6th September, 2013 ISSUE NO. 14

FEATURE STORY - HSC DRAMA NIGHT What a fabulous night of fun, drama, song and dance. Nambucca Heads High School has an enviable reputation for developing multi-talented drama and music students and producing outstanding concerts. This showcase was no different. The HSC Showcase night, is a culmination of the Year 12 CAPA – DRAMA, MUSIC and DANCE students’ performances before having to present them to the HSC markers. While this is a stressful time for the students you would not have known it on the night. Each performed as though they were professionals. The individual drama pieces by Maddison Smith and Zoey Hemsworth were very powerful and thought provoking written by the girls with Zoey’s based on personal experience. Maddison’s piece titled “Que Sera Sera” has been selected for “Platform 12” being held at Coffs Harbour along with Robbie's and the Weird Scientists. Coco Beeby took a leaf out of Ms Julia Gillard’s misogynist speech with a comical piece about female surfers which had everyone laughing. Gavin the bricklayer (AKA Robbie De Jong) was all about the “Foundations of Life” and an “inspirational” way of building your life. This comical piece was extremely entertaining. Tommy Piper had people eating out of his hands with his individual performance titled “To Eat or not to Eat”. Tommy, Robbie and Maddison also did a group devised performance titled “Weird Science”, a crazy comedy involving three mad scientists. Coco and Zoey performed their group piece titled “Volution” with Zac Hocking supporting. In our search for a link between technology, humans and human interaction how far is too far? It all seemed like a good idea until we lost our way and blurred the lines between what it is to BE HUMAN. The musical items were all of an equally high standard with the singing also blowing everyone away with Matilda Sutherland, Zoey and Coco delivering some outstanding songs. “Coco Beeby in “Gurfing”

Jay Vallance on Bass Guitar

Robbie, Tommy and Maddison

The entertainment continued with instrumental performances by Sabrina playing “Rock meets Rach” on the piano, Claire Hezlett played “Place to Be” also on piano, Georgia Smith played “Harlem Nocturne & Concerto” on the Flugel Horn and Alex Blair, who always gives outstanding performances played “Wonderful Slippery Thing” & “Super Colossal” on guitar. Jay Vallance played the Bass Guitar performing “Blast” and an unbelievable rendition of “Amazing Grace”. Rhys Shackleton continued his almost-professional run by operating the sound. As part of the HSC for dance Sabrina Peszko and Shellie Ford had to choreograph a dance and have it performed. These were performed admirably by Abbee-Kate Milgate and Natalya Byrt. Sabrina and Shellie, as part of the HSC, also performed an individual dance piece. Sabrina, Shellie and Coco also performed together in a dance number. Some of the younger students also supported performers on the night doing a fantastic job - Rowan Hunt on guitar, Sarah Orman as Stage Manager, Tiana Anderson as Assistant Stage Manager, Max Galo and Anne Gilbert on lighting and sound. Flynn Franklin-Baker filmed the performances and is hoping to edit the DVD. Hayley Kelly-Tipler and Jamie-Lee Fuller were on front of house. Thank you also must go to Year 12 and Junior Entertainment students for back stage and setting up. With Mr Darren Williams, our Hospitality students presented some amazing food that was very much appreciated by everyone that attended the night. What talented students these young people are! They certainly have bright futures ahead of them. Some of the many Cast and Crew

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Dear Parents and Community Good to see Spring is with us and the cold weather gone. Year 12 are in the final stages of preparation for the HSC exams that begin in the 2nd week of Term 4. Most are busy finalising major works and hopefully getting into the study routine required for success in the exams. I had the pleasure of seeing some of their performances in Music and Drama at the Senior Showcase Night – what a talented and committed bunch they are and it was especially pleasing to see the camaraderie and support they have developed. There would appear to be some students with potential careers in the music and comedy areas! I need to make the community aware that I will be retiring from the teaching service as of the end of this term This is my 38th year as a proud Mathematics Teacher and Principal in NSW Public Schools. I would like to announce that Mr Simon McKinney has been offered and accepted the position of Principal. Simon is currently Deputy Principal at Toormina High School. He has been Head Teacher, English, at NHHS. Simon will take up his appointment at the beginning of Term 4. Peter Vernon Principal During our Science Week celebrations the students built catapults that were to be used to launch flour bombs at principal, Mr Peter Vernon. On the day this was to occur Mr Vernon was “conveniently” out of the school. Luckily for him, we were able to delay this experiment until Tuesday 27/8. We would like to thank Mr Vernon for being such a good sport and fulfilling his “duties”.

CAPTAINS LEADING THE WAY

On Thursday 22nd August our School Captains, Gabriella Marriott and Jake Hoban, travelled to Sydney to meet the Governor General Her Excellency Professor Marie R Bashir. Each year the captains are invited to Government House to meet with the Governor General, Members of Parliament and School Captains from around the state. Our local member, Mr Andrew Stoner was pleased to meet our school leaders saying - “Learning about parliament and government is an important way for our young people to know how they can participate in our vibrant democracy. I thoroughly enjoy this opportunity each year to meet with the young people who are doing such great things in our schools.”

Jake Hoban, Mr Andrew Stoner, Gabriella Marriott

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Dear Parents and Community As Term 3 draws to a close I would like to recognise the efforts of our current Year 12 students. Generally they are an outstanding group of young adults who have been excellent role models for the remainder of the school. I have witnessed their achievements over the past year and they should be very proud. The last few weeks has seen the completion and marking of major works in Visual Art and Design and Technology. HSC performances in Drama and Dance have been marked and next week the Music students will have their turn. As well as congratulating the students I would like to congratulate the staff members who guided, advised and stressed with the students as they completed their projects and performances. It is not always a smooth and easy road, but our students are very lucky to have the expertise and experience of Mr Hazelwood, Ms Thomas, Ms LeMaire, Mr Major and Ms Ryde as their classroom teachers. There are many other supportive staff members and I would like to acknowledge them as well. I would also like to remind parents/carers of the Year 12 Breakfast and Final Assembly that will be held on Wednesday 18th September commencing at 8.00am. It would be great to see as many as possible come along and support your student. Finally I would like every Year 12 student who will be sitting HSC exams to read the following. I found it in another school’s newsletter and it is excellent advice.

It is now time to DO! DO! Learn the meanings of the Board terms. Stop answering the invisible question (write everything you know about….) and DO! Answer the question asked. If the question asks you to explain, do you know how to avoid describing?? The only study you should be doing from now on is to write past papers, in exam time and have it marked. DO! Write an English essay a day. Sounds huge doesn’t it, but actually it is only 40 minutes per day of English- a subject that will count in every students’ ATAR. You could have written 40 plus essays and by the time you get to the HSC will feel confident that you have a reasonable understanding of how to answer any question. DO! Have the work marked. Your teachers can fine tune your answers so that you write a polished piece every time in the HSC. DO! Work through every Maths past paper, section at a time and see your teacher if you get anything wrong. The more maths you do the less likely you are to make mistakes on questions you know. Accuracy is a skill that is learned. Every other subject requires the same approach. DO! Attempt parts of papers in exam time and have it marked. It is a learned skill to think under pressure. The HSC really assesses this and the only way to learn to DO! it is to practice.

Jo Marshall Deputy Principal

CALENDAR

September 11 Platform 12 Coffs Harbour

September 13 Year 7 Geography Excursion

September 16 - 18 Duke of Edinburgh Excursion to Dorrigo

September17 Year 12 Farewell Social

September 18 Year 12 Breakfast commencing at 8.00am and Final Assembly

September 20 Last Day Term 3

October 8 First Day Term 4

YEAR 11 RRISK SEMINARS Reduce Risk – Increase Student Knowledge

RRISK aims to provide Year 11 students with the skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about driving, alcohol and drug use, risk taking behaviours and safe partying. One of the key activities each year has been the free one-day seminar where students are taken out of the school environment and presented with valuable, credible information which supports the PDHPE curriculum. The students are also confronted with a ‘real life’ crash scenario which incorporates the most common experiences of the emergency service officers when attending crash scenes. The key messages of the seminar are Plan Ahead, Know the Facts, Make Informed Decisions, Reduce Risks and Look After Your Friends. The students are challenged to think about their own behaviour, evaluate the personal risk and are encouraged to make future decisions based on this information. Year 11 students will be attending these workshops during Term 4. They have been given a set of newsletters. Please ask your student for their copy. The newsletters are also available on the school website: www.nambuccahd-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

DREAM BELIEVE SUCCEED – PAST NHHS STUDENTS

Chris Foote: Chris finished Year 12 in 2005. He decided to have a gap year before commencing uni, this turned into

3 gap years. He travelled to Brisbane turning his hand to various odd jobs - had a brief stint in modelling (ticked being on a billboard off his bucket list), worked with a communications company and travelled extensively through Canada and America before deciding it was time to go to uni and further his education. His studies aren't finished, that final year of study is yet to be completed. He decided that some opportunities once presented to us, may not occur again, so when he was offered a position teaching a class of 11 kindergarten children full-time in Japan, he packed and

booked a one-way flight. Chris says: Nambucca Heads High School for me is a community dedicated to creating an environment that readies

its students for the world, not just for University. I came from a low SES background, and due to unfortunate circumstances, for the last two years of my studies at the school, lived independently from my parents. The school community provided me with an environment of support; without compromising my need to take personal responsibility for my education. These lessons spread further than the classroom, and have influenced the way in which I approach my life. I'm told that my high school is considered a 'low socio-economic school', I heard the term thrown around a little during my 6 years at NHHS. I was studying subjects that weren't available at some other schools; I had teachers who would arrange classes outside of school hours, with the success of their students the only reward for their extra work. When sharing stories about my school life with the people I've met around the world, I've not for a second felt that I've been denied any educational opportunities, or disadvantaged in being a Nambucca Heads High School Graduate.

Chris with students he is currently teaching English to in Japan

PHOTOGRAPHY EXCURSION AND COMPETITION

As part of their HSC course the Year 12 photography students travelled around to the local cemeteries and scenic areas such as Wellington Rock, the V-Wall and beaches to take landscape photos that will form part of their portfolios that have to be completed as part of the course. It was a beautiful day for photography and the students were able to

capture many photos specific to their needs. August Photography Competition The August photography competition is open to everyone with the brief being “Portraits”. This will coincide with the Archibald Prize competition which is also currently open to students. Remember the portrait must be of a student or staff member from NHHS. Entries must be submitted to Ms Holliday by the end of term, 20th September. If you are completing an entry for the Archibald at home you must have your entry to Ms Holliday by the end of Week 9, 13th

September.

Brooke Greene with her mother Hannah Irvine-Bohringer and Kieran Jarrett

Forget Rudd or Abbott go to http://www.theotherelection.com.au/ and vote for Kieran Jarrett or Samantha Mitchell for the speech they wrote to become Australia’s first Indigenous Prime Minister

DUKE OF EDINBURGH The Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh's Award group recently completed their first overnight expedition designed as a training camp for their three day camp in Week 10 to the Dorrigo National Park. The group walked in the Bellinger River National Park and camped next to an idyllic swimming hole in a pristine area. The students worked together to overcome challenges and they learnt how important it is to minimise the weight in their backpacks, how to prepare their own food; manage themselves in the campsite and along the walking trail. Students learnt how to use a GPS and read maps. They enjoyed relaxing by the river and even in a small waterfall on a side creek. Even though the night was quite cool, the group enjoyed beautiful weather during the day, a few even game enough to dive in and enjoy a refreshing dip! A group of Year 8 students have also commenced their Duke of Edinburgh quest with a one day kayaking course at Oyster Creek. This day was all about teaching some basic skills to the students for future expeditions they will undertake as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award

scheme. A chilly morning in the Bellinger River National Pk

More photos on the school website

COFFS HARBOUR HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL - GARLAMBIRLA Coffs Harbour High School’s musical “Garlambirla” was an amazing experience for our students and staff on several levels. For them to see local Gumbaynggirr stories on the stage, (including Nambucca stories), see Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students together in song and dance, and hear Gumbaynggirr language spoken on stage was inspirational. The level of consultation with Elders is behind the success of the production and the interaction of the Elders with the cast in the show's formative process has been a powerful positive force in the lives of all the performers. The dedication to Harry Buchanan was particularly powerful. This is not just inspiring but it is important in the history of Aboriginal theatre in Australia. After my time at the International Drama Conference in Paris, I know that what is happening here in Coffs Harbour is also ground-breaking educational theatre for young people in the world. For young people to work with Grandparents and Elders in relation to Country, to enact and share stories and language directly relating to their family is amazing on this global level. For the audience to go through tears and laughter as they hear the cultural and historical stories told shows how important it is for them to have experiences like these. For the truth of settlement to be publicly acknowledged in this forum is a powerful healing experience. We are hoping to bring this musical to Nambucca Heads High School in the near future. Details of this will follow. Ms Cathy McSkimming Students attending Garlambirlah

Garlambirla On Thursday 15th August, a bus full of kids from Nambucca Heads High School went up to Coffs Jetty Theatre to see a performance by students our age from Coffs Harbour High School. It was called “Garlambirla”. It was about the Aboriginal history in the Coffs area. A lot of research had gone into the play, working out the history of Coffs. In the play they act but they also sing and dance. I really enjoyed it. All the students were very talented. The acting was really good as they used different levels and shapes with their bodies. It was good to see some drama out of school and it was also nice seeing students our age showing their talent while also telling the history of Aboriginal culture in Coffs Harbour. On our way back we stopped at Macas for an ice cream. When we got back to school we went to last period. The whole day was very fun and I really enjoyed the performance.

Poets at Play On 30th August we went to see a show during Period 5. It was by a company called “Poets in Play”. They put on a show for us about Australian poetry. It was very funny! They used very minimum props and costuming just enough to show which era they were from or a certain character they were being. The show was to teach us about poetry but they had all attended drama school and as a drama student it was a great opportunity to see a different types of acting. I really enjoyed the performance.

Boal and Suzuki Workshop This workshop was great. It taught us focus and self-awareness, where we are in space. It was one of the best drama workshops I have done. It was also a fun day. I did not get to complete the end of the Suzuki workshop although I watched in and still got the idea. Sharlotte Hoffman

COMMUNITY AND SPORTING NOTICES School Based Apprenticeships/Traineeships Positions Vacant 1) School Based Traineeship in Business Services (ASTI designated) AES, Nambucca Heads 2) School Based Traineeship in Health Services based in Macksville, North Coast Group Training

3) School Based Traineeship in Hospitality based in Macksville, North Coast Group Training

4) School Based Traineeship in Health Services based in Bellingen, North Coast Group Training Please see Mr Horan for an Application Package, or call the SbAT Adviser, Helen Mower 0266520551 for more

information."

Youth Link Youth Link Australia an organisation established in 2012 aims to connect youth with local youth services. Recently we have been working with local councils to improve local youth services. Finding out what services youth want and are using most in their local community. In order to continue our work we need to connect with local youth. To do so we have developed a short survey to ask local youth about the local services available to them. The survey also aims to collect information relating to youth volunteering and community involvement. Using the survey results YLA will provide feedback to local councils on the services that are and aren't being utilised to their full potential. The survey can be found following the links on the Youth Link Australia website http://www.youthlinkaustralia.org/ or by using the direct link http://www.youthlinkaustralia.org/national-youth-survey.html. A Mart All Sports NHHS has registered with A Mart All Sports for the Community Kickbacks program. This means that when you shop at A Mart All Sports stores and nominate NHHS we will receive 5% of your purchase in store credits. Please remember

to nominate NHHS when you shop in store or on-line. School Holiday Activities Friday 27 September – FREE!!! NATIVE RYME (hip hop/rap) concert and workshop will be held at Nambucca Heads High School Gymnasium. Workshop will be with NATIVE RYME from 12 pm – 1 pm. The workshop will be followed by a concert (1.30 pm – 3.30 pm) with Zicko MC, Untold Truth, NATIVE RYME. The Youth Mobile Café will be there with yummy food and beverages to purchase.

Thursday 3 October a Christmas Decoration workshop will be held at the Salvation Army Hall River Street,

Macksville. The workshop (for 12-18 year olds) will have lots of resources so that you can get in early and design and make your own decorations for the tree, table, etc. You can even design some name tags for presents…! This is a FREE activity from 10 am to 3 pm. Free lunch and refreshments supplied..! Places are limited so you will need to book in…!!

Friday 4 October Grants Hall Committee are holding a Disco on from 6 – 9 pm at Grants Hall in Bowraville. If you

are aged 12-18 years old then go along for a great night……!! There will be free refreshments and some great music….! Fully supervised and it’s FREE….!

For further information about any of these activities please contact Vicki Fernance on 6568 0254.

ALL EVENTS ARE DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE