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 2016 Issue 3
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT A final reminder that next Monday 14 March Cowra High will be participating in a School Development day with leading educationalist Ralph Pirozzo. As a result, no classes will take place on this date and students are not required to attend. Last week saw 16 Cowra High students competing at the Western Region Swimming Carnival. I congratulate all competitors who were outstanding ambassadors for Cowra High and I wish the 15 who were selected to compete at state level the best of luck. Our swimmers are: Year 7: Pat Dun, Sam Dun, Bobby Jeffries, Claire Lewis, Kelsey Pollard & Finn Ryan Year 8: Chelsea Apps, Caitlyn Boswell, Abbie Lewis & Ella Roberts Year 9: Jade Browne, Matt Dun & Lochie Wilson Year 10: Georgia Lewis & Jade Te Weehi Year 11: Lucy Wilson
Friday 11 March, 2016 Thursday 31 March is set for the first school social of the year. The excitement is building in the students for what should be a very enjoyable evening. Please remember students need to display respectful & responsible behaviour (including the wearing of the correct school uniform) in order to be allowed to attend the social. Year 12 have just completed their mid-course exams. I know the lead up to them and the last two weeks of exams have been hard work and at times stressful for many students. I congratulate them on their exemplary conduct during the exams and now encourage them to stay on track. With just over two terms until the start of the HSC exams, assessments and major projects will come thick and fast ~ it is vital to stay focused. Have a great fortnight. Charles Gauci ∞∞∞ SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE
The school is currently preparing for Parent/Teacher meetings on Tuesday 22 March in the school hall. If your child hasn’t discussed appointment times with you, please raise this with them. These meetings are an ideal time to explore how your child has started the school year, to look at what is working well or any improvements required ~ I encourage everyone to come along. Last Tuesday saw Year 9 & 10 students travel to Young to participate in the University Science & Engineering Challenge. Although we have participated in the challenge in the past, this was the first time for our newly formed Engineering & Electronics class. Mr Edmonds reported the event was extremely worthwhile, with students learning about engineering involved in bridge building and vehicle design. From the students’ perspective the reports were all about how much fun the day was and it was an ideal learning experience.
Catapult Mitchell Burgess, Lochie Wilson, Lucy Jones & Kate Hodges
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 moral ~ we can collaboratively make moral judgements to guide decisions and behaviour
Page 2
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENGE (continued) On Tuesday 1 March, 28 Year 9 & 10 students from Cowra High School travelled with Mr Edmonds to Young to participate in the University of Newcastle Science & Engineering Challenge against seven other schools in the region. The activities on the day included: Developing power grids & travel systems for new cities Designing and making a catapult & hovercraft Making a suspension system for a remote controlled vehicle on Mars Developing a bionic hand & designing buildings to withstand forces of an earthquake
Bridge Building Matthew Dun, Ellee White & Brigette Healy
Everyone had a fantastic day with our catapult team scoring highly in their event and our bridge builders being one of three groups to test the highest weight on their bridge design. ∞∞∞ DADIRRI PLACE Cowra High officially opened a peaceful Indigenous addition to their environs earlier this term. The realisation of Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer & Wiradjuri Elder, Robyn Coffey’s long term plan, Dadirri Place received high praise from community members in attendance for the cleansing ceremony. String Ways Ebony Meier, Leo Wright & Henry McCartney
Dadirri means Deep Listening and according to Aunty Robyn, the area provides the opportunity for all students & staff to clear their minds amidst the hectic surrounds of school. Traditionally, Aboriginal people would come to similar areas, such as a billabong, to calm their spirits, she said. We have tried to recreate a serene setting that allows people the space to reflect, contemplate or de-stress. People can enter, leave their troubles behind, then exit with the weight off their shoulders. Containing ornamental grasses, water feature, rocks and wooden stumps, students & staff are encouraged to utilise this area if they need a small escape from the pressures of life.
Hover Frenzy Lucy Pattingale, Brady Tucker & Matthew Thompson
The cleansing ceremony, wonderfully performed by Warren Williams & Steve Taylor, was a beautiful touch and we are incredibly grateful for their strength of culture and continued support, Aunty Robyn said. As well as a sign of respect for Elders past & present and to rest the spirit, those present were able to wash negative vibes from their body through the smoke. The smoking
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
Page 3
ceremony also gave some students the opportunity to witness something that has great significance to our people.
Aunty Robyn made mention of the tremendous contribution to the project by her husband Steve, together with generous donations from local businesses ~ Bunnings, Lachlan Steel & Cowra Concrete Products. ∞∞∞ BroSpeak Cowra High’s first BroSpeak program concluded with a celebration and presentation of certificates. First developed in 2011, BroSpeak combines cultural connection with personal growth sessions such as selfesteem, goal setting and conflict resolution. Added into the mix are employability skills including leadership and interview tips. These topics are then reinforced through a guest mentor who discusses their personal journey with the students. The 10-week course was designed to improve the skills of Indigenous boys from Years 7 & 11. The school’s Aboriginal Education Officer and joint co-ordinator, Rodney Eastwood, said it was a success. Overall we are happy with the students’ response to the sessions, he said. Like any new program, we will evaluate the delivery & content and aim to improve for next time. However, we have seen a noticeable difference, particularly in our seniors and it’s our hope that they continue to grow in a leadership capacity within the school environment and community. The overriding objective is to get the students to reach their potential, both in school and as a person. BroSpeak aims to build positive relationships and develop skilled decision makers. Mentors, Steve Taylor, Warren Williams, William Ingram, Mark Campbell, Craig Jeffries, Cameron Donnelly & Jack Daley were a great asset. Thanks to the Construction group for their assistance in the completion of the transportable garden beds.
BroSpeak participants with their certificates
∞∞∞ RIE KAMIYASU My name is Rie Kamiyasu. I am 16 years old. I came from Seikei High School as an exchange student. I’m in Year 11 at Cowra High School from this year. There are five family members in my family ~ my father, mother, brother, sister & me. My parents Hajime & Eri are both orthodontists. My brother Kent is 20 years old and studying International Studies at a university in Japan. My sister Mai is 18 years old and starting university to be a Vet from this April. Also we’ve got many pets ~ probably too many!! About 11 months have passed since I came to Australia. These days I’m thinking where the one year has gone?? Time goes too quickly. When I started writing this speech, I remembered a lot of memories. Among them the best highlight is making so many special friends at school and visiting wonderful places. They helped me so much & supported me and the views remain in my heart so long. And I enjoyed plenty of trips during my stay. I went to Canberra, Orange & Bathurst for shopping & movies. Also, I went to Port Stevens and saw beautiful Aussie beaches. I remember clearly that we saw wild dolphins in the ocean. That was pretty special. I went to Perisher to ski as a school excursion. The snow was beautiful. I loved & enjoyed all places where I went in Australia and I was impressed by those views. From now on I’m going to talk about my host families. I had four families throughout the year. They were the Garratts, Lazarous, Smyths and Perkins.
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 All I want to say to them is ‘thank you’. They fed me, picked me up from school, took me to a lot of places and treated me as if I am one of their family members. When I left host families I promised to keep in touch with each family. I can see the future that we keep having contact, visiting each other even ten years later. I know that this relationship will carry on. They made me feel like I’ve got another home. It was my pleasure to go back to your homes every day. So thank you so so so much. I felt quite different from Japan about the school life, especially the classes. We have same classmates for all subjects in Japan but we had different classmates depending on the subjects. Also they have break time called recess and they have only five periods in each day. Last year I studied with Year 10 students at school. For the first three months studies weren’t easy at all. But at such times my friends helped me even though they didn’t know about me very much. Also when I couldn’t understand English they tried to speak slowly for me to understand. As time passed we got to know each other and do things together, talk a lot, laugh a lot and care for each other as if we’ve known each other for a long time. I will definitely miss them and never forget them. We will be great friends forever. This year was like a journey for me ~ new places, new people, different cultures and different language. The value of the trip is irreplaceable for me and I guess it could be for everyone. I’ve learned plenty of things that I wouldn’t know if I didn’t come here. Particularly what I’ve learned is the cultural difference, a communication tool called ‘English’ and unexpectedly the importance of my Japanese family & friends. I am so grateful for being given this opportunity to come here and having the support from so many people especially the Seikei Committee, Cowra High School, host families and friends. This is such an amazing experience I will never forget for the rest of my life.
Thank you Rie
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER STUDY SKILLS FOR MARCH Starting the Day Well Do you find it hard to get out of bed some days and be positive about going to school & learning? It can be hard to turn the day around when you wake up like this and don’t take steps to start your day in a positive way. Your approach in the first hour of the day dictates the direction of your day of learning at school. To ensure you start your mornings well you need to make sure you have a night-time and wake-up routine. 1. Set your intentions before bed - consciously decide every night to create a positive expectation for the next morning. 2. Move your alarm clock across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. 3. Brush your teeth when you wake up and splash water on your face. 4. Drink a full glass of water to hydrate yourself after several hours without water. 5. Add some of the following ideas to your own routines. The Miracle Morning is a book written by Hal Elrod and he speaks about starting your morning with “Life SAVERS”. The idea is that you add some of these to your morning routine or come up with your own activities for a positive start to the morning: Silence can be meditation, mindfulness, prayer etc. Affirmation can be a word you use that reminds you of who you are and how to be. Visualisation is an intention (directing your focus) on how you want your day to be. Exercise can be a short walk or stretching or going for a run (exercise is a great thing to do in the morning). Reading something that is positive and enjoyable. What you read “resonates” with you. It gets you thinking and expanding “beyond yourself”. Scribe is about journaling. Writing in your journal about your day gives you insight and clarity about issues. It also helps you realise what’s working and how far you have come. These tips are courtesy of: www.humanconnections.com.au. You can learn more about creating positive learning handouts and many other topics to help you achieve your best at school at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with these details: Username:
cowra hs
Password:
74 results ∞∞∞
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
Page 5
EYE CLINIC The Wellington Aboriginal Health Service will be holding a one day eye clinic for Aboriginal students on Thursday 24 March.
WINTER WONDERLAND Any girls interested in making their debut at the 2016 Catholic Deb Ball contact Natalie Rush on 0422 300 474 or /nat_marek@hotmail.com. Positions are limited so get in quick. ∞∞∞
To make an appointment, or for further information, contact Caroline Bamblett at Yalbillinga on 6342 1300. ∞∞∞ COWRA COMMUNITY MARKETS The Cowra Farmers Market has a new name ~ Cowra Community Markets ~ which is now being managed by the Cowra Community Chest. They are on at the Showground on the third Saturday of each month from 8am to 12noon. The next market is on 19 March and entry is by gold coin donation. ∞∞∞ JUNIOR SOCCER Registrations are now open online until Sunday 3 April for junior soccer this winter at http:// www.myfootballclub.com.au/index.php?id=38. From there you can find your FFA number and login, then follow the prompts. There will be one registration day on Saturday 2 April for people not able to pay online and for new registrations. The competition is scheduled to start on 30 April.
P&C NEWS Our AGM was held last week and the office bearers are: President – Trisha Long Secretary – Gai Gauci Treasurer – Maryanne Smith Canteen Bookkeeper – Donna Foster I acknowledge the service of Louise Dale who fulfilled the Treasurer’s role in the last few years as well as Canteen Bookkeeper. Catering Fundraiser Vintage Car Show on Saturday 9 April – the P&C will be providing a BBQ lunch at Cowra High School for a travelling group of 50 people who will be displaying their vintage vehicles in the school grounds. If you can help out even for an hour it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Trisha Long on 0418 600 535 if you can assist. Next Meeting The April meeting will be held on Wednesday 6 April, 7.30pm at the Services Club. On the agenda for this meeting will be a presentation of the new Cowra High canteen menu. The canteen is run by the P&C Association and provides a valuable service to both students and staff. Trisha Long P&C President ∞∞∞
Costs: Ages 5-8 ~ $60 Ages 9+ ~ $90 Any enquiries to cowra.junior.soccer@gmail.com ATTACHMENTS ∞∞∞
Canteen Help ~ if you are able to assist please complete the attached form and return it to the canteen.
Read the invitation to attend the P&C Federation forum on Thursday 7 April.
An order form from Mr Embroidery for winter uniforms.
COWRA NETBALL Seniors commence Saturday 2 April at 1pm ~ $130 Juniors 10y+ on Saturday 2 April at 11am ~ $100 Juniors 5-7y on Saturday 7 May at 11am ~ $55 Enquiries to Kristen Ryan: 0409 813 802 or kristen-r@hotmail.com ∞∞∞
PO Box 72 • Dowell Street • Cowra 2794 • Telephone: 02 6342 1766 • Facsimile: 02 6342 1578 • Email: cowra-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au