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School Meetings
Apr 30th Thursday School Council 7.30 pm
May 27th Wednesday Parents Club 10.00 am
Principal’s Report:
Once again well done to our debaters who headed to Bendigo to com-
pete in the second round of competitions last Tuesday. They performed
admirably winning several debates against stiff competition, topics in-
cluded, “Music is the most important form of art”, “We should stop
celebrating Australia Day” and “Australians should be able to sell their
votes”. Any students who are interested in public speaking and debating
should speak to Mrs Borger, it is a tremendous skill to have both now
and in later life.
Well done to our “Dukes” team who returned tired and somewhat be-
draggled last Friday from their rock climbing camp. All reports are that
it was a really worthwhile experience, challenging and fun. Well done to
Mrs Gibbons, Mr Totterdell and all the students who helped organise the
trip.
Tomorrow we will conduct our annual ANZAC Day ceremony where
students will hear from guest speaker Mr John Glover. Of course it is
very important that students understand the meaning and purpose of
ANZAC Day. Many thanks to Mrs McFarlane and her Year 12 History
students who will oversee the ceremony. Our school captains will also
lay a wreath at the Rochester Ceremony on Saturday morning.
Please keep in mind that next Thursday is our annual athletics carnival,
all students should attend. The following day, Friday May 1st is a teach-
er professional development day - no student to attend. (The focus of
the day for staff is communicating and maintaining high expectations for
students ie: “Raising the Bar”).
As a result of this disrupted week there will be no newsletter next week.
After much consideration I have decided to suspend our Energy Break
Through program for this year at least. Our two key staff are not at the
school this year and we simply don’t have the resources to maintain the
program. I applaud all the students particularly the leadership team who
have conducted themselves admirably.
If you are aware of any parents who are considering sending students to
our school in 2016 please remind them that we have two Principal led
tours through the school on Friday 1st May and Monday 4th May com-
mencing at 11.15 am. Our Grade 6 Information evening is on Wednes-
day May 6th at 7.30 pm.
As always many thanks for your ongoing support. I still remain very
positive and optimistic about the future of our excellent school.
Bernie Altmann
Principal
Important Dates
Rochester Secondary College exists to provide quality learning for all in a challenging and nurturing environment.
The Rochester Review
Volume 518 Issue 1
Thursday 23rd April, 2015
www.rochsec.vic.edu.au Phone: 54841 844 Fax 54842 348
April 2015
24th (Fri) - ANZAC Day Ceremony 12.30 pm
24th (Fri) - Year 10 Chemistry Excursion Ballarat
29th -30th (Wed-Thurs) - LMR Tennis Mildura
30th (Thurs) - Athletic Sports Day
May 2015
1st (Fri) - Pupil Free Day
4th-8th (Mon-Fri) - Year 10 Work Experience
6th (Wed) - Grade 6 Information Night - 7.30 pm
7th (Thurs) - Senior Football
11th (Mon) - Senior/Intermediate Badminton
11th (Mon) - Senior Soccer
12th-15th (Tue-Fri) - Year 12 Trip Melbourne
14th (Thurs) - Dookie Agriculture Careers Day
19th (Tue) - SSV Cross Country
26th (Tue) - SSV Netball
26th (Tue) - Debating
29th (Fri) - Year 11 Exams commence
Secondhand Books/Uniform
A reminder to parents that have left books here at the
College to be sold secondhand. There are a number of
books that are not current and we would appreciate it if
these items can be collected A.S.A.P. We will dispose of the
non current books this term if they are not collected.
Please also check with the College to see if there is any money
for items sold at last years Secondhand sale. Contact the office
if you require more information.
Library Request
I f you wish to borrow a book from the Library you will
need to use your “Student Identification Card”. This is the
card that came with your photos.
Around the College DAV Debating 21st April
O n Tuesday, twenty-three intrepid debaters set out for
Bendigo, ready to tackle rounds 2 and 4 of the Debat-
ers Association of Victoria competition.
The Year 12’s won their prepared topic, but unfortunately this
was the only victory the senior debaters had on the day. How-
ever, it was great to see Kailey Chapman and Lil Ward step
up and have a go, they certainly looked the part!
Georgia Pressnell was a last minute inclusion in the Year 9
team and along with Tekyra Shead and Olivia Dimovski, won
the debate on the topic ‘That music is the most important
form of art’. There was little time to prepare last week, so
well done to all debaters for working with little assistance to
complete speeches.
The Year 10 team had a win by forfeit and then another victo-
ry, arguing ‘That Australians should be allowed to sell their
votes’, a particularly challenging secret topic. Well done to
Kathryn Northill, Genevieve Foott and Caitlin Allman, ably
assisted by Lachlan Collins and Molly Taylor.
Once again, many thanks to Mr. Altmann for safely convey-
ing us to and from Bendigo, and to Mr. MacIver for assisting
the senior teams.
Ruth Borger
Debating Coordinator
Attention Year 8
Parents/Guardians and
Students
D uring the week of 7th-11th December we will
be conducting our annual Year 8 Anglesea
camp. Students experience camping, beach
surfing/swimming and kayaking. It is an enjoyable
camp with wonderful opportunities.
The camp will cost approximately $210 for 2 nights/3
days. I am keen to get an idea of approximate num-
bers so I can make bookings. Could you please dis-
cuss this opportunity with your child A.S.A.P.
Please return the form below to the office.
Thanking you,
Shelley Nichol
Year 8 Coordinator
_________________________________________
Attention Ms Shelley Nichol
Yes my child_______________________________
Will attend the Year 8 Camp in December
No my child _______________________________
Will not be attending the Year 8 Camp in December
.
Signed____________________________________
Scholarship Cheques
I f you received a Scholarship cheque in term 1 it is vital that it is cashed or banked. If you have any question please see Mrs
Oliver at the office A.S.A.P.
Year 12 Chemistry
O n Monday 20th April the Year 12 Chemistry class headed down to Ballarat to ‘Ed Earth’ to undertake chemical analysis
using $100,000 instruments. The students were able to see how an Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy by analysing the
zinc content in a number of different water samples. The reading suggested that the tap water in Ballarat has safe levels
of Zinc.
After lunch students got to use an Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) looking at how organic compounds are structured and study chemi-
cal content using the UV visible Spectroscopy. The students all enjoyed the day and found it was very good to have hands on
experience with the instruments. Thankyou for Earth Ed for paying for the transport.
Around the College
Employability Skills Session
O n Tuesday Jacq Campbell from the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network (CCLLEN) ran ses-
sions with the Year 10 Careers classes that will be completing work experience in the next couple few weeks. The focus
was on skills that are transferable across all jobs, such as communication, teamwork, problem solving and showing initia-
tive. It also helped prepare them for a successful work experience placement, with an activity that helped to apply these skills.
Dukes Camp to Mt Arapiles
O n the 14th of April, a group of excited students piled onto a bus and set
off for their adventure through Mt Arapiles. The camp involved rock
climbing, abseiling, hiking and lots of laughter. Some students faced
fears they never thought they would conquer, but with a little bit of encourage-
ment, the previously nervous students now had something exciting to tell their
families. We all achieved so much and learnt a lot about ourselves and what we
are capable of. It was an amazing journey, one we will never forget. After a
long 4 days, we were all exhausted and sad to say goodbye to the beautiful
mountain. Elara Bowald
Gap Year Expo – ECHUCA
T here will be a local Gap Year Expo in Echuca on Monday 4th May. This event will be of particular interest to Year 12 stu-
dents and is targeted to provide information about local opportunities, with the chance to meet potential employers and
local businesses (there will be over 20 major businesses in attendance). It will be held at 4 Percy Street Echuca, starting at
6:00pm and finishing at 8:00pm.
The night has been organised by the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network (CCLLEN) in partnership
with the local careers network of schools. This is a great opportunity to consider your options for next year.
Please see Mr Huddy for more information or contact Brian Wilkinson (CCLLEN) on 5482 6055.
Around the College
VACANCIES
Cabinet Maker Apprenticeships - Riverland Cabinets & Joinery. Well established small business in joinery has an exciting
opportunity with positions available for young enthusiastic persons with no experience to complete an Apprenticeship in the trade.
To apply please contact Riverland Cabinets & Joinery on: (03) 5482 3710 or phone Nathan on: 0408 320 017.
CVGT Traineeships & Apprenticeships Apprentice Cabinet Maker
Apprentice Marine Mechanic
Apprentice Trainee Chef
Swimming Instructor
For more information please contact CVGT on: 13 28 48 or visit: www.cvgt.com.au.
Childcare Traineeships - Echuca, Shepparton and Cobram
Are you passionate about children? Do you love working with children? Music Education Australia is the country’s leading pro-
vider of childcare education programs. They are currently expanding their programs and are looking for a Childcare Trainee to
join their passionate team.
As a Childcare Trainee with Music Education Australia you will be responsible for setting up equipment, delivering curriculum-
based programs and communicating with centre staff and head office. Part-time permanent position, 20-30 hrs per week. No for-
mal education is required as full training is provided. To apply, please submit your application online via:
www.musiceducationaustralia.com.au/jobs
VCE AND CAREERS EXPO - The Age VCE and Careers Expo is being held once again this year. There will be more than
170 exhibitors with VCE resources, tertiary course and career information. When: 9am-3pm, Thurs 7 and Fri 8 May and 10am –
4pm on Sat 9 and Sun 10 May; Where: Caulfield Racecourse; Admission: $10 or $25 for families. This is a great opportunity to
gain information at one location. Info: www.vceandcareers.com.au.
RMIT NEWS – RMIT is a large institution, offering both higher education and VET courses (degrees, diplomas and certifi-
cates). The main campus is in the city (La Trobe St); it also has smaller campuses in Bundoora and Brunswick. It is ranked high-
ly in the world, with the 2014 QS ranking RMIT in the world’s top 100 universities in electrical engineering, mechanical engi-
neering, computer science and information systems, and accounting and finance. It is also ranked in the top 150 for civil and
structural engineering and in communication and media.
WHAT IS SURVEYING? Surveying is taught at RMIT. It is the measurement and mapping of our surrounding environ-
ment using specialized technology and equipment. The work of surveyors is all around us, and is required by law and underpins
property ownership. It sets the framework for all architecture, engineering and navigation. It is used to create maps for GPS
and Google maps, and is integral to sustainable development. Demand for graduates is at an all-time high, with 95% of grad-
uates getting a job within 4 months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $52,000. Who is suited to a career in sur-
veying? You would have an interest in maths, geography, IT and science, and a liking for working outdoors, and with technol-
ogy. You need to be a critical thinker, problem solver and orientated to detail. It has previously been a male dominated pro-
fession but is now attracting an increasing number of females.
RMIT has a one-year Diploma of Surveying (no prerequisite subjects) and a four year Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying)
(Honours) with these prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English; and a study score of at least 20 in one
of Maths: Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Maths: Specialist Mathematics. More information is available at:
www.alifewithoutlimits.com.au. (NOTE: EAL is English as an Additional Language).
ENGINEERING AT RMIT – Engineering at RMIT is for those students who are serious about finding an engineering special-
ity and getting stuck into it right from first year (a large range of degrees are on offer). However, it provides flexibility for those
who change their mind about their specialization after they start their degree. Double degrees are available with management,
computer science, environment, design and more. All degrees required 12 weeks industry placement before graduation. Pro-
ject-based learning is a feature at RMIT, with students working in teams and in the lab from first year. What type of student
suits engineering? You need a passion for science, maths and design, and you need to be a problem solver. Median starting
salaries for engineering bachelor degree graduates in first full-time employment and aged less than 25 in 2014 was $61,800.
RMIT has various two-year associate degrees in engineering. Students who complete these with grade point average of 2.0 or
higher are eligible for guaranteed entry into an engineering program relevant to their major.
A number of pathways exist to move from a diploma to a degree. (eg the Diploma of Land and Conservation Management can
lead to the Bachelor of Environmental Management). RMIT offers a Dean’s Scholars Program, a four-year course incorporat-
ing an honours year for capable and highly motivated students who want research training through hands-on participation in re-
search projects.
For further questions about these activities or other careers issues, please contact Colin Huddy (Pathways Coordinator).
Careers
Community News
The Salvation Army
The Rochester Salvation Army Youth Group will be holding
a ‘Weird Science Experiments’ night tomorrow Friday 24th
April from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm. To be held at the Hall on
the Cnr of Elizabeth and Ramsay Streets. This is open to all
students from Year’s 7-12. (Students must register to attend
and be signed in and out by parent/guardian).
Phone 54841 364/0458 600 495 to register.
A canteen will be open to buy drinks and snacks.
For Sale
Large Children's Cubby House . The Rochester Secondary
College Year 10 students have recently competed the design
and construction of a children's Cubby House.
Dimensions: Height: 210cm, Length: 292cm, Width: 181cm,
House Area: 205cm X 181cm, Veranda: 88cm X 181cm,
Door Height: 140cm X 60cm
Timber Frame: Pine, Weather Boards: Baltic Pine, Decking:
Merbau, Floor: Yellow Tongue, Roof: Colourbond, Windows
(sliding): Perspex
Asking price $1000.00
For more information contact Mr. Todd Woodfine at the Col-
lege on 5484 1844
