march 2017 edition no. 1 - scappoose high school · march 2017 edition no. 1 successful learning...
TRANSCRIPT
Principal’s Report 2017 has shaped up to be a
very busy year! There is lots of news to share
with you. I apologise for the lateness of this
edition but we needed the time to ensure we
had information for you.
LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR: I am exceptionally
proud of all of our students who entered the
Lions Youth of the Year competition, Isiah,
Phoebe and Maddison. This is a well-
recognised and rigorous competition recog-
nised state wide.
I am especially proud of our Captain, Phoebe
who is now a State finalist and will compete in
Forbes next weekend. Without the support of
her family and the English Department (under
the leadership of Ms Welsh) she would not
have had this opportunity. Thank you to all and
best of luck Phoebe.
THANK YOU: to all of the parents who attend-
ed the new look parent teacher evening last
week. We hope you found it successful and far
more inviting to come to our school and meet
our staff. Feedback would be appreciated.
LMBR is the new management system the
Department is using across all schools. You will
be familiar with the changes if you have a child
at Primary school. In essence it means the
school will not have access to a cheque book
and all payments in and out are done through
a central system. It will change the way we
can invoice yourselves, and the way you can
make payments.
Please read the following page about the way
in which changes will affect you. We “go live”
next term and have been very busy making
sure all of our information is correct.
HOME INFORMATION: It really helps if all of
the records we have are totally up to date, in
regards to address, phone numbers, education
levels of parents, who is living where and who
are legal carers. Please make sure we have the
latest information for your child. Please make
sure we know about any court orders or AVOs
that may exist.
TELL THEM FROM ME Surveys: These are vital
surveys which students in most Departmental
schools complete each year. They give vital
feedback about our ability to look after our
students emotional, physical and psychological
wellbeing. They also allow us to measure how
well we are extending our students academi-
cally. We would like every child to complete
these surveys to give us very good data to use.
CHANGES TO HSC: By now, many parents of
students in Year 9 have heard about the new
changes to the HSC where their child has to
receive 5 band 8’s in order to receive their
HSC. The NAPLAN tests in Year 9 therefore,
have a higher priority and need to be taken
seriously by all of our students. We will howev-
er, have an information evening to explain this
to the parents, and that their child can resit
the NAPLAN test up to 5 times to earn the
minimum standard. Rest easy……they still get a
certificate of attainment and can leave school
after Year 12.
P&C Meetings: Starting 10am TUESDAY 22nd
March are now alternating between day and
night time meetings. I hope far more parents
can contribute and provide feedback as we
enter into the new planning cycle for the
school.
WE NEED YOUR HELP It is vital we have your
opinions and guidance to plot the direction of
the school to become “THE SCHOOL OF
CHOICE” in the area. Staff, executive have
been working hard with Leonie Cutts to really
hone down what is important to us as educa-
tors
My thanks to all of the staff who have already
made this year so action packed for students.
From the Year 7 camp in the first full week of
school to now it has been go go go. Congratu-
lations to all. I can only recommend all stu-
dents take charge of the opportunities offered
to build their skills in a range of areas.
March 2017 Edition No. 1
Successful Learning – Responsible Living [email protected] Morisset High School
PO Box 114
Morisset NSW 2264
Ph 02 49731 999
Fax 02 49705 386
IMPORTANT
DATES
Easter Break: Saturday
8th April until Tuesday
25th April.
Students first day Term 2:
Wednesday 26th April.
Parents and Community
Meetings
Term 2 Wed 14 June
Canteen 6:30 then P & C
7pm.
The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is
held annually on the third Friday of March. It is an opportunity
for the whole school community to 'take a stand together'
against bullying and violence.
The day is an initiative of all Australian education authorities
and is managed by the Safe and Supportive School Communities
Working Group.
On Wednesday 15th of March there are parent teacher inter-
views for senior students which can be booked on the parent
portal. Yr 7-10 parents are invited to a meet and greet with
teachers where there will be a BBQ. So come along and chat
with MHS staff in an informal meeting for Junior students.
Senior students parents must make the appointment online
through the parent portal. This interview is important as parents
will get a clear understanding of how their student is going
while preparing for the HSC. It all begins at 3:30pm and finishes
at 5:50pm.
Student Leaders 2017. Front Row: Teagan Kelly, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Mrs McDonald, Phoebe McIlwraith, Jessica
Southward, Louisa Rimoni and Rachel Newman. Back Row: Melissa Christieson, Reyne Cupples, Albert Hanger and Isaiah Lilikakis.
NSW Premiere’s Reading Challenge Ready, set, read! Welcome to PRC 2017
The PRC turns 15 this year - and to celebrate we are launch-
ing at 10am on Monday May 6 with our fabulous Reading
Ambassadors Oliver Phommavanh, Deborah Abela and Su-
sanne Gervay. Bookings have now closed but you can watch
live on YouTube to join in the fun! We're thrilled with our
poster this year, which is designed by the talented Chris Nix-
on, whose latest book is 'Pandamonia' (Fremantle Press).
Happy reading from the PRC team.
Morisset High School participated in the NSW SES Cadet Pro-
gram for 2017. Students experienced a week long SES course at
school and local venues (Fire Station, SES Unit and Lake
Macquarie) promoting communication, leadership, team work
and rescue management. This course was free and open to all
MHS students via a selection process.
The students were very excited, enthusiastic and engaged.
Thanks to the local SES for providing. Ms Hilder
Please contact Rebecca Kelly on 4973 3125 if you are able to help.
Congratulations to Phoebe McIlwraith, our school Captain who
today won the Regional Final of the Lions Youth of the year com-
pletion. Her poise and presentation was superb. Judges compli-
mented her abilities in the interviews, prepared speech and im-
promptu responses.
Later this month she competes at District level at The Entrance.
We are so proud of her, her family support and the English staff,
led by Ms Welsh for supporting her. To the Lions Club, our appreci-
ation for giving Phoebe and all the other students such an oppor-
tunity. Photos of Pheobe and her family are shown below.
Our students from Big Picture had their first excursion to Myuna
Bay Sports and Recreation Centre at the beginning of this year.
By all reports from the students the activities were fun and even
the food was good.
Some of the activities included High Ropes, Challenge course,
Kayaking and Canoeing, Archery and even a fishing night.
The students’ behaviour was exemplary and the staff at the centre
spoke highly of their behaviour and said that they were welcome
back anytime.
The camp gave the group the opportunity to work together as a
group and to support each other when carrying out the activities.
It was extremely hot but the students were well hydrated and
used the pool to cool down.
It was a successful camp and we look forward to many more in the
future.
The year 7 camp was at Active Education Forster in Week 3 of
the term. All the students and teachers had a “blast” at the
camp. We all participated in a range of activities, such as the
flying fox, waterslides, giant swing, mud world, zorb balls and
quad biking. The students were excellent and represented
Morisset High School very well.
On Thursday 2nd March the Open Girls Netball team travelled to
Cardiff to compete in the Westlake’s Gala day. The girls had
some tough competition on the day in some wild weather. They
had great defence against Toronto and Cardiff’s representative
side and had some big wins against West Wallsend, Glendale
and Lake Macquarie. The girls all displayed great sportsmanship
and represented Morisset High well. Big congratulations to all
the girls that competed – Shelly Curwen, Lauren Newton, Jayan-
na Gibson, Kaitlyn Walters, Kobi Ellis, Emma Pollitt, Tahlia Fisch-
er, Sarah Pope and Shelby Tocker. Special thanks goes out to
our umpire Rhiannon Sharp.
Great work girls. Miss Morris.
Big Yoga. On 27th of February Wolf Pack Big Picture advisory
went to Clear Water Yoga at Dora Creek, Lake Macquarie. We
were met by our yoga instructor Dane Sullivan who introduced
us to the world of Yoga!
Dane first started yoga because of a back issue which he re-
lieved by taking a 20-minute shower daily, however he soon
discovered yoga was the cure to not only back pain but to his
completely wellbeing. Dane took us through a series of yoga
poses which included; Tree pose, slo-mo burpees, Warrior pos-
es, Dragon lunge, Eagle and we lied on our backs for a spinal
twist.
Even though the poses were relatively simple some of our advi-
sory found them challenging and even rather exhausting. Soon
we were all hot and sweaty and ready for the resting pose
‘Savasana’.
During Savasana Dane played a relaxing piece of music called
‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, which not only helped us relax but
helped us connect with our inner self…DEEP!
Emalee Bird in Wolf Pack advisory said “I learnt that I love yoga
and that it is very relaxing and helps relieve your emotions”.
Jack Sharp also said “It was very painful and hurt a Lot but I did
feel heaps better. The instructor was great; however he did
make us do the same move over and over again”.
At Morisset High School- we want to prepare
our students for all future challenges. Our
school aims to provide quality, current career
information. We are fortunate enough to have
our own dedicated Careers website which can
be found at www.morissethighcareers.com
and also a Facebook page
@morissethighschoolcareers . The website
provides a wealth of important information
from post school options to work place learn-
ing- with a range of resources for student and
parent use. While our Facebook page provides
up-to-date information on courses, school
events and student achievement- so please
LIKE our page!
Morisset High School is creating innovative
programs for students from 2017 with the im-
plementation of “Next Step”. The “Next Step”
program aims to encourage students to be
actively thinking and creating future pathways.
The 21st century is a dynamic, evolving envi-
ronment whereby students need to be ade-
quately prepared and create their own oppor-
tunities to future success. Morisset High stu-
dents from Years 8, 9 and 10 will participate in
fortnightly Career Education (Next Step) les-
sons which aim to partner career development
and student well-being by creating educational
pathways to prepare students for the future.
Lesson content includes;
The World of Work
Computer Skills- digital literacy
Workplace literacy and numeracy
Life education
Resume writing
Workplace health and safety
Skills and interests testing
Work readiness
Work place learning and experience
Community service
From the lessons and programs available, stu-
dents can gain valuable skills along with build-
ing their portfolio (Statements of Attainment
and Competence for units and courses) which
are fantastic for their resume’. The school en-
courages students to get qualified with regular
White Card and Provide First Aid courses (see
below for dates).
Along with lessons, the Career department
offers a range of services, such as;
Careers counselling which includes appro-
priate subject selection, matching
student's interests to appropriate
careers and supporting students deci-
sion making.
Career pathway support such as resume
writing, interview and presentation
skills.
Access to service providers and potential
employers, for information on em-
ployment requirements.
Conducting careers excursions.
Guest speakers and school incursions.
Involvement in community programs.
Work experience organisation with local
businesses and community partners.
Career workshops - The aim of these is to
raise awareness about the diversity of
employment opportunities so that
younger students start investigating
employment possibilities.
Support of students undertaking School
Based Traineeships and industry
scholarships. These students have
paid on-the-job experience and com-
plete an industry related TAFE cre-
dential.
Organisation and support for the TVET
programs. Year 11 and 12 students
can attend TAFE and complete these
courses as part of their Preliminary or
HSC program. The TAFE competencies
they gain may help them with either a
future career or further TAFE training
after the HSC.
Students are welcome to drop in and make an
appointment at any time. Parents can contact
us if they have questions or concerns.
Upcoming events ────
White card course
March 24th
Careers Adviser Mrs Natalie Hilder
49731999
White Card Course dates
($85 per student)
Term 1- Week 9- Friday March 24
Term 2- Week 4- Friday May 19
Term 2- Week 9- Friday June 23
Term 3- Week 4- Friday August 11
Term 3- Week 9- Friday September
15
Term 4- Week 9- Friday December 8
Provide First Aid Course dates ($70
per student)
Term 1- Week 8 Thursday March 16th
Term 2- Week 8 Thursday June 15th
Term 3- Week 8 Thursday September
7th
Term 4- Week 8 Thursday November
30th
Support Unit Work Experience Coor-
dinator
Mrs Robyn Spaull
VET Coordinator
Mr Ron Victor
Head Teacher Welfare
Miss Rebecca Ballantyne
Morisset High School was fortunate enough to host the first
round of the CHS Open Boys and Girls Basketball Competition
on Friday 3rd March 2017. The following students were selected
to represent Morisset; Louisa Rimoni, Kaitlyn Walters, Sarah
Pope, Meleseini Tangulu, Laulala Siulai, Olivia Hebei, Milan
Hammond, Jack Naylor, Tom Steel, Michael Upsall, Ryan Fenton,
Brad Redman, Cherokee Townsend, Austin Nieva, Logan Neale
and Tyrone Mesake.
The Girls team versed the very tall Lake Munmorah side and
were unfortunately defeated 25-8. A huge thankyou goes out to
Mr Hammond for coming in early to run the girls through some
last minute skills and drills which led them to play a great defen-
sive game.
The Boys team played Glendale Technology High School in a fast
paced game and come away with a 20-14 win. Thank you to Mr
MacDonald for coaching the boys to a great win. They will now
progress to round 2 at Maitland the following week and we
wish them all the best. Miss Morris.
Morisset High School
Careers page
Keep up to date with courses, excursion and opportunities!
REMINDER PLEASE
HEALTH WARNING
In the school we have a few staff
and students who a severely
asthmatic. Their asthma attacks can
be set off by the propellant in cans
of deodorant or perfumes and
cause serious health issues.
To protect them in school students
have been informed that aerosols
will be confiscated and action taken
if brought to school.
Your assistance in purchasing roll-ons
only for school use your child would
be appreciated.
The Visual Arts Department are excited to announce that Rani
Corkery’s HSC Visual Arts - Body of Work was selected to be
included as part of the ‘First Class Exhibition’ at Lake Macquarie
Gallery at Awaba.
‘Uniquely local and now in its ninth successful year, the First
Class series is a major event in the gallery’s calendar. The First
Class 16 exhibition continues the tradition of showcasing the
most outstanding work produced by Hunter and Central Coast
HSC Visual Arts students from the previous year. It provides
young artists with a unique opportunity to exhibit in a profes-
sional public gallery environment and encourages audiences to
experience a richness of talent and the voice of youth. This year
the artworks demonstrate a quiet concern for the complex envi-
ronmental, cultural and scientific issues facing young people
today. Sophisticated interrogation and observation of source
material is transformed, revealing the vulnerability of both our
environment and culture.’ - LMAG
Rani’s Body of work included a series of photographs and a
short video piece titled “ONLY 3 Degrees’
TAFE has commenced for
2017 at MHS! Our Stage
5 girls will be completing
a Cert II on location in
the hair salon. Super
TAFE teacher Mel in
action.
Southern Lakes United are a local small family orientated club located
at Dora Creek. We are still seeking players for the following age
groups.
Loren Registrar SLUFC
We are still taking registrations for the following age groups!
Under 7 - $135.00
Under 8 - $180.00
Under 13 -$195.00
Under 15 -$195.00