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Issue 1 3rd February 2011

What’s Inside Pg 2 Homework Car Park Safety

Wollumbin High School

Principal: Karen Connell

North Arm Road, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 Email: Wollumbin-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.wollumbin-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Phone: 02 66 72 5121 Fax: 02 66 72 6056

P & C Meeting: Tuesday 22nd February 2011 at 7.00 pm in the Library

Educational Excellence — High Expectations — Student Success

Pg 3 Sport and PDHPE Meeting Dates What’s On

Pg 5 HSC and SC Results Sport Information

WELCOME A warm welcome to all our new students and their families. Thank you for choosing WHS staff to educate your children. We look forward to yet another exciting, challenging and fulfilling year. It is with great pleasure we introduce our new staff: Ms Belinda Ndegwa (Careers Adviser ), Mrs Tricia Quantrill (Visual Arts), Mr Stephen Bignell (Mathematics), Mrs Jan Upton (Home Economics), Mr Richard Cetinich (English/HSIE) and Mr Paul Butterfield (relieving as district Support Teacher Behaviour) They bring great expertise in their subject areas.

Ms Ndegwa Mrs Quantrill There is much information in this Talkabout you may need a cuppa while you read it!

SAD NEWS At the end of last year we were saddened to hear of the passing of Mr David Campbell who had taught at our school for a number of years. He had been teaching at Kingscliff HS during 2010. A tree has been planted in his memory at our school.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL 10th FEB AT MURWILLUMBAH POOL

Swimming Carnival information was given to students during week 1. Parents are very welcome to join us at the carnival.

A reminder that this is a normal school day that students are expected to attend and, non attendance will require a note of explanation.

All students are to attend school as normal at the beginning of the day they will then be transported by bus to the pool at 8.45.

They will return to school by bus in time for the usual end of school routines.

.ALL WELCOME AT OUR FIRST P&C MEETING FOR 2011

The P&C will meet on 22nd February at 7pm in the Library. Meetings conclude at 9pm. They are held on the last Tuesday of the month. Please come and join our friendly, easy going P&C who work hard for your child.

GIFT FROM JANETTE SAUNDERS Janette presented the school with an artwork that she painted for us, entitled Passionate Journey.

The artwork will be hung in our foyer along with a description of its symbolism.

The artwork holds great meaning for Wollumbin High School and we really appreciate Janette’s gesture.

We wish Janette all the best in her teaching position at Grafton High School.

THANK YOU TO PARENTS Thank you to parents who have already paid voluntary contributions and subject specific fees.

Subject fees pay for the consumables used by your child in completing projects.

Voluntary contributions assist with the purchase of textbooks, ICT equipment, learning resources, paper - in fact as multitude of things used to support our students.

We have EFTPOS facilities at school to assist parents with payment options.

Of course cash and cheques are still accepted!

Your support with early payment is greatly appreciated.

Pg 4 Maths Faculty Book Standards Assessment

Information

Pg 6 Just Read Internet Safety

Pg 7 Learning Support

Room

Pg 8 Community Liaison

Report

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SCRIPTURE Scripture is again provided for years 7 & 8. See the separate letter included in the envelope. Should a parent not wish their student to participate, then a letter must be given to the Deputy Principal.

KEEP IN MIND 24th March for our Good Guys VIP night in Tweed Heads where you can purchase items at greatly reduced prices. A percentage of the sales are donated to the P&C from this night. More information will be published closer to the time.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN ENROLMENT

FOR 2012 AT

WOLLUMBIN HIGH SCHOOL Please let them know

to come to our

OPEN HOUSE

WHEN: Wednesday 9th March 2011 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm

5.30 pm - Parent Information Session in Library

CAR PARK SAFETY—(see diagram below)

1. A “10 km/h speed limit” applies to all motorists

2. Note the “ONE WAY” movement of traffic within the car park (clockwise)

3. The “NO STOPPING” zone strictly needs to be adhered to by all for traffic safety concerns. Students are not to be dropped off in this area.

4. “Disabled Parking” zone is allocated to the closest access to the administration building.

5. The “30 minute parking” zones are allocated only for parents picking up infants/primary students from the bus zones directly opposite.

6. Parents are to utilize the “student drop off zones” allocated. This greatly reduces congestion and improves car park safety. Students then cross at the pedestrian crossings to enter school.

7. “Normal road rules apply” within the car park e.g. indicating when turning.

8. When dropping or collecting students in North Arm Road please ensure you park as far away as possible from the roundabout to prevent traffic congestion which compromises student safety.

We appreciate your co-operation in maintaining the safety of our students.

PLEASE NOTE: this is no longer a crossing and has been painted over.

Is your child having trouble getting on top of their homework?

Homework help is available for all students during break 2 in the Support Room (G1). S t u d e n t s may bring their lunch and can access the computers, i n t e r n e t , newspapers or other r e f e r e n c e material.

We have six c o m p u t e r s and two p r i n t e r s connected to the school n e t w o r k . Students are able to word p r o c e s s , search the Internet, consult reference material or receive help from staff in any subject.

If your child needs help completing homework, assessment tasks or projects or just time to catch up on class work tell them to come to the Support Room any Break 2.

They can eat their lunch while working.

Lindy and Phil Thomas (Support Teachers Learning )

“Guess what?” “You don’t have any homework tonight - I did it all in Learning Support”

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Term 1 2011

10th February Swimming Carnival 22nd February P&C Meeting 7pm Library 25th February Volunteer Tutors Training 2nd - 4th March Year 7 Camp

MEETING DATES FOR LOCAL ABORIGINAL EDUCATION CONSULTATIVE GROUP

(AECG)

14/02/11 - 4pm - Banora Point High School

04/04/11 - 4pm - Kingscliff High School

20/06/11 - 4pm - Pottsville Primary School

08/08/11 - 4pm - Wollumbin High School

17/10/11 - 4pm - Tweed River High School Annual General Meeting

05/12/11 - 4pm - Kingscliff TAFE

Any further Queries please call Jackie McDonald PH: 0755 369 629

WHAT HAPPENS IF A CHILD IS ILL AT SCHOOL

Please do not send students to school if they are feeling ill or have uncovered wounds. It will require us to phone you to come and collect your child.

If a student presents with an illness or injury during the school day we will contact you.

If your child phones you on their mobile to say they are ill advise them to follow school procedures and to go to First Aid to be assessed, and the school will call you. Please do not ask them to meet you out the front of the school. It is very important we are aware of their circumstances and that they are collected from the Administration Office.

AEROSOL CANS Aerosol cans (including deodorants) are banned in schools. Students are not to bring these to school. This is a safety issue.

PLEASE CONTACT THE ADMIN OFFICE IF YOU NEED TO UPDATE THE FOLLOWING

INFORMATION: Change of Address or Phone Number Flood Evacuation Details Medical Advice DO NOT give permission to have your child’s photograph used in school productions or promotions

SPORT AND PD/H/PE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENT

Mouthguards are compulsory to wear in the following sports: Rugby League, Rugby Union, Australian Rules Football and Hockey. Student must supply a mouthguard to participate.

It is advisable that students also wear mouthguards for the following modified games: Gaelic Football, Gridiron, Australian Rules Football and Austag.

As shin pads are compulsory in competition Soccer, Futsal and Hockey, Students must ensure they bring this protective equipment to participate.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE ENVELOPE

Canteen Menu PDHPE School Fees Scripture Letter Sport Information Uniform

OFFICE DUTY Each day a student from year 8 will be on office duty. Students are notified in advance of their day on the Daily Information Sheet. Parents should speak with Mr Upton (Deputy Principal) should they have concerns or wish to withdraw their student from this school service activity.

YEAR 7 SPORT PROGRAM 2011 Term 1 - Students will take part in rotational activities within the school grounds. This will give them a general guidance on sporting skills.

In approximately week 9 students will change to their Tweed Valley sport choice (depending on the starting date) and will commence training for this competition.

Term 2 - They will compete against other Tweed Valley High Schools for 11 weeks and first and second placed teams will participate in a final’s day. Sport will be during the afternoon in term 2.

Term 3 - Students are able to select their choice of sport from the range available. Sport will convert back to the morning.

Term 4 - Students are able to select their choice of sport from the range available. Sport will convert back to the morning.

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STUDENT PLANNER All students have been given their new planner. A clear plastic cover is available from the Admin Office for only $1 that will further protect the diary. We encourage students to buy one.

Please take the time to look at the first few pages with your student as it contains valuable information about our school practices.

BOOK STANDARDS Each subject has its own book, preferably covered

- appropriately Margins No scribbling or graffiti (students can have a

scribble book) Sheets pasted in Heading/s underlined Up to date and complete work. If absent, catch up. Labels on diagrams, drawings and maps. Single line through mistakes Use rulers for lines Legible writing. Blue or black preferred. Pen, not

texta. Basic Equipment for Each Lesson School Planner Subject book Ruler Pens Pencil Eraser Glue Sharpener Subject specific items e.g. calculator (Label items with student’s name) USB Stick

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION Year 7 & 8 - will be posted when completed Year 9 & 10 - have an assessment booklet and information on the Intranet they can access. Year 11 & 12 - have specific assessment booklet requirements and support material. available on the Intranet.

Parents please take the time to look through the information with your student.

EQUIPMENT LIST FOR MUSIC

Exercise book - 94 pages Manuscript book Display folder Pens, lead pencil, eraser, glue, ruler

MATHEMATICS FACULTY CLASS WORK POLICY

The following are basic class work requirements for all Mathematic students at Wollumbin High School (please note - all students are to have a homework book). A4 Lined Book—Theory Book

This book must be set out with a margin, in red pen, on all pages.

There must be a title page at the beginning of each topic.

Headings for each day’s notes must be underlined with a ruler.

Diagrams must be drawn in pencil with a ruler. A4 Grid Book—Exercise Book

This book must be set out with a red line (ruled) down the middle of the page to separate it into two columns.

There must be a date at the beginning of each day’s work and ruled off after the day’s work.

Mark all exercises in red pen. Headings must be underlined with a ruler. Diagrams must be drawn in pencil with a ruler.

Calculator

Preferably Casio fx82AU PLUS Geometry Set

The geometry set must include: Ruler Set square Protractor A pair of compasses

Pencil, Red and Blue/Black Pen, Eraser

Both workbooks need to be covered in plastic. All students need to make sure they have their equipment for EVERY lesson from the end of week 2. One warning will be given for failure to bring equipment/books, after which detentions will be given. Parents will be notified if students continue to not bring their equipment/books.

All students’ books will be marked once a term. A class work certificate will be pasted into their books and must be signed by a parent. An excellent in bookwork, homework and class effort will lead to a self directed learning outcomes award.

New Courses at Murwillumbah TAFE in 2011

Work Opportunities for Women: Suitable for women wanting to return to study or prepare for employment. Electives include Computing and Health and Beauty. Study full time or part time.

Introduction to Aged Care: Students will gain practical experience in an Aged Care facility. One day a week.

Courses start from February 14. For more information, phone 6672 0800.

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2011 SCHOOL UNIFORM A reminder about uniform is also included in the news letter – please ensure that solid leather footwear is purchased according to safety requirements. Please do not buy ‘fashion’ shoes - they are not acceptable in many subject areas and will mean parents purchasing a ‘second and correct’ pair of shoes at additional cost. Financial Assistance is available - Please contact Administration.

OUTSTANDING 2010 HSC RESULTS

44% of our students achieved in the two highest bands across 18 courses. 6 students achieved band 6 (the highest achievement band) in 1 or more courses. 21 students achieved band 5 (the second highest achievement band) in one or more courses. Extension 2 English students achieved at very high levels.

The school made the Board of Studies Merit List for both English and Maths. Students and staff are congratulated on this outstanding achievement.

We congratulate the Dux of Year 12 - Jesse Sharpe.

Other high achievers include Gabriel Araujo, Natassja Bertram, Emma Lasker, Mitchell Tillott, Liana Turner, Georgie Pryer and Alethea Cotmore.

W o l l u m b i n H i g h S c h o o l congratulates all our Year 12 students and wishes them the very best for the future.

Ms Ndegwa will commence the process of contacting all year 12 students as we think it is important to track the future directions of our students.

OUTSTANDING SCHOOL CERTIFCATE RESULTS

Congratulations to Nicola Albury who was DUX of Year 10 2010. At WHS Nicola came first in Science, Mathematics and ICT.

Congratulations to the following students who gained first place at WHS in the individual external exams:

First in English – Callum Savage First in History – Jaye Magnum First in Geography – Jack Shlunke

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

SPORT INFORMATION This term students will be very busy with many sporting commitments.

The first knockout games commence at the end of the month with Basketball. Trials will be held for these games shortly. Students are asked to watch the sport notice board outside the Korean room where future events will be listed. They will also be listed in the Daily Notices.

Terms 1, 3 and 4 will be run as ‘morning sport’ from 8.50 – 10.45 while in Term 2 Sport will be in the afternoon in order to participate in the Tweed Valley competition. All students are encouraged to participate in the inter-school competition. It is compulsory for PDHPE elective students.

Tweed Valley is a Round Robin Competition against Murwillumbah, Tweed River, Kingscliff, Mt St Patricks, Banora Point and St Josephs High Schools in a variety of team sports. The format - one round only being played and central venues for allocated sports. Some teams may travel every week.

It is compulsory for students who study PDHPE elective to participate in the Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics carnivals and also in the Tweed Valley competition.

Monies –Students can pay for their sport weekly when travelling and receive a daily, colour coded bus pass. This is purchased on a Wednesday morning and is to be collected as the students get on the bus. They also have a choice of paying in bulk and are issued with a term pass. Some sports also have additional money collected on a weekly basis.

FREE DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE NUMBER

By law, Telstra must provide FREE directory assistance number.

The free number is 1223 This in the only free number available to use all other numbers COST

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INTERNET SAFETY AND DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Safer Internet Day: Feb 8 2011 ‘It’s more than a game, it’s your life’

Safe Internet Day is on 8 February 2011.

The Internet is a great tool for publication, research and communication but…

Anyone can post anything on the Internet Anyone can hide their identity on the internet And many can abuse your privacy and misuse

your personal information on the Internet What you post to the Internet can create digital

footprints that can go beyond your control!

Cybersmart at http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world.

Visit the WHS Library site at http://web1.wollumbin-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/WHSLib/?page_id=152 for Online Safety tips, links to videos and more. J. Okunev Teacher Librarian

JUST READ Read for Fun! Read for Information! Read to Learn! Read to be the best you can be!

Reading feeds the imagination. Imagination feeds learning.

Reading shares ideas and information across time and place.

Reading is essential to get the best from the treasure and avoid the trash of the internet.

World-wide research has shown that students who read regularly and voluntarily get better school results! They do better on standardised tests and students who read for fun get higher scores than students who do not read for fun.

Students who read well become more active learners. Classes get easier as reading improves. Regular reading for personal interests helps develop familiarity with language for different circumstances and this can improve results across all subjects.

In the library, we are encouraging all students to develop a “daily reading habit”… to sit quietly for 10-20 minutes and read something NOT required for class-work… anything that interests them. Parents can help

Students are invited to talk to us about their reading or join a school, state or national Reading Challenge. We give hundreds of Outcomes Awards and this year students will receive entries into Monthly Prize Draws. Special Library Achievement Awards will also be available. Details are in the library.

Just Read!

WHAT IS DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP? We change the world with technology, with what we learn and with the choices we make. Since humans evolved to stand, to have hands free for tools, and developed language to communicate from group to group and generation to generation, we have changed ourselves, our social and working lives, and our environments. The changes became faster as communication technologies developed from pictures to printed texts to digital multi-media. Today, they can seem to happen overnight!

We have achieved much and destroyed much. Where once we were citizens of small communities, now we are digital citizens of the world, and need to consider the impacts of our choices and behaviours on a global scale.

You can also visit the Digital Citizenship page http://web1.wollumbin-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/WHSLib/?page_id=1689 for more about online etiquette and safe behaviours.

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Learning Support Room Volunteer Tutor Program Each year parent and community volunteers assist students needing help with their school work in our Learning Support Room. Tutors may help with class work, homework, projects, assignments, spelling or intensive reading programs. Work is with

individual students or small groups with the support teacher or class teacher setting all work. This has been very successful in the past with many tutors returning to assist each year. This coming year we will need tutors every day except Wednesday. If you (or your friends, neighbours or relatives) have a couple of hours or more to spare each week we would love to hear from you. Although some of our tutors have had previous experience, most have not. Training is provided, help

is always available and hopefully we can allay any concerns you might have about tutoring High School students. If you would like any more information on being a volunteer tutor, please phone us at the school.

Lindy and Phil Thomas (Support Teachers)

IF INTERESTED PLEASE TEAR OFF AND RETURN TO THE SCHOOL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Yes I am interested in being a Volunteer Tutor in 2011 I will/will not be able to attend the meeting on Friday 25th Feb at 9.00 Name ……………………………………………………... Tel ………………………… Student contact……………………………….… Class……………..

We will be having a meeting for old and new tutors in the Learning Support Room (G1) on Friday 25th February at 9.00.

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SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL

Donation to Wollumbin High School!

The Athlete’s Foot Tweed City will donate back to Wollumbin High School $5 per pair of shoes sold

to any person from the Wollumbin High School Community.

Through this donation The Athlete’s Foot Tweed City is hoping to give support back to the

Community who supports us.

For the school to become eligible for the $5 per shoe sold donation’ customers must mention

Wollumbin High School at the point of sale in-store at

The Athlete’s Foot Tweed City.* *This offer is only available for shoe purchases from The Ath-

lete’s Foot Tweed City.

RYDON A service for young people who are transport disadvantaged and live in and around the Villages of Murwillumbah.

WHO CAN USE RYDON RYDON is for groups of 5 or more young people aged 12-24 who need help with transport in Murwillumbah District.

WHAT IT COSTS $5.00 return in area of Tyalgum, Chillingham, Byron Pottsville, Cabarita Beach and Tweed Heads. $10.00 return Lismore, Ballina and Southport $15.00 return Brisbane. A minimum of five people per group is all that is needed.

HOW TO USE RYDON TRANSPORT Contact Debbie MB: 0423 739 757 or

www.rydon.com.au 3-4 days in advance. Where to pick you up and drop you off. Date and time you want to leave. Number of people travelling and an emergency

number. If phone unattended leave a message and Ph No.

Murwillumbah Vulcans Australian Football Club

SIGNING UP NOW! • Under 9’s • Under 11’s • Under 13’s

Where: Rabjones Oval, Elizabeth St, Murwillumbah. (at Murwillumbah Cricket Club behind hockey fields)

When: Saturday 5 & 12 February 11:00am-1:00pm

Cost: $100

PH: Dom Trevaskis 0408118551 or Judi Lee 66722930

MURWILLUMBAH FOOTBALL CLUB SIGN ON DATES FOR 2011 MAIN CLUBHOUSE JIM DEVINE FIELDS

SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2011 - 10AM TO 2PM WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2011 - 4PM - 6PM WEDNESDAY 9 FEBRUARY 2011 - 4PM - 6PM

Full Registration Fees to be paid when registering Passport size photo required on registration.

See our website for further information on Fees Structure etc. www.murwillumbahfc.com

MURWILLUMBAH COLTS JRL Sign-On- Sat 5th and Sat 12th February 2011 Times - 11am – 1.30pm Clubhouse – Dorothy St, Murwillumbah

All new players need to provide original Birth Certificate and Medicare Number

All enquiries to Brendon Hill (President) – 0409611580 If you have any questions or enquiries please call Brendon Hill (0409611580).

COMMUNITY LIAISON REPORT (CLO) COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

Welcome to 2011 at Wollumbin High School. I’ve met some of the Year 7 parents already on the first day and hope to meet many more over the coming weeks and months. I encourage you to take advantage of all the support systems and experience of staff, both Teaching and Support that are available to you.

As part of my role as Community Liaison, I help to build partnerships between Home, School and Community. So if I can assist you in any way, please email, phone me via Administration or visit the school.

Keep those email addresses coming in to create our electronic data base. This will bring us into the electronic age and provide you with information and answers much quicker than in the past! Remember to keep the school up to date with any changes to circumstances, address/email address and contact phone numbers.

A Parent Subject Information sheet will be sent home in the next few weeks to give families of Year 7/8 an insight into the subjects, assignments and exams that your students will be part of in Term 1.

Jenny Unwin Community Liaison Officer jennifer.unwin@det.nsw.gov.au

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WING CHUN FOR LIFE

Practical self defence for any body type. Defend against larger/ stronger attackers without brute strength or acrobatics.

Non competitive, friendly training. Healthy for mind and body - based on principles of relaxation, simplicity, focus. Win Chun Kung fu lots of fun, come try a class for free!

Senior instructors - 21 years experience Classes continue throughout school holidays. All welcome.

PH: 0428 327 444 Email: wingchunforlife@gmail.com Facebook: Wing Chun for Life

“COMMUNITY NOTICES

Plumbing Contractors for all plumbing and roofing repairs

Licence No. A3436

Ph: 02 6679 1301 After Hours Ph. 0428 424 086

Phone: 02 6679 5999 Mob: 0419 001 001 Fax 02 6679 5667

Email: caveelectrical@dodo.com.au

Mark Cave Electrical Contractors since 1967

Murwillumbah & Surrounding Areas All Types of Electrical & Telephone Work

& Security Alarms 24hr emergency breakdown service

FAIR TRADE

The greenest store in the greenest part of

Australia ….Yeah

Organic Makeup Chemical free

personal care Detox patches Organic cotton Massage cushions

ECO FRIENDLY

C

HEMCAL

6672 7070 Main Street

of Murwillumbah

Supporting Wollumbin High School Murwillumbah

Sunnyside Shopping Centre

Email: murwillumbah@harveyworld.com.au

02 6672 3400

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“LOVEBITES”