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Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Alstonville High School Newsletter Developing future citizens and leaders of the community – life long learning!
Cawley Close Alstonville Phone: (02) 6628 5222 Web: alstonvill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6628 123 Email: [email protected]
Issue 16 23 October 2019
Our strategic guiding question? How can we ensure that our students achieve at least one year’s worth of learning growth from one year’s worth of teaching?
Values
We value and support:
A positive, healthy and safe
learning environment
Respectful attitudes and
actions
Diversity
Pursuit of personal excellence
Service to community
Team work
Quality learning and teaching
Initiative, leadership and self-
discipline
Learning
We aspire to be:
Life-long learners
Creative and critical thinkers
Effective communicators
Skilled in literacy and numeracy
Independent and organised
Competent and innovative with
technology
Environmentally, socially and
culturally informed
Caring and compassionate
Alstonville High School
Our community values integrity
in all aspects of life
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Term 4
23 Oct Wednesday
24 Oct Thursday
31 Oct Thursday
11 Nov Monday
Monday11 Nov
14 Nov
Monday18 NovThursday
P&C meeting
Year 9 Youth Aware of Mental Health
Year 9 Youth Aware of Mental Health
Remembrance Day assembly
Year 10 exams startYear 12 Formal night
Year 7, 8 & 9 exams startRRISK Year 12
Junior CAPA night21 Nov
27 Nov Wednesday
Thursday
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Principal’s report
2020 School Captains
During the final year 12 assembly, the outgoing school captains
introduced our captains for 2020. They are Dakin Mahony,
Jessica Chate, Charlotte Unsworth and Toby Bridges. I look
forward to working with these four young adults over the next
12 months and meeting with them on a regular basis. They will
be fine young ambassadors for the school. Congratulations.
Good News Story
On Monday morning I received a phone from Mark, who is a
Police Officer working in Lismore. He rang to inform me of a
male and female student from Alstonville (he didn’t think to
ask for their names) who were at the Lismore show on the
weekend. They got into a general conversation with Mark and then went on to explain all about our Agriculture program that
occurs here at AHS. He was extremely impressed with the students’ manners and knowledge around the subject of Agriculture. In
fact, he said he learnt a lot about the school and agriculture in general. Well done to the two students.
2020 Year 12 and the HSC
On Monday, October 14, current Year 11 students were introduced to the expectations of the HSC during a seminar day. They
received information about - HSC assessment and expectations (and their HSC assessment booklet), Study skills and planning and
Mental Health/Wellbeing. The students were also spoken to by police regarding safe behaviour. The day concluded with a team
building exercise.
School canteen and change of menu
Your child may have mentioned that the canteen menu has been evolving lately and some items are either no longer sold or a
different variety is available. This is due to the regulations changing in terms of what we are able to sell through the canteen under
the “Healthy School Canteens”. There will be further changes this term as we have to meet the standard expected by the end of
term if we want to operate a canteen in 2020. I have attached a link for parents that are interested in reading more of what is
expected and allowed. https://healthyschoolcanteens.nsw.gov.au/
Attendance and on time
As previously indicated, regular attendance at school is a really significant factor for student success. Not only do students have
the opportunity to complete schoolwork but students who attend regularly display enhanced levels of resilience, are more
engaged with their learning and maintain stronger peer relationships. They are less likely to be negatively affected by bullying and
do better academically.
Facts - 1 day absent per week
leads to 40 days per year
leads to 240 days for secondary schooling (equates to missing 1 year and 1 term of school)
It is also important that students arrive at school on time – with enough time before the start of the first class to catch up with
friends and orientate themselves for the day before heading off to class. Students who arrive late have a more complicated start
to the school day. They have to undergo a different attendance check process that can be time consuming (depending on the
number of people who have arrived late). Their first lesson of the day is impacted by arriving late and missing early instructions or
having to catch up on work that other students have already collected. They can miss out on messages provided to the class or
lose time because the class has moved to a new location.
John Parker, Relieving Principal
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Canteen Volunteers
Remember:
2020 school travel applications now open To assist with any enquiries you may receive regarding student travel applications, we have provided some information below.
Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday, 11 October 2019.
Students progressing to year 3 and year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:
· are continuing at the same school
· are residing at the same address
· have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet
the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising
them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online:
https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails
Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current
entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel
an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.
ELECTIVE HISTORY – Year 9 BOOK LAUNCH During term 3, the year 9 elective history class participated in a FABULOUS book launch. The students researched, constructed
and presented their own history books. The brief was to create a detailed, illustrated history book about life in Sparta or Athens.
As a result of deep research, considerable effort and creativity, a range of extraordinary books were launched.
Students dressed in ancient Greek clothing and provided Greek food for the celebration of the launch. Thank you to Ms Varela for
providing the library as our book launch venue.
Mrs Gordon
Please volunteer for our school canteen. We need you – our students need your support!
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Aboriginal Projects
Starting our own Aboriginal fruit, vegetable and herb garden with help from our school Agricultural Department, Bunning’s Ballina and Goori Youth Group.
We have an upcoming excursion for our Year 9 and 10 students on Tuesday, 29 October to Brookfarm in Byron Bay.
This term we will continue to have AIME mentors at our school homework centre each Monday afternoon from 3.30-4.30pm in the library to assist students with their learning and studies.
Options our students may like to consider:
OORALA Camp – October 30 to November 1. Years 8 to 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Leadership Camp. Cultural awareness and pride, career development and pathways to university, short lectures and practical workshops.
The Department of Communities and Justice Scholarship Program 2020 – the program helps students enrolled in education or training with support to stay at school, achieve their full potential and complete their studies by offering $1,000 to help with school expenses and support services.
Any questions or enquiries please feel free to contact Mr Aaron Peters or Ms Kelsey Knee.
Aboriginal Team
AIME excursion On Friday 18th of October, 20 of our students attended the third Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) excursion for
this year. We travelled to Southern Cross University in Lismore where we spent time with many other local schools.
In the morning, students participated in a variety of tasks on the university oval, such as weaving, painting, writing and sports
activities.
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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After lunch, we went to Whitebrook Theatre where we had the pleasure of witnessing some musical performances. Our students
enjoyed listening to local artist Budjerah Slabb (pictured below with Anna and Matilda).
Kelsey Knee / Aboriginal Programs Coordinator
RRISK Year 12 This is a compulsory excursion for Year 12.
Young People and Risk Taking
Risk-taking is an essential part of learning and personal development for young
people. It is a normal part of becoming an independent young adult.
Unfortunately, the risk involved in different activities and settings can often be poorly judged by young people and they are over
represented in every category of risk-taking resulting in injury and trauma.
The Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK) Program aims to reduce risk-taking behaviour associated with alcohol and
drug use, driving and partying among year 12 students in northern NSW. Attending RRISK extends the school based drug education
and road safety curriculum by providing opportunities for senior high school students to further develop knowledge, attitudes and
skills to reduce risk taking and develop safer celebrating strategies.
Over 2,300 students from Grafton to Tweed Heads have registered to attend one of the 5 RRISK Seminars in 2019. If you have a
year 12 student in your family, please encourage them to attend.
Research conducted by the George Institute in 2009 indicated that young people who participated in RRISK had a 44% less chance
of being involved in a car crash compared to those who did not attend.
Look for information about the RRISK Program in this newsletter over the coming weeks.
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Blind Date with a Book Do you love the element of surprise? Tired of
reading the same old thing? Don’t know what to read next? Mrs Gordon
and Mrs Griffiths have set up the perfect way for you to spice up your
reading choices with Blind Date with a Book. There is some
information on the wrapping and the Genre sticker to help.
Leo the Library Dog Working (it) hard at the end of Ms Lincoln’s English class.
Agriculture Year 8 agriculture students developed a model hydroponic system using a Seasol
liquid fertiliser product during week 10 of term 3. Students are comparing the growth
of the product using the technology on their return to school in term 4.
Year 10 agriculture students developed skills in drone operation and were
introduced to a variety of applications for this form of technology in agriculture.
Aerial photographs of the vegetable plot containing year 10 enterprise projects, a
year 9 carrot crop and year 8 summer vegetable crops were produced. The structure,
design, weed infestation, germination and maintenance are easily observed.
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Year 10 students are also working on their enterprise projects with a number of interesting experimental trials involving fertiliser,
potting mix, different varieties and temperature variables.
During the holidays the cattle show team held an agricultural open day to display our Lismore show cattle and facilities to a range
of important guests. Participants included the Mayor David Wright, Colin and Mikayla Rucker, Limousin producers, John Wraight,
Chabray producer, sponsors Stephen Hagate from Ballina Toyota, David Sullivan from Herron Todd White Property Valuers and
Kadina High teachers and student leaders. Apologies from Guy Porter at Riverina Stockfeeds and Neville Creighton Limousin
producer. Special thanks to Jill Groth, Aaron Perkins and parents who supported the event and the show team led in this event
by Nellie Witt who showed a depth of leadership and event management to support the activity. There was a lot of work done by
students to prepare for the event on the day.
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Visit by Bunnings Ballina to provide support for the schools aboriginal native food garden. Duane and
Annie from Ballina Bunnings came to school during the open day to view the proposed site of the native
food garden proposed by Mr Aaron Peters and the school’s aboriginal students. We are currently waiting
for community input into the proposal.
Ben Holmes
TAS
Guest Speaker: Textiles Technology
Year 10 Textiles Technology class welcomed two wonderful guest speakers to our classroom: Mrs Lois Hennes and Dr Ruth Povall
from Crawford House Museum. They visited to discuss the history of textiles and had the girls all engaged in the changes in textiles
over the years. We continue to build a close connection with the museum and hope to have a special Alstonville High School
exhibit at the museum in the coming months.
Craft and Quilt Fair – Textiles and Design excursion to Brisbane
We all travelled by bus to Brisbane to see many wonderful quilts and explore all the exhibits to seek inspiration for upcoming
projects. The students were extremely well behaved and several guests at the show commented on what marvellous students and
what a wonderful opportunity for them. It sure was and we all had a great day out. The pictures featured show just some of the
amazing works we viewed.
Vanessa Christmas / Relieving TAS Head Teacher
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Communication Corner We have just discovered, after a chat to NESA this week, that Year 12 students need to print off their own result Notice-Record of
Achievement, with exam and school results- from their student online account, after they are released in December of Year 12.
Students do not receive a hard paper copy of this document in the mail. The PDF copy will be removed by end of June after Year
12, when the students online link is closed. After this time, students will then need to pay: (current prices below)
Certificate required □ Year 12 Higher School Certificate 2014 onwards will also include Year 10 and Year 11 Results □ Standard (all
7-10 days) Standard $46.70 □ Priority $66.50 (1 work day) □ Urgent (2 hrs - counter only in person)$90.40. This was discovered
after a past student needed proof of actual results in all subjects, to apply for a University course.
NESA students online- All students in Years 10/11 and 12 need to register/activate your personal account. This account stays with
you for all of Years 10/11 and 12.
To Activate your account-Year 10, 11 and 12 students in NSW are eligible for a Students Online account. Your school must submit
your school email address for you to NESA for your account to be created .Have a pen ready to record your login details, which
includes your Student Number. You will need to submit your: given name(s), family name, school and date of birth.
You will then be emailed an activation link which will take you into your account, where you will create your six-digit PIN. If you
have issues, contact your school to check how your details are officially recorded, particularly your given name and email address.
For example, if your full name is 'Maxwell Anthony Smith', your school may have supplied your 'Given Name(s)' to the NESA as
'Maxwell Anthony', 'Maxwell', or even 'Max'.
TERM 4 Work Experience 2019- Reminder to Students and Parents – Students in Years 9-12 and over 14 Years of age, can still
organise Work Experience this Term for potential casual work or school leaver Apprenticeships/Traineeships Trials. This may also
be subject to DP approval, if students have unsatisfactory behaviour or not seen as being “Work Ready”. Cannot be during Exam
Weeks ie Year 9 Week 6 and Year 10 Week 5 this Term. Students need to pick up the application form and Insurance info and
return at least 3 days before the Work Experience takes place to myself.
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Part-Time School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships- Students commencing Year 10 or Year 11 2020 can enrol in a part time
Apprenticeship/traineeship in a variety of different areas, combined with school studies. Students need to find an Employer willing
to give them at least 8 hours per week of paid work (subsidised by government), enrol in the course in or out of school that is part
of the training and complete your school subjects as well. A kit of information can be picked up from my office during lesson breaks
or for further information on types of apprenticeships etc. that can be done whilst at school visit: https://sbatinnsw.info
Information to help students, teachers and families to explore post schools options and careers.
Available all year round www.careersadvisoryservice.com
REMINDER: Still waiting for a large number of Year 12 to complete a short anonymous exit survey for Careers Adviser to help with
forward planning. Link was sent out to school email late last Term. Thanks in advance.
Karen Horne Careers Adviser Email: [email protected]
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Places are still available on the “Rotary Youth Transition Seminar “(RYTS) to be held at Bornhoffen PCYC, Natural Bridge, QLD in
December. Young people aged 16-18 years old, either leaving high school or about to start Year 12 are invited to apply.
This is a wonderful opportunity for teenagers to meet others and develop leadership skills. A common comment at the end of
every RYTS is "that was the best week of my life!” The skills and lessons learnt, the people met, the atmosphere and the fun all
contribute to make this a great experience.
Information about the RYTS camp is available on the website - https://rotary9640.org/page/ryts .
N.B. The date for RYTS has changed and the camp will now run from 12th to 17th December 2019.
Rotary may well be able to help with financial sponsorship. For further information, contact your school Welfare Advisor, Mr Drew
Fox or ‘Rotary Youth Coordinator’
Peter Swain Tel: 66287936
Term 4 Homework Centre and STEM Learning
When: Every Monday
Time: 3.20pm to 5.00pm
Where: AHS Library
Provided: Fresh fruit and biscuits
Come along please bring your latest homework and assignment tasks, or get
hands on with our latest STEM kit on loan for Term 4 from the Department.
Mrs Christmas TAS Head Teacher
AHS Canteen second hand fridge and second hand freezer
will be for sale by tender.
Stay tuned for details, happening soon.
Please see Canteen staff if you would like to view the items.
Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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Community Announcements
An active yoga class ideal for teenagers
Yoga is a great way for teenagers to develop physical, mental and emotional resilience so they can manage the pressures of
school and the other demands in their lives.
At Ballina Yoga, there is a new dynamic yoga class ideally suited for teenagers, and for those wanting to build strength and
flexibility.
The class will be taught by Helen Willoughby who is a certified Iyengar yoga teacher with two daughters who started yoga at
14 years of age.
“I know yoga helped my own teenagers navigate the world of study, sport and their family and social lives. It kept them calm
when things could have become overwhelming.
“They are now adults and still have a regular yoga practice.”
Helen will be running a no-obligation, free trial classes on Thursday, 14 November, for teenagers interested in trying
yoga. The classes will run for one hour, between 4.30 and 5.30pm. There will then be a special offer for teens to attend
classes on a regular basis during school terms.
If you are interested in trying out this class you can send an email to [email protected], call Helen on 0439 023 389, or
just turn up on the day and Helen will there to welcome you.
Ballina Junior Oz Tag is holding a sign on and
muster day for their summer season on Monday 4th November 2019 from 4:30pm – 6:30pm at the Ballina Seagulls Rugby League Club. Individuals aged 6-16 years and teams are encouraged to come along and sign up to be part of the latest summer season fun. The competition is FREE for those signing up with an Active Kids Voucher or $80 per player for those without. An initial one off $30 uniform fee is also payable for shorts which players get to keep! For more information, Ballina Junior Oz Tag can be contacted through their Facebook page @BallinaJuniorOztag or by calling Wendy on 0411 501 833.
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Alstonville High School Newsletter: Issue 16, 23 October 2019
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