year 9 reconnect classes gardening project at the morisset ... · around learning. our supportive...

Successful Learning - Responsible Living page 1

December 2016 - Edition No 7

IMPORTANT DATES: End of School Year - Friday 16th December

Return to School - Yrs 7, 11 & 12 Monday 30th January, 2017

Yrs 8, 9 & 10 Tuesday 31st January, 2017

ALMOST DONE: PCYC manager Rosmairi Dawson and Senior Constable Kristy Harris from the Youth

Command with some of the young men participating in the Green Hands Program.

Picture: David Stewart

Year 9 RECONNECT classes gardening project at the Morisset PCYC

(see story page #



PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

No one would disagree that 2016 has been a year of pushing boundaries due to the changes we need to accommodate,

making us all reach beyond our comfort zones! What an action packed year and congratulations to all for their efforts.

Today, with the release of the HSC results, I’d like to congratulate Maddison Browne, Freya Howard and Tegan Stettaford,

for their band 6 results in the HSC. This reflects the effort and strong work ethic these girls applied to their year 11 and 12

studies. They constantly strove to better their results.

Congratulations also to Drama students whose whole class received a band 5 in the subject.

On Monday evening I had the pleasure of seeing my first Presentation evening to recognise the dedication, persistence and

excellence of the students in sports, academics, extra curricula, performance and community related events. I am so proud

of the way in which our students step up.

Of course they can only do this with the support of the teaching staff who support them so well across a range of ways,

giving their time and effort to improve outcomes. Then there has to be recognition for the many “behind the scenes’ work-

ers such as our Admin Staff, counsellors, cleaners, and canteen workers. All of whom contribute and none of whom we can

do without.

Nor could we do without the support of the parents, carers and grandparents. It really does need to be partnership and

working together to solve any issues, develop solid plans and move achievement forward.

Very important too is the support of the community groups, volunteers and agencies who offer us support through volun-

teering your time, financially, in kind and when offering work placements and apprenticeships to our students. We thank

each and every one of you for your assistance. The outcome is always a positive for the students.

To the performers on the evening can I say I am totally envious of both your talent and your courage to stand in front of the

audience and I congratulate you on the standard of the product. It was exceptional.

To my outgoing captains of 2016 (Joel and Maddie) and the new Captains of 2017 (Jordan, Jessica, Phoebe an Isiah) I

need to say how proud I am of the leadership skills you have, and are, demonstrating. It will be needed into 2017 and stand

you in good stead in employment beyond school.

As we move into 2017, knowing the demands of the 21st century learning, I cannot say how positive it is looking for the

students of Morisset High School.

Why?

Because the efforts of the last three years are now leading to the exciting changes in teaching strategies, and a new culture

around learning. Our supportive P&C and AECG means we can move into the 21st world of learning which is required for

our students.

2017 sees the introduction of the Big Picture program and a new approach to learning. Two classes “advisories” are being

formed and Ms Benton, Ms Boogaard and Ms White will lead this, supported by Mr Barry as required.

Staff have agreed to an emphasis being placed on supporting them to work in teams to support student learning. Every

teacher will be part of a team to record and monitor student achievements on a regular basis and support each other with

new, engaging methods to teach or assess. This is helping us to differentiate the learning for our students and to focus on

key skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation in problem solving and collaborative planning.

We will continue to be an active member of the Western Shores Learning Alliance (WSLA) to develop a planned, focused

approach to a K-12 education. This includes a shared and important focus on Aboriginal Education through the WSLA

Aboriginal Education team and a focus on stronger smarter strategies and the M Goals.

Another strategy of the WSLA is the introduction across all schools of a management system called Positive Behaviour for

Learning (PBL). This teaches the social skills and will be linked to the expectations of the community and be consistent

from K-12. All students, in all settings, will now what the expected behaviours look like, sound like and make us all feel

like.

Ms Hilder will lead a new focus on career awareness and readiness skills starting in Year 7 through to Year 10 to build on

the themes in Primary school. This program will work closely with our various agencies to present a coordinated approach

to build aspirations of all students. They can, should and are capable of accessing all forms of higher education or career

pathways.

A wellbeing Hub, utilising the expertise of our may non-government agencies (such as CALM and Samaritans) who

support students can be accessed on site. This also includes the government agencies of Health, housing and FACS. It

means we can coordinate applications of funding, spread the programs and access wide range of support options for

families that operate both in and out of school.

Newcastle university are supporting us to make a longitudinal study to actually measure if our programs are making a

change to the engagement levels of students. Thanks to all Year 7s who have agreed to be part of this study.

And as well, we join our primary colleagues on the new finance system and management system called LMBR which may

alter some of our practices and systems. Bear with us on this one and we will keep you informed.



We farewell some key permanent staff this year. Firstly, Ms Caryn Upton form our office. I personally would like to thank

Caryn for her calm, efficient and supportive manner. Her support and actions I know will be remembered for some time.

In her retirement we all wish her well.

To Mr Wells we wish him well in his new school as Deputy. I know he will miss it here and his efforts are appreciated.

Just as Mr Kendall’s support for the students and team leadership as a PD/H/PE will be missed by his faculty and students

alike. He goes to Cooks Hill and a different experience with Big Picture.

We wish Mr Clarke well as he goes to Whitebridge High School as Head Teacher “Imagineering” (olden TAS) and this in

itself is a reflection of how we need to move into a different focus on learning in classrooms.

On the flip side, we have Mr Victor who is now a substantive Head Teacher and Mr Lewis who joins us as the new Head

Teacher Support.

Have a wonderful Christmas and come back to school happy and healthy in 2017.

Mrs C. McDonald

RECONNECT STUDENTS

Last Friday the Reconnect boys along with Wilson and

Broden unveiled the "Archibald garden- Koori

Connection".

The boys have been working hard for 7weeks and were

recently featured in the Lakes Mail.

The boys decided to name the garden after Selena and

Shannon. With over 30+ years experience between them,

Selena and Shannon continue to service the Morisset

community. Cherokee came up with the Koori

Connection name due to his proud connection with his

culture.

I am so proud to work with the boys and Aboriginal

Education at Morisset.



Morisset High School’s original production of ‘1, 2 STEP!’ found its inspiration from the 2006 dance film ‘Step up’ The

production team leaders Amy Ingram, Isabel Coleman, Carla Valencic and Rebecca Ballantyne set to work straight away

to ensure this production was a success. They had no idea how many other talents they would find along this journey.

The writing process began in Term Three. The students were given specific scenes that were loosely based on the film and

they had to devise all of the dialogue and blocking. Each week the production students would script, produce and act out

what they had written until finally a full script was made!

The script follows the lives of two very different teenage girls who lead very different lives. Julie (Amber Harridge) is in

her last year of her schooling, the stress-inducing Higher School Certificate (HSC). Rose (Annah Agafonov) on the other

hand, comes from the wrong side of the town, her friends are a bad influence and sport is her life. The production follows

the personal journey of each girl as they learn to work together and strive for what they want.

One Two Step showcased the students’ ability to act, dance and provide comedic relief. The production was balanced by

Rebecca Ballantyne’s Year 10 Dance Ensemble as they performed beautiful moments of contemporary dance with a

mixture of hip-hop and jazz. Late into the second act of the performance the HSC showcase night occurred. All items in

this performance were introduced by Teagan Kelly (Year 11) who played a fiery Principal. The Didgeridoo Group which

consisted of 12 boys from Year 7-9 played a traditional song called ‘The Lost Dingo’ which showcased an amazing ability

to circular breathe. A special mention to Imogen Culhaci (Year 10) who played the piano with ease and elegance

throughout the night. Just before the finale occurred Albert Hanger and Blake Lewis (Year 12) performed an amazing

acoustic mash up. The final dance number was extremely powerful as both lead actresses had bonded together to form a

deep friendship. Overall, it was a thrilling performance with many laughs and amazing talent! Congratulations to all

students and staff involved.



LAKE MAC WALKS

We all know the importance of living an active life for better

physical and mental health. Planning local areas so you can walk

more is a very important step in providing a healthier lifestyle for

residents. It also helps reduce trips by car, which is better for you

and the environment. Providing opportunities to walk and cycle

increases physical activity, reduces traffic, and creates cleaner air to

breath.

Having safe, attractive and direct walking connections to and from

schools is an important step in providing more opportunities for

families to walk, cycle, skate or wheel to school.

To plan better for more walking, we need to know where you walk

and where you want to walk.

For more information contact Council on 4921 0333



On the 25th November a group of year 10 Drama students represented Morisset High School and performed two pieces at

the Wyee Primary School ‘Wyee Round Up!’. Students had been preparing the pieces over the course of a term and

focused on physical comedy and the use of props. One piece was about Halloween and a Frankenstein monster gone

hilariously wrong, and the other piece showcased a strange and eclectic haunted TV! The students did a fantastic job of

performing in the open space and conducted themselves like true professionals. Great work year 10 and we can’t wait for



Can Saver Plus assist you with high school costs?

Join Saver Plus and match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500

for educational costs including:

• school uniforms and text books

• computers, laptops and tablets

• excursions and camps

• sports equipment, uniforms and lessons

• music tuition and instrument hire.

You may be eligible if you have a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card,

are at least 18 years old, have some regular income from work (you or your

partner) and have a child at school or study yourself.

Contact Cynthia Culhane your local Saver Plus Worker: (02) 4032 4703 / 0418 699 646

or [email protected]

Saver Plus was developed by ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence and is delivered throughout Newcastle by The Smith Family.

The program is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government.

School Counsellor Students are referred to the School counsellor by

teachers, parents, Health and Welfare Services or

students themselves. The School Counsellor deals with

psychological issues related to students’ education.

They can diagnose educational problems, provide

advice to school staff and parents about educational

issues and advise parents of appropriate psychological

and medical services.

To make an appointment to see the Counsellors please

telephone the school on 4973 1999 for a referral.

Students wishing to see the counsellor can fill out a

yellow self-referral slip and drop it in the box outside

the counsellors’ office.



RECONNECT STUDENTS

The year 9 boys, from the school’s Reconnect class, are nearing the completion of an eight-week gardening

project at Morisset PCYC.

The Green Hands Program is a partnership between the school, police and the PCYC.

It’s designed to assist the boys with decision making and self-accountability. They do the work, allocate tasks,

decide how it should be done, and have input into how the garden should look.

Senior Constable Harris, from the Youth Command, and Morisset PCYC club manager Rosmairi Dawson su-

pervise the work.

“When I was first here, the boys wouldn’t say more than two words to me,” Senior Constable Harris said.

“But now they come up and tell me things all the time.”

And making a quip about a police officer eating a doughnut showed that they were comfortable in her compa-

ny.

“We’ve got a friendship now. I can muck around with them, and they’ve really come out of their shells,” she

said.

Ms Dawson said the boys spend Thursdays at the PCYC from 9.30am to 2pm for the duration of the program.

They’ll typically enjoy some exercise in the centre before heading out to work in the garden.

Every second week, Senior Constable Harris has a chat to the group over morning tea, where topics such as

cyber bullying and sexting are explored.

Ms Dawson said she had been impressed by the group, and what they had achieved.

“We wanted the boys to design the garden, and to have ownership of it, and they’ve done a huge amount of

weeding and clearing,” she said.

Mulch and native plants would be delivered shortly, she said.

“Bunnings Warehouse at Morisset has kindly donated tools for the job, and Tina Bellinger of Jim’s Mowing, at

Morisset, has been providing information and support to the kids on the program each week.”



Didge Group

The Morisset HS Didge group is growing and going from strength to strength! The boys travelled to Morisset Hospital to

celebrate 2016 with patients and caregivers. It was a great morning followed by a delicious morning tea. Special thanks to

the Southlakes RSL club for the transport provided and to Mr MacDonald and Shannon for organising.

I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New year.

Thank you to all the parents and students that have supported the school and the uniform

shop over the past year, it has been quite busy at times, so thank you for your patience and

I look forward to seeing you next year.

Below are the opening times for January 2017. Entry to the uniform shop during the

holidays is via the student entry gate in Bridge Street, this is the gate just down the hill

from the main school entrance.

Roz



Certificate II in Business Studies

Congratulations to Isabela Andrea Rana, Shakyra-Lee

Riley, Lindsay Millane for achieving their Certificate II in

Business Studies! The girls participated in a range of

activities throughout term 4 and represented themselves

and Morisset HS with pride. Congratulations girls.

Mrs Hilder

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