Nhill College Newsletter

July 29th 2022 - Number 22

School Council

Principal: Mark Zimmermann

President: Tarrah Dodds   Vice President:  Karen Shurdington

Parent Reps: Josh Cramer, Ashley Dickinson, Simon Farmers, 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

Luv-a-Duck and Honour & Endeavour Award Presentations

Monday's secondary Assembly was a fantastic celebration of student achievement as we acknowledged the winners of the Luv-a-Duck Awards and presented certificates to the top 3 Honour and Endeavour Award winners from each level in recognition of their performance in Semester One.  It was a privilege to welcome Mr Ross Ellis from Luv-a-Duck who attended the Assembly to assist with the presentations.  The Luv-a-Duck Awards have been presented at the end of each semester since 2014, with a generous financial incentive provided by Luv-a-Duck to the top three students at each level as nominated by staff according to the criteria of academic performance and initiative in school leadership.  Thank you to Ross, and to Luv-a-Duck - for their continued support for our students and our school.

The winners of the Luv-a-Duck Awards from Semester One are as follows:

YEAR 7

  1. Lacy 
  2. Nicah 
  3. Lanie 


YEAR 8

  1. Corey 
  2. Charlotte 
  3. Archie 


YEAR 9

  1. Chloe 
  2. Alexis 
  3. Elizabeth 


YEAR 10

  1. Mayah 
  2. Reinhard 
  3. Rian 


YEAR 11

  1. Alison 
  2. Alexis 
  3. Mikala 


YEAR 12

  1. Zara 
  2. Jenna 
  3. Samantha 


The students who received the most Honour and Endeavour Awards at each level were also acknowledged at Monday's Assembly.  Honour Awards are presented to students who performed at an outstanding level in a given subject, achieving at least an 'A' average for the assessment items in the subject report.  Endeavour Awards are presented to students who show outstanding and consistent effort in a given subject, as demonstrated by achieving an average greater than 9 in each of the 5 Learning Habits of Attitude & Effort, Class Behaviour, Organisation, Respect and Independence.  (Honour and Endeavour Awards are not presented to Year 12 students)

The top recipients of Honour and Endeavour Awards for Semester One are as follows:

HONOUR AWARDS

YEAR 7

Equal 1st:  Lulu, Lacy, Nicah, Matilda 


YEAR 8

  1. Archie 
  2. Corey 
  3. Messi 


YEAR 9

Equal 1st.  Alexis, Chloe 

2.  Lah Si 


YEAR 10

  1. Rian 
  2. Mayah 
  3. Reinhard 


YEAR 11

  1. Caleb 

Equal 2nd.  Alexis, Alison 


ENDEAVOUR AWARDS

YEAR 7

  1. Nicah 

Equal 2nd.  Lulu, Matilda 


YEAR 8

Equal 1st.  Lucy, Corey 

Equal 2nd. Charlotte, Nan Myint, Archie 


YEAR 9

  1. Alexis 
  2. Lah Si 

Equal 3rd. Elizabeth, Bailee, Chloe 


YEAR 10

Equal 1st. Scott, Reinhard 

2.  Rian 


YEAR 11

  1. Anikhan 

Equal 2nd. Alison, Caleb 


Congratulations to all students who were presented with a certificate at the Assembly on Monday, and to all students who received an Honour and/or Endeavour Award in recognition of their efforts throughout Semester One.

Motov8 – Inspire, Inform, Instruct

Today our Year 5 to Year 10 boys participated in a highly charged motivational presentation from the founder of Motov8, John (Rev). With 29 years of experience and a lot of life lessons to impart Rev focussed on illustrating to our boys that they all have a choice in the manner in which they both act and react to the situations and events in their lives. They learned that anger is a secondary emotion triggered by a deeper emotion and that they all have the power to react in a positive manner. Rev encouraged the boys to make amends by taking responsibility for any wrong doings, to treat all people (including themselves) with respect, and to remember that they choose how they react to situations. His message was clear, that we can all “finish strong” by ensuring those around us know that we care for them and that they are safe and respected.

Locky up on the bike
John presents to the group
Rourkey has a turn

SPARK News from Nhill College

Today the 9X students commenced volunteering in our local community, as part of the Year 9 Spark program. For the remainder of the 2022 school year, each student will build and strengthen their association with the businesses, classes, residents, and professionals that they will encounter along their journey.

Nhill College is incredibly grateful for the support of Kate Pilgrim and the West Wimmera Health Service- Finance, Acute and Iona teams, as well as Jenny Dufty and fellow volunteers at Gallery Central.

A fabulous and successful first outing for all involved 😊

Kate Pilgrim WWHS

Good afternoon 

Wow – I could not be more prouder of students, teachers, WWHS staff and everyone involved with Day 1 of the 2022 Nhill College Spark / WWHS Volunteer Program.

All students were 100% engaged with orientation from the minute they walked in the door and showed respect beyond their years with their first day of volunteering in their respective areas.

It was such a delight to visit the students throughout their first day in their designated areas:

 ·         on the acute ward to see the sheer delight in the acute patient faces as they had the opportunity to chat to their volunteers over lunch.  There was even confidence to make a cup of tea. 

·         In Iona the smiles on the Resident faces was gleaming and the waves good bye was priceless.  The happy birthday greeting to one of the Residents as they left was precious. 

·         In Payoffice our volunteer in this area was actively busy producing identification badges for the entire volunteer cohort, and everyone left with their volunteer identification.

I personally had many goose bump moments watching all students interact and make a difference to our patient and residents day and I feel the students felt the same.  The chat in the corridor as they talked about their experience was absolutely warming.

Thank you to everyone who went out of their way in what was a very busy Friday to welcome the Nhill College Students.  This is the beginning of our connection with them and it was so positive and hopefully the stepping stone to building our future workforce.

Kate Pilgrim

Executive Assistant to the CEO

West Wimmera Health Service


WWHS Volunteers
Cooper volunteering at Gallery Central every second Friday.
Corey assisting Ms Simmond's in the 1/2 and 4/5 music classes on a Friday

Position Vacant - Domestic Arts Assistant Wanted

Nhill College is currently advertising for a Domestic Arts Assistant.  This is a part time Education Support position for someone to work in the Home Economics centre and would suit someone wanting some work after school hours.  Applications have been extended and will close on Wednesday 10th August.  For a full position description and key selection criteria, please go to Recruitment Online or contact the office at the school.  

Lockers Available

New lockers were delivered last term and have been placed in the secondary locker bays for student use.  This means that there are now a number of old lockers available for families to collect if they would like to take one home.  Some have been in storage for some time, but they should all make a handy addition to any shed or workshop for extra storage.  

If you would like a locker, they are available to be collected from under the verandah of the Music Shed.  Access is via the bus loop - but please wait until after school hours or over the weekend to come on-site to collect.  First in best dressed.

Pictured Left:  Josh, Hamish and Ler Law assisted with the removal of all the old lockers from the Yr 10 locker bays to the music shed, ready for collection.

VCE Ag students flying drones as part of their trial plot monitoring with Marty Colbert

RAT Kits

The latest allocation of RAT kits were distributed to students during the week.  Parents are asked to check that these kits made it home and to ensure that RATs are used at home when a students present symptoms.  It is also a requirement for household contacts to test on 5 of the 7 days a positive family member is in isolation at home.  It is also a requirement that students wear a mask to school if they are a household contact.

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

  • Current Yr 11 Pathway Information Night: Monday 1st August at 7pm
  • Current Yr 10 Pathway Information Night: Monday 8th August at 7pm
  • Yr F-6 Dinosaur Incursion: Tuesday 2nd August
  • Jeans for Genes Day: Friday 5th August
  • Yr 3- 6 Soccer clinics: Wednesday 10th August
  • 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
  • Curriculum Day:  Wednesday 7th September
  • R U OK Day: Thursday 8th September

Pathway Information Nights for Year 10 and 11 students and parents

Pathways Information Nights for Year 10 and 11 students and parents

It is that time of the year when we provide information and ask students to make decisions about their plans for next year and beyond.

Current Year 11 students and parents are invited to attend their Pathways Night on Monday 1st August at 7:00pm in the Nhill College Administration Building.

This will then be followed by the current Year 10 students and parents asked to attend their Pathways Night on Monday 8th August 2022 also at 7.00pm in the Administration Building.

Further information about these valuable sessions has been sent out on Compass, along with the relevant links to RSVP. These are duplicated here (please only respond once).

Year 11 RSVP link - https://forms.gle/mz7GkfTKod25kBZ18

Year 10 RSVP link - https://forms.gle/JRJiPSHUK9njGEnP6

It is highly recommended that all students and a parent/guardian attend these very important information sessions, regardless of their plans for next year.

Any enquiries should be directed to Mrs. Hedt, Pathways Coordinator, or Mrs. Cole, VCAL Coordinator, via the College Office on 53912111.

From The Assistant Principal: Kim Magrath

SWPBS

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 second 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 second week of Term 3 were - Mayah, Corey S, Lhianna, Darcy, Eh Chrit, Dustin and Sophie.

Primary Roarward Winners
Secondary Roarward Winner: Corey
Secondary Roarward Winner: Mayah

Respectful Relationship Awards

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 Second week of Term 3 was Friendliness.

The weekly winners were  F/1 - Daniel , 1/2 - Charlotte, 3/4 - Lah June and 5/6 - Rachel.

The Canteen voucher was awarded to Lhianna.

Congratulations to all students who were nominated.

Primary Assembly Hosts
Generosity Award Winners
Milkshake Voucher Winner

Junior Reading Awards

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 Diesel, Dana, James, Ayden and Molly 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 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

Book Fair

Starting at lunch time on Fri 5th August. Till Fri 12th August. Opening hours - 8:30am to 4:00pm school days

Exciting books, and more, will be available soon, from your school Book Fair. For a sneak peek at some of the books available please follow the link.

https://www.schoolessentials.com.au/BookFairs/advertising/SpreadTheWord/pdfs/theme2/Primary/BF_Primary_Invite_Season2_2022_web.pdf

Parents are welcome to attend on-site but will need to sign in at the front office & wear a mask indoors. Thankyou. 

Creative Writing Competition Upper Primary & Secondary

University and TAFE Open Days List 2022

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NHILL COLLEGE MAGAZINE COVER COMPETITION

It’s time for students to get creative and start thinking about designs for our 2022 Nhill College Magazine.  This is your chance to be immortalized in Nhill College history with your design on the front or back cover and your name up in lights!  To make things even better – there is a $50 prize for the winning front and back covers.

 Like anything … there are RULES:

 ·         Entries must include the Nhill College Values of RESPECT, HONESTY, TEAMWORK, CONFIDENCE, EXCELLENCE and ENDEAVOUR

·         Entries must be the original work of the student/s (no plagiarism or copying from the internet)

·         Entries must have the correct spelling

·         If you are using photos of students you must obtain these photos from past editions of the Nhill College Newsletter.

·         Entries can be from an individual student, a group of students or a class entry.  If a group is selected as a winner the prize money will be shared equally between the group entrants.  If a class entry is selected as a winner the classroom teacher will decide how the prize money is distributed – perhaps in the form of a special lunch or class party.

Entries can be via Hard Copy (please write your name on the back) or Digital.  Digital entries can be emailed to natalie.sampson@education.vic.gov.au, with the name of the entrant in the Subject Line.  Please make sure Digital entries are high resolution to ensure a high-quality finished product.

ENTRIES ARE DUE 2nd SEPTEMBER.

I can’t wait to see what you submit!


Mrs Natalie Sampson

Nhill College Magazine Editor.

Pre-school Children and Grief

Primary Aged Children and Grief

Adolescents and Grief

Alternative University Selection Models

Canteen Special

Roast Beef and Gravy Roll $4.00

Community Information and Events

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.

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 Menu Term 3 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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