Edition 4 - Alkira Secondary College

Issue No. 4
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Phone: 5991 3
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Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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“The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
Gary Player
Half way there…week five of Term 1. Is the glass half empty or half full?
We continue to push forward, creating opportunities and ticking off achievements.
Over the last week I have met with groups within the department, the Minister for Education Hon Mr James
Merlino and Schools attending the Victorian Young Leaders to China, staff from Monash University and
the Bastow Institute, 39 aspiring principals from across the state, the Casey Central Principal’s network and
even fellow train travellers heading to the city at 6.30 in the morning! Each meeting has provided many
opportunities to talk and answer questions about Alkira, and each time I reflected on the College with pride.
Everyone I have spoken to says how lucky we are at Alkira, but I also remind them; the harder you work the
luckier you get!
It is not luck that we have such fantastic facilities. We work with Ben Smith of DTZ to ensure our environment
is safe secure and promotes learning. We encourage our staff and students to take pride in their school and
surroundings. We take account of our facilities and resources to maximise the potential of each lesson or
experience.
It is not luck that we have a supportive culture and high expectations. Our sub schools work hard to set
high standards and our HG PC teachers and all staff are consistent in their expectations. We all share the
responsibility to reinforce our expectations regarding uniform, attendance, use of mobile technologies,
behaviour and academic performance.
It is not luck that our staff and students are selected for awards or to represent our school or State in a variety
of fields. It is the culmination of hard work, passion for learning, commitment to teaching, a value and belief
in social improvement and a demonstration of leadership.
In the next few weeks of term we look forward to supporting the relay for life, Year 7 camp, Outdoor Ed
camp, Cross Country carnival, Senior, Intermediate, Year 7 and 8 sport, Round table conferences, Night of the
notables and excursions to the Grand Prix, Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island, and presentations of VCE
excellence in Top Arts, Top Design and Top Screen at NGV.
Mr Lee and our Victorian Young Leaders to China students will leave for Nanjing on their six week immersion
program.
Good luck for the hard work!
The glass is half full.
John Shaw
Acting Principal.
The Hon James Merlino
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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School Council Election Process
TIMETABLE
EVENT
DATE
a) Notice of election and call for nominations
20th February 2015
b) Closing date for nominations
27th February 2015
c) Date by which the list of candidates and nominators will be
posted
d) Date by which ballot papers will be prepared and
distributed
2nd March 2015
6th March 2015
e) Close of ballot
13th March 2015
f) Vote count
16th March 2015
g) Declaration of ballot
16th March 2015
h) Special council meeting to coopt Community members (the
principal will preside)
17th March 2015
i) First council meeting to elect office bearers (the principal will
preside)
17th March 2015
We have received complaints from
our neighbours about parking in
the driveways. Please don’t block
the driveways when dropping off/
picking up your kids.
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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Term 1- 2015
CALENDAR
March
2015
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2nd -4th:
5th :
9th :
10th :
10th :
11th :
25th :
27th :
Year 7 camp - Phillip Island
Senior Sport
Labour Day - School free day
Year 7 - Year 10 - District Swimming
World Challenge presentation night
Round table conferrence - 12pm - 7pm
SRC Presentation
Year 7 - Year 12 - Cross Country Carnival
BYOD Portal Updated!
Dear Parents,
We are pleased to announce that our BYOD portal has been updated with
5 new models.
Orders can be placed using the following address:
http://eduportal.centrecom.com.au/Home/Welcome
School Code: ASC3977
Should you have any queries please contact a member of the school ICT/BYOD Team
(during school hours) or Mr. Alan Tran - Manager Centrecom on (03) 9238 0509.
Kind Regards,
BYOD Team
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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The English Domain
The English domain has been testing out fun and enticing new ways to
compare different objects. In Mrs Wolfe’s year 9 girls, they are comparing
Minties and Éclairs, to gain a better idea of the key differences in what to
look for when contrasting similar items.
Students had to write the key
differences in what the two lollies
looked, felt and tasted like.
A very tasty exercise.
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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Year 9 Girls
Intro to Comparative Writing
Compare a Mintie and Chocola te Éclair lolly
The differences between the Mintie and the Chocolate Éclair begin in the
wrapper. The Mintie had a white, red and green wrapper. It looks like a
white brick and smells and tastes like Mint. The texture is very hard and
chewy. However, the chocolate éclair has a fold and brown wrapper. The
lolly itself has a caramel colour and unlike the Mintie when you bite into
it, it has gooey chocolate in the middle. It is rich in caramel and chocolate
flavour. Similar to the Mintie it is chewy, however it is softer.
Grace McGuffie 9D
The differences about the lollies are the wrapper. The éclair has a rectangle
wrapper and it is sealed from both end of the wrapper, the wrapper is
bigger than the lolly. The Mintie has a wrapper that you have to twist the
end to seal the wrapper. The wrapper end up the same size as the lolly
because you twist it to be.
The éclair is the shape of a rectangle but the sides have round edges. It is
brown as well as very sticky. The Mintie is the same, it is rectangular, but it
does not have rounded edges. It is pure white and not as sticky. The éclair
tasks like caramel at the start, however as you get to the middle tastes
more like toffee. It is chewy, but also soft at the same time. The Mintie has
a strong taste straight away, it is very hard to get your teeth though. The
lolly is chewy like the éclair, but not as soft.
Talitha GEHLSEN 9J
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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ACTIVE APRIL,
ACTIVE ALKIRA!
Premier’s Active April encourages all Victorians to do 30 minutes of physical activity a day during April.
It’s free, it’s fun and it’s part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to get more people active and
healthy.
Use the online Activity Tracker to log your daily activity and track your progress throughout the month.
Plus, you can create and join teams, compare the progress of team members, discover events near you
and win awesome prizes!
Just by registering every participant gets*:
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10 free YMCA passes
15% off at Sportsmart in store and online
one hour free tennis court hire at Melbourne Park or Albert Reserve
a 2 for 1 ticket offer to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
a chance to win some great prizes including four tickets to the 2015 Toyota AFL Grand Final
(GFAFL15/12), a $1,500 bike voucher or a GoPro Camera
a chance to win Sportsmart vouchers and coaching clinics at your school with high-profile athletes
•
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Register today at activeapril.vic.gov.au
Request to join a team!
Team ID's:
yaan-subschool
towera-subschool
cowarr-subschool
malloo-subschool
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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https://www.activeapril.vic.gov.au/events/
https://www.activeapril.vic.gov.au/event/berwick-springs-parkrun/2015-02-28/
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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https://www.activeapril.vic.gov.au/event/cardinia-life-fun-run/
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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CAREER NEWS
CAREER NEWS
Friday 27 February
Veterinary Science Open Day 2015
Prospective students, parents, children, animal lovers and veterinary science buffs — we
welcome the whole community to our annual Open Day. The Open Day is an opportunity for
prospective students and their parents to speak with veterinary staff, meet current students
and learn about the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate program. Other Open Day
highlights include lectures, demonstrations, and interactive displays and guided tour of the
Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Date:
Saturday 21 March 2015
Time:
10.00am – 3.00pm
Location: University of Melbourne Veterinary Hospital, 250 Princes Hwy,
Werribee Campus
For more information, visit Veterinary Science Open Day 2015
Nursing Careers Allied Health (NCAH)
The Nursing Careers Allied Health (NCAH) website is an excellent resource for students keen
on a career in nursing and the allied health industry. Students can browse the link and discover
summaries of different careers in allied health, as well as the types of jobs out there at the
moment. Click on the following links NURSING
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
MIDWIFERY
PHYSIOTHERAPY
AGED CARE
ALLIED HEALTH
News from Monash University
 Enrol in a Monash MOOC
Do you want a taste of what it’s like to study at Monash University? How about enrolling in a Monash
MOOC (Massive Open Online Course).
Monash will offer a number of MOOCs through FutureLearn this year, providing anyone with internet
access the opportunity to study with Monash. MOOCs are a great way for prospective students,
parents and teachers to connect with Monash and gain an understanding of the university learning
style whilst pursuing an old or new interest. Best of all, online learning can be done at a time that suits
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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the student! All courses are free to study, between 5-7 weeks in length, and will involve an
approximate 3-4 hours of study per week. Upon successful completion of in-course tests students will
be eligible for a Certificate of Participation.
Note: Successful completion of a course cannot be counted as credit towards a Monash University
degree.
A list of some MOOCs are listed below Do your interests lie in Engineering, Architecture or Geography?
Water for Liveable and Resilient Cities will commence on Monday 2 March.
Enrol at: Liveable Cities
Want to study in a health or science related field after school?
Science of Medicines commences on Monday 23 March.
Enrol at: Science of Medicines
Are you excelling in humanities subjects at school?
World War 1: A History in 100 Stories commences on Monday 13 April.
Enrol at: World War 1
 News from the Business and Economics Faculty
Students enrolling in the Bachelor of Business in 2016 will have the advantage of commencing a
comprehensive and flexible course, preparing them for the challenging and fast-paced world of
business. Students will develop broad business knowledge and acquire expertise in their chosen area
of business practice.
Graduates will be able to use their professional skills to work in general management and operations,
or become a leader in their chosen field.
More than 10 majors will be on offer to choose from, and five double degree options on offer too. The
majors in the Bachelor of Business are:
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Accounting
Banking and finance
Business law
Business management
Business management and strategy
Business statistics
Economics and business strategy
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Human resource management
International business
Marketing
Marketing and communication
Sports management
Taxation
Students will also have an opportunity to participate in a range of co-curricular activities to develop
their critical thinking, communication and negotiation skills, as well as employment opportunities.
These include 
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internships with leading companies and brands
international exchange programs with one of our 100 partner universities across the world
leadership and professional development programs
networking opportunities with business leaders
CAREER NEWS
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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Further, students who achieve an ATAR of 98+ who are enrolled in a single business degree or
business/business specialist double degree, will be eligible for selection to the Monash Business
School Scholars Program. To find out more visit Faculty of Business and Economics
The Blue Mountains Hotel School (Sydney) – Quick Facts
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2.5 Years Bachelor of Business Degree – specialising in International Hotel and Resort
Management, International Event Management or International Restaurant and Catering
Management and including 2 industry placements
2 year Master Programs: International Hotel Management or Global Business Management
and including 1 industry Placement
Practical learning is within a simulated hotel environment and combines with academic
business management studies
Two custom designed campuses: Sydney, Executive Business Centre and Leura, Practical
Learning Centre
Start in January, April, July or October
Career opportunities in global hotel and events management industries, as well as other
services sectors
Visit Blue Mountains to find out more!
The International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) – Quick Facts
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The Swiss Hotel Association is famous for, and founded, the concept of International Hotel
Management
Swiss Hotel Association/ ICHM are specialists in the field of International Hotel Management
The ICHM program has two degrees: B. Business and B. International Hotel Management obtainable in
3 years
Successful graduates hold high management positions world-wide
The program is a mix of academic and industry semesters
The program includes 2-3 Industry placements of 750 hours each, with a minimum of 1500 hours and a
maximum of 2800 hours
The facilities at Regency Campus are of world standard
ICHM is partnered by The South Australian State Government
ICHM holds a Career Week where students get to live on campus for one week and find out what it's
like to study at the International College of Hotel Management (ICHM) and work in the world of
international hospitality. The Career Week courses are held in July & September and places are strictly
limited so book your spot soon!
Download more details regarding the Career Week at ICHM Career Week Brochure
Visit ICHM for all other information!
CAREER NEWS
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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Quick Facts about Swinburne University
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Swinburne is student-focused and aims at students being engaged in their learning; be exposed to
innovative teaching, and given thorough preparation for the workforce
Swinburne ranks in the top 3% of universities in the world - in the top 400 in the world
Swinburne ranks in the top 75 universities in the world in physics
Swinburne regularly receives a 5-star ranking for student satisfaction
27% of students at Swinburne are international students from 100 countries worldwide – students
really do get a ‘global’ experience
Swinburne aims at producing job-ready students, particularly in the areas of science, engineering, ICT,
business and health
Industry Based Learning (IBL) has been offered to Swinburne students for 52 years
Many industry partners have been connected to Swinburne for over 20 years
Swinburne is the only university in Australia with access to the Keck telescope in Hawaii - Keck
The Bachelor of Circus Arts offered at NICA - NICA - and accredited by Swinburne, not only offers elite
sport training but also a sound business qualification
23 NICA graduates are currently employed with Cirque Du Soleil
Swinburne has a campus in Malaysia with many of the courses offered in Australia offered there –
many Australian students choose to study a semester or more at the campus in Malaysia
Swinburne has partnerships with over 100 institutions overseas, allowing for Australian students to go
and complete part of their studies at one of these institutions
Swinburne has just launched its High Achievers Program, which includes a scholarship, for Year 12
students who attain an ATAR of 95 and above - High Achievers Program
Swinburne offers an Aviation degree and part of the training in this course includes access to a Flight
Simulator Laboratory with three simulators – Victoria’s only Redbird flight simulator, which is used to
simulate a range of aircraft; Victoria’s only FlyIt Professional Helicopter Simulator, capable of
simulating six types of helicopter; and a B737 procedural simulator - Aviation
Swinburne has the largest university Psychology Clinic in Australia, not only offering low-cost
counselling, psychological assessment and group therapy treatment, but also quality teaching and
research - Psychology Clinic
Swinburne is one of the few universities that make Capstone Projects compulsory for students Capstone
Swinburne offers over 26 study tours and a great number of those are specific to students studying
business - Study Tours
Swinburne’s Law School is the only school in Australia that requires law students to complete 20 days
of Industry Based Learning per year over three years
Swinburne is intending to possibly offer Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Physiotherapy in
2016, so watch this space!
CAREER NEWS
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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
Dear Sir/Madam
Further to our correspondence of the 24th of November 2014, this email provides
formal notice of the termination of the Secondary Schools Tax File Number (TFN)
Program between the Australian Taxation Office and your school from 31st December
2014.
Why was the program terminated?
The Australian Government is strengthening proof of identity (POI) processes through
a standardised national approach for government agencies. The Secondary Schools
TFN program does not comply with these guidelines which require sighting and
verification of original proof of identity documents.
How can students apply for a TFN?
Applying online and presenting POI documents at a participating Australia Post Office
is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN. More information on
applying online can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for ’QC27248’
Students who are unable to visit a participating Australia Post office will need to
complete the application form Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals
form (NAT 1432). More information about lodging this form can be found at ato.gov.au
by searching for ’QC22604’
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Australian Taxation Office
Working for all Australians
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Find out more at www.ato.gov.au/findus
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Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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auspost.com.au
Starting your
first job or
university?
Australia Post
now offers
an easy and
simple way to
get your tax file
number
Go to
www.ato.gov.au/TFNapply
to find out more.
Australia Post now verifies your ID
for tax file number applications
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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INSIGHTS
Building parent-school partnerships
WORDS Michael Grose
It’s not okay to
be away ... nor to
be late to school
When kids miss school, not only is their academic progress impeded, forcing them to
catch up on missed work (which some never do), they often miss important interactions
with their peers which can compound issues of social isolation and low self-esteem.
One of the most important things you can
do to ensure your child has a bright future
is to make sure he or she goes to school
every day—and gets there on time.
Of course, most people know this
intuitively, yet school absenteeism is a
huge problem in Australian schools—and
much of it is parent-condoned.
It sounds simple, but it’s true. The
correlation between school attendance
and children’s achievement levels is wellestablished. The more time kids spend
at school, the more likely they are to
experience school success.
It’s hard to get an accurate picture
across the country but it would appear
that Australian students miss an average
of between 12 and 15 days per school
year, with parent-condoned absenteeism
highest among young primary-aged
children.
Conversely, according to a report from
the Victorian Auditor General, students
who are regularly absent from school are
at the greatest risk of dropping out of
school early, and of experiencing long-term
unemployment.
When kids miss school, not only is their
academic progress impeded, forcing
them to catch up on missed work (which
some never do), they often miss important
interactions with their peers which can
compound issues of social isolation and
low self-esteem. Also, many teachers tell
me, it’s often the kids who can least afford
to take time off school who are most likely
to be serial absentees.
That adds up to a year’s lost schooling
over the school-life of a child. In today’s
highly competitive world, this rate of
absenteeism is alarming, putting our kids
at a distinct disadvantage.
That’s not a reason to be away!
It’s now commonplace for children to
stay away from school for reasons that
would have been unheard of just twenty
years ago. These include staying away to
celebrate their own or a sibling’s birthday;
being absent because they stayed up too
late watching television; going shopping
for clothes; an extended long weekend;
and kids not wanting to take part in a
sports day or special school event.
This type of absenteeism sends a strong
message to kids that parents don’t really
value learning or their children’s school
experiences.
Australian kids only spend 15% of their
total time at school. They spend more time
asleep than they do at school. So we need
to maximise every day to get full value.
That means turning up to school every day,
on time.
Being late is not okay either
Missing a few minutes each day may not
seem like a big deal but your child may be
missing more than you realise if he or she is
continually late.
Current research shows that mornings for
most children are the most productive time
of the day, with 10.00am the peak period
for productivity. When children arrive late
and take time to settle as they inevitably
do, valuable learning time is lost.
more on page 2
e from Michael Grose. Join
Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic
b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did.
Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu
© 2014 Michael Grose
parentingideas.com.au
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
18
INSIGHTS
2
Building parent-school partnerships
... It’s not okay
to be away ...
nor to be late to school...
It takes strong parenting ...
As a parent myself I know how persuasive children of all ages can be
when it comes to taking a day off school. It takes a strong will to resist
the persistent pressure that kids can bring to bear, particularly if they
play the guilt card with comments such as “It’s not fair that I have to go
school today because Aunty is coming to visit!” Nice try. But the answer
should be “No!”.
As parents we need to make a commitment that our kids make the
most of their precious time at school. That means that we send them to
school every day, on time and ready to make the most of the school day.
Of course, there will be times, such as illness or genuinely extenuating
family circumstances, when kids should be away. But these need to be a
rarity rather than the norm.
It’s reassuring to know that you increase their chances of future
success just by making sure they turn up to school every day. And
of course regular school attendance also helps kids prepare for the
workforce, where it will be expected that they turn up each day
work-ready. The real world is unforgiving of those who stay away with
NO EXCUSE.
As A PArenT:
✔ Commit to sending kids
to school every day.
✔ Make sure kids arrive at school
and class on time.
✔ Inform the school when they are away,
sending medical certificates and other
evidence of genuine absence.
✔ Consider catching-up on missed work.
✔ Make kids who are away stay in
their bedroom – that is where ill kids
should be.
e from Michael Grose. Join
Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic
b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did.
Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu
parentingideas.com.au
Issue No. 4 - 27th February 2015
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