principal’s report · 2019-10-27 · september 2014 - edition no 5 successful learning -...
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September 2014 - Edition No 5
Successful Learning - Responsible Living page 1
IMPORTANT DATES: Merit Assembly - Thursday 18th September
Yearly Exams - Wednesday 15th to Friday 24th October - Yrs 7 to 10
Year 12 Graduation - Friday 19th September - School Hall 9.30 am
Holidays commence - Monday 22nd September
School Resumes - Tuesday 7th October
School Spectacular Rehearsal - Tuesday 4th November
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Principal’s Report As mentioned in my last article we had our Education Week festivities in week three this term. It was fantastic to again
have our displays and presentations at Morisset Square across the whole week as well as the launch of our logo and name
for all of the public schools that make up our Local management Group – The Western Shores Learning Alliance. I hope
that this rebranding of our school will help push us as an educational collective even further within our community.
On the 20th of August we held our last Rotary Dinner for the year. We had over eighty five people attend the dinner and
again it was very successful. This even is a very important one on our school calendar and a fantastic community based
program. I would like to thank Mr Tim Post, Mrs Tammy Kerr, Mrs Lloy Dekker and all of the students involved in mak-
ing this evening such a success.
This week we are conducting all of the testing for the incoming year seven students who applied for our Enrichment Pro-
gram. This is a huge process that is implemented by Mr Darren Mitten as well as Miss Allana Harding and Miss Shai
Starkey. Our Enrichment Program is something that is valued by our community and it is very pleasing to see so many stu-
dents apply for this process. I wish all of the students who have applied all the best. Our transition of all year seven for
2015 has also moved in to our final stages. A lot of the information sharing between the schools has happened and our final
visits will happen next term. Our numbers are very strong for next year and it is fantastic to see so many students coming
out of the private system and into our school.
This term we have had a fourth year Social Worker student from the University of Newcastle doing a few days a week
placement in our school. She has been supporting our Welfare Team and is also supporting some action research raising
data from within our school and the community. I have enjoyed working closely on this level with the university and am
looking forward to establishing more programs in to the future.
Last term schools across the DEC were required to do arborist reports on dead and dangerous trees within schools. I know
that a lot of our community would have seen that this report has been completed and a large number of trees have been
fenced within our school awaiting removal. The removal of the dangerous trees has begun and this should be completed by
the end of the next holidays. I have had to be very strategic when the arborists work within the school to not disrupt the
trial HSC examinations.
Finally, as the term draws to a close so does the HSC. Students have completed their trials examinations and we have had
itinerant markers in the school marking projects and performances. On the last day of term at 9:30am we will have our
Year 12 Graduation Assembly and then students will complete their external examinations early next term. I wish all year
twelve and their families all the best for the HSC and life beyond school.
I hope that everyone enjoys the holidays and come back to school in mid-October ready for the final
term of the year.
Mark Snedden
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT
Term 3 has been another busy term and as it draws to a close it is a significant time for all Year groups. For Year 11
particularly their Preliminary Courses conclude after their first 3 terms of Senior studies and the HSC begins from Term 4.
Notice and a timetable has been given for end of Year Examinations held in the last 2 weeks of term and these will mark
the final assessments for the Course. I commend those year 11 students who have stepped up and are giving their all to
their studies and recognise the outstanding results achieved so far. It is also a final reminder to some students that all
Preliminary Course requirements need to be met and any N Warnings need to be cleared to progress smoothly to, and be
prepared for, commencement of the Higher School Certificate.
In exiting news for Year 9, students have been issued with detailed information regarding a third elective choice called a
‘Z Elective’ to commence in Year 10. This is a new curriculum initiative for the school and offers an exciting range of
courses based on interest and options to prepare students for Senior study. All students should have returned their
selection sheets to Mr Mason by time of publishing.
Year 7 and 9 found the Reach Workshops held over full days this term as very enriching experiences and I would like to
thank their Year Advisors, Mrs Kerr and Mrs Masero, and Ms Ballantyne Head teacher Welfare for facilitating these. I
look forward to seeing the results of follow up evaluations and surveys.
Finally I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe end of term break and I look forward to Term 4.
Gary Bennett
Deputy Principal
Year 7, 9 and 11.
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The idea behind Wear It Purple Day is simple: wearing purple directly shows sexuality and gender diverse (SGD, or
‘rainbow’) young people that they are supported, respected and celebrated. We believe that all young people have the right
to be proud of who they are and that sexuality or gender identity does not change this. We seek to empower sexuality and
gender diverse young people to know and embrace this knowledge and urge schools to be a part of this crucial support
network.
SUPPORTING ‘WEAR IT PURPLE DAY ‘AT MHS
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1ST BRAKE DRIVING
SCHOOL
LEARN TO
DRIVE
Contact Steve
0438 455 733
Email: [email protected]
(Monday—Sunday
All Hours Considered
ABN No. 901 332 9728 41
L
Breakfast club
School Hall
Tuesday mornings between 8.20 and 8.45am
Our Breakfast Club is proudly sponsored through regular donations
from local businesses, including; Morisset Coles and McDonalds
Volunteers or product donations will be appreciated
Please contact Miss King for more information - 4973 1999
MORISSET HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP
20% Sale
Tuesday 9th September- Thursday 18th September
During normal opening times.
All stock except woollen jumpers
No rainchecks, exchanges or refunds.
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P & C Fundraiser, Cookie Dough Thank you to all those that bought cookie dough this term, we raised $972 for the Library to continue their technology
improvements.
The P & C provides a valuable service to our school and works closely with our principal Mr Snedden. We meet at the
school on the second Tuesday of every month at 7pm, excluding school holidays.
Our next meeting is 9th September. Term Four meeting dates are 14th October and 11th November
All parents and community members are welcome to attend our meetings and are invited to contribute to the many
discussions relating to our schools continued improvement.
The P & C donates valuable money to our school resources, enrichment programs and improvements to our school.
We look forward to meeting you at our next meeting 7pm Tuesday 9th September.
MACQUARIE SHORES SWIMMING CLUB INC.
At Toronto Indoor Swim Centre – is now taking registrations for 2014/15.
We are a family friendly club where your children can improve their swimming skills and fitness levels in a
competitive, yet FUN environment.
We will help your children to develop good sportsmanship with their friends, motivate them to achieve personal best
times, and maybe even find that swimming star within!!
We race each Friday night during school term, at 6pm. Summer season begins Friday 17th October 2014. First two
nights are FREE!!
For more information contact Kirstin on 0437 140 775 or email [email protected]
Canteen News
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED MHS canteen is run by the MHS P & C. The canteen is not only a wonderful service to the students and staff but a
valuable fundraiser for the school.
The P & C contributes profits from the canteen to the school to provide and enhance student resources and facilities at
MHS. Help us keep this wonderful service profitable by donating your time. Meet other parents and staff. Come and help
prepare food, serve students and enjoy the social company of the canteen.
Any time donated is greatly appreciated. Contact Maree at the canteen 4973 3125 if you can volunteer.
SICK OR INJURED STUDENTS
Sick students should obtain a note from their teacher before leaving the room to report to the Office for atten-
tion. Where necessary, parents will be notified that ambulance or medical attention is required. The school
covers students for AMBULANCE TREATMENT but MEDICAL ATTENTION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY
OF PARENTS. PUPILS SHOULD NOT ATTEND SCHOOL IF THEY ARE SICK. Students will be sent
home (where possible) if they are sick.
Please note that neither the school nor the Department of Education and Training has an insurance plan.
Students requiring first aid should go to the Office to see the First Aid Officer.
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Employment Passport Program (EPP) – See attached picture
This program is an 8 to 10 week program where students gain skills & information from a cross section of the
community, to help them engage in education & training, or help in the transition to employment. The students gain
competencies for a Certificate II in Business which is a valuable addition to any resume.
Some examples of the items covered in the program are visits to TAFE campuses, WH&S, employer expectations,
personal presentation, resumes & covering letters, interview preparation, industry awareness, financial literacy, etc.
Our third group of students for the year is about to graduate on 3rd September & another group is being organised to
commence first week back in Term 4 2014.
Part of the program is discussing presentation for job interviews & the students took part in a presentation at Charlestown
Square where they modelled & discussed attire suitable & not so suitable for job interviews. (See attached photos)
All students involved in the program so far, have excelled, gaining skills & confidence in their approach to work while
representing Morisset High School with distinction.
Best wishes to those students who are just about to finish their program & also those who will start first week back next
term.
Parents wanting information about any of the above or if you wish to discuss your child’s career and/or study
options, please contact me on 4973 4958 for information or an interview.
Ruth Burton
Career Adviser
4973 4958
Hayley Finnan at Employment Passport Program James McIntosh at Employment Passport Program
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UPCOMING EVENTS
TVET Applications Yr 10 & 11
Students who wish to do a TAFE course as part of their senior study program, must apply for TAFE NOW
Download an application from the Hunter TAFE website.
To access this webpage & for general information about TVET at Morisset High School go to school webpage
under ‘Careers’ è TAFE/TVET drop down box on the left hand side or log onto www.hunter.tafensw.edu.au è
‘Students’è ‘TAFE for School’& you will find all the information you require.
All year 10 students have been through this process in their Careers classes so they should ALL know what
needs to be done.
See Ms Burton ASAP if you are having problems. Applications need to be to Ms Burton by the early to mid-
September BUT the sooner you have the application in the better chance you have of getting into the specific
course.
If you have been doing a TAFE course this year and you wish to continue in this course you MUST also sub-
mit an application.
WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING?
UGM Industry Safety Course – (see pictures below)
UGM Australia, in partnership with Morisset High School, once again held an Industry Safety Course at Teral-
ba Eleven students completed the course & in doing so gained a comprehensive understanding of workplace
safety while learning the concepts and terminology common throughout modern industrial and mining workplac-
es.
They experienced working and operating actual mining equipment in a simulated underground mine environ-
ment as well as working in an operational engineering and diesel equipment workshop. They also participated in
mock job interviews enhancing their confidence to apply for positions and successfully complete job interviews.
We must thank UGM Australia for their support with this program.
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THE NEW SCHOOL TIE HAS ARRIVED
They are now available from the uniform shop at
$25 each (cash only)
Great for seniors or anyone visiting the school
FOR SALE
Men’s suit - size 92R
Excellent conditions — $50
Black with small pinstripes - Roger Davis brand
See Mrs Burchell uniform shop during
opening hours
Tuesday 8.30am to 11.30am
Thursday 1am to 4pm
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JUNIOR SUPPORT
Term 3 has passed so quickly already and we have been very busy. We were delighted to know that our teacher Mrs
Kemp has just given birth to a beautiful healthy little girl Harriet Claire and we wish her, her daughters and husband all
the very best.
Whilst Mrs Kemp has been away we have been very lucky to have Miss Mackay teach our Junior class. Mr Breton has
come to teach the Senior Class and we have got to know him as we have some combined classes in literacy and
numeracy.
In our class we have been studying Japan as a unit of work and have been learning all about the people, culture and the
way of life. Miss McKay went to Japan recently and has been able to give us first-hand information. We all have a pro-
ject to do as an assignment and are working hard to learn all we can. We are also making Japanese ceramic pots
Our Café has been running well and the Senior Class have been helping us with packing and deliveries. We have enjoyed
making lots of new treats with help from Mrs Bryde!
To continue to add to our technology resources we are working with the Lions Club of Morisset again this year selling
raffle tickets. We are happy for any support we can have for this.
Our vegetable garden continues to flourish and we are sharing our produce around. It’s great to see just how well our
plants are growing.
In Industrial Arts we have just finished making some toy animals and now we are making a spinning toy and it is proving
quite challenging. We are enjoying working with Mr. Johnstone.
Our latest Community Access was a fun day in Newcastle where we travelled in with the Senior Class and split into girls
and boys. Mr Breton and Mr Carpenter took the boys walking around Carrington and Honeysuckle and the girls went to
the Sensory Shop in the Mall and also some of the other cool shops that have opened up. Luckily the girls missed the rain
but the boys did get caught in a big shower. We all had a fun day.
We have decided to have a unit reward excursion at the end of term and will be going to Charlestown for a fun day of
laser tag and bowling. Then we will have a Karaoke session where we can all try out our best singing voices! This will be
a great way to celebrate a great term.
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