Model Farms High School NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 4 Term 1 – Week 5 Monday 25 February 2013

Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills Telephone: (02) 9624 3133 Facsimile: (02) 9838 8407

EEmail: modelfarms-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE…

Student Success: I seem to be signing quite a lot of permission notes this week that allow our students to progress further with some of their physical pursuits. Several students are applying to the State Dance Off camp later this term and if successful they will enjoy a full program of lessons, workshops and performances. Good luck to all our dancers there. Alex Mc Alonan, Mackenzie Bohan and Mitchell Williams have all been successful in being chosen for the NSWCHS Boys Baseball State Championships. They will head to Wollongong later in March for 4 days of games against other state teams. Good luck to them as well. Jessica Rookeward has been selected by the Arts Unit to perform a song written by a HSC student from another school at the Encore HSC Performance evening. Jessica was sent the song which she had to learn and it is an acknowledgement of her talent that she has been chosen to showcase someone else’s work. HSC University Offers: This week I was able to access the University Admission Center website to see how many of our students were made university offers following the release of their HSC results. 85 students in total were offered places at a variety of universities on campuses in Sydney, Canberra, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong. Some students were made multiple offers throughout the round of offers and have had the choice of a number of universities or course to study. The majority of offers came from Macquarie University, UWS and the University of Sydney. I have no doubt that we have prepared our students well for their future in tertiary education and look forward to hearing of their successes over the coming years. Technical Services Officer: Last week I was worried that the school would lose our Technology Support Officer, Anne Nielsen, because of cuts in the DER program. I was thrilled that that did not happen but I must report that we will be saying goodbye to Anne but in happier circumstances. She has been appointed on Merit to Muirfield High School as a Math teacher and as such, she will leave us shortly for the classrooms there. I would like to thank Anne for all she has done for Model Farms High School and wish her well for her new permanent career. Christina Bennet Principal

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DEPUTY’S MESSAGE

On Tuesday evening, the school held the Year 7 In Touch night, where students, staff and parents were able to connect and informally discuss the progress made in the first three weeks, and what lies ahead for the forthcoming year. I would like to thank all of the parents and students who attended the evening and trust that you were able to gain a valuable insight into life at Model Farms through this meeting. I would also like to show my appreciation to the staff who attended or presented on the evening, another example of how the community at Model Farms works together in a wonderful educational partnership. A special mention to Julie May, Donna Easthorpe, our wonderful Vice Captains, Stephanie and Lucas, our musicians, Matthew Donohoo, and Abbey Sim who together made the evening a highly worthwhile experience. And also to Julie Elliott and her Hospitality team for provideding snacks and sustenance prior to the formal component in the hall. At Model Farms, we continually seek to improve what we do, and this includes community events such as the In Touch night. Therefore, I would like to invite you to complete a short (5 minute) survey. To do this, just click here or alternatively paste the following URL into your web browser. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WJLS5HZ Your thoughts and insight will certainly be appreciated. At the Year 7 meeting on Tuesday, I addressed the topic of bullying. The short discussion included:

What bullying is

What bullying isn’t Strategies if you are being bullied Ways to assist others who may be bullied

It does need to be pointed out however, that bullying is a specific type of negative interaction between people. Not all negative interactions are bullying. Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, psychological or social behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards others. Like all environments that include either adults or children, bullying does exist within schools. However, the extent of this at Model Farms is minimal, especially considering it is a school of over 1000 students. All staff do take negative interactions between students seriously, with significant consequences for repeat or serious offenders. However, we also work to empower students who have had negative interactions through strategies to build resilience and confidence, both very important life skills. If you would like more information regarding bullying, a site you may like to investigate is Beyond Blue. The specific link is found here. Wishing everyone an enjoyable and successful week, Mark Grady Deputy Principal

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DEPUTY’S MESSAGE

Parent Bodies: The School Council is currently calling for nominations from the parent body for this school governance body. The Council is comprised of students, staff, parents and community representatives and plays a key role in whole school decisions and policy development. Meetings start at 6.30pm. If you would like more information, please contact Lynne Bourke on 0408 957 961. All nominations need to be made on the nomination form attached to this Bulletin. The only qualification required to be a school council representative is a willingness to help and improve the school. Further information can be obtained via the Contact the Council link below, or by contacting any of the aforementioned representatives. http://www.modelfarms-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/our-school/school-council

P&C Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month during term time starting promptly at 7pm. All parents are most welcome to attend. Like the School Council, the group is also very friendly but importantly this is another opportunity to find out what is happening at the school. I encourage as many parents as possible to come along and attend one or both of these meetings to see if this sort of involvement in school life is right for you.

Medications:

Please be reminded that students are not permitted to bring medication to school. Even though it seems like a reasonable thing to expect high school aged students to be able to follow the direction of parents in relation to what to take and when, this decision is far more complex in a school with over one thousand students. Should your student be required to take medication during school hours, this medication must be given to the front office along with a note clearly stating the student’s name and instructions for issue on the medication. All medication must be provided in its box/bottle and not sent in as a blister pack without packaging. All prescription medication must have the child’s name on it. If you are one of the lucky parents with a student who will need to regularly take Panadol, please send a note into the office indicating that you give permission for us to give your student one/two Panadol as required. This will save me ringing you for permission. Cars and Kids: Every year the same issue arises but the faces change. As our new Year 12s get their licence, we are accosted by local residents who are concerned about the way in which some of our students drive and park. Despite endless reminders from teachers and no doubt their parents, some students do not understand how dangerous their behaviour can be. While I am happy to remind students about their legal responsibilities, I am also convinced that those who do not learn may need a large hit in the back pocket for them to get it. To that end, I am encouraging the local residents to call the council rangers if their driveways are blocked by a student’s car. One rule regarding parking is identified below for reference. Another is the $232 it will cost to get caught parking in the bus zone.

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NAPLAN 2013: From the beginning of 2013, the Board of Studies NSW will become the NSW Test Administration Authority (TAA) and be responsible for the administration of the NAPLAN tests in all NSW schools. The transfer of responsibility to the Board of Studies from the NSW Department of Education and Communities is part of the government’s commitment to realigning government service delivery and developing strong cross-sectoral partnerships. A transfer process has been established to ensure that the high standard of delivery of the NAPLAN testing program that has been established by the Department will be continued under the Board’s administration. Further details will be available in the near future on the Board of Studies NAPLAN webpages. http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/naplan/ Year 10 Subject Selection: How can you help your teen decide on subjects for Years 11 and 12? These tips talk about balancing choices based on your teen’s strengths, while keeping their options open. This process will come around very quickly. It is timely for parents to begin chatting about what is going to be the best thing for these two “pressure cooker” years. More help at….. http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/zh/homework-and-study/planning-for-the-future/year-10-subject-selection Vocational Education: Many kids now use Years 11 and 12 to get a head start on a traineeship or an apprenticeship, or gain other valuable industry experience. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/planning-for-the-future/vocational-education-at-school

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HSC Study Resources Available To Buy Online: Looking to support your students learning in their HSC year? These resources may give your student additional practice in examination technique. The Board has produced workbook resources to help students prepare for HSC written exams. Work through real exam questions from the HSC exam papers. Use comments straight from the HSC markers and the guidelines set by the Board to help you. Compare your responses with real answers from top-scoring HSC students’ answers. HSC Exam Workbooks are available for: Biology, Business Studies, Economics, English (Standard and Advanced) Paper 1(Standard) Paper 2 (Advanced) Paper 2, General Mathematics, Hospitality, Legal Studies, Mathematics, PDHPE and Physics Order your workbooks now from the Board’s Shop Online. From $15.85 (including GST; postage is additional). School Facebook: Please like us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Model-Farms-High-School-NSW/397573010257457 A great way to get those reminders that the teenage brain forgets or filters.

Mark Anderson Deputy Principal

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2013

TERM 1 CALENDAR

WEEK 5 Mon 25/02 7Y Food Tech Research task due 8Z Food Tech Research Task due Tues 26/02 Yr 11 Evening Zone Swimming Carnival Parramatta

Pool Wed 27/02 Zone Swimming Carnival Parramatta

Pool Thur 28/02 Yr 12 Curtis Palmer Motivational Talk Peer Support Period 3 Yr 12 Eng – AOS Essay

Yr 7 & 11 Peer Support Fri 01/03 7X1 Boxer shorts assignment due WEEK 6 Mon 04/03 7Z1 Boxer shorts assignment due Yr 9 Mathematics Assignment 2 Yr 11 Mathematics Assessment Task

Ext 1 Tue 05/03 Yr 10 Food Tech Assignment Yr 12 S&C Topic Essay due MFHS Open Night Wed 06/03 8Y letter assignment due Yr 7 Camp Thur 07/03 Castle Hill Show Yr 9 English Setting Assessment Yr 10 Mathematics Assignment 1 Yr 12 Physics Prac Exam Yr 7 Camp Fri 08/03 Yr 12 Lithgow Camp Yr 7 Camp Castle Hill Show

WEEK 7 Mon 11/03 Yr 12 Lithgow Camp Yr 11 Ancient History Source based

assignment Tue 12/03 Peer Support p2 Yr 10 History Incursion Vietnam

“Dusted Off” Yr 7 & 11 Peer Support

Yrs 10 & 12 Parent Teacher Night Yr 12 Lithgow Camp

Wed 13/03 Yr 7 Music Incursion Eddie Quansah Yr 9 Research Assignment due Yr 12 Lithgow Camp

Thur 14/03 Yr 12 Mathematics Assignment 2 Yr 12 SDD Major Project Stage 1 Yr 12 Lithgow Camp

Fri 15/03 Yr 12 SDD Major Project Stage 2 Yr 12 Lithgow Camp

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From the faculty that counts! Congratulations to the following Maths merit recipients: Year 9 Olivia Beasley, Zachary Fox, Connor Inglis Year 11 Kurt Vinnicombe This week’s news Calculators: Please make sure that all students have their own calculator. The Casio fx-82AU is sold at the uniform shop for $35. Students need this calculator from Year 7. It is vital for their progress that students are familiar with their calculator and know how to use the different functions. Assignment Season: Yes, believe it or not, ‘assignment season’ for Term 1 is about to start in earnest. Year 10 has received their first assignment for the year, which is on Trigonometry. Please remind your Year 10 student that it is important for them to read through the assignment document very carefully. On Thursday 28th February, after school from 3pm to 4pm, there will be a ‘help’ session run to assist any students who need help with making their clinometer or help other elements of the assignment. Year 11 assessment tasks are weeks 5,6 and 7. Equipment: All students are required to have calculators and geometry sets. We would like to remind parents that it is essential for students to bring the correct equipment for each lesson. For example, Year 10 are studying Trigonometry at the moment and their assignment will require them to have a protractor. If your student doesn’t have the required equipment, they will be unable to complete their work. Last Year’s Textbooks: Textbooks are issued with the understanding that they will be returned at the end of the year. Most textbooks issued last year have been returned, however there are still some outstanding. Letters will soon be sent to the parents of those students who have not returned their textbooks to request payment for the textbooks that have not been returned. Free Maths Tuition: Free Maths tuition is provided every Thursday afternoon after school from 3pm to 4pm. Years 7 to 10 are in Room 8-07 and Years 11 and 12 in 8-06. It is fully supervised by the Mathematics Faculty.

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Coming Events World of Maths Year 7: Notes have been given out for the ‘World of Maths’ incursion. This incursion satisfies part of the Working Mathematically outcomes for stage 4 and is a compulsory activity for our Year 7 students. Fun with Maths Brothers and sisters: Sandra explains to her friend Joanne “I have as many sisters as brothers”. Her big brother Kevin adds, “I have twice as many sisters as brothers”. How many sons and daughters are there in Sandra and Kevin’s family? Answer from last week: What is the Roman numeral for this year? MMXIII Which year in the 21st Century is the longest when written in Roman numerals? 2088 What is the Roman numeral for that year? MMLXXXVIII From Jackie Dalton and the Maths Faculty Staff Vaccinations Year 7 boys and girls as well as Year 9 boys have been issued Vaccination Forms. The first doses of the vaccinations will take place in Term 2 on 24th May. Year 7 students have been given 4 forms to complete: dTpa (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), Hepatitis B, Varicella (Chicken Pox) and HPV (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine). Year 9 boys have been given the HPV form only. Information about each of the vaccines is included in your information kit. We would ask that ALL forms for Year 7 students be returned to their Mathematics Teacher and for Year 9 boys, their English Teachers. If your child has had the chicken pox then they are not required to have the Varicella vaccine. If your child has had 3 doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine as a baby (birth – 24 months) then they are also not required to have this vaccine. In these cases, or for any reason your child should not require any of the four vaccinations, could you please return the forms with a note stating that these vaccinations are not needed. If you are unsure whether your child is vaccinated for Hepatitis B you can access your child’s immunisation record through the Medicare website. http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/australian-childhood-immunisation-register. Alternatively an additional vaccination will ensure your child’s immunisation is up to date and causes no harm whatsoever. More information about vaccinations will appear in the newsletter in Term 2. If you have any questions regarding vaccinations contact the school on 9624 3133. Mrs K. Lumley HT Welfare

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From the ENGLISH AND DRAMA FACULTY

Congratulations to the following faculty merit recipients: Year 8: Amelia Kerney, Lauren Smith Year 9: Connor Inglis Homework in English and Drama – Stage 4 and 5: The English and Drama faculty value homework as an important undertaking which develops a responsible work ethic and reinforces the skills and knowledge being focussed on in class. All English and Drama students have regular homework that consolidates work done in class. Year 7 currently have their Starring Me! Assignment which is due at the end of Week 5 Year 8, 9 and 10 are undertaking a close study of text – study guide questions and other related tasks. Students may have reading to undertake at home. Spelling and vocabulary lists should also be part of their home study. Students are always encouraged to review their day’s work and complete tasks that they may not have finished in class. Drama students have to keep their log books up-to-date with reflections on their practical work. As noted in last week’s newsletter, assessments now include a considerable weighting allocated to class work and homework. Parents are encouraged to review the course overview which should be pasted in the students’ workbooks. Also in last week’s newsletter, the following was posted: Parents often ask us to suggest a text that they can purchase to support their children at home. Last year we sourced an appropriate text: Complete English Basics. The text has a comprehensive range of grammar, language, spelling and reading tasks that students can undertake at home to consolidate their literacy skills. Book 1 is available for Year 7 and Book 2 is offered to Year 8. These texts are optional and for home use only. If you are interested in purchasing one of these texts, an order form can be obtained from the English staffroom. The cost is $13.50. Year 11 students should be well into their study of Identity and have a study guide they are working on in class and at home. Year 11 English Studies students are exploring the digital world and the impact it has on our everyday lives. We have investigated the influence of Google and deconstructed an opinion piece suggesting the overreaching power of the internet. We are now looking at Identity Theft through the film “ The Net “, in preparation for a comprehensive study of the digital world. Year 12 students have their second assessment in Week 5. Revision and a reworking of their practice scripts with a focus on addressing their teacher’s feedback should be part of their current home study. A Writing Challenge We have many creative and effective writers amongst our students. On offer right now is an opportunity to enter the What Matters? writing competition. This competition gives Year 7–12 students in NSW and the ACT a chance to say what matters to them in society today. What can be done to build a better society? What would you change if you could? What do you want other people to care about?

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While great prizes are on offer, we hope our talented writers will embrace this opportunity for the challenge and rich experience of competing in this highly regarded competition sponsored by the University of Western Sydney. So, see your English teacher for details or visit the English staffroom for details.

Cass Greer and the English Faculty Staff

Auditions for Millennium Mayhem - Week 5

Auditions for the School Musical, "Millennium Mayhem" will be held at lunch 1 on Monday 25th February for Years 7-9 and Tuesday 26th February for Years 10-11 in 3M1. Please prepare a 30 second monologue and 30 second song (you can hold the script/lyrics if you need to). Seize the opportunity to perform in an original, fun production and make 2013 your time to shine! Expert dancers/gymnasts/jugglers who do not wish to sing are also welcome to audition. Good luck! Ms. Blockley and Mr Gardner.

Warranty Expiring on the GREEN laptops: All Year 11 students who have problems/issues with their green laptop, please bring laptop to Mrs Nielsen in library ASAP for warranty evaluation. The warranty is expiring on the GREEN laptops in March, and after the warranty expiration, all repairs will be charged at a flat rate of $249.

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WWW.MODELFARMS-H.SCHOOLS.NSW.EDU.AU

UNIFORM SHOP

Trading Days and Hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday

8.10 am until 9.00 am

Payment Options

Cash - Cheque - Visa - Mastercard

~~~~~~~~~~~

ALL JUMPERS are

ready for collection NOW

MODEL FARMS HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM PRICE LIST Trading Days and Hours

Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8.10 am until 9.00 am

Payment Options

Cash - Cheque - Visa - Mastercard NO Eftpos

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ITEM PRICE BOYS

Shirt - Blue (Junior) / White (Senior) $30.00

Shorts – Grey (easy care) $35.00

Long Trousers (easy care) $45.00

GIRLS

Blouse – Blue (Junior) / Lemon (Senior) $30.00

Skirt – Check (Junior) / Grey (Senior) $55.00

Long Pants $40.00

JUMPERS

Fleecy $40.00

Wool - (Australian Wool) $80.00

SPORT

Top $40.00

Shorts $35.00

TRACKSUIT (By Order Only)

Jacket Only $75.00

Pants Only $50.00

Complete Set $120.00

MISCELLANEOUS

Aprons $13.00

Tie – Junior / Senior $20.00

Blazer $200.00

Calculator $35.00

Exercise Books – ie. maths, music, normal $various

2012/2013 - Prices subject to change without notice – includes 10% GST

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SPORT BUS PASSES CAN NOT BE PURCHASED ON WEDNESDAYS

Sports Bus 052-001

Please indicate preferred pass:

A 5 trip pass for $37.50 No. of passes ______ Total $________

A 10 trip pass for $75.00 No. of passes ______ Total $________ Name of Student/s _______________________________________Year/s____________ Payment by: CASH CHEQUE

PAYMENT BY MASTERCARD OR VISA SLIP Please circle the appropriate card

Please debit my Mastercard / Visa Account No: / / / 4 digits 4 digits 4 digits 4 digits Amount in figures _____________________________ Expiry Date: _______________ CCV: ___________ Name of Credit Card Holder (as shown on card) _______________________________ Signature of Credit Card Holder: ____________________________________________

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The office may need to contact you urgently please complete the form below and detach from newsletter and return to the front office. CHANGE OF CONTACT INFORMATION MODEL FARMS HIGH SCHOOL

Name of Student: ______________________________________ Year ___________

New Address: ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ Postcode: _______

Correspondence: ________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________ Postcode: _______

Email Address: __________________________________________________________

New Home Phone No. ____________________________________________________

Mother Mobile: __________________________________________________________

Mother Work: ___________________________________________________________

Father Mobile: __________________________________________________________

Father Work ____________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact if changed: _____________________________________________

Phone No. _____________________________________________

Any change in Medical Condition e.g. Allergy, Asthma etc.

Details ________________________________________________________________

Bus Pass: YES / NO

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MODEL FARMS HIGH SCHOOL

GRADE ZONE SWIMMING Training 27/2/13

SPORT VENUE ROOM TIME STAFF HT

BOYS GRADE

Open Baseball Col Sutton 3MU2 12:15 – 2:40 Neville GC

Open Cricket Max Ruddock 805 12:15 – 2:40 Puleo JB2

15’s Cricket Max Ruddock 710 12:15 – 2:40 Jiminez JB2

Open Basketball a/b MFHS 4L1 12:15 – 2:40 Chand FH

15’s Basketball a/b MFHS 804 12:15 – 2:40 McKenna JB2

Open’s Touch MFHS 807 12:15 – 2:40 Dawson JD

15’s Touch a/b Gooden 712 12:15 – 2:40 Keen JC

GIRLS GRADE

Open Softball Max Ruddock 6L3 12:15 – 2:40 Newton, McKnight FH

Open Oztag a/b MFHS 706 12:15 – 2:40 Attenborough JD

Open Volley a/b MFHS 503 12:15 – 2:40 Hietamaki JE

15’s Volleyball a/b MFHS 6L2 12:15 – 2:40 Edwards FH

Open Netball a/b MFHS 509 12:15 – 2:40 Barnes JB

15’s Netball a/b MFHS 504 12:15 – 2:40 Hoysted JB

REC SPORT

Rock Climbing $7.50 +bus

The Edge Castle Hill 506 12:15 – 2:40 Greer, Vince GC

Ten Pin Wondabowl $6.50 + bus

Wondabowl Castle Hill

808 12:15 – 2:40 Aldabas, P.Singh DD

Gym $8 + bus Waves 6L1 12:15 – 2:40 Villagran, Ljubicic JE

Ice Skating $7.00+ bus

Sydney Ice Arena 801 12:15 – 2:40 Kumar, Georgopoulos

JB2

Squash $5 Winston Hills 812 12:40-2:40 Cooper, Manson EL

Tennis Olympus $5 Winston Hills 707 12:40-2:40 Estacio, Munroe JC

Rec Walking Around 713 702 3DR

12:40-2:40 Moctezuma, Rawat, Letherbarrow,

Woods, Montgomery, Parker

JP

House Sport Gooden Res School Oval

TLC 12:40-2:40 12:40-2:40 12:40-2:40

Relf, Fountis Jideh, Broadbent D’Souza, Murphy

BM EL DD

Boot Camp School 507 12:40-2:40 Daly, Gregory DD

Gardening School 701 12:40-2:40 Snell, Fornasier JC

YEAR 7 SPORT

7A Soccer 802 12:40 – 2:40 Weingarth EL

7N Blacktown Indoor $4.50 505 12:15 – 2:40 Leghorn JC

7T Netball 3T2 12:40 – 2:40 Dick JE

7V Blacktown Indoor $4.50 4L4 12:15 – 2:40 Wawrzyniak, Bowen BM

7I Cricket 3MU1 12:40 – 2:40 Gardner GC

7B Ice Skating 809 12:40 – 2:40 Middleton EL

7R Frisbee 709 12:40 – 2:40 Varghese JD

NON SPORT School 8CR1 12:40 – 2:40 Archer JP

SPORT DETENTION

School LIB 12:40 – 3:00 Atkinson BM