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March 2012

Harmony Day Picnic

Harmony Day provides an opportunity for the school to celebrate Australia‟s diversity. The key message is that everyone belongs. At Glenmore Park High School we are particularly fortunate to work, study and play in a peaceful environment. Congratulations to the teachers and students who organised the Assembly and Picnic to celebrate our cultural diversity. As you can see in the newsletter there have been many interesting activities for the students this term. I would like to particularly thank our Year 6 Open Night team of students who organised the school tour for prospective parents and students. They were wonderful ambassadors. Natalie Brookton Principal


All elective fees/subject fees eg. food technology, electronics , need to be paid before students can attend any extra-curricular activities such as excursions and camps. If there are any extenuating circumstances, please contact the Principal. Replying to SMS messages When replying to SMS messages please state the students name, year, date of absence and reason . This reply is a free message Change of Details If you have changed any details eg address, phone numbers, please let the office know as soon as possible. A form can be picked up by your child at the Office.

From the Office

Science

Big Science Competition Big Science competition is held every year. This year it will held on the 23

rd of May.

As a component of the “self-select” class structure at GPHS, students of classes 7L and 8L have been registered to enter the Big Science Competition which is sponsored by Rio Tinto and administered by Australian Science Innovations. Students from across Australia and abroad will enter the competition. Students complete 30 multiple choice questions over the duration of 1 science lesson. The cost is $7.70 per student, which is to be paid at the front office by Friday the 30

th of

March. ESSA Every year, year 8 students sit the ESSA (Essential Secondary Science Assessment) test. Over the last few years we have seen a gradual improvement in our student‟s results. Recently we received last year‟s results, and there is an immense improvement in the results. The results definitely indicate that in the areas we have been working hard in, our Science Students understanding has improved, with our student body working at above state average in these areas. Congratulations to all the year 9 students and the Science staff for their efforts. Senior Biology On the 5

th of April our year 11 and 12 Biology Students will be attending an

excursion to Sydney Aquatic Centre and Wild Life Park, Darling Harbour. The excursion is to enhance students understanding of the physiological structure of animals, their adaptations and behaviour. Students will be travelling to and from Sydney via train. The total cost of the excursion is $24.40-payable on the day. Carley Payne (Acting Head Teacher of Science)


I am very happy with how year 8 has settled into the year. There are no camps planned for year 8, however as so many of them are doing so well the school would like to reward them at the end of each term with a rewards day. Our Rewards Day will be held on Friday the 30

th of March. We are going to Hoyts, Penrith, to see Dr

Seuss‟, The Lorax. This will be followed by lunch at McDonalds. The cost of the excursion is $20, payable to the office. Students must bring their own spending money to purchase their lunch. Carley Payne Year 8 Year Adviser

The P&C had their AGM on Monday 19

th March.

We now have new executive positions; Carrie Long President, Phillip Bonello Vice President, Karen Edwards Treasurer until Sept 2012, Janine Geerin, Assistant Treasurer until Sept, then Treasurer from Sept 2012. Wendy Langer Secretary Other news: The P&C will be working along with teachers this year to bring you all a fun filled evening of Trivia with prizes to be won!! This will be in 3

rd Term so

watch this space for updates. Next P&C meeting will be on the 21

st May,

All parents welcome.

P & C

P & C Fundraising

To help the P & C fundraise for additional air conditioners for the school, we are participating in a Meat Taste Test run by Sensory Solutions. Forms can be obtained from the Library or downloaded from the school website. If we have enough participants, we have the opportunity to earn $2,000.00. It would be great if you can help us. P & C Committee

P & C Executive Phillip Bonello, Janine

Geerin, Karen Edwards and Wendy Langer

Year 8 News


Year 11 Society and Culture

As a part of the Society and Culture course, year 11 students participated in an observation research afternoon at the Glenmore Park Town Centre. The afternoon was a part of the introductory unit, “The Social and Cultural World”. The topic focuses on the varied research methods students have to familiarise themselves with in order to undertake their own social research on a topic of their choice in the HSC.

All students had to complete their data sheet based on trends they observed at the centre. Students focused on aspects such as age, gender, ethnic and clothing patterns at the town centre. Information obtained on this observation was then collated and used for further analysis of social and cultural concepts. Students had to use the data and account for some of the trends in the centre, such as why one gender was predominantly involved with child care or why different ethnic groups were under or over represented.

It was a great way to introduce the methods of social and cultural research to the students and to get students actively researching in the local community. A productive and enjoyable afternoon was had by all students who participated! Kylie White Society and Culture Coordinator

Why is the Michelin man in such a hurry ? The students who come to French Club know! French Club has got off to a great start with members tasting French delicacies and practising their language skills each week. Last week we even had an impromptu waltzing lesson with Mr. Carson! Annabel Garrad

French Club


Swimming Carnival Report

Carnival Event Age Record Name Year

Swimming Girls 50m Fly 12 Years 00:34:33s Abbi Williams 2012

Swimming Boys 50m Fly 12 Years 00:42:00s Lachlan Quayle 2012

Swimming Boys 50m Fly 17 Years 00:29:06s Nicholas Hawkins 2012

Swimming Boys 50m Back 12 Years 00:39:18s Lachlan Quayle 2012

Swimming Boys 50m Back 17 Years 00:33:48s Nicholas Hawkins 2012

Swimming Girls 50m Breast 15 Years 00:42:30s Abbey Mitchell 2012

Swimming Girls 50m Breast 17 Years 00:54:77s Shannon Du Plessis 2012

Swimming Boys 50m Breast 17 Years 00:34:04s Nicholas Hawkins 2012

Swimming Boys 50m Free 13 Years 00:33:97s Joshua Kalwy 2012

AGE CHAMPIONS 2012

AGE SWIMMING

FEMALES

12 year Sarah Reeves

13 year Abbi Williams

14 year Rachel Ganner

15 year Abbey Mitchell

16 year Alexandra Longford

17 year Emma Dixon

MALES

12 year Lachlan Quayle

13 year Joshua Kalwy

14 year Luke Cooke

15 year Jordan Bingham

16 year Ceejay Harrison

17 year Nicholas Hawkins

House Champions 1st Bradman

2nd Fraser

3rd Sauvage

4th O'Neill

This year‟s Sydney West swimming carnival saw Tiffany Calland, Nicholas Hawkins, Lachlan Quayle and Abbi Williams represent Glenmore Park High and the Nepean Zone. Tiffany, Nicholas, Lachlan and Abbi qualified for the CHS carnival to be held at the

Sydney Aquatic Centre in April


Careers Update Glenmore Park High subscribes to a careers service that allows students and parents to be kept up to date with Careers News and Events. To access this information go to the website www.mhscareers.com, click on NSW & ACT and then login with: student or parent and the password: health. Students and parents are able to use the email alert service at this website. This means emails will be sent directly to an email address of your choosing. Go to the “Contact Us” page on the site and use the “E-mail Form” to register your email address. Also under „HOME‟ on mhscareers.com you will find a page “How to use this website”. On the website, have a look at the News Pages and Events Calendar and browse through the many other useful careers pages. I will still be using your child‟s DEC email account to inform them of school specific information that I feel is relevant, information on excursions and in house career activities will be advertised in this way. Important Dates for your Diary *27

th March: Penrith Jobs Skills Expo – for students thinking of leaving school or

past students not yet employed. 30

th March Apprenticeship Day at Penrith RSL for all Year 10/11/12 students

contemplating leaving school at the end of 2012. Parents welcome to attend interviews with their child. 3

rd April: Year 10/11/12 Parent Teacher night: Careers Adviser available for

interviews. *4

th May: Civil Engineering Excursion Year 10/11

5th June: UWS Open Day Campbelltown Excursion (Year 11 and 12)

25th June Try a Trade Year 9and 10(Parents welcome to join us at venue).

20th July Nepean Career Market Excursion – all Year 10 and 12 attend (Parents

welcome to join us at the venue) 4

th September Penrith Apprenticeship Expo (Parents and child attend after school at

Panthers) * Register now with Mrs Cornish for activities. 2012 Job Guide Distribution In 2012, the distribution of the Job Guide will move to the provision of class sets based on Year 10 enrolment numbers. Every Year 10 student will continue to have access to the Job Guide through class sets, the Job Guide CD ROM and online. In addition to Job Guide, students are encouraged to visit www.myfuture.edu.au, Australia's national career information and exploration service providing information and resources to assist in discovering, exploring and planning individual career journeys.

Angelika Cornish

Careers Adviser

http://www.mhscareers.com


Students Speaking Out!

On the 7

th March, two students competed in the „Rostrum Voice of Youth‟ public

speaking competition at Jamison High School. Brittany Cozic and Nicky Punsalan from year 10 competed in the senior division of the competition and were given a range of topics with which they had to create an 8 minute speech. Brittany, who competed for the first time in the „Voice of Youth‟, performed exceptionally well in a tough senior heat. Congratulations to Nicky who took away the title of winner in her heat and will now represent Glenmore Park High at the Regional Finals. She is going to compete with various NSW schools and now has the challenging task of delivering an impromptu speech to the audience. We wish Nicky the best of luck in the finals! It was great to hear students from across the region articulate their opinions on a range of relevant issues and topics. An excellent afternoon was had by all who participated! Kylie White Public Speaking Coordinator

The school is fortunate to have an ESL teacher, Kerry Donoghue, two days a week to support students in improving their English language skills. She has created a wonderful learning environment with many resources. Here she is providing students with help for their assessment tasks.

English as a Second Language


School A to Z is a new online school community for parents. It includes a website, free mobile app and social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. It is designed to give parents the support they need to help their children‟s learning, wellbeing and overall development and provide advice on appropriate use of technology.

Included in the 1,000 content items are assignment starters, easy-to-read subject glossaries on maths and English terms, ‟how-to‟ videos, printable homework help sheets, lunch box recipes, a technology A-Z, articles videos and podcasts full of expert tips and information.

Common parent concerns covered by School A-Z videos include:

Advice on how top prepare for various stages of school life Tips on how to handle bullying and build resilience How parents can help with primary and high school homework Preparing for the HSC How to help with maths homework Advice on how parents can best communicate with their school Strategies to build reading skills and how to tackle essay writing. The site can be accessed on www.schoolatoz.com.au

School A to Z

Monday the 27

th of February 2012, Year 7 students along with Mrs Drew, Mrs Elford,

Mr Dudley, Ms Quiney, Mrs Crawshaw and Mr Appleby set off for camp at Mangrove Mountain for three days. Upon arriving we were greeted by the group supervisors and the campsite manager who explained expectations and rules of the camp. Students were then put into their groups and shown their rooms and eating quarters for the next few days. From there the fun began. The activities that we were lucky enough to experience provided us with many challenges, opportunities for team work and of course heaps of fun! Every student exceeded our expectations in regards to activity participation, even if they were a little scared! There were many highlights of the camp, in fact too many to mention. On behalf of the Year Advisor and Assistant Year Advisor Mrs Drew and Mrs Elford, along with the above mentioned staff members, we would like to thank and congratulate the Year 7 students who attended camp this year, it was definitely a memorable one. Hopefully the attitudes you all displayed towards challenging yourselves continues on throughout your time here at Glenmore Park High School. Mrs J Drew & Mrs A Elford

Year 7 Camp Report


2012 has been designated the National Year of Reading to highlight the importance of reading in our lives. With almost 50% of our population unable to read with fluency, this year the organisers of the NYR aim to encourage all families to develop a reading culture in their homes and to assist non-readers to develop their skills. Our local libraries, in addition to the school library, will be hosting special events throughout the year; now might be a good time to encourage your children to visit their school library, or join Penrith City Library. Check out this website for more information: http://www.love2read.org.au/index.cfm The Premier’s Reading Challenge has commenced again for Years 7 & 8, with the program being run through English wide reading classes. Year 9 students can also participate in the program in their own time. Students must read fifteen books from a list provided by the DEC and five books of their own choice. Reading Logs are available from the library and we ask that parents/caregivers initialise each entry to verify that the book has been read. PRC certificates will be presented at Presentation Day in December. Booklists and rules can be found here: https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html Students in Years 7 & 8 who want complete freedom of choice in their reading can elect to do the Principal’s Reading Challenge instead. Did you know that you can access the library‟s catalogue from home? Simply go to the Student Portal and click on the link below the Google search bar in the top left hand corner of the screen. Jenny Dengate

Library News

Easter Raffle and Mother’s Day Stall

To raise funds for air conditioning the school is running an Easter Raffle and Mothers Day Stall. We are asking for donations of Easter eggs, baskets and gifts for the Mothers Day Stall . Donations can be handed to Mrs Payne. With each donation the student will receive 2 raffle tickets for the Easter Raffle. The raffle will be drawn on Tuesday 3rd April during Assembly. The Mothers Day stall will be held in F2 in the week prior to Mothers Day at lunch time. Raffle tickets will be sold at school $1 ea or 3 for $2. Thank you for your support. Carley Payne

http://www.love2read.org.au/index.cfm

http://www.love2read.org.au/index.cfm

https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

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