from the principal’s desk - oberon high school...byod model at oberon high school from the...

Oberon High School

Principal: Ken Barwick Deputy Principal: Craig Luccarda

Phone:6336 1606

Fax:6336 2164

Email:[email protected]

Educating the whole person for the whole of life

Term 4, Week 8 02.12.2013

From the Principal’s Desk The last few weeks of school will disappear quickly and 2013 will then become a fading memory. It has certainly been one of the fastest years in my teaching career; not only my first as principal, however I think the years go faster as you get older! There are many activities planned before the end of the year and both teachers and students are fully engaged in making sure they all run smoothly. Presentation Night on Tuesday 10th December 2013 at 7.00pm will again be a massive event with performances, awards and of course another speech from the principal. A group of Gifted and Talented students will be travelling to Canberra in Week 10 to visit the Australian Institute of Sport and The Australian National University. Many students will attend the newly built Wet ‘n’ Wild water theme park in Sydney on Tuesday 17th December 2013 as part of a rewards excursion organised by Mr Aveling-Rowe.

Add reports for all students in Years 7 to 10 and planning for 2014; the last weeks of school look to be very busy. I am really looking forward to presentation night as we have made a few changes with the awards. All the normal academic awards will be presented, however we have added many student scholarships due to the wonderful support from community groups and businesses in the Oberon community. I would like to thank all who have supported and contributed to our school throughout the year. The University of the Third Age (U3A) will be holding a cooking class in our school Hospitality Trade Training Centre on Monday 9th December 2013. It is great to see members of the community utilising our great facilities. Thanks to Mr Boyd and his staff for accommodating community projects such as U3A. Students still have the opportunity to attend the homework centre to access assistance right up to the end of the 2013 school year. I am hoping that students attend the final homework centre of the year where we will hold a small Christmas Party to thank the students and staff who regularly attend. Again I would like to thank the Mawhood brothers from Supa IGA who have supported our homework centre this year.

It is very important that parents notify the school when student details change! Change of address and phone

numbers need to be passed onto our office staff so that contact can be made quickly when required. If you have any questions about any of the programs at Oberon High School, please contact Ken Barwick or Craig Luccarda.

Oberon High School is very fortunate to have DEC approval to establish our first support class in 2014 to assist any students with a recognised disability. It’s an exciting time as we look to develop a classroom and appoint a new MC Class teacher for 2014. Mr Luccarda has completed a merit selection process for the position and after approval we will find out who our new teacher will be in 2014. An extra School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) will also be appointed and I am hopeful of releasing both names in the last newsletter of the year in Week 10.

On Wednesday 27th November 2013, Mr Grantham, Mrs Christian, Mrs Sinclair and I all visited Blayney High School to look at their new MC Class which was established in 2013. It was a very worthwhile visit as we could learn what has worked well this year and things which should be avoided. Below are a few photos of Blayney High School’s classroom and learning space. We were all very impressed and I would like to thank Mrs Sue Jones (Principal) and the class teacher, Bryce.

STOP PRESS: Homework Centre will be running on Thursday, 5th and Thursday, 12th December 2013.

New Support Class in 2014

functionality. At this stage we anticipate moving to a BYOD model at Oberon High School from the commencement of 2015. We would encourage parents to consider BYOD if making technology purchases for children from 2014. Full implementation is planned for 2015 onwards. We will address issues such as equity (the availability of BYOD for all students) and teacher professional development during 2014. Any questions regarding the BYOD model, please contact the school.

Technology - Bring Your Own Device

What is BYOD? Bring Your Own Device, also called bring your own technology, refers to the policy of permitting students to bring personally owned mobile devices (laptops, tablets) to school, and to use those devices to access school information and appropriate applications for learning. From 2009 - 2013 we saw the rollout of the Digital Education Revolution (DER) program of laptops to NSW schools. With the ending of the funding for the DER program, NSW schools are adopting the BYOD model to enable students to have continued access within all classrooms. In order to facilitate the successful integration of technology within the classroom the NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) has continued relationships with major software providers such as Adobe and Microsoft. From early 2014 school students will be able to install selected software for free on one compatible device per student. In addition, there are new developments which will enable students to use technologies that are web based with the use of the Cloud (off-site storage), such as full integration of Google Apps with student email accounts and the availability of Office 365. Timeline of adoption In 2014 the college will be trialling and implementing various BYOD technologies. NSW schools for 2014 have significant changes happening in terms of initiatives such as Google Apps, integration with student email accounts (due in late 2013), software availability for BYO devices and schools having upgraded network

Western Region Academy of Sport Selection

Scholarships

Congratulations to Georgie Rich, Olivia Sullivan, Kurt Boundy, Danny Eiler-Carr. Lucy Voerman. Isabelle Ross, Bronte Leihn, Andrew Mills, Amy Mills and Adrian Williams who were all awarded Oberon High School Educational Scholarships. The scholarships can be used by students to help offset the cost of school based costs such as subject contributions, uniform or excursions. All the students who received the scholarships are worthy recipients and are to be whole heartedly congratulated. The school would like to thank all of the community patrons who contribute to the scholarship fund and give us an opportunity to offer these scholarships.

Georgie Olivia Kurt

Danny Lucy Isabelle

Bronte Andrew

Adrian

Oberon High School is renowned for its outstanding sportspeople and once again I am delighted to announce we have received confirmation that Ivy Moore in Year 10 has been selected for the Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS) 2014 Hockey Squad.

The Western Region Academy of Sport aims to identify, develop and provide pathways for talented young sports people in the west of NSW. Ivy has impressed many during 2013 and as a result has been identified for the program. Congratulations Ivy, we are all proud of your efforts! Ivy Moore

Congratulations to our 2014 Scholarship winners

Year 12 Graduation

I was privileged to speak to Year 12 at the recent Graduation Ball on the 22nd November 2013 for the first time as principal of Oberon High School. I have watched this group of students since Year 6 transition in late 2007 develop into young responsible, caring individuals who can now hold their own in the adult world in 2013. It was really great to see so many parents, friends, family and past teachers attend to celebrate with Year 12 on their night of nights! Thanks to Mr. Cambey (past teacher and Year Advisor) for making the effort to attend, I know it meant a lot to our students.

Oberon High School is very proud of the partnerships we have built with the parents and the students during the past six years. Our school really appreciates the parent and community support. A very big thank you must go to Miss. Tara Weekes. Tara has been an exceptional year advisor after replacing Mr. Cambey a few years back. She has always put her students first and defended any issues which may have occurred in her time. The students hold her in high-regard which is testament to her commitment to the students. A wonderful teacher who thinks the world of her year group. Great graduation ball Miss Weekes!

Our teachers have done an amazing job preparing Year 12 for what lay ahead. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of staff who pride themselves on developing our students intellectually, as well as supporting their emotional growth during their time at school – that’s just one of the benefits of learning in a small country school.

Thanks to the students; thanks for being individuals. As a Deputy Principal and Principal during the past six years, I have seen all the good and bad! You have all developed your own style and direction. Thanks for supporting each other during your time at school. Thanks for valuing your school and the efforts of your teachers.

Gra

duating Y

ear

12

celebr

ate in s

tyle

James Baxter

Teachers past and present celebrate with year 12

Stacey Thomas, Sarah McCusker and Claire Sullivan

Tom McKinnon

Shelby Russo-Vooles and Ben Alexander

Year 11 students farewell their Year 12 friends

Professional Learning & Variations to Routine

A reminder to all our school community that 2014 sees some minor changes to our current day structure which will affect our bell times and all parents need to be aware of these changes. Our current Roll Call period will no longer exist and Period 1 will commence at 9.00am sharp! It is very important that all students arrive at school on time to maximise learning opportunities and to also reduce disruption to the learning of other students. The new bell times are outlined below;

Bell Times changed in 2014

Assembly – Monday 2nd December 2013 (All students and staff) Year 6 into Year 7 Transition Day – Tuesday 3rd December 2013 (T. Grantham + other staff) NSWTF Stop Work Meeting – Tuesday 3rd December 2013 (9.00am to 11.00am) Homework Centre – Thursday 5th December 2013 (All students and staff) Christmas in the Common – Friday 6th December 2013 (Oberon Community) Assembly – Monday 9th December 2013 (All students and staff) U3A Cooking Class at Oberon High School – Monday 9th December 2013 (U3A) Oberon High School Presentation Night – Tuesday 10th December 2013 (Oberon Community) Gifted and Talented Excursion to Canberra – Wednesday 11th to 13th December 2013 (C. Luccarda, K. Christian) Homework Centre Christmas Party – Thursday 12th December 2013 (All students and staff) WHS Worksite Inspection – Thursday 12th December 2013 (WHS Committee) Keith Cleton Golf Day – Friday 13th December 2013 (D. Boyd, B. Balaam) Ken Barwick, Principal

0418 629 198

Period 1 9:00 am 45 min

Period 2 9.45 am 45 min

Recess 10.30 am 20 min



Assembly 12:20 pm 40 min

Lunch 1 1:00 pm 20 min


Period 5 1:40 pm 50 min


End of Day 3.20 pm



Learning and Support Period

10:40 am 20 min

Recess 11:00 am 20 min







End of Day 3.20 pm

Mon

day

Tues

day

to F

irday

Warning bells at 2 minutes before 9.00am, 11.20am and 1.40pm

Warning bells at 2 minutes before 9.00am, 10.50am and 1.40pm

TAS - Construction Stair building

For the past few weeks students in Construction have been excavating levelling and constructing formwork for a set of stairs to access the Agriculture plot from the back of the school. Last week the class mixed and laid the concrete as part of their VET Construction course. Well done to all and many thanks to Mr Peter Harvey for his assistance and experience in this venture.

(See pictures at right)

As the term draws to a close, there have been some wonderful things happening . Stair building (on page 4) and “taste of Sydney” below.

Hospitality excursion

Last Wednesday the 19th, Preliminary Hospitality students, Mrs Paula Hotham and I travelled to the centre of Sydney to visit some notable Hospitality venues which provided experiences valuable to the course in commercial cookery.

After arriving in Central and walking a short distance to Haymarket to drop off our bags at the motel, we visited the Sydney fish markets. These markets are touted as the second biggest fish markets in the world. Students got to see all manner of fish and crustaceans being prepared for sale. Lunch at the markets was an experience, trying to keep the food away from the gulls and ibises. One took too much of a fancy to Lourie Bailey and her scream was one of our highlights.

We then visited the centre of town, David Jones’ Christmas windows and the Lindt chocolate shop at Darling Harbour. It was so good that we ended up visiting it twice. I wish I had shares in chocolate where Oberon High students are concerned.

Back to the motel to freshen up then out on the town for Asian cuisine on Dixon Street, Chinatown. Some students ventured a taste of the freshly squeezed cane juice. Yum.

Another highlight was the stone statue man that wasn’t a statue. After walking down through Darling Harbour, where Sarah Oxley amazed locals, tourists and everyone with her impromptu “flashdance”, we caught a ferry from Darling Harbour by Luna Park to Circular Quay. We walked the Opera House promenade and then returned to the motel for some rest.

Day Two was the main event. We travelled to Westfields to visit the Tower (formerly known as Centrepoint Tower) where we took an enlightening tour of the kitchens and found out what it was like for an organisation with close to 200 staff. The sheer size of the operation and professionalism was amazing. We then ate at the highest point of Sydney in the revolving restaurant. We were able to eat emu balls, crocodile sausages and marinated kangaroo. An amazing view and a fantastic way to finish the two day tour.

My special thanks firstly goes to Mrs Paula Hotham for organising such a wonderful excursion. The students and I had a wonderful time. I would also like to thank each student for the wonderful way they represented themselves and our school. This has encouraged us to think further afield for other excursions in 2014.

Mr David Boyd

TAS Faculty Report

Guide to technology tools

The holidays are traditionally the time for the big gifts that kids have been begging for all year. Here’s what to watch out for when choosing technology toys for your kids.

Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/hu/technology/using-technology/a-guide-to-technology-toys

Facebook privacy

Have a look at this interesting infographic about the biggest Facebook privacy no-nos. Then ask your kids for their top ten: it could be interesting, indeed.

Facebook privacy: http://allfacebook.com/the-best-computer-science-schools-infographic_b126800

Homework and study

Have your say and tell us what you need to effectively help your child with homework and study. Complete the School A to Z survey: http://bit.ly/184BFR3

Christmas Carols in

Machattie Park

Sunday 15 December

Service Club food vans and Mr Whippy.

6.30pm un l 9.30pm.

Bring a family picnic, grab a picnic blanket and enjoy a fes ve feast.

Hosted by the Mitchell Conservatorium and supported by the Reliance Credit Union.

Presentation Night

Tuesday,

10 December, 2013

7:00pm in the gym

Education costs money, but then so does ignorance.- Sir Claus Moser

from the principal’s desk - oberon high school...byod model at oberon high school from the...

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