may - merewether high school · alex rutherford, year 11, provided first class entertainment with...

FH10 Teacher — A Donaldson Student Designers — C Burgess, N Long, M Amy, J Mc Murray

Diary Dates Mon 16/5 City Zone Cross

Country Carnival

Tue 17/5 Y8 Parent Learning Group

Tue 17/5 P&C Meeting

Mon 23/5 Y7 Camp

Principal’s Report Our ANZAC ceremony was held on 28 April and was a most fitting tribute to those who have served our country in times of war. The Returned Servicemen, who were guests at the service complimented all students who were involved in the ceremony and stated how impressed they were with the standard of our program. Congratulations to Thuy Pham and Oliver Ray of Year 11 for their excellent presentations in the ceremony as well as to Bridgette Buckley, Year 7, for her recital of the Ode of Remembrance. Lachlan Gan impressed all in attendance with his outstanding bugle skills, while our wonderfully talented music students performed admirably for the occasion. Alex Rutherford, Year 11, provided first class entertainment with his performance of the song, I was only 19. Of course, there are always staff members who support students in their roles in such a ceremony and I want to thank Mrs Tenorio and the CAPA staff for their assistance with the music and singing on the day and Mrs Reilly who co-ordinated the whole program. Our Year 12 students have received comprehensive feedback concerning their HSC mid course examinations. It is pleasing to note the positive progress that is being made by so many students. Those who have prepared well have been rewarded with sound results. Those who have not achieved at the level they may have anticipated can use these results as a clear indicator of the increased application, effort and commitment required in order to achieve success. My observations indicate that it is rare for students to achieve sound results by simply attending MHS – they have actually “got to do the hard work” in order to experience success. This serves as a timely reminder to other Year groups, who are also approaching mid course examinations, that there is no substitute for effective preparation and a consistent home study program. On Monday 2 May we held our Term 2 pupil free School Development Day. Our first session focused on workplace relations and in a later session our guest presenter, Shivani Gupta from the Passionate People Institute, provided the opportunity for staff to reflect on workplace relations and the ways in which we handle differing personalities. The day also gave staff the chance to evaluate and reflect on student achievement in important benchmark examinations. Year 7 and Year 9 students sat for their NAPLAN tests this week. I am confident that our students’ results will reflect their good understanding of literacy and numeracy and will provide the school with important diagnostic information for future curriculum planning. Our school Cross Country event was held on Tuesday 3 May despite the less than perfect weather. The excellent level of student participation that is so much an integral part of MHS was once again evidenced. Thank you to Mr Bob Harrison and his team for the organisation of the day and to all staff and students who made the event such a success.

Merewether High School Bulletin May 2011

This Issue

P1 Pr incipal ’s Message P2 Sports P5 Aerobics News P6 Careers News P7 Support Uni t P10 Aust . Science

Olympiads P11 Youth Science

Forum Y11 Music-Lizot tes P12 Keys2Drive P13 Mosquito-borne

D iseases P17 Uni form Shop Hours P18 Uni form Order Form P19 Calendar Coming Events Tue 17/5 Y8 Parent Learning Group Duke of Ed Awards Meeting P&C Meeting Mon 23/5 Y7 Camp Tue 24/5 Y9 Parent Learning Group Fri 27/5 Y11 Midcourse Exams Commence

May 2011

Merewether High School Bulletin

Our Year 7 (week 5) and our Year 9 students (week 9) will soon attend their Camp which promises to be a very successful social and educational experience. A positive attitude and co-operation is expected from all students involved. I also express my gratitude to all staff members who have volunteered to attend and thereby make these camps possible. The school is immensely proud of outstanding student achievement in so many fields. Recognition of this achievement by the school occurs at weekly assemblies and at formal presentation events as well as advice to our broader community via the MHS Bulletin. I seek the support of both parents and students in reporting such achievement to the school as it is frequently the case that we are not aware of some achievements – particularly when events are conducted in the broader community. Graeme Muddle Relieving Principal

Combined High Schools (CHS) Rowing Championships, Grafton 4 and 5 April 2011

The Merewether High School Rowing Team of 14 students entered in twelve events, winning six and coming second in three. Strong performances were recorded by all rowers including James Pacey and Edwin Johnson who were unlucky not to gain medals and made a significant contribution to the overall team scores. As a result MHS was third in the individual point score for both boys and girls and also third in the overall point score. The Gold Medal performances were:-

Championship Women’s Double Scull - Maia Bobrowski & Prue Dwyer Championship Women’s Quad Scull - Penny Saltis, Prue Dwyer, Alex McClelland, Baidy

Laffan Championship Men’s Pair - Isaac Smith & Nick Dunstan Championship Men’s Coxed Four - Jordan Maxwell, Josh McLarty, Nick Dunstan, Isaac

Smith and Nathan Brichta - cox Championship Men’s Double Scull - Jordan Maxwell and Josh McLarty Men’s Under 16 Double Scull - Kip Hamiltons and Odin Mackintosh

May 2011


Silver Medalists were:- Championship Women’s Single Scull - Alex McClelland Men’s Under 16 Double Scull - Odin Mackintosh Championship Women’s Coxed Four - Penny Saltis, Prue Dwyer, Alex McClelland, Baidy

Laffan and Nathan Brichta - cox

May 2011


Congratulations to Nina Long of Year 10, who was recently selected for the NSW Institute of Sport Emerging Talent Squad, coinciding with an immediate goal of representing Australia in the 29er class at the ISAF 2012 Youth World Championship in Ireland next July. Nina is ranked first female in this squad and is presently recognised as a chance for selection to the Australian Youth Sailing Team for 2012. She has also separately received and accepted an invitation to be part of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s Development Match Racing Squad. In 2011 Nina has won the All Girls section of the CHS for the 2nd time, she helped Merewether High to 3rd in CHS School Team Sailing, she is the Australian Women’s Freestyle Windsurfer Champion, she is ranked First Female in Australian Flying Eleven Class, and has been accepted, as stated above, in the NSW Institute of Sport Emerging Talent Squad, which only accepts eight skippers up to the age of nineteen. Congratulations Nina!

National Triathlon Champion - Redcliffe, Queensland – 31 March 2011 Congratulations to Patrick Moore of Year 8 for his outstanding success in winning this event which consisted of a 400 metre open water swim, a 12 kilometre bike ride and a 3 kilometre run. He fin-ished this gruelling race in a time of 38:05 minutes which was 17 seconds in front of the silver medal-list. On the following day Patrick also won a gold medal in the relay event where he combined with two other team mates from NSW. Well done Patrick!

May 2011


AEROBICS NEWS State Preliminaries Two aerobics team competed in the NSW State Preliminaries held in Sutherland on Sunday 8 May. The teams competed in the Stage 2 and Open A Categories and have been training early mornings and lunchtimes for all of term 1. Aerobics is a sport that requires a great deal of dedication and commitment along with strength, agility and flexibility. It is always very rewarding to work with the teams at MHS and I congratulate you all on your efforts. I am very proud of all of you! The results for the weekend are as follows: Stage 2 - 5th Place - qualified for state finals. Open A - 1st Place - qualified for state finals. Both teams will now compete at the State Finals held in Sutherland in June. Good Luck girls! Aerobics for sport We are currently offering aerobics for junior sport and all students with an interest are encouraged to participate. This sport is held at MHS in the Learning Centre and costs $5 per student as we have a trained instructor run the class and teach routines to all students participating. It is designed for students to try the sport and to have some fun at the same time as developing some of the basics of sport aerobics. Students participating in this sport group will have the opportunity to participate in a local competition later in the year should they so choose. For more Information please see Mrs Abbo. Levina Abbo Aerobics Coach/Co-ordinator

May 2011


CAREERS NEWS MHS Careers Blog All students at MHS in Years 10-12 have access to the Careers Blog. I have developed this blog to better inform students of many careers related topics including expos, information sessions, scholarships, enrichment programs and employment opportunities etc. I would encourage parents to have their child show them the blog (at this stage it is only accessible to students through their DET portal) and view the information I have made available. To access the blog log onto the DET portal. Follow the BlogEd link (near the email link). Find the Careers Blog link and you are there. Once in you can subscribe to the blog for email updates by clicking "subscribe to this blog" or alternatively you can subscribe to individual posts by also clicking "subscribe to this post". I have included clear instructions on each post for students on how they can register for events and this seems to be very successful. Upcoming Careers Events Some of the upcoming events on the blog include: Years 10-12 Sydney University visit to MHS - Wednesday 18 May 2011 Year 10 Careers Expo - Thursday 19 May 2011 (more details below) Year 12 HSC Study Day - Singleton High School UMAT (University Medicine and Medical Science Admissions Test) is currently open and Year 12 students wishing to study medicine should apply now! University Early Entry Placements - Year 12 students need to start checking University web sites as Early Entry Schemes open soon at some universities (and they are all different). These are places made available on application prior to the HSC and ATAR results being determined. University Scholarships - University Scholarships applications are now opening. NOTE: each university has different time frames. A good web site to look at is the gooduniguide.com.au as it has a scholarship search engine to help locate suitable scholarships for a wide variety of courses and universities. Also check out the individual university web sites as they have lots of details also. Year 10 Careers Expo - All Year 10 students will be attending the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Careers Expo held at the Newcastle Jockey Club on Thursday 19 May. Students will be escorted to the expo at 9:00am and will return to school at approximately 10:00am. Students will have free admission to the expo after school and can return to the expo with their parents if they wish. Students need to return their permission notes and money ($5 for entry) to the office asap or they will be unable to attend. Year 11 and 12 students can attend the expo after school. Levina Abbo Careers Adviser

May 2011


Support Unit News May On Saturday 11th May the Support Unit hosted a Reunion Celebration in the Bensley Hall. Over 60 people attended including twenty eight ex-students with partners or family, five ex-staff and two volunteers from Riding for the Disabled. Back in 1987 the class was in transition from Newcastle School and two ex-students from that class attended. In 1988 the students were enrolled in the two classes while teachers and support staff were appointed to staff to Merewether HS. The ex-students enjoyed the opportunity to visit their old classrooms flicking through photo albums and Vision, the school magazine. School photos for every year were on display as well as photos of all students who completed their education at Merewether HS in the support unit. Entertainment in the hall on the big screen was the playing of a DVD with all the concert performances since 1996 and the graduation ceremonies. Everyone left at the end of the day feeling happy catching up with old friends and keen to come back for another event in the future. Denise Hughes

May 2011


May 2011


Australian Science Olympiads National Qualifying Exams (NQE)

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN

15 August 2011 Physics National Qualifying Exam Date

17 August 2011 Chemistry National Qualifying Exam Date

18 August 2011 Biology National Qualifying Exam Date

AUSTRALIAN SCIENCE OLYMPIADS - NATIONAL QUALIFYING EXAMS (NQE)

The International Science Olympiads are the 'Olympic Games' for Science students. Top high school students in Biology, Chemistry and Physics from more than 80 countries compete for medals.

To earn a place in the Australian Science Olympiad teams, talented science students first sit the National Qualifying Exams (NQE's) in August.

Top performers in these exams are offered a place in the Science Olympiad Summer School the following January from which the very best are selected to represent Australia at the International Science Olympiads in July.

For all students who enter, the NQE’s are a great way to test their knowledge and skills, and to expand scientific horizons. Information for Teachers: Students wishing to take part in the NQE’s must be registered by their teacher. Any high-school student up to Year 11 can sit the NQEs. They are challenging exams so we recommend high performing science students in years 10 or 11. Key Dates:

Cost: $8.00 (+GST) per student, with a maximum of 24 students registered per school or further fees apply.

Register now at www.asi.edu.au

Registrations Close: 8 July 2011

Physics NQE: 15 August 2011

Chemistry NQE: 17 August 2011

Biology NQE: 18 August 2011

May 2011


Applications for the 2012 National Youth Science Forum are now open! Students can register to attend one of three 12-day sessions held in Canberra and Perth each January. Successful applicants will visit leading laboratories and participate in cutting edge science. They will speak to researchers and engineers, and learn about career paths through university and beyond. All year 11 students with an interest in science, engineering and technology are encouraged to apply online at www.nysf.edu.au/applying Applications close May 31st 2011

Year 12 Music Evening at Lizotte’s

When: Tuesday 28th June 2011 ‐ 7pm Where: Lizotte’s Restaurant – 31 Morehead Street, Lambton

Experience the talent and skill of Merewether High's Yr 12 HSC musicians. Sit and enjoy a delectable evening of music & food.

TICKETS: for the evening are available directly from the Lizotte’s website at $12 per person + booking fee ($3) www.newcastle.lizottes.com.au

An al‐a‐ carte menu is also available on the evening. The prices of the al‐a‐carte on average are entree $15‐$20, main $25‐$30, dessert $10‐$17 and the snack bar

menu ranges from $6‐$17.50 and includes tapas style food.

Limited seats available

May 2011


... helping parents teach their Learner driver As a parent you may be a good driver; but being able to teach your Learner is not an easy task. A recent national survey of more than 1,250 parents of Learner drivers found that almost half (45.5%) were nervous or apprehensive when they began teaching their teen how to drive. keys2drive is a federally funded program that has been developed by the Australian Auto-mobile Association which aims to take the drama out of learning to drive. It helps parents to prepare for their role as a supervising driver and to ensure that any time spent in the car with their Learner is successful and effective. keys2drive is a free lesson (involving theory and on-road) delivered by an accredited pro-fessional driving instructor to any Learner who is accompanied by their supervising driver – most often a parent. This program, the single largest Learner driver safety program undertaken in Australia, represents a unique and valuable experience for parents and their Learner drivers. To register for a free lesson or to learn more, visit www.keys2drive.com.au

The Australian Automobile Association constituent members are the motoring clubs in each State and Territory

Uniform Shop Special Opening Hours

TERM 2 – 2011

CONTACT NAME: Janette 0413650634

“DAYLIGHT SPORTSWEAR PTY. LTD”

APRIL THURSDAY 28th 8:00 12:00SATURDAY 30th 8:00 12:00 MAY MONDAY 2nd CLOSED THURSDAY 5th 8: 00 12:00MONDAY 9th 12:00 4:00THURSDAY 12th 8:00 12:00MONDAY 16th 12:00 4:00THURSDAY 19th 8:00 12:00MONDAY 23rd 12:00 4:00THURSDAY 26th 8:00 12:00MONDAY 30th 12:00 4:00 JUNE THURSDAY 2nd 8:00 12:00MONDAY 6th 12:00 4:00THURSDAY 9th 8:00 12:00SATURDAY 11th 8:00 12:00MONDAY 13th CLOSED THURSDAY 16th 8:00 12:00MONDAY 20th 12:00 4:00THURSDAY 23rd 8:00 12:00MONDAY 27th 12:00 4:00THURSDAY 30th 8:00 12:00

PRICE LIST / ORDER FORM ON THE BACK PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO: “DAYLIGHT SPORTSWEAR PTY. LTD”

MASTERCARD, VISA & EFTPOS FACILITIES AVAILABLE.

Name: ______________________________ Year: ______________________

MEREWETHER HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP

UNIFORM SHOP Date: _______________________ Rec #: _____________________

ITEM PRICE $$$

SIZE QTY TOTAL Incl GST

GIRLS

Tartan 2 Pleat Skirts - Standard $48.50

Tartan 2 Pleat Skirts - Long $48.50

SNR White Blouses $27.00

JNR Sky Blouses $27.00

Navy Slacks $38.00

Navy Shorts $35.00

BOYS

Beltloop Shorts $35.00

Elastic Waist Shorts $35.00

Beltloop Trousers $42.00

JNR Sky Shirts $26.00

SNR White Shirts $26.00

UNISEX

Wool Jumper $75.00

School Jacket $65.00

School Hat $15.00

SPORT/PE

Sports Polo $33.00

Microfibre Track Pants $35.00

Microfibre Sports Shorts Standard $25.00

Microfibre Sports Shorts Super Sizes $25.00

TO PAY: $__________________ CASH CHEQUE CREDIT CARD PER …………………………….


Tuesday 10 May 2011 – Thursday 30 June 2011

Tue 10/5 Donor mobile - Blood Bank NAPLAN - Day 1/3 - Years 7 & 9 - MPC Parent Learning Group Year 7 - 9:00-10:30 - Learning Centre CHS Boys Volleyball - Stadium - 9.50-12.45

Wed 11/5 NAPLAN - Day 2/3 - Years 7 & 9 - MPC Year 12 reports issued Year 11 Debate v NHS - 10.30-1.30 Years 9&10 Debate - Maitland - 8.30-1.00

Thu 12/5 Hunter All School Rugby Trials @ MHS NAPLAN - Day 3/3 - Years 7 & 9 - MPC Years 10&11 Visual Arts - Archibald Prize - all day

Fri 13/5 NAPLAN “Catch up day”`

Mon 16/5 City Zone Cross Country Carnival Indigenous Career Hub - Myuna Bay - day 1/3 Mock Trial - Newcastle - 8.45-1.30

Tue 17/5 Parent Learning Group Year 8 - 9:00-10:30 - Learning Centre Duke of Edinburgh Awards Meeting - 6:00pm - Library P & C Meeting - 7:30pm - Library Indigenous Career Hub - Myuna Bay - day 2/3

Wed 18/5 Years 11&12 - Sydney Uni presentation 10-11.30 Indigenous Career Hub - Myuna Bay - day 3/3

Thu 19/5 Year 7 Geography - Blackbutt - 9.00-3.00 Careers Expo - Jockey Club - 9.00-10.15

Mon 23/5 Year 9 Commerce - Commonwealth Bank - 9:00-11:00 - Learning Centre Year 7 Camp - Mangrove Mountain - Day 1/3 StarStruck Rehearsal - Showgrounds - all day

Tue 24/5 Year 7 Camp - Mangrove Mountain - Day 2/3 ICAS Computer Skills Test Parent Learning Group Year 9 - 9:00-10:30 - Learning Centre

Wed 25/5 Year 7 Camp - Mangrove Mountain - Day 3/3

Thu 26/5 Year 10 - Civic Playhouse - “Statespeare” Boys KO hockey - 9.00-1.30

Fri 27/5 HSSA Cross Country Carnival Year 11 Midcourse Exams to 3/6/11

Mon 30/5 Support Unit Disco - MPC - 9.00-2.00

Tue 31/5 Parent Learning Group Year 10 - 9:00-10:30 - Learning Centre

Wed 1/6 Rio Tinto Science competition

Fri 3/6 EOIs Semester 2 University Courses close School Captains at Parliament House, Sydney

Mon 6/6 Years 7, 8 and 9 Semester 1 exams this week

May 2011 EVENT DIARY


Tue 7/6 City Zone Athletics Carnival

Wed 8/6 ICAS Science test UNSW Science Competition - Years 7-12 - MPC

Thu 9/6 HSSA Gymnastics Trials

Fri 10/6 StarStruck Rehearsal - Showgrounds - all day Year 12 English Adv - Town Hall - 9.00-3.00

Mon 13/6 Queen’s Birthday holiday

Tue 14/6 Year 10 - “Wired” - Learning Centre 2pm Years 11&12 Interview parent/teacher sheets issued for 21/6/11 StarStruck week - Vocal Ensemble

Wed 15/6 StarStruck week - Vocal Ensemble StarStruck Rehearsal - Showgrounds - 8am-6pm

Thu 16/6 StarStruck - Newcastle Entertainment Centre - 6.30pm-10pm StarStruck week - Vocal Ensemble

Fri 17/6 City Zone Jnr Soccer Gala Day @ MHS Year 11 reports issued StarStruck - Newcastle Entertainment Centre - 6.30pm-10pm StarStruck week - Vocal Ensemble

Sat 18/6 StarStruck - Newcastle Entertainment Centre - 6.30pm-10pm StarStruck week - Vocal Ensemble

Tue 21/6 ICAS Spelling test ICAS Writing test HSSA Girls’ Tennis Trials Years 11&12 parent/teacher interviews - MPC - 3.15-5.30 Parent Learning Group Year 7 - 9.00-10.30 Learning Centre Duke of Edinburgh Awards Meeting - 6:00pm - Library P & C Meeting - 7:30pm - Library Muswellbrook Eisteddfod

Wed 22/6 Year 9 Camp - day 1/3 HSSA Boys’ Softball Trials

Thu 23/6 Year 9 Camp - day 2/3 HSSA Trampoline Trials Year 10 exams commence - to 28/6/11

Fri 24/6 Year 9 Camp - day 3/3 Year 12 Experiment Fest - Newcastle University

Mon 27/6 HSSA Orienteering

Tue 28/6 Year 12 Performance Evening @ Lizottes

Wed 29/6 M Factor concert - 7pm - MPC

Thu 30/6 NAIDOC Assembly Teachers’ Visit Day @ Newcastle University

May 2011 EVENT DIARY

may - merewether high school · alex rutherford, year 11, provided first class entertainment with...

Documents