11 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Address

Principal’s Message

Term 2 commenced well with staff involved in a couple of very productive School Development days on Monday 24th April and on Wednesday 26th April. All staff participated in both days of professional learning. These workshops allowed staff to build on their skills and provided them with time and the opportunity to have some input into the school’s future directions and planning.

The school held a memorable Anzac Day assembly on Wednesday 5th April with special guest Mr Terry Barker from the RSL addressing special guests, students and staff. We also had student representatives Jacob Ashdown recite a poem ' Welcome Digger ' and Michael Trowles perform a piece called ‘Above the Flames'. The Head Boy, Jan Fromm and Head Girl, Tamzin Turrell and all the Student Executive along with Ms McInerny and Mr Testa attended the Bunbury Dawn Service. I would personally like to thank all of those involved for their participation in the District service and for helping coordinating the school's ANZAC service.

NAPLAN testing will be conducted during Week 3 of this term for both Year 7 and Year 9 students. NAPLAN is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 and is administered simultaneously in all schools across Australia. Parents of students who sit the test will at a later date get copies of the test results sent home to them. Please remember this is just one test on one day and that the results are only part of how your child is progressing. If you do have any questions then please don't hesitate to contact the school to get clarification.

Year 11 and 12 Semester One examinations get underway in Weeks 5 and 6. I wish all students well for the upcoming examinations. It is important that students set aside a considerable amount of time to study for these exams and also to try and sit some practice exams. I would encourage all Upper School students to try and attend our after school homework classes so they can get extra support from staff in attendance.

Once again, we have a very busy and productive term ahead. Some of our up and coming events include the inter-school athletics carnival, school production ‘Puss in Thongs’ and our Singapore trip.

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

From the Finance Team

Secondary Assistance

Secondary Assistance applications closed on 7th April. We have now received these payments and these amounts have been applied to your students’ accounts and will be reflected on C&C statements at the next mail out.

Country Week Payment Deadline

The deadline for Country Week payments is Friday 12th. Please contact the accounts office if you have any queries 9722 2419

Up and Coming Dates

Deputy Principals’ Update

Year 11 and 12 Parents can access Semester 1 Student Reports via Connect

Connect provides easy access to information relevant to your child’s classes, assessment results, teacher feedback and attendance data. During Term 2 a new tab will be added providing parent access to current and past reports (all reports issued by NMSHS) for their children.

Those Year 11 and 12 parents (with a valid email address recorded in our system) who have not yet registered for Connect will receive an email early in Term 2. If you have not provided the school with a valid or current email address please do so by contacting Tania Martyn on 9722 2400 or tania.martyn@education.wa.edu.au.

Parents will be able to access student reports from the My Children tab in Connect. All reports will be provided in a downloadable pdf format (see below).

Examinations

I have provided information below about the upcoming examinations and assessment schedule affecting Year 10-12 students this term. To support your child as they prepare for their examinations please encourage them to break down their study time revising small chunks rather than ‘cramming’ just prior to the examination. As they proceed with their study they will have an opportunity to ask their teachers clarifying questions. Unfortunately, this opportunity diminishes as procrastination sets in.

Year 10 Examinations (Week 5)

The Year 10 Semester 1 examinations occur during Week 5, Term 2 (starting Monday 22nd May 2017). Students will be assessed on the content covered in class this year up to the examination period. Students have been provided with a Course Outline for the year and will receive tips and hints from their classroom teacher in relation to the content they should be focusing on. Students have received the Year 10 Examination Timetable at a recent Year Meeting.

Year 11/12 Semester 1 ATAR Examinations – (Week 5/6)

The Semester One Year 11 and 12 ATAR examinations will be held from Thursday May 25, 2017 (Term 2, Week 5) through to Friday June 2, 2017 (Term 2, Week 6) at NMSHS Performing Arts Centre (PAC).

Students have been issued with an information letter for parents. Upon return of the signed consent form students will received their personalised examination timetable that they must bring to all examinations.

Please read the attached letter and examination instructions carefully with your child(ren). It contains important information about student attendance and procedures during the examination period.

Year 12 EST (Externally Set Task) – General and Foundation classes (Week 4/5)

All students enrolled in a General Year 12 course and/or a Foundation Year 12 course, are required to complete the Externally Set Task (EST) developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). ESTs are compulsory and are worth 15% of a student’s overall result for the course therefore students should refrain from unnecessary absences during the EST testing period. The assessments will be conducted during class time and classroom teachers will be informing students of the scheduled day and time.

If you have any questions about any of the above information please contact Mrs Kylie Cattaway, Associate Principal, by phone or email kylie.cattaway@education.wa.edu.au

Year 10 Course Selection Process

On Tuesday May 2nd we had an information evening for parents addressing Year 11 course selection and information about WACE. A handout was provided for parents to take home that covered the key information discussed at this event. If you were unable to attend students were also provided with this information at the Year meeting on Thursday. If your child has not brought this home they can collect one from Student Services to take home.

During Term 2 all Year 10 students will have the opportunity to complete career education through their classes. Student will have a chance to complete Career Voyager which helps students to identify careers that may suit their personality and strengths during this time. We recommend that guardians start having conversations with their child about the pathway they may be interested in pursuing next year.

A letter will be emailed out soon with the login details for guardians to book a counselling appointment for their child with the school to select subjects. These appointments will be occurring this term and no student will be placed into subjects without this meeting. Please contact the school to ensure we have your correct email address. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions about this process.

Year 10, 11 and 12 OLNA Results

OLNA results for the March round are due to arrive in schools very soon. Parents will receive their child(ren)'s results through the mail in the week beginning 22nd May 2017.

Year 6 Enrolments

An important and exciting time in a young person’s life is the move from primary school into a high school community. We will be conducting information sessions at local primary schools and at the high school in the near future to provide opportunities for guardians and students to ask questions about school processes and to learn about our school’s specialist programs and the school’s community that makes Newton Moore a school of choice. If you have any enquiries prior to these dates please don’t hesitate to contact Pippa Herbert (Deputy Principal) or Tonia Gelmi (Transition Coordinator) on 9722 2400.

Attendance

Do you need to let the school know if your teenager will be away from school?

Yes, you need to let Student Services know the reason why your teenager is going to be or has been absent from school as soon as possible.

Don’t feel the need to “cover up” the reason for your teenager’s absence. This reinforces that you are taking over when things are difficult. Be honest so we can work with you and your teenager to improve their attendance.

Having information about why your teenager is missing school helps us plan for their return, and to work out whether we can provide any further help to you.

Have clear expectations about after school or weekend jobs. Make sure work does not impact on their ability to get to school each day, or interfere with study.

• Encourage extracurricular activities such as sport and creative activities. They can help your teenager develop positive relationships and experience success, helping them feel more motivated.
• Monitor your teenager’s attendance and learning at school. Periodically check with their teachers or Wellbeing Coordinator to find out how things are going.
• Avoid taking over or giving your teenager the impression you are fighting their battles for them. Improving attendance requires the school, parent and students to work together.
• If your teenager delays getting ready for school so they are late, encourage them to still go to school.
• Ask school staff for help if you are struggling to get your teenager to school.

What will staff at Newton Moore do to help?

• Offer relevant and culturally responsive learning opportunities to engage students.
• Monitor every student’s attendance and work with you to overcome problems affecting your teenager’s attendance.
• Talk with you about involving support staff such as school psychologists, chaplain, Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer and other agencies.

Admin Report

Skoolbag App

The Skoolbag App provides an easy way for us to tell parents and carers everything they need to know about school news, newsletters, events calendar, cancellations, school notices, school information, school timetables, parent sick note forms, school documents and much more.

Please download the free “Newton Moore School” app from the website below and you will be able to keep up to date with school information.

Wellbeing & Program Coordinators Report

Shining Knights Rewards Activities

Students from all years were rewarded during the last week of school for their high attendance and meeting the behaviour expectations of the school. They enjoyed pizza for lunch and games and activities during Period 5. It was fantastic to see so many students achieving these standards.

Student Services Update

Learning Support Coordinator

Lunchtime in the Gym!

Every Thursday I am lucky enough to have gymnasium duty at Lunch time. Week 8’s duty has been my favourite so far. Approximately ten Year Eight boys descended on the gym with a basketball in hand. They worked out their teams (hence why one group changed into “non-school shirts”) and the game began. It was a tight tussle but in the end the “non-school shirt” team ran away with the win. Boys from both sides left the gym at the end of the lunch break a little worn out, but settled and ready for their Period Five class.

Thank you to all the boys for playing a fair and fun game as well as being welcoming to new players. Tyreece Penny receives a special mention for his great ball control.

School Nurse

Heads up on Helmets

Why your teenager should wear a bike helmet.

1. Teenagers are less likely than other cyclists to wear a bike helmet.
2. Half of the teenage cyclists involved in a bike crash risked serious head injury by NOT wearing a bike helmet.
3. 1 in 4 teenage cyclists who end up in hospital after a bike crash suffer a head injury – a head injury can have lifelong consequences.
4. Cyclists can reduce the risk of head injury by more than 60% by wearing an approved bike helmet which is correctly fitted and fastened.

It’s the law. All bike riders must wear a helmet that complies with the Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ2063) securely fitted and fastened on their head.

A bike helmet will protect the head only if it is the right size and worn correctly. This means:

Firm fit: The helmet has a secure fit and cannot move around the head.

Sit square: The helmet sits straight on the head, not tilted in any direction.

Closed buckle: The buckle is securely fastened under the chin – check that no more than 2 fingers can fit between the buckle and the chin.

Snug straps: The straps are not loose or twisted. Adjust straps regularly.

Literacy Corner

Continuing our discussion of the importance of ensuring your children can write strong sentences as the basis of their writing…

We’re working to make our students more confident in their writing by more explicitly teaching sentence structure. Part of this approach also involves them using some technical language such as “clause”.

So what is a clause?

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.

Someone or something (subject) is doing something (verb).

There are two types of clauses, and lots of different names for them. We call them INDEPENDENT and DEPENDENT clauses.

An independent clause can stand on its own. It makes sense on its own. It is sometimes called a main or principal clause.

A dependent clause does not make sense on its own. It needs other clauses around it. It is a sentence fragment. It is sometimes called a subordinate clause.

An independent clause is also a simple sentence. Next edition – What is a simple sentence? And we will start revising the parts of speech. Watch this space.

Learning Areas

Science

Rotary Microscopes.

The Science Department recently received 32 microscopes from the Rotary Club of Bunbury. These compact zoom microscopes are light weight and will be very versatile. They will be able to be used in and out of the classroom, for example in our wetlands. Alec Barber, Year 11 Science Engineering student, and Science teacher, Mrs Park, both pictured, attended an evening meeting of the club to gratefully accept the microscopes on behalf of the students of Newton Moore Senior High School.

LANGUAGES

Another positive exchange!

In Term 1, we welcomed seven Japanese students to Newton Moore SHS as part of our ongoing partnership with Gold Intercultural Learning. These students visited us from various parts of Japan and were able to find a home within our warm and welcoming school community for their week-long stay.

These students participated in classes as normal Australian students, being supported by their host siblings as they muddled their way through a school culture vastly different from their own. From Mathematics to English, to Psychology to Drama, students engaged in eye-opening curriculum that will stay with them in the years to come. A quick visit to our younger peers at Adam Road Primary school and an excursion to Bunbury Wildlife Park, saw the end to a wonderful exchange.

My sincere gratitude and thanks to those families and students who were able to assist in hosting these students. They had a fabulous time and have assured me that they will be back!

There is no rest for us in the Languages department as we are expecting a visit from our sister-school, Kawanishi Hokuryou High School in Term 3. I am looking for host families to assist in accommodating these students, as they will be looking after us when we return to Japan in 2018. If you are interested in this wonderful opportunity, please email Mrs King (amy.king2@education.wa.edu.au) for further information.

VET

South West Careers Expo

The South West Careers Expo is designed to provide students of all ages from throughout the south West, with plenty of solutions to career and further education questions, all in one convenient location.

South West Careers Expo has been built on local knowledge and an understanding of the importance for students, parents, school leavers and mature age candidates of being able to access a broad range of information and sound advice for career pathways. For school students second term is also a critical time as they choose their Upper School subjects or apply for entrance to tertiary institutions and state training providers.

The South West Careers Expo is an event that showcases a full range of options for anyone making a decision on their future career. Presenters include local businesses/companies that offer career opportunities in mining, construction and community infrastructure, universities, training organisations like TAFE, residential colleges, local government and defence force organisations and much more.

All Year 10s will have the opportunity to go to the Expo during school time and all others can attend after school. It is also a great chance for Year 11 and 12s to investigate the options available.

Meeting TAFE entry requirements TAFE

Students applying for full time study must meet literacy and numeracy requirements for their chosen course, or have successfully completed a lower level qualification.

To find out the entrance requirements for a course search and choose a qualification on the TAFE website. The ‘How to Apply’ section details the Entrance Requirements.

There are no charges to apply for a course or to change your preferences. Course fees will apply at the time of enrolment.

Please use the link to the electronic, online application form up to 2 preferences for courses of study can be listed.

TAFE information assistance is available on 1800 621 445 or 9780 7070

HPE

Brock Kenny wins Gold

At the recent WA Little Athletics State Championships, Brock Kenny ( Year 8 MASH) successfully defended his State champion title in Shot Put by winning Gold!

He received a silver medal in Javelin and 200m Hurdles, and a bronze in the 100m.

Congratulations Brock

All School Athletics Carnival

Newton Moore SHS held the annual All School Athletics Carnival on 5th April

Interschool Athletics Carnival

Individual Champions

Event Results Division A

Event Results Division B

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

NMSHS is currently developing and implementing a whole school behaviour curriculum with a schedule of PBS behaviour lessons based on the school matrix.

All staff will be required to actively and regularly teach the lessons.

Students will have the opportunity to practise the behaviours.

The lessons will be brief (5-15 minutes) because research has shown providing frequent brief lessons is more effective that providing a few long lessons.

Writing these lessons will take time because getting these lessons right and teaching them as intended will support all of our PBS work.

Aboriginal Education

Clontarf

Attached is our team photo of the South West Alliance who won the Clontarf Cup on Wednesday. We defeated the favourites, Clontarf Perth, in the first game followed by a heated battle with the Midwest, then a Seven Oaks/Yulebook team who led at half time. A fantastic day was had by all. Captain Eli Hill won “The Spirit of Clontarf” award for his on and off field leadership, commitment to the team and his ability to foster younger team members.

Specialist Programs

STEM

Year 9 Worsley Experience 2017

When we got to the mine we went on a tour and my first thought was how really big it was. There were heaps of really big buildings and lots of equipment compared to how many people I saw. We had to wear these monos (safety glasses) and a hat whenever we went outside. We learnt about the refinery and how it works. It was interesting to find out that the mine never closes. It is open 24/7 365 days a year. I really enjoyed the week and hope they continue this program so other students can have the same experience.

Isabella Green

I liked going with Emma (our Project Manager) into the meeting room where we did activities with the VIVE (a virtual reality site of the refinery). I was impressed with the technology that they used at the mine. It was for new people to see what the mine looks like before they start working at the refinery. They gave us steel cap boots that we had to wear that I found uncomfortable but know we should have them on for our safety with the high vis shirts we also wore. We were there from 9am to 2pm which is short compared to the workers who were there from 6am to 5pm. I recommend this experience to anyone who gets the chance to do it. I would even do it again it was so good.

Fern Clark

At the mine we were separated into 4 groups and then into even smaller groups made up of students from lots of different schools. Each group had a mentor who stayed with us for the week. They would guide us around the mine, explaining how everything worked and what people’s roles were. These people would take time to tell us more and encouraged us to ask them questions. Over the week we must have spoken to 20 different people who did different things on the mine. On the last day each student (some were in groups) had to interview someone on the mine and then present this information to all the mentors and students. I enjoyed the week.

Porsha Harvey

News from Parent Bodies

Canteen News

Healthy Food and Drink Choices in Schools

All public schools in Australia are to follow a 'healthy choice change' which is based around a "Traffic Light System ."

Available every day and promoting a wide range of foods that should make up the majority of a healthy diet.

Available twice a week: choosing healthier alternatives of foods that should be eaten in moderation.

Off the menu: not selling foods that do not meet specified nutrient criteria.

Our canteen has made the necessary changes to its menu and as suppliers change products to meet with the new criteria more choices will become available.

Please talk with your children about the importance of healthy choices and if you have any ideas please share them with us.

If you would like to volunteer in the school canteen between 9am and 11.30am or 11.30am and 2.00pm, please telephone Jenny Hall - Canteen Manager on 9795 8620. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

School Board

Meet the new Board Members

Vicki Bridge

I'm Vicki Bridge, married with three children, working in aged care for last 10 years and loving it.

I've been involved with my children's sport in many ways for the past 9 years, from helper, team manager and committee member. I'm have been on the board at South Bunbury Junior Football Club for the past four years as registrar. I love helping and believe that if you are a part of an organisation, especially sport, you get involved. The coaches should not have to do everything,

I've been on the P &C at my children's primary school, helping with fundraising and manning the BBQ at sporting carnivals for the past 10 years.

I love seeing children reach their full potential and hope I can continue helping where possible.

Cecile Narkle

My name is Cecilia Narkle (I prefer Cis). I am a Noongar women born in Moora.I am the second youngest of nineteen brothers and sisters. Ten siblings are deceased. My husband is Keith Narkle and we have two children Kristy and Kim who are now married and have provided us with four beautiful grandchildren. I was heavily involved in Keith’s football career with Swan Districts Football Club. I became his manager and successful gained him a fulfilling contract for that era.

I have been working in the education, training and employment sector for the past thirty five years. I assisted with developing the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Company in Bunbury. I coordinated the Aboriginal School Based Training Program (ASBT) in the South West of WA. I also spent thirteen years working for Forrest Personnel, a specialised employment agency for people with disabilities where I developed an Aboriginal Program to enable Aboriginal people to comfortably/confidently access the service.

My current role is the Senior Project Officer with the Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre in Bunbury. I have assisted with developing a Motor Drivers Licence Program/School (MDL) and a Mentoring Program, the two largest barriers to Aboriginal employment. I have built strong relationship with Job Services Australia (JSA) and other appropriate agencies to improve education, training and employment for Aboriginal people.

I have been a Council Member with the Western Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Council from 2009 to 2013 and believe my input has been of value. During this time I gained extensive experience and knowledge from other Council Members which I have been able to share in my region.

I have been a Board member for our Local Aboriginal Organisation Goomburrup. Just recently I was Chair Person of our Local Community Committee “Yaka Dandjoo” and am currently Vice Chair. I am a current Advisory Group Member for the Newton Moore Girls Academy, and a Committee member for the Aboriginal Education Employment and Training Committee (AEETC)

My passion is to improve outcomes for our youth and community by way of working in collaboration with schools, appropriate businesses, community groups, government and service providers.

Events

ANZAC Assembly

ANZAC Day

The Newton Moore Senior High School Student Executive marched in the official RSL parade at this year’s City of Bunbury mid-morning ANZAC service. A wreath was laid in memory of those who have served our country during conflict and crisis. It is pleasing to see today’s youth taking pride in their country’s heritage and recognising the sacrifices made by the brave young men who landed at Gallipoli, as well as all those who followed their example in later conflicts.

Lest we forget.