Phone: Fax: Email: Anzac Day 2011 Inside this issue

6th May, 2011

Issue 6

Inside this issue:

Principal’s Report Anzac Day

2

Anzac Day Speech 3

Hamlet Excursion 4

Sport Term 2 Coles Vouchers Health Careers

5

Naplan Information Immunisation

6

Term 1 Social - Masquerade

7

Rowing for Sport Art Show-Mrs Alexander The X-Factor

8

Student Photos

West Darling F/ball

9

10 Week Calendar 10

Recipe Corner

Community Notices

11

Absence Notes 12

Coomealla HIGH SCHOOL Principal: Mr Rob Scotton

Deputy Principals: Mrs Robyn Lynch, Mr Neil Plumridge SIPs

Address: Silver City Highway, Dareton NSW 2717

Phone: 03 5027 4506 Fax: 03 5027 4837 Email: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER

LEARN TO LIVE

Anzac Day 2011

OPEN NIGHT Year 6

Parents & Students

BBQ — 6.30pm, Tuesday 17th May

Coomealla High School was well represented during the recent

Anzac Day Commemorations in Wentworth. A contingent of

students participated in the march and Stephany Martin, Vice-

Captain, gave the guest speaker address (see page 3). Sophie O’Shannessy, Vice-Captain,

placed the wreath on behalf of Coomealla High School.

More photos on our website.

Active Head Lice Season: Please check your children and treat as necessary

Page 2 Coomealla HIGH SCHOOL

Principal’s Report

I would like to begin this report by saying how proud I was of the staff and students who represented their school on ANZAC Day in Wentworth. Our students were great ambassadors for their school in excellent school uniform and many wearing medals from relatives who fought for their country. I was very proud of our school leaders and in particular Stephany Martin who made the speech for the ANZAC Ceremony. It was exceptionally well written, presented and received.

Similarly, I was very impressed with the school ANZAC Ceremony which was held on Tuesday, May 3. Thanks to Mrs Buckley for organising it and to the students who did a great job running the assembly. Special thanks also to our guests Russell James from the army reserve and Peter Atkinson from the RSL.

Tuesday, May 10 will see our Year 7 and 9 students begin their NAPLAN tests in Literacy and Numeracy. The tests which run over three days are very important as they provide parents, students and the school with essential information about how these students are growing educationally. The tests highlight areas which may need additional work for individual students and this information is an important guide for the school to target its resources. Encourage students to do their best in the NAPLAN tests and we will build on last year’s excellent results.

A reminder that light canvas shoes are no longer acceptable at Coomealla High School. The shoes are not safe in the school environment and cannot be worn in subjects such as industrial arts, art, home science, hospitality, agriculture and science. These shoes do not offer protection against spills from chemicals, hot fluids or heavy items being dropped. Students must wear sturdy, fully enclosed shoes which completely cover the top of the foot.

I am very pleased with the school uniform and would like to thank parents for supporting the school in this area. As winter approaches there is a temptation to wear multi-coloured tops that are not part of the uniform. The school uniform has many very warm winter options available. All uniform requirements can be ordered through CHS P&C, School & Fashion on Lime in Mildura and Wentworth Drapery. If you are having difficulties affording the correct uniform please contact the school and assistance can be arranged.

I always speak of partnerships in education. Mr Neil Plumridge has developed a close partnership with Coomealla TAFE with the ‘Where Am I Headin’ program. I can now announce that we are offering a Certificate II in Automotive through Coomealla TAFE. The course runs on Wednesdays and Thursdays for Terms 2 and 3 this year. It is aimed at students in Years 9, 10 and 11. This is yet another example of your local high school developing pathways to cater for the needs of students. Mr R Scotton

Anzac Day Commemoration

The Anzac Day Commemoration was recently held at Commealla High School. Ellen Fraser hosted the event and the first part was the reading of the poem “Not a Hero” by Molly Stephens and Sarah Watts. Laura Bysouth, Matilda Johnson and Cassandra Timpano provided actions to the reading.

Jessica Lush gave an address called “Forgotten Heroes of Gallipoli”, followed by Taylah Chatterton’s presentation on how war can change lives.

Our guest speaker was Lieutenant (AAC) Russell James whose address was stirring and particularly relevant for a young audience. Stephany Martin from Year 12 gave her speech on the meaning of Anzac Day and Mr Peter Atkinson presented her with a certificate of appreciation from the Wentworth RSL in recognition of the inspiring speech she also gave in Wentworth on April 25th.

Riley Riordan read the Ode and Ellen Fraser concluded the proceedings. Well done to all the participants who made the occasion so worthwhile.

Mrs Buckley, Ceremony Coordinator

Page 3 Issue 6

WHAT ANZAC DAY MEANS TO ME

Another day is just beginning for all of us, we are not in any immediate danger, we can enjoy our day and go to bed tonight looking forward to the adventures tomorrow will bring. This is all thanks to those courageous soldiers who fought for our way of life – the soldiers whom we carry dear in our hearts today. ANZAC Day.

ANZAC Day actually means that little bit more to me today – not that it didn’t mean much last year, but it seems that the older I get the more I understand the sacrifice that went on for our country. Next year I may even appreciate it more than I do now and I am not the only one. So take comfort in the fact that we will never forget.

ANZAC Day is a day of celebration, but not of war and death. We will never try and glorify the war – but gather to celebrate the bravery, strength, courage and our eternal gratitude for the soldiers who brought us here today.

But please, think not of the loss that occurred many years ago. What should be thought of is the courage and the spirit of a generation of young Australians who fought so long ago. These young Australians were unfortunately under the impression that this would be the adventure of a lifetime,

how wrong they were. This was definitely an adventure, not one of excitement and joy, but it was one that was physically and mentally harder than they ever thought.

Yet, still the reaction of our young Australian soldiers was not to run away in the face of fear, nor to hide in the confrontation with terror, but to get on with the task at hand and endeavour to make the best of what would have been an unimaginable situation.

Some of our basic human values today came from that fighting Aussie spirit – our strong mateship – which stems from Australia’s wars being fought on foreign territory. When a digger was dying, a mate was brought to stand next to him so that he wouldn’t die alone. This is what made our brave Australians stand out and realise that we were different and it gave Australia a stronger sense of identity.

Each and every day they would see their friends fall in battle. The losses were tragic as the youth of this, and so many other, countries were cut down before ever having the opportunity to enjoy their own lives. Every day they would do what was asked of them, they willingly gave their lives in defence of our future.

This attitude and bravery made them the most prized of allies and the most feared of foes. It is because of this attitude, and their ability to do what was thought to be impossible, that the ANZAC legend was created . That legend brought us all here today.

That is why, on this morning, we honour not the war but that spirit in the human soul that makes those people in the prime of their lives willingly go and place themselves in a position of danger, those people who are willing to give up so much to protect the lives of people they have never even met. That compassion and pure act of selflessness for their fellow human beings is what has created a permanent home for those heroes, because the home of heroes is in our hearts and that is where these brave men and women will always reside.

Although these veterans grow fewer in number each year, I hope that they realise they are never forgotten. For we are the proof that they existed; without these heroes we would not have the lifestyle that we often take for granted today. We don't all have the chance to visit places like Gallipoli and really picture the scale of the fighting and how much sacrifice was made by the soldiers, but we can aspire to retain the enduring Anzac spirit as we journey through life.

Everything you see today, your children, grandchildren – it is all thanks to those brave men and women who gave us our freedom. Finally, I take a moment to reflect on the courage of young Australians who are currently deployed overseas in theatres of war like Iraq and Afghanistan.

So to the heroes whose home is in our hearts,

LEST WE FORGET...

CHS Vice-Captain, Stephany Martin delivering the guest speaker address at the Wentworth Anzac Day Ceremony.

Principal, Mr Rob Scotton, headed the CHS contingent during the Anzac Day March.


HAMLET Sharon Zirngast, Marnie Stone, Christie Duncan, Jacqui Gray and Stephany Martin, accompanied most ably by Ms Jo Crowley rose at the “crowing of the cock” (very early!) to await a plane to Sydney (via Melbourne), to see one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays—‘Hamlet’. “Though this be madness, yet there is method in ‘t”. We went all that way because it is one of our main texts studied for HSC Advanced English.

Arriving in Sydney around 10am we went to our accommodation – the lovely Sydney Backpackers (no sarcasm intended, it really is an good place to stay). Keen to stretch our legs we spent three hours looking around the shops, “now, no shopping girls!” yeah right! – Teenage girls in a city, not allowing us to shop is like not allowing us to eat. So, we came home with a few dresses and shirts, but we bought a few educational books and CDs to balance it.

At 2pm we embarked on our cultural tour, enthusiastically guided by Ms Crowley. We made it half way across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, then we wandered through ‘The Rocks’ which is so full of history. Finally, we ended up at a book store where we met Mrs Robyn Lynch, our Deputy Principal, who had driven from Newcastle to Sydney to meet us. We spent a little longer doing some ‘educational’ shopping then we returned to the Backpackers to prepare for the main event – HAMLET!

The play was to start at 7pm – at 6:59pm we were stuck in traffic. Still running late we arrived at the wrong theatre! Thankfully it was only down the street, so we ran to the theatre and by sheer luck the play had been delayed 15mins for another school that, conveniently for us, was also running late.

Hamlet was fantastic, a perfect mix of humour, drama and professional acting, particularly considering the company took the risk of changing the character of Hamlet to a female. After the play we were allowed to write our thoughts regarding the play on a big backboard. We were amazed by the ridiculous comment someone had already written “the guy who played Hamlet kinda looked like a chick”. Considering it was a actually a girl playing a girl we hope this person is not studying the play for their HSC.

After the performance, one of the actors kindly flagged down a taxi for us. We went out for dinner and discussed the play, and how it had inspired us for our upcoming assessment task.

Lights out at 11pm for another early start at 5:30am to catch planes home. Despite the early starts, and our spot of bad luck with traffic before the play, we had so much fun and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Thank you to Ms Crowley for putting up five teenage girls for the duration, and to Mrs Lynch for accompanying us to the theatre and dinner. It was a wonderful experience made possible by funding from the Country Area Program (CAP). Thank you also to the capable pilots who made the plane trips safe and smooth. Stephany Martin

Sophie Ross gives Hamlet female form

Page 5 Issue 6

Week

Sport Cost

1 Year Sport

Year 7 – Rollerama— Year 8 – Lifestyle Plus

Year 9 – Ten Pin, Basketball

Year 10 – Basketball, Ten Pin

$10.00

2-6 Selections include:

*Boys soccer – interschool competition

*Girls netball – interschool competition

Dance —Tennis

Years 7/8 Fun and fitness – b/ball, aussie rules, netball

Years 9/10/11 - Basketball

$3.00

7 Recreation Sport – Ten Pin, Rollerama, Lifestyle Plus, Gym/swim

$10.00

8-10 Skill Development – Rotation

Volleyball — Aussie Rules —Tennis

Lawn Bowls — Cricket — Ultimate Frisbee

$3.00

SPORT TERM 2

We had a great start to our sporting program throughout Term 1. We re-entered the Sunraysia Interschool Sports Competition. Teams competed in baseball, tennis and girls soccer. This competition enables our students the opportunity to compete in a wide variety of sports. In Term 2 the sports available for interschool competitions are boys soccer and netball. Teaching, training and selections for the interschool teams are incorporated into Friday’s sporting program. In addition, the school tries to offer a range of individual, non competitive and/or recreational sports. We have specialised coaches in soccer, netball and dance this term. Selections took place in Week 1, Term 2.

Coles Voucher Success

The students of CHS would like to thank the families in the Coles Sports Voucher Program.

This program has provided new sporting equipment for student use at the school.

From the Sports Coaching Group

HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY — YES, IT IS ON AGAIN! We will be running our Health Careers Academy again this year.

Places are limited, so see Mrs Smith without delay for an application.

This is an extremely valuable experience for those who are thinking about a career in medicine or nursing. Career paths explained by qualified nurses and doctors.

Receive an overview of the industry and have practical sessions throughout the day.


NAPLAN INFORMATION

“The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It has been an annual event for schools since 2008.

On Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May, students will undertake the 2011 NAPLAN tests.

NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four domains of Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.

NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how individual students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australia children.

All students are encouraged to participate in the tests. Students with disability may qualify for special provisions that reflect the support normally provided to them in the classroom.

An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later this year. Parents can use this informa‐tion to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern. Parents may also wish to use their child’s results to discuss progress with teachers. More information is available at www.naplan.edu.au”

The School Immunisation Program The School Immunisation Program began this week with Year 7 students commencing courses of Hepatitis B and HPV. I am quite concerned about the poor uptake of HPV vaccination, with only a little more than half of the female Year 7 students commencing the vaccination.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name given to a group of viruses that cause cervical and other cancers, genital warts and skin warts. Two particular types of HPV are responsible for causing up to 80% of cervical cancers (cancer of the cervix) in Australia. It is estimated that up to 79% of women in Australia will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

HPV can be transmitted during sex and genital skin-to-skin contact with a person who has the virus.

Many parents ask “why does my child need this vaccine if they are not sexually active?”

HPV vaccination is the most effective when it is given to females before they are exposed to the virus—before they become sexually active.

The vaccination is very effective (99%) in preventing the main types of HPV infection, including two particular types of HPV responsible for causing up to 80% of cervical cancers in Australia.

Consent forms are still available at the office.

Any enquiries about this, or any other vaccines available on the school program, can be directed to Dareton Primary Health Centre on 5021 7200.

Fiona Weir

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Immuniser

Page 7 Issue 6

TERM 1 SOCIAL — Masquerade


Rowing has been re-introduced to Coomealla High School after a break of about eight years. The sport ran throughout Term 1, 2011. Students were taught the skills of rowing and teamwork, and were able to compete against each other on the final day.

As a result of Rowing for Sport several students have joined the Wentworth Rowing Club to pursue this activity in their own time. A huge thank you to Wentworth Rowing Club for giving the school the opportunity to participate and providing equipment and trainers each Friday during the season.

We hope to continue our association with Wentworth Rowing Club later in the year.

Rowing For Sport

Romancing the Renaissance During the recent school holidays Coomealla High School Art Teacher, Mrs Susan Alexander, held an exhibition of her artwork at Stefano’s Gallery 25 in Deakin Avenue along with fellow artist, Rosemary Chisari.

The exhibition featured works painted in the classical style with a modern twist, the technique a combination of realism and impressionism with oils.

The opening on Easter Thursday was a gala affair supported by many family, friends and staff from CHS. The exhibition ran over the Easter week.

Mrs Alexander’s enthusiasm for her subject area inspires our students to think outside the box and let their inner artist shine.

The X-Factor On Sunday, April 10, I auditioned for X-Factor in Sydney, at Technology Park.

I registered at 9.30am and had a long day of waiting. I listened to other people singing to warm up, but I didn’t sing because I didn’t want people to hear my voice.

I waited for hours and my number was finally called and I went to sing for the judges. I sang “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye. I was very nervous.

The judge stopped me and told me that I was what they were looking for. I was shocked and started crying and shaking.

I am waiting to hear when the next round of the competition will be.

Lori Michelle Lolohea, Yr 11

Good Luck Lori, from everyone at Coomealla High

School

Page 9 Issue 6

STUDENT PRIVACY, PHOTOGRAPHS, MEDIA and OUR NEWSLETTER / WEBSITE

There are strict rules regarding “disclosure of personal information” under the Freedom of information and Privacy Act. “Personal Information” is defined broadly and includes photographic images where an individual is identified or his or her identify is reasonably apparent from the photograph. Thus taking photographs can constitute a collection of personal information.

The position of this school, in complying with ACT is as follows:

1. INFORMATION/IMAGES IN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER and WEBSITE

All parents/carers are advised that this school will continue to highlight the achievements and activities of students of this school in the newsletter, both in photographic and written form. If a parent/carer DOES NOT want a students name or image to appear in the newsletters, written advice of this should be sent to the principal.

2. INFORMATION/IMAGES IN LOCAL MEDIA –Newspapers, Radio, TV

As a general rule consent of a student’s parent/carers will be sought when an individual student or small group of

students will be identified by name, interviewed or otherwise featured in local media.

3. VIDEOTAPING OR PHOTOGRAPHING SCHOOL EVENTS

Where school events (eg concerts, sports carnivals, etc) are to be video taped by the school, parents and carers will be advised in advance and given the opportunity to not have their child included in the video.

There is, however, nothing to prevent parents or other family members or friends of students taking photographs or

videos of school events.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY AT SCHOOL BY TEACHERS/SUPPORT STAFF

The school has implemented guidelines for students being photographed at school events such as socials, excursions, sport

carnivals and the like. Generally, a student must agree to have their photo taken. Agreeing to pose individually or in a group will be taken as consent. Action photos of sport activity will be taken eg races.

West Darling Football Congratulations to Connor Darby, Ian McKinnon, Cameron Brander, Mitch Davison, Jacob Watt and Aaron Duck who were selected to go to Sydney as part of the Western Region’s West Darling Football Team. This will be a valuable experience for the boys, not only with the different landscape, but also for their personal development in playing football.

The other members of the Coomealla Team who went to Broken Hill to participate were: Bailey Chatterton, Oliver Mangan, Jake Cumming, Dean Garraway, Ashley Watson, Rhys Chrisitian, Jordan McKinnon, Linden Gibbs, Tanner James, Kayden Cullinan, Bailey Tyers and Thomas Christensen.

A big thanks to all the Coomealla boys! They were congratulated by the other coaches who told them they all ‘had a go’ and should be proud of their efforts. Also to our coach, Mr Driscoll, who kept the boys on task with their positioning and endeavour, thank you.

Well Done!

Michael Dicker

Our representatives in the Western Region’s West Darling Football Team


MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

9/5 A Week 3

10/5

NAPLAN

School Council Meeting

11/5

NAPLAN

12/5

NAPLAN

CMA Youth Forum 10.1Geog

13/5

CMA Youth Forum 10.2 Geog

16/5 B Week 4

Jnr/Snr Girls Football 1pm

17/5

Yr 6 Parent/Student Open Night 6.30pm

P&C Meeting

Public Speaking Comp P 2

18/5

Cross Country

19/5

20/5

Newsletter 7

23/5 A Week 5

Wimmera Hearing Testing

Yr 7

24/5

Boys Soccer

Computer Test

25/5

Impact Conf Mildura for SRC, Captains and AECG

26/5 27/5

Senior Soccer

30/5 B Week 6

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 11 Exams

31/5

Year 11 Exams

1/6

Year 11 Exams

2/6

Year 11 Exams

3/6

Newsletter 8

Year 11 Exams

Netball

6/6 A Week 7

7/6 John Joseph Parent Work-shop Coomealla Golf Club 7 – 8.30 pm Parents and Carers welcome

8/6

John Joseph Mind Your Brain Workshop 7W, 7T, 8I and 8M

Coomealla Golf Club

9.30am – 2.30pm

9/6 10/6

13/6 B Week 8

Queen’s Birthday Holiday

14/6 15/6 16/6

The Hurting Game—Harassment Year 7- 8 at 9am

17/6

Newsletter 9

VCE Ball—Setts Club

20/6 A Week 9

Variety Concert

Yr 11 Vet Work Placement

Trial HSC

21/6

Trial HSC

P&C Meeting

22/6

Trial HSC

23/6

Trial HSC

24/6

Trial HSC

27/6 B Week 10

Trial HSC

28/6

Trial HSC

29/6

Trial HSC

30/6

Trial HSC—am

Term 2 Formal Assembly—pm

1/7

Newsletter 10

Last Day Term 2

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

4/7/11 — 15/7/11

18/7 A Week 1

First Day Term 3

Staff Development Day

19/7

All students return

P&C Meeting

20/7 21/7 22/7

10 WEEK CALENDAR

Updated on our Website this fortnight:

Two New Photo Albums:

Term 1 Social—Masques

Anzac Day

Due dates for Merit Certificates

Students: Hand in 10 merits by Monday Week 9

Teachers: Hand in merits by Monday Week 9

Page 11 Issue 6

RECIPE CORNER Easy Chicken Curry with Vegetables—Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

3 large chicken fillets, sliced thinly

1 large onion, sliced

2 carrots, sliced

1 red capsicum, diced

20 snow peas

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2-4 tablespoons curry powder

2 tablespoons oil

1 x 375mil can light evaporated milk

2 chicken stock cubes

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan and add garlic and curry power.

2. Cook until fragrant.

3. Add sliced chicken fillets and brown.

4. Add sliced onions and cook 2-3 minutes.

5. Add sliced carrot and diced capsicum and cook for 2 minutes.

6. Stir in the evaporated milk and stock cubes.

7. Simmer for 5 minutes.

8. Add snow peas.

9. Serve with rice or noodles.

The Mildura and District Little Athletics Centre (MDLAC) are commencing their cross country season on 15th May from 1.30 at Apex Park.

New members are welcome. Further information can be found at the MDLAC website

www.littleathsmildura.org.au or on the School noticeboard.

MORE DATES NEXT NEWSLETTER

CELEBRATING FAMILY WEEK Mallee Family Care

Parents & Carers—Come and Share Your Stories

When: Thursday, 19th May

Time: 1.30pm

Where: Dareton Library—Senior Citizen Conf Rm

AFTERNOON TEA PROVIDED Come and share your stories. Please bring along photos (old and new) to photocopy and laminate.

For more Info: Phone Narna or Mel on 5027 4067

Winter Basketball Season

Junior & Senior Grades

Starts from

Monday May 2nd Entries still open for all

grades

Term 2 Aussie Hoops

For Boys & Girls aged 5 – 8

Starts Monday May 2nd from 4.15pm

At the WHK Hothouse.

Please call 5023 2241 for more details.

FFV Sunraysia

J-League information for parents

Starting Date: 8th May 2011

Break: 12th June 2011 (Queen’s Birthday LWE )

Final Date: 14th August 2011

Starting Times:

· J11 = 11am pitch 12

· J10 = 10am pitch 13

· J9 = 11am pitch 12

· J8 = 10am pitch 12

· J6 + J7 = 9.30am pitch 13

Newsletter Issue 6

Coomealla High School—Absence Note

Student Name: ___________________________ Year: ________Roll Group: ______________

My child was absent from school: Date/s ____________________________________________

Reason: ____________________________________________________________________

Signed: __________________________________Parent/Guardian




Reason: ____________________________________________________________________





Reason: ____________________________________________________________________


IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ABSENTEE NOTES The DET Attendance Policy PD20050259 states that:

Parents are responsible for explaining the absences of their children from school promptly and within seven days to the school. (from Responsibilities, 2.1 point 3); and

A hard copy of the electronic record is to be generated weekly for the previous two-week period. The principal or delegated school executive must endorse this hard copy, certifying its accuracy. Once signed, this hard copy becomes the record of attendance and must not be amended. (4.2 Electronic Attendance Registers, 4.2.2)

Please send absentee notes to school promptly and, if you are going on

holidays, please inform the school in advance.

Quotable Quotes:

This above all — to thine ownself be true;

And it must follow, as the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man.

Hamlet, Polonius, Act 1, scene iii

Documents

Phone: Fax: Email: Anzac Day 2011 Inside this issue