Model Farms High School NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 12 Term 2 – Week 2 Monday 6 May 2013

Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills Telephone: (02) 9624 3133 Facsimile:(02)98388407

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

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE… Welcome Back I hope everyone had a great break and have returned to the routines that seem to take over our lives during term times. This term is a short one, only 9 weeks, but when public holidays, the athletics carnival and extra school development days are taken out it amounts to only 42 days in the classroom. We have Years 9 and 11 Parent/Teacher evening in June, all years will have assessment or exam weeks throughout the term and Years 7 & 9 will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in May. Reports will be written for all years and will be distributed at various times. This certainly means a term of hard work and diligence for both staff and students. Our two first days last Monday and Tuesday were very productive days for the staff. Teachers engaged in professional learning activities relating to the new curriculum and the planning that needs to take place to ensure quality teaching and learning programs are in place from 2014 onwards. Those faculties that do not yet have a new curriculum syllabus to implement also looked at ways to make existing program more appropriate for 21st century learners. We also conducted some of our annual mandatory training and looked at some of the recent changes to the Child Protection legislation and the associated agencies that we, as mandatory reporters, can access to provide support and assistance to children at risk of harm. We concluded our two days with an energetic look at how to run and manage sport on Wednesday afternoons. Apart for the PE staff most other teachers are not qualified in this area and so getting tips and hints on how to make house sport more engaging for students was a great help – as well as providing us with some terrific team building opportunities. We played the role of both teacher and student to get a better feel for what occurs each Wednesday. All in all, our two days left us inspired and charged for an action packed term ahead of us. Student Success While at the Anzac Day parade during the holidays I saw one of our fine young musicians marching and playing as part of the Castle Hill Youth Band. Alessandro Di Donato of Year 9 was marching in step and on time and while not in MFHS uniform, looked and sounded fantastic. It is

P a g e | 2

wonderful to see students contributing to the sense of remembrance and respect that is held for the diggers of this country. Congratulations also to Year 9 student Emma Harris for being named Local Sporting Champion and receiving a $500 grant from the Federal Government. Emma was unable to receive her award from the local MP as she was away in Queensland competing in another sailing regatta. Christopher Lomberg of Year 11 has successfully auditioned for the 2013 NSW Public Schools Senior Drama Ensemble. The ensemble is a select group of gifted and talented actors from years 10 and 11 who meet once a week at the Arts Unit in Lewisham. Christopher will now have the opportunity to extend his skills through coaching from skilled tutors from the performing arts industry and will also perform in events throughout the year. NAPLAN Information The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 7 and 9. It has been an annual event for schools since 2008. On Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, students will take the 2013 NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australia children. It also provides valuable information that allows schools and governments to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives. All students are expected to participate in the tests. Students with disability may qualify for reasonable adjustments that reflect the support normally provided to them in the classroom. Some students with very specific circumstances may be exempted from participating in the tests. Further information can be found at the link below http://www.nap.edu.au/verve/_resources/NAPLAN_2013_Parents_Brochure.pdf Christina Bennet Principal

DEPUTY’S MESSAGE Welcome back to Term 2. This is going to be a very busy term right from the outset. Year 11 are already doing their half yearly exams. Good luck to all these students as they continue to complete these. Remember it is never too late to study!!!! Year 9 half yearly exams are during week 2. Students should be preparing for these exams by redoing past Maths questions writing practice essays for English creating summary notes. For effective study students MUST do something with the information rewriting it, creating study cards, answering questions etc... READING has been proven to be an ineffective method for retaining information. The pyramid below shows the percentage of information learned by doing various different activities. Note that while reading you only remember 10%.

Numeracy/Literacy Exams Early notice to Year 11 students who are thinking that they may leave school before the end of year 11; the BOS has create a numeracy and literacy exam for these students to complete. These exams provide potential employers an idea of student’s individual numeracy and literacy skills. Previously this information was available through the School Certificate external exams. These exams will take place during the week of May 23rd to May 29th. Any interested student needs to contact Mrs Pledger for further information. I hope everyone has a relaxing holiday and are ready for a busy Term 2. Jennifer Pledger Relieving Deputy

DEPUTY’S MESSAGE The Shops And Loading Dock: Many students are still attempting to use the loading dock of the shops as an entrance. I have received complaints from the Mall Management and in particular a manager from Big W that our students are placing themselves in danger by entering this way. I have been parking myself in the dock and sending students around to the correct entrance but I cannot do this each week. While it is inconvenient to have to walk around it is more permanently inconvenient to be maimed or worse by a reversing semi. Please have a conversation with your students if you know they go to the shops after school. Sorry to sound alarmist but it is really unfair to truck drivers who have to often drive 12 hours, to then be faced with a stream of students ducking behind them to save themselves a 3 minute walk. The very last thing we want is for anyone to be needlessly harmed. Boredom Buster: Have your kids seen the new WilderQuest website and free app from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service? They'll encounter the mysteries of Australia’s subtropical rainforests - complete with the sights and sounds of our natural landscape. Find out more: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wilderquest The Birds And The Bees: Parents should start to talk to their children about sexuality and sex in general when their child gives them cues, such as asking questions or experiencing new life stages. While many students learn all they know from friends and the internet the information they are receiving is often not reliable, correct or realistic. Despite efforts in PDHPE and the curriculum in general there is no substitute for parental conversations about the human condition. For more information http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/development/talking-to-your-child-about-sex Contact Details: Please ensure we are notified of any changes in contact details or carers arrangements. Information about medical conditions in adolescents often change as students mature. If you become aware of new allergies etc please let us know. Canteen Special: Monday 6th until Friday 10th: Home-made Lasagne and a can for only $6.50. Mark Anderson Deputy Principal

P a g e | 6

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

TERM 2

WEEK 2 Mon 06/05 Yr 7 Music Incursion Drumbeat 1:45pm-3:00pm in TLC Yr 8 Poetry Assessment Task 4 Tues 07/05 Yr 10 Elevate ‘Study Sensei’ seminar 11:30-12:45pm Yr 9 Science Practical Exam Wed 08/05 - Thur 09/05 English Language & Reading Assess Yr 9 Mathematics Half Yearly Exam Fri 10/05 Yr 10 IST Video Assignment Yr 8 Egyptian Assignment due Yr 9 History Half Yearly Exam

WEEK 3 Mon 13/05 Yr 9 PASS Half Yearly in class Tues 14/05 NAPLAN Yr 8 Mathematics Half Yearly Exam 1 Wed 15/05 Macquarie Uni Talk Lunchtime

in room 504 NAPLAN Yr 11 CFS Assessment task Yrs 10 & 11 Frisbee Gala Day Nth Sydney

Thur 16/05 NAPLAN Yr 11/12 Drama Students Stage

Combat Incursion 1-3pm Yr 12 Debate p1-4 Yr 8 Maths Half Yearly Exam 2 Fri 17/05 NAPLAN catch-up Yr 10 Mathematics Surveying

WEEK 4 Mon 20/05 Yr 7 Visual Arts

Assignment (not 7b) Tues 21/05 ICAS Computing Skills Comp

(Yrs 7-10) Wed 22/05 - Thur 23/05 Yr 10 Mathematics Half

Yearly Exam Yr 11 Premier’s Debate

Northmead High Yr 12 Visual Art BOW

Assessment in class Pulse Choir Rehearsal

Glenbrook Public School 1-4pm

Fri 24/05 -

Excursion to Homebush Bay Yr 10 Commerce Excursion Yr 10 Elective History Excursion to Jewish Museum Yr 12 Modern History Excursion Jewish Museum Sat 18/05 P & C Trivia Evening

6:00pm -11:30pm

P a g e | 7

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

From the FACULTY THAT COUNTS

Congratulations to the following Maths merit recipients: Year 7 Chuanting Chao This week’s news: We hope that everyone had a relaxing holiday. We are going to have a very busy Term 2. Below is a table showing the exam weeks for Mathematics for the Half Yearlies for Years 7 to 11. NAPLAN will be in week 3 of Term 2 for Years 7 and 9.

Year Week in Term 2 7 Week 5

8 Week 3

9 Week 2

10 Week 4

11 Week 1 & 2

Gifted and Talented: Model Mathematician will start in week 2, with representatives of our ‘feeder’ primary schools completing mathematical investigations in teams with our Year 9 helpers. May the best team win! 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. 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. Fun with Maths:

A group of people are doing archery. A target is set up that has several zones, each representing a score; 3,5,7,11,15 and 22 points. One of the archers reaches a total of 27 points from shooting three arrows at the target. Which zones did his arrows hit?

Have a Mathematical week, From Jackie Dalton and the Maths Faculty Staff

P a g e | 8

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

From the ENGLISH AND DRAMA FACULTY Congratulations to the following students who are merit award recipients: Year 7: Jack Barnes, Gemma Barnett, Katherine Buttigieg, Jackson

Camporeale, Emily Deschacht, Crystal Egginton, Chelsea Froggatt, Harry Hawken, James Petrou, Matthew Swavley and Briarna Sorbello

Year 8: Alexandra Bouzoulas, Kyle Nekipelov, Elise Pentecost and Zoe Wilton

Year 12: Shannon Boyd, Amanda McMenemy, Adam Mitchell, Meherjot Singh and Jacob Windon

TERM TWO, MUCH TO DO!

Welcome back to another term! We hope all students enjoyed the two-week break, and are feeling refreshed as ever for what will be a busy and productive Term 2. Year 7 and Year 9 will be spending the first few weeks focusing on the upcoming NAPLAN tests. We encourage these students to put in their best effort with the practice tasks during class time and the final tests on the 14th - 16th of May.

Year 8 students have two assessment tasks, a picture book assignment and their class work to maintain. They will need to be organised and responsible, so we encourage them to use their school diary as a helpful tool to plan their time wisely in order to stay on top of their English work. Year 10 commences their study of ‘Telling the Truth’ aimed at building their understanding of the media. Year 10 students are encouraged to keep abreast of what is going on in the news. They are encouraged to access the news through a range of mediums – print, radio, television and digital media. Year 11 students are currently undertaking their half yearly exams. We wish them the best. Year 12 will be getting their results and feedback this week. It is now important that they reflect on their performance in the half yearly and digest the examiner’s feedback. Their challenge this term is to undertake the new module and also keep the Area of Study and Module A fresh. They need to address the concerns raised in the feedback to find those extra marks for the Trial. The Year 12 English Studies class performed exceptionally well in their half yearly exams and the length of their extended responses, indicated a positive engagement with the important link between sport and literature in our complex world. The next exciting adventure will explore the diverse and ever changing role the family unit plays within society and culture.

P a g e | 9

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

FAME at the FARMS

It is back for 2013!

Registrations are open now and close at the end of Week 3. It is a short term so timing for auditions and rehearsal is tight. Pick up a registration form from the English staffroom.

Year 7 students – have a go! Come up to the English faculty and talk to Mrs Coffey if you want some more details. It is a BIG stage – so think about BIG acts! Our aim is to give as many students as we can an opportunity to shine. Remember – no call backs – so when auditions start in Week 4 your act needs to have the WOW factor for the audition panel. Don’t miss out – Get your registration form NOW! Texts! Texts! Texts! English teachers are still chasing students who haven’t returned their Term 1 texts – please look under the bed, in the wardrobe and behind the door for any texts that need to be returned ASAP so other students can be issued with their texts. DRAMA at the Farms This term Drama moves into overdrive with performance opportunities galore! Our Junior Drama Ensemble, Year 10 and Year 11 Drama students are underway with their preparation for Celebrating the Arts and West Sydney Region Drama Festival auditions. Our Senior Drama Company has their debut production of The Beauty Manifesto written by Nell Leyshon. Their performance evening is Tuesday May 4th 2013. Parents and friends are welcome to attend as these students explore the idea of perfection and body image asking audiences to question the price we pay to ‘fit in’. More information is to follow regarding performance times and ticket prices. Congratulations to Daniel Grosskopf, Kate Charlton and Rishelle Gribben who have accepted a place at the State Drama Camp for 2013, held 24-27 June this term. The knowledge and insight from dramaturges and industry professionals throughout this week is sure to benefit their studies in drama for the future. Well done!

P a g e | 10

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

Millennium Mayhem Cast

Main Cast: Jess- Jessica Rookeward Ryan – Ethan Biddle Jade – Madeleine Seddon Red – Marcus Loy Karen – Talea-Jordan Kennedy Waz – Jesse Robinson Mac – Lance van Doorene Mr Rob. E. Williams – Matthew Jurukovski Mrs Stern – Emma Grainger Brittany – Michaela Jarvis Em- Emily Taylor Blair – Charlie Oliver Bruce Lo – Connor Pappas Carol Lo – Annelise Serratore Minnie Lo – Alanah Doulman Rachael Miller – Helaina Drakos Year 9 students: Orla Kelly, Thomas Grone, Gianna Edirimanne Nicole Anderson- Melody Blackman

Chorus: Abbey Sim Ariane Hogno Hannah Findley Chelsea Karanga Thorn Blackman Nicola Fox Tayla Campbell Emma McAlonan Liz Henderson-Leong Miia Niskanen Caitlan Taylor Deborah Burns Sarah Cuelho Eryn O’Sullivan Liam Curly Josie Rizko Ethan Paul Laura Shanahan Amy Gibb Anthea Wilson Imogen Parker-Hull Lilli Gorojovski

Jane Mills Aleysha Roughley Stephanie Kennett Cara Boljevac Aimee Costello Chloe Elbaz Susan Collier Kaitlin Taylor Laura Golgini Paige Van Aswegen Congratulations to the following students for making into the musical cast. The show will hit the stage in November. Rehearsals kick off Term 2. Students please read your rehearsal schedules carefully. Main cast please learn your lines. See you there! S. BLOCKLEY

P a g e | 11

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

Medical Updates

If your child’s medical condition or health records have changed recently please update them using the school’s medical forms. These forms can be picked up from the Office and returned to Mrs Lumley in the Mathematics staffroom. These medical forms are necessary in the ongoing wellbeing of our students and should be updated regularly. If there is any information that you feel is important in the caring for your child please inform the school. If you have any concerns you wish to discuss please phone the school on 9624 3133. Mrs Lumley Head Teacher Welfare

FREE FAMILY INFORMATION EVENING FOR Model Farms High School STUDENTS Student Exchange Australia New Zealand, a not-for-profit organisation registered with all state and territory departments of education, is pleased to extend an invitation for Model Farms High School students and their families to attend our next information evening in Sydney, being held on Wednesday, 8th May at the Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Cnr Kent & Bathurst Streets, Sydney. The session starts at 7:30pm. The evening gives students and families the opportunity to learn more about becoming an exchange student and the various scholarship options that are available. Further details are available in the newsletter notice which can be downloaded in either Word format, as a JPG or in PDF format. We would be most grateful if you would place this notice in your school newsletter, on a notice board or website, or mention it in an assembly.

P a g e | 12

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

HOMEWORK CLUB In Term 2 the ESL teacher at Model Farms High School, Mrs Moctezuma, is opening a Homework Club for all ESL students. It will be held in the ESL room every Tuesday afternoon from 3.15pm until 4.30pm. Students are encouraged to bring any homework and the ESL teacher will help them with language aspects of their work. If there is no homework, the ESL teacher will offer challenging language tasks which will extend the students’ reading and writing skills. This is an opportunity that should not be missed. Refreshments of drinks and food will be offered to students for a gold coin donation. Please fill out the form below to confirm your child’s participation. Please ask your child to return it to Mrs Moctezuma in the ESL Room.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------(Name of student)

in Year …………………….. will attend the ESL Homework Club each Tuesday from 3.13 to 4.30pm. Signed: …………………………………………………………………………………

P a g e | 13

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

P a g e | 14

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

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

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

P a g e | 15

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

P a g e | 16

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

P a g e | 17

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

P a g e | 18

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

P a g e | 19

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

P a g e | 20

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

P a g e | 21

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

P a g e | 22

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

P a g e | 23

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

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: ____________________________________________

P a g e | 24

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

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