Wee Waa High School Issue 15, October 27th , 2014

Contributions by Thursday prior to publication to: Email weewaa-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au ; Fax 02 6795 3005

http://www.weewaa-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

After a smooth start to Term 3 the pace of events at Wee Waa High School is accelerating. The HSC exams continue, with many of our Year 12 students having three exams this week. We con-tinue to wish them well and encourage them to maintain their studies for their last one or perhaps two exams. The teachers at Wee Waa High School are available for them if they need assistance and we encourage them to use this resource.

Last week our Year 11 students travelled to Narra-bri to attend RYDA – a drivers awareness course. All knowledge and skills gained can only help to assist them in their early years of driving and ease the worry for all of us.

On Friday, the TAS/Agriculture and Hospitality teachers of the school held a “Paddock to Plate” dinner as a fundraiser to provide resources for their subject areas. It was a great initiative to support our school to provide all the learning opportunities possible for our students. We thank all those who have supported this event.

Term 4 is exam and reporting time for students in Year 7 to 10 and we remind parent/carers that Stage 4 ( Years 7 and 8) exams are scheduled for 3rd to 5th November and Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) the following week from 10th to 14th November. Students should be revising and studying for these exams if they wish to achieve to their potential.

We continue to watch the sky for some welcome and worthwhile rain and hope that by the next newsletter we are complaining about the wind. Neil Schneider Principal

Wee Waa Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Meeting

13th November 2014 4.30pm

HACC - 48 Cowper St

RYDA 2014

Upcoming Events: Oct 31st - Multicultural Day Nov 15th - Year 12 Formal Nov 17th - Rotary Mock Interviews Nov 27th & 28th - Year 6 Transition Nov 27th - Year 6 Parent night 6.00pm Dec 10 - Presentation Night

Ag Roundup 24th October 2014 It continues to be a busy time on the Wee Waa High School Ag farm. Last weekend we had our oats crop baled by a generous community member. We managed to grow 287 square bales of oaten hay on a 3 acre paddock! Thanks to Mr Schneider, Matthew Gett, Ryan Oneill and the Lovelock boys Tristan and Angus for all your help and muscle carting the bales for us on a hot Sunday!

Our much anticipated fundraising event Paddock to Plate was held on Friday night. The event was a collaboration between the Agriculture , Hospitality and Industrial Technology staff and students. The school basketball court was transformed with the help of the creative insight of Mrs Nichole Doring. I had much assistance from Nic, Tracey Mortimer, John, Ryan and Jacob Oneill and the students of Wee Waa High School on Friday bringing Nicholes vision to fruition. It was a long hot couple of days getting ready- not to mention the weeks of prep work done prior, but it was certainly well and truly worthwhile with the result being an absolutely spectacular venue and event!

A huge thank you to all our sponsors- Lower Namoi Cotton Growers Association donated $1000 to the event being the major sponsors. Thank you for your support! Other sponsors included Auscott, CSD, Bill Humphries Transport, Cotton Australia, Agies Rural Retail and Peel Valley Machinery.

Thanks also to the many businesses who donated items to the auction. Auctioneer David Mortimer did a tremendous job , entertaining the crowd with the auction totaling over $1800 alone. Sponsorship enabled the event to be profitable, with total funds raised from the event, whilst not completely tallied at the time of writing, more than exceeding our expectations. Funds will be allocated between the collaborating departments to provide opportunities for the students in the subject areas of Agriculture, Hospitality and Industrial Techonology. I know from the Agriculture perspective, funds will be most gratefully used to update our garden equipment so we can increase production of vegetables that we can sell to the local produce store, as well as subsidise future field trips to open up opportunities for ag students to experience agriculture.

The event was attended by over 60 community members, with people travelling from Narrabri, Sydney and Brisbane for the event. Every one attending was in awe of the venue, and really didn’t believe it was the Wee Waa High School Basketball court! . The crowd were entertained with live music played by Steve Druce, our talented industrial technology teacher. Steve was fabulous with people dancing into the early hours of Saturday! Our MC for the evening was Jacob O’Neill, former student and brother of Ryan, the 2014 school captain. Jacob did a tremendous job and will certainly be on the mike should there be a repeat event!

The amazing menu was prepared by Josh O’Shea, with the assistance of hospitality students Tayla and Abbie Downes and Tegan Conomos. Leisa O ‘Shea and Nichole Doring worked hard all night in the kitchen. The waiters on the night- Agriculture students -Kyann Dickinson, Sharna Smith, Rhys Mortimer, Tyson Gilmore, Lachlan Fogarty, Montana Jones, Auley O’shea, Emily Shearin, Caitlyn Galagher, Anabelle Russell, Maddison Galagher and Maddie Lee Dewson did an outstanding job and many comments were made of how polite, and well presented the students of Wee Waa high School were! Great job!

Paddock to Plate was beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined and I must thank Josh and Leisa O’Shea, Nichole Doring ,and Tracey Mortimer, John, Cindy, Jacob and Ryan ONeill , Matthew Gett and Stephen Druce for their support, hard work and effort in supporting the idea and putting in so much work to make the event such an enormous success. Also, thanks to the awesome students who did such a tremendous job. And thank you to Mr Schneider for letting me have a go! I am one very proud Ag teacher! Well done team! Verity Gett

A Place Where Students Grow & Learn

Wee Waa High School is proud to launch Grow & Learn a flexible learning program. There is a garden plot that has been created at the school for the purpose of growing sustainable foods for harvest. The students will be planning their planting, tending to the vegetables and fruit, learning about fertilising and harvesting the produce. The program utilises the Wee Waa Community Trade Training Centre/Hospitality Suite to host guest chefs from the community who will assist in teaching our students the finer skills of cooking by; planning menus and determining food costs, utilising kitchen supplies and equipment, learning techniques to cook and cooking procedures, including freezing and preserving foods. The program runs twice a week. The whole program is aimed at improving engagement, Literacy and Numeracy skills.

From left George Reid, N’Kayla Gaydon, Thomas Russell, Back Row from right Cheyenne Flor, Dominic Jones and Team Leader Robert Nicholls.

The garden plot starts to take shape… Sponsored by Namoi Logistics, Mc Innes Clothing, IGA, Wee Waa Anglican Church, Miranda Nursery , Timber Home & Hardware and Schwager & Sons Sand & Gravel THANK YOU.

Monday 27th October 2014

Stage 4 and 5 examS

The stage 4 Exams start on Monday 3rd to 7th November, and the stage 5 exams will be from the 10th to 14th November. We ask that all students ensure that they bring the right equipment for the Exam because we have limit resources in our room. We have a limited number of calculators, so students need to let us know beforehand if they need one.

elderS morning tea

On the 5th November 2014 we will be hosting a morning tea for our local elders to show them the completed mural and Totem pole which have been created by local Aboriginal artists Mr Cliff Toomey and Darrel Ferguson. We are very excited about our new art and cannot wait to display it for everyone to see. Invitations have been sent out and I can pick up anyone who would like a lift, in the school’s bus. If any Elders require transportation please contact me, Helen Wenner, at 0455 060 177.

opening the Community room

Planning is under way for the unveiling ceremony of our new community room. We have a mural, which will be placed on the outside wall of the Binaalbaa room and a totem pole which will be displayed outside in our garden. Once a date has been set we will let everyone know through our newsletter.

Aboriginal Education Officer: Helen Wenner Murri Mobile: 0455 060 177

a.g.m for aeCg

Congratulation to Naomi Nean who was elected Treasurer, Sharon Farrell was elected Secretary, while I have been elected as President in the last AECG meeting that was held in the ‘Binaalbaa’ Room, on Thursday 16th November. I would like to thank everyone who attended the meeting and for your dedication to our students’ learning. Meetings will be held regularly throughout the rest of this year and in the New Year, with Naomi, Sharon and I in regular contact to ensure this takes place. Meeting dates will be advised through e-mail and in our newsletter.

firSt aboriginal eduCation meeting

On Tuesday 21st October we held the first meeting for our Aboriginal Education committee which consists of Mrs Pam Myers Acting DP), Mrs Kim Burgess (Head Teacher English), Shirley Schwager (Aboriginal Community Links Best Employment), Kate Battistuzzi ( school Chaplin), Miss Naomi Nean (AEW), Robyn Booby ( In-class tutor), and myself Helen Wenner( AEO). The committee will be focused on promoting practical ideas for Aboriginal education that will benefit our students. We will be developing strategies and programs that will enhance the learning of our students. Meetings will be held the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

breakfaSt Club

Our regular breakfast club began again on Friday 17th October. It was our first whole school breakfast. The children enjoyed scrambled eggs and toast and it was great to see so many kids taking advantage of the event. Thank you to those who provided assistance for the morning it is very much appreciated.

The “BINAALBAA” Community Room being enjoyed by some of our students.

Wee Waa Aboriginal Education Consultative Group

President – Helen Wenner Vice President – Clifford Toomey

Secretary – Sharon Farrell Treasurer- Naomi Nean

24th October 2014

Notice of General Meeting I herby give 3 weeks notice for the General Meeting of the Wee Waa Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to be held at the HACC (Home and Community Care) 48 Cowper Street on 13th of November 2014 at 4.30pm. The agenda will be available at the meeting. If you are unable to attend please call Sharon Farrell on 0415508296

Reminder: When: 13th November 2014 Where: HACC (Home and Community Care) 48 Cowper Street Time: 4.30pm Yours Sincerely, Sharon Farrell Secretary Wee Waa Aboriginal Education Consultative Group

Day for Daniel

Wee Waa High School held a Day for Daniel on 23rd October. Students and Staff wore red in support of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation

The foundation was established by parents Denise and Bruce Morcombe in 2005 after their son Daniel went missing whilst waiting for a bus in 2003. The reason for the colour red is that the day Daniel went missing he was wearing a red shirt.

The foundation was established as a lasting legacy to Daniel and has two main aims: To educate children on how to stay safe in the physical and online environments and to support young victims of crime.

The Canteen was turned Red for the day with flags and balloons. We had hot dogs, jelly cups and chocolate mousse for sale and Gayle Tyrner made red cookies. Staff and Students also brought merchandise i.e. pens, wristbands and badges to support this great cause.

The aim of the day is to educate the students of Wee Waa High School about how to recognise signs of danger, react to staying safe and let someone know if you feel unsafe. Report bullying, both physical and online.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation also has an app for your phone called, “Help Me”. More information on the app can be found at www.danielmorcombe.com.au/app

From the English Department

Our Year Twelve students have finished writing their HSC English exam and their impressions of the experience range from confident to relief that it is over. The staff of the English Faculty would like to wish them all the best in their efforts.

This term marks a new beginning for our Year Eleven students who are moving up to Year Twelve and their final year of the HSC. The new Area of study, “Discovery” is being implemented and students have begun studies into their first texts. For both Advanced and Standard students, there is the requirement to source related texts to go along with their prescribed text.

The best way for students to decide which related texts they like is for them to engage in a wide variety of both written and visual texts. Below are three websites that list a large number of appropriate texts from which students may choose:

http://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/Library/Services/HSC_Students/Discovery_Related_Texts

http://www.hscdiscovery.com.au/#!discovery-2015/cpcn

http://www.insidebreak.org.au/english-area-of-study/discovery/

A great way to help your HSC student engage in their texts is to share the experience. Read the book and discuss it with them or sit down and watch a movie together.

Students are reminded that they must have their related text checked out by their teacher to ensure that it is appropriate and rich in content for the HSC.

Stage 5

Our Stage five students are working on a non-fiction unit. The specific study is biographies. The students have chosen from a wide range of biographies of famous people. They have enjoyed choosing their own book and all are actively engaged in reading and completing the tasks. Two popular biographies that you may want to read yourself are:

I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

The Happiest Refugee by Anh Do

Stage 4

Stage 4 students are working on a unit on poetry. Each one is discovering their “inner poet” and they didn’t even know it!

QuickSmart Numeracy Graduation Morning Tea

On Oct 7th, 7 Year 7 students were invited to the Graduation Morning tea for QuickSmart. QuickSmart is a numeracy program designed to help students with their ability to recall basic number facts. In three, half hour sessions per week, students are tutored using speed sheets, number facts and games to improve their speed and recall of number facts. The program is funded by WWHS to assist students to quickly improve these skills. Tutors in 2014 have been Mrs O’Neill and Mrs Morrison and we would like to thank them very much for their dedication and time given to the students.

Students received their graduation certificates from Mr Schneider and students also received an envelope of their years’ work. To finalise the program students are assessed using a variety of means and this, along with attendance data, is sent to the UNE for analysis.

Mr Neil Schneider, Jarrod Tompkins, Katie Hooke, Lilly Sills, Mrs Cindy O’Neill, Mrs Kate Morrison, N’Kayla Gaydon, Thomas Russell & Lachlan Trindall

Useful Study Tips from the Mathematics Faculty

Exams are fast approaching for students in Years 7- 10. Here are some handy hints, study tips and exam tips that all students can adopt to help them improve their overall level of achievement and mathematical understanding.

All students should be starting to revise their work in preparation for the upcoming yearly examinations. Students should also ensure they bring the correct equipment to their mathematics examinations. This should include a scientific calculator, ruler, pens and geometrical instruments such as a protractor and compass. We wish all students success in their upcoming examinations.

CAREERS NEWS ENTRY TO THE POLICE FORCE FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENT

IPROWD - TRAIN TO JOIN THE POLICE FORCE

This is a program for Aboriginal students. The training will take place in Tamworth and Dubbo and is an 18 week course to prepare students for the Police Academy. SELECTION CRITERIA Aboriginal and/or TSI and be accepted by your community(you may be asked to provide confirmation). • Be committed to joining the NSW Police Force. • Be prepared to become medically and physically fit and willing to undertake assessment for both. • Minimum 18 years of age. • Demonstrate effective reading and writing skills at interview and appropriate literacy skills. • Have no serious prior criminal history or serious driving offences. • Have a current drivers licence (minimum red Ps). • Be prepared to travel to attend IPROWD Training or temporarily relocate for the period of the course. • Be committed to meet the IPROWD Student Code of Conduct. EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST • Call the IPROWD team on1300 830 177 or email iprowd@tafe.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions Go to www.iprowd.tafensw.edu.au for an application form . Applications close on the 21st November 2015

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT - $30,000 SCHOLARSHIP Covering tuition fees and/or accommodation . Visit http://www.icms.edu.au/scholarship-type/new-domestic-students. ICMS has partnered with the NSW Rugby League to offer a unique industry sponsored professional scholarship valued at over $30,000 for a student starting at ICMS in February 2015. Professional Scholarship program rewards high-performing and community-orientated students. With numerous partner institutions offering practical as well as financial incentives. To apply and to find more

information http://www.icms.edu.au/scholarships/ or contact Rebecca Wise on (02) 94661030. Applications close 28 November 2014

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WORK EXPERIENCE IN FASHION?

Fashionmasters in Sydney have a brand new “experience fashion” high school work experience program where aspiring young creatives can be exposed to the study of fashion on a day-to-day basis as if they are working in a design studio or fashion business.

For enquiries, Telephone: +61 2 9299 1400 Facsimile: +61 2 9299 0211 Email: NZeman@Holmes.edu.au Website: www.fashionmasters.com.au

VARIOUS TRAINEE POSITIONS FIELD OFFICERS

The trainee field officer assists with maintaining NSW national parks and reserves, including the construction and maintenance of visitor facilities and park infrastructure. We are looking for people who:

Enjoy working outdoors undertaking manual work Are willing and able to participate in fire fighting activities Are highly motivated and willing to learn Have good communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team. What is our Traineeship Program?

Our Traineeship Program is a two year full-time program that combines paid work and structured training, allowing you to gain experience in the field officer role and receive a nationally accredited qualification. To apply, go to the following sites on www.jobs.nsw.gov.au

OEH 309-14 Trainee Field Officer, various locations – closing date 24/9/14 OEH 310-14 Aboriginal Trainee Field Officer, various locations – closing date 3/10/14 OEH 311-14 Aboriginal Trainee Field officer, Bowraville – closing date 3/10/14 OEH 312-14 Aboriginal Trainee Field officer, Kempsey – closing date 3/10/14 OEH 313-14 Aboriginal Trainee Field officer, Dubbo – closing date 3/10/14 Please note these links may not work from a smart phone or tablet. In these situations you should go to www.jobs.nsw.gov.au and undertake a quick search using the keywords: “Trainee field officer”.

ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS Opportunities in the Sydney Metropolitan and surrounding areas NECA Group Training is a major

employer of electrical apprentices in NSW and they are looking to employ over 100 Electrical Apprentices to start between November 2014 to January 2015. The opportunities are with Electrical Contracting and Communication companies in the Sydney Metropolitan and surrounding areas. An assessment test will be conducted to assess English, Math and Science Skills. NECA Group Training are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply. To apply, head to http://www.necagt.com.au/ → Apprentices → Employment with NECA Group Training. Phone: (02) 9744 2754: Attn Donna/Amy Email: mailto:apprentice@necagt.com.au

CAREER COMPETITION – CLOSES 31 OCTOBER 2014 With Neil Perry featuring videos of talented professionals, links to career information and training, as well as a competition to win prizes that will give young people a taste of the hospitality industry.. For more information visit http://www.facebook.com.au/levelupcareers/

DEFENCE FORCE CAREERS

The army is now recruiting got these Priority jobs including Artilleryman, Artillery Air Defender, Cavalryman, Artillery Command Systems Operator, Surveillance Aircraft Operator, Communication Systems Operator, Electronic Warfare Operator, Aircraft Structural Fitter, Technician Electronics Systems, Unit Quartermaster (Female). For further information go to http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs

Cavalryman - As a Cavalryman you will be given the opportunity to work in one of the fastest and most advanced armoured vehicles in the world. This is an incredibly dynamic, exciting and rewarding role within the Armoured Corps.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/Cavalryman/

Artilleryman - Looking for a job you won’t need that morning caffeine hit for? As an Artilleryman you’ll learn how to assemble and fire state-of-the-art weaponry and be part of a tight team providing the Army with highly accurate and vital fire support.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/Artilleryman/

If any of your students wish to apply for an above role – head to www.defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01. More information on the application process can be found here: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/howToJoin/default.aspx Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Aboriginal HSC Scholarship Program Scholarships for Aboriginal Students We are offering scholarships for Aboriginal students studying year 11 or 12 at high school or TAFE. If you’re interested in a job in Transport for NSW or an operating agency, why not apply for a scholarship worth up to $5000? You can use the money to buy educational tools and services such as a new computer, text books or tutoring. A scholarship could help you get the results you need to go to uni when you finish school. Are you a NSW high school or TAFE student?Studying year 11 or 12 next year? Doing mathematics (not general maths) and / or advanced english subjects as part of your study? Interested in a job in Transport for NSW or an operating agency? You can apply for a scholarship now. Applications close 30 September. For more information email Aboriginal.Jobs@rms.nsw.gov.au or Kylie.Stewart@rms.nsw.gov.au

TOCAL OPEN DAYS – Paterson NSW

Tocal offers practical courses in agriculture and horse husbandry Visit on the 3rd November starting at 10am. For further information and lunch bookings, phone 1800 025520

VANTAGE AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Have a look at the various dealerships offering apprenticeships at www.vantageautomotive.com under the “Apply Now” area. You will need to complete an application form online and attach a cover letter and current Resume as well as an online assessment. If accepted, you will be flown to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for training.

RAS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS for 2015 ACADEMIC YEAR NOW OPEN CALLING FOR RURAL APPLICANTS STUDYING IN ANY AREA

Since 2011, the RAS Foundation has provided over 180 students with $921,500 worth of financial support to fulfill their educational goals. The helping hand given to these students assists them to achieve their potential, and provide regional and rural NSW with a more vibrant and sustainable future.

Rural Scholarships are now open for 2015. For more information visit:

http://www.rasnsw.com.au/rural-scholarships-.htm

Rural Scholarships (NSW only) Up to 45 scholarships - $5000 http://www.rasnsw.com.au/rural-scholarships-.htm JB Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism (National) 1 only - $10,000 http://www.rasnsw.com.au/830.htm

Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship (National) 1 only – $5000 http://www.rasnsw.com.au/sydney-royal-wine-scholarship.htm Sydney Royal Dairy Produce Scholarship (NSW only) – 1 only -$5000 http://www.rasnsw.com.au/sydney-royal-dairy-produce-scholarship.htm Applications are open from July to September. Late applications will not be accepted. MRS L WIDAUER