Our Mission: To provide a quality comprehensive and inclusive educational environment where all students can achieve Newsletter also on the web at cowrahigh.net 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 2015 Issue 2
Friday 20 February, 2015
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Wednesday last week Cowra High had a very special assembly, with two significant annual events. I had great pleasure announcing the 2015 recipients of the Enid J Langfield scholarships generously awarded to two worthy Cowra High students moving into university studies. The first was awarded to a student studying medicine or an allied health course at university. This scholarship recognises the need for rural NSW to have access to health practitioners who understand country life and the 2015 recipient is Georgina Veney. Miss Langfield’s other scholarships is in its second year and is awarded to a student moving onto university to study an agricultural course. The 2015 recipient is a young man with a passion for agriculture which will take him to great heights ~ Daniel White. I wish both these exstudents all the very best in their ongoing studies and express the heartfelt appreciation of the Cowra High community for Miss Langfield’s ongoing patronage.
Georgina Veney, Anna White, Miss Langfield, Daniel White & Mr Bill Murphy after the assembly
At this assembly I also had the honour of awarding our new 2015 Prefects with their badges. Although only early into 2015, these young people are already proving
themselves to be more than worthy of the title. I am confident they will continue the fine tradition of excellence set by Cowra High student leaders. Recently I had the great pleasure of attending the Cowra Lions Youth of the Year public speaking competition. It was an extremely impressive event, with three outstanding competitors from Year 11 ~ Meggan Ellison, Maddison Johnson & David Mood who all spoke with passion and great presence. Public speaking is only one factor of the competition, with the students undergoing an intensive interview process prior to speaking. The interviews test student’s general knowledge of both local and wider events. The judges reported it was extremely close with David announced as winner of the public speaking competition and Maddison the overall winner. Maddison will now move onto the zone competition ~ I wish her all the best. We always encourage students to come along and have a practice run, in order to get the feel of the competition. This year we had three such students speak on the night ~ Banyette Bohman & Jackson Oliver of Year 10 and Victoria King of Year 8. It was heartening to see these young people so full of school spirit and all should be proud of the fact they were willing to take part and put their best foot forward. I make special mention of Victoria who as a Year 8 student spoke magnificently ~ certainly someone to keep an eye on in the future. Thank you to Miss McAlister for organising our students especially now she is retired. I know Year 7 are very excited about next week’s camp at Wyangala Dam. This is a great initiative we run every year to help students settle into Cowra High while covering a number of important welfare topics, such as anti-bullying strategies and the roles of their Year 11 Peers Support Leaders. Of course it is also a great deal of fun with students taking part in new and exciting experiences. If you haven’t organised for your son or daughter to be involved and you would like them to attend, please contact Mr Hamer as soon as possible. Have a great fortnight Charles Gauci
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 responsibility ~ we must succeed
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COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER CONGRATULATIONS ABBEY Congratulations to 2014 Year 12 student, Abbey Bull, who was recently named as Runner-up in the inaugural Cowra-Canowindra HSC Scholarship awarded by the Australian Federation of Graduate Women NSW Central West Branch.
~ Congratulations to our 2015 Prefects ~ Meggan Ellison, Tobie Gilmore, Emma Robinson, David Mood, Maddison Johnson, Alana Ryan, Alan Read, Jade McKeown, Toby Baker, Taylor Allen & Clover Riches–Farrell
This year Abbey will be working at Bunnings in Cowra while completing the first year of a Bachelor in Health & Rehabilitation Science degree through CSU, Albury by Distance Education. Next year she hopes to transfer to a Physiotherapy course on campus. The scholarship announcement was made at a dinner held at the Cowra Bowling Club on Saturday 7 February where inspirational guest speaker, Jennie Beard spoke on Leading a Purposeful Life – how to design a life you love.
Maddison Johnson, Meggan Ellison & David Mood
YEAR 12 ONSTAGE EXCURSION On Tuesday 10 February, Year 12 Drama headed off to Sydney for our OnSTAGE excursion. Over the three days, we went to see OnSTAGE twice, which is a showcase of exemplary HSC drama performances from 2014. It enabled us to view outstanding group performances and individual projects, as well as set & costume designs that topped the state. Wednesday saw us spend the day at Sydney Theatre Company, where we were lucky enough to access the archives, go on a back stage tour and see After Dinner. We had a great time and would like to thank Mrs Rowston for taking us. Year 12 Drama
Banyette Bohman, Victoria King & Jackson Oliver
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
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CROSSROADS PROGRAM In Week 2, 57 intrepid Year 11 travellers headed off to Lake Burrendong to participate in the mandatory Crossroads program which deals with drug & alcohol awareness, minimising risky behaviour, antidiscrimination and building better relationships. Students were also involved in team building activities. The combination of Crossroads and team activities are important for developing bonds between students who will be working closely with each other during their senior schooling, as well as helping them to prepare for life after school. Students had four theory sessions in which they were encouraged to discuss issues presented to them. A particularly confronting video dealing with drugs saw the group emerge in a sombre mood. A visit from the Police Liaison Officer based in Dubbo reinforced the importance of safe driving and the negative consequences of cyber-bullying. Other activities saw students placed into groups, enabling them to interact with other students they may not have known very well. These involved archery & mountain bike riding as well as the more popular canoeing & raft building, which, of course, saw most students end up in the water, especially welcome on very hot days. I would like to congratulate the students who completed all activities for their exemplary behavior and willingness to try new things, even when feeling completely out of their comfort zones. I also am very appreciative of the assistance of accompanying staff ~ Jill Dunk, Cameron Donnelly & Scott Levick. Pam Harris ~ Year 11 Adviser
Alana & Maddi
Canoeing on Lake Burrendong
HOMEWORK CENTRE An Aboriginal Homework Centre has operated at Cowra High for a number of years. This year it has been decided to open the Homework Centre to all students from Years 7 to 12 who may need a space and resources to complete their homework and/or assignments with teacher assistance. Our students celebrated the opening last week with “Welcome to the Homework Centre” decorated cupcakes. It will operate in the library each Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 5pm. A bus service is available for students who may require transport home afterwards. Lynda Coe Homework Centre Co-ordinator
Jessica, Celine & Renae
Alan, Yoshi, Ethan & Aden
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 NSW SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM 2015 Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program. In 2015 the following vaccines will be offered: Year 7 students* dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough) as a single dose varicella (chickenpox) as a single dose; and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 3-dose schedule at 0, 2 & 6 months (students who commence HPV vaccination in Year 7 but do not complete the course may be offered catch-up doses at school in Year 8) Year 11-12 students* measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine as a single dose as part of a catch-up vaccination program for students who are not fully protected. * The Parent Information Kits contain a consent form, information sheet and privacy statement that details how personal information will be collected, stored and utilised. Parent Information Kits will be sent home to parents/ caregivers. To consent to the vaccination of their child, parents/caregivers are advised to: read all the information provided complete the consent form, including signing their name next to the vaccine/s they would like their child to receive return the completed consent form to their child’s school ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic Parents/caregivers who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the Principal or phoning the school. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation. To improve vaccination completion, students will be opportunistically offered any missed doses throughout the year where possible. Please note that for HPV vaccine only, parents/ caregivers must record their Medicare Number (all 10 digits and the 11th number beside the child’s name) on the consent form, as this is required to record the student’s information on the National HPV Vaccination Register and (for female students only) link to the National or State Cervical Screening Program.
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER A Record of Vaccination will be provided to each student vaccinated at each clinic. Parents/caregivers should ensure that this record is kept for future reference and should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination. Vaccine Consent Forms were handed out in Year Meetings on Wednesday 18 February. These forms need to be completed and returned ASAP ~ no later than Friday 13 March 2015. For any further information contact Rachel McKenzie at Cowra High School. TAX FILE NUMBERS (TFN) Please note that the school can no longer organise a TFN for students. The Australian Taxation Office in partnership with Australia Post is making it easier for individuals to apply for a TFN. Students can now apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australian Post Office. Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN. More information on applying online can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for ‘QC27248’. PUBLIC EDUCATION FORUM This forum will be held at Mulyan Public School next Monday 23 February commencing at 7pm and is organised by the Cowra Teachers Association. Candidates in the NSW State Election will address this open forum. Katrina Hodgkinson, (Nationals) & Charlie Sheahan, (Country Labor) will each have the opportunity to explain to voters their party policies on education. This will be followed by questions from the audience. The meeting will be chaired by Trish Long, President of Cowra High P&C.
Don’t let your education slip away, come to school every day
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
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GIRLS IN TRADES WORK EXPERIENCE Orange Business Chamber is currently delivering a project funded by Women NSW which aims to increase the number of young women willing to consider working in a non-traditional trade. This project provides an exciting opportunity for current Year 9, 10 or 11 students to try a trade by way of work experience in a non-traditional trade/occupation career. The Orange Business Chamber project co-ordinators match the female students work experience requests with suitable host employers. This work experience can be organised during the school’s normal work experience schedule, school holidays or anytime between now and the end of April 2015. Non-traditional work experience areas include: Motor Mechanic, Automotive Electrician, Signwriter, Vehicle Painter, Vehicle Body Builder & Trimmer Carpenter & Joiner, Structural Steel & Welding Worker, Plant Operator, Plumber/Painter, Electronic Telecommunication, Plasterer Wall/Floor Tiler, Floor Finisher, Air Conditioning & Metal Casting/Forging, Gardener, Electrician, Greenkeeper, Electrical Distribution Worker, Printer, Roof Tiler, Canvas/ Leather Goods Maker Upholsterer, Glazier, Shearer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Sheetmetal Worker, Chef, Chemical/Gas/Petroleum/Power, Metal Fitter & Machinist, Butcher & Small Goods Maker, Cabinetmaker, Toolmaker/Engineering Patternmaker, Panelbeater & Refrigeration Mechanic / Finishing Worker. By completing the Girls in Trades work experience you will go in the draw to win one of three Bursaries in Trust valued at $1000 each to spend on future education and training! You will also receive a Certificate of Participation which would be a great addition to your resume. If you are interested in work experience in one of the above areas or you would like more information, please contact your Careers Adviser. Follow the project on Facebook Girls in Trade – Central West NSW CHANGE OF DETAILS Just a reminder how important it is to advise the school of any change of details. This includes change of address, phone numbers, emergency contacts and newly diagnosed medical conditions.
This year will see a change of venues for many of our PCYC activities with Gymnastics being moved to the Young Road building and our court sports to be played at the Binni Creek Road complex. Safer Drivers Course for Learner Drivers ~ the next PCYC Safer Drivers Course will be held at PCYC’s Young Road complex on Friday 20 March (Module 1) and Saturday 21 March (Module 2). Cost of the course is $140 and participants receive 20 hours credit in their Learner logbooks upon completion of the course. You must have 50 hours of actual driving experience recorded in your logbook to register for the course. Gymnastics and Kindergym ~ both Kindergym & Gymnastics will be held at Young Road. Kindergym will run on Tuesday morning at 10am, while Gymnastics will have five classes available throughout the week ~ Tuesday & Thursday at 4 & 5.15pm, and Wednesday at 3.30pm. Kindergym is for the 0 to 5 age group, Gymnastics is for ages 5 and older. Would you be interested in using PCYC After School Care? We are investigating the possibility of offering PCYC After School Care commencing in Term 2 of 2015, and are seeking expressions of interest from people that may use the service. Junior Boxing and Amateur Boxing ~ Tuesday & Thursday, commencing at 5.30pm at Young Road. Boxing for Fitness ~ Tuesday & Thursday night commencing at 6.30pm at Young Road. Laser Tag ~ runs at the Young Road on Wednesday nights from 5.30 to 6.30pm ~ cost is $5. Junior Disco ~ the next Junior Disco for K to Year 6 children will be held at PCYC’s Young Road building on Friday 27 February, 6 to 8pm. Entry is $5 with music & lights by Laurie’s Disco. A sausage sizzle & canteen will operate with a sausage sandwich costing $2. Supervision by PCYC Police, staff and volunteers. Please contact PCYC on 6341 2035 for further information about any of the activities on offer or check out the “Cowra PCYC” Facebook page or the website www.pcycnsw.org.au/cowra. You must be a PCYC member to participate in any of the PCYC activities ~ yearly membership is $5 for Under 18’s and $10 for ages 18 and older.
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 TRY SEVENS RUGBY
COWRA SCOUT GROUP
All players are welcome ~ no previous experience of rugby or sevens is required.
At Scouts, children are taught many skills such as working as a team, problem solving, playing suitable games, outdoors survival skills, camping, canoeing, swimming and bike riding safety skills.
Cowra Junior Rugby Union will be hosting a sevens tournament on Friday night over five weeks from 27 February to 27 March 2015. There will be teams in five age groups, Under 7, 9, 11, 13 & 15. The Under 7s will play touch rugby while the older age groups will play tackle. Girls are welcome to sign up to compete in the 7, 9 and 11 age groups while the Under 13 and 15 age groups will be boys only. Mouthguards are compulsory for all. Players will need to bring shorts, socks, boots and water bottle with headgear optional. Game jerseys will be supplied by the club.
Scouts run every Monday night from 6.30 to 8.30pm at the Scout Hall on Binni Creek Road. The preferred age for Scouts is 11-14 years and both girls & boys are welcome to join. If you are interested please phone 0427 002 905.
The registration fee will be $10 for the tournament to cover insurance for all players. Kick off will be at 6pm sharp and the games will finish at 7pm. Bring the family and stay for the full hour. A full canteen will be available with a sausage sandwich and a popper for the kids at $4. For further information and registration enquiries please email Cowrajunioreagles@gmail.com.
Kye Hill of Year 10 showing Mr Gauci the trailer he refurbished while completing work experience at Carline Mufflers
PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au