Nhill College Newsletter

October 9th 2020 - Number 30

School Council

Principal: Mark Zimmermann

President: Tarrah Dodds Vice President:  Karen Shurdington

Parent Reps: Megan Bone,  Emily Donnell, Simon Dufty, Carlee Kennedy,  Sarah White

Student Reps: Xavier Bone, Brock Stephens

DET Reps: Felix Cunningham, Alannah King, Kim Magrath, Lauren McCartney

Nhill College is a Child Safe School

Our School Values:

  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Teamwork
  • Confidence
  • Excellence
  • Endeavour

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Program

The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support program is designed to bring together school communities to develop positive, safe and supportive learning cultures by helping to foster an environment that assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for children.  As part of the SWPBS program, a rewards system has been developed to encourage students to always:

  • Be Safe
  • Be Respectful
  • Be a Learner

From The Principal: Mark Zimmermann

After such a long time with empty classrooms and corridors, it was refreshing to see the smiling faces of our primary students and hear their laughter as they re-acquainted themselves with their friends on their return to school yesterday.  I can't recall ever seeing so many students so happy to be at school!  Just quietly, there were more than a few teachers who were also very excited about having their students back in their classrooms.  There will be more excitement on Monday, when we will be able to welcome our secondary students back to the classroom as well.

While our students are back on-site, the world has not quite returned to 'normal'.   The following are just some of the measures that students, staff and parents will have to follow for the time being:

  • All unwell students must stay home.  Parents will be called to collect any students who experience symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.
  • All visitors to the school will have their temperature tested upon their arrival at school using non-invasive infra-red thermometers.
  • Students must bring their own water bottles to school for use (and refilling). It is recommended that students do not drink directly from drinking fountains (which have been turned off) at this time.
  • We will continue to provide routine environmental cleaning, including progressive cleaning throughout the day to ensure that risks of transmission are reduced for high-touch surfaces.
  • All students in Years 7-12 will be required to wear face masks.  A limited supply of additional masks (disposable and re-usable) has been acquired by the school and these will be distributed to students upon their return.
  • As part of the most recent update, masks are the only permitted form of face covering.  Bandanas and head socks are no longer appropriate.  Any students arriving at school with a bandana, head sock or without a mask, will be issued an appropriate mask by the school.
  • Parents/carers are asked to observe physical distancing measures before and after school by not congregating in areas inside or around the school – including the school car park and at the school gate at drop off or pick up times.
  • Parents wishing to enter school grounds are asked to do so via appointment by first calling the office (53912111), Mark Zimmermann (0418 368 013) or Kim Magrath (0448 912 111)
  • Parents wishing to drop off school lunches or equipment for their child are asked to do so at the office.
  • All students who have been issued with a school laptop are requested to bring it to school each day and take it home each night to charge in readiness for use the following day.
  • The school’s Mobile Phone Policy remains in place.   

Thank you to everyone in the Nhill College community for your efforts in helping our students, parents - and staff - survive the extended period of remote learning. 

School Photos

After going to a great deal of trouble at the end of last term to arrange our School Photos on Friday 16th October, we were very disappointed to learn during the week that the DET has banned all schools from conducting school photos sessions.  This decision was not announced until the start of this week, and many schools are in the same predicament that we now find ourselves in.  We have not informed families of the uncertainty surrounding our school photos day before this time as we have been quietly hopeful that there may have been a reversal on this ruling.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that a change may be announced prior to Friday 16th October.  If there is no change, we have already made a tentative booking for Monday 26th October, by which time we hope these restrictions may have eased.  We are aware that many families will have already paid for their photos through the online ordering system, and we ask that you do not seek refunds for this payment just yet.  If we are not able to hold formal school photos this year, we will explain processes for reimbursement at a later date.

VCE Rural Revision Lectures

Our senior students were very busy over the holidays taking advantage of a series of online study seminars and exam revision lectures.  If nothing else, the extended period of remote learning has certainly made these types of resources much more readily available for rural students - something we hope can be continued long into the future.  Thank you to Mrs Cole, Mrs Hedt and a host of other VCE teachers for helping to arrange - and supervise - these sessions during their holidays. 

Public Holiday Changes

Following the cancellation of the Nhill Show, the Hindmarsh Shire has adopted the Melbourne Cup public holiday as a replacement for the traditional Nhill Show holiday.  As a result, all students will be expected to attend school on Thursday 15th October.  A student free day will now be on Melbourne Cup day - Tuesday 3rd November.

The AFL Grand Final public holiday will also be held in Term 4.  This student free day is scheduled to occur on Friday 23rd October

2020-2021 BYOD News: Edunet Specifications Sheet for Parents

The sudden shift to remote learning has led to significant changes to our traditional methods of providing students who don't have BYODs with access to school laptops.  These current arrangements look like they will stay in place for the remainder of this year, which is fantastic for all those families who are making use of a school laptop to support their child's remote learning program.

The benefits of having each child allocated their own device were quite obvious during the brief return to on-site learning late last term.  We are now committed to ensuring that that this provision will be available again in 2021.  However, there will be one major change to the borrowing arrangements next year.  Those students who do not have a BYOD, will not be permitted to take their school allocated laptop home with them each night and will be required to return them to the charging station in the library at the end of the day.  This will help us to avoid any damage in transit between school and home, as well as acting as an incentive for families to consider a BYOD that can be used at home as well as at school.  

To assist those families interesting in exploring BYOD options, we have new and updated models for our BYOD program through Edunet.  Please open the attachment below for details about the devices.  Mr Shrive is happy to take questions from parents or students if they are looking at purchasing a BYOD.

The online ordering portal is accessible via http://nhillcollege.technologyportal.com.au  The Access Code you will need to access the portal is NC2021

A video explaining the benefits of using Edunet can also be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bWjEs_iA58    

Download

Welcome to Facebook

Staying connected to our students, parents and wider school community has never been more important than it is now due to remote learning and the wider constraints of Stage 3 Restrictions.  Nhill College has used Compass, our web page and the weekly newsletter to keep families associated with the school up to date with all of the events and activities that occur in and around the school each week.  To help broaden exposure to the school at this time, we recently launched a trial of our own Facebook page.  This page will be purely for promotion, publicity and to inform everyone of the upcoming events and happenings within the College.  All notes, questions, concerns or communication to staff regarding students still need to be directed to the College via Compass or on (03) 5391 2111.  To find our Facebook page, simply follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/nhillcollege/ or type Nhill College in the search function on Facebook. (Please be aware there is also an unofficial Nhill College facebook page that does not show the Nhill College logo).

Please like/follow the page and then you will be kept up-to-date with all of our posts.  We appreciate your patience at this time as we trial a new method of communication. 

Year 7-10 PE House Challenge – Virtual Race around Australia

During remote learning, students in Years 7-10 are encouraged to engage in our ‘Virtual Race around Australia’ House challenge. Each week students can post in MS Teams how many minutes of physical activity they completed. They are also welcome to share pictures or videos of their exercise. Each minute will be equivalent to 1km travelled. Miss Tink and Mr Hedt will collate the data and map out the distance each House has progressed each week. This will be advertised back to students in MS Teams and the college Newsletter. At the end of remote learning we will be able to see which House has travelled the furthest. We will also have prizes for which class covered the most distance. Happy exercising!!

House Challenge results

Macpherson has put the foot down and opened up a commanding lead as they head for the home straight. In week 10, they accumulated a further 3141km! They left Broome on the West Coast of Australia, made their way to Geraldton, Perth, Kalgoorlie and have nestled into Fraser Range Station on the Nullarbor Plain. Fraser Range was the first station to be founded on the Nullarbor Plain. It is surrounded by the largest hardwood forest in the world, all of which is crown land.

Bond, you lost ground this week, adding a further 1830km. You left Fitzroy Crossing, ventured through Broome and Port Headland and finished in a small location on the West Coast of Australia called Wooramel. Located on the banks of the Wooramel River, why not relax in the naturally heated therapeutic artesian bore baths. Otherwise, enjoy the space, bird and wildlife.

Batson are still pacing themselves, adding a further 2197km. You left the remote location of Nicholson (QLD), ventured through Fitzroy Crossing and finished in Broome (WA).

Coming Events

  • On-site delivery resumes for 7-12 students: Monday 12th October
  • School Photos: Friday 16th October(?) or Monday 26th October (?) (TBC)
  • Bookweek: Monday 19th October - Friday 23rd October

  • Bookweek F-6 Dressup Day: Thursday 22nd October

  • AFL Grand Final Public Holiday: Friday 23rd October
  • Melbourne Cup Public Holiday: Tuesday 3rd November

    From The Assistant Principal: Kim Magrath

    Welcome Back

    What a great week for Nhill College. Our primary students commenced their learning back on-site yesterday. It was fantastic seeing our staff and students reunite after such a long period of time. There were lots of smiles and happy faces in the playground. We are all looking forward to next week when we have all secondary students back on board.

    This time in isolation has been very challenging for us all, but we have survived and continue to see excellence in all aspects of our college community.     

    Booklists

    Over the next couple of months we will be sending out links to Nhill College families to access Booklists for 2021. Please note that we are still working with Warrnambool Books but they are now called Campion Education Warrnambool and all booklists need to be ordered online. Due to COVID -19, all books ordered will be posted to families; Nhill College will not be hosting a pick up day on-site.

    The URL link is https://order.campion.com.au/index.html#resourceListListView?code=CCF4F48C 

    This link is also available on our website and under the star icon on Compass under “Booklists”.

    This link will take Nhill College families into the site where you will need to create an account and then you can access the Resource List/Booklist for your child.

    Recently we have sent out on Compass the Early Resource List/Booklist for the 2021 students in Year 11 and 12 to order their English novels for 2021. These orders must be completed online by Sunday the 25th October to be delivered in the week of Friday the 13th November. Other booklists will be sent early next term.

    For all parent enquiries please contact Campion Education Warrnambool on (03) 5562 9400.  

                  

    2020 CBCA Book Week 17th - 22nd October

    Nhill College will be celebrating book week October 17th - October 22nd in Primary classes. Each afternoon primary students will be learning about a different book, with a different teacher. We will also be holding a dress up book day on Thursday the 22nd of October. Students are invited to dress up on this day. There will be a prize for best dressed in each class. 

    Further details will be sent out to families early Term 4.            

    House Activities Competition - Deadline extended to Thursday 22nd October

    It is fantastic to see that entries have started to be received from students for the House Activities Competition.  There are seven categories that students can choose from:

    ·             Sports (video of trick shots or sporting activity)

    ·             Colouring Competition

    ·             Freestyle Visual Arts

    ·             Freestyle Performing Arts

    ·             Pure photography

    ·             Best Photo-shopped Image

    ·             Funny Short Video

    Now that we are all back in remote learning, having a competition like this might prove to be the perfect remedy for some of that extra 'down-time' students might have at home.

    Entries can be submitted via email by sending them to one of your House Captains or one of the competition organisers.  Some of the people you can send them to are:

    Mikayla Farmers: mlfar8@schools.vic.edu.au

    Adam Zimmermann: adzim@schools.vic.edu.au

    Brock Stephens: bjste45@schools.vic.edu.au

    Lucy Dorrington: lidor@schools.vic.edu.au

    Corey Shurdington: cjshu3@schools.vic.edu.au

    Rory Pilmore: rjpil3@schools.vic.edu.au

    Dylan Cole: dmcol7@schools.vic.edu.au

    Ruby James: rcjam2@schools.vic.edu.au

    Lucy Blackwood: lmblal@schools.vic.edu.au

    Or, you can send it to nhill.co@education.vic.gov.au

    Alternatively, you can drop your entries off at the office.  The final deadline for entries has been extended to Thursday 22nd October.  Check out the full version of the flyer that appears later in the newsletter for further details.

    MyAusCovid-19 PHONE APP IS AVAILABLE IN 25 LANGUAGES

    Wimmera COVID-19 Support Contacts

    SSV Virtual Track & Field Information

    Hope you are all staying safe.

    Please see information below regarding the SSV Virtual Track & Field.

     It would be good if you could all promote this within your schools and get as many students in the Greater Western Region involved.

     Here is the link - https://ssv.vic.edu.au/Pages/SSVVirtualTrackandField.aspx

     

    As launched yesterday on the SSV website & social media channels –

    Ready, set, Go! School Sport Victoria Virtual Track and Field starts with a bang. There are great events on offer. Participating students are eligible to win some prizes. Virtual Track and Field offers a selected number of disciplines. Inspired by Olympians, Team Vic Alumni and SSV Ambassadors: >> Sprints: (60m, 80m, 100m, 200m, 400m) >> Run or walk: (800m, 1500m) >> Jumps: (standing long jump and standing triple jump) >> Throw: (tennis ball shotput) >> Combined event: 100m sprint, standing long jump, tennis ball shotput and 800m run.

    Students can take part in one or all the events. There are loads of great events on offer. What are you waiting for, hit the local oval, try your best?

    https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/Pag…/SSVVirtualTrackandField.aspx

    House Activities Competition

    Federation University Scholarships information

    Go Girl - Go for I.T.

    Go Girl, Go for IT is a program run by the Victorian ICT for Women network, an industry-driven initiative that aims to support and enable entry, retention and progression for women working in ICT. Vic ICT for Women runs programs targeting women throughout their career lifetime.

    The event is open to all female students in years 5-12 from all Victorian primary and secondary schools. We encourage all students to attend, whatever they are currently studying.

    The Go Girl, Go for IT 2020 event, Go Girl - CyberEdition, is a virtual, fun and free 1-day technology conference for girls in years 5-12, all online! So it won’t matter if your girls are in school or learning from home - all they need is a device and an email address to join. It will be loaded with workshops, presentations and discussions - to inspire and excite girls for a career in IT.

    Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2020

    Time:

    9am - 12pm (Middle School Girls Yrs 5-8)

    1pm - 4pm (Senior School Girls Yrs 9-12)

    9am - 5pm (Careers Expo for all students to explore at their leisure)

    Venue: Interactively online - at home or at school

    Go Girl - CyberEdition is all about interactive workshops where we can see, hear and show your girls amazing and exciting things (much like prior Go Girl events, but virtually). We’re keen for all girls to see and explore what IT and STEM can offer!

    Head along to the website to find out more details and register https://www.gogirl.org.au/

    Quantum Victoria invites up to 10 female - identifying Year 9-12 students ~ contact Mr Shrive or Miss Tink to apply

    On behalf of RMIT University, Quantum Victoria invites up to 10 female - identifying Year 9-12 students from your school, to participate in an exciting FREE event to meet leading women working in STEMM at NASA.

    What is it like to work at NASA? What steps can you take to reach great heights in your career in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM)? In this special Q&A session, hear from three leading Women in STEMM who work at NASA. These women will share their career path, successes, and things they wish they had known when they were a student.

    For more information and/or to register please visit our website at:

     https://www.quantumvictoria.vic.edu.au/events/women-at-nasa-leadership-and-success-in-stemm 

    Scholarship Opportunities Yr 12 VCE & VCAL students

    This week I have provided information to Year 12 students regarding some scholarship opportunities that I have received information about recently - these are applicable to both VCE and VCAL students. This list is just a snapshot - there are so many opportunities out there so keep your eyes open. If I can help with these please don't hesitate to ask - some require a school/Principal reference or endorsement, so please contact me for that too. (pictured below)

    Mrs Cole


    WWHS-Catering and General Services Gap Year Roles

    Apprenticeship Opportunities/Information

    Hairdressing Apprenticeship Vacancies

    Shine Hairdressing is looking to invest in two apprentices to join their industry respected team.

    This is an excellent opportunity to start your career and learn what it takes to be a successful stylist.

    ·       Do you have a love for hair, beauty & fashion and love making people look and feel amazing?

    ·       Are you a customer service extraordinaire?

    ·       Are you highly organized with an eye for detail?

    ·       If so, you might just be the right fit and we would love to hear from you.

    Please drop your application and resume into:-

    Shine Hairdressing

    51A Roberts Avenue Horsham or

    Email it to Katrina, shinehairdressing@bigpond.com

    Starting date is negotiable and applications close 21/10/20

    LOCAL DIESEL MECHANIC APPRENTICESHIP

    A local employer has a full-time diesel mechanic opportunity available.  This apprenticeship will be overseen by Volvo.

     Anyone interested should let Mrs Sampson know immediately so your details can be passed on.  Applicants will need a Resume and Cover letter prepared.

    UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE – RESIDENTIAL INFORMATION

    Please find a recording of one of Newman College’s online information sessions in a share drive here – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tZtNDxe2QWIbfUNTw87XVLTrVC2lrNHG/view?usp=sharing

     Please feel free to distribute this to any students interested in living on campus next year while attending The University of Melbourne, ACU, RMIT or Monash University (Pharmacy campus).

    We are running virtual tours of the College over the next few months, please direct interested students to contact me at vhoward@newman.unimelb.edu.au if interested. They may also get in touch with general questions about the College, scholarships and financial aid, or applications.

     Finally, we are currently taking applications and interviewing students for 2021 residency. 

    Best wishes for the rest of the year,

    Victoria Howard Marketing & Engagement

    Newman College

    University of Melbourne

    ALTERNATIVE UNIVERSITY SELECTION MODELS:

    We are approaching the time where current Year 12 students who are wishing to pursue university entry for 2021 will be looking into universities and courses.  This can be a stressful and overwhelming time.  Many students begin to get anxious about ATARS required.  The good news is, many universities offer alternative entry schemes.  They take extra things into consideration – not just that ATAR.  Student community involvement, where students live and individual circumstances can all be contributing factors.  A student may have made excellent contributions to their community, for example, and a university may decide that rather than the required 95 ATAR, they may be happy with a 75 instead -  because the student has demonstrated they are an all-rounder, a contributor and able to multi-task.  Another example may be a student living in Nhill is recognised as having many disadvantages due to internet issues, inability to access programs based in the city or extra travel requirements – a university may decide this student only requires an ATAR of 70, rather than 80 because of adversity.    These are just two examples of how these schemes can work.  This can alleviate a lot of pressure coming into exams.

    We encourage students to look into whether their universities of choice have such schemes.  Some examples include the La Trobe University Aspire, ACU Community Achiever and Flinders University Principal’s Recommendation Scheme.  Students need to look into these carefully as they all have different application date windows, requirements and benefits.  We have attached a flyer to this newsletter highlighting many schemes, but please ensure you do your own research to ensure you are aware of any schemes from your university of choice.  Please read the requirements very carefully and come and see Mrs Hedt or Mrs Sampson for any help and assistance.  

    Want to understand your young person better?

    Youthrive Victoria – Rural Chances Scholarship

    Download

    Access to Nhill College Newsletter

    If you are reading this, you obviously have access to the school newsletter.  However, some families have asked how grandparents or community members can stay in touch with the school when they don't have access to Compass.  The answer is that anyone can access the school's newsletter through the College website: www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au.  Please advise any family, friends or interested members of the wider community, that the newsletter is the main source of information from the school and that it is available to anyone who would like to read it.  Spread the word!

    Canteen Menu Term 3 2020

    Download

    Compass Parent Fact Sheet and FAQs

    Download

    Community Information

    MyGolf: Junior Golf Program

    NHILL JUNIOR CRICKET TRAINING - STARTS THIS THURSDAY 5pm

    Training starts this Thursday at 5pm at Davis Park Nhill.  All new and returning players welcome! We’d love to see some new faces at the nets and encourage any boys and girls who’d like to play in the under 14 or under 16.5 comps to come along for a look. For more info please contact Ash Dickinson on 0417587002. 

    NHILL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

    The Nhill Basketball Association is asking for expressions of interest for all junior players (Primary and Secondary - Under 18).

    Basketball will look different this year, with additional requirements and responsibilities due to COVID. The Committee is committed to keeping the costs to a bare minimum for all, appreciating the hardship that COVID has created.

    If your kids are keen to play basketball, please complete the short online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CW7XQ2Y. Expressions of interest close on Friday 9 October.

    On behalf of the committee, I'd like to thank you for your patience and support for basketball. If you have any questions, please contact Kat Colbert at 0409 527 041 or email nhillbasketball@gmail.com.