_______________________________________________________________________________

Principal Deputy Principals Collegiate Deputy Principal

Karen Smith David Macleod-Jones & Stan Pianko Larry McGowan

AUGUST 2012

August 22 Yr12 Physics Excursion-ANSTO

August 22 Yr11Road Youth Trauma Forum

August 30 SRC Willandra Village Visit

August 31 Yr11/12 Trade School Students-

Richmond RAAF Base

SEPTEMBER 2012

September 3 Support Incursion First Aid

September 10-21 Yr11 Final Exams

September 18 Support Ten Pin Bowling

September 20 Yr12 Graduation

September 21 End Term 3

OCTOBER 2012

October 8 Start Term 4

FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL

Term 3 Focus – Consolidation and Conclusion – As you would be

aware, Term 3 is the time that we at Wyndham have several conclusions.

It marks the final stages of the Preliminary HSC for Year 11 who then,

during Term 4 begin their study of the HSC curriculum itself. We actually

have Year 11 go through transition and “sign out” procedures early Term 4

as they progress to the final stage of their secondary education.

For Year 12, this is the term where they complete all course work and

assessment tasks in readiness for us to submit the detailed information to

the Board of Studies as required. Also during this term, those subjects

which have a practical element are marked – many of them such as Music,

Drama, Dance, IT – here on site by Board of Studies HSC marking teams,

and some of them centrally, at the marking centre (such as Visual Arts and

Textiles).

We celebrate the successful conclusion of Year 12 at their graduation

ceremony (this year on Thursday September 20). Year 12 then undertake

their HSC exams during Term 4.

Library Agreement – I am pleased to report that we have signed an

agreement with the Nirimba Education Precinct TAFE/UWS library that

enables our students to not only use the library for research but to have

borrowing rights. This gives a significant advantage to our students as the

library has a wonderful collection which complements our own

Wyndham/Terra Sancta library resource.

Students interested in accessing his facility should see Tony Csordas, our

own librarian to complete the necessary documentation.

WYNDHAM WHISPERS

WYNDHAM COLLEGE

A partner within the Nirimba Collegiate Group of Schools

and the Nirimba Education Precinct

Nirimba Education Precinct, Eastern Road, Quakers Hill

Phone: 9208 7100 Fax: 9208 7199

Volume 14 Issue 5

August 2012

FRIENDS OF

WYNDHAM

COLLEGE

(P & C)

Forum

All Parents

Invited

Tuesday

21 August

7PM

Administration

Block

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 2

UWS – Student Success and Recognition Ceremony - On 21 June, there was a recognition and awards

presentation for successful 2011/2012 students. The event was held in the UWSCollege lecture theatre

for the first time due to the large numbers (over 100 people present), and was a splendid celebration

hosted by the University and UWSCollege. 16 students graduated, 10 from Wyndham and 6 from Terra

Sancta. Amongst the group there was 4 High Distinctions, 6 Distinctions, and 6 Credits. Outstanding

results.

Congratulations – I am again able to report success with our students studying with UWSCollege.

Ashley Kumar achieved outstanding results at UWSCollege last semester. Ashley has studied

Marketing Principles, a university level subject, in conjunction with her HSC commitments and has

earned a distinction. This fantastic mark has not only earned her a $500 study grant but also a priority

offer and $20,000 scholarship if she chooses to study at the University of Western Sydney in 2013.

Congratulations Ashley and good luck for what the Wyndham College community is sure will be a

bright and successful future.

On the Sporting Front – Congratulations to our open rugby league team who recently played Dubbo

Secondary College. Although we did not win, our team played well. Well done to all involved for

showing such good sportsmanship.

Attendance – Student attendance at school is important and it is a legal requirement for students who

are of compulsory school age. The Education Act 1990 – Section 21B(3) states that:

“A child who completes Year 10 of secondary education but who is below the age of 17 years is

of compulsory school age unless the child participates on a full time basis in:

(a) Approved education or training, or

(b) If the child is of or above the age of 15 years – paid work or a combination of approved

education or training and paid work.”

We have a small number of students who regularly miss school. We now have two head teachers

monitoring attendance. Beth O’Connor will be monitoring year 11 and Chandrika Prasad will monitor

Year 12. If you know your son/daughter will be absent please contact the college.

Attendance is important to ensure students follow the course as delivered by the school. The session

lengths mean that if a student is absent one day, they have missed at least 2 hours in the courses they are

studying.

Taster Lessons - Recently we had taster lessons for Year 10 from our feeder schools. They were

extremely successful and I thank all the staff involved from all campuses and to the students who were

actively involved in the day.

E-news – Wyndham Whispers will now be emailed home, placed on the website and facebook. Spare

paper copies will be available in the Admin office only.

Finally – As the cold weather diminishes (hopefully) I would ask that we pay some attention again to

uniform. It appears to me that a small number of students have fallen into bad habits. I ask that all

students ensure that they are in uniform each day and that in the rare event where there is a mishap and

it is not possible to be in full uniform, that a note from home be provided. Finance should never be an

excuse as we have a Student Assistance Scheme which can be accessed via the office and is

confidential.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Karen Smith – College Principal

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 3

FROM THE YEAR 11 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Internet Safety

Wyndham College has developed a Social Media Policy. The overview from this policy states:

“Social media through the internet provides excellent opportunities for professional networking, ideas

and resource exchange and collaboration amongst students.

However its use without consideration or adequate supervision may cause problems that may breach

privacy, copyright or lead to cyber bullying.

Information or images published should be considered permanently published. It is almost impossible to

remove information once is has been posted/published, even when it seems to have been taken down.”

More and more parents are concerned about the exposure of the internet upon their children. Facebook

is one avenue of social networking favoured by teens that can be managed through effective use of the

resources they provide. It is always important that you regularly speak to your child about online safety.

If suspicious activity occurs, or you have concerns, the following links may prove helpful:

Facebook Help: http://wwwFacebook.com/help/?page=1020

Harassed on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=1020

Report a Compromised Account: http://www.facebook.com/hacked/

Report Abuse Without a Facebook Account:

http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=report_tos_violation

Removal of Child Abuse Material:

http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?showform=report_photo

Terms of Facebook: http://wwwFacebook.com/terms.php

Cyber Safety Button:

http://www.dbcde.gov.au/online_safety_and_security/cybersafetyhelpbutton_download/questions_and

_answers#1

David Macleod-Jones – Deputy Principal

FROM THE YEAR 12 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

At this time of year it is traditional for the Year 12 deputy principal to give students all kind of advice

about how to prepare for the Higher School Certificate, advice that in many cases has already been

given by dedicated teachers. Since the Trial exams I have met with a number of concerned students

about their Higher School Certificate. After the Trials, it is not unusual for students to question their

preparedness to sit for a set of important exams that are only weeks away.

At the last school assembly, Thursday 9th

August, I spoke to students about a young courageous woman

Olympic athlete from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the lessons students, particularly Year 12,

could take from her example.

The young woman’s name is Sarah Attar. She ran in one of the 800m heats in an outfit reflecting the

Muslim tradition. Sarah came last by twenty four seconds. I have no doubt that before entering the

competition she would have known what the final outcome would be, nevertheless she entered and,

more importantly, completed the race where some other competitors withdrew mid-way through the

heat.

Sarah’s reward was a standing ovation form a crowd of spectators 80 000 strong. No medal of any

colour for her. I don’t know who the final gold medal winner was, however because of her courage to

compete, her determination to finish the race and maintaining her conviction to her faith Sarah won the

respect and admiration of the crowd in the stadium and many, many other people around the world. Her

experience will always remain with her.

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 4

Like Sarah’s Olympic effort, preparing for the Higher School Certificate requires students to have the

courage to sit for the exams, the determination to prepare well and complete the course requirements,

and maintain the conviction that what one is doing is worthwhile. Sitting for the Higher School

Certificate is a one off lifetime event, unlike the Olympics where athletes, if they are good enough, can

enter as many times as they qualify.

Records come and go but the Higher School Certificate, like the experience of competing, once attained

stays with you for a lifetime. It can’t be taken away. This academic credential says something

important to others about its owner. The Higher School Certificate has often been identified as an

important Rite of Passage from adolescence to adulthood just like eighteenth and twenty-first birthdays

are. It says that the person has achieved the necessary academic course requirements, can commit to

doing a difficult task, is disciplined and is determined enough to achieve important goals.

To Year 12 may I say that it is important where you are placed in a course as it is in any race, but if it is

last place and that is the best you can do, you have achieved something very worthwhile. Having the

Higher School Certificate opens up many more workplace opportunities for you compared to someone

who hasn’t one. Extra shifts and McDonalds will come and go, most friends and relationships will

come and go but your Higher School Certificate stays with you, and it can’t be taken away. The time

and effort is worthwhile. Finish the race!

Stan Pianko – Deputy Principal

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

Last week at the National Swimming Championships held at Homebush, Jacob Hansford of Yr 11

achieved some outstanding results in Swimming, winning 4 Gold Medals in 200m Butterfly, 200m

Freestyle, 400m Freestyle and the Relay and 2 Silver Medals in Relays.

He also broke the 200m Butterfly record.

Congratulations Jacob!

GONSKI COULD BE GREAT FOR OUR SCHOOL

Have you heard about the findings of the Gonski Review? Well, potentially it is very good news for our

school and our students.

Headed by senior businessman David Gonski, the review was the most comprehensive national

investigation of school funding in almost 40 years. It found not only was the current funding system

broken but Australia is investing far too little in schools.

The lack of funding is having significant consequences for students with widening gaps between what

students achieve in disadvantaged areas compared to those in wealthy areas.

Gonski said a major funding increase for public schools and (some private schools) is urgently required

to ensure a high quality education for all.

That increase translates to an average of $1,500 per student extra per year in public schools. If we were

to receive that amount, it would mean an additional $1,275,000 in our budget.

For our school, additional money would be spent in the areas we know make a real difference for

students such as smaller class sizes, more individual assistance for students with particular needs and

additional staff.

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 5

The problem is that, despite the positive response from all education sectors to the report, there has been

no commitment by either the Federal Government or the Opposition in Canberra to the new system or

the additional funding.

The Australian Education Union, which represents teachers and principals, is running a national

campaign to get a commitment to the funding and new laws passed based on the Gonski

recommendations before the end of 2012.

If you would like to see additional resources flowing to our school, you can register your support at the

Australian Education Union’s campaign website www.igiveagonski.com.au.

Alternatively, if you would like to contact our Federal MP for Chifley, Ed Husic, directly you can do so

at 9625 4344.

You can also find out more about the Gonski Review at the Federal Government’s website:

http://www.schoolfunding.gov.au/

SRC Reports

Rising Generations (Paul Mills)

As a returning delegate to the National Leadership Camp, I experienced yet another four days of

empowerment, refreshing the same feelings that I attained last year. Being able to spend four days with

over two hundred like-minded people continued my astonishment concerning what we, as the young

people of Australia have to offer for our nation’s bright future.

This experience, although different than last year has been a life changing in the impact it has had on my

life. This is a camp that I would truly encourage any person, anywhere in the world to attend. It is truly

the most life changing four days anyone could have.

I have been truly honoured to have been chosen as a returning delegate for 2012.

Women’s Leadership Seminar

On the 3rd

of August, we represented our school at Parliament House in Sydney for the Women’s

Leadership Campaign. The day consisted of various women politicians who told their stories and

encouraged the rise of leadership for women. The event was held for Year 11 girls who aspire to be

leaders in modern society. We were given a tour of Parliament House, where we were privileged to sit in

the chambers and experience a political history. The day concluded with question time where we were

given the opportunity to ask questions to two female members of Parliament. We are thankful to the

school for this experience and encourage others to participate in the coming years.

Emily Hawkins and Jasmine Camilleri

Support Excursion to Sydney Airport

The students and staff embarked on a flying excursion to Sydney Airport. We were taken on a guided

tour of the Qantas A380 airbus.

Some students boarded an aeroplane for the first time in their lives. We walked around the plane and

stood next to the giant landing gear and the tyres dwarfed us. We also stood under their enormous

engines that keep the plane so safely up in the sky for such long periods of time.

Thereafter we boarded the plane and enjoyed the comforts of the first class section (minus the food and

drinks of course). The cost of flying first class – an arm and a leg. The students then entered the cockpit

of the plane which is usually only allowed to dignitaries – which we were. The cockpit was lit up with

dials, buttons, switches and a million other electronic gadgets that make the Sydney News Year’s Eve

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 6

fireworks display look quite ordinary. Some students had to be dragged out of the cockpit by Qantas

Security because the plane had to fly out later that evening.

We then refuelled (pardon the term) at McDonalds, went on a flying visit to La Perouse beach and then

headed back and landed at Wyndham College in our own mini airbus.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Students studying Work and Community Life Skills are required to participate in our Work Experience

Program. This year our students are attending sites for 10 days in Term 2 together with a further

placement in Term 4.

We would like to acknowledge the following businesses who have very generously hosted our students

and encourage the school community to actively support these businesses who support and encourage

our students so brilliantly. COLES, Stanhope Gardens

FRANKLINS, Blacktown

HARDWARE & GENERAL, Marayong

STEVE’S AUTO, Blacktown

ENDEAVOUR INDUSTRIES, Castle Hill

BLUE WAIL, Blaxland

PISANI BROTHERS, Blacktown

PAT AND MICKS, Blacktown

TERRA SANCTA LIBRARY, Schofields

UWS CONNECT, Quakers Hill

EAGLE BOYS PIZZA, Quakers Hill

BUNNINGS, McGraths Hill

MICHAEL GREENWAY, Terra Sancta, Quakers Hill

WYNDHAM COLLEGE, Quakers Hill

K-MART, Stanhope Gardens

GENESIS FITNESS, Blacktown

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 7

FRIENDS OF WYNDHAM COLLEGE would like to thank the following businesses for donating to

the Trivia and Bingo Night. Your support is very much appreciated.

Aldi Quakers Hill

Aspire Hair & Beauty

Australian Museum

Australian Reptile Park

Australia’s Funniest Home Videos

Blacktown RSL

Bunnings Norwest

Captain Cook Cruises

Charcoal Chicken Quakers Hill

Country Fresh Meats Quakers Hill

Featherdale Wildlife Park

GWS Giants

Historic Houses Trust

Hoyts Blacktown

Koala Park Sanctuary

Margret Ayshford’s Bridal Veils

Nepean Belle Paddle Wheeler

Nunzio’s Pizza & Pasta

Powerhouse Museum

Quakers Hill Cellars

Seafood Wizard

Step into life

Sydney Ice Arena

Sydney Observatory

The Cheesecake Shop Quakers Hill

The Good Guys Prospect

FREE PLANTS FOR COLLEGE

Once again, a big thank you to all families and staff who kindly donated their Blacktown City

Council free allocation of 2 plants to the school. We had a very good response and the

Council have already delivered our allocation which totalled 80 plants. This is fantastic and

will go a long way to further beautifying our school.

UNIFORM NEWS

New shirts with embroidered school logo are now available from the Uniform shop.

COST: $27.00 (boys & girls). This price is effective as of 1st May 2012.

FREE -MATHS TUITION

All students are invited to join the free Maths tuition that is held in C4 every Tuesday afternoon

from 3pm to 4pm. Be there

FREE -CHEMISTRY TUTORIALS

Every Tuesday at 3pm – 4pm in B01

FREE -PHYSICS TUTORIALS

Every Monday at 3pm – 4pm in B01

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 8

FREE- YOUTH DRIVING SEMINAR - 3rd

& 4th

October 2012

Seminar 1 Wednesday 3rd

October 2012, 6pm

Castle Grand Community Centre

Cnr Pennant & Castle Sts, Castle Hill

RSVP Online: www.youthdrivingseminar1.eventbrite.com.au

Seminar 2 Thursday 4th

October 2012, 6pm

Vinegar Hill Community Centre

29 Main St, Rouse Hill Town Centre

RSVP Online: www.youthdrivingseminar2.eventbrite.com.au

Places are limited

6pm- Young Drivers –What’s the issue?

(Surviving Driving) Julieanna Bridges.

6.30pm-Motor Vehicles –Purchase & Repairs (NSW Dept Fair

Trading).

7pm –Break

7.15pm- Buying a Car & Managing Your Money (NSW Dept

Fair Trading).

7.45pm- Presentation by Paramedics (First Response).

8.30pm-Finish

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 9

6 Prince Street BLACKTOWN NSW 2148

Telephone: (02) 9831 2070 Fax: (02) 9831 2344

Email: bwghc@bigpond.com.au

BWGHC Inc. is an organisation that encourages women and girls to come and

experience the wide range of classes and workshops available to you. These include;

Women’s health

Naturopathy

Podiatry

Counselling

Legal advice

Lesbian support

Support groups

Information workshops

Leisure groups

Referral and information

With any enquiries into detail of services we provide, please do not hesitate

to contact us or even drop into our centre!

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 10

Groups being held by Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre (BWGHC)

which can be attended by students are:

Groups being held which can be attended by Parents/Adults are:

Monday

SSSSAAWW –– YYoouunngg WWoommeenn

1166--2200yyeeaarrss This is a small group where girls who are Same Sex Attracted can discuss important life issues that relate to sexuality in a safe, facilitated environment. Plus a free SUPPER!

6:00-8:00pm First Monday of the month

Wednesday

BB..LL..II..SS..SS

LLeessbbiiaann SSoocciiaall GGrroouupp SSeeccoonndd aanndd

ffoouurrtthh WWeeddnneessddaayy eevveenniinnggss

66ppmm--88ppmm

FFRREEEE!!

Thursday

ZZuummbbaa Sharon will be back to lead us through Zumba! Great way to get moving and have fun!

4:30pm-5:30pm $5

Monday

CCrraafftt MMoorrnniinngg ““OOnnee HHiitt

WWoonnddeerrss”” CCoommee aalloonngg aanndd

ddoo aa nneeww ccrraafftt

eeaacchh wweeeekk

1100::3300--1122 nnoooonn

$$55

YYooggaa Beginners yoga, learn to relax and stretch. Balance your life and learn the elements of calm

1pm-2pm $5

Tuesday

MMeeddiittaattiioonn 9:30-10:30AM

$5

CChhiillddhhoooodd

OObbeessiittyy UUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg aanndd

ssuuppppoorrtt ttoo hheellpp

cchhiillddrreenn tthhrroouugghh

tthhiiss eemmeerrggiinngg

pprroobblleemm 3311sstt JJuullyy--2211sstt

AAuugguusstt

1111aamm--1122::3300ppmm $$2200 wwhhoollee

pprrooggrraamm

CCrryyssttaall

AAddvveennttuurreess CCrryyssttaall hheeaalliinngg

uunnddeerrssttaannddiinngg

CChhaakkaarraa 3311sstt JJuullyy--2211sstt AAuugguusstt

11::3300--22::3300ppmm

$$55

Wednesday

TTAAFFEE CCoommppuutteerr

CCoouurrssee

1177 wweeeekk

pprrooggrraamm INTRODUCTION

TO COMPUTERS

Certificate Course (Bookings

Essential limited numbers)

9:30-12:30PM

FREE!

WWaallkkiinngg GGrroouupp

GGrroouupp ssiizzee lliimmiitteedd

pplleeaassee bbooookk!! 9:30am-10:30am

BB..LL..II..SS..SS

LLeessbbiiaann SSoocciiaall

GGrroouupp SSeeccoonndd aanndd

ffoouurrtthh WWeeddnneessddaayy

eevveenniinnggss

66ppmm--88ppmm

FFRREEEE!!

Thursday

DDoommeessttiicc

VViioolleennccee Support group,

understanding,

information, a cup of coffee/tea and a

friendly face 11:00am-12:30pm

FREE!

YYooggaa Beginners yoga,

learn to relax and stretch. Balance

your life and learn

the elements of calm 1:00pm-2:00pm

$5

ZZuummbbaa Sharon will be back to lead us through Zumba 4:30pm-5:30pm

$5

Friday

Stop Weighting Support yourself to manage your weight. With Alison and Glenys. Bookings essential.

9:30am-11am $50 for the full

program

Art Express Learn fun ways to express yourself through Art. Trudie will be leading this group. Spaces limited to 5 people.

11:00am-12:30pm $7.50 per session

MMeeddiittaattiioonn Gentle relaxation before the weekend stress with Trudie. 1:30pm-2:30pm

$5

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 11

SAFE DRIVING

Is your teen learning to drive? Youth Safe, an organisation dedicated to preventing

serious injury in young people aged 15 to 25 years, has developed resources for parents

on how they can help their children become safer drivers.

To download the fact sheet and for further information go to:

http://www.youthsafe.org/publications-resources/resources-for-parents/42-publications-a-

resources/resource-parents.html

YOUNG ENDEAVOUR

Young Endeavour is a not for profit organisation that provides young Australians aged 16

to 23 with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience at sea aboard the national

sail training ship, Young Endeavour. Applications are now being taken for voyages in the

first half of 2013. For more information go to:

http://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/site

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 12

Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5

_______________________________________________________________________________ 13

IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

SMS - the College number is – 0416 906 146.

CHANGE OF DETAILS

To keep student records as up to date as possible please complete the slip below, if you have changed address or

changed phone numbers, and return to the front office.

Student Name ………………………………………………………………………………………………...

New Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Home Phone ………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Mobile Phone –Mother ……………………………………………Name…………………………………....

Mobile Phone -Father ……………………………………………Name……………………………………

Signed ………………………………………………………. Date……………………………...............

Excursions

Excursions are an important part of the school curriculum. They provide students with a

diversity of learning experiences that are very valuable.

However, the excursions take considerable time and effort to organise so that they run

efficiently. For this reason the school policy is that all excursion money must be paid by

the date indicated on the permission note. Students who do not pay by this date will not be

able to attend the excursion.

If there is a special circumstance preventing payment by the due date, your child should see

the Head Teacher.

If you wish to receive “Wyndham Whispers” by email or have

recently changed your email address please complete this slip and

return to the office:

Student Name ___________________________________________________

Email Address ___________________________________________________ Please print carefully

Emails