NMSHS Schoolzine Issue 12

Principal’s Address

Principal’s Message

Kaya/Welcome

2023 has been filled with some wonderful experiences, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the many success stories we’ve had. Here are some of the highlights from the year:

• Fantastic sporting clinics held at the school to upskill students.
• School involvement in carnivals and district sporting events such as Winter Carnival, Country Week, MASH camp, and many outdoor education excursions.
  
• Numeracy and literacy enrichment programs which we have conducted after school for students.
• HASS students had the opportunity to design small businesses and become entrepreneurial.
• Science students participated in so many competitions and were highly successful. These included the Monash Science School competition, the ROVs, the F1, Synergy Solar Cars, Chemical Institute Titration and the Bricktopia Lego competition.
• Science students involvement in exciting programs such as the Chevron Project, Einstein First Project and, of course, our annual STEM fair.
• Technologies area students participated in the Safer Internet Day, went on a digital excursion, and had several guest speakers throughout the year.
• VET students in catering took every opportunity to support at school events and in community services. VET students went on many excursions and did some highly engaging online courses.

At the end of this term, Semester Two reports will be sent out to all parents and caregivers, so please ensure that the school has your correct email address. (This may also be a good opportunity to check that your other contact details are also up to date). 

I would like to take the opportunity in this final newsletter to give recognition to two long-standing staff who have retired after many years of service. We were very lucky to have their experience and expertise for so long at our school.

• Lorraine Ellis our Science HOLA - 41 years in education and her dedication for so many of these years working at Newton Moore SHS.
• Mr Ed Elstermann - 39 years of service to education.

Another special thank you to our school gardener, Mark Bradley, for the last 10 years of service.

I would also like to thank the teaching staff who will be leaving us this year. It will be sad to see them go but we want to wish them all the best in the future:

• Amber Boyd - Physical education teacher
• Jenna Wright - HASS teacher
• Grace Underwood - English teacher
• Adrian Abbott - Mathematics on leave 2024
• Iona Hughes - School Psychologist
• Cristy Abbot - Learning Support Coordinator

Finally, to staff, students, and families, thank you once more for your contributions to the school this year. Please can I remind parents how important it is that your child stays at school right up to the end of the school year and participates in learning activities.

Have a most enjoyable break, enjoy Christmas, stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you all in 2024.

Boorda/Goodbye

Susan Kerr  M.Ed.Admin, B.Ed,Dip.Teach
PRINCIPAL
Newton Moore SHS

From the Finance Team

2023 Contributions and Charges

A big thank you to all of our parents and caregivers who have paid their contributions and charges in full or have set up payment plans. Your commitment to our school is appreciated.

2024 Contributions and Charges Booklet 2024

The 2024 Contributions & Charges booklet is now available on our school website and via the link below. The booklet has valuable information regarding

• Subject costs
• Approved excursion costs
• Uniform shop
• “Bring your own device”
• Secondary Assistance and Abstudy Supplement allowances for concession card holders
• Secondary Assistance and Abstudy Supplement forms

Payment Plans

Flexible payment plans are available to all families, making payment of schooling costs easier by paying a small amount regularly. It is never too late to start a payment plan and payments can continue through all school holiday periods if made to the school bank account.

Contact Michele in the Accounts Office if you are experiencing difficulties with your child(s) school costs so we can find a solution to suit your needs.

2024 Education Allowances

Concession Card Holders - APPLY NOW – reduce your fees!!

Application forms are available now for the Secondary Assistance/Abstudy Supplement Allowances. Save time by completing the form this term. Forms can be submitted to the school by:

Email

- Click on the link below and complete your application
- Email to Accounts at newtonmoore.shs.accounts@education.wa.edu.au.
- You must also email in both sides of your concession card

In Person

Bring your concession card and bank details to the Accounts Office to complete a paper application.

Please note, your concession card must be a family card in the parent/caregiver’s name with the student/s listed as dependants, and it must be valid during Term One of next year. 

The deadline for applications is Thursday 28^th March 2024.

2024 Resource List for Years 7-12 Now Available

The 2024 booklists are available to parents in the attachments below, or a hard copy can be obtained from the school office.

For online orders, the deadline for home delivery is Friday 15th December 2023. Alternatively, Campion have retail stores in Malaga and Canning Vale for families who regularly travel to the metro area.

Need more information?

MORE INFORMATION - Contact the Accounts Office for further information regarding school costs. 

Email: newtonmoore.shs.accounts@education.wa.edu.au                     Phone: 9722 2419

Details for making payments to the school:

• Bank Transfer
  Account name:   Newton Moore Senior High School
  BSB:                    036-134
  Account #:         19-7827
  Reference:          Student name
  

• BPay
  Biller Code: 106708
  Use the unique reference number on your invoice or contact the accounts office to obtain this number.
  

• Centrepay
  Newton Moore Centrelink CRN: 555 062 848L
  Pay a portion f your Centrelink payment to the school.
  

• In Person
  Payment by eftpos and cash at the accounts office, Mon-Fri 8am to 3.45pm
  

• By Phone
  Call accounts on 9722 2419 tpo pay by credit , Mon-Fri 8am to 3.45pm
  

Lower School Deputy Principals’ Update

Semester 2 Reports

Semester 2 reports for Years 7 to 10 will be emailed home on Wednesday, 13 December. Please call the school if you do not receive your child’s school report prior to Friday, 15 December.

Transition Day 2023

A fantastic day was had by all the Year 6’s during Transition Day as they experienced a high school timetable and met some of the key staff and teachers for 2024. Please note that the transition day class list is not necessarily the same class that your child will be timetabled in for 2024.

Your child should have brought home a transition bag containing your child’s course charges as well as the NMSHS Student Information booklet.

2024 First day back – Wednesday, 31 January. Year 7’s will meet at the front of the school as they did on Transition Day, where a brief assembly will be held and students will receive their timetable.

2024 Year 7 Emerging Knights

Friday, 2 February, 2024 will be the inaugural Year 7 Emerging Knights Orientation day where students will be allocated to their house faction and will run through a fun day of getting to know NMSHS games. Please note that the afternoon involves a colour run for all Year 7’s and students are encouraged to bring a white t-shirt to wear for the event.

Senior School Deputy Principals’ Update

Year 12 Presentation Evening

We celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 students at the BREC on Thursday 16^th November.

It was a highly enjoyable evening, with Year 9 student, Clay Mildwaters, opening the evening with a vocal performance and a Welcome to Country presented by Elder Nora Dann accompanied by Cam Bennell on the Didgeridoo. Ella Smith was the returning graduate who spoke about her time at our school and how this has supported her to become a professional AFL player and recent university graduate.

We awarded prizes to the top performing students and recognised all students who completed Year 12 successfully.

A big thank you to all the staff, students and special guests who helped to make the night a success.

Induction days - Year 11 2024

The first two days back for Year 11 students will be run as Induction Days. Students will receive specific information in relation to their courses and how this relates to the achievement of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE). As well as this, they will get advice from guest speakers about future career opportunities and information on how they can access support to become effective and organised Upper School students.

Laptops

As part of the Year 11 Induction Day, students will be offered the opportunity to purchase a second-hand laptop from the school. These laptops are offered to students on a needs basis and the current Year 10 cohort have already been surveyed to ascertain a waiting list. To arrange for your laptop to be available for collection on induction day, please contact Alison Myles in Administration.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Congratulations to our term winners, thank you for being role models to your peers 😊

Wellbeing & Program Coordinators Report

Year 7, 10 and 11 Year Wrap Up

What a buzzing Term 4 it has been!

There have been so many wonderful activities and excursions that our students have been fortunate to be a part of through the different learning areas. As we head towards the last few weeks of the year, we are embracing the warmer weather and sunny days in preparation for the exciting Christmas break.

Our Year 11’s have been working hard to finish their Workplace Learning tasks and Certificate courses for that Year 11 advantageous early finish of Wednesday in Week 7. Our Year 10’s have been making plans for their 2024 pathways, preparing to pursue the areas of learning they are most passionate about. We wish all of our upper school students a safe and relaxing holiday. We will see you all at the start of next year for another great year.

Our awesome Year 7’s are still finishing up their last few weeks, ready to experience our upcoming end of term reward activities – Shining Knights and our annual Fun Day. We would like to say a big thank you to our Year 7’s for their successful transition to high school. It has been a pleasure to be a part of your journey and watch you grow throughout 2023.

Lastly, I would like to say a big thanks, not only to our amazing teachers for all their hard work throughout the year, but to our parents for their ongoing support. It takes all of us working together as a team to strive and achieve success.

We wish you all a safe and happy holidays with your family and friends. It’s time to relax and unwind.

See you all in the new year for another Newton Moore adventure 😊

Ms Edwards
Wellbeing Coordinator (Year 7, Year 10, Year 11)

Year 8 and 9 Year Wrap Up

2023, what a year it has been! From winter carnivals, national writing competitions and excelling in Subs in Schools, our Year 8 and Year 9 Students have found positive and meaningful ways to represent the Knights of the Moore this year.

Our Extraordinary Year 8’s got to enjoy no longer being the youngest cohort at Newton Moore, while also enjoying some character-building excursions and extracurricular activities. From Water Polo to building spinners from sheet metal, the Year 8’s have continued to build real world skills in 2023. As we race towards the end of the year, I would like to challenge the Year 8s to finish the year strong and continue to build positive habits.

The final days of wearing blue shirts is coming quickly for our Notable Nines, with some students jumping at the chance to represent the school at Country Week in Semester 1, and others cooking up a storm. 2023 was a year of adventure for our Year 9’s, from camps at Honeymoon Pool, taking up the challenge of Subs in Schools on Garden Island, and working hard through their final NAPLAN. This year offered plenty of opportunities for students to be challenged and to excel. As your blue shirt days dwindle down, I challenge the Year 9s to develop into leaders of the school, lend a helping hand to those around you and strive for your definition of success.

With the holiday season fast upon us, I would like to thank those whose unwavering commitment and dedication makes all these opportunities possible, from the cleaners, admin staff, parents and teachers, your hard work and support is always appreciated.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday, and look forward to the next chapter of the Newton Moore story.

Mr Brook
Wellbeing Coordinator (Year 8 and 9)

Meet the Team

Tish Kneuker

Area:  VET 

History (past work history):

After completing my cookery apprenticeship I worked in hospitality for 20 years. I decided to complete my university degree in adult education in my 30’s, after which I worked in student administration for UTS and UWS in NSW. I moved back to WA and worked for a dental clinic before moving into the Jobs and Skills Centre at SR TAFE. For the last year and a half, I worked as the SW Career Taster Program Coordinator for SRT. I have a Certificate Four in Career Development and am finishing a Certificate Four in Training and Assessment. I have been a board member for NMSHS for the last year and a half. 

Philosophy about education:    

Education is freedom: freedom to make your own informed decisions, to gain experience, knowledge wealth, direction, and happiness. 

Personal Interests:  

I have recently started pottery as a past time. 
I love summer – the beach, swimming, and walking in the sunshine.
I’m an avid novel reader. Any old brain fodder will do! Except romances!

Learning Areas

VET

2023 Workplace Learning and Work Experience

Congratulations to all of the students who performed work experience as part of their upper school VET Program or Year 10 Work Experience Program in 2023. 

Students performed placements in a vast range of industries including engineering, automotive, building and construction, administration, local government, animal care, retail, hospitality, education, child care, hairdressing and beauty, to name a few.

NMSHS received some fantastic feedback from employers throughout the year about your performance while on placement.  Well done, and we hope you gained some valuable knowledge and skills while in the workplace.   

Mrs Potter and Mrs Kneuker (VET Department)

Music

Congratulations to Charlie-Piper Scott, Olivia Ashworth and Eloisa Dornagon for getting into the top 5 at Battle of the Bands. They are attending a free workshop on the 25th November to work on their composition and then they will perform to win on December 16th. If they are successful they will have their song professionally recorded and released on Spotify. We wish you the best of luck girls!

Congratulations also goes to William Goode who is competing in Bridgetown's Got Talent by playing his own compositions on the piano - top prize takes out $500 cash! Best of luck, William!

HPE

Year 9 Outdoor Education

Our Year 9 Outdoor Education class ventured to Honeymoon Pool and hiked to the dam wall and back in an overnight camp. Students had to pitch their own tents and cook their own meals using minimal equipment after having previously practiced on school site. The camp was a success and thoroughly enjoyed!

Aboriginal Education

Clontarf

The Clontarf Academy has been a hub of events during Term 4. Key focus areas for us have included after-school  activities and morning training sessions where we give boys the opportunity to spend time with their friends outside of school hours, spend valuable time with Clontarf mentors and enjoy the fun activities that have been organised for them. Each of these sessions before or after school have been engaging, well attended and a great feed after it!

The Academy has run three successful camps with our Major Trip for Year 12s to the Gold Coast, Wadjemup Cup (Rottnest Island) and the End of Term Reward Camp to Mandurah. These camps have included community activities, employment visits, fun activities and lots of sport. We are really pleased to have had 24 boys earn a place on a camp this term through positive behaviours and a commitment to their education at school.

During Week 6, the annual Academy Awards Night was held in the PAC room at Newton Moore. The event was a fantastic celebration of the successes the boys have had throughout 2023. We were especially proud of two Year 11 boys, Sheldon Collard and Caleb Holzapfel, who did fantastic jobs as our MCs for the evening, and of Year 7 student, Matthew Pickett, for putting his hand up to conduct an Acknowledgement to Country. The event was well attended by 30 academy members, as well as families, school staff and Foundation partners.

We said farewell to our Year 11 boys for 2023 during Week 7 with two special events for them. The boys were treated to X-Golf ( a virtual golfing centre) and then a meal at Lonestar where they were able to bring along a family member. These events were organised to congratulate the boys on a great year, to inspire them for Year 12 and deliver valuable information to their families. We are very thankful for the positive turn out with nine boys and eight family members attending their 2023 farewell dinner.

Follow the Dream

Follow the Dream students from Newton Moore SHS, Bridgetown HS, Cape Naturaliste College, Eaton CC and Margaret River SHS attended a Follow the Dream Camp. Here they received information and understanding of educational pathways and employment opportunities from South – West Regional College of TAFE, Curtin University, University of Western Australia, Monadelphous Mining Group, and Defence Force Australia. To conclude the event, students also visited the Polly Farmer Foundation office to learn about Alumni opportunities.

Specialist Programs

Science Horizons

A great day for the Year 8 and 9 Science Horizons Specialist program students.  Many dolphins were able to be correctly identified, and conditions enabled accurate data collection, water quality levels and analysis.

Engineering

National Science Fair

Newton Moore SHS students, Sean Rakim Richards and James Ison, presenting to an audience of teachers, students and professional scientists at the John Monash School of Science National Science Fair in Melbourne.

Subs in Schools

Last week the Year 9 engineering students competed in the Statewide Subs in Schools Competition, held at the Royal Australian Navy base at Garden Island. Team Dolphins were fiercely competitive, winning first place in all but one decision and will now be advancing to Nationals in Adelaide next year. Congratulations Team Dolphins!! 

Choice Programs

MASH

The Year 9 MASH excursion to WAIS and Diving WA in Perth was a fantastic day, and they were the first school group to be toured around Diving WA's new facilities!

As they were guided around WAIS, the students were introduced to professional athletes who were training in the facilities.

Diving WA ran a coaching session with the class in the brand new Drylands Facility. Students learnt to platform dive as well as on spring boards. Students were lucky enough to be diving next to the Australian Olympic Synchronised Swimming Team!

Cadets

Bush Ranger Cadets emerged out of COVID restrictions this year to once again focus on environmental activities and the joys of getting out in nature. 

We had the opportunity to go on four camps this year – to Busselton, Dwellingup, Margaret River, and then Albany in the final week of the year.

In Busselton in first term, we spent a balmy evening fishing off the jetty and caught many herring and whiting, as well as several squid. We practiced catch-and-release and let the fish and squid go, and then got fish and chips for tea in town. 

In Term Two, we went down to Dwellingup where we cooked food over a campfire and bushwalked.

In third term, which can often be iffy weather-wise, we were lucky enough to have perfect weather for our camp down to Margaret River where we camped at the beautiful Conto Campground and spent all of Saturday mountain bike riding around the stunning tracks of Wooditjup Trails. There were a few minor accidents and more than a few near misses, but the Cadets had a great time.   

Newton Moore Bush Rangers will soon be in Albany on our final camp of the year, which, as is tradition, takes up the final week of the school year. Cadets will have a fantastic time bushwalking over at Bald Head in the Torndirrup, snorkelling at Little Beach and in Princess Royal Harbour, and fishing off the Emu Point Jetty. 

Closer to home we maintained the core values of Bush Ranger Cadets of environmentalism. We did beach cleans and bush clear ups, and Cadets spent a few afternoons planting and caring for native seedlings which will hopefully be planted somewhere in the community next year. We also practiced emergency bush craft, such as stretcher-making.   

The group was small as the program has had to be rebuilt after a hiatus for COVID, but students enjoyed getting into nature and working on leadership skills, and we are keen to have more Cadets next year.

News from Parent Bodies

School Board

During 2023, a number of significant achievements and developments occurred in board meetings. One major priority included the Board putting up a submission for a health and fitness centre. Despite no support yet, we will continue to pursue this idea with the Department of Education and our local politicians.

Proper governance principles sensibly stipulate that the Boards of public schools must not become involved in the day-to-day management of the school. The Board’s primary function is to concentrate on longer term strategic issues and to promote the best interests of the school to the broader community, and the major decision makers in the parliamentary and executive arms of the Government.

Nevertheless, the Board is very well informed on all the educational issues, initiatives, achievements and challenges at Newton Moore Senior High School.

The Board continued to receive reports from the Principal on all important educational and financial issues relevant to the particular characteristics of the school. A particular focus for 2023 was looking at the makeup and structure of the specialist programs and the benefits these bring to the school.

The Board would like to thank the staff of the school for their professionalism and dedication they bring and to wish all the families a very Merry Christmas.

Community Notices

Bunbury Library School Holiday Fun

See