“It is a worthwhile place to go back to and I want to go again.”- Felicity Stace“It is a place that I recommend for a first High School camp.”- Shayne BeaumontThis Year 7 camp was amazing, and I think that each Year 7 group should have the opportunity to go there.”- Emily Friery “I had a fun time at camp, and it is a place that I would like to go to again.”- Victoria Birt

The supervising teachers were greatly impressed with the efforts of the students and were proud of the students for creating a good image of Chatham High School.“Best camp I have been on so far.”- Miss Cong“Year 7 camp was even better than last year. I’m not sure if it was the students or the venue, but everything ran smoothly and everyone had a huge smile each morning to start the day. That has to be a good camp!”- Ms Shaw

CHATHAMHigh School


SRC News

SRC Team Building and Planning Day

Our Chatham High School Representative Council (SRC) had another planning day on Thursday the 5th April. This involved all our members from years 7 to 8 including members of our Support Unit.

We began with an Acknowledgment of Country proudly presented by Nathan Moore. We then continued with a review of the SRC Constitution to which each member signed, setting out the rules and guidelines for how the SRC is run, elected, roles and responsibilities it undertakes to support school and the wider community.

Breaking for photos, team building activities and a delicious morning tea of cakes, scones and fruit provided by the canteen.

Thereafter with another break for lunch with sushi, chicken and juice; the SRC planned and brainstormed events and fundraisers to be held throughout the rest of the year until term 1 of 2019. Each and every proposition was voted on. The ideas came in vast amounts to allow more practical objectives and sort the unpopular from the more worthwhile and popular events and fundraisers.

Benjamin Stace (Year 11 SRC member)

Congratulations to our newly appointed SRC members, Year

7 students Brayden Fleming, Victoria Birt and Christopher

Jones.

CHATHAMHigh School


On Friday 2nd March our SRC completed the Youth Clean Up Australia Day around the outside of our school grounds and parts of the Taree Recreation Grounds. Clean Up Australia supplied us with gloves and rubbish bags and we used rubbish collector-claws to pick up as much litter as possible. We hope by re-introducing this event to Chatham High this year, it will grow into a regular event that can cover an even larger area next year.

Andrew Klump (Year 11 SRC member)

Clean Up Australia Day

We had a lovely visit from former student Michelle Schofield last week. Michelle called in to have a look at the school and how it has changed over the years, she also donated a cheque on behalf of students who attended the 40th year reunion held last year. Thanks to the Class of ‘77 for your generous donation and continued support of our school.

CHATHAMHigh School


Guest Speaker - John Coutis

On the 6th of March a motivational speaker named John Coutis came to Chatham High School to speak with students from year 7 to 12 about his struggles in life and how these events have led to where he is today. Our Senior Leadership Team first heard John speak in December last year when we attended the National Young Leaders Day / Halogen Conference. We suggested the school contact John and he was happy to have a conference call with our team to discuss his visit. John speaks to high school students with the aim to improve their mental health by discussing wellbeing strategies and state of mind techniques to appreciate and approach situations optimistically. John now speaks all around the world and Chatham High is grateful that John could fit us into his busy schedule to speak and inspire the student body.Some of John’s key messages include; ‘Your Life is Priceless’; ‘Goals give you Direction, Purpose and Strength’; ‘Treat people the way you wish to be treated’; ‘Responsibility – Know what is right and know what is wrong. It’s your choice’.

Griffin Humphreys Chatham High School Vice Captain

What a great surprise when one of Chatham High’s alumni and Hall of Fame star, Troy Bayliss, dropped by to say hello. Thanks Troy for calling in.

CHATHAMHigh School


Monday night study nights are still going strong. Take advantage of this great opportunity to study with resources and staff available to help. Don’t forget to get a

permission note if you haven’t already and get along to the library on Monday nights.

CHATHAMHigh School


Sporting Achievements

U15’s Girls Soccer

A gutsy effort by all has lead to a well deserved win to Chatham High in the U 15’s soccer match against Gloucester High on Friday 6th April. The game had it all, excellent skill in attack and defence, sportsmanship, teamwork and sweat, sweat, sweat in the uncommon April heat.

Both sides displayed an energetic and positive approach to the game but Chatham was able to place a goal in the back of the net within the first 10 minutes thanks to the teamwork displayed within the midfield with Liberty Wares and Hayley Potts in providing a beautiful ball through to striker Tasha Mackie.

I truly believe this early goal lifted the spirits of the girls and their belief in the team as by half time we were ahead 5-0. Cheers and calls of support from the sidelines were abound throughout the game. Knowing the girls had the support of family and friends on the sidelines was also a wonderful benefit to the positive vibe of the match.

After a quick discussion of tactics and encouragement to just keep up their efforts for the second half a few changes of position were decided upon, mostly to give our goal keeper Xanthe Parsons a run. We took to the field and maintained our attack on goals and any movement into our half was shut down by some skillful defence in both the midfield and backs on the part of Nyah Roberts, Zoey Smith Minett, Georgia Bosher and Jada Humphreys.

With a lead of 7-0 it was time to bring Xanthe up for a run and thanks to the sportsmanship of Bella Handel who took on the roll of Keeper, with no prior experience, we pushed forward once again in attack. The change of position proved quite successful in that Xanthe was able to put away 2 beautiful strikes on goal before full time. The 9-0 win is a testimony to how these girls gelled as a team and the fact that 4 different players were able to score the goals displays their ability to use the field and knock the ball around as a team.

The girls should all be very proud of their sustained efforts and sportsmanship displayed throughout the match. I know I am as their coach and look forward to more of this attitude and effort in our next game in Term 2.

Coach- Rebecca Humphreys

CHATHAMHigh School


Girl’s Open Soccer

Myself, along with a key group of parents (thank you so much for your support of the girls) and the Cha-tham High Open Girls Soccer team took to the road for a trip to Heaton Park Jesmond for our first game of the season on Monday April 10th. On arrival the energy and excitement displayed by the girls was pal-pable from our youngest player Nyah Roberts from Y7 right through to the most seniors of the group Kirsti Hill and Emma Garland from Y12. After a quick chat on field positions and game tactics, a heavy rolling of mosquito repellent, they were monsters, everyone donned they’re soccer gear and headed over for a swift warm up before kick-off.

No one had any idea of what the other team were like and Callaghan College were straight into attack mode from the moment the whistle blew. Our defence in the backs Alkira and Nyah Roberts, Charlie Wares and Hayley Potts were kept on their toes from the start, their experience and skills were a key component of the game from start to finish. A shock goal lobbed over the head of the keeper Xanthe Parsons in the first 5 minutes was the first, but not last goal of the game, Chatham had to lift the intensity a notch and they did.

Our kick off from strikers Tyler Potts and Tash Ruge saw the ball move into our half of the field and that is where it stayed for 80% of the game. The ball work as a team from both highly experienced players such as Tyler, Liberty and Tash along with the guts and determination of Bella Handel and Dayna Reynolds along with each and every Chatham girl across the field was to be commended. This teamwork along with the good old Chatham spirit saw an equalising goal 15 minutes into the game by Alkira Roberts which I know this certainly lifted the team.

We stepped back to positions and knew there was still plenty of time on the clock so no rest for the wick-ed and the girls pushed forward once again into our attacking half. Any break thoughts from Callaghan were quickly shut down with strong defence in the midfield with Zoe Smith Minett and Liberty Wares and in the backs along with the speed of Emma Garland and Charlie closing down any attempts on goals. Team work and determination on the part of Chatham was rewarded with a penalty about 35 minutes into the game and a superb free kick from the edge of the 18 yard box by Charlie saw us take the lead 2-1 into the half time break.

A quick cool down in the 30 degree heat was a must at half time plus encouragement to just “keep playing our game” being our focus before heading back on for our last 40 minutes of play. The sports-manship and morals displayed by our team as Callaghan got a little physical with their tactics and ver-bal with their comments on the field is a testimony to the fine young women in this team. We had to do our best to maintain our lead and avoid a penalty shoot-out, if the game was a draw.Talk was abound from the captain Charlie along with the other more experienced players in the second half of the game. We made many attempts on goals with Tyler Potts and her younger sister Hayley both deprived due to that darn post deflection! Defence was strong throughout and I must admit there were a number of times my heart was in my mouth as the time ticked by with what was shaping up to be a highly exciting game.

One small lapse in defence was all that was needed and literally in the last 10 seconds of the game Callaghan scored an equaliser and the whistle blew. It was time for the dreaded penalty shoot out. It just wasn’t our day when it came down to it. First penalties once again either found the post and deflected or in Charlie’s case found the keepers face, bounced to the post and out. It was a gallant effort by all the Chatham girls, right to the last minute and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and sportsmanship. Our time together is over for 2018 but I’m already excited to see what 2019 will hold when I truly hope this wonderful team of young women takes to the field again.

Coach - Rebecca Humphreys

CHATHAMHigh School


The Bill Turner Cup

Chatham High boys put in a great effort last Friday, April 6, when they played Buladelah in the Bill Turner Knockout. It was a tight game, with the score 2 - 2 at the whistle. Bul-adelah were victorious on the day, winning 3 - 1 in a penalty shoot out.

Swimming Star

Talea Fernance competed in the NSW CHSSSA (Combined High Schools) competition on the 8, 9 an 10th of April at Homebush. Swimming in the 16-19yrs, multi class category, Talea not only came home with a Gold in the 50m backstroke, she also man-aged Silver in every other discipline........50m butterfly, 50m free-style, 50m breaststroke and 100m backstroke. Talea now heads of to the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships on May 11 and will again be racing in all strokes.

Netball NSW Schools Cup

The girls played in the Schools Cup last Tuesday, April 11 in Taree. It was a very tough competition for both age divisions with the 9-10s winning one of their games. Well done to all the girls who played.7/8 - Chloe Muir, Natasha Turner, Ella Rowe, Bibiannah Peattie, Bridie Wallace, Jasmyn Sawyer, Georgia Bosher, Ella Mills.9/10 - Lily Milton, Meagan Mills, Chloe Campbell, Elissa Turner, Stacey Jones, Jessica Rowe, Keira Bosher, Kasey Muir, Charli Muir, Jessica Eagles.Thanks to umpires Emma Rowe, Jessica Eagles, Charli Muir and Georgia Bosher and Coach Carla Rayson.

CHATHAMHigh School


Marylyn Sendah continues to shine in the world of public speaking. In March, Marylyn travelled to Armidale to speak in the finals at the Rotary District 9650 Conference, Marylyn was announced the winner of the competition, the prize being a trip to New Zealand. A quick drive back home to Taree, saw her win the public speaking section of the Lions Region Three Youth of the Year Final. The Rostrum Voice of Youth Competition was held at Newcastle High in April with Marylyn walking away with second place. The next public speaking competition will be the Plain English Speaking Award at Toormina High School on Friday, 18 May 2018. Marylyn has also been selected in the YMCA Youth Parliament, an empowerment program that provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard. As part of the program Marylyn will attend two camps in Sydney, one will teach the participants how to write legal bills and the other will give individuals a chance to write their own bill. They will then spend four days in Parliament, arguing their bills and if successful they will become law. The subject of Marylyn’s bill will be leveling the playing field between public and private education, a subject that is important to Marylyn as a student in the public school education who has regularly come up against private school students in the course of her public speaking.

2018 Cross Country

On a hot Tuesday afternoon, the students of Chatham High headed out the gate for the 5km cross country. Some walked, some jogged and some ran.......Daniel Bendall was first across the line in a time of 22m33s, closely followed by Ethan Martin 22m45s. The next two over the line were Jakeb O’Brien 23m59s and Liam Phillips 25m38. The first girl was Priya Bourke 28m53, followed by Charli Muir, Jada Humphreys and Felicity Simmonds. Congratulations to these students and all those who qualified for the Zone Cross Country in their age groups.

CHATHAMHigh School


From the Ab Ed Team

Cultural Excursion

Chatham High School in Partnership with TIDE has given Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a day to immerse themselves in their culture. Over the period of term 1, students at Chatham High School attended a cultural day out at Crowdy Head Beach where they met up with local elders. The day seen students learn about traditional Pippi finding along the beach. Students were able to learn about techniques for collecting Pippis and where to find them. The students also learnt about traditional fishing ways and how the beach was a way of learning what was available within the beach to collect or hunt for food. When lunch time came around the students were able to cook their Pippis they had collected and enjoy them along the beautiful beachside. To finish the day students listened in to the traditional dreamtime stories being told about the beautiful landscape and the 3 Brother Mountains.

Hannah Ballard - AEW

Year 11 Sport Coaching

Year 11 Sport Coaching travelled to Wingham Brush Primary School to run a touch football gala with their stage 2 students. The students were involved in coaching, refereeing and organisation of the day. The Eagles team coached by Jakeb Obrien Walsh, Tyler Potts and Alkira Roberts won the day.

CHATHAMHigh School


Ag Team Happenings

Over the past few months the Chatham High Agriculture Show Team have had some great success! They attended their first Royal Show in Canberra in February where Bridie Stone achieved 4th place in the 13yrs and under paraders competition, Tom Tynan 5th place in the 14yrs and under paraders and Lachlan Moore 4th place in the 15yrs and under paraders. They then competed in another 5 local shows where they received nearly 20 ribbons in Junior Parading, 19 Led Steer ribbons, 3 Grand Champion ribbons (best steer of the show) and 3 reserve Grand Champions.In March they headed to Sydney to compete at the Royal Easter Show for the first time where Lachlan Moore placed 5th in the Royal Agricultural Society’s (RAS) Paraders competition and Belicia Watson placed 5th in the School Paraders competition. Lachlan had previously qualified for the RAS competition at the Wingham Show, this win places Lachlan 5th in the state in parading. Our vegies are also did well at the Royal Easter Show. The Sydney Royal Judges scrutinise the produce, judging everything individually to determine the best in each region with the winner then displaying a mini exhibition to showcase the educational side of agriculture. Chatham High has the honour of displaying the mini exhibition for our region in 2019.

high school newsletter · may 31 support unit excursion to timbertown jun 1 regional cross country...

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