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_______________________________________________________________________________
Principal Deputy Principals Collegiate Deputy Principal
Karen Smith David Macleod-Jones & Stan Pianko Larry McGowan
AUGUST 2012
August 22 Yr12 Physics Excursion-ANSTO
August 22 Yr11Road Youth Trauma Forum
August 30 SRC Willandra Village Visit
August 31 Yr11/12 Trade School Students-
Richmond RAAF Base
SEPTEMBER 2012
September 3 Support Incursion First Aid
September 10-21 Yr11 Final Exams
September 18 Support Ten Pin Bowling
September 20 Yr12 Graduation
September 21 End Term 3
OCTOBER 2012
October 8 Start Term 4
FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL
Term 3 Focus – Consolidation and Conclusion – As you would be
aware, Term 3 is the time that we at Wyndham have several conclusions.
It marks the final stages of the Preliminary HSC for Year 11 who then,
during Term 4 begin their study of the HSC curriculum itself. We actually
have Year 11 go through transition and “sign out” procedures early Term 4
as they progress to the final stage of their secondary education.
For Year 12, this is the term where they complete all course work and
assessment tasks in readiness for us to submit the detailed information to
the Board of Studies as required. Also during this term, those subjects
which have a practical element are marked – many of them such as Music,
Drama, Dance, IT – here on site by Board of Studies HSC marking teams,
and some of them centrally, at the marking centre (such as Visual Arts and
Textiles).
We celebrate the successful conclusion of Year 12 at their graduation
ceremony (this year on Thursday September 20). Year 12 then undertake
their HSC exams during Term 4.
Library Agreement – I am pleased to report that we have signed an
agreement with the Nirimba Education Precinct TAFE/UWS library that
enables our students to not only use the library for research but to have
borrowing rights. This gives a significant advantage to our students as the
library has a wonderful collection which complements our own
Wyndham/Terra Sancta library resource.
Students interested in accessing his facility should see Tony Csordas, our
own librarian to complete the necessary documentation.
WYNDHAM WHISPERS
WYNDHAM COLLEGE
A partner within the Nirimba Collegiate Group of Schools
and the Nirimba Education Precinct
Nirimba Education Precinct, Eastern Road, Quakers Hill
Phone: 9208 7100 Fax: 9208 7199
Volume 14 Issue 5
August 2012
FRIENDS OF
WYNDHAM
COLLEGE
(P & C)
Forum
All Parents
Invited
Tuesday
21 August
7PM
Administration
Block
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 2
UWS – Student Success and Recognition Ceremony - On 21 June, there was a recognition and awards
presentation for successful 2011/2012 students. The event was held in the UWSCollege lecture theatre
for the first time due to the large numbers (over 100 people present), and was a splendid celebration
hosted by the University and UWSCollege. 16 students graduated, 10 from Wyndham and 6 from Terra
Sancta. Amongst the group there was 4 High Distinctions, 6 Distinctions, and 6 Credits. Outstanding
results.
Congratulations – I am again able to report success with our students studying with UWSCollege.
Ashley Kumar achieved outstanding results at UWSCollege last semester. Ashley has studied
Marketing Principles, a university level subject, in conjunction with her HSC commitments and has
earned a distinction. This fantastic mark has not only earned her a $500 study grant but also a priority
offer and $20,000 scholarship if she chooses to study at the University of Western Sydney in 2013.
Congratulations Ashley and good luck for what the Wyndham College community is sure will be a
bright and successful future.
On the Sporting Front – Congratulations to our open rugby league team who recently played Dubbo
Secondary College. Although we did not win, our team played well. Well done to all involved for
showing such good sportsmanship.
Attendance – Student attendance at school is important and it is a legal requirement for students who
are of compulsory school age. The Education Act 1990 – Section 21B(3) states that:
“A child who completes Year 10 of secondary education but who is below the age of 17 years is
of compulsory school age unless the child participates on a full time basis in:
(a) Approved education or training, or
(b) If the child is of or above the age of 15 years – paid work or a combination of approved
education or training and paid work.”
We have a small number of students who regularly miss school. We now have two head teachers
monitoring attendance. Beth O’Connor will be monitoring year 11 and Chandrika Prasad will monitor
Year 12. If you know your son/daughter will be absent please contact the college.
Attendance is important to ensure students follow the course as delivered by the school. The session
lengths mean that if a student is absent one day, they have missed at least 2 hours in the courses they are
studying.
Taster Lessons - Recently we had taster lessons for Year 10 from our feeder schools. They were
extremely successful and I thank all the staff involved from all campuses and to the students who were
actively involved in the day.
E-news – Wyndham Whispers will now be emailed home, placed on the website and facebook. Spare
paper copies will be available in the Admin office only.
Finally – As the cold weather diminishes (hopefully) I would ask that we pay some attention again to
uniform. It appears to me that a small number of students have fallen into bad habits. I ask that all
students ensure that they are in uniform each day and that in the rare event where there is a mishap and
it is not possible to be in full uniform, that a note from home be provided. Finance should never be an
excuse as we have a Student Assistance Scheme which can be accessed via the office and is
confidential.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Karen Smith – College Principal
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 3
FROM THE YEAR 11 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Internet Safety
Wyndham College has developed a Social Media Policy. The overview from this policy states:
“Social media through the internet provides excellent opportunities for professional networking, ideas
and resource exchange and collaboration amongst students.
However its use without consideration or adequate supervision may cause problems that may breach
privacy, copyright or lead to cyber bullying.
Information or images published should be considered permanently published. It is almost impossible to
remove information once is has been posted/published, even when it seems to have been taken down.”
More and more parents are concerned about the exposure of the internet upon their children. Facebook
is one avenue of social networking favoured by teens that can be managed through effective use of the
resources they provide. It is always important that you regularly speak to your child about online safety.
If suspicious activity occurs, or you have concerns, the following links may prove helpful:
Facebook Help: http://wwwFacebook.com/help/?page=1020
Harassed on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=1020
Report a Compromised Account: http://www.facebook.com/hacked/
Report Abuse Without a Facebook Account:
http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?show_form=report_tos_violation
Removal of Child Abuse Material:
http://www.facebook.com/help/contact.php?showform=report_photo
Terms of Facebook: http://wwwFacebook.com/terms.php
Cyber Safety Button:
http://www.dbcde.gov.au/online_safety_and_security/cybersafetyhelpbutton_download/questions_and
_answers#1
David Macleod-Jones – Deputy Principal
FROM THE YEAR 12 DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
At this time of year it is traditional for the Year 12 deputy principal to give students all kind of advice
about how to prepare for the Higher School Certificate, advice that in many cases has already been
given by dedicated teachers. Since the Trial exams I have met with a number of concerned students
about their Higher School Certificate. After the Trials, it is not unusual for students to question their
preparedness to sit for a set of important exams that are only weeks away.
At the last school assembly, Thursday 9th
August, I spoke to students about a young courageous woman
Olympic athlete from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the lessons students, particularly Year 12,
could take from her example.
The young woman’s name is Sarah Attar. She ran in one of the 800m heats in an outfit reflecting the
Muslim tradition. Sarah came last by twenty four seconds. I have no doubt that before entering the
competition she would have known what the final outcome would be, nevertheless she entered and,
more importantly, completed the race where some other competitors withdrew mid-way through the
heat.
Sarah’s reward was a standing ovation form a crowd of spectators 80 000 strong. No medal of any
colour for her. I don’t know who the final gold medal winner was, however because of her courage to
compete, her determination to finish the race and maintaining her conviction to her faith Sarah won the
respect and admiration of the crowd in the stadium and many, many other people around the world. Her
experience will always remain with her.
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 4
Like Sarah’s Olympic effort, preparing for the Higher School Certificate requires students to have the
courage to sit for the exams, the determination to prepare well and complete the course requirements,
and maintain the conviction that what one is doing is worthwhile. Sitting for the Higher School
Certificate is a one off lifetime event, unlike the Olympics where athletes, if they are good enough, can
enter as many times as they qualify.
Records come and go but the Higher School Certificate, like the experience of competing, once attained
stays with you for a lifetime. It can’t be taken away. This academic credential says something
important to others about its owner. The Higher School Certificate has often been identified as an
important Rite of Passage from adolescence to adulthood just like eighteenth and twenty-first birthdays
are. It says that the person has achieved the necessary academic course requirements, can commit to
doing a difficult task, is disciplined and is determined enough to achieve important goals.
To Year 12 may I say that it is important where you are placed in a course as it is in any race, but if it is
last place and that is the best you can do, you have achieved something very worthwhile. Having the
Higher School Certificate opens up many more workplace opportunities for you compared to someone
who hasn’t one. Extra shifts and McDonalds will come and go, most friends and relationships will
come and go but your Higher School Certificate stays with you, and it can’t be taken away. The time
and effort is worthwhile. Finish the race!
Stan Pianko – Deputy Principal
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Last week at the National Swimming Championships held at Homebush, Jacob Hansford of Yr 11
achieved some outstanding results in Swimming, winning 4 Gold Medals in 200m Butterfly, 200m
Freestyle, 400m Freestyle and the Relay and 2 Silver Medals in Relays.
He also broke the 200m Butterfly record.
Congratulations Jacob!
GONSKI COULD BE GREAT FOR OUR SCHOOL
Have you heard about the findings of the Gonski Review? Well, potentially it is very good news for our
school and our students.
Headed by senior businessman David Gonski, the review was the most comprehensive national
investigation of school funding in almost 40 years. It found not only was the current funding system
broken but Australia is investing far too little in schools.
The lack of funding is having significant consequences for students with widening gaps between what
students achieve in disadvantaged areas compared to those in wealthy areas.
Gonski said a major funding increase for public schools and (some private schools) is urgently required
to ensure a high quality education for all.
That increase translates to an average of $1,500 per student extra per year in public schools. If we were
to receive that amount, it would mean an additional $1,275,000 in our budget.
For our school, additional money would be spent in the areas we know make a real difference for
students such as smaller class sizes, more individual assistance for students with particular needs and
additional staff.
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 5
The problem is that, despite the positive response from all education sectors to the report, there has been
no commitment by either the Federal Government or the Opposition in Canberra to the new system or
the additional funding.
The Australian Education Union, which represents teachers and principals, is running a national
campaign to get a commitment to the funding and new laws passed based on the Gonski
recommendations before the end of 2012.
If you would like to see additional resources flowing to our school, you can register your support at the
Australian Education Union’s campaign website www.igiveagonski.com.au.
Alternatively, if you would like to contact our Federal MP for Chifley, Ed Husic, directly you can do so
at 9625 4344.
You can also find out more about the Gonski Review at the Federal Government’s website:
http://www.schoolfunding.gov.au/
SRC Reports
Rising Generations (Paul Mills)
As a returning delegate to the National Leadership Camp, I experienced yet another four days of
empowerment, refreshing the same feelings that I attained last year. Being able to spend four days with
over two hundred like-minded people continued my astonishment concerning what we, as the young
people of Australia have to offer for our nation’s bright future.
This experience, although different than last year has been a life changing in the impact it has had on my
life. This is a camp that I would truly encourage any person, anywhere in the world to attend. It is truly
the most life changing four days anyone could have.
I have been truly honoured to have been chosen as a returning delegate for 2012.
Women’s Leadership Seminar
On the 3rd
of August, we represented our school at Parliament House in Sydney for the Women’s
Leadership Campaign. The day consisted of various women politicians who told their stories and
encouraged the rise of leadership for women. The event was held for Year 11 girls who aspire to be
leaders in modern society. We were given a tour of Parliament House, where we were privileged to sit in
the chambers and experience a political history. The day concluded with question time where we were
given the opportunity to ask questions to two female members of Parliament. We are thankful to the
school for this experience and encourage others to participate in the coming years.
Emily Hawkins and Jasmine Camilleri
Support Excursion to Sydney Airport
The students and staff embarked on a flying excursion to Sydney Airport. We were taken on a guided
tour of the Qantas A380 airbus.
Some students boarded an aeroplane for the first time in their lives. We walked around the plane and
stood next to the giant landing gear and the tyres dwarfed us. We also stood under their enormous
engines that keep the plane so safely up in the sky for such long periods of time.
Thereafter we boarded the plane and enjoyed the comforts of the first class section (minus the food and
drinks of course). The cost of flying first class – an arm and a leg. The students then entered the cockpit
of the plane which is usually only allowed to dignitaries – which we were. The cockpit was lit up with
dials, buttons, switches and a million other electronic gadgets that make the Sydney News Year’s Eve
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 6
fireworks display look quite ordinary. Some students had to be dragged out of the cockpit by Qantas
Security because the plane had to fly out later that evening.
We then refuelled (pardon the term) at McDonalds, went on a flying visit to La Perouse beach and then
headed back and landed at Wyndham College in our own mini airbus.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Students studying Work and Community Life Skills are required to participate in our Work Experience
Program. This year our students are attending sites for 10 days in Term 2 together with a further
placement in Term 4.
We would like to acknowledge the following businesses who have very generously hosted our students
and encourage the school community to actively support these businesses who support and encourage
our students so brilliantly. COLES, Stanhope Gardens
FRANKLINS, Blacktown
HARDWARE & GENERAL, Marayong
STEVE’S AUTO, Blacktown
ENDEAVOUR INDUSTRIES, Castle Hill
BLUE WAIL, Blaxland
PISANI BROTHERS, Blacktown
PAT AND MICKS, Blacktown
TERRA SANCTA LIBRARY, Schofields
UWS CONNECT, Quakers Hill
EAGLE BOYS PIZZA, Quakers Hill
BUNNINGS, McGraths Hill
MICHAEL GREENWAY, Terra Sancta, Quakers Hill
WYNDHAM COLLEGE, Quakers Hill
K-MART, Stanhope Gardens
GENESIS FITNESS, Blacktown
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 7
FRIENDS OF WYNDHAM COLLEGE would like to thank the following businesses for donating to
the Trivia and Bingo Night. Your support is very much appreciated.
Aldi Quakers Hill
Aspire Hair & Beauty
Australian Museum
Australian Reptile Park
Australia’s Funniest Home Videos
Blacktown RSL
Bunnings Norwest
Captain Cook Cruises
Charcoal Chicken Quakers Hill
Country Fresh Meats Quakers Hill
Featherdale Wildlife Park
GWS Giants
Historic Houses Trust
Hoyts Blacktown
Koala Park Sanctuary
Margret Ayshford’s Bridal Veils
Nepean Belle Paddle Wheeler
Nunzio’s Pizza & Pasta
Powerhouse Museum
Quakers Hill Cellars
Seafood Wizard
Step into life
Sydney Ice Arena
Sydney Observatory
The Cheesecake Shop Quakers Hill
The Good Guys Prospect
FREE PLANTS FOR COLLEGE
Once again, a big thank you to all families and staff who kindly donated their Blacktown City
Council free allocation of 2 plants to the school. We had a very good response and the
Council have already delivered our allocation which totalled 80 plants. This is fantastic and
will go a long way to further beautifying our school.
UNIFORM NEWS
New shirts with embroidered school logo are now available from the Uniform shop.
COST: $27.00 (boys & girls). This price is effective as of 1st May 2012.
FREE -MATHS TUITION
All students are invited to join the free Maths tuition that is held in C4 every Tuesday afternoon
from 3pm to 4pm. Be there
FREE -CHEMISTRY TUTORIALS
Every Tuesday at 3pm – 4pm in B01
FREE -PHYSICS TUTORIALS
Every Monday at 3pm – 4pm in B01
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 8
FREE- YOUTH DRIVING SEMINAR - 3rd
& 4th
October 2012
Seminar 1 Wednesday 3rd
October 2012, 6pm
Castle Grand Community Centre
Cnr Pennant & Castle Sts, Castle Hill
RSVP Online: www.youthdrivingseminar1.eventbrite.com.au
Seminar 2 Thursday 4th
October 2012, 6pm
Vinegar Hill Community Centre
29 Main St, Rouse Hill Town Centre
RSVP Online: www.youthdrivingseminar2.eventbrite.com.au
Places are limited
6pm- Young Drivers –What’s the issue?
(Surviving Driving) Julieanna Bridges.
6.30pm-Motor Vehicles –Purchase & Repairs (NSW Dept Fair
Trading).
7pm –Break
7.15pm- Buying a Car & Managing Your Money (NSW Dept
Fair Trading).
7.45pm- Presentation by Paramedics (First Response).
8.30pm-Finish
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 9
6 Prince Street BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
Telephone: (02) 9831 2070 Fax: (02) 9831 2344
Email: [email protected]
BWGHC Inc. is an organisation that encourages women and girls to come and
experience the wide range of classes and workshops available to you. These include;
Women’s health
Naturopathy
Podiatry
Counselling
Legal advice
Lesbian support
Support groups
Information workshops
Leisure groups
Referral and information
With any enquiries into detail of services we provide, please do not hesitate
to contact us or even drop into our centre!
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 10
Groups being held by Blacktown Women’s and Girls’ Health Centre (BWGHC)
which can be attended by students are:
Groups being held which can be attended by Parents/Adults are:
Monday
SSSSAAWW –– YYoouunngg WWoommeenn
1166--2200yyeeaarrss This is a small group where girls who are Same Sex Attracted can discuss important life issues that relate to sexuality in a safe, facilitated environment. Plus a free SUPPER!
6:00-8:00pm First Monday of the month
Wednesday
BB..LL..II..SS..SS
LLeessbbiiaann SSoocciiaall GGrroouupp SSeeccoonndd aanndd
ffoouurrtthh WWeeddnneessddaayy eevveenniinnggss
66ppmm--88ppmm
FFRREEEE!!
Thursday
ZZuummbbaa Sharon will be back to lead us through Zumba! Great way to get moving and have fun!
4:30pm-5:30pm $5
Monday
CCrraafftt MMoorrnniinngg ““OOnnee HHiitt
WWoonnddeerrss”” CCoommee aalloonngg aanndd
ddoo aa nneeww ccrraafftt
eeaacchh wweeeekk
1100::3300--1122 nnoooonn
$$55
YYooggaa Beginners yoga, learn to relax and stretch. Balance your life and learn the elements of calm
1pm-2pm $5
Tuesday
MMeeddiittaattiioonn 9:30-10:30AM
$5
CChhiillddhhoooodd
OObbeessiittyy UUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg aanndd
ssuuppppoorrtt ttoo hheellpp
cchhiillddrreenn tthhrroouugghh
tthhiiss eemmeerrggiinngg
pprroobblleemm 3311sstt JJuullyy--2211sstt
AAuugguusstt
1111aamm--1122::3300ppmm $$2200 wwhhoollee
pprrooggrraamm
CCrryyssttaall
AAddvveennttuurreess CCrryyssttaall hheeaalliinngg
uunnddeerrssttaannddiinngg
CChhaakkaarraa 3311sstt JJuullyy--2211sstt AAuugguusstt
11::3300--22::3300ppmm
$$55
Wednesday
TTAAFFEE CCoommppuutteerr
CCoouurrssee
1177 wweeeekk
pprrooggrraamm INTRODUCTION
TO COMPUTERS
Certificate Course (Bookings
Essential limited numbers)
9:30-12:30PM
FREE!
WWaallkkiinngg GGrroouupp
GGrroouupp ssiizzee lliimmiitteedd
pplleeaassee bbooookk!! 9:30am-10:30am
BB..LL..II..SS..SS
LLeessbbiiaann SSoocciiaall
GGrroouupp SSeeccoonndd aanndd
ffoouurrtthh WWeeddnneessddaayy
eevveenniinnggss
66ppmm--88ppmm
FFRREEEE!!
Thursday
DDoommeessttiicc
VViioolleennccee Support group,
understanding,
information, a cup of coffee/tea and a
friendly face 11:00am-12:30pm
FREE!
YYooggaa Beginners yoga,
learn to relax and stretch. Balance
your life and learn
the elements of calm 1:00pm-2:00pm
$5
ZZuummbbaa Sharon will be back to lead us through Zumba 4:30pm-5:30pm
$5
Friday
Stop Weighting Support yourself to manage your weight. With Alison and Glenys. Bookings essential.
9:30am-11am $50 for the full
program
Art Express Learn fun ways to express yourself through Art. Trudie will be leading this group. Spaces limited to 5 people.
11:00am-12:30pm $7.50 per session
MMeeddiittaattiioonn Gentle relaxation before the weekend stress with Trudie. 1:30pm-2:30pm
$5
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 11
SAFE DRIVING
Is your teen learning to drive? Youth Safe, an organisation dedicated to preventing
serious injury in young people aged 15 to 25 years, has developed resources for parents
on how they can help their children become safer drivers.
To download the fact sheet and for further information go to:
http://www.youthsafe.org/publications-resources/resources-for-parents/42-publications-a-
resources/resource-parents.html
YOUNG ENDEAVOUR
Young Endeavour is a not for profit organisation that provides young Australians aged 16
to 23 with a unique, challenging and inspirational experience at sea aboard the national
sail training ship, Young Endeavour. Applications are now being taken for voyages in the
first half of 2013. For more information go to:
http://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/site
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 12
Wyndham College Volume 14 Issue 5
_______________________________________________________________________________ 13
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
SMS - the College number is – 0416 906 146.
CHANGE OF DETAILS
To keep student records as up to date as possible please complete the slip below, if you have changed address or
changed phone numbers, and return to the front office.
Student Name ………………………………………………………………………………………………...
New Address ………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Home Phone ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Mobile Phone –Mother ……………………………………………Name…………………………………....
Mobile Phone -Father ……………………………………………Name……………………………………
Signed ………………………………………………………. Date……………………………...............
Excursions
Excursions are an important part of the school curriculum. They provide students with a
diversity of learning experiences that are very valuable.
However, the excursions take considerable time and effort to organise so that they run
efficiently. For this reason the school policy is that all excursion money must be paid by
the date indicated on the permission note. Students who do not pay by this date will not be
able to attend the excursion.
If there is a special circumstance preventing payment by the due date, your child should see
the Head Teacher.
If you wish to receive “Wyndham Whispers” by email or have
recently changed your email address please complete this slip and
return to the office:
Student Name ___________________________________________________
Email Address ___________________________________________________ Please print carefully
Emails