Term 1, February 2018 - Issue #1

Coomealla High School Principal: Mr Stephen Harper Deputy Principal: Ms Josephine Crowley

Newsletter

Address: Silver City Highway, Dareton NSW 2717 Phone: 03 5027 4506 Fax: 03 5027 4837 Email: coomealla-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Join us on or visit our website http://www.coomealla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/home to keep up to date.

Introducing 2018 CHS Captains Dylan Brown and Jesse Jackson supported by Vice Captains Christopher Gold,

Brodie Miller, Trinity Kervin and Imogen Smith.

Principal’s Report Page 2

The start to 2018 has been very emotionally challenging for the close knit Coomealla High family.

The passing of our much beloved student, friend, sister and daughter, Jaclynn Hanneman has caused us all to reflect on a young life, cut short by cancer.

Our school community has once again demonstrated an amazing show of support and care for Jaclynn’s family and for each other. Amongst other

The Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull recently articulated his concern about cyber-bullying after the tragic suicide of Northern Territory student Dolly Everett. Hopefully the letter he sends to principals which, at the time of writing had not been received will be accompanied by a promise of resource allocation to expedite efforts to curb the process and effect of bullying. The timing of the Prime Minister’s announcement comes after last Tuesday’s P&C meeting, where I

things, students and staff have volunteered to be a part of the Coomealla High School Relay for Life team this year, honouring Jaclynn’s memory. We hope to surpass previous fund raising efforts by a significant amount in our attempt to hasten the discovery of a cure to this insidious disease. I ask all of our community to continue and intensify your support for the fund raising endeavours of our team, as they strive to make our highest contribution to this year’s Relay for Life.

The Annual General Meeting of the P&C was conducted last Tuesday night. I am happy to report that Roz Ford was again elected President for 2018, Judith Tilley as Deputy President, Ros Hehir Secretary/Treasurer and Leanne Hancock as Assistant Treasurer. It was exciting to see some new faces at the meeting and their contributions provided a fresh perspective to the issues discussed. From my perspective, there were some outcomes that will be put into place immediately: A Weekly School Bulletin (WSB) will be forthcoming to the school community which will operate as an interim information dissemination tool between newsletters until we are ready to release our version of Skoolbag. The WSB will not replace the monthly newsletter. I will release the first edition next week in paper form as well as on the school website, after this, it will only be available as an electronic version online. Details will be in Edition 1. Once Skoolbag is up and running, the weekly updates will be available from there.

outlined Coomealla High School’s strategy to manage this problem within our school. There has been much concern in our community around bullying in school. This is something that all schools have to manage and respond to. Last year, we updated our Anti-bullying Policy so that we had a coordinated and effective approach in responding to allegations of bullying. Continuance of low level bullying is often the most difficult to detect, and can be problematic in which to assign solutions. I believe that the policy at CHS empowers victims of bullying by giving them a proactive and non-confrontational strategy to follow allowing staff to take action that will either disengage the bully from their activity or deliver consequences for the continuation of their anti-social behaviour. The strategy is: student experiences low level bullying (name calling, threats, teasing etc); the victim reports the episode to their Year Advisor (YA); The YA investigates and counsels the bully once claims are substantiated; victim reports any further occurrences to YA. When the evidence suggests that there are sustained and repeated episodes of low-level bullying and that the bully has failed to respond to counselling, further consequences will be administered which may involve suspension. Of course, support will always be offered and provided to all parties through both our School Counsellor and Learning and Support Team. The school is currently investigating sustainable, long term proactive programs to assist in resilience building and prevention of bullying.

Mr Stephen Harper Principal

Principal’s Report Page 3

Our School Swimming carnival was held on Wednesday 28th February. From my observations, the students and staff seemed to be enjoying the beautiful day and the competition was fierce. Well done to Linda Baker and Duncan Driscoll for organising this activity.

Our student leadership group was elected in 2017 and have had an impressive start to the year. Congratulations again to our Captains, Jesse Jackson and Dylan Brown and to our Vice Captains, Imogen Smith, Trinity Kervin, Christopher Gold and Brodie Miller. This group of fine young leaders have already had significant input into decreasing the amount of vandalism in the toilets, adherence to school uniform and improving conditions of the senior students including the provision of a flexible timetable structure, organising keys to senior toilet and lobbying for better Senior Study conditions. This is a wonderful group of young people to be working with and a credit to our school and their families.

So far this year we have had 100% compliance with wearing our school shirts. Lowes Clothing Store in Mildura very kindly donated 3 boxes of old style school shirts to us over the holidays. If a student comes to school without the correct school shirt, they are required to go straight to the administration area and swap their casual shirt for a school shirt and re-exchange at the end of the day. I am about to approve the purchase of 50 jumpers so that we can apply this strategy throughout winter. Staff have agreed to develop a staff uniform, which we will have in place later this year. We are all proud of Coomealla High and are prepared to demonstrate this through the wearing of our uniform.

I will write to you all soon via the first edition of the Weekly Bulletin.

Steve Harper

Principal

Keeping cool on a very hot day Taking advantage of the cool water are CHS teachers Emily Leon, Keli Golledge, Della Philp and Nisha Francis.

Jaclynn challenging herself holding an enormous python at The Grampian Year 9 camp 2017.

Jaclynn Hanneman Coomealla High School was saddened

recently with the passing of Jaclynn Hanneman.

Jaclynn undertook her primary education at Wentworth Public School and her secondary education at Coomealla High School. Jaclynn was a well-loved member of these schools and the greater Coomealla/Wentworth community. Throughout her life she has been involved in numerous community sports and organisations, always giving her all and always regarded well by her peers and adults.

Jaclynn’s family are close knit and devoted to one another, always caring, supportive and loving. Jaclynn and her sister Rachel have always shared a close bond and their devotion to each other has been evident, regarded often as best friends as well as sisters.

We as a school community and staff have the family foremost in our mind at the time. Many of us have memories of happy times with Jaclynn and respected and admired her honesty, kindness, and sense of humour. Her grace and easy-going demeanour endeared her to all who knew her. She will be sadly missed by all at Coomealla High School and community.

Page 4

When it began, I was 23. The telegram said “Appointed to Coomealla HS – replacing Borri”. 1987, a stinking hot day in late January, I took my first photo here – my red 1974 Valiant (with vinyl roof, chrome mags and the unkillable Hemi 265) against red earth like I had not experienced before. Coomie was run by a Macintosh with no hard drive and a few Apple 2e’s. The photocopier was new, and everyone ordered copying from Mrs Atkinson, who mostly used a Gestetner.

When it began, the school had over 500 students, school Captains were Joseph Kiely and Jane Hubbard. Year 7 did real bush camping at Wickett’s. Lois Thomas ruled the manual phone exchange, but Lynne Wesolek was (and still is) the gun typist. Ted O’Shannessy (and maybe Luke?) along with Phil Gee, Bonny Ward and Barry Maggs were all here. I played golf on Thursdays (still do), but we had up to five groups each week and often finished in the dark (usually with Peter Ongley). Seven people had their desks in the recently vacated HSIE staffroom, the HT Leo Snelson occupied about a quarter of that and daily visits were usual from Afshar Monsef for Economics debates (he delightfully visited with his family a few years ago). Vince Bastick published the school magazine and was an awesome Macduff in the Scottish play at the Old Wentworth Gaol, and I remember hearing about the bravery of Col Cullinan batting against a fearsome full strength West Indies bowling attack when they played a warm up match in Wentworth (though I may have that year and or name wrong). I joined Rovers Soccer Club (now Nichols Point), and Red Cliffs Players amateur theatrics, and won the prestigious Costello Medal in Coomy Pools (some will remember). I learned so much from this first year that has sustained me for the next 30, and the people still here did then, and do now, play a major role in that. My gratitude is hard to put into words.

Since it began, there have been many changes. I’m a life member of both of those groups I mentioned. I found a beautiful girl who crazily agreed to marry me

(so I’m also a life member there) and we made Sunraysia our home. My first house was bought (and thankfully since paid for). I have taught Geography, History, Economics, Legal Studies, Business Studies, Typing/Keyboarding, Film and Video, Drama, TheatreSports, In the Theatre, Science, Maths, Office Skills, VET Business Services, VET Retail, English Studies and Science and spent a decade or more running what is now the Year 9 camp. I’ve worked with eight Principals, seven Deputy Principals, four Head Teachers in HSIE, four Head Teacher’s Maths, two Head Teacher’s TAS, six Head Teacher’s Science, five Head Teacher’s English, two Head Teacher’s Welfare, one Head Teacher Equity and one Head Teacher Support. Around two thousand students have started Year 7 (many also finishing Year 12), so forgive me if I bump into you and I don’t recognise you!!

Nobody is here for money or recognition. I have provided 31 years of what I hope is quality, faithful service to the Coomealla community and have been well rewarded for my efforts not just by my employer but more so by all the students who stop me in the shop, the street or the park and say “G’day” – because I really care and you ALL really matter. Your thanks is enough. It is humbling and inspiring to receive official recognition, for which I thank CHS, the NSW DoE and mostly the community who made it all possible. I’m sure there is much more to come before it ends!!

Celebrating milestones Page 5

When it began – How 31 years at Coomealla unfolded.

Walkers IGA Dareton Proudly sponsoring Coomie kids

Page 6

The staff and students at Coomealla High School would like to thank Simon Walker and staff at Walkers IGA Dareton for supporting the Year 12 Fundraiser at our recently held annual swimming carnival.

CHS graduate wins award Page 7

Stephany Martin named South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year Ex-student Stephany Martin, from the graduating class of 2011, was recognised as South Australia’s Young Citizen of the Year in the 2018 Australia Day Awards. She was presented with this prestigious award by the Governor of South Australia, His Excellence Hieu Van Le AO, in a ceremony at Government House in late January.

Stephany’s path to achieving this award began with nomination for the Campbelltown City Council Award, which she won. She was nominated by the Campbelltown branch of Rotary International, an organisation with which she has been affiliated since her time at Coomealla High School. Winning the council award put Stephany in contention for the state Young Citizen of the Year award.

Stephany has also been nominated in several categories in the Channel 9 Young Achievers, including Websters Lawyers Services to the Community award, the Scouts SA leadership award and the Santos Regional Service Award.

After leaving school Stephany relocated to Adelaide and began studying a Bachelor of Arts at Adelaide University, majoring in Philosophy, International Studies and Political Science. She is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Law and is working at the Electoral Commission.

Coomealla High School is very proud of Stephany and congratulates her for her many achievements.

Stephany’s nomination for the Australia Day Awards read: “Stephany grew up on a settlement just over an hour out of Mildura to a young mum, in the midst of one of the worst droughts in Australian history. She took on the opportunity to support her family during the tough economic time by cleaning her local school every night and other jobs.

She discovered Art and exhibited pieces in Sydney, Mildura and Broken Hill. After graduating from high school she had the ambition to study law and to join the Rotary Club of Campbelltown (the youngest member of

the District at the time), she went on to complete various Rotary Youth Leadership programs.

She has taken on International Director of the Rotary Club of Campbelltown, coordinating International Women’s Day dinners and a $60,000 project raising funds for FIJI. She has coordinated other events for Rotary and temporarily joining the Council’s YAC. Stephany also chartered the Rotaract Club of Sturt, and has been the Chair of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards/Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment District Committee and awarded the Rotary District 9520 New Generations Best Project Award in 2017 for her successful programs. She remains involved in several Rotary committees advancing the mission of Rotary.

“Stephany’s selfless contribution to the community has been relentless. During peak times of study her contribution to the community and Rotary has remained constant, driving initiatives for disadvantaged children. Stephany is an inspiring young leader, with years of dedicated service to the community.”

THREE COLOURS SC Self Registration Guide

Please follow the following instructions to register online for our club:

1. Login:

a) Go to the MyFootballClub website: www.myfootballclub.com.au

b) Click on “Register Now”

c) Select “Player Registration”

d) Follow the prompts to proceed to login pages, find your FFA number and/or reset your password

e) Login using your FFA number and password:

• FFA Number: • Password:

2. Start Registration

a) Once logged in, select “Make a Registration” or “Register Now”

b) Update contact details if necessary.

c) On the next screen, enter the club name (Three Colours SC) NB: If you get a message saying there are no packages then click OK and check the club name

d) Select the Registration role as: “Player” NB: If this is the first time you have registered to play football in Australia you will need to confirm whether you played in another country

e) Select the correct Registration Package that applies for your registration.

Mini Roos Junior Mini Roos (U6-U11) Under 12s Junior U12 Under 14s Junior U14 Under 16s Junior U16 Womens Senior Women 19+ or Senior

Mens Senior Men 19+ or Senior

f) Click the “Add” button.

g) Click the Next button at the bottom of the screen.

h) Read and acknowledge the Terms and Conditions then click Next.

i) Click on “Pay Now” to pay online with a credit card (VISA or MasterCard), or select “manual Payment at Club” if you want to pay at our club information day.

NB: Payment must be made before a registration can be accepted.

j) Answer the questions on the final page and click the “Save All Answers” button.

Your registration has now been submitted. Make sure you have paid your fees and completed any necessary ID checks, etc.

3. Where do I go if I need help with my registration? If you have any trouble with your registration you can use the following resources to help you. • Visit the FAQ’s page on the MyFootballClub website. • View the Player Registration guides and videos which are on the Resources page of the MyFootballClub website. • Call FFA Support Centre (02) 8020 4199 if you are having problems with your password to login.

Andrew has had a distinguished career as a teacher in a wide variety of settings. He has taught in several rural communities (NSW), and taught for 12 years in International Schools throughout Switzerland and Germany. Andrew is a qualified Biology, Chemistry and Physics teacher, has a passion for teaching Information Technology and brings extensive administrative experience. At Coomealla High School Andrew teaches Chemistry (Year 12), Senior Science (Year 11/12), Information Technology and Processes (Year 11/12) as well as Science to Years 7 and 10.

New arrivals at CHS Page 9

Andrew and Daniela Ganderton join the CHS teaching team

New to Coomealla High School this year are Andrew and Daniela Ganderton. They both bring a wealth of experience and we are extremely pleased to have them join our teaching team and welcome them and their family to our community. Daniela comes to Coomealla High School with a wealth of experience as a specialist teacher in the areas of Economics, Business Studies, HSIE, Languages (German) and Learning Support. She has taught in Victoria, NSW, the ACT and internationally (Germany). At Coomealla High School Daniela teaches her native language of German to Year 7 students. Daniela is truly passionate about inclusivity in education and is part of the Learning and Support team at the school.

The Lower Anabranch Sporting and Landcare Group Inc.

Are holding their

Annual Picnic and Sports Day

Saturday April 21st, 2018.

To be held at ‘The Anabranch Hall’

Starting at 1pm sharp, with the kids running races.

Entry Free

Raffle and Lolly guess held.

Please bring a plate of Afternoon Tea to share

Cordial for the kids supplied.

BYO drinks, shared evening BBQ meat and Salad.

Evening entertainment provided by Glen Walker.

Coin roll.

A great family day!

All welcome!

Community Notice Page 10

Coomealla Noticeboard Page 11

The Coomealla High School ‘2017 Annual Magazine’ is now available for purchase from the school administration front office.

Cost - $20 per magazine.

If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact us On 03 5027 4506 or call in during school hours.

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION

Dear parents/caregivers

We hope you are enjoying the new look Coomealla High School Newsletter.

Given that our monthly newsletter is available electronically on our website and our Facebook page, we are no longer going to distribute coloured hard copies to all families. Should you still require a coloured hard copy or a copy emailed to you, we ask that contact the school to update your contact details. This new method of distribution commenced Term 4, 2017. If you have any questions, please contact us on 03 50274506. Thank you.

2017 CHS Annual Magazine

Page 12

Community Noticeboard

LOCATION: Youth & Community Centre, Dareton (Corner of Millie Street & Tapio Street)

DATE/ TIME:

Thursday 29th March 2018, 11.00am - 12.00pm, BBQ Lunch provided

Wentworth Bakery Proudly sponsoring Coomie kids

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The staff and students at Coomealla High School would like to thank Graeme, Fiona and staff at the Wentworth Bakery for supporting the Year 12 Fundraiser at our recently held annual swimming carnival.

Great coffee

Located opposite Ritchies IGA Wentworth

Community Notice

Page 14

TENNIS TENNIS TENNIS Wentworth Junior Tennis practice will commence the 2018 season on Friday 9th March. No experience necessary, free coaching given to beginners. To be eligible for junior pennant tennis at Wentworth children must turn 8 by 31 December 2018 and no older than 17. Practice is from 4.00pm to 5.30pm. Pennant tennis is played on Saturday mornings and this year’s season commences on May 6.

Also available is sub-junior tennis for 4 to 7-year old (on a shorter court with small racquets, which are available for use).

This year the NSW government is encouraging kids to get active and parents, guardian or careers can apply for a $100 voucher per calendar year for each NSW resident student attending a school. This would pay for membership and some professional coaching.

For more information contact Cheryl Vines on 0428522969.

Twilight tennis for senior players will also commence on Friday 9th March at 6pm.

$5 per person (includes tennis and light BBQ).

The Wentworth Tennis Club AGM will be held on 23rd March from 7.30pm.

For further information contact Anne Snow 0400113549.

Eagles Baseball Club Mildura Inc. We would like to invite you to attend our

2018 Junior Registration Day.

Sunday the 15th of April

10:00AM to 4:00PM

If you are unable to attend on the day or require more information, please don’t hesitate to

contact us.

Email – ebcmildura.secretary@gmail.com

Phone

Kim Law – 0428 399 336 Or

Andrew Law – 0447 006 975

Want to look us up?

Facebook - Eagles Baseball Club Mildura Inc

TeamApp – Eagles Baseball Club

The Wentworth District Football Netball Club Debutante Ball will be held Saturday July 7, 2018 at the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club.

Girls wishing to make their Debut this year, please contact Margaret on 0428274546 after 7pm to indicate your interest. If phone unattended, leave your name and phone number (send SMS at any time) and I will return the call to collect your details.

Practice will commence May 28, involving 12 sessions in total – 2 lessons per week for 6 weeks, Monday/Thursday, with the final 2 sessions being the week leading up to the Debutante Ball.

Please contact me before May 1, 2018. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Margaret Burrell, 2018 WDFNC Debutante Ball Coordinator

Wentworth District Football

Netball Club

Debutante Ball 2018

Commencing 31 January 2018

The NSW Government will allocate $207 million over four years to establish Active Kids. Active Kids is a program to help NSW families meet the cost of getting their kids into sport and active fitness and recreation activities.

What is Active Kids?

The NSW Government will provide a $100 voucher to parents/guardians of school enrolled children. The $100 voucher can be used for registration and participation costs for sport and fitness activities.

The initiative aims to reduce barriers to participation and help change the physical activity behaviours of children and young people in NSW.

Who is eligible to claim the voucher?

Every child (4.5 - 18 years’ old) enrolled in school from Kindergarten to Year 12 will be eligible for an Active Kids Voucher. This includes those who are home-schooled or enrolled in secondary school education at TAFE NSW.

It will not be means tested and one voucher will be available for every child in the family annually over the next four years.

There will be no limits on the number of applications per family, as long as every child is enrolled in school.

How long are vouchers valid?

Vouchers provided are valid for redemption during the current calendar year activity program (Year 1 will commence from 31 January and expire on 31 December 2018). Vouchers shall expire at the end of the calendar year.

2019 vouchers and beyond will commence from 1 January each year and expire on 31 December.

How do you download a voucher?

From 31 January 2018, parents/guardians/carers with legal responsibility of an eligible child resident in NSW will be able to download a voucher from an online platform. The platform will run by Service NSW and can be accessed through this website.

https://sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/activekids

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Active kids

Community Notice

Coomealla High School is offering after school study sessions for senior students from 3:15-4:30pm every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. These sessions will be located in both the library and ALC (Aboriginal Learning Centre) and attended by teachers from a range of subject areas. This will give your student opportunities to ask content specific questions, gain assistance with homework and develop examination technique by completing and discussing practice questions. Students will be expected to make their own way home and will need to complete the necessary forms if they are travelling home with another student. This would be a beneficial opportunity for your child and will assist them greatly with their studies in Year 11 and 12.

Coomie News

Supervised HSC study for Year 11 students

Page 16

I am delighted that this term, our school, like many other public schools in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement, and effective teaching practices.

More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au

The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with valuable and prompt feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. More than 6,300 schools in Australia and around the world have used Tell Them From Me to survey 5.4 million students. Capturing the voices of our students will help improve how we manage and improve student outcomes.

I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 12 March and 13 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.

A consent form and FAQs for parents/carers about the survey is being sent home with students. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by Friday 16th March. Copies of the form and FAQs are available from: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents.

Tell Them From Me student feedback

survey – Term 1, 2018

Parent FAQ document for the

student survey

The consent form and FAQs are available in 23 languages.