batemans bay high school school matters...the 2017 showcase is a two-week program of original ten...

■ Newsletter Edition 8 ■ Week 6, Term 2, 2017

Batemans Bay High School

School Matters

■ Phone: (02) 4478 3600 Bridge To The Future

■ Fax: (02) 4472 8173 Batemans Bay High School

■ Email: [email protected] 2 George Bass Drive

■ Website: www.batemansba-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Batemans Bay NSW 2536

Westpac Helicopter Delivers Surf Lifesaving Certificates


Calendar Term 2, Week 6

Tue 30 May Year 9 Links to Learning

Thur 1 June School Assembly

Fri 2 June Football Mufti Day Fundraiser

Fri 2 June TAFE Taster, Moruya

Commerce RSPCA workshop

Term 2, Week 7

Mon 5 June Year 9 Reach

Year 11 & 12 Vaccinations

Tue 6 June Year 10 Reach

Year 9 Links to Learning

U15 Girls AFL

Thur 8 June Year 10 UOW Unique Experience

Fri 9 June Year 9-10 AIME program

TAFE Taster, Moruya

Term 2, Week 8

Thur 15 June School Assembly

Coondoo Classic Mountain Biking,

Nowra

TAFE Taster, Moruya

Term 2, Week 9

Tue 20 June NAIDOC Public Speaking & Debating

Workshop

Term 2, Week 10

Wed-Fri

28-30 June The Night Circus

Feature Photo

Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter

Surf Life Saving Certificates to Year 9 and 10

In this issue… Principal’s Message ...................................................................... 3

Talented Artists ......................................................................... 3

Public Education Day .............................................................. 3

Restructuring the Education System ................................ 4

From The Deputies ....................................................................... 4

Learning ....................................................................................... 4

School ........................................................................................... 5

Acknowledging Students and Staff ................................... 6

Westpac Helicopter ...................................................................... 6

Sport .................................................................................................. 6

Athletics Carnival ...................................................................... 6

Zone Cross Country ................................................................. 8

Young Leaders ............................................................................... 8

Parliament House Excursion ..................................................... 8

Football Mufti Day Fundraiser ................................................. 9

National Art School ...................................................................... 9

History News ................................................................................... 9

2017 Topics and Assessments ............................................ 9

The Night Circus ......................................................................... 10

Student Achievement

Ella Pearce, Year 10

Ella shows commitment to all aspects of school, whether

it be her classwork, sport or student leadership. She is

involved in many extra-curricular activities and never

says no to helping someone.


Principal’s Message

Talented Artists

We have so many talented artists at this school (visual,

musical, dramatic and otherwise) that it is easy for their

achievements to go unheralded. Harrison O’Keeffe in

Year 10 earned a place in this year’s Southern Stars

production after his successful Drama audition earlier in

March. Jessica Hughes, also in Year 10, who will form

part of the vocal company, will now join him. Jessica is

an outstanding singer and her selection is quite an

honour. Performances will take place on 25 and 26

August at the Wollongong Entertainment Centre. If you

are unfamiliar with Southern Stars, I encourage you to

search for it on YouTube or follow this link.

River of Art, the ten day Eurobodalla Arts Festival, is

currently underway and has featured work by Batemans

Bay students. Ebony Allen in Year 9 is already an

established pastel artist, winning one of the River of Art

competitions last year. Her work has been on display as

part of The Digressionists exhibition at the Grace Paleg

Fine Art Studio Gallery in Surf Beach this week. Ebony

has shown great skill and initiative, and it is pleasing to

see students contributing to the wider community in

this way.

As in previous years, Ms Sharon McCutcheon’s Year 10

Drama students are part of the Canberra Theatre Acting

Up! showcase. The 2017 showcase is a two-week

program of original ten minute performances about the

world in which we live. The pieces reflect ideas students

care deeply about, allowing them to connect with a

contemporary audience and above all, make for an

inspiring night in the theatre. The most compelling

performances will be invited to return for a gala

showcase on Tuesday 6 June at The Playhouse in

Canberra. We wish them luck.

Stop press: The group has been chosen from more than

30 schools across the region to perform at the showcase

Tuesday week. Well done all.

Public Education Day

Thursday 25 May marked Public Education Day. Apart

from being a celebration of public schools, it was a

timely opportunity to remind everyone of the positive

impact the Gonski plan has already made on students

and the threat to students from proposed changes to

the Gonski agreement. Local media reported that our

school would fail to receive an additional $800,000

promised funding in 2018-19 if the changes went ahead.

Most parents would agree that a needs-based model

providing support for every student in every school is a

fair and equitable way to resource an education system.

Representatives from schools across Australia met with

MPs at Parliament House in Canberra on Public

Education Day to share their stories and to highlight the

difference Gonski funding has made at a local level.

Along with relieving English Head Teacher Ms Alyssa

Coursey and P&C Representative Mrs Belinda

O’Keeffe, I was fortunate enough to speak with the

Shadow Minister for Education Tanya Plibersek and

Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon. Senator Rhiannon spent

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Icuw16A3xY


over half an hour with us trying to learn as much as she

could about our programs. She was particularly

interested in our wellbeing and Hands On Learning

initiatives, and was keen to know how we used our

funding to increase curriculum options and provide

additional tuition for a broad spectrum of students.

I sincerely hope that people are listening and that any

decisions around school funding will not halt the

progress we have made over the last few years.

Restructuring the Education System

Following on from the last edition of School Matters,

here are several key suggestions from John Hattie (via

the referenced NESA summary) to drive education

reform. They are not without controversy, but they are

definitely thought-provoking:

Identify and value the expertise of teachers

who can show that students are making at

least a year’s progress for a year’s effort. Hattie

demonstrates that teacher expertise is

significantly more effective for student

outcomes than structural influences (eg. class

size, ability grouping, school system). Emphasis

should be placed on teachers demonstrating

their conceptions of challenge and impact

through exemplars of students’ work and

achievements.

Start appeasing students and stop appeasing

parents. Hattie argues that many education

issues debated in Australia are shown through

research to be unimportant. By acceding to

parents on major issues, we potentially invest

in the things that have the least effect on the

learning of students.

Move from a focus on achievement to a focus

on progress. Hattie argues that our notions of

success – high achievement, high ATAR

schools and bright students – are corrupting

our system. Instead, the focus should be to

ensure that every student gains at least a

year’s growth for a year’s effort. This applies to

all students regardless of starting point,

including above average students.

Ensure teachers and schools have appropriate

tools to measure progress and impact over

time. The tools are intended to help teachers

do their work by adding value to students,

maximising their impact on their progress and

knowing when to stop and when to continue

with methods of teaching.

Ensure early success for students by giving

them sufficient reading and numeracy skills to

succeed at school. Hattie states that life

opportunities for students from disadvantaged

backgrounds are extinguished at an early age.

Australia must mount a major campaign to

improve the teaching of learning skills from

Years 0 to 8 if life opportunities for these

children are to improve. The focus should be

on teaching concepts about print, seriation

and language. Early childhood educators

should be more skilled in evaluating and

promoting learning from infancy through to

school.

Mr Greg McDonald

Principal

From The Deputies

We are now in Week 6 of Term 2 and there has been a

noticeable change in the weather. As we head in to

winter and colder weather, we would like to remind

everyone that we expect students to continue to wear

their school uniform with pride. All students should be

following the uniform guidelines.

It has been pleasing to see so many students and staff

involved in extra-curricular activities over the last two

weeks. As we head to the end of term, we will be seeing

and hearing students (and staff) in rehearsals for our

whole school production – The Night Circus. The

opportunities to engage in this kind of experience is

invaluable and we encourage everyone to become

involved in whatever capacity they feel they can offer.

Learning

To continue with our focus on effective learning, we

have recently reviewed and modified our mobile phone

process. Reflecting on our ability to do the above will

give us an idea about how we engage with the learning


process. Students have been educated about these

expectations and they will take effect from Monday 29

May.

Mobile Phone Processes

Batemans Bay High School believes that learning

empowers each individual the opportunity to achieve

his or her potential. BBHS is committed to inspiring

students to achieve the highest standards of

intellectual and personal development through a

stimulating and engaging learning environment.

Within a caring and respectful environment, the school

provides students with opportunities to learn, to make

informed decisions and to accept challenges. We aim

to ensure students are self-motivated, confident

individuals, who will be valued members of our

community and society.

By working together, students, staff and parents aspire

to provide a safe and nurturing environment at

Batemans Bay High School.

Student Responsibilities

While we understand students may require a phone for

a variety of reasons when travelling to and from school,

students must take full responsibility for these devices. The

school or staff will not be responsible for their loss, theft

or damage. Students who bring them to school do so at

their own risk.

While at school, students should use mobile devices as

instructed by staff. Mobile phones must be switched off

and not interfere with the process of learning during

class time. Students should keep mobile phones in

school bags at all times while in class unless otherwise

directed.

Students must not use mobile telephones or other

devices to threaten, bully, intimidate or otherwise harass

other people through any SMS or text message,

photographic, video or other data transfer system

available on the telephone or for any illegal activity such

activities may incur disciplinary action including

suspension.

BBHS will not tolerate inappropriate use of mobile

telephones under any circumstances. Students found to

be using any device will have consequences imposed

under the student discipline system.

Improper use of mobile telephones or other

electronic devices may result in:

Appropriate disciplinary measures as

determined by the school’s behaviour

management policy. This may include

detention, interview with HT/DP

The student being required to hand in

their mobile telephone or other

electronic device at the beginning of the

school day a n d collecting i t when the

student goes home

Confiscation of the mobile telephone or

other electronic devices until such time as

their parent or caregiver is able to

attend an interview with the Principal

Other sanctions or contacting the police in

cases where students have been involved in

bullying, intimidation or harassment of other

students or staff via the mobile telephone or

other personal communication device or where

the device has been used to take photographs

or display inappropriate material.

School

In support of the above process, the following

information is an excerpt from the Department of

Education’s Legal Issues Bulletin #56.

Confiscation of Student Property

Principals have the authority to maintain discipline in

schools and provide safe, supportive and responsive

learning environments for both students and staff. To give

effect to this authority, if any property or item is being

used inappropriately by a student, principals and staff

have the power of confiscation.

Can teachers confiscate the personal property of a

student?

Yes. The test is whether the particular property or item is

being used inappropriately by the student. “Inappropriate

use” has a wide meaning and will include being used in a

way that is:

Emergency Contact

If a parent or carer needs to contact a student at

school, they are required to contact the school

through the Front Office and a message will be sent

to the student as soon as possible. The school

telephone number is 4478 3600.

If a student needs to make an emergency contact

with their parent/carer, they can do so through the

Front Office in the Administration block or see their

Year Adviser for assistance


Contrary to any applicable school rules

Disruptive to the school’s learning environment

A risk to the safety or wellbeing of students,

staff or other people

Contrary to any reasonable direction given by

school staff about the use of the item

Illegal or otherwise of a nature that causes

significant concern for staff.

Acknowledging Students and Staff

Students that have come to our attention over the last

two weeks include Harry O’Keeffe, Ella Pearce and Stella

Cross. They have provided outstanding leadership at the

Eurobodalla Learning Community camp at Bournda. Our

student representatives at the camp also demonstrated

the calibre of students at BBHS and included: Ashlea

Goodridge, Ellie Griffin, Lucy Hebenton, Peri Cooke,

Thomas King, Isaac Wheeler, Hayley Yakovenko and

Christina Young.

A special mention to English teacher, Mrs Catherine

Hicks who accompanied the students on the camp and

to Ms Danielle Dunajcik for transporting our sports

leaders to the camp to lead the activities.

Mrs Caroline Preston and Ms Fiona Saunders

Westpac Helicopter

On Thursday, 11 May, the Moruya based Westpac Life

Saver Rescue Helicopter flew into the school to hand out

Surf Lifesaving Certificates to Year 9 and 10 Physical

Activity Sport Studies (PASS) classes. Throughout

term 1 Batemans Bay High School PASS classes had

worked extremely hard on both theory and practical

components on surf safety. The Surf Survival Unit is a

fantastic way to develop a love and appreciation for the

ocean. Furthermore, it is a stepping stone into the surf

club where students can be affiliated into nippers and

lifeguarding at their local beaches.

During term 1, PASS students also enjoyed learning to

surf with Surf The Bay. They needed no prior experience,

as we went through the basics of surfing. Remarkably all

students stood up and surfed a wave on their very first

lesson. Massive thanks to Glenn Hall and the team from

Surf The Bay for teaching the students.

To wrap up the term of surfing the Westpac Life Saver

Rescue Helicopter made a surprise visit flying into the

school and landing on the back oval. Rob, Josh and

Harley kindly showed an insight of an average day in

their lives. This involved, a dramatic rescue saving five

people capsized on a boat offshore Batemans Bay. After

the presentation the guys handed out Surf Survival

Certificates to the students. The assembly concluded

with the whole school getting a photo with the

helicopter.

Overall, the Batemans Bay High School want to thank

Moruya Surf Lifesaving club and the Westpac Helicopter

Service for coming and presenting the Surf Lifesaving

Certificates and inspiring these young people to pursue

a career in the surf club.

Mr Kesh Inglis

PDHPE Teacher

Sport

Athletics Carnival


On Wednesday, 17 May, our school held its annual

athletics carnival. The weather was glorious and the day

ran smoothly. Students participated with a natural

competitive spirit while also demonstrating positive

sportsmanship throughout the day. The final results

were:

Age Champions: All rankings were very close, with only

one or two points separating the top three in each age

group.

12 Years – Summa Ladmore and Jayden Wolfe

13 Years – Nioka Kerry and Jack Bartlett

14 Years – Kristelle Westbrook and Dayne McCartney

15 Years – Tayah Hancock and Michael Pender

16 Years – Stella Cross and Mitchell Hill

17 Years – Lily Attwood and Mitchell Hockey

House Points: Murramarang 598, Acheron 700,

Richmond 759 and Burrawarra with a huge win on

1109.

All students who placed top two in all events and top

four in 100m sprint will now progress to the Zone

Carnival on Friday, 16 June in Cooma.


A huge thank you to all staff for your efforts in running

our annual carnival. It is a massive team event and we

couldn’t do it without each and every one of you!

Zone Cross Country

On Friday, 19 May, 35 students ventured to Wolumla

Park Reserve to compete at our Zone Cross Country. The

weather was against us being a cold and gloomy day

with a slight sprinkle during running events. However,

the bulk of the rain held out for all students to compete.

Batemans Bay students stood out in our sports uniform

and represented the school with pride and

sportsmanship, cheering for each other throughout the

day. We had some great results and eight students will

now progress to South Coast Cross Country later in the

term.

Congratulations to Ella Dexter and Olivia Buonopane

both placing runner up at the zone carnival. Along with

Philip Colman, Lachlan Malcolm, Summa Ladmore,

Jaymi Hudson, William Graham, Zane Brownbridge

and Baptiste Bocquet who all made the zone team.

Raine Dexter and Alexa Warwick made reserves.

A big thank you to Ian from Rixons Bus Service for a

great day out.

Ms Danielle Dunajcik

HT PDHPE

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours Term 2

Tuesday and Thursday

8.00-11.00am

Young Leaders

Parliament House Excursion

Last Thursday, SRC members Harry Aiken and Molly

Wilkinson travelled to Sydney to attend the Secondary

Student Leadership program at NSW Parliament House.

Whilst there we attended a talk about what occurs at

Parliament House and the roles of the Members for

Parliament. We met with our local MP, Andrew

Constance and talked about developments in our area.

We then walked to the Governor of New South Wales’

House where we were given a tour and had a talk with

the Governor, His Excellency General The Honourable

David Hurley. We had a really interesting experience

and received lots of valuable information regarding

politics and the way our legal system operates.

We would like to thank Mr Attwood for coming with us

and driving us there and back in one day, we really

appreciate it.

Molly Wilkinson

Year 12


Football Mufti Day Fundraiser

On Friday 2 June, support your favourite team (rugby

league, soccer, AFL, rugby union), and in doing so

support local 12 year old Batemans Bay Tigers player

Eli Chatfield and his family while Eli undergoes medical

treatment in Sydney.

Eli’s mum Sarah works at our High School as an SLSO in

the Special Education Faculty and his older brother

Tremayne Chatfield is in Year 11.

Wear your footy colours or appropriate casual clothes

and donate $2.00.

Thank you all for your support.

Miss Bec Pleasant

MC Class Teacher

National Art School

Congratulations to Starsha Jaksic, Year 11, on her

selection into the National Art School Intensive Studio

Practice workshops for 2017.

This is an excellent opportunity for outstanding senior

Visual Arts students to enrich and extend their study

within a specialised medium. Starsha will travel to

Sydney for two studio workshops over the course of her

preliminary year, each running for a week, where she will

focus intensively on drawing.

Mrs Michele Anuyahong

HT CAPA

History News

Forty five BBHS students sat for the Australian History

Competition this past week. This national competition

that tests students' knowledge and understanding of

history and our students gave it their best effort, which

is testament to them and the support provided by their

dedicated teachers. We look forward to seeing how our

students did in the competition and praise them for

their participation.

Other noteworthy news in history this past fortnight

included Year 8 handing in their medieval period

assignment, which included a model of a feature of the

period and a succinct historical explanation. The level of

work displayed was of very good quality and it was very

nice to see the pride our students exhibited upon

submitting their work. The models have been on display

this past week in the school library and have been

positively received by the school community.

2017 Topics and Assessments

We are letting parents/carers and students know that

we have outlined all topics taught in Year 7-10 HSIE on

the school's Moodle website. You can also find

assessment tasks located there for all Year 7-10


Geography and History topics taught in those subjects.

To access the BBHS Moodle website and HSIE specific

information, please follow these instructions:

1. Type into any web browser: Batemans Bay High

School Moodle

2. Click on: web3.batemansba-

h.schools.nsw.edu.au/moodle/

3. Locate and click on: HSIE

4. Click on: HSIE Years 7-10 Course & Assessment

5. Click on: Login as a guest.

Mr Michael Matuschka

HT HSIE

The Night Circus

Batemans Bay High School presents…

In the last week of Term 2. Wednesday 28 to Friday 30

June 2017.

Witness the Erin Morgenstern novel brought to life in a

collaboration between staff and students presenting live

dance, drama, music and circus.

The story will be told over five acts including interactive

elements. Tickets will be available from week 7 at the

school front office.

Mrs Sharon McCutcheon

Drama Teacher

Looking for more information?

Information for students and parents along with past

newsletters can be found on our school website. Don’t

forget the eGuide link in the top right corner to access

the school’s online handbook.

Download our app from iTunes, Google Play or the

Windows Marketplace to automatically receive

newsletters and official notices from the school.

Stay up to date with stories about our school in the local

media by following us on Facebook.

http://web3.batemansba-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/moodle/course/view.php?id=158

http://www.schoolenews.com/

batemans bay high school school matters...the 2017 showcase is a two-week program of original ten...

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