Lismore Highlight Lismore High Campus “Success with Pride” ISSUE 1 I TERM 1 I WEEK 2 Dalley Street Lismore NSW 2480 T 02 66 21 51 85 F 02 66 22 2940 WWW.LISMORE-H.SCHOOLS.NSW.AU [email protected]WEEK 4A Calendar – 2016 Monday February 22 Investiture of School Captains, Leadership Team, SRC Representatives and the I induction Year 12 2016 students - see page 2 Tuesday February 23 Year 11 and 12 Parent / Teacher Interviews - see page 2 Monday February 15 Swimming Carnival - see page 2 Thursday February 18 School Photographs - see page 2 WEEK 5B Like us on Facebook Search for The Rivers Secondary College Lismore Campus (Look for the emblem) Year 7 First Day of School Thursday 28 January was the students’ first day of school. Lucky for them the Year 7’s and senior students had the school all to themselves! After a welcome assembly our Year 7s received their new high school timetables and had a “crash course” in high school organisation and understanding their new school, followed by a big day of high school lessons. In the morning there were lots of nerves from parents and students alike, but big smiles were shared all day. It was great to see our new year group engage so positively in their new environment and form friendships quickly and easily after the holiday break. A big welcome to our new Year 7 students and their families from all of us at Lismore High Campus and the Rivers College. Miss Hall Year 7 Coordinator Miss Hall Liking a page or being in a group does not allow someone to see what you put on Facebook. To see what another person posts you need to be a ‘friend’ or ‘a friend of a friend’ of that person. Although there are two exceptions in regards to your privacy. Profile pictures and cover photos can be seen by the public and if you do not have your setting set privately to ‘friends only’ then your life is an open book for all to see. Jason Caught Facebook Administrator Balin Start and Lynkane Stevens-Kowald
Monday February 22 Investiture of School Captains, Leadership Team, SRC Representatives and the I induction Year 12 2016 students - see page 2 Tuesday February 23 Year 11 and 12 Parent / Teacher Interviews - see page 2
Monday February 15 Swimming Carnival - see page 2 Thursday February 18 School Photographs - see page 2
WEEK 5B
Like us on Facebook Search for
The Rivers Secondary College Lismore
Campus (Look for the emblem)
Year 7 First Day of School Thursday 28 January was the students’ first day of school. Lucky for them the Year 7’s and senior students had the school all to themselves! After a welcome assembly our Year 7s received their new high school timetables and had a “crash course” in high school organisation and understanding their new school, followed by a big day of high school lessons.
In the morning there were lots of nerves from parents and students alike, but big smiles were shared all day. It was great to see our new year group engage so positively in their new environment and form friendships quickly and easily after the holiday break. A big welcome to our new Year 7 students and their families from all of us at Lismore High Campus and the Rivers College. Miss Hall Year 7 Coordinator
Miss Hall
Liking a page or being in a group does not
allow someone to see what you put on
Facebook. To see what another person posts
you need to be a ‘friend’ or ‘a friend of a friend’
On Monday 15 February we will be holding our swimming carnival at the Lismore Memorial Baths. The Carnival is considered a regular school day and is compulsory for all students. A bus is available for student who are unable to meet at the venue (students are encouraged to find their own way to and from the venue). Add your name to the list outside the PDHPE staffroom if you need to catch the bus. The bus will leave our bus bay at 8:45am and return at 3pm. If required your name must be on the list. The cost is $4 to catch the bus and $4 to enter the Memorial Baths. The Carnival is always an enjoyable day and the theme will be decided on in House Group meetings. Participate in as many events as possible to take home the bragging rights. Penny Graham PDHPE Teacher
School Photographs School photographs will be taken on Thursday 18 February. Students should make every effort to attend school on this day, so that they are included in the composite Year group photo and receive an ID card. Envelopes for ordering the photographs will be distributed to students the previous week. The envelope must be handed to the photographer with payment enclosed on the day of photography. Prices are listed on the envelopes. Students who do not receive an envelope should collect one from the library or office.
If you wish to have a family group photo (or a “friends” group photo) taken, one student from the family (or group of friends) can collect a separate “family/friends photo” ordering envelope. This envelope must also be handed to the photographer on photo day with payment enclosed. Peter Marshall Coordinator
Investiture of School Captains, Leadership Team,
SRC Representatives and the induction of
Year 12 2016 students
Parents and Carers of these students are invited to attend the special occasion
On Monday 22 February 2016 at 12:15pm
in the school hall
A light refreshment will be served for parents following the ceremony
I do hope you will be able to attend this
ceremony and witness an important stage of your students education
Yours sincerely, Nigel Brito Principal
Parent - Teacher Interviews For Years 11 and 12 Tuesday 23 February - 3:30pm to 6:30pm
This session will allow teachers the opportunity to discuss with parents / caregivers their students progress.
Your son / daughter have been issued with an appointment booking sheet.
Students are to seek interview times with each of their teachers. Please check that these sheets are completed by your child and are available to be brought by you to the interview on
Tuesday 23 February.
If you are unable to attend please contact the school on 6621 5185 so a mutually convenient time can be arranged.
Welcome back to school for the start of the 2016 year! I was very pleased by our HSC results which came out in December. These are the best HSC results that the school has achieved in many years. This has continued our increasing HSC performance in our subjects each year. It was also pleasing to note our HSC
ranking in the Sydney Morning Herald for North Coast High Schools. (See http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/hsc-results-2015-find-out-how-your-school-ranked-20151216-glosos.html or type into Google
TM “Sydney Morning Herald
2015 HSC results”.) It will be a great challenge for our current Year 12 students to improve on these results. We are also delighted to welcome a number of new enrolments at the start of the school year; an additional twelve new students have enrolled over the first two days of school. Fantastic news is that we have been able to secure a Year 12 qualified dance teacher to teach dance at the school this year. Mrs Emily Tait will be taking our Year 9 Dance elective and will be working with Year 7 and 8 students in a withdrawal program for dance. In the next few weeks a letter will be going out to students in Year 7, 8, 9, 10 who would be interested in this subject. This program does not change the dance program being offered through The Rivers Secondary College by Mrs Elise Deissman during sport on Wednesday. We have started the new year with a change in our administrative software for students, called SENTRAL. Staff were trained on the Staff Development Day in the use of the new software, which integrates a lot of different programs and keeps student information together in one location. It will greatly improve the way we manage student records and data. With the start of the new year I would encourage parents and carers to be proactive with concerns about their students. In the first instance please contact Year Advisers. If the matter hasn’t been dealt with appropriately, please contact the Deputy Principal Mr Chris Williams.
Thank you to Kellie McBeath for your ongoing work and care over the holidays
to ensure the schools garden beds are look amazing for schools return
Year level Year Adviser Head Teacher
7 Ms Aisling Hall Ms Jenny Josey / Mr Graham Wallace
8 Mrs Amy Chapman Ms Jenny Josey / Mr Graham Wallace
9 Mr Glenn Jeffery Mr Paul Morris
10 Mr Mark Thompson Ms Marianne Stickens
11 Mrs Catriona Fraser Mrs Debbie Baker
12 Mrs Emma Pruess Mr Chris Williams
I would like to welcome new staff who will be working at school in 2016: Mr Andrew Grimshaw teaching mathematics; Mrs Jo Giles, our relieving Head Teacher Special Education; Mr Kirt Swanbury our new Head Teacher (Alternative Programs); Mr Jay Sellers our Industrial Arts Teacher and Mrs Donna McGann who is replacing Mrs Angela Biaision, who is on leave this year. Mrs Wendy Brown, who has worked as an administrative assistant for the past two years, is now The Rivers Secondary College Administrative Assistant, based at our school. We also welcome Miss Britt Lowry who has taken full time position in our office for Term 1. With the support unit Head Teacher position being filled this term through advertisement, Mrs Jo Giles will be relieving Head Teacher of the Support Unit pending the outcome of the selection process. Mrs Giles has extensive special education experience and has relieved as Head Teacher on numerous occasions at the Casino High School support unit. Nigel Brito Principal
Study
Top 10 Studying Tips
Your child's study techniques can be improved by
following the below tips:
1. Establish a routine
2. Create a study environment
3. Set a timetable
4. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods
5. Reward yourself for studying
6. Have variety in your study program
7. Avoid interrupting your concentration
8. Test yourself on what you have studied
9. Don't panic at exam time
10. Ask your teachers for guidance
Lismore High Campus Canteen Volunteers
Needed
Join our happy and dedicated canteen team
No experience needed just helping hands and a smile
Mums, dads or family all welcome
Volunteer at times and days to suit you. It may be a day a week or a day a month. Even an hour or two helps!
Free morning tea & lunch
Enjoy contributing to our school - your child is welcome to drop in to say hello at recess or lunch
Make new friends
You and your child will benefit from the great social support you will gain
Our Canteen is one of the best on the Far North Coast with a great variety of food on the menu!
From your P & C Committee
If you would like more information please phone Wendy Rose Canteen Manager on 66214382
SCU Robotics Club Open to everybody interested in designing, building and programming robots with a view to entering national competitions First meeting
After a much enjoyed break, staff and students have returned and the 2016 school term has resumed. A warm welcome is extended to our new Year 7 students, numerous new enrolments and several new staff members. The school’s discipline policy has been recently consulted on by staff, students and parents and all year groups have been inducted with the new policy which focuses on the three central school rules of “Be fair, be safe and be a learner”. Students were encouraged to do their best work and aim to be awarded VIVO points which accumulate and enable them to receive online rewards of their choosing.
Year 7, 8 and 9 will be undertaking a personal development program called Rock and Water with me this year in small groups. The focus of the proactive versus reactive training will explore self-esteem, trust, teamwork and interpersonal relationships. Rock and Water is based on martial arts philosophy and enables students to develop these skills though physical activities and basic self-defence principles. All students are encouraged to do their best work in class, interact appropriately with peers in the playground and engage in the many extra-curricular and sporting activities on offer. Parents are welcome to attend P&C meetings and are invited to contact me at the school with any concerns or questions they may have. Please encourage your child to report any concerns they may have to staff so the issue can be promptly addressed. There will be a parent teacher evening for Year 11 and 12 in the hall on Tuesday 23 February, 3.30-6.30. All students and parents are encouraged to attend. Tea and coffee will be available. I look forward to working with you, your child and our committed staff to ensure your student enjoys school and maximises their potential for learning. Chris Williams Deputy Principal
A Bundjalung Voice throughout our schooling Life Lismore High Campus will continue with our commitment in supporting Indigenous Education in 2016 with our proactive and creative Indigenous Education team. We want to further build upon our partnership with the Bundjalung community, encouraging our students to gain wisdom and positive experiences with the guidance of our elders and other Indigenous leaders. Aboriginal ways of learning, culture and celebration will also be further complimented within the classroom, where we have made a commitment to include Bundjalung perspectives, and other Indigenous themes across the curriculum. We are very lucky to have two members of the team being Bundjalung, providing a respectful relationship with the wider community. We will be including more Indigenous content within our lessons, while enriching the lives of all of our students with Aboriginality being expressed throughout the schooling journey. 2016 sees the return of Aboriginal Studies to Lismore High Campus, taught by a Bundjalung teacher for the first time. Proud Bundjalung man from the Tweed, Colin Appo, will be teaching Year 9 students this subject as an elective. In upcoming newsletters, we will be inviting community members to visit the college, while advertising our Indigenous cultural events. The first Aboriginal Community Meeting will be held on Monday 22 February, 2016. Lismore High has a proud tradition in Indigenous Education and we intend to enhance this by giving the local Indigenous community a voice across the schooling landscape. Ian Browne Indigenous Education
2016 Student Representative Council (S.R.C) The Student Representative Council (S.R.C) has an important role in providing a student voice and being actively involved in many school and community activities. This year it is being coordinated by Mrs Miller who is looking forward to working with the terrific group of students in the S.R.C and being involved in such an important aspect of life at Lismore High. Nominations are taking place now for any student who feels they would like to be a positive and proactive member of the S.R.C. See Mrs Miller in the science staff room in D Block for a nomination form.
Mrs Miller
Sports Report Dear Parents / Guardians and Students, As the new LHC Sports Coordinator, I am interested in helping students develop interest in different sporting opportunities. I am a keen sportsman and will encourage students to be passionate about their sport, and challenge themselves go out of their comfort zones to master movement. In particular I will be targeting the Year 7 students and the development of their fundamental skills, to ensure Lismore High Campus has a powerful presence in the sporting community. A note has been sent home with students in regard to sport choices for Term 1 2016. Below is a list of students who have already made their preliminary selections. For the students’ convenience they may wear correct sports uniform all day on Wednesday. Variations to the school sports uniform should not be worn to school or sport. Students participating in sport off school premises will travel by bus or walk to their venue. Students are required to bring $3 on these Wednesdays for transport if their sport requires the bus. Jason Caught Sports Coordinator
Jason Caught
Challenge Yourself with the Samson Challenge Samson Challenge is coming up on the Sunday 6 March at Hepburn park. This is a community fund raiser for Our
Kids. The event is obstacle courses and I have been asked if we could have a team from Lismore High Campus.
Students who would like to participate it is a great experience and challenge. Come and see Mr Thompson in the
PDHPE staff room. It will be a great day.
Sport/Venue Cost BUS Requirements (transport) Total
I would like to introduce myself as the new Year 10 Adviser. I have been working at Lismore High Campus since 2005 and I am looking forward to supporting your child through 2016. My goal for this year group is for them to achieve the best results for themselves. I want to challenge all students to have a regular routine that includes study plan and review of work. I also feel that it is essentially important for students to be involved in regular exercise, whether this is in a sporting team or participating in recreational exercises such as dance, yoga, gym or walking. Studies have shown that exercise decreases stress levels and increases endorphins, which increases motivation and improves concentration on tasks. This year is an exciting one, as there is a planned snow trip combined with Kadina campus students to Jindabyne. The snow trip is scheduled for the August 13 till August 20. The students who have attended the ski trip in previous years always say that it is one of the most memorable events in their recollections of school life. I encourage all those who want to attend to get in early. I will provide full cost and details of this in the coming week. In addition to the snow trip I am hoping to organise a couple of day trips during the year. One of these is to Byron Bay for a walk around the headland and lighthouse and a Mt Warning walk to the summit. Once again I am here to support your child at school if you have any enquiries or issues please contact me on 66215185. Mark Thompson Year 10 Adviser
LHC Project-based learning A big welcome to our new students in Year 7, who are settling in to the Library learning space very well. They will spend the first two weeks developing their research and ICT skills in the Best Foot Forward program in preparation for their first project, Me In A Box. An invitation will be sent out to parents and carers to attend the final presentations for this project in Week 5. Our Year 8 students will commence their program with a project on computer coding, in which they will look at visual literacy from a gaming perspective. Created through the collaborative efforts of our English, Mathematics and Information Technology teachers, Ms Chapman and Mr Marshall, the learning activities explore aspects of basic coding and web-based games. Students will then create their own animated presentation/game for assessment. While several students in the group are familiar with these skills, for many it will be their first experience with coding, and an exciting exploration into developing valuable skills for the future. Catronia Fraser Project-based learning Coordinator
ATTENTION PARENTS/CARERS A reminder to parents to notify the school about your child’s health
We welcome information from parents and carers about your child's health, even if you are not requesting specific support from our school. Our school asks for medical information when you enrol your child. It is also important that you let us know if your child’s health care needs change, or if a new health condition develops. Information about allergies, medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes and other health care related issues (including prior conditions such as medical procedures in the last 12 months) should be provided to the school by par-ents. Please provide this information in writing to the principal. This will greatly assist our school in planning to support your child’s health and wellbeing. Please also remember to notify staff in the school office of any changes to your contact details or to the contact details of other people nominated as emergency contacts. We appreciate your assistance in this regard and assure you that any information you provide the school will be stored securely and will only be used or disclosed in order to support your son or daughter’s health needs or as otherwise required by law.
Schools play a vital role in the social and emotional development of children. Regular attendance enables students to develop a sense of belonging to a peer group and assists in building important coping and friendship skills. Confident children are less likely to engage in anti-social behaviour.
If students miss out on the basic skills in the early years of school, they may experience learning problems in later years. Ultimately, unsatisfactory attendance at school may affect the awarding of the School Certificate.
Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. While parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, school staff, as a part of their duty of care, monitor part or whole day absences. Parents and schools have specific responsibilities concerning children’s attendance at school.
Responsibilities of the principal
Principals are legally responsible for maintaining accurate records of student attendance. When reasons for absences are provided to the school by parents, principals are accountable for their decision to record a student’s absence as justified. Principals may decline to accept as satisfactory an explanation for an absence and will record that absence as unjustified.
Principals may request medical certificates or other documentation when absences explained as being due to illness are frequent or prolonged.
Responsibilities of parents
The Education Act 1990 requires that parents (including carers) ensure that children of compulsory school age are enrolled at and regularly attend school, or are registered with the Office of
the Board of Studies NSW for home schooling. The New South Wales Department of Education and Training may take legal action against parents and carers who do not send their children to school without a valid reason.
What is a justified reason for being absent from school?
Justified reasons for absences may include the student:
■ having an unavoidable medical or dental appointment (preferably, these should be made after school or during holidays)
■ being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
■ being required to attend an exceptional or urgent family circumstance (such as attending a funeral)
■ being sick, or having an infectious disease.
All children have a right to an education. Only by regular school attendance can children make the most of educational opportunities, leading to greater social and economic outcomes.
Regular School AttendanceInformation for parents and carers
Head lice infestations can be a common occurrence, particularly in primary schools. Parents should check their child’s hair regularly for head lice and undertake treatment where eggs or lice are identified. Information on how schools can support parents to manage and prevent the spread of head lice can be accessed from the student health section of the Department’s website at http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/studenthealth/conditions/headlice/index.php. Advice from NSW Health indicates that there is no need for students to be sent home or excluded from school because of head lice. Having head lice is not a justified reason for prolonged absences from school.
Absences for reasons such as some of the following may not be justified:
■ Shopping
■ Sleeping in
■ Working around the house
■ Minding younger siblings and other children
■ Minor family events such as birthdays
■ Hair cuts.
It is important to realise that parents (including carers) may be prosecuted if children have recurring unjustified absences from school.
Keeping the school informed
If your child has to be absent from school, it is important to tell the school and provide a reason for the absence. To explain an absence parents and carers may:
■ send a note, fax or email to the school
■ telephone the school, or
■ visit the school.
Whenever possible, parents and carers are encouraged to provide an explanation for absences before the absences occur.
The principal of the school has the right to question parents’ requests for their child to be absent from school. They may also question an explanation given for a child’s absence from school.
Holidays
Parents and carers are encouraged not to withdraw their children from school for family holidays. If this is necessary parents should discuss these absences with the principal and may be requested to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from attendance at school. This will ensure that these absences are not permanently recorded as unjustified.
When considering applications for Certificates of Exemption, principals may consider a variety of factors. These may include compassionate reasons, family reunions, the educational merits of the holiday and agreement for the student to complete assignments while on holiday. In some cases application for Distance Education may be more appropriate than seeking an exemption from school attendance.
Arrival on time
Arriving at school and class on time:
■ ensures that students don’t miss out on the important learning activities scheduled early in the day when the students are most alert
■ helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
■ gives students time to greet their friends before class and therefore,
■ reduces the opportunity for classroom disruption.
Lateness is recorded as partial absence and must be explained by parents or carers in the same way as other forms of absence.
Must my child attend all activities, including sport?
YES. Sport and other physical activities help the healthy physical and mental development of children. Sports and sports carnivals are normal school activities and students must attend.
IN THE FOOD FRIDGE Sandwiches $4 Rolls $4 Cold wraps $3.50 Lunch bowls $4.50 Sushi bowl Chicken bowl Vegie bowl Specials Monday Vietnamese chicken roll $3.50 Tuesday Fritatta $3.50 Wednesday Mediterranean pasta salad $2.50 Thursday Sushi varies Friday Asian lettuce cups $3.50
IN THE DRINK FRIDGE Berri pop top $2.50 Berri 350ml $3.50 Quench $2.50 Poppers $1.50 Water 600ml $2 Glee $2.20 Iced tea $2.50
Krazy lemon $3.50
IN THE MILK FRIDGE Plain milk 600ml $2 Oak 600ml $4 Ice break coffee $4 Flavoured milk - large $4 Flavoured milk - small $2.50 Nippys milk $3 Up & Go $3.50
