ISSUE 10 TERM 4 2018 NEWSLETTER From the Principal’s Desk A lot has happened this year, with the most significant being a change in how things are running here day to day. At the start of Term 4, Paul took on the role of Head of School and he is now responsible for the day-to-day operations of the College, including student recruitment and pastoral care. This has freed me up to do things on a more strategic level and further develop and extend the programs the college has to offer. We have also mapped out the VET program and there are now clear pathways for students to transition into further education training and employment. It is a very exciting time to be a student at Fairbridge College! We have had a few “good-byes” happen this year, notably Tammy in Term 3 and Robbie this term. We have also hired some really amazing new staff in Shane, Maddy and Jon who bring with them so much enthusiasm and passion. You can learn more about them on page 4 of this newsletter. Additionally, we will be hiring another teacher who will start in February. There is so much to be proud of in 2018 and I am looking forward to what is in store for 2019! We will continue to build on the strong foundation that exists and provide students with varied and diverse opportunities to engage in the wider community. We will look for new and innovated ways to assist students to develop the skills they need to be successful when they finish school. I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you all have a safe holiday season and I look forward to seeing you in early February! Jen
Transcript
ISSUE 10 TERM 4 2018
TERM 4 2017
NEWSLETTER
From the Principal’s Desk
A lot has happened this year, with the most
significant being a change in how things are
running here day to day. At the start of Term 4,
Paul took on the role of Head of School and he
is now responsible for the day-to-day operations
of the College, including student recruitment and
pastoral care. This has freed me up to do things
on a more strategic level and further develop and
extend the programs the college has to offer.
We have also mapped out the VET program and
there are now clear pathways for students to
transition into further education training and
employment. It is a very exciting time to be a
student at Fairbridge College!
We have had a few “good-byes” happen this
year, notably Tammy in Term 3 and Robbie this
term. We have also hired some really amazing
new staff in Shane, Maddy and Jon who bring
with them so much enthusiasm and passion.
You can learn more about them on page 4 of this
newsletter. Additionally, we will be hiring
another teacher who will start in February.
There is so much to be proud of in 2018 and I am
looking forward to what is in store for 2019! We
will continue to build on the strong foundation
that exists and provide students with varied and
diverse opportunities to engage in the wider
community. We will look for new and innovated
ways to assist students to develop the skills they
need to be successful when they finish school.
I want to take this opportunity to wish each and
every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy
New Year! May you all have a safe holiday
season and I look forward to seeing you in early
February!
Jen
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 2
From the Head of School
Curriculum, courses and options for 2019
It’s been a really busy time settling into the Head of School role this term. Thank you to everyone who has
helped and been patient with this transition. We have worked hard to expand the opportunities for all of
our students in 2019. In particular, we have almost completed the merger with the adjacent Fairbridge VET
School so that we become one expanded Fairbridge College.
Within the College, STEM, Literacy, HASS and Lifeskills programs we will deliver the WA curriculum to
Yrs 7, 8 and 9 and transition the Year 10s into the Certificate for General Education for Adults (CGEA),
and the Leadership Certificate. Younger students that are excelling in their literacy and numeracy skills
can start the CGEA earlier. Those Year 10s who are ready for work experience will be assisted to organise
and participate in placements successfully.
We can now offer a greatly expanded range of opportunities for our older students in Years 11 and 12.
They can continue to study in the College and progress through their CGEA (I, II, II) and Leadership
certificates (I, II), and even attempt a Duke of Edinburgh Award if they choose. Career and Enterprise and
Workplace Learning subjects will also be offered to these students to improve their work ready skills.
The Vocational Education Training (VET) school will continue to offer Certificate II courses in Building and
Construction, Conservation and Land Management, and Hospitality. They are timetabled to offer full
courses over two terms (Stream 1), and the opportunity to try out, catch up and finish off courses in Stream
2. All VET courses also deliver CGEA, Leadership, and Health and Wellbeing by a literacy and numeracy
specialist.
We can now offer a greatly expanded range of opportunities for our older students in Years 11 and 12.
They can continue to study in the College and progress through their CGEA (I, II, II) and Leadership
certificates (I, II), and even attempt a Duke of Edinburgh Award if they choose. Career and Enterprise and
Workplace Learning subjects may also be offered to these students in order to improve their work ready
skills.
Paul
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 3
Lisa’s World
With the end of the year rushing toward us it
is beneficial to take a step back to look at how
far we have come.
The journey that we are on isn’t an easy one
and the road is sometimes bumpy but I am
constantly reminded of all the amazing things
that surround us.
In Literacy this Term we have been focussing
on Sustainability again. It is a topic that is
worth circling over a number of times during
the year as we help to raise up responsible
and informed young people.
The students have produced some
impressive power points on the computers
which we are hoping to have running at our
Exhibition Night which is only a few weeks
away now. To couple with the power points
and the theme of sustainability the students
have been working on a gorgeous display of
hanging information globes.
I have been so impressed by their ideas and
the presentation of their work. It is so
encouraging to see students realizing their
unique talents and being happy to display
their efforts. It is a far cry from the beginning
of the year or from when the individuals
began with us. Positive self-esteem is such a
valuable companion to have by our sides and
I am thrilled with the progress I have seen in
the students. It isn’t a change that is seen
quickly or boldly but rather a gentle and subtle
shift that we can notice in looking back.
I am very grateful for the wonderful Fairbridge
grounds with all its rich history that creates
such a powerful platform for discussion in
Literacy. The ever present birds that have
become common place, the sounds of horses
and cattle around the village and the
kangaroos that trim the grasses here every
morning and evening. In Literacy we have
been celebrating mythical creatures too
resulting in some gorgeous art displays.
The mosaics will be on display with the
procedure writing as well as some
Newspaper investigations from our local
papers, we even tried our hand at
biographies of our classmates.
Fabulous efforts with terrific results. I am
very proud of the literacy and art work by the
students of 2018.
Lisa
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 4
Introducing…
Shane - I have had such a busy and eventful term taking ownership of the STEM room!
Previously, I studied as a Health and Physical Education teacher but over the past year have
also been specialising in Science. I have a strong interest in technology, science, and sport and
hope to incorporate these interests into the classroom next year. I have some awesome and fun
plans which I hope will further students’ understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and
Maths (STEM).
A little insight into what makes me tick, getting the weirdest one out of the way first. Yes, I do
play quidditch, that game from Harry Potter. And, no, sadly, we can’t fly and there are NO
CAPES! I have been playing it now for 6 years and have had great fun and success with it. I also
love my footy and am a mad Essendon supporter who is expecting big things next year. I am
also a big gamer and like to think I am very good at most games that I play. I have grown up in
Perth all my life but have been fortunate to travel across the globe with many stories and
experiences to share. And, lastly, I love paving the way forward for young people and building
them up to do be able to accomplish their goals.
I am excited for what next year has in store for all of us and hope to see everyone put their best
foot forward when they come back to Fairbridge College in 2019!
Jon - Having joined the team a mere four weeks ago, I am still getting accustomed to the ins
and outs of the daily routine at Fairbridge. Although I have been here a short time, I have come
to appreciate the closeness of the students, and staff, integrating myself into the tight knit
family. As the year comes to a close, I am amazed at all the incredible work the students have
created and compiled this year.
Coming from a small rural town in Northern California, it is amazing to be across the world and
see so many similarities in personalities and quirks of the students. Having spent the past few
years working in experiential learning, I am excited to bring my previous experiences and apply
them to this seemingly similar, but unknown group. I hope to create a space that allows
students to learn in their own style from not only myself, but one another and foster new
interests and ideas. I aim to share my passion for travel and encourage students to experiment
and experience life outside of the comfortable spaces they know.
Maddy - What a crazy, busy first term as a graduate teacher! This term I have had the pleasure
of teaching Life Skills as well as coordinating with the local South Metro TAFE to organise pre-
apprenticeships for Fairbridge VET in Schools students.
As a graduate teacher specialising in Health and Well-being I have had an absolute blast getting
to know all the amazing students at Fairbridge whilst finally getting to implement all those
teaching strategies that I learnt during University.
I am incredibly thankful that my first term ever as a teacher has been met with patience, guidance
and laughs from the amazing and supportive network of staff and students at Fairbridge. I look
forward to working with everyone next year to implement a range of fun activities in 2019!
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 5
STEM with Shane
This term has flown by and it has been great to meet all of the students and to see them growing their
skills, confidence and creativity. We continued to focus on Maths this term, particularly the WA Curriculum
for Years 7 and 8. We focused on working with money and looking into the concept of simple interest as it
relates to saving money or what to watch out for in loans. Then we moved into exponents where students
were looking at “powers of” and being constantly reminded that 72 is not 7x2. We did manage to lock that
down and finish off looking briefly at area and perimeter before testing out our creative skills and unleashing
our draftsmanship to design some outdoor areas. This program is also offered as a remedial math
opportunity to older students who continue to work on their Certificate in General Education.
We started up a programming unit half way through the term where students were able to code Flappy
Bird and various other games from the ground up. This led to interesting talks about passive income and
how making apps can be quite a successful pathway for which one could easily build up their skills . There
were a handful of high achievers in this program who were always pushing the boundaries of creativity and
always asking ‘what if’ which was clearly showing me how engaged they were with the activities. We will
look to transfer these programming skills into the Robotics program next year.
Also, we were able to run a few scientific activities of which the holograms were easy favourites for all.
Using some old CD cases we constructed an inverted pyramid to be placed on a screen, which when
placed on top of a special video create a floating hologram within. More activities like these are being
planned for next year and will be something students can use to learn about the world we live in
Late in the term students have shown a great interest in film and creating short movies, using an
abundance of Go-Pros lent by Jayne, students were able to film parkour stunts around the village. We
have since been learning the ins and outs of iMovie to put together some masterpieces that will hopefully
show off the enjoyment that the students had when filming. We also had a drone gracefully gifted to us by
Ross of which may or may not have gotten stuck in a tree on the first day. But, after saving it, the students
have shown real interest in learning to fly it and there will be a program created next year to allow students
to pass their “learners” test.
All in all, a very busy term was had which was also accompanied by some great learning experiences for
myself and the students. I look forward to February 2019 to see what it has in store for all of us and I
wish everyone a safe and happy holidays!
Shane
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 6
Protective Behaviours, HASS and Leadership
This term has been very productive and educational in Classroom 1. In Protective Behaviours the students
have been learning about problem-solving skills such as examining risky situations as well as the
importance of being assertive and distancing oneself from others. The students also had an incursion to
explore support providers in the community like Headspace.
There have been many students completing Leadership Booklets, paving the way for many of them to gain
their Leadership Certificate next year. Five of the year 7 and 8 students have, as an extension to the HASS
program, started on their Leadership Certificate. Well done to those students!!
I look forward to seeing all the students with a whole new HASS program in 2019.
Excursions
Excursion this term included two trips to North Dandalup Dam and a trip to Drakes Brook Weir. The
students enjoyed a swim as well as a sausage sizzle cooked on the barbeques provided at both locations.
Games including cricket, kick to kick football and quoits where played in between eating and swimming.
Students also went to Adventure World for a day of fun in the sun! They rode various rides and played on
the waterslides and in the pool! Another fun day out for all who attended!
Ross
Adventures with Ross
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 7
Attendance Stars
VET News
This semester, most of the students enrolled in the VET in Schools Program have completed both a
Certificate I in Leadership as well as a Certificate II in either Construction or Conservation and Land
Management (CLM). Additionally, there are three Certificate III CLM students who should be commended
for their efforts in completing most of the units for their qualification. The following students have been
given awards at the VET Graduation, held on 13th December 2018:
Ashley Reilly Leadership Award Reece Griffiths Leadership Award
Jamie Catchpole Cert III CLM Award Reece Griffiths Cert II Construction Award
Liam Sullivan Cert II CLM Award
We would also like to highlight the hard work and effort that the following individuals have displayed as
part of the Fairbridge Sustainable Employment and Life Outcomes Initiative, which is generously
sponsored by Alcoa:
William Rhind Carpentry/Joinery Apprentice Rhys Hansen Painter Apprentice
Jamie Catchpole CLM Trainee Eli Batty Carpentry/Joinery Apprentice
The following students had the at least 80% attendance this term:
Joshua Lupton Joel Thorn
Riley Towns Scott Taylor
James Hutt Rianna Hutt
Zac Shaw Blake Fitzgibbins
Myles Gaebler Zane McGlynn
Liam Cathro Blake Dearden
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 8
Jayne’s World
Dug and I have completed our first year as part of the Fairbridge Family, so I’d like to thank you
all, students, families and the Fairbridge Team, for making us welcome and enriched!
This term we continued our visits to Greener Pastures Sanctuary each month for which
Rachael, Sanctuary Owner, is most appreciative. Check out the Fairbridge College Facebook
Page for pictures and video of these excursions - www.facebook.com/FairbridgeEDU . We will
keep this up in 2019 if you’d like to join us?
Representatives from two new Mental Health Services in the Peel region visited the school this
Term: Headspace Mandurah (08) 6595 8990 and GP Down South (From the brand-new Peel
Health Hub! - 9537 5500). We hope your kids now know there are resources they can contact
during the school holidays, however check out the facilities yourself, and don’t hesitate to take
advantage of their free services.
The team at Fairbridge re-visited their First Aid training this term too. I reckon the photos on the
Facebook page deserve captions – what do you think?
Wishing you well for the summer, and we’re happy to say we’ll be back next year!
On Tuesday 11 December 2018, the Fairbridge College Community gathered together for the 3rd Annual
Exhibition and Awards Ceremony. We were blown away by the turnout for the event. Students should
be proud of their presentations as they were a true representation of all of the hard work that was done
this year!
The following students were presented with awards that day:
Myles Gaebler Literacy Award Zac Shaw STEM Award Hannah Hopwood Social Science Award Aezayah Connal Art Award Toby Webb Health & Wellbeing Award Xander Trainer Head of School’s Award Josh Lupton Principal’s Award Zac Shaw Attendance Rianna Hutt Attendance Myles Gaebler Attendance Blake Fitzgibbins Attendance Toby Webb Attendance
Exhibition and Awards Ceremony
Fairbridge College Newsletter Term 4 2018
Page 10
4th February First Day Term 1 2019
4th March Labour Day Public Holiday
12th April Last Day Term 1 2019
SOCIAL MEDIA
Keep up to date with things at Fairbridge College!
Secondary Assistance Scheme
If you hold a Health Care Card, then you will be eligible to participate in the Secondary Assistance
Scheme. The forms will be mailed out early in Term 1 and if you have any questions, please ring the
office and speak to Bev so that you can enrol in the program.
