Phone: 9892 0611 Fax: 9842 1514 Issue No. 8/14 18 December 2014

Postal Address: 47 Anson Road ORANA WA 6330

Telephone: 9892 0611 Fax: 9842 1514

Enquiries Email: NorthAlbany.SHS@education.wa.edu.au

Absentee SMS: 0409 089 160

Webpage: www.nashs.wa.edu.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Northalbanyshs

Smartphone App is free and can be downloaded by searching North Albany SHS in the iTunes App Store and Android Market.

CONGRATULATIONS

NASHS

TOP YEAR 12 STUDENTS

The Tertiary Entrance Pathway Dux for 2014 was awarded to Sam Gibson.

The Vocational Education and Training Pathway Dux for 2014 was awarded to Bradley Bishop. Ms Justine Bradney

presented Bradley with his Award.

The Wholly School Assessed Courses Dux for 2014 was awarded to

Emma Pellicaan and presented by Sharon Doohan, Principal.

On Friday, 21 November we held our combined NASHS and the Albany Secondary Education Support Centre Year 12 Presentation Evening. Family and friends were present to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of these students. All students in the graduating class wore formal uniform and looked fantastic! Following an address by Sharon Doohan (Principal), the Year 12 School Captains, Annalise Gardner and Sam

Gibson, made their farewell speech. The speech encapsulated the genuine warmth and respect our Year 12 students have for each other and for the School. The Year 12 School Captains and Year 12 Student Councillors also received a special acknowledgement from the Principal. Andrew Harrison, Year 12 Coordinator, presented the final speech for the evening. The musical interlude performed by Year 10 students, Stephanie Russ, Taylah Morgan and Carl Evers was a Katy Perry song ’Firework’.

Throughout the evening there were a number of subject awards and special awards presented. This culminated in the presentation of the three Academic Dux Awards for Vocational Education and Training Pathway, Wholly School Assessed Courses Pathway and Tertiary Entrance Pathway.

Principal, Sharon Doohan, also acknowledged students who had studied courses by either video conferencing or on-line. The opportunities to study courses at school, on-line, via video conferencing and in partnership with GSIT opens up a wide range of career options for students at NASHS. NASHS acknowledges and appreciates the generosity of both individuals and businesses who sponsored awards at the Year 12 Presentation Evening. A copy of the awards and winners along with the sponsors is enclosed in this newsletter. All Year 12 students received a special “Presentation Folder”, and what has

now become a tradition at NASHS, their “Class of 2014” graduation sash. The folder comprised their Secondary Completion certificate, their final school report, certificates for awards, Year 12 group photo, and handy information about the transition to post school. The evening concluded with a delicious supper. Thank you to Barbara Wilson and her partner, Keith, Jo Kellett and her daughter, Megan, NASHS student Katie Dean and the Year 11 Student Councillors for preparing and serving the supper. It provided a final opportunity for staff, students, family and friends to mingle together. It is always sad to farewell our Year 12’s. The 2014 Year 12’s have been a terrific group of students. We thank them for being a part of this school and wish them a healthy, happy and successful future.

Welcome to our final newsletter for 2014. In this edition, we continue to share with you the achievements of our students along with some very special celebrations, and also provide you with important information about the beginning of the 2015 school year. 2014 has been an amazing year for NASHS. It commenced with public recognition of the fantastic results achieved by our 2013 Year 12 students. With further recognition that NASHS is progressing well, we were successful in our application to become an independent public school. Throughout the year our primary-secondary transition program which commenced 18 months ago, has gathered pace, culminating in a half day orientation for Year 7 and 8 students at NASHS in term 3 and a full day (their first full day at high school!) in Term 4. We also recently welcomed students from Bethel Christian School for a day of orientation. They will be joining NASHS in 2015 to commence their Year 11 and 12 studies. Our NAPLAN results were impressive and a number of students have excelled academically this Semester. During Term 4 we have also been busy making final adjustments to our timetable for 2015 so that all is in readiness for day one next year – Monday, 2 February. We are offering two new courses in Year 11 in 2015 - Certificate II in Music (students will be producing music in our recording studio) and tertiary entrance Health Studies. These two courses complement the wide range of tertiary entrance and vocational courses already available. For our incoming Year 7 and 8 students new courses in visual technology, arts, design and building and construction promise to be interesting and exciting! Students in Year 9 and 10 have also chosen from a selection of new electives for 2015. This week I have been privileged to attend the Year 6 and Year 7 graduation ceremonies at Mt Lockyer

PRINCIPAL’S COMMENT PS, Little Grove PS and Yakamia PS. On behalf of the NASHS School Council I was delighted to present 2015 Year 7 and Year 8 NASHS scholarships (each valued at $150) to two lucky recipients at each of these schools. Unfortunately as happens at this time of the year we will be saying farewell to a number of NASHS staff. Tina Dawson has won a Department of Education and Hyogo Prefecture scholarship to teach in Japan for 2015. An amazing opportunity! We look forward to her returning to NASHS in 2016 with stories of teaching abroad and ideas to enhance the teaching of Japanese language and Asian studies at NASHS. Kirsten Hunter (Science), Karen Niculescu (English, Humanities), Anthony Ritchie (Humanities), Addwell Chipangura (Mathematics) and Linda Onyeka (Mathematics) will be taking up teaching positions at other schools. We wish Tina, Kirsten, Karen, Anthony, Linda and Addwell all the very best for 2015. With our growing numbers we also welcome a number of staff new or returning to NASHS in 2015 – Beth Hewson (Year 7 Maths and Science); Lee Hegarty (Year 7 English & Humanities); Adam Tetlow (Year 7 English & Humanities); Kylie Offer (Japanese & Maths), Belinda Powell (Italian); Daniel Smith (Phys Ed); Matt Marchment (Visual Art); Leonie Puzey (Science). We expect to finalize some more appointments in January. On behalf of the NASHS staff I wish all students and their families a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year. Regards,

Sharon Doohan PRINCIPAL

W H O D O I C O N T A C T I N T E R M ONE 2 0 1 5 For general enquiries about your child’s progress at school please contact the Year Coordinator or other members of Student Services Team (see the list below). For subject specific issues please contact your child’s subject teacher or the relevant Head of Learning Area. Yr 7 Coordinator Kylie Rennie School Nurse Amelia Jefferis Yr 8 Coordinator Katy Steed Aboriginal & Islander Education Officers Rachel Brown Yr 9 Coordinator Susie Wood Student Services Coordinator Andrew Harrison Yr 10 Coordinator Peter Gray School Psychologist Brooke Bevan-Wilson Yr 11 / 12 Coordinator Andrew Harrison Chaplain Ben Wyatt / Jennie Small

HEAD OF LEARNING AREAS AND TEACHERS IN CHARGE ICT Coordinator Ian Spurgeon English / LOTE / S & E

(HOLA) Marc Ruffell Visual Art Matt Marchment

Mathematics / Science (HOLA)

Jo Stevens Physical Education / Health (HOLA)

Dave Powell Home Ec Bronwyn Day

Curriculum Leader —Science

Leonie Puzey Technology & Enterprise / Art (HOLA)

Peter Gray Business Ed, Workplace Learning & VET Coordinator

Pamela Green

Curriculum Leader —Society & Environment

Library Pippa Williams

Deputy Principals: Terry Bolt (Years 7,8,9), Mark Cullen (Years 10,11,12)

Business Manager: Keely George

YEAR COORDINATORS 2015

Year Coordinators are an important link between the school, student and parent. If you have any queries regarding the overall progress of your child you should contact the Year Coordinator. Year Coordinators for 2015 are:

Year 7 Kylie Rennie Year 8 Katy Steed Year 9 Susie Wood Year 10 Peter Gray Year 11 Andrew Harrison Year 12 Andrew Harrison

The Student Services Coordinator is Andrew Harrison. Andrew co-ordinates the Student Services Team which includes Year Coordinators, School Psychologist, School Chaplain and School Nurse.

NASHS OFFICE HOURS JANUARY 2015

NASHS office will be closed from Monday, 22 December 2014 to Monday, 26 January 2015 and will re-open from Tuesday, 27 January 2015 for enquiries and payment of Contributions and Charges. Staff will be participating in professional development on Thursday, 29 January and Friday, 30 January 2015. Students return to school on Monday, 2 February 2015.

LOCKER HIRE

NASHS has lockers available for student use in 2015. Total cost for the year will be $20. Application forms will be available from the NASHS Canteen from Tuesday, 27 January 2015 to Friday, 30 January 2015 (open from

10.00am—12.00pm). Priority is given to students in Years 11 and 12. As Year 7 students will have a home room, they will not require lockers.

NASHS / ASESC P & C ASSOCIATION

We have a combined North Albany SHS and Albany Secondary Education Support Centre P&C Association. The P & C meets twice per term – with one meeting being the P & C executive and the other a general meeting. Parents are welcome to attend either or both! As you can see from the enclosed flyer your P & C Association is involved in a number of activities and ventures to support students attending both schools. The main fundraising venture—the P & C Centennial Oval markets continue throughout the summer holiday period - Saturday, 20 December and Saturday, 17 January. Please also keep the following two dates free in February 2015: Wednesday, 11 February 6.00pm in NASHS library - P & C Meet and Greet. This is a great way to meet other parents and learn about what the P&C does. (Refer to enclosed flyer.) Wednesday, 18 February 5.00pm in NASHS library – P&C first meeting for 2015. Come along for an update on future changes to NASHS, what being an Independent Public School means for NASHS, the P & C involvement in making our roads safer for students and much more!

NASHS UNIFORM

NASHS uniform Polo Shirts at a cost of $25.00 each can be purchased from the school Canteen from Tuesday, 27 January 2015 to Friday, 30 January 2015 from 10.00am to 12.00pm.

NASHS parents would be aware of the congestion that occurs in our car park at the end of the school day. With the combination of parents picking up students, school buses and students either walking or riding their bikes, everyone has a responsibility to look out and take care. The corner of Anson Rd and Albany Highway is also a traffic congestion area. At the beginning of the day students must cross the highway with great care. At the end of the school day students must also be on the lookout for cars exiting Great Southern Institute of Technology (GSIT). In 2015, with the construction of the new Coles shopping complex next to the cinema, changes to the road configurations around Le Grande Ave, Anson Rd and Albany Highway will occur. Over the years our P&C Association and GSIT have been working together with the relevant authorities on making the Albany Highway/Anson Rd intersection safer. Unfortunately our attempts to secure a crosswalk have not been successful. However from the beginning of the 2015 school year, the configuration of Anson Rd and the central island on Albany Highway will change to make it safer for our students. What are the main changes? People driving west on Anson Rd will no longer

be able to turn right onto Albany Highway. At the corner of Anson Rd and Albany Highway

vehicles will only be able to turn left. The central island on Albany Highway will be

extended and pedestrian crossing bollards and hand rails will be installed. This will visually enhance it as a pedestrian crossing location.

If you are interested in learning more about the proposed changes to Albany Highway / Anson Rd area then please come along to the first P&C meeting on Wednesday,18 February 2015 at 5 pm.

CHANGES TO ANSON ROAD 2015

CANTEEN NEWS FOR 2015 FOR STUDENTS

At NASHS the canteen opens each day at 8:15am. All lunches must be ordered before school. When you order, a ticket will be given to you which you must bring to the canteen at first break to receive your lunch. Tickets are good for that day only. If not collected lunches are thrown out. If you have to go home sick come to the canteen before you go and we will refund your money. When collecting your lunch remember to be in the “lunch only” line. If the shutter is closed you can still collect your lunch from one of the other serving lines. Drinks are sold before school along with very limited food so it is best to have a good healthy breakfast before you come to school. At NASHS we follow the traffic light system for healthy eating. Certain foods are only available 2 days a week. These are clearly marked on the enclosed 2015 menu. If you don’t order your lunch you can buy something else but you may miss out on what you want! So it is best to order before school. NASHS uniform polo shirts are sold from the canteen every day as well. If you wish to buy one it is best to come when it’s not busy, so in the last 5 minutes of Break 1 or Break 2 is a good time. Good manners are to be used at all times. We look forward to seeing you all next year. (Robyn Parker – Canteen Supervisor)

PARACETAMOL

As outlined in our Paracetamol Policy, a copy of which can be obtained from the front office, staff at North Albany SHS cannot administer paracetamol to students. The School Nurse is the only person at the school who may use her own discretion as to whether or not she will give paracetamol to a student without a parent or caregiver’s permission.

A big congratulations to Peta Ireland (NASHS Laboratory Technician) for achieving WA School Support Science Staff member of the year. This Award was presented to her at the recent Regional Laboratory Technician Conference. Thank you Peta, for your amazing work in Science. You are a valuable asset to NASHS. Well deserved!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Peta Ireland was presented with her Award by Ruth Kempton, the Team Leader from the Regional Technician

Group.

Sat, 17 Jan P & C Centennial Markets

Thurs, 29Jan & Fri, 30 Jan

School Development Days (Pupil free days)

Mon, 2 Feb Students Resume

Wed, 11 Feb P & C ‘Meet & Greet’ Sundowner 6.00pm—7.30pm

Mon, 16 Feb—Tues, 17 Feb

Year 8 Camp 1

Tues, 17 Feb—Wed, 18 Feb

Year 8 Camp 2

Wed, 18 Feb P & C Meeting—5pm

Sat, 21 Feb P & C Centennial Markets

Mon, 23 Feb—Tues, 24 Feb

Year 7—Camp 1

Tues, 24 Feb Graeme Wood Shield Cricket

Wed, 25 Feb—Thurs, 26 Feb

Year 7—Camp 2

Mon, 2 March LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY

Wed, 4 March Year 8 Immunisation

Wed, 4 March 2015 Year 7 Parent Afternoon Tea 3.30pm—5.30pm

Thurs, 5 March 2015 Year 8 Parent Afternoon Tea 3.30pm—5.30pm

Sat, 21 March P & C Centennial Markets

Mon, 18 March—Fri, 22 March

NASHS celebrates Youth Week

Tues, 24 March Ride for Youth

Thurs, 26 March Interschool Swimming Carnival

Thurs, 2 April Last Day Term 1

Fri, 3 April Good Friday Holiday

NASHS IMPORTANT DATES—TERM 1 2015

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Year 11 students, Travis Golding and Tahlia Maddison, Year 12 student Nicholas Cobb and Year 9 student Cody Thomas for having 100% attendance for the year. Well done!

Another year has gone by at NASHS and once again it has been a busy year with lots of highlights and excellent achievements. Congratulations to all staff and students for what has been a productive and successful year. Every day I continue to be inspired by the students and all that they do together to make NASHS special, unique and outstanding. Our students are well supported by our dedicated staff. All the activities and achievements since the start of the year continue to highlight how impressive our students are and the energy, talent, enthusiasm and commitment they bring to our school. These include: Participation in fundraising events. Participating in the NASHS Jogathon. Free Dress days. Music concerts. Country Week participation. Our Volleyball teams participation in the States

Volleyball Competition (and winning). Book week ‘Dress as a Character‘ day. Sporting carnivals. Chess competitions. Maths and Science competitions. Japanese language competition. Student tours to The Western Front and Japan. NASHS Got Talent. Our students participated successfully in these activities and at all times they have represented all that NASHS stands for: Care and Diligence by displaying the school values—Be Your Best, Be Responsible, Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Kind. Once again I congratulate all staff and students on their achievements and on behalf of Student Services I wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas. I look forward to seeing all at the start of 2015. (Andrew Harrison—Student Services Coordinator)

STUDENT SERVICES REPORT

2015 PEER MENTORS

Next year 18 students in Years 10 and 11 will be working with our Year 7 cohort providing peer support. The Peer mentor role is to help students in Year 7 feel welcome, secure and valued at NASHS and they will also be a first point of call for any Year 7 students who require support and assistance. The peer mentors have completed their first day of training and will complete a second in 2015 during their leadership camp. The peer mentors are really looking forward to working with the Year 7 students next year.

With only two weeks until Christmas, another year is fast drawing to a close! While all the students and teachers are sighing with relief and looking forward to a

well-earned holiday, maybe some of the parents are scratching their heads and wondering if they will survive six weeks with the kids and no school to send them to! I have two young and energetic boys, so I think my strategy will be to get them out and active as much as possible. Make them run with the dog, ride their bikes, swim, climb trees, etc! If they are getting worn out with physical activity then they are less inclined to get up to other mischief and they are calmer the rest of the time – it will also help me get out and exercising, so it sounds like a win-win situation all round! How will you spend your holidays? Make them count! As a family we particularly enjoy the Christmas traditions during this period such as advent calendars, St Nicholas (‘google’ the historical story!), and Christmas decorations. All these things culminate with Christmas day itself, which is one of the most important events on the Christian calendar and deeply significant for many people. It is all about a message of hope and love, two things desperately needed in this world. But whatever your traditions and beliefs are, I hope you have a refreshing and blessed time during this special season. Next year will bring many new opportunities, challenges and changes, so you need to be ready to face them! Have a blessed Christmas! (Ben Wyatt and Jennie Small—NASHS School Chaplains)

Jennie

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Ben

Year 10 and 11 students participate in an activity at their first day of peer mentor training.

YEAR TEN UPDATE

In reflecting on 2014 it has certainly been a good year and great to see so many Year 10’s maturing into respectful young people. Respect is always regarded highly by employers along with initiative and teamwork skills. Where ever I go in Albany I usually run into ex-students working hard and doing a great job as part of the community because they have the necessary skills and uphold NASHS values.

For those of you continuing on with their studies at school, Year 11 and 12 will require maximum effort to ensure you graduate with good grades. Being prepared for all classes, doing your best, asking for help when you need it and getting assessments in on time are essential for success.

Some of you will be combining school and study at Great Southern Institute Technology (GSIT) which can be very rewarding, learning new skills in your main area of interest. Remember it is very important if you are one of these students to make sure you don’t fall behind in your school work so always catch up on any work you have missed while at GSIT.

I will not be continuing in the role of your Year Coordinator next year. However, you will be well looked after by Mr Harrison. I have enjoyed being your Year Co-ordinator for the last three years and hope I have been able to help some of you when needed. I wish you all the very best for the future. Remember, have faith in yourselves, stay positive, look after your friends and keep striving for your goals. (Lyn Peters—Year 10 Coordinator)

YEAR EIGHT UPDATE

Wow! Where did this year go? Next newsletter I will be writing to you as Year 9’s. No longer the youngest in the school.

Let’s look back at some of the Year 8 highlights. Year 8 Camp- remember walking back and forth

along Perkins Beach? Cross country- did any one beat my time? Year 8 Social – are you still washing Xylume

juice out of your clothes? Soccer Carnival – our team beat ASHS! Navy Concert – dancing in our seats. Athletics Carnival – awesome Year 8 girls and

boys results in NASHS Dash.

In one of my Year 8 classes we discussed what our Life Priorities were. Interestingly many people put education first. This was fantastic to hear but remember that an education is something you have to earn, it can’t just be given. As teachers we are here to help you realize your full potential. It is your life, make the most of it!

Special congratulations to Aleesha Narkle for achieving Year 8 Runner up girl in the recent Interschool Athletics Carnival, and all the Year 8 Interschool team.

A big thank you to our six student councillors who have assisted with activities throughout the year. I have big plans for you next year.

I have enjoyed being your Coordinator this year. I believe I have begun to get to know all of you and look forward working with you next year. Have a relaxing and safe break. (Susie Wood—Year 8 Coordinator)

YEAR NINE UPDATE

Welcome students and parents to the final Year 9 Coordinators report for 2014. This year students have settled in to their schooling program and now have a good understanding of the processes operating at North Albany Senior High School. In 2015 this will continue, however slight adjustments have been made to students learning programs to increase opportunities for success and prepare them for the transition into senior school. Students have survived a difficult year in personal growth, meeting classroom expectations and fulfilling academic requirements. Many students are to be congratulated on achieving their goals throughout the year. The number of students that have demonstrated an exceptional attendance and academic record for the year as demonstrated in their final Year 9 Achievement Report has also been outstanding. NAPLAN results for Year 9 students were also a highlight of the year. Our student’s participation levels had increased and the overall achievement of student scores in Literacy and Numeracy had significantly risen from previous results. Well done to all.

NASHS continues to implement Positive Behaviour in Schools (PBS). The Values Matrix displayed in classrooms promoting Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Your Best, Be Kind and Be Safe form the basis of our discussions with students both in and out of the

classroom. As a PBS school we want our students to apply and demonstrate these values as well as develop a greater understanding of what they actually mean. The PBS Committee are focussed on providing positive experiences for students at school and are very excited to introduce positive incentives for students in 2015. I am sure students and staff will enjoy being involved in this.

This term I have focussed on student dress code. It is great to see so many of our students wearing the school colours with pride. Please encourage your child to wear dress code. During the warm days any student found wearing board shorts, singlets or thongs, parents will be contacted and the student will be required to change. On the cooler summer days in Albany students are to wear jumpers in school colours of red and grey. Black jumpers of any description are not dress code. Information concerning NASHS dress code can be found on the schools website or App.

I trust that the Year 9 students have had an enjoyable year. Both students and parents are encouraged to contact the school and discuss any issues with myself, the Student Services team or any of the school staff. The success and welfare of the students at NASHS is part of the school motto Care and Diligence.

I wish all students and parents a safe, enjoyable holiday and look forward to seeing you all in 2015. I hope Santa is good to you all. Congratulations again on such a successful year. (Peter Gray—Year 9 Coordinator)

Christmas is just around the corner and we can celebrate the end of Term 4! Thanks to all the wonderful parents, and staff who have welcomed me back this term.

I was very fortunate, to be involved with guest first aid trainers from St John Ambulance, who presented ‘First Aid’ to our Year 9 students. It was interesting to hear that only 22% of people suffering a sudden heart attack get CPR before the arrival of an ambulance. First aid knowledge could be the key to saving anyone and these students walked away with new skills and the knowledge that they could assist in saving a life. In my last article, I wrote about the butterfly foundations, ‘body beautiful’ pledge. NASHS was fortunate enough to have a free dress day this term, and students were encouraged to complete this pledge, while celebrating their own unique style in an attempt to promote positive body image. I saw some great outfits with students celebrating by wearing a cow type onsie or crazy hat! Dare to be you! I thought I would share some of the messages and ideas with you about social media and self-esteem. This article was about girls in particular, but social media can impact boys in much the same way. View the full page at ‘dove’ http://selfesteem.dove.us, it talks about ‘The impact of social media and body image: does social networking actually trigger body obsession in today’s teenage girls.’ It is important that the conversation with your daughter be a two-way street – even if you don’t understand the need to post that photo of her lunch, try not to judge. Instead, ask questions about the impact of social media. For example, how does it feel when someone approves of your online picture? Why does it feel important to stay connected to your friends online? How many times a day do you compare yourself to someone else? Have you ever felt worse about yourself after scrolling through a social media site? This kind of empowered awareness can help inform her choices. The impact of social media on teenagers doesn’t need to be negative. Kandel also believes that social media can be positive and inspiring: “You can help your daughter harness that perspective, too, by encouraging her to post inspirational quotes or uplifting messages.” This may not only feel empowering for her, but it can also help inspire her friends. “Most of all, says Kandel, “having these types of conversations is an opportunity to teach your daughter how to build her self-worth from the inside out.” By engaging in her online and off-line life, “you can help give her an opportunity to shine and get that sense of empowerment and accomplishment outside of the way they look.”

NASHS SCHOOL NURSE Young girls suffering from eating disorders often disconnect from the intimacy of family relationships. While it may often feel like your daughter wants to push you away, Kandel emphasizes the importance of keeping the family close – even through something as simple as eating dinner together. “You can keep your family connected by making a game out of becoming body positive together,” she says. “For every negative body comment said, a point is accrued. At the end of a month, the person with the least points gets to pick a fun family outing.” Kandel also suggests supporting activities that your daughter loves as a way to stay present in her day-to-day life and boost her self-esteem. Take on a craft project together after dinner. Or play sports together. When your daughter feels proud of something she has created or of a match she has played in, the number of online friends she has becomes far less important. Remind your daughter that she is more than the way she looks. Tell her, and tell her often, what you value in her. While this seems simple, and may elicit an eye roll or two, it will help counteract the never-ending slew of perfect images directed at your girl. Talk about what her body can DO. As women, we are often prone to talking about the things that are wrong with our bodies. Instead, ask your girl what her body did really well this week. Was it walking, running, or playing an instrument? Maybe it was sitting through a long class? Help her see why her body is amazing, no matter how it looks. Teach her media literacy. It’s hard to remain completely immune to the perfection advertised by our media. Dove’s Evolution video is a great clip to watch with your family – it shows how easily the media can manipulate what someone looks like, and how what you see in a photograph is often a heavily Photoshopped version of reality. Check out these youtube clips which are attached to the NASHS app. ‘Selfie’, ‘Evolution’ and ‘Fabricating Beauty’ - boys may relate to this last clip the best. The silly season can be a really tough time for some, remember those tips about self esteem and you might help someone feel great about themselves! The impact of social media on teenagers

doesn’t need to be negative. You can keep your family connected by making

a game out of becoming body positive together. Remind your family/friend/colleague that they

are ‘more’ than the way they look - tell them often, what you value in them.

Talk about what our body can DO, rather than what we don’t like about our bodies.

Stay safe on the roads! . (Amelia Jefferis—NASHS School Nurse)

NASHS STUDENTS ARE SHOCKED PROOFED!

Western Power Educator, Julie Hughes, recently delivered at NASHS a new high school safety program

called ShockProof! Students were able to participate in activities to help them understand the science of electricity and associated safety issues. This presentation was part of a comprehensive safety program for student at NASHS. Ms Hughes said ShockProof! taught students how to safely use electrical appliances at home and to spot potential hazards on the electricity network when outside. “It’s important children know what to do if they see a fallen powerline, and that is to stay well clear, keep others away and make the safe call to Western Power’s 13 13 51 emergency line,” she said. Ms Hughes said that some students shared electrical safety stories that were concerning including seeing people attempting to use a knife to retrieve toast from a toaster. “Helping young people understand why they cannot put anything in power appliances or tamper with electrical equipment is a vital part of harm prevention,” she said. “Shockproof! empowers students to remind their family and friends about potentially harmful practices in and around the home.” (Janet McArtney—OHS Representative)

YEAR 8 IMMUNISATION PROGRAM 2015

The 2015 WA School Based Immunisation Program will be offered at NASHS by the local community school health immunisation nurses. These vaccinations are offered free to all Year 8 students.

A 3 dose course of Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine, Terms 1, 2 and 4.

One dose of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine given in Term 1.

If there is any doubt whether your child has had chicken pox illness in the past he/she should be immunised.

One dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (whooping cough) given in Term 2.

These vaccines will be offered over three visits. Vaccination Consent forms will be sent home with students early in Term 1, 2015. Parents/legal guardians are asked to complete and sign the forms and return them to the school. Even if you are not consenting to your child receiving the vaccines, please return the form. Please get these consent forms in early as vaccination occurs in week 4, and the consent form is required for this to happen. (Amelia Jefferis—NASHS School Nurse)

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to NASHS Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) representative, Janet McArtney on being awarded the Term 3 2014 outstanding OSH representative by the Department of Education. Janet educates both staff and students on occupational health and safety issues.

Congratulations, Janet McArtney

While students from North Albany SHS, Albany SHS and Mt Barker Community College were on their recent tour of Paris and the Western Front in September, we visited Albany's sister city of Peronne, taking with us gifts from the City of Albany which we presented to the Mayor of Peronne. Madame the Mayor took us on a tour of the Town Hall and Library while we were there, and gave us two medallions to bring back to Albany.

On Thursday, 11 December, Mr Dennis Wellington, Mayor of the City of Albany, and Mr Paul MacKay representing the Albany Port Authority, were presented with these medallions and a framed photograph of the group taken with the Mayor of Peronne. The support of the City of Albany and the Albany Port Authority was acknowledged. The audience was treated to a reading of Michael Taylor's winning essay commemorating the centenary of ANZAC, and a presentation by Brett Stevens of his research into an ANZAC associated with his family. Following the formalities, we enjoyed a morning tea and the opportunity to renew old acquaintances. Our thanks to Dr Peter Havel and Mr Paul Beeck for organising the event. Left to Right:

Isobel Barbour, Bronte Wilkes, James Clark, Caitlin Thompson, The Mayor, Dennis Wellington, Albany Port Authority representative Paul MacKay, Kiara De Landgrafft, Katie Dean, Aislinn Mackay, Rebecca Cotton.

Ms. Peters Year 9 classes enjoyed an excursion to see the Da Vinci machine exhibition as well as the Amity and the Albany Museum. The Amity was a big hit as we had been studying the Movement of People and the lives of convicts and settlers. So to actually go on a boat that carried the convicts from Sydney to Albany gave us a good idea of what it was really like on those ships.

The Da Vinci exhibition was amazing as it showed some of the fantastic inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci who lived in 1452-1519. He was ahead of his time and came up with ideas such as tanks ,helicopters, self—propelled cart, ball bearings, parachutes and diving suits. Many of the machines you were allowed to work so that they moved so it made it even more interesting.

On Friday 5 December and Monday 8 December nearly 280 Year 6 and 7 students, from schools within the Albany district attended their Orientation Days at NASHS. This was the first occasion that these students met together as single groups. It was a time to make new friends and experience what high school is like. Students were introduced to the Principal, Mrs Doohan and members of the NASHS Student Services Team. This included; Student Services Coordinator, Andrew Harrison; Mrs Rennie, the 2015 Year 7 Coordinator; Chaplains, Jenny Small & Ben Wyatt; Psychologist, Brooke Bevan-Wilson; and our School Nurse, Amelia Jefferis. Our school motto is ‘Care and Diligence’ and these people will help students become part of a caring and hard working school community. After a short tour of the school, led by our Year 8, 9 and 10 helpers, the students were involved in a number of activities across a range of subject areas. Students had the chance to meet some of their teachers for next year and experience a taste of high school life. Activities included making pizzas and small wooden projects, artwork, science experiments, drama and more. Team building and ‘getting to know you activities’ were also held to help the students and teachers to, well….get to know one another! Many thanks go to the NASHS staff for organising activities and the NASHS student helpers who assisted during the day. Thanks also to the Year 6 and 7 students who participated so enthusiastically throughout the day. We are looking forward to 2015 when the students join us as Year 7s and 8s. Make the most of your opportunities in high school; it will be over in a flash. (Mrs Rennie—2015 Year 7 Coordinator)

Recently the Great Southern Academy held its annual Awards Night in the Performing Arts Theatre at North Albany Senior High School in front of special guests, family and friends. The night recognizes students efforts at school, on the sporting field and in the community. 2014 Outstanding Achievement Awards:

• Andy Bennell : GSFL 2014 U/17 Premiers (Sharks FC) • Callum Lawler–Woods : 2013/14 Albany Basketball

Association U/16 Allstar • Brandon Woods : WA State Aboriginal U/16 Football

Team • Anthony Turner : 2014 NAIDOC week award –

Education Department • Jordan Pinner : 2014 NAIDOC week award – Education

Department 2014 GSA Football Awards: GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY JUNIOR FAIREST & BEST 2014 Brandon Woods GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY JUNIOR R/UP FAIREST & BEST 2014 Jordan Muir GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY FAIREST & BEST 2014 Kaivalya Mongoo-Mai GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY SENIOR R/UP FAIREST & BEST 2014 Andy Bennell GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY COACHES AWARDS 2014 Jordan Pinner Troy Jetta GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY “MOODITJ MARNUM” AWARD 2014 Kaivalya Mongoo-Mai GREAT SOUTHERN ACADEMY ‘CHERRY BARNETT’ ATTENDANCE AWARD 2014 Cody Thomas

NASHS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

NASHS Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday, 20 November. All students performed very well, the day was full of fun with many enjoyable events. Champions of the Day were: Year 8: Boys Callum Mortimer (63 points) Mikael Philipps (54 points) Girls Aleesha Narkle (46 points) Stacey Smith (45points) Year 9: Boys Brandon Woods (64 points) Halam Collinge (59 points) Girls Romika Kelly (44 points) Samira Williams (41 points) Year 10: Boys Corey Linthorne (63 points) Broady Linthorne (62 points) Girls Charlie Richardson-Cronin (37 points) Aislinn McKay (35 points) NASHS Dash Winners (100m): Boys—Ian Pellicaan (13.00seconds) Girls—Aleesha Narkle (14.80seconds) Well done to all our competitors!

THE GREAT SOUTHERN SECONDARY SCHOOLS SPORTING ASSOCIATION ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

The Interschool Athletics Carnival was held on Tuesday, 2 December at the North Road Sporting Complex Albany. NASHS once again hosted this event which saw a record eleven schools compete in 2014. The event was structured into two divisions to accommodate the eleven schools. Division One Schools - Albany SHS, Great Southern Grammar, Esperance SHS and Katanning SHS. Division Two Schools - North Albany SHS, Esperance Anglican Community School, St Josephs College, Bethel Christian School, Denmark HS, Mt Barker Community College and Australian Christian College Southlands. NASHS finished first place in the division two schools competition. NASHS 795 Esperance Anglican Community School 709

Bethel Christian School 619 Denmark High School 605 St Josephs College 503 Australian Christian College Southlands 359 Mt Barker Community College 356 The Division One schools results were: Albany SHS 1386 Great Southern Grammar 1103 Esperance SHS 1094 Katanning SHS 483 The points difference is explained by the fact that Division One schools had two competitors each event. NASHS Performances of Note: Champion Year 9 Boy Brandon Woods (69 points) Runner Up Champion Year 8 Girl Aleesha Narkle (92 points) Callan Mortimer (40 points) - Year 8 boys Mikael Philipps (40 points) - Year 8 boys Ian Pellicaan (40 points) - Year 9 boys Halem Collinge (40 points) - Year 9 boys Samira Williams (56 points) - Third place Year 9 girls Corey Linthorne (80 points) - Third place Year 10 boys Other Great Results: Corey Linthorne 1st Year 10 boys High Jump 1st Year 10 boys 1500m Mikael Philipps 1st Year 8 boys 800m 2nd Year 8 boys triple jump Brandon Woods 1st Year 9 boys triple jump 1st Year 9 boys high jump Callan Mortimer 3rd Year 8 boys 200m 3rd Year 8 boys 100m Ian Pellicaan 2nd Year 9 boys shot 1st Year 9 boys 100m Hayden Davies 3rd Year 10 boys shot John Morgan 2nd Year 9 boys 200m Halem Collinge 1st Year 9 boys 400m Broady Linthorne 2nd Year 10 boys 400m Mark Taylor 2nd Year 10 boys 100m Dylan Kennedy 3rd Year 8 boys high jump John Dye 3rd Year 10 boys triple jump Sean Haddleton 1st Year 9 boys 1500m Aleesha Narkle 2nd Year 8 girls 200m 1st Year 8 girls 400m 1st Year 8 girls 100m Courtney Puls 2nd Year 8 girls high jump Mai Zou 3rd Year 10 girls 200m Mikayla Ditchburn 3rd Year 8 girls discuss Alicia Millar 2nd Year 9 girls shot Samira Williams 1st Year 9 girls 100m Charlie Richardson- 3rd Year 10 girls triple jump Cronin Aislinn Mackay 3rd Year 10 girls 1500m NASHS students also won the Year 8 Girls Relay and the Year 9 Boys Relay. (Dave Powell—Head of Learning Area—Physical Education)

If you would prefer to receive the school newsletter in full colour edition via e-mail, then please complete the form below and return it to the front office as soon as possible.

Alternatively e-mail Sandra.Liddiard@education.wa.edu.au with ‘Newsletter by email” as the subject. Thank you.

NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL

Newsletter by Email

I _____________________________ would like to receive the Newsletter by e-mail rather than a hard copy being posted home.

_________________________________________ Signature

______________________________________________ Email address

COMMUNITY NOTICES NASHS provides these notices as a service to our school community. Please note that this does not mean we endorse these programs/events.

Parents / Guardians holding a Centrelink Family Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card who have a student/s in Years 8-12 may be able to claim financial assistance up to and including the year the student/s turn 18 years of age.

NOTE: THE CARD HELD MUST BE CURRENT IN FIRST TERM 2015.

Successful Applicants will receive:

$235.00 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ALLOWANCE

And $115.00 CLOTHING ALLOWANCE

Applications for Secondary Assistance must be made in person with NASHS Business Manager.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 2ND APRIL 2015

If you require further information please contact NASHS Business Manager, Keely George on 892 0611.

Aboriginal Study Grant (through Centrelink) – please note that if you are receiving this type of grant then you cannot apply for secondary assistance. However you may be eligible for the Abstudy Supplement Allowance ($79)- applications must also be made in person.

SECONDARY ASSISTANCE SCHEME

2015 TERM DATES FOR STUDENTS

The term dates for NASHS students for 2015 are:

The six School Development (Pupil Free) Days in 2015 for Government schools in the City of Albany are:

Thursday, 29 January 2015

Friday, 30 January 2015

Monday, 20 April 2015

Monday, 20 July 2015

Friday, 13 November 2015 (Albany Show Day)

Friday, 18 December 2015

2015 COMMENCES ENDS

TERM 3 Tues, 21 July Fri, 25 Sept

Holidays Sat, 26 Sept Sun, 11 Oct

TERM 4 Mon, 12 Oct Thurs, 17 Dec

Holidays Sat, 4 July Sun, 19 July

TERM 2 Tues, 21 April Fri, 3 July

Holidays Fri, 3 April Sun, 19 April

TERM 1 Mon, 2 February Thurs, 2 April

On Wednesday, 26 November the Library was taken over by Western Power Education workshops. Julie Hughes, an ex-Science teacher, took students through an engaging safety experience concerning electricity.

Many thanks to Janet McArtney (Teacher Assistant and Safety Officer) for coordinating the visit.

Throughout the year, students in Year 8 woodwork classes have been learning all the skills for carpentry. Year 9 students have used the design process to individualise their projects. The Library Display was a great success.

Academic Support/Homework classes have finished for the year. Every Wednesday we have had up to 40 students attending. Next year we will continue this service for people requir ing addit ional help with assignments, a quiet place to complete homework or learn about study techniques. We are also considering running a “Book Club” and writers group, with visits from authors and lecturers.

FORGOTTEN SOMETHING? AVOID A CHRISTMAS FINE……… YOU WOULD BE AMAZED HOW MANY BOOKS ARE STILL OVERDUE. PLEASE LOOK UNDER BEDS, IN WARDROBES ETC. RESOURCES CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE FRONT OFFICE OR PLACED IN NASHS LETTER BOX AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL IF YOU CAN’T MAKE IT INTO THE LIBRARY.

By Tina Dawson, NASHS Japanese Teacher I am writing this article aboard the bullet train travelling from Hiroshima to Himeji, Japan with 12 students, 10 of whom are from NASHS, 1 ASHS and 1 Mt Barker Community College, and NASHS teacher Mr Ritchie. This is Day 7 of a 9 day tour to Japan. We left school early Friday morning, 28 November and spent the next 24 hours travelling to Kyoto via Perth and Singapore. While there, we explored much of the city visiting a variety of temples that include Kinkakuji: the golden pavilion, Kiyomizudera: The temple of pure water - seen in many anime, and Fushima Inari-taisha, where the famous red torii gates form a tunnel going up the hill. We visited a monkey park, a preserved street and the famous bamboo grove in Arashiyama and saw the whole city laid out before us from the Kyoto Tower. After a ride on the bullet train, we arrived in Hiroshima yesterday and visited one of Japan's three most beautiful places, Miyajima Island. This is the famous place with the torii gate in the water and the deer try to eat anything not stowed away, such as my map! This island is very connected to it's shrine and torii which were established 1200 years ago. The age of many things in Japan is difficult for many Australians to comprehend with a history so young. Today was a sombre affair as we visited Ganbaku-domu, the atomic dome, and museum at Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park. The destruction to the city and it's people, on 6 August 1945, was horrific. The dome stands as a reminder of what can be destroyed and as a commitment to peace. During our visit, a ceremony of some importance took place and some of us got to see the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Our Japanese language classes have spent time during the last 12 months making 1000 paper cranes to pay tribute to Sadako Sasaki and world peace. Today they were laid at the site of Sadako's statue in Peace Park.

After Hiroshima, a brief stop at Himeji was next on the agenda. This is a castle town with a strong Samurai heritage. We were able see a display that gave an insight to the lives of samurai in this area as well as have a look within the castle grounds. Himeji Castle is the largest and most original in Japan and has recently undergone renovations. The renovations are still being completed on the inside, so we couldn't go into the castle. But the outside is stunning and dominates the skyline of this town. In Osaka, the group stayed in a traditional style hotel, known as a ryokan. Shoes had to be removed at the door as the floor had woven straw mats called tatami. We all slept on futons on the floor.

Our last day in Japan was a day to let our hair down at Universal Studios Japan. Rides and shows were enjoyed as well as shopping for our favourite Harry Potter items. The week has been a busy, tiring but amazing experience for all. For some, it is a life changing adventure. For me, it is a privilege to take our students away and watch them being immersed in another culture, trying new things, growing within themselves and enjoying the experiences that are being offered. A big thank you to Mr Ritchie who came with us and was an amazing support and great fun.