Wadalba Community School

Progress with Pride Respect Responsibility Excellence

Orchid Way, Wadalba 2259 P O Box 294, Wyong NSW 2259 T: 0243925000 F: 0243925046

Email: wadalba-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: http://www.wadalba-c.schools.nsw.edu.au/

Acting Principal: Mr Cameron Dusting

Deputy Principals: Ms Carol Furey Mr Nathan Towney Ms Jane Harris Mrs Michele Spinks (Rel.)

Term 4 Week 3

Important dates to put in your calendar.

30 October Kindy getting ready for school

1 November Swim school ends

1 November Society & Culture Excursion

6 November Primary cake day

6 November Kindy getting ready for school

U15 Water polo Knockout 2013

On Monday 14th October a team of 15 boys, Miss White and Mr Marlin travelled to Woy Woy to participate in the Sydney North Water Polo Knockout. Of the 15 boys only a couple had played the game before. The boys were keen to get in the water and take on Brisbane Water College who had some experienced players on their team. Christian Bentley took on the swim off and scored a goal for WCS,

alongside Cooper Evans and Balin Martin-Masterton. In goals, with a strong defence we had Cooper Evans and Luke Cain. Unfortunately our three goals were not enough to move us through to the next game. Well done to all the boys who represented the school. Both Miss White and Mr Marlin are very proud of the team. On Wednesday 16th October a team of 10 girls, Miss White and Miss Morgan made the same trip to Woy Woy only to be held up on the M1 by a truck accident. After an extended trip to the pool the girls played their first game against Brisbane Water Collage. The girls were unsuccessful against the strong team but were lucky enough to have a second game where some experienced players shared their skills and knowledge. Chrissy Miller, Taylor Waters, Maddison Bell and Brianna Fisher all scored goals for WCS. In goals playing strong defence we had Chrissy Miller, Taylor Waters and Maddison Bell. Well done to all the girls who participated in the knockout Miss White and Miss Morgan are very proud of your efforts.

Anyone who is interested in playing water polo this summer can see Miss White for registration forms as the season is about to start.

Financial Free Period NO EFTPOS

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Wadalba Community School is one of the Pilot schools for the new “Learning Management and Business Reform” (LMBR) program being introduced into NSW Public Schools. From 1 November until early December there will be no EFTPOS facility available at the school while the existing Finance system is upgrading to the new integrated system. We would also ask parents to pay any outstanding fees for 2013 only prior to the 31 October.

We will start to accept payments for 2014 elective fees in December 2013. More information will be released at a later date to describe the benefits of the new system.

Learning and Support Teacher

Recommendations

Note Taking Skills

Students need to develop the ability to take good notes from class, assignments and research material. Note taking helps students make meaning from information and can help the information ‘stick’. Note taking is a process that develops over time. Each student will take notes in their own way depending on how they learn better. It could involve written notes, drawings or a combination of both.

How to start taking notes in class 1.Start a new page for each class each day. Date it. Leave spaces between topics or ideas so you can scan the page more easily later.

2. Take down key words and concepts, not sentences. Develop your own system of abbreviations or symbols to take down key points, such as w/ for "with" or math symbols > or = or abbreviated words you use in text messages. Notes are for your understanding, so as long as you understand your note taking that is fine. 3. Listen for word clues. Teachers often signal what's important to note, using phrases such as "the three incidents that led to the War of 1812 were… ..." 4. Review notes. Reviewing your notes helps the information to ‘stick’. Doing this just before starting homework can help make it not as difficult when exams or assessment tasks come up because you have already reviewed your work before and the building blocks for storing knowledge have already been started. Ms Kathleen Short, Ms Ellie Free and Mrs Sandra Casey Learning and Support Teachers YR10 Studio Photography Workshop

Vanessa Petri from Hourglass Photography was in the school

last week working with our Yr10 Photographers. Yr10 have been working on a Portrait unit where they will each be exhibiting a Self Portrait later in the year at our annual Self Portrait Photography Exhibition. The students were able to use professional and industry quality equipment to shoot their photographs. They experimented with lighting and several backdrops including a green screen where they will Photoshop themselves into creative scenery otherwise not possible. Yr10 will now work on these images before submitting them for marking and to be viewed by their peers, families and community members. BOW WOW Big congratulations to the Yr12 Visual Arts class who submitted their final Body of Works on the 26th August. The standard of work WCS students are completing continues to improve every year. The class of 2013 saw 13 students complete a total of 43 pieces of art from 7 different expressive forms. These artworks are now either at the marking centre or locked away awaiting the critique of the HSC markers. These fantastic works will be on display in the Visual Arts end of year Exhibition in Week 8 . I wish Yr12 all the best in their final exams. Melissa Norris Art / Photography Teacher Mathematics Faculty

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The Mathematics Faculty has seen the introduction of a new stage 6 syllabus this year. Following is a brief description of the courses available. Students entering Year 11 in 2014 have selected to study maths in preliminary; the faculty is currently in the process of making recommendations for which course in 2014 would be the most appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact myself, Leanne Hancock Head Teacher Mathematics, if you have any further concerns. Students have the option of

participating in three courses in preliminary (Year 11) and four courses in HSC (Year 12) Preliminary Courses include General Mathematics The purpose of the course is to provide an appropriate mathematical background for students who wish to enter occupations that require the use of a variety of mathematical and statistical techniques. As well as introducing some new mathematical content, the various Focus Studies within the course give students the opportunity to apply, and develop further, the knowledge, skills and understanding initially developed in the various Strands: Financial Mathematics, Data and Statistics, Measurement, Probability, and

Algebra and Modelling. Through the Focus Studies, students develop the capacity to integrate their knowledge, skills and understanding across the Strands in contemporary contexts chosen for their ongoing relevance to the students’ everyday lives and likely vocational pathways. . It is structured to provide appropriate pathways to both the HSC Mathematics General 2 course and the HSC Mathematics General 1 course. Preliminary Mathematics General provides an appropriate course of study for students who have demonstrated competence in mathematics up to and including at least Stage 5.1 by the end of Year 10. The two Focus Studies within the course have been designed for one-third of the course time. Mathematics The content and depth of treatment of this course indicate that it is intended for students who have completed the stage 5 mathematics course and demonstrated general competence in all the skills included in that course. The 2 Unit course is intended to give these students an understanding of and competence in some further aspects of mathematics which are applicable to the real world. The course has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies in science and commerce. It is a sufficient basis for further studies in mathematics as a minor discipline at tertiary level in support of courses such as the life sciences or commerce. This course is designed for students who require substantial mathematics at a tertiary level supporting the physical sciences, computer science

or engineering should undertake the extension 1 and extension 2 courses. Extension 1 The extension 1 course is intended to give these students a thorough understanding of and competence in, aspects of mathematics including many which are applicable to the real world. The course has general educational merit and is also useful for concurrent studies of Science, industrial arts and commerce. It is a recommended minimum basis for further studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level, and for the study of mathematics in support of the physical and engineering sciences. Although the extension 1 course is sufficient for these purposes, it is recommended that students of outstanding mathematical ability should consider undertaking the extension 2 course in the HSC. HSC Courses Completion of General Mathematics Preliminary is a requirement for both the following HSC courses. Students may also decide to change from Mathematics to General Mathematics 2 or General Mathematics 1. General Mathematic 1- Non ATAR Course The HSC Mathematics General 1 course has been written to meet the needs of students who have demonstrated competence in the Preliminary Mathematics General course. The four Focus Studies within the course – Mathematics and Design, Mathematics and Household Finance, Mathematics and the Human Body, and Mathematics and Personal Resource Usage – have been

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designed for two-thirds of the course time. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics through a large variety of real-world applications for concurrent HSC studies, such as in vocational education and training courses, other practically oriented courses, and some humanities courses, and for vocational pathways, in the workforce or in further training. General Mathematics 2- ATAR Course The HSC Mathematics General 2 course has been written on the assumption that students have demonstrated a high level of competence in the Preliminary Mathematics General course. The two Focus Studies within the course – Mathematics and Health, and Mathematics and Resources – have been designed for one-third of the course time. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of and competence in further aspects of mathematics through a large variety of real-world applications for a range of concurrent HSC studies, such as in the life sciences, the humanities and business studies. The course also provides a strong foundation for vocational pathways, in the workforce and in further training, and for university courses in the humanities, nursing and paramedical sciences. Mathematics-ATAR Course. This course continues from the preliminary course. . This course is designed for students who require substantial mathematics at a tertiary level Extension 1.-ATAR Course. This course continues from the preliminary course. This course is

designed for students who require studies in mathematics as a major discipline at a tertiary level. Mrs Hancock Head Teacher Mathematics LOTE During Term 4 the focus in LOTE (Spanish) is on food and beverages. As well as learning about different cultures' food customs, I will demonstrate how to make tacos and nachos in the new cooking classroom. It is also hoped that students can participate in making Spanish meatballs, outsourced to Piatto Perfetto, and partake in a paella meal, supplied by Paella Casa Catering, later in the term. This should be a fun unit of work that will hopefully keep students interested and engaged.

Margaret Swanson LOTE (Spanish) / Careers Teacher

'Full Circle' During the 2013 XLR8 Program, students have developed a knowledge and appreciation for the concept of self-sufficiency in many aspects. Planning and providing for yourself creates independence and develops confidence. From assisting with maintenance and planting at the WCS Ag Farm, to developing awareness and skills in cooking and meal planning with local and seasonal produce our students are learning skills that will not only benefit themselves, but also our community.

XLR8 Recipe 'Ms Moir's Warm Chorizo Salad': Ingredients: 1-2 sweet potato, cubed 2 chorizo sausages, sliced 2-3 eggs, boiled and quartered 100g semi dried tomatoes, sliced 100g mixed pitted olives 1/2 Spanish onion, finely sliced 1/2-1pkt baby spinach leaves 1 pkt Haloumi cheese, sliced 1tb olive oil Reduced balsamic vinegar/glaze Method: Season and toss sweet potato in salt, pepper and oil and bake in a 180 oven for 30-40mins. Shallow pan-fry chorizo in olive oil on med heat, and then Haloumi. Drain both on paper towel. Cut Haloumi into squares. In a large bowl combine chorizo, tomatoes, olives, onion. Turn to combine. Add in washed spinach leaves and Haloumi, combine gently. Serve into bowls and top with quartered eggs. Drizzle with reduced balsamic vinegar. Voila!

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Support Unit This term the support unit has secured the services of Mr Nick Meyer who is retraining in Special Education. Mr Meyer, currently retraining through the University of Sydney, brings a wealth of experience to the faculty and is a conduit through which the latest evidence based research and practices are shared with staff members. The students in Mr Meyer’s classes are undertaking a series of teaching and learning experiences that are designed to empower them with the skills to transition from school to the workplace. These lessons are timely and relevant and another way in which Wadalba Community School is catering to the explicit needs of its students. The support unit is growing in numbers next year with two more students commencing in Term 1 2014 in the IO/IS class. These students will be part of the regular orientation process and then placed into their new classroom for a meet, greet and try session to assist with the big step into Year 7. All staff and students are very excited about our new school members. Music Therapy sessions are continuing again this term on Tuesdays. These sessions are facilitated by a qualified Music Therapist. These sessions are enjoyed by our students as it provides a forum in which they can connect with their artistic and creative selves. Transition meetings are currently under way for all our support unit students. These meetings are designed to bring together all stakeholders in the student’s world and discuss aspirations, hopes and desires for post school life.

Stan Baric Head Teacher Special Education

News from HSIE Congratulations to all students who are going to be receiving academic awards and attitude and industry awards at the end of the year. I would also like to point out that there are a number of other students who, while not receiving an award, have had an outstanding year and should be proud of their efforts. Congratulations also to all the HSIE teachers who have had a very rewarding and successful year with their classes. We have been collaboratively working on the syllabus for the new History Curriculum and developed units of work that we feel will be engaging and interesting to students in next year’s Year 9. One of these units is on the Industrial Revolution and there is a wide range of materials available to support student learning in this topic. Year 9 also had the opportunity to attend the Imax theatre and view two relevant films about Australia and Natural hazards in Australia. This complimented the work being done in class. Another very exciting event is the trip to Vietnam that will go ahead in 2014. A very successful parent/ student information evening was held on Monday 21st October to answer questions and give an overview of the proposed trip. It appears that a group of around 20 students are keen to participate in this wonderful opportunity. My thanks go to Ms Clark, Ms Lovatt and Mr Hancock for lending a hand on the information evening.

Year 12 Geography are attending a day in Sydney to support their learning on Urban Places in December. This should be an excellent day as the program strongly supports the stage 6 curriculum. Ms Trumm is looking at organising a visit to Sydney to the Powerhouse Museum which has a very good display related to the 1960’s and coincides with Year 10’s decade study. All year 11 students have now settled into their HSC work and need to keep in mind that it is vitally important to be in class and not only completing class tasks but developing and maintaining a study and revision program; yes – all students, in class, on time, completing and engaging in their work ….. leads to successful HSC outcomes! Students that sat the HSC exams of Modern History and Legal Studies to date have given positive feedback to their teachers about the papers. Business Studies, Society and Culture and Geography will be completed in Week 3 and 4 of the exam period. Best wishes to these students as well. Thank you to parents for their support and interest in supporting our teachers and your children’s learning in 2013 as well. We appreciate your input and contributions. Jenny Bennett Head Teacher HSIE

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Mini Olympic Games

Rio 2016 will host the next Olympic Games but today at Wadalba Community School all of year 8 participated in their own mini Olympics. Year 8 was divided into groups then participated in modified games and activities to compete against one another to become the Wadalba Olympic

champions. The day’s competition was refereed and supervised by Wadalba teachers Miss Kettle, Miss Morgan and Miss Sullivan. They had the help of Year 11 Sports Coaching students who were learning about running sporting events and ensuring that students were participating safely. Some of the different sporting events included oz tag, basketball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, Newcombe ball, paddle tennis and netball. Students highly enjoyed the day and demonstrated the school's focus on Respect, Responsibility and Excellence. Students were also

treated to a sausage sizzle and refreshments midway through the day to boost their energy levels.

We look forward to week 7 where the teams will face off against each other for a final time to determine the Wadalba Mini Olympics Champion.

Duncan McKinlay Teacher PDHPE/Middle School

'New Look' Primary Website

As part of our efforts to make stronger links between home and school the Primary faculty has updated their section of the WCS website. It is now focused on giving families and the community more information to better support their child's education and their overall wellbeing. We also wanted to create a 'one stop shop' for all of your questions about the day to day running of our school. The new sections are based on suggestions from not just staff but families from within our school. So if you haven't done so already please go online and take a look around! If you feel there is another area that we may be able to address that would benefit our community please let your child's teacher know. We would gladly accept suggestions and feedback. Happy reading! Ms Roxanne Sanday Assistant Principal

Year 9 Camp

Last Wednesday the 16th October 94 enthusiastic year 9 students headed up to Forster to the Ton ‘O’ Fun for camp. Students were split into groups to participate in a range of activities including water slides, flying fox, giant swing, mud world, go karts, quad bikes and team challenges on the rope courses.

Some of the highlights included laughing at Ms Harris squealing on the giant swing, getting wet and muddy throughout the mud world obstacles and racing each other around the go-kart track.

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All students displayed our core Wadalba values and their fantastic behaviour was acknowledged by the camp instructors. We all enjoyed three days of sunshine, fun and laughs and all students came away with a closer bond as a year group.

Mrs Hesse