moss vale high newsletter moss vale high · moss vale high newsletter issue 4 term 2 2013 welfare...

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Moss Vale High Newsletter Issue 4 Term 2 2013

Moss Vale High

P. O. Box 137 Moss Vale 2577

Tel: (02) 4868 1717 Fax: (02) 4868 2787

“Innovation, Opportunity, Connection

Inspiring Success”

E-mail : [email protected]

21 June 2013

Moss Vale High School website : www.mossvale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

- The Musical

Respectful, Safe and Responsible Learners

Students Making A Difference

The Wedding Singer - the Musical

Backstage Crew Jackson Chesterfield, Matt Christensen, Lachlan Harris, Jamie Lee, Alex Reynolds, Amelia Rothwell, David Sims, Kooper Smith, Cameron Webb Lighting Crew Nick Dennett, Samantha Goodacre, Murron Reid, Bradley Souter, Olivia Yearsley Set Construction Luke Webb

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Principal’s Report

Production Week – The Wedding Singer

This week is a massive week for our school as it will see the school production of the Wedding Singer take place. The students, the staff and community members have made an incredible effort to put this production on. I want to acknowledge all the people involved for their efforts as it promises to be a wonderful show that highlights the amazing talent that we have here at Moss Vale High School. I would like to actively encourage everyone within our school community to get along to the production and enjoy what is a first class show. It is truly a performance that showcases the amazing talent of all our students and staff. I look forward to seeing you at the show! School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Last week our school received confirmation from the General Manager of Wingecarribee Shire Council that, in partnership with Moss Vale High School, the Shire is going to establish school based part time traineeships in Engineering, Financial Services and Business Services. In addition the Council will also establish school based apprenticeships in Plumbing, Automotive and Horticultural. This is an amazing opportunity for our students!! A VERY special thank you must go to Mayor Juliet Arkwright, General Manager Jason Gordon, Human Resources Manager Bronwyn Sutton and all the wonderful people at the Council for giving our students this truly amazing opportunity. The recruitment process will now start in earnest. I look forward to sharing much more news about these traineeships and apprenticeships in the first part of next term! Exciting times! School Reports

As this is the last newsletter for the term it is timely that we reflect back on what has happened over the course of the first two terms. As you all would be aware our staff are busily producing the Semester One reports for students who are in Years 7 – 10. These are very important reports as they give a great snapshot into the achievements of the students in the first semester but also highlight areas that students can work on in the second part of the year.

It is important that students, parents and teachers work collectively to support our students in working towards the goals that they have set themselves. When parents receive the reports I would encourage them to contact the relevant staff at school should they have any questions or would like further information. It is through working as a team that greater success will come for our young people. Attendance

It is vitally important that all students attend each school day, each week! Our school is working in a number of ways to support students with their attendance at school and to ensure that we have all our students here all of the time. The school is running a number of support initiatives to help support and reward student for excellence in attendance and so if any parents need extra support with their children, please feel free to contact the school for assistance. I look forward to seeing all our students at school each and every day! Term 2 . . . looking forward to Term 3

As Term 2 - a term full of achievements draws to a close, we look forward to Term 3 which will be an equally busy term full of many successes. I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all our students, staff and parents for their amazing efforts over the course of Term 2. Everyone‟s commitment and effort continues to strengthen our school and continues to provide our students with some amazing opportunities that will help their dreams become reality. Let me wish everyone a safe upcoming holiday break and I look forward to working with you all again in what will be a VERY busy term 3! Best Wishes, Peter Macbeth Principal

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Welfare is a very important priority at Moss Vale High School. We strive to achieve health, happiness, prosperity, and well-being for all our students. In addition to supporting our students‟ everyday needs and concerns we have a number of welfare programs that we offer to students. These programs include but are not limited to:

Year 7 cyberbullying information session in February – all Year 7 students attended this presentation which was conducted by Snr Constable Gary Mutton. The session explained the consequences of using technology incorrectly.

Year 7 parent cyberbullying information session in February - the presentation was conducted by Snr Constable Gary Mutton. The attendance at this presentation was very poor which was unfortunate as Snr Constable Gary Mutton provided factual information to parents about the misuse of technology and the implications for students.

Immunisations – two rounds of immunisations have now been completed. For the first time Year 9 boys were offered the HPV vaccine. The third and final round of immunisations will be on November 18.

Love bites – all Year 10 participated in a two day workshop. LOVE BITES aims to educate young people about respectful relationships and reduce the incidence of relationship violence in the community. Year 10 found the workshop very informative and were engaged and motivated throughout the workshops. As part of the workshop students were required to design and produce a piece of art. The art works produced by the students were excellent and were displayed in the Bowral Community Hall. Pru Goward attended the display and commented on the professionalism and impact of the art works.

Youth Hub – a group of Year 11 students are involved with the development of the new Youth Centre at Loseby Park. The students meet once a month with representatives from other local schools to discuss what facilities they think the centre should have. This is very important as their „teenage perspective‟ is crucial in designing a functional centre.

Harbison Care – a group of students from Year 8 make fortnightly visits to Harbison at Moss Vale to play shuffle board with the residents. The residents are very competitive but I am sure our Year 8 students are the champions for the semester.

We All Matter (WAM) – students from Year 9 and 10 attend weekly workshops to participate in a range of activities on healthy relationships, physical health, body image, hygiene, nutrition and many other topics that affect teenagers.

Tagged – Snr Constable Gary Mutton presented this DVD to every student. The DVD is deve loped by the Aus t ra l ian

Welfare Report

Communications and Media Authority‟s Cybersmart program and looks at cyberbullying, sexting and the police action that ensues.

Youth Connections – qualified youth workers support and guide disengaged students to enable them to re-engage in their education

Next term sees the introduction of two new programs. „Managing the Bull‟ is a nine week program that builds resilience in bullied teens through games, activities and discussions. The program also identifies bullies and provides them with skills to work towards ceasing this behaviour. Participants will learn to recognise bullying, discover inner strengths, build self esteem, communicate effectively, deal with cyber-bullying and build support networks. „Mirror Mirror‟ is a six week program for girls. The program aims to allow girls to find a sense of self, build positive relationships, build self worth and most importantly to believe in themselves. REMINDER I would like to take the opportunity to remind all parents that Snr Constable Gary Mutton will be presenting a Cyberbullying and Sexting information sessions on 24th July at 6.30pm in the library. I strongly suggest all parents attend this session to learn about the legal consequences of their children engaging in unsafe and illegal use of technology. If at any time you feel your child has a welfare issue please contact me at school. Sharlene Killian Welfare Coordinator

Students working on their art work for „Love Bites‟

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Anti-bullying focus

Students have now completed the PBS (Positive Behaviour for Success) roll call task on the possible consequences of bullying behaviour. I would still like students to log on to our school website and complete the anti-bullying survey in order to ascertain the extent to which bullying may be an issue at our school. Students need to click on „Caring for students‟ on the top bar of the home page and then select the bullying survey from the drop down menu. I have included a Year 8 student‟s piece on her personal experience with bullying behaviour, and I would like to thank a brave Year 8 student for allowing me to share her well-written work with our school community. Bullying

Bullying can come across in several different ways such as name-calling, teasing, and cyber. Bullying has the potential to scar somebody forever, and can even result in suicide. I have been affected by bullying all my life, and to this day I have bad memories lurking in the back of my mind. I have tried everything possible, but because I have waited for so long to do something about it, nothing works and I feel as if I will be bullied forever. Don‟t let your bully problems get as bad as mine have. Do something about it before it‟s too late. Now I‟d like to share one of my bullying stories to give you an idea of how much a bully can affect your life. Bullied for Caring for Family

When I was in Year 3 at a North Coast Primary School, I wrote a song for my cousin, who had to have her ear stitched back on due to a ferocious dog attack in Moss Vale. I sang it in front of my Year 3 class and my teacher was the only person in the room who didn‟t laugh at me. I felt so humiliated, and from that day forward, I became majorly shy. I quit the junior choir, and wouldn‟t talk to anyone. At recess and lunch, I went into hiding. Nobody knew where I was. I‟m pretty sure nobody even cared. The bullying after that point got worse and worse. At one point I even resorted to bullying other students. But that got me nowhere but 7 Trouble Avenue. So, take this story and think about it for a while. I hope you will realise how serious bullying is and how much it can affect the victim. Don‟t bully. Don‟t allow bullies into your life. Thank you for reading.

Anonymous - Year 8

The Wedding Singer Mufti Day and Fundraiser

Thank you to all of our wonderful staff and students for supporting our mufti-day fundraiser. The school raised over $500 to assist with the production costs of staging The Wedding Singer. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the

day and the following students received prizes for their creative 80‟s outfits: Elisha Mooore, Cody McKibbin, Elijah Wren, Jayde Haynes, Amelia Murphy and Gabby Middleton.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the amazing

Creative and Performing Arts faculty for their outstanding

work in preparing our students for the staging of this

musical, and for creating the props and stage sets. Well

done and thank you to Mrs Linda Johnston, Fiona

Shannon, Tegan Bilbija, Leigha Buikstra, Alex Sandland,

Louise Mumford , Tracy Johnston and Tania Clancy.

Merit Award Recipients

Congratulations to Kayla Alekna, Year 12, Allie Sims,

Year 10 and Madeline Curcuruto, Year 8, on achieving

their Bronze Awards for receiving over 50 merit

certificates in a variety of curricular and extra-curricular

areas. I continue to be very proud of the number of

students who are achieving great things and working their

way up towards the Gold Award in our merit system.

Deputy Principal’s Report

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Deputy Report cont’d Positive Behaviour for Success

We have now officially formed our student PBS team which includes Jesper Barnett, Rilea Phelps, Brett Sheather, Andrew Holm, Amelia Murphy, Brad Souter, Luke Webb, Nick Dennett, Bella Economos, Kyla Lane, Andrew Zveglic, Andrew McKay, Jayde Haynes, Madeline Curcuruto, Ashley Thatcher, Stefanie Clifton and Brooke Platten. These students have generously volunteered to assist with fundraising for both PBS and charitable organisations, PBS assemblies, promoting respectful, safe and responsible behaviour, and designing

strategies for continuing to improve the behaviour of students so that they can all achieve success in life. Finally, I hope all of our students and staff members enjoy a safe and relaxing two week break with family and friends. I would also like to thank all of our committed and hardworking teachers and SAS staff for the incredible job they do each day in supporting and educating our students. Patricia Holmes Deputy Principal

Blake Jeffrey, Year 9, at Moss Vale

High School, represented the school by

playing NRL football in the South Coast

team on Wednesday, 8 May in Canberra.

The comp he played at was called the

South Coast Trials. Blake Jeffrey at the

end of the day, made it through and is

going to represent Moss Vale High

School at Toronto this week.

Congratulations to Blake, we wish him all

the best.

Jack Donovan, Year 10, played hockey for Moss Vale

High School, on the 10, 11 and 12 May. Jack played for

Illawarra in the State Championships, where the team

came second, losing the final to Tamworth. Jack was

then selected in the New South Wales Under 16‟s

school boys squad, and the Under 18‟s squad.

Jack was also fortunate enough to be selected to play in

the men‟s NSW State Championships, held recently.

Jack was playing alongside some of Australia‟s greatest

hockey players: the likes of Tristan White who has

played for the Kookaburras, Flynn Ogilvie currently in

the Australian A‟s and who also played for the U21‟s

Australian team. Furthermore, Simon Beadman, Kurt

Ogilvie and Heath Ogilvie who have all played in the

Australian Indoor team. Jack said it was an honour and

privilege to play alongside these great players, also

gaining valuable experience to take to future

tournaments.

C h l o e

Middleton, Year

11 at Moss Vale

High School,

attended the

C H S S t a t e

soccer trials in

Albury on 7, 8

and 9 May.

Chloe‟s team

came fourth over

a l l i n t h e

tournament. Chloe played a series of games over three

days; at the conclusion of the tournament she was

selected in the CHS NSW team. She will now compete

against the Catholic and Independent schools to gain

selection in the All Schools NSW team to be held on 17

and 18 June. Chloe played in the All Schools‟ NSW

selection trials. Her team won the tournament and she

has been selected as a Shadow Player to the All

Schools‟ NSW team. Congratulations on her efforts.

Sporting Successes

Jack (no12) on short corner. Flynn Ogilvie 2nd from Jack with

brown hair and Kurt Ogilvie near him both play for the Waratahs

and opposite is Tristan White who plays for the Kookaburras. Reports by Bonnie Smith, Karlee Dent-Richardson and Danielle Ferguson, Year 11

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To the Staff, Cast and Crew of The Wedding Singer, What an amazing show! The Wedding Singer would have to be one of the best school productions I have ever been involved in. Your effort and dedication took it to another level (remember what it was like just a week before showtime?) and I am so very proud of what we achieved as a team. You all continue to impress me with your talent and hard work and I consider it a privilege to work with you. I want to officially thank the many people involved in bringing the show together: Mr Macbeth and Mrs Holmes for their enthusiastic

support. Without their backing, The Wedding Singer journey would never have begun.

The inspirational staff involved in the production: Fiona Shannon/Wendy Reid (Directors), Tegan Bilbija (Band Leader), Helen Campbell (Sound & Lighting), Nick Sims (Stage Manager), Tania Clancey (Set Design), Craig O‟Brien (Set Construction), Janeen Pepping (Refreshments) Margaret Beaumont (Programme) and Maryanne Williams (Media Promotion). Their time, knowledge and vision brought the show together.

Matthew & Olivia Fitzgerald and John & Tracie Webb for their generous contribution and support.

Diane Williams for her excellent photography that captured the essence of The Wedding Singer.

Luke Webb & Jackson Chesterfield for the hours spent building sets; Angus Fitzgerald for his beautiful wedding cake; Laura Critchley and the Special Education students for their fantastic confetti and Louise Mumford, Tracy Johnston & their art students for last minute design and painting work.

Our sponsors Southern Rise Bakery, Flamenco Solymar, Johno Signs and Southern Comfort Limousines.

And last but not least: YOU! All the actors, band, backstage & lighting crew and front-of-house teams. Because of you, the show was a success.

I will always remember The Wedding Singer and trust it has been an experience that you will always cherish. It has definitely been lots of fun and a highlight of my time at Moss Vale High! Here‟s to you all, Mrs Linda Johnston (The Wedding Singer Music Director)

The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer Cast and Crew

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The Wedding Singer Photos by Diane Williams

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On the opening day of deposit collection, two hundred and thirty students were placed for Activity Week in 2013. The following activities are now full: “PS Adventure”, “Surfing” and “Home a little - Away a lot”. Thank you to all students who made the process of selection quick and easy. It is not too late for students who are yet to choose, to be placed in an activity. In fact, Activity Week is compulsory for Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 so students should have made a selection or be now in the process of making a selection. At the time of writing, places were still available in Trout Fishing (6 places filled out of a possible 12), Snorkelling(16/26), Ultimate Sydney Experience (14/20), Thredbo Dirtsurfers (4/11), Go for Gold (22/26), Tasmania (20/26), Big Day In (2/4) and Teen Ranch (7/27). There were still plenty of spaces available for Wet & Wild, Scuba Diving, Lantastic, Hanging About, Golf and Southern Highlands Fun. Due to insufficient numbers, Girls Week and Island in the Sun will unfortunately not run for 2013. Students can pay at the office before school, at recess or lunch, although if they are selecting for the first time, they will need a green preference sheet. These can be downloaded from the school‟s website or collected from the office. Some students have being paying for their activities in full while others have opted to pay via instalments. The next instalment is due for payment on Thursday, 18 July and

Friday, 19 July (Week 1, Term 3). If you are paying by instalment the following payments represent 25% of the total cost, rounded to $5 or $10. This is shown in the table below. Trout Fishing $35 Thredbo Dirtsurfers $145 Tasmania $200 PS Adventure $ 7 0 /$100 Teen Ranch $65 Home and Away $45 Mowbray Farm $65 Ultimate Sydney $140 Scuba $75 Southern Highlands Fun $10 Go for Gold $200 Snorkel $45 Surfing $55 Hanging About $70 Big Day In $40 Wet and Wild $50 ** You may make payments on any school day at the relevant times. Payments may be greater than those listed above. When paying, all students receive a receipt stating the amount they have payed thus far for their activity and what they owe including school fees. The first Activity Week meetings will be held in early term 3. Thanks to all for your support of Activity Week at Moss Vale High for 2013. Mr Nash Activity Week coordinator

Activity Week 2013 Update

Congratulations ! Laurence Chappell

Year 12 “Laurence has been working well since enrolment. He

often contacts his teacher on the phone for feedback and advice. His outstanding performance in both assessments clearly demonstrates his perceptive understanding of the Prescribed Text and the Prescribed Issues. In Writing in French and the Monologue, Laurence presented sophisticated and coherent arguments with a high level of grammatical accuracy and sophistication of vocabulary. Laurence is to be highly commended on his outstanding performance in both assessments.” This wonderful report came to our outstanding Year 12 student studying a challenging subject “Extension French” - coming second in the State through Open High School Distance Education. Well Done!

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Activity at the Ag Plot

The first lamb

of the season

Cows Create Careers

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Date : Thursday, 24 July 2013

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On Thursday, 13 June, students and staff were invited to come in 80‟s clothes or wedding attire to raise funds for our School Musical, “The Wedding Singer”. A fantastic array of outfits appeared:

* The TAS staff ALL came as the „Flashdance‟ team * Ms Sandlands as 80‟s rock icon “Adam and the

Ants” * Ms Finlayson was transformed as a “Kiss” muso -

hardly recognisable to her family or students. * Other staff and students were glowing in fluoro,

sequins and spangles - and the odd mullet hairdo!

A great day was had by all and the school raised $550 towards our Musical.

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*** Advertisement ***

Uniform Shop Open

Tuesday

8.30 am–11.30am

Thursday

1.00pm-4.00pm

* Absentee Notes - If a student is late they MUST have an explained and signed note from their parent/guardian, with their given name and surname. Reason must be specific, eg. missed bus, dentist appt, doctor appt. “Slept in” or “running late” are unacceptable reasons.

* Early Leaver - If a student needs to leave school

early they are to bring a note with the reason, signed by the parent/guardian, to the front office before 9am.

* Mobile Phones - Please do not ring or text your

child in class if you are coming to pick them up. The front office will send for them when you arrive. Students will have their phones confiscated if they receive calls or messages while in class.

A Reminder of School Procedures

* Excursion payments - payments will be taken before school, at recess and lunch, and at the end of the day ONLY. Students are not to come out of class to pay for excursions. (Permission notes will only be taken with accompanying money and vice versa.) To be accepted the student must have the permission note and the payment, one will not be taken without the other.

* Sick students - If a student is unwell they need to

come to the front office and be admitted to Sick Bay. If required, the school will contact the parent/guardian.

Students SHOULD NOT contact their parent/guardian. This is a safety precaution and it saves the parent/guardian time as the student is already at the Front Office when they arrive.

School resumes for Term 3 …

Monday, 15 July Staff Development Day

Tuesday, 16 July All students return to school

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I am delighted to have a new roll group every morning that will become a major part of the organisation team for our school Anniversary. Every student who elected to be in this Special Interest Roll Group has a strong family connection to Moss Vale High School. For some this goes over three generations! It is going to be a very festive year. Details of events planned are posted on our website as they become available.

New Roll Calls include a Library “Anniversary Roll Group”; Moss Vale High School celebrates

50 years 1963 - 2013

We will regularly highlight the sort of family connections of our students to Moss Vale High - there are so many links to our community and beyond. Two of our new Roll Call members are profiled below. Mrs Williams Teacher Librarian

Family’s connections with Moss Vale High School

Courtney Parker Year 10

Elijah Wren Year 8

Brother - Blake Parker (former student)

Mother - Darleen Parker (nee Kingdom)

Uncle - Dewayne Kingdom

Grandmother - Helen Kingdom (nee Baxter)

Great Uncle - David Baxter

Mother - Alicia Joy Wren (former student)

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Our school is celebrating 50 Golden Years of Education at Moss Vale High

School, at the same time Moss Vale town celebrates 150 years! We invite

you to be part of our festivities:

Friday, 25 October 2013 Open Day at Moss Vale High School.

Historic displays, & tours of the school with present students.

Catering will be available.

Saturday, 26 October 2013 Open Day continues. Saturday evening:

Moss Vale Services Club hosts Reunion Dinner. Tickets on sale May

1. Bookings essential. Contact the school.

Sunday, 27 October 2013 Morning Church service in the school

Hall & Football game including ex students, and present students on

the school Oval. Notable NRL players who were ex students are

kindly revisiting their old school.

All members of our school community, past and present, are welcome to join

us at any of these events. Further details available from the school contacts

listed, & our website mossvale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

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Upcoming Info Sessions What is Student Exchange? Who is WEP Australia? Where and When can I go? What support will my child receive? Who are the host families? …Have all your questions and more answered at one of our free, personalised and engaging information evenings.

Sydney 12 June ’13 / 7:30-9pm Bowlers Club of NSW Level 2 / 95-99 York Street Sydney

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TO : MOSS VALE HIGH NOTE OF ABSENCE

Date : ___________________ Address : ________________________________

________________________________

Roll Class : ______________ Year : ___________

Please excuse the absence of my son/daughter : _____________________________________

on (dates) _____________________________________________________________________

Total number of days absent : ______________

The reason for the absence/s (this reason must be specific, not just "he/she was sick") : ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name : ______________________________

Parent Signature : ___________________________ Date sent : _______________

TO : MOSS VALE HIGH NOTE OF ABSENCE

Date : ___________________ Address : ________________________________

________________________________

Roll Class : ______________ Year : ___________

Please excuse the absence of my son/daughter : _____________________________________

on (dates) _____________________________________________________________________

Total number of days absent : ______________

The reason for the absence/s (this reason must be specific, not just "he/she was sick") : ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name : ______________________________

Parent Signature : ___________________________ Date sent : _______________

OFFICE USE ONLY

CHANGED ON

ERN

EMERGENCY CARD REPRINTED

BUS Co NOTIFIED

RECEIVED NEW BUS FORM

CHANGE OF ADDRESS / CONTACT DETAILS NAME :................................................................... Roll Class : ........ .... Year : …. .......

NEW ADDRESS : ............................................................................... PO BOX .....................

....................................................................................................................................................

New Phone No's : Home : ...................................... Work (M) : .........................................

Mobile (M) : .......................... Work (F) : ............................ Mobile (F) : ..............................

Email : …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

DATE YOU CHANGED ADDRESS : .......................................................................................

PARENTS / GUARDIANS NAMES YOU ARE LIVING WITH :

................................................................................................................................................................................ Do you currently have a bus pass? …………………………………………………………

NOTE : A new bus pass application must be completed when a student has : a change of address, a change of

name, change of school, change of details or comes under joint custody.

moss vale high newsletter moss vale high · moss vale high newsletter issue 4 term 2 2013 welfare...

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