1R E S P E C T • R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y • D O I N G Y O U R B E S T

WEEK 3, TERM 3, 2021

NEWSLETTERGUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL

Our Year 7 GEC students have been working tirelessly over the last term to com-pete in a water bottle rockets design challenge.

The students worked collaboratively in teams to design and manufacture their rockets using a combination of graphics software and the school's 3D printing facilities.

Each team developed their own logo and 3D printed them in different colours to make their rockets pop.

Team BAMM definitely shot for the stars on the final test competition, taking out the win with an epic launch distance of 69m. Team mem-bers, Macey Carlyon, Ava Mackley-Handsaker, Milla

SKY HIGH RESULTSPeterson and Rebecca Sams, produced an outstanding rocket design which featured a multi-coloured red and black filament and unique team logo.

TAS teacher Mr Rhodes couldn't be prouder with how the class has applied them-selves to the engineering design challenge, the bar was set sky high.

INSIDE THIS EDITION

MEET OUR NEW PRINCIPAL

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

MORE PHOTOS PAGE 13

Enrolment forms for students starting at GHS in 2022 are now OVERDUE. Please return your form to the Front Office ASAP

PLEASE NOTE:

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

It is with great pleasure that I take up the role of Relieving Principal at Gunnedah High School.

I am the third Principal to work in the school this year and there should not be any more changes until the appointment of a permanent Principal later in 2021. This is likely to occur in Term Four after a merit selection process.

I have worked previously as a Princi-pal at Melville High School in Kempsey for over thirteen years and then later at Bourke High School as an Executive Principal for three years.

In March this year I was asked to go back to Bourke High School for one term relieving as Executive Principal. Late last term, when it was decided that Mr Richard Finter was returning to Lightning Ridge Central School, it was organised that I would be his replacement until there is a substan-tive appointment.

I am looking forward to working in the Gunnedah community which my wife, Lee and I have found most welcoming.

We have been particularly impressed by the many people who we have met over the last week who have had noth-ing other than positive comments to make about Gunnedah High School.

NEW STAFFI would also like to welcome to the staff, experienced Deputy Principal, Emma Campbell, who is joining us from Canobolas High School in Orange. Emma will be working closely with our other Deputy Principal Emily McInerney and will be managing student welfare for Years 8, 10 and 12.

Lee Bourke is working in a Learning and Support Teacher position. Prior to this she was teaching as a LAST at Bourke High School and in Term 1 at

Jameson High School in Sydney in the Support Unit.

Kate Deaves returns to Gunnedah High School teaching HSIE and was warmly wel-comed back by staff at School Development Day.

James Dawson is joining us from Muswellbrook High School and is a qualified English and Human Society and Its Environment teacher, and will be working in the Aboriginal Learning and Engagement Centre (ALEC).

Nicole Robinson is a Special Edu-cation practicum teacher who will be working in the Support Unit.

Chloe Laksa joins us from the Cen-tral Coast and will be based in Science.

CANCELLATION OF PARENT TEACHER NIGHT The School apologises but due to COVID restrictions, we had no option other than to cancel the Parent Teacher Night which was to be held week one this Term. All regional schools have been advised that there are to be no 'non-essential visitors' on school premises until further notice. Our initial discussions were to reschedule the evening, however, with the current increase in COVID cases in NSW and no reliable indication of when this situation might change, we have decided to ask parents who would like feedback on their child’s progress to telephone the school on 6742 0155 and request return calls

Relieving Principal Mr Rob Bourke and his wife, Lee Bourke. Lee is working in a Learning and Support Teacher position.

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from relevant teaching staff. Every care will be made to have teachers contact parents in a timely manner.

COVID-SAFE SCHOOL OPERATIONS

COVID-Safe measures based on Department of Education COVID-19 Updates include:-

· QR codes are in place;· a recommendation that all second-ary students and staff wear masks indoors; and

· where a student or teacher is a close contact, they cannot return to school until after their isolation period and anyone who has a COVID Test needs to isolate until they receive a negative result.

SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAYStaff participated in a revised School Development Day on Monday 12 July at the school.

This was a late change in planning due to COVID as what had been planned was a Combined High School Staff Development Day for teachers in the Tamworth Directorate at the one school.

Time was spent by all staff on identi-fying teaching adjustments which have been made to enable a student with a disability to access and partic-ipate in education on the same basis as other students.

This collection of data for the

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Dis-ability (NCCD) is based on the pro-fessional judgement of teachers and school teams about the adjustments provided for students as part of day to day practice.

Teachers were also involved in per-sonal performance and development processes in order to facilitate their professional growth and enhance their capacity to provide quality teaching and learning, consistent with the NSW Department of Education’s policies, aims and directions and specifically the School’s Strategic Planning.

If you would like more information, please contact the school on 6742 0155.

MILKSHAKES BRIGHTEN MONDAY MORNING

Our MacqLit tutors, Sue Ortiger and Helen Patrick enjoyed their caramel freakshakes created by Year 11 Hospi-tality students on Monday morning.

The students run a mini cafe ocassionaly with different menu items available each time. This helps the students practice their skills in

the kitchen, as well as dealing with time constraints, food delivery and payment.

This week the menu was all about milkshakes.Chocoholics Crazy Shake - Choc milk-shake topped with Oreos and choco-late flake.

Kooky Caramel Freakshake - Caramel milkshake topped with salted caramel sauce, caramel popcorn and salted pretzels.Strawberry Sprinkle Shake- Strawberry milkshake topped with strawberry wafers, marshmallows and a fanned strawberry.

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R E S P E C T • R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y • D O I N G Y O U R B E S T

GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL

Phone: 02 6742 0155 Web: https://gunnedah-h.schools.nsw.gov.au Email: gunnedah-h.school @det.nsw.edu.au

Year 7, 2022TRANSITION EVENTS

Contact Year Adviser Ms Katie Scotford

or Deputy Principal Mrs Emily McInerney

on 6742 0155 for further informationEMILY McINERNEY KATIE SCOTFORD

Wednesday, August 4

Wednesday, October 20

HALF DAY TRANSITION • All current Year 6 students are invited

• Students will participate in lessons and fun hands-on activities

• Question and answer session

• Lunch will be provided, or students can bring their own

Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021

ORIENTATION DAY

PLEASE NOTE: DATES ARE TENTATIVE AND MAY CHANGE

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Stacey McAllan Legal is the fresh-faced reinvention of Walker Beer Solicitors + Conveyancers. We are a leading, progressive, law firm that has served the Gunnedah and North West community for over 100 years. We specialise in family and relation-ship law, wills, probate, property and conveyancing, mediation and dispute resolution.

We know that reaching out for legal advice can be daunting and navigating the legal system can be frustrating and time consuming.

That’s why our team are commit-ted to working with you to provide advice that’s specific to you and your situation. Advice that is simple, prac-tical and solutions oriented. www.mcallanlegal.com.au

The inuagural GHS Spelling Bee now has a cash prize of $500, thanks to local solicitors, Stacey McAllan Legal. Other prizes like movie tickets are also up for grabs.

There are now 1100 words in the official list so now's the time to start studying!

There is a new class on Quizlet to help students prepare for the Spell-ing Bee.

Students and parents are encour-aged to visit the site and explore study options.

The invitation link is https://quizlet.com/join/4fKwdJrdA

Simple, practical, solutions oriented

$500 cash prize creates buzz for spelling bee

You might feel worried about what will happen this year, as well as what lies ahead in 2022 and beyond. These emotions, while understandable, can be distracting and draining. So, it’s impor-tant to have some strategies to manage our worries, re-focus our thinking and look after ourselves.

Be balanced and compassionate in your thinking It’s important to be kind to yourself and realistic in your thinking. Try to be as kind and supportive when speaking to yourself as you would be if you were talking with a good friend.

Keep connected In challenging times we're better together, so stay in touch, look out for each other and keep connected.There are lots of new and different ways you can catch up from the comfort of your own home. Your friends are likely experiencing similar worries and it can really help to talk about it together and support each other. Your family are also there to support you. Take back some control When a major change occurs, it’s important to think about how much control you have over the situation. Understanding your role and how much you are able to change can help you put things in perspective. Identify things in your life that you are in control of, make a "to-do" list of what you are going to complete and check them off when done.

Accept what you are unable to change and re-frame When unwanted change is beyond your control, look to take a reflective approach. Accepting that there are things beyond your control, and choosing to be comfortable with that fact, is likely to bring greater peace of mind and use less energy than fighting something you can't change.

Make healthy choices Stay active - do something physical to give yourself a break, get the blood flowing and boost your mood. Make sure you get enough sleep to give your brain a rest and allow you to recharge. Eating well and stay-ing hydrated will help to improve your mood, boost your energy level and support your general health.

Remember that you are still in control of your own path, and there are lots of different pathways to study and to work.

WELLBEING TIPS FOR SENIOR STUDENTS

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TUTORIAL STUDENTS SHINE

There's lots happening and plenty of smiling faces at the GHS Milroy Centre.

Some of the activities students partici-pated in during Semester 1 were

• Art - Students used a variety of tech-niques to create abstract paintings inspired by Australian artists and landscapes.

• Careers - Youth Expo excursion and Careers on Country day

• Food Technology - exploring food intolerances and healthy food choices

• Design and Technology - gardening, bird baths, and planning garden ornaments from recycled materials

• Sport - Recreational sports including bocce and badminton

• Rewards - Hot chip FridaysThe Milroy Centre was launched

last year and houses the Tutorial class which helps to re-engage students falling behind and get them back on track so they can return to mainstream classrooms.

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The biennial Waste Into Art compe-tition had our students busy creating artworks during Term 2.

This year's theme 'Metal Reimagined' saw many students exploring all kinds of metallic objects.

The biennial competition has been running regionally for more than 20 years, challenging schools, community groups and individuals to transform waste into art and design.

TURNING WASTE INTO ART

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Introductory Offer

Gunnedah Family Support have generously lent our school four RealCare Baby Dolls to help our Exploring Early Childhood students experience life with a baby.

The dolls cry when they need to be fed, rocked, or changed and will scream for several minutes if their head is being shaken or not supported correctly.

Each teenager tasked with looking after a baby wears a wrist tag with a sensor that records their every movement.

Information on how successfully the parents have cared for the 7lb doll is then recorded on computer software which crunches the data and gives them an overall score out of 100.

Thank you to our Student Support Officer, Linda Newell for coordinating the loaning of these dolls. Without the support of community organisations like Gunnedah Family Support our students wouldn't have valuable opportunities like this.

Lifelike baby dolls help teens experience parenting

Last week each Roll Call group were asked to submit their best jokes in search of the funniest ones. Here's the top 31. Did you hear about the superhero with a lisp who was always working out? He's Thor. (Roll Call 2)

2. I can't take my dog to the park anymore because the ducks keep trying to bite him... I guess that's what I get for buying a pure bread dog. (Roll Call 12)

3. Why are piggy banks so wise? They are filled with common cents! (Roll Call 4)

TICKLE YOUR FUNNY BONE

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want to act? want to be on stage?Boost self-confidence, communication and

language skills. Self-development through drama!

NEW CLASSOPENING WEDNESDAYS!

We don't justteach drama, we teach life

Civic Gunnedah

www.ogradydrama.com.auemail Ben for an info pack:

newengland@ogradydrama.com.au

New England

TOBY BARTLETT Montage FotosToby was a pleasure to have for his work placement. It was a mixed up week but that is usual. He was extremely punctual arriving before the allotted times. Toby was extremely helpful during our school photos in different locations.Lots of comments from educators about how great he was. Toby showed initiative everyday in the office or at locations. He will be well sought after from every perspective employer. Good luck Toby and we hope to see you again later in the year.– Gayle Mills and Lisa Steele

ISABELLE MOORE Gunnedah South Public SchoolIsabelle immersed herself in everything and nothing was too difficult for her to undertake. The students in 2 Possum have thoroughly enjoyed having Issy around and helping them with all things in the classroom.Thanks for being so amazing Issy– Karen Wilcocks

LUKE LUMSDEN Minion EnterprisesLuke was prompt and on time each day and showed a genuine interest in day to day activities. Luke displayed great communica-tion skills as well as a hands on approach to any tasks attempted.– Jackson Johnston

JOSIE GALLAGHER Gunnedah South Public SchoolJosie has been a wonderful asset to the classroom this week and it has been an absolute pleasure. Josie has been heavily involved in all aspects of Teacher life and has taken the initiative to assist students both in the playground and the classroom. Josie confidently ran activities with stu-dents, encouraged positive behaviour and provided excellent learning support, all with a smile on her face.Well done Josie, the students of 2 Echidna and myself thoroughly enjoyed your contri-bution to our class.– Gabriel Reynolds

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

SLEEP HYGIENE A GUIDE TO:

1. MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT

DAILY SCHEDUELE

2. TURNOFF YOUR

PHONEBEFORE BED

3. HAVE A WARM SHOWER

BEFORE BED

4.SET YOUR ALARM &STAY CONSISTENT

TIPS:TEENAGERS NEED

AT LEAST 8-10HOURS OF SLEEP

EVERY NIGHT.AVOID NAPS

THROUGHOUT THE DAY

CUT DOWN ANY

TYPE OF CAFFEINEAT LEAST 4 HOURSBEFORE BEDTIME

MOVE MORE &SLEEP BETTER.

STAY ACTIVETHROUGHOUT

THE DAY

REDUCE BLUELIGHT EXPOSURE.MAKING SURE ALLLED LIGHTS AREOFF BEFORE BED

TO ENSUREBETTER SLEEP

Our Careers Adviser Mrs Ellis received so much wonderful feedback about our stu-dents during their work experience. Here are some more of the comments from the employers.

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• Parentline Parentline is a free telephone coun-selling support service for parents and carers with children 0-18 who live in NSW. Please call 1300 1300 52 from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 4pm to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday or www.parentline.org.au/how-parent-line-works/

• Reach out Reach out offers different types of support depending on what you and your teenager need and want. Starting with self – help content, community forums and one-to-one support.Reach out covers topics such as stress and teenagers, peer pressure and teenagers, alcohol drinking and teenagers, bullying and teenagers,

Having a tough time with your kids?Not sure where to access support?

Sarah Smith, Reconnect Case Worker 0448 420 825 or sarah1@tfss.com.au

with your teenager, including par-enting articles, videos and apps on a range of topics, including mental health https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens

cyberbullying and teenagers, anxiety and teenagers and depression and teenagers. parents.au.reachout.com

• Q LifeQ Life is a LGBTI – specialist counsel-ling and referral service for you, your friends and family. It is a national phone and webchat counselling ser-vice, free and anonymous talk to peers from LGBTI communities. Open 3pm – midnight / 365 days per year - 1800 184 527 or www.qlife.org.au

• Beyond BlueOffers 24/7 telephone support on 1300 22 4636 for supporting yourself and / or supporting others.

• Headspace and eheadspaceHeadspace provides support for both young people, friends and family. Please go to https://headspace.org.au/ e-headspace is a national online and phone support service, staff by expe-rienced youth mental health profes-sionals and family clinicians. Family members and carers can use this serve without needing a referral 1800 650 890 or https://headspace.org.au/ehedspace/

• Raising Children Network is a government initiative offering practical tips for a positive relationship

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The GHS Boys Didge and Dance group visited Gunnedah Baptist Pre-school during the last week of Term 2.

Aboriginal dance is used for story telling and passing on lessons through the generations. Many dances include native animals and the boys showed the preschoolers how to move as different animals.

DIDGE AND DANCE AT BAPTIST

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Rockets take off

Call us today!1800 247 864hvtc.com.au/jobsskills change lives

KICKSTART YOUR CAREERA traineeship is a great opportunity to get a foot in the door with a career that interests you and earn a wage while you work towards a qualification.

If you enjoy working with people and are thinking about a career in customer service or sales, HVTC are on the hunt for a Retail trainee to work with our Host Employer, located in Gunnedah.

You’ll complete a Certificate III Retail over 24 months through a combination of formal training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and practical on-the-job experience with the Host Employer.

In this role you’ll have the opportunity to greet and respond to customer enquiries; handle cash and Eftpos payments; pick and pack stock for orders; process orders and invoices; and keep the showroom neat and tidy.

For full selection criteria or to apply, please visit the HVTC website (ref #039).

If you require assistance Please call our Intake line on 1800 722 363 

To make a free financial counselling Appointment call  Sandy on 0456 629 531 

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High Voltage Electrical Apprenticeship Gunnedah NSW

About Us

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) is a global brand providing a variety of machinery for the Construction, Mining and Forestry industries. At the heart of HCA’s trusted and reliable equipment lies a team of talented and dedicated people committed to providing industry-leading machinery and solutions.

The Opportunity

As part of our 2022 Apprenticeship Intake, we are offering the Nationally Accredited Trade Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician) based out of Gunnedah. To be successful in this role you will be mechanically minded, have a genuine passion for the industry and be determined to succeed. This exceptional opportunity is perfect for someone who is hungry to learn and wanting to develop a fulfilling and long-term career.

What’s in it for you?

We will equip you with the skills and knowledge to diagnose, service and repair a range of Hitachi equipment - hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders and dump trucks to name a few! In this apprenticeship, you will see firsthand how our commitment to safety is prioritised and embedded into everyday life. When you choose an apprenticeship with us, you will receive world-class training, working with and learning from some of the best people in the industry. Hitachi also offers:

The chance to work on market leading construction and mining equipment with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) level training

Supportive management who want to see you succeed Friendly, goal orientated team culture The opportunity to work with the latest technologies and technical advancements in the industry State of the art facilities and a commitment to safe working conditions Subsidised tools Potential to earn bi-annual bonuses A culture based on recognition of effort

By the end of the program you will have all the right tools in your toolbox to start a career as a fully qualified tradesperson, with the opportunity to progress your career with Hitachi nationwide!

Here at Hitachi, we believe that success comes from the partnership of our market-leading products and the quality of our people. We are an equal opportunity employer, do not discriminate on any basis and wholeheartedly value diversity at our company.

Apply Now! Careers Page: https://www.livehire.com/careers/hitachicm/jobs

Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship Gunnedah NSW

About Us

Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia (HCA) is a global brand providing a variety of machinery for the Construction, Mining and Forestry industries. At the heart of HCA’s trusted and reliable equipment lies a team of talented and dedicated people committed to providing industry-leading machinery and solutions.

The Opportunity

As part of our 2022 Apprenticeship Intake, we are offering the Nationally Accredited Trade Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (Heavy Duty Diesel Fitter) based out of Gunnedah. To be successful in this role you will be mechanically minded, have a genuine passion for the industry and be determined to succeed. This exceptional opportunity is perfect for someone who is hungry to learn and wanting to develop a fulfilling and long-term career.

What’s in it for you?

We will equip you with the skills and knowledge to diagnose, service and repair a range of Hitachi equipment - hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders and dump trucks to name a few! In this apprenticeship, you will see firsthand how our commitment to safety is prioritised and embedded into everyday life. When you choose an apprenticeship with us, you will receive world-class training, working with and learning from some of the best people in the industry. Hitachi also offers:

The chance to work on market leading construction and mining equipment with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) level training

Supportive management who want to see you succeed Friendly, goal orientated team culture The opportunity to work with the latest technologies and technical advancements in the industry State of the art facilities and a commitment to safe working conditions Subsidised tools Potential to earn bi-annual bonuses A culture based on recognition of effort

By the end of the program you will have all the right tools in your toolbox to start a career as a fully qualified tradesperson, with the opportunity to progress your career with Hitachi nationwide!

Here at Hitachi, we believe that success comes from the partnership of our market-leading products and the quality of our people. We are an equal opportunity employer, do not discriminate on any basis and wholeheartedly value diversity at our company.

Apply Now! Careers Page: https://www.livehire.com/careers/hitachicm/jobs

Grow your potentialParts interpreter apprenticeships

1300 566 287 | komatsu.com.au

Apply now!

Komatsu Apprentice ProgramApplications now open!Komatsu Apprentice Development is a learning pathway to a formal qualification while training and working in a real job, with a real boss, for a real wage. At Komatsu, you are a permanent employee and the apprenticeship is the basis for further education, training and development.

Australian applications Click here to register

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This is your first step to a rewarding career. Apply today!

In your apprenticeship, you will:• Combine workplace-based training with formal

training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)• Access Komatsu-specific training programs• Have a choice of location throughout Australia

or New Zealand• Get paid while learning

1300 566 287 | komatsu.com.au0800 566 2878 | komatsu.co.nz

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