Moss Vale High · Moss Vale High Newsletter Issue 3 Term 2 2012

Moss Vale High Newsletter Issue 3 Term 2 2012

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Moss Vale High

P. O. Box 137 Moss Vale 2577

Tel: (02) 4868 1717 Fax: (02) 4868 2787

“Innovation, Opportunity, Connection

Inspiring Success”

E-mail : [email protected]

27 July 2012

This Newsletter can be viewed in colour on our website : www.mossvale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Students Making a Difference

Our talented CAPA students and staff, who presented outstanding

“Inspire” days at Moss Vale and Bundanoon Public School recently.

These were wonderful days full of creativity and energy!

Legacy Public Speaking Competition

Stefanie Clifton, Briana Handley and Torii Cathie, the participants in the recent Legacy Public Speaking competition held at Frensham, with their teacher, Mrs McKay.

See report on page 11.


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Relieving Principal’s Report

Welcome back to a busy term three. After Mrs Suzi Williams‟ appointment to Albion Park High School at the end of last semester, I am enjoying the rewards and challenges of being Relieving Principal this term. We wish Suzi well in her new endeavours and know that she will make a fantastic difference at her new school. Mr Craig O‟Brien is doing an outstanding job as relieving Deputy Principal and ensuring that our students are behaving in a safe, responsible and respectful manner. Many thanks also to Ms Jemima Finlayson for stepping up as relieving Head Teacher of Science while continuing her fabulous job as Year 11 Adviser and head of our volunteering projects.

Mrs Megan Norris organised an excellent Subject Selection evening for our Year 8 and Year 10 students in our first week back. Many parents commented on how valuable they found the information, particularly the Board of Studies presentation by Cheryl Russell on patterns of study for the HSC and how to choose subjects wisely. In the same week our CAPA teachers were busy organising the HSC Trial performances in Dance and Drama. Many thanks to Ms Lauren Cordingley and Ms Wendy Reid who have worked tirelessly to prepare their students for these outstanding performances that were presented to appreciative audiences last week. Our students visited Bundanoon Primary School on Friday, July 20 for Inspire where they showcased the amazing variety of talents and skills at Moss Vale High.

I would like to thank the staff at Moss Vale Harvey Norman for supporting our Positive Behaviour for Success (PBS) program through the fundraising sausage sizzle last Saturday morning. Harvey Norman staff provided the equipment and all the bread, meat and sauces, while Moss Vale High School provided the workers thanks to our generous student volunteers. As a consequence, we made around $300 profit for our PBS and Merit award systems. Many thanks to our wonderful teachers and students who gave up their Saturday to benefit the school and wider community: Ashley Thatcher, Madeline Curcuruto, Max O’Dowd, Aaron Preddey, Rilea Phelps, Rory Vanderzeil, Jesper Barnett, Sarah-Jayne Burke, Amanda Bourke, Alesha Magrath, David Sims, Mrs Janeen Pepping and Mr Rob Berman.

Our PBS team is now organising the very important signage which creates the visual reminders and awareness of our three core values of RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE behaviour. Our wonderful P&C has generously donated $5,000 as a start-up cost in order to get the signs under construction. Our entire school community is appreciative of all the P&C do to support our efforts in continuing to enhance school culture.

Congratulations to Mrs Mary McKay and her clever team, Torii Cathie, Stefanie Clifton and Briana Handley, (pictured on our cover page), for their highly commendable speeches which were presented at Frensham on Monday, July 23 as part of the Legacy Public Speaking competition. Cows Create Careers is a combined English, Science, Agriculture and Information Technology project for class 7 Parker that has just started up again this term. The students are very excited about the delivery of the four calves on Monday, July 30. The staff and students are thankful to the Sherborne family for supplying the calves for this worthwhile project. Congratulations to our ewes on the safe delivery of their seven new lambs!

PBS Fundraiser BBQ at Harvey Norman Moss Vale, Saturday, 21 July


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Year 12 students sat for their Trial Higher School Certificate exams during the past week. I would like to thank our Year 12 teachers who have prepared them for these exams and supported students who had major works, projects and PIPS to complete. I know many Year 12 teachers gave up a significant part of their holidays to offer students extra guidance and tuition in these areas and I thank them on behalf of our school community.

Education Week starts on Monday, July 30 and is a time to celebrate the quality teaching and learning occurring every day in our public schools. The theme for this year‟s Education Week is „Creating the Future’. It's a week where we acknowledge the excellent teaching and the wonderful support provided by our school administrative and support staff who work in offices, classrooms, libraries and on school grounds. In this report I have mentioned a number of the wonderful activities and opportunities available at Moss Vale High School and these are just the „tip of the iceberg‟. None of this could happen without the passion, commitment, skill, hard work and dedication of each and every one of our staff members who work at creating a brighter future for all our students. I urge all students to reflect on their own education and make the most of the opportunities that

are provided for them over the coming semester.

Patricia Holmes

Relieving Principal

Our first Bronze Award Recipient

INSPIRE 2012

MOSS VALE HIGH SCHOOL COS

CAPA WORKSHOP @ Robertson Public School

Bradley McMahon

Year 8


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Coming Events at Moss Vale High School for Education Week

Tuesday, 31 July - National Chemistry Quiz

Thursday, 2 August - Australian Mathematics Quiz

Friday, 3 August - High School students assist with PSSA Athletics

Carnival


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From 2012, a new credential, known as the “Record of School Achievement”, will replace the previous School Certificate Award and School Certificate Exams. This credential will be created for students who leave school after completing year 10, but before receiving their HSC. The Record of School Achievement has a number of new features, as summarised below:

* The external School Certificate Exams in English, Mathematics, Science, History & Geography will now be replaced by school based assessment.

* Schools will allocate a student Grade in each curriculum area, based on student achievement in school-based assessments and exams. Grades will be awarded using the Course Performance Descriptors of student achievement that are already in use in each course syllabus.

* Students will receive their “Record of School Achievement” Certificate if they leave school prior to attaining the HSC, and not at the end of year 10, as had previously occurred with the School Certificate.

* Students will be given the opportunity to sit for optional online Literacy and Numeracy exams which will appear on their Record of School Achievement. These may be valuable credentials to demonstrate to prospective employers a young person‟s achievement of the key literacy and numeracy skills that are valued in all workplaces. Students may sit for these exams up to twice yearly, with the final result being recorded on their RoSA.

* Schools will continue to use assessment tasks and school based examinations to assist in the measurement of student performance and attainment of course outcomes. As these tasks are the basis of school-awarded Grades, failure to complete such tasks satisfactorily will put a student‟s progress in jeopardy. The RoSA Assessment Task Procedures, Rules and Schedules have been given to Year 10 students as a booklet earlier this year.

* The Record of School Achievement will also provide information on student extracurricular achievements.

These curriculum changes also relate to the change in

minimum school leaving age, in recent legislation. As

students are required to now attend school at least until

their 17th birthday, Year 10 students will remain at school

until the end date of the normal school year for all other

students (in 2012, this date is Wednesday, 19

December). Year 10 students are now also able to

participate in Activity Week events in this last week of the

school year. As a School Certificate document is no

longer issued to Year 10 students, there will be no

separate Year 10 Presentation Assembly or farewell

function in Term 4.

Recognition of Year 10 student achievement will now be

part of the school‟s Presentation Evening.

Mr J McGill Mrs P Holmes

Head Teacher Year 10 Relieving Principal

CHANGES to YEAR 10 CURRICULUM –

The “Record of School Achievement” replaces the School Certificate


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*** Advertisement ***

Over three separate days, staff and students from Moss Vale High‟s Creative and Performing Arts Department will visit three COS hubs with the intent to inspire and be inspired! Workshops and concerts will be held at Robertson, Moss Vale and Bundanoon Public Schools and will cater for over 300 primary students. We are offering students who are gifted and talented in the areas of music, dance, drama and art the opportunity to develop their skills and create and perform alongside high school students. Funded by a Regional Arts Grant, and initiated by Moss Vale High School, the program is now in its second year. Workshops will be held in the following areas of the Creative and Performing Arts:

1. Stage Band (Tegan Bilbija)

2. Vocals (Linda Johnston)

3. Djembes (Bill Zigmond)

4. Dance (Lauren Cordingley)

5. Drama (Wendy Reid)

6. Art (Kate Burke)

The students will have an opportunity to display what they have created/learnt at an afternoon concert. This concert is open to any interested students, staff, and family or community members. At the conclusion of the day, students, parents and staff are invited to complete an evaluation of their day. We hope to continue this program for many years to come, as it has been extremely successful thus far. Not only do students get the opportunity to work with specialist staff, but they are also given a personal link to Moss Vale High, should they choose to attend our school in Year 7. They will now know both staff and students and will be able to continue their development as gifted and talented students.

INSPIRE 2012

MOSS VALE HIGH SCHOOL COS

CAPA WORKSHOPS & CONCERTS


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It is with a great deal of pride that I write my first report as Deputy Principal (Relieving) of Moss Vale High School. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to hold this position at Moss Vale High School, a school which gave my three children a wonderful education and prepared them so well for their life experiences. Moss Vale is a school that educates the “whole person” and gives so many opportunities to identify and develop a child‟s skills and talents. In my first two weeks in the position I have observed and learnt many things. Firstly, I must applaud our wonderful staff who have been so positive and caring about all of our students. Secondly, the students have begun the new term in a positive and respectful manner and thirdly, I must acknowledge the enthusiasm and commitment that Mrs Holmes has put into making genuine and positive changes to this wonderful school. I have significant shoes to fill as Relieving Principal. (No, I will not be wearing heels!) So what is happening:- Construction has begun on the new double COLA that will cover the basketball courts. This will give our PDHPE classes some degree of wet weather protection. Unfortunately, this will not replace the need for a Hall / Gymnasium which our students certainly deserve. Trial exams are nearly finished and for our Year 12 the “real” hard work starts now. The key is now to fill in any gaps in knowledge and skills which may have been revealed in the Trial exams. Most importantly now is the time to work towards the marks that benefit the ATAR for all students in every class. It is time to help each other so that all students achieve to their full potential! We continue to work hard at Moss Vale High School to achieve a decrease in incidents of bullying/harassment. To ensure that the number of instances continues to decrease, it is imperative for students and/or parents to communicate with the Principal, Deputy Principal or Year Adviser to bring any such issues to our attention. We cannot deal with bullying if we do not know about it; we also want all students to feel safe and valued. There has been an observable improvement in uniform, which also promotes unity and teamwork both in and out of the classroom. It is Mrs Holmes and my agenda to have 100% of our students wearing the uniform and wearing it with pride. However, some points need to be emphasised. Firstly, for Year 8, 9,and 10; school sports uniform can be worn to school on the sports day only but students must bring suitable shoes for sport and safe shoes for practical subjects. It would be unfortunate if this privilege of wearing sports uniform throughout these

From the Deputy Principal

days was lost due to students failing to follow these conditions. Some questions have been raised about the issue of appropriate safe leather shoes; this is a DET safety requirement and students who do not fulfil this requirement are therefore placing teachers in a difficult legal situation. This is unfair! Please support this requirement. Moss Vale High School Uniform Policy also requests that these shoes be black in colour. We are still no closer to finding the parties responsible for the theft of our 7 stud sheep during the holidays. What makes it even more distressing is that the remaining ewes have started to lamb. Hopefully the eyes and ears of our community will help bring justice to those involved. I wish to thank Bowral Police for their determination to solve this crime. In a positive light, we now have nine lambs on the ground from six ewes. Mrs Finlayson is excited as most are girls. Thanks to our Year 8 “Midwives”, Mr Roberts, Mrs Finlayson , Mrs Sims and family, and most importantly the ewes!! Finally Mrs Holmes, the staff, the Moss Vale P & C and myself are placing a focus on improving the physical and visual appearance of the school. I have to acknowledge the support of families and the Wingecarribee Waste Recovery Centre in providing mulch. This has made a genuine impact on the appearance of the school. This develops pride in our school which leads to pride in student learning. Thanks to Mr Greg Hutchinson for the time, effort and commitment that he has put into his job as our General Assistant, it is appreciated by the whole community. Craig O’Brien

Relieving Deputy Principal

Cola Construction Begins! (Basketball courts)


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His gnarled bony hands grasp the crisp linen, Where he watched his youth slowly slip by While he dreams of wheels, wings and marvellous things; He exhales a peaceful drawn-out sigh. He wonders about what has been, What could have and what will. He looks back down at his whole life As he takes his 27th pill. How is it that the years have slipped by, So many years so fast. Somewhere in his yesterdays, Somehow the strength of youth has passed. He reaches for a photograph, faded, stained and worn. His loving wife smiles out at him, she who never did grow old. Sometimes he thinks he hears her voice, to see her would be bliss It won‟t be long now, till that day, or so he has been told.

In the darkness he lies quietly in a hospital bed, Building great cities, fortresses in his mind, Embarking on adventures in a body young and strong Even though he is legally blind. He sees kaleidoscopes of colour, Beauty all around him, rainbows of light, The phenomenon of particles Seen only through blind eyed sight The end is swift, he is finally at peace, Long years of loneliness sad, empty and unrest, He fumbles for her photograph to hold just one last time, And clutches it to his breast, As he closes his eyes for the final sleep, The wheels wings and marvellous things are now free, In another heart colour and beauty all over again, That only dreamers can see, Only dreamers can see, see, see.

By Josh Huggett, Year 7

Year 7 English Writing


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When he was four years o ld His mum departed his dad This boy f lew off to the gold country And felt really sad So the boy spent four drast ic years Spending his days alone He only had the queen But the king had lef t his throne And the boy had almost nothing Absolutely nothing at al l He waited and waited and waited For the king, the most elegant king, to return to his throne The queen had to make a sacrif ice To let the boy go So the boy drif ted off to f ind the king’s home He f lew al l the way to Austral ia To be with his dad He felt so happy to see him His heart f i l led with glee And I know this story’s t rue

Cause that l i t t le boy, that scared young l i t t le boy, was me .

Sacrifice By Cheyenne Martin, Year 7


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Coming Events

Tuesday, 7 August -

* Special Assembly with

“CHAMPION” ex-students

* Students and Staff Best Borrowers

Lunch with parents

*** Advertisement ***


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The day had arrived for us to set off for Frensham School to participate in the Regional Finals of the Legacy Public Speaking Competition. We were very excited to be involved in this educational experience along with thirteen other junior students from Wollongong, Cooma, Braidwood and from several Southern Highlands schools, including: Frensham, Oxley, Chevalier and of course, Moss Vale High School. The event is sponsored each year by the organisation, Legacy, which is dedicated to caring for the families of deceased and incapacitated war veterans. Right now, they are assisting over 100,000 widows and 1,900

children and dependants with a disability.

The challenge consisted of a prepared speech followed by an impromptu speech. Broad topic suggestions were given for the prepared speech but this did not inhibit a wide variety of speeches being given on subjects including: Social Media, Better Funding for Public Schools, Mateship, the Power of Words, the Importance of Art, Over-Protective Parenting, the

Power of One and Australia- Like No Other.

The impromptu was the most difficult aspect of the day. We were required to prepare an unseen topic in a matter of only five minutes. Most of us found this the more difficult challenge, to speak for two minutes on a topic that asked us to consider: “Much To Do About

Nothing.”

The prepared speech and impromptu speech held equal weighting. In the end, a student from Braidwood

Central school was judged the worthy winner.

Through this experience, we have been able to meet and interact with students from other schools. It gave us a wider understanding of public speaking and, with the adjudicator‟s comments, more knowledge with which to improve our skills. It also broadened our knowledge of relevant world issues such as Facebook

addiction!

We are thankful for having been able to participate in this worthwhile educational opportunity and we all enjoyed the day immensely. We hope that there can be other such opportunities for students to take advantage

of, into the future.

By Torii Cathie, Bri Handley and Stef Clifton.

Legacy Public Speaking Competition This year Activity Week takes place between 17

December and 19 December. At present, approximately 320 students have paid a deposit for Activity Week. This number is extremely pleasing and guarantees the continuation of Activity Week next year. Thanks to all those who have supported the program for 2012. For those who have yet to sign up for an activity, Activity Week shouldn‟t be a time when an extended family vacation is taken. It is compulsory for all students to attend. As has been mentioned, Activity Week is rarely offered among other Public schools in NSW so therefore, it is a privilege for our students to participate in such an outstanding program.

At the time of writing, seven Activities were completely sold out. Places were still available in Girls Week(16 spaces taken- total of 20 available), Golf(1/30), Lantastic(10/20), Southern Highlands Fun(3/27), Teen Ranch(29/40),Go for Gold(14/20),A to Zumba(4/20),Watch and Shop 18/27 and Wet and Wild(16/20). Students can pay at the office at any time although if they are selecting for the first time, they will need an Activity Week pink preference sheet. These can be downloaded from the school‟s website or collected from the office.

Some students have being paying for their activities in full while others have opted to pay via instalments. The next instalment is due for payment on Thursday, 19 July and Friday, 20 July. If you are paying by instalment the following payments represent 25% of the total cost, rounded to $5 or $10. This is shown in the table below. Trout Fishing $35 PS Adventure $70/$95 Teen Ranch $65 Home and Away $40 Island in the Sun $80 A to Zumba $20 Watch and Shop $25 Southern Highlands Fun $10 Go for Gold $200 Snorkel $45 Surfing $55 Lantastic $5 Girl‟s Week $135 Berry Sport and Rec $50 Big Day In $40 Wet and Wild $50 Thredbo $115 ** You may make payments at any time. Payments may be greater than those listed above. When paying, all students receive a receipt stating the amount they have payed thus far for their activity and what they owe including school fees. Remember, all school fees must be paid before the end of Term 3 for your son/daughter to be able to participate in Activity Week. The first activity week meetings will be held in early Term 3. Thanks to all for your support of Activity Week at Moss Vale High. If there are any problems, see or call me at the school.

Mr Nash Activity Week Coordinator

Activity Week Update


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Stop Press

There has been a second theft of our

school’s livestock in recent weeks.

This callous theft of yet another five

pregnant ewes has left the school

community in shock and despair.

Any member of the community who

may have information about either of

the incidents should contact

Bowral Police station.

Thank you


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TO : MOSS VALE HIGH NOTE OF ABSENCE

Date : ___________________ Address : ________________________________

________________________________

Roll Class : ______________ Year : ___________

Please excuse the absence of my son/daughter : _____________________________________

on (dates) _____________________________________________________________________

Total number of days absent : ______________

The reason for the absence/s (this reason must be specific, not just "he/she was sick") : ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name : ______________________________

Parent Signature : ___________________________ Date sent : _______________

TO : MOSS VALE HIGH NOTE OF ABSENCE

Date : ___________________ Address : ________________________________

________________________________

Roll Class : ______________ Year : ___________

Please excuse the absence of my son/daughter : _____________________________________

on (dates) _____________________________________________________________________

Total number of days absent : ______________

The reason for the absence/s (this reason must be specific, not just "he/she was sick") : ________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Parent Name : ______________________________

Parent Signature : ___________________________ Date sent : _______________

OFFICE USE ONLY

CHANGED ON

ERN

EMERGENCY CARD REPRINTED

BUS Co NOTIFIED

RECEIVED NEW BUS FORM

CHANGE OF ADDRESS / CONTACT DETAILS NAME :................................................................... Roll Class : ........ .... Year : …. .......

NEW ADDRESS : ............................................................................... PO BOX .....................

....................................................................................................................................................

New Phone No's : Home : ...................................... Work (M) : .........................................

Mobile (M) : .......................... Work (F) : ............................ Mobile (F) : ..............................

Email : …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

DATE YOU CHANGED ADDRESS : .......................................................................................

PARENTS / GUARDIANS NAMES YOU ARE LIVING WITH :

................................................................................................................................................................................ Do you currently have a bus pass? …………………………………………………………

NOTE : A new bus pass application must be completed when a student has : a change of address, a change of

name, change of school, change of details or comes under joint custody.

Documents

Moss Vale High · Moss Vale High Newsletter Issue 3 Term 2 2012