Tomaree High School

 Firstly, please be assured that at THS bullying is no more prevalent than any other high school, where we have a large number of young people, all developing and working out how they should act. We endeavour to address each incident as soon as we are able and at times will need to call in additional support from people such as the School Counsellor, Year Advisers and the Student Support officer.

 Bullying is a very complex and highly emotive issue and one that requires a careful response. In the majority of reported incidents, the issue is not clear and the lines between bully and victim often blur, making it extremely difficult for us to deal with. That being said, please know that at THS we are committed to stamping out bullying in any form. It is something that we need to do in partnership with the whole school community.

 It is important that we are working from the same definition of what bullying is. Many times we deal with incidents that are labelled bullying, which in fact are conflict. Conflict is a normal part of life there would not be one person who has not had a conflict with someone at some stage in their lives. We need to ensure students have the skills to recognize the difference and then to seek support if needed to manage that conflict

 The Bullying - No Way ! (https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/) website offers this definition of bullying:

 Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records)

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

 At THS we have a number of strategies to help students address conflict and bullying. We use the 3T Strategy which is:

 1.    Tell them to stop- let the person know in a calm manner that what they are saying or doing is unacceptable. Often, letting the person know it’s not OK (tell them to stop) can stop the situation from developing.

 2.    Turn and walk away – by walking away (or log off, remove from chat group) you are not giving the person the audience they want- make sure you tell someone (eg. Year Adviser or other person at school).

 3.    Talk to someone- if the situation is still not resolved after the first 2 steps, let the YA know again and if needed parents could contact the Deputy for a meeting so the full picture can be discussed and other support and strategies can be put in place.

 One of the most difficult forms of bullying to address is online. The majority starts at home and spills over into school. The recommendation to help you manage this is firstly have your child remove themselves from the chat group (or other forum they are being bullied in) or block the person who is bullying. This can often stop the behaviour when they no longer have an audience. Resist the urge to make comments of your own warning other students or making threats against them. Again, this makes it difficult for us to support. On line bullying should always be reported to the local Police. We are unable to access online accounts like the Police and if we only have one part of the argument it makes it hard to make an informed judgement.

We also utilise PBL- Positive Behaviour for Learning – strategies to help students understand our expectations of how they should behave, in class and out and with teachers and other students. Our core expectations of Respect, Responsibility and Success serve to inform the school community as to what is expected by their behaviour, both in class and out.

We need to work together in partnership to support the young people at THS. This means setting an example ourselves as adults about how we resolve conflict and letting your children know it is not OK for them to bully. Above all, it is important that they seek help in resolving conflicts early and not engage in behaviour themselves that could be also seen as bullying.

I will address in the next newsletter bystander behaviour as it can be powerful in both stopping bullying and escalating bullying.

The vast majority of students at THS are respectful young people and we use a reward system called VIVO to recognise this. Ask your child to show you their VIVO account (they can access it online or through an App they download) to see where they are getting recognised for their positive behaviour.

Students can then use the ‘points’ they collect on the online shop or for other special events. The first one is coming up soon for 100 points students can receive a ticket into a Popcorn and Movie session on the last day of term. This was a very popular reward last year.

 Congratulations

From Tuesday 19 March to Thursday 21 March 2019, Katerina Nicolopoulos (School Captain) will be among 120 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia attending the 24th National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC), being held at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

The topic for the 2019 Convention is, ‘A new constitutional preamble for Australia?’ This topic will provide students with the opportunity to explore the present Constitution and if a preamble is required. A range of inspirational speakers will discuss the issues with students for them to debate with all delegates.

Outcomes from the Convention will be incorporated into a Communiqué that will be presented to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Sue Lines, for tabling in Parliament and recorded in Hansard.

As a national delegate, Katerina was selected from over 800 students from government, independent and Catholic schools and will travel in a group of 30 students from New South Wales.

Sue Xenos

Principal

Year 11 have settled quickly into their new classes and senior school.  Students have already received their assessment schedule for the year and will have some tasks they should be working on now. Year 11 is only three terms, so we are nearly a third of the way through already! It is important students put their maximum effort and time into doing the best work possible. It is a marathon, not a sprint, so working consistently with high expectations is the way to success. If students feel they need additional help with classwork or assessment tasks they should speak to their teachers, Mr Ross or myself. The sooner we can put in place the appropriate support the better it will be. All year 11 students have been given a log on to Atomi. These are online video tutorials directly related to the Preliminary and HSC courses. They are subject specific, powered by research and focus on content and application.  Please ask your child to show it to you and get them to explain how it supports them in their work from class.

Year 8 have made a fantastic start to the year! We are really focusing this year on building solid foundations in our learning. There are new curriculum experiences for students as they rotate from French to Music and between product areas in Technology. I have been talking to students about packing their bags the night before so they have the correct books and equipment needed for the next day. Developing these organisational skills at a young age will set them up well for life.

Managing Technology – speaking to some of our students it seems they are using their devices long into the night and are therefore coming to school sleep deprived and not ready for learning. I would encourage parents to consider the following suggestions:

¨ Taking phones to bed is unhealthy, depriving us of sleep and rest. Leave them in the kitchen.

¨ Incoming alerts can disturb sleep and increase the concern of ‘missing out’ on what’s happening, therefore raising anxiety. Increased daytime tiredness can follow.

¨ Increased anxiety, depression and low self-esteem follow inadequate sleep.

¨ Unmanaged and bedtime social media use can specifically increase pressure to be available at all times and further disrupt sleep.

¨ Dedicated, device-free family times are needed on a regular basis. Family meals provide such an opportunity and yield healthy benefits.

¨ Teenagers need plenty of sleep. I would like to set a homework of an additional 1.5 hours sleep per night for all of our students for the rest of the term! Turn off your device and TV and go to bed earlier, please!

ABSTUDY

ABSTUDY helps with costs for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians who are studying or doing an Australian Apprenticeship. You may be able to get ABSTUDY if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian enrolled in an approved course or apprenticeship and are not getting any other government help to study or do an apprenticeship or traineeship.

ABSTUDY payments

Parents or guardians of students younger than 16 and living at home may be able to get ABSTUDY Schooling Allowance.

Full-time students who are 16 or older and living at home may be able to get ABSTUDY Living Allowance. The amount you get may depend on your parents’ annual income.

Full-time tertiary or preparatory course students and other secondary students may be able to get ABSTUDY Living Allowance. The amount you get may depend on personal, parental or partner income.

 Full-time Australian Apprenticeship, traineeship or trainee apprenticeship students may be able to get ABSTUDY Living Allowance. The amount you get may depend on personal, parental or partner income.

Applying for ABSTUDY

To claim, call the ABSTUDY line on Freecall  1800 132 317. You can submit supporting documents online at www.humanservices.gov.au/submitdocumentsonline

If you can’t claim over the phone, you can get a claim form at www.humanservices.gov.au/abstudy

How long it takes to assess your claim depends on how complex your situation is.
Wishing all of our families the very best for the remainder of Term 1.

Sue D’Arcy

Deputy Principal

From the desk of the Deputy Principal ……Mr Stevens

School attendance counts. The year has started off at a blistering pace and we are nearing the end of Term 1 already. This is exciting for our Year 12 students who effectively have two more Terms before preparing for the HSC. It’s important to make the best of every moment of that time to maximise learning opportunities to achieve our personal best.

 This is why under our core value of Responsibility we highlight the importance of being in the right place at the right time.

Unfortunately it is our Year 12 students who have had the biggest struggle adjusting. I have reports of some students jumping the fence, and others going through the gates once they have been temporarily opened for their peers. I must stress that the overwhelming majority of our students do a great job, they arrive on time every time ready to learn. Well done.

Truancy from class is failing to seize every opportunity to learn. Missing just 1 lesson per day adds up quickly, as you can see by the graphic I have included. Remember our school day starts at 8:15am.

 I hope all students finish off the Term strongly, have a lovely break over Easter, and return focused and ready to learn for Term 2.

Arron Stevens

Deputy Principal

DON’T MISS OUT!!!

 The Parent Portal is one of the best ways to stay in contact with your child’s progress through their school years.

What does it do?

The portal enables you to:-

·        Book upcoming Parent / Teacher meetings (dates to be advised)

·        See your child’s timetable and classes

·        Access School Reports at the end of each Semester

·        View Attendance

·        See all the Student Notices, and much more …..

How do I get it?

If you do not already have the Parent Portal please contact the school via email or phone with your email and child’s name by Friday 5th April and we can send you the link to access the Millennium Parent Portal.

e.   tomaree-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

p. 49811 444

Saturday 13th April to Sunday 28th April

STAFF ONLY- return Monday 29th April

ALL STUDENTS return Tuesday 30th April

“I love learning French because….:

...I have always wanted to learn French and it’s a really fun language to learn. I enjoyed learning how to introduce myself, say hello and how to make it formal and casual, I can now introduce myself”. Izabelle Year 7.

“…it’s cool to learn another language!” Maeve Year 7.

“….I can show off to my friends and family AND so I can understand French YouTube videos.” Ben Year 8

“…It can help me in the future when I go travelling, I am now able to speak full and proper French.” Anekah Year 7.

“…it feels cool to speak a different language, I am now able to have a simple conversation in French.” Kai Year 8.

“…it’s different and fun” Tabitha Year 7.

“…I get better at vocabulary, I am now able to say my name and age in French.” Cambell Year 7

“My favourite is when I get to learn a new sentence and I understand it straight away”. Lillee Year 8

“I am now able to say numbers 0-20 in French, but I still need to improve them.” Chaeli Year 8

“…It helps me to understand a different culture and I feel accomplished having learned some of a different language”. Lexi Year 8

“…It teaches me more about English and it’s interesting to learn about other languages, I am now able to have a conversation, count to 20 and say my age”. Emma Year 8

“…I can now speak to my Mum in French and it makes you smarter…” Riley Year 8

Year 12 Design and Technology and Industrial Technology are progressing at a steady pace with the production of their Major Projects and accompanying portfolio.

In VET subjects some year 12 students have already attended their second 35 hour block of work placement and other students have registered and are eager to go out. The students need to remember that they must attend 70 hours of mandatory work placement over years 11 and 12.

Years 7 and 8 Technology Mandatory are enjoying the practical nature of the course. The classes have started the year off in a positive manner, spending the first few lessons of Term 1 learning about safety and machine use. Currently they are designing and constructing a Brainteaser puzzle for their first project. They are also studying Digital Technologies from the new Technology Mandatory syllabus.

Years 9 and 10 Industrial Technology Metal have started off in an enthusiastic manner. Year 9 is currently constructing a metal Tool Carry - All,  whilst year 10 students are constructing a portable BBQ.

Year 10 Industrial Technology Timber students are working well constructing a Bedside Table using a range of new machinery and techniques. They have completed a range of new safety exercises to support their understanding of machinery use and workshop requirements.

Congratulations to the 2018 HSC students on the impressive results they obtained in their HSIE subjects. HSIE had 138 candidates in the seven subjects delivered by the faculty. A number of students studied two or more HSIE subjects. The following students deserve special mention for their outstanding results in HSIE:

Dan Vu, who achieved 93% in Geography, 92% in Legal Studies and 86% in Economics (through Distance Education) and was dux of the school with an ATAR of 96.55.

Anna Klein, who achieved 94% in Society & Culture and 90% in Ancient History.

Laura Klein, who achieved 92% in Ancient History and 90% in Legal Studies.

Bonnie Stothard,  who achieved 94% in Society and Culture and 87% in Modern History.

Carl Stewart,  who achieved 93% in Ancient History, 89% in Society and Culture and 87% in Modern History.

Isabell Plunkett, who achieved 92% in Society and Culture.

Luke McGuiness, who achieved 89% in Business Studies and 84% in Ancient History.

Laura Holley, who achieved 88% in Society and Culture and 80% in Modern History.

Harrison Liddell, who achieved 84% in Ancient History and 82% in Modern History.

Antonia Schieb,  who achieved 82% in Legal Studies and 81% in Business Studies.

Anna Mather, who achieved 88% in Modern History.

Joshua Murchie, who achieved 88% in Business Studies.

Grace McKeown, who achieved 87% in Business Studies.

 Lisa Huynh, who achieved 82% in Legal Studies.

Isabelle Brady, who achieved 82% in Society and Culture.

Rhys Easthope, who achieved 81% in Business Studies.

Jason Allwood, who achieved 80% in Ancient History.

Maegan Johnston, who achieved 80% in Geography.

 I know these students would want to thank and recognise the dedication and guidance of their HSIE teachers for their work last year.

Year 7 have made the big leap from primary to secondary school and are settling into Tomaree High beautifully. Their progression from the big fish of primary to the small of Tomaree has transpired swimmingly as they display the core values of the school each day. Students are enjoying the range of subjects on their timetables and are making bonds with their new teachers. I myself am enjoying getting to know each and every student. As the term progresses many of the concerns they had on day one seem to have faded as timetables, finding their way around and meeting new staff and students become old hat.

On the 6th March, 161 Year 7’s double checked their packing lists and ventured off to their first high school camp, The Great Aussie Bush Camp. At the camp they participated in a range of activities including high ropes courses, mud runs, group initiatives, as well as dancing at a disco to our own resi-dent DJ Rocket Rod Lyon and failing miserably challenging the teachers at commando. The behav-iour, effort and attitude of the students was outstanding, and made for a fun filled camp. A two night camp, particularly in a new school, can often be a daunting experience however, it didn’t prove too big an obstacle for the bonding year group. The fourteen Year 10 students that also attended camp as mentors were outstanding and provided invaluable peer support for Year 7, not to mention their humour and encouragement. It has been lovely to see the many new friendships that have been formed within the year group, not only from their participation in camp, but throughout the school term also.

Whilst students are allowed to bring a mobile device to school, it is helpful is parents/carers repeat the message that such devices are not to be used during class time. They should be on silent and in the students’ bag. Also, a reminder of the correct use of mobile devices during break times and what to share and not to share online is always useful. The students’ uniform has been excellent the first few weeks. As we move into the colder months a reminder that school jumpers or a plain navy jump-er are the only types that should be worn. Jumpers with other colours or logos as well as hoodies should not be worn. A new style of school hoodie is being made and should be available for pur-chase soon. If you need support purchasing a jumper for your son/daughter please contact me at the school.

With the term drawing to a close students should still be busy completing assessment tasks and par-ticipating in school events including the Athletics Carnival and Cross Country and earning VIVO points as they do so. I hope all students as well as parents/carers have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.Bethany Adam Year 7 Year Advisor.

Welcome back to a new year during which the Mathematics faculty has stayed stable. Mr Jack Taylor has been employed to take some part time work, including several Mathematics classes and we are very happy to have his services.

HSC RESULTS

A big congratulations to the 2018 HSC students who successfully completed their studies and have gone on with the next phase of their lives. A special mention to our Extension 2 students, Thomas Boehm and Tim Anderson, who achieved outstanding marks and national Band 6 for Advanced Mathematics. Also, Thomas Boehm and Dan Vu achieved the pinnacle of an E4 in Extension 1 and Dan Vu rated a Band 6 in Mathematics 2U.

It must be mentioned that there were NO Band 1s in the Mathematics courses this time. In fact, Advanced Mathematics all achieved Band 3s or better and has been one of our best results on averages over the past few years. Even Mathematics General 2 were closest to State average for many years.

Thank you to the hard working team of the Mathematics faculty in assisting these positive results.

ASSESSMENTS

Towards the end of term, all year groups will be completing an assessment task in Mathematics. Students will be given ample notice in class and a description of the content, plus the chance to complete revision. Students are expected to bring their own equipment, which also includes their own calculator; and for junior years, a single sided A4 handwritten reference sheet for assistance (like a cheat sheet).

For Years 7 & 8, this assessment will be based within their cluster of abilities (A/B/C stream) and not across the whole year group, so that the test is set at the level of the students. For Years 9 & 10, it will be within their course (Stage 5.3/Stage 5.2/Stage 5.1).

For reporting purposes, it is important to note that the following items are included within the report:                   

YEAR 7 & 8 NUMERACY LINES

This year is the first year where Mathematics classes have been streamed on students’ numeracy ability. The benefits have already been noticeable, with work being set at appropriate levels, either remedial or extension. A student who made the AE class but struggles mathematically can gain assistance and students in the mixed classes (W,A,L,K,J,U) can still reach the high levels and not be held back. Teachers Aide assistance can also be targeted at a particular class.

For timetabling purposes, Mathematics, Science and Tech/Art all run off the same classes with the clusters being A1/A2, B1/B2/B3, C1/C2/C3.

It is difficult to move students between classes as it does affect several subjects. We will look at any student who is genuinely misplaced and see what alternatives can be arranged towards mid-year after some assessments have been completed in these subjects.

TUTORS

I am looking to increase my list of Mathematics Tutors to help with requests from parents. If you know a tutor or a person willing to tutor Mathematics at any level, please ask them to contact the school and leave their details. We welcome former THS students who are now at University and looking for some extra money to support their education.

BEFORE SCHOOL TUITION

Any student wishing to get help with assignments or homework is advised that Mr Powell has kindly offered to be available before school to assist. Students should come to the Mathematics staffroom after 7:30am and ask for Mr Powell.

He will be available for Year 7-10 on a Tuesday morning and Year 11-12 on a Thursday morning each week starting in Week 8.

DATES FOR TERM 1 TESTS – Calculators required:

Week 9 Year 10 Thursday 28th March P1

Week 9 Year 9 Tuesday 26th March P2

Week 10 Years 11 and 12 Tuesday 2nd April

Week 11 Years 7 and 8, either Monday or Tuesday 8th/9th April.

Rod Lyon

Maths H.T.

Year 7 Creative and Performing Arts students have been participating in workshops at ZONE ACTIVE Taylors Beach. The students have been working on developing skills on the trampoline, having fun tumbling and spinning in the silks. The students are working on these skills and learning how they then can use them in their Circus Showcase which they will begin working on in Term 2. The students have been travelling to Taylors Beach on the new school bus, which has really helped keep the cost of the excursion down. The students will complete five workshops over the term and will conclude their workshops in week nine. Well done Year 7 CAPA.

Some student testimonials:

“Being a member of the CAPA class has provided me with this wonderful opportunity.  I really like it and I get to learn things I thought I would never learn.  I am in the tumble

and so far it’s been great!”  Abigail.

Students from years 7-10 have auditioned to be a part of the Choir, Dance and Drama groups for StarStruck 2019. We would like to thank all of the students who auditioned and learnt their dances and drama items. Performing in StarStruck this year Tomaree High School have 32 dance students and 24 drama students. We also have plans for students to be involved in the Hunter Dance Festival and other performance opportunities throughout the year.  Congratulations to students who have been successful. Make sure you book your tickets early and don’t miss out on this fabulous showcase of amazing student talent. The dates for StarStruck are:

 Star Struck 2019

Friday 14 June 2019 at 10:30am.

Friday 14 June 2019 at 7:00pm.

Saturday 15 June 2019 at 2:00pm.

Saturday 15 June 2019 at 7:00pm.

Highlights of the Carnival:

The two days of Tomaree High Athletics Carnival provided a number of excellent performances both on & off the track. Students competed with determination & a willingness to do the best for themselves & their team. To this end, all students were successful. The interaction of students with other students & with teachers outside the usual school environment is one of the big winners on the day. 

Age Champions: 12 Years - Des Thompson and Shari Hurdman; 13 Years - Lachlan Bartlett-Baldwin and Summah Harrison/ Ashlee Medaris; 14 Years - Alex Howarth and Tara Murphy; 15 Years -Bailee Sargeant and Claudia Samoilenko; 16 Years - Jack Kenny and Emily Cusworth; 17+ Years - Ben Anderson and Grace Astley.

Records broken: Ben Esquilant - 200m, Shari Hurdman- 100m, Amy Squires- 12/13 Javelin, Jack Kenny - Javelin, Ebony Nix- 800m

At the completion of the two days Stephens won the overall points followed by Tomaree, Yacaaba and Nelson.

 Ebony Nix (6 events), Anekah Sargeant (2 events), Logan Stewart (2 events); Angus Tonks; Aiden Tyacke (3 events); and the 15 Years Boys Relay (Harry Francis, Bailee Sargeant, Brady Stewart and Aiden Tyacke).

Congratulations to everyone who competed.

Hunter Regional Representatives

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in Hunter Regional Sporting Teams:

U16 Touch: 

Jade Ballard, Grace Baxter, Emma Dawson, Hugh Doherty, Ava Forster and Samuel Mitchell.

Open Rugby Union:

Riley Byfield, Joshua Evans, Mitchell Workman and Jack Vincent.

From our February Meeting

Wearing of Hoodies at School

This was discussed and it was agreed that we support only the wearing by our students of the school hoodie that is to become part of the school uniform. The new addition will be available towards the end of term 2.

Recycling of Bottles and Cans

Donations will be able to be made to the P&C in the near future via the charity option. The P&C will transfer all donations to the school.

Students will be assisting with the recycling of containers generated at school. Funds raised will go back to the school via the P&C.

Incentive for Students to Attend and Participate at the Athletics Carnival

It was agreed that we donate $500 for an i-pad as encouragement to increase attendance and participation.

Entertainment Book Fundraiser

It was decided that we would participate again this year. It is the 25th Anniversary of the E-Book and this year has added value. Sales will commence as of April 5th.

Our thanks to Steve Jennings our Community Liaison Officer who has volunteered to co-ordinate the sales of the book/app.

Annual General Meeting

The meeting will be held on Wednesday the 27th of March in the Staff common and commence at 6;15 p.m.

Please consider attending this important meeting.

A general meeting will follow the AGM.

Defence Force Recruiting will be giving a presentation of how to apply and what positions are available in the Airforce, Navy or Army. This presentation takes place on Wednesday 10th of April in the MPC and students need to register with the careers office to attend.

Career Expo at Maitland, students have the opportunity to investigate career and course options with approximately 100 exhibitors at the expo. The school will be taking two busloads of students on the 17th of May to the venue and notes will be available week 10 of Term 1.

Singleton HSC Seminar Day, this is an event for Year 12 students wanting to ace the HSC examinations and it will be taking place on 31st of May. There are presentation for all the major HSC subjects and most presenters are HSC examiners, so they will be giving information on how to excel in the exam. See Careers adviser for excursion note.

University Open days have commenced with Charles Sturt Uni having an Explore Day at Port Macquarie Campus on 9th April and University of New England’s Open day is 10th of May. These are fabulous events to research courses, accommodation and campus lifestyle. Various forms of Excursion programs are being organised for these open day events so see the careers adviser for information.