16 February 2024

Principal’s Address

Principal’s Message

Kaya/Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2024 school year. It was great to welcome back all our returning students and greet our wonderful new Year 7’s. After a well-deserved break, the staff have returned with a spring in their step, ready for the year ahead. On our first school development day, we had the opportunity to go on country with Frances Khan and his grandson; we want to thank them and all the other presenters for making our first two school development days so successful.

As always, the first few weeks back can be a challenge for our new students, adjusting to routines, making new friends, and finding their place. However, our new Year 7’s seem to be coping well with the transition and particularly enjoyed the Emerging Knights Day and are now settling into their new classes and finding their way around with ease. A special thank you to the staff who coordinated the Emerging Knights Day and those staff and students who assisted and participated on the day. The final event of the day was a colour run and it was great to see that students and staff were participating so enthusiastically.

Our small departing Year 12 cohort did the school proud and achieved some great results in their WACE. We saw an increase in the percentage of students achieving Certificate II (74%), Certificate III (7%), and Certificate IV (4%) qualifications and accreditation. Our strong OLNA results saw 95% of our WACE eligible cohort achieve the minimum standard in both literacy and numeracy. We were pleased to see all those students who opted to go to university offered places.

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff to the school. Later in this edition of the schoolzine, you will see further information about these staff. This year we are very lucky that we have two experienced overseas teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge with them. We welcome them to lovely Bunbury: what a great place to be relocated.

NAPLAN and OLNA are scheduled this term. NAPLAN has moved to March instead of May. It is very important that students take these tests seriously and give their best effort. Being successful in these tests and either being in Band 5 and above in Year 9 or achieving OLNA in literacy and numeracy are a requirement in Western Australia for students to graduate.

At the time of writing this newsletter, we are getting ready to celebrate our Year 12 Ball at the Lighthouse: the theme this year is ‘Enchanted Forrest’. For students to attend these extra curricula activities they must not have lost good standing. Preparations are already underway, and it looks like it is going to be a fantastic event and certainly one to remember. I look forward to seeing our wonderful Year 12 students shine, and cannot wait to share further information about the school ball in our next newsletter.

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

From the Finance Team

Get in early!

***  FOR UP TO $350 TOWARDS SCHOOL COSTS  ***

See the links below for application forms

Secondary Assistance Scheme Allowance

Do you hold one of these Centrelink concession cards?

• Family Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card (Blue Card Only)

Is your student(s) listed on the card?

Is the card valid during Term 1 2024?

You do not  receive Abstudy or intend applying for it from Centrelink.

(Note: If you do receive this, apply for Abstudy Supplement Allowance, see below)

If you answered YES to all four questions above, you can apply for the Secondary Assistance Scheme allowance.

You may receive the following allowance, reducing your account at the school:

$235.00 - paid directly to the school towards school contributions & charges
PLUS
$115.00 clothing allowance - either paid to your bank account or to the school

CLOSING DATE: Last day of Term 1 – Thursday 28^th March 2024.

Apply at the Accounts Office between 8am and 3.30pm daily.

Remember to bring your valid concession card and the bank account details where the clothing allowance will be paid to.

Unable to get to the office during school hours or have any further queries? Please contact Michele on 9722 2419, or email michelle.scanlan@education.wa.edu.au

Abstudy Supplement Allowance

If you receive Abstudy from Centrelink or intend applying for Abstudy, you may be eligible for $79 towards your 2024 school contributions & charges!

Do you receive Abstudy from Centrelink?

Or

Do you intend applying for Abstudy from Centrelink?

Do you hold one of these Centrelink concession cards?

• Family Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card (Blue Card Only)

Is your student(s) listed on the card?

Is the card valid during Term 1 2024?

If you answered YES to all four questions above, apply for the Abstudy Supplement Allowance and $79 may be paid directly to the school towards school contributions & charges.

CLOSING DATE: Last day of Term 1 – Thursday 28^th March 2024.

Apply at the Accounts Office between 8am and 3.30pm daily.

Unable to get to the office during school hours or have any further queries? Please contact Michele on 9722 2419, or email michelle.scanlan@education.wa.edu.au

Lower School Deputy Principals’ Update

A big welcome to the new Year 7s and a welcome back to our Year 8s and 9s. The Year 7s have quickly found their feet and adjusted to the high school life of moving classes, changing teachers and racing to the canteen line.

I would encourage all students of the benefits of being organised with their BYOD device and school equipment, learning their timetable and maintaining their Good Standing through attendance, following our PBS expectations, and staying on top of school assessments and weekly homework.

Wellbeing Coordinators

I would like to introduce the Lower School Wellbeing Coordinators, who work alongside Mrs Seghini and Mr Engelbrecht in supporting the students within each year group. We encourage all parents/guardians to communicate with us regarding how we can best support your child.

NAPLAN Year 7 & 9s

The official NAPLAN testing period runs from Wednesday 13th March to Friday 25th March 2024.

Practice Tests will be scheduled during Week 5 providing students with an opportunity to understand the structure and expectations of the NAPLAN exams.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Students and parents can access the public demonstration site to view sample tests at this link below.

Look out for more information in future newsletters and emails sent home later this term.

NMSHS Parent Interview night - Tuesday 5th March 2024

NMSHS Parent interview night will run from 3.30pm-6pm Tuesday 5^th March (Week 6). Parents and students can meet their teachers, ask questions and gain further information on supporting their child at school.

Detailed information regarding the parent night will be sent out in the coming weeks.

Senior School Deputy Principals’ Update

OLNA (Years10, 11&12)  

Students who have not yet met the required standard will have two opportunities to sit OLNA in 2024, as listed in the table below.

To achieve their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), students must pass all three components if they have not already pre-qualified in Year 9.

OLNA testing will be held between the following times in 2024:

Students will be provided with information about the exact day and period for each test in the next couple of weeks.

In preparation for these tests, teachers will be supporting students to improve specific literacy and numeracy skills. We highly recommend that students and parents access the SCSA website below for further information, practice and example tests.

Year 11 & 12 ATAR Students – The importance of study

The time for commitment to a regular home study routine is NOW, from today. 15 to 18 hours per week has proven to be necessary for most students. When examinations loom, you will need to step this up a bit further.

Home study includes:

• All set homework and assignments.
• Completion of summary and study notes on the work covered during the day, or week, or a longer period of time.
• Completing drafts and plans for discussion
• Practising of past examination paper questions.
• Working on major projects
• Wide reading and viewing
• Skills practice
• Use of the revision and study guides recommended by your teaching staff
• Preparation for tests and examinations.
• Set reading and extension reading.
• Organising files and coursework.

In Senior School Time students will be working through study techniques. Encourage your child to talk to their teachers if they are unsure about any of the work that they have been set.

Year 11 & 12 VET students

If your child has already secured a work place this year, well done and good luck. If they are still searching for a place, please see Mrs Kneuker in the VET Office at either recess or lunch for further support.

It is also essential that your child meets all deadlines that are set in their General, Foundation and Certificate courses. Please encourage your child to talk to their teachers if they are unsure about any of the work that has been set, and make sure that they have a study timetable organised.

If you have any questions about courses and requirements for Year 11 and 12, please contact:

Miss Nightingale - Deputy Principal by email kate.nightingale@education.wa.edu.au or to make an appointment phone 9722 2400

Mrs Kneuker – VET Coordinator by email letitia.kneuker@education.wa.edu.au or phoning 9722 2451

Study Skills - the importance of setting goals

Every year students are encouraged to set goals for the year, but we don’t always explain why setting goals is important.

Research has shown that people who set goals (and use them effectively) not only perform better but suffer from less stress and anxiety and are happier and more satisfied with life.

In 1953 a Harvard Uni study showed that 3% of the students graduating that year wrote down their specific career goals. Twenty years later, a team of researchers interviewed the class and found that the 3% who had written down their goals were not only happier but were worth more financially than the other 97% combined.

Here are some more reasons why you might like to set some goals for the year:

• Setting goals gets you to think about possibilities.
• Goals give you a direction to work towards.
• Goals give you a clear picture of where you want to go.
• Goals help you to push yourself just that little bit more.
• Goals help you have a more fun and fulfilled life.
• Goals can give you motivation and focus.
• Setting goals helps you do all the things you want to do in life!

You have probably set many goals already without even realising it – not every goal has to be written down, but it certainly helps you to stay on track if you do write it out. You can set goals for all the different aspects of your life.

Remember, if you don’t set goals, you’ll find that life just sort of ‘happens’ to you rather than you actually deciding what you want out of life then making what you really want to happen, so get in the driver’s seat of your life and take control with your goals this year – both personal and academic.

You and your parents can learn more about how to achieve your academic goals using the link and details below to log in and work through some of the units.

Year 10 Work Experience

During Week 11 of Term Two, Year 10’s who are not away with Country Week will be heading off to work experience for the week. It is crucial that students start enquiring to workplaces to secure a place to undergo their work experience. Don’t leave it too late or you may not get into the workplace you want.

Letters were sent home at the end of Year 9 with all the information and requirements.

Please see Mrs Kneuker at recess or lunch if you need additional information.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Welcome back to all our PBS champions.

Staff have already started handing out those wonderful PBS points to students following the expected behaviours on the PBS Matrix.

A reminder that the PBS shop will be open in Week 3, Week 6 and Week 9.

Year 7 to 9 will be on Tuesday at recess.

Year 10 to 12 will be on Wednesday at recess.

Admin Report

Free Travel with SmartRider

Who: All Secondary school students.
When: Monday to Friday during the school year.
How: Students must tag on and off each journey to receive the free travel.
Where: Head to the NMSHS Library and Mr Thornton will assist you.
Cost: There is a once-off fee of $3 to obtain your card.

For more information visit the student SmartRider website at Student SmartRider (transperth.wa.gov.au) 

Meet the Team

Amy Cutts

Area: IRC, Network Support Officer

History (past work history): I have been at Tuart Forest Primary School for 12 Years, currently I am working at both schools.

Philosophy about education: I believe that education starts at home. I recognise that the foundation for a student's learning and development is laid within the family environment. It is vital that parents and caregivers play a crucial role in instilling values, fostering curiosity, and providing a supportive atmosphere that encourages continuous learning. 

Damian Giles

Area: HASS

History (past work history): Dalyellup Primary School last year. Previously from Geraldton.

Philosophy about education: All about building relationships and having fun while learning.

Personal Interests: Playing pool, AFL, Cricket.

Elysha Librizzi

Area: Student Services – School Psychologist

History (past work history): Previously I worked as a therapist with young people aged 12-25 years in Perth, before moving to the Southwest at the end of last year.

Philosophy about education: I truly believe that a holistic, wrap-around approach to education is most supportive to our young people - they spend so much time here it is essentially a second home environment. Create that sense of safety and belonging first and all else flows more easily.

Personal Interests: Exploring the Southwest with mini road-trips, doing yoga and heading to the beach.

Jenna Mitchell

Area: English

History (past work history): I spent the last 7 years teaching at a co-ed school in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Philosophy about education: My philosophy of education is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow mentally, emotionally and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential.

Personal Interests: Running, CrossFit, spending time with family and friends, finding good coffee spots.

Phil Leenman

Area:  Chaplain within Student Services

History (past work history):  I had been in a chaplaincy role for the past 11 years with 8 years in Carine and Belridge senior high schools in the northern suburbs of Perth.

Philosophy about education: All of life is an education.

Personal Interests:   I’m an avid sports fan, especially the Geelong Cats, the Sydney Roosters and the cricket. My favourite shop is BCF!   I love to get my camper trailer in the bush and my boat out on the water. I have secret fishing spots that are so secret even the fish don’t know them! I am a volunteer with Marine Rescue in Busselton and have three grown children and a 2 year-old grandson!

Stacey Price

Area: Student Services: Year 8, 10 and 12 Wellbeing coordinator

History (past work history): I have been teaching for eight years at a variety of primary schools: Kingston Primary school, Wilson Park Primary School in Collie, Djidi Djidi Aboriginal School and Carey Park Primary School.  Prior to this, I lived in the Northern Territory for 13 years and worked as a teacher in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land for three years. I completed my Bachelor in Primary Teaching at Charles Darwin University in 2015.

Philosophy about education: Every student has the right to learn and learns in different ways. It is important to ensure emotionally they are ready to learn. Students all develop at different stages and the power of yet is a very powerful mindset to encourage.

Personal Interests:   The beach, travel, camping, history and painting.

Kristy-Lee Brinkworth

Area:  Relief – Library, Publishing, Home Ec

History (past work history): I am new to working in schools. I moved to Bunbury 1 year ago from my hometown Brookton.  I was in retail for 16 years and I have also been a professional makeup artist for 10 years.

Philosophy about education: I believe education should support the individual needs of students and all students should have access to quality education.

Personal Interests:  Cooking, houseplants, my dogs and pet goldfish, and my vegie garden.

Ms Stella Audino 

Role: Career Practitioner

I am excited about my new role and look forward to building new positive relationships with staff, students and parents over the coming years.

History (past work history): Worked for the Department of Education for 15 years. Primary Schools within the South West (Wardandi and Kaniyang areas/groups) including two years in Education Support and 12 months Teacher Exchange to Canada for the Department of Education.

Philosophy about education: Education is our passport to the future! I am passionate about education and look forward to the year ahead, working collaboratively to make a positive difference in the school community.

Personal Interests: I love travelling and experiencing different cultures; and meeting new people. Photography, musicals, live concerts and sporting events, spending quality time with family and friends, spending time with my 4 month old Cavoodle puppy, the great Australian outdoors and being out in nature or near water.

Learning Areas

VET

Many Year 11 and 12 students have started their certificate courses and work placements.

Thanks to parents, students and work place hosts in getting the necessary paperwork completed and back to the VET team to get students out on time.

Workplace Learning allows students an opportunity to try a variety of employment industries to get a taste of some of the work they might like to pursue in their future careers, with the added bonus that all hours that they perform go towards their school grades. Under the supervision of experienced staff, students observe and participate in real life work situations, learn new skills and build their confidence in a work setting. Some of the industries students are currently performing work experience in include building and construction, automotive, retail, education, child care, sport and recreation, hospitality, animal care, IT and administration.

This exposure to workplaces can also lead to further opportunities in employment, with some students securing traineeships, apprenticeships, and paid work as a result of successful placements.

Congratulations go to those students who have gained school-based traineeships or places in the VETdSS (VET delivered to school students) program at TAFE.

Our TAFE students have gone into the following courses:

• CII Applied Digital Technologies
• CII B&C (Carpentry & Joinery)
• CII B&C (Painting & Decorating)
• CII B&C (Pathway trades Bricklaying)
• CII Engineering Pathways
• CII Horticulture TAFE
• CII Kitchen Operations
• CII Retail Services
• CII Sport and Rec
• CII Visual Arts
• CIII Accounts Administration
• CIII Business
• CIII Fitness

We’d like to thank the following companies for taking on our school based traineeship students:

• CARTEC
• McDonalds
• QUBE
• Rebel Sports

Aboriginal Education

Clontarf

After a restful school holidays the Clontarf Academy is pumped to be back at school, seeing the boys and ready to deliver an engaging programme over Term 1.

We have an action-packed term ahead for our boys, including three camps. The first of these is our Year 7 Induction Camp to Collie: a great way to formally induct our newest academy members into Clontarf. Boys will be learning the Clontarf way to do things alongside our expectations, and will have lots of fun along the way!

The Year 8/9 Albany Basketball Camp will be popular and competition for spots on the camp will be high. We are looking to take a strong team down to perform well and experience the beautiful town of Albany in the summer.

Our camp for the senior boys this Term is to the famous Clontarf Cup in Perth during Week 8. The Clontarf Cup is the most prestigious football carnival of the year and is the first step to students potentially making the Clontarf WA State Football Team.

Students from all year groups qualify for a camp by holding good standing, having high attendance, attending Clontarf activities and being a good bloke.

The Academy staff will be working hard to ensure we are creating an environment that incentivises boys to want to come to school, have fun with their mates and gain a valuable education.

Our key focus areas for the academy this term are;

• Morning Trainings – Every Wednesday and Friday
• School Attendance
• Camps

We have some sad news from a Newton Moore perspective, but exciting news for Shawn Gillies and the Foundation to share. Over the school holidays, Shawn has successfully secured the Directors position at Coodanup College with the Clontarf Foundation. Coodanup is the largest academy in our region and to be given the responsibility to be in charge of that is full credit to Shawn and the great job he has done at Newton Moore.

We will all miss Shawn’s enthusiasm and passion for the program, exceptional cooking skills and his competitiveness in all areas!

Losing Shawn is a great loss for our academy, but we are also excited to bring in a new staff member that can make another great impact on the boys here at Newton Moore.

We’re looking forward to a successful 2024!

News from Parent Bodies

School Board

The role of School Board is one of setting the long-term future for the school and maintaining oversight (not management) of the implementation of the School Business Plan. It is not about running the school, but rather, about providing additional expertise to help the school achieve the best outcomes for students. We are very lucky as we have a very supportive, hardworking School Board who make wonderful contributions at our meetings.

The School Board meets 5 times a year. The proposed dates for 2024 are:

We welcome and thank our 2024 School Board members:

If you have any questions about the School Board, please don’t hesitate to contact the school on 9722 2400 to discuss with the Principal.

Community Notices