news letter - home - toormina high school · 2019-10-13 · high school news letter term 3 | week 2...

ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

TERM 3 | WEEK 2 | JULY 2016

N E W SLETTER

MUSICALE MAGIC!How succesful on so many levels can a musical experience be???Six schools and 340 students plus staff, family & friends were involved in ‘Take the Leap’. Some of the advantages of staging a musical on this scale include: the chance to celebrate talent, opportunities for students to challenge themselves, community building, the showcasing of public education, building new friendships, respect, trust & skills and the chance to experience a project from start to finish with all the problem solving, conflict resolution, organisation, hard work and joy that a production like this involves, CONGRATULATIONS & thank you to everyone involved but especially to the writer, director Cheryl Ward!

HIGH SCHOOL

N E W SLETTER TERM 3 | WEEK 2 | JULY 2016


Dear Cheryl, staff and cast of Take the Leap.On behalf of Nambucca Heads High School, I would like to congratulate you on your musical! The students and I were amazed at the number of students in the cast, and backstage. The time and effort involved in building this musical was definitely noticed. The energy the cast had was unbelievable and the show was really well done!The students who attended from NHHS included Year 10 Music and Drama, 11 Music, 11 Entertainment and 11 Dance. I asked them for feedback and this is some of their thoughts.

One student said “There were that many kids, I kept wigging out... like, where did they hide them all... they kept coming out of nowhere!” (Haha)

The music students were very impressed with how smoothly the transitions between scenes were, and all of us experienced ‘goose bumps’ at various points throughout the show.

11 Entertainment were impressed with the visuals - in particular the lighting shows and smoke machine.

Year 10 Music and Drama were very impressed with the costuming, and in particular, Robert who in their opinion stole the show! “I thought that evil guy really got into his character and was able to stay the same throughout the whole show. I really enjoyed every moment he was on stage.”

One student said “I thought they did a good job with how they broke the fourth wall and it was really interesting how they used the space”. They also commented on how cool the totems were. One student said “The totems had really nice detail too and symbolised each tribe accurately’.

11 Dance students agreed that the Tap dance scene was their favourite moment, and everyone was amazed at the girls in the hoop.

All agreed the songs that were used in the musical made sense to the story. Well done!

It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see CAPA subjects being put into action from the audiences perspective, as we all know, shows that capture CAPA in Coffs Harbour are rare, compared to the access schools have in cities, so thank you for this.Overall, we all had a wonderful time at Toormina High School for Take the Leap. Thank you very much for putting on this show, as our students have come back inspired to get going on our next musical.Regards,Brock Janssen, CAPA Teacher, Nambucca Heads HS

It is not often in life you get the opportunity to work with so many talented and dedicated staff and students - all for one big celebration of the arts and public education – all squashed into a narrow time-frame and one gymnasium! Over the last twelve months it has been a privilege to plan, create, cast, rehearse, design and bring to life such a fantastic showcase and wonderful story. We had a staff team that focused on excellence, given their all and been a joy to work with; and we also had the incredible student teams that have been an integral part of the creative process as well.

From the Director

They were a delight and privilege to work with and have such creative fun with!Remember that you ALL made a difference – we did it together and like Gerry shows us in the show – when we celebrate each other’s’ differences and join together for the good of all – we can achieve anything! What a very special journey together. Memories for life. Thank you so very much. Cheryl Ward

HIGH SCHOOL



Adrienne Gillingham, THS Teacher Librarian, collected some quotes about the ‘Take the Leap’ experience, this is just a few ...‘My daughter starts high school next year so it has helped with the transition process. It has helped the parents as well as the students to feel comfortable as we have got to know the high school’. Parent, Toormina PS

‘What I loved most about the musical was the diverse range of people and their personalities. I made so many new friends of all different ages, ranging from year 4 -11. I’m not going to forget any of them anytime soon! Let’s just say I now consider these people my family. I love you guys!’ Deborah C.

Was fun to get out of school and have a good time with friends. It is a good experience for us kids to learn to get along together’. Georgia, Boambee PS

The musical was fun because I got to experience singing in front of a crowd and being confident. I also got to hangout with my friends and make lots on new ones.’ Nicole, Toormina PS

‘I have never had this much joy in my body in my whole life’. Elsie

‘Lots of funny moments, one very sport macho boy asked in a very serious voice “do I have enough sparkle in my hair”. It brings tears to your eyes to watch the sheer delight on the students’ faces, especially those who do not usually perform on stage’. Mary. teacher Sawtell PS

‘Good to make new friends and work together to make lots of things come true, like respect and thinking of other people’. Lachlan, Josh & Rheegan William Bayldon PS

‘Beautiful opportunity for the schools in the area, blurs the boundaries, doesn’t matter where you are from, great sense of community, everyone blends into one big group. Also the kids are having so much fun!’ Peter, Juliet, parents, Sawtell PS

‘I like being a good role model for the primary kids’. Student, THS

‘Wonderful for children, especially boys stepping out of their comfort zone to do something they wouldn’t usually do’. Jenny, teacher Boambee PS

‘Inspirational, the musical had a great message - OK to be different.’ Tina, parent William Bayldon PS

‘A great experience not only for my girls but for me as well. It’s been wonderful watching all the hard work the kids, teachers & parents have put in to make such a fantasic show!. Trish, parent Bonville PS

‘The whole process from start to finish has been incredible. From the very first meeting last August where we first brainstormed ideas, to auditions, song selection, script development, rehearsals, costuming, set-designing & building and finally seeing the kids perform the show.The teachers have put in many, many hours. The students have worked so hard and learned so much about performing. More than that, though, is seeing their faces, knowing that this is a life-changing moment for some, who, for the first time begin to believe in themselves. I feel honoured to have been a part of something so significant’. Louise Wilson. Co-Director

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/hz39tlof4v728ca/AABGHIewAYN5wODPnFp52Ce5aThe THS website has a gallery of photos and more are available on the Dropbox below.

HIGH SCHOOL



MAJOR AWARDS Semester OneJacob Robinson-McKay was presented with a Certificate of Merit from the NSW Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command at Toormina High School’s Semester One Presentation Assembly last term.Superintendent Mark Holahan APM Local Area Commander presented the award to Jacob at the Major Award Assembly in ‘recognition of his brave and courageous actions, taking control of an extremely stressful and emotional situation, whilst rendering emergency first aid following a incident at his home’. Superintendent Holahan commended Jacob, who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, on his ability to stay calm and in control whilst attending to his injured mother. Jacob accepted his award with pride in front of the Toormina High School community, including his family and friends. In Jacob’s humble response to Superintendent Holahan’s commendation he stated, ‘I knew what to do because I learned it at school’.

HIGH SCHOOL

N E W SLETTER TERM 3 | WEEK 2 | MAY 2016


NAIDOC AWARD WINNERSToormina High School LOTE teacher, Penelope Grace (photo on right) continues in her award-winning ways, this time receiving a Certificate of Recognition during the NAIDOC celebrations from Coffs Harbour City Council & the Yandarra Aboriginal Consultative Committee for her service to community through education. Congratulations Penny! Students Alikkan Jerrard won an award for sport, and educations awards were presented to Erykah Kitchener-Waters with the runner-up award also won by a THS student, Dakota Mace-Seccombe.

Congratulations to these excellent ambassadors for our school!

On 1 September last year, I attended your school (as organised by Tanya Cheers) and was presented a cheque for $400 for the Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group; funds raised by THS students. At the time we were planning on using the funds to support an Estuarine Resilience project. In actual fact, the recent global coral bleaching event created a need for ‘emergency’ coral health surveys and we used the funds to help us undertake this important work. I have attached a photo of Dr Steve Dalton, a coral scientist and SURG member, working at Monterey Mooring, North Solitary Island. The dark part in the centre of the coral is algae which will probably grow over the coral, if it doesn’t recover soon.Please pass on our thanks to your student association – we really appreciated this unexpected donation and believe we have put it to good use.

Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group

If students are interested, please let them know we found extensive bleaching, especially among Pocilloporid corals at South Solitary Island. There is more information available on our website at: www.surg.org.au Additionally, the data we collected will be combined with that collected by other scientists up and down the Australian coast and be used to provide a larger picture of the health of corals around Australia.If students have any further questions, please suggest they email SURG at: [email protected],Nicola FraserPresident, Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group Inc.

HIGH SCHOOL



KOKODA LEGENDS!

Toormina High was well represented in the 2016 Kokoda Challenge 48km Endurance Event held during the holidays.Year 10 students Hannah Bake, Jodie Wood, Ieasha Horsburgh, Lee and Erin Potter, with teacher Kate Williams, made up the team ‘Toormi Terrors’. ‘Toormi Trekkers’ were year 10 students Haydn Smallwood, Chloe Rann, Hunter Bake-Smith and year 8 student Karli Rann, with teacher Adam Berrada.Danica Bake Year 9 was a member of family team ‘20 minutes’.The event not only raises funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation but remembers the Kokoda Diggers of 1942 and all they represent: courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.Track conditions this year were extremely challenging for the teams with continual rain and chilling winds.Toormi Terrors completed the event in 19 hours 53 minutes and Toormi Trekkers in 12 hours 36. Unfortunately Danica was unable to finish due to exposure and fatigue.

Congratulations to all students and teachers for their dedication to months of weekend training and proudly representing their school in the event. Carleen Bake-Smith

Debbie Rann rang THS to thank staff, Kate Williams and Adam Berrada for ‘the ‘wonderful job’ they did and made special mention of the inspiring texts Adam sent the team members after completion of this epic walk, printed below.

Hey guys, I personally just wanted to thank you for being such an amazing group. You worked together as a team and completed the Challenge as a tight group. I was incredibly proud of each and everyone of you. I will be making sure the staff know about how amazing you all are. Enjoy the day off today. Well done Toormi Trekkers!Adam Berrada

HIGH SCHOOL



During the last weekend of the school holidays, a number of talented and courageous students embarked on a journey to complete a gruelling 48km hike. The Kokoda Challenge is designed embody the characteristics of the Kokoda spirit: courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice and also to test both the physical and mental strength of those who participate. Toormina High was proudly represented by two teams, the Toormi Terrors and the Toormi Trekkers. The race began at 11am on Saturday as over 170 teams took off battling for a place near the front. The Toormi Terrors, consisting of Hannah Bake, Ieasha Horsburgh, Erin Potter and Jodie Wood, had a different strategy – to conserve our energy and complete the trek in under 24 hours with all team members crossing the finish line. We stopped along the way to take photos, have some snacks and get our raincoats ready as the sky opened up and began to bombard us with rain. Unlucky for us, that rain did not stop for the majority of the hike. By the time we reached the first support crew checkpoint, we were already soaked to the bone but surprisingly still had grins on our faces. We stopped for a short time to quickly grab some food and warm clothing then we were off again. The next 20km comprised of river crossings, blisters, steep climbs with loose gravel, never-ending mountains and a ridiculous amount of mud and rain. The sun began to set very quickly and it wasn’t long before our headlamps were running out of battery, making this incredibly difficult trek even harder. We finally reached the second support crew checkpoint to grab some dinner, fix our headlamps and continue on. With 18km to go we were all starting to get cold and tired, however the girls all persisted through sweat and tears to make it up every peak, pushing each other to continue to the next checkpoint. As the sun began to rise on Sunday morning we were still a couple of kilometres from the finish line, and at this point our feet, legs and backs were all aching. We told ourselves that our new goal was to finish before 7am. At 6:55am the team all ran over the finish line, completing the hike in 19 hours and 53 minutes.I would like to congratulate the girls who all showed a tremendous amount of resilience and support, encouraging each other to the finish. I would also like the thank the parents of those involved who not only provided love, support and encouragement during the hike, but also for the countless drop offs and pick-ups in the last few months as we trained for this event. We would not have been able to complete this without you.A big congratulations also to Danica Bake, who competed in a separate team “20 Minutes” and to the Toormi Trekkers, consisting of Hunter Bake-Smith, Chloe Rann, Karli Rann, Haydn Smallwood and Mr Adam Berrada, who smashed the course in 12 hours and 36 minutes. Well done to everyone involved!Kate Williams

SCREENWAVE WORKSHOP On Tuesday 28th June, Kate Howat (a former THS student) and David Horsley from Screenwave Australia came to Toormina High School to host a workshop on short films and filmmaking. Year 8 students were given an insight into all aspects of creating and producing their own films and information on the 2016 Youth Film Festival. This locally based film group encourage young filmmakers to enter the world of film and creativity through their annual competition which offers great prizes and, more importantly, a venue to show their skills. The workshop was organised by Ms Roberts and was greatly appreciated by Miss O’Brien’s English class.

Go to the Screenwave website for more information.

KOKODA LEGENDS!

HIGH SCHOOL



IMPORTANT DATES

MON 1/8 - 5/8

Year 12 ASSESSMENT MORATORIUM

MON 1/8 - 5/8

Year 10 Work Experience

THURS 4/8 Whole School

Half Day PUBLIC HOLIDAYCoffs Harbour CupSchool closes 11:30am

FRI 5/8 Whole School

MUFTI DAY Jeans for Genes & Crazy Hair, gold coin donation

FRI 5/8 Year 11 ITE Task 4 due ‘Industry Study’

MON 8/8 - 19/8

Year 12 TRIAL EXAMINATIONS

Name... Chris MetcalfeTHS Position... Relieving Deputy Principal, Years 8, 10 &12The high school I attended was... Marist Brothers Hamilton, Newcastle.On the weekends I enjoy... gardening watching rugby leauge and playing music.I love... to travel - road trips and overseas.I don't like... road rage,violence, swearing or rudeness.When I was a teenager I wish someone had told me... to think big but dream bigger.

We like to introduce new staff members via our THS questionaire...

Coffs/Clarence Police have issued a warning to young people and their parents in relation to the dangers of social media. In recent weeks at least 2 local young teenage girls have been contacted via their social media accounts by strangers. On each occasion the stranger has pretended to be a police officer, and has subsequently demanded the young person supply inappropriate photos of themselves via the social media platform. The stranger has on both occasions attempted to threaten and intimidate the young person when the demands weren’t immediately met.Police wish to reiterate that we don’t contact anyone, particularly young people, via any social media program or platform. Parents are asked to discuss this with their children, monitor their children’s use of social media, and reinforce the potential dangers of speaking with strangers in this manner. It goes without saying that personal photos of this type should never be sent to any person, let alone a stranger, regardless of the circumstances. Social media approaches such as these should be reported immediately.

THS will close at 11.30am on Thursday, August 4 as this is a half day gazetted

PUBLIC HOLIDAY for the Coffs Harbour Cup.

Buses WILL NOT run in the afternoon.

The Toormina High School Opens Rugby League team played their round four match in the University Shield against Wauchope High School at Rex Hardaker fields on Thursday, July 21. The boys came out firing in front their home crowd and dominated the first half with an exceptional display of rugby league. Wauchope were shellshocked by Toormina's tough defence and silky attacking skills. Toormina established a commanding 26-0 lead at half time and went on to win the game covincingly 30-6. They are now one of the top 16 teams in NSW and play Narrabri away in the next round. A win will see them advance to the quarter finals and a home game.Congratulations and good luck gentlemen!

Adam Berrada, team coach

University Shield

HIGH SCHOOL



NAIDOC ASSEMBLY 2016

HIGH SCHOOL



THS students Evelyn Maher, Ziggy Connors, Ben Sinclair, Lenny Davis-Bull, Jaime-Lee Buck, Jessie Bayliss, Meg La Macchia, Alikkan Jerard, Tyke Kemp and Ryan Pemberton travelled to Raymond Terrace during the holidays to compete in the 2016 Nation of Origins Rugby League competition.Students from all over NSW participated in the carnival. The players were accompanied by Mentors Erica and Mel Duckit, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers, Scott Menai and Michael Gibbs, Darrin Allin from The Smith Family and Senior Constables Bernadette Snow and Dan Usher. Our students all played well in the cold conditions and would like to thank the local sponsors: Abcare, The Happy Frog, Tursa, Supply Cafe, Gallambilla, Macksville Rotary Club, The Smith Family, NRMA Coffs Harbour, The Cheesecake Shop and Trengrove Transport.

2016 Nation of Origins Rugby League

BREAKING NEWS!!!CONGRATULATIONS Staff member, Kenny Higgins another HOLE IN ONE at the Sawtell Golf Course!!!!

Toormina High School is hoping to secure a grant, in the future, to redisgn our library into a model 21st century learning space.The Year 8 TAS classes and the IM class will be researching and designing options for our library as apart of their Project Based Learning unit. A local architect, a furniture company, the State Library, Coffs Harbour City Coun-cil and Jenny Murray, Director, Public Schools will be involved.The project will include market research from students, parents and school community members via survey. We would appreciate it if you could fill in the survey. http://goo.gl/forms/PEo33Bq0yXsBSNQu1Survey is also available as a link on our school website.Thanks for your support, Julie Roberts, Head Teacher, Teaching & Learning

SURVEY

HIGH SCHOOL



2017 UAC Books for year 12 students are available to be picked up from the Careers Office.Information sheet on applying for university is available from Careers office or Toormina High School website.Year 10 Work Experience - Week 3 Term 3, all students should have handed forms to Mrs West by now. Normal classes will operate for those students not doing Work Experience.

CAREERS

Check out the new THS Facebook page!

The new process for APPLYING FOR A BUS PASS is ALL ONLINE

Info via website: http://www.transportnsw.info/school-students

Bricklaying BasicsDuring the last week of Term 2 we had 12 students attend a 3 day Work Ready Program funded by the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation Ltd (ABBTF)The course provided the students with a “hands on” chance to experience the bricklaying trade.Students learnt about; OH & S job requirements, measurement and calculation, planning and organising work, basic brick and blocklaying techniques and how to use specific hand tools.All students gained valuable experience during the workshop and had fun as well.ABBTF has informed us that they will return to the region for further workshops later in the year.

HIGH SCHOOL



Thank you all for allowing your students, Erykah kitchener-Waters and Dakota Mace-Seccombe the opportunity to participate in our program which ran on Friday 8th July at our Sydney campus of the School of Medicine.The students learnt the skills of suturing, CPR, plastering and more and gained a better insight into what is involved in being a medicine student here at the University of Notre Dame.Thank you once again for your involvement.Marion ThomasRural Curriculum Manager, School of MedicineUniversity of Notre Dame

University Life

SPIRIT OF TOORMINAAWARD

Congratulations for showing a fantastic attitude that embodies the Toormina High School philosophy of

caring, sharing & participating.

LUKE RYAN

CLAYTON BRIDGES

Welcome back to all of our students and staff for a busy Term 3. A particularly warm welcome is extended to our two new international students, Sara Tortora and Martina Lauchard, both of whom are from Italy. They have had a lovely introduction to the school and community and will give many of our students a sense of the rich opportunities that exist beyond the school gate. Welcome also to Mr Christopher Metcalfe as Relieving Deputy Principal who will be replacing Mrs Helen Young who has had to return to her substantive position as Head Teacher Mathematics at Woolgoolga High School. Congratulations to all of the students who received awards at the end of semester assemblies last term. We appreciate the hard work and diligence of all those students who strive to complete their work to the highest standard. In recognition of their hard work our school will hold a Rewards Excursion to a Gold Coast theme park this term, so watch this space for further details.On Friday July 22nd I observed the Presentation Day for our Year 7 Science Project Based Learning initiative. It was wonderful to see so many inspired and inspiring students speak about the challenges of space colonisation and to have them articulate ideas about the best ways to address gravitational challenges, waste management in space, energy production, propulsion and hydroponics. Thanks also to our guest judges Lisa Siegal from Coffs Harbour Council, Win Howard from the Coffs Harbour Astronomy Group, Daniel Laing and Jenny Bryant; and to Mrs Julie Roberts (Head Teacher Teaching and Learning) for all of her hard work in facilitating the Project Based Learning initiative. This is a timely moment to remind all students about the importance of wearing full school uniform. Our new school uniform has been designed to meet the various weather conditions and learning activities that students participate in at Toormina High School. Donning school uniform demonstrates pride in your school and is a visible reminder to our community about the exceptional students who attend our school. If you are having difficulty accessing appropriate school uniform items please contact the front office for assistance. The Deputy Principals will be closely monitoring school uniform this term and sending letters to parents reminding them of the importance of uniform if a student if found to be in breach.Dr Joanne BelletteRelieving Principal

Principal’s Column

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