Nhill College Newsletter

Thank you to all those students and parents who attended the Year 10 Pathways Evening on Monday night.  Mrs Hedt and Mrs Cole did another fantastic job in explaining the new changes that will be introduced next year as we transition from VCAL into the Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate.  It was again pleasing to see such a strong turn-out to this event and I trust that everyone in attendance left with a far greater understanding of the VCE, VM and VPC options available for students next year.  Mrs Hedt and Mrs Sampson are continuing to speak to students regarding their individual pathway plans for next year and beyond, and parents wishing to have follow-up conversations about their child's future programs are very welcome to contact the school to arrange an interview with them.  Thanks again to Mrs Hedt and Mrs Cole for their work in preparation for these parent information sessions and for the work they continue to do in preparation for new senior pathways certificates being introduced next year.

Students are reminded of the requirement for them to wear a broad brimmed hat in the yard during recess and lunch times on days when the UV rating reaches 3 or above.  Nhill College parents are now able to use the school's website to find out when it is predicted that UV index levels will reach 3 or more, which generally occurs between mid-August and April.  The Sunsmart App - which can also be downloaded onto your mobile devices - tells parents the maximum UV index levels predicted for the day as well as the hours when sunscreen measures are recommended.  This link has been attached to the front page of our website (https://www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au/), so please visit often and keep your children safe.

Now that we are entering into that time of year when UV levels are likely to reach 3 or above, it is an appropriate time to remind everyone to ensure that students have remembered to bring their broad brimmed hats to school.  Very affordable options are available in the Uniform Store if required.  In addition, extra shade has been secured in the yard following the installation of the large shade sail in the courtyard as well as the one placed over the school BBQ area earlier this year.  

Research shows that the academic and social development of students is affected each day they are absent, and that going to school every day is the single most important part of your child's education.  Following the potential disruptions to the social and academic progress of students caused due to COVID-19 over the past two years, it is more important than ever for children to be at school. 

If your child is unwell or absolutely cannot attend school for some reason, it is important to let the school know of their absence and the reason why prior to the day if planned or at the start of the day if the absence is not planned.  The easiest way to do this is via Compass.  Alternatively, you can contact the office at school on 5391 2111.

If your child is absent and we have not been notified, you will receive a text message asking you to contact the school with an explanation.  If we do not receive a reply to our text message, we will be following up with a phone call.

• Yr 3- 6 Soccer clinics: Wednesday 17th August
  
• WWSSA Primary Aths Warracknabeal: Thursday 18th August
• BOOK WEEK - Dreaming With Eyes Open: Monday 22nd -26th August
• Yr 3- 6 Soccer clinics: Wednesday 24th August
• Yr 3-6 Golf Clinics: Thursday 25th August
• BOOK WEEK Primary Dress Up Day: Friday 26th August
• Wear it Purple Day: Friday 26th August
• Yr 5-6 Wimmera Science and Engineering Challenge Excursion: Monday 29th August
• Curriculum Day:  Wednesday 7th September
• R U OK Day: Thursday 8th September
• SRC Footy Colours Casual Clothes Day: Friday 9th September

Nhill College reward system called ROARWARDS has continued this term, with numerous students receiving ROARWARDS on a daily basis. Students receive ROARWARDS by demonstrating Being Respectful, Being a Learner or Being Safe. At the secondary and primary assemblies, all the students that have received a ROARWARD in the fouth week of Term 3, were placed in a draw to win a milkshake voucher or a lucky dip/gotcha prize. Students are randomly drawn by using an electronic spinning wheel. The winners for the fourth week of Term 3 were - Lanie, Mardi, Hugo D, Jack, Harrison, James R and Lilly. 

In the primary section each week, students learn a different value to practice in the classroom and out in the yard. These values can help to influence students physical health, promote self-esteem, assist them in developing a sense of belonging in our school and enhance stronger social skills with mutual respect for everyone. 

The Respectful Relationship Value for the fourth week of Term 3 was Kindness.

The Kindness award winners were  F/1 - Eliza, 1/2 - Lhianna, 3/4 - Zali, 4/5 - Aj and 5/6 - Jessika.

The Canteen voucher was awarded to Lhianna.

Congratulations to all students who were nominated.

Students in the junior primary classes were recognised for their excellent progress in reading this week at the primary assembly.

Learning the most commonly occurring words in English is essential to every child's reading success.

The Magic Coloured Words make up 70% of all words in reading and writing. 

The Magic Coloured Words have been divided into coloured levels according to their frequency - Golden Words, Red Words, Blue Words, Green Words, Orange Words, Indigo Words and Violet Words are contained in the first 100 words: Pink Words, Purple Words, Aqua Words, Lime Words and Lemon Words are the 101-200 Words and Ruby Words, Amber Words, Sapphire Words, Pearl Words and Jade are the Words 201-300 Words.

Students were able to recognise by sight and read the Magic Coloured Words.  Congratulations to Ayden, James and Michael on your great achievements in reading. 

ICAS Assessments are designed to recognise academic excellence for students in Years 2-12 with assessments based on the curriculum for each relevant year level.  Students are assessed on their ability to apply classroom learning to new contexts using higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. New assessments are developed each year to ensure engaging and beneficial experiences for all students.  It has been some time since our school has participated in such assessment and as a trial this year, we are offering the Maths assessment to students on an optional, user pay basis using the new online platform. 

Parents wishing to have their child/ren participate are asked to complete the following google form https://forms.gle/WE1oHbqxZ78S15wy5 to register their interest. Families will then be contacted by Mrs Toet and given details to register and pay online directly to ICAS using an direct Parent Payment Facility. 

Please be aware that participation is voluntary and families will be required to independently register and pay the $19.25 fee online. Our College will provide class time and supervision for students however this will mean missing other classes and the expectation that any work missed will be caught up during their own time. Assessments will be sent to the school prior to the sitting week of 29th August – 2 September.

If you have any questions regarding this testing please get in touch with me at the College on 53912111 or Antoinette.Toet@education.vic.gov.au

Ham & Cheese Toasted Croissant $5.00

Last year we successfully trialled a Nhill College Facebook page to help us promote school events and activities with the wider community.  We will continue to use 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.  However, our Facebook page has allowed us to broaden exposure to the school and reach a number of people who may not have otherwise had access to our formal communication channels.  Our Facebook page will continue to 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.