29 November 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Address

Principal’s Message

Well here it is.... the final e-newsletter of 2018. As with any great organisation we are currently engaged in reviewing the plans, programs, processes and initiatives that the school is involved in. Our school understands how important it is that we ‘self-review and self-reflect.’

Surveys have also been a good resource for opinion and suggestions. I am happy to report that the data indicates a significant level of satisfaction across a number of areas and programs within the school. Thank you to all those parents, students and staff who were involved in completing our school surveys.

This year some major focuses for us as a school have been:

• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) – A program that reinforces positive behaviours, and where we teach school wide expectations.
• Barry Bennett – a project aimed at building on, and expanding, teacher’s repertoire of instructional practices.
• Study Program – using ‘Elevate’, a skills program to support students to develop more comprehensive study techniques.

Technologies, particularly computers, are a great learning tool. It’s true that students are more likely to be engaged academically by enabling them to focus through the use of digital technologies. Research also shows that students are much more likely to engage with schoolwork via technology than with the old methods. Some elements of screen media, such as the ability to complete and share online assignments, and email communications with their teachers, help to reduce student anxiety with school processes, and helps them focus in class and learning as a whole. Next year, more testing will be online, including OLNA and all NAPLAN tests. Thus, it is imperative that all students bring a laptop or iPad to school each day to use in their lessons.

Also, in the last Schoolzine for the year, I like to give some special thank you’s. Firstly, to our staff who do an amazing job; they nurture, support and work with the students of the school to get the best possible outcomes. To all the school support staff who work to keep the school ticking along. To the parents who continue to positively communicate with the school.

The end of the year is also often a time for staff farewells. We want to wish the following teachers all the best in their future positions in new schools. Goodbye and good luck to Lesley Stace, Patriesse Hantzis, Demi Johnson, Dean Mercer and Kerry Lovell and all the best to John Reading and Gwen Stapleton on their retirement.

Finally, I want to wish you all a happy and safe summer break and I look forward to meeting our new students and welcoming everyone back in 2019.

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

From the Finance Team

2019 Contributions and Charges

The 2019 Contributions and Charges Booklet is now published and available in the attachment. This information will also be published on Connect in the School Space library. Paper copies will be available from Administration if you wish to collect one in person, as paper copies will no longer be posted to all parents.

Deputy Principals’ Update

2018 BHP Foundation | CSIRO Indigenous STEM Awards Finalists

Ashley Stewart, Head of Mathematics, is a finalist in the 2018 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Awards.

Lara Riley, Year 8, is a finalist in the 2018 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Maths Awards.

Congratulations and Good Luck to Ashley and Lara.

Attendance

School Attendance

Absences affect learning outcomes whatever the reasons for missed days. This includes sickness, school refusal and family holidays. Even where many of the absences are explained and unavoidable, planning between the family and school may be necessary so your child gets the most out of their schooling.

This planning is often useful to help the school understand any problems or barriers preventing your child from attending school regularly. It may be necessary to review and modify any plans until regular attendance at school is restored. It is important for schools and families to work together when planning for improved attendance to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child.

If your child is not going to attend school, please let the school know by calling 9722 2429 or sending an SMS to 0400 207 827.

If they miss a day, it is important you talk with their teachers to find out how you can help them catch up.

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact NMSHS’s School Attendance Officer, Leisa Robertson, on 9722 2428.

Admin Report

School Value - Success

One of the School Values at Newton Moore is Success.

On Wednesday in Week 7 we had our Year 11 Awards Assembly which acknowledged and celebrated the successes of our Year 11 students.

It was a great pleasure and honour to announce and congratulate the following award winners.

Well done to all Year 11 students who have successfully completed Year 11 and are on track to receive their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and graduate from high school next year.

ICT/Technology Report

A final reminder that it is our expectation that students from all year groups bring their own device to support learning in our school. BYOD means students are required to bring in an appropriate laptop or tablet to school each day, fully charged, and use it in classes and for study purposes.

Many students and parents have been making inquiries regarding recommended computer devices to purchase for their child (maybe an idea for a Christmas gift, if students don't have one already).

Please click on the link below for further information about Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), including recommendations on what to buy and other considerations. If you require further information or have specific queries, please contact our Network Support Officer Greg Trunfull, on 9722 2400.

Wellbeing & Program Coordinators Report

Share the Dignity Community Project

The Year 11 Community Family and Children’s class worked on a project to support the Share the Dignity appeals called, “It’s in the Bag”. This involved them collecting hygiene products like shampoo, soap, perfume, toothpaste, etc., and putting them in a handbag or backpack.

The bags are then donated to women in crisis care in the local area. These bags will be delivered to the women just in time for Christmas to make them all feel special.

Gravity Award Winners

Congratulations to Braydon Hill and Bianca Renton who were winners of the Gravity Award. The award recognises improved behaviour and effort at school and outstanding attendance and attitude in all subjects.

Student Services Update

Student of the Month

Congratulations to the following Students of the Month:

Newton Moore Stars

Lara Riley Shines

Lara Riley has been selected in the final team of 25 for the AFL Woomeras Leadership Program. It is a wonderful honour and achievement to be selected for the team and she is looking forward to the opportunity.

The program is designed to accelerate potential through cultural and personal evelopment activities over the coming year. Lara was selected for her football ability and leadership potential.

Since commencing in 2014, the program has grown and developed into a highly sought-after opportunity based on the following pillars:

1. Cultural identity,
2. Decision making
3. Resilience
4. Communication

Ella Smith - Caltex Best All Rounder for 2018

Newton Moore Senior High Schools 2018 graduate Ella Smith named one of the nation’s best, the Caltex Best All Rounder for 2018.

The award is presented to selected students from around the nation who display solid academic, sporting and social skills and all the qualities of good citizens.

Ella has maintained high levels of attainment in all of her studies, whilst representing the state in her chosen sport (AFL) and being an active member of the CALM cadets.

Ella has been an outstanding role model throughout her school career and was a valued member of the school community.

Congratulations, Ella.

Dustin Kendall

Dustin Kendall recently competed in the Gravity ETC National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast. Dustin started the Tech Skillz program this year and in his first major trampolining competition qualified for the 2019 National Championships for his age division.

Congratulations, Dustin.

Golden Knights Reward Trip

Students who receive Shinning Knight status for the four terms this year have the opportunity to attend a day trip to the Perth Zoo, which will be subsidised by the school.

The date of the excursion is Friday, December 7th. Students will be informed next week if they will be invited to the trip, and then excursion information and permission slips will be emailed out to parents.

Fun Day

Thursday December 13th is the last day of school for students this year. To end the year in a fun way we provide different activities from recess onwards. Students with good standing will have the option to pay to go to the movies, ten pin bowling or play water tag on the oval. All other students can choose on the day to participate in different activities held at the school.

Students can find out if they have good standing from the Student Services notice board from Week 8 onwards. Excursion information and permission documents will be emailed out to student with good standing next week.

School Nurse

NMSHS is currently participating in the ‘CLOUD’ Young Carer School Engagement Program, Carers WA.

The CLOUD Program aims to actively engage with students, educators and parents to increase awareness and supports for young carers within the education system.

Definition: A young carer is someone aged 8 - 25 years’ who provides unpaid care and support to family members and friends who live with a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness, an alcohol or other drug issue, or who are frail aged.

Young carers who are registered with Carers WA also have access to our Young Carer program. The program provides FREE events, including camps, for ages 8 – 25.

Events can include but are not limited to:

• school holiday activities
• Adventure World
• movies and shows
• horse riding, hiking and canoeing
• Young Carer School Based support groups

Young adult carers aged 17 – 25

Young Carers WA may be able to help with the cost of short courses e.g. Barista, Bronze Medallion, RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) and First Aid.

For more information on the CLOUD and Young Carer programs please visit:

Learning Areas

Science

The Year 10 Science Engineering class were privileged to be given a tour of Wespine Industries where they witnessed the processing of pine products from sustainability grown raw logs across the state. Using innovative computer technology, 3D scanning and automation, the logs are transported along a conveyor system, sorted, cut and stacked. The timber is then transported to the Continuous Drying Kiln (CDK) for drying. This ground-breaking kiln (first of its kind) was recently installed at the mill improving productivity, wood quality and greatly improving the kilns energy efficiency. A big thank you goes out to Jacques Lottering who organised the visit and the staff at Wespine for making the tour a big success.

“With a sustainable timber industry, we are ensuring WA’s eco-friendly future.We are encouraging groups from Educational institutions to tour the plant to learn more about our role in society and the future.” Jacques Lottering - Maintenance Supervisor - Electrical

T & E

Robotics

Year 10 Robotics students have been preparing to battle in this semester’s robowars. Students have been set the challenge to be the last robot standing in a do or die battle to the end. Some interesting artillery and defence mechanisms were created.

Jo-Anne Arnold and Kayla McNamara make changes to their robot designs

HPE

Kaya!

Our Year 7 Living and Leading girls have enjoyed playing with the new range of our Noongar Language resources. They have been learning about colours, family and bush animals.

T20 Blast Cricket

Recently 92 students in Years 7-10 and helpers from Year 11, represented Newton Moore as they competed against Dalyellup, Bunbury Grammar and Bunbury Catholic College in a T20 Blast Cricket round robin competition.

Some of our female players were identified by talent scouts to play in a cricket carnival held during the January School holidays.

Well done to all involved in a great day!

If you are interested in playing cricket this season, head over to Facebook and like the Cricket South West page or contact Rachel Norman on 0422 939 172.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

The PBS lesson in Week 6 was about our school-wide expected behaviour to leave areas clean and graffiti free, which comes under one of our expectations from the PBS Matrix; RESPECT.

You can help by talking to your child and reinforcing the following:

• Put rubbish in the bin
• Pick up any rubbish that is on the floor
• Be careful not to write on desks, chairs or walls
• Flush after using the toilet
• Make sure that there isn't any toilet paper or paper towels on the floor of the toilet
• Make sure to wash hands properly with soap after using the toilet and after lunchtime
• Don’t splash water onto the floor
• Wipe your feet before entering a room from outside
• Eat only during break times

PBS (Positive Behaviour Support) Banners

At the recent whole school assembly, Seth Bursill from Year 9, and our PBS student representative, unveiled the PBS Banners to the school community. He also spoke about the, “Celebratory PBS lesson,” to be held in Week 9, that will involve a competition between all classes, with great prizes to be won.

Aboriginal Education

Clontarf

Basketball Game: Newton Moore Academy VS Northam Academy

On Wednesday in Week Five the Newton Moore Clontarf Academy hosted a group of boys from the Northam Academy. A group of Year 8,9 and 10 boys competed in a basketball game against Northam’s Year 10 team. As is always the case, the boys displayed great sportsmanship and Clontarf Spirit during the contest. The Newton Moore boys used their home court advantage and ran away with the win in the second half.

Our Year 7 umpire Samuel Hill awarded Best Players rights to Cody & Malachai Bell, as well as special mentions for Seth Gasperi and Brayden Hill.

All the boys involved did their respective schools and academies proud.

A massive thank you goes out to all the staff and parents who came along to cook the food and support our boys.

Specialist Programs

Science Specialist Programs: Singapore Excursion 2019 (22C)

All interested Parents/Guardians of students that have expressed an interest in attending the Singapore Excursion in August 2019 are invited to attend an information evening.

Mrs Brown, who is organising the excursion, will be discussing the details of the trip and will be able to answer any questions.

Engineering

Subs in Schools National Championships

Aqua Cogs, a team of three Year 9s and two Year 10s, Abby Curti, Chloe Housham, Shaofeng Huang, Taine Lottering and Cameron Brown, are heading to Sydney to compete in the Level Two ROV submarine section.

The Great White Sharks team consisting of five Year 10 students, Gabriel Francisco. Cordell Anderson, Seth Hall, Tylar Gallaghan and Aiden Doak, will compete in the Big Submarine category.

Recently, students were lucky enough to have two Engineers from ASC (Australian Submarine Corporation) travel down to provide expert advice and mentoring with the two subs.

Choice Programs

MASH

MASH Sport Star of the Year Award Winners 2018 Sponsored by Cricket South West

The MASH Sports Star of the Year is presented annually to two students in each Year 7-10 MASH class. The award winners consistently demonstrate high levels of skill, organisation, and leadership. They actively strive to improve their ability, and represent Newton Moore SHS and the MASH program with passion and pride.

Well done to this year’s award winners:

News from Parent Bodies

School Board

The elected Chairperson of the School Board works in partnership with the Principal to lead the School Board and the school.

The Chairperson presides at all meetings of the School Board. If the Chairperson is absent, a board member may be asked to step in.

The chair of the School Board is responsible for functions associated with, and including, signing the financial report and minutes, presiding in the event of a question to be decided, and chairing the meeting. School Board Chairs have an important leadership role for the School Board and the community and must be aware of their responsibilities in:

• Inducting new School Board members;
• Ensuring that all School Board members understand their roles and responsibilities; and
• Communicating effectively with the school community regarding activities and decisions of the Board.

Nomination for School Board Membership – Parent Representatives

As an Independent Public School our School Board plays a key role in the governance and accountability processes we have developed, to continually improve.

The School Board is comprised of the Principal, along with community, parent and teacher representatives.

Both parent and teacher positions on the school board are determined by election, if required.

We welcome nominations from PARENTS who would like to become members of our School Board.

To nominate for a parent positions on the 2019-20 School Board, parents are invited to complete the nomination for election form below and return it to the school by 3:00pm Friday 22nd February 2019. Please forward your nomination to Kerry.cawcutt@education.wa.edu.au.

A brief overview of the Roles and Responsibilities of School Boards is included in the nomination form.

All interested parents are encouraged to apply and are invited to contact the Principal, Susan Kerr, should they require any additional information.

Events

2018 Year 12 Graduation

Special Awards