Cootamundra High School Newsletter

Term 1 ‐ Week 11, 2022

PRINCIPAL: Mrs Leesa Daly  

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mr Christopher Payne

Principal's Report

Another busy and exciting term draws to a close. It has been fantastic to see our students participating again in representative activities and excursions in the latter part of Term 1. Students have had the opportunity to participate in a vast array of activities including: An Engineering Challenge day, Eyes Wide Open Charles Sturt University event that enabled students to explore many Allied Health courses and career pathways, an Outdoor Education adventurous journey and camp, debating, dance workshops and a multitude of sporting events. Year 10 students participated in a whole day of workshops hosted by Enlighten Education, with extremely positive feedback received from students about the ‘Goodfellas - Conversations with Young Men that Matter’ and the ‘Butterfly Effect- Helping to Raise Amazing Girls’ programs. These programs are part of an ongoing series of workshops we will be hosting, for all cohorts, in association with the Together 4 Youth Pilot initiative. This initiative is being driven by past CHS DP and retired Principal, Andrew Turvey.

We have been very fortunate, for the majority of the term, to have had minimal disruptions to the school due to the impact of COVID-19. Our wonderful casual teachers have ensured the smooth and consistent operation of classes when staff were away. I would like to thank the whole school community for working together to keep each other safe by practicing all the COVID safety measures asked of you.

We have seen a spike in COVID-19 case numbers, throughout the school and the wider school community in the last 10 days. Our term 1 holiday break is very timely and we hope we will see a reduction in cases on our return to term 2. We are lucky enough to have enough RAT kits remaining to be able to distribute these to our families before students return to school on Wednesday 27th April. Parents/carers or students will be able to come to the front office and collect their RAT kits between 9:00am and 3:30pm on Tuesday 26th April. It would be great if all students could complete a RAT before attending school on Wednesday.

Our awesome P&C hosted a fabulous and highly successful Bingo fundraising event, raising a staggering $1911. The support from local businesses was overwhelming and greatly appreciated and enabled the P&C to raffle some amazing prizes on the night. It was great to see so many staff, students and community members supporting CHS. A special thanks is extended to the hard-working Bingo ladies and the RSL Club who make these events possible. At our recent P&C AGM, a number of long serving executive members relinquished their positions. I would like to thank Greg and Kate Holt, Tina Wales and Val Lambert for their tireless events in promoting, advocating and supporting our whole school community and for the unwavering support they have provide to me as Principal. I am delighted to introduce our newly elected P&C Executive team: President - Adam Randall, Secretary – Logan Collins and Treasurer – Kim Boxell. I look forward to working with you all in the future. We are currently looking into designs and suppliers for new unisex every day and sport shirts for the junior school. Consultation, with all stakeholders, will continue in term 2. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings.

We had the great privilege of hosting a luncheon, in conjunction with Transport NSW, for a large contingency of ladies and gentlemen, who were stolen from their families and placed at the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls, and their families recently. This event coincided with a planned Reunion and Healing weekend organised by the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation. A number of students and staff provided some assistance at working-bee held on the site of the Home in preparation for the reunion and were honoured to work with, meet and talk with ‘Stolen Generation’ family members and organisers. We look forward to continuing our support by helping to maintain the newly planted gardens at the Home. School Captains, Will Holt and Amelia Franklin, along with Deputy Principal Mr Chris Payne, represented CHS at an emotional ‘Stolen Generation’ plaque unveiling at the Cootamundra Train station that acknowledged the painful part the station played in the ‘Stolen Generation’ and the pain still associated for those taken from their families. We were all honoured to meet and host Aunty Isabel Hampton as part of these proceedings. Yindyamarra Yalul - Respect and Honour Always

We continue to learn from our esteemed Elder in Residence, Bidyadya (Aunty) Elaine Lomas. Year 7 students are becoming more confident and proficient in their use of Wiradjuri words in conversation and song. Partner primary school students and staff, AECG and community representatives along with staff and students from CHS are enjoying participating in structured Wiradjuri language lessons with Bidyadya. Bidyadya Elaine is available to talk with parents and carers on Wednesdays if you phone the school and request a meeting time.

Major construction will continue onsite during the holidays and into terms 2 and 3 including: drainage, tiered seating and fencing around the basketball courts, new guttering on the roof of the outdoor eating space, upgrades to the cricket nets, new roofing on B Block, installation of a new perimeter  fence, major pipe work in the Ag plot, construction of new change rooms in the hall, upgrades to C block teaching spaces and asbestos removal and carpet laying in the top of B block.

We regret to inform that Mrs Aimee Sutton (PDHPE) will be leaving us at the end of the term to move closer to her family. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavours. I am pleased to announce that that the following staff have been permanently appointed to CHS from the start of term 2: Ms Daina Cifereson (PDHPE) and Ms Katherine Moore (Science).

I wish to advise our school community that I have been granted a special variation to our School Development Day’s in terms 3 and 4. Staff will participate in Mental Health First Aid training for two consecutive SDD’s at the start of term 3 – Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July. Students will return to school on Wednesday 20th July. The extra teaching and learning day will be rescheduled in Term 4 with the last day for students being Tuesday 20th December instead of Monday 19th December. I have consulted with our AECG, P&C and staff in regards to this variation and have their full support.

I wish everyone a safe, restful and well-deserved break. Hope the Easter Bunny finds you all!

Have a Marambang Bilang (Exceedingly Good) holiday.

Regards

Leesa Daly

 

 Dates to put into your calendar -

Apr 27
  • Students return for Term 2
May 6
  • Athletics Carnival
TBA
  • Cross Country
Jun 2
  • VET Workplace student preparation day (school library)

READING FOR PURPOSE

A Whole-School Reading Program

Throughout Term 1 this year all students have participated in the Reading for Purpose Program. This program has been developed by a team of CHS staff with guidance and advice from Department of Education literacy and reading consultants in Wagga and beyond.

Over the course of any week students will be taken through a highly scaffolded reading program aimed at the different learning stages of students. Students are explicitly taught the skills to read and interpret a range of text types to enable them to apply these skills to the broader school curriculum. Three lessons per week are dedicated to this approach; the remaining two reading lessons are devoted to reading for pleasure.

The program will continue throughout the year, with the staff team working to develop different text material for other staff members and their students. Staff are also developing skills to identify student skill levels and to plot them on the Departmental data base called PLAN2.

We are very excited to be involved in this new and unique approach to teaching reading skills in high school!

From the Reading for Purpose Team:

Amanda Willoughby, Emma O’Loughlin, Heather Beddie and Kerri Hefren

WORKING BEE

Working bee at Former Cootamundra Girls Home

ABORIGINAL students from Cootamundra High School had an opportunity to help at the site of the former Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal girls. The working bee occurred on Friday March 25. The students helped prepare the site for a weekend for survivors and their families.

Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation representative Meagan Gerrard said it was wonderful to have the students come and bring so much energy, working in the gardens and setting up around the site in preparation for the weekend event.

“We loved having them here. They were just amazing and such lovely kids,” she said.

Principal of Cootamundra High School Miss Leesa Daly said it was a wonderful opportunity for our students to make connections to country, develop their cultural awareness, deepen their knowledge about our history and to yarn with others.

We look forward to continuing volunteer work with the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation. 

Students from Cootamundra High School show their support for the site of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal girls (1912-1969).

Pictured from left back row: Lloyd Hunt; Phoebe Skillin. Pictured front row left to right: Descendent of Coota Girls Parker Ryan; Horticulturalist from Wilder Gardens Adam Byrne, Graham Neale, Wakkurri Ellis, Valettah Cranston, Mattilda Thacker and AECG President Cath Carroll.

PLAQUE UNVEILING

CHS and the former Cootamundra Girls Home Commemorative Plaque Unveiling

On Friday March 25th, 2022, Cootamundra High School was honoured to be involved in the unveiling of the commemorative plaque at the Railway Station, acknowledging the role played by Transport NSW (or NSW Railways at the time) in the Stolen Generation.

We were proudly represented at the ceremony at the station by our Captains, Amelia Franklin and Will Holt, which was attended by over 50 members of the former Cootamundra Girls Home, their families, local people and Transport NSW representatives from the Wagga area as well as Sydney.  They heard speeches from a number of people, including Aunty Isabell, president of the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation, who was instrumental in coordinating the event with Daniel Foreman of Transport NSW, and who spoke emotionally about her experiences as well as those of other Coota girls and Kinchela boys, as well as Dr Julie-Anne Tooth, a former Junee local, who spoke about the role played by the railways in the process that we know now as the Stolen Generation.

Following the ceremony Cootamundra High School hosted a luncheon for the special guests, organised by Transport NSW. Our Vice Captains Madi Robinson, Yasmin Lambert and Eric Chick, joined by our Captains, welcomed the guests at the door and assisted less able elderly visitors to their seats in the Hall.

Guests sat down to a meal of bush tucker cooked up on site, including the popular witchetty grub pizza and wattleseed ice cream. Our Captains were then asked by Daniel Foreman to present a small memento to Aunty Isabell and to say a few words in appreciation, which they did with great dignity and respect.

Guests were highly complimentary of our senior student leaders and of the school in offering to host the event at relatively short notice, an honour bestowed upon us by the greater than anticipated response to the momentous event. Thanks to our School Captain team for the exemplary manner in which you represented the school.

Dyiramadilinya badhu Wiradjuridya dhaagundha!

Yindyamarra yalul. 

SCHOOL WITHIN A SCHOOL

Distance Education at Cootamundra High School

SEVERAL students at Cootamundra High elect to study through the NSW Department of Education’s Distance Education programs in areas as diverse as Chinese and Spanish Beginners to Physics and Chemistry.

The picture on the left shows Kyle Collins and Will Ellis proudly wearing the shirts they received from Aurora College as participants in their Year 11 Physics course online. Great job too with 100 per cent attendance!

Meanwhile, Year 12 Physics student Eric Chick earned a merit from Finigan School of Distance Education for his excellent attitude and application in class.

Way to go Coota High!

Ms Freeman. Distance Education Supervisor. 

Year 11 Investigating Science

Muttama Creek Field Study

On March 17, the Year 11 Investigating Science class went on an excursion to assess the quality of water in the Muttama Creek catchment. They collected samples near the Poole St crossing and 20 km downstream at Mr Sides’ property. The samples were tested for dissolved oxygen, phosphates, temperature, turbidity and pH as well as collecting micro and macro-organisms to observe key indicator species. This activity was part of a 15 hour depth study assessment. The students appeared to enjoy the day which also included sampling Mr Sides figs, meeting Jimbo and Pinto Mr Sides’ Dorpers and Molly the Maremma. Will did, however, take the sampling very seriously ensuring he was shin deep in mud resulting in a detour on the way home to change shoes!

STUDENT LEADERS REPRESENT COOTAMUNDRA

Student Representative Leadership Day

COOTAMUNDRA High School student leaders had an opportunity to attend a state-wide event at Parliament House in Sydney last Tuesday March 29. The event was a Student Representative Leadership day in which regional student leaders had a chance to meet and talk with other representatives from across the State.

Cootamundra High Captain Amelia Franklin said the day was very worthwhile and she enjoyed meeting other students from rural, regional and coastal areas.

“I really enjoyed talking with the leaders at Nambucca Heads whose school is quite small. It made me realise we have a lot of opportunities here at Cootamundra High,” she said.

While in Sydney, Amelia also took the opportunity to take a Sydney University tour as an option for university study next year.

“I really enjoyed having a look around and thinking about future studies, where I want to go and what I want to study,” she said.

“Cootamundra is so well placed for accessing universities. I just jumped on the train and I was in Sydney in a few hours.”

LAW BUILDING: The law faculty combines modern architectural design with innovative natural light solutions for students to study in the law library.
GRAFFITI TUNNEL: University students have a tunnel they’re allowed to graffiti to express their current views and protest opinions.
SYDNEY TOUR: Amelia had a good look around Sydney University, including a visit to College facilities. Here she is at Wesley College.
LAW BUILDING: The law faculty combines modern architectural design with innovative natural light solutions for students to study in the law library.
GRAFFITI TUNNEL: University students have a tunnel they’re allowed to graffiti to express their current views and protest opinions.
SYDNEY TOUR: Amelia had a good look around Sydney University, including a visit to College facilities. Here she is at Wesley College.
LAW BUILDING: The law faculty combines modern architectural design with innovative natural light solutions for students to study in the law library.

SENIOR GIRLS LEAGUE TAG

On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.
On Thursday the 17th March the senior girls travelled to Young to play league tag in a gala day. They played challenging games against teams from Young, Temora and Harden. Their strong teamwork skills, on field communication, organisational skills, support of each other and sense of fun resulted in winning two out of three games.

YEAR 10 ENGLISH


Students in year 10 English have been studying Phillip Gwynne’s novel ‘Deadly Unna?’ this term. To prepare for their in-class essay, students played a fun (and competitive) game of ‘Fly Swat’.

Students were given questions and had to run to ‘swat’ the answers. Congratulations to Mr Longmore’s class who were the undefeated champions, followed closely by Mrs Beddie and Mrs Elliott’s English classes.

Enjoying a 'competitive' game of Fly Swat

YEAR 7 ENGLISH

Shakespeare Re-imagined

Students in year 7 English with Mrs Elliott have been looking at poetry. Students have focussed their attention recently on Shakspeare and have studied his famous sonnet, Sonnet 18. Through this, students looked at mood and tone and how these are created through the vocabulary choices of the composer.

Students were challenged to re-imagine Shakespeare’s famous love sonnet into a ‘Hate Poem’. A big focus has been on students drafting ideas, editing, revising and then submitting their completed works. In addition to this, students have used visual prompts to create prose writing with a focus on imagery. We hope you enjoy reading some of the students ‘Hate Poems’ and creative compositions.

Creative Compositions

EXCITING NEW CANTEEN MENU

Coota High Canteen offers our students a wide range of tasty and nutritious menu items.

Click on the link to view our canteen menu items...

Download

ENLIGHTEN EDUCATION WORKSHOPS

On Thursday the 17th of March, Year 10 boys and girls were provided with the opportunity to engage in an award-winning school program and related workshop presented by Enlighten Education. Enlighten Education are Australia’s leading providers of in-school workshops for teens. Their programs ‘the butterfly effect’ and ‘Goodfellas’ encouraged our students to decode the mixed messages they receive and help develop self-worth and resilience.

Presentations and storytelling from both presenters focused on disengagement from school, the pressures they face, fall outs with friends, setting personal boundaries and limiting gender stereotypes. Nikki Davis and Jack Ellis worked with each group of students and developed instant relationships with our Year 10s. Students were given a voice to share their personal thoughts on issues and participated in various activities which reflected their diverse interests.

There was lots of laughter, making it a memorable day for all. Feedback from Year 10 was very positive, and both presenters highlighted that our students had exhibited top notch behaviour throughout the day. The learning experiences offered to students were relevant and set the tone for growth. It was an experience to be a part of!

Miss Longmore. Year 10 Advisor.

Year 10 girls writing positive affirmations to friends
Nikki Davis and Mrs O'Loughlin with the school dog 'Gizmo'
Nikki Davis and some Year 10 girls
Year 10 girls writing thank you letters to some important loved ones in their lives
Miss Longmore (Year 10 Advisor) and Nikki Davis
Year 10 girls and Nikki Davis
Year 10 girls during the ‘real girl power’ workshop where they explored the history of feminism and sisterhood. Students shouted out as a group “no amazon gets left behind”.
Year 10 students during the gratitude workshop. Students wrote personal reflections about what they value in their individual friends. An emotional and rewarding activity.
Mia Craw-Reid and the butterfly effect pins all students were gifted. These are part of the 21-day challenge students will be involved in. As a group, we will be wearing our pins for 21 days or more. Each time we look at them, we will be reminded of the wise words and sisterhood phrases that we learned as a team during the workshop.
Year 10 girls writing positive affirmations to friends
Nikki Davis and Mrs O'Loughlin with the school dog 'Gizmo'
Nikki Davis and some Year 10 girls
Year 10 girls writing thank you letters to some important loved ones in their lives
Miss Longmore (Year 10 Advisor) and Nikki Davis
Year 10 girls and Nikki Davis
Year 10 girls during the ‘real girl power’ workshop where they explored the history of feminism and sisterhood. Students shouted out as a group “no amazon gets left behind”.
Year 10 students during the gratitude workshop. Students wrote personal reflections about what they value in their individual friends. An emotional and rewarding activity.
Mia Craw-Reid and the butterfly effect pins all students were gifted. These are part of the 21-day challenge students will be involved in. As a group, we will be wearing our pins for 21 days or more. Each time we look at them, we will be reminded of the wise words and sisterhood phrases that we learned as a team during the workshop.
Year 10 girls writing positive affirmations to friends

RIVERINA DANCE WORKSHOP 2022

On Friday the 18th students from the CHS dance team took part in the 2022 Riverina Dance Workshop. This was held at the Wagga Wagga High School gymnasium. This workshop provided a challenging and stimulating dance education program delivered by specialised professional tutors Allison McKellar and Millie Slennett focusing on developing technical ability and performance skills in a range of dance styles. Dance Coordinator, Miss Longmore, also participated in a dance teachers choreography session as a part of the day.

Following a technique class, students and teachers were provided with quality time to workshop their Riverina Dance Festival audition pieces which are in the making. This year the Riverina Dance Festival will be held in Griffith. Cootamundra High was successful last year and performed their dance ‘Don’t Catch Me’ at the Albury Entertainment Centre. Will be trying again this year with a new piece called ‘The Waves’. Audition items are due at the end of term 1 and so we have been rehearsing extremely hard during sport time on Wednesday afternoons to get our piece finished. After workshopping our item all schools who were with us on the day showcased what they have created so far in a ‘show and tell’ performance. This was a great opportunity for our students to see what other schools are doing and the importance of embedding dance syllabus elements in our choreography. Feedback from tutors on our dancing and audition item was extremely positive. We will be taking lots of feedback back with us to improve the audition item. Can’t wait!

CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.
CHS students are commended on their exemplary behaviour and humility displayed throughout the excursion.

LIBRARY HUB

Books and writing with Phoebe Skillin (Year 11)

Do you have a favourite author?

Rick Riordan’s good. He’s always been a favourite of mine. His book series ‘Percy Jackson’ has long been a great series. His style of writing is fun and engaging, which helps immerse a reader completely.

Do you have a favourite genre?

My favourite genre is fantasy and this can include historical fantasy. I like this particular genre because it lets me get away and explore things that would not or are not possible in this world.

Which is your favourite all time three top reads?

I love ‘Only a Monster’ by Vanessa Len; ‘Silver Brumby’ by Elyne Mitchell and ‘The Maze Runner’ by James Dashner.

Why do you read?

I read because it helps me escape. Reading, for me, is a way to get away from my reality and be immersed in another. It helps me cope with any stress I may encounter and helps distract me during hard times. It’s so calming and a good way to relax. 

RAISE - Youth Mentoring Program

RAISE Foundation Mentoring Program – Years 8 and 9

Students in years 8 and 9 have had a visit from the RAISE Foundation, which is a mentoring program aimed at raising aspirations, and setting and working towards reaching personal goals. The program runs over 23 weeks and students access their mentors online. Information and applications have been sent through the parent portal. If information has not arrived and parents and carers would like to find out more, please take a look at the brochure (Pictured below).

This program is  only open to students in Years 8 and 9.

Spots are limited!

Improving student well-being and engagement

To accept this invitation and take part in the RAISE Program, see the information provided on your Parent Portal or go to raise.org.au

FROM THE CAREERS DESK

University Open Days

With Excursions, Expos and University visits back on the agenda, its been a busy couple of months for students, who are enjoying getting back to face-to-face experiences!

Year 12 have been busy experiencing ‘Explore Day’ at Wagga, Bathurst and Albury Campuses with a number of students completing their first application for Early Entry for CSU this week. We wish them all the best with their applications and hope that there will be some guaranteed offers made in May.

This week, Year 11 and 12 students attended a Health Expo named ‘Eyes Wide Open’.  Once again, CSU Wagga hosted the event, where students were able to explore a large number of careers that are health related.

Year 12 are reminded that the University of Wollongong’s Discovery Day has been rescheduled to Friday 10th June, with students travelling down on Thursday and staying overnight. Registrations for the event are now open, and students are urged to register early to get their first preferences for information sessions

The Power of Engineering Day – Temora Aviation Museum

Around 15 students in Years 9 and 10 attended this interactive and informative day in Temora. Students were exposed to the world of engineering and design, which is an ever-expanding area for career opportunities and one that continues to experience a skill shortage.

Work Experience

Year 10 students will be completing Expressions of Interest for Work Experience, which will be held late in second term. All students are strongly encouraged to take part in Work Experience in order to get a realistic sense of the world of work. Work Experience is a valuable addition to resumes and in the past has led to part - time work opportunities for our students.

Upcoming parent information session at CSU

HEALTH MATTERS

COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS & INFORMATION

Cootamundra Youth Council - Upcoming Activities

COMMUNITY EVENTS ...

Book Launches

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Cootamundra High School

Respect, Responsibility, Excellence