Wee Waa High School Issue 17, November 24th, 2014

Contributions by Thursday prior to publication to: Email weewaa-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au ; Fax 02 6795 3005

http://www.weewaa-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

As the end of the year draws close, the list of jobs to be completed by the 17th December, last day of the year for students, increases geometrically. The im-portant event for parents/carers is Presentation Night on Wednesday10th December. An information sheet on this event will go home closer to the date.

On Tuesday 11th November, the whole school joined the community Remembrance Day Service at the me-morial cross formed by the town centres’ Jacaranda Trees. The service was followed by a sausage sizzle in Danger Park. Both events were outstanding com-munity activities and we thank the Rotary Club for their organisation. As part of the involving the towns’ students in the local history of the Jacaranda Trees as the Memorial Cross and Australian citizenship, a research competi-tion was organised. The proud winners of the High School section were Erin Moore, Senior section, Ab-by Downes, Junior section, Tyrell Toomey, Com-mendable effort and Chloe Murphy, Katie Arthur, Jamie-Lee Hooke, Curston Small and Georgia McKenzie, the group section.

Another very special event this week was the opening of the Binaalbaa (place of learning) Room and the unveiling of two very symbolic structures, the totem pole carved by a remarkable artisan Daryl Ferguson, which highlights the local totems of Pilliga and Wee Waa and a colourful mural painted by well-known local grand artist Clifford Toomey. The two structures symbolise the importance that Wee Waa High School places on Aboriginal culture and all in the community are welcome to and come and see these world class art works.

We are hoping to see you all before break at Presen-tation Night to wish you a Merry Christmas and Hap-py New Year.

Neil Schneider Principal

Upcoming Events: 2014 Nov 27th & 28th - Year 6 Transition Nov 27th - Year 6 Parent Night 6.00pm Dec 10th - Presentation Night Dec 17th - Students Last Day 2015 Feb 3rd - Staff Development Day Feb 4th - Yrs 7, 11 & 12 Return Feb 5th - Yrs 8, 9 & 10 Return

Remembrance Day 2014

School Captains and Vice Captains Tristan, Teagan, Kyann & Brandon

Wee Waa High School Presentation Night

Wednesday 10th December 7pm

Year 12 Formal 2014 Year 12 2014 celebrated the end of their schooling in a fitting and extravagant event at the Wee Waa Bowling Club on Saturday night. The theme was ‘Glitz and Glamour’ and that it was. Year 12 students dressed in their finery, were presented to Mr Schneider and Mrs Downes, after a thoughtful introduction from MC Mrs Sue Smith. In March, students, parents and staff started the planning for this auspicious occasion. By popular vote, students planned the theme, the meal, the decorations, the invites and even the cake. Supported by their year advisor of six years, Mrs Sharon Grellman, the students, families and friends made the invites, decorated the room and the tables, and, glamorous it was. A fantastic night was enjoyed by students, friends and families.

The event was only possible with the help of an enormous amount of people. The whole school community: students, parents, relatives, friends, staff & the P&C of Wee Waa High School. Organisations that assisted with sponsorship and/or donations include: Namoi Cotton, GrainCorp, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Peppertree Cottage, Marinda Nursery, Tamworth Community College, Westpac Bank Narrabri & A1 Hire. We’d also like to acknowledge the support of the Wee Waa Bowling Club, Connie Smith Catering, Rhonda Palmer Cakes, Studio Works Photography and Matt McCarthy, the DJ. Special mention and thank you’s are deserved for Mrs O’Neill and our Year Adviser of six years, Mrs Sharon Grellman. Year 12 would sincerely like to thank everyone for making their formal a special and memorable night.

Wee Waa High School Class of 2014

Monday 24th November 2014

The Official Opening

On Thursday 20th of November, the official opening of the “Binaalbaa” (Place of Learning) room took place at Wee Waa High School. A number of guests attended the Ceremony. It was a huge success. The director of public schools, Ms Rebecca Langdon, was invited to attend but unfortunately was unable to attend. She gave us her deepest apologies. Ms Langdon was supposed to officially open the office but Mr Schneider, the Wee Waa High School Principal, addressed the opening on behalf of Ms Langdon. Aboriginal Education Community Liaison Officer, Mr Eddie Pitt from Moree Department of Education office attended the ceremony and was impressed with the artwork displayed and the planning of the day. Mr Eddie Pitt was one of the Mentors in our Totem project that was implemented in NAIDOC Week a few years ago.

Curtis Booby performed the welcome to country in Kamilaroi language and in English. He did an exceptional job at reading Welcome to Country. The guests were very impressed. I acknowledge the artists Darryl Ferguson and Cliffy Toomey. Unfortunately, Cliffy was unable to attend the opening of” Binaalbaa” room due to commitments with his daughter Tjnisha Toomey who was performing with the Bangarra Dance Company. We also had visitors from community agencies that attend the opening.

Cliffy Toomey’s artwork is displayed on the outside wall and Darryl Ferguson’s totem pole is displayed in the front courtyard of the “Binaalbaa” room. The significant reasons for the totem pole are to represent the local indigenous communities. The animal which is the sand Goanna represents the Pilliga people and the Black Snake represents the people before us. It’s been my pleasure to showcase our culture in displaying artwork from our local artists. Darryl travelled from Lightening Ridge to work on the Totem pole. His concept on the artwork is to contribute to a worthwhile cause to showcasing our culture. Symbols on top of the totem are on all four sides; two incomplete and the two are complete because they have the totem underneath. Cliffy took the time to express his concept on the mural to show our students the importance of the culture.

I would like to thank Darryl and Cliffy for the time and energy they put into their artwork and for the support they contribute to the Wee Waa High school. Without their knowledge of Aboriginal art all of this wouldn’t be possible. This makes me proud that our culture has been showcased and acknowledged.

Aboriginal Education Officer: Helen Wenner Murri Mobile: 0455 060 177

Darryl Ferguson and Helen Wenner “Binaalbaa” room mural. Place of learning Black snake and sand Goanna totem pole

aeO cOnference

On Thursday 18th of November 2014, I travelled to Tamworth to attend an AEO conference which was held on Friday 19th of November. There were a number of issues on the agenda such as training about mental health issues affecting our students and offering practical strategies and resources to support students at need. We also had training on conflict resolution after lunch and also discussed information on resources allocation model (RAM).

Year 12 fOrmal

On Saturday 15th of November Wee Waa High School held their Year 12 Formal. There were seven Aboriginal students that completed their Higher School Certificate, It was great to see the students and their families attend this special night and they were all dressed fantastic. I would like to say on behalf of the Aboriginal team that we hope that the students get the results they were wishing for and that all their hard work paid off.

aecg meeTing

On Thursday 13th of November, we had our final AECG meeting of the year which was held at Dangar Park. It was fantastic to see members turn up to an important event for this year and we hope to get the same response for next year. The more people we get to come along to the AECG meeting the better. We would like to thank the four schools Principals and the community agencies.

chicks club

On Friday 14th November year 7, 8 students had a visit to meet for the first time with the elderly residents of the Weeronga Aged Care Facility. The year 7, 8 girls will be doing regular catch ups for the rest of the year. The students will be attending these meeting every second Friday. This is a fantastic opportunity for the girls and the elderly to chat and work, be relaxed with one another. The residents were very happy to see the school attend the facility. The girls were well behaved and very respectful to the residents.

Left to Right:- Eddie Pitt, Elijah Ferguson, Darryl Ferguson, Mrs Jean Kahl, Helen Wenner, Neil Schneider, Naomi Nean, Jan Haire, Kim Burgess.

Girls Cricket

On Monday the 11th November, a group of year 7/8 girls went to Tamworth for The North West cricket trials and a ‘Blast’ day aimed at increasing girls’ participation in cricket.

Aleisha Middleton was our only student involved in the trials for the representative team and it was wonderful to see her selected in this side. Aleisha will play as an all-rounder as she is able to bowl medium pace and provide an option as a off-spinner also. She will bat in the middle order. We congratulate Aleisha on her selection in this side and wish her well at the State Championships in Term 1 next year.

The remainder of the group participated in the ‘Blast’ day, playing some small sided games where all students had an opportunity to bat and bowl. They also received some coaching from former NSW women’s cricketer Charlotte Anondale during a net session. All the girls enjoyed the day and many of the coaches were surprised by their natural ability as it was many of the girls’ first game of cricket.

Mr Luke Stawski

Jam 4 Lunch This year in the Music Room, we have tried to push the boundaries a little during break times. The room is open every break for student to do practice or just to get out of the weather and also for students to have a positive classroom environment available for them to take control in between classes. Recently, we have ventured from our regular activities of

finishing work and practicing performances (though these still continue), into Sock Wrestling and Indoor Paper-Ball Cricket. Our team has created a completely new version of the Australian classic, and we now have a strong group of students who come in most breaks to exercise their

bowling, batting and fielding expertise. I love watching these young adults as they work together to design their own games, and then teach them to others. It is such a pleasure to watch the students as they use their breaks to foster such positive relationships and kinesthetic skills. Miss Rachel Freer

YEAR 10 MOCK INTERVIEWS AND ROTARY DINNER

On Monday 17th November, Wee Waa High School Year 10 students undertook their Mock Interviews. Namoi Cotton kindly allowed the students and interviewers to use 6 of their offices to ensure a more realistic experience. The interviewers were business people from the community and included Andrew John of Peel Valley Machinery, John Girven of Agies Rural Retail, Lucy Maxwell of Wee Waa Pharmacy, Clifford Toomey of Wee Waa Public School and Sally Knight and Pam Callachor.

The students have had a number of lessons learning interview skills, body language, personal presentation and how to answer questions. They had all prepared a portfolio consisting of an application letter, summary and resume along with the various awards they had achieved during their schooling. The students received an evaluation from the employers which showed them their areas of strength and areas which required improvement. Each student also received a Namoi Cotton hat.

In the evening, Wee Waa Rotary put on the traditional dinner that follows the mock interviews. Sally Knight delivered a speech on Interview skills and public speaking.

Students thanked those involved with Lilly Cruckshank thanking Sally Knight for the valuable information she provided to students, Nicholas McPherson and Christopher Johnson thanked the interviewers and David Gligorevic thanked the staff at the school involved in the day, Steve Mallinson from Namoi Cotton for arranging the dinner, Namoi Cotton for providing the venue for the interviews and Rotary for putting on the dinner for the students. It was a wonderful evening with around 50 people participating.

Interviewers – Clifford Toomey, Pam Callachor, Lucy Maxwell, Sally Knight and Andrew John

– John Girven absent

Jacob Haynes, Kyle Trindall, Drew Pearse, Rhys Mortimer,

Lilly Cruckshank and David Gligorevic

The students all looked wonderful and the interviewers commented that this year’s students were the best they had interviewed in quite some time. The students made Mrs Widauer and Mrs Blewitt, who had worked with them, very proud.

The Mock Interviews have assisted in preparing students for interviews in the real world and students learned the importance of being prepared, researching the company and the training required. Next week, from the 24th to 28th November, students will go out on work experience and will be working with local companies as well as workplaces in other areas such as Sydney, Tamworth, Killarney Vale and Singleton. Wee Waa High School would like to thank all of the people involved in making the day and evening such a tremendous success.

Curtis Booby, Amber Conomos, Curston Small, Katie Arthur, Josh Kerr and Rodney Dixon

Jayden Hayne, Nikita Pfeffer, Danielle Elford and Nicholas McPherson

Isabella Orcher, Kathleen Von Harten, Jermaine Toomey, Mrs Helen Wenner and Travis Dixon

SRC Report – November

Installation of Soap Dispensers

Following the hugely successful “Hope for Soap” fundraiser held in September and generosity of the students the SRC was able to fully fund the purchase of four soap dispensers, one for each of the student toilets.

The feedback from students has been extremely positive and wish that they can stay around for a long time without being ruined.

We hope that these dispensers will make one part of school life that little more pleasing. And especially hope that the students will respect theses dispensers as they will only be harming themselves if they damage or destroy them.

Drew Pearse (left) using the new soap dispensers. And Mr Legge & Tyson Gilmore (Right) inspecting the dispensers before installation

Ag Roundup Week 7 Term 4 Wow! What a 1st year I’ve had as Agriculture teacher at Wee Waa High School! Being the last newsletter of the year I thought it might be a nice idea to recall some of the highlights on the ag farm this year. In no particular order! Cattle- thanks to the generous support of the community we now have 6, soon to be 7 head of cattle on the farm. This is great and has lead to the development of the show team and soon to be upgrade of the cattle handling facilities. The show team have had a great 1st year, attending the cattle judging competitions at both Narrabri and Wee Waa Show and participating at the National All Breeds Heifer Show in Dubbo in September. The students have come a long way in their knowledge of cattle and enthusiasm/confidence in public speaking! Plans are in place for a cattle camp weekend to be held in Coonamble in early December to begin our preparations for Sydney Royal next year. Sheep- The kind donation of 3 stud dorper ewes in lamb by Mark Gett and family has increased our flock by more than double with most of our ewes having twins! This coupled with the show team successfully assisting the Hibbens family stud “Bilgamma Dorpers” showing at the National Dorper Show in Dubbo in September as well as winning a blue ribbon for the pen of lambs at Wee Waa Show, it has been a successful year with the sheep on our farm.

Cropping- The addition of an irrigation system with travelling sprinkler has certainly improved the conditions on the farm this year in what seems to be a most relentless drought. The irrigator was put to good use in growing the oat crop in the levee bank block, another successful venture resulting in the baling of 290 bales of oaten hay. We had a hotly contested Guessing competition amongst the Year 9/10 class –“who could guess the amount of bales we would grow” with the winner being Jayden Hayne with closest guess at 270 bales. Congratulations Jayden! We still have some bales for sale if community members are interested in supporting the farm, $10 a bale picked up from the ag farm. The irrigated forage sorghum is almost ready for grazing and will keep the stock fed and fat before the cattle are agisted out for the summer break.

The vegetable patch has been a constant site of activity throughout the year with all grades involved in the preparation and maintenance of the beds of seasonal produce. It is great that our produce can now be purchased locally at the Palmers Market store down the main street. This market for our produce has created new interest and stamina in the hard work that the vegie plot entails! Year 7/8 tech have even planted some cotton and will watch it grow and learn about its development stages as the season progresses.

Excursions! As well as the Show team trips, Agriculture students this year have experienced a number of field trips including a trip to the lagoon yabbying, excursions to the Namoi Echo Museum, a day at the property planning field day with local land services, as well as a day at the Ag Quip National Field days. A trip to the Narrabri Fish Farm is planned for next week so students can see the implementation of aquaculture and how yabbies’ are being farmed in our local area.

The year has also involved a number of events for the Agriculture students including a visit to the farm from the local preschool and of course our Paddock to Plate. Both events saw the students get involved and work together as a team to get the job done. Its been great to see the interest and dedication to Agriculture as a subject grow throughout the year and I look forward to an even more exciting 2015 on the school farm, hopefully with a bit of rain! Verity Gett.

CAREERS NEWS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PLUMBER?

Trade Readiness - Plumbing is a NO Fee, five (5) day program that helps people make informed career choices. Participants will undertake an intensive ‘hands-on’ program where they complete theory and practical activities across a broad range of areas in the plumbing trade. (This course is funded under the Trade Readiness Ministerial Grant Program.) The program is designed for people who are at ‘entry level’. Participants’ performance is assessed against a range of criteria and they receive a rankings

report that indicates their suitability for their chosen trade area. This would be the perfect for 2015 entry TVET. Date 3rd – 9th December 2014 (excluding Weekend) For students interested outside of the Tamworth Region, all transport, meals and accommodation would be the responsibility of the student/parent/guardian, however TNE does have a list of reasonable accommodation providers that I would be more than happy to share with you. If you are interested, please see me. UNE SUMMER SCIENCE SCHOOL – Year 9 and 10 students Over the summer break, UNE will be hosting the ConocoPhillips Science Experience. This three day ‘camp’ is for current Year 9 and 10 students and designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of hands-on science activities under the guidance of Scientists who love their work. It is being held from the 13th through to the 15th of January 2015, here on campus. Further information and registration application is available at www.scienceexperience.com.au. A detailed description of activities run throughout the camp is described below. Sponsorship: The event is sponsored by Rotary International. They will assist with covering the registration costs if a student approaches their local rotary club and applies for sponsorship to attend the event. Accommodation: Students are welcome to stay on campus for the two nights during the event, for a charge of $80. This will include all their meals and social activities during that time. Description of Activities: Science Experience comprises a number of hands-on lab based activities as well as a few informative and entertaining talks and demonstrations. The activities include robotics, where students program remote controlled vehicles, chemistry, DNA extraction, exploring the physics of sound and music, and an opportunity to culture some of the microbugs found on and in all of us. Illustrated talks on DNA, and a criminologist explaining how DNA is used and misused in crime detection. There will be a demonstration of a computerised tomography (CT) scanner in operation scanning a live sheep. Students will also have the opportunity to observe and participate in an experiment in progress measuring methane emissions from cattle. The highlight of the Experience is always the "Extreme Chemistry" show in which all five senses are intensely bombarded! On one of the evenings students visit the UNE sports complex and test their skills on the climbing walls and play pool sports. On the second evening they visit the famous Dangar's Falls, east of Armidale. Students at UNE also have the opportunity to experience life in a university residential college. VANTAGE AUTOMOTIVE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Have a look at the various dealerships offering apprenticeships at www.vantageautomotive.com under the “Apply Now” area. You will need to complete an application form online and attach a cover letter and current Resume as well as an online assessment. If accepted, you will be flown to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for training.

EMERALD AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

$10,000 for students enrolling at the college with the intention of completing th Australian primary Industries Program. You will need to demonstrate a clear interest in pursuing a career in irrigated or dryland farming. The scholarship is paid by the Central Highlands Cotton Growers

If you are interested in this scholarship, please see me.

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT - $30,000 SCHOLARSHIP Covering tuition fees and/or accommodation . Visit http://www.icms.edu.au/scholarship-type/new-domestic-students. ICMS has partnered with the NSW Rugby League to offer a unique industry sponsored professional scholarship valued at over $30,000 for a student starting at ICMS in February 2015. Professional Scholarship program rewards high-performing and community-orientated students. With numerous partner institutions offering practical as well as financial incentives. To apply and to find more information http://www.icms.edu.au/scholarships/ or

contact Rebecca Wise on (02) 94661030. Applications close 28 November 2014

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WORK EXPERIENCE IN FASHION?

Fashionmasters in Sydney have a brand new “experience fashion” high school work experience program where aspiring young creatives can be exposed to the study of fashion on a day-to-day basis as if they are working in a design studio or fashion business. For enquiries, Telephone: +61 2 9299 1400 Facsimile: +61 2 9299 0211 Email: NZeman@Holmes.edu.au Website: www.fashionmasters.com.au

DEFENCE FORCE CAREERS

The army is now recruiting got these Priority jobs including Artilleryman, Artillery Air Defender, Cavalryman, Artillery Command Systems Operator, Surveillance Aircraft Operator, Communication Systems Operator, Electronic Warfare Operator, Aircraft Structural Fitter, Technician Electronics Systems, Unit Quartermaster (Female). For further information go to http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs

Cavalryman - As a Cavalryman you will be given the opportunity to work in one of the fastest and most advanced armoured vehicles in the world. This is an incredibly dynamic, exciting and rewarding role within the Armoured Corps.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/Cavalryman/

Artilleryman - Looking for a job you won’t need that morning caffeine hit for? As an Artilleryman you’ll learn how to assemble and fire state-of-the-art weaponry and be part of a tight team providing the Army with highly accurate and vital fire support.

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/Artilleryman/

If any of your students wish to apply for an above role – head to www.defencejobs.gov.au or call 13 19 01. More information on the application process can be found here: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/howToJoin/default.aspx MRS L WIDAUER

On the 3rd of December 2014, we are having a ‘loud shirt day’ to raise money for the SRC. So everyone please wear your craziest shirt for a gold coin donation!

‘Loud Shirt Day’ will be followed by a social!!!

TIME: 6pm – 9pm

THEME: Hawaiian

LOCATION: Wee Waa High School Hall