Cootamundra High School Newsletter

Term 1 ‐ Week 11, 2023

REL. PRINCIPAL: Mr Christopher Payne  

REL. DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mr Alasdair Sides

Principal's Report

As the first term draws to a close, I am pleased to be able to reflect on the year so far.  I have greatly enjoyed the role of leading the school through this term and look forward to the potential challenges and rewards of the year ahead.  Our students have, on the whole, settled into the routine of their new school years with application and commitment to their learning.  Students moving onto the next Stage level have adapted to studying new subjects, often with new teachers, with little fuss and a degree of enthusiasm. This is a very positive sign and indicates a resilience and willingness to embrace new things, a valuable life skill.

Throughout the term students in all years have been introduced to The Resilience Project, a wellbeing program which is being accessed by many schools in our area and across the state, indeed across the country.  It is based on delivering to students a series of mini lessons aimed at the GEM approach – upskilling students in gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, as well as delving into the concept of emotional literacy.  The program has been developed to assist students to identify their own emotional responses to what is happening in their world and to allow them to see the world through consideration of others as well as themselves.  So far there has been an overwhelmingly positive response from students and staff – staff in particular have expressed enthusiasm about the way students have embraced the concepts of the program and have demonstrated their understanding through positive actions and language. It is early days, but the signs at the moment are very encouraging. If you have not done so already I encourage you to have a conversation with your children about the project and to access the website https://theresilienceproject.com.au/ for further information and ideas.

Communication is a key component of the education of young people and successful communication is a two-way thing. Our data tells me that there have been nearly five hundred phone contacts logged from staff regarding contact they have made with home for any number of reasons – some to report progress, or concerns about an assessment, or to give a ‘heads up’ about declining behaviours, or as many are, “sunshine calls” to let you know how well your child is doing in their class. Equally, we rely on parents and carers to provide us with a ‘heads up’ about things that are happening in their world outside of school that might impact on their life within school. We treat all sensitive communications with home regarding our students with the strictest confidentiality and use the information you provide to us to in turn provide supports for your child to help them through what might be a challenging time for them or for the family.  The education process can only be effective if the student is engaged – sometimes they just need a bit of help to maintain this engagement. You just need to let us know how and when we can assist.  

Attendance continues to be a major focus for us as the term winds down. Long term data confirms that there is a strong correlation between attendance, success at school, and broader life options. We have employed an administration officer to focus solely on attendance, whose job it is to call home to check on unexplained absences as well as long term absentees.  Apart from illness, there are many reasons a student can’t or won’t come to school – please contact the school for assistance if required; we are happy to work with parents and carers in this situation.

Anzac Day falls the day prior to school commencing for students this year. As always Cootamundra High School will be present at the march, with our school captain team of Jen Newing, Kyle Collins and Wil Ellis leading the school contingent.  All students are welcome to attend and march, and school uniform should be worn.  Meet up at the Ex-Servicemen’s club at 10:15am for a 10:30am start.  We hope to see a good representation of our student body at the march.

Finally, after a long and busy term I would like to wish all of our students, their families, our staff and their families, and the broader school community, a very happy Easter, and trust that you will all enjoy the down time of the holiday period. Term 2 will come around very quickly (how many more sleeps…?) but until it does, please stay safe and we will welcome our students back to school on Wednesday April 26th. Reminders will appear on our new sign out the front of the school during the holiday period. 

Chris Payne

Rel. Principal


Dates for your Diary...

Apr. 26thStudents return
Apr. 26thRiverina Touch Football Trials - Wagga
Apr. 28thCross Country
May 2nd11/12 Mixed Touch Football Gala Day - Wagga
May 2ndYoung Careers Expo
May 4th9/10 Touch Football Gala Day - Wagga
May 5thYear 9 & 10 Vaccinations
May 5thYear 8 & 11 catch up Vaccinations
May 9thBlack Dog Institute Future Proofing Study
May 11thAthletics Carnival
May 26thZone Cross Country
Jun 1stVET Work Readiness Day - Yr 11
Jun 5thZone Athletics Carnival - Temora
Jun 24thP & C Bingo Night
Jun 27thYear 12 Life Ready

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT

The Resilience Project is committed to teaching positive mental health strategies to prevent mental ill-health and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity.  Teachers and students will engage in weekly lessons and activities around the key principles of Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM) and Emotional Literacy to build resilience.

 Check out their website for more information: The Resilience Project

 And check out TRP@HOME; a place filled with inspiration and activities for the whole family,  to help improve your wellbeing and build resilience. TRP@HOME

In this newsletter we'll focus on Gratitude

Working on gratitude helps us to be thankful and appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we want.  When we practise being grateful, we start to scan the world to look for positives – this only takes 21 days!  Practising gratitude every day increases our levels of energy, helps us to feel happier and more focused, determined and optimistic. It even helps us have a better sleep, lowers levels of anxiety and depression and we are less likely to get sick. So many benefits – let’s all try to be grateful for the things and people in our lives every day!

 Whole Family Activity:

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

●        As a family create a scavenger hunt list of things that make you happy or you are grateful for, you can make your own list or use the examples below:

●        Something that makes you happy

●        Something you love to smell

●        Something you enjoy looking at

●        Something that is your favourite colour

●        Something you like in nature

●        Something that is useful for you

• Each member of the family uses the list, and has to find as many things as they can.

• You can hunt for things inside or outside, or both. You can hunt for real things, or you can also do this using magazines or pictures from the internet.

• After a set amount of time hunting, come back together, have a look at what each person collected and let them explain why they are grateful for each item.

 Family Habit Builder:

Every night at dinner, have each person talk about their favourite thing about that day.

REGIONAL AND STATE SWIMMING



Well done to the following students who competed at the Riverina Swimming Championships recently in Leeton.

Jack Miller - PBs in all events - 3rd 200 free, 6th 100 back and 6th 100 free

Grace Derrick  - 4 PBS - 3rd 200 free, 100 back & 50 free, 2nd 100 Breast, 3rd 100 Fly and Free

Kristian Miller- 1 PB - 1st 50 free, 100 back , 50 breast & 50 back , 2nd 50 Fly and 100 Free.  Kristian also broke the record for the 50m freestyle.

Congratulations and good luck to Grace and Kristian who will be proudly representing the Riverina and the school at state swimming in early term 2.

OPEN BOYS SOCCER


On the 6th March, 14 CHS students travelled to Young to compete in Round One of the Open Boys Soccer State Knockout competition.

Co-captained by Dennis Wheatley and Lachlan McDermott, two Cootamundra Strikers players, the boys started out strongly in warm conditions. Despite the best efforts of our talented backline, Young HS managed to find the back of the net twice in the first half whilst young Harrison Fallon was unlucky not to score, hitting the cross bar early in the game. 

As the temperature rose, so did the intensity of Young’s attacks. Liam Rees, Lachlan McDermott and Kristian Miller were impressive in the midfield blocking countless scoring opportunities whilst the speed of Izaiah Carter-Pahulu, Harrison Fallon, Reid McTavish and Paul Bean helped to quickly reverse the play. Fantastic keeping from Toby Tanks and a physical game from Harry Boxsell, Dennis Wheately, Will Lubke, Cooper Fallon, Jacob, Goulden and Jack Finch in defence helped keep the scoreline to 0-6 at the final whistle.

Whilst not the result we wanted, all boys should be very proud of how they conducted themselves both on and off the field.

Mrs English

SCHOOLS CUP NETBALL

A huge well done to the students who proudly represented CHS at the Schools Cup Netball day in  Young.  An awesome day with lots of skill learning, team work and exciting court transitions!

Congratulations to the 9/10 boys and 7/8 girls team who have progressed through to phase 2.  A big thank you to Hannah, Laura and Logan- our fantastic hard working umpires!

Mrs Anderson and Miss Fritsch

FROM THE CAREERS DESK

SBAT

Congratulations to Dylan Herring who is CHS's latest School Based Trainee.  Dylan will be working with Bryant Constructions one day per week whilst studying his Cert. III in Carpentry and completing Year 10.

Students and parents who are interested in finding out about SBAT’s are encouraged to make an appointment with Mrs Alderman (during school hours) for further information.

Careers Expo:

In Week 2 of term 2  Year 10 will be attending the Young Careers Expo being held at the Young PCYC.  The Expo and bus travel is free of charge.  This event will include trade demonstrations. competitions and lots of exhibitors from TAFE, Universities, private colleges, local employers, Defence force recruiting and Emergency Services. 

Notes have been sent home with students this week.


Expressions of interest for Work Experience

Expressions of interest for WEP have been circulated to all Yr 10 students and are due back no later than the end of week 1 term 2.

WEP will take place during week 8 (12-16 June).  Should parents have any enquiries about Work Experience, please contact Mrs Alderman on 6942 2711.


University Updates

Round 1 for the Charles Sturt University Advantage closes at midnight 7th April 2023. 

Students may apply for Round 2 with applications closing on the 30th  June 2023.

White Card Courses


40 students have successfully completed the WHS White Card course at Cootamundra High School.  Our thanks goes to Mr Paul Turner who has done a great job in delivering this course. 

WHS White Cards are now mandatory for students intending areas of construction etc. during work experience.

CONGRATULATIONS!






Heidi Parkinson has been successful in progressing to interview for the NSW Training Awards.  Heidi is preparing for her HSC, has been completing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Cootamundra Early Learning Centre, and has been nominated for the School-Based Trainee of the Year Award. 

We wish Heidi well in her interview next week!

STAGE 6 VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Sydney Trip

Students from years 11 and 12, Visual Arts and Year 12, Design and Technology, travelled to Sydney on Friday 17th. Visual Arts students attended the Art Gallery of NSW to view Art Express, an exhibition of the best HSC body of works from all over the state. There was amazing art from talented students from all over the state; this inspired our students, who are currently working on their own body of work submissions.  Students also participated in a collaborative artwork at the Gallery, which centred around meditation and quiet contemplation. Students created clay spheres to add to a collection of spheres created by other visitors to the gallery. 

Design and Technology students attended the Shape workshop at the Powerhouse Museum, which aims to help students develop their major projects and portfolios for their HSC. Students found this beneficial and have already started incorporating the knowledge gained into their major projects. 

While in Sydney, students also enjoy Pancakes on the rocks, Taronga Zoo, Paddies Markets and Bread Top. Students were able to experience a variety of public transport, including the train, ferry, light rail and buses. Each student was able to experience Sydney, with many excited to see the Harbour Bridge up close and the Opera House. 

OPEN GIRLS SOCCER

Round 1

Massive congratulations to the fifteen girls who traveled to Young today to play in Round One of the Open Girls Soccer Knockout competition.  Excellent leadership by co-captains Heidi Parkinson and Niketa Smart ensured all players were exceptional on the field, resulting in a 4-0 full-time score.
Special mention to our four goal scorers Bella Paulissen​, Abbey Sloan​, Rylee Blackney, and Haileigh Neaves, and fabulous work by our our talented goalkeepers Hallie Kelly and Jasmin Morton-Manwaring who kept a clean sheet
Special thanks also to Julie Smart who assisted with transport on the day. 
The girls now progress to Round Two of the competition and will face Coolamon High School in Wagga on Monday 1st May. 

NEWS FROM THE AG PLOT

Term 1 has had a busy start, with lots happening at the Ag Plot! This term, we have welcomed some very anticipated new arrivals. On behalf of Cootamundra High School, I would like to thank Doug and Barbara Tozer of Onslow Pastoral for supplying our school Show Team with 2 Black Angus steers, Nikki Crisp from Crispen Ridge Pygmy's and Heritage Poultry for her donation of fertile Double Silver Laced Barnevelder eggs, and John Crawford for his generous donation of Aussie White sheep to our school. Our students are very grateful for the opportunity to work with such high-quality stock.

Stage 5 Agriculture have continued to work on their vegetable gardens and have just planted them full of Winter vegetables. We have also managed some stock handling with our new sheep. Students learned about preventative treatments for parasite control and the methods used to tag and identify stock. Stage 5 have finished their topics on Introduction to Agriculture and Broadacre Cropping and will be starting their new unit on Wool Production in Term 2.

Year 11 Agriculture have been working on building their capacity to safely and competently operate tractors, with all students getting lots of practice on the school tractor. This class is also designing a cover for our fruit trees to prevent further losses of fruit from pests. This group has finished their Overview topic and is well underway with their unit called Farm Case Study.

Year 12 Agriculture have conducted a range of soil tests and continue working through their Farm Product Study unit on Wool. Exam preparations are ramping up, with students focused on doing their best in their upcoming exams.

Show Team have started the gentling process of our two new Black Angus steers. The steers are currently being taught to lead and tie, in preparation for the start of the Spring show season. Show Team have also been caring for our new Double Silver Laced Barnevelders, as they will be entering shows in the Poultry section. Several of our Show Team students have expressed an interest in learning how to use the tractor, and we have found time to start practicing our tractor and trailer reversing skills on the oval. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more updates on their progress!

Miss Callaghan. 

Ag - Definitely a hands on experience

Inspecting the sheep
Our Aussie White Sheep
Gaining tractor skills
Caring for our new chickens
Caring for our new chickens
Caring for our new chickens
Keeping our chickens warm
Year 11 students on the Ag tractor in action
Farm club students
Stage 5 Ag - sheep work
Year 11 utilising the Ag tractor
Cattle our show team are very proud of!
Team work!
Double Silver Laced Barneveldor chicks
Inspecting the sheep
Our Aussie White Sheep
Gaining tractor skills
Caring for our new chickens
Caring for our new chickens
Caring for our new chickens
Keeping our chickens warm
Year 11 students on the Ag tractor in action
Farm club students
Stage 5 Ag - sheep work
Year 11 utilising the Ag tractor
Cattle our show team are very proud of!
Team work!
Double Silver Laced Barneveldor chicks

OPEN GIRLS LEAGUE TAG

On Thursday 23rd of March, our open girls league tag team travelled to Young to compete in the South West Open Girls League Tag Gala Day. The girls endured through rain and thunderstorms to come away with two wins and a loss. The girls are to be commended on their team spirit not just as a team but towards all schools on the day, which was also commented on by other schools throughout the day.

A very special thank you to Michael Tanks for his time and effort for  driving players over and coaching the team. 

LAWN BOWLS

Today CHS played Wagga High in the Lawn Bowls Knockout competition. The students were down 14-4 at the end of the 9th, however returned strong eventually going down 14-11.   Congratulations to Wagga High boys who played a great game and came away with the win. 

The boys all learnt new skills and improved their bowling over the course of the game. Ryan Radnedge did extremely well as skip (captain) with Ben Randall as lead, Henry Jarvis as second and Jacob Goulden as substitute. We would like to thank Geoff Hillier and Tony Scott for the loan of their lawn bowls for the match as well as Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen's & Citizens Memorial Club for the use of their green.

RIVERINA TRIALS

We have had a number of students who have travelled to Wagga Wagga to participate in the trials to be selected for a Riverina Team. We have sent students for U’15 Rugby League Trials, U’15s touch trials, Opens Rugby League and Soccer teams.  

A massive congratulations to Harry Boxsell & Graham Neale who were successful in the trials for U’15s touch football and competed at Newcastle in week 9. A further congratulations to Harry Boxsell and also Alex Brown who were successful at U’15s Rugby League trials and will compete at the Riverina v South Coast game on April 27th.  

Good luck to both students! 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW...

Congratulations Alexandra

Former Cootamundra High School student, Alexandra Trinder (Class of 2012) went on to study and graduate from Charles Sturt University in Wagga, and has been pursuing a successful career in Agronomy ever since. 

Last week, Key Account Manager, Eike Croucher, had the pleasure of presenting the BASF Women in Agriculture Award at the Elders Summer Grains Conference.  The award celebrates the essential role women play in the summer grains industry, its businesses and communities.  This year’s recipient was Alexandra, representing HMag Moree.

It was noted that Alexandra brings a lot of enthusiasm to her role as an Agronomist as well as the many community roles she holds,  including  that of Vice President of the Moree Young Aggies.

Congratulations Alexandra from the community of Cootamundra High School!

BREAKFAST CLUB

A great way to start your day!

Smart start Breakfast club has kicked off again for 2023. It’s a little different this year with Mrs Lonnen stepping aside to focus on her Head Teacher Duties and myself (Sam O’Loughlin aka Crazy O), Miss Cifferson and Mrs Lewis stepping in. So far, we have had a variety of cereal and toast with all the favourite spreads along with pancakes, omelettes and cheesy bacon scrambled eggs and juice being offered. From next week the very popular sausage and egg wrap will make a comeback. Blueberry and choc chip muffins will also be making an appearance. We are strictly nut free and can add gluten free options if asked.

We’ve had a bit of a setback with the cool room being on the fritz and fridge space being limited but we are making it work.

We are open from 8.30am until 8.55am every day at the school canteen.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the kind and generous support of our sponsor the William Ruebensohn Foundation, and the volunteer efforts of our community members and canteen staff.  Breakfast Club aims to help our students to start the day with a good breakfast.

We were able to put on a community breakfast last year and are hoping we can have another one or two of these as they were a great way to bring the community into our school to see a bit of what we do.

CHS DANCE


This term, the CHS Dance Ensemble have been working hard to develop their 2023 audition piece for the Riverina Dance Festival, to be held in Wagga Wagga on Friday 2nd of June at the Civic Theatre.  This year's item is titled 'True Grit'. Our item last year was 'The Waves', and 'Don't Catch me' in 2021.Auditions are held via video submission and need to reflect the spirit of the K-12 dance syllabus.

Our audition is due Monday 3rd of April 2023.We will be notified by Friday 28th of April 2023 if we are successful. No matter what the outcome is, the students have had so much fun coming together each Wednesday during sport this term to share their passion of performing.

Dance Coordinator - Miss Brittney Longmore.

TOUCH FOOTBALL

On Friday 3rd March the open boys and girls touch football teams played in Wagga at the Riverina Carnival. Both teams played four games each during the day with some wins and losses.

All students displayed excellent sportsmanship, great communication skills, perseverance and a great sense of humour especially at the end of the day with a small splash of water to cool them down. 

ENLIGHTEN EDUCATION

As part of Cootamundra High School's Wellbeing Program Years 7, 9 and 10 were fortunate enough to be involved in some excellent workshops that focused on respectful relationships and consent. 

"The Butterfly Effect" was delivered by Dannielle Miller (OAM) and "Goodfellas" delivered by Jack Ellis who also presented last year.

The feedback from students was excellent, and we plan to have Enlighten back in 2024.

REROC

Senior members of the SRC attended the Youth Leadership day held by The Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils in Wagga Wagga. Students from years 11 and 12 had a fantastic time attending four workshops, including a podcasting session held by the END FM. The students were able to chat with council members, including the youngest every council member our own Logon Collins, who inspired our students to seek opportunities in and outside of school. 

WORLD PRIDE DAY

World Pride was celebrated this year between the 17th February till the 5th March. The theme for the festival in 2023 was GATHER, DREAM, AMPLIFY.

It was developed in partnership with our extraordinary First Nations and LGBTQIA+ communities.  At Cootamundra High School we celebrated it on Friday the 24th February. We had a cake stall to raise money for a pride mural to be made, designed and hung in the school. 

A massive thank you to all the bakers that donated for today and Mrs Elliott for her rainbow and flower face painting!

To my Rainbow Roundabout group well done on a great day!!!

Miss Ciferson

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