PRINCIPAL: Mrs Leesa Daly
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mr Christopher Payne
So much to celebrate here at CHS as term 4 rolls on full steam ahead.
Year 12 successfully completed their HSC exams at the end of week 4. They are to be commended on their perseverance, hard work and by the way they conducted themselves during this time – floods and all. We look forward with anticipation to them receiving their HSC results on the 15th of December.
Parents and staff enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with Year 12, marking the end of their secondary studies at their Formal on Wednesday evening, 9th of November. The students looked absolutely fabulous. A huge shout out to our dear neighbour Tim, who opened up his glorious garden for the year 12 formal photos, very much appreciated. A big thank you is also extended to Bec Herring for being our official photographer and Sam O’Loughlin and her small team of helpers who set up the venue, which looked spectacular.
Student cohort groups are looking forward to their end of year PBL excursions which have been organised by their Year Advisors. Some really awesome trips have been planned for this year including the Year 10/11 trip that recently took place at Bournda Environmental Education Centre on the Far South Coast. Students and staff spent 3 glorious days enjoying beautiful weather, kayaking, raft building, obstacle and high rope courses and bike riding. A great time was had by all. Thank you to Miss Longmore, Ms Boatswain, Mr Perry and Mr Tobin for organising and running this awesome excursion.
I had the great pleasure of attending, along with Cootamundra AECG members Cath Carroll and Helen Cassin, the official launch of the book ‘Growing up Wiradjuri – Stories from the Wiradjuri Nation’ with our very own treasured Elder, Aunty Elaine Lomas' story featuring in this collection. Dr Anita Heiss hosted this special event in Wagga with many of the Elders who contributed stories in the book, present for the launch. CHS has special signed editions of this book in our library for all to read and learn.
Cootamundra High School had the great pleasure of hosting a combined AECG and Cootamundra/Temora schools Proud and Deadly Award Assembly today, Wednesday 16th November. It was fantastic to be able to gather again as a community of schools to celebrate with students and their families, the awesome achievements of our Aboriginal students across all years K-12. CHS is particularly proud of our six Year 12 Aboriginal students who have completed their HSC qualifications this year.
Year 6 into 7 Transition started in week 2 this term and continues until week 8. As always, the Year 6 students are managing this transition beautifully. Asking clarifying questions, learning the new routines and confidently getting themselves to all their classes on time. They are making a positive impact in the playground and are working hard on developing positive relationships with new friends and staff. Miss Fritsch, Year 7 Advisor 2023 is thrilled with the positive efforts of all the Year 6 students thus far.
We are hoping that our new junior school every day and sports shirts will be here before the end of term so we can distribute them to students with their reports and book packs. We will keep you all posted and will have a plan B if the shirts do not arrive by the end of term.
Just a reminder that COVID is starting to raise its ugly head again in our local community. All students were provided with additional RAT kits last week. We continue to adhere to COVID safe practices by using sanitiser, sneezing into elbow and having good ventilation in all the classrooms. Masks are available at all times. If you require more RAT’s please call the school and make sure students who are unwell stay at home. Please advise the school if your child tests positive to COVID.
As a Community of Schools, we are looking forward to introducing The Resilience Project into our schools in 2023. With a special financial contribution from our local Emergency Services Ball, this program explicitly teaches students and staff about the 3 pillars of good mental health which include Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness.
Education Minister – Hon Sarah Mitchell, recently announced that Monday the 19th December has now been declared as an additional School Development Day for staff. Tuesday 20th December is also a designated SDD for staff. Students last day of school will now be Friday 16th December.
Enjoy the last 5 weeks of term. Christmas will be here before we know it.
With Regards
Mrs Leesa Daly
