Education Week is a time where we celebrate the achievements of public education across New South Wales. For some of us, public education is such an established and valuable ideal that it is almost part of our sub-conscious. Stopping to really think about what public education means though, can be a valuable exercise. For me, free access to a high quality education must be guaranteed to every citizen and child in any society that claims to be democratic and free. That is effectively what the public education system aims to do, and it is surely one of the worthiest and noblest endeavours that we could partake in. I don’t spend every minute of my day thinking about it that way of course, but I sleep very well at night knowing that a good portion of my life is dedicated to such a worthwhile task.Like many teachers, school workers and parents this week, I have spent a lot of

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Term 2 Week 4B 15th May 2017

my time getting on with that noble task of education. After school finished on Monday, our staff spent three hours working together on their professional learning. We focused on the concept of high expectations, and conducted activities to support us in challenging ourselves and our students to pursue excellence in teaching and learning across the school.On Tuesday afternoon we had our usual executive meeting where we discussed, among other things, the concept of rigorous assessment, and how we can expertly challenge students in the classroom to maximise learning outcomes. After that meeting, Ms Bowen and I were here until past 9pm, speaking with twelve members of our P&C who had also given up their evening to support the education of our students.On Wednesday afternoon at sport I suffered great muscle strain and fatigue running

Monday 12th August 2019 Term 3 Week 4B

BILLABONG HIGHLIGHTS

Principal’s Speech from Education Week

Assembly

Singing group accompanied by Darren Colston performed at the

Education Week Assembly

around the football field with Year 9 boys and Mr McMaster. After work I recovered briefly at home before attending the Henty Public School P&C meeting, this time as a parent of three boys, the eldest of whom will begin kindergarten there next year. In all of these examples mentioned, I have had the privilege of working with people in our school community and witnessing the effort they make to contribute to that noble goal of educating our young people.Far from being tired from all this work, I am as energised and as excited as ever. I love the weekend as much as anyone else, but I also have Monday to look forward to, because on Monday I will be meeting with students in the SRC to discuss further a big idea that we are developing around improving access to extracurricular activities at Billabong. I’m looking forward to speaking with them and sharing the excitement, sharing the challenge and eventually sharing the achievement that we will work towards together. Far from

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being exhausting and draining, when we work hard towards a worthy goal, we get to share that amazing feeling that comes with success. We get to be proud of what we have achieved. Success for me, is supporting the achievement of improved outcomes for students and young people – a concept that no doubt every single parent, teacher and community member in this room shares.All students receiving awards have achieved success at school this year, and we can all be proud of these students and can enjoy that success together. Congratulations students, congratulations parents and congratulations staff.Mr K. WawszkowiczPrincipal Annual Mental Health Forum – The Resilience ProjectThis year’s Mental Health Forum begins today with staff participating in professional learning from 3:30 to 5:00pm. Tonight a community forum will be held with an open invitation extended to all members of the

Billabong Highlights

Jezabella Wheeler’s Artwork: “Life in a Can”

community. The community event will commence at 7:00pm in the Billabong High School Library. Tomorrow students will participate in their Resilience Project session followed by a free BBQ lunch. 2nd Annual Directors Acquisitive Art Prize Congratulations to Jezabella Wheeler in Stage 5 Visual Arts who had her Pop Art inspired artwork, “Life in a Can” selected in the 2nd Annual Directors Acquisitive Art Prize in Albury. Her contemporary take on the Pop Art movement along with the contrast of the stylised black and white imagery which juxtaposed against the expressionistic background had all that viewed the artwork in awe. Her outstanding artwork was featured amongst a variety of other pieces from schools in and around Albury. To be selected is a huge accomplishment, given the high standard of artworks on display.

Billabong High School iSHopIf you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a one wear dress and you don’t

have an extra formal gown or suit hanging out in your closet, you can always grab a dress or suit from The BHS iShop. Reusing dresses and suits from previous graduations, weddings and balls helps fight the insane consumerist society that centers so much around graduations and formal events.On Wednesday 11 September from 2pm – 6pm, students will have the opportunity to peruse and try on donated dresses, shoes and suits for their up and coming events. Most importantly, it’s a great way to recycle and help put an end to the extravagant – and most times wasteful – fast fashion trend. Why not swap an outfit? Bring in a preloved gem or outfit you’ve outgrown and trade it in for something new.We are looking for donations of dresses, high heels, suits, men’s shoes, shirts and ties that are ready to wear. If you have been looking for an excuse to clean out your cupboards then look no further. Please deliver to Billabong High School’s front office. For any questions please contact Kristie Preston for more information Page 3

Billabong Highlights

The Billabong High Dance Troup performed at our Education Week Assembly

Calendar Wednesday 14th-Friday 16th August 2019 Science Fair Friday 16th August 2019 Bernie O’Connor Football and Netball Monday 19th August Biology Field Trip Tuesday 20th August Year 9 Future Moves

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Billabong Highlights

SRC - “Parma for a Farmer” The SRC have organised to raise funds for the ‘Parma for a Farmer’ initiative in Term 3. On Tuesday 27th August Chicken Parmas served on a bread roll will be available for lunch for $6. Pre-ordering is essential and envelopes have gone out with today’s newsletter. This fundraising activity will see a donation made to the the https://www.parmaforafarmer.com.au/ rurual aid program which aims to help communities who are struggling in the ongoing drought. We hope you get behind this delicious idea to help affected communities! P & C NEWSCAR RAFFLETickets have been selling well for the car raffle to be drawn at presentation night in December. If you have sold your issued tickets please return them and money to the school office ASAP!

FREE ENTRY TO FIELD DAYS!!Billabong P & C will once again be manning the Eastern Gate at the HMFD from 17th - 19th September. This is a major fund-raiser for the P & C and all of the money raised goes back to supporting our kids.If you can help us out for a couple of hours this year please fill in the attached form and return to the school ASAP, you will recieve free entry to the field days on the day you help out.

Excursion ReminderThe third instalment of $150 for the Year 11 Sydney excursion was due last week. A total of $400 should have now been paid.The third instalment of $100 for the Year 9 Melbourne excursion is now due. A total of $260 should now have been paid.

Billabong High School Expectation Uniform Our school community endorses the wearing of a school uniform. Our uniform does not include hoodies. An undershirt may be worn during colder months for added warmth. Hats and beanies should be removed during lessons. School shoes should be black and leather. If a student is unable to wear their uniform, the students should report to their Year Adviser before school with a note of explanation from home and receive a Uniform Pass. The pass should be carried for the day.

Uniform Shop Hours (for this week only) 9am - 12noon Tuesday 13th August 9am - 12noon Wednesday 14th August Closed Thursday 15th August Days will resume as normal the following

week.Thanks Sarah