James Busby High School

Term 3, Week 10, 2020

Important dates

From the Principal

Welcome to our e-Newsletter.

We are trying something different so that we can highlight all of the amazing things our students and staff are involved in. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly produced a number of challenges for schools and we are no exception. Our staff are to be congratulated and commended for the many ways in which they went above and beyond in trying to support your children during the learning at home phase of this challenge. We must also commend the many students who took charge of their learning each and every day by either engaging with their Google Classrooms or with the work that was posted home.

We must admit though, we are so glad that students were able to return this term and slowly gain some semblance of a normal routine. This has been important for everyone’s wellbeing.

We have been particularly concerned for Year 12 and have a number of strategies in place to ensure that they have not been disadvantaged.

Our school has also just completed a situational analysis to inform the next 4 year planning cycle so that we can produce an evidence informed plan for school improvement for 2021 – 2024. Your collaboration will be sought and valued.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind our school community of our student expectations:

 

At James Busby High School students are expected to:

 

·         Arrive at school on time

·         Be in uniform.

·         Have all equipment necessary for learning.

·         Be on time for and attend all lessons.

·         Be respectful.

·         Follow all requests respectfully.

·         Be safe and respectful on the playground and in the classroom.

·         Strive for excellence.

·         Proudly represent the school.

We hope you enjoy our first e-newsletter.

Regards,

Ms Olimpia Bartolillo

Principal.

Farewell Year 12

Dear Year 12,

Congratulations on finishing 13 years of your schooling through one of the most challenging and unpredictable periods of our time! Know that your success and path in life is determined by your hope and perseverance in times of turbulance. So many of you have demonstrated enormous strength of character, values and resilience and above all a strong sense of humanity and inclusion. Your genuine warmth and inner beauty will be missed by us all. I wish you joy, peace and success in the next chapter of your life.

Your Deputy Principal, Mrs Gouganovski​

Dear Year 12

The conclusion of Term 3 sees the end of the last full school term for year 12. After 13 years of schooling the count down is on. With only 5 days left of regular classes during week 1 of Term 4, it is a time of mixed emotions for our students.

Although 2020, has been a year like no other, Term 3 saw a little bit of normality with year 12's completing their Trial examinations in week's 5+6. It was pleasing to see some wonderful results across various subjects demonstrating hard work pays off!

The HSC has already commenced for some of our students undertaking practical subjects with Music practical exams, Visual Art's Body of Work's and D&T Major Works already assessed under COVID safe conditions. Thank you to all of the teachers of these subjects for assisting students with getting through these stressful times.

A highlight of the term was RUOK? Day where it was so pleasing to see Year 12 lead and be actively involved in a whole school event especially when 2020 has deprived them of many memorable events in their last year of school. The positivity and mateship shown on this day by not only year 12 but the whole school was inspiring.

The final weeks of the term saw year 12 completing course content, revision, numerous competitive Kahoot games, applications for future transitions post school, class parties as well as many chats with friends and favourite teachers. It is very pleasing to report that numerous students have already received early entry into post school courses in 2020. We look forward to hearing success stories in 2021 and beyond.

Looking ahead, although we will see less of Year 12, there will be a hype of activity with numerous events now being able to take place (yay):

- one week of schooling (Week 1 Term 4)

- HSC written exams commencing 20th October

- Year 12 Graduation. The new date (19th November 2020 at Liverpool Catholic Club) will see the inclusion of families (1family member at present but fingers crossed for more in the future). I am so happy that at least 1 family member is now allowed to share this special occasion with our Year 12 students.

- Year 12 Sign Out day (25th November)

- Year 12 Formal (27th November Le Montage at Lillyfield). The event will adhere to Government and Department of Education COVID safe guidelines, policies and procedures. This is wonderful news to allow students to celebrate the end of schooling with their peers.

So, it is not goodbye for Year 12's just yet. We will see them at various times throughout Term 4. We wish Year 12 a happy and well deserved break after such a strenuous term. Students are encouraged to make the most of the upcoming weeks to revise, refine and consolidate their learning in preparation for their HSC written exams. We also encourage year 12 to look after themselves during this time especially their mental health. This can be a stressful time, and in a year like no other don't ever be afraid to ask for help!

Looking forward to spending the last remaining days with year 12 next term and celebrating wonderful achievements with you all.

 

Ms Cattanach and Ms Byrne

Year 12 Year Advisors

Year 12 Class of 2020

To JBHS

The last day of school… the closing of one door and the opening of another. Thanking all students for each individual warmth and memories, it's time to say goodbye after 6 remarkable years.

Thank you teachers for all that you have taught us, because we sure did learn a lot. All the laughs and our time together will never be forgotten. We will miss the stories, the jokes, the hugs and smiles, the laughs, the kindness, the thoughtful questions, the desire to be the best we can and the classroom families. Now go, make those interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes and make those glorious and fantastic mistakes, start spreading the news, we’re leaving and the best part is... how lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. And if school has taught me anything, now the real fun begins. It’s time for a celebration, a time for looking back on lessons learned, adventured shared, bright cherished moments filled with special meaning. A farewell… A time to say goodbye to old friends and good times. A time for looking forward, a time to set a new goal, to dream new dreams, to try your wings and see what lies beyond.  

 

“If you focus on what you left behind you will never be able to see what lies ahead” – Gusteau

From your Captains, Vice-Captains and Prefects

To the Year 12 Class of 2020

Class of 2020, on behalf of the prefect committee we want to thank you all for the memories and flourishing moments over the last 6 years, having such big goals to achieve as well as leaving our footprints but were unfortunately stopped due to COVID, although we are thankful to have done many things regardless of our little time we had this year such as providing the soap in the toilet, busby’s got talent, fundraisers including bake sales and ice cream as well as the Valentine’s Day organisations! We must apologise for not being able to grant all that’s been wished for such as senior day- sorry :( if we all don’t die of COVID I hope to see you all long live your dreams, whether it’s starts from milking cows or becoming an astronaut and remember

 “There’s a saying, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift… that is why it is called the present.” – Grand Master Oogway.

From your Captains, Vice-Captains and Prefects

Year 12 2020

Support Year 12

To our graduating students of 2020,

On behalf of all your teachers and teacher's aides, I would like to thank you for bringing us smiles and laughter each day. A teacher learns so much from their students and you have taught us so much more than you think. You have taught us compassion and understanding as we try to understand why you decided to misbehave. You have taught us forgiveness as we forgive you each time you decide to run out of class. You have taught us to be honest, saying exactly what you feel, when you feel it. On a more serious note, Year 12's when you leave this school, you have left a special space in our hearts. As you close one chapter of your lives, and open another, may the people you meet also see just how special you really are. Enjoy living this next chapter and continue to share your personalities with the rest of the world. Thank you for being such caring, honest and wonderful little humans.

O. Pham, Support teachers and SLSOs.

Educational Pathways Pilot Program Success

The Educational Pathways Pilot Program (EPPP) is currently piloted across 24 school in the state. It’s focus areas are to strengthen career advice, increase uptake of School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATS) and support disengaged and disadvantaged students. For more information please visit the DoE website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/career-and-study-pathways/educational-pathways-pilot-program

 

 

One of the program initiatives is Pilot 3: TAFE YES +

TAFE YES + differs from the normal TAFE YES by allowing students to rotate across three different vocational areas. This broadens the student understanding to various career opportunities that they may not have thought of and the pathways and the skill level needed to start the career. It also incorporates industry visits, but due to COVID restrictions they were limited to presentations from major companies.

 

During term 3, students from JBHS had the opportunity to complete various TAFE YES + packages in:

 

Health & Wellbeing - Allied Health - Individual Support: Macquarie Fields Campus

Fashion Tech - Design - Hair & Beauty: Campbelltown & Macquarie Fields Campuses

Automotive - Transport & Logistics - Hospitality: Wetherill Park Campus

Health & Wellbeing - Medical Admin - Hair & Beauty: Liverpool Campus

IT & Robotics - Carpentry - Electrical: Miller Campus

 

Students attended their allocated TAFE 1 day/week and rotated across the 3 areas through a 10 week period. TAFE organised industry presentations, Multiplex, Liverpool Council and Woolworths to name a few. Students were able to meet with professionals who shared their journey and insightful information about the future of work and employment opportunities in the their local LGA. The highlight of the program was seeing the students recognised for their commitment on their last day. Quite a few JBHS students received the TAFE Champion award, an award only given to 3 students from each class.

 

What to next: Students interested in the programs offered by the EPPP will need to speak to their Careers Adviser, Soon Kwon.

Our TAFE Yes + students

Congratulations Year 11

Dear Year 11,

Ms Walsh and I would like to congratulate you for all your hard work over the course of year 11! It is wonderful to see your all thrive and pursue academic excellence. I hope that you enjoy your ‘end of year’ holiday and come back to term 4 refreshed, recharged and ready for what is heading your way – Year 12.

We have so much to look forward to in the year to come. The end of high school is tantalisingly close. I read recently that motivation follows action. You cannot wait for motivation to strike before taking a step forward, otherwise you’ll be paralysed, and stuck in perpetual procrastination. You have to act first. This is this quickest way to get motivated. From action to will begin to see yourself reach your goals, and the motivation to continue to move forward will follow.

In Year 12, let’s remember to:

-         Be kind to ourselves

-         Be kind to others

-         Develop healthy sleep patterns – 8 hours a night minimum

-         Drink plenty of water and stay active

-         Seek help when you need it. You are not alone!

Ms Walsh and I will always have your backs. I cannot wait for the year to come!

All the best,

Ms Hall

Why Attendance Matters

Everyone has a role supporting positive school attendance.

Regular attendance helps students to:

  • develop a sense of belonging
  • develop and maintain friendships
  • be more engaged at school
  • progress with their learning
  • be more aware of career and life options.

Every day counts. Missing just one day a fortnight can amount to four weeks of lost learning over a year. Over their school life, this can equal one year of missed learning.


Peer Tutor Reading

Peer Tutor Reading involves Year 10 students mentoring Year 7 students each morning in the school library for 20 minutes. Year 7 students complete both a pre-test and a post-test. This information provides us with a better understanding of what level of activities we need to assign to students. Staff from LST coordinate and supervise the program. However, this year has been a little different due to Covid. Students have been working independently completing activities from Literacy Planet and Mathspace. Students from 7D have been thoroughly enjoying the Peer Tutor Reading Program this term.   

Year 7 Students using Literacy Planet

ATSI Hub

ATSI Hub is designed for indigenous students in years 7 – 10 who have been identified as requiring additional support in literacy and numeracy. Students work in smaller groups with a Learning and Support Teacher to achieve goals identified by the student. This term our focus has been on online literacy and numeracy activities whereby we have utilised Literacy Planet and Mathspace.

Today we decided to finish off the term with some Aboriginal Art and the students were taught the importance of it in indigenous culture. They watched a short video on dot painting and practised some dot painting individually.     

Our Year 7 and 8 ATSI students

Year 8 Cyber Safety Workshops

Our Year 8 classes engaged in Cyber Safety workshops to reinforce strategies to ensure they know how to stay safe whilst online. Students were provided with valuable tips and important information about online safety.

Some of the feedback from students include:

Keep social media account private.

Make sure you know who you're talking to

NOT TO TRUST ANYONE ONLINE OR MEET UP WITH THEM

Be careful of what I post online

Support Art

Spring has brought forth a strong burst of colour into our natural environment. These include vibrant bursts of yellow flowers on our oval, brilliant shades of blue in the sky and rich green leaves, a striking contrast against the blue sky. As a part of the Stage 6 Visual Arts Life Skills program, our students were given the opportunity to explore colours, how these colours reflect our ever-changing emotions and how these emotions can be represented by various seasons. Students understood the symbolic relevance of colour in paintings and as the seasons change, everything remains the same except the colours around them. It was also a great way to channel their inner "Claude Monet".

R U OK? Day

Our student leadership teams came together on R U OK? Day on Thursday 10th September to share messages of support and togetherness. The day was filled with our school community connecting and starting conversations to show that we are all here for each other.

On the day students engaged in a range of fun activities led by our senior prefects and wellbeing ambassadors.

We learned that you don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. 

We also learned to use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen

3. Encourage action

4. Check in

R U OK? Day

Timber Project

Students from Ms Gorham's D&T class working on their first timber project.
Their project will be a handy stand for a mobile phone and keys.
The students worked with some assistance from Mr Tripkovski.

Gardening Project - Stage 4 Florence class working hard in the garden.

MTC Links to Learning

Thank you to our mentors from MTC Links to learning for their work with some of our Year 8 students. Students involved in the program engage in weekly workshops designed to engage and motivate them during their schooling.

The key objectives of Links to Learning Community Grants Program include:

1. Connect – participating schools learning and support teams identify appropriate students at risk in partnership with the Provider.

2. Engage – students referred to a project are actively engaged in meaningful activities delivered by the Provider.

3. Learn – students are provided with learning opportunities aimed at improving their education, future employment and life skills. The delivery of foundation and employability skills are a feature of all projects

4. Plan – individualised Links to Learning Student Plans are developed collaboratively with students by the Provider, to identify goals during their participation in the Links to Learning project and to identify strategies to support the students’ transition back to their base school.

5. Transition – students are supported to transition from Links to Learning projects to engagement with learning at their base school and a return to full time attendance.

Here are some of the things that our students have said about the program:

  • Meeting new people
  • Learning how to communicate better
  • Learning to work in a team
  • Working together
  • Discussing and sharing ideas
  • We like the Youth Advisers


Family Referral Service at JBHS

Family Referral service is a voluntary program run in south west Sydney which aims to connect children, young people and families to appropriate local support services. We know that families experience different things at different times and sometimes we all need a little help to get the support we need. The Family referral service has a family connector, Brittany who we are lucky to have at our school every Wednesday to help families get linked into the supports they need. Come see her when she’s in, or contact 1300 244 826 to see how they could help you.

Family Referral Service

Year 7 Immunisation Reminder

Footy Colours Day - Raising funds for the Fight Cancer Foundation

Students were gracious in defeat!
Staff beat the students 4-3
A great day was had by all. Better luck next year, students!
Students were gracious in defeat!
Staff beat the students 4-3
A great day was had by all. Better luck next year, students!

Year 9 Fast Forward

Year 9 Fast Forward students participated in the Western Sydney University e-Uni Day virtual event on Tuesday 22nd September. Students had a chance to interact with the university's student ambassadors and competed with other schools to complete the virtual escape room challenges. They also explored their intelligences and related careers in a Multiple Intelligences workshop. Our students had a great deal of fun engaging in this challenging, interactive and engaging workshop.

Year 12 Hospitality Farewell Breakfast

2020 Year 12 Chemistry Farewell Breakfast

A Big Thank You to Year 12 Chemistry students. Wish you all the best for your HSC. I will miss you all. Ms Kumar

Tell Them From Me Parent Survey

https://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/survey/splash/jbhs8460

Dear Parents/Carers,

A friendly reminder to please complete the Tell Them From Me Survey for parents and carers. Above is the link to the survey.

The survey is an opportunity for you to provide valuable feedback on our school. The survey only takes 15 minutes to complete.

The survey window closes on Friday 23rd October, 2020 at 4.30 pm.

Thank you in advance for your support.

James Busby High School

Skoolbag App

We share important information on our Skoolbag app, including copies of Assessment Tasks.

The Year 10 Exam timetable is available to view on our Skoolbag app.

See the instructions below to assist you with downloading the app:

Download the SkoolBag App

https://moqproducts.com.au/skoolbag/installation-instructions/
The SkoolBag app is the easiest way keep up with school events, last minute notices, newsletters and all school communications.

Instantly translate this newsletter to 100+ languages

With our Google Translation integration, your community can access your newsletter in ANY language. Simply scroll to the bottom of the newsletter preview to give it a try.

HSC Exam Timetable

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/key-dates-exam-timetables/hsc-written-exam-timetable
The HSC Written Exam Timetable can be accessed on the above link.

Resources to help HSC students

https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/stay-healthy-HSC

With only weeks until the first written HSC exams, Year 12 students have an extra place to look for support.

Year 12 and the HSC can be a stressful time, and this year’s students have already overcome bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department has brought together new and updated tools to help HSC students stay healthy, active and connected as they finish their final weeks of school.

Stay healthy HSC includes:

  • advice about looking after your own mental health and checking in on friends from ReachOut.com
  • exam tips from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
  • on-demand video lessons, written by teachers, to help with study.

Homework Centre

The Homework Center will re-open in Term 4, Week 1. Please note that due to COVID restrictions, we can only accept 30 students on any given day. Preference will be given to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 at this stage. Please see Library staff if you intend on attending the Homework Centre.

Library News - Book Week Fun

Join in all of the fun On Thursday 22nd October
Enter our Book Week Art Competition to win prizes. Spend the school break by getting creative! Bring your sketch on the first day back for a chance to win!
Come to the Library and make a guess to win the big jar of lollies!

Resources for parents and carers

https://education.nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers
Information for parents and carers including learning and wellbeing resources, advice, study skills, a quick guide glossary, homework help, learning from home tools, support for additional needs and more can be accessed on the above link.

ClickView

A friendly reminder that our school has a ClickView subscription. Clickview is like netflix for education. There is a wide range of classroom-friendly content, from popular films to documentaries and television programs and Australian-made educational videos on the site. See below for help with accessing Clickview at home.

Liverpool District Touch Association

The Liverpool District Touch Association are a not-for-profit sporting organization, starting a weekly touch football competition in the Local Liverpool district. See flyer if you are interested in taking part.

James Busby High School

Please contact us if you require assistance

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