SYDNEY MORNING HERALD PUBLIC

SPEAKING COMPETITION

Recently, I had the pleasure of transporting Jacinta Yr 12 and Emily Yr 10 to Coffs Harbour Senior College so that they could participate in this highly prestigious public speaking competition. Both girls represented Melville High School with distinction. They both had to prepare a 6-8 minute speech on a topic related to any issue raised in The Sydney Morning Herald. Jacinta chose ‘Racism’ and Emily chose ‘Strict Parents’. Topics from other students in the area included ‘Sexism’, ‘Modern Technology and the Effect it has on Personal Relationships’, ‘The Corruption of the Mining Industry’ and ‘Asylum Seekers’. The entrants were all outstanding. Both our girls presented a well-structured and engaging speech. All students then had to present an impromptu speech - with only 3 minutes preparation! The topic was ‘Make My Day’. In the future and with more experience, Emily will do well in this section of the competition. Jacinta’s speech was humorous, clever and animated. Although neither girl made it to the next round, Jacinta was told she came a very, very close second place. Well done, girls! The Junior Legacy Competition is coming up and Melville will be represented by Kimberley Yr 9 and Luke Yr 7. Mrs D Henry English

Pictured above Jacinta & Emily

WHAT’S COMING UP AT

MELVILLE HIGH

Week 6

Monday 28 May Skills 2 Chill Exam Week Yr 7 - 11

Friday 1 June North Coast B/G Squash Trials

Week 7

Monday 4 June Skills to Chill

Thursday 7 June North Coast Cross Country Championships Zone B/G Tennis Trials

Friday 8 June North Coast Cross Country Championships

25 May, 2012, Term 2 Newsletter No. 7 Phone No: 65 627511 Fax No: 65 627405

School Email Address: melville-h.School@det.nsw.edu.au http://www.millenniumschools.net.au/melv

A Proud Member of the Macleay Educational Community of Public Schools

Melville Matters

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Melville High School’s Athletics Carnival was held this week and was once again very successful. Thanks to Mr Thomas’ excellent organisation the carnival ran very smoothly and was enjoyed by all. The school spirit was evident with many students dressed and painted in their house colours. The day was a celebration of “Do it RIGHT” with many students trying their very best in many events. This Saturday night we once again host the Debutante Ball at the Kempsey Macleay R.S.L. There are 39 couples making their debut, and many parents and carers will be there to celebrate and show their pride in these young men and women. Many thanks to Mrs Joanne Lee, Mrs Robyn Townsend and the parent committee who have given up a great deal of time in providing dancing lessons and the organisation of the ball. At the last P&C meeting held on Monday 14 May the P&C endorsed the new Anti-bullying Policy for Melville High School. The policy is attached to this issue of Melville Matters and is also on the Melville website. Parents and carers are urged to read the information and in particular I direct your attention to the roles and responsibilities outlined so that you may assist the school to deal with issues around bullying. This is a shared responsibility between the school, the parents and carers and the community. Melville has a zero tolerance to bullying. NAPLAN testing was conducted successfully last week for all year 7 and 9 students. Students are to be congratulated on their behaviour and studious approach to all the tasks. The parents and carers will be informed when the results are returned to the school. Good luck to Brady Yr 11 who will be travelling to Sydney for second round School Spectacular soloist auditions. Congratulations to Myah who has been selected to train in the mentor program with the Bangarra Dance Theatre which is Australia’s leading Indigenous performing arts company. Bengarra performances combine spirituality of traditional culture with modern storytelling. Megan is also to be congratulated on her outstanding performance in the Talent Identification Program held at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie on Saturday 12 May. Year 11 exams will begin next week and students should ensure they are prepared and have all the equipment required with them. Good luck to the

students and we know that hard work will be rewarded with good results. Mrs J Tatnell Relieving Deputy Principal

WELCOME COLLEEN!

Our new face in the Melville Front Office and Admin area is Colleen Campbell-Cook (pictured below) and we would like the opportunity to welcome her to Melville. As an ex-student, we should rather say, welcome back! Colleen has been working at Melville only five weeks but it seems as though she has been here longer, as she has seamlessly joined the SASS team with a happy and professional manner. Colleen who previously worked at Durri, in administration and finance, is a proud Dunghutti woman. The Melville community is very happy to have Colleen as part of the front office team.

eGATS

eGATS is a web based program designed to cater for the needs of selected gifted and talented stage 3 and 4 students across the North Coast Region. In 2012, only 30 students working in pods of 5 will be selected across the region. The program runs for twelve weeks starting in week eight of this term. Earlier this term, Melville conducted a nomination day with 20 students, who had to participate in an on-line test and complete a written visual response to be eligible for selection. Thanks to Mrs Emmelhainz for organising an interesting and educational experience for the students, We will update you on eGATS and other GATS programs in the next Melville Matters.

Pictured above are some of our students getting into eGATS

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING “SHOW & TELL”

On Monday 21 May, if you had walked past the TLS after school you may have heard several teachers telling each other to “Buzz off!” But all in the name of learning. It was the Social Science KLA’s turn to conduct a “Show & Tell” session of teaching and learning strategies that they have been developing in 2012 with National Partnerships funding, and the staff who attended participated in a spelling game called “Buzz Off”. This was only one of many engaging and interesting activities in the session that also covered Quality Teaching, ICT and Lesson Introductions. Thanks to Social Science and especially Head Teacher Mr Matt Smith, for conducting a worthwhile professional learning session, and thanks to all the staff who came along. The Science KLA is up next in week 9.

“DO IT RIGHT” DAY

On Monday 4 June during Period 4, the entire school will be involved in a lesson concerning Positive Behaviour and “Doing it RIGHT” at Melville High School. Following this lesson, there will be a BBQ at which every student will receive a sausage sandwich and drink. Please support

this initiative by discussing the values behind the “Do it RIGHT” slogan with your children.

SPORTS NEWS

PDHPE “BEEP” Test term 2 results As a part of the fitness component of PDHPE, students undertake the BEEP test at the start of each term. This test is a cardiovascular / endurance test. The higher the level reached, the better the fitness level for that individual. Following are results from Mr Cafferty’s, Mrs Jacobs’, and Mr Thomas’ classes. The results include a new school record by Ben. BOYS. BEN (17-2); Jaden (16-5); Nathan (15-1); Mark (15-0); Daniel (14-7); Thomas (14-2); Luke (14-0); Harrison (13-9); Billy (13-2); Bailey (13-2); Ethan (13-1); Kyle (13-1); Kyle (12-7); Jesse (12-4); Thomas (12-2); Josh (12-1); Bailey (12-0); Sebastian (11-11); Jacob (11-5); Aiden (11-5); Bailey (11-5); James (11-5); Jordan (11-3); Tate (11-2); Dylan (11-1); Jackson (11-0). GIRLS. Gabi (13-3); Myah (12-7); Claire (10-3); Taylor (10-2);Madeline (9-11); Julee-Anne (9-9); Tayla (9-8); Maddison (9-5); Kellie (9-3); Brooke (9-2); Ahnita (9-0). Results for “The new kids on the block” BOYS. Alex (12-6); Thomas (12-5); Brett (12-5); Billie (12-1); Caleb (11-7); Ben (11-1); Luke (10-6); Justin (10-6); Cody (10-2); Scott (10-1); Bradley (10-1). GIRLS. Emma (10-5); Caitlin (9-10); Jasmine (9-3); Hannah (9-3). Results from Mr Thomas’ 11PDHPE class BOYS. Darcy (15-2); Arie (14-1); Francis (14-1); Joe (13-2); Tim (13-1). GIRLS. Grace (10-1); Grace (9-0); Hayley (8-1); Kylie (8-1); Maggie l (8-1); Sofie (8-1).**More results will be published in the next Melville Matters!! Girls Softball In an oversight I forget to mention the mighty efforts of our open girls softball team. At the end of Term 1 we played Wauchope High. They scored a lot - we didn’t. Well done to Millie and Grace who got around the diamond to score runs for Melville. Thanks to Mrs Jacobs for coaching the team. Well done to – Jamie, Isabelle, Brooke, Liza, Hope, Tarhlia, Lela, Rosie, Millie and Grace.

Boys Soccer Last week our open boys soccer team played Macksville High in round 3 of the State wide KO competition. The boys played very well and came away 4-0 victors. Goals were scored by Reece (2), Corey and Zach. This means that the boys are LNC Zone champions. In round 4 we will play the winner of the MNC Zone (Coffs Harbour – Grafton area). Thanks to Mr Hoy and well done to - Liam, Zach, Thomas, Daniel, Jarrah t, Tim, Corey, Darcy, Reece, Alex, Josh, Corey and Caleb. Squash News Congratulations to our open boys squash team who defeated all comers at the Zone Squash trials. This makes the boys zone champions. Well done to – Ben, Thomas, Josh, Keegan, Riley and Jarrah. Congratulations to Tayla who was successful in gaining Zone selection. She will now attend the North Coast trials at Ballina. We wish her well. Out of School sporting successes Congratulations to the following students on their achievements:- • Callan– Callan was Captain of the Mid North

Coast 14 years cricket team that won the limited overs “Bradman Foundation Invitational Carnival” at Bowral recently. Callan scored two spectacular 50s and his captaincy was of a high standard. He was named MNC’s player of the tournament.

• Zeb – Zeb was also a member of the Mid North Coast 14 years cricket team that won the limited overs “Bradman Foundation Invitational Carnival” at Bowral recently. Zeb contributed very well with the bat with a top score of 45. He also took 7 wickets and his fielding was first class.

• Thomas – at the recent Nulla Junior Cricket presentation, Thomas won an award in the 14 years for his batting and also won a major award – Club junior cricketer of the year.

Stay Tuned! In the next edition we will have:- • Athletics carnival results. • Zone Cross Country carnival results. • More BEEP test results. Mr D Thomas Head Teacher PDHPE

Do you have a child who is starting school soon or want them to start school with

confidence? SOUTHERN STARS

STARTING SCHOOL PLAYGROUP is for you

Mondays from 9am -11am Kempsey South Public School

Queen Street, Kempsey Suitable for 3-5 yrs, younger siblings welcome

too!

Our School Anti-bullying Plan

This plan outlines the processes for preventing and responding to student bullying at Melville High School and reflects the Bullying: Preventing and Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy of the New South Wales Department of Education and Communities.

Statement of purpose Melville High School (MHS) rejects all forms of bullying. No student, employee, parent, caregiver or community member should experience bullying within the learning or working environments of our school. Every person at MHS has the right to experience positive and respectful relationships amongst all members of the school community. They also have the right to a quality education in a happy, safe and supportive environment. Schools exist in a society where incidents of bullying behaviour may occur. Preventing and responding to bullying behaviour in learning and working environments is a shared responsibility of all members of the school community. MHS Anti-bullying Plan supports a prevention and early intervention approach by acting early and responding in a timely and appropriate way to bullying incidents. The plan provides strategies for protection, prevention, early intervention and school responses to student bullying.

Protection and Prevention MHS aims to foster a positive and inclusive school culture with the development of protective factors that include relationships, knowledge and skills. MHS protection and prevention strategies aim to develop awareness amongst students of the nature and consequences of bullying. They also aim to network students in order to strengthen peer acceptance and support. Strategies include:

• Peer Leader Program. Trained Year 10 students mentor Year 7 offering the students a safe and friendly transition into high school. An anti-bullying program is delivered through roll call sessions and at the Year 7 Camp.

• MHS regularly informs the school community of the Anti-bullying Plan through the school website, newsletter and ongoing educational programs. • S.R.C/ Welfare activities to raise awareness of bullying within the school, including posters, workshops, presentations, performances and guest speakers. • Teaching programs are delivered across curriculum to provide knowledge and understanding of bullying issues and promote appropriate behaviour and communication in regards to

bullying. • Modelling and promoting appropriate behaviour consistent with “ Do it RIGHT” at Melville High School. The core values of “Do it RIGHT” are displayed and promoted throughout

the school. • Student diaries with anti-bullying messages and information are issued to all students. Time in roll call is allocated to discuss and deliver information regarding anti-bullying processes

and procedures. • The Senior Student Leadership team, and Year Advisors promote and coordinate antibullying activities throughout the year. • Addressing cyberbullying through annual presentations from relevant government agencies such as ACMA to the whole school community. Cyberbullying is when a child is

tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or targeted by another child using the Internet, mobile phone, or other type of digital technology. Cyberbullying can be conducted through malicious or inappropriate texting, social networking comments (eg Facebook) or misuse of digital images.

Early Intervention Early intervention provides support before an issue emerges or escalates. • The MHS Transition Program seeks to identify Year 6 into Year 7 students experiencing social difficulties and initiates support strategies through the schools’ Learning Support Team. • MHS encourages students to report all incidents of bullying through reporting to staff, parents/carers or utilising the “Bully Box” which is located outside the Head Teacher Welfare office. • A School Counsellor is available to assist students experiencing bullying and students who exhibit bullying behaviour. • MHS encourages parents/carers to share the responsibility with the school in the early intervention of bullying. This has particular relevance to cyberbullying through social networking. • The schools Welfare and Discipline database is used to assist in the identification of students being bullied or engaging in bullying behaviours.

Response MHS responds to all reported incidents of bullying and aims to develop future protection, prevention, early intervention and an appropriate and timely response. • All reported incidents of bullying will be followed up by an appropriate staff member. • Parents/carers are informed and involved in the resolution of bullying issues. • Relevant school staff will be informed of bullying issues as they arise to support and assist students where nessecary. • Bullying and harassment incidences are recorded on the Welfare and Discipline data base. This information may be used to identify patterns of bullying behaviour or those students at risk. • The MHS Anti-bullying Plan is promoted through the school’s website, newsletter and through the core values of “ Do It RIGHT”. • Students experiencing unresolved bullying issues will be supported by appropriate school personnel. • Students identified with patterns of bullying will be offered Assistance through the school’s support network. The school’s Welfare and Discipline Policy will be followed. The school may instigate

disciplinary action where bullying behaviour persists. • Where appropriate, outside agencies may be accessed to support students. This may include the Child Wellbeing Unit of the DEC or Community Services. • MHS follows DEC guidelines in the reporting of incidents involving assaults, threats, intimidation or harassment to the police. • Where a grievance is identified the departmental appeals procedures and Complaints Handling Policy will be followed by the Principal. • MHS regularly evaluates the effectiveness of the Anti-bullying Plan by collating and analysing data the results of which is communicated to the school community. • The MHS Anti-bullying Plan is reviewed every three years in line with community expectations and the changing nature of society.

How do I know if my child is being bullied? He or she may show some of these signs.

• Change of eating habits, coming home from school too upset to eat. • Torn clothing, unexplained bruises, cuts or scratches. • Nightmares, frequent headaches, stomach aches or pains. • Lost or damaged books or possessions. • Unwillingness to go to school, requests to be driven or take a different route. • Unhappiness, depression. • Threats of suicide.

What do you do if your child is being bullied? • Discourage your child from retaliating either verbally or physically. • Encourage your child to report bullying, whether a victim or a witness. Keeping safe is not dobbing. • Check to ensure a report has been madeor make the report yourself. • Encourage your child to be assertive “You’re a bully. I don’t like bullies. If you don’t stop I will report you.” • Help your child make friends, invite friends home, have sleep overs. • Join out of school clubs and activities. • Concentrate on activities your child is good at to promote self esteem. • Talk to teachers about your concerns. • Contact the school counsellor by ringing the school

It is essential that the issues surrounding bullying are resolved. The problem will not go away. What do I do if my child is bullying others?

• Remind the child that bullying is unacceptable social behaviour. • Be an appropriate role model. • Encourage your child to control anger and temper. • Limit the use of excessive criticism. Focus on cooperation emphasising the child’s strengths and rewarding good behaviour. • Encourage your child to apologize. • Encourage the child to negotiate rather than use physical force.

What happens to the bully? Those found responsible for bullying will be entered on the school’s discipline data base RISC and appropriate discipline action will be taken according to school policy. This may include • A letter sent home • Referral to the Year Adviser, H.T. Welfare, Deputy Principal or the school Counsellor for mediation. • Referral to the school Learning Support Team. • Placement on stage.

• A warning letter suspension. • Suspension if the behaviour continues.

Teachers and staff Teachers have a responsibility to respect and support students in all aspects of their learning. Teachers should:

• Listen to and acknowledge all reports of bullying. If appropriate deal with the incident on the spot. Report all serious incidents as per school policy. • Provide students with strategies to respond positively to incidents of bullying behaviour, including identifying the responsibilities of bystanders or observers. • Provide parents, caregivers and students with clear information on strategies that promote appropriate behaviour and consequences for inappropriate behaviour. • Communicate with parents the importance of their role in promoting appropriate responses to anti- bullying. • Follow up complaints of bullying, harassment and intimidation in an appropriate and timely manner. • Model appropriate behaviour.

Additional Information Police Youth Liaison Officer (YLO) (02) 6583 0175

School Liaison Police officer (SLP)

(02) 6583 0199

Kids Helpline

website:http://www.kidshelp.com.au/kids/

Phone: 1800 55 1800

School Contacts

Head Teacher Welfare

Year Advisers

School Counsellors

Principal’s comment

Please help us deal with issues around harassment and bullying by being familiar with Melville’s Anti-bullying plan so that we can share the responsibility of keeping our students happy and safe at Melville High School.

Welfare Team Sub Committee

Mrs Judi Tatnell: Head Teacher Welfare

Ms Bernadette Neilson: Welfare Team

School contact information

Melville High School

Nicholson St, Kempsey, NSW, 2440

Phone: (02) 6562 7511

Fax: (02) 6562 7405

website: http://www.millenniumschools.net.au//melville/