Model Farms High School NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 38 Term 4 – Week 10 Monday 10 December 2012

Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills Telephone: (02) 9624 3133 Facsimile: (02) 9838 8407 EEmail: modelfarms-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE…

Student Success: It has been another successful week for Model Farms students. Last Monday I had the pleasure of attending the 2012 Hills Shine Schools Excellence Awards at the Castle Hill RSL Club where three of our fine young people picked up awards. The run of awards continue for Year 12 student James Barnes who was announced as the winner of an Academic Achievement Award. James will also receive a major award from the University of Sydney on Presentation Night when he is recognised as the most outstanding Year 12 student of 2012. Also at the ceremony two Year 9 students stood proud amongst their peers from other schools to receive their awards. Mackenzie Bohan won an Excellence in Sport award for his all-round achievement and recognition of his selection to play in the NSW State Baseball team in 2013. Jessica Rookeward‟s star also continues to shine picking up and Excellence in Music and Arts Award for her many talents on stage and performance. Congratulations to all students and many thanks to their family for attending the event with them. These things make me very proud of the young people we help produce here at Model Farms. Congratulations also to Year 7 student Charlie Oliver who has successfully auditioned for a role in a huge production of The Wizard of Oz showing at The Riverside Theatre in Parramatta, February 2013. Charlie is a talented young man who will relish the chance at performing to such an audience. Tickets for this wonderful show are on sale now from www.riversideparramatta.com.au Orientation Day: Last Wednesday saw nearly 200 Year 6 students attend our Orientation Day for 2013. They were all keen and excited to be here and it was delightful to see their behavior and engagement on the day. Ms Varghese‟s organization of the day ensured that everything ran very smoothly and the staff who were involved with presenting the taster lessons were delighted to be a part of such a big day on our calendar. Our new Deputy Principal for 2013, Mr. Mark Grady came to the day to introduce himself to his cohort and I know he is as excited to start here next year as the Year 6 students are.

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DER Laptops: 2012 was the final year of the Federal Government‟s Digital Education Revolution program (DER) that saw all year 9 students for the last four years receive their own laptop. The first two models that were issued 2009 and 2010 had their issues and although they created problems for the users, but served their purpose. The last two models have been modified and were very satisfactory. While other states across the country bought more computers at the time to stay within their schools, New South Wales chose to implement a laptop program with students taking them with them when they leave year 12. The funds for this national program have now discontinued and unfortunately for us it means that future year groups will not have this essential 21st century learning tool given to them automatically by the government. However, New South Wales has some DER money left over and this will be used for one final distribution of laptops to schools in 2013. Schools are allowed to keep these laptops in the school if they wish. Some schools will still allocate them to the next year 9 for them to use, but unlike the previous models these laptops will remain in the school when these student leave year 12. To ensure that our students can continue to take advantage of the laptop program work that continues to grow at our school, the Technology Team and I propose to distribute almost all laptops to faculties across the school. There will be 6 sets of 30 available for faculty use with an additional set in the library for internal borrowing purposes only. There has been much debate about how to maximize the use of this last allocation of laptops and next year‟s Year 9 may not be very happy that they have not got their own to keep. However this chosen method of allocation will ensure that all years will still be able to access the technology that is so important for our emerging learners. Christina Bennet Principal

INCOMING YEAR 7 STUDENTS COMMENCE SCHOOL 30TH JANUARY 2013.

Please note this is a Sports Day and FULL SPORTS UNIFORM MUST BE WORN

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FROM THE DEPUTY

Year 11: “All My Own Work” – Students in our current Year 10 are currently working on a unit of work designed to train them to get them to understand the requirements of appropriate academic conduct. Over the next week they will be working on this unit in their scheduled Science classes. Students all have a checklist which they will need to keep and staple printouts of their “quiz” marks on. The main resource used can be found at http://amow.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au

School Facebook: I have been working at attempting to lift the readership of the school Facebook page over the last couple of weeks. If you are currently unaware, our page can be found by looking up “Model Farms High School (NSW). There appears to be a really good take-uprate with our new Year 7 parents with an additional 80 or so hitting the page over the past week. Please be aware that this page is only minimally monitored each day. I will attempt to keep it up to date but please do not be offended if I do not respond to requests for information. It is not intended to be a Q & A resource, rather a means of pushing our reminders and keeping parents informed of upcoming events. http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Model-Farms-High-School-NSW/397573010257457?fref=ts

2013 Homework Planner: Kids and families run more smoothly when there's a plan - so print out School A to Z‟s 2013 homework and study calendar, which includes key dates and school holidays.

Find out more http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/homework-tips/2013-homework-planner Helping your child with career choices: A video interview with a career expert offers advice to parents about how they can assist their children to recognise their personal interests and choose a career that suits them. Find out more: https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/vetinschools/schooltowork/parentscommunity/partnerships.html Are active kids less likely to be bullied? Researchers have found kids who do extracurricular activities (such as sport or voluntary work) tend to be safer online, encounter less cyberbullying, and are more resilient to harassment if it occurs. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/technology/cyberbullying/kids-who-are-less-likely-to-be-cyberbullied

Mark Anderson Deputy Principal

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COMMENCEMENT OF STUDENTS IN 2013

Years 7, 11 and 12 – Wednesday 30th January Years 8, 9 and 10 – Thursday 31st January

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TERM 4 CALENDAR

WEEK 10 Mon 10/12 Yr 11 Recognition Assembly

8:45am – 09:30am Tues 11/12 Yr 8 Recognition Assembly

8:45am – 09:30am English Extension 2 Proposal and

Viva Voce period 6 Yr 11 VA BOW Presentation in

class Wed 12/12 Yr 10 Assembly Rehearsal Yr 11 VA BOW Presentation Thur 13/12 Yr 11 Biology Assessment Task

Yr 10 Recognition Assembly 08:45am-09:30am

Dance Hip Hop Workshops period 4

Yr 11 Chemistry Skills Assessment Periods 4 and 5

Yr 11 Biology Assessment Task Yr 11 VA BOW Presentation in

class Fri 14/12 Yr 7 Recognition Assembly

08:45am-09.30am Yr 10 Celebration Day Yr 12 Physics Assessment Yr 11 VA BOW Presentation in

class

WEEK 11 Mon 17/12 Yr 9 Recognition Assembly

08:45am-09:30am Tue 18/12 Support Excursion Featherdale

Wildlife park Presentation Evening 07:00pm

Wed 19/12 Term 4 Ends Yr 12 HSC results out Thur 20/12 ATAR Results announced BBQ lunch on the front lawn Staff Development Day Fri 21/12 Staff Development Day

2013 30/01/2013 Yrs 7, 11 and 12 return 31/01/2013 Yrs 8, 9 and 10 return

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WWW.MODELFARMS-H.SCHOOLS.NSW.EDU.AU

Uniform Shop Re-opens for Normal Trading

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FRIDAY - 31 JANUARY 2013

MODEL FARMS HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM PRICE LIST Trading Days and Hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8.10 am until 9.00 am Payment Options Cash - Cheque - Visa - Mastercard NO Eftpos

ITEM PRICE

BOYS

Shirt - Blue (Junior) / White (Senior) $30.00

Shorts – Grey (easy care) $35.00

Long Trousers (easy care) $45.00

GIRLS

Blouse – Blue (Junior) / Lemon (Senior) $30.00

Skirt – Check (Junior) / Grey (Senior) $55.00

Long Pants $40.00

JUMPERS

Fleecy $40.00

Wool - (Australian Wool) $80.00

SPORT

Top $40.00

Shorts $35.00

TRACKSUIT (By Order Only)

Jacket Only $75.00

Pants Only $50.00

Complete Set $120.00

MISCELLANEOUS

Aprons $13.00

Tie – Junior / Senior $20.00

Blazer $200.00

Calculator $35.00

Exercise Books – ie. maths, music, normal $various 2012/2013 - Prices subject to change without notice – includes 10% GST

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Support The Faculty With Ability

News HISTORY EXCURSION – THE ROCKS

On Tuesday the 4th of December both support classes went for a trip to the historic Rocks in Sydney. The 705 students have been studying daily life in early 19th century Australia and The Rocks provided many insights into how different things were back then. As well as iconic views of both The Rocks and Sydney Harbour, the students got to explore a part of Sydney that many never had before. The students travelled into the city by the 607x Bus, with the senior students purchasing the tickets the week before on their weekly community access day.

The students also got to sample and purchase some delicious rock candy, made live in a delicious lolly store in The Rocks. After some lunch and a technological visit to Customs House, it was time to head back to school. A BIG thank you to Ms Ljubicic for organizing such a fun and informative day ! B.Maksimovic Head Teacher Support

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Yr 7 Yr 9 Yr 8 Yr 10 Tom - Damon Andrew - Travis Kyle - Joshua Chris - Mitchell Yr 9 Yr 10 Waseem - Shaun Krystal - Savannah Robert - Garrett

Support The Faculty With Ability

News THE SUPPORT MENTOR PROGRAM

In other support news, at the beginning of Term 3 the Support Mentor Program began. The program ran for two terms and saw eight Year 9 and 10 mainstream students paired up with a junior support student.

The students would meet once a fortnight, with the mainstream student assisting the support student with their work and also seeing both students build a rapport with each other, outside of their usual peer friendships. Most of the students involved, both mainstream and support, took their responsibility towards their buddy very seriously and enjoyed their time spent together.

I was particularly pleased to observe that some of the mainstream students, who could at times be behaviourally challenged in other classes, were excellent role models to their younger mentors. The program sought to break down barriers and misconceptions around and towards support students and also to extend an opportunity of responsibility towards the mainstream students, most of whom met these responsibilities with distinction. The buddies were as follows:

I wish to thank all of the students involved for showing a truly civic attitude. I would also wish to thank the teachers involved, both mainstream and support, for helping to make this program a success.

B.Maksimovic Head Teacher Support

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FROM THE SCIENCE FACULTY

Science Snippet from the Faculty of Science: The Science Experience program could help keep you amused in the warm summer weather. This is a program of science activities held at universities all over Australia in 2, 3 or 4 day programs. The programs are open to students in Year 9 or Year 10 in 2012, anyone who is in Year 9 or Year 10 and interested is welcome. The program is organised by The Science Schools Foundation and supported by Rotary Clubs, Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA), Universities and Tertiary Institutions, and Young Scientists of Australia (YSA). Here is an example of a program, different universities have varied themes. University of Sydney: The theme is to solve a murder. Hands on lectures and presentations demonstrate the reality behind forensic TV shows. Students perform blood typing. DNA analysis (interpretation of gel electrophoresis), digital photograph „cleaning‟ and fingerprint analysis to collect evidence in a mock crime scene.‟ Have a look at the website for full details or drop by the Science Staff Room to pick up a brochure. http://www.scienceexperience.com.au Fiona Hoy Head Teacher, Science

Year 10 Parents and Students: On Thursday 13th December there is a Year 10 Recognition Assembly commencing at 9am. All Year 10 students will be receiving a completion of Stage 5 Certificate. Many students will also be receiving other awards. All Year 10 parents are invited to attend. Students are required to be at

school at 8:33am, as normal.

A reminder to the Year 10 students who are attending the End of Year 10 Celebration Day at Jamberoo, that the bus is leaving at 7am sharp and we will be back at school at approximately 5:30pm. Looking forward to a great day out.

Mrs Haroutonian and Mrs Munroe

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Year 9 Adviser: SHINE Excellence Awards I was fortunate enough to attend the SHINE Excellence Awards on Monday 5th December 2012 in support of two talented students of Year 9: Jessica Rookeward and Mackenzie Bohan. Both students received finalist awards for their hard work and commitment in their proposed fields of Arts, Music and Sports. Both Jessica and Mackenzie represented the Model Farms High School in an exemplary manner and are true role models for their peers. Congratulations and well done to you both.

- Mr Montgomery (Year 9 Adviser)

DRAMA at the Farms: In Drama news this week students have been busy auditioning for the Junior Drama Ensemble and our new Senior Drama Company for 2013. I have been impressed by the talent and confidence of our students and I look forward to working with these committed and highly skilled performers next year. Well done to all that auditioned. We will be introducing next year‟s Year 7 to the ensemble early next year! Junior Drama Ensemble Members for 2013 include: Year 7: Charles Oliver, Becky Macrae, Mitchell Da Silva, Angelina Vu, Abbey Sim, Liam Howlin, Brooke Kissell, Brandon Chow, David Proctor, Rory Yeoman, Eryn O‟Sullivan, Jessica Hill, Joanna Bennett, Claire Lawler, Angie Geng, Simone Cao Year 8: Sarah Roser, Alexandra Stani, Lukas Grone, AUDITIONS! AUDITIONS! AUDITIONS! Chris Lomberg and Andrew McMenemy of Year 9 attended their call backs for the Public Schools Senior Drama Ensemble on Wednesday afternoon. I look forward to hearing of their success in the coming days. Their acceptance to the call backs is most inspiring to all Drama students and they are congratulated on their efforts. Best of luck boys! Year 9 Drama students have thrown on their masks and had a few laughs as they learn about all things Commedia. Their skills are improving and their effort is astounding. Keep up the great work to the end! Year 10 Drama students are clowning around – juggling, spinning plates and taking larger than life steps onto the stage to engage each other through the style of Clowning. They are making good progress and are trying to win over the crowd. Nice work Year 10!

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SPORT BUS PASSES CAN NOT BE PURCHASED ON WEDNESDAYS

Sports Bus 052-001

Please indicate preferred pass:

A 5 trip pass for $37.50 No. of passes ______ Total $________

A 10 trip pass for $75.00 No. of passes ______ Total $________ Name of Student/s _______________________________________Year/s____________ Payment by: CASH CHEQUE

PAYMENT BY MASTERCARD OR VISA SLIP Please circle the appropriate card

Please debit my Mastercard / Visa Account No: / / / 4 digits 4 digits 4 digits 4 digits Amount in figures _____________________________ Expiry Date: _______________ CCV: ___________ Name of Credit Card Holder (as shown on card) _______________________________ Signature of Credit Card Holder: ____________________________________________

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The office may need to contact you urgently please complete the form below and detach from newsletter and return to the front office. CHANGE OF CONTACT INFORMATION MODEL FARMS HIGH SCHOOL

Name of Student: ___________________________________________________ Year _______________

New Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ Postcode: __________

Correspondence: ___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ Postcode: ___________

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

New Home Phone No. ______________________________________________________________________

Mother Mobile: ____________________________________________________________________________

Mother Work: _____________________________________________________________________________

Father Mobile: _____________________________________________________________________________

Father Work ______________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact if changed: _______________________________________________________________

Phone No. ___________________________________________________________

Any change in Medical Condition e.g. Allergy, Asthma etc.

Details ___________________________________________________________________________________

Bus Pass: YES / NO