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Newsletter Mount Eliza Secondary College

Canadian Bay Road Mount Eliza 3930 Tel: 9787 6288 Fax: 9787 9888

Email: info@mesc.vic.edu.au Internet www.mesc.vic.edu.au

Website http://www.mesc.vic.edu.au

Editors: Angela Pollard & Heather Hiam 20 September 2013 Volume 7 2013

This Newsletter is available in colour electronically on the College website and on the College intranet.

Dear Parents, Students, Teachers and Members of the Wider School Community,

Thank you to the many members of our school community who attended the course confirmation days over the last few weeks. From my perspective, it is wonderful to see parents taking a keen interest in their children’s education, and assisting them to make well informed decisions that start to connect them to their future pathways. Our new approach at years 9 and 10 is all about student choice, and supporting them to take responsibility for their program at school. It is also about preparing them well for their senior studies, by allowing them the opportunity to study areas of interest in depth, and develop strong learning behaviours. It is the quality of a student’s learning behaviour that makes the real difference to their outcomes, and the ability to plan, organise, take initiative, explore ideas and topics away from school and work collaboratively with others are the skills that not only support them in the school setting, but in the world of work as well. As you look through this newsletter, you will see evidence of just how diverse life in a school really is, and how many opportunities exist for students to follow their interests, and engage with one another in a variety of settings and activities. Last Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending the Debutante Ball, and whilst some may consider this an out-dated concept, it certainly provided opportunities that never go out of date. The students have been working together over an extended period learning and practicing the routines, and mixing with a wide range of students, some of whom they might have barely spoken to previously. On the night they were serious, proud and very much a team and the enjoyment was palpable. And teachers and parents of course, were extremely proud of the wonderful young people who were the focus of attention. This is just one example of many and I encourage you to consider what is being show cased in the newsletter, as I believe it to be strong evidence of an excellent school. Best of luck to our year 12 students who will be spending much of the break preparing for their upcoming exams. As I mentioned to them this week at assembly, it may not be the usual holiday routine, but in a few short weeks their secondary education will be completed, and the best possible outcome is to walk away being able to say ‘I did the best I could possibly do’. I would like to wish all students and their families a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Angela Pollard,Principal

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DEBUTANTE BALL 2013—SPRINGVALE TOWN HALL

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HPV REPORT

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to Toorak College to take part in an experiment they were running with their HPV vehicle. A group of 8 students, including students from HPV and Physics, came along with Ms Lockyer and 2 parents. The experiment involved rolling a HPV vehicle down a slope of known gradient, and timing it at a specific distance. From this we have been able to calculate its velocity and acceleration, which combined with known variables and assumptions; we have calculated its air resistance and efficiency. The experiment was conducted first with just a driver in the vehicle, and then we added 3 bricks for extra weight, then 5 bricks and finally putting an umbrella behind the vehicle. It was a great day and very interesting for us all. The cherry on the cake was put on when Toorak College laid on chocolate cheesecake and fruit for us. We are now looking at how we can adapt the experiment to use with our own vehicles. The data we generate will be used both to improve our vehicles and in our Presentations at the RACV Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Toorak College and look forward to working together again.

VICTORIAN POLICE YOUTH CORP UPDATE

It is coming to the end of Term 3 and the Victoria Police Youth Corp (VPYC) students have been taking full advantage of the

opportunities provided to them. They have continued to meet their community service requirements by helping organise and run

the Blue Light Discos in Mornington. On Tuesday the 3rd of September the students participated in the “War Time Reflections”

that included a day of food, music, stories and memories in support of Legacy Week. On Wednesday the 4 th of September with

an early 8 am departure we headed off to Parliament house were we had the opportunity to speak with our representatives and

see them action. We then headed off to the Police Air Wing where he had the opportunity to see the place in full operation from

the helicopters refuelling, having a go on the simulator and viewing the control centre.

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PARENTS OF YEAR 7 AND YEAR 9 STUDENTS The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has identified an

error in the placement of some of the national average indicators in the 2013 Year 5 and

Year 7 NAPLAN student reports. This has required the reprinting of student reports with a

consequent delay in distribution of all NAPLAN reports.

There are no errors related to the NAPLAN tests or scoring of student results. No incorrect

reports will be released to students. It is expected that delivery of reporting packages to

MESC will now take place in early Term 4. They will then be forwarded to parents by mail. ACARA has apologised for

the inconvenience caused by this delay.

Parents/guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs; parents/guardians can purchase insurance policies from commercial insurers. The Department cannot advise parents/guardians on whether to purchase a student accident policy/ambulance cover, or which policy to purchase. It is recommended that they seek assistance in this matter with their insurance broker or find a suitable personal accident insurer in the Yellow Pages or online. SICKBAY UPDATE The vaccinations sessions for 2013 have now been completed. Year 7 students had HPV ( Gardisil) and Chicken Pox. Year 9 boys have had HPV. (This was a catch-up session as girls have previously been immunised in year 7) Year 10 students had the Boostrix vaccination ( Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough) If your student has missed any of their vaccinations during the year, or you have any queries about the program, please contact The Mornington Shire Council Immunisation team…59501647, or the school nurse, Jill Stainforth. Vaccinations will begin again next year in February for students in years 7, 9 and 10. It is very important that parents notify the school of any change in their student’s medical condition, e.g. Asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis or any other illness or injury. Please contact the school nurse if you would like to discuss and health related issues.

Jill Stainforth, School Nurse G’DAY USA EXCHANGE PROGRAM 2015

An opportunity exists for students at school to take part in a Cultural Exchange trip to the United States of America for twenty days in the January 2015 school holidays. Destinations include: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s Berry Farm, San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. A feature of the tour is that the students spend ten days living with an American host family and visit an American school. The cost is $5,395. The trip includes the following: airfares, transfers, accommodation, travel insurance, breakfasts and admissions to attractions. (Not included – government taxes, airline fuel surcharges, spending money, lunch and evening meals whilst staying in hotels, passport application fees and ESTA)

Please see Mrs Collard or email lcollard@mesc.vic.edu.au for more information or phone Education World Travel toll free 1800 337 930 or (03) 9830 4545 ICE HOCKEY—ISOBEL CANTRILL

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

From August 21st to the 24th I played in the National Ginsberg Ice Hockey Tournament at Ice House, Docklands in Melbourne. We (Victoria) played against four other mixed teams (SA, WA, QLD and NSW). In the final rankings we came 3rd, SA came 2nd and NSW came 1st (yet again!). It was a fun experience and a good way to meet up with my friends who play in the other state teams. Next year I am moving up to the next age level in ice hockey which involves contact. In the future I hope to make it all the way to the Australian Women’s Junior Team.

Isobel Cantrill 7A

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BUSY DAYS FOR VCAL

The VCAL CCATS 11, Community Communication Action Team, have lived up to their title by organizing a Grand Final event for the Mornington Peninsula Wheelchair Football League. Students planned and conducted the event as part of their VCAL programme and led to them qualify at the silver certificate level in working with people with a disability. They organized AFL sponsorship by way of prizes and sponsorship by Mount Eliza Woolworths store for some delicious food for morning tea. Participants were given certificates organised by the students and there was a lot of excitement over who would win the “Best and Fairest” player award. The students had established real friendships from pushing the chairs during matches. The next major events are already being planned, a Trivia afternoon for elderly, retired citizens to be followed by a dance event at the Eliza Terraces retirement home in Mount Eliza. TEAM VCAL, YEAR 12, were at Point Nepean last week as part of the Target Kids Teaching Kids Week activities. Their interactive environment show “Rubbish Down the Drain is such a Pain” was hosted by Kate Odwyer and stared Aqua Girl (Karla Powell) and Diver Phil (Phil Boyle) together with a range of “talking” puppets voiced by Liza Hickey, James Colman, James Wilson, Lyndon Curtis, Dayle Grigor and Natalie Barbaro. They were well supported by a crew of “Constructors” responsible for the sets and workshop leaders who led the audience of primary school children through an activity designed to try and find ways to clean up the Bay. The play has been performed for over 120 children to date and they have bookings for Derinya and Mount Eliza North after the holidays. A visit to Mount Eliza CFA to gain an insight into OHS requirements in a workplace and how teamwork is developed in the CFA was led by ex-students, Captain Richard Hume and Brodie White and Ben Fitchett. It was great to have these men teaching our students and passing on real life experiences. TEAM VCAL are also busy with their organic garden as well as the monthly Home Harvest swap meet of fresh food. There is no swap during the holidays, next event is October 25th at 3.30 in the VCAL area. Even if you don’t have anything to swap drop in for a tea or coffee with the students. TEAM VCAL are extending their interest in gardening to the residents of Eliza Park, a residential support home, that borders the College. They have been volunteering as part of a community inclusion programme developed by the Shire Council. Students have completed weeding with the residents and are getting ready to get the vegetable gardens going again at the home to supplement their supply of fresh organic veggies. Another great example of how team work can get the job done.

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MOUNT ELIZA SECONDARY SPORT REPORT

The Victorian State School Finals were held at MSAC on Tuesday 10th September . Congratulations to the Senior Girls Basketball Team:

SOUTHERN PENINSULA DIVISION ATHLETICS COMPETITION Congratulations MESC Athletics team on your efforts at the Southern Peninsula Division Athletics Competition – we placed 3rd overall, which was a fantastic achievement on such a wet day! A special mention to our senior boys team who placed 1st overall in their age group aggregate division.

A further congratulations to the following students who placed first in their individual events and will be competing at the Southern

Katie Clifford Kirra Royal

Ashleigh Goetz Summer Beal

Jade Beal Clare Woods

Gabbi Coppard Sarah Beardmore

Sam Pattison

RESULTS Mount Eliza Secondary v East Doncaster Secondary

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Mount Eliza Secondary v Mildura Senior College 20-29

Mount Eliza Secondary v Matthew Flinders SC

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Cameron Donohue – Triple Jump and 1500m Yuki Kawamoto – Javelin and Discus Boyd Hillman – 100m, 200m, 800m

James Carrick – Shot Put Natalie Bouwmeester – 400m

Tamika Joy – High Jump Jannik Koop – High Jump and Shot Put

Ben Svensson – 800m Kaydee Walker – Triple Jump Alannah Lewis – Triple Jump

Nick Lamacchia – 800m and 400m Nick Carrick – Triple Jump

Claire Cooper – 400m and 800m Jules Ronchi-Banay – Shot Put

Josh Avanessian - Hurdles Seth McKenzie – High Jump and Discus

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YEAR 9 CITY CAMP EXPERIENCE From the 5th-12th of September three different groups of year 9 students travelled by train to the city of Melbourne to experience life in the city as part of our Mindware program.

We first visited the town hall for a police briefing on safety and awareness in the city which was interesting to hear. After having lunch at Bourke Street Mall we were lucky enough to have a guided tour of Melbourne’s finest street art. The artwork was incredible and was done by many amazing artists, a few of which we got to meet when we visited the artwork studios after the tour. We then checked into Melbourne Metro YHA before going on our orienteering activity. After a long day of walking around the city, we caught a tram to China Town for dinner in a Malaysian restaurant. The food was delicious and it was good to try traditional Malaysian food.

The next day, we ate breakfast at the hostel before heading to the Salvation Army for an information session and tour about homelessness in the city. We visited some landmarks while hearing stories about different people the Salvation Army had helped. After our tour with the Salvation Army we caught a tram to the Queen Victoria Markets where we had time to shop and eat before catching a train back to Frankston Station.

The camp was a great way to spend time out of school with our classmates and very interesting to learn about different issues and life in the city. By Kate, Courtney and Jess 9B

AKA: Student Leaders Support Sean Mathews Day Support Sean and Support the Ride to Conquer Cancer The last day of Term 3 was spent in Free Dress and enjoying Fairy Floss at lunch, all for an amazing cause. Sean Mathews, in Year 10, has signed up to do the Ride to Conquer Cancer, in October and is trying to raise $2500 to donate to cancer research. The Student Leaders are helping Sean in his wonderful endeavour and all donations for Free Dress Day and purchases of Fairy Floss will go towards the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Sean will be riding from Albert Park to the Peninsula and back again and is part of the Sealy’s Cycles in Mornington team. He is also being encouraged and supported in this extraordinary task by the Mt Eliza Lion’s Club too. The Lions will be helping Sean run a BBQ later in the month, with all proceeds going towards cancer research. The Student Leaders would like to thank all the

students at MESC for getting behind them and helping to support Sean. The Ride to Conquer Cancer is a great cause that we all should get behind. Thanks again, MESC students……..amazing outfits for Free Dress Day and great support !

Brendan Young, Year 11 Student Leader

S.L.S.S.M.D

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We Certainly Put Another Snag on the Barbie

On Wednesday 18 September, Year 7 and their Year 11 Peer Support Leaders, enjoyed a BBQ lunch to celebrate the end of the Peer Support program. A sausage sizzle, complete with cupcakes for dessert, was cooked by the 28 Peer Support Leaders as a way of finishing and celebrating the structured activities of the Peer Support Program that they ran this year. Year 11 Peer Support Leaders helped Year 7 students ease into high school life and feel more settled and happier in what is often seen as a scary time and place. The Leaders completed training in Peer Support and then worked with their group of 8 or so Year 7 students, every fortnight during Mentor time, as well as on other special occasions. The students were working on activities to help build awareness about high school as well as activities on resilience, confidence building and self- esteem. They were in the same group, working with the same Year 11 students, throughout terms 1, 2 and 3. Both Leaders and Year 7 students enjoyed a movie event together too, as part of Pledge Week and Beyond and the Year 11 Leaders should be commended for giving up their own time to work with their younger counterparts. The Year 11 Leaders were able to develop their great leadership skills and share their expertise regarding high school and hopefully, Year 7 students have made some strong friendships that will continue on next year. Big thanks to the Year 11 Master Chefs, Jye Lawton, Riley Longworth, Stef Evas, Jordan Barnes, Alannah Baker, Alice Roberts, Georgia Minotti and Hollie Saunders. Great snags (and vegie burgers) and fantastic cupcakes! Alannah Baker, Peer Support Captain, 2013

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TERM DATES 2013

Term 1

31 January—28 March

Term 2

15 April—28 June

Term 3

15 July—20 September

Term 4

7 October—20 December

“You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook to find out about upcoming events

at the College” http://twitter.com/mtelizasc

IMPORTANT DATES TERM 4 2013

Monday 7 October Term 4 Commences

Thursday 10 October “An Evening of Music” 6pm-9pm—Vet Music Centre

Friday 18 October VCE Art Exhibition

Monday 21 October Year 11 Exams Commence

Friday 25 October Year 12—Last Day Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

Monday 28 October-29 October Year 10 Exams

Wednesday 30 October-22 November Year 12 Examinations

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Times During School Term:

Wednesday 8.15am—10.30 am & 1.00pm—3.45 pm

First Sat of each Month - 9.00am – 12.00 pm

Telephone: 9788 6240

Orders can be completed online Email: sales@fcw.com.au www.fcw.com.au PLEASE NOTE THAT CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED

30% DISCOUNT OFF ALL EXISTING NEW UNIFORMS IN STOCK

**ABSENCE LINE**

STUDENT ABSENCE LINE PHONE NUMBER IS

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS ON SALE NOW

Entertainment Books are now available for sale from our administration office. Copies are $65 per book, all profits raised will be

donated to student welfare projects.