RUTHERFORD TECHNOLOGY

HIGH SCHOOL

17th May, 2013 Email: rutherford-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.rutherfordhs.nsw.edu.au Telephone: 4932 5999

Fax: 4932 8166 http:www.facebook.com/RutherfordTechnologyHighSchool

C A L E N D A R J U L Y

16 July School Development Day (students do not attend school)

17 July Students resume school for Term 3

18 July Year 7 & 9 reports sent home

24 July Parent / Teacher Evening in Library and selected classrooms

Office Opening Hours

Please be aware the office is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 8am and 4pm and on Tuesday between 8am and 3:30pm. Outside office hours a message may be left on the school answering machine. Parents and caregivers are reminded an appointment is necessary before meeting with teachers as they have class, playground duty and other commitments during the school day.

RESPECT

RESPONSIBILITY

COMMITMENT

C A L E N D A R

21 May

P&C Meeting 6.00pm

23 May

Hunter Valley Careers Expo

9am - 11am $8

Maitland Basketball Stadium

27 May - 2 June

Reconciliation Week

28 May

Fast & Fresh Excursion

10am - 11.45pm $25

Riverside Theatre Parramatta

29 May

Zone Athletics

9am - 3.25pm

30 May

Art Gallery NSW Sydney

8.15am - 5.30pm

5 June

Vaccination Program

Yr 7 & Yr 9

   

 

Congratulations to Kiarra Tilden, Grace Vallance, Whitney Evans, Tegan Darcy and Tahlia Bell who competed in the secondary section at School Aerobics held in Sydney last weekend. Competing against 8 other amazing teams their hard work paid off when they were placed 1st in what was a very close competition. The team now progresses to the State Finals being held in Sydney in June. Well done girls !

SCHOOL LAWN BOWLS TEAM - Congratulations to our school lawn bowls team of Kallen Egar, Alex Hannah and Sean Parsons who defeated Hunter Sports High School 25 to 12 in the Final of the Combined High Schools Lawn Bowls Final. They have now qualified for their 3rd State Championship in the past 3 years. Well done boys !

BILL TURNER CUP …. Congratulations to the Rutherford Technology High School U/15 Rugby League team who travelled to Muswellbrook to face off against a rugby league studded Muswellbrook High School team who had nothing but resentment and adoration in their eyes for our lads skills on the park. Rutherford was the winning team 3-2 with Thomas Oliver netting a brace and Nathan Hall scoring the third. The boys played with great positional movement and possession, with Man of the Match going to goal keeper Blake Hamer who made some crucial saves including a last minute penalty. The team has now progressed into the next round. Team Coach Matthew Robinson says that every member of the team put in 110% and represented our school with the utmost respect during the whole day. Well done Boys !

EXECUTIVE REPORT National Partnerships Improving Literacy and Numeracy - Fantastic news. We have been earmarked with several other schools in the local area for a significant national grant focusing on improving the literacy and numeracy levels of our Stage 4 students. This gives us the opportunity to build sustainable practices into the future to increase student outcomes. More information coming soon. Gonski - Great news for public education with the Gonski reforms included in the Federal budget. Let us hope this goes ahead and equitable funding levels are seen in our schools. Celebration Assembly - We held our Term 1 Celebration Assembly on Monday 6 May. It is great to see so many students receiving positive recognition for their great efforts. Bush Tucker Garden and Yarning Circle - A lot of efforts are going into revamping the Bush Tucker garden and Yarning Circle area at the moment. The area will be a fantastic teaching resource when completed. NAPLAN - Students in Years 7 and 9 sat NAPLAN tests in literacy and numeracy from 14 to 16 May. These tests give us an insight into areas for future development of student needs. It was disappointing to see some parents withdrawing students this year as it restricts the valuable data we use to target teaching focuses. Technology upgrades - We are continuing our program of technology upgrades in the school: We are updating or replacing computers in some of our computer labs. We have purchased 6 laptop trolleys holding 32 laptops each to be used in classrooms throughout the

school. By the end of the year there will be data projector facilities in every classroom in the school. We have installed a new phone system in the school and I would like to apologise for some of the

phone problems earlier in the year. Reconciliation and NAIDOC - Reconciliation Week is 27 May till 3 June. During this time faculties will be doing class lessons with an Aboriginal focus. NAIDOC week is 7 to 14 July. At school we will celebrate in the last week of term from 24 to 28 June with many cultural activities in the school. Aerobics - Congratulations to our aerobics girls on an outstanding effort. See the full report included in the newsletter. Athletics - Our Athletics carnival was a very successful day greatly enjoyed by those that attended. Congratulations and thanks to Mr Bower and Miss Thompson on the excellent organisation. Lawn Bowls - Our Lawn Bowls stars have again reached the State Finals. Another fantastic effort. See the report included. Uniform - A reminder we are a uniform school. Students are expected to wear the wonderful tops available for sale at the uniform shop during cold weather. Any other jumpers or jackets are not acceptable. The trend for some students to wear a black jumper or black cardigan is not endorsed by the school at all. If there are any financial constraints preventing the wearing of school uniform please contact Mrs Young or Mr Whiting to discuss student assistance Michael Whiting Principal

Senior Study This week Year 12 students have been given an ‘Information Letter’ regarding a study skills workshop which will be conducted at school in the MPC on Friday 31st May by Elevate Education. The ‘Ace Your Exams’ seminar examines what students need to do in the lead up to exams in order to be properly prepared. With Trial HSC exams being held at the beginning of Term 3 this workshop is highly relevant to all Year 12 students and I strongly encourage every student to pay the $10.00 workshop fee to the front office as soon as possible. A copy of the ‘Information Letter’ has been included in this newsletter. The following subjects have assessment tasks due for completion:

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s progress in their HSC year please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Kris Turner Senior Study Coordinator

P & C Meeting Tuesday 21st May

6.00pm Rutherford Technology High School has launched its Official Face-book Page – just go to Facebook and look for “Rutherford Technol-ogy High School NSW Official Site” and click on “Like”.

We will be using the Facebook page to keep everyone informed about events at the school, important dates for your diary, and gen-eral information about the school.

Link: http://www.facebook.com/RutherfordTechnologyHighSchool

STOP PRESS!

WE NOW HAVE A FACEBOOK PAGE

Subject Task Teacher Due Date

ICT Assessment Task 3 Spreadsheet J Marks 17th May

CATS Assessment Task 2 Part C IRP Diary K Turner/K Fabri 24th May

Modern History Personality Study task 3 - Leni Riefenstahl D Brown 27th May

CAFS Assessment Task 2 Part C IRP Final Report K Turner/K Fabri 31st May

Standard English Assessment Task 3 Close Study of Text - Cosi Essay written in class

J Blackwell/E Voorbij/ J Lacey

Draft by 24th May Final 30th May

Ancient History Assessment Task 3 Essay and Speech -Persian Society in the time of Darius and Xerxes

M McKenna 6th June

General Maths Assessment Task 3 In class exam covering Data, Normal Distribution, Correlation, Annuities

B Newham/N Charlish/ C Jackson/C Trotter/ D Carratt

11th June

Society & Culture Assessment Task 3 J James 14th June

Years 11 and 12 Study Skills Workshop

In order to support our Year 11 and 12 students cope with the demands of Preliminary and HSC course work Elevate Education will be conducting a study skills workshop for each year group on Friday 31st May 2013. This will provide helpful information and exam tips, as well as motivation for each student to per-form to the best of their ability. When: Friday 31st May 2013 Where: MPC When: Year 11 9.30am – 10.45am Year 12 11.30am – 12.45pm Cost: $10.00 to be paid at the front office by Monday 27th May 2013 Year 11 Study Sensei This seminar provides students with a road-map for what work they will need to do during the remainder of the year, breaking down the study process step-by-step. Skills covered: Dynamic reading - How to read a text and pull out the key points, not just summarise every sentence. Note taking - How to get the ideas the students have extracted from their reading into an organised set of notes that will facilitate effective learning. Conceptual learning skills - Teaching students how to break the information into its relevant parts as opposed to simply rote-learning the material. Independent learning - What independent learning means and how to get it done. Standing out on assessment - Students are shown how to distinguish themselves from the thousands of other students who are all taught the same material. Year 12 Ace Your Exams With the arrival of exams knowing the material is no longer enough. Now it's a case of application. The question for many students is: "How do I take all the work I have done and turn it into the marks I deserve?" This seminar examines what students need to do in the lead up to exams in order to be properly prepared. The seminar also covers a range of exam room skills used by the top students in order to stay calm and stand-out. Skills covered: Effective preparation - Students are introduced to 8 steps used by the state's top students to prepare for an exam. Fixing mistakes - Students are shown how to identify exactly what they're doing wrong on mock ex-ams and practice papers, and how to ensure these mistakes are not made in the exam room. Allocation of time - Students are taken through a step-by-step process to ensure preparation is complet-ed in advance to prevent last minute cramming. Exam room techniques - Including stress management, planning, time allocation and how to tailor a suc-cinct, focused answer. If you have any queries regarding the above workshops please contact any of the following: Year 11 Adviser - Karen McLeod Year 12 Adviser – Luke Miller Senior Study Coordinator – Kris Turner

30 Avery Street RUTHERFORD 2320

Telephone: 02 4932 5999

Fax: 02 4932 8166

Email: rutherford-h.school@det.nsw.ed.u.au www.rutherfordhs.nsw.edu.au

RUTHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL Preparing for the Future

HSC MUSIC DAY On May 2nd the Year 11 and 12 Music classes, accompanied by Ms Hornery, attended a HSC day at The Conservatorium of Music in Newcastle. This was an informative day of seminars led by experienced Head Teachers of Music from local Hunter schools. Our RTHS group of 19 students attended sessions on the finer details of the Board Of Studies expectations for HSC and how to maximise marks. This included practice sessions on how to answer questions in the HSC written exam, dealing with anxiety when performing, the preparation tools in presenting research projects and a master class in composing, including the performance of an internationally famous work by Australian composer Ann Boyd by two of the Music staff of the conservatorium. The day finished with an hour long master class of HSC performances that were critiqued by three HSC markers. This gave our students an insight into the marking criteria used by Board of Studies markers, the types of pieces that other students are selecting for their HSC, and the various instruments and pieces being played by local students. The day was a great learning experience for all who attended. Much discussion has taken place since on students’ future directions and decisions with their music studies. Thanks to the students attending this day, for their exemplary behaviour and a willingness to seek further learning in Music. Ms L. Hornery Head Teacher CAPA

INTERESTED IN A TRADES CAREER IN THE DEFENCE FORCES ?? It’s safe to say that most trade jobs have their fair share of same-old, same old. Not in the Australian Defence Force. There are various qualified jobs and traineeships available in the Navy, Army and Air Force, most of which are probably not what you’d expect. Rest assured, as an Australian Defence Force tradie there is never a dull moment. Plus, you’ll receive trade skills and experience that is nationally recognised and sought after in the civilian world. For more information come along to the Information Session … When: Tuesday 28 May 2013 at 6.30 pm Where: Defence Force Recruiting, 528 Hunter Street, Newcastle RSVP: Monday 27 May 2013 to rsutcliffe@dfr.com.au or phone 4974 5427

Year 11 Report Year 11 look fabulous in their school photos. School uniform is being worn well and this is appreciated as Year 11, like Year 12, are role models for the junior years. Housekeeping issues need addressing such as the completion of all work at all times. N award letters are increasing in number and students should seek teacher guidance instead of opting out and falling further behind. Students who are in VET courses need to be reminded of the mandatory work placements. They must co-operate with their teachers and follow the guidelines. It is disappointing to hear how students are not working collaboratively with their teacher to get this underway. School fees can be paid in instalments to the front office. Every senior class has a fee attached to assist with the costs of running the subject. If this could be addressed as soon as possible it will mean the excursions planned for term 4 will be able to go ahead and the year 12 jersey will be able to be discussed and orders put through. Unfortunately if fees are not paid it means jerseys cannot be afforded and not ordered for 2014. Mrs Turner is the co-ordinator of the senior study. An opportunity has arisen for years 11 and 12 to participate in a workshop here at school (cost $10) on the 31st May. The workshops centre upon coping with the demands of Stage 6 learning and students are encouraged to take up the opportunity of what these sessions can provide. Please see the flyer attached to this newsletter. Reports are currently being written and I look forward to reading all the reports over the coming week. Karen McLeod Year 11 Adviser

Special Provisions for HSC Exams Special exam provisions in the HSC are practical arrangements designed to help students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt to show in an exam room what they know. The provisions granted are solely determined by how the student’s exam performance is affected. Provisions may include braille papers, large print or coloured paper, use of a reader and or writer, extra time or rest breaks. Students who encounter significant difficulties with literacy are encouraged to apply. If you believe your child will experience difficulties in the HSC exams please contact the school so an application can be made to the Board of Studies on your Child’s behalf. Please ask to speak to either Ashleigh Whitbourne (learning and support teacher), your child’s year advisor or the school counsellor. Ashleigh Whitbourne Learning and Support Teacher

MATHS ROADSHOW On Tuesday 8 May 2013 the World of Maths Roadshow visited our school. Students in years 7 and 8 were given the opportunity to attend and see how mathematics can be applied to real life situations. Students worked in teams of four to get hands-on experience with a number of mathematical principles and tackle some complex problem solving activities. Students worked their way through a range of activities, experiencing a wide variety of mathematical puzzles, games and activities, working together to solve a number of challenging problems. The experience demonstrated a range of practical skills and gave students a chance to express their mathematical skills. Many of our students enjoyed the experience, with several saying “That was a lot of fun and not what I was expecting” – it was certainly great to hear that they thought it was a positive experience.

IM CLASS GOES SKATING The IM Junior Class were delighted to go on an Ice Skating excursion in Newcastle as a result of their Car Wash fundraising activities at the end of last term. The class had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Kelly Watson Mathematics Teacher

WORK EXPERIENCE.

Work experience is an excellent

opportunity for students to experience

a career.

To find out how, where, why, when

contact Careers Advisor.

Work ready booklets must be

completed before hand.

SCHOOLBASED TRAINSEESHIP FOR VETERINARY NURSE.

Application forms are available in Careers Office. Excellent opportunity to be paid while learning, while at school doing work that is enjoyable and may lead to future work.

YR 10 CAREER ASSESSMENT TASK.

Due either 24/5 or 31/5/13 depending on Careers class. 3 components:

Resume

Job advertisement

Cover letter for that job.

The skills developed during this task are essential for future resume writing and Impressions 10 later in the year.

YR 9 SCIENCE AND MATHS SUMMER SCHOOLS IN DECEMBER.

Application forms are available in Careers Office. Excellent opportunity for girls and boys interested in a Science or Maths career to participate in a 5 day residential school at Newcastle University.

YEARS 10, 11, 12 CAREER EXPO

Thursday 23/5/13

Pd 1,2 Maitland Federation Centre

Cost: $8

Permission notes from Careers.

EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO

INVESTIGATE FUTURE CAREER

OPTIONS.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CAREERS?

Scholarship Opportunity for School Leavers - Instructor Program EA are pleased to announce the following scholarship opportunity which is open to School leavers with beginner through advanced ski and/or snowboard ability. EA offer Ski & Snowboard Instructor Internship Programs at top ski resorts around the World. The program is popular with school leavers because it provides an opportunity to obtain paid employment at a top resort, whilst completing an internationally recognised ski or snowboard instructing qualification. The program has been running for 10 years and this is the second year a Scholarship Place has been offered. The winner will receive a free place on an EA Instructor Internship Program for the coming 2013/14 winter season in Canada! Students interested in applying should visit the website for more details on how to do so - www.easkiandsnowboard.com/scholarship-application Entries close on Friday 7 June 2013

Set Sail on the Voyage of a Lifetime - Young Endeavour Applications Now Open Australia's national sail training ship Young Endeavour is now accepting applications for youth to join eleven day voyages departing between July 2013 and February 2014. Young Australians aged 16 to 23 can apply for the ballot at www.youngendeavour.gov.au until 31 May 2013. No sailing experience is required. A voyage in Young Endeavour is a challenging adventure at sea, and an exciting opportunity for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills through a world recognised organisation. The current ballot includes voyages departing from Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and New Zealand, which will be crewed by youth from around the country. During each voyage, youth crew learn the skills to successfully sail a square rigged ship. They climb the 30 metre mast, set and furl sails, and maintain a 24 hour watch on the bridge. They also learn to navigate, take the helm, keep lookout and help the chef in the ship’s galley. At the end of the voyage, youth crew will take command of Young Endeavour for 24 hours, sailing the ship along the Australian coast. The specially designed program delivered aboard the ship increases the youth crew’s self awareness, develops teamwork and leadership skills, and fosters a strong sense of community spirit. For more information, including voyage dates and fees, please visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au or contact the Young Endeavour office on 1800 020 444.

ARE YOU A FEMALE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN THE ARMY ? Come along and hear first-hand from women currently serving in the Army in various roles. You might be surprised to find the kinds of jobs on offer in the Army. From healthcare and trades, to hospitality and administration, there are actually over 80 different roles for women in the ADF. When: Saturday 25th May 2013 at 11am Where: Defence Force Recruiting 528 Hunter St, Newcastle RSVP: Friday 24th May, to rsutcliffe@dfr.com.au or phone 4974 5427

COMMUNITY SUPPORT Rutherford Technology High School is proud to have the support of the local Rutherford/Maitland community. This is reflected in many events at the school where members of the local industrial business community volunteer their time to support activities at the school. This includes events such as the Career Choices Workshop, Golf Day, Student Work Experience Program, Impressions 10 Mock Interviews, etc. A number of businesses provide financial support for families that use their services. This includes: IGA , RUTHERFORD - IGA Rutherford has a Loyalty Program that allocates points for purchases made at their store. Please sign up at the store to be part of this Loyalty Program and nominate Rutherford Technology High School as your nominated recipient. NEWCASTLE PERMANENT, RUTHERFORD - the “Introducer” program is available for anyone taking out a new loan with Newcastle Permanent. Just mention that you heard about Newcastle Permanent from Rutherford Technology High School and the school will receive $600 when the loan settles. HIGHWAY FORD, RUTHERFORD - Highway Ford, Rutherford sponsors Rutherford Technology High School by making a donation to the school for every car purchased. Please mention the school’s name to ensure that the school benefits from this program. ATHLETES FOOT, GREEN HILLS - The Athletes Foot sponsors Rutherford Technology High School by donating $5 to the school for every pair of shoes purchased at any of their three stores at Green Hills, Charlestown and Glendale. When purchasing shoes at any of The Athletes Foot shops, please mention Rutherford Technology High School to ensure that your purchase is linked to the school. BING LEE – THORNTON - Bing Lee Thornton is continuing its schools program aimed at assisting local schools to acquire electrical appliances at no cost. Every dollar spent within the store can earn credits for the school if nominated by the customer at the point of sale. Rutherford Technology High School has signed up to be a part of this program so please keep this in mind if making a purchase at Bing Lee Thornton. All you need to do is to mention to the cashier that you are supporting this program and advise them the name of the school. Any member of the local community can donate their credit dollars to the school of their choice so please mention this to family and friends if they intend purchasing electrical items at the store.

Plan-it Youth Mentoring The 2013 Plan-it Youth program is well underway, with a small number of Year 10 students and their mentors meeting on a weekly basis every Wednesday morning. Plan-it Youth is a mentoring program for young people in Year 10 which has been running at RTHS for a number of years. The program aims to develop communication and problem solving skills and gives students a chance to work collaboratively with peers and adults. This is made possible by members of the community volunteering their time to mentor a student on a weekly basis. Throughout the program the students involved spend time developing goals and researching career information. To further assist our students with developing career options students and their mentors recently visited the Tighes Hill TAFE campus and this Wednesday visited Maitland TAFE. Rutherford High would like to thank the TAFE and both Rebecca Bryant and Claire Moore who work as TAFE team leaders for careers. They both generously gave up their time to work with our students to raise awareness of career pathways available through TAFE. Kris Turner Taylah Garland working with her Plan-it Youth Coordinator Mentor, Jan Davis

Healthy Schools Healthy Futures Surveys in Term 3 for Year 9 students The Healthy Schools Healthy Schools Program aims to help improve the health and wellbeing of young people through building their resilience. Resilience includes personal skills such as communication and cooperation, self-esteem, empathy, problem-solving, self-awareness, and setting appropriate goals and aspirations. Building student resilience may decrease the likelihood of students engaging in risky health behaviours such as cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. In 2013 we will be surveying students who are currently in Year 9. The survey asks questions about your Year 9 child’s resilience characteristics and their health risk behaviours, and their experiences of bullying and harassment. The Healthy Schools Healthy Futures data collection team will be at Rutherford Technology High School in Term 3 this year, on the 27th and 28th of August. If your child is in Year 9 and you have consented for your child to participate in the Healthy Schools Healthy Futures study, they will be asked to complete this online survey. Most parents provided consent in 2011, however students who have enrolled since 2011 will be asked to participate in the survey. If this is your situation, you will be sent an information pack from the Healthy Schools Healthy Futures Team that provides further information and a consent form. This consent form should be sent via the reply paid envelope to the research team, or can be returned to the school. The data collected is highly useful for identifying the resilience needs of the student cohort, and for planning appropriate strategies to be implemented within the classroom and whole school environment to support your child’s resilience and well-being. Your support of the Healthy Schools Healthy Futures Program and your child’s participation is very much appreciated.

CANTEEN ROSTER

UPDATED MENU AND PRICE LIST

20 May to 31 May 2013

20 May— K Cresswell 27 May— K Cresswell 21 May– 28 May— 22 May— G Garland 29 May—A Hudson/ S Tuff 23 May— 30 May—G Garland 24 May—S Clark 31 May—G Garland

If you have a few hours a week free and would like to volunteer for the canteen,

please contact Jenny on 49325 999

Woolworths Earn & Learn 2013Woolworths Earn & Learn 2013

The Woolworths Earn & Learn Program is running again in 2013.

It's simple to participate: from Monday 8th April, when you shop at Woolworths, collect points from the checkout operator and place them on point sheets. There'll be one point for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco, and gift cards). Once completed, place the point sheets in the collection box, either at the school or at your local Woolworths.

Woolworths is again partnering with Modern Teaching Aids – Australia's biggest supplier of resources for schools. Which means the school can choose the resources based on our school needs.

Students are asked to have mobile phones switched OFF during class time, and out of sight. Students phones will be confiscated by the teacher if found out during class time.

Parents are asked NOT to contact students on their mobile phone during school hours. In case of emergency, please contact the school directly on 4932 5999.

Students are asked to follow correct procedures if sick or needing to go home. They must notify class teacher / obtain note/ report to sick bay. The front office staff will phone caregiver. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO CONTACT THEIR PARENTS USING MOBILE PHONES

Students that need to leave early during the day need to bring a letter from a parent/caregiver and collect and early leavers pass before school or Recess from the Admin Office. Unscheduled collection of students can be disruptive to classes. Parents will be asked to wait until the end of a lesson for a student to be called to the Front Office.

The school does not accept nor take responsibility for the loss, damage or theft of any device at school or school associated event.

SKATEBOARDS &

SCOOTERS are NOT to be

brought to school, except on Thursdays

if doing Scootering for sport.

STUDENT COMMUNICATION MOBILE PHONE POLICY