Our Mission: To provide a quality comprehensive and inclusive educational environment where all students can achieve Newsletter also on the web at www.cowra-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Principal: Charles Gauci B.Ed., Dip.T. Deputy Principal: Paul Bullock B.Sc., Dip.Ed. Deputy Principal: Ian Pattingale B.App.Sc., Dip.Ed.
Volume 2014 Issue 10
Friday 25 July, 2014
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT We have just finished Week 2 of the new term and it has kicked off in a great way. I returned to school to receive an email from a lady on the South Coast who had travelled on the same flight as the Cowra High students returning from the school’s European excursion. After 24 hours sharing an aeroplane with our students she felt compelled to say how impressed she was with their outstanding behaviour. This was a tremendous way to finish a highly successful History excursion which spanned four European countries. Thank you to Ms Patterson, Mrs Meiklejohn, Ms McAlister and Mr Tapscott for organising and conducting such a special experience for our students. Speaking of international travel, Brody Hannan is currently in London experiencing science from a European perspective. He has achieved this through determination and talent combined with the support & guidance of his teachers and the extra assistance of the Cowra community. I thank everyone for the encouragement that you have given Brody, and wish him all the best on his trip. While writing about students travelling all over the world, I’d like to mention that we have visitors from our Japanese sister school, Seikei High this week. Many will remember that we took a Cowra High Rugby team to Japan last year to play a game against Seikei High as part of their centenary celebrations. They kindly agreed to travel to us this year for a second round. I know we will enjoy having the Seikei students sharing their culture with us for a short time. Stay tuned for a full report in the next newsletter.
The SRC will be collecting money from those wearing jeans on Friday 1 August to raise money to help fight childhood diseases. Remember to wear proper school shirt & jumper and sensible shoes with your jeans. FUTSAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS The Cowra High School Open Boys Squad are travelling to Penrith today to compete in the annual Football NSW Futsal State Championships. They go as Western Region Champions, having won that tournament convincingly in March. For some of the boys this is their second consecutive visit, so they know what to expect ~ a fast, furious & most certainly physical experience. They are competing in a tough pool which contains Homebush Boys High, Gosford High, Erskine Park High and Ginninderra High. Cowra High wishes the boys all the best.
On Wednesday this week I had the pleasure of awarding 35 Gold Eagle Awards to students from Years 7 to 12. These awards acknowledge their respectful and responsible behaviour over a sustained period of time. I congratulate all these worthy recipients and thank the family members who attended the assembly & morning tea to help us celebrate their achievement. I look forward to further presentations as the year progresses. Have a great fortnight. Charles Gauci
Jasper Dezorzi, Brad Napoli, Lucas Hayes, Bede Leyland, Walker Carter, Brad Wright & Alex Lazarou PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au We value openness ~ we can discuss our differences
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COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NAIDOC DEBATING
On Thursday 19 June, Drew Johnstone & Vivienne Wells had the pleasure of attending a Leadership Conference which was for schools around the state and held at NSW Parliament House and Government House.
At the end of last term Jaylee Dunn, Jesse Murray, Clover Riches-Farrell & Emma Robinson represented Cowra High School at the annual Lachlan round of the NAIDOC debating challenge.
Firstly, they attended speeches made by members from both the upper & lower Houses of the NSW Government where they had the opportunity to ask their local Member for Burrinjuck, Katrina Hodgkinson, important questions about her role in Government. They were then lucky enough to witness two debates in both the upper & lower Houses in regards to passing bills into legislation. After a quick lunch, they made their way to Government House where they took part in a brief tour before listening to Her Excellency Marie Bashir, the Governor of NSW give an inspirational speech about the system of Government and her role in our democracy. The student leaders were then given the opportunity to ask her Excellency questions about her life before and after being appointed Governor. The day ended with a photo opportunity with the Governor.
The team had to present a positive and negative case against Forbes High School based on this year’s theme Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond. The topic was: Has the Australian Government properly recognised the contribution of Aboriginal service men and women, during and after wartime? Proudly, the Cowra High team won for the fourth year in a row. They were awarded a fantastic didgeridoo for the school that joins the one they received last year. They now move on to the next round at Dubbo in August.
Both Drew & Vivienne enjoyed the day immensely being humbled by this great opportunity to represent Cowra High School & meet the people who, with hard work, make this democracy run as smoothly as it does.
The team with the shield & didgeridoo and Mr Allan Hall, Teaching & Learning Co-ordinator of Aboriginal Education ~ Western Region
Vivienne & Drew with Her Excellency, Marie Bashir, (above) and Member for Burrinjuck, Katrina Hodgkinson, (at right)
Improve our nation Focus on education
PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER EUROPEAN EXCURSION
Page 3 At the Louvre
The European excursion was a trip no one will soon forget. For two whole weeks our friends became our family and the bond we formed with our teachers grew even stronger. At top of Eiffel Tower
After a stopover in Dubai, we arrived in Paris where we visited the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and more beautiful & interesting sites. A number of us even tried escargot (snails) ~ some even ate two servings!
Our tour of the World War I battlefields in France & Belgium was interesting and an eye opener. Grace & Laura were able to visit the graves of their ancestors and Miss McAlister & Mrs Tapscott found the names of their relatives on memorials. At the Menin Gate in Ypres, Laura Rowston, Ethan Willis & Miss McAlister laid a wreath and we all attended the Last Post ceremony which is held every evening at 8pm. Prior to this we had time to stock up on Belgium’s renowned chocolates, although Tobie ended up with too many. Our only night in Belgium coincided with a World Cup soccer game between Belgium & USA. A group of us went out into the town square to watch it on the big screen and join in the celebrations although Liam almost started a riot by wearing an American flag T-shirt.
Colosseum
Reichstag
In Berlin, Germany, we visited the remains of the Berlin Wall, the memorial for the Holocaust and the Reichstag (Parliament). Nuremburg was just as amazing, but quieter than most of us were used to. In Nuremburg we visited the Nazi rally ground, the courtroom in which the Nuremburg war trial took place & an old castle around the area we were staying in. Next stop was Rome, Italy, where we saw the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. For most of us, it was very exciting to eat real Italian pasta and pizza. A day in Florence, one in Pompeii and a half day at St Peters’ Basilica in the Vatican City completed our last three days in Europe. With only some bumps, blisters & bruises we made it to the international airport in Rome to come home saying goodbye to both the Meiklejohns & Tapscotts and our lovely tour guide Julie. We would like to thank Ms Patterson & Mrs Meiklejohn for organising the trip and all the parents & other teachers who came with us.
Grace Barron at the grave of her great great uncle in Belgium
Sarah White & Declan Langlands PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Page 4 STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR JULY MANAGING STRESS AND RELAXING Seven Quick Tips to Help you Relax The daily demands of life, such as exams, peer pressure, and homework assignments, or the challenges of relationships, family, or not making it on a sporting team can lead to an overwhelming feeling of stress. What you need to learn is how to cope with these situations in order to live a successful, productive, and happy life. Here are some proven techniques to help you relax and eliminate stress from your mind and body. 1. Eat in Moderation ~ never skip a meal, especially breakfast. Breakfast replenishes your body and helps you start your day full of energy. Eat three main meals, and two to three snack meals a day. Eating five to six times in a day keeps your blood sugar levels balanced, giving you an overall sense of well-being needed for focusing on your tasks and responsibilities. 2. Exercise Regularly ~ regular exercise, at least three times per week for a minimum of 30 minute sessions, can virtually “soak up” stress chemicals in your body and help you to relax and even sleep better. Brisk walking, aerobic classes, swimming, bike riding, or jogging are great exercises to release stress build up and relax your body and mind to either start or end your day right.
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER 6. Have a Support Network ~ create a support network of close friends or family that you can turn to in times of stress. Good and loving relationships are the key for your wellbeing and happiness. It makes you realise what is important in life and where your energies should be placed. 7. Avoid Bad Habits ~ when you are under stress, it is easy to turn to your established bad habits to deal with the stress. These habits are negative and will not take away stress, but only prolong it. The best way to avoid bad habits is to create new positive habits. Here is how to create a positive habit: Decide on the habit. Will you go for a walk each morning, go to the gym, take time out to do something special for yourself? Decide on where and when you will do this new habit. Choose a time and place and continue this new activity for 3 months (it takes around 66 days to establish a habit). Reward yourself each time you do this new activity. You may simply take a moment to notice how good it feels. Learn more about how to improve your results and be more efficient & effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on: www.studyskillshandbook.com.au. Access details are: Username:
cowrahs
Password:
174results
3. Remember to Breathe ~ when you feel your body start to tense, especially in your shoulders, chest, and abdomen when faced with a stressful situation, stop and take a few deep, slow breaths. If you are entering into a stressful situation, breathe slowly and evenly, using diaphragmatic breathing. This is a technique where you focus your breathing on your diaphragm where your belly rises and falls with each breath. Diaphragmatic breathing allows you to calm your nerves and relax your body and mind as your attention is placed on your breath. 4. Take Time Out and be MINDFUL ~ as you go through your day, take little breaks, about two to five minutes, to relax & unwind. Whether it’s sitting quietly, listening to relaxing music, or meditation, take a moment to place yourself in your own calm state. 5. Pursue an Interest ~ find something that you enjoy doing that is relaxing, you can not only unwind and release stress, but engage your creativity in expressing yourself. This could be through painting, playing basketball, writing, playing a musical instrument, or signing up for a class that you have always been wanting to take.
APPLICATIONS FOR XSEL 2015 Just a reminder that Cowra High students are invited to make application for placement in Years 8-10 in the new virtual secondary school in 2015. Xsel will conduct a selection and placement process this year for the 2015 student intake in the ways it has previously ~ students deemed eligible by the selection panel are offered places in Xsel as vacancies occur. Applicants will continue to be selected on two criteria ~ high academic achievement and demonstrated capacity for independent learning. Applications for Years 8-10 2015 are open until Tuesday 29 July. Forms and instructions about how to apply are available from: xselwebsitehttp://www.xsel.schools.nsw.edu.au/ Further information about the operational aspects of the selective stream and the larger virtual secondary school will be available to you soon from the State Office development team. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any queries. Carol Heilman ~ GaTS Co-ordinator
PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER COWRA SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS Congratulations to the Cowra High students and staff who received monthly awards at the 34th annual SOTY Awards which was held on Saturday 12 July. Of particular note are two special awards: Alana Ryan of Year 10 was named as the winner of the Cowra Services Club sponsored Sports Scholarship for her achievements in women’s cricket The Cowra High girls 14 years 4 x 50 metre freestyle relay team who took out the Team of the Year Award for their feat of finishing 6th in the final of the state titles held at Homebush. Team members were Meg Downey, Jade TeWeehi, Georgia Lewis & Jade Browne.
Alana Ryan
Page 5 On Wednesday, Cowra High held a special assembly which featured a PowerPoint presentation prepared by Beatrice Murray about the NAIDOC theme that covered the role of Indigenous people who have fought in defence of their country from the time of European colonisation and all military conflicts Australia has been involved in. Wonderful entertainment was provided by the local Waga -Wha Dance Group of which Year 8 student Jared Burns is a member. As part of their performance a number of female staff were persuaded to join in the emu dance while male staff performed the kangaroo dance. A barbecue lunch followed, with kangaroo & emu sausages served with bush tomato relish being a big success. During the afternoon students enjoyed a choice of Aboriginal films or played traditional Indigenous games. On the Thursday, three Cowra High students assisted with NAIDOC face painting activities at Mulyan Public ~ thank you to Nicollette Regan, Andrew McAleenan & Nathan Dixon (who also performed the Acknowledgement of Country in Wiradjuri both our assembly and Mulyan). Cowra High team won the annual NAIDOC debate for the fourth year in a row by defeating Forbes High School. Congratulations to team members, Clover Riches-Farrell, Emma Robinson, Jaylee Dunn & Jesse Murray. EYE SIGHT TESTING
NAIDOC WEEK 2014
Earlier this week a number of Aboriginal students took advantage of the free eye sight testing service which is offered every two years. Local optometrist, Robert Webster, assisted by his fourth year trainee optometrist, Jeff Yang, did the testing at school which was organised by Pauline Wicks from the Wellington Aboriginal Medical Service. Some students were identified as requiring glasses and they enjoyed picking out their frame colour and style. Being able to see properly when their glasses arrive should lead to a marked improvement in these student’s educational outcomes.
The local schools celebrated NAIDOC Week during the last week of Term 2. Thank you to Ms MarwoodCraig and her art students who produced the beautiful NAIDOC poster which was placed around town and the school. Representatives from Cowra High staff & students attended the official Aboriginal flag raising ceremony and morning tea with Elders held at Cowra Public School on Monday 23 June. Janama Lambshead performed the Acknowledgement of Country in Wiradjuri language at this event. The large NAIDOC cake made by Cowra High teacher, Ted Killeen was not only scrumptious to eat but also an amazing work of art in icing, relating to the 2014 NAIDOC theme of Serving Country: Centenary and Beyond.
Danieka Williams of Year 7 being tested by Robert Webster
PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
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COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NEW SHEME TEACHERS
On Wednesday 11 June I travelled to Orange to attend a training course. This TPL course provided helpful guidance as a New Scheme Teacher by discussing the following: Planning & Programming ~ this session was the highlight as it provided tips on best practice when planning & programming units of work. I found the exemplars useful and general discussion with other first year teachers on what works in their KLAs. Teacher Entitlements ~ this session provided an overview of DEC entitlements as a New Scheme Teacher and specific legal Dos and Don’ts (teaching hours etc). BOSTES ~ overview of the accreditation requirements & expectations etc. This session basically summed up what is required by the Board of Studies ~ timeframes, supporting documentation etc.
PCYC COWRA Junior Disco ~ at PCYC’s Young Road complex on Friday 25 July from 6pm to 8pm. This is for school children ranging from Kinder to Year 6 with lights and music provided by Laurie’s Disco. $5 per person and supervision is provided by PCYC Police, staff & volunteers. The canteen will be in operation as well as a sausage sizzle for $2. Indoor Touch Footy ~ looking to run indoor touch footy for the 7 to 14 age group on Tuesday afternoons commencing at 4pm. Games will be “5 a side” using the basketball court area as the field, cost will be $2 per child each week. Junior Basketball ~ will be running on Wednesday afternoon commencing at 4pm. It is made up of a coaching session to develop skills followed by a game of basketball to put them in to practice. Cost is $30 per person for the school term.
Lynda Coe ~ HSIE Teacher STARTING OUT STRONG On 16 & 17 June I attended the Teaching Conference Starting out Strong in Orange. At this course I met various school leaders, advisors and co-ordinators within the DEC to assist me with my future needs as a teacher. Some of the subjects covered included Aboriginal pedagogies, integrating the new English & Maths syllabus, student engagement, tips & tricks of the trade and networking shopfronts. My favourite part of the course was the question and answer time where we were able to ask questions about areas of teaching & organisations that we were unsure about. We were shown the aitsl website and app, and I am sure that I will be investigating these further to extend my teaching resources & ideas for the future. Deb Woods ~ Support Teacher
Your future will be bright, if you study day and night The Australian Mobile Dental Health van will be at Cowra High School from 6 August. If you would like your child to have an assessment, please return your consent form to the office.
Archery ~ ages 7 & older on Monday afternoons. First archery session begins at 4pm and is for beginners and the younger age groups, with a second session beginning at 5pm for the older and more experienced archers. Cost is $6 per session and all equipment is provided. Laser Tag ~ Wednesday nights commencing at 5.30pm at the Young Road complex. The session runs for an hour and costs $5 per person. It is a whole lot of fun while developing teamwork and co-operation ~ planning & strategy also play a big part. Safer Drivers Course for Learner Drivers ~ the next PCYC Safer Drivers course (Module 1) is scheduled for Friday 8 August. The course is for Learner drivers that have completed a minimum of 50 hours on-road driving experience (credits gained under the 3 for 1 scheme cannot be included) and is made up of two parts: Module 1 - is a 3 hour facilitated group discussion on how to manage risks on the road. Module 2 - is a 2 hour in-vehicle coaching session to develop low risk driving strategies. Cost for the course is $140 and participants who successfully complete the course will receive 20 hours credit recorded in their learner driver log book. Course fee includes PCYC membership. Numbers are limited so please contact PCYC on 6341 2035 to book your place. PCYC Membership ~ you must be a PCYC member to participate in any of the PCYC activities. Annual membership is $5 for under 18’s and $10 for ages 18 & older.
PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au