Term 1 2016

PLUMPTON HIGH SCHOOL

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to a highly exciting Term 1, with significant new opportunities

opening up for our students, the celebration of success by our 2015 HSC class

and the welcoming of new staff and the building of momentum in our 3 year

School Plan.

Welcome to our new staff

Firstly I would like to welcome to our great community new permanent staff. Congratulations to Ms Melanie Groth who was successful in her application for the position of Deputy Principal. Ms Groth has joined us from the Learning, High Performance and Accountability Directorate where she has been engaged over the last 2 years developing the new School Planning process, School Excellence Framework and School Validation process for Public Schools in NSW. In addition to this Ms Groth brings significant experience as an educational leader having been a Deputy Principal for 7 years at Kellyville High School.

TERM 1 2016

25 MARCH

GOOD FRIDAY

28 MARCH

EASTER MONDAY

5 APRIL

PARENT TEACHER NIGHT

6 APRIL

SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

8 APRIL

LAST DAY TERM 1 I would like to congratulate Mrs Virginia Mathews for successfully gaining the second Deputy Principal position. Mrs Mathews has been at Plumpton for 7 years in various roles including the Teacher Mentor where she was instrumental in NSW in developing this new position. The position continues to be maintained at Plumpton and is a critical strategic role responsible for developing beginning teachers in conjunction with other KLA Head Teachers.

Mrs Mathews has also developed in the position of Head Teacher Literacy, strategies to support literacy capacity building of students that includes training of teachers in coaching roles to support other teachers and a literacy cycle. Over the last 12 months Mrs Mathews relieved in the position of Deputy Principal playing a large role in developing strategies to build higher order taking skills for students and the new School Plan. Prior to coming to Plumpton she was the Head Teacher of English at Baulkham Hills Selective High School.

Plumpton has been able to secure Ms Shalveena Prasad as the Head Teacher of Mathematics. Ms Prasad has worked at Plumpton for 8 years, relieving in the head teacher role over the past 2 years. In that time Ms Prasad has been engaged in working with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology on a mathematics developmental program that has seen our students significantly improve their mathematics ability. Congratulations Shalveena.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

TERM 2 2016

26 APRIL

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

DAY

13 JUNE

QUEENS BIRTHDAY

15-17 JUNE

YEAR 7 CAMP

20 JUNE –1 JULY

YR 12 TRIALS

1 JULY

LAST DAY OF TERM 2

Ms Claire English was successful in gaining a permanent teacher position in the English Faculty through a merit selection process. Ms English presently acts as the Head Teacher Learning and Support where she has been leading a team of teachers and school learning support officers to support our students with additional learning needs. Ms English has been working at Plumpton for 3 years in a temporary capacity. I would also like to welcome and congratulate Ms Deanna Romeo to a permanent position in the HSIE Faculty who was successful in a merit selection process to gain this position. Ms Romeo has been instrumental in revitalising our Modern History program at the school, with an example of this being the Centenary ANZAC Ceremony that she led in conjunction with her Modern History students. The ceremony captured not only the essence of this important occasion, but also told the stories of our staff, students and other significant community members family members involvement throughout the world in world wars and conflict.

Please welcome Mr Daniel Lowe who takes up a position in the HSIE faculty

teaching Economics and Business Services. Mr Lowe is a Department of

Education Scholarship holder and prior to entering the field of education he

has completed a degree in Economics and is a qualified Real Estate agent.

This experience that he brings to the school from outside of education

significantly augments the richness of teaching and learning that Mr Lowe

can provide our students.

Congratulations HSC Class of 2015

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the highly successful HSC class of 2015 and draw special

attention to our Dux, Akansha RAM. Akansha has commenced at Wollongong University studying Pre-

medicine in 2016. The great success of our students is highlighted by the extensive list of students who are

going onto further study at University, TAFE, or into the workforce. This also draws attention to the

significantly diverse curriculum that the Plumpton offers students ensuring that there is a pattern of study

that will meet their needs in providing a pathway for beyond school in area the student wishes to pursue.

I thought it important to highlight the areas students from 2015 are now pursuing to demonstrate this:

Medicine, Law, Engineering, Nursing, Teaching, Animal studies, Social studies and Policing, Personal Training,

Plumbing, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Apprenticeships, Trainee Management, Science, Employment,

Acting, Engineering and Commerce, Hair Dressing, Information, Technology, Hotel Management,

Photography, Bachelor of Business, Accountancy, Medical Science, Public Service Commerce, Carpentry,

Painting, Mechanic, Mechanical Engineering, State Rail, Ikea, International Studies and Law, Bachelor of

music, Para medicine, Administration and office work, Traffic Control, International Relations.

Media and Communications Club

As you are aware Plumpton has established a unique partnership with the ABC to develop a pathway for students to enter the media and communications field. There are approximately 20 students engaged in the group that is responsible for the managing of the website, social media and publicity for the school.

The students and school work side by side with senior executives at the ABC in the News section, as well

as contact with ABC Radio and their IT department. We are currently completing the writing of a School

Developed Board of Studies Endorsed Course for year 9 and 10 students in media communications and

journalism that will assist in the pathway for a cadetship with the ABC or into media. Students will

complete 80 hours of facilitation/training per year plus 20 hours of project based initiatives/ on

assignment developing stories/media. Students will be developing a personal brand and portfolio of

their work throughout the year/2 years. The portfolio will support a possible into a cadetship with the

ABC.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

Some Students have been selected through an application process to be mentored by senior ABC staff, that

will commence in Term 2. There will be sessions to provide parents information about the media as a career

during Term 2. The project has been running for 12 months and we are now at a stage where we have

established our own Media and Communications room based on recommendations from the ABC technology

department and the News section at a cost of $34,000.

Dance and Engineering and Technology Clubs have commenced for 2016 with students again setting out to

achieve excellence with the Duke of Edinburgh program about to commence.

Gifted and Talented Young Einstein Club

The Gifted and Talented Young Einstein program has commenced in 2016 and aims to allow students to

delve deeper into the career of a forensic chemist and biologist as well as explore technologies in forensics

used in modern society using a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) approach. In doing so,

they will acquire an understanding of scientific investigations, legal proceedings and will debunk myths

portrayed in crime shows. This will allow students to perceive how a range of different forensic scientists

work and how this field has developed over history as well as where it is headed for the future. They will be

able analyse the importance of the development of this field to its role in legal proceedings. The program will

allow students to explore the idea of forensics from the perspective of the four disciplines of STEM. Ms

Linaris who studies Forensic Science at university is teaching students in this club.

Positive Psychology

The Positive Psychology program at Plumpton High school is commencing its second year as a significant part

of our Wellbeing system that replaced the Welfare system at the end of 2014. The Wellbeing team have

completed a significant piece of work by developing our Positive Psychology Framework for years 7-12.

Below is a copy of the framework for your information. As outlined in 2015 the structure focuses on the

study of; positive subjective experience (positive emotions), positive individual traits (positive character/self-

concept), Institutions that enable positive experiences and positive traits and positive social relationships.

This program also focuses on a Growth Mindset structure that is the belief that you can cultivate and

improve upon your abilities through practice and effort. This links into our student leadership model of Mawi

Learning where our Student Executive Council (SEC) have been trained and will facilitate Year 9 through a

course in Term 2.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

Computer Network Upgrade and Technology Investment

The school is currently having its entire computer network upgraded to allow for an increase the capability of our technology. The flow on effect of this is that the school will have a 21st century state-of-the-art network enabling our students and staff to access the most recent cutting edge technologies. These technologies will be realised through an investment of an additional $300,000 to purchase hardware, software and professional development for staff over the next 12 months. As mentioned previously initiatives such as our partnership with the ABC can be expanded into other areas where there is a global need for specific skills and competencies. This will include an increasing focus on students developing the ability to computer code. Students will be learning to write software in areas such as phone applications, gaming design and other niche areas.

Refurbishment of Industrial Arts

During the First Term vacation period one of the Plumpton Industrial Arts rooms will be entirely gutted and rebuilt using through a $225,000 investment. As a result of the rebuild that will see a 21st century resource delivered to the school an increased focus can be drawn to some extremely successful engineering and technology programs at the school. Some of these programs include F1 in schools where Plumpton was crowned State Champions in their division in 2015 and placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Regional Championships, the Metals and Engineering and Construction VET programs.

Shade at Plumpton

I have taken action to address the shade issue already this year, spending approximately $20,000 on 2 large shade sails that cover the quadrangle. One of these has already been installed with a second currently on order.

The school is also ordering and planting trees to replace those that have had to be removed. This process commenced approximately 3 weeks ago, but, as you would be aware even when purchasing established trees, it does take some time for them to grow to a state that they would be effective in providing shade.

The third shade initiative the school is currently undertaking is putting a tender together to cover the 2 basketball courts. To have this occur the school has had to, over the last 3 years, save approximately $375,000 to afford the covering.

Significant loss of shade at the school has been caused by a disease that destroyed approximately 80 trees. These trees had to be removed as they were a hazard that could have fallen on students.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONTINUED

Personal belongings at school

The school does all it can to ensure students personal belongings are safe and secure, and whilst we take all care and put in place precautions we cannot be responsible for them. Please speak with your son/daughter about making sure they secure their personal belongings and we advise that students not bring valuable items to school. Legally the school is not responsible for the replacement/repair of personal belongings. If they are brought to school is at the student’s own risk.

We understand the importance of a mobile phone for personal safety for the journey to and from school, but it should be turned off in and placed in the student’s pocket or bag during class time unless otherwise requested by a teacher to use it. Can I request that parents remind their sons and daughters of this requirement.

Should incidents occur where students are using these items without permission in class or inappropriately they may be confiscated by a teacher. If the use of the device contravenes the schools code of conduct or the law, further sanctions may be imposed and the Police may be engaged to investigate and take action with reference to the matter.

School Uniform

The Plumpton High School uniform is a great opportunity for our students to provide the community an excellent impression of the school. This has a significant flow on effect for our students as they seek part time employment from local employers with employers seeing our students wearing the uniform with pride displaying a sense of respect and belonging – valuable attributes employers look for in an employee.

As such can I seek your support to enforce with your sons/daughters that Plumpton High School has a requirement for students to wear school uniform at the request of parents, students and the staff. Can I please ensure that parents enforce this with their sons/daughters.

With the weather approaching the winter months can you please ensure that an appropriate Plumpton High School jacket or jumper is purchased or worn by your son/daughter to school.

Should families be experiencing financial hardship making it difficult to purchase uniform the school has a Student Assistance Program that can assist with the purchasing of uniform. Please enquire at the Front Office for details of the Student Assistance Program, this is treated confidentially.

During Term 4 2015 a group of senior students approached me with reference to designing and adding a corporate style dress to the school uniform range. Following this the school developed a working party including senior students of diverse cultural backgrounds, the deputy principals and myself. We designed a dress and it is presently being manufactured by our uniform supplier. The dress will hopefully be available from the end of Term 2 and can be worn by students from year 7-12.

Tim Lloyd

Principal

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL– MRS VIRGINIA MATHEWS

Parent, Carers and Students,

Welcome to 2016!

One important lesson that I have learnt throughout my years as a teacher is that students, parents and teachers all want the same thing – for students to take the opportunity to do their best at school so that they have a range of positive choices about their lives beyond school.

Here are a few things I have noticed about students and learning.

We all have stuff to deal with. Learners choose to leave their stuff outside the classroom door and use their lesson time as an opportunity to forget about their hassles and focus on learning something. Learners have more control

over their futures.

Not everyone is an ‘A’ student but all students can learn

and improve their understanding and grades. If you

improve your understanding you have made positive

progress! A student who moves from a D grade to a C

grade gives me as much pleasure as one who moves

from a B to an A!

Real learning happens when you take work and assessments home and have a go at learning on your own. When you apply what you have learnt in the classroom to something you are working on alone, you are becoming an independent learner. This makes teachers happier than you can imagine!

Asking a question or guessing an answer when you are not sure is a sign of a thinker! Please push yourself and take a risk – this sort of learning shows your brain is trying to problem solve. Often you will be saying something others are grappling with or you might be highlighting something no one else has thought about!

Conflict is a normal part of life. Part of growing up involves dealing with conflict in a healthy way. You won’t like everyone you have to deal with but you can learn to treat all people respectfully. If someone is unkind or disrespectful you have a choice about the way you respond. If you respond with the same disrespect, you increase the conflict. By making a neutral comment, ‘Sorry, I’m not going there,” you decrease the conflict and have more control of the situation.

If your attitude and behavior need to change, start that work now. I have taught lots of students who wanted to make a positive change to their behavior but thought they could put it off until the start of the next term/semester/year. It never happened. Start the change now. Focus on doing your best each lesson. Use self-talk at the start of the lesson and at the end. ‘Okay, in Maths now I am going to …..’ and ‘Wow, I tried every question and I got lots more right today..’

The most important classroom learning is invisible. ‘But I did all my work!’ That’s important, but learning is about other things too. Cooperating, trying when you are not sure, listening to others and responding with a relevant comment, focusing on your work, asking quality questions, discussing ideas about the work with others – these all help develop independent learners.

Students, try some of these tips and drop into my office and let me know how you go!

Virginia Mathews Deputy Principal

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL– MS MELANIE GROTH

Traffic congestion on Hyatts Road

Community members have expressed concern at the level of traffic congestion caused by the crossing at

the front of the school. The volume of students crossing the road continuously just before and

immediately after school stops the traffic flow and is causing immense frustration in the community.

The Blacktown Council will address the issue if complaints are made by group petition or email. They will not respond to phone calls. Therefore, the school will respond by mounting a petition. If you would like to express your concern there is a petition at the front office that can be signed or you can email: Council@Blacktown.nsw.gov.au or follow the link provided for the procedures to register a complaint Blacktown Council Complaints

A petition can be signed at the front office if you would prefer to register your dissatisfaction that way.

This problem will only be addressed if enough community members get involved otherwise the

congestion will continue.

Thanks for taking the time to support our school.

Mel Groth

Deputy Principal

THESE STUDENTS ARE EXCELLING IN THEIR CHOSEN FIELDS

Taliah Hunter

Taliah travelled to Runaway Bay in Qld to represent NSW in the U16 Australian Indigenous Netball National

Carnival. The NSW team went on to win the carnival. Taliah was then selected to represent the Australian

U16 Indigenous Netball team that will travel to Ashmore in Qld to compete in July.

Jack Hancock

Jack is a NSW U15 Indoor Cricket Team representative in 2016 and was also in 2015

Elysa Villareal

Elysa Villareal competed in the Global Pinoy Singing Idol in Manila, Philippines at the end of January. She was the Australian representative having won the Australian competition. she competed against contestants from all over the world. Elysa came 2nd in the world - an outstanding result. The winner was from the USA.

Please congratulate Elysa for an incredible result and an example to what you can achieve if you work hard enough and have big dreams you want to capture.

Tayla Martin

Congratulations to Tayla Martin for her outstanding results in the 2016 summer swimming season. Some of

her achievements are listed below.

Tayla has qualified for the National Open water Championships in Qld as well as the National Age Swimming Championships in Adelaide.

State Age swimming January 2016 - 5 state finals, 100 breaststroke placed 6th in the final, 200 breaststroke

placed 4th in the final, 800 freestyle placed 5th in the final, 400 Individual Medley placed 6th in the final, 400

Medley relay Tayla’s team placed 5th in the final .

NSW State Open March 2016 - First time in a state Open final, 400 Individual Medley placed 9th in the final

– Big result in opens.

National prep meet March 2016- 2 finals, 100m breaststroke placed 4th , 800m freestyle placed 2nd.

State Open Water Results- placed 3rd in the 16 year girls – December 2015

National Open water placed 5th in the 17 years girls – February 2016

Alomax Siita

Alomax Siitia has been selected in the 15's Sydney West Rugby League Team to play in the Sydney Gold selection game in May.

10

PLUMPTON HIGH SCHOOL

SKOOL BAG APP

Assist in Communications with Plumpton

High School

Get the Skool Bag App For Your Phone.

At Plumpton High School we are

constantly working on creating

opportunities to allow students, staff and

the community members to be ‘the best

we can be’. As part of our commitment to

innovation and communication, Plumpton

High School now has its own app that can

be downloaded onto Apple and Android

Devices. This exciting tool will give parents

and guardians increased access to vital

information about important events being

run at the school as well as being able to

fill out e-forms at the click of a button to

help explain student absence or give

permission for extra-curricular events.

As technology continues to evolve,

Plumpton High School is dedicated to

evolve with it in any way that enables us

to best support our students and their

community.

You can download the app by searching

Plumpton High School Skool Bag on your

devices app store. Just look for the

Plumpton Phoenix Crest. More

information will be coming out soon

regarding the use of the app and the

specific functions for parents and

guardians for our students.

STUDENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ABC News Director and Executive Breakfast

On the February 29th, 2016, the Student Executive Council travelled to the ABC Studio Network at Ultimo,

where we took part in a student leadership breakfast. We were provided the opportunity to converse,

discuss and brainstorm ideas about news, journalism and the importance of broadcasting the youth of

Australia.

We were given the opportunity to contribute our ideas as to how the ABC could improve and strengthen

interactions and connections with the students of the school. We also discussed the merits and possibilities

of a career in journalism. Gaven Morris, Director of News and Michele Fonseca Head Strategist and

Director of Staff, imparted valuable knowledge and advice on leadership, collaboration and conflict

resolution.

This day was inspiring, insightful and particularly enjoyable for our newly elected year & representatives,

Cheyenne and Saeed, who were very excited to have been given this opportunity. Overall, it was a fantastic

day (breakfast) for all and we would wish to thank the ABC for their wonderful guidance and advice and

their constant endeavours to provide truthful and accurate new to Australia

GIFTED AND TALENTED DANCE GROUP The Gifted and Talented Dance Group held auditions for 26 students from Plumpton Primary, William Dean, Glendenning and Plumpton High School on Tuesday 8th March. The students participated in a 2 hour workshop where they learnt about dance technique and performance quality. The students have been busying rehearsing a School Spectacular and Synergy Dance Festival audition piece.

If you are interested in joining the group please call the school on

9625 7020.

Noffs Reconciliation Action Plan Launch -Tyrah Kennedy, Shontelle Willis-Hayek, Lachlan Moore, Tamika Rex, Shylah Fenner, Walter Crofts, Riley Dean-Hoskin

DEADLY DREAMING PROGRAM

CAPA Year 11 Students Abby Foster and Chloe Marfil have been selected to attend the Dobell Draeing school at the National Art School in St Deny these school holidays. The Plumpton High students are 2 of 75 selected from across the state to attend. They will receive a unique opportunity to study in a Tertiary setting with practicing artists who will teach them refined drawing skills. The artworks they produce over the 4 days will be exhibited at the National art school on the 14th of April.

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PDHPE

14

Mt Druitt Cup—U15s Rugby League

Plumpton High School’s under 15s rugby league team

recently competed in the Mt Druitt Cup gala day. This

annual tournament is ran as a trial to select the best

junior rugby league players to represent the Mt Druitt

zone at the Sydney West rugby league championships.

All the local schools in the Mt Druitt area compete. This

includes Rooty Hill, Doonside and all the Chifley

Colleges—Dunheved, Shalvey, Bidwill and Mt Druitt and

the standard of the competition is always at a really high

level.

By the time our first game was about to start, the

temperature was already beginning to soar and with 6 scheduled games plus finals, it looked like it was going to

be a long and exhausting day in the sun. The boys played with outstanding energy despite the conditions and

their remarkable teamwork and unity seemed to be the main contributor to their success on the day. Wins

against Doonside, Shalvey, Dunheved and Rooty Hill and a draw against Bidwill had Plumpton on top of the table

at the end of the fifth round. Due to the excessive heat, our final pool match against Mt Druitt and the

subsequent finals matches were cancelled. Being undefeated at the Mt Druitt Cup is a massive achievement for

our team! There was also some individual honours for three of our players who were selected in the Mt Druitt

zone team—Alomax Siitia, Lotomau Koro and Jacob Dooley.

Team list—Xavior Vaoliko-Savesi, Leeron Brodrick, Matt Young, Grant Cunningham-Jackson, Ivi Marsters, Rayven

Perez-Mato, Cody Bradbury, Lachlan Hain, Luke Harrison, Alomax Siitia, Lotomau Koro, Aunese Aunese, Jacob

Dooley, John Mataafa, Walter Crofts, Enos Skelton, Matthew Jegede, Matt Hupton, Abdul Zraika (trainer).

Congratulations to all the boys on a wonderful day- Mr Simonovski (Coach)

INDUSTRIAL ARTS Shoes for Practical Lessons

It is a Department of Education and Communities requirement that students

participating in classes within the TAS Faculty are required to wear Shoes with

Leather Uppers in order to participate in the practical lessons conducted within

the workshops and kitchens. These subjects include Technology (mandatory),

Wood Work, Metal Work, Food Technology, Agriculture and Engineering.

This is a requirement deemed necessary for the safety of your child.

Over the next couple of months many parents will be acquiring their children’s

uniforms for the new school year. Please consider this requirement when

purchasing your child’s footwear, as students will be excluded from participating if

they are not equipped with shoes that have leather uppers.

It should be noted at this point that open style shoes such as thongs and sandals

are not acceptable school footwear even on mufti days.

Acceptable shoes—

These have full

leather uppers and

firm soles

Unacceptable Shoes—

These shoes have synthetic

or fabric uppers

U n a c c e p t a b l e

S h o e s — T h e s e

shoes do not

provide sufficient

protection to the

foot even if they

are leather

WELLBEING

16

Student Wellbeing 2016

Following the introduction of Positive Psychology into school’s curriculum last year, this exciting initiative will continue in 2016. Your child’s Positive Psychology lessons provide a platform from where they can learn how to develop a positive growth mindset and work on strategies of how to build a positive self-concept. This is done in a supportive environment, where each class develops their own community values, in lessons that are innovative, authentic and delivered by our school’s Leading Teachers.

Our Leading Teachers also act as your child’s primary wellbeing contact at school. If your child has a wellbeing issue or if you have a concern of your own you should initially contact the following teacher:

Also available for Wellbeing Support include:

Mr. Footit (Head Teacher Wellbeing) – all year groups

Ms. Mathews (Deputy Principal) – year 7 and year 10

Ms. Groth (Deputy Principal) – year 8 and year 11

Ms. Lawson (Deputy Principal) – year 9 and year 12

7 Da Vinci Ms. Abrahams 8 Freeman Ms. Abrahams

7 Bennelong Ms. Abrahams 8 Bennelong Ms. Romeo

7 Freeman Ms. Romeo 8 Da Vinci Ms. Romeo

7 Lawson Ms. Heenan 8 Lawson Ms. Heenan

7 Patterson Ms. Heenan 8 Mabo Mr. Smith

7 Mabo Mr. Smith 8 Patterson Mr. Smith

9 Mabo Mr. Baxter 10 Da Vinci Mr. Baxter

9 Freeman Mr. Baxter 10 Patterson Mr. Baxter

9 Bennelong Ms. Leihn 10 Lawson Ms. Leihn

9 Da Vinci Ms. Leihn 10 Mabo Ms. Leihn

9 Lawson Ms. Viscontini 10 Bennelong Ms. Viscontini

9 Patterson Ms. Viscontini

Year 11 A-L Ms. Shukla Year 12 A-R Ms. Tanti

Year 11 M-Z Ms. English Year 12 S-Z Ms. English

LIBRARY

17

A big welcome from the library

staff to all our new students. We

hope that you will spend some

quality time in the library this

year, borrow books to read and

do quiet research in books and on

the internet and join in the many

library activities arranged for your

education in an enjoyable way. At

Lunch 1 and 2 the library has

been very crowded and noisy

with many trying to get out of the

heat, and so it has not had the

pleasant, restful atmosphere it

should be. Against these odds

those working and reading seem

to have managed all right, but

everyone should be mindful that

the library at lunchtimes is not a

playground and behave

considerately.

It has been pleasing to meet all

the Year 7’s in our library

orientation lessons and for I have

been impressed with their

cheerful attitude and cooperative

behaviour to start their high

school careers. Several year 7’s

have joined our Wednesday Quiet

Reading Club and have read our

Book of the Month for March.

They are well on their reading

way to achieve well in their high

school years. Our Top Year 7

Readers/Borrowers for Term 1

are Jaikayda Guest (10 books),

Timothy Nidds , Sophie Allen and

Kafi Amtul. Well done to these

students- it is such a pleasure to

see their pleasure in reading.

Jaikayda Guest, Sameer Shah and

Sayad Dadshany of Year 7 have

applied to be library monitors and

are undergoing their

‘apprenticeship’. They are

showing signs of being good

additions to our library team next

term.

CHESS

Our Junior Chess Contest was

held on Tuesday 22 March. This is

long event where at least 5-6

rounds are played among Year 7-

10 to work out our top chess

players. We had 30 participants,

with 14 quarter -finalists and we

went then down to our top 6

players who were as follows:

Connor Hews, Asad Malik, Zac

Connell (Yr 8), Jacinta Gimenez (Yr

9), Joel Willson and Berkay Ertas

(Yr 10. All these have proved

themselves to be very good chess

players. Our Junior Chess

Champion however, is Joel

Willson with close runner- up,

Berkay Ertas.

The Top Year 7 medal = Caleb

Kennedy; Top Year 9=Sean Bell;

Top Year 8=Asad Malik; Top Girl=

Jacinta Gimenez. Well done to

those students and to all who

took part in this event. It looks

like we have a lot of talent for our

interschool team in the Sydney

League Interschool Competition.

Thanks to Mr Silva of Maths we

might be able to field 2 junior

teams this year.

Students: Olivia Caragay vs Kevin

Barwick and Front: Tybrook

Cordell vs Joel Willson Back: Alex

Park v Sean Bell

LIBRARY

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LIBRARY CARDS

Year 7’s will all be receiving their library cards

soon. We are waiting on the school photographer

to deliver the photos. As a special concession

however, they have been able in term 1 to access

the library services freely, so as to encourage good

library habits of borrowing and reading books,

using the computers and practising their chess.

Next term they will have to bring their cards to

school every day in order to access these services.

Year 9’s and 11’s must apply at the library front

desk if they wish to have an updated library card,

to which they will get free. However, once this free

card is lost the replacement charge is $5.

TERM 2

At the end of next term we hold a Junior Scrabble

Contest. This is an excellent game to develop the

literacy part of the brain to help with vocabulary

and spelling. Students can learn and practise at

lunch times under my guidance to become expert

Scrabbler’s and improve their literacy skills at the

same time. All it requires is practice to be a

contender for Junior Scrabble Champion.

The Sydney Region Interschool Chess Contest will

be held in Term 2 on a Friday afternoon, after

school. We are hoping to have two junior and one

Intermediate teams this year with the talent we

have discovered amongst the new Year 7’s. Last

year for the first time in 15 years our junior team

made it to the finals- quite an achievement against

a majority of private and selective schools in the

area. We were very proud of our students.

A MESSAGE TO SENIORS:

Seniors – Years 11 and 12 - using the library in a

study period are to cooperate with the few library

rules to enable the space to be used by other staff

for lessons, and remain a pleasant environment. It

is not a time for eating and drinking, socialising

loudly or playing card games. It is a time intended

to catch up with school work that needs to be

done. No bags, or food and drink are to be brought

into the library. Working materials are to be taken

out, along with valuable items and bags to be left

at the front door. Avoid disturbance to other

people sharing the space and help create a

positive learning area for everyone, as a library

should be.

Can I answer YES to these questions? Am I in the right place? Am I doing the right thing? Am I being fair? Am I being helpful? Am I being kind?

At Plumpton High School, we understand that all actions have consequences.

As a school, we work together in peaceful, helpful and kind ways so that the consequences of

our actions are positive ones. There are many rewards for working together in such a way, in-

cluding:

Feeling good about ourselves and others

Enjoying our lives at school

Being able to participate in great learning and many school activities

Being acknowledged for our work with merit certificates and other awards

Being involved in leadership activities

Being successful in our learning

Sadly, it happens that people sometimes lose their way and forget their responsibilities to

themselves and to others in our school community. We have to make sure we have good sys-

tems in place to prevent such things from negatively affecting our lives at school and our learn-

ing. Some of the consequences for people behaving badly include:

Warnings and action by your teacher if you fail to meet the behavior standards

Referral to the head teacher for action if the problem persists. This means your behav-

ior has reached a very serious level. It is a very strong warning to you that things must

improve immediately.

BEING THE BEST WE CAN BE

All Actions Have Consequences

ACHIEVING HIGH BEHAVIOUR STANDARDS TOGETHER

We all have a shared re-

sponsibility to help the

learning and wellbeing of

the large majority of stu-

dents. To do this we need to

re-establish our standards in

a number of focus areas

It must be clearly under-stood that there will be con-sequences for people who fail to meet the behaviour standards outlined in this document. We cannot accept behaviors which impact negatively on our school learning environ-ment. We each have a re-sponsibility to be the best learners, citizens and lead-ers we can be. We must respect the wellbeing of others and the learning of others.

Our School Expectations We want our students to be

Be Safe

Be Respectful

Be a Learner

Great Learners

Responsible, Productive Citizens

Leaders Now and in the Future

Kind and Respectful to ALL Others

Be Safe Be Respectful Be a Learner

Common

Areas

I wear school uniform.

I walk at school.

I keep my hands and feet to myself.

I report any problems.

I stay where I am supposed to be- in class

during lesson or in bounds during lunch.

I say no to bullying.

I follow teachers’ instructions.

I speak politely and use appropriate

language.

I put my rubbish in the bin.

I leave banned items at home.

I keep the school vandalism and graffiti

I actively participate in class.

I do my best to learn and achieve.

I attend class and school every day.

Class I ask permission to leave my seat/class. I sit on my seat properly. I sit at my desk properly. I follow the safety procedures of the

class.

I listen to the person who is speaking to

the class. I put my hand up and wait silently to speak. I take my hat off when I enter the room. I am accepting of the opinions and

contributions of others.

I do my class work to the best of my

ability.

I bring the equipment needed for each

lesson.

Playground I stay inbounds. I act and play safely. I report any dangerous or damaged

equipment.

I report strangers to a teacher.

I wait my turn at the canteen. I start walking to class when the bell goes.

I put my rubbish in the bins.

I use the toilets during breaks rather

than during class.

I use lunchtime effectively by having

something to eat, talking to friends,

playing a game, visiting the library or

Hallways I stay to the left when walking.

I line up as directed by my teacher.

I use the banisters for my hands.

I carry my bag safely so it won’t hit into

others.

I walk quietly so others can continue

learning.

I stand and wait until instructed to enter

the room.

I enter and exit classrooms without

pushing.

I move to class quickly.

I encourage other students to get to

class.

I show that I know how to go from class

to class.

I have a permission note if I am out of

Toilets I wash my hands after using the toilets.

I keep the toilet facilities clean.

I use the toilets correctly.

I save water by turning off the tap.

I use the toilets during lunch times.

I have a permission note if I go to the

Bus Bay/Bus I wait patiently for the bus.

I stay behind the green fence while I wait for

the bus.

I get on and off the bus without pushing.

I line up when I see my bus approaching.

I speak politely to the bus driver and

other passengers.

I model the right behaviour on the bus.

I have my bus pass and T-Card.

Formal

Exams

I sit properly on my chair.

I sit properly at my table.

I walk carefully to my table.

I am silent. I put my hand up and wait silently to ask a

question. I face the front. I listen to instructions. I sit where I am asked. I leave banned items at home.

I do my best and attempt every question.

I bring the necessary equipment.

I keep my eyes on my own work.

I allow others to concentrate.

Assemblies I enter & exit in an organised manner.

I sit appropriately.

I am quiet throughout the assembly.

I listen to all announcements.

I act as a mature audience member.

I congratulate the achievements of others

I think about what is presented at the

assembly.

Free Periods I remain seated in the appropriate area. I am respectful of classes by sitting

quietly. I use the time to complete all homework

or study.

BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS PLUMPTON HIGH SCHOOL

Focus Area Behaviour Standard Consequences

Starting Lessons Arrive to your class meeting point within 3 minutes of the bell, with all food and drink away, and then: Be in 2 orderly lines —“In Line On Time” Move quietly into the room when directed Stand behind your chair Take your hat off Place your books, pens and equipment on your desk Place your phones and iPods in your bag Place your bag neatly on the floor under your chair Sit down when instructed by your teacher

Things I Need to Remember: Getting to class on time Being prepared for each lesson Keeping my mobile on silent Keeping my mobile and iPod, mp3, etc in my bag Finishing my food and drink at lunch

Positive Outcomes: Lessons commence quickly and peacefully Improved learning time Better learning results

Ending Lessons When asked by the teacher at the end of the lesson: Stand behind your chair Make sure your chair is pushed in and your desk is

tidy Make sure the room is tidy and secure Move quietly out of the room as directed by your

teacher

Things I Need to Remember: The bell is the signal to the teacher, not to me To value our school equipment and facilities by

looking after them and by keeping them clean

Positive Outcomes: Lessons conclude in a safe and orderly manner Rooms and property are valued

Focusing on Learning

In Class Be prepared for your lesson with correct books, pens

and equipment “Packed For Learning (P4L)” Listen carefully to your teacher's instructions Complete all required work “In Class On Task” Do extra work if time permits Use any spare time productively

Things I Need to Remember: Always being prepared for every class Being the best learner, citizen and leader I can be Respecting the learning of all other students in my

class Respecting the learning of other classes

Positive Outcomes: Improved learning time Better learning results Students benefiting from working productively with

others Behaving with Respect &

Maturity Speak with respect at all times Listen and respond politely when spoken to by

teachers Respond politely and promptly to teacher requests Keep out of the business of others

“Fair Go For All”

Things I Need to Remember: Speaking in a way which makes me feel proud Acting in a way which is helpful and kind Respecting my school

Positive Outcomes: Having positive relationships with teachers Having positive relationships with all other students

Keeping People Safe Stay in class every period “In For 75”

Behave with respect and maturity Avoid involving others in your own problems Encourage friends to resolve problems in a mature,

peaceful manner and without an audience Stay well away from dramas or potential fights Always stay in areas which are “in-bounds”

Things I Need to Remember: Being calm, happy and kind Keeping out of drama, fights, etc Be the best person I can be Positive Outcomes: Developing an ability to deal with all types of people in

a positive, helpful way Having better problem solving skills Creating a school which is happy and peaceful

Consequences for Unacceptable Use of Mobile Phones and MP3 players

Following are the consequences which apply to the inappropriate use of mobile phones and MP3s, as is

consistent with the school’s discipline policy.

This policy has been initiated by the Student Representative Council and has been endorsed by the staff of Plumpton High School in August 2008.

Updated June 2012

Unacceptable Use Consequence

A student who has a mobile phone or IPOD out during a

lesson or other school activity.

The student will be reminded to put the phone in their

bag immediately.

A student who has a phone in their bag which rings or beeps

during a lesson or other school activity.

The student will be reminded to turn the phone off or to

silent immediately.

A student who uses a mobile phone or IPOD without

specific permission or for an unauthorised purpose during a

lesson or other school activities.

The device will be confiscated immediately by a

teacher. This will be recorded in the school’s mobile phone

register. The device will be returned to the student at the end

of the school day.

A student who repeatedly has their phone or IPOD out during

lessons or other school activities, or fails to have their phone

turned off or on silent.

The student will be placed on after-school detention or will

be required to complete after-school community service.

A student who does not follow the direction or instruction of a

teacher in relation to the inappropriate use of a mobile phone

or IPOD.

This is a serious offence. The student will be referred to

the head teacher who will record the incident on the

school’s behaviour referral system. The student will be placed

on after-school detention in the first instance. This will

be much more severe in the case of repeat offenders.

A student who repeatedly uses a mobile phone or IPOD during

lessons or other school activity. This will be apparent in the

school’s mobile phone register.

The student’s parents will be contacted and the

student will forfeit their right to bring the mobile

phone or MP3 to school. The student will be required to

complete after-school community service.

A student who uses a mobile phone or other device to record

an illegal act, to bully or harass another school member, or to

record people without their consent.

The device will be confiscated immediately and may be

referred to police. The student’s parents will be contacted

and the student will forfeit their right to bring the mobile

phone to school. The student will be suspended.

A student who has a device containing material which is

offensive, illegal or pornographic.

The device will be confiscated immediately and may be

referred to police. The student’s parents will be Contacted

and the student will forfeit their right to bring the mobile

phone to school. The student will be suspended.

23

LEARNING SUCCESS STARTS

WITH “PACKING 4 LEARNING”

Coming to school prepared to learn is the first step in a successful educational experi-

ence. Whilst the vast majority of students are fully prepared we are concerned that

there are still a number of students who are coming to school without even the most

basic equipment such as a bag, pen and a book.

Students who come to school without the necessary equipment find it difficult to en-

gage in the learning activities and risk not getting the most out of school.

It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that they come to school with the ap-

propriate equipment.

Part of being prepared is to ensure that FULL school uniform is worn EVERY day. This

includes leather shoes, school shirt, black pants or skirts (tartan skirts and shorts for

years 10, 11 & 12 girls) and a school jumper. School uniform instils school pride and

helps to provide a safe environment. It is extremely important that we are able to

quickly identify who is part of our student body and who is not. The uniform shop is

open every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon.

It is extremely important that both parents and the school work in a close cooperative

partnership so that we can provide a safe learning environment where students can

reach their full potential. To do this we need your support.

We ask that parents take time to ensure that their children are prepared on a daily

basis to ensure that students have packed the necessary equipment for learning.

A brief outline of equipment requirements is outlined below.

Note: An individual exercise book is required for each subject. Five subject books are

discouraged. Some subjects may require other items not mentioned in the above ta-

ble.

If families are experiencing genuine financial hardships they are advised to contact the

principal so matters can be discussed discretely.

English Pens, ruler and individual exercise book.

Maths Pens, ruler, calculator, geometry equipment and an individual grid book.

Science Pens, ruler and an individual exercise book.

Geography Pens, ruler and an individual exercise book.

History Pens, ruler and an individual exercise book.

PDHPE Pens, ruler and an individual exercise book. PE shirt and joggers.

Music Pens, ruler and an individual exercise book.

Visual Arts Pens, pencils, ruler and an individual art book.

Technology Mandatory Leather shoes. Pen and pencil, cooking apron and cap.

MANAGING MY PASS-OUT CARD RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Year 11 or 12 student at Plumpton High School you have been provided with a ‘Pass-out Card’ that will allow you to enter and leave the school at different times to that of junior students (Years 7-10). Plumpton High School sees the Year 11 and 12 students as young adults and as such the school seeks to provide a level of responsibility equivalent. Outlined below are the expectations and guidelines associated with your Pass-out Card.

1. You will only be permitted to leave the school if YOU have YOUR Pass-out Card

2. If you do not have a class Period 1 you may arrive at 10am

3. If you have no class P4 you need to leave during lunch 2 (gates are locked at the end of lunch 2, if you are still here you need to be in the library)

4. All students to be present Period 2 and Period 3 = Senior Study or Library

5. You may attend the shops Lunch 1 and Lunch 2 with your card

6. You need to return before the bell goes at the end of Lunch 1 or Lunch 2

7. Food purchased at the shops is to be consumed at the shops (please do not buy for juniors).

8. If you attend TAFE you are to depart at 1:00pm unless alternate permission is granted.

N.B. The front gates are closed during the course of the normal school day. Please ensure you enter/exit at set times to reduce inconvenience to office staff.

Should you make decisions and take actions that contravene the expectations and guidelines associated with the Pass-out Card the privilege may be removed.

26

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S PROGRESS IN YEARS 11 AND 12

The success of all of our students is important to all staff members at Plumpton High School, and we are

committed to providing students with appropriate levels of support to assist them in their journey towards

the HSC.

The Board Of Studies Teaching & Educational Standards (BOSTES) states that for a student to successfully

move through years 11and 12 to gain their Higher School Certificate they must show evidence that they

have:

(a) followed the course developed or endorsed by the Board by completing the course content

(b) applied themselves with diligence and sustained effort to all set tasks and experiences provided in the

course by the school

(c) achieved some or all of the course outcomes for each subject

We recognise that some students find it difficult to meet the increasing demands of senior school, and this

often leads to some students making choices that can affect their ability to achieve the above criteria. If

this is the case for your child, all senior students at Plumpton High School have the opportunity to work

towards resolving these issues with a range of support offered by the school, faculties and staff.

One level of support the school provides is the N Warning process in accordance to the requirements set

out by BOSTES. This process is outlined in the diagram below, and is designed to identify early any issues

your child may be having in completing or achieving the requirements for that course, in attempt to

resolve it as soon as possible.

You will see that throughout this process there a variety of layers of support offered along the way to

assist your child in resolving these issues in an attempt to ensure their success: student interviews, phone

contact with parents, access to resources and facilities, warning letters, improvement plans and so on.

Unfortunately, some students may choose not access these support mechanisms and may find themselves

in a position where they are at serious risk of not meeting the requirements for their courses, and

therefore their ROSA or HSC. Our aim is to significantly reduce the number of students at risk by

implementing this process and ensuring that all parents, staff and students are aware of their

responsibilities within it to ensure your child’s success.

Should you as a parent have any

concerns or notice anything out of

the ordinary about your son’s/

Daughter’s progress please in the

first instance contact their class

teacher to discuss this.

27

NSW VACCINATION PROGRAM

28

The 2016 vaccination program will begin being administered at school on Tuesday 29th March

2016 by nurses from the Sydney West Health Service, and will involve all Year 7 students.

Details of this year’s vaccinations are as follows:

Tuesday 29th March 2016 1st dose HPV– dTpa

Tuesday 31st March 2016 2nd dose HPV– Varicella

Tuesday 11th October 2016 3rd dose HPV

Students hare being provided with additional information, including consent forms and specific

information regarding the purpose of each vaccination. It is critical these forms are completed

and returned to the school prior to the vaccination date.

Vaccines are free only in the year they are offered under this program. If students do not

commence their scheduled vaccine courses this year then they can only be obtained through

private purchase on a prescription from the GP.

Do not hesitate to contact the school on 9625 7020 or daniel.footit@det.nsw.edu.au if you have

any concerns or queries about the vaccination program.

29

30

Remember that there is a very close relationship between high attend-

ance and student success. To encourage students to set high standards

for attendance, 3 awards will again be presented at Presentation Day &

Graduations in 2013: the Gold, Silver & Bronze Attendance Awards.

SMS Notifications

In 2015 you will have been receiving SMS notifications if your child is

either absent from school or late to school. Please reply to these SMS

notifications promptly so that your child’s attendance record can be up-

dated. If the school does not have your most recent mobile number,

could you please contact the school on 9625 7020 or 9625 7525.

ATTENDANCE Attendance Updates via email & SMS

Dear Parents / Carers

If you would like to develop an email link with our Head Teacher Admin-

istration, Mr Holmes regarding your child’s ATTENDANCE at Plumpton

High School, please just send him an email at:

christopher.holmes14@det.nsw.edu.au

The email should state your name and your child’s name and year. He

will then add you to his Parent / Carer contact list. This will enable him to

send you a graphic (as shown below) displaying your child’s attendance

record for the term. The graphic will be sent as an email attachment

(Word file). This will be a quick form of communication if he has any

attendance concerns regarding your child.

In 2013, the school has introduced a new attendance tracking system,

that has removed the need for paper rolls and runners to collect the

rolls. Teachers are now marking rolls electronically in class, giving the

school instant data on student attendance in class (as shown below). The

new system has been an instant success giving all staff access to an excel-

lent attendance profile of all students, so that any concerning patterns of

attendance can be addressed promptly.

31

Note:

Students may be deemed

ineligible for these awards if

they are regularly late to

school.

Go

ld A

war

d –

10

0%

att

en

dan

ce (

zero

day

s ab

sen

t)

Silv

er A

war

d –

99

% a

tten

dan

ce (

1-2

day

s ab

sen

t)

Bro

nze

Aw

ard

– 9

8%

att

en

dan

ce (

3-4

day

s ab

sen

t)

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