7 March 2024

Principal’s Address

Principal’s Message

Kaya and welcome to our midterm newsletter. Isn’t it great now that the weather is slightly cooler? Can I remind parents it is important that students bring a water bottle to school and that students have these with them at all times. Water bottles are permitted in class, and with the weather being so hot, it is important that students stay hydrated.

On Saturday 9^th March, the school will have the pleasure of celebrating our wonderful Year 11 and 12 students with a magical ball at the Lighthouse restaurant with the theme “Enchanted Forrest”. Each year, this event proves to be a highlight of the year. It is wonderful to see students dressed up ready for the spectacle and I have to say, they look unrecognisable in the ball attire- so grown up. A big thank you to the ball committee, Ms Edwards and other staff involved for their efforts in making the night such a special occasion.

Our first parent evening is scheduled for Tuesday 5^th March 3.30-6.30pm for parents of students in Years 7 to 12. This is an important point of contact in building relationships with our parent community. It provides a good opportunity to share information early and to help parents ensure that students are keeping on track with their studies.

NAPLAN Online is early this year with testing taking place during Week 7 Term 2. This means that as a school, we will have earlier access to results, allowing us to plan more thoroughly to meet student needs for the remainder of the year. Please ensure your child is at school and participates in the test as this helps teachers determine learning gaps and gives them an opportunity to adjust their learning programs.

Last year, our staff focussed on completing trauma informed practices training. As a result of us doing the program, the school committed significant funds and reorganisation of the timetable to ensure Aussie Optimism is delivered to all Year 7 and 8 students. We are confident the knowledge gained will support the social and emotional needs of our students.

I would like to thank the Newton Moore SHS community and parents for their continual support. I hope you all have time over the next few weeks to spend quality time with family and friends.

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

From the Finance Team

Country Week 2024 Payment Plan

Deposit payment $200 is due by Friday 15^th March 2024
(This is a non-refundable deposit to secure your child’s place in the team.)

Parents of our Country Week teams will have received the Country Week Information Pack by now which includes the payment schedule.

Contact the school if you have not received the pack via email newtonmoore.shs@education.wa.edu.au

Need to discuss the payment schedule? Contact the Accounts Office on 9722 2419.

Lower School Deputy Principals’ Update

2024 NAPLAN for Year 7 & 9

NAPLAN 2024 commences on the 13^th of March and we ask parents to highly encourage students’ attendance and completing the tests to the best of their ability. NAPLAN in Year 9 provides students with the ability to pre-qualify for OLNA, allowing their standardised testing to be over due to having already achieved their literacy and numeracy for Year 12 completion.

Practice tests have taken place in Week 5 to prepare students for NAPLAN. For further practice, students and parents can access the public demonstration site to view a sample test at www.nap.edu.au

NAPLAN testing for 2024 runs from March 13^th to March 25^th; however, all tests at Newton Moore SHS are aimed to be completed by Tuesday 19^th of March. If your child is genuinely absent, there will be catch up sessions held up until the end of the NAPLAN window.

Tests will be within

• Writing
• Reading
• Conventions of Language
• Numeracy

Please don’t hesitate to contact NAPLAN Coordinator, Katie Seghini, with any further questions.

Mrs Price and Mrs Audino have been handing out lower school student applications. Applications have now closed and we thank all the Year 7 to 10 students who have put their application in. The lower school leadership team will be announced in the next few weeks.

Class Changes for Semester 1

There are a number of students continuing to wish to change out of elective classes. Please be aware all students (except Year 7s) were given an opportunity to select elective classes during 2023. Further changes due to ‘not liking the subject” cannot be completed. 

Any changes to MESH class timetables must include the parent and relevant Deputy Principal from this point forwards and will only be considered in extenuating circumstances, directly related to academic student outcomes.

Senior School Deputy Principals’ Update

Year 10 subject selection for 2024

Although Year 10 has just begun, it is time to start thinking about subject selections for 2024. Please encourage your child to talk to teachers about subjects that they would like to study next year and possible pathways.

If you have any immediate questions, please contact the VET Coordinator, Mrs Kneuker, or Deputy Principal, Kate Nightingale.

Year 10 Work Experience

All Year 10 students not going to Country Week at the end of Term Two are expected to go out on work experience. This gives the Year 10’s an opportunity to get a taste for an industry they might be considering for employment after school.

As there are a number of schools sending Year 10’s out on work experience, it is important that applications to workplaces get out early. The forms can be collected from Mrs Kneuker during recess or lunch. These must be returned by the end of Term 1.

Year 10’s going to Country Week will have an opportunity to do their work experience in Term Four.   

BYOD

It is expected that all Year 11 and 12 students bring a computer to school every day. It should be fully charged and have all the software required for students to complete their learning.

Our school IT support team is available before school, and at recess and lunch in the IRC to support with any network issues you may encounter.

Attendance

As the workload increases in Year 11 and 12, it is vitally important that students arrive on time for school and attend every day. Please make sure that your child is only absent if they are unwell and that they are arriving on time. Poor timekeeping and low attendance rates will lead to a Loss of good standing and students will not be able to take part in important events such as the School Ball and Country Week.

Study Skills Tip

Four Reasons Not to Put Off Starting Assignments
Here are four reasons why you should start working on your assignment immediately.

Get your brain thinking about the topic:

Even if your assignment is not due for weeks, start thinking about it immediately. At the very least, ensure you review and understand the requirements the day you get your assignment. Even if you are not thinking about it directly, your subconscious will be hard at work.

Find library and online resources:

Although the school or local library may not be your main source of reference, you should drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Your teacher will probably have alerted the school librarian to the assignment, and reference books etc, may well be displayed. These will disappear quickly if the whole class has the same assignment. Reference books can sometimes be a useful general overview for an assignment, and they help clarify a direction as you begin to immerse yourself into the assignment topic. Your librarian can also guide you to online journals or databases that may be useful

Starting early means more time to explore & ask for help if needed:

If you do some initial research on the assignment, you could find yourself needing more direction in your next research. For example: perhaps there isn’t enough information, or perhaps you find you don’t understand important concepts, or perhaps you need to speak to your teacher to get further clarity. If you find this out early, you will still have plenty of time to plan, research, write and present your assignment. Imagine if you didn’t start your assignment for a week or so, and then discovered you needed more guidance. You could easily run out of time. Starting early also gives you a longer time to think through and develop your ideas.

Create a safety net:

Starting your assignment immediately will give you a safety net in case you get sick or something unexpected happens. Assignments are usually given over a period of time because they require more time; students must plan a strategy or schedule to ensure they are completed. You should always have a schedule that allows for the unexpected.

So, get started today!

Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on the link below - our school’s access details are:

Healthy choices

We encourage all student to bring nutritious and balanced meals to school. A well- rounded meal provides the sustained energy needed for a successful day of learning.

In addition to your healthy choices, don’t forget to bring a fillable water bottle each day. Hydration is a simple yet impactful way to enhance your focus and concentration at school.

We’d also like to remind our Newton Moore SHS family that support is always available. For those facing challenges in accessing food, please know that our school provides assistance through dedicated programs.
If you need assistance, please speak with your wellbeing coordinator who will be able to direct you on how to access these programs.

Attendance

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Our matrix shows all the behaviours we expect to see from our students at Newton Moore SHS and we explicitly teach these behaviours, so students are aware of what it looks and sounds like.

In Weeks 5 to 7, the focus has been on the use of appropriate manners and language.

Staff are always on the lookout, and PBS points are awarded to those students demonstrating positive behaviour. Students can then use these points to purchase goods at our PBS shop.

The PBS shop is located in the PAC and is open in Weeks 3, 6 and 9 each term at recess. The Year 7 to 9 shop is on Tuesday and the Year 10 to 12 shop on Wednesday.

Newton Moore Stars

Year 7 Emerging Knights Day

Welcome to our new Year 7’s. This year, Newton Moore SHS held the inaugural Emerging Knights Day on Friday of Week One. Students were sorted into their factions and then participated in a range of activities including an art project, bullying workshop, team building activities and a colour run! Students had a great time, participating well with their peers in all activities. A big thank you goes to our Year 10 mentors for assisting on the day, and the Canteen and P&C, providing students with a healthy recess.

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Student Executives 2024

Wellbeing & Program Coordinators Report

Meet the Team

Hannah Symons

Area: English

History (past work history): I have taught in the UK for 7 years, training in Southwest London and then spending five years in Bath. I taught French, Music and English in London and then Drama and English in Bath. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a PGCE in English.

Philosophy about education: A love of learning belongs to every child. It is an interest in the world around us, and our place within it, as opposed to accolades of ‘education’. I want our students to be socially informed members of our community.

Personal Interests: Singing, music, going to the beach, swimming and camping!

Alison McCarthy

Area:  Mathematics

History (past work history): Morawa DHS 2011-2015 – English Teacher John Willcock College/Champion Bay SHS 2016-2023 – English and Mathematics. Prior to teaching, I worked in Financial Planning, direct sales, and other industries, including six years at the Perth Mint and GoldCorp Australia.

Philosophy about education: Being an educator means knowing that your job isn't just teaching - you're also still learning every day.

Personal Interests: Reading, camping, crochet.

Emma Dawson

Area: Student Support Wellbeing Officer (onPsych)

History (past work history):  I’m a social worker who has experience working as a counsellor in the vocational sector and casework in a Swedish government agency. I also have vast experience working with youth in the community, in the educational sector, women’s and children refuge, as well as through PCYC where I facilitated youth programs throughout Perth and rural communities in WA. I have a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Counselling, and a Master’s in Social Work

Philosophy about education: All students are unique and school is where students can begin to explore and meet their full potential. Participating in a stimulating and safe school environment can open up curiosity, creativity and is a space where students can begin to explore their future.

Personal interests: I love travelling, especially to Sweden, where I am from, and exploring places around WA with my family. 

Zoe Quartermaine

Area: Visual Arts

History (past work history): 1 year at Darling Range Sports College – Visual Art, Photography & Design Teacher, 8 years at Narrogin Senior High School – Visual Art, Photography & Design Teacher.

Philosophy about education: That it has got to be fun and relevant. Therefore, you’ve got to know your students and ensure the education experience is flexible to their individual learning styles and interests.

Personal Interests:   Going to the beach with my dog, photography, AFL – Freo all the way! Basketball, and cooking up a storm.

Student Services Update

Get to know our Student Services Team 

Hello everyone, my name is Amy King, and I am our Student Services Coordinator at Newton Moore. My role is to manage our Student Services team as well as student behaviour and wellbeing at school. I have a household full of boys, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love to relax and spend time with my family and friends on the weekends, I enjoy watching the Scorchers play cricket and my husband makes the best sushi dinners/lunches! We look forward to working with you all throughout the year and enjoying all of the fun school events we have planned.     Mrs Amy King – Student Services Coordinator

Hello to our new students and parents at Newton Moore! My name is Ms Brooke Edwards, and I am the Year 7, 9 and 11 Wellbeing Coordinator for 2024. Part of my role is to ensure our incoming students feel safe and supported every day they come to school through managing, upskilling, and monitoring their social and emotional health/wellbeing. I love spending time with my friends and family, enjoying some good meals and being out and about living life. It is a pleasure to be able to work collaboratively with you all and I am looking forward to getting to know our amazing group of year 7 students.

Bring on the new adventures of 2024!    Ms Edwards- Year 7, 9 & 11 Wellbeing Coordinator

Hello – Kaya – Welcome.

My name is Ashe Warrick, and I am a part of the fantastic Student Services team here at Newton Moore Senior High School. My role is Student Support Officer for Year 7 and 10. I am here to help support you and your family throughout your school journey at Newton Moore. I absolutely love my job as I get to support and engage with you guys daily. I live locally with my family and will see some of you after school hours at sport, the shops, beach and even the skate park. Please come and say hello. I look forward to meeting all our new and current students.     Ashe Warrick – Year 7 & 10 Student Support officer

Hi, my name is Justine, and I’m a Student Services Support Officer here in Student Services. I have been at Newton Moore for 11 years with all that time spent in Student Services.

My role is to support the emotional and social wellbeing of our students across the board. I run small group and larger group programmes as well as well as Restorative Practice processes between students and teachers. (What is this, you ask? If there are any issues between students, we work it out in a calm manner so all can move forward and really enjoy their time at school, grabbing each opportunity as the come.) This year, I am working alongside the Wellbeing Coordinators to support our Year 9 and Year 12 students. 

I adore dogs and would welcome having dogs at school as a “calming” strategy, as my gorgeous dogs calm me when I need it. I love reading, exercising and anything that involves home décor. I was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and adore our Aussie lifestyle and everything that goes with it. Looking forward to meeting you all.    Justine Van Zyl- Years 9 and 12 Student Support officer

My name is Stacey Price, and I am the new Year Coordinator for Years 8, 10 and 12. 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. I am a mother of two adult children and a very friendly dog. I endeavour for this year to be enjoyable, challenging, and productive.       Stacey Price- Year 8, 10 & 12 Wellbeing Coordinator

Hi, my name is Dee Marcal or Miss Dee as the students call me. I have worked at Newton Moore SHS for the past three years and was lucky enough to secure a permanent position with the beautiful Student Services team last year. I am currently the SSO for the Year 8 & 11’s. I am very passionate about my job and pride myself in being approachable to all students. I provide assistance to all students in need of social and emotional support, and also help to resolve conflicts between students. The well-being of the students at Newton Moore SHS is my top priority in my role. Please come and see me should you have any concerns, issues or even just to say Hello.      Dee Marcal- Years 8 and 11 Student Support Officer

Psychologist

We are lucky enough to have two School Psychologist’s working at Newton Moore, both being very approachable, compassionate and dedicated to their work.

Hi, my name is Ryan Jae, and I am one of the new school psychologists joining in 2024. I will be sharing the role with the lovely Elysha, and I’ll be on campus Mondays, Thursdays, and alternate Fridays. I have grown up in Bunbury and love spending time at our beautiful beaches and bushwalking. I have two little girls aged 7 and 9, and a fur baby named Billie. I’m so excited to be joining the Newton Moore community to help support the students to get the most out of their high school experience.     Ryan Jae- School Psychologist

My name is Elysha and I am so excited to be joining the Student Services team at Newton Moore as one of the two new School Psychologists in 2024. You'll find me working on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and alternate Fridays, as I balance life with my 1-year-old at home. I am new to the Bunbury area and have two Golden Retrievers that also keep me busy. I am passionate about supporting our young people to be the happiest, healthiest and most fulfilled version of themselves! While I'm new to the high school setting, I feel very lucky to have prior experience working with our high school-aged students. My work has taught me that each young person is an expert on themselves, and so it will be my privilege to support and guide them as they navigate the school year.      Elysha Lebrizzi- School Psychologist

Chaplain

Hello everyone! My name is Phil to all, and I just completed my first week at Newton Moore SHS after moving from the northern suburbs of Perth where I had been in a chaplaincy role for the past 11 years with 8 years in high schools. 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 one 2-year-old grandson!!      School Chaplain Phil

School Nurse

We have our amazing school nurse, Valinda Sabourne, working with us on Wednesdays, Thursdays and every second Friday. She is another one of our friendly, happy faces down here in Student Services to support our students.

Learning Areas

Maths

At the beginning of the term, my students in Year 8 made abacus's. As we were learning numbers and mental strategies, we decided to explore past methods of adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. The Abacus, also called a counting frame, is a hand-operated calculating tool which was used from ancient times in the ancient Near East, Europe, China, and Russia, until the adoption of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system. Students learnt the basics of using the abacus for the four operations as well as place value. This was such a fun and engaging activity, and the 8MAT_2 group of students constantly demonstrate positive behaviour and learning attributes.

Technologies

Yet again, our Woodwork students have impressed me with their skill, work ethic and persistence in the workshop.

Our cleaners recently commented that they could not believe that 4 classes, a total of 80 students, were working in the workshop because it is basically spotless. This is a testament to the capability, responsibility and teamwork that our students can exercise when they set their minds to it.

Over the past 5 weeks, students have been learning a number of traditional woodworking techniques using a combination of hand tools and machines. Next week, we begin our major projects.

I am very proud of the progress that our Year 8, 9 and 10 classes have been making in the workshop and look forward to seeing their skills and work habits develop even further.

Aboriginal Education

Stars

One of our Stars Year 9 students attended Fremantle Football Club for a coaching and umpiring course. They had a special guest, former ALF player Roger Hayden. The Stars student had a wonderful day exploring the Fremantle Football Club’s training grounds.

Clontarf

The Clontarf Academy has been a hub of activity this term with morning trainings, after school activities, academy lunches and camps being well attended by our academy members.

Our Year 7 group completed their induction camp in Collie whilst battling the scorching 41-degree weather! In true Clontarf style, we rolled the swags out under the stars at Potters George for a camping experience that was enjoyed by all.  The fellas participated in Clontarf leadership activities that included practicing public speaking, handshakes / greetings, what is means to be a Clontarf boy and a fantastic morning training / breakfast with the Collie Academy. Our camp was finished off with some great games of laser tag which was enjoyed by all. The Year 7 boys behaved exceptionally well, were very helpful and were a pleasure to have on camp.

The Albany Basketball Camp in Week 5 has been a great incentive for our boys in Year 8/9 to put their best foot forward in class and in our activities. It’s great to see some boys who haven’t been on a camp for a while attend and I’m sure they will enjoy the activities which include a cultural tour, Valley of The Giants Tree-Top Walk and a big basketball carnival which will be attended by all academies in the Southern region.

We also have some exciting news to share with you all: Cameron Bennell has successfully secured the vacant Operations Officer position and will be starting full time work with us on Tuesday 5^th March. Cam has some wonderful skills that suit this position well and our boys are looking forward to learning some great knowledge and habits from him. 

Clontarf Superstar of the Month

Jason ‘Momoa’ Thompson

Jason has had a terrific start to his high schooling at Newton Moore and in our academy. He is working very hard in his classes which has also included becoming a valuable member of the ‘Follow the Dream’ program. Jason has quickly become a popular member of the academy room and can be found on the pool table at every break!

Jason was also a great role model during Year 7 Induction Camp and did a great job setting up his campsite!

Follow the Dream

Follow the Dream has commenced and there are 26 students participating in the afterschool homework classes. For further information of the program Follow the Dream | Polly Farmer Foundation (pff.com.au) and if you would like your child to participate please in the program please contact James Skoda from Newton Moorer SHS, email: James.Skoda@education.wa.edu.au

Choice Programs

MASH

Year 7 MASH students have slotted into the MASH program well and are working hard on building their teamwork and communication skills through a range of activities.

On Thursday 29^th February, our Year 7 MASH class was lucky enough to visit Forrest Adventures in the Tuart Forrest. Our students took on the fearful heights of the tree top course, this included rock climbing their way up trees and zip-lining their way down to the ground.  Students participated well and enjoyed having the opportunity to engage in challenging yet rewarding activities.

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Cadets

Has your child ever thought of giving back to the community while protecting the environment? Ever thought of picking up some new skills that would help them better understand bushcraft, survival, and the world around us while being part of something bigger?

Get your child to join our Cadets program!! We are currently recruiting new members! Cadets meet once a week and engage in a variety of activities, training, camps, and excursions. Contact Mr Maynard or Ms Seghini for an application form and further information.

News from Parent Bodies

Canteen News

How to order:

Summer menus:

School Board

The School Board will, from time to time, provide updates and information within the school newsletter to keep the wider school community abreast of key activities like member nominations and elections.

The School Board meets once a term, except for Term 4 where we meet twice for 2 hours (5 times a year). How Can I Take Part Elected members serve an initial term of three years and may be reappointed more than once.

We always need a parent majority so if you would like to get involved, please register your interest by emailing newtonmoore.shs@education.wa.edu.au

The Board has been formed with the fundamental purpose of enabling parents and members of the community to engage in activities that are in the best interest of students and will enhance the education provided by the school. We look forward to hearing from new parents and community members who will hopefully nominate to join our board.

Events

Photo day Bookings

Dates: Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th of March 2024

This is a wonderful opportunity to capture memorable moments of your child's school year.

Online Bookings ONLY   There are no envelopes this year!! 

All orders must be done online from the link below, using the Access Key:

8EXSJ2WE

Follow the instructions through their system to order your photos for each child, including being able to select your own background!

Breakfast Program

Community Notices

Bunbury Dynamos Junior Soccer Club

Registrations are open for mixed teams and girls only competitions available.

Click here to register your interest
Enquiries - playerlists2023@gmail.com
Click here to visit our webpage for further information

The Zonta Club of Bunbury has partnered with Australia Post to provide funded training for adult women to attain Mental Health First Aid skills. Course numbers are limited  Women in our community who might struggle to fund the regular course fee are encouraged to apply.