February 26 2015
Issue 1 Coomealla HIGH SCHOOL Principal: Ms Joanne Scott Deputy Principal: Ms Josephine Crowley Address: Silver City Highway, Dareton NSW 2717 Phone: 03 5027 4506 Fax: 03 5027 4837 Email: [email protected]
NEWSLETTER
LEARN TO LIVE
Swimming Carnival 2016
Updated on our Website this fortnight:
Page 2 Coomealla High School Newsletter
Principal’s Report
Welcome back to school and to term 1 2016! We finished on a tremendous high at the end of 2015 with some excellent publicity in regard to our year 10 study skills sessions, our excellent HSC results and earlier this year with Australia Day awards. It has been exciting to hear of the numerous students who have gained entry into university , TAFE or entered the world of work; congratulations and well done!
Teachers at Coomealla HS came back to school early and enjoyed three days of professional development. During this time we covered a mixture of mandatory and non mandatory options, including CPR, anaphylaxis training and child protection training, information on our new year 7 students, updates on Indigenous education, WHS and technology workshops. Staff are certainly well prepared for 2016. A big thank you to our presenters and to our caterers from year 12 and their support team.
We continued to upgrade our school facilities during the holidays with the tidying of more gardens, installation of extra water systems and the installation of two more cold water dispensers. Unfortunately the replacement of the last of the green vinyl flooring was delayed until the next holidays.
Congratulations to Miss Leon on her acceptance into the Bell Shakespeare Theatre Company Rural Mentorship program. This opportunity has only been afforded to 30 teachers in all of Australia and is about empowering teachers with creative and innovative ways to teach Shakespeare. Well done to Miss Leon.
Links to Learning will begin again in the next few weeks . Mrs Brown has brokered a number of new courses as well as securing the continuation of some favourites. New courses will include Indigenous language, new hospitality courses, office skills, AFL and pottery.
Year 7 have settled into classes and school very well with many positive comments from staff as to how settled and motivated they are. I am very proud that so many have been attaining PBL's so soon. Don't forget that we hold special draws twice each term (the next one is next week) as well as the end of the year. All PBL's handed in throughout the year are eligible for our end of year " mystery prizes" as well as our major prize.
It is with sadness that at the end of last year we farewelled Carlos Fratti, one of our long standing Science teachers who accepted a transfer at the end of 2015, this is also true of Pam Bradley who has accepted a transfer to Inverell HS starting on the 29th February. We wish both of them much success and happiness. Mrs McCoy, one of our wonderful office staff, has accepted a permanent full time position at Coomealla HS.
Thank You to parents and students for the care and attention they have shown in regard to the wearing of uniform this year. We are averaging 95% of students in uniform every day. The next part of our uniform revamp is a winter jersey and a new sports uniform; stay tuned for more information later this term.
Jo Scott
Principal
Page 3 Issue 1
A Thirst for Life! At the end of last year Coomealla High School, with help from fundraising done by the P&C, installed
some filtered bubblers around the school. Originally there was one in the staff common room and
another near the HSIE Staffroom, but we now have two more: one near the Year 9 & 10 toilets and
another near the Woodwork and Art corridor. The bubblers have been well received by both staff
and students, and are being very well used. One of the reasons the bubblers were purchased is to try
and cut down on the water being wasted around the school and the number of plastic bottles being
used by both students and staff. Students are able to take note of the number of water bottles being
saved when they fill up at the bubblers as there is an indicator on the top right hand corner. One of
the bubblers reads well over 900 000, and that’s in just over six months! As a school, we are very
pleased with the general reception of the bubblers and of the care being shown by students who use
them.
Page 4 Coomealla High School Newsletter
Calender Parents who have recently been on the school website may have noticed a
fantastic change with the addition of a school calendar. The calendar, which can
be found when you click on the ‘calendar’ link, will be updated continuously
throughout the term and year to reflect the week A/B cycle, whole school
activities such as carnivals, photo day, sports days and important assessment
task dates for our senior students. The hyperlink for the calendar is:
http://www.coomealla-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/calendar
We hope that the calendar will make keeping track of the ins and outs of our
school, as well as assessment dates for our seniors, much easier.
Below is a snap shot of what the calendar looks like and where to click to
access it.
Page 5 Issue 1
Swimming
Carnival
2016
Page 6 Coomealla High School Newsletter
Page 7 Issue 1
Coomealla High School Canteen Price List 2016
Page 8 Coomealla High School Newsletter
Sandwiches & Rolls
Sandwich Roll
Cheese $3.50 $4.00
Tomato $3.50 $4.00
Egg & Lettuce $4.00 $4.50
Salad (No Meat) $4.50 $5.00
Ham & Salad $5.00 $6.00
Chicken & Salad $5.00 $6.00
Chicken, Lettuce & Mayo $5.00 $6.00
Burgers Sweet Chilli Burger $6.00
Salt & Vinegar Burger $6.00
Chicken with Salad $6.00
Chicken Burger with Lettuce & Mayo $6.00
Hamburger Fish, Chicken or Beef with Salad $6.00
Pies & Pasties No Sauce Sauce
Plain Pie $3.70 $4.00
Pastie $3.70 $4.00
Sausage Roll $3.00 $3.30
Hot Dogs No Sauce Sauce
Hot Dog $3.50 $3.80
Hot Dog with Cheese & Sauce $3.70 $4.00
The Works Hot Dog (Cheese, Sauce, Mustard & Onion)
$4.20
$4.50
Other Foods Chicken Wrap $6.00
Dim Sim $1.00
Pasta $5.00
Meatball Sub $5.00
Wedges with Chilli & Sour Cream $5.00
Hot Chicken Roll with Gravy $6.00
Sweet Chilli Tender x 1 $2.00 x 2 $4.00
Fruit Salad $4.00
Small Pizza’s $2.50
Small Tub of Quinoa with Brown Rice (cherry tomato, onion, capsicum, peas, wild rice & orzo pasta)
$3.50
Carbonarra Spirals Pasta $5.00
Hot Chips & Gravy $5.00
Salad in Bowl $6.00
All Cakes, Potato Chips & Similar Products $2.50
Page 9 Issue 1
GIRL GUIDES
GIRL GUIDES have resumed meetings for 2016,
and have vacancies for girls aged 5 – 18 years.
Guiding offers activities designed to meet
personal challenges, to learn team building
and leadership skills, and to make new friends.
For more information of units in your area
contact District Manager Vivien Hunt 5023 6135
Year 7 Congratulations to year 7 students for a successful transition into secondary school. Stu-
dents and teachers are looking forward to the year 7 camp to be held at Kings Billabong
on the 25th and 26th of February. This is an important event and a milestone for year 7
students as they participate in teambuilding exercises and form strong bonds with their
peers.
Parents/caregivers are encouraged to contact the school should they require any infor-
mation or have any concerns about their child’s progress. Contact should be made with
their year advisor to arrange a suitable time.
P & C meetings are held on the third Tuesday each month and parents are welcome to
attend and participate in initiatives to enhance the future direction of Coomealla High
School.
Cassandra Tonkin
Year 7 Advisor
Drinks Rush / Ice Break $3.50
Farmers Union (500ml) $4.00
Deep Spring (500ml) $3.00
Diet Coke, Sprite, Zero (600ml) $3.50
Mt Franklin Water (600ml) $3.00
Mt Franklin Pump Water (750ml) $4.00
Page 10 Coomealla High School Newsletter
2016 In The Library
Busy start to the year in the Library for 2016! Year Seven have been eagerly obtaining passwords and
opening accounts for their future in computing at Coomealla High School. They have also had Research
lessons. Year Eight have their year meetings in the Library and also have had research classes. A
program called “Elevate” was held for the senior students to give tips and study skills for their senior
years.
Year 8 Meeting Years 11/12 Study Group
Year 11 Study Group Mrs Cottrell discussing Work Placement.
Year 9 Geography Research
Page 11 Issue 1
The Tell Them From Me student feedback survey
I am delighted that this term, our school, like many others in the state, will participate in a
Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey aims
to help improve student learning outcomes and 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/information-for-parents
The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide our school with valuable and quick
feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different
ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell
Them From Me survey to help improve how they do things at school.
I want to assure you that the survey is confidential and school staff will not be able to identify
individual students from their responses. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less
than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 14 March and
8 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.
A consent form and a list of frequently asked questions (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 consent form to school by Friday 26 February. The FAQs and copies of the consent
form, including translated consent forms, are available from the website above.
Attention
Parents & Carers
Update your contact details now!!
In preparation for the new school year we like to have the most current
and relevant contact information so that we are able to reach you when
necessary.
Please let us know your preferred mode of contact. If you have
moved address, changed phone numbers or changed your email.
Thank you for the support.
Page 12 Coomealla High School Newsletter
Year 7 Science Term 1 The three Year Seven classes have commenced their first topic of the year, titled “Working as a Scientist.” They have been learning the Laboratory rules and how to set out and care for their books. One of the first tasks is to learn how to light and manage a Bunsen burner. Several students have already obtained their “Bunsen Burner Licenses.” The students in 7P have had their first practical lesson. They had to prepare by wearing goggles and tying up any long hair. They then collected their equipment: a heat mat, Bunsen burner, tripod, gauze mat and beaker then proceeded to boil water.
Elise Robinson Haylee Lawson
Jenna Ryan, Molly Mangan & Baylee Giddings.
Elise Robinson, Aurora Gleeson, Brayden Bowes, Brent Pradhan & Jessica Wisneske.
Page 13 Issue 1
Year 7 Science Term 1
Page 14 Coomealla High School Newsletter
Page 15 Issue 1
School Notices and Reminders for 2015
P&C Meeting Tuesday 15th of March
P&C will hold their monthly meeting from 5:30-7:00pm on Tuesday 15th of March
at Coomealla High School in the Conference Room. Anyone interested in being
part of the P&C is welcome to come and meet the P&C Committee. Year 7 and
all other parents are encouraged to come and learn about the P&Cs involvement
in supporting students at Coomealla High.
We hope to see you there.
ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK We felt that all parents should be aware that
there is several children in school with a
severe life, threatening food allergy to peanuts
and nuts (anaphylaxis). This is a medical
condition that causes a severe reaction to
specific foods and can result in death within
minutes. Although this may or may not affect
your child directly, please send your child to
school that are free from peanuts or nut
products.
Page 16 Coomealla High School Newsletter
STUDENT PRIVACY, PHOTOGRAPHS, MEDIA and OUR
NEWSLETTER / WEBSITE
There are strict rules regarding “disclosure of personal information” under the Freedom of information and
Privacy Act. “Personal Information” is defined broadly and includes photographic images where an individual
is identified or his or her identify is reasonably apparent from the photograph. Thus taking photographs can
constitute a collection of personal information.
The position of this school, in complying with the Act is as follows:
INFORMATION/IMAGES IN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER and WEBSITE
All parents/carers are advised that this school will continue to highlight the achievements and activities
of students of this school in the newsletter/website, both in photographic and written form. If a parent/
carer DOES NOT want a students name or image to appear in the newsletters, written advice of this
should be sent to the principal.
INFORMATION/IMAGES IN LOCAL MEDIA – Newspapers, Radio, TV
As a general rule consent of a student’s parent/carers will be sought when an individual student or
small group of students will be identified by name, interviewed or otherwise featured in local media.
VIDEOTAPING OR PHOTOGRAPHING SCHOOL EVENTS
Where school events (eg concerts, sports carnivals, etc) are to be video taped by the school, parents and
carers will be advised in advance and given the opportunity to not have their child included in the video.
PHOTOGRAPHY AT SCHOOL BY TEACHERS/SUPPORT STAFF
The school has implemented guidelines for students being photographed at school events such as socials, ex-
cursions, sport carnivals and the like. Generally, a student must agree to have their photo taken. Agreeing to
pose individually or in a group will be taken as consent. Action photos of sport activity will be taken eg races.
Page 17 Issue 1
Coomealla High School Authority to publish form
Dear Parent, Carer or student,
Our school newsletter, annual magazine and website are important avenues for us to pro-
mote Coomealla High School within our school community.
I am seeking your permission to obtain and publish content that may identify your child/you in
school communications.
Content examples include but are not limited to photographs, text, illustrations/graphics,
videos, sound recordings, examples of student work.
Our school communications include but are not limited to:
school's public website
school newsletter (online and hard copy)
annual school magazine
local community newspaper / magazine
media promotions and advertising activities
electronic and print promotional material
If you agree, please DO NOTHING, we only wish to hear from parents/caregivers/students
over 18 years who do not want their student/s/themselves involved in school promotion.
Yours sincerely
Ms J Scott Principal
DENIAL to Publish (Return to Coomealla High School ASAP)
I have read this authority to publish letter and DO NOT agree to the school obtaining and
publishing content related to my child/me in school communications. I am over 18 years of age.
This signed DENIAL TO PUBLISH remains effective for 12 months, or until I advise the school otherwise.
Child's/Children's name/s: _______________________________________________________
Parent/Carer/student's name: ______________
Parent/Caregiver/student's signature : Date : ______ Telephone: _______
Coomealla High Newsletter Issue 1
Coomealla High School—Absence Note
Student Name: ___________________________ Year: ________Roll Group: ______________
My child was absent from school: Date/s ____________________________________________
Reason: ____________________________________________________________________
Signed: __________________________________Parent/Guardian
Coomealla High School—Absence Note
Student Name: ___________________________ Year: ________Roll Group: ______________
My child was absent from school: Date/s ____________________________________________
Reason: ____________________________________________________________________
Signed: __________________________________Parent/Guardian
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ABSENTEE NOTES
The DET Attendance Policy PD20050259 states that:
Parents are responsible for explaining the absences of their children from school promptly and within seven days
to the school. (from Responsibilities, 2.1 point 3); and
A hard copy of the electronic record is to be generated weekly for the previous two-week period. The principal or delegated school executive must endorse this hard copy, certifying its accuracy. Once signed, this hard copy
becomes the record of attendance and must not be amended. (4.2 Electronic Attendance Registers, 4.2.2)
Please send absentee notes to school promptly and, if you are going on
holidays, please inform the school in advance.
Quotable Quote:
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world."
Nelson Mandela
Change of Address/Personal information
Please obtain an official ‘Change of Student Details’ form from the front office.
This will allow details to be updated on our system.