GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Find us at: Marquis Street, Gunnedah NSW, 2380 Phone 02 6742 0155 Fax 02 6742 4429 Website: www.gunnedah-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Issue 1 07.02.2014
Dear Parent/Carergivers
Welcome back to the 2014
school year, which promises to
be a very exciting year for
Gunnedah High. There hasn’t
been a great change over in
staffing but we do have some
new teachers. I’d like to
welcome-
Georgie Mckay in the Math’s Faculty replaces Barry
Butz who has retired.
Michael Jones in the TAS faculty replaces Tim
Caterer who has transferred to Peel High School.
Kim Smede in the Science Faculty replaces Kate
Mathieson as our agriculture teacher.
Keith Lee in the TAS faculty will be with us for first
term replacing Josh Noble.
Tanya Leigh has joined us as the new school
counsellor. While she will be based at the High
School, she will also be working in the Primary
schools as well.
The 2013 school year finished on a high with a very
successful presentation night. The work started in
2013 with the formation of four teams catering for
21st Century learners, improving school wide systems
and structures, developing staff communication and
relationships and developing stronger community
relationships and has continued this year. All
teaching and support staff, are part of these teams and
are working with great enthusiasm and commitment.
A major initiative as part of this focus on school wide
improvement will be the introduction of a new
welfare/discipline system. One of the main focuses of
this new system will be the concept of improved
communication between the school and home,
forming a proactive relationship to see students get
the best from their education at Gunnedah High.
Excellence and
Innovation in a
Unique and
Caring School
Semper Optime “Always Your Best”
GHS WELCOMES YEAR 7
Shane Kelly, Principal .
Issue 1 07.02.2014
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WELCOME YEAR 7
Year 7 have settled in very well, becoming confident both socially and academically. Friendships are quickly developing and all students are excited and relaxed about their first day of High School.
As the Year 7 Adviser, I look forward to watching students achieve over the next six years. It is wonderful to see how students have prepared for this stage of their schooling. They are a lively group of students who display qualities of confidence, respect and kindness that will enhance Gunnedah High.
If parents have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact the school or myself Mrs Emily McInerney on 67420155
Issue 1 07.02.2014
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WELCOME NEW STAFF
Mr. Michael Jones was teaching at Kandos High
School, a small town east of Mudgee. He has been
teaching for eight years in industrial arts and before
that he was employed as a boilermaker. Mr Jones’
teaching roles at Gunnedah High will include Metals
and Engineering, Construction and Industrial
Technology.
Miss Kim Smede is the new Agriculture and Science
teacher; she grew up on a property near Cassilis and
has her own Angus Cattle stud. Miss Smede enjoys
playing sport, such as touch football and volleyball.
Miss Georgie McKay grew up in Bouraville and
spent a couple of years working in Sydney before
deciding to start her Math’s Teaching Degree at
UNE, Armidale. Gunnedah High is her first teaching
placement and she looks forward to getting to know
you all soon!
Mr. Keith Lee has been a teacher since 2001 and
was a car upholsterer beforehand. Mr. Lee taught in
Lismore and Balranald. He loves teaching wood,
metal and design.
AUSTRALIA DAY CULTURAL AWARD
Gunnedah High
School Captain
Joshua Day was
awarded the
Australia Day
Young Citizen
Award for his
outstanding
leadership qualities
and his involvement
in the local
community.
Josh received this award for his involvement in:
The NSW State Emergency Service.
In 2011 Josh was named NSW State
Emergency Cadet of the Year.
The Beeson Road fire in 2013,
In 2011 Josh spent a month in the Solomon
Islands volunteering with a fly and build
team.
Awarded the John Lincoln Community
Award Certificate of Appreciation for service
to the community.
Local Sports
2013 Year 12 students Rachael Billingham, and Sara
Hutchison were also nominated for this award.
Congratulations Josh, Sara and Rachael.
Tanya Leigh is the
School Counsellor
and will be at GHS
Mondays and
Tuesdays.
Mrs. Kate Bulley
comes to GHS from
the Gunnedah South
School and is in the
Library Thursdays
and Fridays.
Mr. Michael Jones, Miss Kim Smede, Miss Georgie McKay and Mr Keith Lee
Year 10 students Coen, Lockie, Jaren
and Cameron along with SLSO
Mrs. Traynor are pleased to be back after the holiday
break..
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G’DAY USA
Students from Gunnedah High School
recently returned from a whirlwind
trip of America as part of the G'DAY
USA 2014 program.
We started our trip on January 2nd in
San Francisco. Our first day involved a huge walk up
Lombard St to see the famous zig zag road. That was
followed by a trip in a cable car up the steep hills of
San Francisco to start our American shopping
adventure. The next day involved a cruise around San
Francisco bay in glorious, sunny weather. We cruised
under the bridge and around Alcatraz before
returning to the pier for lunch. The students were
surprised with a stretch hummer tour around the city
that night after dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. Our
San Franciscan adventures finished with a walk
across the Golden Gate Bridge and a bus tour of the
city. The next city on our itinerary was Los Angeles.
We had an amazing time at Universal Studios,
Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. A day trip to San
Diego followed by shopping at the outlets saw our
travel funds significantly diminished in just one
afternoon!
The highlight for most of us was our stay in Valdosta,
Georgia. We were hosted with families from
Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School and
began our stay with a day at school. It was very
different to our school! Both schools are massive
with Valdosta at around 1800 students and
Lowndes around 3000. School starts at 7.30am and
finishes at 2.40pm. They have the same lessons each
day across four different blocks and only have a
twenty minute break at the cafeteria for lunch. While
it was strange, it was also exciting to see how the
different system works and have everyone ask us
millions of questions just to hear our "awesome
accent." Over the weekend some of us experienced a
high school basketball game complete with
cheerleaders, hunting, shopping, snow tubing and
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (which made
Miss Holdom and Mr. Stephenson extremely
jealous). Over the next week we did trips to
Andersonville civil war prisoner of war camp site,
Albany Civil Rights Institute and Wild Animal Park,
the Kennedy Space Centre and St Augustine historic
village. Our host families were extremely lovely and
there were more than a few tears when we had to
leave them behind for our return home.
It was an amazing trip with a wonderful group of
students. The friends we have made and memories of
our awesome adventure will last a lifetime.
Students who participated in the G’DAY USA tour
were: Lindsay Dillon, Ciara Eveleigh, Caitlin
Phillips, Kasper Jaeger, Reanna Hill, Alex Koenig,
Kimberley Wilkinson, Sarah Jamieson, Kayla Smith,
Matt Hassan, Ashlee Haire, Lydia McCann,
Maddison Vigor, Sara Hutchison and teachers Miss
Holdom and Mr. Stephenson.
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UNIVERSITY SUMMER CAMP
During the recent school holidays, Year 10 students Abby Gordon, Jordon Phillips and Taylar Mancer travelled to Sydney to attend a three day summer camp held at the University of Sydney. The girls participated in the following workshops:
Promoting Change:
Get Scientific:
Be Creative and Constructive:
Down to Business:
Focus on Health
BRANDI MEGSON
Year 12 student Brandi
Megson attended a seven
day camp held at the
University of Southern
Queensland, Toowoomba
during December 2013.
Brandi was awarded a
scholarship sponsored by
the Cotton Research and
Development Corporation.
During January 2014
Brandi completed her
industry placement, with work experience at Cotton
Growers Services, Gunnedah. Brandi assisted CGS
Manager, Ms Carol Sanson, with crop checking,
auditing, chemicals and spray
recommendations.
Brandi would like to thank the organisers of
the camp and Ms Sanson for the
opportunity to be part of the program. It
has validated her dream of pursuing a career in
Agriculture.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
AECG MEETING
AUSTRALIA DAY CULTUR AL AWARD
2013 Year 12, student Kalin Eade was recently
awarded the Australia Day Cultural Award.
Gunnedah High School congratulates Kalin and we
look forward to following his amazing career.
Well done, Kal!
GHS Swimming
Carnival 21/2/2014
AECG Meeting
Thursday 20/2/2014
Commencing 4pm
Aboriginal Lands Council
Parent/Carers WHO DO NOT WANT their
child photographed, for inclusion in
Newsletter and Media Articles could you
please contact the front office on 67420155.
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Issue 1 07.02.2014
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CANTEEN PRICE LIST
TERM 1 2014
CANTEEN SUPERVISER:
MRS GAI BOWEN
Chicken & Gravy Roll 3.50
Beef & Gravy Roll 3.50
Chicken burger 3.00
Hot Dog 2.50
Turkish Toast Roll
Ham Cheese Tomato 3.00
Chicken & Cheese 3.00
Pies (All) 2.80
Sausage Roll 2.40
Pizza 2.50
Lasagne 3.10
Fried Rice 3.10
Potato Bake 3.10
Bolognaise 3.10
Noodle Cups 2.60
Salad Containers
Meat 5.00
Quiche 5.00
Prawn 5.00
Sandwiches
Ham Cheese Tomato Onion 2.30
Ham Cheese Tomato 2.30
C/Meat Cheese Pickles 2.30
Egg & Lettuce 2.30
Curried Egg 2.30
Chicken & Lettuce 2.50
Chicken & cheese 2.50
Salmon & Cucumber 2.50
Ham Salad 3.00
Chicken Salad 3.00
C/Meat Salad 3.00
Wraps
Chicken Salad 3.00
Ham Salad 3.00
Rolls
Chicken Salad 3.40
Ham Salad 3.40
Fruit Salad 3.00
Pasta Salad 3.00
Water 2.10
Focus Water 2.30
Slushie Small 2.00
Large 3.00
LOL 2.10
Juice Small 2.40
Large 3.40
Plain Milk 2.00
Flavoured Milk 3.00
Yoghurt 2.50
Icy Poles
Paddle Pops 1.60
Callippo 2.30
Icy Twist 1.30
TNT Mony’s .60
Milo Cup 3.00
Chips
Red Rock 1.00
Natural 2.00
Burger Man 1.50
Helpers are needed to
assist in the canteen.
If you are able to help
please contact
Gai Bowen
on
6742 1110.
Issue 1 07.02.2014
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SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION FEES 2013
YEAR 7
GENERAL VOLUNTARY FEE $60.00
VISUAL ARTS Subject Fee $30.00 TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $40.00
YEAR 8
GENERAL VOLUNTARY FEE $60.00 VISUAL ARTS Subject Fee $30.00
TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $40.00 YEAR 9
GENERAL VOLUNTARY FEE $60.00 VISUAL ARTS Subject Fee $55.00 PHOTOGRAPHY Subject Fee $55.00 FOOD TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $35.00 TIMBER Subject Fee $60.00 METAL Subject Fee $60.00 ELECTRONICS Subject Fee $70.00 AGRICULTURE Subject Fee $20.00 TEXTILES & DESIGN $40.00
YEAR 10
GENERAL VOLUNTARY FEE $60.00 VISUAL ARTS Subject Fee $55.00 PHOTOGRAPHY Subject Fee $55.00 FOOD TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $55.00 ELECTRONICS Subject Fee $70.00 TIMBER Subject Fee $60.00 I.S.T. (COMPUTERS) Subject Fee $15.00 AGRICULTURE Subject Fee $20.00 METAL Subject Fee $60.00 TEXTILES & DESIGN Subject Fee $40.00
YEAR 11
GENERAL VOLUNTARY FEE $80.00 VISUAL ARTS Subject Fee $60.00 HOSPITALITY Subject Fee $100.00 INDUSTRIAL TECH Subject Fee $50.00 CONSTRUCTION Subject Fee $50.00 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $40.00 PHOTOGRAPHY Subject Fee $60.00 AGRICULTURE Subject Fee $25.00 EARLY CHILDHOOD Subject Fee $20.00 TECHNOLOGY-Multimedia Subject Fee $20.00 INFORMATION TECH Subject Fee $20.00 METALS & ENGINEERING $100.00
YEAR 12
GENERAL VOLUNTARY FEE $80.00 PHOTOGRAPHY Subject Fee $60.00 HOSPITALITY Subject Fee $100.00 INDUSTRLIAL TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $40.00 VISUAL ARTS Subject Fee $60.00 AGRICULTURE Subject Fee $25.00 CONSTRUCTION Subject Fee $60.00 DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Subject Fee $40.00 EARLY CHILDHOOD Subject Fee $20.00 TECHNOLOGY-Multimedia Subject Fee $20.00 METALS & ENGINEERING $100.00
The general fees are used to enhance the many
programs which operate in the school.
If only one student per family is attending
Gunnedah High School he/she pays the full General
Fee. Second and subsequent students from the
same family receive a $5.00 deduction on their
General Fee.
The subject fees are mainly used to provide
consumable items that are required for specific
courses. It is clearly more efficient and cheaper for
the school to purchase food, timber, metal, paint,
etc., than to ask individual students to bring in
their own materials. The subject fees also assist in
buying other resources such as texts, cameras etc.
All students in Visual Arts and Photography are
expected to have a diary which is available from
the Canteen. Year 12 Visual Arts students must
buy all their own materials. Design and Technology
and Industrial Technology students will be required
to purchase project material. Hospitality students
will be required to purchase the relevant uniform.
Our fees are amongst the lowest charged in NSW
and, as a result, we seek a high collection rate. An
invoice will be posted home showing the school
contribution requested for each individual student.
Payment may be made in instalments. These
payments may be made at the school office
between 8.30am and 1.45pm (due to security
banking) or by post. Payments may be made by
cash, cheque (made payable to Gunnedah High
School) or EFTPOS (minimum $20.00).
Parents who are unable to pay for elective subject fees because of financial hardship may be eligible for assistance. Requests for financial assistance should be made in writing on a pro-forma available from the front office, addressed to the Principal and marked ‘CONFIDENTIAL’.
Issue 1 07.02.2014
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2014 TAFE COURSES INFORMATION
TAFE courses for students at High School mostly begin
next week. We have students in Years 9, 10, 11 & 12 who
have either chosen, or been selected in TAFE courses for
this year. These courses will form part of their ROSA
studies, and they will all receive credit for the modules that
they successfully complete.
AEROSKILLS-new students. Course starts :
April 23, 2014.
AEROSKILLS-continuing students. Course starts:
January 13, 2014.
Animal Care Online-new students. Course starts :
12 or 14 February 2014.
Automotive Mechanical-new students. Course starts:
Monday 10 February 2014
Automotive Mechanical-continuing students. Course
starts: Thursday 13 February 2014
NATIONAL APOLOGY 6 T H ANNIVERSARY
Gunnedah High School joined Winanga-Li
Aboriginal Child and Family Centre to celebrate the
6th anniversary of the National Apology which
acknowledged the injustices of the Stolen Generation.
Year 11 student Jacki Bender painted a hand that will
be displayed in the gardens of Winanga-Li on the 12th
February
PLANNING FO R S UCC ESS IN HIG H S CHO OL
Each year in high school brings new academic and
personal challenges for parents and their teens. For
example, if your child is commencing Year 8 or 10,
they’ll need to start thinking now about the electives
they want to choose later in the year.
This year-by-year guide will help you navigate the
challenges and decisions your child will face as they
commence Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
Year-by-year tips:
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-
study/planning-for-the-future/tips-for-starting-years-
7-12
GUNNEDAH HIGH SCHOOL
THE NAMOI VALLEY TRADE TRAINING CENTRE
An Australian Government Funded Project