Nhill College Newsletter

April 8th 2022 - Number 10

School Council

Principal: Mark Zimmermann

President: Tarrah Dodds   Vice President:  Karen Shurdington

Parent Reps: Josh Cramer, Ashley Dickinson, Michelle Dickinson,  Carlee Kennedy,  Sarah White

Student Reps: Alexis Farmers, Elizabeth Van Der Linden

DET Reps: Vivienne Bonnell, Alannah King, Kim Magrath, Lauren McCartney

Nhill College is a Child Safe School

Our School Values:

Respect    Honesty    Teamwork    Confidence    Excellence    Endeavour


Nhill College would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Wimmera Mallee area: the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk people, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. 

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

End of Term 1

Term 1 is always a busy time at school and this year has been no exception.  If anything, this term has possibly been even more full-on, given the tendency to cram more in following the past two years when we have not had an opportunity to do many of the things people enjoy most about school.  In fact, it has been quite a relief that we have actually made it through Term 1 without a lockdown or stint of remote learning.  And it has been very noticeable that students have genuinely enjoyed the chance to have an uninterrupted term at school with their friends, where they have been able to experience sports days, excursions, incursions, special occasions and events like casual clothes days.  I would like to commend our students on the way they have embraced this year so far, with the Easter Egg Hunt arranged yesterday by our College Captains in the junior section of the school being a fantastic example of the spirit that is being re-established this year. 

While we have made it through the term without a lockdown, the shadow of COVID-19 still looms large, and a number of students and staff have experienced a brief period of isolation due to a positive test result or being classified as a close contact.  While the numbers affected at our school have not been high, the last few weeks of term have been particularly challenging for staff as they have had to stretch themselves to cover for those unable to come on-site.  I remain enormously appreciative of and grateful for not only the professionalism displayed by our staff, but for their collegiate spirit and willingness to go that extra mile for the benefit of our students and each other.  I cannot emphasise enough to our school community that not all schools are as fortunate as ours in this regard.

What better way to end the term than by hosting the long-anticipated Presentation Ball.  After two false starts, the Ball this year will feature students from Years 10, 11 and 12, with some former students making a special re-appearance after being denied the opportunity to enjoy this experience due to the interruptions of COVID-19.  The doors of the Community Centre open at 7.30pm for a 8.00pm start.  Tickets are still available at the door and it would be great to see a full audience enjoy the evening with our students.

Have a great Easter, enjoy the holidays, stay safe and re-charge your batteries in readiness for Term 2.

Staffing Update

There were mixed feelings in the staffroom towards the end of this week.  Ms Carmen Binns will be taking leave for the remainder of the year and will be finishing up at the end of classes today.  We would like to wish Ms Binns all the very best throughout the remainder of the year and hope to see her back at the commencement of 2023. 

To cover Ms Binns' classes, Ms Leanne Burns has agreed to join us on an administrative transfer from Hopetoun P-12 College.  Ms Burns is a Food Technology teacher who also teaches Unit 1-2 HHD, making her a perfect fit as Ms Binns' replacement.

Ms Burns visited Nhill College yesterday in preparation for the start of Term 2, and during this time she was introduced to some of the classes she will be taking next term.  Given the state-wide shortage in teachers being experienced by schools right across the state, we are extremely fortunate to have secured the services of Ms Burns and I would like to thank her, and Hopetoun P-12 College, for making this administrative transfer possible.

Extension of RAT Screening Program

The Victorian Government has announced it is extending the RAT screening program for the first 4 weeks of Term 2. Thank you to all students and families who have played their role in regularly testing – we know that hasn’t been easy.

Your work has seen COVID-19 cases being picked up at the earliest opportunity, meaning less cases in our school and more time in the classroom for our students.

The testing recommendations will remain the same next Term for students and staff with:

  • Mainstream schools – recommended to test at home twice a week during the school term – Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

As we approach winter and flu season, the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 and booster shots for students 16+ remains the best way to ensure protection for students and staff. The Easter break is a good opportunity to get your child vaccinated ahead of this, with many options across GPs, pharmacies and the state run vaccination clinics.

If you have any concerns or worries about getting your child vaccinated, please get in contact with your GP or another health professional who can answer your concerns. 

Cross Country Results Year 3-12

On Monday the 4th of April, Nhill College held their Years 3-12 House Cross Country at the Golf Course. Once again, it was great to see all students getting involved, in particular the Secondary and Primary students being able to watch and encourage each other around the course. St. Patrick’s and Lutheran Primary schools also joined us for the day. A big thanks must go to Shane Grover for letting us use this amazing facility. Well done to all students who gave it a go. Congratulations to Batson who took out all three House Championships! Students were able unwind and enjoy a free BBQ following their presentations.

Thank you to all the parents and supporters that attended to encourage the students, to all staff and other officials for their excellent work in ensuring the day ran smoothly. A team of students will now compete at the Little Desert Championships in Kaniva on Monday the 9th of May. We wish these students all the best.

 

The final Primary totals were:                                                     The final Secondary totals were:

 

1st – Batson                     196                                                         1st – Batson                     476

2nd – Lutheran                152                                                         2nd – Bond                      342

3rd – Macpherson          136                                                         3rd – Macpherson          311

4th – St Patrick’s             103

5th – Bond                         70

 

The final overall totals were:

1st – Batson                     672

2nd – Bond                       412

3rd – Macpherson          447

 

The Age Group Champions were:

10 yo Female                                                                                     10 yo Male

1st – Amelia 11.11 (BON)                                                               1st – Lenny 9.37 (BAT)

2nd – Kylie 11.45 (BAT)                                                                   2nd – Tyler 10.04 (MAC)

3rd – Oleara 12.08 (LUT)                                                                3rd – Blake 10.48 (BAT)

 

11 yo Female                                                                                     11 yo Male

1st – Annabella 24.25 (LUT)                                                          1st – Do Htoo 30.50 (BAT)

2nd – Shilah 26.34 (LUT)                                                                 2nd – James 32.32 (BAT)

3rd – Katie 28.06 (BAT)

 

12 yo Female                                                                                     12 yo Male

1st – Saskia 19.15 (BON)                                                                1st – Ethan 18.09 (MAC)

2nd – Rachel 23.06 (BAT)                                                                2nd – Taite 20.13 (MAC)

3rd – Stella 25.40 (STP)                                                                   3rd – Charlie 23.22 (BAT)

 

13 yo Female                                                                                     13 yo Male

1st – Lara 17.05 (BAT)                                                                     1st – Riley 16.46 (MAC)

2nd – Claire 26.09 (BAT)                                                                 2nd – Fraser 21.35 (BAT)

3rd – Lacy 30.10 (BON)                                                                    3rd – Oliver 23.35 (BAT)

 

14 yo Female                                                                                     14 yo Male

1st – Nan Myint 23.54 (MAC)                                                       1st – Asher 16.53 (BON)

2nd – Charlotte 24.17 (MAC)                                                        2nd – Jobe 21.35 (MAC)

3rd – Paw Ree Moo 29.42 (BAT)                                                  3rd – Deegan 22.41 (BAT)

 

15 yo Female                                                                                     15 yo Male

1st – Chloe 22.10 (BON)                                                                 1st – Saw Htoo 24.03 (BAT)

2nd – Jayda 26.11 (BAT)                                                                  2nd – Ler Law 32.39 (MAC)

3rd – Alexis 29.46 (BAT)                                                                  3rd – Aari 37.44 (MAC)

 

 

16 yo Female                                                                     16 yo Male

1st – Rhiannon 22.02 (MAC)                                         1st – Scott (BON)

2nd – Alexis 23.34 (BON)                                                2nd – Hayden (MAC)

3rd – Rian 39.32 (BON)

 

17 yo Female                                                                     17 yo Male

1st – Alison 18.05 (MAC)                                                1st – Xavier 24.30 (BAT)

2nd – Mikala 34.52 (BON)                                              2nd – Caleb 25.14 (BON)

3rd – Kendra 38.40 (BAT)                                                3rd – Asher 34.37 (BAT)

 

18-20 yo Female                                                              18-20 yo Male

1st – Jenna 15.57 (BAT)                                                  1st – Thomas 28.33 (BAT)

2nd – Ree Lay 25.09 (BAT)                                              2nd – Matthew 34.08 (BON)

3rd – Samantha 29.40 (BAT)

Elevate Education brings study skills to Nhill College

In response to student feedback, this week our VCE students participated in workshops to assist students with support in key study and time management skills.

Our presenter for these workshops was from Elevate Education – a research-based organisation who use young, charismatic presenters who have recently achieved their own success in secondary education. Elevate have researched what the top students are doing and have developed simple, effective and practical skills based on this research.

Our Year 11&12 VCE students participated in two sessions – firstly, on Time Management and then on Student Elevation.

The student feedback on these workshops was very positive, with the majority of students having taken away at least one new thing they had learnt. Our Elevate Education presenter also congratulated the College on the amazing students we have – they engaged positively during the sessions and asked great questions.

At each session, students used a workbook to take notes – we encourage students to refer back to this during the year, and we encourage parents to ask their child to show them what they did. Follow up sessions during lunchtimes and with teachers in class will also be available to students. Study skill sessions are not something you should just listen to once and then forget – the skills need to be practiced, reinforced and developed to find what works best for each individual student.

Students also have access to the Elevate student portal – elevateeducation.com.au - this provides further tips, practice questions as well as other resources.

We would like to thank the College for providing the funding for these workshops – it was an excellent opportunity for our students to be able to have this high quality program available in our own school.

Mrs. Cole – Year 12 Co-ordinator

Year 12's help out at Breakfast Club

This year the Year 12 students have got excited for Breakfast Club! Once a term they will be helping out at Breakfast Club and hope to share some nutritious food with as many students as possible.

Yr 12 Study Room

Our Year 12 students have been busy in the last few of weeks of this term with lots of assessments and learning outcomes being undertaken. We encourage students to use the upcoming term break to catch up on their study and to invest some time in being prepared for a busy Term 2 - as well as balancing that with some time for rest and recharge. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all those parents who participated in the Parent Teacher Interviews held on Monday and Tuesday this week.  Staff value the opportunity to speak with parents about their child's progress.  In Term 4, plans are in place to add a tick box on the Interim Reports for staff to specifically request an interview with parents.  This will mean that Interim Reports will be released a week earlier, and it will hopefully mean that even more parents engage in the opportunity to meet with staff during the Parent Teacher Interview process. 

Face Masks on School Buses

A reminder to all bus travellers that it is still a requirement that face masks must be worn when travelling to and from school on the school bus.  Parents are also asked to support the bus drivers - who are required to enforce this expectation - by ensuring that their children comply with this public health order.

School Attendance: Every Day Counts

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.

Coming Events

  • Last Day Term 1:  Friday 8th April (2.30pm Dismissal)
  • Presentation Ball: Friday 8th April
  • First Day Term 2:  Tuesday 26th April
  • Year 3-12 House Athletics:  Friday 29th April
  • Little Desert Athletics:  Thursday 5th May
  • Little Desert X-Country: Monday 9th May
  • Curriculum Day:  Tuesday 17th May
  • Curriculum Day:  Wednesday 7th September

From The Assistant Principal: Kim Magrath

School Photo Day

Please place the following date in your diary - Frank Monger will be at Nhill College to take our school photos on Monday 16th May.   Order forms will be sent out prior to this date.

2022 Presentation Ball

Our students have been eagerly looking forward to the Presentation Ball which will be held at the Nhill Community Centre tonight. This Ball has been in the makings since 2019. So it will be great to finally celebrate this amazing night with our students and families. A lot of planning and preparation has gone into ensuring that everything is in readiness, and the students themselves have put an enormous amount of time and energy into their rehearsals. A huge thank you to Janeth Rebarbas for her efforts in training the students, and also to the hard-working and very creative parents who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help make the event possible. We have several students who will also be helping tonight to ensure it will be a great success. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone. See you all tonight for what will be a spectacular evening!!

Happy and Safe Holidays

I would like to wish all our staff, students and families a safe Easter holiday period. See you all next term.

This Week in Indonesian...

Year 8 students enjoyed lessons directly from Indonesia this week.
Year 7 students played traditional Indonesian games after learning about them during their online class straight from Indonesia.
Year 7 students played traditional Indonesian games after learning about them during their online class straight from Indonesia.
Alexis making a traditional Indonesian drink for her fellow Year 9 and 10 Indonesian students

Piano Tuner coming to Nhill - early May

I am very pleased to say that Mr Phil Cockerill  (Piano Specialist and Yamaha Accredited Tuner) will be visiting Nhill between Tuesday May 3rd  and Thursday May 5th to tune pianos in the area, including our College piano.  

He will be available to tune both upright and grand pianos, as well as pianolas. 

The general rate for tuning an upright piano is between $220-$250, depending on the condition of the piano.  

Please contact Phil Cockerill directly as soon as possible via email  lizandphil88@gmail.com or via mobile 0419 305 354 to arrange a booking.  There are limited places, and Phil will do his very best to accommodate all requests. 

Loretta Simmonds

Music Teacher 

Young Leader Bursary Opportunity

The English-Speaking Union (Victoria Branch) currently has open applications for a Young Leader Bursary.

 This award provides up to $3,000 to enable the successful applicant to undertake a development program or an experiential leadership course (e.g. an Outward Bound course or similar program).

 Applications are warmly invited from individuals who meet the following criteria:

 

  • Australian citizen (or permanent resident) 
  • Aged between 18 and 25
  • Resident in regional Victoria (i.e. living outside the Greater Melbourne region)
  • Keen to develop leadership skills

 The closing date is 11:59 pm on Friday 30 April 2022 (Melbourne time). Full details and the online application form are available via: https://esuvic.org.au/content/young-leader-bursary-0   

 For further information, please contact the ESU's Awards co-ordinator by email: awards@esuvic.org.au

Community Information and Events

Come and join the team!

Come and join the team!

 We are looking to build our lifeguard team at Horsham Aquatics Centre and other local YMCA Facilities with enthusiastic and motivated individuals. As a Lifeguard with YMCA Victoria, you’ll work in a positive and friendly team and help provide a safe swimming environment for all YMCA visitors. To do this we are offering a Fully Funded course through LSV!

 

Some of the benefits to working as a YMCA Victoria Lifeguard include:

 

  • Flexible working and rostering arrangements 
  • Free access to YMCA programs and facilities 
  • Paid parental leave for eligible employees
  • Opportunities for career development and growth 

 

We’re looking for people with strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and all facility users. The flexible working arrangements make Lifeguarding great for:

  • High school and university students
  • Parents returning to work
  • People actively involved in a swimming or a Surf Life Saving club
  • PE teachers, sports coaches or Swim Teachers
  • Retirees or people transitioning to retirement
  • Or anyone looking for an active and flexible

This course is fully funded by the YMCA.

If you or anyone you know would be interested, please reach out for more information.

Get your qualifications now, click HERE or for more information please email careers.vic@ymca.org.au

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities.  Please download the attached flyer for more information
Download

CSEF Flyer - Karen Language Version

A Karen language version of the Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund flyer is available via this link.
Download

Sunsmart

Students are reminded of the requirement for them to wear a broad brimmed hat whenever they are in the yard during recess and lunch times.  Hopefully everyone was able to locate or update their hats over the recent holidays and that they have remembered to put them in their bag to bring 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 sails over the school BBQ area.  

Additionally, Nhill College parents are now able to use the school's new 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 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, keep your children safe, and check out some of the other great things featured on the website while you're there!

BHS COVID Vaccine Postcard Information

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Bus Notes

With the recent updates to our school website, parents are now able to submit Bus Notes in two ways:

  • via Compass under the Star (School Favourites) icon - Bus Notes
  • via the Nhill College website (https://www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au/), under Parent Info - Bus Notes

Both options will direct parents to an online template that will inform the school of any changes to regular bus travel arrangements.  Please ensure that any Bus requests are submitted before 3.00pm.

Updated: 2022 BYOD News: Edunet Specifications Sheet for Parents

The College now has updated BYOD information for 2022. 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 NC2022

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

Download

School Attendance

Update your child's Action Plan in 2022

It is a Department of Education requirement that each enrolled student who has an action plan updates this each year.  Please see below the forms required, those students who currently have an action plan in place will be sent out a form to be completed by your Doctor or specialist.  If your child has recently been diagnosed with an Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Allergy or new medical condition please advise the general office.

Anaphylaxis Action Plan

Asthma Action Plan

MyAusCovid-19 PHONE APP IS AVAILABLE IN 25 LANGUAGES

Welcome to Facebook

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.  

Canteen Special running until end of term!

Get into the canteen for some NACHO's @ $4.50 each until the end of term.

Canteen Menu Term 1 2022

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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!

Compass Parent Fact Sheet and FAQs

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