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■ Newsletter Edition 7 ■ Week 4, Term 2, 2018
Batemans Bay High School
School Matters
■ Phone: (02) 4478 3600 Bridge To The Future
■ Fax: (02) 4472 8173 Batemans Bay High School
■ Email: [email protected] 2 George Bass Drive
■ Website: www.batemansba-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Batemans Bay NSW 2536
Produce for Agriculture
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Batemans Bay High School
Calendar Term 2, Week 4
21-22 May Lovebites, Year 10
21-23 May ALC STEM Camp, Jindabyne
Wed 23 May South Coast Orienteering Day
Wed 23 May Links to Learning, Year 9
Thu 24 May AFL Open Boys, Canberra
Fri 25 May ANU Maths Day
Term 2, Week 5
Mon 28 May UN Youth Forum
Tues 29 May Senior Study Preparation Sydney
Uni, Years 10-11
Wed 30 May Jewish Museum Sydney, Year 10
Wed 30 May Links to Learning, Year 9
Wed 30 May School Social 6.30-9.30pm
Fri 1 June South Coast Regional Cross
Country, Willandra
Fri 1 June Poetry in Action, Years 9-11
Term 2, Week 6
Tues 5 June UOW Future Finder, Year 10
Wed 6 June School Athletics Carnival
Wed 6 June Links to Learning, Year 9
Term 2, Week 7
Wed 13 June Links to Learning, Year 9
Thur 14 June Girl Campaign, Year 7
In this issue… Principal’s Message ..................................................................... 3
NSW Curriculum Review ....................................................... 3
Screenagers................................................................................ 3
Hackathon .................................................................................. 4
From the Deputies ....................................................................... 4
Learning and School ............................................................... 4
Acknowledging Students and Staff .................................. 5
Sports News ................................................................................... 5
Open Boys AFL Report .......................................................... 5
Tuna Trials Report ................................................................... 6
Zone Cross Country ................................................................ 6
Agriculture News .......................................................................... 7
Community Announcements ................................................... 8
Feature Photo
Claire Ison, Holli Pritchard and Scott Rigby
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Batemans Bay High School
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Principal’s Message
NSW Curriculum Review
Nuptials aside, possible changes to the NSW K-12
curriculum dominated the news last week and provided
plenty of fodder for media commentary. Premier
Berejiklian announced that a review would soon be
underway, seeking to find coherent and pragmatic ways
to implement the broad reforms in the Gonski 2.0
report. For those interested, the report can be found in
its 158 page entirety on the Federal Department of
Education and Training website, and I have included the
single page summary in this newsletter. Its themes are
certainly worthy of discussion.
Parents might infer that there is something wrong with
the current curriculum, its implementation (i.e. how it is
taught) and that syllabuses have stagnated and not
changed with the times. Nothing could be further from
the truth. Lack of relevance and teaching of skills are
often cited as problems with the curriculum. This is
nothing new, and somewhat ignorant. Much of the
curriculum is highly relevant and skills are emphasised
as much as content. The challenge is to make
connections for students and enable them to recognise
the significance of what they study at school and its
applicability to the real world. How many parents wish
they had paid a little bit more attention in Mathematics,
History or Industrial Technology? I would think quite a
few, and I see evidence of it in adult education and
mature-age tertiary study.
Some might also argue that the rate of change and the
incessant increase in expectations placed on students
and schools might have contributed to the apparent
decline in student outcomes nationwide. I know of
schools (thankfully not Batemans Bay High School)
where experienced teachers are floundering with the
new HSC science syllabuses because they don’t have
adequate familiarity with the content. Teachers come to
grips with a new syllabus, assessment methodology or
teaching practice, only for it to fall out of favour and be
replaced by the next fashionable doctrine. This leads me
to question change is it simply for the sake of change,
and critically examine the assumption that change and
improvement are synonymous.
It is hard to argue against the priorities and the
recommendations of the most recent Gonski report, but
I see good schools, this one included, already doing
much of what is considered “better practice”. This is in
spite of the systemic constraints (e.g. teacher
recruitment, mandatory course hours), social constraints
(e.g. attitudes towards education, student mental
wellbeing, intergenerational poverty) and broader
government constraints (e.g. funding, short-term
reactive decision-making) that don’t support students
to the extent required. Whilst we clearly need to prepare
students for the future, there are conflicting opinions as
to what this looks like. This is reinforced by the measures
we use to determine the success of students and
schools. One of the clearest examples is in senior
secondary education. The Gonski report challenges the
privileging of university pathways, indirectly
questioning the academic focus of the HSC, and decries
the devaluation of vocational education despite the
supposed emphasis on it over the past 20 years.
However, the main way in which schools are judged,
both by the system and parents, remains the number of
Band 6 results and overall academic performance in the
HSC. This paradox, amongst others, needs to be
resolved in the upcoming curriculum review.
I strongly agree with the premier, the minister and the
CEO of NESA on at least one point. The “crowded
curriculum” needs to be addressed in order to free up
time and clarify educational priorities. It will be
interesting to see whether this actually happens – the
Gonski report may provide some with the justification
for further expanding the curriculum.
Screenagers
The Batemans Bay Community of Schools (which
includes the high school, Batemans Bay Public School
and Sunshine Bay Public School) has organised a free
showing of the documentary Screenagers. It explors the
struggles families face with social media, video games
and Internet addiction, and the real impact technology
can have on children’s brains during their development.
Doctor and filmmaker Delaney Ruston watched her
own children “scroll through life”, with their rapid-fire
thumbs and a six-second attention span. After learning
that that the average child spends six and a half hours a
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Batemans Bay High School
day looking at screens, she investigated the impact of
this behaviour and the friction occurring in homes and
schools around negotiating screen time. The result is the
Screenagers documentary.
The showing will be held at the Batemans Bay Soldiers
Club on Tuesday 26 June. Families, including children,
are encouraged to attend. Bookings are essential and
can be made online through Eventbrite.
Hackathon
It has been nearly two years since we hosted our
inaugural hackathon and another is well overdue. The
last day of term, Friday 6 July, has been set aside for the
next event. Our hackathon is many things, but put
simply, it allows students with an interest in technology
to indulge their passions in ways not catered for by the
regular curriculum. Guided by industry mentors,
students spend a day learning and building, creating a
project in an area of their choosing. This year’s streams
will be animation, game development, app
development, web development, 3D printing and
robotics (using an underwater remotely operated
vehicle, rather than Lego Mindstorms).
This event is open to all Eurobodalla schools, so places
are limited. Registration is through -
bayhackathon.weebly.com.
Mr Greg McDonald
Principal
From the Deputies
Our focus this fortnight centres on continued
improvement in classroom practice, school-wide
expectations and additional learning opportunities.
There is an expectation of students to show their
commitment to learning by accepting responsibility for
their attitude and behaviour when in the classroom. One
of our classroom expectations is to strive for
excellence. We encourage students to challenge
themselves in their learning and maximise every
opportunity to develop new skills or refine already
learned concepts. We are also currently reviewing our
discipline and wellbeing strategies and are trialling
some new procedures to manage negative situations
that may arise with a view to a WIN/WIN outcome for
students and staff.
Learning and School
Now that students have settled into the school year, it is
timely to reflect on the practice of effective learning.
What does make a student a good learner? The
following list offers some suggestions on how students
can optimise their capacity to learn. Becoming a skilled
learner sets our young people up for a lifetime of
learning.
What do skilled learners do differently? Skilled learners:
Think about their own learning
Ask more questions
Are process-oriented. Learners who find more
joy in the process of working toward their goals
will have an easier time achieving those goals
Can often find their own way, without guidance
Always keep the big picture in mind
Frequently try new things
Make mistakes work for them, not against them
Are interested in improving their memory
Process the same concept in multiple ways
Teach others
Look up answers rather than struggle to
remember
Are good observers
Use testing to boost their own learning
Cultivate curiosity
Work to understand
Appreciate different perspectives
Can explain what they know in ways that make
sense to others
Have clear objectives
Gather information from a variety of sources
These were adapted from an article by Saga Briggs who
is Managing Editor of InformED.
Batemans Bay High School
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Acknowledging Students and Staff
To all our Year 7 and 9 students who did their best in
last week’s NAPLAN tests. It can be a daunting process
for students but we all managed to complete the three
days of testing in a calm and positive manner.
A special mention to Mr Rod Hatton (Sports Organiser)
who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes
organising whole school sport but has also been
coaching junior and senior basketball and AFL teams. He
manages this additional organisation whilst still
preparing and teaching his classes. Providing students
with sporting opportunities.
Also, an acknowledgement of our cleaning staff – Kylie,
Gary, Kevin, Kevin and Karen who maintain our school
to a very high standard. Their commitment to our school
is highly valued.
Ms Fiona Saunders and Mr Gerard O’Keeffe
Deputy Principals
Student Achievement
Monique Perry, Year 12
Monique is achieving outstanding results in the HSC,
achieving top rankings in many of her courses through
her consistent effort and application.
Uniform Pool
Do you have any unused school uniforms? Any articles
of clothing to our uniform pool would be greatly
appreciated by families in need.
Sports News
Open Boys AFL Report
The open boys AFL played a knockout competition at
Hanging Rock on Tuesday 8 May. We played a three way
tournament against Carroll College and Moruya High.
Our team members: Lachlan Malcolm, Hunter Backo,
Cody Gunson, Jack Stewart, Liam Backo, Scott Stuart, Will
Aiken, Dylan Coulter, Alexander Graham, Kyle Hogan
Grimm, Jack McFarlane, Deklyn Pascoe, Blayne Abela,
Dylan Art, Lachlan Croke, Jade Eaton, James Gunson,
Blake James, Jeremy Rutherford and Daniel Stuart.
We started the first game really well kicking the first
three goals against Carroll College. After half time they
came back kicking the next three before we finished
them off after composed performances from Jade
Eaton, Will Aiken and Deklyn Pascoe. We won the
game 37-22.
We had a break while Moruya fought out a tough game
against Carroll College but eventually lost. If we could
beat Moruya by a decent margin there would be no
need for a final. The boys started red hot, kicking the
first three goals. The game got a bit heated but the boys
remained composed and professional and ended up
blitzing them 67-6.
All boys contributed to the team performance but
standout players were Will Aiken, Alexander Graham,
Deklyn Pascoe, Lachlan Croke, Jade Eaton and
James Gunson. We now head to Canberra on 24 May
for the next round of the Giants Cup. Congratulations to
all the boys. I am very proud of their efforts. We have
not had an AFL team progress to the next round of this
competition for some years.
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Batemans Bay High School
Tuna Trials Report
In the last week of Term 1 the Tuna trials were held at
Hanging Rock oval. This is a trial to select the best under
15’s AFL players in the region. Players came from as far
as Goulburn and Eden. Over sixty boys trialled including
four of our students, Jack Stewart, Lachlan Malcolm,
Seb Giri and Kobi Huntley Montga. All boys played
well but only Jack, Lachlan and Seb were successful.
Congratulations and we wish them the best for the
tournament in early June.
Mr Rod Hatton
Coach
Zone Cross Country
Zone Cross Country was held in Jindabyne this year at
the Sport and Recreation facility on Friday 18 May. It is
the first time this venue has hosted the carnival, after
many years of it being at Wolumla near Bega.
Batemans Bay High took a team of 22 students which
were: Ashlyn Breust, Archie Conniff, Kalin Dorn, Corran
Draper, Decklyn Gatehouse, Jarni Hulme, Johnathan
Lalor, Nathan McCallum, Sophie Minogue,
Oscar Scognamiglio, Jedda White, Christian Dean, Nioka
Kerry, Jai Rhodes, Phoebe Campbell, Calhoun Meehan,
Mackenzie Rippon, Jack Stewart, Alexa Warwick, William
Graham, Tayah Hancock and Claire Ison.
The team left at 6:30 in the morning. On behalf of the
22 runners that came on the day, I would like to thank
their parents who got out of bed early to get their child
to the bus on time. When we arrived, everyone jumped
out of the bus and ran up to the starting line, so we
could walk the course with the other schools. The 12
year old races started immediately afterwards. The
temperature was not as bad compared to the snow that
had been predicted. When the sun was out it felt a
pleasant 13 degrees. Good conditions for running.
Overall, 10 of our students made it to regional with the
best result being Jack Stewart who finished 3rd in the
15 boys. Well done Jack! South Coast Regional
Secondary Cross Country Championships will be held at
Willandra Cross Country Course, Cambewarra on Friday
1 June.
Well done to all the team and thank you to Mr Hatton
and Ms Gilligan who managed and supported the team
and allowed a well-deserved maccas run on the way
home.
Tayah Hancock
Year 10
Batemans Bay High School
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Agriculture News
Our students have enjoyed Agriculture in the last couple
of weeks due to the kindness of our local Bunnings
store. They sold us many plants for the students’
gardens at a very much reduced price. Their assistance
is greatly appreciated.
We also welcomed a new addition, a baby lamb born on
Friday 18 May. We have many baby animals at the
moment making it a very busy place. Piglets for sale
soon!
Mrs Megan Nicholls
Relieving HT Science
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Batemans Bay High School
School Uniform Shop
Open Tuesday and Thursday
8am to 11am
Parents & Citizens Association
Held third Monday of every month
Next meeting 21 May
7.00pm in the school library
All are welcome to attend
Our parents & citizens’ association brings the
school community together. Parents, teachers and
community members can help meet the needs of
the school community and contribute to decisions
about the school.
The P&C also raises funds that help finance
improvements to our school and provide
additional resources.
Community Announcements
Batemans Bay High School Newsletter regularly
includes community information and advertisements.
The School does not endorse or accept responsibility
for these activities. Attendance at or use of these
services is at the discretion of the students.
Providers of the Safer Drivers Course for Young Learner Drivers
Ulladulla, Batemans Bay,
Narooma, Merimbula
Visit: www.proactivesaferdriving.com.au
For all course dates, bookings and more information.
Next Batemans Bay course 10 July and Ulladulla 25 June
Pro-Active Safer Driving caring for the
community
Batemans Bay High School
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Batemans Bay High School Newsletter regularly
includes community information and advertisements.
The School does not endorse or accept responsibility
for these activities. Attendance at or use of these
services is at the discretion of the students.
TAFE Safer Drivers Course
Get 20 hours credit on your log book. The Safer
Drivers Course involves two modules and is
available to learner drivers under the age of 25 who
have completed at least 50 log book driving hours.
Saturday 16 June at TAFE NSW Moruya Campus.
For more information phone 4474 1800 or email
Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre
Pre-Loved Fashion Parade Sunday 3 June 2pm at the Catalina Club, entry $5.
Proceeds go towards equipment for the new
Indoor Aquatic Centre.
Donations of quality clothes appreciated
Contact Carolyn Harding 0423 214 333
Foster Carers Needed
Every child deserves a safe, stable home. Your family
could provide the support a child urgently needs. Foster
carers can fill a range from overnight and short term
support through to permanent care.
Speak to someone from our Anglicare team today about
what option could work best for you. Together we can
give support to children in our community.
Contact Edith Ishadi 4475 0901, 0407 128 068 or email
Be Your Best With
The Bay Beginners Driving School
Call 0412 446 568
! TEENS LEARN TO DRIVE !
1hr = 3hrs in Logbook
Structured Lesson Plans according to the students requirements (which can include:
Kings Hwy (Clyde Mountain), Princess Hwy,
Night Drives and Mock Test)
Automatic & Manual Instruction RMS Accredited Instructors, High Pass
Rate (owner being former Driver Tester with RMS)
$70 for 1hr Instruction or ask about our Package Deals to Save $$$
Contact Charmaine 0412 446 568 or email
xii Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools
Report on a page
We have identified three priorities …
... and made recommendations across five areas to address them
Laying the foundations for learning
Equipping everystudent to grow and succeed in a changing world
Creating,supporting and valuing a profession of expert educators
Deliver at least one year’sgrowth in learning for every
student every year
Equip every student to be a creative, connected and
engaged learner in a rapidly changing world
Cultivate an adaptive, innovative and continuously improving education system
• Promote high-quality early learning and seamless transitions into school• Engage parents and carers as partners in their children’s learning throughout school and develop tools and resources to support this • Ensure all students have the opportunity within schools to be partners in their own learning
• Introduce new reporting with a focus on learning attainment and learning gain• Revise the structure of the Australian Curriculum to present the learning areas and general capabilities as learning progressions• Prioritise the acquisition of foundation skills in literacy and numeracy in curriculum delivery during the early years • Give more prominence to the acquisition of the general capabilities e.g. critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability• Strengthen community engagement to enrich learning• Review senior secondary schooling to equip students with skills for the future
• Create the conditions and culture to enable and encourage more professional collaboration, observation, feedback and mentoring amongst teachers • Develop an online and on demand student learning assessment tool for teachers for the purposes of formative assessment and tailored teaching • Provide teachers with high-quality professional learning • Develop a comprehensive national teacher workforce strategy • Implement effective induction practices for early career teachers• Create meaningful career pathways which value and utilise teaching expertise and keep excellent teachers teaching
• Review and revise the Australian Professional Standard for Principals to prioritise leadership of learning and include accountability for individual student learning growth • Ensure principals have the autonomy required to lead their school on the improvement journey most relevant to their starting point• Create and implement a structured career pathway for school leaders • Provide school leaders with high-quality professional learning
• Enhance school and system internal self-review and external quality assurance processes for the purposes of monitoring and reviewing student learning gain• Accelerate the introduction of a Unique Student Identifier • Establish an independent institution to coordinate, source and generate the development of a national research and evidence base that can be easily accessed and implemented to improve student outcomes
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Empowering andsupporting schoolleaders
Raising andachievingaspirationsthroughinnovation andcontinuousimprovement
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