EMAIL: narromine-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.narromine-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Newsletter 18

29 November 2013

Term 4 Week 8B

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

A Great Success

The Year 8 Maths excursion to Sydney was very successful, thanks to the

organisational skills of Mr Leite and Ms Clarke and their care and concern for all

who attended. No doubt, students will remember the fun they had long after they

have left school.

The World of Work

We are most appreciative of the support of local businesses who are hosting twenty

five students on work experience this week. Initial feedback has been positive. It is

always heartening to hear of students demonstrating our core values of respect,

responsibility and care beyond the school gate. Many thanks to Mrs Jan Davison

for the hours she has put in to ensure the success of our 2013 work experience

program.

Proud of Their Success

Congratulations to the 18 students who recently completed their white card training.

This industry recognised qualification will strengthen our students‟ opportunity for

work. This is yet another example of the many extra curricula activities offered at

our local community high school.

Project Completion

Year 9 students are justifiably proud of their achievements in the semester two

TAFE course, which is coming to a close. Accolades are due to students who have

attended all classes and worked hard, regardless of the weather. Paving has been

completed and our memorial garden revamped. Many thanks to Mrs Sallie McGaw

and her team for helping with the design of the project and to the TAFE teachers

who have continued to inspire our students.

Evening Classes 2014

Our evening classes in hospitality, digital photography, metals and timber have

been very popular. Next year we are adding textiles, which includes basic and more

demanding sewing and design, to the courses on offer. A small fee is charged

towards the cost of materials. Please contact the school office as soon as possible

if you would like to enrol in any of the above courses.

Recognising Achievement

We would love to see you at our Term 4 merit assembly to be held on 4 December

at 11.15am and at Presentation Day, to be held at 11.30am on 16 December. Both

will be opportunities to recognise students who have achieved academic excellence

or have made positive contributions to school life.

Requesting Your Ideas

Our school has received an increase in funding for next year, due to new funding

guidelines for NSW schools. This is welcome news as the National Partnership

program, which funded initiatives such as a school learning support officer

PRINCIPAL:

Angela O’Callaghan M.Ed.,BA.,Dip.Ed

DEPUTY:

Lisa Bennett B. Arts. Dip.Ed

13 Merilba Street NARROMINE NSW

2821

Phone: 6889 1499

Fax: 6889 1553

HEAD TEACHERS:

English

Ms Cathy Reynolds

Mathematics/HSIE

Miss Jennifer Downey

Science/PD

Mrs Susan Bodiam

TAS

Mr Phil Rufus

Teaching & Learning

Mrs Chris Quigg

(Acting)

YEAR MENTORS:

Yr7 Mr Hoyle

Yr 8 Mr Garner

Yr 9 Miss Althofer

Yr 10 Mr Thakur

Yr 11 Mr Walker

Yr 12 Mrs Wallace

mailto:narromine-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

and professional learning on topics such as literacy, numeracy and student well-being, has now finished.

Please contact me if you have any suggestions about how you would like to see the funds used.

A Reminder

When buying school shoes for 2014 please ensure they meet work health and safety requirements. Canvas

shoes do not comply. Shoes with mesh, such as sneakers, are not safe in practical rooms such as the kitchen,

science laboratories or industrial arts rooms. The P&C has determined where possible shoes should be

predominately white or black. Colours such as bright pink, yellow, blue etc. are not within the school‟s

uniform code. Thank you to parents and caregivers who constantly ensure their children wear appropriate

shoes to school.

Angela O‟Callaghan

Principal

ENGLISH

8B Drama

Throughout the past few weeks, we have been studying the topic of drama. Drama contains many different

avenues. In class we have looked at dramatic techniques from reading out loud to acting out written plays.

We are currently writing our own plays in small groups, which requires writing acts, scenes etc. and

collecting any necessary props and costumes to make the play as realistic as possible. Drama is lots of fun

and it is always interesting to learn more about it.

Fallon Attwater

Group 1- Everyone Loves Billy

This is a snapshot of what our play is about. Our play is a typical high

school reality. Throughout the play there is bullying, romance and drama.

The two main characters are twins and both have a crush on Billy who is

already in a relationship with Minnie. There is a lot of conflict between

these four characters.

Caitlin- Billy (student) Abbey –Gina (Mum)

Fallon- Topsy (Twin) Hunter-Daisy (Twin)

Maddie-Mrs Hull (Teacher) Emily- Minnie (Student)

Holly- AJ (Dad)

Abbey Geyer.

Group 2- The Adventure of the Witch Hunters

Our play features three inexperienced witch hunters who are on a quest to track down two witches who are

serial pranksters around the town. The quest becomes difficult when the hunters realise they have no

experience, lucky for the hunters the witches aren‟t the smartest pick of the bunch.

Jarrod, Cye, Ruby, Washington, Kate and Troy.

Group 3- Bullying No Way

The play is about a young girl Skye who is being bullied by a boy named Billy in her grade. She finally

decides that she has had enough. So she tells her mother what is going on and her mother talks to the police

about it. The boy is sent off with a warning. Skye tries her best to avoid conflict by dodging Billy but Billy

has other ideas.

Tracey, Shanika, Abby, Kirrilly, Sharney, Owen and Henry.

Cathy Reynolds

Head Teacher English

ANCIENT HISTORY

Year 11 ancient history students thoroughly enjoyed an archaeologist

morning tea. They have been investigating Pompeii and Herculaneum

this term. The ancient cities were buried under 4 metres (Pompeii) and

20 metres (Herculaneum) of ash and lava when Mount Vesuvius

erupted in 79AD.

Each student researched a famous archaeologist and gave a

presentation in character followed by an archaeological dig in

chocolate mousse. The students discovered that recent studies show

most victims at the site died from pyroclastic currents (intense heat

waves).

At Herculaneum it is thought the temperature reached 400°C which

instantly killed everyone in the town and carbonized food and

wooden objects. Students found a range of artifacts hidden amongst

the two layers of mousse or „strata‟ including carbonised bread and

figs.

HOMEWORK CENTRE

A reminder that each Thursday afternoon, A3 will be available for those who would like to study, work on

assessments, read or complete homework. The session will begin at 3.20pm and conclude at 4.30pm.

Students will have access to computers. This is an ideal time for students, especially senior students to

attend to their work. If there are any queries or concerns parents/caregivers or students can call the school

on 6889 1499 or call mobile: 0400 301 674 and speak to me on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Assessment reminders:

Year 11 the cutoff date for overdue tasks is Friday 29 November before 3.10pm.

Year 10 the cutoff date for overdue tasks is Friday 6 December before 3.10pm

Tasks must be with your teachers prior to that date.

Christine O‟Donoghue

Learning and Support Teacher

A Matter of Extreme Importance

It is of critical importance that aerosol cans are not brought to school. This

is because we have people on site who have severe life threatening reactions

to aerosol sprays. Students have been advised of this policy. Failure to

comply with it may result in suspension.

MATHS

Student’s reports on the Year 8 Mathematics Excursion

On Tuesday 19 November a group of 28 students and 2 Year 8 teachers departed Narromine train station and

travelled to Lithgow by bus and then caught a train from Lithgow into Central, and then had a 5 minute walk

to the Hostel in which we were staying. We then unpacked and went to Pancakes on the Rocks for dinner in

Circular Quay and after dinner we walked around the rocks including the Opera House.

On Wednesday 20 November, we walked down to Darling Harbour and explored Sydney Harbour and

explored the Sydney Wildlife World where some of the braver students encountered a very large scary

snake! We also visited the aquarium, where we met many creepy crawlies and then visited Madame

Tussaud‟s wax museum and met some very realisitic famous celebrities ranging from One Direction to Dr

Victor Chang. We then stopped in at Pitt St Mall and shopped until we dropped. Sydney Tower Eye was

next on the agenda and it was easily the best view in Sydney!!

After a very long day, everyone was very hungry so we had all you can eat pizza at Pizza Hut then home to

bed.

Thursday 21 we attended Sydney Olympic Park Education Centre, where our guide Mitchell took us

through a booklet of maths sheets including area and averages and measuring humidity, water temp and

turbidity etc. We also went for a walk through the mangroves and learnt lots. That afternoon, we went for a

well-earned swim at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and then did a bit more shopping at Broadway

shopping centre that night.

On Friday, our second last day, we walked across the Harbour Bridge

to Luna Park, completed a booklet of money and then spent the

afternoon on rides and playing games, unfortunately it was raining –

but still very enjoyable!

That night we went to China Town for dinner and then to IMAX movie

theatre to watch Hunger Games 2 – which was a great movie!

On Saturday 23, our final day in Sydney, we did one last shopping stop

at Paddy‟s Markets, where everyone got a bargain or two, and then

travelled home by train to Lithgow and then a bus back to Narromine.

Overall, the Year 8 maths excursion was very enjoyable and each of us

walked away with lots more knowledge of how to travel around

Sydney!

I would like to thank Mr Leite and Miss Clarke for offering, and taking

time out not only to take us on the excursion, but to organise it all, thank

you!

By Fallon Attwater

On Tuesday 19

November, Year 8 students, Ms Clarke and Mr

Leite travelled to Sydney, half of the trip we travelled in a bus,

then the other half was taken by train.

Once we arrived in Sydney, we walked to our

accommodation, dropped off our luggage, then walked to

dinner at Pancakes on the Rocks, after we had eaten, we

strolled to the Opera House – it was beautiful seeing Sydney, it

was mind-blowing, especially for the children who hadn‟t ever

seen life outside a quiet town – seeing how the people in the city lived.

On Wednesday, we were lucky enough to visit the Aquarium, Wildlife World, Madame Tussaud‟s Wax

Museum and the Sydney Tower – that was probably the best day and the greatest experience, it was

absolutely amazing and we all really enjoyed our day. Then after our

well-spent day we had dinner at Pizza Hut.

On the Thursday we completed a maths booklet at Olympic Park,

after that we spent a few hours at the Aquatic Centre, then went

shopping at Broadway. On Friday, we walked across the Sydney

Harbour Bridge – once again that was also amazing! We had the

day at Luna Park, then took the ferry back to have dinner at a

Chinese restaurant then finished off our night with a movie at

IMAX. Saturday was our last day – we went to Paddy‟s Markets

and sadly left Sydney.

Our Sydney Maths Excursion was the most incredible experience –

we were surrounded by our best friends, delicious foods, gorgeous

scenery, awesome places and of course, the two coolest teachers, Mr

Leite and Ms Clarke, we can‟t thank them enough for making our

trip happen, the trip to Sydney I won‟t ever forget.

By Paige Scott

Annual Presentation Day

Year 7’s ‘Cultural’ Journey through Space

On Friday 22 November Mrs Bodiam‟s Year 7 science class had a special guest! Local personality

Midnight Brydon came to visit to share stories about constellations from an Aboriginal perspective. There

are many different constellation stories, with sadly not many from our own Wirradjuri Nation surviving. We

listened to the most famous story – the emu, which contains the Southern Cross and its famous dark region

called the „coalsack‟.

Many Aboriginal groups have stories about the “coalsack” – the famous dark cloud next to the Southern

Cross. Some see it as the head of a lawman, or a possum in a tree, but many groups tell stories of a great

emu whose head is the coalsack, and whose neck, body, and legs are formed from dust lanes stretching

across the Milky Way. It‟s easy to make out the emu in a dark autumn sky, and once you‟ve seen it, the

Milky Way will never look the same again!

Students have researched additional constellations and presented their stories to share in class with their

peers. As part of the program, Charles Sturt University have one free telescope (see picture) to give away to

the student that records a video of themselves telling a local Aboriginal constellation or Sky Story. I have

encouraged all students to talk to the elders – can you help us share a sky story?

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=emu+aboriginal+constellation+story&um=1&safe=active&sa=N&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=6LXnTeTJ4gcINM:&imgrefurl=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Examples/emu.htm&docid=zLxPqt3Sv-_gKM&imgurl=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Assets/banner.jpg&w=900&h=200&ei=LiWVUsb2LM7kkAWj5oAQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=62&tbnw=280&start=0&ndsp=36&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:85&tx=157&ty=20http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=emu+aboriginal+constellation+story&um=1&safe=active&sa=N&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=6LXnTeTJ4gcINM:&imgrefurl=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Examples/emu.htm&docid=zLxPqt3Sv-_gKM&imgurl=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Assets/banner.jpg&w=900&h=200&ei=LiWVUsb2LM7kkAWj5oAQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=62&tbnw=280&start=0&ndsp=36&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:85&tx=157&ty=20http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=emu+aboriginal+constellation+story&um=1&safe=active&sa=N&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=6LXnTeTJ4gcINM:&imgrefurl=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Examples/emu.htm&docid=zLxPqt3Sv-_gKM&imgurl=http://www.atnf.csiro.au/research/AboriginalAstronomy/Assets/banner.jpg&w=900&h=200&ei=LiWVUsb2LM7kkAWj5oAQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&page=1&tbnh=62&tbnw=280&start=0&ndsp=36&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:85&tx=157&ty=20

The program “Journey through Space and Time” is an initiative from Charles Sturt University and its

astronomical leader Mr David McKinnon. This program incorporates new and innovative ways for students

to learn about the moon, how night/day time and seasons occur. Next week we will link up with a telescope

in Laramie, Wyoming in the USA. We are able to take control of this telescope and point it anywhere in

their night‟s sky and take photographs of what we see. We have been planning this session for a few weeks

and we hope to take „NASA‟ type photos of Jupiter, Europa (one of Jupiter‟s moons) M15, M31, M33 -

globular cluster, The Pleiades and Bodes Nebula. The photographs which will hopefully look like the one of

the moon shown here,will be published in the next newsletter.

The Moon

You could win a telescope like this if you record a video story of a local Aboriginal Sky Story!

The Emu Constellation Edward Walker reading a sky story Midnight Brydon

http://www.abc.net.au/science/starhunt/images/slideshow/Coalsack-emu/coalsack_01.jpg

CAREERS

Some of the talented Hospitality students who have been on work placement over the last two weeks.

A huge thankyou to all employers who have taken on our work placement students. If it wasn‟t for the

ongoing support of our local businesses , these VET courses would not be able to run at NHS.

Adult Courses 2014

In 2014 we are proposing to offer Adult Education Hospitality, Photography/Digital Imaging

Metal/Timber and Textiles courses for members of the community.

For those who are interested please contact the school office on 6889 1499 as soon as possible so

we can get an idea of numbers for next year.

Work Experience

Year 10 students are on work experience this week. Mr McCabe and I are looking forward to visiting local

businesses to observe them in the workforce. Work experience is very valuable and can provide students

with an understanding of the world of work, an insight into what a particular job involves, it can provide

useful work skills such as communicating effectively and working in teams and even employment

opportunities. Some Year 9 students are already thinking about where they would like to do this next year.

Stay tuned for some photos of the Year 10 students in action.

4 December 2013

WEEK 9A

DECEMBER

2

NASCA Exc

3

4

Term 4 Merit

Assembly 11:15am

5

6

First Aid Prac

WEEK 10B

DECEMBER

9

Kayaking Year 11

10

Year 7 Tea Gardens

Excursion

11 12

MC Christmas Party at

Pool

13

WEEK 11A

DECEMBER

16

Annual Presentation

Day 11.30 – 2pm

17 18

LAST DAY FOR

STUDENTS

19

STAFF

DEVELOPMENT

DAY

20

STAFF

DEVELOPMENT

DAY

Come along to win your Christmas hams and chooks!!

Santa will be in attendance,

Along with the Jumping Castle and Merry-Go-Round.

Usual food stalls will be available

Entertainment from Sing Australia from

6pm All the fun of the fair - So hope to see

you there