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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Peak Hill Central School Newsletter We are Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Successful

Caswell Street Peak Hill NSW 2869

T: 02 6869 1304

F: 02 6869 1776

E: peakhill-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

W: www.peakhill-c.schools.nsw.edu.au

From the Principal’s Desk School Calendar - Term 3 Friday 23 August Kick Start Kindy (9:30 -10:30)

Fam/Friends Day

Week 7 Work Placement

Week 8 Metals and Engineering Work Placement - Yeoval

The Peak Hill Show is a wonderful community event which brings us together to celebrate what it is to be a rural town. The involvement and commitment of so many people is what makes it so successful. Congratulations and well done to all the staff and students involved as exhibitors, competitors, stewards and volunteers. Thank you to our P&C for the barbeque which was a successful fundraiser and involved many helpers throughout the day. It was great to see so many of the staff enjoying the day and helping out. The children get very excited to see us outside school!

How “eggciting” was the hatching of Liddy the Ladybug as our very own reading mascot for Paint Peak Hill ReAD. It was a pleasure to be involved with so many community members in the planning for this event which was enjoyed by young and old alike. Liddy will continue to be a focus as we promote the importance of singing, rhyming, reading and talking to children from birth. Well done to the committee under the leadership of Sarah Browning and Rhonda Brain for your infectious enthusiasm and commitment to this project over many months. As a school we have enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Library, Preschool and St Josephs as the egg as moved between and continued to grow as students read and sang to it. The picture below tells its own story of a friendships which have evolved over the year and the important message of reading.

Joining our school for the next six months is Rotary Exchange student from Belgium Sixteen Jacloul. Sixteen is in our Year 11 cohort and will reside with the Goodwin and Wright families during her stay in Peak Hill. I congratulate Sixteen on how easily she has settled into her new school even putting an entry in the cake decorating section of the show to gain a Highly Commended. The show was a new experience for her and she is looking forward to all the new experiences her exchange will offer.

This fortnight we have welcomed Lucas and Jackson Perry Morgan as new students to our school. We hope that you and your family enjoy the school and the many opportunities we offer to engage in learning.

Congratulations to Year 9 student Isabelle Goodwin who has been selected to attend the University of Newcastle Summer School. The Girls Choice Program is a fantastic opportunity for Isabelle to experience a wide range of insights into potential career pathways as well as experience university life.

Students Michael Welsh and Jarrod Westcott have been recognised by the secondary staff for their consistent effort and involvement in activities throughout the school.

This week I was visited by Maddison Powell, India Sant and Cooper Dart from Kindergarten who shared with me their independent writing about what they had been learning about ants. We all agreed after they had read their sentences to me that we would rather be the Queen Bee than the many workers who had to toil for her in the nest.

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Principal

Mrs Paula Payne

Deputy Principal

Mr Paul Champion

Administration Manager

Mrs Tanya Stanford

Aboriginal Education Officer

Mrs Vicki Sharah

Assistant Principal Primary

Mrs Tracey Lickess

Miss Sarah Browning

Head Teacher Maths and Science

Mrs Maria George

Head Teacher English

Mr Jeremy Whiterod

Head Teacher T&L

Mrs Rachel Cody

Middle School Coordinators

Miss Tara Lightfoot and Mr James Peter

WAP Access Coordinator

Ms Crystal Williams

P & C 2013

President

Mrs Donna Kopp

Vice President

Mrs Narelle Peters

Secretary

Mrs Cathy Goodwin

Treasurer

Mrs Margaret Edwards

A Member of the Western Access

Program

Last Friday many of our primary students represented the school at the Gobondery/NARRAF Athletics. Well done to all the students for your sportsmanship and participation. Congratulations to Brandon Hamilton who was named Junior Boy Champion. This is an outstanding result Brandon. On Monday evening we held a Subject Selection evening for our year 10 students and their parents. The information session, facilitated by Ms Crystal Williams and Mrs Rachel Cody, provided an overview of the Preliminary Course requirements from the Board of Studies and TAFE courses. It is the beginning of the transition process for each student to select their pathway to further study and their future career. Thank you to the staff for supporting the students through this stage in their schooling and to the parents who are demonstrating their interest and support. If you were unable to attend please contact the school to arrange a time to meet with one of the Transition Team. Over the last fortnight Mr Lloyd Scott, the Learning and Support Teacher, and I have continued meeting with parents and students in the review of Learning and Support Plans which will be in place for all students. These three way conversations between the home, student and school have been invaluable in identifying special interests, learning and support needs and ways in which we can work together to achieve individual successes for our students. For me it is a way of getting to know every student, their strengths, talents and needs. What surprises emerge in the dialogue as we discover those students who are in the cadets, training to be volunteer fire-fighters, others who are learning Martial Arts, volunteering at Frazer House, wanting to complete their Bronze Medallion or aspiring to be leaders in the school to name just a few examples. We are fortunate to have such a diverse and interesting group of students who add so much to the tapestry of our school and its community. Throughout the last few months I have been working with many of our Interagencies to identify ways that we can support each other in our roles within the community. Tomorrow the focus of the meeting will be strengthening these partnerships to support Student Engagement in Stage 5 and 6. I am very appreciative of the support our school receives from these agencies including Centacare as our Partnership Broker, Parkes Neighbourhood Centre, Mission Australia, the Police and businesses. As the saying goes it takes a village to raise a child and through working together we are making our school a focus for the success of our community. Tomorrow, Friday 23 August we celebrate Children’s’ Book Week with a FamFriends afternoon. The Parade of book characters will start at 12.30 pm with prizes for different stages and staff, during the Literacy Assembly. This will be followed by a barbeque. In the afternoon we invite you to stay and share some reading activities with the younger students as we sing, rhyme, talk and read. Everyone is welcome to join the fun and celebrations. Have a wonderful fortnight

Mrs Paula Payne

Principal

“quoted” “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Middle School The Middle School continues to grow and expand in enrichment and extracurricular activities as well as the physical environment. The restoration of a shade sail setting which once lived in our primary playground is now in progress. The shade sail setting is currently undergoing some slight fabrication adjustments which will follow with new paint and the ordering of the new sail to be attached. The shade sail shelter will be assembled in the gap between the Middle School buildings in the southern end of the school and bridge the gap to the Western Access Video Conference rooms. This will begin the process of construction for the Middle School Outdoor Learning Centre. The Outdoor Learning Centre will allow our Stage 3/4 teachers to further engage students in activities outside of the classroom. The Middle School is also currently branching out and offering additional enrichment activities for our students. This is evident with the inclusion of enrichment classes and splitting groups to focus on areas for improvement in areas such as Science and Mathematics. Our Middle School teachers meticulously strive towards providing extra opportunities for our students and are always looking for new ways to engage students in learning activities. Middle School students have been reminded this week about the importance of using electronic devices appropriately and at appropriate times as we have seen a slight increase in students misusing mobile phones and music devices. Can parents please give your support in helping to make sure that students use these devices only in recess and lunch breaks. They do hinder the education that your child is receiving and we do need to work together to provide the best possible opportunities for our students to learn.

Mr James Peter & Ms Tara Lightfoot Middle School Coordinators

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Cooking in Kindy Last week Kindergarten enjoyed cooking chocolate crackles with dinosaur sprinkles. They then wrote about this experience during independent writing. Not only does cooking provide a great shared experience to write about, but it allows the students to learn about measuring, hygiene, reading a recipe and cleaning up after themselves.

Parent Volunteers Due to the popularity of our Active After School Communities Program, we are seeking parent volunteers to help out. Duties will sometimes include helping to serve afternoon tea, distributing sporting equipment and helping to co-ordinate games. If you have some energy to burn and would like to lend a hand on Tuesday and/or Thursday afternoons, please call the school and contact Miss Rachel Heywood or come in and see her one afternoon. There is no pressure to attend every week as any help would be fantastic.

Miss Rachel Heywood Active After School Coordinator

Active After Schools

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Stage 3 Sun Ovens Stage 3 have been researching the many different types of renewable and non-renewable energy sources in Science over the past weeks. In week 3 they built 5 solar ovens using recycled materials that included real estate signs, cardboard boxes and old newspapers. By Week five the sun was finally shining bright enough to test them. Student's filled up metal oven trays with corn chips, cheese and salsa sauce. Once the food was placed inside the oven the students worked with each other to place their ovens in the sunniest spot behind the Aboriginal Resource room.

The students checked and logged the progress of their oven by using an investigation sheet that recorded the time, air temperature and weather. After about two hours the sun had melted the cheese over the chips creating a delicious Nachos snack for the whole class to eat. Rona Fitzpatrick, Taliah Read, Jaidah Ridgeway and Sky Welsh described their Nachos snack as "one half had sauce and it had texture, the other half had just cheese, they were beautiful".

While we all waited for the Nachos to cook the class constructed a solar water trap designed to collect clean water from a container of muddy water. Working in the same Cooperative Learning Groups the students placed a cup inside the container then covered it up with glad wrap. Familiar with the experiment Jack, CeeJay and James explained to the class and the teachers that it would work because 'evaporation' would take place. They said that 'condensation' would form on the inside of the glad wrap because of the solar heat generated inside the container. The warm winter sun started to have an immediate effect which soon resulted in clear water dripping steadily into the cups. Well done Stage 3 scientists!

Mrs Danielle Tremain-Cannon & Mr Nick Ruddell

Drama Spotlight Our Drama Spotlight this fortnight shares the work that Stage 1 has been doing throughout the term. Currently they are studying a COGS unit on how things grow and change, and their Drama learning has engaged with some of the key ideas from this unit. Our first Drama lesson looked at how plants grow and change, with students exploring the lifecycle of an apple seed through to its maturity as an apple tree in full fruit. Students thoroughly enjoyed this activity as expressed by Jakaya’s comment, “That was mad!”

The next week we explored how much students have already grown and changed in their (short) lives. Students enacted key moments such as learning to walk, losing a tooth, starting school for the first time etc. Students are increasing in their confidence and ability to bring to life situations of their own imagining.

The following week students were asked to consider how old they would be in 20 years’ time and what they would be like as an adult. I asked students whether they would be married, to which I got a resounding “Yes”. My next question was not as well received- “Will you be married to someone in this class?” to which the students quickly replied “No” in amongst groans and sounds of them being sick. They certainly are developing their expressive skills! Students participated in a ‘School Reunion’ taking on the role of their adult selves.

I am hoping that this unit of work might culminate in a visit with some of our older community members who can share their stories about growing up and how their lives have changed.

Mrs Rachel Cody

Drama Teacher

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Congratulations to Isabelle Goodwin who was successful in her application to attend the Girls’ Choices Summer School in December at the University of Newcastle. Isabelle will get the chance to live in campus as well as following a university timetable and completing activities related to Science and Maths. She will take part in lectures, class and lab work as well as field trips to local organisations to see potential future careers in action. It won’t all be about study though. Isabelle will visit the Forum Sports and Aquatic Centre and a special event will be revealed to her while at the Summer School. We look forward to hearing about her experiences later in the year. Well done Isabelle. I have had the chance to speak to Year 10 students about their time on Work Experience. For some of our students it has really reaffirmed what they want to do in life. Others have gained valuable insight into the demands of working ‘9 to 5’. The comments I have had back from employers have been positive. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our host employers for their support of our Work Experience program: In Peak Hill- Peak Hill Preschool; St Joseph’s Primary School; Peak Hill Industries; in Parkes- Cornish’s; Medlyns Auto Service; Parkes Pet Barn; in Dubbo- Grandeys Bike Bitz; Duncan McGinness Veterinarian; Agriweld; Dubbo Mowers and Chainsaws; EB Games; and Target. Special mention must also go to Taronga Zoo Sydney who hosted Shanika Robinson during her Work Experience earlier in the year. Year 10 students should also be carefully considering their subject choices for their Preliminary and HSC studies. Thank you to those parents and students who attended the subject selection information night. As promised, I would make mention to the two specific websites that I presented so that all parents had an opportunity to explore career options and specific pathways with their students. The first website I want to draw your attention to is http://www.seek2b.com/ You can also access this website by doing a Google search of ‘seek2b’. Currently this website is free to access until the end of August. Peak Hill Central School has subscribed to this website which will entitle access via a passcode. When I have received this information, I will give it to parents and students so that they can continue navigating this site. The second website is http://www.hobsonscoursefinder.com.au/ which can also be found by doing a simple Google search of ‘Hobson’s course finder’. Both websites are a great resource for parents and students to utilise as they try to navigate their way through the process of career pathways. Students also have access to the Job Guide which they are welcome to borrow to further assist in their decision making. Of course, parents and students are also welcome to book a time to see myself or Miss Williams to discuss their subject selections and goals for future study, training or employment.

While on the topic of decision making and career planning, this can be a very daunting prospect for parents who are trying to help their child in this process. CSU are “making the journey a little easier with regular updates and tips to help you through the process, from choosing a course through to applying for study, scholarships and accommodation”. Their Little Bird will give all the information you need if you register online at www.csu.edu.au/parents or phone 1800 334 733 for more information. Received in the mail this past fortnight was information from CSU about their NSW HSC Online. Many of our HSC students already use this resource, but for those who don’t know what it is about, it is a joint initiative between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Education and Communities providing supplementary resources for 51 subjects (including VET) and 85 courses. Anyone can access it via hsc.csu.edu.au CSU have also provided information on their Global programs which provide students with opportunities to experience the world through a variety of international study options. Students wanting to find out more information can visit www.csu.edu.au/csuglobal Also from CSU was information on their Study Link short courses aimed at providing a confidence boost in the areas of writing, IT, maths or science. For more information, visit www.csu.edu.au/studylink CSU also provided information about their Communication and Creative Industries Courses. A copy of this prospectus has been placed in the senior study. Bedford College sent through information on their Open Day and Scholarship Assessments on 7 September 2013 from 9:30am to 3:00pm. A poster displaying this event has been placed in the senior study. Bedford offers courses in Business, Management and Early Childhood Education (Child Care). Students wanting to find out more information about the available scholarships should visit http://www.bedford.edu.au/about UAC also provided the school with their latest newsletter. A few copies of this have been placed in the senior study for students to look through. Of particular importance is that the applications process for tertiary study in 2014 is now open. Students are encouraged to check UAC’s website at www.uac.edu.au/course-search/ for course updates and additions. Students also need to be reminded that the processing charge for on-time applications is $28 which needs to be completed by Friday 27 September 2013. After that time a late fee will be charged. Also within the package from UAC is information on the Educational Access Schemes (EAS). A copy of this document has been provided to Miss Williams. Students who believe they have experienced a long-term educational disadvantage as a result of circumstances beyond their control should speak to Miss Williams to see if they are eligible for undergraduate admission under this scheme.

Careers Corner

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

The 2014 Equity Scholarships booklet is also due to arrive this month. It is also available from the UAC website at www.uac.edu.au/equity/ Finally, Access Education will be presenting their HSC Exam Revision Lecture program at ACU North Sydney Campus on October 1, 2 and 3. A poster and flyers have been placed in the senior study for interested students. “What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team.” – Benjamin F. Fairless

Mrs Rachel Cody Careers Adviser

Show Cakes

Rhianna Goodwin Highly Commended

Taylor Fairly Second Prize

Amy Hart First Prize

Sixtine Jacloul Highly Commended

Grace Fitzpatrick First Prize

Brooke Carpenter Highly Commended

Sally Wright Second Prize

Georgia Westcott Highly Commended.

Molly Wright First Prize

Student Prize

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

On Friday we met to start the process for early entry and eligible students gave me the courses that you want to apply at Charles Sturt University and the University of Technology (Sydney). It was an interesting and informative process as students went through their UAC Guide for 2014 and took the first steps to completing paper work for Early Entry. Students have also started writing their DRAFT on their motivation to succeed.

For parents, all Year 12 students who are eligible for an ATAR will have received their UAC PIN notification letter in the mail. Students must complete their UAC undergraduate application by going to http://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/apply/. This is the procedure you need to take to apply for university admission. Without this application you cannot enter university and you will not be given an ATAR. If you are struggling to understand how to fill the form in you can watch a video on the following link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CHcjFCJpIo

IMPORTANT DATE: Early Entry Forms must be completed and given to Ms Williams by Friday the 16th September 2013.

If you have any questions make sure you come and see me.

Ms Crystal Williams Western Access Program Coordinator

Each week there will be a newsletter article promoting courses run across the Western Access Program.

This program is highly successful in delivering a wider curriculum across our schools, maximising student

choice and achievement.

Year 11 Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation

SLR is a subject in which students develop their understanding and competence in a range of sports and recreational pursuits. This year the Year 11 course is delivered by Trish Morgan from Trundle. Students cover the theory content of this subject in VCs and during face to face time with co teachers they apply the practical skills required for the unit. Students are currently studying a module titled Individual Games based on golf. They will be marked on skills in putting, chipping and driving as well as their ability to explain the skills required the types of competition and handicapping.

Ms Crystal Williams Ashleigh Farrar practicing her iron shot

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

HSC Major Works for Industrial Technology

http://au.prime7.yahoo.com/n3/video/-/watch/18419046/young-drivers-warned-about-road-safety/

Mock Crash

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Science is about asking questions and posing possible solutions. It provides a great opportunity for students to consolidate their literacy skills through writing explanations and reports as well as developing numeracy through measuring, recording, calculating, tabulating and graphing.

Year 9 students were involved this week in an assessment task – the question:

Could they make the chemical reaction between magnesium ribbon and hydrochloric acid producing hydrogen gas proceed faster?

What could they change? Add more acid; use stronger acid; cut up the magnesium ribbon; increase the temperature of the acid????

Students write an HYPOTHESIS – a statement or prediction about what might happen that can be tested. eg

Cutting up the magnesium will make the reaction go faster.

Increasing the temperature will make the reaction go faster.

Other things to consider to design a ‘FAIR TEST” include:

What will I measure?

What will I change?

What will I keep the same?

What happens if the results do not show what we thought would happen? We are not wrong as the flow chart shows. We think again and try things differently. By working scientifically, students learn to think logically, plan/organise, work safely and make accurate measurements. These skills are essential in a range of occupations that may not have anything to do with science, particularly problem solving.

Mrs Maria George Head Teacher - Science

Working Scientifically

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Term 1 2013 Canteen Roster

School Noticeboard

When lunch comes home ... again

Almost nine out of 10 Australian parents say children's resistance is a major obstacle in their efforts to provide a healthy diet, and in many cases school lunches are one of the battlegrounds. But it's a battle families can do without and there are some simple steps to help avoid it. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/food/when-lunch-comes-homeagain

2013 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10

Monday

Ellen Hart

Tuesday

Jo Robinson

Wednesday

Show Day Gail Hando

Thursday

Mary Wright

Friday

Julie Westcott Tanya Wright Alisa McNeil

Congratulations

PBL Winners

Grace Fitzpatrick Year 10

Trefor Douglas Stage 3

If anyone has closed in leather school shoes we would appreciate any donations. Students participating in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, Food Technology or Industrial Technology, must have the correct footwear for their own safety. Shoes that would suit ages 11-15 would be much appreciated.

Student of The Week Kindergarten: Elecye Calwell

Stage 1:Billie Schaefer

Stage 2:Casey-Lee Fraser

Stage 3:Taliah Read

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Issue 13 Term 3 Week 6

Community Noticeboard

NSW Partners in Grain NSW Partners in Grain (PinG) will be running a Grain

Marketing Forum for farmers at the Parkes Ex Services Club:

Wednesday 11 September 2013

from 2pm - 6pm.

A 'must do' pre-harvest event, it will be hosted by Tim Glass, Director of Commodities and Business Markets at

NAB who will provide a market/season outlook. There will also be an interactive panel session with local grain

marketers - a great opportunity to ask questions.

Cost is $25 per person (includes morning tea) and bookings are essential.

Please contact Tina Cooper at PinG on 0411 015 825 or visit the NSW page at www.partnersingrain.org.au for more

information.