Cootamundra High School Newsletter

Term 3 ‐ Week 5 2022

PRINCIPAL: Mrs Leesa Daly  

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mr Christopher Payne

Principal's Report

Newsletter – Principal Report Friday 19th August (Week 5 Term 3)

Another busy term is well under way and started with staff participating in 2 full days of Youth Mental Health First Aid training. Timely professional learning for us all with many staff feeling more confident to support the wellbeing needs of our students as a result of this intensive training.



A reminder that in lieu of the extra Professional Learning day, students will catch up on the lost teaching and learning day at the end of the year. The last day of school for CHS students will be Tuesday 20th December.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce our newest member of our school community, Alex Tobin, as our Youth Outreach Worker (Student Support officer). This is an exciting brand-new position for our school and will see Alex permanently based at our school 5 days a week. Alex has extensive experience working in the health wellbeing sector. Alex will be a key part of our school Wellbeing Team and will support current and new wellbeing initiatives to support our students and their families. Welcome to the CHS team Alex.

5 weeks into introducing our new Mobile Phone Policy and the Yondr Pouches, our data is indicating significant positive impact within the classrooms and playground. Staff are observing students who are more focused and ready to learn, while our playground is full of conversation and playing. Feedback from students is now overwhelmingly positive also. A huge range of board games have been purchased for students to access at lunchtimes as another option to support positive socialisation practices at the school. Thank you to those parents who have taken the time to provide us with the positive feedback they are seeing and hearing from their children.

Year 12 are continuing with trial exams this week, run by our HSC Invigilators. Students are encouraged to stay focused and use the feedback from the exams to help them use their final couple of weeks at school to solidify their knowledge and understandings of course work. We look forward to celebrating with Year 12 at their final assembly on Friday 23rd September.

Lots of exciting things are in the pipeline. Year Advisors are continuing to work on end of Year Positive Behaviour for Learning excursions which are looking fantastic. Major works continue with our new fence, changeroom facilities in the hall, cricket nets and the Aboriginal garden, yarning circle and mural work. New junior everyday and sport shirt designs are being finalised and the new water bubbler should be installed shortly. When the weather warms up a little we will be hosting another community breakfast.

Bidyadya Elaine Lomas is enjoying teaching Wiradjuri language to all of Year 7 and the students from of our partner Primary schools -EA Southee, Cootamundra, Stockinbingal and Wallendbeen Public schools. We hope to be able to showcase some of the learning at our Proud and Deadly assembly with a combined choir presentation.

We hope to see plenty of parents and carers at our Teacher/Parent interviews this Thursday 25th August, from 4- 6pm in the hall. Bookings can be made via the Parent Portal. This a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child’s learning progress, face to face, with their teachers.

Another handout of RAT kit’s occurred last week in YAM meetings. If you require additional RAT kits, please do not hesitate to call the school so we can get some home to you. I thank all members of school community for continuing to adhere to the COVID19 safety measures we ask of you all.

With 5 weeks to go until the end of term, I seek your ongoing support around our school’s motto of Teachers Teach, Students Learn, Be Kind and Every Day Counts.

With Regards

Mrs Leesa Daly

New games on offer !!!

YEAR 7

Year 7 History

Both Year 7 History classes were rewarded with computer-based lessons this term where they put their knowledge of Vikings to the test. Students on minecraft created villages, longhouses, and longships.

Miss Longmore and Mr Longmore.

Year 7 History

Year 7 Shakespeare

In Term 2, students studied Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. Through this, students observed some similarities between Disney's 'The Lion King' and The Bard's famous play. The ultimate question was raised... To sue or not to sue? On the 27th of July 2022, the jury deliberated and found that Disney infringed on Shakespeare’s intellectual property. Mr William Shakespeare was awarded 10 pounds in damages. Congratulations Year 7 on a wonderful performance.

Ms Elliott

LIBRARY NEWS

From the library

THIS term the library has been a hub of activities while the weather is cold. We have had an influx of students come in from the playground during breaks to socialise and relax. Some students find a cosy corner to read, while others play cards or chess. Our puzzle this term has proved popular, as it presents a picture of old Sydney 1888 once completed – but can be ‘scratched’ to reveal Sydney how it is today. We also have a social group of knitters this term, creating scarves to take home and wear on the colder days. Some seniors have tried the long stitch. It’s a great way to get together and have a chat. Students have swapped tips with each other about knitting - and one senior crocheter has offered to teach the younger students as well.

This term we are also planning to join the annual Book Week Parade with other Cootamundra schools and plenty of junior students are keen to dress up as their favourite book character for it. The parade will be in Fisher Park on August 23.

New look library steps !!!

1. IT’S A PUZZLE

2. SOCIAL KNITTING

COOTAMUNDRA HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS and ACTIVITIES

Welcome to Alex Tobin our new Youth Outreach Worker (Student Support Officer)

We are pleased to announce the newest member of our school community, Alex Tobin, as our Youth Outreach Worker (Student Support Officer). This is an exciting brand-new position for our school and will see Alex permanently based at our school 5 days a week. Alex will be a key part of our school wellbeing initiatives and has great experience in the wellbeing sector. We look forward to him working with our students and wider school community.  You can find out more about his role at https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/counselling-and-psychology-services/student-support-officers

Round 1 Netball - CHS Staff vs Year 12

RURAL YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Student represents region as rural youth ambassador.

COOTAMUNDRA High is proud to be associated with the Rural Youth Ambassador Program this year One student went to Sydney recently to represent the school and the region.

Year 11 student Kyle Collins attended the program for four days along with other students from across regional NSW, the highlight being a meeting with several State Government ministers including education. But there was also time to have fun and meet other students from regional areas. There was a trip to the beach and a harbour cruise.

Titled ‘Rural Inspire’ the program aims to create opportunities for rural students to voice their concerns. The program works to link local community with Government initiatives. Through two workshops, the students outline how they will present rural issues that impact rural lives.

It is also an opportunity to develop leadership skills through workshops, forums, conferences and mentoring sessions. The ambassadors took time out to visit Sydney University and imagine their future paths.

For many youth, participation in this program is a positive as members hone their personal talents and develop confidence to represent their area.

Kyle will participate in another workshop later this year.




RURAL INSPIRE: Kyle with other rural ambassadors at the first state get together for this year. 




LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: The program also encourages rural youth to reach their maximum potential. The ambassadors took time out to visit Sydney University. 




SOCIAL FUN: It wasn’t all hard work, as students went to the beach as well as a harbour cruise. 

DANCE WORKSHOP

Wiradjuri Dance Workshop

CHS dance students recently participated in a dance workshop with Wiradjuri artist Joel Bray. Organised by Leesa Daly and Auntie Elaine Lomas, students engaged in effective warm-up exercises and even got to learn some of Joel's choreography from his large-scale work Garabari which premieres in Melbourne in December 2022.

Miss Longmore - Dance Coordinator.

WORKING BEE

Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Home Working Bee !!!!

Awesome effort by the team of students who participated in the Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Home working bee today. A very productive day of painting, building, mowing, gardening and cleaning.

Thank you to the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation for allowing us to be a part of this event and for filling our bellies throughout the day.

Thanks Ms Moore for your organisation along with Ms Willoughby and Ms Boatswain for your supervision and assistance.

ATHLETICS

Riverina Athletics Carnival

Cootamundra High School had a small team attend the Riverina athletics carnival in Albury last Friday. Congratulations to all students on their performance and participation throughout the day.

A further congratulations to the following students who have progressed to the State Combined High Schools Carnival in Sydney during week 8:

  • Will Helling -100m and 15 years relay
  • Harry Boxsell - 15 years relay
  • Graham Neale - 100m, 200m and 15 years relay,
  • Toby Tanks - 400m and 15 years relay,
  • Kristian Miller - 200m, 800m, 100m, long jump and shot-put in the boys multi class category

Well done boys!!

Athletics Carnival

BASKETBALL

Under 15's Boys Basketball Wagga

A fantastic day at the U15s Boys Basketball in Wagga! While the score line did not reflect the consistent efforts, the boys took on each challenging game with determination and grit! They improved exponentially, increasing their confidence, intensity and team work! And even a few three pointers!

Miss Jenkins

Under 15's Basketball

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CHS Mobile Phone Policy - June 2022

FROM THE CAREERS DESK

Defence Force Update

The Australian Defence Forces have made available a number of Work Experience opportunities for students. For further details, click on the links below:

· 19 - 23 September: Australian Signals Directorate: Cyber Security and Robotics (Australian Public Service - Brindabella Park, ACT)

· 26 - 30 September: Australian Signals Directorate: Cyber Security and Robotics (Australian Public Service - Brindabella Park, ACT)

Please note that the Exercise First Glance program is a residential program and the participants will be hosted on base (4 days, 3 nights). Travel and accommodation will be provided by Army.

You are able to access the placements on our newly updated website www.defence.gov.au/workexperience where you will find additional information about the work experience program.

To view available placements, click the how to apply tab and select the link to the Defence Work Experience Program recruitment website.

POSTIONS VACANT !!!!

Some excellent employment opportunities are up for grabs in the local area, including Essential Energy and Helloworld Cootamundra, along with Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council who are advertising for an apprentice horticulturalist. Students in Years 11 and 12 are the target age-groups for these great positions. For more information, please call in and see Mrs Alderman in the Careers Office.

COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS & INFORMATION

Parental Riverina Referral Form

SCHOOL ABSENCES

DON'T FORGET YOU CAN USE THE PARENT PORTAL, EMAIL, SKOOLBAG APPOR PHONE OUR OFFICE TO LET US KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT FROM SCHOOL

Thankyou !!!

THANK YOU TO ALL PARENTS AND CARERS WHO HAVE BEEN KEEPING THE FRONT OFFICE UPDATED ON THEIR CHILD'S ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVALS. PLEASE REMEMBER YOU CAN DO THIS VIA REPLYING TO THE MORNING TEXT MESSAGE, EMAIL, OR PHONING OUR FRONT OFFICE. THANK YOU

Little Athletics

INMPORTANT IMFORMATION: SENTRAL FOR PARENTS APP

SAFE DRIVERS COURSE

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