An Independent Public School
Kwinana Beach Tree Planting and Clean up
On 21 June a group of students from our Clontarf Academy participated
in a community activity. The boys planted tree’s to help stop the erosion of the beach environment and then did a general clean up of the beach. The boys put in a great effort and made us proud.
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An Independent Public School
The Newsletter of Gilmore College TERM 2 ISSUE 2 2016
From The Principal
Welcome to our final inTouch newsletter for Semester 1It was with much sadness that we received the news of the passing of our former Year 12 student Aaron Pajich Sweetman.
Aaron completed his high schooling at Gilmore College last year after starting Year 7 in 2010 and he was a well known personality around our grounds forming friendships with staff, students and members of our community. Students and staff throughout the Gilmore College family have been touched by their positive memories of Aaron who undertook his studies in our Work Connect program, volunteered for work experience in the Flourish Café and befriended students of all ages through his passion for gaming.
Over the past week staff and students have been offered counselling support by two additional school psychologists provided by the Education Department and our Area Chaplain from Youthcare, Darlene Herbert. We would like to invite all of our students and staff to write in a “Memory Book” which is being coordinated by our wonderful Education Assistant Mrs Dickman, in honour of Aaron and our friendship with him. If you have written tributes that you would like to express to Aaron’s family in this way, I would
encourage you to make contact with Mrs Dickman through Work Connect at the College.
My thanks to all of our students, staff, parents and caregivers for the respectful and compassionate way that they have conducted themselves over this past week. The experience has been a reminder of the closeness and friendship that exists in the Kwinana community and how we can work together to support each other.
I would like to remind parents and caregivers that additional support in assisting your children in managing grief is available from organisations such as Headspace.
Prior to receiving this sad news I wanted to write a small piece in the newsletter about student academic reports and the ways in which students and parents can work together to improve results. I will carry this discussion over to the next newsletter, but would like to remind everyone that Parent/Teacher Interview Evening is set for Wednesday 20 July at the College from 3.30 until 6.30pm. Please see the separate article on page 4 about the booking process. I would urge all parents to take the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and discuss the first semester report and, where possible, to bring their students along to participate in these interviews. I look forward to meeting you there.
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On reflection this has been a successful Semester for our College as we implement a new Business Plan and consolidate our position as Kwinana’s Independent Public School. Please remember that both 18 and 19 July are staff development days and therefore “pupil free”.
On Monday 18 July the College will welcome 240 Education Assistants from across Western Australia to participate in their annual Professional Learning Conference. Select Gilmore College staff will undertake foundation training in “Team Teach” on the same day. On Tuesday 18 July our staff will discuss what effective teaching looks like with reference to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership standards followed by an evaluation of the new Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework and preparation for the implementation of the new Western Australian Curriculum in 2017. Normal classes for students resume on Wednesday 20 July, the same day as the Parent/Teacher interview evening.
Finally I would like to wish you all a safe and happy mid-year school holiday.
Rohan SmithPrincipal
Year 7 Good Standing Excursion127 Year 7 students participated in their Good Standing Excursion this Term.
Students who consistently wore their College uniform, attended school regularly and had no suspensions achieved their Good Standing status. The students had a lovely day watching a film at Ace Cinemas Rockingham and then had lunch at Hog’s Breath Cafe.
Feedback from supervising teachers was excellent with students demonstrating positive behaviours, politeness and courtesy. Their behaviour at the cinema was exemplary.
Staff at Hog’s Breath Cafe were impressed with the students’ lovely manners and their smart appearance. The bus drivers were also very happy to receive the many thank you’s from the students, showing their appreciation of their happy ride to Rockingham.
Kerry BowdenManager Year 7
Year 7-9 Goal Monitoring Sheet ExcursionThe students who were most successful in the completion of their green goal monitoring sheets were invited to go on an excursion to Bounce and Sizzler on 28 July.
The first stop of the day was to Bounce, Cannington where they had 2 hours of non-stop trampolining. The students who showed the most skill were Kobey Green and Layla Steele who excelled with their aerial somersaults. There were also a series of intense games of dodgeball that involved both staff and students. A special mention goes to Ms Italiano who had more success accidentally hitting her own teammates than the opposition.
We then moved onto Sizzler, Kelmscott for the highlight of the trip. After working up a healthy appetite the students were more than ready to enjoy their salad and desert bars. A special thanks to Sizzler, Kelmscott for giving us 3 certificates/vouchers to give to the students who we felt were the most well behaved and deserving. After careful consideration, the students who we chose were Shannon Thompson, Mikaelah Murray and Taleah Summerfield.
The behaviour of the students was good throughout the day and they represented the College really well.
Jamie LeeCoordinator/Student Support Worker Year 7
Lunchtime
activities a
re
on offer f
or all
students.
See a Youth
Officer or St
udent
Services Sta
ff for
details. Y
ou can cho
ose
to be activ
e and keep
busy during
lunch
breaks.
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Proposed College Uniform ChangesFollowing consultation with the College Board, Gilmore College proposes to use a new supplier for the College uniform, continuing to operate a shop from the College.
There will be minimal changes to the current uniform and an opportunity to introduce some new items of clothing. There are however, some changes to the prices identified on our website: Uniform Price List Comparison. The suggestions for changes are:
Polo Shirts high grade Coolmax- 100% breathable polyester, dries on a hanger in 15 minutes, don’t pill or fade.NEW Sports shorts with piping Coolmax, same as above.NEW Sports Polo shirts Coolmax, same as above, with panel.School jacket High quality Tricot fabric 100% polyester outer, 100% cotton lined, doesn’t fade and dries a lot quicker than normal fleece.Track pant with piping tricot same as jacket.Boys shirts and Girls Blouse High grade Poly/cotton.NEW Girls cuff shorts Skirt and Bengaline Pants 100% polyester bengaline fabric.
Note: Both old and new styles will be acceptable until old items of clothing stocks are depleted. Parents/caregivers will be able to purchase the new items of clothing as needed from the College Uniform shop.
To look at some of the samples, please click on the link on our website: Gilmore College – Story Board Alternatively, samples are available to view in our College foyer.
In accordance with the Department for Education Dress Codes for Students, for all schools other than senior colleges, clothing made from denim is not to be included in a school’s dress code.
Would you please take a minute to complete a parent/caregiver survey on our website, under News.Thank you, your feedback is valued.
Students are advised that it is important to tell someone when you
feel you are being bullied. Support from
an adult in the school can assist
in resolving these issues without fighting.
Parent/Teacher Interview Evening Wednesday, 20 July 2016 3:30–6:30 pm
This evening will provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s academic progress. The focus for the evening will be meetings of approximately 10 minutes with teachers to discuss students in Years 7 to 12 Semester One Summative Report and improvement strategies to support your child’s ongoing development.
Appointments with teachers can be made via the Schools Online Booking System (SOBS) by visiting http://sobs.com.au/pt/parent.php. SOBS will be available from Saturday 25 June 2016. Alternatively, you can contact main reception on 9411 1811 to arrange an interview time.
Did You
Know –
Frequent a
bsences
make it di
fficult for
teachers w
ho have to
continuall
y re-teach
informatio
n and
skills.
Term 3 Commences Wednesday 20 July 2016
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Tiny Sparks Foundation This year I am lucky to teach some amazing Year 11 and 12 Children, Family and the Community students. As a part of their curriculum they are to generate care packages that can be used by those in need within our community. These packages have allowed the students to learn that some families endure circumstances that are beyond their control and that these unexpected changes can be physically and emotionally challenging. Having an awareness of issues that affect people in our community is the key in helping those that need it the most. It also is important in helping spread the message that we can all help in some way or another. The Year 11 students made a number of Neo-natal dresses for the Tiny Sparks Foundation.
These little dresses are given to premature babies that are too small to fit any commercially made clothing. These dresses give colour at a time when parents are experiencing such uncertainty and worry. It gives them hope and joy in knowing that they are not alone.
The Year 12 students decided that they would like to make a knitted blanket to help keep someone warm this winter. We rallied the College community together and family members to help with our cause and what started out as a hope to make just one blanket, turned, beyond our expectation, into three blankets. Three amazingly warm blankets that will be cherished by three recipients from Banksia Park Aged Care Facility (Calista), Anglicare (Rockingham) and Zonta Women's refuge (Starting over program). I am really proud of the student’s selfless attitude towards their project and the efforts they went to make their care packages. The thought that our small contribution will bring a smile to someone in need is heart-warming.
Rebecca TennantTeacher Children, Family and Childcare
2016 Debate TeamOur 2016 Gilmore College Debate team is made up of six determined and passionate debaters from Year 10.
The 2016 Interschool debate kicked off on the 27 May at Lakelands Senior High School where our team debated the topic 'Women need men like fish need a bicycle' eloquently
and convincingly. We lost to our opponents by three points out of a total of 300. We came home feeling accomplished as our opposition, the Melville Year 10 team, were experienced debaters and had been doing this for years. Suffice to say, our first-time debaters gave them a good run for their money.
Our second debate hosted by the lovely and efficient Melville Senior High School, saw us getting a default win as our opponents did not show up. Although the team was disappointed for not getting to pit their wits against their opponents, they still delivered their speeches on the topic ‘January 26 is the correct day to celebrate Australia Day’ to their debate coach and other teachers who were present.
Their speeches highlighted their natural passion for debating
and their appreciation of Australia as a multicultural hub.
Nicole McCracken, Kyeesha Lucas, Maddison Horton, Brayden Kelly, Ravin-Maria McRoberts and Alloisha-Kay Fa'atele brought pride to Gilmore in the way they represented us and engaged with the other school debaters.
The team and their coach are looking forward to the next three rounds of debates this year. This amazing learning experience would not have happened if not for the support of Gilmore College and the many amazing staff members that have extended their support in so many ways.
Nethia DuraisamyTeacher, English
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8.1 Recipe BookYear 8.1 English class as an extra activity wrote a class recipe book which they kept as a secret from all their teachers and peers. The only stipulation was they had to either cook the meal on their own, or with the help of parents/caregivers, or grandparents. Each student then needed to type their recipe.
I was extremely pleased with the enthusiasm and dedication each student showed and I am very proud of the final result.
Many thanks go to Miss Bergsma (university practicum student) for formatting the final copy and to the office staff who photocopied a book for each student. A copy of this book has been left in the College Library for anyone to view.
Kathleen CassidyTeacher, English
People have become ridiculouslyafraid of using nuclear power.Yes, radiation leaks areundoubtedly a serious issue,however, we are daily subjectedto background radiation due tonatural processes anyway.For example, people living inareas in the UK with a lot ofgranite rocks, such as Cornwall,have a higher exposure toradiation than those who livesomewhere such as the ThamesValley. Anyone who frequentstravel by plane exposesthemselves to radiation fromcosmic rays. Airline pilots who fly
EMBRACING THE
ATOMhighaltitude routes can receiveradiation doses that put them in thetop 5% of all workers in terms ofradiation exposure. We are willinglyexposing ourselves to large amountsof radiation every year for medicalchecks, with dental xrays giving offsome the highest doses, and oftenfor cosmetic reasons. The United States operates 103nuclear power reactors. That's onequarter of the worlds total. "They’recash cows,” James Tulenko states, anuclear fuel specialist, University ofFlorida professor, and immediatepast president of the AmericanNuclear Society.
Nuclear plants deliverelectricity much cheaper thangas and coal plants and,believe it or not, in comparisonto other energy sources,nuclear power is one of thesafest. We are worrying aboutradiation, yet are happilyreceiving air pollution everyday from fossil fuels. Coalrelated air pollution frompower plants is globally responsible for more than 100,000 deaths peryear and coal mining accidents kill thousands every year, but are hardlyreported. The World Health Organisation also estimates that indoor airpollution from biomass and coal causes 1.5 million premature deaths peryear.
Nuclear power will help provide the electricity that our
growing economy needs without increasing
emissions. This is truly an environmentally
responsible source of energy. Michael Burgess
Nuclear fission technology is the only developed energy source that iscapable of efficiently delivering the enormous quantities of energy that theworld demands. One pound of uranium, which is the size of your fingertiphas about the equivalent of 5000 barrels of oil! We need these high levelsof energy produced by nuclear power to run modern industrial societiessafely, economically, reliably and in a sustainable way. What should wesay to nuclear power? Yes please.
Year 11 ATAR English BlogOur Year 11 ATAR English class have had a very productive term. After an analytical study of the classic play,
A Streetcar Named Desire, students moved onto a creative task with a modern twist.
Documentaries served as inspiration for the students to select a topical issue that interested them. Using their research, students constructed their own opinion piece, in the form of a feature article, to add to our class blog. The class have worked extremely hard on their feature articles and the results are impressive.
Here is one by Nyissa Davies entitled Embracing the Atom. You could check out other amazing opinion pieces by the students at www.ATAR11.weebly.comAnna Separovich Preservice TeacherUniversity of Notre Dame
Year 11 ATAR Biology ExcursionOn Monday 2 May, 13 ATAR Biology students attended the Fire Biology excursion to investigate how fire impacts the biotic and abiotic interactions in a community.
The day started when the students arrived at the Perth Hills Discovery Centre in Mundaring. The students took a guided walk and were involved in biological fieldwork to study the impacts of fire on the forest ecosystem. They improved their understanding of the role fire had played in the evolution of our local forests and how Indigenous Australians used fire to control large areas of the continent.
They also learnt about the difference in behaviour between bushfires and prescribed burning.
The students conducted themselves well during the excursion and completed all activities successfully.
Zoran GroznicaTeacher, Science
Peter Pan SleepoverStudents across all year groups participated in a Peter Pan Sleepover rehearsal in Week 7 and the event was enjoyed by all.
Many of the students helped build set, cook breakfast and lunch and all the cast, crew and band worked well to rehearse together. Staff were impressed by the maturity and responsibility displayed by all students. The show is coming soon so make sure you book tickets now through Koorliny Arts Centre.
Anita TelkampTeacher, Dance
developed their social skills and even made new friends as well as develop their understanding of how a film is made. The final cut of Stealth will be aired at Murdoch University and at Gilmore College.
We got to experience what it would be like to work on a film set and how much work goes into the creation of a movie. We all appreciate the hard work and commitment from all staff and students to make something as astounding as this. We especially admired all the hard work from Myles Pollard and his team of professionals, the Murdoch university students, for taking the time to show us what making a movie is like.
Tanya Onley and Sarah Thorpe Year 11 and 12 Students
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Murdoch Film ProductionOver 3 days in June, Murdoch University students came to Gilmore College to shoot a short film, with this year’s film named Stealth.A few months prior to the days of shooting there were a variety of workshops including acting, script writing and storyboarding that took place. These workshops gave the students insight on the procedure of filmmaking. Auditions took place in May where a local actor Myles Pollard, you may know him from McLeod’s Daughters, individually gave each person a scenario to act out. If you were successful you made it in the film. Anyone in Years 10, 11 or 12 doing any subject in the Arts area has the opportunity to be a part of the film, whether its behind the scenes, on set or acting. Gilmore College has major links with Murdoch University. If you’re thinking of going to university, or are curious as to what its like at university, the Murdoch students were happy to answer your questions. From these 3 days the school students
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Year 12 Mountain Biking CampEarly in Term 2 the Year 12 Outdoor Education students partook in an expedition on the Munda Biddi trail in the Dwellingup Region. As Mr Ingram was injured, Ms Pateman stepped up to ride the route with the students and Mr Ingram was retired to the bus driving duties. On day one the bus was packed and bikes loaded and we took off for our camp. The first trail completed was Marrinup Mountain Bike Trail. It was a free flowing and fast ride featuring log rides, berms and an exciting downhill section. Students had a great time and many skills learnt in class were put into practice.
From here the group rode from Marrinup to Nanga campsite via Dwellingup town centre. It’s a fun route which has many downhill sections as you are riding into the Murray River Valley. Highlights were many and students looked stoked when they had made it to Baden Powell. From here it was a little more hard going, a long undulating ride was followed by a steady climb from which the Munda Biddi follows an old logging railway in a sweeping downhill section to the Nanga campsite. When the group finally made it in, weary campers stretched out, had a well-deserved break before setting up camp and cooking dinner.
After a freezing night, sitting around the campfire and chatting we packed up all of our gear and took the bus to Turner Hill Mountain bike Trail. This Trail is much longer than Marrinup and has numerous technical sections which require skill and speed. Students were up for the challenge and it was not until the last 2 kilometre that 2 students came off their bikes and the group had to work together to assist them back to the bus. After some basic medical attention the camp finished with a delicious lunch in Dwellingup before heading back to school.
Kaditja Beyan, Zac Millington, Jake Byrne ,Dale Thompson, Chrystallee Webb and Brad Pereyra
Trewyn Te Hira, Mason Tuwhangai and Ms Pateman
Zac Millington and Dale Thompson
Congratulations to all students who completed the camp and conquered the challenging courses, showed teamwork and self-reliance.
Jeremy IngramHead of Learning AreaHealth and Physical Education
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In the first game, we played St Marks and were outplayed by a better team. Despite this our defence was resolute and held the score line to 0-1. From here the team focused upon a number of basic strategies and playing the roles assigned to each position. In the next game we played with a little more direction and purpose and secured a 0-0 result against St Stevens. This was a positive result considering the inexperience of our team. The 3rd round robin match was against the eventual tournament winners Shenton College. We were able to attack a little more in this match and almost got a draw due to excellent defending in Goals from Pragaas Elango. Unfortunately Shenton scored 2 min from time and we lost 0-1.
We finished in 4th position in our pool A and therefore played 3rd position in pool B for placings. We played another St Stevens team and from the start our game play was superior to theirs. Jake Zilli was excellent at left half and Luke Gamble dominated playing full back. Seth Strahan was strong in the middle and was able to link up well with Tenesha Coyle and William Thorpe, who had been moved to right inner from where he was able to have more influence on the match.
It was through William Thorpe and Seth Strahan that we were able to score our first goal for the day. Seth put William through for a shot on goal that was saved. Seth was able to rebound the ball and neatly tucked it into the corner past the outstretched goal keeper. The crowd went wild and Seth did an Airplane goal celebration back to the centreline! Get in, 1-0 to Gilmore!!!!
This result earned us the right to play off for 5th place overall. We played St Marks and it was an arm wrestle for ascendancy. Owen L’Estrelle showed some nice attacking moves, but couldn’t quite get a backstick shot on target. Sophee Tilbury was influential but it was Seth Strahan who again got the break through and slotted his second goal of the day. It put Gilmore up 1-0 and thanks to some
great team defence and timely tackling we held on for 5th place out of 10 teams. Congratulations to all the following participants. You played with great enthusiasm represented the College proudly, and it was fantastic that we got some results for all your efforts.
Jaidyn Barrett Nathan Beynon Josh CapelinhaTaneesha CoylePragaas ElangoOwen L’Estrelle Luke GambleTravis GambleRichard RussonSeth StrahanSophee TilburyWilliam ThorpeBlair Walker Blake Walton-BurmanJake Zilli
Jeremy IngramHead of Learning AreaHealth and Physical Education
Did You Know Missing one day
a week from year 1 to year 11 is the
equivalent of missing two years and one term of schooling.
Ross Meadows Cup Hockey Team On the 23 June Mr Ingram took a team consisting of Years 7 and 9 students to the Perth Hockey Stadium to compete in the Ross Meadows Cup. The team consisted of some regular hockey players and students who hadn’t played much, if at all. We played various teams from both public and private schools and represented Gilmore College proudly. Unfortunately the day before the tournament we lost our main striker Josh Capelinha who injured his knee.
As part of the Year 10 Biology course, students were invited to Perth Zoo to learn about the dangers of extinction and effects of human activity on ecosystem sustainability.
The day consisted of some free time for students to explore the zoo on their own, followed by the ‘Danger Games’ presentation by the professional and inclusive Perth Zoo staff.
The students and staff enjoyed the day immensely and we received compliments from Perth Zoo and Buswest on our promptness and behaviour. All in all, a fantastic day out.
Miss WieseTeacherScience
Year 10 Perth Zoo Excursion
Left to right: Earll Belarga, Cooper Tilbury and Karl Gamble-Miles
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Field Trip to Peppermint Grove foreshore and
Cottesloe BeachOn Thursday 19 June Ms Turnbull and Ms Cope (University of Notre Dame prac teacher) took the Year 11 EES students on a field trip to the Peppermint Grove foreshore and Cottesloe beach.
The trip was run by Jo Watkins from Earth Science WA (ESWA). Jo is a very experienced field leader and the students had a rare opportunity to study rocks in the environment. Students examined sedimentary rocks, learning about their structures and the environment they were formed in.
They also learnt about the fossilisation of tree roots and the evidence in the rocks for the changes in sea level over the last 200 000 years. Did you know that sea level in Perth used to be 2-3 m higher than it is today? Or that you can find fossil coral on the rocks on the beach at Cottesloe that suggest that thousands of years ago there
may have been a coral reef there, as big as Ningaloo Reef is today? Or that the widest extent of the Swan River, around Peppermint Grove is thought to be where the Swan River inundated a pre-existing lake? Or that at one stage you could have not bothered with the ferry, but walked to Rottnest?
Rocks can tell us some pretty cool information. Jo Watkins was impressed with the students’ knowledge and understanding and commented that they were clearly covering their course well at Gilmore College. Congratulations students and teachers of Science.
Patricia CopePracticum Student Science
Top right: A notch cut by wave action at Cottesloe beach when sea level was 2-3 m higher thousands of years ago.
Centre: A piece of fossil coral on the beach at Cottelsoe
Bottom left: Jo Watkins from Earth Science WA lets students in on the stories rocks can tell at Cottesloe Beach
Gilmore CollegeAn Independent Public School
Dargin Place, Orelia, Western Australia 6167PO Box 86, Kwinana, Western Australia 6966T. +61 8 9411 1811 F. +61 8 9419 2494E. [email protected]. www.gilmorecollege.wa.edu.au
Important NumbersAttendance 9411 1823Library 9411 1842Main Administration 9411 1811Student Services 9411 1823
Positive Parenting Program is an internationally renowned parenting program being offered to parents along the coastal strip. Parents from across Perth have given it rave reviews. http://www.triplep.net/glo-en/home/ If you are a parent of a teenager, you are invited to:
Play an active role in guiding and supporting your teenager Discuss common parenting challenges that come with the teenage years Enrich your parent- teenager relationship Explore effective behaviour management strategies.
Remember, you don’t have to be experiencing difficulties – Teen Triple P is for every parent! The course runs over five face-2-face sessions. After the first 4 group sessions, there will be three follow-up telephone consultations followed by the final face-2-face/ group session. These are brief and help you to tailor the program to suit your family. Before the sessions start and when they have finished you will be asked to provide some information about you and your teenager. This information helps in the development of other programs This course is very useful for parents of Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students and is open to parents of the following high schools: Comet Bay College, Warnbro Community High School, Safety Bay Senior High School, Baldivis Secondary College & Rockingham Senior High School. Year 6 parents from the feeder primary schools to the high schools listed above are also welcome to attend Venue: Comet Bay College Term: Term 3/ 2016 Dates: See attached info –Tuesday evening Time: 6.30 – 8.30 pm Parking: Ample parking in parking area Facilitators:
WCHS - School Nurse: Leonie Wilson CBC-School Psychologist: Olwyn Maddock
Cost: FREE For more information and to register your interest to attend as soon as possible by returning the slip below or emailing your details to:
[email protected] by Friday 29th July 2016 (please don’t leave it this late – register online ASAP)
Friday 22 July is an important date in your child’s educationFamilies need to apply to enrol their children in a public school for 2017 if they are:
• starting Pre-primary (first year of compulsory school) – 5 years old by 30 June 2017• starting Year 7 (first year of secondary school) • changing schools.
Families can also apply to enrol children in Kindergarten for 2017 if they are 4 years old by 30 June 2017.
All children from Pre-primary to Year 12 are guaranteed a place at their local public school.
To apply to enrol your child, visit your local school by Friday 22 July.
For more information or to find your local school visit education.wa.edu.au.
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