Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Find us at: Marquis Street, Gunnedah NSW, 2380 Phone 02 6742 0155 Fax 02 6742 4429 Website: www.gunnedah-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Issue 18 12.12.2014
Dear Parent/Caregivers,
I would like to present the following extract from my Presentation Night speech as the Principal‟s report for our
final newsletter for the year. I am proud of the achievements of the last thirteen months and am excited at the
prospects that 2015 will bring to our school.
Where We Were.
Where We Are Now.
Where We Are Going To.
Where We Were: Thirteen months ago the Gunnedah High School went through a full management review.
Experienced educators from District Office and other schools came in and spent a week here looking at how we
were operating. The team gathered information through interviews, surveys, observation
lessons and analysis of our policies and practices. At the conclusion of the review
process, the team released a number of recommendations backed by strategies. For the
last 13 months we have been working to implement these recommendations, all aimed
at sustained school improvement. We entered a rebuilding phase.
Where We Are Now: The Review identified areas for improvement in systems and
processes, lines of communication within the school and to the school community,
levels of attendance, concerns about student achievement and behaviour and issues with
staff relationships.
Staff formed into four teams after the Review to implement the recommendations and address these issues. These
teams are Systems and Structures, 21st Century Learning, Community Engagement and Staff Welfare.
MERRYCHRISTMAS
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 2 -
A Head Teacher Attendance position has been created. Mrs. Megan Verdon has worked tirelessly in this job to
improve attendance and curb truancy. One of the Mrs. Verdon‟s major initiatives has been to establish an
understanding with the business community. Students now have an ID card showing when they should be at school
and when they can be out of the school. Businesses have come on board with this and are working with us.
Next year we will introduce an SMS messaging system to let parents know if students have not been marked as
present in the morning. So if you have sent your child to school and they don‟t turn up, by mid morning you will
get a text informing you of that.
In terms of student behaviour and communication with the community, a new discipline system has been
introduced and has been in operation for three terms. The whole aim of this system is to establish better lines of
communication with families. The philosophy of this system is for the school and home to work together in a
proactive way, rather than the first phone call being from one of the DPs informing home that their student has
been placed on suspension.
As a result of this proactive system, the number of suspensions has decreased dramatically this year by over 40%.
To improve student outcomes we have established literacy and numeracy classes in Years 7 and 8. Federal funding
allowed us to establish this and we will be continuing this structure as part of our timetable next year.
The literacy and numeracy classes have shown positive results in the area of comprehension. These classes have
allowed students to be exposed to the Super Six Comprehension strategies which they can apply to any subject
area.
To support this area of focus, funding has been allocated to promote 21st Century Learning in the classroom with
more iPads, Smartboards, staff training and resources.
In summary, student attendance is up, truancy is down, literacy results are up, suspensions are down. By any
measure, Gunnedah High is a school on the improve. The year 7 co-hort is projected to be 100 or very close to that,
next year, the biggest intake for 5 years.
Where Are We Headed? All schools are going through a process where they have to map out their school plan for
the next 3 years. After community consultation the 3 major strategic areas we will focus on are; continuing to
improve our systems and processes, teaching/learning/engagement and community relations and engagement.
Under these 3 strategic targets will be the following focus areas
Systems and processes
School wide systems and processes
Attendance and retention
Student behaviour and well being
Teaching/Learning/Engagement-
Professional development and teacher quality
Improved results and standards-literacy and numeracy, NAPLAN, HSC
21st Century Learning
Community Engagement and Relationships-
Transition links with partner primary schools
School/community image and interactions
Aboriginal Education
A comprehensive public high school is a reflection of its community. Gunnedah High is a school on the improve; if
we are to continue to improve, and improve significantly, it needs to be through positive and meaningful
relationships with all elements of our school community.
I say to the community of Gunnedah, get on board let‟s all work together to continue the improvement and progress
we are making and return Gunnedah High to being a very well run high performing secondary school.
On a final note, I‟d like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas break. See you in 2015!
Shane Kelly, Principal.
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 3 -
YEAR 8 EXCURSION- COFFS HARBOUR
T‟was the morning of the Year 8 Excursion when all
through the bus not a student was snoring not even a
hush.
The bags were packed in and no room was spare,
For Mrs de Groot packed the most – no surprises
there!
Numbers were counted and seat belts were a must,
Then 5 minutes down the road one student piped up
“Its too bright in here, Miss” then “Pull the curtains”
she cussed.
As students were waking the big M appeared,
For the first stop had arrived and the children all
cheered
But just as students thought they were free to get off
for a feed and a stretch,
Much to their dismay they saw Mrs de Groot had the
microphone and was ready
to make but her first speech of many,
Reinforcing the rules and keeping the students in
check,
Poor Mr Jones who was sitting so patiently upright
was craning his neck.
Over the next few days many good times were had
The Zorb Ball, Powerfan and The High Swing were
highlights for sure
Shopping, Bowling and “Ping Pong” left the students
wanting more,
When our final day arrived there was a mix of
emotions,
Good thing one of the students had brought his
straightener and lotions!
But before we could depart we had to see and kiss
some dolphins and seals,
The experiences here and getting splashed by water
made many students squeal.
The trip home was quiet with many catching up on
some much needed sleep,
Nothing could be heard not even a peep.
Many fun times were had and many memories were
made,
These will be everlasting and will never fade
And although it‟s over now I know one thing for
sure,
The Year 8 camp to Coffs Harbour was a hoot and a
great time was had by all!
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 4 -
ANZAC POPPIES
As we look to commemorate 100 years since the
ANZACS landed at Gallipoli, the community of
Gunnedah is busily knitting poppies for an art
installation for ANZAC Day 2015.
Nathalie Soar (Youth Officer, Gunnedah Shire
Council) visited Gunnedah High School to teach our
students how to create a knitted poppy. It is hoped
that the community will make 500 poppies to create
an artistic tribute to our Diggers.
MOVEMBER
Now that the month of growing
moustaches is over, you can still
commit to changing the face of
men‟s health. You can help fund
programs working to improve the lives of men
affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and
mental health issues. For further information on how
you can donate to Movember go to:
http://au.movember.com/
SCRIPTURE IN SCHOOLS
Back: John Martin, Tony VanDorst Jordon Boland. Front: Margaret Martin, Brenda Tunningle, Ciara Eveleigh and Samantha Craig.
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 5 -
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
“But there’s nothing to do...”
Many teens see holidays as great because there is no
structure: I get to sleep in, I can play computer games
all day... but it‟s also hard for them: there is nothing
to look forward to! Making a rough plan for the
holidays on a calendar together is a great start. Ask
what they‟d like to “do” and help them make a plan
of how to achieve their goals. (eg.
“build a jumps for the bike,” might
have to be done at night when its
cool, and with tools from grandpa.)
If you need some ideas look online,
and check out the many activities
that will happen in Gunnedah! Try
and think ahead: holidays are a
great time to work on a bigger projects like “learn
how to fix the engine” or “build a veggie garden”.
Holidays are also a great time to plan for spending
time with family: maybe a picnic down the river with
the cousins? Or why not google „ways-for-teens-to-
make-money‟.... there‟s so much to get into. Happy
holidays everyone!
Sporty ideas: healthykids.nsw.gov.au/kids-
teens/teens-physical-activity-ideas.aspx
50 fun holiday ideas: www.parenting teens
How to motivate teenagers:
www.empoweringparents
Gunnedah Council website: school holidays
activities
Summerfest (stuff for teens for a week: Jan12-16)
www.gunnedahsummerfest.org
YEAR 8 SNOWMAN VANILLA COOKIES
Ingredients
2 Cups Self Raising Flour, ½ Teaspoon Baking Powder ¼ Teaspoon of Salt 1 Cup Granulated Sugar 1 Large Egg 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Preheat oven to 180° In a large bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt. In another bowl cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture. Divide dough, flatten into disks and place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Roll dough between 2 pieces of baking paper. Use a large cookie cutter to cut out circles Place in oven for 10-20 minutes until cookies are golden in colour. Enjoy!
Thank you
Trey
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 6 -
YEAR 10 GOLD COAST EXCURSION
The Uniform Shop
(02) 67426939
JANUARY 2015 SHOP OPENING TIMES........ before school resumes.
Tuesday 20th (fittings) 10am - 12 midday 1pm-3pm
Lay-by/size exchanges.
Wednesday 21st (fittings) 10am – 12 midday.
Thursday 22nd (Lay-by/size exchanges) 10am – 12 midday.
Normal Shop hours resume:
Tuesday 27th January 8.30am – 10.30 am (Normal Shop Hours)
We will be open until 11am for late arrivals.
To keep your trip to The Uniform Shop in
January as short as possible, and to avoid long
queues and delays, we recommend that January
only be used for new families not fitted during
2014
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 7 -
YEAR 7 RELATIONSHIPS
The Year 7 Relationships & Growth Seminars
program was developed with the aim to improve
student relationships with peers, staff and the wider
community, whilst also promoting positive
behaviours and academic performance at school.
The program explores relationship issues such as peer
pressure, bullying, and dealing with emotions, social
responsibility, team work and setting goals. The
Relationships and Growth seminars allow students to
develop a sense of belonging and assists in promoting
positive relationships within the school and wider
community.
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 8 -
YEAR 6 TRANSITION
Year 6 Orientation Day for students, parents and
carers was held in the High School Hall Wednesday
3rd December.
YEAR 7 CHRISTMAS DEC ORATIONS
Year 7 design and technology class getting into the
Christmas spirit, making Christmas cards and
decorations for the Christmas tree.
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 9 -
CHS STATE BLUE
Congratulations to Year 10 student Gabby O’Gorman
who recently was awarded a New South Wales,
Combined High Schools, State Blue Award, for her
outstanding achievements in Tennis. Gabby was
also awarded a North West Region Bar to Blue. Well
done, Gabby!
READY FOR HIGH SCHOO L!
Can you recall what you were most apprehensive
about when you started high school? This video of
Year 7 students explain why teens shouldn‟t be
worried about starting high school, and how they can
get off to a great start in the first few days.
Watch the videos:
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/develop
ment/what-happens-in-year-7
CHOOSING SCHOOL SHOES
Are expensive school shoes the best option for happy
feet? Let's face it, school shoes have never been at
the cutting edge of fashion. In fact if you look at what
your parents were wearing, the humble school shoe
really hasn't evolved much at all.
Tips for choosing shoes:
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/health/choosi
ng-the-right-school-shoes
SENIOR COUNCIL – SHELTER BOX
Senior Council members held a fun
fundraiser Wednesday lunchtime to raise money for
their major project for the year, Shelter Box. This
project raises money to deliver emergency
humanitarian aid to communities in need, like those
which have been struck by disasters such as
earthquakes and tsunamis.
Students and teachers enjoyed the coolness of the
dunking machine, kindly lent by the Gunnedah South
Public School. They are also having a car wash for
staff to raise funds for this worthy project.
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 10 -
AECG MEETING
Gunnedah Public School
Thursday 26th February 2015 - 4pm
All Welcome.
GUNNEDAH
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION CONSULTATIVE GROUP
Staff: 27th January 2015
ACTING AEO
HSC RESULTS
Best wishes to our Year 12
students who will be
receiving their HSC results
next week. Several of these
students have already
received early entry to
university and they are to be
congratulated on their efforts. The school extends
best wishes to all of the students on their future
endeavours.
NORTA NORTA
The Norta Norta program has proven highly
successful with three tutors, Mrs. Karen Cunningham,
Miss Katie Towns and Mrs. Sally-Ann Hathway,
supporting senior students. The students have been
tutored independently, in small groups, and in class
support. The Norta Norta program will continue in
2015 with a proactive approach to enable students to
enhance their learning.
SCHOOL RETURN DATES 2015
Students: 28th January 2015
Year 7, Year 11, Year 12
Students: 29th January 2015
Year 8, Year 9, Year 10
The Principal
Staff and Students
of
Gunnedah High
School wish you a
happy and safe
holiday break.
Welcome Sommar Conlan
Acting Aboriginal Education
Officer
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 11 -
English (Yrs 7-10) 264 page exercise book 48 page exercise book
English (Yrs 11 & 12) 64 page A4 exercise book 3 x 48 page exercise books
Drama 192 page exercise book Plain page log book similar to visual arts diary
Mathematics 296 page exercise book
Science 240 page exercise book
History (Yrs 7 – 10) 192 page exercise book
Geography (Yrs 7 – 10) 192 page exercise book
Agriculture (Yrs 9 & 10) 192 page exercise book
Music (Yrs 7 & 8) 164 page plain paper exercise book A descant recorder.
Visual Arts (Yrs 7,8,9,10) A4 Visual Arts Diary (plain paper drawing book) 2B, 4B pencil
Visual Arts (Year 11) Visual Arts diary (size is optional) Range of drawing pencils Small paint brush
Visual Arts (Year 12) Visual Arts diary (size optional) Own artmaking materials for body of work
Photography (Yrs 9.10,11) A4 Black and white plain page diary A4 display folder
TAS (Yrs 7 & 8) 4 x 36 page exercise books 20 page plastic display folder Lead pencil fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Food Technology (Yrs 9 & 10) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder 1 thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Timber Technology (Yrs 9 & 10) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder 1 thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Metal Technology (Yrs 9 & 10) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder 1 thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Electronics (Yrs 9 & 10) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Construction (Yrs 11 & 12) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder Safety boots
Hospitality (Yrs 11 & 12) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder 1 thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Design & Technology (Yrs 11 & 12) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder 1 thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Industrial Technology (Yrs 11 & 12) A4 64 page exercise book 20 page plastic display folder 1 thumb drive 4GB fully enclosed leather shoes (preferably school shoes)
Early Childhood (Yrs 11 & 12) 96 page A4 exercise book
PDHPE (Yrs 7-10) 96 page A4 exercise book
PASS (Yrs 9 & 10) 96 page A4 exercise book
Subject Requirements
2015
All students will need a pencil case with pens, pencils, coloured pencils, ruler, eraser and pencil sharpener.
Calculators are available for
purchase through the school ($22).
Please note: Students should not purchase one book for multiple
subjects i.e. 5 sections for
different subjects in the one book.
Issue 18 12.12.2014
- 12 -
2014 ANNUAL PRESENTATION
