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: gunnedah-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 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 .

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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

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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’.

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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