Nhill College Newsletter

September 6th, 2019 - Number 28

School Council

Principal: Mark Zimmermann

President: Michelle Marshall, Vice President: Peta Foster

Parent Reps: Tarrah Dodds, Emily Donnell, Simon Dufty, Carlee Kennedy, Bree Lowe, Megan Nossack

Student Reps: Solly Marshall, Ellie Murden

DET Reps: Amanda Cole, Felix Cunningham, Alannah King, Kim Magrath

Nhill College is a Child Safe School

Our School Values:

  • Respect
  • Honesty
  • Teamwork
  • Confidence
  • Excellence
  • Endeavour

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

Parent Teacher Interviews

Bookings for primary Parent Teacher Interviews are open and it is pleasing to see that many parents have already arranged their meeting times through Compass.  Primary interviews will be held on Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th September.  Unfortunately, the secondary interview date has had to be changed due to the high numbers of staff who will be unavailable on our original date due to excursions and professional development activities.  To provide parents with access to as many secondary staff as possible, an alternative date has been scheduled for Monday 14th October.  Apologies for any inconvenience created as a result of this change of date.  Parents will be notified via Compass when they are open to take bookings.


NAPLAN Results

Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 this week received notification of their results from the NAPLAN testing that was conducted earlier in the year.  NAPLAN data is an important tool used to check the progress of teaching and learning programs and strategies employed by the school, but it is not the only measure.  We also conduct PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) assessments in reading and maths and recognise student growth by presenting certificates to eligible students from Year 1 to Year 10.  We need to remember that students show their abilities in many different ways and that not everyone excels in literacy and numeracy – especially under test conditions – and that not everyone is defined by the results they receive.  It is important to celebrate successes that your child has achieved, whether it is through their schoolwork or through participation in other sporting, cultural or community groups or events.   

College Captains 2020

This week saw the nominations close for next year's College Captains with five candidates putting their names forward. Adam Zimmermann, Mikayla Farmers, Kiara Drendel, Monique Wheaton and Mu Yeh Htoo have completed the first part of the election process. A formal application to the Assistant Principal, Mrs Magrath,  is required by September 11 before an interview and speech to the school occurs early next term. The students and staff will vote after the oral presentations mid October with the results announced at Presentation Night on December 17th. A three day Leadership Conference in January awaits the four successful applicants and this always proves to be a powerful experience for those involved.

We wish these young people all the best in their future endeavours to secure a place as leaders and ambassadors of the College in 2020. 

Lynne Coughlan

Year 11 Coordinator

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!

2019 School Year - Important Dates

  • BOOKFAIR: Monday 2nd September to Friday the 6th September
  • Primary Parent/Teacher Interviews: Monday 9th September & Tuesday 10th September
  • Secondary Parent/Teacher Interviews: Monday 14th October
  • Year 8 Rubicon Excursion: Monday 9th - Friday 13th September
  • Year 10 Work Experience: Monday 16th - Friday 20th September
  • Primary Concert: Tuesday 17th September
  • Nhill College School Fete: 1st November
  • Year 12 Dinner: Thursday 28th November

Year 12 Dinner

Please note the change in date for the Year 12 dinner

Year 12 Dinner – 28th November 2019 – Little Desert Lodge

Invitations will be sent during Term 3

From Assistant Principal: Mrs Magrath

The Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award 2019

Solly Marshall was honoured on Wednesday with “The Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award”. It was presented to Solly at the Hindmarsh Shire Council by Mr John Burt, OAM, who is the current Chairman of the Order of Australia, Central Highlands Wimmera Regional Group. Solly was nominated by the school for demonstrating exceptional qualities of citizenship through highly commendable acts of leadership around the school and his service to the community during the past year. Congratulations Solly on all your hard work. Nhill College is very proud of you. Solly is pictured below with the other recipients from Dimboola and Rainbow Colleges and Mr John Burt, OAM.

Foundation/Prep Enrolments for 2020

Kindergarten families are encouraged to enrol their children as soon as possible. Nhill College, St Patricks and Nhill Lutheran School would like enrolments to be finalised by the end of today, Friday the 6th September. This will assist with organising class groups, finalising staffing and planning for 2020.

A Kinder Orientation program will be held in Term 4. The dates and times are the same for Nhill College, Nhill Lutheran School and St Patrick’s School:

Visit 1                        Thursday 24th October 9:00am – 11:00am   (bring hat, water bottle and fruit snack)

Visit 2                        Thursday 31st October 9:00am – 1:00pm   (as above plus play lunch)

Visit 3                        Thursday 7th November 9:00am – 3:25pm   (as above plus lunch)

Following the kinder orientation program, Nhill College will be offering a ‘Ready, Set for School’ program with Mrs Karen Kerber for all 2020 Foundation enrolments:

Friday 15th November- 9:00am – 11.00am

Friday 22nd November- 9:00am – 11.00am

Friday 6th December- 9:00am – 11.00am

Friday 13th December- 9:00am – 11.00am

If you would like further information about anything relating to the upcoming Kinder Orientation program or our Ready, Set for School program, please contact the Nhill College office on 53912111 and make arrangements to speak to Mr Mark Zimmermann, Mrs Kim Magrath, or Mrs Karen Kerber.

 

Mini Mallee Music Program

Last Friday, Nhill College hosted the Mini Mallee Music program to some of Nhill’s preschool students and their parents. They all had lots of fun enjoying rhymes, movement, music and much more… The kids and the parents had a great time. Thanks to all who participated and especially to June and Mel. We hope to see you all again next term.

It’s Cool To Be In School

Attendance is an important aspect of schooling at Nhill College. If you are not attending school it makes it difficult to learn. Class attendance will be celebrated each week, with classes being recognised for the best attendance in both primary and secondary classes. During the seventh week of Term 3, the classes with the most attendance were F/1 Kerber and 8X.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) ROARWARDS

Nhill College has implemented a new reward system called ROARWARDS. Students receive ROARWARDS by demonstrating Being Respectful, Being a Learner or Being Safe. Staff handed out 457 ROARWARD cards from F-12 last week. At each assembly, all the students that have received a ROARWARD in the past week, will be placed in a draw to win a milkshake voucher in the secondary side and a prize in the primary side.  Students are randomly drawn by using an electronic spinning wheel. The weekly winners were:

Secondary Section: Eliza and Hayden

Primary Section: Tilly, Rafferty, Alissa, Lachlan and Sienna

Primary Assembly

Primary assembly hosts this week were Hsa Plo and Claire

Just a reminder that the primary assembly commences on a Monday afternoon at 2.50pm in the Wimmera building. All family members are welcome to attend each week.

Healthy Relationship Awards

The Healthy Relationship Value focus for the seventh week of Term 3 was Peacefulness. The weekly winners of this value were – F/1 Kerber Hseh Ku , 1/2 Smith – Jack , 3 McDonald - Ethan, 4/5/6 Jones - Lara and 4/5/6 Crouch - Saw Htoo

The winner of the weekly canteen voucher was Saw Htoo

Congratulations to all students who were nominated.

Reading Awards

Students in Mrs Kerber’s Foundation and Year One class were recognised for their excellent progress in reading this week. Students are able to recognise by sight and read the Magic Coloured Words. After the students have completed their coloured words, they then progress onto FRY words to further increase their word recognition and knowledge.  Congratulations to Tori, Hseh Ku, Harrison, Zali, Ryan and Lah June for their great progress in reading.

Year 9/10 Food Tech Willy Wonka Class Banquet

2020 Prospective VCAL students

Any students who are wanting to enter into the VCAL program in 2020 must attend a compulsory meeting on Tuesday 10th September at 1.10pm in H1. Students should bring their lunch, a pen and their diary.

If a student is absent on the day of the meeting it is their responsibility to meet with Mrs. Cole to obtain the essential information that will be outlined at the meeting.

Amanda Cole

Year 12 Coordinator/VCAL Coordinator

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE 16-20 SEPTEMBER

Our Year 10 students will be out on Work Experience from the 16th – 20th September, being the last week of Term 3.  Students are reminded that they are to make contact with their employer before they commence, to confirm start and finish times, dress requirements and any other requirements the employer may have.  We hope all students enjoy their placement, but please remember that even if the placement does not work out to be a long term career plan it is still a valuable experience.  Ask questions, learn as much as you can and make the most of this excellent opportunity. Last, but not least, students are reminded – no mobile phones or social media while on the job!  Good luck to everyone involved.

Mrs Sampson

Work Experience co-ordinator

The ATAR Notes lectures are back for September/October 2019 with our biggest series yet! We have 50 lectures on offer across 31 subjects. Each is delivered by our team of stellar past students. And best of all, they're completely free. You can book as many lectures as you like, but places are limited by capacity, so book your tickets ASAP! RMIT Melbourne


                 

MONASH UNIVERSITY – Monash Guarantee is an entry scheme that guarantees students a place in a Monash degree at a lower ATAR. To apply, students put their preferred Monash University course in their preferences and then submit through VTAC SEAS. There are also numerous scholarship opportunities available. Our school is considered an under-represented school at Monash University. For further information check the brochure in the Pathways Room or go to the University website.

NEW for 2020 - Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Advanced Honours) Scholars Program

Monash University have announced a new pharmaceutical science course offering for very high-achieving students - the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Advanced Honours) Scholars Program. This program follows the structure of the four-year Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Advanced Honours) course, and includes exclusive invitations to the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences seminar series, and a Dean's function. Domestic students are also eligible for a $6,000 per year scholarship.

The indicative ATAR for the course for 2020 is 98.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science go to: www.monash.edu/pharm/future/courses/pharmaceutical-science

Applications for the 2020 Charles Hawker Scholarships open on Monday December 9th and close on January 8th 2020. An application form and further information about C.A.S. Hawker and the scholarship are available from www.hawkerscholarship.org or by contacting the secretary to the Trustees in Adelaide on 08 8127 1654.Hawker Scholarships are valued at up to $60,000.00 over three years and are amongst the most generous, privately funded, residential scholarships available to Australian undergraduate and postgraduate students. Joint Australian of the Year Dr. Richard Harris SC OAM recently presented 2019 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships to four recipients at a function at St Mark's College in Adelaide.

There are a number of scholarships awarded each year. The Trustees offer them to capable students of principle and character who have demonstrated a commitment to the wider community. Selection is based on personal qualities as well as academic ability

Rural Chances Vocational Scholarship

Do you know young people that want to train but need help getting there?  Youthrive Rural Chances offers young people the chance to support their vocational training with scholarships for TAFE study or apprenticeships.  Rural Chances scholarships can assist young people that:

  • have to travel long distances or move away from home to gain qualifications
  • struggle with the many expenses associated with training or building skills
  • can see a skills gap in rural Victoria they can fill
  • and would enjoy mentoring and networking opportunities. 

There are 14 scholarships valued at $5000 to assist with long distance travel or moving out from home. Additionally there are 15 more scholarships for up to $2000, to cover specific items to support training. Rural Chances Scholarship applications are NOW OPEN and CLOSE 18th October 2019.  Applications can be submitted as either an easy online form or video.  We encourage aspiring young people in our community to apply! Nhill College students have successfully obtained this scholarship in the past. For more details visit www.ruralchances.org.au or email info@youthrivevic.org.au

Feel free to talk with Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Hedt or Mrs. Sampson if you need any assistance.

Primary Parent/Teacher Interviews

Primary Parent/Teacher interview bookings can be completed using Compass and are now open to parents to make bookings.

P-6 interviews are on Monday, 9th September and Tuesday, 10th September.

If parents login to Compass using a computer, you can click on the Community (people) icon and select Conferences.  If you are logged in via the app, press the menu up the top left, select Conferences, and then follow the prompts.  In both cases, you should see a list of teachers, as well as their available times.

If you have difficulty making a booking, please contact the College for assistance.

Staff Room Allocations for Primary Parent/Teacher Interviews

Room W3           Miss L. McCartney

Room W1           Mrs K. Kerber

Room W7           Miss S. Smith

Room W8           Mr P. McDonald

Room W4           Miss O. Jones             

Room W5           Mrs T. Crouch

Miss McCartney is only available for F/1K & 1/2S Primary Maths interviews.

Student Absences

Regular attendance at school is extremely important to the social and academic development of all children.  It is a Department requirement that parents contact the school each day their child is absent.  Any unauthorised absences currently trigger an SMS via Compass at 9.45am each morning to notify parents that their child is not at school.  If a parent receives such an SMS, it is requested that they contact the school as soon as possible to provide a reason for their child’s absence.  This can be done by entering an explanation directly onto Compass via the app installed on your phone, or by calling the College on 53912111.  (Please note that the Skoolbag app is no longer being used by the school to communicate messages.)  In an effort to further reduce the rate of unauthorised absences being recorded at Nhill College, office staff will follow up with a phone call if a response to the SMS has not been received by 10.45am on the day of each absence. 

Nhill College supports Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child

This year we are doing the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child boxes again. It would be greatly appreciated if as many people as possible could make a difference to a child by buying a shoe box and filling it with joy. Many of the children have NEVER EVER received a gift before in their life – can you imagine that?!

If you’re interested get a brochure from your form/class teacher.

Return your money in a named envelope, or pay online (preferred option). If you play online you can access the Follow Your Box option and track the box to its destination.

-$10.50 if you want a printed box

-$10.00 if you have your own shoebox to use – feel free to decorate it!

When you fill the box, it needs to be comfortably full (when you press the lid down it pops back up slightly). Please make sure you check what is and what is not allowed in the boxes. A special idea is to also include a photo and a short note about you/your family – this makes the box a little more personal.

It has been great to hear that some classes have already started bringing in items to make a group box.

Money and boxes can be traded with Mrs. Cole, or Charlotte and Sebastion from the VCAL class ASAP -

All the boxes filled with gifts need to be returned to us by end of term Friday 20th Sept (or the first week of Term 4 if necessary).

https://www.samaritanspurse.org.au/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

Canteen Menu Term 3 2019

Term 3 Canteen Menu

Download

BYODs

A list of latest model computers available from Nhill Bi-Rite and Wimmera Office Equipment has been included in this week’s newsletter for the consideration of families interested in a BYOD.  These lists contain a range of devices that will be able to support student learning – at home and at school – over the next few years.  A reminder that all students have free access to Microsoft Office, as well as some Adobe programs through their school subscription.  For families considering a BYOD, it is worth noting that electronic resources are being used more and more frequently in classes, with the College subsidising Edrolo subscriptions for all VCE students, while Maths Pathways and Education Perfect resources are also being used more extensively across Years 7-10 this year.  If you have any questions related to the College’s BYOD program, feel free to contact Mr Shrive.   The BYOD product lists can be downloaded from the link below, as well as being available from the College website.  Printed copies can be obtained from Mr Shrive on request. 

Compass Parent Fact Sheet and FAQs

Download

Junior Pool Lifeguards Wanted

Minimum age 16 years

Preference given to applicants available for up to 2 shifts per week between November and March

Must be able to attend the Pool Lifeguard Course on the 2nd/3rd of November at Kaniva Swimming Pool - Cost $290 or have already qualified

To apply please email a 2 page resume to alainemcfarlane@gmail.com

Applications close Sept 21


Nhill Lawn Tennis Club

The Nhill Lawn Tennis Club are seeking player interest for the upcoming 2019-20 season.

The senior calendar starts October 11th, with the Grand Final set for February 28th.  We hope to follow the same format as last season, with games starting at 6pm on a Friday evening.  A BBQ will again be on offer each week for tea. 

In regards to the Secondary comp (with senior primary students included), the idea was pitched at our AGM on Wednesday evening to move it from a Wednesday afternoon to a Friday afternoon.  Matches would commence promptly at 3.45pm and finish by/around 5.45pm.

The NLTC would appreciate your RSVP by WEDNESDAY 11th September, so that the committee can discuss teams the following evening during their general meeting.

Please contact Helen Cannell or Erin Dufty directly, otherwise contact can be directed through the NLTC email address on the flyer or our Facebook page.

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