COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL and P&C NEWSLETTERcoonabarabranhigh.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/June... · 2014-06-20 · Mel Johnson presented Student Welfare & Wellbeing power point

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COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL and COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL and COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL and P&C NEWSLETTERP&C NEWSLETTERP&C NEWSLETTER

20 June 201420 June 201420 June 2014

PO Box 3 COONABARABRAN NSW 2357 Phone: 02 6842 1099 Fax: 02 6842 2267 www.coonabarabranhigh.com

M Johnston, Principal M Fosdick, P&C President

Next P&C Meeting Monday, 23 June @ 5.30 pm

School Library ALL WELCOME

North West Equestrian Expo The 25 strong Coonabarabran High Team, with parents in

support, competed with great camaraderie and courage over the

5 days of Expo. The Expo Committee has congratulated the

students for the excellent sportsmanship and good manners they

displayed as well as the skill each competitor demonstrated

which enabled them to be part of this amazing event.

An equestrian team requires a huge, sustained effort from

parents as well as riders leading up to events, and continued

commitment while the event is running. Parents provide the

volunteer work force which enable competitions to run, and are

vital to the success of Expo.

Story continued on page 10.

Week 9 Event Mon, 23 June P&C Meeting Indigenous Uni of Western Sydney Excursion Metals & Engineering Work Placement Tue, 24 June School Social 7-9.30pm CHS Squash Fri, 27 June Last day of Term 2 Term 3 Week 1 Event Mon, 14 July Staff Development Day Tue, 15 July Term 3 resumes for all students Wed, 16 July Feast of Words Fri, 18 July Legal Studies Excursion CHS Cross Country Week 2 Event Mon, 21 July Year 8 ASPIRE Excursion Year 8 Beyond the Gate HSC PDHPE Enrichment Day NAIDOC Day Thur, 24 July Feast of Pi Fri, 25 July NW Athletics Next Newsletter Events are subject to change, so please check the school’s webpage for updates.

The webpage has a new format, which allows for bigger and better photos.

Top: Charlie Knight & Hannah Stuart in pairs. Above: Coona High Expo team in the grand parade. Go to http://coonabarabranhigh.com/wp/north-west-equestrian-expo/ for a full set of results. Go to http://shotbyjake.queensberryworkspace.com/horseexpo for photographs of the event.

http://coonabarabranhigh.com/wp/north-west-equestrian-expo/

http://coonabarabranhigh.com/wp/north-west-equestrian-expo/

http://shotbyjake.queensberryworkspace.com/horseexpoC:/Users/serena.fiegert/Documents/My%20Data%20Sources

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE

Upcoming events 1

North West Equestrian Expo 1/10

Principal‟s Report 2

President‟s Report 3

Treasurer‟s Report 3

Chess Club 3

Thank you from Julie McGlashan 3

P&C Minutes 4

Indigenous Literacy Foundation donation 5

Henry Lawson Festival—Gulgong 5

Year 8 Media Mania 5

Biggest Morning Tea 5

Feast of Words 6

Science & Engineering Challenge 6

Mock Trial 6

Your time starts now 7

Australian Mathematics Competition 7

Barista Training 7

MUNA 8

Debating Regional Final 9

UNE Science & Maths Booster Activities 9

60 Seconds 9

Henry Lawson—Grenfell 10

School Musical 11

Sport 12/13

Small Steps Anxiety Awareness Programme 14

Principal’s Report What a wonderful term we have had at

Coonabarabran High. Senior students

have had a feast of opportunities to

enrich their learning in HSC courses

with several excursions to seminars

and workshops as well as theatre and

science study tours. I would like to

acknowledge the fantastic support parents have given their

students this term. I appreciate that it has been very busy and

also fairly expensive, but I know that the rewards for students

will make it all worthwhile.

The rest of our school have produced some magnificent

performances this term.

The Musical was magical and the skills that students

develop through their involvement are impressive.

Our Science and Engineering Team took out the

Champion School Award at the North West Science and

Engineering Challenge in Narrabri.

CHS Equestrian Team scooped "Best Presented Large

School" from the grasp of many of the most prestigious

private schools in the state. We also had Richard Knight

win Overall Champion of the 15 years Show Jumping.

Dubbo Show yielded first place for our pig breeding

programs in both senior and junior sections of the

competition.

The Senior Debating Team made it all the way to the

Regional Finals.

Student writers earned us the "Most Successful School"

Award in the Henry Lawson Writing competition with

no less than 6 students receiving awards including

Brittany Doolan who took out first place. Clayton

McKinnon received second place in a parallel

competition.

Our Chess team and Mock Trial team have continued on

their winning ways in their respective knockouts.

I had the pleasure of reading the junior reports last weekend.

They will be issued to students on Tuesday 24th June. I

recommend that you review the report with your child and ask

them to describe what they have learnt and how they view the

teacher's comment and their own achievement. This will be

valuable time as it will show your child that you are interested

and build their sense of responsibility for, and commitment to,

their own learning.

The school was very pleased with the recent state budget which

honoured the funding attached to the Gonski reform agenda.

This will provide much needed funds for our students. Thanks

also to our P&C for their recent donations to purchase teaching

resources and textbooks. I can also report that our school

attendance rates are significantly improved upon last year. I

urge parents to keep up the good work - school attendance

every day makes a huge difference to the achievement of

students.

It has been an exceptional term in the amount that has been

achieved in nine weeks. NAPLAN assessment, examinations

for Years 7 to 11, and significant assessment tasks for our HSC

students have taken place amidst the many school-wide

activities that have occurred. I commend the organisational

talents of students who balance sport, study and school so well.

I encourage students to enjoy the holidays and recommend that

our HSC group make the most of the opportunity to revise the

terms past and prepare for the building momentum as we

prepare for the HSC.

Students return to school on Tuesday 15th July. Have a safe

and happy term break.

Mel Johnston

Overdue Library and Textbooks are welcome back

no matter how long you have had them. Please look

on your book shelves and under your beds and

return them to the school Library. They are a

valuable and expensive resource that we need to

have available to all students.

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President’s Report The secret to success is no secret. Kevin Sharp and his team are

committed, practiced and exceptionally hard working.

Congratulations to all the Expo committee on running an

outstanding event – once again. Coonabarabran High School

and indeed, the wider community, are beneficiaries from this

event. On behalf of the parents and community members

associated with the school, I thank you.

Thank you also to all those people who helped staff ―The Hut‖.

The roster was filled and, thanks to Julie McGlashan‘s

impeccable planning and preparation, everything ran like

clockwork – and it was even a bit of fun. The new facilities are

a huge improvement and the wet Sunday did not cause us any

issues at all.

Invoices are still rolling in but it looks as though the P&C

stands to net about $9,000.00, a terrific result. If you would like

some influence on how those funds should be spent, come to

the next meeting, 5.30pm, 23rd June 2014 at the library.

See you on Monday.

Mark Fosdick

Treasurer's Report

COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL

Parents and Citizens' Association

Statement of Receipts and Payments

as at the 12 May 2014

BALANCE

Opening Cash Balance as at 31 $6,252.73

Add Receipts

Receipt No

45-47 3 x Memberships $ 6.00

Total $6.00 $6,258.73

Less Payments

Cheque No

$ -

Cash book balance

as at 12 May 2014 $6,258.73

Bank Statement

Reconciliation

Balance as per statement 30 April 2014 $6,258.73

Receipt No

Add deposits since 30 April 2014

Total $ -

Cheque No

Less unpresented cheques/payments since 30 April 2014

Total $ -

Reconciled total as per cashbook 12

May 2014 $6,258.73

Chess Club Winners Coonabarabran High School Chess Club travelled to Narrabri

High School this week to play a home game against Boggabilla

Central School competing in the North West NSW Country

Secondary Schools Knockout Chess Teams Competition.

Coonabarabran High School boys Joseph Samuel, Jarrod

Lambert, Ian Whittall and Tristan Thomas made up the team

that competed in Narrabri.

Our young Year 8 boys won the day 3-1 against a much older

opposition made up of Year 10-11 boys. The games were close

and played in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Our team have extensive experience having competed in chess

since Primary School. None-the-less each new tournament

challenges them and brings new experiences. The opportunity

to meet the boys from Boggabilla gave our students a fresh

perspective and required them to focus on their tactics and

courage in decision making. As the competition becomes

tighter there is less room for a mistake and the pressure on our

team increases.

We wish the boys all the best as they continue on to the next

round of the competition. TO THE AWESOME EXPO

“HUT” VOLUNTEERS I would personally like to thank everyone who

donated their time to man ―The Hut‖ during

Expo. Your help was invaluable & your

presence was delightful. You all made my job so

much easier and I appreciate it very much.

Thank you also to everyone who baked delicious

cakes and slices. You have all contributed to

making a fantastic profit for the P&C, which in

turn benefits our children and our High School. I

look forward to working with you again next

year and hopefully some new volunteers as well.

Thank you so much.

Julie McGlashan

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Coonabarabran High School

P&C Meeting Agenda Monday 12th May, 2014

Present: Angela Karagiannis, Nick Karagiannis, Skye Lambert,

Mandy Sulter, Chris Tabi, Mark Fosdick, Carmen Reedman,

Tracee McHugh, Graham Enks, Mel Johnston, Col Mercer,

Geoff Gasior, Leesa Kelly, Kellie Nash.

Apologies Anita Tighe, Julie McGlashan, Tammy Samuels,

Moved: Mark Fosdick Seconded: Mandy Sulter

Previous Minutes: Minutes of Monday 31st March 2014 –

moved and accepted.

Moved: Angela Karagiannis Seconded: Lisa Kelly

Guest Speaker: Colin Mercer, Geoff Gasior – Flight

simulator

Geoff Gasior (Secretary) and Col Mercer (President) of

Coonabarabran Aero Club, provided information and

background on their plan to assist students in pursuing careers

in Aviation. To achieve this, CHS and Coona Aero Club were

successful in obtaining a partnership NAB Grant of $15,000 to

purchase an industry standard Flight simulator for students to

study Aerodynamics and theory. Demonstrations of the flight

simulator were provided. Graham acknowledged the work by

Mr Stewart and Mel Johnston to help obtain this grant targeted

towards Yr 11 & 12 Physics and Mathematics as well as

Engineering students.

Mel Johnson presented Student Welfare & Wellbeing power

point. Link can be found on CHS website.

Business arising from Previous Minutes:

Confirm Ron Slade as P&C Auditor, Angela to organise.

Confirm payment to school by P&C – confirmed Yr 7&

9 $1250, $1700 English HSC. Cheque to be organised.

Mr Tabi expressed sincere thanks and appreciation from

himself and the Math staff to the P&C for Math text

books.

Girls Night In postponed till 27th May.

Invoice from Bilby Blooms and Dubbo State nursery for

tube stock which was planted around School, all in

favour to pay $185, as required.

Kellie Nash is in the process of applying for a grant from

the Teachers Federation for $400 for more tube stock.

Correspondence In:

Royal Far West School 2014 Literacy Appeal

The Journal of the Federation of Parents and Citizens

Associations of NSW

Cheque from Coonabarabran PAI&H for Show Gate -

$2201.70

Tax Invoice – North West Equestrian EXPO Inc. –

Sponsorship of embroidered horse rug.

Mark Fosdick raised the issue of Brenda Grant‘s letter

regarding the Horse and Rider Associations plans to sell

portable stalls; purchased approx. 10 yrs ago, Brenda

suggested CHS P&C had contributed $3000. Minutes

and treasurers reports during 2003/04 were reviewed but

no evidence of contribution could be found. Mark

suggested the P&C Committee think about this issue and

how we should respond if evidence is found.

Information will be brought back to the next meeting if

found.

Correspondence Out: As per arranged previously funds from

Show gate to go to Yr 11

Treasurer’s Report: Tabled by Angela Karagiannis 6258.73

in bank, 2201.70 chq, 2950, 1100 to school from show gate,

137.50 rug. Motion report be accepted.

Moved: Angela Karagiannis Seconded: Tracee McHugh

Canteen Report: No report

Environment & Grounds Committee Report: A few of the

recently planted scrubs need to be replaced, otherwise, all

going well. Will check again in spring.

Principal’s Report:

Musical was fantastic, students are enthusiastic and

wanting to be included in next one, approx. $900 made,

costs on lighting, musical licencing, etc. Thank you to

Di Suthons and all staff involved in musical – thank you

from P&C to be drafted by Mark.

New School Web page CHS now in google search,

social media sight, has tags to additional activities and

exercises. Mel gave demonstration of website. Better

capacity for multiply photos, videos, and will make it

easier to find news, events, permission notes, etc.

CHS won chest tournament with Quirindi, NAPLAN,

Barista course, and Athletic carnival, a very busy and

short term.

Deputy Principal’s Report:

Positives of the Musical, great to see the audience enjoy, mix

of all students involved in musical, all inclusive.

General Business:

Confirm payment of wish cards to Julie McGlashan for

Horse Expo Hut – 2 x $500 wish cards, Angela to

organise and see if help needed.

Confirm online schedule for P&C Hut helpers – Mel to

organise for web site, 2 hour rosters, when roster to start

and any help needed prior, all volunteers to wear black,

start at 6.30 – 5pm, to be confirmed, may need later

opening hours for polo cross.

Fee for Hut from Pony Club– use of stove and fridges,

etc. $50 per day, all agreed.

Cool room discussed, need to check with Julie if

organised, Angela to talk to Julie, all agreed to pay cost

if hire required.

Discussed whether P&C should donate all profits from

Expo Hut Coffee machine to Canteen as previously

agreed, to be reconsidered at the Canteen Meeting,

proposal that P&C should donation 50%of profit or

possibly pay for one month of machine hire.

Future of Expo Hut needs to be considered as Julie

McGlashan has indicated she will need to hand over the

organising within the next few years. Motion: P&C to

cover the cost of employing a casual in the school

canteen for the days Julie will be working at the Expo.

Moved: Mark Fosdick Seconded: Skye Lambert.

Time meetings take – are they to long, if not listed leave

to the next meeting, all individual issues to be referred

to School Principal

Illuminated water – Motion to purchase 300 bottled at

cost of $570.

Moved: Kellie Nash Seconded: Sky Lambert

Next Meeting 23rd June, 2014 5.30pm, School Library

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Biggest Morning Tea The barista and baking skills of our Year 11 and 12 Hospitality

students were on display on Friday 23rd May when they and

the HSIE and TAS faculties hosted Coonabarabran High

School‘s Biggest Morning Tea, raising $640 for this charity.

Mrs Adam and Mrs Doyle guided the students to provide a

sumptuous morning tea for all staff, making this annual event

one we all look forward to. Thank you to all involved in this

delicious feast and, as always, the incredible generosity of so

many people.

YEAR 8 MEDIA MANIA As part of their recent media studies, Ms Doolan's Year 8

English class wrote and performed an episode of their

(fictitious) news show, Star News. Calmly anchored by

Ebonny Larance, the show was both informative and

entertaining. Highlights included Isaac McElhinney's insightful

interview with Mr Enks, and his later report entitled "Top Tips

for Piggin‘,‖ Ethan Hoffmann's technology update, a user‘s

guide to the world of Minecraft, Jarrod Harvey's motocross and

entertainment reports and William Clarke's successful stint as a

weatherman. Overall, a polished performance from all!

Indigenous Literacy Foundation Donation Recently the Indigenous Literacy Foundation donated two big

boxes of beautiful books to Coonabarabran High School. The

books are currently on display in the Library. For further

information about the foundation go to:

indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au Mrs Stanton (AEO) and Shane Morris enjoy “A Yakanarra Day”.

Students win at Henry Lawson Festival in Gulgong

Coonabarabran High students have performed excellently again

at the 2014 Henry Lawson Literary Festival at Gulgong over

the long weekend.

In another excellent showing, we had six students achieve

places in the high school competition, including Year 7 student

Brittany Doolan who took out the top prize.

Our winners were:

First: Brittany Doolan

Third: Emma Tudgey

Fourth: Gina Elton

Highly Commended: Olivia Colantonio

Commended: Katie Young

Commended: Alison Green

Coonabarabran High was also awarded the best high school

award for the year!

Congratulations to all the students and to the English

department that has encouraged and nurtured student writing at

our school.

Alison, Emma and Brittany attended the Literary Festival.

http://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/

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FEAST OF WORDS RETURNS TO COONA HIGH

Week one of Term 3 will see the return of the school's

annual Writer's Festival, the Feast of Words. The focus this

year is on sharing stories and to that end, community

members will be involved, sharing aspects of their life

experience with small groups of students.

Additionally, as always, the festival will feature a line up of

accomplished writers. This year sees the welcome return of

novelist JC Burke and screenwriter Patrick May. Brisbane-

based poet Manfred Vijars will also be an exciting addition

to the festival.

The broader community has an opportunity to support the

festival and meet the writers by attending the annual festival

dinner which will be held at the Copper Pot Restaurant on 16

July, commencing at 6.30pm. Tickets for the dinner can be

purchased at either the school office or at Prezzies.

The legacy of past festivals remains strongly evident in the

continued success of the schools' students in various writing

competitions. Most notably Year 7 student Brittany Doolan

won the Henry Lawson (Gulgong) Literary Competition and

Year 12 student, Clayton McKinnon placed second in the

Henry Lawson (Grenfell) Writing Competition. Further

details of the students' names are featured in separate

articles.

MOCK TRIAL TEAM CONTINUES THEIR WINNING WAYS

The school's Mock Trial Team have continued their undefeated

record by claiming victory over Redbend Catholic College in

Dubbo on 5 June. The team, comprising barristers David

Tighe and Stephen Sanders, witnesses Jenna Cormie and Sara

Hincks, court official Ben Yarnold and instructing solicitor

Holly Verrender, once again gave a polished performance. On

this occasion they defended a charge of larceny.

Their next challenge is as plaintiffs in a civil action claiming

negligence. Onward and upward!

Narrabri Science and Engineering Challenge 2014

On Thursday 29th May, Mr Eshman, Miss Tenne and myself

had the pleasure of taking 28 students to Narrabri for the North

West Science and Engineering Challenge.

This event is run by the University of Newcastle and is

sponsored by Rotary and a number of businesses in the

Narrabri Region. Students are divided into teams of 3 to 4 and

they then work together in their teams to complete science and

engineering based challenges. These activities are hands-on

problem-solving activities that require team members to

effectively communicate to solve their challenge.

Coonabarabran High School finished first in the North West

Challenge, beating 2 Narrabri High teams, Gunnedah High and

Wee Waa High by over 500 points.

A number of people commented on the day how impeccably

dressed and behaved the Coona High Team were, and they

were an absolute pleasure to take away.

After a long and brain-taxing day, we stopped off at Maccas

and KFC to replenish our weary bodies before heading home.

We are all excited now about going to Newcastle in Term 3 for

the Super Challenge, which is the next level of the competition.

Some students are already working on an epic playlist for the

bus trip!!!

Mrs Eshman

Go to the school‟s website for the photo gallery.

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YOUR TIME STARTS NOW… Mr Macintosh

My earliest memory is… arriving at school last Monday.

My school report usually said… should leave at earliest opportunity.

My first relationship was… my last.

I don’t like talking about…. my last relationship.

My most treasured possession is… my wife (holding my tennis racquet)

My mother & father always told me… I can‟t wait until you are 21.

In the movie of my life, I’d be played by… Scooby-Doo

I wish I had… a million dollars.

I wish I hadn’t… lost that last million.

My guiltiest pleasure is… always humiliating.

My most humiliating moment was… my guilty pleasure.

My happiest moment was… buying the newspaper and not seeing my name in the obituaries.

At home I cook… Baked Beans.

My last meal would be… Baked Beans (not cooked by me)

My favourite gadget is… a left-handed screwdriver.

I am very bad at… using left-handed screwdrivers.

When I was a child I wanted to be … left-handed.

The book that changed my life is… Gregory‟s Street Directory of Sydney.

If I could live anywhere I’d choose… Australia.

It’s not fashionable but I love… Australia.

My worst trait is… not being funny.

My best trait is… trying to be funny.

Friends say I am… vague, but I don‟t remember who said it.

If I wasn’t me I’d like to be … Bill Murray.

The song I’d like played at my funeral is… any song I can play myself.

It scares me, but I’d love to… play music.

If I could change one thing in the world it would be… people saying „your time starts now‟.

My greatest fear is… flying.

If only I could… avoid flying.

The hardest thing I’ve ever done was… doing the HSC at night school.

The biggest belly laugh I had was… Watching „Ground Hog Day‟.

I relax by… playing tennis in an aggressive manner.

What I don’t find amusing is… people questioning my decisions.

I’m always being asked… are you sure?

My favourite place in the world… Coonabarabran.

At the moment I’m listening to… my wife saying „You can‟t write that!‟

My favourite work of art is… the front fence I painted 5 years ago.

My worst job was… President of the Procrastination Society.

I often wonder… If Mendooran and Dunedoo were amalgamated would the place be called „Dunnydoor‟.

David Macintosh is currently a Learning Support Teacher.

Barista Training On Tuesday13th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 16th May Years

11 and 12 Hospitality students participated in a Barista Course

run by Martin Cummings of Central West Courses. This course

was conducted at the school using the school‘s equipment. The

students learnt the fundamentals of being a Barista. At the

conclusion of the course each student received a Barista

Certificate, supplementing their Hospitality qualification and

adding to their employability within the industry.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the six hour course which also

contributes to their 70 hours mandatory work placement and

their confidence and enthusiasm has increased as a

consequence.

The students worked extremely well under the direction of

Martin and were all successful in gaining the qualification.

Congratulations, Years 11 and 12 Hospitality students!

Australian Mathematics Competition The Australian Mathematics Competition will be held on 7

August, 2014.

The AMC is a fun competition with many of the problems set

in situations familiar to students and showing the relevance of

mathematics in their everyday lives. The problems are also

designed to stimulate discussion and can be used by teachers

and students as springboards for investigation.

If you would like your child to participate in the competition,

please complete a permission note (available from Mrs Deshon

or download from the school‘s webpage) and return it along

with the entry fee to the accounts office at school by Friday

27/6/2014. The cost of the competition is $6.00.

If your child wishes to practice some sample questions, these

are available at http://www.amt.edu.au/internat.html

They can also seek further support from any of the staff in the

mathematics department at school.

Mrs Kylie Deshon

Competition Organiser

http://www.amt.edu.au/internat.html

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Model United Nations Assembly

Mr Moffat managed to organise two teams for this year‘s

Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) that were bound,

from the outset, to be entertaining (though rumours were

circulated by Clayton McKinnon, that a member of last year‘s

MUNA trip, Clayton himself, would happily resort to grievous

bodily harm, to secure an opportunity to relive the ―best

weekend of his life!‖). The two teams consisted of co-

conspirators Jesse Doolan and Stephen Sanders (North Korea)

and the ―sweet and innocent as they look‖ Jenna Cormie

partnering up with Sara Hincks (Ukraine).

Wedged in the school car the two teams, along with their two

supervising staff members, made the trip to Inverell; with a

short stop for ―Shrub-way‖, an amusing game of Moree‘s Got

Talent and for most in the group to sustain bruises on the

slippery dip.

Friday evening, the Inverell Rotary District Club hosted a

BBQ dinner for all the students attending. Following dinner a

group of Year 12 Drama students and their teacher presented

icebreaker games so the students would be more comfortable

when the assembly began on Saturday morning. By the end of

the evening alliances had been formed, under-hand deals were

already being made and everyone happily went home to sleep.

Bright and early on Saturday morning, dressed in the traditional

dress of their countries (and North Korea Goosestepping their

way into the assembly, strangely, with the South Korean flag),

the students welcomed the commencement of the 2014 Inverell

Model United Nations Assembly. The daunting task of standing

up and addressing the assembly rapidly spiralled into a sugar

fuelled, alliance and accusation-making, note-sending exercise

that had everyone diverted. By the end of morning tea it was

apparent, that while there were some interesting arguments

being addressed, there was also an undercurrent of mischievous

tomfoolery creeping into the actions of many members of the

assembly; for example, the Ukraine being sent to gaol for

possessing concealed weapons (which were clearly planted!!)

was outrageous.

As the weekend progressed it was evident that many teams

would sacrifice their moral grounding to gain deals pertaining

to upcoming resolutions, except North Korea whose moral

compass was most certainly decided by their Supreme Leader

Kim Jong-un and was steadfast. Sunday brought everyone

together to cover the remaining resolutions, to toss numerous

members of the assembly, along with one of our enthusiastic

UN Secretary Generals, in gaol and to increase the amount of

bribes on people‘s tables to assure favours and gain support.

The culmination of the weekend was reached with the second

last resolution where the Ukraine asked the UN to remove

Russia from their country. With the vote, very clearly, given to

the Ukraine; Russia, North Korea, Syria and Lybia staged a

boycott and withdrew from the Assembly (and were crudely

locked out by the Ukraine‘s liaison). After the final resolution

was completed a hostile takeover was enacted by those who

identified themselves as the World League of Super Powers,

these states divvied the remainder of the world between

themselves, than cordially thanked Rotary and Inverell for

hosting the event.

It is to be noted that as awards were handed out, the North

Koreans were victorious in being voted the Most Humorous,

even if they made not one discernibly sensible argument across

the entire weekend. #totsbestfunever #letitgo #lol

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UNE Science and Maths Booster Activities On Sunday 1st May, Mr Nott and Miss Moore travelled to

Armidale with 20 Year 12 students to attend the annual UNE

Science and Maths Booster activities.

This is a fantastic HSC revision opportunity that covers

sessions in all levels of Mathematics as well as Physics,

Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, PD/H/PE

and Agriculture.

The University of New England subsidises the transport, meals

and accommodation for the students and as they are

accommodated in one of the colleges, it also gives them an

insight into what living on campus is like.

The students attended 4 sessions each during the Monday.

These sessions are generally not lectures – they all contain a

practical component that enhances and reinforces the work

covered by students in class. In the Chemistry and Biology

sessions in particular, students get to use practical equipment

unavailable in the classroom such as gel electrophoresis

equipment and atomic absorption spectrometers. It is also a

fantastic opportunity for students to work in a real university

laboratory with university lecturers.

After a squishy trip back to Coonabarabran (who knew that

people could need that much for an overnight trip!!), we all

arrived exhausted and filled to the brim with knowledge.

A big thank you to Mr Nott and Miss Moore and a wonderful

bunch of well behaved Year 12 students.

Debating Regional Final The golden sunrise permeated the sky, igniting the spirits of the

warriors on the battlefield, awaiting the signal that would send

them forward.

Unfortunately, the melodrama of the introduction is better suited

to describing a 13th Century war rather than the regional final of

senior debating.

What DID occur on the 10th of June was a tussle of intellectual

will and determination; a barrage of the brainy; a debate.

Often described as a blood sport for the intellectual, the senior

debating regional final did not disappoint in terms of a struggle

for victory. Debating over the topic ‗An individual‘s consent

must be given before publishing their image‘, Coonabarabran

High School and Bathurst Denison College both argued their

sides with great aplomb. The home team, Coonabarabran High,

took the negative approach to the topic, attempting to persuade

the adjudicator, and indeed the rest of the world, that requiring

consent for every single image that is published would place

severe restrictions on a fundamental tool in the public sphere. It

was all they could do to resist the vicious attacks and break

down the solid defence of the Denison College team.

The attacks of the affirmative team were too much for the

negative team to bear, along with haphazard technological faults

posing a problem for both teams, with the debate being awarded

to the Bathurst team.

This signals the end of the journey for the Coonabarabran High

School Senior Debating team. The valiant members in the final

debate were Caitlyn McHugh, Stephen Sanders, David Tighe

and Clayton McKinnon, who graciously stepped in for missing

warrior Sara Hincks. Special thanks to Mrs Elizabeth Macintosh

for coaching the team and organising each round the team

participated in.

To end on the famous words of William Shakespeare ―The

Coonabarabran High School Senior Debating team has done

very well. After deciding which pencil to use (2B or not 2B),

they debated fearlessly and were unlucky not to progress

further‖.

Go to the school’s webpage to read recounts of previous

debating rounds.

60 seconds…. My name is…Amber Martin.

My nickname is…Amba, Miss Grace, dork.

My friends tell me…I should bring Ryan to school with me more often.

My favourite movie is…PS I love you.

My favourite song is…R.C.N.K remix by Kill Paradise

It scares me, but I’d love to…move overseas.

The best advice I’ve been given was…luck is all about attitude, be happy even when the world is bringing you down. It‟s the best „stuff you‟ you can give to negativity. Thanks Kynan.

My favourite place other than Coona is…the beach.

My funniest memory is…running into a glass door at full speed in front of Sharleen and her family.

If I could change one thing in the world, it would be... Cancer. Get rid of it forever!

I have never understood…politics.

I am happiest when…I‟m with little man.

I would cry if I lost…Ryan.

The hardest thing I’ve done was…have a baby.

If I was Prime Minister I would…do a horrible job.

If I was reincarnated I would come back as a…butterfly.

School has been…eventful.

When I grow up I want to be a…Ultrasonographer.

Any words of wisdom… Happiness is a journey, not a destination—Ben Sweetland

10


North West Equestrian Expo Continued from front page.

Parents and community members also provide the support

allowing our two training days to run. We are incredibly lucky

to have the calibre of expertise among parents and community

members which made these days of such value. Chris Cormie,

Duncan Graham, Cathy Raaen, Jenny Smith, Paul Redden, Tric

Knight and Kylie Deshon are among the dream team available

to instruct our riders. Duncan, Tric and Kylie also take on

Head Steward responsibilities at Expo. We also have parents

who we don‘t see much in the camp, but are on the Expo

Committee.

The Expo team is a combined effort of all parents and riders.

Everyone contributes in a variety of ways to help make each

person‘s experience a good one.

Our team achieved some wonderful team and individual results.

These include:

The Coonabarabran Chamber of Commerce Trophy for

Beat Presented Large School

Richard Knight: Overall 15 Years Champion, 1st on the

A Grade One Day Event and placings in the 15 Years

AM7, Power and Speed and A2 Showjumping earning

him the 15 year Showjumping Champion

Riders placing in their respective One Day Event

competions were: Lily Abbott (B grade), Daisy

Andrews, Sal Deshon, Isobelle Fox, Annie Nash, Sam

Smith (C grade), Gina Elton (D grade)

Riders placing in their Combined Training were: Emma

Tudgey, Antonia Knight, Mariah Pennell, Angus

Lambert and Rohan Tym.

Riders placing in Show Jumping were: Sam Smith

(AM7 and A2), Antonia Knight, Mackenzie Raaen and

Hannah Stuart

Riders placing in Working Horse Challenge were:

Sophie Stuart, Sam Smith, Charlie Knight

Sporting results include: Sam Smith (bending), Hannah

Deshon and Mackenzie Raaen (flag)

For the second year, our ultimate Team of Four, made up of

Sam Smith, Sophie Stuart, Maddie McNeilly and Jonty Raaen

(pictured), brought home a blue ribbon on the hacking day, and

the team comprising Gina Elton, Charlie Knight, Hannah

Deshon and Mackenzie Raaen received a 4th placing. Mariah

Pennell also won a ribbon in hacking.

Emma Tudgey‘s placing in Monday dressage was an individual

outstanding achievement. Emma was the only student from

Coonabarabran High to enter in this specialist dressage event.

Mackenzie Raaen‘s 4th placing in the individual barrel time is

also outstanding. Six hundred and sixty riders enter Expo, and

the majority enter in the team barrel race. Mackenzie‘s fourth

placing is an incredible achievement.

Special mention must be made of Lucy Redden whose

achievements on her new horse show the calibre of her riding

skills, Sam Abbott who is also on a new horse and who showed

maturity and flexibility in the face of the tight scheduling of

events, Sam Edwards who has shown commitment to

improving his riding skills and is becoming a force to be

reckoned with, Matilda Chapman who is new to riding and

shows wonderful potential in competitions and Kelly Phillips

achievement of nursing her horse, Ben, so he was healthy

enough to compete.

The contribution of Jenny Smith to the management of the

school team is huge. She knows exactly where everyone

should be at any time over Expo. Her plaiting skills were

integral to the success of the school on the last day of

competition. Michelle McEvoy also deserves

Henry Lawson Writing Competition—Grenfell

Coonabarabran High School students have performed

excellently again in the 2014 Henry Lawson Writing

Competition (Grenfell). Out of 140 high school student short

story entries, our school had two awarded students — a

brilliant result!

Clayton McKinnon received a second place award for his short

story ―Fabricated Fortress‖ and will receive a $50 prize.

Annie Nash was Highly Commended for her story ―On the

Outside of the Law‖.

Our two students were among only four high school students

recognised out of the 140 entries overall.

Congratulations to Clayton and Annie and to Mrs Elizabeth

Macintosh who organised the student entrants and encouraged

such excellent work!

acknowledgement for the organisation of the team uniform.

We did look beautiful.

We also need to thank Mr Johnston and Mr Enks for support of

the school riding team, as well as all staff at the High School.

When we are away from school, others take on our

responsibilities so we can attend with the school team. We

appreciate all that the whole school community does to support

the school team.

It is with a tinge of sadness that we celebrate Sam Smith,

Sophie and Antonia‘s contribution to the school through their

riding and leadership over the last six Expos. They have

represented Coona High with pride and enthusiasm, setting a

wonderful example for all of us.

The 2014 Expo team was a pleasure to be part of. The whole

school is proud of your achievements.

11


The Wild West came to town to entertain audiences over three nights in early May. As always, Coonabarabran High School's bi-

annual musical delighted audiences with colourful song and dance routines and a plot line which, very satisfyingly, enabled good to

triumph over evil by the show's energetic finalé.

The musical centred around the small wild west town of Dry Gulch. Stumpy, engagingly played by Luke Edwards, opened the show

by narrating the town's dilemma, how to ward off the hostile takeover by the infamous outlaw Bad Bart (David Tighe) and his

cronies.

On the side of justice was the beautiful Miss Kitty, a gutsy, saloon owning woman of the West. Emma Tudgey aptly bought this key

character to life and her sass and straight talkin' ways was certainly a match for Bad Bart. Dressed head-to-toe in black, David Tighe

was a commanding villain, ably assisted at various times by his gun totin' Desperados and Mexican Bandits.

Caitlyn McHugh absolutely possessed the role of Sheriff Starr junior's (Clayton McKinnon) mother. Little wonder her son was a

somewhat reticent character given her domineering personality which Caitlyn played with a fine comedic touch. Nevertheless,

Clayton did manage to outsmart Bad Bart with a lot of help from Stumpy and his spunk filled daughter Miss Annabelle, played

energetically by Katie Young.

Jaimi-Lee Bennett gave a wonderful performance as the prim and proper Miss Frost, head of the Women's Temperance League. Her

entrance onto the stage - post her discovery of Stumpy's "natural mineral water" (ie home distilled whiskey) - was great fun to

watch .

Similarly, the demure Miss Lamb's (Sara Hincks) metamorphosis from "Lamb" to "Lambo" by show's end had the audience laughing

out loud.

Other highlights of the show included Daisy Andrew's scene stealing portrayal of Rodrigo, Annie Nash's unflappable Jeremiah and

Steven Sanders as the appropriately named Hero, a veritable vision in white who ultimately gets his gal, Miss Annabelle. Inspired

too was the resident Cactus, Jaimelee Milliner whose on-stage antics added another humorous dimension to the show.

The transformation of the school hall was quite incredible. The backdrops, sets and props created an authentic wild west experience

for the cast and audience. Mention too must be made of the backstage crew who smoothly kept the show humming along as the

setting changed from Dry Gulch, to Dodge City, to down a gold mine and beyond.

And of course, the accompanying band under the direction of Miss Di Suthons was fabulous.

Whilst a whole school effort, special mention is due to Di Suthons as Musical Director, assisted by Nancy Doolan, Directors Cary

Gardiner and Jenny Sullivan and choreographer Mrs Dimity Douglas.

From the looks on the faces of both the cast and the audience, "How the West was Warped" was an enjoyable experience for all

involved.

Go the school‟s webpage to view the photo gallery & a short video from the Musical.

12


Athletics Carnival The annual athletics carnival was held on 20/21 May in perfect

weather. Again the feature of the day was the excellent

participation and school spirit. The results for the day were as

follows: 1st—Tibuc; 2nd—Timor; 3rd—Mopra; 4th—Nandi.

Joe Bowen won the Tom Sullivan gift from Zac Kelly and

Annie Nash. There were several new records set which

included Harley Woods in the 15 years high jump(1.83m) and

long jump(5.94m) Eugenie Martin 15 years shot put (8.94m)

Maddie McNielly 17+ shot put (8.35m) Sarah Richards 15

Years javelin (25.87) and the Timor junior boys relay team

(50.85secs)

Coona High School’s Open Netball Team

Coonabarabran High School‘s Open Girls Netball Team played

against Coonamble High and Wee Waa High in Round 1 and 2

of the North West Knockout on Tuesday 10th June. The team

played exceptionally well in attack and defence, stamping their

authority on the game early. The final score in the Coonamble

game was 66 to 5 while it was 60 to 6 against Wee Waa.

This win puts Coonabarabran High into the North West

Regional Semi Final to be played early next term. We wish the

girls good luck and all the best for that game.

AGE GIRLS AGE BOYS

12/13yrs Kiara Hawkins 12/13yrs Shaun McNeilly

14yrs Micaela Monzett 14yrs Jack Isedale

15yrs Breeana McNeilly 15yrs Harley Wood

16yrs Gina Elton 16yrs Rard Thomas

17yrs Maddie McNeilly 17yrs Travis Smith

CHS Netball 2014 On the 27th to the 28th of May, Olivia Eastburn, Makayla

Munns and Lakeyia Wood travelled to Coffs Harbour to rep-

resent Coonabarabran High School and the North West Re-

gion in the Combined High School‘s Netball Carnival. The

girls were selected into the North West team as a result of

consistently displaying a high level of skill and game sense

aptitude at the recent North West selection trials. This was

the second year in a row that Olivia has gained selection into

the NW team.

At the CHS carnival the NW team finished 11th in the state

which is a fantastic achievement. At the conclusion of the

carnival, Olivia was also named the NW Player of the Carni-

val for her consistent hard work. Congratulations Olivia,

Makayla and Lakeyia!

Pictured at right: Back L-R: Olivia Eastburn, Makayla Munns,

Jenna Cormie, Breeana McNeilly and Rebecca Silk Front L-R:

Lakeyia Wood, Maddy Baglee, Caitlyn Green and Hayley

Walton.

13


Dunedoo Central School Horse Sports Riders, parents and ponies were up early for the 8am start at

Dunedoo in May. As usual, all the horses and riders were

beautifully presented (and behaved).

The team had a busy day competing in an array of events, and

collected lots of ribbons in what was an excellent preparation

for EXPO. Riders on the day included Kelly Phillips, Sophie

Stuart, Sally Deshon, Lucy Redden, Hannah Stuart, Angus

Lambert, and Hannah Deshon.

Thank you to all the parents who transported their children, and

their horses, and then continued to work hard running events on

the day. It is a very big commitment to support these students

and I am sure they appreciate it.

Kylie Deshon

North West Cross Country

On Friday the 13th of June, 20 Coonabarabran High students set

off to Coolah for the Annual North West Cross Country. The

running conditions were very difficult as there was a biting

wind freezing the students and making their warm ups more

important. Having so many students made Coonabarabran High

one of the biggest High School contingents in the region and

this is reflected in the supportive nature that all the students

take to each other. At the end of the day the athletes surprised

themselves, with many personal best times recorded and 5

runners qualifying for the CHS titles in Sydney on 18th July.

They are:

1st David Tighe

3rd Shaun McNeilly; Matthew Kenyon; Gina Elton

6th Mariah Pennell

We wish them all the best at state.

Pictured below are all the students who competed.

U15 CHS Netball On Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th of May,

Coonabarabran High School‘s U/15 Girls Netball Team

travelled to Illawarra to play in the NSW Combined High

School‘s U/15 Netball Knockout Tournament. The CHS

Knockout comprises of the Top 16 schools in NSW.

The girls played extremely well in their 15 games against

some very experienced and selective sports high schools.

Over the course of the two days, each student improved their

netball skills and their positive sportsmanship manner was

commented on by other coaches and umpires.

To make it to the CHS Knockout Tournament, Coonabarabran

High won the North West Grand Final against Glen Innes last

month as well as having convincing wins against Narrabri,

Gunnedah and Tamworth High.

The team consisted of Molly Atkinson, Kadesha Ayoub,

Alexandra Eastburn, Kate Masman, Bree McNeilly, Ale Van

Schalkwyk, Hayley Walton and Hollee Watts.

Congratulations girls on representing Coonabarabran High

and the North West Region with distinction and making the

few days very memorable. I would like to thank the parents

who attended, your support is always appreciated.

14
