December 2, 2016

Bellingen High School NEWSLETTER Telephone: 02 66551 315 Fax: 02 66552 630 Website: http://www.bellingen-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

From the Deputy Principal

Bellingen High students travelled to Coffs Harbour on Friday 18th November to

participate in this year’s Philosothon. A Philosothon is an event that encourages

students to investigate ethical and other philosophical questions in the context

of ‘communities of inquiry’. Participating in the event helps students to develop

higher order thinking and communication skills through a series of discussions

with students from other schools.

Everyone had a great time and team member Maddi Allen was a runner up for

Spirit of Philosothon and received a medal. Our students learned many skills

and engaged in all of the topics - some of which were extremely challenging.

Former Bellingen High School Principal Bob Stockton was one of the judges, he

was very impressed with the maturity of the discussions.

A big thank you to Brigitte Williams for leading the group and thanks also to

Amber Hill for assisting Brigitte with organisation etc.

Dot Panaretos

From the CAPA Faculty ARTEXPRESS Exhibition

The Art Department was very excited to announce in a recent Newsletter that two of our Year 12 students have had their artworks nominated for ARTEXPRESS which is a fantastic feat in itself. Congratulations to Madelin Perry whose work has been chosen for exhibition! Well done Maddy.

Maddy’s work will be exhibited in the travelling exhibition that visits rural galleries. Each venue has a unique combination of works.

Grafton Regional Gallery will be the closest venue to our area for you to see Maddy’s work which will be on display in June/July 2017.

Megan Newbound Visual Arts/Photography Teacher

CAPA Faculty

News from LOTE (Indonesian)

Hello Year 7 and Parents

We are so fortunate this term to

have Purwanti come and show us

how to cook Indonesian food.

Purwanti is a local lady, born in

Indonesia and has worked as a

chef in Australia.

She will be demonstrating the

delicious foods such as satay,

mie goreng and we will be

tasting her sweet desserts.

WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER

Please bring a takeaway

container.

Look forward to a great day of

eating

Ms Newhouse

BERITA DARI LOTE (INDONESIAN)

Halo tahun 7 dan orang tua

Kami sangat beruntung istilah ini

memiliki Purwanti datang dan

menunjukkan kepada kita

bagaimana memasak makanan

Indonesia.

Purwanti adalah seorang wanita

lokal, lahir di Indonesia dan telah

bekerja sebagai koki di Australia.

Dia akan mendemonstrasikan

makanan lezat seperti sate, mie

goreng dan kami akan

mencicipi makanan penutup

manis.

RABU 7 DESEMBER

Terima Kasih membawa

wadah takeaway

Menantikan hari besar makan

Guru Jody

From the PDHPE Faculty

The PDHPE Faculty is happy to have been able to purchase 3 table tennis tables for Bellingen High School. Thank you to everyone who has helped out via the Amart All Sports – Community Kickbacks program. A great resource for our school!

Julie Taylor Head Teacher PDHPE

Farewell Kai Year 10 student Kai Oishi was farewelled on Monday with a party and yummy cake. Kai is an exchange student from Japan and attends Chuo University High School in Tokyo. He enrolled into Bellingen High at the beginning of this year and made some great friends while he has been here.

Kai will be missed by all his friends who no doubt will be keeping in touch with him. We wish him all the best.

From the Ag Plot Dorrigo Agricultural Show

We have been in full swing preparing for the Dorrigo Agricultural Show. Year 9 and Year 10 Agriculture classes have been for the last 6 weeks training the cattle for walking, washing them down, and cleaning their equipment. Mr Hiller came in last week and helped final preparations teaching students the art of leading cattle and giving helpful hints.

Last Saturday the team assembled at school at 5am to help load the cattle onto the truck. Once at the showground, we gave all 8 animals a last wash and brush before taking them into the arena for the competition.

Students who represented the school included from Year 11 - Jacob Ladi, Grace White, Lia Grosvenor; Year 10 - Corey Cutler, Alana McBaron, Alana Pearce, Stewart Joyce-Preston; Year 9 - Bohdi Smith, Sian Banks, Ty Baquie-Sheridan, Kayla Stockton.

Tom Lockman (Year 8), Charlotte Wilkins (Year 11), Jessica Lockman (Year 12) and Tamika Bayliss (Year 12) also came along to help out.

The school won a number of 1st places in our Red Poll cattle breed, as well as picking up some 2nd places and a 3rd place.

The show team represented the school fantastically and both Amanda and I were very proud of their achievements. I would also like to thank Mr Hiller who came along and again guided the students in all the formalities of cattle showing.

Looking forward to the 2017 Bellingen Show already!

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Year 12 Ag - Dairy Farm Excursion

On Friday 11 November, Year 12 Agriculture students visited the dairy farm owned by Mark Perry on Waterfall Way. The class has been studying the marketing of dairy products and the excursion allowed them to develop a case study for their HSC studies.

Students were taken through the dairy’s operations - from the milking machines to his calf feeding and breeding (artificial insemination) program. Mark gave us valuable information about the challenges of running a dairy farm and the marketing of his specific dairy products i.e. milk and Wagyu beef.

Peter Barron Agriculture Teacher – Science Faculty

CHICKENS FOR SALE!

Last year’s chicks have grown up and are now up for sale.

Bargain price of only $10 each!!

They’re very good layers and easy to

look after – you won’t be disappointed!

See Mr Barron or Ms Lockman to put in your order.

Careers News Year 10

Thank you to the Skills Road Show who visited our school recently.

Year 9 and 10 students benefitted from hearing Luke's story and

career pathway as well as downloading apps to assist in career

choices.

Thank you to Jody Newhouse for co-ordinating our highly successful Futures Program. Students are reminded to add courses

completed during Futures to their resumes.

Good luck to Year 10 who are all out on work experience for just

over two weeks. We couldn't do this without the support of local employers who provide this valuable opportunity. This year

teachers will be visiting students during their work experience

program which we hope will be a highly positive experience for all.

Don't forget to complete daily log books Year 10!

There are also several opportunities for School-based traineeships next year including Hospitality in Toormina and Nambucca Heads.

Please contact Mrs Gorman urgently if interested.

Congratulations to Storm McLean who has been selected for

Southern Cross University's Head Start program. Storm will have

the opportunity to study university level Biology/Marine Science in Year 11. Well done Storm!

Year 11

Several Year 11 students are currently touring Queensland universities to gain an insight into university life and what each

university has to offer.

Year 12

Students who applied for SRS (Schools Recommendation Scheme)

through the Universities Admission Centre, are reminded to place

their first course choice through SRS at number one on their UAC

preference list by Monday 5th December. Frieda Gorman

Careers, Welfare & VET Teacher

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Aquaponics at Bellingen High

I first knew of the Bellingen High School abandoned Aquaponics system early this year when our daughter commenced Year 7 after dropping her to music early one morning.

After initial letters to the Principal and a meeting with the senior staff, I made a detailed inspection of the site to assess the viability of restarting the system for use by the school’s teachers and students as a valuable learning tool not to mention the fresh culinary additions to the school’s canteen and cooking facilities, eventually including fish.

Understanding there are safety issues and other issues that will need to be addressed prior to the commencement of any activities I addressed the following:

• PUMPS: It was unknown what condition or if any of the pumps/plumbing works but it

would not be unreasonable to think that the plumbing will be in usable order and the pump(s) would need replacement. Two of the four existing pumps are operational which is great.

• TANKS: The two main tanks look ok but still need to be re-levelled. This may not be of

major concern at this point in time but will need to be addressed before filling to capacity and will be done as part of Stage 2 hopefully starting soon.

• GROW BEDS: The grow beds were in need of some serious repair work.

I flooded the grow bed system, marked all damaged tubs for removal (most of them) and sealed their plumbing to disconnect them from the system. I then decided to repair and reinforce only 8 of the existing grow beds as Stage 1 of the rebuild. I plan to construct “Flow Beds” for the rest of the existing racking. These will be constructed from recycled pallets and weigh far less than the “Grow Beds” which each hold almost 100 kilos of water.

• GROW BED RACKING: It had been suggested that the entire system needed to be removed, concrete

laid to prevent the racking from sinking and reinstalling the entire system. That would have been a huge cost. One of the reasons I decided to break the rebuild into stages and get the system going as is.

I managed to (almost) re-level the smaller set of racks, which has moved

about 10mm since adding about 850 kilos of water.

On Thursday 24 November Stage 1 was finally turned on after nearly 3 terms of Fridays chipping away at many small issues. The rebuild included reusing as much of the existing plumbing as possible with the addition of reinforcing the grow beds with recycled pallets. Although there are several minor leaks due to the age of the existing plumbing, I have planted the first herbs, chilli seedlings and a perennial Thai Basil into some of the beds. At this stage I have added “Thrive” to the water to feed the plants as we are still a bit of a way to go before we can put fish into the system. Hopefully by next week the system will have a new electrical timer to reduce the unnecessary running time of the submersible pump.

This morning students were able to plant out some seedlings of kale, lettuce and baby spinach from the school’s nursery. Another student is going to bring in some water chestnuts which will be a great addition.

A timer has also been installed so the system now only uses power 1 hour in every 2 hours from 8am till 5pm. Another saving.

So far, the financial rebuild cost of Stage 1 to date is about $126.80. I like it.

We do also need to buy another 25mm non return valve unless someone has one hiding in their shed.

OUTCOMES:

Students learn alternate farming via aquaponics where soil is a poor option.

Students learn alternate marine studies on site via aquaponics system.

Students learn alternate science via on site aquaponics (organic) chemical requirements.

Students (and others) raise seedlings for this system and the rest of the Bellingen High School Ag program.

Students learn business studies by operating the overall system.

Bellingen High School gets improved variety of organic fresh food availability in school kitchens and canteen.

Sale of (some) organic produce to local restaurants assists with running costs.

Broader community involvement via possible future integration with Community Garden and perhaps inaugural Bellingen Men’s Shed involvement.

Could be run in conjunction with a worm farm – worms used as food for fish.

Eventual Solar powered operation. Would require efficient pumps/aerators initially. Also good for backup system if the power goes off.

Note that current estimate for solar is $5k (Bellingen Solar Depot) and would include operation of Schools bore pump.

Students learn alternate science via on site solar system that they would assist in the establishment and operation of.

Derek Ridgley

Aquaponics Coordinator

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Sport News Three girls selected as All Stars!

Three teams from Bellingen High School attended the recent Senior Australian

Schools Futsal Titles held in Oxley, Brisbane from 11th - 14th November.

Conditions over the three days were hot and hotter, made worse by the fact

that all teams had to remain at the venue for over 12 hours each day. While

this made the situation more difficult the Bello teams soldiered on giving their

best.

The 19s boys team was always going to struggle with only 7 players and 9

preliminary games to play before qualifying for the final series. This team of

young men showed just how strong they are and never gave up, even after the

first day and four games when half the team hobbled from the field. At the

end of the tournament they ended with 3 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses.

Unfortunately, this left them in 5th place just out of the semis. Their best

half of Futsal had to be against the No. 1 ranked team of Chancellor College

(they have won this competition the last 3 years in a row). After Chancellor

had dominated the first half 7-2 the boys came back scoring 2 unanswered

goals taking the full time score to 4-7. The heroes of this team were all 7

players and while the nucleus of the team in Ben Radford, Asama Radford and

Andrew Trist dominated, the four younger boys, Aaron Rigney, Byron Auld,

Corey Cutler and Tom Rixon showed skill and commitment beyond their years.

The 16 years’ girls team had 6 preliminary games and played well in all their

games only losing one game. This game was against Assisi Catholic College,

which appears to be their Achilles heel, after this team beat them last year in

the final. As the games unfolded a new team took the lead. Kelvin Grove

State College defeated Assisi as did Murrumba State Secondary College. With

these results the girls finished in second position, which was great except for

one minor problem, Assisi finished third so we were to meet them again in the

semi. The Bellingen girls started strongly in the semi dominating play and

scoring the first goal. As the legs became more tired Assisi started to

dominate and proved too strong winning the game 4-1. Assisi went on to play

Kelvin Grove State College in the final only to lose 3-1. In fact, the Bellingen

girls were the only team to get close to Kelvin Grove State College having a 2-

all draw with them in the preliminary game. Overall still a great result for this

very talented team.

Photo right - 19 years’ team Back row - Annalie Bardsley, Sarah Ludwig, Kelsey Williamson-Leslie, Zali Rees Front row- Brie Thomas, Maddi Allen

The 19 years’ girls had a smaller competition with only four preliminary games

after one team withdrew after the first day due to injuries. They played well

throughout the three days with their best game against Chancellor defeating

them 5-0. Due to the smaller competition there were no semis and the girls

had to finish in the top two to make the final. The result of the final game

between two other teams determined their fate and they ended up clearly in

second position. This put them in the final against the undefeated St Peter

Claver College. The girls kept going but St Peter Claver proved too strong.

Despite this the girls celebrated as runners-up at the top level of competition

in Australia. In this team it should be noted that there were three 15-year-

old girls, Kelsey Williamson-Leslie, Annalie Bardsley and Maddi Allen, playing up

in the 19s division. All of them did an amazing job and should be

congratulated on achieving this result as part of this team.

During all the competitions coaches of all the teams nominate 5 players from

their competition as the best players over the three days of competition. The

votes are tallied and top 5 players are titled All Stars and given awards. In

the past Bellingen has had three girls named as All Stars over the past 10

years. This year three girls made All Stars in the one year!!! In the 19s girls

Brie Thomas and Zali Rees were selected and in the 16s girls Katie Thorn was

named. This is a great achievement and reward for these three girls who have

all been playing since they started Bellingen High School in Year 7.

We look forward to seeing how the young guns, 14s girls and 13s boys from

Bellingen High go this week as they attend the Australian Schools Junior Futsal

Championships.

Cricket Girls So Close

The 14 years’ girls cricket team played in the Mid North Coast Zone Final

against Grafton at Connell Park on Tuesday 22nd November.

Captain Willow Neal lost the toss and Grafton decided to bowl. Mikela Bailey

and Willow Berry opened the batting and were greeted with some fast, fiery

bowling. Wickets fell at regular intervals until Shelby Osland joined Danika

Meenahan in the centre for a partnership of 68 runs. Shelby top scored with

22 runs and the total after 20 overs was a solid total of 4 for 95.

It was then Grafton’s turn to bat and tight bowling particularly by Danika

Meenahan (2 for 2 off 4 overs), kept the score low. In the 13th over a sharp

caught and bowled by Willow Berry started the fall of wickets. A further 4

wickets fell and with one over to go the score was 5 for 85. So Grafton

needed to score 11 runs in the final over. The game came down to the final

ball and Grafton won by 1 run.

Despite losing this was a great result for the girls as Grafton have regular

players in their team whereas many of the Bellingen High girls were playing only

their second game ever.

Liz Hoy/Jon Winfer Sport Coordinators

Standing: Courtney Hennessey,

Shelby Osland, Emily Ruming, Willow Berry,

Danika Meenahan

Sitting: Emily Kilpatrick, Mikela Bailey, Willow Neal,

Brynne Couper, Mia Craggs, Alana Morris

Bellingen High School Anti-racism Policy Statement

Bellingen High School rejects racism in all its forms. Our school is committed to the elimination of racial discrimination, including direct and indirect racism, racial vilification and harassment.

If your child feels that they are the victims of racism the incident or matter can be resolved by reporting it to the Anti-Racism Officer in our School. The Officer will then instigate an investigation based on the Grievance Procedures flow chart below.

All New South Wales schools are monitored by the Department of Education as an ongoing part of the Anti-Racism Policy implementation across the State.

Anti-racism Grievance Procedures

Step 1: Making a complaint

Contact Officer will: obtain details inform person(s) of process and rights

Step 2: Investigating the complaint

Senior Officer and Contact Officer will: interview both parties seek resolution write report for Principal and recommend action

Step 3: Making a decision

Principal or Senior Officer will: decide on action and inform both parties inform both parties of right to appeal

Step 4: Appeal

Next most senior officer will: review material discuss with person appealing attempt resolution decide on action and inform all parties

Step 5: Further action

Principal or Senior Officer will: monitor situation regularly

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

Dear Bello Students: My heart is in

Bellingen

A new workshop is coming to Bello

Hub: It is called Discovering

Awesomeness. A 5 week coaching

series - 2 hours every Wednesday

4pm at The Hub.

An opportunity for you to sit back

and explore your own thoughts,

Tools to Enhance your actions and therefore YOUR

Educational Pursuits outcomes.

You will be amazed by who you really are and

what you are capable of.

This is an invitation for you to participate in the

Discovering Awesomeness pilot programme and it

is absolutely free.

I am so excited to know you, work with you and

share with you.

Please call Seetha on 0468 597 062 or email

sitaamt@gmail.com so that I can prepare myself.

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

DATES TO REMEMBER

DECEMBER JANUARY 2017 9 Year 6 All Schools Orientation Day 26 Australia Day Holiday

9 Years 7 & 8 English Open Day 27 School Development Day (Week 1B)

12 Year 6 into 7 2017 Parent Info Night 30 Years 7, 11 & 12 Start (Week 2A)

12 P&C Meeting 31 Years 8, 9 & 10 (Week 2A)

13 Years 7 & Year 9 Picnic Day FEBRUARY 15 HSC Results Released 13 P&C Meeting 16 Presentation Day Assembly 16 University Road Show 16 Years 7 to 10 Reports Issued 17 Year 7 Camp

Bellingen High School

P&C Meeting

Monday 12th December

6.30pm

Staff Common Room

MARCH

13 P&C Meeting

21 Harmony Day

24 CLAPPERS

APRIL

7 End Term 1

24 School Development Day

25 ANZAC Day

26 Students return - Term 2 Week 1A

YEAR 11 (YEAR 12 2017) ASSESSMENT TASKS – TERM 4

Ancient History Task Week 9

Business Studies Task 1 Week 9

CAFS Task 1 Week 10

Drama (Offline) Task 1 (Continuous) Task 2 and Task 3

Week 9

Geography Task 1 (Fieldwork Hand-in) Week 9

Hospitality Task (Function) Week 9

Maths General Course 1 Task 1 Week 9

Maths General Course 2 Task 1 Week 9

Mathematics Task 1 Week 9

Maths Extension 1 Task 1 Week 9

Maths Extension 2 Task 1 Week 10

Modern History Task 1 Week 10

Music Task 1 (Evening Concert) Week 9

Society & Culture Task 1 (PIP Proposal Hand-in) Week 10 Visual Arts Task 1 Week 9

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers