Singleton High School

78-81 York Street Singleton NSW 2330 Phone: 02 6571 1199 Fax: 02 6572 4889

Email: singleton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Web: www.singleton-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

June and July 2013 News

In this issue

For your information

What’s on in June and July 2013

Notice Board

EARN AND LEARN WOOLWORTHS The Woolworths Earn and Learn program has now finished for 2013 and we wish to thank everyone for collecting the stickers for Singleton High School. Can everyone please bring the remaining stickers to the school so we can claim the educational equipment for our school.

SKI TRIP 2013 Singleton High School annual ski trip is on again, leaving on Thursday evening 22 August and returning on Sunday 25 August.

We are offering two full days of skiing or snowboarding at Perisher Valley for approximately $620. This price includes accommodation and most meals, ski or snowboard hire, lift passes and lessons. We cater for beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders from Year 7 to Year 12. Come along and enjoy the fun. For f ur ther in format ion see

Mrs Beckett in the science staffroom.

Cover Nicholas W and Chelsea D Page 2 For your information Page 3 Principal and Deputy reports Page 4 & 5 Faculty reports Page 6 Star Struck and Faculty reports cont.. Page 7 Year Advisor Reports Page 8 Year Advisor, Careers, SRC Page 9 Aboriginal Education, Defence and Literacy Update Page 10 School leaders meet Governor Page 11 Library, Proud School, Plan it Youth Page 12 Sports News Page 13 Classifieds Page 14 Canteen and uniform shop

Principal Mr Tony Jarrett

Deputy Principals Yr 7,9,11 Mr Ian Skilton

Yr 8,10,12 Ms Elizabeth Bate

Welfare HT Mrs Kathleen Ballard

Administration HT Mr Shane Hookway

Admin Manager Mrs Margaret Richardson

Uniform Shop Mrs Trish Drury

Opening hours Monday 8.30 to 10.00am

Monday 4.00 to 5.30pm

Canteen Tracey Johnson and

Coordinators Donna Horton

02 6572 2373

P&C Association Meets the 3rd Monday of the month in common room

Next meeting 20 June 2013

President Mrs Salli Avard

Secretary Mrs Cynthia Mulholland

Treasurer Mr Simon Rock

School Hours 9.25am - 3.25pm

School Office Hours: 8.30am - 4.00pm

17June P&C Meeting Yr 12 PD/H/PE Enrichment Day UNSW Writing Competition 18 June UNSW Spelling Competition 20 June Well done Assembly Yr 9 Yr 12 Specialisation Hospitality Graduation 21 June Science and Engineering Challenge 24 June Cows Create Careers Yr 12 Jewish Museum Excursion ‗Supreme‘- School Musical 25 June Yr 9 and 11 Parent Teacher afternoon 26 June University Shield Hunter Final 27 June Well done Assembly Yr 8 NAIDOC Assembly 28 June Last day Term 2 Semester Attendance Excursion SLR Outdoor Rec Excursion 15 July Term 3 - Staff return P & C Meeting 16 July Term 3 - Students return 17 July Well done Assembly Yr 10 Semester showcase 7 Galloway 23 July Yrs 7,8 and 10 Parent Teacher Interviews 26 July Stars Production Year 9 and 10 7/8 Touch Football 29 July Transition Road Show all week 6 in to 7 31 July UNSW English competition

The term is certainly going very quickly, with our HSC Seminar Day, school photos, athletics carnival, e x a m s c o m p l e t e d , r e p o r t s commenced and subject selection nights. These events have all occurred over the last fortnight.

You would be aware of the success of our annual HSC Seminar Day. This

day is an opportunity for students from rural and regional communities to hear from HSC markers and experienced teachers on how to focus on their Year 12 subjects. This is a unique chance for our students to look at and address ways to improve their exam performance and also the opportunity to network with their colleagues from other schools. The seminar day has increased the number of subjects offered with the inclusion of Religious Studies and Aboriginal Studies. I am sure you would appreciate the tremendous effort it takes to organise such an occasion; I would like to acknowledge our Deputy Principal, Ian Skilton for his outstanding efforts in staging this annual event for the past 14 years.

Our junior and senior students have just completed their exams. I appreciate the stress that exams can have upon families especially with NAPLAN exams so close to our half yearly exams. Shortly staff will complete the Semester 1 reports. This term we will be holding parent teacher nights, however, some years will have their parent teacher night in Term 3 due to the short Term 2. With your child‘s report, take the opportunity to look at the outcomes your child has achieved in each of their subjects and your child‘s academic accomplishment in relation to the class performance. Our parent teacher nights provide you with the opportunity to discuss your child‘s achievements and the opportunity to work with their teacher to address student improvement. Again, if you have any concerns over your child‘s performance in a subject do not hesitate to contact the school.

Shortly we move into subject selection nights with our Year 10 students preparing to select subjects that will enable them to gain a Higher School Certificate. Our school is unique in that we allow our students the opportunity to select from a wide range of subjects, and to follow a number of varying pathways to achieve their Higher School Certificate. If enough students select particular subjects we can offer these courses in 2014. I invite all parents of our Year 10 students to attend this night, and find out how we process our students through to the senior years.

I would like to wish all our performers in Star Struck the best of luck. I am sure they will enjoy the experience, and be rewarded for the effort they have put into their performance. I would like to thank teachers and parents for their assistance. At our June P&C meeting I would like to discuss how our students progress and gain their (RoSA) Record of School Achievement. Also how the proposed Gonski

educational reforms would impact upon our school. In terms of; smaller class sizes, the opportunity to offer courses in subjects we normally cannot get up because of low student numbers, the opportunity to meet the individual learning and welfare needs of all our students, the funding to equip our classrooms with 21st century technology and resources to effectively meet the learning and teaching needs of our school community. So please come along to your P&C meeting.

Yours in education

Tony Jarrett, Principal

2013 HSC Seminar Day Friday, 31 May was the 14th HSC Seminar Day held by Singleton High School. Over 900 Year 12 students and accompanying staff arrived having travelled varying distances and awoken at early hours of the day. Some students came from as far away as Armidale, Narrabri, Taree and the Central Coast. In all 34 schools, public and private were here on the day. They all took up the opportunity to gain hints and tips. These pointers included how to maximise marks, what traps to avoid, what this thing called a ATAR really means, knowledge on study techniques (positive do‘s and corrective don‘ts), speak to a practicing Archaeologist, compare with other students as to how their courses are progressing and learn from each other how best to tackle the HSC.

Presenters have always been keen to balance the inequity of such days for rural students as city students have far greater access to HSC subject days on a far more regular basis. There were 43 presenters who also came from afar, out of schools, universities or just retirement. The presenters are HSC markers or senior markers, have worked in curriculum development, past HSC examination committees, university lecturers on education and all have subject particular knowledge, particularly about how the HSC is marked, where a student can gain or how they can lose marks.

Singleton at the end of May always presents a fantastic climate. This is desirable, as students are required to mostly walk between venues. There are 12 venues and six 50 minute sessions at each venue in the day. We appreciate the local community rallying around with venue availability and local food establishments ensuring the day is a great success.

My ongoing thanks is to our students and staff who assisted to make the day another success. In particular thanks goes to the hardworking Tracey Holloway and her hospitality crew, Margaret Richardson and the SAS staff, the SHS staff who were venue coordinators and the SRC staff and students.

I am already in planning for HSC seminar day 2014.

Ian Skilton, Deputy Principal

Principal’s Report

Deputy Principals’ Reports

Welfare News

PBL Report

Cyber bullying and bystander workshops

Years 7 – 9 had the opportunity to listen to Senior Constable Kim Smith advise them of their rights and responsibilities in relation to technology. The students were provided with valuable information that will help them make informed choices in regards to technology and the legal ramifications of inappropriate use of technology.

Anti Bullying Policy

Students and staff at SHS have the right to learn and teach in a safe and encouraging environment.

Discrimination / Harassment and Vilification Behaviour to students or staff will not be accepted at Singleton High School. D / H / V is repeatedly and purposely harming, offending, humiliating or intimidating other students or staff by using verbal, social, physical or emotional behaviors.

All students at the start of Term 1 this year were taught lessons during roll call relating to bullying, bystander laws, racism and the D/H/V policy. In the final lesson the students were issued with a pledge that outlined that they had been taught these lessons and agreed to abide by the school policy in relation to these areas.

Peer Mediation

Peer mediation is just one of a broad range of conflict resolution strategies available in our school. It is an early intervention strategy which offers an effective method for reducing violence, conflict and bullying amongst students. Peer Mediation involves two trained students from Year 11 assisting other students through a structured process to reach a resolution of a dispute. This program is currently run by Ms N Scott and is a valuable resource in building resilient students who are able to effectively resolve conflict.

Rock and Water

At Singleton High School we would like to help students to improve their self confidence and self awareness. To help us achieve these aims we have introduced the highly successful Rock and Water program which ran through all Year 7 students in Term 1. The program aims to apply a physical/social approach to assist boys and girls in their development to adulthood by increasing their self realisation, self confidence, self respect, boundary awareness, self awareness and intuition. A specific goal for the course is teaching boys and girls to deal with power, strength and powerlessness.

Rock and Water is running once again during Term 2. The program is facilitated by Mr A Somerville and is running during allocated sport time. We are providing this opportunity to a group of approximately 25 students from across all year groups who will receive a personal invitation to attend. Kathleen Ballard, Head Teacher Welfare

Deputy Principals’ Reports cont..

CAPA Faculty

Dance

Dance Club has just started up every Thursday during first break. Miss Allen (new Drama/Dance teacher) is teaching this group. It is for anyone and everyone who wants to come along and dance and will mainly teach fun hip hop styles of dance. The group hopes to perform at school events and local community opportunities. Miss Allen looks forward to helping encourage the enthusiasm that is shown by the dancers already participating. ————————————————————————-

Visual Art

Art Express Excursion

Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students, along with a hand full from Year 9, enjoyed a trip to see Art Express in Sydney during Term 1. This year the students were treated to view both exhibitions. The venues being the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Armoury at Homebush. Art Express is an annual exhibition that showcases some of the best HSC Visual Arts practical Body of Work from the previous year. The students found these exhibitions inspirational and it became a source of motivation for our current Year 12 students. The expansive park playground in close proximity to the exhibition at the Armoury was also a hit with the students and provided an opportunity for some to run off some extra energy.

Up Coming Exhibitions

There are numerous opportunities for students to enter upcoming local art exhibitions. Singleton Art Prize is at the Civic Centre on 20-21 July. We are calling for student paintings and drawings of any subject that reflect a high skills level with the medium chosen. Paper entries need to be framed with a sturdy string line on the back. Canvas paintings need to have the edges of the frame painted as well. Completed artworks, entry forms and the $5 entry fee are due to Mrs French by Monday 24 July. Mrs French will coordinate the drop off and pick up of all student entries. First prize is $100 and there is also a $50 encouragement prize.

We will be participating in the 4th annual FACE in a Landscape exhibition at Maitland Regional Art Gallery later in Term 3. FACE showcases the talented students from K-10 in the Hunter/Central Coast region with the aim of showing diversity of art making across all years. Junior students will have the opportunity to submit entries for this exhibition with our Visual Arts teachers selecting the artworks to represent Singleton High School in this exhibition. The exhibition runs from 18 October until 8 December. If you are in the Maitland area, it is well worth a visit to the gallery to see our local talent.

The lock up date of 26 August for the submission of the Year 12 practical Body of Work is creeping up very quickly. An exhibition of these HSC artworks will take place at school during Week 7 of Term 3. Stay tuned for the date to view and appreciate the creative talent of this big group of students. There are many interesting themes being explored as students show off their skills and talents with various art materials.

Nicole French, CAPA ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Music

Singleton High School Concert Band

Singleton High School has always had a proud tradition of music and the concert band has always been an ensemble at the forefront of the school‘s cultural and musical tradition. This year the concert band is under the direction of Mr Matthew Edwards. Mr Edwards brings experience from performing in and conducting university ensembles, as well as tutor-ing with the NSW DEC Arts Unit ensembles at re-gional wind band music camps. This year the concert band is rehearsing several new charts and are looking forward to performing them at many upcoming events such as MADD night and King Street Public School cracker night. So far this year the concert band has played at Tocal Field Day and for the Singleton High School ANZAC service. To continue with the con-cert band‘s strong traditions, it is currently going through a recruitment and rebuilding process. Any stu-dents (or teachers) interested in playing should not hesitate to come and join in on the fun. Instruments that are in high demand currently are trumpets, drums and percussion (this can include piano players), bass guitar, trombones and saxophones. Any other instrumentalists such as flute and clarinet players are also welcome and should not hesitate to join up. Rehearsals are on at Singleton High School in B2 on a Tuesday morning from 8am-9am. We hope to see you there.

Singleton High School Guitar Orchestra

We are proud to announce the formation of another ensemble to add to the school‘s list of highly talented musicians, performers, dancers and artists. The Singleton High School Guitar Orchestra, guided by Mr Matthew Edwards, had its first rehearsal in Week 5

Home Economics Faculty

nd already has a great group of talented guitarists and electric bass players working on new repertoire to hopefully perform in the near future. Any students interested, who play either guitar or electric bass and would like to join should come to B1 during lunch time on Thursdays. It would be preferred if interested members could bring their own acoustic guitar or electric bass along to rehearsals, however the school has a few acoustic guitars to accommodate smaller numbers.

HSC Music Day

Recently Year 11 and 12 Elective Music students attended a HSC Music Day at the N e w c a s t l e Conservatorium of Music. The students were given a chance to get some great advice from HSC markers on Performance, Musicology and Aural. Stu-dents also watched performances by local school stu-dents. Our very own Timothy D from Year 11 was asked to perform a solo saxophone piece on the day. This was a great honour but also a very tough task in front of 400 students!

Jane Johns, Head Teacher CAPA

HSC Seminar Day Catering

A number of Singleton High School hospitality students were again kept on their toes catering for the regional HSC Seminar Day. Morning tea, a banquet lunch and cheese platters for the afternoon tea. Over 100 guests were the order of the day and the students stepped up to the mark as usual. This year we were honoured to host a number of hospitality students from Gloucester High School to assist with the service of lunch. Singleton High School is fortunate to have one of the best kitchen facilities of any public high school in NSW. We were approached to assist these students gain competency in a course content they would not be able to achieve using their own facilities. It is very rewarding as a teacher to see the students showcase the skills they have developed in class in front of a large audience. Their food service skills were exemplary, they showed great teamwork to meet tight deadlines and made decisions on the run to ensure the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

Students will have another opportunity on 15 June to further develop their skills before a number of them complete work placement for the last two weeks of term.

Brian Means, Hospitality

Thank a Teacher 2013

This is another major hospitality event each year which involves all students and staff. The purpose of the assessment task is for each student doing their HSC year hospitality course to prepare a meal for a teacher or member of staff of their choice. They not only have to prepare a meal to thank their guest but also produce a portfolio of their event for marking.

It is a major test of the skills learned over the 18 months they have been studying the course. It is an honour to be selected to come to dinner and all guests feel extremely special on the day. The event is now so big it is held over two days with an evening event to enable our trade training students to be involved.

This task can not just happen without expert organisation and we would like to thank Mrs Wendy Crabb for her efforts in ensuring that all produce and ingredients are ready for the students. Thank you Mrs Crabb from all of us.

All students have produced excellent results and should be extremely proud of the effort and application that has gone into the event. Well done and be proud of yourselves.

Tracey Holloway, Head Teacher Home Economics

It is on again! After much rehearsing and hard work, performance week is almost upon us. Next week the girls will travel to Newcastle for their final, major and dress rehearsals leading up to the performance days.

The performances are held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 June, with two performances on each day. I encourage all to come along and watch Star Struck the 21st as the level of performance is truly outstanding. Even if your child is not participating for this year future performances may see your child involved.

Star Struck is a unique performance project showcasing our public school students. It allows students to develop and display their passion, creativity, excellence and talents; Star Struck also serves to provide a vehicle for students to experience the thrill of performing in front of large audiences and the joy of involvement in the performing arts. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the girls involved in Star Struck for 2013 for their dedication and hard work. Without their commitment events like this would not exist. Thank you and I look forward to coordinating Singleton High School Star Struck dance group in 2014. Jo Radcliffe, Star Struck Coordinator

Seeking Host Families for the annual visit from Takahata, Japan

The friendship agreement between Singleton and Takahata was established over 15 years ago and has continued to grow ever since. Every year Singleton High School hosts a group of Takahata students who visit Singleton for a week. They stay with host families

and participate in a variety of activities at school which include English lessons and lamington making.

This year 14 Takahata students will be visiting our school and community from 30 July to 5 August. We are currently seeking host families!! The host family component of this program is a real highlight for both the Japanese students and also the host family. The school also acknowledges that the Takahata visit would not be so successful if it was not for our wonderful host families.

Any family that is interested in being a host family for a

Takahata student is to please contact the Language

Faculty at the school on 02 6571 1199.

Dayna Cowmeadow, Languages

Semester 1 2013 has been an incredibly busy time for the PDHPE Faculty as all staff fulfil a variety of positions and roles within the school. During Term 1, Rachelle Hoskin (nee Thompson) was successfully appointed permanently to Singleton High School and has been warmly welcomed into the PDHPE team.

Our sports organisers, Emma Redgrove and Liam McKechnie have had a hectic start to the year as all three of our major sporting events, the swimming, athletics and cross country carnivals have been held during Terms 1 and 2. Daniel Higgins and Andrew Somerville are both Year Advisors for Year 9 and 8 respectively and have been actively looking after the welfare interests of our students. Nikki Scott has graciously taken over the position of Peer Mediator Coordinator and has been working with senior students to help settle student disputes through the process of peer mediation.

Jocelyn Beer is fulfilling a temporary position after graduating from university last year and has already taken on the role of coach for numerous sporting teams. Tracy Orbell has organised and facilitated the senior PDHPE and SLR excursions which will be held at the end of this term.

Apart from their classroom and additional responsibilities the PDHPE staff during Semester 1 have managed to train and coach Singleton High School‘s touch, futsal, rugby league, soccer, tennis, cricket, swimming, athletics, cross country and basketball teams.

Rochelle Dooley, Head Teacher PDHPE

Language Faculty

PDHPE Faculty

Year 7 2013 – Singo Movers & Shakers

Year 7 has had a great start to the school year with many students participating in the camp, swimming carnival, cross country, school sports, the independent research project, and now the Year 7 leadership team. They have just completed the NAPLAN and their half yearly exams. All reports from teachers supervising the exams were that Year 7 conducted themselves extremely well! Congratulations!

What’s coming up?

Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMH) Earlier in the year, Year 7 voted to support the Ronald McDonald House in Newcastle as their charity while they are at SHS. Plans for fundraisers are on the way which include: Silly Sock Day (17 July), Ride for Sick Kids (6 September). The other way we would like to raise money for RMH is through Herds of Hope, which involves cattle or sheep producers donating the proceeds of 1 sheep or head of cattle to RMH. A great tribute to our class groups named after different cattle breeds! If you would like to do that or know someone who would be interested, please contact Ms Barnett at the school on 0265 711199.

Well Done Assembly & Silly Sock Day Wednesday 17 July The Well Done Assembly is an opportunity to recognise all students for their effort and achievement. It will be held in periods 3 and 4 at 12.00pm in the MPC. Parents are welcome to attend! Please notify Ms Barnett if you would like to attend so we are able to cater for everyone. Silly Sock Day involves all students and participants wearing silly socks with their uniform and making a gold coin donation. There will be donations collected at the door of the MPC at the Well Done Assembly. Please wear your best silly socks!!

Ren Barnett and Nathan Jones, Year Advisors ————————————————————————

Year 8 Report

It has been a very busy Term 2 at Singleton High School for Year 8 students. We have just completed half yearly exams and eagerly await exam results and half yearly reports due out in Week 9. It is a great opportunity to assess how well each student is travelling in Semester 1 and maybe identify some goals to work towards for the remainder of the year. Parents are encouraged to have a thorough read of the report comments and results and attend interviews with classroom teachers at the Parent Teacher night early next term. More details to come.

We have had some outstanding sporting results this term with a number of students representing the

school, zone and region in various sports including rugby league, cross country and cricket just to name a few. Well done to those students who represent our school and community to such a high standard.

The Year 8 Well Done Assembly will take place on Thursday 27 July Week 9 of this term. This is a great opportunity for students from Year 8 to be rewarded for hard work and effort across all key learning areas and be recognised for achieving outstanding results during the semester. Reports will be distributed during the ceremony to all students. Invitations will be sent home and parents are encouraged to join in and help celebrate the achievements of a wonderful year group.

Jacqui Simpson and Andrew Somerville, Year Advisors ————————————————————————-

Year 9 Report

Year 9 have had a busy term! Our Leadership Team have been very busy preparing a performance of ―Harry Potter‖ the musical for a teacher‘s breakfast. The students have rehearsed both the drama and musical aspects of the musical entirely by themselves and they should be highly commended for their efforts. Also, a thank you to Mrs Holloway and the Year 9 hospitality students for the preparation of the yummy breakfast. A great morning was had by all.

The year recently watched a drama performance by some students from St Catherine‘s Catholic College. The performance was in aid of Law Week and it was a great opportunity for them to understand their rights and responsibilities and who they could contact in the local area if needed.

The students have been hard at work completing their half yearly examinations. This is in the lead up to receiving their reports. Reports will be handed out during our Year 9 Well Done Assembly, which will be held on Thursday 20 June in the MPC. All parents and family members are invited to attend this event.

Daniel Higgins and Bec Luscombe, Year Advisors ————————————————————————-

Year 10 Report

It is a busy time for Year 10 at the end of this term. Work experience starts on 17 June and continues until the last day of term being 28 June. Work experience is a great way for our Year 10 students to try a career path out and can give them a path to follow with the senior subject selections. Remember that if you think the subjects you select are no longer exactly what you want, there is a period of time where you can submit a change of subject request to better suit your senior study.

Also, if you have chosen not to participate in work experience you are required to attend school as normal for the last two weeks.

Have a great time Year 10.

Bob Collins and Leanne Ellis, Year Advisors

Year Reports

SRC Report

Year 11 Advisors Report

It is pleasing to see the Year 11 cohort stepping up to their responsibilities as senior students. It is a timely reminder to all students that with this role comes many new expectations and responsibilities both in and out of the classroom. With your half yearly reports about to be completed by staff, please ensure you have submitted all assessment tasks and corrected any unexplained absences in the next week to ensure accuracy on your report.

The welfare team is trialling a new concept by combining the Well Done Assembly with the distribution of half yearly reports. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend our Well Done Assembly in the MPC on Friday 14 June commencing at 2.30pm. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to discuss their child‘s progress at the Parent Teacher Night on Tuesday 25 June also in the MPC.

I have selected a small team of students who are working on a design for the Year 12 jersey. Once the design is finalised, an account will be opened in the main office for students to pay for their jersey. It is anticipated they will cost approximately $90 to $100. I am planning on having the organisation finalised late Term 3 so Year 11 will have their jerseys at the start of Term 4 when they commence their Year 12 studies.

Term 3 will see the grade begin to fund raise for our charity the RSPCA. Our raised funds go directly to the RSPCA shelter at Rutherford. We will hold our annual cupcake stall as part of the national RSPCA cupcake day. I am hoping for some new recruits to assist in the baking and decorating of cupcakes and assist in selling them on the day. Stay tuned for further details.

Nicole French, Year Advisor ————————————————————————

Year 12 Report , Class of 2013

Their six year journey of secondary schooling is nearing an end for our Year 12 students. The HSC is fast approaching and we hope our Year 12 students are making the most of their time at school to best prepare for their exams. Students should be well into a regular study pattern by now too!! If you are interested in discovering what you can do to make the home environment a study friendly place please check out this website http://braintreepodcast.com/episode-9-home-study-environment/#comments

Dates to keep in your diary: 29/07 – 09/08 TRIAL HSC 19/09 Year 12 Celebration Day 20/09 Year 12 Graduation Ceremony 14/010 - 06/11 HSC EXAMINATIONS 08/11 Year 12 sign out day (School fees need to be paid) 11/11 Year 12 formal

As our time as Year Advisers comes to an end we reflect fondly on the journey we have shared with your child. It has been very rewarding to see the young adults they have become and are looking forward to

supporting them and YOU in these last remaining (stressful??) weeks.

Dayna Cowmeadow and Brian Means, Year Advisors

The 2013 Year 10 Work Experience Program will be commencing on Monday 17 June, 2013 until Friday 28 June, 2013. During the course of the 10 day program staff from Singleton High School will be making visits to various workplaces to check on the student‘s progress.

APPRENTICESHIPS: Macquarie Generation: Electrical, Mechanical & Boiler-making Xstrata Coal: Electrical & Mechanical Trades Coal & Allied: Electrical & Mechanical Trades

Fur the r in f o rmat i on in r egard t o upc oming apprenticeships wil l also be advert ised in the Singleton Argus and The Hunter Valley News.

Leanne Ellis, Careers Advisor

Singleton High School Student R e p r e s e n t a t i v e C o u n c i l members Nicholas W and Chelsea D laid wreaths at the South African War Memorial in Burdekin Park on Sunday 2 June.

This service was to recognise the service of Australians who served and died in this conflict with particular reference to Trooper Herbert Waddell of Singleton who was killed at Piennars River. Thank you to Nigel Cox for submitting this article.

A great deal of hard work and commitment over the past two weeks has kept students of the SRC busy. HSC Seminar Day was a huge success and SRC members made a contribution by organising themselves at the various locations assisting staff and presenters at each of the venues.

Rain and the condition of the ground made it impossible to hold the Athletics Carnival on Monday 3 June. To keep faith with a commitment to run the canteen and a BBQ at the carnival it was necessary to run a BBQ at school during recess and lunch on that Monday. This was followed by the actual carnival on Wednesday 5 June where students excelled themselves with their almost professional approach to running the canteen and providing BBQ facilities for the day.

On Friday 7 June students completed filming a video for education week which will be presented as a contribution from Singleton High School to the education department.

Bob Collins, SRC Coordinator

Careers News

This term is going really well. We have sistaspeak running in the KaWul centre. This is a mentoring and cultural program for Aboriginal girls. This term it has been with the Year 7 & 8 girls and next term it will be with the Year 9 & 10 girls. We have different guest speakers in each week to talk to the girls and to share their stories with them.

I am also taking five students down to Sydney in June to see the Bangara dancers and to do workshops with them.

We are preparing to celebrate NAIDOC at school with a range of activities to be held at school. During NAIDOC week over the holidays the KaWul Centre will be hosting the Family Funday. The Aboriginal dance group has been practising ready to perform at school and at Singleton Town Library on 6 July.

The KaWul centre is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The Homework centre for tutorial assistance is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoon after school. If you would like any further information please contact Sharon at the KaWul Centre.

Sharon Bailey, KaWul Coordinator

Yinpi Aboriginal School to Work Transition Program

Through our Yinpi program, we have been busy this month assisting Aboriginal students applying for apprenticeships. Coal and Allied and Xstrata to name a few, are still open until later this month. Any Aboriginal student requiring assistance please don't hesitate to come to the KaWul centre for help.

Early next term we will be hosting a workshop on resume writing. Mission Australia will be delivering a one hour session on this. We also have traineeship opportunities opening up for Year 10 and Year 11 at present. Expressions of interest letters have been sent to all students in the past month and anyone interested

to find out more should contact myself at the KaWul centre. Jo Vinson, Aboriginal School to Work Transition Coordinator

It is with a sad face that I announce that the Defence Mentor Programme will no longer be running at our school. This is due to a funding issue. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our awesome defence students and their families for your support and I wish you all the best for the future.

On a happier note, I will still be at the school in the same staff room in a different role so I hope to still be able to catch up with you.

Tracey Jones, Defence Transition Mentor

Organising ―Tommy‘s Day‖ had to be placed on the backburner for the week just passed but students have a number of initiatives already in place with the raffle of two tickets to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and communicate with local business and community organisations taking place to gain support for the event. Students from Year 10, the SRC and peer leadership teams will be climbing the bridge on 22 November along with parents and retired staff who previously worked at Singleton High School. If there are any parents who would like to join in the climb they can contact the school for further information The cost for students is $215 with a $100 deposit to be paid before the end of June.

NAPLAN Once again NAPLAN was held on 14-6 May 2013 for Year 7 and Year 9 students. Originally NAPLAN was introduced because employers had lobbied the Liberal Government to test students on their literacy and numeracy skills to ensure children left school with the literacy and numeracy skills they would need for work. The skills tested in NAPLAN are seen as the basic, essential skills everyone needs for daily life in Australia. It was meant: As a diagnostic test – so that teachers could

identify which skills students need to work on and focus on those skills, and

To compare students both nationally and internationally.

Some facts: 10% of Hunter Valley 13 year old students are

below National Minimum Standards in Literacy and Numeracy skills,

30% of Hunter Valley 15 year old students are below National Minimum Standards in Literacy and Numeracy skills, and

15 year olds in Australia are losing their Literacy and Numeracy skills (particularly those who were at the top levels) while students from other countries are increasing their skills. (ABC Radio National Breakfast, 25 February 2013.)

Aboriginal Education Defence Mentor News

Literacy and Numeracy Team News

Tommy’s Day Update

Yinpi

What are we doing to help the students do their best in Literacy & Numeracy? DEAR each morning has a literacy & numeracy

skill development program, In most subjects across the curriculum literacy &

numeracy skills are embedded into the programs,

The maths faculty are developing students‘ numeracy skills in a number of ways including mathletics,

There is homework centre operating in the KaWul Centre every Tuesday and Thursday after school for your children with their homework, and

On Tuesday and Thursday recess Mrs Simpson, in the library, offers help to students with their assessment tasks.

What can you do to ensure your child does their best? Have a quiet place for your child to study with no

distractions (i.e. TV, ipods etc), Ensure your child re-reads what they have done

in class each day, Encourage your child to read everyday. Even

have a book that you read as a family, Get them to write a list of the words they don‘t

know and put them on the fridge for them to learn,

Look the words up in a dictionary and try to put them into sentences,

Have a competition in your family of who can use the words the most in different situations,

Make sure they write them out several times each day,

Have a spelling test on them at the end of the week,

Sign up for mathletics online and ensure your child spends 15 minutes a day doing mathletics, and

Find topics to debate as a family (e.g. should students be allowed to use phones in the classroom?), get your child to find out all they can about the topic and write down arguments for and against the topic.

Wednesday 29 May will be memorable day for the captains and vice captains of Singleton High School. Following tradition, the four leaders of Singleton High School spent the day at NSW Parliament House to see first-hand how the parliamentary system works in NSW and to meet their elected representatives. Students visited the press gallery, both the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council as well as enjoying a lunch in the very impressive library room.

A tour of NSW Government House on the shores of Sydney Harbour followed lunch. A detailed history of NSW was provided, including details of past Governors and the construction of Government House. Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, NSW Governor provided the students with a candid view of her duties as Governor of NSW and answered many questions from the students.

As all the students are at, or nearing, voting age they now have some idea of the voting process and may even venture into politics themselves. Well, maybe not in the immediate future, anyway.

Commendation must go to our great leaders. Joey B - for overcoming a bout of the flu and being more recognisable than some of the politicians. Shanelle F - for her efforts to finish a mammoth ham and cheese croissant in one sitting.

Bree D - for patiently waiting for the release of Fast and Furious 6 and her surprise that such a momentous o c c a s i o n w a s n o t r a i s e d i n P a r l i a m e n t . ..... and lastly to Jackson H - who will never forget the parting words of Her Excellency the Governor of NSW. She offered deep thoughts, and great advice on how to get through life in a meaningful way. Didn‘t she Jackson?

Brian Means, Year 12 Year Advisor

School Leaders Meet the Governor

The school library has been busy. This term, most recently hosting the history seminars for the HSC Seminar Day, with over 300 students from various schools coming into the library for the expert talks.

The Singleton High School chess team, consisting of Patrick F (Capt), Lawrence K, Blake T and Mitchell E defeated Scone Grammar 3-1 to move on the next round of the NSW Junior Chess Championship. Their next opponent will be Newcastle Christian College.

With NSW DEC schools moving to Google Apps for Education (GAFE) later this year, some students and teachers have already started experimenting with Google Drive applications and using Google Public Data for Graphing. More news regarding GAFE later in the year.

The most recent acquisition in the library has been Greg and Sylvia Ray‘s “Changing Places” A photographic history of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. This book contains a lot of old pictures of places in the Hunter. The students are taking a great interest in seeing what places that are familiar to them looked like last century.

Two of the library staff, the library assistant, Mrs Edwards and I attended the MANTLE conference in Newcastle. The conference is one of the biggest School Library conferences in NSW and is well attended by all sectors of education. I presented on the use of iTunes U by schools and students and highly recommend that everyone who uses iTunes, starts looking at iTunes U, the educational section for its free resources.

With the school holidays only a month away we suggest that students start considering their vacation reading. We generally let students take out extra books over the breaks. The library is open all breaks during the day and before school.

Martin Gray, Teacher – Librarian, Google Certified Teacher. .

Six Year 10 students have successfully completed the Plan it Youth mentoring program during Terms 1 and 2 with outstanding results.

The students were unsure about their career pathway and with assistance and guidance from trained volunteers the students now have a definite plan in place to take them into further educ a t i on and em p loyment . Congratulations Corey A, Keanu D, Jacob A, Kendle B, Ebony H and Tyynia T.

Annie Phillips Plan it Youth Coordinator

Your school is participating in the Proud Schools pilot, an initiative of the NSW Department of Education and Communities, currently being implemented in 12 high schools. The pilot aims to support schools in providing a safe environment for all students, including those who are same sex attracted and gender diverse. The Department of Education and Communities is seeking to understand whether the Proud Schools pilot has been successful in supporting schools by collecting data. You can choose to provide an anonymous online submission, by following this link:

http://surveys.artd.com.au/s3/Proud-Schools-Online-Portal-for-Parents.

The link will remain open until 28 June.

Library News Plan it Youth Mentoring

Proud Schools

2013-2014 Entertainment Books

Just a reminder that we still have stocks of this years Entertainment Book.

The Entertainment™ Book is a local restaurant and activity guide, which provides hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from the finest restaurants, cafés, attractions, theatres and accommodation.

They are just $60.00 and are available at the main office

Horse Sports

Over the last few months our team has travelled all over the valley to compete in competitions and finally on 17 May the team had a ‗home game‘ at the Singleton Horse Sports Day at Singleton Show Ground. The day was organised by Mt Pleasant Public School and saw over 200 students from a large number of schools complete. Our team was once again beautifully presented and supported by their parents and were rewarded when Singleton High School was named Reserve Champion High School on the day.

Our team consisted of Candice G, Tomeika B, Rachel C, Sarah G, Madison S, Brendan H, Josie B, Taylor G, Ethan S and Demi J.

A big thank you to all students and parents for their effort.

Bruce Withers, Horse Sports Coordinator ————————————————————————

Progress report for Singleton High School Rugby League

Under 13’s Knights Knockout

On 7 of June the Under 13‘s Rugby League team competed at Singleton in the first round of the Knights Knockout competition. The boys played three games of 15 minute halves, they won the first game against St. Catherine‘s, Singleton 60 – 0, they won the second game against Muswellbrook 34 – 0 and lost the third game against St Joseph‘s Aberdeen in the dying seconds 11 – 10, placing them second overall for they day, Well done boys!

Under 14’s Knight Knockout

The Under 14‘s Rugby League team represented the school at the Knights Knockout recently. They were undefeated on the day as were Muswellbrook and the placing came down to coin toss which we lost. There may be a chance for a wildcard entry, fingers crossed. The team wished to thank all the teachers who helped make the day possible by covering classes and especially Mr Higgins for helping organise the team to compete.

Daniel Mead, PDHPE

Under 14’s Rugby League Buckley Shield

The under 14‘s rugby league competed in the second round of the Buckley Shield on the 4 June. They played extremely well winning two out of their three games placing them second overall for the day. Unfortunately, they will not progress through to the next round.

Daniel Mead PDHPE

Boys Open Touch

The team‘s journey to the final 8 of the CHS touch football competition was relatively smooth sailing, combining good skill and team work.

Overall the team achieved second place in the CHS Boys Open Competition and a big thanks goes to Jesse R who was the team referee for the away games. A special mention also to the generous parents who have travelled with the team in their own time allowing them to be as successful as they were.

Results were Round 1 defeated Scone High School 11 - 2 Round 2 defeated Rutherford High 14 - 5 Round 3 defeated West Wallsend High 15 - 3 Round 4 defeated Chatham High 6 - 2 Round 5 defeated by Tomaree High 5 - 4 Jocelyn Beer, PDHPE ————————————————————————- Futsal

In Week 5, Singleton High School‘s three futsal teams were entered into the Hunter Regional futsal tournament held in Maitland. Our 16s boys, 16s girls and 19s boys teams represented themselves and our school with an exceptional level of skill, commitment and sportsmanship in an highly competitive event. Of our three teams, two qualified for the champions tournament to be held between the winners of Newcastle, Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions. Congratulations to the Under 16 girls and Under 19 boys team who will play in Newcastle in Week 8.

For those of you not sure what futsal involves, its a five a side indoor version of football played on a basketball size court with a smaller, heavier ball. The game requires extremely fast ball control skills, passing and decision making. We are in the process of increasing the profile of futsal and football within our school in the future and are extremely proud of the talent and development of the individuals and teams participating in the last three years.

Keep an eye out in the future, we have some exceptionally talented futsal players in our school.

Andrew Somerville, PDHPE

Sports News

Volunteers Wanted Father Riley‘s Op Shop at 251 John Street Singleton is

seeking volunteers to help out at the store. 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on

Saturdays. We rely on our wonderful volunteers to help raise money to enable Fr. Riley to continue his work with youth that find themselves in trouble and on the street. Volunteers can work for a full day or just a few hours. If you can help please call 0265 721789

Singleton High School Monday 24 June

6.30pm

―Supreme‖ promises to be another successful Creative and Performing Arts evening.

There will be a showcase of musical performances, dance items, drama monologues and a collection of art works.

The evening will be hosted by senior drama students, entertaining us with their good looks and witty charm!

All of our showcase acts will come from a wide variety of years and ages

So come along and support your friends and family and see for yourself that Singleton High School is ‗stuffed to the crust with talent.‘

Tickets at the door Adult, child and concession $7.00

Children under 5 free Skills for Work & Training

This is a FREE COURSE FOR WOMEN thinking of returning to the workforce or pursuing further education. It is designed specifically for women who want to upgrade their skills, establish career goals and develop confidence to achieve them.

Students will develop computing and job seeking skills, as well as brush up on communication, mathematics and green science in a fun, cooperative and supportive environment. This course also includes one week‘s Work Placement and the opportunity to obtain a First Aid Certificate.

Classes run for 2 ½ days a week within school hours.

An information/enrolment session will be held at 11.30am on Monday 24

th June, 2013 in LG1 at

Singleton TAFE. If unable to attend at this time please phone Maree at Singleton TAFE on 65 787 128.

CLOTHING SHOP INFORMATION and PRICE LIST 2013

Normal Opening Hours:

Monday – 8.30am to 10.30am and 4.00pm to 5.00pm

Girls’ Items: Skirt – Checked grey 8 - 20 $46.00 Skirt – Checked grey 22 - 26 $52.00 Blouse – Blue or White $23.00 Polo shirt – Blue or White $27.00 Pants – Navy Hipster $40.00 Pants - 3/4 $38.00

Boys’ Items: Polo Shirt – Blue or White $27.00 Shorts – Grey Longer length $35.00 Shorts – Grey Longer leg (old style) $25.00 Shorts – Grey Short leg (elastic waist) $27.00

PE/Sport: Polo Shirt $27.00 Shorts – Navy $22.00

Jumpers – Girls’ and Boys’: Polar Fleece jumper $37.00 Woollen Jumper 12 - 14 $63.00 Woollen Jumper 16 - 22 $70.00 Woollen Jumper 24 – 28 $76.00 Track suit jacket $50.00 Track suit pants $30.00

Other items Girls’ and Boys’: Aprons white or navy $ 8.00 School Tie $20.00 Safety Glasses $ 5.00 Socks (football) $ 8.00

Second Hand Clothing Available

Location: On the eastern side of the school between MPC and staff common room.

Parking: Outside the school grounds and enter through main office gates and sign the visitor‘s book at office.

Payment: Cash or cheque. Sorry, we cannot offer EFTPOS or credit card facilities. Trish Drury is Roster Coordinator and can be contacted on 0412 148 367.

Day Date Volunteers

Thursday 20 June A Johnston, C Constable, M Lancaster

Friday 21 June HELP HELP

Monday 24 June T Hickey, J Sargent, K Hitchcock

Tuesday 25 June S Cameron, A Watts

Wednesday 26 June S Dann, J Marcheff HELP

Thursday 27 June E O‘Connell, R Weiss

Friday 28 June HELP HELP

Holidays Holidays Holidays

TERM 3

Monday 15 July T Hickey, J Sargent

Tuesday 16 July J Groucutt, V Griffin

Wednesday 17 July HELP HELP

Thursday 18 July K Fry

Friday 19 July HELP HELP

Monday 22 July T Hickey, J Sargent, K Hitchcock

Tuesday 23 July A Watts, S Cameron

Wednesday 24 July S Dann, J Marcheff (2pm)

Thursday 25 July E O‘Connell, R Weiss

Friday 26 July HELP HELP

Monday 29 July T Hickey, J Sargent,

Tuesday 30 July HELP HELP

Wednesday 31 July HELP HELP

Thursday 1 August K Fry HELP

Friday 2 August V Waugh HELP

Monday 5 August T Hickey, J Sargent,

Tuesday 6 August HELP HELP

Wednesday 7 August K Ruigrok, D Williamson

Thursday 8 August S Cochrane, H Forbes

Friday 9 August HELP HELP

Singleton High School Canteen Roster for June and July

Contact Donna Horton or Tracey Johnson on 02 65 22373

Canteen Helpers Needed

We are constantly seeking volunteers to help prepare and serve recess and lunch

to the 1200 plus students here at Singleton High School. Please consider volunteering for a few hours or a whole day if you have some free time. Its very rewarding and your efforts will be greatly appreciated. Any enquires please call 0439 384 484

Tracey and Donna Singleton High Canteen Coordinators

Hot Food

Nuggets (5) $ 2.00 Sausage Roll $ 3.00 Meat Pie $ 3.50 Chicken Burger $ 4.00 Beef Burger $ 4.00 Sweet Chilli Wrap $ 4.00 Pizza Roundas $ 2.50 Cheese and Bacon Pie $ 4.00 Small Apple Pie $ 2.00 Noodles $ 2.50 Sauce $ 0.30 Salad Dressing $ 0.30 Rolls

Salad Roll (No Meat) $ 4.00 Salad Roll (With Meat) $ 4.50 Sandwiches

Chicken and Lettuce $ 3.50 Ham, Cheese and Tomato $ 3.50 Egg and Lettuce $ 3.00 Beef and Pickles $ 3.50 Salmon, Cucumber/Onion $ 3.50 Salad Tub $ 4.00 Salad ( with meat) $ 5.00 Fresh Fruit Salad $ 3.00 Specials

Monday - Spag Bol $ 4.00 Tuesday - Soup and Roll $ 4.00 Thursday - Hot Dogs $ 3.00 Friday - Chick/Beef Gravy Rolls $ 4.00 Brekkie Ideas

Cereal $ 2.50 Hash Browns $ 1.00 Brekkie Wrap $ 3.00 Raisin Toast ( 1 ) $ 2.00 Muffins/Finger Bun $ 2.00 Bacon & Cheese Roll $ 2.00

Drinks

Large Flavour Milks 600ml $ 4.00 Small Flavour Milks 375ml $ 3.00 Plain Milk 600ml $ 3.00 Large Juice $ 3.00 Small Juice $ 2.00 Aroona 350ml Flavour Drinks $ 2.50 Play Water $ 2.50 600ml Bottled Water $ 2.00 1L Bottled Water $ 3.00 Cans of Drinks $ 2.50 Gatorade $ 4.00 Dare Ice Coffee $ 4.00 Large Milk $ 4.00 Small Milk $ 3.00 Plain Milk $ 3.00 Up ‗n‘ go $ 2.00 Slushies $ 2.00 Choc Mousse $ .50 Snacks

Large Packet Pretzels $ 2.00 Red Rock Deli Chips $ 1.00 Smiths Chips $ 1.00 Jumpy Chips $ 1.00 Ice Blocks

Zooper Dooper $ 0.50 TNT Sour Pops $ 1.00 Lemonade Twist $ 1.00 Icy Poles $ 1.00 Paddle Pops $ 2.00 Frozen Yogurts $ 2.00 Paddle Pop Shakes $ 2.50 Vanilla Ice-cream $ 1.50 Coffee (all) $ 3.00

Cappuccino Latte Long Black White Coffee Mocha Hot Chocolate