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GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Find us at: Marquis Street, Gunnedah NSW, 2380 Phone 02 6742 0155 Fax 02 6742 4429 Website: www.gunnedah-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Issue 16 23.11.2013
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The year is drawing to a close but there is much to do
and many exciting events before the final day of
student attendance on the 18th December. A
summary of what is to come-
Week 10-Year 8 are off to Coffs Harbour for three
days on their end of year trip.
Week 9-Year 10 has the week at the Gold Coast.
These trips give students from a rural setting such as
Gunnedah the opportunity to engage in and enjoy
experiences available on the coast in bigger centres
and are a very valuable team building exercise for the
cohorts concerned.
Week 7-Year 9 had a week at Myuna Bay Sport and
Recreation camp on the western shores of Lake
Macquarie. Feedback from both staff and students is
that the week was very enjoyable. My questions to
the students who attended, who solved the challenge I
gave them?
Yearly exams have been completed and staff
members are busy compiling final assessment marks
and writing Yearly Reports. This doesn’t mean
school work has come to an end for the year.
Meaningful lessons are still being delivered and the
new Year 12 have quite a few assessment tasks which
will require preparation, commitment and sound time
management.
The biggest night of the year will occur on Thursday
12th December with the annual Presentation Night
which will be held in the school Gym commencing at
6pm. I strongly encourage award winners and their
families to attend and enjoy the evening.
We are eagerly awaiting the recommendations from
the recent Management Review but we are not sitting
still. Work in improving systems and structures have
begun. A budget meeting allocating funds for 2014
involving the entire school executive, teaching staff
representatives and community representatives
occurred last week. Faculties and special interest
teams in the school are now planning for 2014.
Excellence and
Innovation in a
Unique and
Caring School
Semper Optime “Always Your Best”
GHS “MO BROS” THANK MORNINGTON BUTCHERY
Issue 16 29.11.2013
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I have delivered my vision of where the school is
headed over the next few years to the P&C and will
give this presentation to the AECG later this week.
The focus areas will be-
Improving teaching and learning
Catering for and engaging 21st century
learners
Building stronger links with the community
Improved and productive professional
relationships within the staff
Assessing and improving systems and
structures
Shane Kelly, Principal.
WORLD SKILLS WINNERS
Year 11 students, Lucy Whitehurst and Reanna Hill,
along with hospitality teacher, Mrs. Megan Verdon
travelled to Armidale’s Duval High School to
compete in the World Skills, VET in Schools
Commercial Cookery Competition.
Competitors throughout the region, from both public
and private schools took up the challenge preparing
the two portions each of the set menu.
Entree: Caesar Salad
Main: Crumbed
Chicken Breast with
Turned Potatoes,
Glaced Carrots,
Zucchini and Tomato
Concasse´
Dessert: Poached
Pears with Crème
Anglaise
The competition
commenced at 9am with
Entree served at 1:10pm, the
Main at 1:40pm and the
Dessert at 1:55pm.
Lucy Whitehurst was
declared the winner with
Reanna taking out third
place.
TIME TO PARTY
While most parties go off without a hitch,
celebrations can go wrong and get out of hand –
particularly if the party is unplanned. Here are tips to
help ensure your teen and their friends have fun but
stay safe.
Time to party:
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au//wellbeing/develo
pment/time-to-party
THE REMOVALISTS
On Friday 15th November 2013, Year 12 Drama
students and their teacher, Miss Thompson, travelled
to Newcastle to see a performance of the play The
Removalists by David Williamson. To the students
delight, the Principal of Gunnedah High School, Mr.
Kelly also attended the excursion. Students are
currently studying the play as one of their HSC texts
for the compulsory unit: Australian Drama and
Theatre.
The play was presented by The Stooge Theatre
Company at the Civic Theatre in The Playhouse
Theatre located on Hunter Street. Although the play
is known for being quite confronting at times, there
were many laugh out loud moments and the
characters were both realistic and engaging. After
watching the show, students participated in a
question and answer session with the actors and
director, Carl Young. The staff, actors and director
were welcoming and supportive towards the students
as they, too, understand the
importance of seeing live theatre
as a HSC Drama student.
Issue 16 29.11.2013
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MATH TIPS FOR TWEENS
Students who find maths easy in the early years of
school can be turned off quickly
if they get confused and can't
work it out. Here are 10 ways to
get your tween through the more challenging times.
Maths tips:
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-
study/mathematics/mathematics-tips/tips-for-tweens-
who-find-maths-hard
GREASE
Fifty staff, students and family members travelled to
Sydney to see "Grease: The Musical" at the Lyric
Theatre, Star City. For some of our travellers it was
their first musical experience and it didn't disappoint!
The performance featured all of our favourite songs
plus a few unexpected and hilarious scenes. Rob
Mills and Gretel Scarlet were outstanding in the lead
roles but were almost overshadowed by Rizzo and
Kenicky who were simply amazing. It was a great
day out and definitely worth the 12 hour bus ride.
A special mention must be made to the dedicated
girls who dressed the part for our "Grease"
experience. Thank you to all the staff who helped out
with the planning and supervision of this excursion.
Get ready for "The Lion King" next year!
SUPPORTING WOMEN WI TH CANCER
Year 11 student Mikaela Pease recently
pledged her pony tail to support women
living with cancer.
Pantene Beautiful Lengths are
supporting women with cancer, with free wigs that
are made from real hair. Mikaela donated her
beautiful long hair to help cancer patients feel their
best. The ladies of Studio 33 cut Mikaela’s hair and
she is now looking very stylish with her new bob
haircut. Mikaela donated 30cm of her hair to this
worthy cause.
WHITE RIBBON DAY
Mrs. Starke, Mrs. Schubert along with
GHS School Captains and Senior Council
rep Mikaela Pease attended a breakfast
on Monday 25th November, to support “Say No To
Domestic Violence”. The White Ribbon campaign is
the first male led campaign to end violence against
women in the world.
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RAISING MONEY FOR BUSHFIRE APPEAL
Members of the Senior Council presented a cheque
for the Bush Fire Appeal to Salvation Army Officer,
Mr. David Grounds, on Thursday. As members of
the Senior Council, the students have community
service obligations that they need to fulfil.
After speaking to the morning assembly, the students
collected money from the students. Council
members decided to support the appeal as School
Captain, Joshua Day, is an active member of the
RFS.
On Friday, Senior Council members will support
Movember fundraising activities at the school by
painting moustaches on volunteer students.
DESIG N S UCCESS HEAD PRO TEC TION
Year 8 student,
Fletcher Morley has
an eye for design. He
was recently
awarded a certificate
as a finalist in the
Bicycle New South
Wales helmet design
competition. 10,500
students across the
state entered the
competition requiring students to come up with a design
for a bicycle helmet, with the winning design being
transformed into a helmet which will go on sale.
Bicycle New South Wales promotes all aspects of bike
safety and awareness. Parents and carers are reminded
that it is law for all bicycle users to wear a helmet. A
new safe helmet might even be a great Christmas
present!
The Uniform Shop Tuesday: 8am-10am Thursday: 1pm-3pm
(02) 6742 6939
Opening Times for January Holidays
TUESDAY 21st SPLIT DAY Opened for SALES 9:30 – 12pm Layby pick up 1:00 – 4pm
WEDNESDAY 22nd
Opened for SALES 9:30 – 12pm Layby pick up 1:00 – 4pm
THURSDAY 23rd
Opened for SALES 9:30 – 12pm Layby pick up 1:00 – 4pm
FRIDAY 24th SPLIT DAY
Opened for SALES 9:30 – 12pm Layby pick up 12:30 – 2pm
TUESDAY 28th 9:30 – 12pm Opened for layby pickup and
exchanges
www.alintaapparel.com.au Save time by purchasing online!
Home delivery options!
Price list, uniform updates and fitting
Appointments also available online
Issue 16 29.11.2013
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GHS SCHOOL UNIFORM POLICY
At Gunnedah High School we
encourage all students to wear
school uniform.
We believe it creates a safer
environment for our students, both within the school
and when on excursions.
If there are any financial
hardships in accessing the
school uniform, the school
has a confidential support
assistance scheme in place to
help.
Should you have any issues you
would like to raise concerning school
uniform and our uniform policy,
please phone Mrs.
Karen Cull at the school
on 67420155.
Continual failure to comply with the
school’s uniform policy will result in
disciplinary consequences.
TEACHING CERTIFICATES
Congratulations to Miss Sherelle Murray, Mr. Patrick
Twining, Mrs. Alyce Curtis, Mrs. Jasmine Starke and
Miss Shelly Small
CHS GIRLS NORTH WEST CRIC KET TEAM
Congratulations to Kustiani
Tuckerman on her selection
into the CHS Girl’s North
West Cricket Team. Kustiani
will travel with the team to
Nowra in February 2014.
YEAR 10 INTERVIEWS
Last Thursday and Friday, Year 10 students
participated in their Learning Portfolio interviews.
Each student presented their folio which contained
assessment tasks and employment related
certification to a panel composed of a staff member
and Year 8 and Year 9 students. At the end of the
year, students will receive a Portfolio Assessment in
their yearly report.
LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR WINNERS
Boggabri Lions Club Youth of the Year
Winner: Luke Curgenven
Gunnedah Lions Club Youth of the Year
Winner: Courtney Brandon
(Public Speaking Section)
Issue 16 29.11.2013
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A T T E N D A N C E
It is our aim at Gunnedah High School to provide your child with the best possible educational opportunities. Part of this ongoing process is encouraging regular attendance.
STUDENTS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL
When a student is absent, parents and carers need to notify the school by either sending a written note in with the student the following day or by making a phone call to the front office. An absentee note needs to clearly identify a valid reason for the student being absent from school so justified leave can be granted.
STUDENTS LATE TO SCHOOL
Students arriving late to school, i.e. after 9.00am, should bring a note explaining the reason for their lateness. Parents and carers can deliver students directly to the office if they do not have time to write a note. Lateness without notes or notes with unjustified reasons will result in unexplained absences. Students who arrive during roll call, i.e. 9.00am – 9.15am, need to report to the gym to be signed into school. Lateness during roll call will be noted and parents will be contacted if this occurs three times over a two week period to confirm the lateness. Discrepancies or frequentness will result in students making up the time. Important announcements are made during roll call and, therefore, it is important that students move quickly to their roll call groups once the bell has sounded. Students arriving after roll call, i.e. after 9.15am, need to report to the front office to sign in.
STUDENTS WISHING TO LEAVE SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
Permission will be granted for students to leave school during the day if there is legitimate business that cannot be completed after school hours. This can include dental and medical appointments, funerals or meetings with officials. Students should bring a note to school which states the reason for requesting leave, the time(s) the student will be leaving and/or returning to school, and the student’s details such as full name, year and roll call group. This note needs to be presented to Mrs Verdon at the front office between 8.45am – 9.00am and a Leave Pass obtained. Police may ask the student to produce this leave pass if they are seen outside school grounds during school hours.
Please note: if a note is not presented to the front office prior to 9am without good reason parents will have to come into school to collect their child as all leave passes are completed before classes start so we can ensure the students names are on the daily attendance sheets and their teachers are aware they have leave.
NOTES
A note needs to be presented to the school as soon as possible after the absence. The note should contain the following information:
Students full name
Date of absence and time if a partial absence
Students year group and roll call number
Reason for absence with as much detail as possible. E.g. Aunts funeral, optometrist appointment
A contact phone number
Parent/Carers signature Please note: if your note is unjustified you will be contacted by the Head Teacher Attendance.
UNEXPLAINED ABSENCES
Unexplained or partial unexplained absences go onto a student’s record and report if:
You fail to send a note or call the school when your child is absent
You fail to send a note or call the school within eight school days
Your reason is unjustified or has not been clearly identified
A student is late to roll call
A student truants a class
A student arrives more than 10 minutes late to a class
A student walks out of a class before the bell has gone
A senior student leaves the school during the day without parent or carers permission and/or a legitimate reason
UNJUSTIFIED REASONS FOR ABSENCE
My child slept in
Personal reasons
Family reasons
My child missed the bus
My child refused to come to school
My child was tired
It was my childs birthday
My car broke down
My child was working
It was the last day of school
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A senior student comes to school late because they have a study period School events unimportant (sporting carnivals)
My child didn’t attend the excursion
Minding siblings
Please note: An appointment is usually acceptable but we need to know what type of appointment so it can be coded accurately.
EXEMPTIONS
If you know your child will be having time off school they may be entitled to an exemption. An exemption does not affect your
attendance. An exemption is approved by the principal for any of the following reasons:
exceptional domestic circumstances including, but not limited to, participation in family holidays during school term subject to being satisfied that this is in the best educational interests of the child
other exceptional circumstances such as health of the student where sick leave or alternative enrolment is not appropriate
the child being prevented from attending school because of a direction under section 42D of the Public Health Act 1991
employment in the entertainment industry or participation in elite sporting events for short periods of time i.e. for one or two days, and at short notice.
To apply for an exemption, pick up an exemption form from the front office, fill it out and return it on or prior to the first day of leave.
TRUANCY
At Gunnedah High School we have had a recent focus on truancy and the effect truancy has on student achievement. The
truancy consequences are shown in the diagram below.
T R U A N C Y D E T E N T I O N P R O C E S S
step 1•student on truant list from day before
step 2
•Student is interviewed at assembly or during day
•if no reasonable explanation is given proceeds to step 3
step 3
• 20 minute lunchtime detention
•failure to attend proceed to step 4
step 4
•phone call home and second chance to attend
•failure to attend second detention 2 unresolved truancies or 3 truancies in cycle proceed to step 5
step 5
•phone call home, after school detention or playgrond withdrawal for the day
•failure to resolve and advancement to step 6
step 6•Interview with Mr Kelly , Student, Parent and Head Teacher Attendance for persistant disobedience
and further consequences may be applied
Issue 16 29.11.2013
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ArtsCAPAde
Graham Sanson
31/33 Bloomfield Street
Phone 67425588
Fax 67425599
•General machining work
•Steel fabrication and repairs
•Aluminium, cast iron and
stainless steel welding
•Guillotining and folding
•All auger repairs
