Friday, 12th August 2011 ……..No 24

School Captain: Lingyun Li

Lingyun Li

School Captain: Caleb Webb

Caleb Webb

Year 9’s Photo

shop Portraits

Photoshoped

Funny Faces

Art Teacher:

Katerine Whitehead

PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE Congratulations to our Year 12 students Congratulations to our Yr 12 students on their mid-year results which were published on Monday. There were many outstanding achievements which augurs well for the end of the year. All students should use these results as an opportunity to reflect on their learning process, commitment and work ethic to motivate them to achieve their best in the remaining semester. Course Counselling Year 10-11 It was great to see so many students and parents take the opportunity to talk to staff about their courses for VCE and future pathways. This process is coming to completion and classes are being finalised for 2012. Student Absence I would like to emphasise the importance of students attending every class to maximise their learning opportunities and I would encourage you as parents to support your students in attending. We are currently concerned that some students are consistently arriving late to school. We view this as a high priority to maximise your learning outcomes, so we would like to ask you for your support in this matter. If your child is sick please ensure you send a letter of explanation promptly or phone the office. A reminder that VCE has an attendance requirement to attain this qualification. Yes it is important to be at school! Congratulations Blackburn High School Student awarded

prestigious Pierre De Coubertin Award.

Year 12 Blackburn High School student, Mielikka

Spratt , has been awarded the prestigious Pierre de

Coubertin Sporting Award.

The Pierre de Coubertin Award is named after the founder of the Modern Olympic Games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, an educational theorist who was convinced of the importance of sport for the development of the individual. He believed that the qualities of initiative, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play should be encouraged in all young people. In addition, the Olympic ideals would motivate and encourage all young people to strive for their personal best The award is presented to students who demonstrate academic excellence and sporting prowess whilst exemplifying the Olympic values.The Award is not

intended to reward elite performance, but to recognise the student who, through their participation in sport, demonstrates attributes of fair play and respect for others. Mielikka is a worthy recipient of this internationallay

recognised award. She has been an active participant

in the Blackburn High School Sporting program since

Year 7. In 2011 she was appointed School Vice

Captain for Sport. Recently she played an integral part

in taking the Senior Girls Hockey team to the State

finals.

Mielikka epitomises team spirit with her “never say die

attitude” and her obvious love of sport. She is an

excellent role model for the students at Blackburn High

School.

Students nominated for the Pierre de Coubertin Award

are required to submit either a literary or artistic piece

which reflects an appreciation of the Olympic ideals.

The theme for 2011 was “ How will the 2012 Australian

Olympic Team inspire the Nation?”

Following is Meilikka’s submission:

"How will the 2012 Australian Olympic Team

inspire the Nation?"

I‟m sitting riveted to the edge of my chair, staring

intently over the heads in the crowd. I watch as the

2012 Australian Olympic team enter the stadium for

the 2012 London Olympic Games opening ceremony.

The cheers from the Aussie supporters deafen me and

my own cheers are lost in the buzz of excitement. Our

athletes wave back and my heart fills with pride. Over

the next few weeks I‟ll watch, along with the rest of the

nation, as our athletes give their all in every event they

do. I‟ll feel a part of the experience as they succeed. I‟ll

see every Aussie athlete compete to the best of their

ability. They‟ll show us that dedication, perseverance

and believing in yourself can get you to the top. They

encourage us to be the best that we can be. And even

if they‟re not the best, we know they tried 110 percent,

because that‟s what counts. Because despite the

disadvantages of being physically disabled or not

having the best competition conditions they have the

spirit to give it a go and the determination, despite

every struggle and fall to get back up and push on

through, all the way to the finish line. They “never give

up.” They motivate us to get out there and give it a go.

They represent us and inspire the next generation of

athletes to be like them. To us, they demonstrate the

Aussie spirit. It‟s this Aussie spirit that inspires us all

and they‟ll go down in „history‟s page‟ as the people

who inspired the nation.

Building update Building Update, 12th August 2011

Yes, Building One Complete

You can see from the photo that BER building has

been occupied as of last Thursday. The Music

Dept. is to use BER Centre till the end of the year

when it will become our Centre for Global Learning.

This will enable the builder to start works on the

current instrumental rooms in readiness for the

beginning of next year. During this time work will

start on an extension to the Music facilities. No

works are planned for 601 (large rehearsal space)

but as a school we are hoping to do some minor

refurbishments (painting and shelving).

As of yesterday the PE Dept will have moved into

601 and demolition of the Hall will be commence

on the 19th of August. PE, Canteen and Food

rooms will be available early next year for usage.

Construction of the gym is progressing well with the

steel work well advanced (80%)and the roof to be

started next week.

Year 7/Admin building is still on track to be

available at the end of this term.

There is a huge issue of mud, which I know the

whole school has had to deal with. I thank all

students and their parents for putting up with dirty

clothes as a result. We are hoping that this is on

the improve, but it does have ramifications for our

new facilities which will mean that muddy shoes will

need to be removed before entering the building.

Tim Dalton

Assistant Principal

MUSIC NOTES

Friday, 12th August 2011 Music Director: David Howes Tel: 9894 4572 Fax: 9894 2751

A School of Musical Excellence

Upcoming Events

Aug 10-23 Melbourne Schools Bands Festival

Sat 27 Aug South Street String Events

31 Aug - 5 Sept Music Camp / South Street

Sept 10 Sym Orch performing with the Heidelberg Choral Society

Thr 27 Oct Senior Ensembles Concert 7.30 Besen Centre

Thr 24 Nov Junior/Intermediate Ensembles Concert 7.30 Yarra Valley GS

Melbourne Schools Bands Festival

A very busy period is fast approaching with the MSBF held at Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University. For

ensembles that are scheduled to be there at 8.40am, we will be leaving school at 7.30am and in order to get

through the traffic it is important that we have everyone there at that time. Permission forms have been posted

home and at the time of writing, 100 forms are still to come back to the music office. Please ensure that we

receive these by Monday 15 August.

Performance times for the following ensembles are as follows:

Aug 10 Intermediate Str orch 2.15 – 4.20pm

Aug 11 Senior Str Orch 7.20pm – 10.20pm

Aug 12 Quattro Strings 8.40-10.45am

Symphony Orch 6.30-9.15pm

Aug 17 Novice band 8.40 – 10.45am

Symphonic Band 6.45 – 9.50pm

Aug 18 Junior Band 8.40-10.45am

Aug 20 Intermediate Stage Band 3.05 – 5.30pm

Aug 21 Senior Stage Band 7.05 – 9.50pm

Aug 22 Junior Stage Band 3.45 – 5.50pm

August 26 Concert Band 7.15 to 10.00 pm.

Students performing in the evening or weekends will need to make their own way to and from Robert

Blackwood Hall, Monash University.

Building News

On Friday5 August a large number of students assisted with the long process of moving

the music building to the BER Centre – our home until the end of the year. I would like to

thank all of those people who carried, swept, took apart and loaded gear. Many hands

certainly make light work. It is likely that we will be back in the refurbished shell of 600 by

the end of the year.

Music Fees

A reminder that music fees for 2011 are due and can be paid at the General Office. These fees are a vital part

of meeting our staffing commitments for the year. Please contact the music office if there is difficulty in meeting

these fees.

Music Camp and South Street August 31 – September 5

The music camp will soon be upon us as well will be the movement of students up and down the highway.

Forms and payment need to be in very soon so that we can organise the next part of the administration. For

those family and friends who may be interested in coming, the performances of our ensembles are listed below.

Wed 31 Aug Est Performance Time

Junior Percussion Ens 6.45pm

Senior Percussion Ens 9.20pm

Thursday 1 September

Junior Band 5pm

Friday 2 September

Junior Stage Band 11.20am

Intermediate Stage Band 3.30pm

Senior Stage Band 9pm

Saturday 3 September

Concert Band 12.50pm

Symphonic Band 9.30pm

Sunday 4 September

Chamber Choir 11.30am

Monday 5 September

Jazz Choir 11.30am

Concert Choir 2.15pmStephen Hardie Assistant Director of Music

SYN FM Excursion –

4 August 2011 In Year 9 music Technology students have the

opportunity to broadcast their own radio show. The

program has been running at school for a number of

years and there have been a great variety in the

types of shows broadcast. “School on Air” is the

project at SYN media (FM) that prepares students to

broadcast on the radio. The organiser at SYN

commented that Blackburn High was quite different

from other schools because in the past students

have played instruments “live” on air in their shows.

There are quite a few musicians from the schools’

stage bands in this class so no doubt we will have

more “live on air” performances this year.

To prepare for the broadcast in term 4 most of the

Music Technology class (except for 2 students who

did the Maths competition) took the train into the city

and had a tour of the studios where they will make

their radio show. Sandra Johnson volunteered to

help out with student supervision and despite having

retired at the start of the year was still very sharp

with her student management. The excursion also

modelled how students will get to the radio station as

in term 4 as they will travel from school (in small

groups) and make their own way to the studio

unsupervised.

Anita was the trainer at SYN (media) who took the

class through a mock show. Students prepared a

segment in small groups which was then recorded.

Everyone had a go at speaking into the microphones

and presenting their segments in the studio. The

mock show was recorded and there was a lot of

nervous laughter from the class when the recording

was played back. I know it can be quite unnerving

hearing a recording of yourself. The day finished with

a leisurely lunch at Melbourne Central and then back

to school for period 6.

Look out for the Blackburn High broadcasts on SYN

– 90.7FM. The show will be broadcast on Monday

mornings.

Ron Hansen, Music Technology Teacher

MUSIC REVIEWING WORKSHOP

Aspiring music reviewers – get in quick for the next

SYN Young Journo Workshop .

Local music reviewers from Mess and Noise, 3RRR

and The Age will take you through the craft of music

reviewing, share their experiences and give you tips

on how to get your reviews online, in print and on the

air.

Come along to Signal on Wednesday, September 7,

from 5:30 – 7:30.

To book your place in the workshop email

training@syn.org.au.

Bookings are $10.

Anyone 12-25 is welcome. Signal a creative studio

for young people

is located on

Flinders Walk in

the city.

Ron Hansen

Year 8

Coordinator

Students interested in music or journalism may like

to do this course.

Ron Hansen Music Technology Teacher

Junior school

Junior School Academic Achievement Awards

Last term you would have received your child’s Semester One Report. A number of

students have been selected to receive an Academic Achievement Award. These awards

celebrate students who exhibit a high level of knowledge in a range of subject areas, as

well as displaying exceptional involvement in classroom activities through participation and

application.

The nominated students will be attending a formal occasion to celebrate their efforts.

Junior School Academic Achievement Awards

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

1.30 pm for a 1.45 pm start. A 3.00pm finish.

BER (Building Education Revolution) Centre

Blackburn High School

Students receiving awards will be asked to attend normal classes for periods 1 – 4, and to

move directly to the BER Centre at 1.30 pm. Full school uniform is to be worn.

If you have not informed us of your attendance would you call the school please?

Geoff Vezey

Junior School Leader

Year 9 City Experience This program will run between Monday 24th and Friday 28th October. More information will

be posted early October.

On Tuesday 6th September members of the Police Force will be speaking the Year 9

students about travelling safely to and from the City. They will also provide helpful

suggestions to assist the students during their week in the City.

Thank-you to those parents who have returned the permission forms. If you have not

returned the permission form, would you please return the form soon. If the form has been

misplaced there are extra copies available at the office. We are busy preparing for the

program and your assistance is appreciated.

Geoff Vezey.

YEAR 9 ELECTIVES - 2012

Subject selection for Year 9 electives 2012

Blackburn High School

Year 9 subject electives for 2012 will occur online.

Students should have received an individual logon in

form assembly on 5 August. The website for elective

choice is:

http://www.submitpreferences.com.au

The preferences can be changed up to twenty times if

you have made an error with the subject selections.

Computers at school can be used to select electives if

there is no computer at home. A copy of the

“preference receipt” needs to be signed by parents and

brought to school (which lists the subject selection

made).

Important dates: students can choose their subjects

online until 15th August. All applications up to that

date are treated equally. After 15th August, students

will choose from the electives that have spaces free

and are unlikely to gain the electives of choice.

Students will be able to choose 3 electives for each

semester in year 9 (total of 6 for the year). The

electives should be balanced with:

2 x Art Electives, 2 x Technology Electives, 2x Sport

Electives

For Art and Technology the electives need to be

different for each semester (except for music which can

be chosen for 2 semesters). For sport the same

elective can be chosen for 2 semesters.

When choosing electives they need to be listed IN

ORDER OF PREFERENCE (the choices need to be

listed from the elective the student most wants to do

down to the least wanted). Two Reserves for each

subject also need to be listed, also in preference order.

When students are assigned their electives the

preference order is taken into consideration, especially

if a subject is over subscribed or not enough people

choose an elective and it does not run. So students

who put their most favoured elective last may not be

assigned in that elective at all.

Please see Mr. Dalton or Mr. Hansen if you have any

further queries

.Please note last week dates in the following articles

were incorrect

Final Assembly Beaumont Hall

The final assembly in Beaumont Hall will take place on Thursday August 18th at 10:25am.

Former student and Olympian Jenny Donnet will speak about her reflection of the school. All welcome!

Free Dress Day & Disco

A Free Dress Day will take place on Friday, August 19th. There will also be a free student disco in the hall at lunchtime to celebrate the last day before Beaumont Hall is taken down. A $2 donation is asked for which

will be used for a school project.

Careers Corner 1. Reminders

Work Experience Year 10s - only 5 weeks to go!!!

Last weeks to get your place organised. See Mr McGann in the Pathways Office if you have no place yet.

2. Interested in Engineering and Science? - then make sure you come along to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) next Thursday 18th August!

Listen to inspirational speakers and have a taste test of a VSSEC program. Each 1.5 hour time slot includes a

speaker and one of three hands-on activities. Bookings are limited!!

When: Thursday 18th August

Where: Victorian Space Science Education Centre @ Strathmore Secondary College, 400 Pascoe Vale Rd,

Strathmore

Target Audience: Year 10 -12 students FREE for all!

3. ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE AT MONASH – Monash Uni has announced that the Faculty of Engineering in conjunction with the Faculty of Art and Design, are forming a new double degree course which will be the B. Engineering in the field of civil engineering combined with the B. Architecture. The double degree is subject to final approval and is planned for 2012.

4. UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE NEWS -

VERY HIGH-ACHIEVING STUDENTS – The University is introducing the Chancellor’s Scholars’ Program for applicants for the B Arts, B. Biomedicine, B. Commerce, B. Environments, B. Music and B. Science. Some benefits: Domestic students will receive a HECS exempt Commonwealth Supported Place, an annual allowance of $5,000, and access to a Global Scholars Award and will also be guaranteed a CSP in most professional entry masters (coursework) degrees of their choice (eg Doctor of Medicine, Juris Doctor, Doctor of Dental Surgery). Criteria: achieve an ATAR of 99.90 or above; Info: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/contact

GUARANTEED PATHWAYS TO GRADUATE DEGREES – New requirements for guaranteed pathways are being introduced. See: www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au

WIN ONE OF FIVE I-PODS – Do you think you can design a re-locatable, recyclable classroom for the future? Re-locatable classrooms accommodate up to 30% of Australian students. These buildings are not designed to be environmentally sustainable and do not cater for 21st century learning. The university’s B. Environments program is offering Year 10-12 students the chance to engage in some thinking and design. See www.msdincubator.com/fps for details.

5. EARLY ACHIEVERS PROGRAM AT ACU – The Australian Catholic University (ACU) recognises that students have more to offer than academic results. The Early Achievers Program (EAP) considers the contribution students have made to their community through school, workplace, local community organisation, culture, sport and/or religious group. Applications open (on-line): 14 August, close 14 Oct 2011 (complete a VTAC application as well). For more information see www.acu.edu.au/eap.

YEAR 12 NEWS

VTAC – The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) manages applications for courses taught by universities,

TAFE’s and independent providers. The 2012 VTAC Guide is now available. If you wish to apply for courses for

2012 you will need to use the Guide. You can borrow a Reference Copy from the Pathways Office or buy your own

copy from newsagents for $15. It gives details of courses available, prerequisites, last year’s ATAR (to use as an

indication of what might be required) and how to apply. Applications are on-line at www.vtac.edu.au and it is

possible to apply for up to 12 courses. Application costs $25 if you pay by credit card at the time of application or

$35 if you ask for an invoice to be sent.

SPECIAL ENTRY ACCESS SCHEME (SEAS) – Booklets describing this scheme are now available at school.

SEAS is the umbrella program run by most institutions for applicants who have experienced educational

disadvantage. The program plays a very specific function in selection. It allows selection officers to grant extra

consideration for course entry to applicants, but it is not used as a replacement for course entry requirements.

There are six categories within SEAS. Not all institutions recognise all categories.

Category 1 – Personal information and location

Category 2 – Non-English speaking background

Category 3 – Difficult circumstances

Category 4 – Disadvantaged financial background

Category 5 – Disability ore medical condition

Category 6 – SNAP (RMIT) and SALT (La Trobe Uni) If you believe you may be eligible under one of these categories, collect a booklet about SEAS.

AMENDMENTS TO THE VTAC GUIDE – Despite the best efforts, some amendments occur:

RMIT has advised that from Semester 1 2012, minimum VCE English study score prerequisites will apply to school leavers for RMIT bachelor degree and associate degree programs. For bachelors degrees VCE (Units 3 & 4) a study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or at least 25 in any other English; for Associate degrees it is 25 (ESL) and 20 (other English). Some courses may have higher requirements.

FINE ART AT RMIT – RMIT has restructured the Fine Art course, which is now offered as four separate streams and allocated new course codes: Expanded Studio Practice 33411 (CSP), 33413 (IFP); Print Imaging Practice 33481 (CSP); 33483 (IFP); Object based Practice 33491 (CSP), 33493 (IFP); Sculpture, Sound and Spatial Practice 33501 (CSP), 33503 (IFP).

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Monash Uni now allows international fee paying students to apply for the following courses: 30733 Arts and Social Sciences/Education (Primary); 29383 Business/Sport and Outdoor Recreation; 26273 Education (P-10); 27473 Journalism/Business; 29363 Journalism/Commerce (more info: www.vtac.edu.au/courses/codes-fees.html).

6. SO YOU WANT TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY? Many students who study psychology at university are unaware of what becoming a psychologist actually involves. Step-by-step progression towards becoming a psychologist means proceeding from an undergraduate degree to fourth year (honours) and post graduate study. Places are limited, so only the best candidates will be selected to complete post graduate qualifications. Graduates who do not wish to follow this path are advised to consider career pathways such as counselling, human resources, marketing, child welfare, community work and education. Many universities offer courses in psychology. You are advised to read about different courses, complete Open Day visits, and talk to those with psychology qualifications when deciding where to study. Check out the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) website as well at: www.apac.psychology.org.au. All recognised courses are listed.

7. NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, ABU DHABI – Don’t want to go to a Victorian University? Are you the adventurous type? Then NYU may be for you!! The venue for the upcoming information session is The Langham Hotel, 1 Southbank Ave, Southbank; 6.30-8.30pm, Wed 17 Aug; email nyuad@bkk.iie.org to reserve a place (include any dietary restrictions).

UNI & TAFE OPEN DAYS - 2011

***Asterisks & Capitals mean it’s on this weekend.

***AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC

UNIVERSITY***

Melbourne Campus:

Sunday, 14 August (10.00 am - 3.00 pm)

Ballarat Campus:

Sunday, 28 August (10.00 am - 3.00 pm)

***AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE of SPORTS

THERAPY***

Sunday 14th August - 12.00noon-3.00pm

Wednesday 17th August - 4.00pm-7.00pm

Sunday 11th September - 12.00noon-3.00pm

Wednesday 14th September - 4.00pm-7.00pm

Box Hill Institute Sunday 28 August, 10.00 - 3.00pm

***DEAKIN UNIVERSITY*** Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds & Waterfront

Campus:

Sunday 14 August, 10am - 3pm

Warrnambool Campus: Sunday 21 August, 10am -

2pm

Melbourne Campus Burwood: Sunday 28 August

10am - 4pm

Holmesglen Chadstone, Moorabbin and Waverley campus:

Saturday 20 August 10am - 3pm

***KANGAN INSTITUTE*** Richmond Campus: Centre of Fashion

Sunday 14 August 10am - 4pm; Wed 31 August 6 -

9pm

Swinburne University of Technology 21 August (10.00am - 4.00pm) at Hawthorn,

Lilydale and Prahran campuses.

University of Ballarat Sunday 28 August

University of Melbourne Parkville: Sunday 21 August

Year 12 STUDENTS

Year 12 Students and Parents - Tertiary Course Information Session

We will be holding a Tertiary Course Information Session for Year 12 students and their parents on Thursday 25th

August from 7.00-8.00pm in the Library. This session will outline the process for putting in course selections with

VTAC and how this can be changed at the end of the year when results come out. We will also outline the process

for SEAS applications and it will provide parents and year 12 students with an opportunity to ask questions about

these processes. The session will be run by our Pathways and Transitions Coordinator, Mr Terry McGann and our

Senior School Coordinator, Mr Martin Baxter.

Maths "Catch Up" Sessions

The Maths Department is running “catch-up” sessions every lunchtime in room 203

from 12:45 to 1:15pm. Students who have fallen behind in either their class work or

their homework may be referred to these sessions by their Maths teacher. The session

is seen as a way of assisting students to complete work essential to their understanding.

Other students are welcome to attend.

Dates for Your Diary

Date Time Event Location

10/08/2011 7.30pm Chaplaincy Meeting Library

11/08/2011 4.00pm 7c Student Progress Conferences Library

17/08/2011 10.25am Whole School Assembly

25/08/2011 7pm-8pm Year 12 Students & their Parents -Tertiary Course Information Session

Library

10/08/2011-27/08/2011

Melbourne Band & Stgs Festival Melbourne Univ

19/08/2011 Free Dress Day & Disco

31/08/2011-04/09/2011

Music Camp – South Street

Year 12 Students

21/09/2011 730.pm School Council Staff Room

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2011 – Term 4

Term 4 – Step Up Program

Whole School Step Up program 21/11-25/11 Year 12 Exams Continued, Year 10-11Exams

28/11 All students 7 to 11 promoted to levels 8-12 for start next year’s work

2/12 VCE step up concludes

9/12 Year 10 step up Concludes

12/12-16/12 2011 Year 9 Qld Tour

16/12 Year 8&9 step up concludes

Term Dates 2011 – 2012

Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4

2011 18 July – 23 Sept 10 Oct – 22 Dec

2012 1 Feb – 30 March 16 April – 29 June 16 July – 21 Sept 8 Oct – 21 Dec

Blackburn High School Telephone: (+613) 9878 4477 Music Department:

60 Springfield Road Facsimile: (+613) 9894 2435 Telephone: (+613) 9894 4572

Blackburn 3130 Absences: absences.bhs@blackburnhs.vic.edu.au Facsimile: (+613) 9894 2751

Postal Address: e-mail: blackburn.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au

P.O. Box 114 web: http://www.blackburnhs.vic.edu.au

Blackburn 3130