SChooL PhoToS - Gloucester High School
Transcription
SChooL PhoToS - Gloucester High School
GLOUCESTER HIGH SCHOOL Quality education in a caring, innovative environment. School Calendar 2014 TERM 2 NEWSLETTER 11 April 2014 Monday 28 April Staff Development Day Wednesday 30 April Athletics Carnival Thursday 1 May Taree Eisteddfod - Debating Team Friday 2 May Duke of Ed Bronze Walk Monday 5 May Lunar Park - Year 8 Red Shield Appeal Assembly Thursday 8 May Shakespeare Festival Year10-12 Friday 9 May Hunter Cross Country- Broadmeadow Monday 12 May Parent Teacher Evening Year 10-12 3:30-6:30pm Tuesday 13 May to Thursday 15 May NAPLAN - Year 7 and Year 9 Monday 19 May School Photos Tuesday 20 May Zone Athletics Carnival Thursday 22 May P&C Meeting Monday 26 May Barista Training - Year 11 and 12 Hospitality CANTEEN Phone 65589963 Monday 28 April No Students Tuesday 29 April Elona Wednesday 30 April Jennie Thursday 01 May Renna Skelton Friday 2 May Elona Monday 5 May Elona Tuesday 6 May Jennie Scarborough Wednesday 7 May Ruth Edwards Thursday 8 May Kylie Johnston Friday 9 May Elona Great Teaching, Inspired Learning Year 8 students are learning about bridges in their Science classes, but they’re doing it in an engaging and innovative way! Ms Judy Pickett has her 8B Science class interacting in small groups to design, create and test their own scale model bridges. The task is made more challenging by restricting the types and amounts of materials available for construction. Competing against other Year 8 students, Ms Pickett’s charges are keen to be judged “Champion Bridge Builders” at the end of the project. Ms Pickett has used the interactive whiteboard in her room to inspire students to be creative and innovative. By showing examples of amazing structures from around the world, the imagination of all students has been stirred. Elements such as function, style, design and beauty have all been discussed, but the bottom line will be whether a strong and durable structure can be made with the limited materials available. Mr David Scarborough, from Scarborough Engineering, has kindly volunteered to be on the judging team and has also generously offered to provide a prize for the winning bridge. Perhaps in a few years’ time some of our budding Year 8 scientists will use the inspiration they gain from this great project to pursue a career in the engineering field? Great Teaching, Inspired Learning! Care Achievement Respect Effort Responsibilty 129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 / P 02 6558 1605 / F 02 6558 1229 www.gloucester-h.schools.nsw.edu.au / [email protected] Principal’s Report Welcome to the last newsletter of the term. Where has the time gone!? Term 1 has been particularly busy, and the last couple of weeks have been no exception. Year 12 mid-course exams will have been, and will provide students with valuable information as to how they are travelling in their subjects. I stress that students will need to view their results in conjunction with an honest appraisal of the number of preparation hours they have put in. I remind students and parents of the 40 hour week model, which essentially means that students will need to work an extra 15 hours per week outside of school hours in order to keep at a “maintenance level” in their studies. Those who can maintain this level of hard work (and it will be hard work) will give themselves the best possible chance of gaining the marks that they seek. Thanks to Mr Mik Wisely and Mrs Colleen Sorrensen for their work in organising the engaging Year 6 parent information session on Thursday 3 April. Thanks also to the staff, whose ‘mini-lessons” were engaging and thoughtful, and took some of us “oldies” back a few years! The Gloucester Show has come and gone. Gloucester High School’s representation was the biggest since I have been here. The Agriculture Team performed brilliantly, showing their skills and working with great cooperation and focus. They looked great in their uniforms, and earned the praise of many members of the public. Great stuff! Thanks go to Mrs Nicole Dwyer, Mr Dave Garland and Mr Phil Kelly for all their hard work and preparation over the days and weeks leading up to the show. Also outstanding were our music performers who provided hours of entertainment to the crowd. Some of these students had not performed publicly before, so getting up there in front of all those people was a great test of courage! Thanks to Mrs Judy Ingram and her technical team for allowing this to happen. Monday night’s parent / teacher interviews were again supported by our on-line booking system, set up and monitored so ably by Mrs Chris Moulds. I commend parents to speak with their children about the recommendations offered by their teachers. A proactive partnership between teachers, students and parents is the way to go to ensure the best possible outcomes for students. As always, I wish you all a safe, relaxing and reinvigorating holiday. Students are reminded that the first day back for them is Tuesday 29 April, and that this will be Week 2 of their timetable cycle. Have a great break! Cheers! SCHOOL PHOTOS School Photos are Term 2 Week 4, Monday 19 May. Full school uniform must be worn. Forms will be sent home early next term. Ms Sue Keirstead ANZAC DAY Parents, students and friends are invited to join with our school in remembering ANZAC Day this year. ANZAC falls in the school holidays on Friday 25 April. We are hoping for a good response from families to join us as students are encouraged to represent our school by participating in the march from the Soldiers Club to the cenotaph in Memorial Park. Please wear your full school uniform. Let’s remember those who served our country with pride and respect. Meet at the Soldiers Club at 10.20am ready to assemble and begin the march. All are welcome to come along. Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Parent/Teacher Interviews Bookings for Year 10 -12 Parent Interviews will be open from Saturday 12 April and close Monday 12 May at 3:30pm. The Parent/Teacher interviews are an opportunity for you to evaluate your child's progress and to plan for future improvements. We encourage students to attend the interviews and play an active part in the meeting. However we are aware that some teachers will be fully booked. If you require a longer interview or a different time, proceed with the booking by scrolling to the bottom of the booking page and selecting the icon with the teacher’s name. This will email the teacher and the teacher will contact you for an alternative booking. Year 10-12 Parent Teacher Interviews are Monday 12 May from 3:30pm to 6:30pm To book your interview with your child’s teachers please click on the link. http://sobs.com.au/pt/parent.php If you have difficulities booking your interview please call the school office on 65581605. From the SRC Well, it has certainly been a big term for the SRC, what with Spirit Day, the Disney Social, BBQ duties at the swimming carnival, our involvement in the Gloucester Show and the organisation of the Butterfly Foundation MuftiDay in the second last week of term. A great effort by all concerned. We have also produced a new SRC handbook and created a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/#!/gloucesterhighschoolsrc which will be a useful form of communication in the future. At this time, we would also like to welcome our new SRC members from Year 7 – Olivia Corbett, Kyra Edstein, Stephen Hester and Jacob Moulds. We are looking forward to working with you in sustaining Gloucester High School’s reputation as one of the best little high schools in NSW!! Gloucester’s Got Talent At Gloucester Show What a fantastic group of young people turned out to entertain the crowd at the Annual Gloucester Show on Saturday 5 April. Gloucester’s Got Talent was certainly an apt title for the continual show of music that was presented. Congratulations to Year 7 students; Sophie Dunn, Grace Forrester, Jessica Moore and Ayrleah Tull. Year 8 students; Charlie Mackintosh,Laura Dunlop, Liam Chester, Nina Samson and Bridghid Parker; Year 9 students Isabelle Mackintosh, Holly Haynes, Maddy Graham, Sarah Crook, Emme Moulds, Amie Midgley, Candice Taylor and Bodhi Hickman; Year 10 students, Tia Dougherty, Oihanu Barff, Dakota Ellis, Ben Reynolds, Sarah Attwood, Ryan Yates, Jordan Dunn and Jayden Mackintosh; Year 11 Students Jasper Hoggett and Byron Hall and Year 12 student Nathanial Tanare. These students performed a huge range of music, from the haunting strains of Amazing Grace, to the Beatles, to some beautiful ballads, a violin solo and two rock bands who performed to a very enthusiastic audience. We also had a guest appearance from our Principal Mr Cavanagh who played and sang some of his own songs, even through the downpour!! A special thank you must be extended to the technical work done by Bodhi Hickman, Mason Parker and Blake Steadman throughout the day. These boys are amazing They certainly keep us going strong. Congratulations once again on a great job boys. It was a big day for everyone. I was very proud to be associated with such a talented group of young people. They are always willing to give up their time to attend performances and represent their school. Congratulations to everyone. You certainly proved that Gloucester HAS Talent!! Judy Ingram Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students YEAR 7 WELCOME DISCO The Year 7 Disney theme disco was held Thursday 27 March in our school hall from 7pm to 10pm. It was great to see the effort that everyone went to. Thank you SRC for organising a great night! Australian Mathematics Competition All students from all years are encouraged to enter this competition which will be held later this year, but students need to enter now. All participants receive a certificate which can be added to their portfolio for future employers to see. Cost $5.50. Please put your name down and pay at the Front Office. Mr Philip Dowle BREAKFAST CLUB Breakfast Club is in the hall on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30am until 9am. Come for a hot Milo, cheese on toast, fresh platters of fruit and lots of other breakfast items. All students are welcome. Miss Chloe Walker Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition The Bronze level Duke of Edinburgh students will be completing an expedition across the Barrington Tops from Friday 2 May until Sunday 4 May 2014. For Year 9 students, this will be a Practice Expedition, designed to teach the skills and techniques needed to enjoy the great Australian bush! For Year 10s and 11s, this will be an Assessment Expedition in which students need to demonstrate their capacity to work as a team, use rudimentary navigation skills and show leadership. Irrespective of which group your child is in, the expedition will be a challenging one, with between 10 and 15 kms walked each day. The final day (down “the Corker”) will certainly test our mettle! As this expedition begins on the first Friday of next term, it is essential that students take the holiday period to prepare for it. Of primary importance is the need to have properly broken in boots and to have done some distance walking in them over the break (I recommend at least two walks of between 8 and 10 kms, carrying at least 8 kg). This will allow students to identify any “hot spots” in their boots and find ways of minimising their effect (eg toe tape, inner socks, etc). Students must prepare a food list for the trip, and I have recommended that they weigh all the food they wish to take in an attempt to keep food weight below 3 kg. Students should aim for a total pack weight (all gear, clothing, food and water) of around 10 – 12 kg, and certainly less than 18 – 20 kg. As this trip is a “through trip”, where we begin at Polblue in the North and complete the journey at Wilson’s River on the Dungog side, we will need parental transport to drop us off and pick us up. And, considering there are 26 of us, this means quite a few parents will be needed. I know this is an inconvenience, but we sure need you! Pat Cavanagh Gloucester students and the Gloucester Show Congratulations to three of Gloucester High’s Year 11 Hospitality students. After making chocolate mud cakes at school, the three students carefully carried their goods home where they designed, prepared and created… and create they did! They left with cakes but returned with culinary masterpieces! Their efforts were recognised and rewarded by the judges at the show. Tegan Denton receiving first prize with Jamie-Lee Bird and Kasey Wilson rewarded with equal second place. Fantastic! Mrs Harris In memory of tamika As many of you would now be aware, Gloucester High School recently tragically lost one of its former students to an eating disorder. Tamika Preston was a much beloved daughter, sister, cousin, friend and valued member of this community. Her passing has touched many people but, while tragic and extremely sad, it is a reminder of how crippling and destructive eating disorders can be. On Wednesday 2 April, the Gloucester High School SRC held a Mufti-Day at school to raise funds to support individuals and families struggling with eating disorders. We raisied over $500 for the Butterfly Foundation. The vision of the Butterfly Foundation, to whom the funds will be donated, is to promote healthy living and healthy lifestyles. At the end of 2012, it was estimated that eating disorders affected nearly one million Australians. An estimated 20% of females have an undiagnosed eating disorder. The Butterfly Foundation aims to change the cultural view on how weight is seen and reduce the growing numbers of people who are affected by negative body images. Mr Davis Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Duke of Ed Sleepover On Friday 28 March, the newest intake of Bronze level Duke of Edinburgh students participated in the Preparation and Training Sleepover at Gloucester High School. Following some rudimentary packing practice, the students got the feel for walking under load with a quick 45 minute wander through the suburbs of Gloucester. Upon return to school, their skills at pitching a tent were tested. All of the tents looked pretty good, but would they stand the real test of a sudden heavy downpour later that night?! Tents pitched, the next job was to cook tea using fuel stoves, imagination and some patience. The lack of black smoke indicated a reasonable success rate in the cooking stakes, although none came close to Mr Cavanagh’s sumptuous falafel and mashed potato extravaganza! Ms Pickett’s beautiful smelling curry was disqualified as she resorted to the staff-room microwave! Some Jedi Mind Tricks had the whole crew scratching their heads in frustration, but happily whiled away the hours until the rain came with a vengeance. At this stage it became obvious which tents were well pitched, and which needed some running repairs – a lesson for the future! After a night of listening to the interesting interjections of a couple of our sleep-talking kids, it was time to surface, prepare breakfast, pack up and go home. All students proved themselves to be capable of the basics of camp craft, and are looking forward to the “real deal” when they complete their initial overnighter from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 May next term. Well done, Eddies! Senior Boys Soccer v Tomaree An under-strength Senior Boys team travelled to Tomaree on Tuesday for the second round of the CHS knockout Year 10 were on Work Experience and Year 12 were doing exams. Despite this, the team played very well. Tomaree started the better with their midfield in control. Gloucester were quickly behind, 3-0, through a series of defensive errors. However, our midfielders started to gain some equality of possession and put together some attacking moves. D’arcy Tuckwell showed the way, committing everything to challenge the Tomaree goalkeeper, only to come away with a knee to the stomach and a penalty. While D’arcy had to leave the field, Sebastian Munro converted the penalty. The rest of the first half was very even with the Gloucester boys showing they had the speed and determination, if not the skills, to match the Tomaree side. The second half started in a similar fashion with Gloucester rushing the Tomaree players and creating their own chances through clever balls to the hard running forwards. Sebastian added a second goal from the edge of the penalty area, but Tomaree scored a couple of late goals to be well in front at the end. Final Score was Tomaree 6, Gloucester 2. Tom Redman, Lachlan Clarke and Jalil Virzi Hartigan had their best games for GHS and were well supported by Callan Radford, Bailey Tollis and Jake Chong Sun. Full squad: Ken Wamsley, Eli Cossar, Jake Chong Sun, Ethan Hamilton, D’arcy Tuckwell, Jalil Virzi Hartigan, Callan Radford, Sebastian Munro, Tom Redman, Lachlan Clarke, Ryan Hennessey and Bailey Tollis. Mr Leighton CONGRATULATIONS ON MAKING THE STATE SPORTING CHAMPIONSHIPS This weekend Emma Johnston, Callum Howard and Macaela Harris will be travelling to Tenterfild to compete in the the Pony Club NSW State Sporting Championship. The championships have attracted entries from all over NSW and QLD. State Sporting has around 180 entries, with around 130 entries for State Campdrafting. We wish Emma, Callum and Macaela the best of luck. Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students INTERESTING AND INSPIRING Last Friday, 28 March, Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 visual arts and photography students set out on an excursion to Sydney, where we visited three art museums. After a four hour trip, including a stop at McDonalds, we all got off the bus at the White Rabbit Museum, an art gallery that features Chinese Contemporary Art. We split off into our year groups and toured around the gallery with our informative guides. It was so interesting and inspiring seeing the work of artists from another culture. We then jumped back on the bus and travelled to the next gallery, the Museum of Contemporary Art. We didn’t have a guided tour at this venue but I liked that we could explore the museum and travel to different floors as we pleased. After this gallery we walked to The Rocks, where we had lunch and were free to explore the markets. We then walked to the bus and headed to our last gallery, The Art Gallery of New South Wales. At this gallery, Art Express was showing, an annual exhibition of the 2013 HSC students artworks. I thought that this exhibition was so amazing and as soon as I got back on the bus I wanted to get back home so I could try out some of the amazing techniques used by the young artists. We then piled back on the bus and headed home. It was very interesting seeing all the different pieces of work throughout the day. It has definitely inspired me. I didn’t know there were so many ways of making visual art pieces. Mia Bowden Farewell Mr Garland The news of the week is that Mr David Garland has been successful through merit selection in obtaining the Head Teacher Technology and Applied Studies position at Dungog High School, and will take up the role from the beginning of Term 2. During his time at Gloucester High School, Dave has taken on a variety of roles from Board of Studies coordinator, to Exam Administrator, Supervisor of Boys and member of the Agriculture Team. Dave has relieved in Head Teacher positions several times over recent years, during which time he has gained the knowledge and experience needed to go further in his chosen career. I join with the entire Gloucester High School community in wishing Dave all the best for his new role. CARING FOR KIDS WORKSHOP Caring for Kids Online: Addressing the issue of cybersafety and young people for Principals, Teachers and Professionals working with young people. Taree Tuesday 20 May 9:30-4pm. Keeping Safe in Cyberspace: workshop for Parents and Carers Taree 20 May 5:30-7:30pm For more information please contact Kelley Chapman at the Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group Inc on 6558 2058 or 0418515029 Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Year 10 Work Experience Year 10 Students at Gloucester High have been provided with the opportunity to complete our two week Work Experience program which aims to encourage personal growth and independence. Each student is required to find either one or two placements in Term 1 Weeks 10 and 11. Students were able to secure 114 placements out of a possible 118 with 100% of students completing at least one week of work. I visited many students and employers this week and have received only optimistic reports. Year 10 should be proud of these accomplishments. Gloucester High School has a positive working relationship with many local and non-local employers. Through this experience our students further develop their pathway to independence through workplace learning, and develop physical skills, communication skills and confidence. Each student is given a Work Experience Handbook which contains two Evaluation Questionnaires for the employers to complete based on their performance. I encourage employers to be honest when critiquing students and identify skills developed or not developed, achievements, strengths, areas for improvement and suitability within this field of work. Our students are lucky enough to have this experience which gives them an opportunity to gain an insight into real life working conditions. As part of the Work Experience Program, students are required to show some understanding of Workplace Health and Safety issues. During Career lessons throughout Term 1, students completed tasks and interactive computer-based activities that provided them with a basic understanding and increased awareness of WH&S. Students are also given lessons on how to communicate with potential employers via phone or face to face contact. This is one reason why we encourage all students to approach employers on their own without parental or teacher involvement. It is an opportunity to put these skills to the test and simply obtain experience for the real thing. I would like to thank all the employers who have provided our students with an opportunity to experience ‘the real world’ for a short time. Without their efforts and without the support of the Gloucester and wider Community this program would never succeed. Thank you all! Michael De Angelis Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Year 9 Sydney Excursion It’s not too late to join in on the fun (and education - but don't tell the kids). We still have some spaces left and all you need to do is pay a $50 deposit to the office. Please, if finance is a problem ring the office and talk to our lovely ladies about a payment plan. I have handed out some information sheets and if you have not received them, ask your child to see me. Thank you and I hope we can take as many students as possible. It’s a great adventure and fantastic educational experience. Mr McLucas amazing assemblages Stage 4 students have created some amazing assemblages inspired by the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Using natural materials and found objects within the playground they have learnt to apply the elements of art such as line, shape, texture, tone, colour and space. After watching a slide show of Andy Goldsworthy’s works they were inspired and excited to create their own assemblages. Budding artists indeed! Ms Jollow Gloucester High Choir Up to twenty five students from Gloucester High will be traveling to Sydney on Monday 19 May to perform in the Sydney Town Hall as part of the Secondary Schools’ Choral Festival. This group has been rehearsing all term for this event and they are very excited about the concert. We will be singing as part of a 900 voice choir accompanied by musicians from the State High Schools’ Orchestra. We will give some more details about this exciting performance next term. Mrs Ingram Congratulations Girls Last Thursday Sian Hoggett, Tahnee Yates and Paula Edwards travelled to Wingham to represent our school in the Zone Cross Country. The girls had a very successful day with Tahnee coming 3rd with a time of 13.18 minutes, Sian came 6th 13.48 minutes and Paula came 18th completing the course in 16 minutes. The winning time in the girls event was 12.41 minutes. Thank to Mr Marmion and the parents that took the girls over. We wish both Tahnee and Sian good luck at the Regional Cross Country held at Broadmeadow on the 9 May 2014. Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students FOR SALE Due to the refurbishment of room 19, we have seven 530mm x 2000mm x 850mm cupboards for sale. They are in good condition. They would make a great cupboard for a shed. Cost $20 each or make an offer. Please phone Mr Cavanagh for any enquires on 65581605. Little Athletics ChampionshipS On the weekend of the 21,22and 23 March a team from Gloucester Little Athletics Centre traveled to Sydney to compete in the State Little Athletics Championships. Although a small club, Gloucester Little Athletics sent a team of five athletes. Results for our Athletes were: Daniel Hughes Under 17 1500 Metre Walk 12 Minutes 49 Seconds (13th). Kenneth Wamsley Under 17 Shot Put (5kg) 12.14Metres (10th). Andrew Hughes Under 14 1500 Metre Walk 13.00 Minutes (12th). Harrison Clarke Under 13 Long Jump 5.40Metres PB (4th) Triple Jump 10.81 Metres PB (7th) 100 Metres 12.77 Seconds (13th) Kieran Schneider Under 13 (3kg) Shot Put 12.18 Metres PB (4th) . Thanks to Julian Schneider for coaching our athletes. Singleton HSC Study Day Year 12 students have the oppoutunity to attend the HSC Study Day in Singleton on the 30 May 2014. This day covers most of the HSC courses set for study, and the presenters are experienced HSC teachers and HSC Examination Markers. Places are limited so Year 12 students wishing to attend the Singleton Study Day, are encouraged to pay their money as soon as possible. For more information please see Mr De Angelis LOST AND FOUND Junior Cricket – cricket whites have been handed into the office they were found in the Year 7 -8 quad. SCHOOL JUMPERS School Jumpers are in. If you have ordered a jumper or jacket please collect it from the canteen. Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students CAREERS NEWS Tax File Numbers for School Students The easiest way to get a TFN is through your school. Gloucester High School is registered with the program. By applying through school you don't have to provide any documents to prove your identity, because the school verifies this. However, you will still need to include on your application form some details from your Australian birth certificate or Australian citizenship certificate, or overseas passport. If you don’t have a TFN you could have more tax withheld from your pay, or be unable to receive the government benefits you are entitled to such as Youth Allowance. See your school Careers Adviser for more information and who to get the application form from in your school. Mr De Angelis will begin the application process during Week 2 of Term 2 with all Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students who do not have a Tax File Number. University of Wollongong - Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs from 2016 From 2016 ALL students entering an undergraduate teacher education program MUST meet the THREE BAND 5 BOSTES Requirement with one subject being in English (Standard or Advanced). This is true for all NSW universities. The University of Wollongong has the following options available: • Directly from Secondary School Requirement: three Band 5 ( 1 in English) from 2016 - four years of study • Double Degree B Social Science/B Primary Education OR Degree B Social Science (Psychology)/B Primary Education five years of study ( 2.5yrs. + 2.5yrs –pathway also to being a school counsellor) • Complete undergraduate degree + post graduate teacher education degree - Minimum five years of study ( 3yrs. + 2 yrs.) • Commence undergraduate degree at university and transfer after one year IF student has good academic results ( Credit Av) in first year of university studies - Minimum five years of study ( 1yr + 4 yrs.) • Students need to check with individual universities their policies and options / pathways into teacher education from 2016. 2014 UMAT Exam UMAT - Undergraduate Medicine & Health Admission Test You must sit UMAT to be considered for entry into Medicine at UNSW, UNE, Newcastle, BOND, UQ, Uni of Adelaide, UTAS, Monash, and Uni of WA. Also for Optometry at UNSW, Vision Science at Flinders, Dental Sciences / Oral Health at UQ, Adelaide, LaTrobe, Uni of WA, and Clinical Sciences at Charles Darwin, Flinders and Health Sciences at La Trobe. For Full details you must see UMAT 2014 Information Booklet which is downloadable from the website. Registrations are now open for this year’s UMAT exam and close at 5pm on Friday June 6, 2014. Exam is on Wednesday 30th July. See http://umat.acer.edu.au for all details Charles Sturt Uni MyDay Events 2014 MyDay is designed to offer Year 12 students an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a university student. These events are also an ideal opportunity to gather key information about course application requirements, course content and delivery style, scholarships, on campus accommodation etc. There are a number of course specific events in Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Orange, Dubbo from February to August, as well as a general Open Day in Port Macquarie . Please note: you need to register for these sessions. For details, please see: http://www.csu.edu.au/go/ myday Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students NEW LIBRARY BOOKS [Blurbs and cover images courtesy of Booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au] FICTION: Books by bestselling Australian author MATTHEW REILLY Contest: The New York State Library. A silent sanctuary of knowledge; a 100-year-old labyrinth of towering bookcases, narrow aisles and spiralling staircases. For Doctor Stephen Swain and his eightyear-old daughter, Holly, it is the site of a nightmare. For one night, the State Library is to be the venue for a contest. A contest in which Stephen Swain is to compete -- whether he likes it or not. The rules are simple: seven contestants will enter; only one will leave. With his daughter in his arms, Swain is plunged into a terrifying fight for survival. Now Jason Chaser isn't just fighting for his place on the starting line, he's racing for his life. Temple: Deep in the jungles of Peru, the hunt for a legendary Incan idol is under way -- an idol that in the present day could be used as the basis for a terrifying new weapon. Leading a US Army team is Professor William Race, a young linguist who must translate an ancient manuscript which contains the location of the idol. What they find is an ominous stone temple, sealed tight. They open it -- and soon discover that some doors are meant to remain unopened... Hover Car Racer: Meet Jason Chaser, hover car racer. He's won himself a place at the International Race School, where racers either make it on to the Pro Circuit -- or they crash and burn. But he's an outsider. He's younger than the other racers. His car, the Argonaut, is older. And on top of that, someone doesn't want him to succeed at the School and will do anything to stop him. NON FICTION: Books by CATHY GLASS, British author, freelance writer and foster carer. Glass has worked as a foster career for more than 20 years, during which time she has fostered more than 50 children. Her fostering memoirs tell the stories of some of the children who came in to her care, many of whom had suffered abuse. The name "Cathy Glass" is a pseudonym. The author writes under a nom de plume due to the sensitive nature of her source material. The names of the children she writes about are likewise altered Damaged: The Heartbreaking True Story of a Forgotten Child: Although Jodie is only eight years old, she is violent, aggressive, and has already been through numerous foster families. Her last hope is Cathy Glass... Cathy, an experienced foster carer, is pressured into taking Jodie as a new placement. Jodie's challenging behaviour has seen off five carers in four months but Cathy decides to take her on to protect her from being placed in an institution. Cut: The True Story of an Abandoned, Abused Little Girl tells the story of Dawn, a sweet and seemingly well-balanced girl whose outward appearance masks a traumatic childhood of suffering at the hands of the very people who should have cared for her. Dawn was the first girl Cathy Glass ever fostered. Dawn's outward appearance masked a traumatic childhood so awful that even she could not remember it. The Saddest Girl in the World Tells the true story of Donna, who came into foster care aged ten, having been abused, victimised and rejected by her family. Donna had been in foster care with her two young brothers for three weeks when she is abruptly moved to Cathy's. When Donna arrives she is silent, withdrawn and walks with her shoulders hunched forward and her head down. Donna is clearly a very haunted child and refuses to interact with Cathy's children Adrian and Paula. Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students NON FICTION: Travel Lonely Planet Not for Parents: How to be a World Explorer by Lonely Planet: It is the real, inside story about the United States of America. In this book you'll hear fascinating tales about the Wild West, cockroach races, a massive canyon and weddings in Vegas. Check out cool stories about candy bars and movie stars, beauty queens and blue jeans. You'll find astronauts, gangsters, pilgrims and some amazingly heroic dogs. NEW FANTASY SERIES: THE SWORD OF TRUTH (# 1-3) by American author Terry Goodkind Book 1: Wizard’s First Rule In the aftermath of the brutal murder of his father, a mysterious woman, Kahlan Amnell, appears in Richard Cypher's forest sanctuary seeking help . . . and more. His world, his very beliefs, are shattered when ancient debts come due with thundering violence… Book 2: Stone of Tears Kahlan has at last gained the one goal she had always thought was beyond her grasp ... love. Against all odds, the ancient bonds of secret oaths, and the dark talents of men long dead, Richard has won her heart… Book 3: Blood of the Fold In a world as rich and real as our own, Richard Rahl and Kahlan Amnell stand against the ancient forces which besiege the New World— forces so terrible that when last they threatened, they could only be withstood by sealing off the Old World from whence they came. Now the barrier has been breached, and the New World is again beset by their evil power NEW EPIC FANTASY SERIES: A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE/GAME OF THRONES (# 1-5) by George R R Martin Dubbed the “American Tolkien” by Time magazine, Martin has created a rich and vital world set in an age of knights and chivalry and filled with a plethora of fascinating, multidimensional characters that you love, hate to love, or love to hate as they struggle for control of a divided kingdom: Seasons for Growth Seasons for Growth is a special loss and grief education program that assists young people to deal effectively with change and loss, enabling them to lead happier and more fulfilled lives. Seasons for Growth is an educative process where young people can explore and understand what happens when they experience significant change/loss in their lives, e.g. parental separation, divorce, death of someone close, living with disability/mental illness/terminal illness, moving, living in foster care, pet loss. Participants are able to gain the skills needed to manage the effects of loss, to more effectively manage their emotions. Participants develop an integrated sense of self that supports their ability to build effective relationships with peers and family, and engage more enthusiastically in learning and classroom activities. Gloucester High School offers this program to all students who are experiencing any of the above life/family situations. A qualified Companion/Facilitator conducts the program. Students meet for one 50 min session every week during class time for eight weeks. Miss Walker Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Have a go @ High School As part of our Year 6-7 Transition program we invited parents and their children to the High School to have a mock experience of classrooms and school life. The evening was well attended and parents seemed pleased with the information on offer. Four classes where created from those who attended and each group was given a basic timetable and map and had to find their own way around between classes. The bell rang every 15 minutes and classes rotated around four times. Parents and students visited Woodwork, Music, Food Technology and Science. We ended the night with a quick meeting and summed up what our school was aiming to achieve, which is a transition program that supports students, parents and families in succeeding at Gloucester High School. We would like to thank all parents and students who attended, along with the teaching staff who donated their time to make the night a success. A special thanks to the TAS faculty for supplying a great variety of snacks for the visitors and staff. Mrs Colleen Sorenson, Year 6/7 Year Adviser and Mr Mik Wisely, Transition Coordinator, would like to invite any parents who are considering Gloucester High School for their children to contact the school and discuss any questions they have. Mr Wisely Workshops for parents and supervisors of learner drivers An important component of the Graduated Licence scheme is that all learner drivers complete a minimum of 120 hours supervised on-road driving experience prior to presenting for their provisional P licence. The Roads and Maritime Services is holding a FREE two hour workshop in the Newcastle area to offer practical advice to parents and supervisors on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers. These workshops provide information about: • Understanding the new laws for L and P licence holders • Completing the Learner Driver Log Book • Understanding the benefits of supervised on-road driving experience • Supervising learner drivers WEA Hunter on behalf of the RMS will be conducting the workshops as follows: Day: Tuesday Date: 29 April 2014 Venue: Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre Address: 30 Hume St, Gloucester 2422 Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm Bookings are essential and all enquiries should be directed to Jenny Cummings or any Administration Staff at WEA Hunter on 4925 4200 or email: [email protected] W: www.weahunter.edu.au Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students Something for Year 12 to consider…. Every year, so many Year 12 students fail to take on suggestions and advice from Careers Advisers, parents and teachers regarding planning for the year and for life beyond school, and miss out on work, university and TAFE opportunities as a result. Year 12 is a stressful time, but can be managed with the support of people around you that care, and with good time management skills. Study, part time employment, sport, family and social occasions must be carefully managed and balanced – you need to do it all, but too much of a good thing can be detrimental, not only to your health, but also opportunities that may (or may not!) present themselves as a result. Give some thought to what you want out of this year and go for it!! Good luck and have a great 2014! Mr De Angelis fundraiser for Groundswell Gloucester The mission for this book is simple. Women need more information on menopause and this won't happen unless we, you know, talk about it. In a world where everything from drug addiction to Brazilian waxes is discussed over tea, why is menopause still considered taboo? Jean Kittson thinks it's time to break menopause out of the closet, throw it in a fabulous dress and march it through town. Women are hitting menopause at the peak of their careers; many are still actively parenting; most are starting to care for ageing parents. As if they didn't have enough on their plate. Breaking through the code of silence with trademark wit and wisdom, she tackles the difficult questions about common symptoms (would you like hot flushes with that?), how to seek help, what treatments work and how to still be talking to your family when you emerge. You're Still Hot to Me is a frequently hilarious, always candid exploration of The Change and a celebration of the tough women who go through it from one of Australia's most beloved comic voices. Author Information A multi-talented performer and writer, Jean Kittson is one of Australia's best known and most popular comedians, amusing audiences in theatre, film, print, on radio and television. Jean Kittson is a wonderful, well known comedienne and writer and is performing in Gloucester on the 26 April at the Gloucester Soldiers Club. Hear about her new book as profiled in the Womens Weekly - and other wonderful moments in life! Your Still Hot To Me is a frequently hilarious, always candid exploration of The Change and a celebration of the tough women who go through it from one of Australia’s most beloved comic voices. A multi-talented performer and writer, Jean Kittson is one of Australia’s best known and most popular comedians, amusing audiences in theatre, film, print, on radio and television. Sarah Gaul is an up and coming cabaret comedienne who has performed at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Adelaide Fringe and was in the National Cabaret finalist evening at The Basement in Sydney. Book now at Anne’s Health Food shop in Gloucester or online by direct credit to Groundswell Gloucester BSB 802 214 Account 100 166 385. Please identify the deposit with your name and put also Jean Kittson. Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students TREATMENT oF hEAd LiCE We have had several cases of head lice at school, please check your childs hair and it might be a good time to treat their hair during the school holidays. Head lice are a very common problem that most parents and teachers are more than familiar with. If your child has head lice here are some treatment tips: • Do not treat your child if their scalp is irritated or inflamed • Always read the head lice product label and directions bfore you apply it to your child's head. Products can be found in local chemists • Apply the head lice product to every strand of your child's hair and work through, leave for 20 minutes, and comb out with a good quality lice comb • Check your child's head and if dead lice are found, the product has worked. However make sure you re-treat your child's head in seven days to catch nymphs that have emerged from unhatched eggs • Reduce the risk of your child catching head lice by tying their hair back or braiding it. For more information visit:www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/environment/headlice/treatment.asp Butcher Visit On the first day back at school, Tuesday 29 April Years 11 and 12 Agriculture and Year 11 Primary Industry students will visit Avon Valley Meats. This visit will help the students in the meat judging competition at Wingham Beef Week and also compliments the Year 12 Agriculture unit “Farm Product Study” which follows the production of Beef from the paddock to the plate. I would like to thank Brett Howard and the Proprietors of Avon Valley Meat for organising this site visit. Mrs Dwyer TIME & DATE: Tuesday 29 April 2014 6.00pm - 8.00pm VENUE: Gloucester Senior Ci�zens Centre, 30 Hume St, Gloucester NSW 2422 BOOK NOW ON: G6754646AA-250414 4925 4200 [email protected] Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT Gloucester High School aims to develop a supportive learning environment that engages all students, Teachers and community in the pursuit of excellence. Principal Deputy Principal Address: Telephone: Email: Mr Pat Cavanagh Mr Mike King 129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 6558 1605 Fax: 6558 1229 [email protected]