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6th March 2014
Finley High School Newsletter
Principal: Mr B Roebuck Deputy Principal: Mrs H McRae
KEY DATES
March
12 Immunisations – All Year Seven
students and Year Nine boys
12 P&C Meeting, 7pm in the Staff
Common Room
13 Open Boys and Girls Soccer -
Finley
19 Whole School Parent Teacher
Interviews
Open Boys and Girls Touch
Football - Hay
20 Formal Assembly, 12:30pm in the
school hall.
21 Harmony Day
24 Tennis and Lawn Bowls - Barham
26 School Photos
28-31 Preliminary Final Exams
April
1 Preliminary Final Exams
Cross Country Carnival
7 Year Six Forensic Science Day
Under 15 Boys and Girls Soccer –
Hay
9 Berrigan Shire Expo
11 Last Day of Term One
28 Staff Development Day
29 Students return to school for
Term Two.
May
7 Athletics Carnival
12 Immunisation – All Year Seven
students and Year Nine boys.
From the Principal
East Timor trip
This Friday eight of our Year Twelve students, under teacher Kate
Littlejohn and community member Yasmin McGrath, will be
heading to East Timor on an eight day cultural relations visit. The
students have done a huge amount of work in organising fund-
raisers and getting the trip organised. I wish them a great trip and
wish to thank the wider community for the huge level of support
that they have given to the students in their fund raising efforts.
The students will be doing a very special presentation to the whole
school on Friday 21st March which is Harmony day.
Formal Assembly – Week Eight
We are now over half way through the term and it is very pleasing
to see so many of our students working well. In Week Eight we will
be having our first formal assembly for 2014, where students are
rewarded for their efforts in the term. Just so parents are aware of
the rewards system that we have in place. There are two types of
processes in place at Finley High School –
1. On the spot merit awards that teachers can give to students at
any time – we call KRAM Awards – named after Mark Maher a
well-known ex school captain. Students put these into boxes
located around the school and we tally them up once a term
and those students with a sufficient number are able to access a
Gold, Silver or Bronze Award. In addition each fortnight we
have a draw from the box for some canteen vouchers, I tunes
vouchers and handballs and any student who has received a
KRAM can potentially win.
2. The second system is what we call Classroom Merit Awards.
Each term each teacher is asked to give each student in each of
their classes a simple rating 2, 1 or 0. Students earn 2 points if
they do the following – they come to class each period keen to
learn, with the correct equipment, are co-operative, and
attempt to the very best of their ability to complete class and
homework assigned by the teacher.
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It is a reward for effort, not for ability. The whole purpose of this system is to try to get every student to get the very
best out of themselves at all times.
Above (L-R): Jessica Knight, Emma Alexander, Paige Nash and Rachel Orro with the bags they made in their textiles class.
Central Coree 60th Celebrations
A huge thank you to the P& C, our Hospitality teachers, Miss Jess Turner, Mrs Tessa McNamara and Mrs Gaye Maxwell ,
canteen staff, Bernadette Brooks and Kayleen Dawe, and the many parents who donated their time and/or produce to
help in the catering of the Central Coree 60th celebrations last weekend. A very special thank you to four young ladies,
Tayla Boyd, Tayla Cicolini, Lauren Clarke and Maicie Close, who did an outstanding job in serving on the night.
Study Skills support
I am often asked by students and parents where they can get help with organising themselves better. I have on many
occasions given the following website – it has a lot of great resources for parents and students.
www.studyskillshandbook.com.au username – finleyhs password - 54success
On the website you will find a lot of easy to use, hands on type of activities that will be very useful including -
Working better at home units
Working better at school units
Improving how you study units
Improving your skills units
Extra mini units on a whole range of topics
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Phone issues
Can I please reaffirm the school policy on mobile phones:
1. We encourage students not to bring mobile phones or media players to school
2. If students bring them to school they become their responsibility and not the responsibility of the school
3. Students must have phones and other media players turned off at all times during class time –under no
circumstances can they interfere with teaching and learning
In this regard we urge parents not to ring or text students at school on their phones. If you need to contact them
urgently please ring the office and we will get a message to them promptly.
Social media
Issues surrounding the use of social media continue to be a matter of great concern. As I have said many times, used
properly social media is a wonderful tool, used poorly or inappropriately it causes massive issues. You will find in the
newsletter this week a flyer called ‘Safebook’ that outlines some things that social media users can do to ensure they
are safe and they are not involved in things that can lead to unwanted outcomes.
MADD Night
Pencil in Wednesday night 9th April as something not to be missed. At present we have close to 50 students who are
working hard at a variety of dance performances, singing, musical items, drama presentations and some public speaking.
We hope this is the first of many such nights –a chance for students to showcase their talents and gain in their own
levels of confidence to perform in front of an audience. Stay tuned for more information later in the term.
Staff changes for Term Two
At last year’s Presentation Night I indicated that 2014 would be my last year in the job. After 37 years in the teaching
service sadly the time has come for me to move on to the next phase of life and I will be officially retiring in July.
However I will be taking some extended leave from early in Term Two. During that time Mrs McRae will be the Acting
Principal. There will be some other changes as a consequence of this and I will keep you informed when we have
finalised these arrangements.
Bernie Roebuck
Principal
Girls Basketball Report
20th February 2014 in Deniliquin
Finley v Barham
The team dominated in this first game, coming out with an impressive 33 points to beat Barham on 6. After a slow start
the girls fought hard and displayed remarkable teamwork to win comfortably. Each player held their own on the court
as they began to fight for the ball and make effective use of it when they had possession. A few risky shots paid off and
their enthusiasm and determination was reflected on the scoreboard.
Finley v Deniliquin
Finley defeated Deniliquin in the second match of the day; the girls supported and encouraged one another and were
able to reap the benefits. The Deniliquin team proved to be tough competitors in the beginning, and the girls knew they
had an equal match as it was goal for goal. As the game progressed the Finley girls demonstrated why they are number
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one by reading the Deniliquin team, taking risks and defending the ball all down the court. These factors, coupled with
accurate shooting allowed them to get up and continue to increase their lead as the game went on.
Above (Back row, left to right): Kitty Lawton, Shania Bentley-Wiley, Ashleigh O’Leary, Sarah Taylor, Chelsea McDonald,
Kate Whiley, (front row, left to right): Sarah Walliss, Anewa Archibald, Miliana Naicori and Carly Thomas
Swimming Report 2014 Finley High School held its Annual Twilight Swimming Carnival on Thursday the 13th of February. It was a long day with a number of new events held. For the first time students were able to swim either 100 or 50 metres in all of the different strokes. Although it was not one of the hotter days we have had for 2014 it was still very impressive to see the amount of students entering races. Congratulations to all of the participants, age champions and qualifiers for the next level. 2014 Swimming Age Champions
Age 1st Place 2nd Place
12 years boys Ben Ashley-Cooper Jacob Turley
13 years boys Nick Burns Bradley Chaplin
14 years boys Darcy Webb Kayden Sharp and Zec Cuppens
15 years boys Tom Burns Damon Anderson
15 years boys swimmer with a disability (SWD) Tom Burton
16 years boys Josh Barrett Tylan Sharp and Tyson Peters
17 years boys Aiden Murphy-Riddell Michael McRae
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Age 1st Place 2nd Place
12 years girls Hayley Doohan Amelia Alexander
13 years girls Ellie Jones Johanna Tessier and Emma Carey
14 years girls Eloise Ashley-Cooper Aleisha Gray
15 years girls Michelle Barnes Paige Nash
16 years boys Georgina Mohr-Clarke Jorja Daniel
17 years boys Ashleigh O’Leary Rachael Barnes
HSC Mathematics Lectures
Every year, the Mathematical Association of NSW runs a series of revision lectures at the University of Sydney for
interested students. These lectures are offered to students of General Mathematics, Mathematics and Mathematics
Extension 1, and run from Monday June 30 to Wednesday 2 July.
The cost per day, and students may attend one, two or three days if they wish, is $99, starting at 9.30am and running
until 3.30pm each day.
If anyone is interested, they need to see Mr. Oddie for further information. Students will need to organise transport and
accommodation whilst in Sydney, and financial assistance may be available if required.
Mathsonline
In the past few years, students at Finley High School have been able to access the mathsonline website for no charge.
The school is willing and able to continue to provide this service to students who make the most of this highly
recommended online mathematical tutorial system.
Many students will be automatically enrolled into mathsonline as part of their Maths course. However, if any other
student wishes to access this resource, they need to see Mr. Oddie by Friday 14 March to get registered. If they are not
sure if they are registered, simply ask their Maths teacher!
It is strongly recommended that all senior maths students ensure they are enrolled and use this resource as a revision
tool.
Should students wish to access this privately, the cost is upwards of $200, so registration through the school is highly
recommended.
Careers News
Berrigan Shire Employment EXPO
Reminder that on Wednesday the 9th of April Finley High School, in conjunction with the Berrigan Shire Council, will be
hosting the Annual Berrigan Shire Employment and Careers Expo for all students in Years Ten, Eleven and Twelve at the
Finley RS Club. We hope to encourage and stimulate young people living in our local area to consider training, living,
earning and investing in our local area and to provide a positive link between young people and local employers.
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Students will be provided with lunch at the RS Club, and will be involved a range of career based and world of work
activities.
Students will be required to dress appropriately for the day under the theme of “Dressing To Impress at Interview”.
This should see all students attend the day in clothing that represents how they would dress to be successful in a formal
interview situation.
A competition is also being run for any students who wish to create a multimedia presentation of their choice that
represents their vision or impression of living learning and earning in the local shire. Last year’s winning presentation
received a prize as well as being shown at the Berrigan Business Awards.
Above: Maxine Harris and Jacob Gordon learning table etiquette and business conversation.
Work Experience
(a) A Reminder that all Year Ten students should by now have organised a work experience placement for their first
block and returned all necessary paperwork. If you need assistance with this please contact the careers staff as
soon as possible.
(b) Students doing work experience that requires them to attend a building site must also complete the White card
training before their placement. This training is being provided to students early next term.
Tertiary Tour of Melbourne
Final notes and payments are now required for the Year Twelve Excursion to Melbourne Universities and The Age
Careers & Employment EXPO.
My Career Match
Students in Year Eleven have been working on tracking their Career Personality. Students were identified as displaying
characteristics of 1 of 16 personality types. Students have been looking at linking their career choices to their
personality styles. They also took home information for parents on their particular style which are well worth a read.
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Tax File Numbers
Over the next few lessons students in Year Nine Careers will be given information about getting a Tax file Number
through the school. This makes the process easy as students only need to complete the form provided and do not need
to show any other proof of identification. If you would like your child to obtain their own TFN then please ensure
completed forms are returned to the Careers Staff. Any other students requiring TFN may also obtain and return forms
to the Careers Staff. TFN are required for students obtaining employment and going off to University in order to prevent
paying maximum taxation.
ICAS Writing, Spelling and English Competitions
Information and a registration form for the ICAS Writing, Spelling and English Competitions is attached. Cost is $8.80 per
competition. Entry forms and fees must be paid by Thursday 15th May 2014.
Year Seven Camp
There are not enough superlatives to describe the behaviour, attitude and experience that Year Seven and the staff that
accompanied them had on camp. I’m very impressed with all students who attended the camp from their manners to
their sense of adventure and to their willingness to try new things and meet new people. Even when the bus broke
down they were in good spirits and very few complained!!! In years to come when they meet up I’m sure they will all
remember Year Seven camp 2014 fondly.
Above: All of the Year Seven students who attended the camp.
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Our day time activities included canoeing, hiking, high ropes course, challenge trail, orienteering, giant swing, climbing
wall and archery. These activities were all great fun and I’m sure everyone had their favourite. They allowed students to
make strong connections with others in their group, encouraged communication and leadership and hopefully kick
started a lot of great new friendships.
Above: Canoeing on the lake
Above: Year Seven students waiting for an activity.
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Above: Spencer Hawkins on the high ropes course.
On the first night after a tasty dinner the activities began. We started with the chocolate game followed by the peg
game. We then played four rounds of spot light. I’m still convinced that the girls were the overall winners of the night
(although I’m sure Mr Cleal, Mr O’Leary and Mr Renn would strongly disagree). On the second evening the students
were broken into their house groups and competed in a games night with Tuppal being the winners of the night. I think
I’m still a little deaf from the chants and encouraging words yelled from the sideline. I think Year Seven can take credit
for quite a few of the chants and war cries heard at the swimming carnival.
I would like to thank all Year Seven students who attended the camp for making it such an enjoyable experience. I hope
you all had as much fun doing the activities, getting to know one another and spending a few days away as I did. Finally I
must thank the staff: Mike O’Leary, Pat Cleal, Josh Renn, Ellen Downey, Jodi Brown and Mirelda Wales for being
generous with their time and taking time away from their families.
Loren Heath
Year Seven Advisor
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Whole School Assessment Due Dates
Year Class Assessment Task Teacher Due Date
Eight Science Student Research Task Mr D Bird 8/04/14
Senior Preliminary Advanced English
Sylvia Plath Poetry Mrs V McNaught 7/03/14
Senior Preliminary Standard English
The Club Character Study Mrs V McNaught 7/03/14
Senior English Extension Oral Presentation Mrs V McNaught 7/03/14
Senior Senior CAFS Families and Communities Ms E Downey 10/03/2014
CANTEEN ROSTER
Canteen Contact and Number
Mrs Kaylene Dawe 5883 1105
….LADIES, Please note 10am start….
March
6 T Anderson
7 B Agosta, J McAllister
10 H Mortlock, M Robertson
11 K Ferguson
12 R Sharp, Kate Steel
13 S Robertson
14 M McCaw, G Gale
17 C Alexander, D Jewell
18 J Knight
19 G Ferguson
20 H Harris
21 J Walliss
Finley High School
P&C Meeting
Wednesday 12th March 2014
7pm in the staff common room.
Finley High School P&C meet the
second Wednesday of every
month at 7pm in the staff
common room. We look forward
to seeing you there.
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Community Announcements
Interactive Workshop for Parents – “Siblings of Children with Disabilities”
Presented by Kate Strohm, Director, Siblings Australia Inc. Held on Tuesday 1st April from 7pm to 9pm at the Tocumwal
Golf Club, Barooga Road. Cost is $10 per person (supper provided).
The workshop will assist parents to:
Understand the concerns of siblings
Identify behaviours that might indicate stress
Explore factors affecting the adjustment of siblings
Identify parent role in supporting siblings
Identify other sources of support for siblings
Meeting other parents with similar experiences.
RSVP by 25th March 2014 via email [email protected] or phone 03 5888 5188. Bookings are essential as places are limited.
Finley 4ths Football Training
Starts Tuesday 11th March at 5pm at the footy oval.
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