Friday 3 May 2013 Issue 5 Newsletter EMPOWERMENT THROUGH OPPORTUNITY, PARTNERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENT FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK Welcome back to Term 2 everyone! We are well into what promises to be a very busy term, having already had a very successful Swimming Carnival and Parent Teacher Evening. Our school captains, naval cadets and scouts, and representatives of students participating in the up and coming Over the Top Tour, represented us beautifully at the recent Anzac Day ceremonies, presenting wreaths that had been created at school by students and staff, with each leaf holding a personal message in remembrance. I have settled in very quickly thanks to all the support and good advice provided by staff here-thanks so much! I would also like to welcome our newest member of staff, Rod Smith who joined us last week, in the very important role of janitor. The Parent Teacher Evening on Wednesday, which was very well attended, was a great opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress with teachers and really good for me to be able to meet so many of you face to face. During the evening we also invited parents to respond (via iPads) to a very brief survey seeking feedback from you regarding our new report format. We have had over 30 responses so far and if other parents still wish to do so, they may access the survey on our school web page. I have been very impressed by the preparedness of our students to have a go, participating in a very broad range of activities here at school, which are designed to be fun but at the same time challenge students and help them grow and learn. This was very evident at the Swimming Carnival which was a great day, as well as the large number of students recognized for their learning through the CSIRO CREST initiative recently, which acknowledges quality learning and achievement in Science. I was also particularly impressed with the success of a series of activities for a large group of Year 8 students recently. The hands on lessons focused on self-esteem, and were all planned and delivered very ably by a small group of students in Year 12 Health. Congratulations to Keely Lobenwein, Christina Burke, Maddie Barnett, Carla Haines and Ebonee Montgomery. Through all this activity we are very focused on teaching and learning! Coming up in Week 5, May 14, 15, 16 we have NAPLAN, and all students in Years 7 and 9 are expected to participate. Whilst the tests in literacy and numeracy are only a point in time snapshot of student progress, they contribute to a national picture of our educational standing. Importantly the information is used at a school and classroom level, helping to determine priorities for teaching and learning and to inform decisions regarding curriculum, classroom and individual programs for students. Finally, just a reminder that all parents are welcome to attend our School Council Meetings that will be held on the 8 May and 5 June this term. Other- wise, please feel free to contact me here at the school if you would like to discuss any aspect about your child’s education. Sabina Smith Principal
Transcript
Friday 3 May 2013 Issue 5 Newsletter
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH OPPORTUNITY, PARTNERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENT
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK Welcome back to Term 2 everyone! We are well into what promises to be a very busy term, having already had a very successful Swimming Carnival and Parent Teacher Evening. Our school captains, naval cadets and scouts, and representatives of students participating in the up and coming Over the Top Tour, represented us beautifully at the recent Anzac Day ceremonies, presenting wreaths that had been created at school by students and staff, with each leaf holding a personal message in remembrance. I have settled in very quickly thanks to all the support and good advice
provided by staff here-thanks so much! I would also like to welcome our newest member of staff, Rod Smith who joined us last week, in the very important role of janitor. The Parent Teacher Evening on Wednesday, which was very well attended, was a great opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress with teachers and really good for me to be able to meet so many of you face to face. During the evening we also invited parents to respond (via iPads) to a very brief survey seeking feedback from you regarding our new report format. We have had over 30 responses so far and if other parents still wish to do so, they may access the survey on our school web page. I have been very impressed by the preparedness of our students to have a go, participating in a very broad range of activities here at school, which are designed to be fun but at the same time challenge students and help them grow and learn. This was very evident at the Swimming Carnival which was a great day, as well as the large number of students recognized for their learning through the CSIRO CREST initiative recently, which acknowledges quality learning and achievement in Science. I was also particularly impressed with the success of a series of activities for a large group of Year 8 students recently. The hands on lessons focused on self-esteem, and were all planned and delivered very ably by a small group of students in Year 12 Health. Congratulations to Keely Lobenwein, Christina Burke, Maddie Barnett, Carla Haines and Ebonee Montgomery. Through all this activity we are very focused on teaching and learning! Coming up in Week 5, May 14, 15, 16 we have NAPLAN, and all students in Years 7 and 9 are expected to participate. Whilst the tests in literacy and numeracy are only a point in time snapshot of student progress, they contribute to a national picture of our educational standing. Importantly the information is used at a school and classroom level, helping to determine priorities for teaching and learning and to inform decisions regarding curriculum, classroom and individual programs for students. Finally, just a reminder that all parents are welcome to attend our School Council Meetings that will be held on the 8 May and 5 June this term. Other-wise, please feel free to contact me here at the school if you would like to discuss any aspect about your child’s education.
Sabina Smith Principal
The Over The Top Tour is running a FANTASTIC MOTHERS DAY raffle! Drawn on May 10. Tickets available from the NHS Front Office for ONLY $2!!!
John Keogh John’s sad and sudden passing has reminded many in the community of his services and contributions on many fronts. As well as schooling his four sons here at Nhulunbuy High School, John always made himself available as a resource, particularly in the SOSE and Enterprise areas. When teachers thought it appropriate, representatives from the Chamber of Commerce as well as the Trade Unions would be invited to address their classes. John was always keen to explain the role trade unions play, the importance of collectivism and the historical background. Just another example of his reaching out and communicative nature. He will be sorely missed.
Young Territory Author Awards City of Darwin Libraries organise the Young Territory Author Awards annual-ly and are looking for young authors to participate in this territory wide competition again in 2013.
This initiative gives young people around the Territory the opportunity to produce their own book and have it become part of a library collection when they enter it for judging. Nhulunbuy has an incredible amount of young literary talent and, as we saw last year, quite a number of children willing to enter this literary competition with the talent and ability to win a number of awards. The children are asked to create, design and write a book.
All details can be obtained at the Nhulunbuy Community Library. The competition closes on 30 June 2013, with the award winners announced in a ceremony in Darwin in September.
NAPLAN
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, NAPLAN, is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It has been an annual event for schools since 2008. On Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, students will take the 2013 NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australia and children. It also provides valuable information that allows schools and governments to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives. All students are expected to participate in the tests. Students with a disability may qualify for reasonable adjustments that reflect the support normally provided to them in the classroom. Some students with very specific circumstances may be exempted from participating in the tests. For information about participation in NAPLAN, you can go to: http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support.html . NAPLAN tests fundamental skills rather than specific content, and as such is not a test for which students can study or drill. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day. The use of services by coaching providers is not recommended. Earlier in the year an information brochure was mailed out to families who have students participating in NAPLAN testing in 2013. If you have misplaced this brochure or did not receive one, it can be viewed on the following link: http://www.nap.edu.au/verve/_resources/NAPLAN_2013_Parents_Brochure.pdf .
An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later this year. Parents can use this information to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern. Parents may also wish to use their child’s results to discuss progress with teachers. More information is available at www.nap.edu.au.
Dental Survey Your child may have been randomly selected to participate in a dental survey and sent home with a white envelope. This is a national survey into the status of oral health in Australian children to inform policy makers of funding directions. This survey is well overdue, as the last was in 1987-88. It is a two part questionnaire and worthy of time spent. A dental examination is also required and we can arrange that through the school and will inform you of times. You are free to participate or decline in the survey or withdraw at any time. If you do decide to decline could you return the "Do not wish to participate" form in the prepaid envelope. If your child receives a survey package PLEASE feel free to ring me on 8987 0844 or Debbie Beldham at Gove Child Health Dental Service 89870423 for assistance. Thank you. Tracy Spillman, Health Promoting School Nurse
Year 10 Work Experience Work Experience provides students with an invaluable glimpse at what it is like to be in the workplace. In the last week of Term 1 a group of students attended an array of work environments in order to gain a better idea of which career path they might take in the future. As a school we would like to acknowledge the generosity of the following businesses for being prepared to take our students into their busy work environments and to provide them with a meaningful and realistic experience of their place of business. Without such fabulous community sup-port we could not run this program. Thank you to: Arafura Civil Pty Ltd, Arnhem Early Learning Centre, BC Autos, BIG Carpentry, Buku-Larranggay Mulka Arts Centre, CCC’s Café, DJ Fabrication (NT) P/L, Gove District Hospital, 8EAR Community Radio/Gove FM, Gove Veterinary Services, John Bedwell Management P/L, Kamayan Café, Nhulunbuy High School PE Department, Nhulunbuy Primary School, Pacific Aluminium (Gove Operations), Peninsula Bakery and Café, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation Inc, New Look Beauty Salon, and Telecom Tim.
iNVEST
The iNVEST program has been running for 13 years and on a Wednesday gives our senior students the opportunity to undertake independent learning, attend tutorials or one on one study sessions with subject teachers or to participate in Structured Work Placements as part of their VET courses. Along with the School Counsellor Kasey Lloyd, Health Promoting School Nurse Tracy Spillman and other senior school staff we spent one day with both Year 11 and 12 student groups focussing on study skills, time management, note taking, memory, preparing for exams, coping with stress and how to reference and do bibliographies. As part of the day the stu-dents were asked to reflect on their progress in Term 1 and then set some learning goals for Term 2. The days were very successful with most students enjoying the activities, role plays and the relaxation session. Sue Clark
BUSH BLITZ TeachLive 2013 Pilot Project
2013 Team Henbury Station, NT 14 -21 May, 2013 Five science teachers from around the country will join scientists to help protect the native animals of the central outback region Henbury Station, in the Northern Territory. The teachers are:
Brad Wilken, Alfred Deakin High School, ACT
Donna Azzi, Ashcroft High School, NSW
Cassandra Duykers, Nhulunbuy High School, NT
George Darby, Launceston Church Grammar School, TAS
Mady Colquhoun, Armadale Primary School, WA
TeachLive Outcomes TeachLive has great outcomes for the teachers and schools involved. Earthwatch believes the benefits of TeachLive are three-fold with teachers and schools gaining educational, social and environmental skills, techniques and understanding. Educational Outcomes
Teachers equipped with the latest techniques in science and ICT
Inspired teachers who have the skills and motivation to implement environmental
programs within schools
Improved teacher moral and retention
Students with a deeper understanding of the environment and the role of science in
conservation
Students proficient in the use of ICT, equipping them with valuable skills for their future
Update on our chickens The chickens are going really good. They are called, Cookies, Cream, Bessie and Rebecca Black. We cut a hole in the fence so they can wander around the vegie garden and not be squashed in their little cage. When they are in the garden they peck at the bugs so they don’t eat our plants. I guess you could call them our little bug exterminators. The chickens lay eggs in their house but have also started laying eggs in the lemon grass. When we come to do our jobs, they wait at the door because they think we are going to let them out. Lara and Quinn’s least favourite job is to clean up the chicken poop. But we are putting the poop into our compost or putting it in a bucket with water to make fertilizer. We had to put extra shade cloth on the roof and the side of the pen to keep the chickens cool. On the holidays, our fertilised chicken eggs from NSW arrived, and were set in the in-cubator we borrowed from Senior Sergeant Muldoon. They were due to hatch around May 2. We got 12 eggs, but one cracked in the mail, so we are hoping that some of our 11 re-maining eggs hatch. When they hatch, they will live in a brooder for two weeks, lent to us by Debbie Osborne. Then we will transfer them to our small chicken coop, which was do-nated to us by past student Maddie Byrnes. It was previously used for rabbits so we need to reline it with snake wire before the baby chicks move in. We can’t wait!!! From Tom, Quinn, Lara and Jaylin P.S. Our eggs hatched, 2 May. Update in the next newsletter.
What is TRON Soccer? TRON soccer is a night soccer match without lights. Hmmm sounds like an interesting little experiment doesn't it? Do you want to give it a go? Come to our Year 7 boys’ night. Every year we have a Year 7 boys’ night, where we have the NTFRS Challenge, TRON Soccer and other boys activities. Starts at 5pm and goes through till 10:30pm. Male teachers from the school are there as are our very own NTFRS boys. We would encourage all our Year 7s to talk to the boys who came last year. Speak to Mr Jason Dyson or Mr Chris Middleton for more information.
Battle of the Bands At the end of Term 1, the heats of the Battle of the Bands, East Arnhem Region, were held here at the high school. One of our high school bands, Good Question, won the heat which put them in the running for the Northern Territory finals to be held in Darwin. Good Question band members, Tayla Edwards (guitar and vocals), Alex Parfitt (lead guitar), Harry Walker (vocals and bass guitar) and Bulan Daly (drums) travelled to Darwin in the recent school holidays to take part in the finals, which were held at the Entertainment Centre.
It was a very excited and nervous group of kids that rocked up at the Entertainment Centre on Friday 12 April to prepare for their performance. They were treated like rock stars and had their own dressing room backstage, in readiness for their gig in front of a huge Darwin audience. To cheer them on they had their own very vocal bunch of past students, friends and family in attendance on the night. Despite a few issues with sound equip-ment, the band produced a very polished performance, doing themselves and their school proud. Although they didn’t place on
the night, they were winners in their own right, with a weekend away in Darwin and the chance to perform on the big stage. It was a fantastic opportunity and valuable experience for each of the students and one they will remember for a long time.
Year 7 Girls’ Night In In Wellbeing our major goal is to create a sense of belonging, value, belief that school is for me and increased engagement in all areas of life. It has become a tradition that Year 7 girls have a Girls’ Night In in Week 6. The sleep over will be held on Friday 24 May, 2013 from 5pm in the School Multi-Purpose Hall and the students would like as many mothers to come as possible. We will be having a BBQ dinner and breakfast, watching some chick flicks, playing games, pampering sessions and generally getting to know each other better. This will be a fun night where the girls will be able to form closer friendships with each other, abandon judgements and learn to trust their inner self.
School Sport NT 2013 Event Schedule
EVENT DATES HOST Completed forms due by
Australian Football Develop-
ment Camp
May 31 to June 2 SSNT/ITO April 19th
Australian Football Champion-
ship
May 22 to 24 Nth Suburbs April 24th
Basketball Championship May 29 to 31 Arnhem May 1st
Boys Football Championship June 5 to 7 PARCS May 8th
Girls Football Championship June 5 to 7 PARCS May 8th
Touch Development Camp June 21 to 23 SSNT/ITO May 10th
Netball Championship June 17 to 19 City May 20th
Touch Championship July 31 to Aug 2 Rivers June 21st
Combined Track & Field/Cross
Country
September 5 to
8
SSNT/
Clusters
August 10th
Cricket Development Camp September 27 to
29
SSNT/ITO August 16th
Cricket Championship September 16 to
18
Nth Suburbs August 19th
School Sport NT has got off to a flying start with the Netball Development Camp and Tennis Championships already completed and Rugby League Championships currently being held in the Northern Suburbs of Darwin. In the Championship events, teams are chosen from each cluster to compete against the other five clusters in the NT. Given that the Arnhem Cluster spans from Goulburn Island to Groote Island, it is a great achievement to be chosen to represent Arnhem. Congratulations to Wally Willis, Borex Misob, Leigh Trost, Jean-Paul Gilmore, Everson Hoani and Alius Mills for making the Rubgy League team. Also to Levi Norsworthy who has been selected to play Australian Rules Football later this month and Whitney Yunupingu who is a reserve for that team. Other Championship events which are fast approaching are Basketball which will be held here in Nhulunbuy at the High School at the end of this month, Soccer, Touch and Netball in June, and Cricket and Athletics next semester. Please see Jodie Nunn or Ian Darlington for further information about any of the Championship or Development Camps coming up.
Gove Rugby League
AGM
Season 2013
Date: Saturday May 11 2013
Time: 12.00pm
Place: Hindle Oval
NO committee, NO junior rugby league.
Hope to see you there!
Woolworths Earn and Learn Every time you visit Woolies don’t forget to collect your stickers and drop them into the high school box near the checkouts, or alternatively, you can bring them to the school’s front office, where we also have a box for collection. The program was a huge success last year and as a result the school was able to obtain many new resources for use in different curriculum areas. So, let’s see if we can do it again!!
Minister visits Gove On Tuesday 9 April 2013 the Health Minister, Robyn Lambley, visited Gove to continue her familiarisation with DoH facilities and staff. The Minister visited the hospital, Yirrkala Clinic, Nhulunbuy Alcohol and Other Drugs Rehabilitation Service, Miwatj Health, DoH District Office and the Centre for Disease Control to inspect the facilities and meet with staff. While in town she also enjoyed a lunch with staff, prepared by Nhulunbuy High School students undertaking work experience at the Hospital. It is the second year that the hospi-tal has hosted hospitality students as part of their training, overseen by the hospital’s Cater-ing Supervisor/Head Chef, John Atherton. John’s credentials in training and assessment gained as a RAAF chef have enhanced the workplace training program. He commended the four students on their skills in preparing and presenting the lunch for the visiting Health Min-ister.
Swimming Carnival Second time lucky, the Swimming Carnival turned out to be a great sunny day. Lots of participation and fun had by all. The successful winning team this year was Roper! Well done!
U14 Boys; Matthew Wolfaardt (Champion), Will Heath (Runner Up) U15 Girls; Ashley Verrall (Champion), Jade Kelly (Runner Up) U15 Boys; Bryan Body (Champion), Shandyn Moody (Runner Up) U16 Girls; Charlotte Piper (Champion), Savanne Cano-bie (Runner Up) U16 Boys; Luke Wolfaardt (Champion), Joshua Da-vidov (Runner Up) OPEN Girls; Jasmine Body (Champion), Meagan Mor-ris (Runner Up) OPEN Boys; Bintang Daly (Champion); Jye Snowden (Runner Up)
Triathlon Winners Open Team—Roper Will Heath—Swim Lincoln Haines—Bike Alex Parfitt—Run U15 Team—Latram Cassie Body—Swim Cameron Stiff—Bike Casey Dooley—Run
ENGAGING ADOLESCENTS™
PARENT COURSE
Engaging Adolescents is a practical how-to guide to assist in:
Understanding reasonable expectations to hold about adoles-cents
Working out what behaviours need to be ignored
Skills for tough conversations for handling those problems you just can’t ignore
A three-option model & flow chart for decision-making
Building relationship with your teenager
If you are interested or would like to know more, please contact Kasey Lloyd through the office or by email [email protected] . For further information about Engaging Adolescents, go to www.parentshop.com.au .
A three-session program for parents and carers providing
skills for resolving teenage behaviour problems
There is an opportunity for this course to be run in the evenings at Nhulunbuy High School, depending on interest.
