news february 9th 2007 - thornbury high school · anita samardzija, head school captain at...

THS NEWS February 9th 2007 1

A Sustainable School

IMPORTANT DATES TERM 1 2007 21st February Year 7 Parents’ Barbeque 22nd February Year 7 & 10 Immunizations 28th Feb – 1st Mar Year 7 Cape Otway Camp 1st March Year 12 Information Night [Part 1] 7th March School Photos 9th March Curriculum Day 12th March Labour Day

13th March Outdoor Rock Concert [Lunchtime] 14th March Keys Please [ Year 10 students] 20th March Term 1 Music Concert 21st Mar – 23rd Mar Year 9 Camp Coorong 22nd March Year 6 Information Evening 29th March Interim Reports/ Parent Teacher Interviews 30th March Last day of term 1 [Early Dismissal 1.09pm] 16th April First day of term 2

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

DAREBIN YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Anita Samardzija, Head School Captain at Thornbury High in 2006, has won the Darebin Young Citizen of the Year. This is the third year in a row that a student from Thornbury High has won this award (Kim Nguyen in 2005 and Rein Kivivali in 2006). Anita won the award for her student leadership as well as her active role in raising awareness about the plight of refugees. Following is the nomination statement :

Anita has been enormously influential and popular in the school community. Anita and her parents were refugees from Bosnia. They suffered hardship and were forced to flee the country in 1996. They spoke no English. Anita was the school captain of Preston North East Primary and teachers still talk about her fondly as one of their best captains.

She was involved in the School’s campaign to save Nak Assavetheptavee. Recently Anita flew to Sydney to represent the School as our documentary “Saving Nak’ was played in the State Theatre. Anita narrated the documentary and provided a voice over. She was a speaker in the Victorian Youth Constitutional Convention at Parliament House where she argued for a mandatory Human Rights Charter. Her opposition in the Parliament was former Victorian Premier John Cain. Anita has been a guest speaker at many functions, including a regional convention held at Lalor Secondary College. Anita has been an excellent School Captain and a terrific role model. She has represented the students at School Council, SRC and Information Evenings. She is a great human being, a compassionate selfless and

empathetic young lady. SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES FOR YEAR 12 STUDENTS The school is delighted with tertiary offers made to the VCE class of 2006. Every student who applied for a tertiary course has now received an offer from a university or a TAFE College. Over 90% of students received a first round offer and 80% of those offers were their 1st or 2nd preference. The school assisted a small group of students who did not obtain a place to make direct applications to tertiary institutions. These were all successful. The students attending university are undertaking studies in a wide range of areas including; Arts, Design, Accounting, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Teaching, Games Design, Social Work, Osteopathy, International Studies and Engineering. While students are studying at all the major universities the largest group is at RMIT University.

Anita Samardzija, pictured with former Victorian Premier Joan Kirner, was awarded Darebin Young Citizen of the Year 2007


The TAFE courses being undertaken are equally varied and include IT, Design, Multimedia, Music Performance,Professional Writing, Graphic Arts, Accounting, and Hospitality Management. We wish them all well for the future! David Smith MIPS Coordinator

SETTING TARGETS FOR 2007 At the subschool assemblies last week I spoke to all students about the need to set particular targets in order to achieve their goals for 2007. These targets included: • Attendance – Regular attendance is one of the

most crucial habits if students are going to reach their academic potential. One of the reasons for the significant improvement in our VCE results is the outstanding attendance at this level. I have set students the challenging target of a maximum of four days absences for the year.

• Effective use of class time – Most learning occurs in class time, therefore it is important that student use this time in the most effective way. I have set a student target of no ‘teacher detentions’ for wasting class time this year.

• Work satisfactorily completed – Student should be aiming to complete all work to an acceptable standard.

• Participation outside the classroom. - I expect all students will participate in at least one activity beyond the classroom. These activities could be

sport, band, leadership, coaching, competitions, etc.

• Homework. All students are expected to complete a minimum but manageable amount of homework ranging from 30mins a night at year 7 to up to 3 hours a night at year 12.

The key to meeting these targets is to develop strategies with the help of teachers and parents. I look forward to celebrating the achievement of all our students during 2007. MOBILE PHONES Students are not permitted to use their mobile phones in the classroom. All mobile phones should be locked in the locker for the school day. If a parent needs to contact a student for any reason, please phone the school and a co-ordinator will notify the student. Under no circumstances is a student to ring home sick unless they have spoken to a co-ordinator, a staff member or a member of the administration first.

I-PODS ETC The use of I-Pods within the class room is at the discretion of the class room teacher. However, parents and students are reminded that the school is not responsible for any theft or damage to these expensive items. If students bring any valuable item to school, they do so at their own risk.

Year 7 students: Fairfield Primary OPEN LETTER TO PARENTS If we are to maintain the quality facilities and programs we have at Thornbury High School, we need to have all families contributing to our school via payments of charges and contributions. Whilst most staffing and basic items are provided for through government funding, we need parent support through the realistic charges School Council has set. If we want our school to remain as one of the highly sought after high performing schools in the area and for your children to access programs, facilities and resources that will provide them with the best opportunity to achieve their best, your financial

Year 7 Students: Wales Street Primary


contribution to your child’s education is imperative! If you have any issue with this, please do not hesitate to make a time to speak to the Business Manager/Assistant Principal/Principal. Meredith Stephenson Assistant Manager

Year 7 students: Penders Grove Primary 2007 APPOINTMENTS PRINCIPAL Strategic plan, staffing, finance, transition/promotion Peter Egeberg

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL School Organisation and Facilities Meredith Stephenson

LEADING TEACHERS: Curriculum coordination Karen Mc Carthy School Organisation Ann Vassos Staff Wellbeing Rick Manning Leading Schools Judy Stafford Junior School Manager Grant Wason Middle School Manager Carmel Ryan VCE School Manager Christine Bartsh LEVEL CO-ORDINATORS Year 7 Robert Basso Year 8 Caroline McLachlan Year 9 Lyndal Roper Year 10 Mark Gillies Year 11 Mary Anagnostopoulos Year 12 Christine Farmakis STUDENT WELLBEING: VCAL Barbara Carydis Careers/VET Steven Barlow SWC/Overseas Students Elisabetta D’Amore Integration Chris Zographos MIPS David Smith Jo Apostolopoulos STAFF MANAGEMENT Reports Christine Bartsh VASS Meredith Gill I.T. David Hysen Union Ian Westwood

SCHOOL PROMOTIONS/ACTIVITIES Photographs Greg Parker Debating Paul Van Eeden Media/Class TV Paul Van Eeden [Colin Thompson –Assistant] Magazine Peter Lee CURRICULUM Eng/PD Helen Walsh SOSE Giovanna Liapis (Matthew Kokkinakis – Assistant) Business Jim Stoicov Maths Snezana Stojanovski (Sue Lee Year 9 maths, Denyse Strantzen VCE Maths) Science Michael Foster P.E. Alan Williams Arts Anne Herschell Technology Ralph Gray/John Coles Sport Sharon Bonnici LOTE Charles Lunghinis Literacy Caroline McLachlan Music Nick Dean & Kent Macpherson Library Glenn Bason & Mary Anagnostopoulos SEAL Georgia Stavrakis

Year 7 Students: Westgarth & Northcote Primary LEADING SCHOOLS 2007 Week 1 saw the Year 9 students commence their Leading Schools program. The focus for term 1 will be ‘self’ or ‘Being a Teen is a Dream’. We will be developing co-operative learning skills, setting learning goals, creating digital portfolios and introducing ‘Habits of Mind’ in the first month. Students will study English, Humanities and Personal Development’ in their Leading Schools classes. The Leading Schools Team consists of Ms McCarthy, Ms Carydis, Mr Lee, Ms Ryan and Ms Stafford. The library refurbishment is almost complete and we are looking forward to moving to the new Centre in the next couple of weeks. Some student reflections on the first week: ‘So far we have found out how adults see teenagers and also how we see ourselves and the outcome of that was really interesting. Leading Schools is a whole new way of teaching and learning.’ (Nathan)


‘I liked the orientation program with the dancing, games and creativity. I think Leading Schools may be a new way of teaching us as teenagers and could be fun and exciting to try something new.’ (Chloe)

‘Leading Schools is a great new way of learning. I have enjoyed the things we have done so far and I am looking forward to the things we are to do.’(Sarah)

‘It was fun, energetic getting together and mixing in groups with others. It’s a different way of learning.’ (Ms Ryan’s Tutor Group) A reminder: deposits for the Year 9 Camp and City Centre Experience are now due. The $25 deposit for the City Centre and $50 deposit for the camp to Lake Victoria on the Gippsland Lakes on 21 - 23 March are required as soon as possible. Judy Stafford Leading Schools Co-ordinator

Year 7 Students: Preston East Primary

MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS All students in the Middle School have settled in well and the Middle School team looks forward to working together with students and parents in 2007. All students have received their school planners and lockers and have begun their studies in earnest.

This year the Middle School Co-ordinators are Carmel Ryan (9/10 Manager), Mark Gillies (Year 10 Co-ordinator) and Lyndal Roper(Year 9 Co-ordinator). There is somebody available in the 9/10 office from about 8.15 each morning if you need to contact a Middle School Co-ordinator.

A number of new students have enrolled in the Middle School this year and we welcome them to Thornbury High School. In year 9 Pravena Beeskov, Shaymis Makiri and Christian Garbrah have enrolled. In Year 10 we welcome Shariz Shafeer, Bethany Joss, Mohomed Shetata and Lakshana Fernando.

IMMUNISATION All year 10 students have been issued with an immunisation form for tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. Even if your child is not having this

vaccination, the form must be returned and filled in in the appropriate section on the back of the card.

All year 10 girls will also be receiving the three injections over the course of the year for cervical cancer. These forms will be distributed as soon as we receive them.

TAX FILE FORMS Year 9 and 10 students who are eligible to apply for a tax file number have been given the forms to fill out. All completed forms must be handed in to Miss Ryan by February 12th so that they can be processed and sent to the Tax office. There is a change in the regulations this year and all students who were born in Australia must supply their birth certificate details. When your child receives their tax file number p[lease store it in a safe place. If a number is lost or forgotten, you will need to contact the tax office, not the school

LOCKERS All students have been issued with a locker. A reminder to all students that they should not advertise their combination number. If they have forgotten their number, a copy of the combination number is held in the Co-ordinator’s office.

PROMOTION POLICY Parents are reminded that a copy of the school’s Promotion policy is published in the school’s planner. All students have been reminded of the policy at the Sub School assembly on Thursday, the first day of school.

Students on contract will have their contracts reviewed at the end of week 5, term one.

UNIFORM The majority of the students in years 9 and 10 are in full school uniform and this is pleasing to see. However, there are a small number of students who are not wearing the correct shoes. Students will be issued with detentions if they are not wearing the correct uniform, including shoes. Parents can contact the co-ordinator if there is a problem regarding school uniform. Students must wear the full school uniform from the time they leave home until they arrive home from school. SENIOR SCHOOL NEWS The Senior School students have had an excellent start to the year. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding your child’s school program. Year 11 co-ordinator – Mary Anagnostopoulos – 94586138 Year 12 co-ordinator – Christine Farmakis – 94586141 Year 11/12 Manager – Christine Bartsh – 94586137 The Senior students are required to attend form assemblies at the following times only:


FORM GOLD WEEK BLUE WEEK 12A Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri Wed, Thurs, Fri 12B Mon, Tues, Wed,

Thurs Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

12C Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri

12V Tues, Wed, Thurs Tues, Wed, Thurs

Form assemblies are part of the school day. Important VCE information is often distributed during this time. Lateness and absence from form assembly will be counted towards total attendance. The Age VCE High Performance Pack The Age is once again offering ‘The Age VCE High Performance Pack’ for 2007. The cost is $10 and the offer includes the following: • Students receive their own copy of The Age

which will be delivered to the school Monday to Friday throughout the school year.

• VCE High Performance Card which will allow students to access a range of benefits such as: 1. Free access to the VCE Success website 2. Free quarterly edition of VCE Success e-

newsletter 3. Free entry to The Age VCE & Careers Expo

2007. Students interested in taking up this offer need to let their form teacher know by Friday 9th February. SENIOR TEAM (Mary Anagnostopoulos, Christine Farmakis, Christine Bartsh) CAREERS NEWS Congratulations to the year 12 class of 2006. All VCE students have moved into courses at University and TAFE for which they had a strong preference. VCAL students have also moved into employment and trainging and we wish them every success.

MARINE SCIENCE Interested in this as a career? The Melbourne Aquarium is having two careers days [Friday 8th June & Friday 3rd August] for students from years 9-12. Cost: $25 [includes lunch]. Also they are running four day-programs ‘Aquarist for a Day’ [cost $55]. See notice in the Year 10 corridor for booking details.

MINERALS INDUSTRY This sector hopes to gain more female employees and is holding a free seminar for women and girls on Monday 19th March. See VCE noticeboard for booking details.

THE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE is holding a free lecture series for VCE students in February. See brochures in VCE centre for details. Steven Barlow Careers Teacher

SCHOOL START BONUS The School Start Bonus was introduced in 2006 to assist parents/guardians of Prep and Year 7 students to meet the start-up costs associated with commencing Primary and Secondary schooling. Every student enrolled for the first time in Prep and Year 7 in Term I is eligible for the bonus. The School Start Bonus is separate from, and additional to, the Education Maintenance Allowance. Eligible parents/guardians do not need to make a claim. The bonus of $300 will be paid by cheque in Term 1. and will be sent via mail. Please contact the school if you have not received payment by 31 March 2007. SECONDHAND BOOK SALES The sale of second hand books has ceased this week. Payment of books will be distributed over the next couple of weeks. If you have any queries, please contact Jan Wason or Carmel Ryan. SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS The School Council election process is now underway. Nominations for Council are called for and close Friday 16th February. Nomination forms were posted to all parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year. Serving on Council, or on one of its subcommittees, is a great way of supporting our School and playing a leading role in its development as a provider of quality education. Please contact me to discuss any issues associated with Council involvement. Peter Egeberg

FORM GOLD WEEK BLUE WEEK 11A Mon, Tues, Wed,

Fri Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

11B Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

11C Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

11V Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri

Year 7 students: various primary schools


THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES ARE PROUD SPONSORS OF YEAR 7 [2007] SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS:

MAPS Marketing 03 9846 7983

Raeco International 03 9730 5333

Finchley Road Electrical 0419 154 523

Repairs To All Makes & Models Excellent prices & Friendly Service Cnr Darebin Road & Station Street Fairfield 3078 Ph: 9482 4022

Grocon (03) 9631 8833

THORNBURY HIGH UNIFORM SHOP Sale at greatly reduced prices: Boys’ long school pants [med-large only] $20.00 Boys’ school shorts [med-large only] $15.00

Girls’ long school pants $20.00 Girls’ school shorts $25.00

White school shirts $15.00 (small sizes only) We also have for sale school spray jackets, both 7-10 and VCE (with the old school logo) an absolute bargain at only $5.00. Available at the General Office at any time. UNIFORM SHOP The uniform shop is open every Wednesday from 1pm – 2pm and also weekdays 9-5pm and Saturday 9-2pm at 218 Settlement Road Thomastown, ph. 9464 7555. A final reminder that only back leather lace up shoes and school jackets are allowed and must be worn to and from school. Please do not hesitate to

speak to Coordinators if uniform is causing a financial problem. HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR EMA THIS YEAR??? EMA [Educational Maintenance Allowance] is provided to assist eligible families with the costs associated with the education of their children. To be eligible for receipt of the EMA you must: • be either a parent or guardian of a primary or

secondary school student up to the age of sixteen; and

• be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veterans Affairs (TPI) pensioner or be a foster parent.

The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first day of Term 1 [30 January 2007] which was the first day for teaching staff) and Term 3 [16 July 2007].

The EMA application must be submitted to the school by 28 February 2007 for the first payment and 3 August 2007 for the second payment.

The EMA provides an annual amount of $210 for primary students and $420 for secondary students and is paid in two instalments.

Parents with continuing eligibility, who are paid the first instalment of 2007 through this school will not be required to complete a new application for the second instalment. Parents who transfer children to another school after 30 January 2007 and prior to or on 4 August 2006, must reapply at the new school for the second instalment. Application forms are available from the school office.

New Year 7 students

TERM DATES

2007 Term 1

Wednesday 30th January – Friday

30th March Term 2

Monday 16th April – Friday

29th June Term 3

Monday 16th July – Friday 21st September

Term 4 Monday 8th

October – Thursday 21st

December


Authorisation for photographic video and audio recording

I, ___________________________the parent/guardian of _______________________, acknowledge that photographic, video and audio recordings of students are used as part of normal school activities and I authorise the use or reproduction of any such recording by Thornbury High School without being entitled to remuneration compensation

I acknowledge and agree that such recordings may include: • Video productions of school events and productions made by students • Photographs of students displayed in school publications • Photographs of students on our intranet, a protected site accessible only to our staff and students • Photographs of groups of students on our school website, • Publication of photographs by the press to publicise school events and achievements; only group photos are

used and students are identified by first name and year level only. For a story about an individual achievement, the school will seek your consent before proceeding.

I understand and agree that if I wish to withdraw this authorisation, it will be my responsibility to inform the principal of Thornbury High School Signature of parent/guardian:______________________________________ Date:__________________

*PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO THE GENERAL OFFICE

news february 9th 2007 - thornbury high school · anita samardzija, head school captain at...

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