Nhill College Newsletter

October 18th, 2019 - Number 32

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

Nhill Show

Well done to all those students - and staff - who represented Nhill College at the Show yesterday.  Our musicians again showed great resilience to battle through the windy conditions which played havoc with sheet music and music stands, but - as always - they persevered and did a wonderful job.  Congratulations also to Mikayla Farmers on being named the 2019 Nhill A&P Society's Junior Rural Ambassador.  And, for the second consecutive year, a staff member from Nhill College has been named the Nhill A&P Society's Rural Ambassador.  Congratulations to Miss Smith on this achievement, which follows in the footsteps of Miss Bates who took out this title last year. 

2020 Presentation Ball

Planning is underway in preparation for the 2020 Presentation Ball.  Next year the Ball will feature students from Years 10 and 11 due to the slightly lower student numbers.  A meeting has already been held with students to determine the number of participants.  A follow-up meeting will be held of all interested students and their parents on Tuesday 22nd October at 7.00pm in the Administration Building.    

Year 7 Information Evening

Nhill College will be hosting a Year 7 Information Evening on Monday 21st October at 7pm. This evening will aim to discuss the transition from Grade 6 to Year 7 with particular focus on beginning Headstart Week on December 9th 2019. We encourage all Grade 6 students to attend the evening with their families. 

Thank you,

Miss Roantree

Year 7 Coordinator

BYOD Program Update

Nhill College has signed on with Edunet to help give more variety and cost effectiveness to our BYOD program, including delivery and finance. Parents/guardians are still welcome to purchase a BYOD from Bi-Rite, Wimmera Office Equipment, or elsewhere if you would prefer – however, there may be a preference for using the streamlined Edunet portal. By using Edunet, families can have their BYODs delivered directly to the school and arrange accessories, finance and insurance if required. However, before paying extra for insurance we strongly recommend checking if your own home and contents insurance may already have you covered. The Edunet portal can also be used to log warranty jobs or an insurance claim if (if purchased). Brochures for Wimmera Office Equipment, Bi-Rite and Edunet will continue to appear on our website and on Compass.

We encourage students from Years 4 through to 12 to take up the BYOD program for class use. This allows students to install Microsoft Office and Adobe products on their own device to take home, as well as access the school’s internet, server and printing while at the college. Students can also access Compass as required, as well as other online programs when directed by staff.

Should you wish to order a new BYOD via Edunet before Christmas, the cut-off date for guaranteed arrival is Wednesday,  30th of October. To guarantee you receive your device before the start of Term 1 2020 the cut-off date is Wednesday, 4th of December. Please note that devices can be ordered via the portal at any time; these are simply the dates which must be met if you would like to receive your device before Christmas or Term 1. 

When students receive their new device, they will need to set it up as per the BYOD instructions found on Compass and on our website. College staff are not involved in the initial setup, but they will help students troubleshoot their device if they run into issues.

Please view the attached PDF for full instructions and device specifications for the portal. To access the portal parents/guardians need to visit https://nhillcollege.technologyportal.com.au and use the code NC2020.

If you have questions about the college’s BYOD program, or if you would like to talk about suitable devices, Mr Shrive can be emailed any time at shrive.joshua.w@edumail.vic.gov.au

2019-2020 Edunet BYOD Parent Spec Sheet

Open the attachment below for details about Edunet and the range of devices and services they offer as part of the Nhill College BYOD program.
Download

2019 School Year - Important Dates

  • VCE Revision lectures in Bendigo: Friday 18th - Sunday 20th October
  • Year 6 to Year 7 Information Evening: Monday 21st October
  • Presentation Ball Parent Meeting: Tuesday 22nd October
  • Year 3 Roses Gap Camp: Tuesday 22nd to Wednesday 23rd October
  • Foundation Extended Day: Wednesday 23rd October
  • Nhill College School Fete: Friday 1st November
  • Year 9/10 Indo students - Indonesian Immersion Excursion: Sunday 3rd - Tuesday 5th November
  • Primary House Public Speaking finals - Friday 8th November
  • Primary Interschool House Public Soeaking finals - Thursday 14th November
  • Year 12 Dinner: Thursday 28th November

From Assistant Principal: Mrs Magrath

Welcome Mr Sampson

This week we have been lucky to have Mr Jack Sampson, a past student of Nhill College; join us as he undertakes a practical placement as part of his teacher training.  Jack is in his third year of studies at La Trobe University in Bendigo. He has been working with Mr McDonald in the year 3 classroom.  He will be with us for another 3 weeks gaining much knowledge from one of our many highly experienced teachers in Peter McDonald. It is always great to have former students back at Nhill College and we trust that the whole school community will make him feel welcome for the remainder of his placement.               

Athletic Champions

Last Friday we had Corey, Riley, Georgia and Dah Bu represent Nhill College at the Primary Greater Western Region Athletics in Ballarat. They all did an amazing job with Dah Bu finishing 2nd in his shot put and he is now eligible to compete at State level. Riley came 3rd in his shot put event, Corey came 3rd in his hurdles heat with an overall result of 11th and Georgia came in the middle field for her Long Jump. Great results from all. Well done everyone.            

State Athletics

Today we have Caleb, Mu and Josh competing at the Secondary State Athletics in Melbourne.  Caleb is competing in 14yr old shot put, Mu in 17yr old Discus and Josh is competing in 18-20yr old Javelin. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing their results next week.             


Walk to School Month

October is the month students are encouraged to walk or ride to school. If you're a bus traveller, then consider an active way to get to your bus stop. There are some actiivties happening in the primary section through out the month.              


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 first week of Term 4, the classes with the most attendance were 8X and F/1 Kerber.         

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 180 ROARWARD cards from F-12 during the first week of Term 4. 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 winners for the First week of Term 4 were: 

Secondary Section: Charlotte D and Tom

Primary Section: Violet, Rafferty, Lah Si, Ethan and Doh Htoo

               

Primary Assembly

Primary assembly hosts this week were Rory and Corey.

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.

               

Respectful Relationship Awards

The Respectful Relationship Value focus for the first week of Term 4 was Responsibility. The weekly winners of this value were – F/1 Kerber - Zalia,  3 McDonald - Lucy, 4/5/6 Jones - Tyge and 4/5/6 Crouch - Corey. Miss Smith's 1/2 class was a week ahead and awarded the Self Discipline award to Sage.

The winner of the weekly canteen voucher was Zalia.

Congratulations to all students who were nominated.

               

Primary Music Students Local Excursion

On Monday 21st October, the primary musicians will be visiting Avonlea Aged Care to perform for the residents.  There will be performances from Junior Band and Junior Choir, as well as a selection of solo items.   Students will leave school at 10:30am, walking to Avonlea, before the performances commence at 11:00am.  We will finish at Avonlea around midday before walking back to school.  Students are to wear full school uniform and bring their music and instruments to school.  Instruments will be transported to Avonlea separately, so will need to be dropped off at the Music Shed at the start of the school day.

Operation Christmas Child

Thank you to members of the Nhill College school community who donated Christmas boxes for this year's Operation Christmas Child through the Samaritan's Purse organisation.

We were able to donate 19 boxes filled with lots of treasures that will be delivered to children around the world who have never experienced the joy of receiving a gift.

Thank you everyone, and we look forward to participating in this program again next year.

 Amanda Cole

Year 12 Coordinator/VCAL Coordinator

Phones And Tablets Wanted

The College is looking for donations of any old smartphones, tablets or iPads which are still in working condition, as we need these devices to help run our new robotics gadgets. We do not require SIM cards as the devices use Bluetooth to communicate. Please send any smartphones or tablets to the front office if you are able to donate, including chargers if you have them.

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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.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship ~ download the information below

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Scholarship

Download

Gap Year Opportunity @ WWHS

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!

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. 

Canteen Menu Term 4 2019

CANTEEN MENU TERM 4

Download

Compass Parent Fact Sheet and FAQs

Download

NICO (pictured left) guarding the fete prize of a 10KG block of chocolate. It's not too late to buy a ticket.


Community News and Events

CAPTAIN HOOK’S REVENGE

The Nhill Drama Group, Piggery Lane Players, warmly invites friends and families from Nhill College to their upcoming pantomime, Captain Hook’s Revenge, a fun-filled play. in which Captain Hook plots his revenge on Peter Pan, with the help of a crocodile and a poisoned cake.

There is a special matinee performance at 2pm on Saturday 19th October with an evening show at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at Amber’s Sweet Bliss, or at the door. $15 adults; $10 students; pre-schoolers free.

Students from Nhill College will thoroughly enjoy seeing Miss Bates, Miss Smith and Bu Kube in their larger than life roles. Which one of these, do you think, is the punk fairy? And which one is the delightfully bossy Dotty Darling? Who is the old crone of the hill?

Not to be missed, our very own Zara Clark is making her debut as a Piggery Lane performer, on track to enchant the audience as Wendy, Dotty Darling’s daughter, and someone in whom Peter Pan takes a special interest.

A number of young performers will be paving the way for Act 2.  Hugo Dufty, Addison Mason, Matilda Prenzler, Imogene Hedt and Tori Dodds will steal hearts as they take the stage during the matinee performance.

Mrs McQueen has created and sourced amazing costumes, with the pirates and redskins ready to fire up the imaginations of both young and old. Mrs Grover has put together sound effects and Mrs King will be keeping everyone on track in her role as prompt.

Former students (some very former): Jessica Mason, Stephanie and Will Lynch, Lachie Wilde, Jake Gebert, Jack Crowhurst, Marlo Driscoll and Anna Higgins, are all playing key roles. The sets, designed by director, Matt Sherwell, are out of this world! They alone would be worth coming to see.

Check out the Piggery Lane Players Facebook page for updates and performer profiles. Can’t wait to see everyone there.