2016 Newsletter February 15 - Woodvale Secondary College

Woodvale Secondary College
Independent Public School
110 Woodvale Drive, Woodvale, WA 6026
Phone: 9309 0808
Fax:
9309 3394
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.woodvale.wa.edu.au
SMS Absentee: 0407 988 306
Newsletter – 19 February 2016
From the Principal
Dear Parents, Caregivers,
Students and Staff,
We have had a strong and busy
start to the 2016 school year. At
our very first assembly I talked to
our College community about
Brand Woodvale and what we
stand for. Each and every one of
us contributes to our brand which
is represented by our motto of
Pursuing Excellence.
Over the summer break numerous projects were
commenced and completed. The removal of trees that
were interfering with drainage and paving and the reconfiguring of the Student Services block were the two
most noticeable to the untrained eye! Please note that
Student Reception has now moved to the Student
Services building. Signs will be in place very shortly.
Thank you to staff who were significantly involved in both
of these projects and the contractors who worked very
speedily and professionally to ensure that impact on
students and staff was kept to a minimum.
One of our signature strengths at Woodvale SC is the
excellent results achieved by our students. Our Year 12
cohort from 2015 continued this proud tradition. Some of
the highlights included:
Staffing
We welcomed back Mr Ian Bremner after a year’s leave
and numerous staff after long service leave. Our new staff
are:
– 2 students with an ATAR of 99 or higher
Associate Principal Senior School: Mrs Justine
McNaught-Conroy
Program Coordinator Student Services: Ms Tina Nottle
English: Ms Angela McGinty
Business: Ms Maureen Saunders
Health and Phys Ed: Ms Jessica Morley
Maths: Ms Emily Arthur and Ms MJ Simms
– 16 students with ATAR of 90 or higher
– 98% of Year 12 students achieved a WACE
– 95% attainment (achieving a Certificate II and/or
ATAR of 55+)
– 5 Certificates of Commendation (20+ A Grades or
equivalent over Years 11 and 12).
– Featured in “highest performing students in a Stage 3
of each WACE course” list for Media Production and
Analysis and Politics and Law.
Congratulations to: Mitchell Bruce who achieved an ATAR
of 99+ and a Certificate of Distinction; Daniel Brown who
achieved an ATAR of 99 and a Certificate of
Commendation; and to the three other students who
achieved a Certificate of Commendation: Dylan Geiles;
Georgia Maher and Nicole Priestman. We recognised our
high achievers at a special assembly on Thursday 18
February.
One of the most fabulous things about the start to the
2016 school year has been welcoming our new Year 7s.
They enjoyed two special days with the Big Days In. By
all accounts, students and staff found the days highly
enjoyable and valuable. You can read about them in more
detail elsewhere in the newsletter.
As always it is fabulous to have new faces and to
welcome back some more familiar ones.
This will be our last newsletter. We are moving to loading
up stories onto our website where we place our calendars
and other information. I encourage all in our College
community to make time each week to check our website
for updated information.
Here is to a positive and fulfilling Term 1 for all in our
College community.
Lea Fairfoul-Hutcheon
IMPORTANT Media wins State Awards
The start of 2016 has seen our graduating Year 12 students in the spotlight for their
DATES
remarkable achievements at the end of 2015.
22 February
School Photo Day
23 February
Another Photo Day
Year 11 Parent Information
Night
Year 7 Parent BBQ
24 February
Music Tour parent launch
1 March
Year 10 Parent Information
Night
3 March
Woodvale Secondary College Media Production and Analysis students were recognised as
some of the highest achieving students in the state and Mitchell Bruce took out the
Certificate of Distinction for the course state-wide. Woodvale Secondary College was listed
as a top performing school for Media overall.
Subsequently we have had two short films short listed for the annual Media Perspectives,
run by the Australian Teachers of Media which is to be held at Innaloo Cinemas on 9
March. This event showcases the top 20 films produced by Media students in the state and
it is an honour to be considered a part of this event.
It is an amazing achievement for those students and recognition for their tireless work and
commitment to the subject. I am very proud of their achievements and look forward to
these students acting as role models for our current senior students. Look out for more
great production work soon – even a future Oscar nomination perhaps!
Deb Edwards
Swimming Carnival
Year 7 - 9
7 March
Labour Day
Public Holiday
14 March
Year 7 – 12 Interschool
Swimming Carnival
College Board Meeting
P&C Meeting
15 March
Year 9 Parent Information
Night
17 March
Positive Parenting Program
Night
18 March
Music on the green
23 March
Top Performing Northern suburbs students – WACE 2015 –
Daniel Vu, Blake Hillwood (Duncraig SHS)
Daniel Brown and Mitchell Bruce winner of the WACE
Certificate of Distinction – Media (Woodvale SHS)
Photo courtesy of Joondalup/Wanneroo Times
Parent Interview Night
3.15pm – 7.15pm
All Years
25 March
Good Friday
Public Holiday
28 March
Easter Monday
Public Holiday
29 March
Easter Tuesday
(College closed)
31 March
Year 8 Immunisation
2 April
College Ball
6 April
Senior Music Tour
8 April
ANZAC Ceremony
Last day of Term
Year 12 College Ball
The Woodvale Secondary College Ball is an important social event on the Year 12
calendar. Detailed information will be distributed to parents in a letter shortly, however for
your planning purposes, the key details are as follows:
Date:
Venue:
Time:
Attire:
Cost:
Saturday 2 April 2016
Hyatt Regency Perth, 99 Adelaide Terrace
7.00pm - 11.30pm
Formal dress
Tickets will be approximately $140.00
Should you have any questions after you have received your information letter, please
don't hesitate to contact Year 12 Coordinators on the emails listed below.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Senior School
As some of you may be aware, I have this term started in the role Associate Principal of Senior School. Although only
here a short time, I have been impressed by the attitude and behavior of students, and the warm welcome that I have
received from both parents and staff.
The focus for me this term has been on ensuring students are in appropriate courses to maximise their chances of
attainment and WACE achievement, as well as supporting students to develop positive work habits that will lead to
success. I congratulate senior students for engaging with the Wednesday afternoon sessions with enthusiasm, and will
continue to provide these opportunities throughout the year. One requirement of WACE achievement is the achievement
of OLNA, and I have included some relevant information in this newsletter edition, should you have further questions.
Thank you to those parents who have contacted me by phone or email to discuss their children’s needs. Please don’t
hesitate to contact me by email on [email protected] or via the front office should you have
any concerns.
Justine McNaught-Conroy
Year 12 Report
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our students who are now the Year 12 Cohort. As we know this is the last
year of the Year 12 student’s time at this College. Whilst they will be productively engaged with their courses, the
excitement is already building in anticipation of the College Ball to be held on Saturday 2 April at the Hyatt Regency
Perth. Relevant information will be distributed to parents and students within the next two weeks. We look forward to
celebrating this milestone event with our students and are certain it will be a most memorable evening.
One of the privileges of being a Year 12 student at the College is having access to the Year 12 Common Area.It
incorporates a small kitchen with cooking facilities and is adjacent to a sitting area that has been designed in the shape of
an amphitheatre. This is a designated area solely for the Year 12 Students that provides a relaxing and mindful
environment where they can enjoy socialising with their peers.
Year 12 Students enjoying
the kitchen facilities.
Year 12 Students during
lunchtime in their
Common Area.
In December 2015 the College nominated one of our exceptional students, Owen F, to be
considered for the prestigious Edith Cowan University Year 11 Citizenship Award proudly
sponsored by the ECU Joondalup Campus. We are thrilled to announce that Owen F was
successfully recognised and awarded this honour in recognition of his, ‘outstanding Citizenship,
Leadership and commitment to ECU’s core values of Integrity, Respect, Rational Inquiry and
Personal Excellence.’ We acknowledge Owen F. on the valuable contribution he makes as a
leader at his local Surf Life Saving Club and congratulate him on receiving this award.
Owen F. awarded the Edith Cowan University Year 11 Citizenship Award for 2015.
Another student who strives for personal excellence is our very talented Taylor C. who recently represented Australia in
the National Women’s U18 Ice Hockey Team. Taylor travelled to Radenthein, Austria during January this year and
participated in competition against some very formidable teams including Great Britain, Italy, Poland and Romania. Taylor
has been playing ice hockey for four years and plays in two significant team positions, left wing and defence. The
Australian U18 Women’s team made history by competing in these games and representing Australia at this level for the
first time and while they were placed seventh overall in the Women’s World Championships Division 1 qualification, it was
a motivational and rewarding experience. Taylor is now even more committed to her training and games in preparation for
the competitions of the future. Well done, Taylor C.
Taylor C. with the members of the National U18 Women’s
Ice Hockey Team.
Taylor C. with her
trophy from the
National Women’s
U18 Ice Hockey
Competition
We would also like to recognise and congratulate Robyn L. on her outstanding achievements in the field of swimming. In
October 2015 Robyn travelled to Egypt to compete in the African Junior Swimming Championships representing
Zimbabwe. Robyn competed in eight swimming events and successfully achieved eight medals, five gold medals, two
silver medals and one bronze medal. Robyn’s performance was significant, breaking four championship records and
resulted in her being recognised as the overall winner of the competition in her age group. Robyn is currently in training to
compete in the Australian National Swimming Competition to be held in Adelaide in March of this year. Congratulations,
Robyn, on your fantastic achievements and we wish you all the best for your future competitions.
Robyn L. celebrating a win in the pool.
Robyn L. (Gold Medal
winner) with the Silver
Medalist from Egypt (left)
and the Bronze Medalist
representing South
Africa (right).
The College is keen to recognise the achievements and accomplishments of students, so we invite all students and
parents to share this information with us. We would like to remind parents and students that as the Year 12 Coordinators
we are committed to ensuring every Year 12 Student maximises their learning opportunities in this final year of study.
Please encourage your child to ask for support and assistance when required. We wish all Year 12 Students and families
a successful 2016.
Kathy Jarvis and Tara Zekovic-Bosnjak
Year 12 Coordinators
Year 7 Report
All Year 7 students transitioning from their 2015 primary schools to Woodvale Secondary College were involved in a two
day Orientation Program, Big Days In, coordinated by their Year Coordinator, Mr Wayne Jaggard. Students were placed
into one of eight groups and rotated through a series of activities designed to promote: school orientation; team building;
cooperative skills; communication skills and increased confidence surrounding their entry into a high school environment.
The main objectives of the program were linked to easing transition anxiety, particularly in relation to: having to meet new
people; making new friends; entering a different educational environment (high school); finding their way around a new
school; getting to know staff who were available to provide support. Each year the program is revised based on feedback
we receive from our Year 6 students attending their Term 4 transition days.
All Year 7 students were surveyed at the completion of the second orientation day. 229 surveys were collected. Feedback
was gathered from the cohort to establish whether the objectives of the Orientation Program had been met; if the
students enjoyed the program and found it worthwhile’ if there were any suggestions for improvements to the program for
future years.
98% of students were very positive about the Big Days In and that, coupled with the two days at the College that students
from the Woodvale Learning Community primary schools enjoy, ensures that our Year 7 students feel safe in the College,
know their way around and are ready to work at their personal best. We would appreciate if parents ensured Year 7s
actively use their diaries and that they are given a space at home for home study. If you start to develop good habits
early, you will be ensuring your child develops into an awesome learner as school becomes more demanding. At this
stage they should be engaging in home study for an hour a day, three days a week. If they say they have no homework,
allow them to sit and read. You are laying the foundations for very important home study habits.
Feel free to email teachers or Mr Jaggard if you have any celebrations or concerns.
Every Year 7 parent should have a copy of The Positive Parents Guide to WSC 2016. This comprehensive guide is
invaluable to ensure your successful transition into our Learning Community. Also keep an eye on our web page for
information, resources and study skills. You can pick up a copy of the Guide from the front office, from the website, or I
will have some with me at the BBQ.
Two important events are coming up this term: 23 February is the Year 7 BBQ commencing at 5.30. This is a social
event to welcome Year 7 parents and encourage them to meet staff on an informal level. I really look forward to the BBQ
as a chance to chat with as many parents as possible. Please ensure you attend to meet staff and other Year 7 parents.
I will also be holding a very important Positive Education Workshop for all Year 7 parents on 22 March in the Music
Centre from 7pm until 8pm. I have ensured enough time for you to get home and have dinner before attending because
this is a very important workshop and I want all Year 7 parents to attend. I will send you an email closer to the event but
please mark it in your diary now.
The Student Services Team welcomes a new team member: Ms Tina Nottle is our new Lower School Coordinator in
charge of Year 7 to Year 9 students. Tina is highly experienced with early adolescent learners and her focus for the Year
7 group is resilience and cooperation with others. You can meet her at the BBQ also.
I look forward to a productive year working with parents to ensure that your child is supported and actively encouraged to
be their personal best at Woodvale Secondary College.
Year 7 Parent BBQ
Our Year 7 students have had an exciting start to our 2016 school year, enjoying their first two days participating in the
Big Days In and have now had the chance to settle in to their classes and start getting to know their teachers.
We would like to now extend an invitation to all parents and siblings of our Year 7 cohort to join us for a Parent BBQ at
the College Trade Centre on Tuesday 23 February. We will be providing a sausage sizzle and cool drink for all attending.
A range of teachers and support staff will be available from 5.30pm – 7.00pm so you can have a social chat and put
some faces to names! These informal meetings with teachers are very popular with parents every year and we look
forward to the opportunity to see you there.
To RSVP – Please either respond to the Woodvale News email or contact Jo in reception on 9309 0808 to confirm the
number of people in your family who will be in attendance. If you have any special dietary requirements, please also
provide this information.
I look forward to meeting you at the BBQ.
Tina Nottle
Student Services Coordinator (Years 7 – 9)
Year 8 Immunisation Program
Year 8 immunisation program is conducted at Woodvale Secondary College by the City of Joondalup Immunisation team
(9400 4938). The permission forms for the immunisations were handed out in contact at the start of term 1 2016 and have
been collected by the City of Joondalup.
If you have not yet received a permission form they are available from the College, 9309 0860
The immunisations are as follows and will be given on the dates listed below:
Term 1 – HPV (Gardasil) dose 1 and Chickenpox –Thursday March 31st, 2016
Term 2 – HPV dose 2 and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis –Thursday June 30th, 2016
Term 4 – HPV dose 3 – Monday November 14th, 2016
HPV – Human Papilloma Virus.
Please ensure your child has had breakfast, brings a water bottle and is aware of the immunisations
Further information about vaccinations can be found at http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/
Chris Dillon
Community Health Nurse
Year 8 Report
Welcome back Year 8 parents. Your child has now had twelve months at our College. The majority of our Year 8
students are achieving well and I am sure you are familiar with the Positive Parents Guide and now know your way in the
positive learning community we worked so hard to establish.
This year we are using hard copy diaries with Year 7 and Year 8 students. Please ensure that you read your child’s
diary. That will let you know home study requirements. Your child should now be studying in a quiet space, mobile free
for at least one hour a day, four days a week. Training students to be awesome learners is a teacher and parent
partnership and we appreciate your ongoing support.
The Student Services Team welcome a new team member: Ms Tina Nottle is our new Lower School Coordinator in
charge of Year 7 to Year 9 students. Tina is highly experienced with early adolescent learners and her focus for the Year
8 group is resilience, leadership and cooperation with others.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year working with parents.
Ms Sutton
Associate Principal Lower School
Year 9 Strength and Shine Programs
Year 9 Strength and Shine programs have commenced for 2016 and after week one we have had some fantastic
feedback. Both programs are run by volunteers from Stadium Community who know what it’s like to be a teenager and
are keen to address issues that you may face. This is done through activities, challenges and discussions. Some of the
topics up for discussion are “Friendships”, “Resilience”, “Relationships” and “Party Safe” plus heaps more.
Generally students are chosen at random but if you think you may be interested pop into Chappy’s office at Student
Services and let me know. I can put you on a waiting list for the programs we’re running in Term 2 to Term 4.
Caregivers, if you would like any information on either of the programs I’m only a phone call away.
Jennifer Nelson
School Chaplain
Year 9 Report
Welcome back to all members of the Woodvale Secondary College Year 9 Community. I feel very excited about being the
Year 9/10 Coordinator and look forward to working with students and families in order to have a positive middle school
experience.
Year 9 is an exciting time for any student. It brings a chance to consolidate the skills learnt in lower school in order to
move on to the more senior years. This year there will also be the final NAPLAN test for the cohort (which will have
implications for the Year 10 OLNA testing) and of course the Year 9 Exams.
The year has already started well. I began with the first assembly by asking students if they were “plodders” or “skippers”
to school on the first day. This created much discussion amongst the year group. Were individuals excited about school
on the first day? – Did they remember that school was a place of fantastic people, opportunities and experiences or had
they forgotten their previous year at Woodvale?
Already we have had a welcome pizza lunch for the new Year 9 students
and a “Summertime” competition in which students had to find the name
of the bands responsible for the following songs:
Blister in the Sun
The Heat Is On
Sunny Afternoon
Suddenly Last Summer
Winners received a cold ice block and it was great to see over 170
students participate.
Students enjoying their pizza lunch
Last weekend Jack W of Year 9 became an Australian Champion for the second year running
with a win in the 5km Open Water Swimming Championships in Mooloolaba QLD. Jack trains
twice daily at the Craigie Leisure Centre with the Breakers Swim Squad and is a member of
Trigg SLSC.
Although Jack’s favourite event is in the pool (1500m freestyle) Jack showed his versatility
by placing fifth in the 10km event two days prior to his 5km win. Jack’s win is all the more
remarkable as he only beat his opponent by 0.28 sec after over one hour of swimming.
Our congratulations go out to Jack on his performance and we wish him all the best for the
school swimming carnivals in March and the pool nationals to be held after Easter in
Adelaide.
Year 10 Report
Here we are at the end of week three and we have already survived the first heatwave of the year. I have a much greater
appreciation for the decision to air condition the College a few years ago.
A very warm welcome to the year group and I look forward to working with you during what will be a very busy year. Not
only will students have to sit the OLNA tests (hopefully only once) and the Year 10 Exam they will have to complete their
subject choices for Senior School and make decisions regarding ATAR, VET or employment pathways. During the year
there will be a lot of documentation sent home explaining all the various choices available – so while there is no need to
panic just yet it is important that families begin to have conversations about what is the best pathway for them.
Year 10, can indeed be, one of the more difficult years for students and families. Trying to keep motivated in order to get
the marks to get into certain Senior school courses, students who have “outgrown” Woodvale Secondary College, anxiety
about exams and course pathways as well as students who are willing to be more “testing” both at home and at school
are some of the challenges that might confront us.
Woodvale Secondary College has a vast amount of resources to help confront
some of these challenges. Parents and students can call upon a very dedicated
Student Service Team that consists of myself, Mr Davies (Student Services
Coordinator), Ms Francis (VET Coordinator – school to work, Vocational Training,
Educational and Employment Pathways) as well as Mr Emery, the school
psychologist and Ms Jen Nelson, the school Chaplain)
I look forward to working with the cohort during the year. Already we have had a
new student Pizza Lunch and distributed over 150 ice blocks to try to cool down
during lunch time.
Mike D’Esposito
Year 9/10 Coordinator
Mr Emery, Ms Nelson and Ms Dillon sharing
their thoughts at the new Student Lunch
OLNA testing at Woodvale Secondary College
From 29 February to 10 March, some students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will be sitting OLNA tests. You may have heard
about it, but are not sure what it means to your child.
OLNA stands for the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, which some students will use to demonstrate they have
achieved the required standard of literacy and numeracy for their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Successful achievement in OLNA is a requirement for WACE graduation at the end of Year 12. You can find more about
the requirements on the SCSA website at www.scsa.wa.edu.au.
Some students prequalify for the literacy and numeracy requirement through their performance in the Year 9 NAPLAN
test. We will inform you whether your child needs to the sit the OLNA, which is held in March and September each year,
starting in Year 10. This means students will have up to six opportunities before the end of Year 12 to demonstrate the
standard.
The OLNA has three components – reading, writing and numeracy. The reading and numeracy components comprise 45
multiple‐choice questions; the writing component is an extended response of up to 600 words. Students are allowed 50
minutes for the reading and numeracy components and 60 minutes for the writing. The table below provides a quick
guide to each component.
Numeracy
Number of
Questions
Reading
Writing
45
1 (600 word limit)
Multiple-choice
Open-ended
Mode
Online point and click
Typed online
Time
50 minutes
60 minutes
Randomised 1 of 3 forms
Randomised 1 of 2 forms
Question type
Delivery
Adjustments
Extra time, pause, coloured background and higher quality images
To prepare our students for the sorts of questions they can expect and to familiarise them with the online assessment
software, Woodvale Secondary College teachers will provide access to practice and example tests. You may access
example tests on the Authority website at www.scsa.wa.edu.au under Senior Secondary > Online Literacy and Numeracy
Assessment > Students, parents and carers.
For students with disability, we have guidelines to help set the appropriate adjustments for equal access. Information
about disability adjustments is available on the Authority website under Senior Secondary > Online Literacy and
Numeracy Assessment > Disability adjustments.
If you want to know more, go to the Authority’s website and look under Senior Secondary > Online Literacy and
Numeracy Assessment. There you will find more information, answers to frequently asked questions and a brief video.
You can also send questions to [email protected].
Physical Education
Heat wave
The Health and Physical Education department has been
very impressed with the efforts of students during Physical
Education lessons especially over the recent heat wave.
The vast majority of students have been in correct HPE
uniform, their attitudes have been fantastic and
participation first rate. In cases of extreme weather
conditions including heat, cold and rain Physical
Education classes will not be cancelled but will be
modified. Teachers will use their professional judgement
based on their knowledge, experience and training to
ensure that Physical Education lessons are always
challenging, meaningful and safe for participants.
If a student is injured or sick and cannot participate in
Physical Education or associated Specialist subjects, a
note or medical certificate is always required. Inclement
weather is never an excuse for non-participation.
Marc Harris
HoLA Health and Physical Education
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
3 March 2016 Craigie Leisure Centre
The Woodvale Secondary College Interhouse Swimming
Carnival will again be held at the Craigie Leisure Centre.
We have booked the outside pool and Splash zone for our
use on this day. All Year 7 and 8 students will be expected
to be at the carnival and competitors only from Year 9.
Year 10, 11 and 12 students will not be attending this
carnival but will still be eligible for the Interschool Carnival
to be held on Monday 14 March.
The Interhouse Swimming Carnival is a compulsory
school day for all Year 7 and Year 8 students and parents
are asked to support this school activity by encouraging
student participation. All students will have the opportunity
to participate in the traditional events of 50m freestyle,
breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. In addition a 100m
freestyle will be included. These events will serve as the
selection basis for the Interschool team.
Novelty events such as “body board relay”, “unders and
overs”, “aquatic leaderball” will be conducted. There will
be no free swim but students will be allowed access to the
“Splash zone” in contact groups under staff supervision.
All students will have the opportunity to get wet and there
is plenty of shade for students when not competing.
Students will be expected to wear the HPE uniform of
Specialist sport kit, or they may dress in house colours, ie
Centaurus Yellow, Orion Green, Pegasus Blue and
Phoenix Red. In addition, hats, rashies and sunscreen
should be worn. Please wear appropriate swim wear.
Student Services will be operating a sausage sizzle and
drinks stall. These will be on sale to the students when
they have breaks in their swimming program. The Craigie
Leisure Centre kiosk will not be available to students.
Students have been given an information and
consent/medical form. This needs to be returned, with
$10.00 to Administration / front office by Friday 26
February. If your child has not received this form please
ask them to see Mr Harris or Mr Hopkins in Gym HPE
office.
Thank you for your support of this carnival.
Marc Harris
HoLA Health and Physical Education
Free Positive Parenting Seminar: Raising responsible teenagers
As our young children become teenagers, it’s important that we as parents change the way in which we approach
parenting.
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) material, represents the highest-quality, evidence-based practice for all parents of
teenagers. Supported by both the Department of Education and the Health Department, the seminars run for
approximately one hour each, with opportunities for questions throughout. There are a series of three seminars, though
there is no obligation to attend all of them as the material is ‘stand-alone’. Initially these will be running approximately
once per term.
Triple P is for every parent – not just those experiencing difficulties – and the first one will be on: Raising responsible
teenagers (with the two following workshops being: Raising competent teenagers and: Getting teenagers connected).
Details are as follows:
Raising responsible teenagers Seminar
Thursday 17 March 2016
5:30pm* – 6:45pm
Venue: Woodvale SC Staffroom
RSVP: 9309 0808 (via reception)
*Coffee/tea will be available from 5:30pm with a 5:45pm start time
If you would like to attend this seminar please ensure you RSVP so we can confirm numbers, Depending on demand,
extra sessions may be offered.
Many thanks for all the parental support of this initiative and I look forward to seeing many of you at the seminar. I am
happy to be contacted should you require more information.
Martin Emery
School Psychologist
Asian Hub
Woodvale Secondary College is an ‘Asian Hub’, which means there is a whole-of-College responsibility to work with a
range schools, community groups, other education institutions, local businesses and local government to develop Asian
literacy in our students. Our role in our City of Joondalup-Jinan (China) Sister City Partnership and its impact on our
students was nationally acknowledged in our NAB Schools First Asia-Ready Award November, 2013. As a result of being
an Asian Hub, the College is attracting students with the interest and ability to learn Japanese and Mandarin. Another
result is the likelihood of extra funding, more resources and opportunities for all our students.
All Australian schools are laying the foundation for implementing the Australian Curriculum in Years 7-12. One of the
cross-curriculum priorities of this new curriculum is Australia’s engagement with Asia.
Over and above curriculum, some of the unique opportunities our Asian Hub offers include special events such as regular
Japanese and Chinese inbound and outbound study tours, special guests, performances, workshops and travel/study
scholarships. We also have an Asian Bridges Club which students are invited to join. Parents are encouraged to contact
the College if they would like to contribute in any way.
Why is it important for our students to be Asian literate?
In essence, it gives your children an ‘extra edge’ for a successful future.
‘Major changes in the world are placing new demands on Australian education…Australians need to become Asia literate,
engaging & building strong relationships with Asia.’
The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians, Ministerial Council on Education, Employment,
Training and Youth Affairs (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008).
‘To best prepare our students to be part of a shared future of regional stability and prosperity, we need to engage them
with Asian languages and cultures. A global economy dominated by the Asian region and characterised by diminishing
barriers will require a skilled workforce able to work effectively with other cultures. Our students will need to value,
understand and know about the diversity of peoples, cultures and countries of the Asian region. In addition to intercultural
skills, some students will be able to speak one or more Asian languages.’
Asia Education Foundation.
Interesting links on Asian Literacy:
http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au
http://vimeo.com/43247221
http://www.asiaeducation.edu.au/teachers/aef_videos/asia_skills_videos/asia_skills_videos_landing_page.html
http://www.schooltube.com/video/7e13116b078f1b661e7d/
Carmel Agnello, Asian Hub Coordinator
[email protected]
Reference: Asian Education Foundation
Lion Dancers welcome last year’s Year 7 and 8s.
Languages
Welcome to the year of the Monkey!!! We have had a busy
and productive start to the 2016 school year in the languages
learning area. We welcome assistant teachers Miss Sun and
Mrs Wang joining us in Chinese classes and we look forward
to welcome Mr Kiyosawa at the end of this term in Japanese
classes.
Year 9 students learning about traditional Japanese games,
sports and activities.
Chinese students Penpal
letters have arrived
Portrait of Paris S by her Beijing Penfriend
Psychology
As part of the Year 12 ATAR Psychology course, students are required to learn about
neural transmission. We spent 40 minutes creating a diagram made of different lollies
that represented the structure of a neuron and neural transmission. There were some
excellent discussions regarding which lollies should represent particular structures and
why. The students now have a visual memory of this concept they can draw on during
exam time. A similar concept is studied in Human Biology, so it’s really handy for those
who study both. They also had an excellent time eating the lollies afterwards!
Jacqui Edwards
Ertech Construction Academy
Cert II Civil Construction
Tucked away behind Tamala Park Mindarie is Ertech Construction Academy. This facility,
supported by Westrac, Stockland, Polytechnic West and Mindarie Regional Council,
provides opportunities and pathways for students into Civil Construction.
The training site enables students to undertake practical projects using large earth moving
equipment. Congratulations to four WSC students who were successful in applying and
being selected for this fantastic course. They will learn a wide range of skills from OHS and
the installation of underground services through to the operation of large mobile
earthmoving plant and will be more than “job ready” and productive from their first day of
employment.
Leonie Francis
At the Induction Day in work gear presented by Ertech are
VET Coordinator
WSC Year 12 students: Bodhi A, Wes C, Braedyn B, Kyle S.
Chappy’s Chat
Who’s been coming to school with butterflies in their stomachs? You know that scared feeling
you get, your tummy is sore, your head starts to ache and you wish you were at home. And it
all seems to happen just as you walk through the school gates. The beginning of a new school
year can be a scary time. New teachers, new friends, new subjects and for some of you
younger students a whole new school routine where you have lots of classes instead of just
one. The good news is, it’s okay to feel like that and lots of us do when we face new situations.
The better news is that every time we push through these feelings and face a new day at school
we are building RESILIENCE. And when we build RESILIENCE we are developing an inner
strength that will allow us to face whatever circumstances life throws at us in the years to come.
You’ll learn heaps about RESILIENCE over your high school journey, this is just the beginning. So keep on pushing
through. You’re doing great.
“RESILIENCE is accepting your new situation even if it’s less good than the one you had before.”
Jennifer Nelson
School Chaplain
Community Health Notes
As a High School Nurse, my key role is to give students a first point of contact for health care, providing information to
students and their families so they can make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing and development eg about
relationships and sexual health, mental health, risky behaviours, lifestyle changes etc. I offer:
- Health counselling
- Health promotion and planning
- School community development activities
- Classroom presentations and courses
- Small group work focussing on health and information eg stress management
Students are welcome to come and see me before school or during recess and lunchtimes, when I have “open door”
time. I also see students by appointment. Students can come and chat to me about virtually anything.
Care may involve assessment, advice and referral as necessary, supportive interventions or just providing a friendly
sounding board.
All communication is confidential with exception of certain situations around safety, which is always explained when
students first see me and is displayed in a poster on my wall.
I am also happy to receive referrals from parents and/or staff
I am not at the school full time, so can also be contacted via Admin or Student Services
Chris Dillon [email protected]