129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 / 02 6558 1605 www.gloucester-h.schools.nsw.edu.au / gloucester-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

GLOUCESTER WRITERS FESTIVAL The Gloucester Writers Festival held a special student day at the High School, Friday 4 May. Sixty Gloucester High School students from Year 7-12 participated in writing workshops with the Director of the Hunter Writers Centre, Karen Crofts. We also had interested students join in from other NSW Schools.Karen Crofts, graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2009 with a masters degree in Creative Arts. She has written a collection of short stories and has been published in anthologies. Ms Croft has also been shortlisted and won in a range of short story competitions. Ms Croft asked each student in the programme to choose an image from her collection and to participate in a fast writing activity. Fast writing is writing as fast as you can on a given stimulus. You don’t worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar; you just write. As a result of this activity and the following workshop, many of our students were shortlisted in the Gloucester Writers Festival Secondary Schools Competition for 2012. Selected students entered a story of under 500 words that included ‘edge’ as an integral part of the story. Karen Crofts was very impressed with the quality of the writing that our students produced under very restrictive time constraints. Jake Harris (Year 10) took out first prize in this competition with his samurai story. His prize is a fully paid weekend in Sydney, attending a workshop with a well-known writer of his choice. Reece Bowden (Year 11) won 2nd

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School Calendar Term 2Tuesday 16 MayNAPLAN - Year 7 and Year 9Wednesday 17 MayNAPLAN - Year 7 and Year 9School Social 6:30pm to 9:30pmFriday 18 MayIndustrial Action - School will resume after a short assembley at 11amTuesday 22 MayICAS - Computer SkillsThursday 24 MayP&C Meeting 7:30pm School LibraryMonday 28 MayYear 7 - 10 Parent Teacher MeetingThursday 31 MayEducating Rita - ParramattaMonday 4 JuneYear 7 & 8 Half Yearly ExamsWednesday 6 JuneICAS - ScienceThursday 7 JuneExcellence Assembly

CANTEEN -TERM 2Phone 65589963

Monday 21 MayElona/ NikkiTuesday 22 MayMaryanneWednesday 23 MayDaryl & VickiThursday 24 MayLyndellFriday 25 MayElonaMonday 28 MayElonaTuesday 29 MayKerryWednesday 30 MayHelen TThursday 31 Mayvolunteer neededFriday 1 JuneElona

NEWSLETTER 16 May 2012

prize with his moving story about love and loss. Reece receives a pass to the Newcastle Writers Festival and will be able to participate in a range of workshops and lectures. Clair Deen (Year 12), Coen Durbidge (Year 8) and Isabelle Everett (Year 9) all received highly commended awards and book vouchers to spend at the Gloucester Book Shop. Congratulations to all the above students. Their writing was engaging and evocative. Gloucester High School would like to thank Karen for the workshops, Lyndy Dupree for organising the Writers Festival and the many volunteers who helped to make this day a success. We were very proud to host the Gloucester Writers Festival this year. There were many positive comments made by writers and attendees regarding the suitability of the venue and the support of the school. We have been asked by the festival organisers to make special mention of the student volunteers who helped to ensure the smooth running of the event. Bryce Lacey, Coen and Tiana Durbidge, Ryan Yates, Isabelle Mackintosh, Shaedon and Alice Flanagan, Mia Bowden, Stephanie Maurer, Amber Franks, Jacob Bird and Harrison Simes were all on hand during the course of the weekend to lend a hand. Thank you for demonstrating our school values of responsibility and effort.

CAREERS NEWSBedford Business College in Sydney is calling for Scholarship Applications for 2013 Courses in Business and Child Care Diplomas. Details and application forms at www.bedford.edu.au.

Newcastle University Schools VisitNewcastle University Schools Visit Day is on Thursday 28 June 2012. A series of sessions throughout the day for students to get informatiion about Entry, Student Services, Accommodation, Scholarships, Courses and a Taste Of University Life plus more.

Gold Coast Training AcademyGold Coast Training Academy- Beauty, Hairdressing, Make-Up, Skin Care Courses for 2013 at www.gcta.edu.au.

Think Education GroupThink Education Group at www.think.edu.au for courses and scholarship details for 2013 Courses. This website contains information on a number of Colleges and Courses that deliver Hospitality, Design, Business, Natural Therapies and Beauty Courses.Armed Forces Talks for Year 10-12 students on Tuesday 19 June.

Honeywell Engineering Summer SchoolHoneywell Engineering Summer School for Year 11 Students who study 2 Unit or higher Mathematics and one of either Chemistry or Physics. The cost is $695.00 which may be subsidised by Rotary Club. See me for more details and Application Forms.If you would like anymore information about any of the above please see Mr Green at his office.

PRINICPAL’S REPORTThe previous couple of weeks have been a hive of activity. A very successful Writers’ Festival was held at the school, with workshop sessions with well-known Australian writers a highlight. Importantly, the writers were very impressed with the talent of our students, stating that some of their writing was of an outstanding standard. Thanks to Mrs Deb Hogan for her

great organisation of this event and her passion for writing!

Our senior Parent/Teacher evening allowed teachers and parents to continue to work together to ensure the best outcomes for students. I urge students to take the advice given and act upon it. After all, your education is your education. You need to take responsibility and use your teachers’ advice as a resource to better prepare you for the HSC and beyond.

Head Teachers, the Deputy Principal and I had a successful Executive Review meeting on Monday evening. Held once per semester, these meetings allow time for deep professional discussions, planning and evaluation of programs and policies. Thanks to all the executive for giving of their time and for engaging at such a professional and thoughtful level. What a team!

The annual Shakespeare Festival was another highlight of recent days. Organised by Drama teacher, Mr Scott Davis, the schools’ days on Thursday and Friday provided all students with a real appreciation for the work of “the Bard”. Thanks to Scott for his organisation and for his directorship of a tremendous GACCI Players rendition of “Has Anybody Seen my Horse” (in which Mr Chris Steele and Mr Tony Kingston starred!) Thanks also to the hardy P&C team, who churned out buckets of steaks, snags and onions from the barbecue.

In the more creative and cerebral spheres, many of our students have excelled in the Taree Eisteddfod, in both music and drama. We have had success with our school Chess Team. Alex Bratfield once again represented at the North Coast Talent Identification Program, returning inspired to write a blockbuster hit!

Those of you with students in Years 7 and 9 will know that this week has been NAPLAN week. Well done to students who have cooperated and tried their best in these National tests. A huge vote of thanks needs to go to Mr Greg Leighton, HT English, for his efforts over many days organising the smooth running of these tests. This is not an easy job, but Greg has completed it with great professionalism. Well done, Greg!

This week is also Wingham Beef Week, where the school’s Agriculture Team get to show the results of their continued great work with our cattle. A variety of skills, from grooming, leading, preparing, showing and judging cattle will be demonstrated by our young men and women in blue! Many hours of work have gone into the preparation of both human and beast. Congratulations to our team and to Mrs Nicole Dwyer, Mr Dave Garland, Mr Mal Graham and parent helpers for their diligence and organisation.

This weekend will see the Bronze Level students from the Duke of Edinburgh Award undertake their first expedition in what will almost certainly be quite cold conditions. They are all keen, well equipped and ready to go. More news on this one when we return.

Cheers!

CHESS TOURNAENTOn Monday 7 May, Shayne Harris, Jake Harris, Shaedon Flanagan and Jasmine L’Green competed against Hunter Valley Grammar in the second round of the NSW Hunter Region Chess Tournament. The team had a win form Shayne, Shaedon and Jasmine but unfortunately Jake had a loss.

On the whole, the team had a win, so they will be carrying on in the chess tournament.

The Chess Team would like to thank the canteen for providing food for the teams.

The team is looking forward to competing again in a couple of weeks. Good Luck! Mr Frankcombe

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DEFENCE FORCE SCHOLARSHIPS!Congratulations to four of our Senior Students who have been sucessful in their applications for a Scholarships with The Defence Force to assist them with their Senior Studies. Year 11 Jaslyn Tuckwell, Jack Wilson and Tom Laurie, also Year 12 Matt Yates.

TAREE & DISTRICT EISTEDDFODDrama students from Years 9 and 10 competed in the Speech and Drama section (playbuilding) of the Taree Eisteddfod at the Manning Entertainment Centre on Thursday 3 May.Year 10 students Jess Grey, Hayley Hedges, Meegan Johnson, Alex Steadman and Hannah West won 1st prize for their play entitled Teen TV while Year 9 students Bronte Davis, Isabelle Everett, Chloe Haynes, Jaimi White and Rose Windred picked up a second for their play, Sally’s World. Elsewhere Jemma Clarke, Jack Ferris, Shelby Green, Sophie Kingston and Alicia Sneddon scored a third for unscripted drama and a high commendation in playbuilding for their play, Living with Technology. Finally, Danielle Adams, Amy Andrews, Hannah Feeney, Matt Ryan and Erin Maslen did well in their first effort at the Eisteddfod to receive a high commendation for their play, Heidi. Well done to all students involved. Mr Davis

SHAkESPEARE FESTiVAl 2012Another successful Shakespeare Festival has come and gone and, once again, students were pleasantly surprised to find that the Bard can be not only relevant and accessible…but entertaining too! The Shakespeare Festival is a significant event in Gloucester’s cultural calendar. The festival has been operating now for over 10 years and Gloucester High School plays a leading role to make it a significant occasion not only for Gloucester students, but for students from around the region. Schools attending this year included Kurri Kurri High School, Taree High, Dungog High and Wingham High.

Students often have difficulty in understanding Shakespeare, particularly the language when reading off the page. Exposing them to Shakespeare through a live staging provides an opportunity for students to engage with the style and, therefore, be more readily prepared to comprehend what they encounter in the classroom in their schooling. This year’s production of A Comedy of Errors, as produced by Newcastle’s Tantrum Theatre Company, was a modern adaptation featuring a cast of young actors who ably realized the play under the innovative direction of Carl Young. Students were then treated to an engaging question and answer period with the cast and crew following the performance. A big thank you to Gloucester High’s P & C for providing a scrumptious lunch at Billabong Park on both performance days.

Mr Davis

2012 ATHlETiCS CARNiVAlAge Champions

U/12 Jacob Bird and Amie MidgleyU/13 Jayden Mackintosh and Mia BowdenU/14 Patrick Skelton and Natalie SchneiderU/15 Kenneth Wamsley and Hannah WestU/16 Nathan Butler and Ayla AnsellU/17+ Hadiah Virzi-Hartigan and Kate Radford

Runners UpU/12 Dylan Grey and Clare MaslenU/13 Max Hogget and Haisha TheuilU/14 Luke Boorer and Jamie Lee BirdU/15 Callan Radford and Jess HawkinsU/16 Peter Reynolds, Alex Steadman and Temyka LawlerU/17+ Luke Bartlett and Mikaela White

Champion of ChampionsNathan Butler and Mikaela White

Champion of Champions Runner UpLuke Bartlett and Jessica Anniwell

House Points1st Tibbuc 2nd Belbora 3rd Mograni 4th Kurricar

INDUSTRIAL ACTIONFRiDAY 18 MAY 2012

On Friday 18 May 2012, members of the NSW Teachers Federation will be participating in a 2 hour state-wide stop-work meeting called to examine implications of NSW DEC policy of Local Schools, Local Decisions. The teaching staff and support staff at Gloucester High School will be among those participating in the stoppage.

Following an assessment regarding the number of teachers likely to participate in the industrial action, it has been determined that the school will be unable to provide any adequate supervision on Friday 18 May 2012. Therefore, in consideration of the safety of students, the school will be non-operational for the duration of the industrial action. No supervision of students will be possible.

Parents and caregivers are asked to make suitable alternative arrangements for their children for first two periods of Friday 18 May 1012. Normal school will resume after a short assembly and roll call at 11:00am.

The decision to participate in industrial action is not taken lightly and the safety of students is paramount. Your support in this matter is appreciated.

Yours sincerely

Mr Pat CavanaghPrincipal

LIBRARY NEWSBook DonationsGloucester RSL Sub Branch, Gloucester Shire Council, GHS Par-ents & Citizens Association and the National Service & Combined Forces Association (Nelson Bay) kindly donated books in com-memoration of Anzac Day. The titles and a brief outline of each book appeared in the May 2 Newsletter.

The fact that successful writer Robert Day is a past student of GHS adds special significance to his donation of his action-packed novels Demon Gates and Ashar’an Rising. The fantasy genre is certainly alive and well among readers at Gloucester High.

Can You Help?If you have any board games, card games and comics that you no longer need, please consider donating them to the Library.

Private StudySeniors are reminded that the Library is a quiet, comfortable space to work during study periods. Interlibrary loans can access resources not available in our Library. Ask the library staff for assistance.

Permission NotesStudents are reminded that a note from their teacher is required if they are visiting the Library during class time. Show the note to Mrs West or Ms Grey. Sign in – and out – on the register at the front desk.

National Year of ReadingA trickle of Years 7-9 readers is signing up for the NSW Premiers Reading Challenge 2012, which runs from 1 February to 1 September 2012. Books read from 1 September 2011 can count towards the 2012 Challenge.It is a condition of entry that students entering and successfully completing the Challenge will

receive a PRC certificate and appear on the PRC Honour Roll.Students must complete a set amount of reading to meet the Challenge.See Ms Grey or go online for further details.

SubscriptionsNational GeographicAustralian GeographicDollyAustralasian Dirt BikeCurrent Social IssuesCurrent Environmental IssuesRugby League Week (on trial only)Gloucester AdvocateThe Sydney Morning HeraldThe Daily Telegraph

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DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTTSS PPRREESSEENNTT

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NNIIGGHHTT Mon 28May 2012

7:00pm start in the School Hall

Tickets: $3.00

Music! Dance! Drama! See Mr Davis or Mrs Ingram if you

would like to perform.

Be There!!!!!!!!!!!!

CHAPLAIN’S CHATAutumn signals change. As a gift of nature, autumn is a time when we can reflect on the deeper issues of life that confront us when change occurs and when we are faced with things being different. Gloucester has many deciduous trees that suddenly change from green to many shades of purple, red and gold. These trees are visible signs that change is upon us. It is a little colder up here than down on the coast, and whilst we begin to shiver and prepare for an even colder winter, we remember that it is the cold that makes the leaves of these trees more brilliant and var-ied in colour. The trees experience the cold as a kind of hardship that brings out the very best they can offerOn Mograni Hill there is a most beautiful and rare sight that highlights an even more extreme difference. Two great trees of completely different species grow closely together and their branches are closely entwined in a special kind of embrace. One is an evergreen of the cold climate variety, with spiny needles, and the other is a deciduous tree with wide soft leaves. In sum-mer when the leaves and the needles of these trees are green the difference is hardly noticeable. During autumn one remains seemingly unchanged whilst the other shines like a fire beacon on a hill, dark red and visibly expressing change and its own particular kind of glory.Nature’s Gifts are all around us, and can help us to appreciate and delight in difference and to understand change as a process. Reflecting on the way in which Nature integrates and accommodates change and difference can help us to think about how we as human treat others in our community who are different, or who are in the process of change. How do we embrace those who have newly arrived? How do we appreciate the distinctive uniqueness of each person and the gifts that they offer to us? In the fast moving busyness of school and family life you are invited to look around at the offering of Nature and to take a little time to be still and listen. You will be sure to feel your spirit enlivened, your strength renewed, and your heart opened. Happy autumning everyone.

Eulalie O’Keefe

SCHOOL PHOTO ORDERSIt is not too late to place an order for school photos if you missed out on Tuesday 8 May. Please contact the office on 65581605 for more details.

NEW BOOKS

A CERTAIN MUSIC by Celeste Walters. This is a tale of a man who couldn’t hear and a child people considered strange. And of a song that will live forever. A fairytale in the tradition of Hans Christian Andersen – heart-warming and enchanting.

GET A GRIP, COOPER JONES by Sue Whiting. Cooper Jones wishes his life was simple – like it used to be. When all he needed to worry about was whether to get up for swim training or sleep in. With tensions growing and bushfires threatening, Cooper needs to get a grip – fast.

AGAINST THE TIDE by Irini Savvides. Set against the rising ethnic tensions that culminated in Sydney's Cronulla riots, this engaging novel explores the meanings of family, friendship and community.

FRUITLOOPS & DIPSTICKS by Ulf Stark. Simone is twelve. When her new teacher mistakes her for a boy called Simon, the trouble really begins. All sorts of things go wrong, like dogs and ducks and handbags. Simone just wants everything to be normal again – but it’s hard in a world of fruit loops and dipsticks!

MAGENTA MCPHEE by Catherine Bateson. For Magenta McPhee, life is good. It would be almost perfect is she could sort out her dad, who quite possibly needs saving – from himself. Catherine Bateson has once again created a cast of delightfully real characters who will stay in the reader’s memory long after the last page is turned.

JAMEELA by Rukhsana Khan. Jameela is a beautifully written story about a girl – and a country – struggling to overcome the devastation of war. An unforgettable story inspired by real events.

GIRL WARRIOR by Justin D’Ath. The adventure-romance tale, Phoebe Nash, Girl Warrior follows the adventure of a thirteen-year-old Australian girl who, while on holiday in Africa, witnesses the kidnapping of a politician. Join Phoebe Nash on a heart-warming journey of first love, friendship, international intrigue and mystery. MANY-COLOURED REALM by Anne Hamilton. This is a story of an ordinary girl who finds herself in a very un-ordinary situation. Robby is a nice girl, and as you read on you discover that calling someone nice isn’t the compliment it seems to be. The Many – Coloured Realm is full of unlikely friendships, mysterious events and valuable lessons.

STAR JUMPS by Lorraine Marwood. A touching verse novel depicting the joys and heartbreaks of a farming family as they struggle to cope with the devastating effects of long term drought. Explores the joys and hardship of life on a farm from a unique child s point of view.

THE HORSE WHO BIT A BUSHRANGER by Jackie French. A story of survival, second chances ... and a dance with danger. Young Billy Marks is a pickpocket, transported to the penal colony of New South Wales. He and his mate reckon they'll become bushrangers -- but that's before Billy's had a chance to see the bush up close.

THE CAMEL WHO CROSSED AUSTRALIA by Jackie French. The story of the famous Burke and Wills expedition ... as it has never been told before. The humans called him ‘Bell Sing’, but to the other camels he is known as ‘He Who Spits Further than the Wind’. Bell Sing accompanies explorers Burke and Wills as they try to cross Australia from south to north.

THE DONKEY WHO CARRIED THE WOUNDED by Jackie French. Most Australians know of Simpson and his donkey, who became heroes at Gallipoli, even among the Turkish forces. Few know where the donkey came from, or what happened to him after World War I. It also gives a new depth to our understanding of this story of Anzac heroism

SEND SIMON SAVAGE by Stephen Measday. Simon's father has drowned under mysterious circumstances and Simon wants to know why. So when two secretive men turn up with classified information and an offer of a place in an elite school, Simon jumps at the chance --not least because these men seem to know more about his father than they're letting on.

TAJ AND THE GREAT CAMEL TREK by Rosanne Hawke. Twelve year old Taj and his camel Mastara are about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Taj and the Great Camel Trek is an inspirational, gripping adventure and a tribute to the Afghan camel drivers who helped explore Australia.

THE LOBLOLLY BOY by James Norcliffe. Gifted with the powers of flight and eternal youth much like Peter Pan, but also with invisibility and all the secretive joys that brings, our hero flees into a realm at the very edge of reality, becoming the Loblolly Boy. A curious and thought provoking story.

THE SPELL OF UNDOING by Paul Collins. The Spell of Undoing is an action-packed adventure. Without a doubt Paul Collins is a master of the fantastical. His description is rich and vivid and his characters well-drawn -- and at times all too real. This is essential reading for fantasy fans -- and would-be fantasy fans.

VOYAGE TO VERDADA by James Roy. When Edsel takes an unexpected voyage to a parallel dimension, Verdada, his life is transformed overnight. Suddenly, his over-protective parents are nowhere to be seen and rules are a thing of the past. Or so he thinks. This is the first book in a fantastic three-part series by award-winning author James Roy.

TUSSOCK by Elizabeth Pulford. When her father goes missing, Kate’s life is thrown into chaos. More than ever before, she is drawn to the old tin hut among the tussock grass. There she lights a lamp each night to guide her father home. And there she meets the troubled Troy.

HoMEWoRkEach school develops its own homework policy after consultation with parents/caregivers and teachers. Your child's teacher has information about the school's policy. Encouragement and support from parents/caregivers helps students to have a positive, productive approach to homework.

Why is homework so important? Homework bridges the gap between learning at school and learning at home. It reinforces work done in class. It helps develop skills such as research and time management. Home-work helps to establish the habits of study, concentration and self discipline. Parents/caregivers have the opportunity to see the progress of their child. Homework provides challenges and stimulus to gifted and talented children.

'ideal' homework The basic rules of homework are that it:is appropriate for each student's age and ability takes into account students' other commitments, such as sport, part-time employment and home responsibilities takes into account technology such as email and the Internet so that students without access are not disadvantaged.

Three types of homework Practice Exercises help students to remember and practise newly acquired skills - such as memorising mathematical tables, practising spelling words, writing essays and reading for pleasure. Preparatory Homework requires students to source and read background information to prepare them for future lessons on a specific subject - such as reading an article on the Gold Rush in preparation for a lesson in Australian history. Extension Assignments encourage students to pursue knowl-edge individually and imaginatively. Assignments may include writing a book review, researching local news or retrieving items from the Internet.

HoMEWoRk FoR YEARS 7-12 In Years 7-12 homework should be set on a regular basis in most subjects. As students move into the senior school the homework and study demands will increase. However, students will be able to, at times, negotiate the amount, type and time frame of their homework.

What can parents/caregivers do to help? • Take an active interest in your child's homework. • Support your child in setting aside time each day for

homework. • Provide a dedicated place for homework and study if

possible. • Assist teachers to monitor homework by signing

completed work if requested, and be aware of the amount of homework set.

Principal Mr Pat CavanaghDeputy PrincipalMr Mike King Address: 129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422Telephone: 6558 1605 Fax: 6558 1229Email: gloucester-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

SCHool ViSioN STATEMENTGloucester High School aims to develop a supportive learning environment that engages all students,

teachers and community in the pursuit of excellence.

STUDENT ABSENT LETTERSThe Educational Act 1990 requires your child to attend school each day that instruction is provided unless prevented form doing so by sickness or other good reason. The Act requires that you explain your child’s absence within seven days of their oc-courrence. Failure to do so will result in an unjustified absence being recorded.

Please provide a written reason or alternatively you may wish to contact the school to discuss your child’s attendance.

• Communicate with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework or your child's approach to homework.

• Encourage your children to read and take an interest in current events.

• Alert the school to any domestic circumstances or extra curricular activities which may need to be taken into consideration when homework is being set or marked.