FRANCIS GREENWAY HIGH SCHOOLGAZETTE

Mrs Edwards (Principal)

We Value Your InputPlease feel free to contact us at any time:Po Box 124, Beresfield NSW 2322Phone: 02 4964 1282 Fax 02 4964 1147Email: francisgre-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Edition 6 August 2015

Calendar of Events

August

Tuesday 18 August P & C 6.00pm

Monday 24 August Blood Bank Visit

September

Thursday 3 September Year 7/8 Touch Gala DayFriday 4- Friday 18

September Year 11 Exams

Friday 18 September Year 12 Farewell Assembly

Friday 18 September Last Day Term 3

Tuesday 6 October Day 1 Term 4 – all students return

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

School’s Renewal Program

Our school has been fortunate enough to be included in the School’s Renewal Program which brings substantial funding into our school to support us in promoting the positive aspects of our school. The Woolcott Institute has recently completed some data collection from the school community regarding the perception of our school. The results have been shared with us and discussed at our last P&C meeting.

In summary, FGHS has been seen by members of the community who knew the school 10-20 years ago in a less than positive light. Those people who have had connections with the school over the past 5+ years talk about our school as being a place where emphasis is placed on the provision of a high quality education for all students in a setting which is safe and caring.

We are proud to say that there are few incidents of aggressive behaviour, bullying and antisocial behaviour such as graffiti and that any such incidents are dealt with promptly and appropriately.

One area we could improve upon is our use of technology to communicate. The P&C have supported the idea of a FGHS Facebook page to complement our Website which is under reconstruction and our Skool Bag App. A school Facebook page will only allow key personnel to provide one way communication. It will not allow people to “post” anything on the page or engage in any type of forum.

Bloodbank

On Monday, 24 August we will have the Blood Bank at our school. I

encourage anyone who is able to give blood to come along and donate.

Student Safety

I ask that extra care is taken by parents dropping off students at the front of the school each morning. It is a very busy time and quite easy to not notice students exiting vehicles. I would particularly ask people not to do U-turns as this is a particularly dangerous act which results in many near misses each week.

Café

The famous FGHS Café has reopened each Thursday under the expert guidance of Donna Smithson. Mrs Smithson is working with a group of students who work hard learning all aspects of the food industry. The menu includes coffees and a selection of cake as well as lasagne, soup, pizza and wedges. If you would like to come along and have lunch please phone the school and make a booking.

Cyber Safety Fact

When you click ‘Allow‘ on Facebook when adding a new application, you are giving permission for that application to share your information. Sometimes it is not only your information that is shared, but also your friend’s. Similarly when you ‘like’ a page you are associating yourself with that page and sharing your information.

Mrs Jo EdwardsPRINCIPAL

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL YEARS 7, 9 & 11

The Big Day Out 2015

The Big Day Out has been booked for Tuesday 15 December 2015, the last week of school for the year. A flyer will be coming home with students in Years 7-10 within the week, as issued to Year Advisers for distribution at Year Meetings.

At Francis Greenway High School, we value and reward positive behaviour and school attendance, so students who are eligible to attend will have all absences accounted for throughout the year and our core values will be obvious in their behaviour. To succeed at school, you need to be here each day and following the rules. This year we are again visiting Wet ‘n’ Wild Sydney for The Big Day Out, as it was very popular last year.

Please be aware that students should return their permission note and pay as soon as possible once issued, as spots will be restricted the deadline to confirm your position will be Friday 27 November.

For information on the venue, which is the biggest water park in the world, please see: https://wetnwildsydney.com.au/

Learning Hub - Semester 2

The Learning Hub has been operating this term, with increasing success each week and all students are encouraged to use this valuable support. The Learning Hub operates in the Library on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 3.00-4.30pm. During this time we have the following learning support and assistance programs running;

1. Literacy support, including essay based subject assistance (Eg. English, HSIE, CAPA)

2. Numeracy support, including mathematics assistance.3. Assessment Hub – for assessment tasks due or homework

where required by students to complete that they would like assistance with.

There have been many teachers attending the Learning Hub, giving our students a huge opportunity to access a free tutoring service. Please encourage your son/daughter to attend the Learning Hub to

improve their academic achievement. Students need to arrive at the Library for a 3pm start if they are interested in attending. Thank you to the teaching staff who have volunteered their time to make this valuable initiative happen for our kids!Uniform

Students wearing non-uniform jumpers has become of an increasing concern this winter. Please ensure students are in uniform every day, including the top layer of warmth being worn. The uniform shop is open on Mondays and Wednesdays if additional clothing is required.

Year Meetings

We will be conducting a series of Year Meetings over the next week to remind students of the school values, to address patterns of issues for specific year groups and to give students an opportunity to come together as a group to hear from their relevant Deputy Principal and Year Adviser.

Students Driving to School

The behaviour of young people in their cars out the front of the school has come to our attention this week due to some students making very poor decisions behind the wheel. Police attended the Year 11 Year Meeting on Wednesday 12 August to explain the legal and safety ramifications of their poor decision making and this will be considered as the one and only warning for all young adults who drive to school. From this point on, any student doing the wrong thing in a car that becomes known to the school, will have their names and licence plate details forwarded straight to Police. Camera footage from the school security cameras will also be shared with Police on these matters, as we take their safety and the safety of our community very seriously.

Mrs Janene McIntoshDeputy Principal – Years 7, 9 & 11

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL YEARS 8, 10 & 12

This is a busy time of the year, with Year 12 students receiving feedback from their Trial HSC Exams and Year 10 and Year 8 students making decisions about subjects for 2016.

As Year 12 complete coursework for their subjects each faculty will be working through a structured revision program in preparation for the the HSC. Students should have an at home personal preparation program for the upcoming exams. Everyone has worked hard to get themselves to this point and should make sure they consult with their teachers about areas of learning of which they need clarification.

Year 10 have chosen their Stage 6 courses and will find out what their program of study will be by the end of Term 3. Courses run based on the need to meet academic requirements and also student numbers. The process of having an information evening followed by parent and student interviews was very successful and highly attended by parents. Some excellent thought has been put into the decision making process by students in consultation with parents.

Year 8 are about to get information about Year 9 2016 elective courses. There will be a Year Meeting this week where students will receive a Subject Selection Book for 2016. This book has information from the Board of Studies with regard to RoSA, The Record Of School Achievement, course content and important dates to assist in the process of selecting subjects.

Mr Damien BrownsmithDeputy Principal – Years 8, 10 & 12

VALUES EDUCATION FOR LEARNING TEAM

Last month we welcomed the inclusion of our Student Voice Team to the meeting to ensure the goals being set align with the needs and ideas of the student body. During the meeting, the main points on the agenda included using visuals around the school, identifying specific language to foster positive behaviour and lessons centred on teaching values.

The team has been discussing the importance of signage throughout the school and is currently looking at examples to be utilised in a variety of locations. The signs aim to generate a platform for expectation in the playground and classroom by acting as a reminder for both staff and students. The design, size, placement and language are a working progress. Furthermore, a matrix for behaviour and action is currently being built in order to assist staff and students to understand specific expectations around the entire school environment. The PDHPE Faculty will be working at building a specific matrix for their lessons in the Canteen and MPC aiming to build on the culture of positive behaviour.

Finally, the team is looking ahead to Year7 – 10 YAP lessons in term 4 to teach the specific behavioural expectations throughout the school environment. The aim is to utilise this already successful program and align with the matrix that is being developed. It is a very important time for the team and we are excited by everything that is being developed in order to make Francis Greenway High School a consistently productive and safe place to attend. Thank you to Aimee Budden, Nic Callinan and Tim Wallace for their input to the meeting.

Ms Harmonie AttwillCommunication Team MemberFrancis Greenway High School VEfLT

CAREERS

Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in Work Experience for one week during term two. It has been a most rewarding experience for me to visit the students in the workplace and to gain feedback from the students, parents and employers. The students have performed extremely well this year, with some of them being offered part time paid employment as a direct result of their performance during Work Experience. This valuable experience will assist students with their subject choices for the Higher School Certificate. Year 10 have recently completed the subject selection process for their senior studies. I have spoken to most Year 10 classes about their subject selections and will continue to do so in their Career Lessons.

At the moment Year 10 should be collecting assessment tasks for their Authentic Assessment Interviews in Term 4. Cover sheets are provided in the Library.

Year 10 work experience: Pictured below:Jackie Miller – pharmacy/retailBreeanna Delany - hairdressingAbby Jongerden - early Childhood

Year 12 will also be given their UAC guides this term, to assist their applications to university. I will be holding a workshop after their HSC Trial Exams, on Thursday 20 August periods 3 & 4, to explain the procedures for university entry which can be quite complex.

Congratulations to the 12 students, who sat the Literacy and Numeracy Tests for their Record of Student Achievement (RoSA). These students now have an extra credential to present to employers. Any student who is leaving school before completing the HSC should see me and arrange to do these exams. Once registered the students have 3 weeks to complete the tests. They are multiple choice and done on line in a 2 hour period.

Many opportunities were available to all students in the different year groups and advertised to all students through roll call announcements or their school email. Students need to be checking their school email accounts regularly so as not to miss out on these events. Recently ADFA and Defence Force Gap Year information has been sent to Year 12. I also have a list of Defence Force Evenings available in the Library.

Reminder to Year 11 & 12 VET students, to give their USI numbers to Ms Taylor. The forms are outside the VET office in the Library. This is not optional and must be done. Also parents remember that I have purchased Job Jump, a careers tool for all sorts of career investigations and career planning. This will be very useful for Year 10 students. Go to www.jobjump.com.au (I googled Jobjump)

INSTRUCTIONS: To use the website, we are also encouraging students and their parents and staff to have the Careers News they wish sent to them on the careers that interest them. Remember, they can select as many careers as they want from the over 100 choices. In particular, for students and parents, they will keep receiving their Careers News all the way through till the end of Year 13. If they type the first couple of letters of the school name in the first white box on the left hand side and when the name of the school appears on their screen, they can simply

click on it and it will enter into the first box. They then enter their email address (preferably their home email address for students, as often their school email is lost at the end of Year 12) and click Login. They will then need to put in their school password: francis and then answer a couple of brief questions to register.

Mrs J. DempseyCAREERS ADVISER

WRITE IT RIGHT

Write It Right Update – From the Students

On Tuesday in our A week, Year 7, 8 and 9 Aboriginal students continue to go to Murrook Cultural Centre to learn more about our culture. Recently we have learnt about story in art by painting specific stories from a number of places. Most of us loved it, but Uncle Jim’s representation of how the waratah got its colour was the best.

On the 28 of July we caught the ‘Fun Bus’ to Stockton beach and dunes. Here Year 7 students learnt about the Bush Cherry Tree and its medicinal qualities. Year 8 and 9 students had learnt the story in previous years. We all took on roles to dance the story of how the discovery was made around its healing qualities. A big thankyou to Chris for teaching us the side and single stomp which made our dance better than before. While we were in the dunes we learnt how to dig for water and how to use the banksia flower to filter the water.

The following Thursday most members of the Write It Right program performed the Bush Cherry Tree dance at Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council. We were invited by Maitland Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group for the Connecting to Country Cultural Awareness program. Before dancing Elizabeth Davey summarised what the Write It Right program is and what it does for our writing and cultural knowledge. Janiyah Brown then retold the story to help the audience understand the dance we were about to perform. We did really well on our first dance together.

Our continued participation in the Write It Right program helps us achieve greater confidence in writing. It also provides us with the opportunity to improve our grades, advances our cultural knowledge and understanding of ourselves as young proud Aboriginal people.Our unconditional thanks to Uncle Jonathan, Uncle Jim and Aunty Maxine for supporting our learning and a big congratulations from all of us in the program to John Limond who received an award for his unquestioning support of the program at the Education Week ceremony.

Written by Kyra Milne, Liam McKenzie, Temeeka Beattie, Memphis Smith, Cody Walker, Bailey Winner, Tayla Silva, Austin Cooper, Brendon Lewins, Mitchell Kelly, Elizabeth Davey, Corey Stenner, Janiyah Brown and Kayla Wells.

(From Mrs McIntosh – I would like to add, none of this world be possible without Ms Walsh. Thankyou Ms Walsh.)

Danielle WalshWRITE IT RIGHT COORDINATOR

PDHPE

On Thursday the 15 July the Under 16 Girls Rugby League team competed in the Central Hunter Gala Day held at Somerset Park, with over 150 girls from all over the region taking part in the day.

Game 1- The girls began the day with a show stopping performance against Kurri High School. They put 28 points on the board, with only 8 scored against them, in a short 20 minute game. They were not only confident in attack but just as strong in their defence.

Game 2- Waratah High School, Callaghan Campus, were never given a chance in this game. The girls played with great speed and enthusiasm in defence. While the girls ended up with 16 points their greatest achievement was not conceding any tries.

Game 3- The girls took on a much larger and, compared to earlier games, somewhat tougher forward pack. Hunter River High School brought a real physical presence to the game. Our girls were not only able to match this but utilised their high levels of fitness to dominate in attack. At times it looked brutal out there, but at no time did our girls look intimidated nor did they change their game plan. They came away with the win 8-4, but we also came away from this with a few injuries.

Final- Going into the final we barely had a bench. Our opposition were strong in attack and comparable in size. The girls knew they had to give it their all for 20 minutes. Try for try, then at the final bell we had an 8 all draw. The girls now needed to dig deep into golden point, no conversions…. they had to score. Wallsend Callaghan Campus High School had possession 10 metres out from their try line. Rylee Grant ran almost the full length of the field to score and ultimately claim the championship. This cemented a place at the NSW Rugby League Carnival. Rylee was also the highest try scorer and named Player of the Tournament.

Wednesday the 29 July - All Schools NSW Rugby League Carnival- The Kingsway, Sydney.

The girls began the day with a convincing win over Strathfield City. Unfortunately, they were unable to match the size and speed of Illawarra Sports High School in the second game. They finished the day with no bench and a dwindled starting team as injuries prevailed. In our last match Canberra Region were able to take advantage of this and ran away with the win. The girls competed in Sydney against regional areas and selective sports high schools. The girls should be so proud of their efforts and they gave their all until the last bell.

Congratulations and best wishes must also go to Piyper Carne-Jordan of Year 8 who has qualified for the NSW CHS State Athletics Championships to be held in Sydney on September 3 rd and 4th. Piyper will compete in the Shot Put and Javelin for Para Athletes. Jye Ireland of Year 12 has been selected in the NSW Open Boy’s Touch team and will attend the national titles in Caloundra later this year. Following this success Jye will captain our FGHS Open Boy’s Touch team in the NSW Final Series on the 11 and 12 August, this series will be held on the Central Coast. Good luck to the boys and Ms Taylor in their quest to become state champions.

Natalie Conway HEAD TEACHER PDHPE (relieving)

CREATING FOR THE CARERS OF THE FUTURE

Once again this year the Basic Motor Movement Program has been offered as a sport option. Each Thursday a dynamic group of students from Years 8-10 attend Hunter River Community School (HRCS) at Metford to facilitate play and assist students with complex, additional needs. The Service Learning Program initiative is a highly valued part of the school week for students at both schools.

During

Education Week the program was recognised as providing enhanced opportunities for students to engage in a regular mentoring program and received a School Program Award. Pictured below are Ms Wills and the student representatives, William Leyshon, Lachlan Buffet, Emma Poole and Ebony Cooper, who attended the ceremony at Grossmann High School. Congratulations to all the students who have been part of the program in 2014 and 2015.

On Friday 31 July

students attended HRCS to assist with the Education Week Extravaganza. Activities included assisting performers and helping with the ‘Pop-Up Shops’ to sell goodies made by school’s students and parents. The day was a spectacle of colour and good fun.

Pictured Below: Chelsea Shelton, Laura, Danielle Parrot and Maddelyn Paix

Courtney, Kimberley Simmons and her sister, Courtney.

The Basic Motor Movement Program group ready to perform.

The contribution of students from Francis Greenway HS extends beyond the current student population. Many ex-students work in support and teaching roles at HRCS. Pictured below are School Learning Support Officers, Mel Dron, (2006-08) and Rayleen Foote (nee Gould, Class of ’89).

Pictured below, at front is Dominique Gillette (Class of 2011) completing her Internship for her Bachelor of Special Education. Back left are School Learning Support Officers, Shelly Rush-Nichols (nee Clarke, Class of ’88) and right, Amanda Straker (nee Mills, Class of ’88)

Mrs Kim WillsHSIE DEPARTMENT

CHEERLEADERS

The FGHS Stingers are working tirelessly on their routine as their first competition approaches. They have completed their first performance of the year for Year 6 students of The Gateway Learning Community (GLC). All of the cheerleaders should feel incredibly proud of what they have achieved so far this year.The FGHS Stinger’s next performance will take place at AASCF State Championships on the 6 September, 2015.

Ms Tegan XenosCHEERLEADING

Language Other Than English (LOTE)Japanese (nihongo) (日本語)

Year 12 students will sit their HSC Oral Examination for Japanese on Saturday 29 August. To assist students with their preparation for the Oral and Written Examinations, before and after school classes have been scheduled for any student wishing to gain extra practice of Past Paper HSC questions. I encourage all Year 12 Japanese students to attend these half hour sessions.

Year 7 classes will do an Assessment for Japanese on Tuesday 18 th

(7P, 7S), Wednesday 19th August (7A, 7K) and Friday 21st (7R). Students will be assessed on their reading, writing and listening skills. Review quizzes are being done by students in lessons to help them prepare for this assessment.

Mrs S. Waller JAPANESE TEACHER

TAS

HSC Textiles & Design and Industrial Technology TimberThese students have been incredibly busy completing their Major Design Projects and accompanying Folios for marking by the Board of Studies external markers. A huge thanks to Mrs Joy and Mr Jackson for all those extra volunteered hours to support these students to achieve the best they can. Although these students can breathe a sigh of relief, the work doesn’t stop here. It’s now time to prepare for the HSC Examinations and this requires attending all classes and incorporating a regular revision schedule at home.

Year 9 & 10 Food TechnologyYear 10This term we have been studying Food Trends, a topic that explores what is popular in the Australian food industry and what drives new trends.

It is a fabulous topic because it relies heavily on student knowledge of what is happening around them; along with use of social media to explore the way food is promoted and shared in this digital age that we live in.

Students have prepared a range of dishes that cover trends in food preparation and processing technology, media influences, the demand for easily prepared and nutritious foods, superfoods and more. Pork Pad Thai, Lemon Meringue Pots, Israeli Couscous Cranberry and Kale Salad, Snickerdoodle Mug Cake, and Grilled Cheese Sambo with Salted Caramel Milkshake have all been popular recipes.

If any of our families would like a copy of these recipes, please feel free to ask!

Students were also required to create a blog based on a trend that interests them. A blog is a website that features stories (posts) about the author’s personal experiences, and often features links to other websites and instructions for readers who want to recreate experiences for themselves (in our case, mostly recipes). Some excellent work was produced for this task, with one student even creating her own blog. Future endeavours will be to publish our blogs on the internet to share with our Francis Greenway community.

Additionally, we now have an online presence on Instagram, sharing photographs of our weekly creations via @FoodatFGHS. I encourage you to check it out. Year 9Year 9 have been studying Food in Australia, exploring how our Indigenous heritage, British colonisation, immigration and globalisation have shaped our national cuisine.

Students were required to use online presentation software, Prezi, to present research on another Country and the impact of that culture on our modern diets. Prezi is one of the latest presentation software tools available and the students have found it challenging working with something new. Working with different presentation skills provides our students with valuable skills they can take with them into the workforce.

Mrs A WalshTAS / HOSPITALITY TEACHER

FRANCIS GREENWAY CAFÉ

Our Cafe has been back in operation for 3 weeks now and judging from how busy the dining room becomes at recess and lunch it’s been a real success. The Year 11 Hospitality students are enjoying the real life experience and volunteering to spend extra time working in the Cafe. Our Year 9 and 10 students Zachary Parr, Chloe Kelly, Nathan Jacobs, Lauren Faulkner and Beau Adams are gaining skills in communication, organisation, literacy and numeracy and I have to congratulate them on their enthusiasm and efforts. A big thanks to all our supporters who have been patient with us during our time of implementation.

Friendly RemindersJust some friendly reminders for parents:

Paid fees = practical experiences Fully enclosed leather upper shoes = safe feet USB’s are a good way to save your work Pens, pencils and books help record the work

Focus on learningJust a reminder of what our classes should be working on at the moment.

All Year 11 & 12 classes revising for future examinations Year 10 N-awards for Food Technology need

completing

Special Request/Donations

If you have any leftover textiles items, fabrics etc. that you no longer need we are always happy to accept donations.

Mrs Donna SmithsonTAS DEPARTMENT

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

2015 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS): Mathematics

The 2015 ICAS Mathematics competition was held on Tuesday 11th August. ICAS provides an opportunity for students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing situation. Thirty of our top Year 9 students completed the test. All students will receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly and their score compared with the rest of the students tested. We look forward to some pleasing results this year.

Year 8 GATS (Mathematics)

Term 3 has seen our Year 8 GATS Mathematics students take on a variety of challenges. Students started by applying problem solving skills to develop a bridge made entirely of paper in order to take the fearless Yoshi from one desk to another. From there students began a journey into learning how to program. They gained insight into the dramatic need for such skills and its

TRIVIA ANSWERI’m butter and I’ve been curled by a

hand held curling tool.

importance in society. Students started by learning the fundamentals of coding using visual coding. They then used the program Kodu to develop their own racing game and then a game of their choosing. Students then investigated non-linear systems and chaos theory to explore the complexities of the world that surrounds them. Students gained insight into the importance of complex modelling to better understand the world from weather patterns to medical breakthroughs. This term will end with students starting to look at Robotics. Students will learn how to design and build basic robots and use coding to program movement and sensors. This last project will test student’s problem solving and logic skills.

GATS with Thornton Public School

On 20 July Mr Abel had the pleasure of spending the day with the GATS students of Thornton Primary School. Students from Year 5 and Year 6 were selected to take part on a new programming journey. Students started the day by gaining insight into the world of programming and its importance in the world. They then began learning basic coding through problem solving. The majority of the day was spent with students developing their own game using a programming language. The students were thoroughly engaged, with some opting to continue work through their break times. Many of the students demonstrated their interest in pursuing a career or hobby in programming.

Year 10 and Year 11 Mathematics

The Mathematics Years 7-10 Syllabus forms part of the continuum of mathematics learning from Kindergarten to Year 10. The Stage 6 syllabuses were developed for students in Years 11 and 12 and therefore represent the mathematics learning for all students who study mathematics in those years. In order to cater for the full range of learners, three specific endpoints and pathways (5.1, 5.2 and 5.3) have been identified for Stage 5. The diagram on the next page shows the connection between these three levels. Stage 5.3 includes the knowledge and skills from Stage 5.2, and Stage 5.2 includes the knowledge and skills from Stage 5.1.

For students who intend to study the Stage 6 General Mathematics course, it is recommended that they experience at least some of the Stage 5.2 content, particularly the Patterns and Algebra topics and Trigonometry, if not all of the content. For students who intend to study the Stage 6 Mathematics course, it is recommended that they experience the topics Real Numbers, Algebraic Techniques and Coordinate Geometry as well as at least some of Trigonometry and Deductive Geometry from 5.3, if not all of the content.

Maths Assessments:

Year Group

Term 3Test Topic areas

Year 7 Week 9 Algebraic Techniques, Angle Relationships, Equations, Area

Year 8 Week 9 Equations, Inequations and Formulae, Area, Surface Area and Volume

Year 9 Week 9 Area and Surface Area, Right-Angles Triangles (Trigonometry), Properties of Geometrical Figures

Year 10 Week 9 Data Representation, Coordinate Geometry, Simultaneous Equations

Year Group

Term 3 Term 4

Year 11 Final Preliminary Test Week 9 & 10

Start Year 12 course

Year 12 Trial HSC Week 2 & 3 HSC

Mrs K. BurnettHT MATHEMATICS

BYOD

In the last Gazette I mentioned squashing a rumour about the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.

Late in Term 1, a student asked me if it was true that when their devices are connected to the school network, staff can or will “hack” into them. It’s a valid question, and might be a reasonable concern for students and parents/guardians.

IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE FOR ANY PERSON TO TRY AND ACCESS A COMPUTER (TABLET, LAPTOP, etc) WITHOUT AUTHORISATION. THIS INCLUDES REMOTELY.

Now, I’m unsure of the law’s exact wording, but this is basically what it translates to given the question I was asked.

As I tell all students when they get their devices connected, no staff

member is allowed, or will try to gain access to their device. It’s illegal, and the Department of Education will not condone this in any way. If a student misuses their device while at school, it may be taken from them for a period of time, the same as with the school’s mobile phone policy. They may be denied access to the wireless for misuse as well, but their device will not be interfered with in any way.

As always, the Principal may refer serious matters to authorities like the Police, and then different laws apply. But again, staff are not allowed to “hack” student devices.

Note that students hacking into another student’s computer is beyond the school’s ability to monitor or control, but it is illegal for them to do this as well.

Just, what are we allowed to do then? Well, the Principal can access records of web sites that staff and students have visited via the school’s network. As you can probably imagine, this is time consuming and only done if there was a specific reason.

The staff technology person (me) can see what devices are connected to the wireless, and how much data is being used, but not websites, or what programs or apps students have installed. As I tell students, this helps me find their device if it gets lost at school. I record their device’s MAC address just for this purpose. I need to check data usage if the network slows down, so I can fix any network problems.

So, if a student has parent/guardian permission to use their device at school, they need to see me after they return their paperwork. I record three things for this: their name; what type of device (iPAD; ASUS laptop; Galaxy tablet, etc); and the device MAC address. That’s all. I then input the wireless settings they need to connect at school, and they can then use the wireless to help with studies.

The school’s own computers are not subject to the “no hacking” law. As the school owns these, it is not unauthorised for staff to monitor what happens on them.

If you’d like to know more about any of this, please have your child contact me and I’ll supply what details I can.

Mr Darren Cannon(Technology Support Officer)

SCIENCE

New Science TeacherThe Science Faculty is pleased to welcome Ms Cowan to FGHS this term. Ms Cowan has replaced Ms Ross who is on maternity leave.

What students should bring to class?All students are reminded that when they come to Science they should bring at least a pen and their Science workbook. This is the minimum equipment required by all students.

ValidAll students in Year 8 will take part in the Science VALID testing in Term 4. This replaces ESSA and provides information to students and parents, which compares with ‘like students’ in NSW. Teachers also use this information to guide our teaching practices to improve the outcomes for students in FGHS. If parents do not wish their son or daughter to be involved they need to contact the Science Department and request an exemption.

Science WeekWeek 6 term 3 is National Science Week. This year the theme is ‘Making Waves- the Science of Light’. Each Science class will be involved in activities investigating light, its properties and why it is so

important to our way of life. Students should also keep an eye out for their Science teachers wearing light-themed shirts to school during Science week.

HSC StudentsAs Year 12 students are fast approaching the end of term 3 and the HSC a few words of advice to maximize their potential.

Be in class- this is where the learning happens; it is important to be at school every day.

Revision- use a range of strategies- summaries; past HSC papers; making recordings to listen back to; watching online videos; small groups of students studying together and teaching each other; talking to your teachers.

Have high expectations of yourself. Take risks and have a go at the hard questions.

Science and Engineering ChallengeRecently a group of Year 10 students under the able supervision of Ms Shearer and Mr Whitton competed in the Science and Engineering Challenge at Newcastle University. It was a very competitive day and the students enjoyed themselves, building many things.Highlights included:

Building a catapult Building a bridge that was lightweight but strong enough to

hold the most weight. Designing a tower Building a bionic hand

Our students placed 5th in a closely fought contest. Well done to all involved!

Building a catapult

Tower construction

Pondering a problem

Mr Michael LattaSCIENCE DEPARTMENTCAPA

This is an extremely busy time of the year for HSC Drama, Music and Visual Arts students, with important course marks and practical submissions and performances all finalised in the coming weeks.

The HSC students are to be commended for sticking with it and pushing themselves to maximum potential – it is totally understandable if they are tired and their nerves are frayed by the end of the term.

There have been exhibitions, concerts, recitals and an evening Drama performance recently. HSC Visual Arts students have their Bodies of Work submitted on Monday 24 August and these will be marked by a team of BOSTES visitors to the school in Term 4.

Year 10 student, Shaniia Jones, has been creating great imagery-faces from the topic of Expressionism and Social Issues – an example of which appears in this Gazette below.

Shaniia’s work was featured at a recent awards night in our MPC along with some of the other creative and imaginative efforts from this Year 10 class of twenty five students.

Year 9 Visual Arts may be small in number but the talent in this group is also very strong and their creative drive is inspiring. Next Gazette will showcase some more of these capable students’ work.

Mr Ian McDonaldCAPA

MAITLAND REGION SOCIEY OF ARTISTS

2015 ANNUAL ART EXHIBITIONMeet the artists and join us for wine and nibbles

Opening night: $10 - Friday August 14, 2015 6pm – 8pmVenue: St James Anglican Church Hall, Cnr Tank & High Sts,

MORPETHAlso open: Saturday 15 August – 10am - 4pm

Sunday 16 August – 10am - 3pmEnquiries: President Kay Sparkes 49341323

Secretary Joanne Conder 49303317

BERESFIELD MEMORIAL CRICKET CLUB

REGISTRATIONS SEASON 2015/2016 Dates: Friday August 14, 2015 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Saturday 22nd August 2.00pm to 4.00pm(BBQ and a net session will be available on the Saturday)

Venue: Lindsay Oval, Beresfield

Age Type Registration Weekly Match Fees

Senior Full time – wish to be considered for selection every week available

$60 $15

Senior Part-time – fill in as needed

Nil $20

Junior U13 & above $160 NilJunior U12 & above $160 Nil

NOTE: The NJCA has adopted a number of different formats for under 12s and below. Please ask at registrations about the various options. Under 13s and above remain normal competition cricket.

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Francis Greenway High School

Notification of Student Absence

Student Name: ________________________________________________________________

Year: __________ 1st Day Absent: _____________________________________________

Last Day Absent/Possible Duration: _______________________________________________

Reason: _____________________________________________________________________

Notifier’s Name: Mr / Mrs / Ms / Dr ________________________________________________

Relationship to Student: Mother / Father / Nan / Pop __________________________________

Signature: ___________________________

Francis Greenway High School

Notification of Student Absence

Student Name: ________________________________________________________________

Year: __________ 1st Day Absent: ________________________________________

Last Day Absent/Possible Duration: _______________________________________________

Reason: _____________________________________________________________________

Notifier’s Name: Mr / Mrs / Ms / Dr ________________________________________________

Relationship to Student: Mother / Father / Nan / Pop __________________________________

Signature: ___________________________

CHANGE OF DETAILS SLIP – FGHS

Student’s Surname: __________________________________________

First Name: ____________________________________ Middle Name: __________________________________

Year Group: _______ Date today__________________

New Address:________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________ Postcode: _______________

New Carer information: _____________________________________________________________(Carer changes that may need to be made to current records)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________New Carer Phone Numbers: __________________________________________________________ New Home Phone Number: Mother: ____________________ Father: _______________________New Mobile Number: Mother: _________________________ Father: _______________________New Work Number: Mother: ___________________________ Father: _______________________

New Emergency Contacts:

Name: __________________________________ Name: _____________________________Home: __________________________________ Home: _____________________________Mobile: _________________________________ Mobile: _____________________________Relationship to student: ____________________ Relationship to student: ________________

New medical conditions/allergies etc: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of person making changes _________________________ relationship to student_______________

Best phone/ email if contact is required today _________________________________________________

SPORT IS COMPULSORY IF DURING THE DAY YOU NEED YOUR SON/ DAUGHTER TO COME HOME PLEASE PHONE THE SCHOOL AND THE OFFICE WILL DO THE ARRANGEMENTS.