Years 8-12 Handbook

2020

NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

“Remis Velisque”

160-200 Parkway Avenue Hamilton South NSW 2303

Telephone: (02) 4969 3177

E-mail : newcastle-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website : https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

-1-

-2-

Welcome ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Important Dates ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Staff 2020 ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

Year Advisors ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Positive Behaviour for Learning ......................................................................................................................... 7

Core Rules & Student Behaviour ....................................................................................................................... 8

Classroom Expectations ..................................................................................................................................... 9

Playground ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Uniform Guidelines .......................................................................................................................................... 11

Alinta Uniform Shop ......................................................................................................................................... 14

Footwear Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 15

Daily Routine – Bell Times................................................................................................................................ 16

School Classroom Map ..................................................................................................................................... 17

A-Z Information ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Table of Contents

-3-

Welcome to Newcastle High School. We are a large comprehensive inner-city school with a vibrant student body representing a diversity of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. The school’s innovative and dynamic curriculum reflects its dedicated and experienced staff.

As a new student, I hope that you will appreciate the wonderful aspects of this school that contribute to our unique learning experiences. The school has been in existence for over 100 years and has a tradition of achieving results well above the State average in external tests and examinations. Most students come from the inner city suburbs of Newcastle but others travel from all over the Hunter Region.

As a member of our school community, you will be expected to adhere to the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Participation. This will assist you to do your best as a student of Newcastle High School and to leave the school with the skills that you will need for the next phase of your life.

Rochelle Dooley Principal (Rel.) 2020

The fundamental beliefs of Newcastle High School are:

Respect, Responsibility and Participation

All members of the school demonstrate these values:

Respect for each other

Responsibility for our environment

Participation in all learning activities Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal culture. Our official school functions are always opened with an acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land. This shows respect for the Aboriginal community as Australia’s First People.

Valuing and respecting appropriate Aboriginal ceremony is pertinent to increasing the understanding and mutual respect for cultural practices by both Aboriginal Australians and the wider community. Appropriate cultural engagement seeks to observe protocols and the sharing of cultural practices.

I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, The Awabakal, people and pay my respects to the Elders past, present and future.

Welcome

-4-

Important Dates

2020

TERM 1 Staff Development Day

Tuesday, 28 January

Term 1 Commences - Years 7, 11 and 12

Wednesday, 29 January

Term 1 Commences – All Students

Thursday, 30 January

Term 1 Concludes

Thursday, 9 April

Good Friday – Public Holiday

Friday, 10 April

Easter Monday – Public Holiday

Monday, 13 April

TERM 2 Staff Development Day

Monday, 27 April

Students Commence

Tuesday, 28 April

Queen’s Birthday - Public Holiday

Monday, 8 June

Term 2 Concludes

Friday, 3 July

TERM 3 Staff Development Day

Monday, 20 July

Students Commence

Tuesday, 21 July

Term 3 Concludes

Friday, 25 September

TERM 4 Staff and Students Commence

Monday, 12 October

Term 4 Concludes for Students

Wednesday, 16 December

Staff Development Days

Thursday, 17 December

Friday, 18 December

-5-

Enquiries regarding curriculum and subject-based matters should be directed to faculty Head Teachers.

Key Learning Area Head Teacher

English Ms Rachel McNeilly

Mathematics Mrs Renee Wells (relieving)

Science Mr Sean Bromfield

HSIE Mrs Louise Dark

TAS - Technology and Applied Studies (FATTS and IA) Mrs Sondra Munro

Creative and Performing Arts Mr Michael Kondov (relieving)

Personal Development, Health, Physical Education Mr Joel Anderson

Professional Practice Mrs Naomi Durie

Administration - Students Mrs Valerie Kadarusman

Wellbeing Mrs Shannon Sager and Mrs Joanne Myers

Special Education Ms Khym Harris (relieving)

Computing Studies Mr Nick Biddle

Support Services Support Staff

Stage 6 Support Teacher Mr Guy Hewitt

Careers Advisor Mrs Amanda Hine

Counsellor Mr Gavin Thomas and Ms Jen McKeough

Chaplain Mrs Chris Jones

School Support Officer (SSO) Ms Amy King

Learning and Support Teacher (LAST) Mrs Naomi Durie

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Mrs Angela Maddalena

ICT Technology Support (TSO) Mr Mitchell Hill

Staff 2020

Mrs Rochelle Dooley Principal (Rel.)

Mr Nick Willis Deputy Principal (Rel.)

Years 7, 9 and 11

Ms Kathryn Outram Deputy Principal

Years 8, 10 and 12

-6-

YEAR 7

Mrs Laura Howard

YEAR 8

Mr Paul Myers

YEAR 9

Mrs Erin Pearce

YEAR 10

Mrs Kiarna White

YEAR 11

Mr Gareth Lewis

YEAR 12

Mr Martyn Skinner

Year Advisors

-7-

Newcastle High School is very proud of its happy and safe learning environment. All students are expected to adhere to the Department of Education (DoE) Core Rules. Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) has been adopted with the core values of Respect, Responsibility and Participation. It is expected that all students proudly work together to promote these values.

Newcastle High School recognises that the vast majority of students promote positive behaviour throughout their schooling. The ’Gotcha System’ rewards students when they are ‘caught doing the right thing’. Students receive a Gotcha slip identifying their respectful, responsible or participative behaviour. The slip goes into a weekly draw to win prizes at the PBL assembly.

The Newcastle High School Academic Awards have been updated to reflect excellent academic achievements whilst at school. Students can work toward attaining certificates that can be displayed in their resume.

It is expected that the playground be a safe and great part of the school. Clear signage explains expectations in passive and active areas, the Canteen and in bus lines. The playground map on page 10 indicates the various areas in the school as well as Out of Bounds areas.

Newcastle High School has developed policies for behaviour, expectations and reward systems. Behaviour that infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and illegal or anti-social behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

-8-

All students are expected to adhere to the Department of Education (DoE) Core Rules. DoE CORE RULES

All students are expected to:

Attend school every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn.

Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school’s uniform dress code policy.

Behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school. Adhere to Transport NSW STSS code of conduct which can be accessed on the internet at:

https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/#/studentCodesOfConduct

Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers. Follow class rules, speaking courteously and co-operating with instructions and learning activities.

Treat one another with dignity and respect.

Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others.

If a student does not meet the behavioural expectations of the school, the student may be referred to the relevant Head Teacher or Deputy Principal. Depending on the seriousness and/or frequency of the misbehavior, students may be placed on daily monitoring cards or suspended from school. The DoE’s Suspension and Expulsion of School Students Procedures can be accessed on the internet at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/associated-documents/leaflet_1.pdf

Core Rules & Student Behaviour

-9-

Respect

Responsibility

Participation

Reasonable Instructions must be followed

Be courteous and show good manners

Respect will be shown for others and the learning environment

Arrive to class on time

Display safe and appropriate behaviour

Wear correct school uniform and shoes

No eating or drinking in class

The classroom is a place for learning and work, where you should be prepared for all

lessons with the correct equipment

Classroom Expectations

-10-

Playground

Wet Weather Areas English/HSIE hallway

FATTS/Drama hallway

IA/Undercover walkway in Quad

Mathematics

Canteen

Active Games Area

Gym Field

Science

Main Hall

Dark room

Math / LOTE / IA / VA

Canteen

Toile

ts

PE

Cottage

Rm 42

Basketball Court

Nets

Staff House

Music / HSIE Food & Textile

Tech

English / Administration

Library

N

Quad

IA Art

Staff Car Park

Kit

chen

Art

Har

mo

ny

Wal

l

Main Entrance

Basketball Courts

Cultural Centre

Hill

Out of Bounds

ACTIVE - Active Games Area / Gym Field PASSIVE - Hill / Quad / Canteen / Year 12 area

Keep the school grounds neat and tidy at all times

Respect, Responsibility, Participation

-11-

Newcastle High School is a uniform wearing school. Our Uniform Policy is the result of extensive consultation with the school community and is a feature of the participation focus of our PBL initiative. Our promotion of uniform aims to ensure:

All students are equal

There is no competition

Conflict is reduced

Safety is heightened

Identification of our students is clear

Students take pride in our school

Our uniform expectations

These guidelines have been developed through consultation with staff, students and parents over an extensive period.

It is expected that students who attend Newcastle High School wear appropriate school uniform at all times.

If for any reason a student is unable to be present in an appropriate uniform, they should provide a signed note from a parent or carer detailing the issue and requesting consideration for a nominated period of time. Notes should be submitted to a Deputy Principal or Head Teacher Wellbeing for consideration.

Our uniform is detailed on the following pages and comprises

Appropriate footwear which are black leather shoes

Navy blue long pants or navy blue shorts or skirt (tartan for junior girls a navy blue for senior girls)

School shirt or polo (as illustrated)

School jumper, school tracksuit top, school jersey or blue jumper or blue school fleece or sloppy joe.

Parents, carers and students are reminded that jumpers should not have a logo other than that of

Newcastle High School and ”hoodies” are not permitted

Students may wear full sport uniform on sports day for the entire day with the appropriate school jumper. On days where students have practical physical education lessons they wear full school uniform and bring their PE uniform to change into before the lesson

Accessories (scarves, hats etc.) are expected to complement the school uniform if worn and the cooperation of students and parents and carers is appreciated.

To stand out as an individual is a personal challenge

to start on a level playing field is a basic right

Uniform Guidelines

-12-

Junior Girls Uniform

Junior Sports Uniform

Junior Boys Uniform

-13-

Junior Boys Sports Uniform

Senior Girls Uniform Senior Boys Uniform

-14-

Uniforms are supplied by Alinta Australia. The uniform shop is located on the school grounds; entry via Administration. All enquiries regarding the uniform should be directed to Alinta.

Alinta Uniform Shop

Tuesdays 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm

Thursdays 8.00 am - 10.00 am

Uniform shop convener: Yvonne Hicks. Phone: 0434 626 009 (During Uniform shop opening times) E-mail: newcastlehs@alinta.com.au (Any changes for the uniform shop opening hours can be located on the

schools website)

The Uniform Shop 2019 Opening Hours

-15-

The Department of Education (DoE) states in the publication ’School Uniforms in New South Wales Government Schools’, that under the Work Health and Safety Act, 2011 which can be accessed on the internet

https://education.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/school-uniform-policy Schools must ensure that students are not exposed to health or safety risks whilst they are on Departmental premises. The school has a duty that requires students to wear appropriate footwear to ensure they avoid injury.

The DoE policy ‘’Chemical Safety in Schools (1999)’ clearly states:

’It is mandatory that students carrying out practical activities using chemicals or equipment in schools wear enclosed leather footwear. Sandals, open footwear or high heeled shoes must not be worn in workshop or laboratories’.

ACCEPTABLE STYLES The school expects that students wear closed in leather, lace-up style shoes. They must cover the top of the foot and have a small heel. It includes the following types: The full leather thick strap T-Bar Mary-Jane shoes are acceptable.

UNACCEPTABLE STYLES Students MUST NOT

wear skate shoes, black soft ‘ballet’ style shoes, open styled ‘Mary Jane’ shoes, canvas shoes or any similar. It includes those shown below:

Footwear Requirements

Note:

If you are unsure as what is appropriate footwear for school, consult with the school

before buying a new pair.

-16-

The timetable is based on a fortnightly cycle. Students will receive a timetable on their first day at school that outlines their subjects, teacher names and room allocation. The timetable will state at the top Day 1 – Day 10. Once the timetable completes a cycle, it begins again on Monday at Day 1.

It is recommended that students keep a copy of their timetable on them at all times, or saved on their smartphone, if they have one, and displayed in a central location at home.

Daily Routine – Bell Times

-17-

School Classroom Map

-18-

The A-Z comprises guidelines for various situations that may arise from time to time at school. This information is also available on the school website www.newcastle-h.schools.nsw.edu.au.

ALLERGENS Please note that food products brought into the school, sold in the canteen and/or distributed at special functions may contain known allergens, in particular, nut, egg, dairy and colourants. The school is well equipped to respond to emergency situations.

All staff have undertaken e-Emergency care and e-Anaphylaxis training and are aware of the new Anaphylaxis Procedures for schools.

AMENITIES Students should use the amenities during break times. Students who need to use the amenities during class time must obtain permission from their teacher.

ASSEMBLIES Assemblies are held each morning as part of Mentor/Roll Call. On occasion, an extended assembly may be held, in which case, the bells are slightly modified.

ASSESSMENTS A list of assessment tasks for each subject and their due date can be obtained from the school website. Homework and Assessment guides are distributed at the beginning of the school year and are also available on the school website.

ATTENDANCE Regular attendance at school is essential to gain maximum benefit from schooling. Students are required to attend school EVERY day of the school year, unless there are circumstances which make this impossible. These circumstances can include illness, accident or family crisis. Family holidays should be planned for school holiday time, where possible. An attendance rate of 95% is expected. Students must be at school by 8.50am for mentor. Rolls are marked in the morning during Mentor/Roll Call and at the beginning of each lesson. Teachers mark the class roll electronically. Students must be present to have their attendance recorded. If students are late to school they must sign in at the front office, where their time of arrival will be recorded. If a student fails to do this there will be errors in their school attendance record. Students are expected to remain at school for the whole day, unless they have a pass signed by a Mentor Teacher or Deputy Principal or they, are ill and collected by a parent.

Whole day absences Students who are absent from school must bring a note of explanation on the next school day, alternatively, please read the section on SMS alerts on page 19. Any absence from school must be explained.

Partial absences Late Arrivals (After 8:50am)

Late arrivals are classified as partial absences.

Students who arrive late to school must report to the Front Office in Administration to have their attendance recorded.

Two slips will be issued to students who arrive late without a note: a late slip which is to be given to the classroom teacher and an absence notification slip which is to be filled out and signed by a parent or carer and returned to the Mentor teacher the following day.

All late arrivals must be explained with a note to avoid absences being recorded on student records.

A-Z Information

-19-

Early Leaver

Early leave is classified as a partial absence.

Students who need to leave school early are required to provide a written note to their Deputy Principal for approval. The note must contain a satisfactory explanation with sufficient detail and a parent or carer’s signature. An Early Leave Pass will be available for collection from the Student Office in Administration during the recess/lunch breaks.

SMS Alerts Parents and carers will receive SMS messages to advise of whole day absences. It is important that the school has your correct contact details. An SMS will automatically be sent to the primary contact listed on enrolment by 12.30pm for all whole day absences recorded. Parents and carers may respond to this SMS to explain the absence. Only replies to a school generated SMS will be received. (Parents and carers are unable to initiate SMS communication with the school.)

Leave on sports days When students require doctor’s appointments, these should be made outside of school hours if possible. Sports days should not be used for such appointments. Sport is a compulsory school requirement. When an appointment has been made for a sport day, students are required to apply for a leave pass BEFORE the date and present their appointment card (for specialists) at the time. Students with passes are required to sign out through Administration prior to leaving the school grounds.

Exemption from attendance Students requiring extended absence from school can make application to the Principal for a Certificate of Exemption. Application forms are available from the Student Office in Administration and must be supported with impartial evidence. Approval is at the Principal’s discretion. On approval a Certificate of Exemption will be issued.

Reasons for exemption from attendance:

Extended family holiday

Exceptional personal circumstances

Extended illness or injury recovery

Employment in the entertainment industry

Participation in elite sports

Written explanation of absence All absences must be explained within seven days of a student returning to school. After seven days, even if a note or explanation is given, an absence cannot be changed from ’unexplained’ to ’explained’. A negative attendance record may have an impact on your child’s future employment prospects. Valid explanations are illness, injury, family crisis and family leave.

All notes of explanation for absences should contain:

The date, student’s name, year and roll class

A valid reason for the pass (NOTE: Comments such as ”I give permission for my child to leave” or ”I want my child to leave school” are NOT sufficient

A contact name, parent or carer signature and a contact telephone number for verification

Permission to leave class Students who need to leave class during a lesson are required to obtain written permission from the classroom teacher (ie. an Out of Class leave slip). Students presenting at the Student Office in Administration during class time must have a note of permission / out of class leave slip.

-20-

Important points to note Explanation of an absence should be provided to the school within a period of seven (7) days.

If a reply to the school using the SMS service is not possible, a written note of explanation should be provided.

Please contact the school's Administration Office if you have further queries relating to attendance or our SMS service.

The school expects parents and carers to contact the school before 9.00am if they know their child is to be absent. This contact can be made via telephone, email or fax only.

Please note that text messages will not be received by the school unless they are in reply to a school generated SMS Alert.

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds during school hours without an authorised Leave Pass. This includes during the recess/lunch breaks.

BICYCLES Bicycle racks are located at the front of and between A Block and the Cultural Centre. Bicycles should be locked to the racks during the school day. This area is out of bounds between 8:45am and 3:00pm daily.

BULLYING Newcastle High School has its own policy on bullying. Students can obtain a bullying notification form from the Year Advisor or Head Teacher (Rel) Wellbeing, Mrs Myers, to report incidents of bullying or wellbeing concerns. Student wellbeing lessons address strategies for dealing with bullying.

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Newcastle High School recognises the need to prepare our students for a rapidly-changing world, where technology plays a critical role in personal, social and professional lives. Staff at Newcastle High School have taken great strides to integrate device use into all aspects of teaching, including the implementation of a brand new learning management platform, Canvas. BYOD is an important step in ensuring all NHS students are working with 21st century learning capabilities. Parents can now access the Newcastle High School JB Hi-Fi Education parent portal where a selection of Apple and HP devices may be purchased. These laptops are specifically chosen for the classroom and have a variety of pricing options available. Simply go to https://www.jbeducation.com.au/byod/ with our school code NewcastleHSBYOD and make your choice.

-21-

Frequently Asked Questions 1. Do I have to purchase through the JB Hi-Fi portal? No. Parents and students are free to purchase devices from any retailer, but must ensure the specifications of the device meet the school’s requirements. 2. What specifications does the laptop require? All laptops on the JB Hi-Fi portal meet our specifications, but any Windows, Chromebook or Apple Devices with dual band 5GHz wireless, a 64GB solid state drive and 9.7inch screen are sufficient. A carry case is also required. 3. What if the device is broken at or lost school? By purchasing through the JB Hi-Fi portal, servicing due to laptop fault can be submitted online by parents and a technician from the manufacturer will repair the device. An additional warranty option is also available, to cover repairs due to damage. 4. Is BYOD designed for all students? All students at Newcastle High School are welcome to bring their own device and use it as part of the learning in the classroom. As we push towards a more technology supported curriculum, we strongly encourage all students in years seven and nine to bring a laptop to class to support their learning in the new classroom initiatives like Digital Technologies and Futures Focused Inquiry. 5. What software will teachers be using at school for class work? Depending on the course, a variety of software will be used in the classroom, ranging from word processing and spreadsheet calculations to game development and film editing. All NHS students now have access to Canvas - our new learning management system athttps://nhs.instructure.com/ where staff can issue and receive student work of all media types. Students can access Canvas using their Office 365student login. 6. Do I have to buy a new device each year? No. The lifecycle of a device that is cared for should last approximately four years. 7. Where can I find more information? Please visit our website at https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/byod-at-nhs.html to find more details about BYOD at Newcastle High School.

CANTEEN Our school canteen is serving fresh, healthy, tasty and affordable food. The current contract is with Lillies and Limes Gourmet Catering. Kellie, our canteen manager, has a great team of helpers that prepare fresh food for our students every morning. There are daily specials, posted on the Lillies and Lime Facebook page and the Newcastle High Facebook page. You can see photos of the great food now being sold in the Canteen, via the Gallery on the Newcastle High website. https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/gallery/new-canteen.html CANVAS Canvas is the primary learning management system at Newcastle High School. It allows students to receive assignments and worksheets, submit work, access videos, quizzes, collaboration tools and discussion forums. The Canvas address for all staff and students is https://nhs.instructure.com/ Access is available in the first week of the year, and students’ log in using their DoE portal accounts.

-22-

CLASSROOMS Classrooms are the students’ learning space and as such, need to be looked after by everyone. At Newcastle High School, students are required to:

Wait outside the classroom until their teacher arrives

NEVER leave valuables in unattended bags (large sums of money should be left in the Administration Office)

Leave the room tidy at the end of each lesson

Report any vandalism identified to the classroom teacher

Adhere to class rules to ensure good practices occur in the classroom

COMMUNICATION At Newcastle High School, we believe that communication between school and home is vital. It is essential that your contact details are accurate and updated as changes occur, this includes mobile phone numbers and email addresses. If you would like to speak to the Year Advisors, or Year 7 Deputy Principal, please contact the school on 4969 3177. Contact can also be made via email: newcastle-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au We have a website and we also have a Facebook page and Instagram which you can ”like” and receive regular updates about the school’s activities on your newsfeed. The school’s fortnightly newsletter, The Parkway, is available electronically on the school website or via the Sentral Parent Portal. CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS (CAPA) The CAPA facilities comprise two music rooms, including a well-equipped recording studio, the Drama Hall, pottery shed, four visual art rooms and a photography laboratory.

CULTURAL CENTRE The Cultural Centre provides a space for CAPA performances, year assemblies and parent information evenings.

-23-

ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY Introduction This policy covers the appropriate use of electronic devices at Newcastle High School (NHS) as well as appropriate use of the network resources, internet and email system provided at NHS. All of these have the potential to be incorporated into lessons, opening exciting new approaches to learning. When these technologies are misused by students they can be very disruptive to teaching and learning and in some cases cause harm. For the well-being of students, electronic devices should be used to build health and feelings of safety, not distracting students or impacting upon them by missing work, being caught up in negative comments or being focused on their device instead of people or other parts to their life. Newcastle High School acknowledges that: o Students may need to be in possession of an electronic device at school for reasons relating to their

safety in travelling to and from school. o There may be some times during school that electronic devices may be used for lesson delivery and

educational engagement. A decision to use an electronic device will be under the explicit direction and supervision of the classroom teacher.

Electronic devices include:

Portable devices. Network, internet and email usage

1. Portable devices

Mobile phones, digital cameras, MP3 players/iPods, iPads, tablets, game consoles and other similar devices.

o The device is the student’s responsibility. NHS will not accept any responsibility for the security, loss or damage of the device while in the student’s possession.

o During class all devices are to be turned OFF AND AWAY in the student’s bag, unless approved by class teacher using the YES / NO poster.

o Students should not use the device to record images, video or sound (unless under explicit teacher instructions).

o Students should not use the device for accessing, downloading or sending inappropriate, offensive or prohibited material.

o Students should not use the device to contact a parent or caregiver during school hours. All such calls or messages should be made from the school Administration Office. Emergency contact should only be made through the Administration Office. a) Junior Students (Years 7 – 10)

o The devices are only to be used in accordance with teacher instructions and only used for educational purposes, for example music class, filming sports for feedback, reading books.

o No music during class time. b) Senior Students (Years 11 – 12)

o The devices are only to be used in accordance with teacher instructions. o A student requiring a connection of a personal laptop or tablet computer will need to see the Head

Teacher Computing Studies (Mr Biddle) for necessary agreements and organise a time for connection to take place.

o Students may listen to music during study period lessons, setting their playlist, and then leaving their phone alone.

-24-

2. Network, internet and email usage.

Network Resources NHS provides students with secure storage on the school’s network as well as access to some printers in the school. o Network storage is capped for each student. When this limit is reached the student will not be able to

save any more files to the school server. o Students should only use the network storage for school based work and resources. o Students should not save inappropriate or offensive material or games on the school’s network. o Students should not store programs on the school network. o Printing should only be done with the permission of a teacher.

Internet NHS provides filtered internet access for students across the school for use in class. This internet service is filtered by the NSW DoE and is intended for research and learning and communication between students and staff. o The internet is to be used for educational purposes. o Students are not to access, download or distribute inappropriate offensive or prohibited material. o Students will not download any material that represents a breach of copyright law. o Students will not use Wi-Fi to connect devices to unfiltered internet.

Email Usage NSW DoE provides each student with their own email address and webmail service. This is accessible through the DoE student portal. The use of this service is outlined in the DoE’s internet and email usage policy. Consequences of a breach of this policy may include: o Confiscation of the device for collection from the Deputy Principal at the end of the school day. o Confiscation of the device until such time as a parent or caregiver is able to attend school to collect the

device or pending an interview between the student, parent or caregiver and the Deputy Principal or Principal.

o Loss of internet and network privileges for a period of time. o In cases of bullying, harassment or threatening behaviour, school-based management (detentions,

meetings, suspensions) as well as outside agencies such as the police will be involved. o In cases of refusal to hand over the phone school-based discipline will be followed. o Recording of inappropriate activities will be dealt with as a serious breach of the school’s behaviour

systems.

Devices confiscated will be: o Turned off by the student. o Placed in an envelope with the student’s name marked on it. Usually the Head Teacher will collect to

take. o Taken to the Deputy Principal or Principal and locked in the school safe. o Device can be picked up at the end of the school day or when student is leaving for the day.

Per term

First Offence: Sentral entry & warning. Student to collect at the end of the day.

Second Offence: Sentral entry, pre-suspension letter and lunch detention. Parent to collect device.

Third Offence: Suspension for Continued Disobedience. Student is banned from having device at school for remainder of term.

-25-

EMERGENCY EVACUATION, LOCKDOWN AND LOCKOUT PROCEDURES Newcastle High School takes Work Health and Safety very seriously. The school regularly participates in emergency evacuation, lockdown and lockout drills.

Continuous evacuation siren indicates an evacuation

Intermittent lockdown alert indicates a lock down/lockout

In evacuations, students report to the fence line of the Active Field adjacent to Smith Street and assemble in Mentor classes.

In lockdown, classroom doors and windows are closed and locked. Students are required to follow the direction of their classroom teacher until the all clear in given.

In lockout, students are to move immediately to their Mentor classroom and follow lockdown procedures until the ”all clear” is given by their classroom teacher.

In any emergency situation, students must follow staff instructions and remain calm.

FACEBOOK The school’s Facebook page is being updated regularly with information regarding what is happening at school. “Like” us on Facebook to receive regular updates on your newsfeed. Newcastle High School, with the PBL Logo as our profile picture.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Newcastle-High-School/254419001356940?ref=ts&fref=ts

FINANCE School Bytes All student statements will be sent via School Bytes to your registered email. There will be a link attached to take you to the Parent Online Payment (POP) option. The School Bytes program is currently used for School Sport and Passion Projects. Payment Options Parent Online Payments (POP) can be made via the school homepage using the “make a payment” tab. The school’s Administration Office takes payments from parents and students between 8:00am and 3:00pm daily.

Students Students are able to make payments and finance enquiries at the cash register at the Student Office in Administration between 8:00am and 8:45am and during each student break.

Parents and Carers Parents and carers are able to make payments and finance enquiries between 8:00am and 3:00pm either in person or by contacting the school’s Administration Office.

Young Achievers Class

Newcastle High School strives to provide additional opportunity for enrichment and extension for students through our GATS initiatives. Our program focuses on identifying and encouraging students with particular talents, skills and interests. This is achieved through an external entrance examination, teacher recommendation and student interview. Once selected, students are offered a structured set of extra-curricular activities in areas of interest as well as the opportunity for differentiation of their learning and curriculum in class.

-26-

HARMONY POLICY Newcastle High School prides itself on being a safe and caring environment, based on our fundamental belief in Respect. The school community expects everyone at school to live in harmony and appreciate the difference and diversity both socially and culturally we all bring to school each day.

The school has its own policy toward bullying. Unfortunately in schools and the wider community, things like bullying happen. No one wants, expects or accepts such behaviour. What the school does about bullying and harassment is a measure of the quality of the school. Our Anti Bullying Policy adheres to the DoE guidelines.

Peer Pressure Wanting to be liked, have friends and fit in is normal. However, friends can influence our thoughts and actions in good and bad ways. Some ideas to handle negative peer pressure:

Avoid people who might lead you to do things you don’t want to do

Choose friends who share similar values and interests to you

Try to spend time with more than one group of friends

Think for yourself about the consequences of your actions

Listen to your own inner voice and be true to yourself

Work out ways how to say “no” – make a joke but let the message be “no”; blame your parents; there are heaps of sites on the Web to show you how; have at least one other friend who is willing to say “no” too

Walk away from a bad/dangerous situation. Say “Sorry, gotta go now” and leave

If you are being harassed online, take the following actions immediately:

Tell an adult you trust. This can be a teacher, parent, older sibling or grandparent – someone who can help you to do something about it.

Leave the area or stop the activity. People who bully get their kicks from knowing they’ve upset their target. Don’t let them know they’ve upset you, and you’ve taken away half their “fun”. Easier said than done when it’s face-to-face, but if it’s on your mobile or the internet - easy!

Block the sender’s messages. If you are being bullied through e-mail or instant messaging, block the sender’s messages. Never reply to harassing messages.

Keep a record. Save any harassing messages and record the time and date that you received them.

Advise your Service Provider. Most service providers have appropriate use policies that restrict users from harassing others. They can respond to reports of cyber bullying over their networks, or help you track down the appropriate service provider to respond to.

Report to police. If the bullying includes physical threats, tell the police. Some people think that they can get away with it because they believe it is anonymous. They are wrong. Most can be traced and it’s a criminal offence to use a mobile phone or any form of communication to menace or harass or offend another person.

-27-

HOMEWORK & STUDYING Homework is designed to enhance and consolidate the classroom learning and develop a sound work ethic. Self-regulation and motivation are important elements of learning. Students who engage in homework/assessment tasks will give themselves the best opportunity to meet course outcomes at the highest levels and/or achieve their person best.

Homework can take many forms including:

Reviewing daily work

Preparation for future lessons

Completing extension and remedial work

Completing additional work (for example, specific tasks, assignments, research etc.)

Mathspace Students who are aware they are experiencing difficulties should seek early assistance from their classroom teacher.

Parents and carers will be notified if consistent failure to complete tasks occurs. Teachers may implement a range of actions to address this situation, including:

Parent or carer liaison

Providing alternative opportunities to complete tasks

LIBRARY SERVICES Students can access the Library at break times.

The Library offers a variety of study areas, computers, games and book resources for students to utilise. Further information and Library links can be found on our website.

https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/supporting-our-students/library.html

MAIN HALL The Main Hall provides a space for formal presentations and is also used extensively by the PDHPE faculty.

MEDICATION/MEDICAL CONDITIONS Students who require prescribed medication whilst at school must submit their request in writing and complete an official indemnity form. Prescribed medication must be in a suitable container and clearly labelled with the student’s name, the name of the medication and the details of required dosage. The prescribed medication must be left with the school’s Prescribed Medication Officer, in the Administration Office.

Prescribed medication should not remain in a student’s possession.

Non-prescription medication (for example, Panadol) cannot be administered at school unless written authorisation from a medical practitioner is provided.

Students who require medication should see the Head Teacher Wellbeing or the First Aid/Prescribed Medication Officer. Students should not message or contact parents or carers to bring medication to school without consultation with the school.

All staff have undertaken e-Emergency care and e-Anaphylaxis training and are aware of the new Anaphylaxis Procedures for schools.

-28-

MOVEMENT AROUND THE SCHOOL In corridors, keep left moving quickly and quietly. TAKE CARE ON THE STAIRS. During recess and lunch breaks students are not permitted in the school buildings, except in allocated areas during wet weather.

PARENT FORUM Newcastle High School recognizes the vital partnership between parents and schools in the education and wellbeing of our students. Parents and carers have a right and a responsibility to play an active role in the education of their children. We value our families being actively involved in the life of our school and sharing their knowledge and expertise. We know that this partnership creates supportive environments for our students to flourish and succeed at home and at school. You are warmly invited to attend an Open Parent Forum to explore the future direction of parent/carer engagement with the school community. The Parent Forum is held once each term, event information can be located on our Website or Sentral Parent Calendar. PARENT/TEACHER EVENINGS Year 8-12 Parent Teacher Evenings are held in Terms 1 and 3. Parents and carers will be notified of the date and time on the school website and Facebook page and an invitation will be sent home with students.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION All students in Years 7-10 participate in three periods of PDHPE each cycle (2 weeks). Two of these periods are PDHPE PRACTICAL periods (PE).

For these periods students bring their PDHPE/Sport uniform in their school bag. At the start of the lesson they meet at the change rooms, and then change into this uniform to participate in the practical activities (games, athletics, dance, gymnastics, etc). At the conclusion of the lesson they change back into their school uniform.

The uniform they will need for these lessons is:

A school PDHPE/sport shirt

A pair of school PDHPE/ sports shorts

A suitable pair of sports socks

A lace up pair of sports shoes (canvas shoes are not allowed)

A pair of blue tracksuit pants/ red tracksuit top can be worn in winter. The other period each cycle is the PDHPE THEORY period.

This period is conducted in the classroom. Many health topics are covered in these lessons. Students are issued with workbooks to complete in these lessons.

Further information will be supplied to the students when they arrive at the school.

PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEOS & OTHER MEDIA Parental consent is required for the publication of ”good news” photographs/images while you are a student at Newcastle High School. If you are in a photograph/image, only given names will be used. We will seek further permission from parents and carers to use surnames in individual circumstances. An Authority to Publish is part of the enrolment form. We may use your child’s image in our school communications, our Facebook page, our public website, Instagram, The Parkway parent bulletin, Annual School Report, local community newspapers/magazines, media promotions and advertising activities both electronic and printed.

-29-

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION Students need to follow the direction of playground duty teachers and familiarise themselves with the areas in which they are permitted to play, the type of play acceptable for that area and where the bins are located to ensure the area is kept clean. Please refer to the Playground Map in this handbook.

Rough games are not permitted. Games involving tackling are not allowed. The playground is supervised from 8:25am. Before school, students are to remain in the main quadrangle between D and A block.

Students should be collected from school by 3:20pm, when bus supervision finishes.

PROPERTY All clothing, books and personal equipment should be clearly marked with the student’s name and class. Lost and damaged school property must be replaced or paid for.

Lost Property Enquiries should be directed to Administration staff in the Student Office

REPORTS Semester Reports are issued at the end of Terms 2 and 4.

SCIENCE LABORATORIES The school has seven well-equipped Science laboratories.

SICK BAY/CLINIC, ILLNESS & EMERGENCIES

Accident/Emergency Unfortunately, from time-to-time the school does need to call an ambulance/paramedic to provide medical services to students. The following information is provided to explain the two ways the cost of this emergency service is met.

In the event that a NSW dependent school student is provided with emergency ambulance services with NSW under the AGCS-S, an invoice will be generated in the name of the person to whom these services have been provided. Upon receipt of the invoice:

a) If the parent or guardian has private health insurance, a health care card, pensioner concession card or a Commonwealth Health Seniors Card -

These details should be recorded in the relevant section on the back of the invoice, endorsed by the private health fund, if covered by private health insurance, and returned to the Ambulance Service of NSW.

Depending on the type of private health insurance, the health fund may keep the invoice and forward a cheque for payment.

b) If the parent or guardian has no other form of ambulance insurance -

Forward the invoice to the dependent school student’s school

The school will write the AGCS-S number on the invoice and provide official certification that the services are covered under the terms of this Policy, and forward it to the Ambulance Service of NSW. On receipt of the invoice the Services will consider the account settled.

-30-

Illness Students are discouraged from attending school if they are ill.

Students are not permitted to contact parents or carers themselves to arrange to leave school due to illness.

If students become ill at school, they are to report to:

- During Class Time If students become ill during class time they must advise their classroom teacher who should issue an out of class pass. The student should then present to the Student Office in Administration.

- During Break Time During breaks, if a student becomes ill, the teacher on playground duty is to be alerted and the student is to present themselves to the Student Office in Administration.

Where an ill student does not recover sufficiently to return to class, depending on individual needs and circumstances, parents, carers or nominated emergency contact person will be contacted by a school staff member and arrangements will be made for them to go home. It is vital that contact between the school and parents and carers is continuously available and, therefore, parents and carers should designate emergency contact persons in the event that parents or carers are unavailable, and ensure that all contact details are kept up to date. Change of details notification forms are available from the Administration Office.

SCHOOL CHAPLAIN Our school Chaplain, Mrs Chris Jones, is available on site on Wednesday and Friday for students to seek guidance. Appointments can be made by telephoning the school during school hours.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR Any student wishing to see the School Counsellor, regarding a personal or study concern may make an appointment. Parents who wish to make an appointment to see the counsellor can do so by telephoning the school during school hours.

-31-

SCHOOL FEES General Contribution The General Contribution is $80.00 for students in Year 8-10 and $90.00 for students in Year 11-12. The General Contribution is used by the school to supplement funding of educational programs.

Subject/course Fees Subject/course fees are compulsory and offset the costs of consumables used by students in courses.

These contributions and fees are among the lowest of any school in the Newcastle area. Please assist us to teach your child by paying fees promptly. Family statements are issued each term via School Bytes to your registered email.

SCHOOL SERVICE Year 8 students are involved in providing School Service during Semester 1. School Service plays a vital role in school communication.

SCOOTERS/SKATEBOARDS Scooters and skateboards must be stored in the area at the bottom of A Block. The school does not take responsibility for scooters or skateboards brought to school. These items may be confiscated by the Deputy Principal if not stored in the secured area provided.

SPORT Students participate in a wide range of sporting activities within their co-educational class group. Sporting activities range from basketball, soccer, netball, and cricket and are undertaken within a five week unit of work. Each class/sporting group participates in sport lessons once each week. Students should refer to their own individual class timetable for the period allocated to sport. The wearing of sport/PDHPE uniform is compulsory (including appropriate sporting footwear).

SPORT FIELDS Newcastle High School has two playing fields, two enclosed outdoor sport areas compromising tennis/basketball/volleyball courts upgraded with the latest sports surface.

-32-

SPORT HOUSES All 7-10 students are divided into four Sporting Houses based on the initial of their surname. Students whose last name ends in: A-D: become members of CLARK House (RED) named in honour of former Newcastle High School student, Australian cricketing legend and current AIS general manager, BELINDA CLARK. E-K: are aligned with FEARNLEY House (BLUE) named in honour of local paralympian, marathon-man, adventure guru and Newcastle High Patron, KURT FEARNLEY. L-Q: join RICHARDS House (YELLOW) named in honour of four time world surfing champion and Newcastle icon, MARK RICHARDS. R-Z: link with WATT House (GREEN) named in honour of former Newcastle High School student and one of Australia’s most successful paralympian swimmers, PRUE WATT. Students will be awarded house points when competing and achieving at the Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country carnivals, additional points will be awarded in their weekly sport lessons. The winning house will receive the Smith House Champion Trophy, donated by the generosity of former HSIE Head Teacher, Mark Smith and his family. Individuals demonstrating outstanding sporting ability and/or the school’s code of Respect, Responsibility and Participation are recognised each week in the form of a pink sporting Gotcha.

STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICER (SSO) Amy King is available five (5) days a week. Amy works with individuals as well as groups of students who require support. She organises wellbeing programs both inside and outside of the school and connects students and their families to community resources and external services. Amy can be contacted during school hours for advice and/or appointment.

STUDENT LEARNING ASSISTANCE The Learning Support Team (LST) headed by our Head Teacher (Rel.) Wellbeing, Mrs Joanne Myers, coordinates learning assistance for students. Students and parents and carers are encouraged to contact the LST. The LAST (Learning and Support Teacher) Ms Naomi Durie coordinates special provisions for students with learning support needs.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) Student involvement and participation is an important element of the school’s management plan and, to this end, we have an enthusiastic SRC. Members meet regularly under the guidance of teaching staff involved in school leadership. The SRC is involved in fundraising activities, committee membership and decision-making processes within the school.

SUPPORT Newcastle High School has a Support Unit which comprises four classes. We have a number of dedicated Teachers and School Learning Support Officers who work closely with the students to ensure positive educational outcomes across all curriculum areas.

TECHNOLOGY The school has dedicated computer labs as well as electronic interactive whiteboards in most rooms. A wireless network has been installed to allow students with laptops to access digital learning. To support technology, the school has a network coordinator.

-33-

TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are student’s responsibility – students are encouraged to write their name and class in these resources immediately. Students must make every effort to protect their textbooks. Textbooks are very expensive and penalties will be incurred for loss or for any defacement or damage.

TIMETABLE The timetable operates in a two week cycle split into Week A and Week B; it is each students’ responsibility to have their timetables with them each and every day. If the original copy of your timetable is lost or damaged, see your Year Advisor, Deputy Principal or access your timetable online via EdvalStudent in the Library. Students who have difficulty understanding their timetable should seek assistance from their Year Advisors.

TRADE TRAINING CENTRE Newcastle High School is part of the Newcastle Community Trade Training Centre. Upgrades have been finalised in the Hospitality and Metal and Engineering facilities bringing them to industry standards. Partnerships with industry and TAFE allow students to complete industry/trade qualifications as part of their program of study.

TRANSPORT Enquiries relating to School Opal cards, including new applications, lost, stolen or damaged cards or any general enquiries should be directed to Miss Aldham in the Library. Please note that the school does not approve School Opal cards. Applications are approved by Transport for NSW.

Students who live outside the 2km radius from the school and who meet the eligibility criteria will qualify for a School Opal card to travel on school buses, ferries and trains. The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) can only be used for travel between home and school. Students can only travel for one forward and one return trip each school day. All applications for a School Opal card are made online at

https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/#/

Students who travel to school by bus and on hunter bus routes 24 and 47 are collected from Parkway Avenue. Students should wait inside the school fence and exit the school when their bus arrives. In wet weather students may wait in the buildings and then move out to the buses.

DEDICATED SERVICES

Bus Destination Exit Time Additional Stops Network

719 Queens Wharf 3.05 Hamilton East, Newcastle, Newcastle West School bus

1652 Medowie 3.07 Via Fern Bay and Airport Hunter Valley Buses

2204 Medowie 3.07 Via Fern Bay Hunter Valley Buses

47 Jesmond 3.07 Islington, Mayfield West, Sandgate, Birmingham Gardens

Hunter Buses

263 Cameron Park 3.08 Charlestown Rd, Macquarie Hills, Cardiff, Glendale

Hunter Valley

719 Queens Wharf 3.09 Hamilton East, Newcastle, Newcastle West School Bus

6273 Maryland 3.09 Merewether HS, HSPA, Lambton High, Fletcher, Minmi, Black Hill

Hunter Valley Buses

867 St Pius 3.09 Hamilton East, Newcastle, Newcastle West School bus

24 Wallsend 3.15 Mayfield, Waratah, Jesmond Hunter Buses

S566 Soldiers Point 3.21 via Airport and Salt Ash Port Stephens Coaches

138 Lemontree Passage 3.22 Via Airport Hunter Valley Buses

Visit https://newcastletransport.info/plan-your-trip/school-services for school services.

-34-

UNIFORM INFRINGEMENTS Students are expected to wear full school uniform as per Newcastle High School’s Uniform Policy. If you are unable to wear school uniform on any given day, written parent or carer explanation is required and it is expected that you come to school dressed in appropriate alternative clothing. Each morning, students who are out of uniform are expected to present a note of explanation to their Mentor teacher.

VISITORS All visitors to the school must report to the front office reception area in Administration. Visitors are required to undertake a site induction/safety briefing and authorisation to access school grounds.

WEBSITE The school’s website is located online at https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/ The website enables you to check on all the varied aspects of school life. Find out about latest news, upcoming events, school handbooks and assessment schedules, uniform information, faculty information, and so much more including Image gallery albums and the latest parent bulletin – The Parkway. The Parkway is also delivered electronically via e-mail. On the website there is also a direct link to Newcastle High School’s Technology page https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/byod-at-nhs.html where students can access Canvas for course information and homework tasks from anywhere in the world and the Sentral Student and Parent Portal. Please feel free to comment or make suggestions via e-mail or the ‘complaints, compliments and suggestions’ link on the homepage. We are always looking for ways to make our site more exciting and interesting, but above all, useful and relevant to you. WHO SHOULD I CONTACT? Year Advisor Wellbeing-related matters Head Teachers Subject related issues Head Teacher Wellbeing Serious wellbeing matters Matters related to Year Advisors Counsellors Issues relating to specialist intervention or referral to outside agencies School Chaplain Support for families and students School Support Officer Peer-related matters/providing links with community agencies Deputy Principal Serious issues that require immediate notification ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

The school’s Administration Office is open between the hours of 8:00am and 3:30pm Monday to Friday. Administration staff will be able to direct you to the staff member most suited to answer your enquiries.

Telephone number: 4969 3177

Email address: newcastle-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

-35-

Respect, Responsibility & Participation

NEWCASTLE HIGH SCHOOL

160-200 Parkway Avenue, Hamilton South 2303 Telephone: (02) 4969 3177

E-mail: newcastle-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: https://newcastle-h.schools.nsw.gov.au