newsletter 16 september - millennium schools · 2016. 9. 16. · newsletter kincumber high school...

Newsletter Kincumber High School

“Enabling to achieve and excel”

Bungoona Rd, Kincumber, NSW 2251

Ph (02) 4369 1555 Fax (02) 4363 1265

email [email protected]

"The Kincumba Learning Community acknowledges the Darkinjung people and their neighbours as the traditional custodians” ““of this land"

Issue 15 Term 3 – Week 9 16 September 2016

The ‘Tell Them From Me Survey’ for parents is an important means of evaluating some of our programs and practices at Kincumber High School. There is an information page on this survey in the Newsletter, on our Facebook page, and on our App. It is really important and helpful that as many parents as possible complete the survey by the due date of 22 October, 2016. Can I please ask you to follow the link and have a say. It is completely confidential and is not collated by the school but by the Learning Bar, the company that manages the surveys for all schools.

This week’s Newsletter is packed with many achievements and activities across the school. It demonstrates the diversity of opportunities and the hard work and dedication, of both staff and students, in many areas. There are some great images and stories, so please enjoy.

Congratulations to the Language students, who completed their Aural HSC Exams at Gosford High School two weekends ago. Congratulations also to HSC music students who this week, completed their HSC music practical for the external HSC markers on Thursday and Friday. Massive thanks to Mrs Attwooll, Mr Downey and Mr Blue for their hard work and support of these students.

Congratulations Kevin Robertson — A World Champion

Congratulations to Year 11 student, Kevin Robertson, who played in the Australian U17 Futsal Team that won the International Futsal Association World Cup in Scotland, by beating USA in the final. Kevin was selected in this team earlier in the year, and travelled with the team to Dundee in Scotland to play against Pakistan, USA and Scotland. Kevin played a key role in this World Champion team, scoring and setting up a number of significant goals, and contributing to the big 6-1 win which the team had in the final.

Last week, seven of our students competed at the NSW CHS Athletics Carnival. This brings together the best athletes from across public schools in NSW. Making it to this high level is a great achievement.

The following pleasing results were achieved by the students:-

Dylan Richardson — 1st, 17+ Boys 3000m Walk

Kaya Ardita — 3rd, 14yr Boys 100m Hurdle

Charlise Wheeler — 7th, 13yr Girls Discus

Abigail Grimes — 11th,15yr Girls High Jump

Campbell Gillies — 6th,14yr Boys Javelin

Ottie Clark — 7th, 16yr Boys 1500m

Aryton Gilbert — 9th, 16yr Boys Discus

Congratulations to Dylan and all of the above competitors. Competing at this level is something to be extremely proud of.

Mya Harvey is currently competing overseas in a world kayaking event for Olympic hopefuls of the future, and I look forward to reporting on her experience, early in Term 4.

Congratulations to Mr Boyd and his show team, who are out again this week competing at even more shows. They are achieving some excellent results and should be very proud of their performances.

Next week, we will farewell another Year 12 cohort. The time goes so quickly! I wish them all the best for the future and hope they find their place in the world and live long and full lives. We will celebrate with a formal assembly on Friday, 23 September ,commencing at 9.30am.

This is the last Newsletter for this term. I hope you all have an enjoyable holiday and we look forward to a wonderful Term 4. School commences on Monday, 10 October for all staff and students.

Janine Debenham, Principal


Parents and Citizens Meeting

The next P&C meeting will be held at school in the Admin building on

Tuesday evening, 20 September commencing at 7pm

ALL

WELCOME

I will outline the validation process that the school has recently

participated in and talk about progress on strategic directions in our school plan

1st Place

Dylan Richardson

Tocal Live Steer Show Report

Sixteen students travelled to Patterson on Tuesday, which is home to the very beautiful Tocal Agriculture College. Kincumber High competed against twelve schools from the Hunter and Central Coast areas.

We departed KHS at 6:00am for the 2 hour journey. The time passed quickly, with many interesting stories and beautiful singing keeping everyone entertained.

As soon as the bus arrived, it was all hands on deck. The steers had to be washed, blow dried and made to look their best, before the show started.

The first competition for the day was cattle judging. Tasha Lindahl was awarded first place, with a very professional performance. Everyone learnt that judging is quite a difficult task.


There were four cattle parading classes. In the junior novice class, Kaitlyn Ryan came 4th in her first show, with Tahlia Moser, Lily Jones and Mia Cartwright all making the final. This was a great achievement. In the junior class, Katie Woodham placed 8th, also making the finals.

In the senior novice class, Tasha Lindahl came 1st, with Amylee Lubke also securing 8th place. In the senior class, Ashleigh Uzelac came 3rd, Tiarleah Tait 6th, and Tahlia Moser 7th.

Kincumber High School has never had so many students win, place or reach finals, in one show. Maybe the extra parading practice is starting to pay off.

The Cattle Show Team now heads to Singleton to further test their skills. News from this show will be in the next newsletter.

Mr Boyd, Agriculture


HSIE FACULTY - World War II Battle of Hamburg Scene in the Library

Year 9 History - Keegan Love

This term, Year 9 History is learning about World War II. Keegan Love, from 9N History, has a keen interest in all things from World War II. During his own time, he created a model depicting the Battle of Hamburg. The Battle of Hamburg was one of the last battles of World War II, where the remaining troops of the German 1st Parachute Army, fought the British VIII Corps for the control of Hamburg, between 18 April and 3 May, 1945. This was a labour of love and true passion on Keegan's part. So, all Year 9 students and those interested in World War II, go along to the library to see this amazing battlefield scene. You will be truly amazed!

Mrs Alcorn, HSIE Teacher


‘Things Are Not Always What They Seem’

My heart thuds…

The water is icy and refreshing. My fondest memories dwell here. I feel free. The warmth of the sun touches my back. I dive through calm deep waves. I feel something brush my thigh. My heart misses a beat. I see a shadow of a fast moving creature. It has a thin muscular body, sharp curved dorsal fin and an unmistakable pointy nose.

It zooms through the water. I lose sight of it, but I know that it’s still out there. I search desperately, looking from my left to my right. I suddenly see the speeding shadow coming from behind. I know I cannot outswim it. I wait for the enormous amount of pain.

I feel like my heart is going to burst through my chest. The creature comes towards me. I look for its sharp teeth and never blinking an eye, its head already rising from the water. I scream at the top of my lungs. No one can hear me over the roaring of the waves. My life flashes before my eyes. I take a deep breath and prepare for the ambush.

The dolphin squeals with joy, its head shaking while chuckling at me and disappears with a splash.

by Elias Williams, Year 9

‘Dreaming’

The Forgotten Savior My beautiful Earth was empty I saw no whistling birds No graceful trees And no rattling bushes I saw my precious people And a flat landscape

I slithered across the Earth Creating mountainous areas And twisting rivers in my tracks Whilst creating life of fluttering birds Cheerful trees and furry animals

I made use of the gloomy environment Soaking it with the colors of my scales

My fluorescent scales shimmered in the luminous sunlight

As I slithered into the glittering ocean

Though I have been long forgotten I still watch over my creations The same questions tend to bother me

Why don’t they praise me and why don’t they remember me?

I am the unique and mighty creature

The Rainbow Serpent.

by Juliet Williams, Year 7


English Excellence

We have had a busy time in English over the last few weeks, with the Year 12 HSC Trials, Year 11 Final Examinations, and some amazing writing from our Stage 4 students.

We have had the Australian Champion SLAM Poet perform, Extension 2 students attended a motivating talk by Melina Marchetta, and our amazing debating team won the Central Coast Rotary Shield.

Here are some of the talented writers we have in our school:

Gaby Jones, HT English

VISIT A DOCTOR FOR FREE - KINCUMBER YOUTH CENTRE

Youth Clinic

The Youth Clinic is available for young people aged 14 - 19 years old to visit a doctor for free! All you need to access this service is a Medicare card! No appointment necessary. The doctor is available on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm - 5pm during school terms.

Rewards BBQ

The Maths faculty recently held their Silver Level BBQ, where nearly 300 students were recognised for their ongoing effort throughout the year. It is really lovely to hear the appreciation of the majority of students as they line up for their treat. Thanks also to the Mathematics staff, who give up their time to reward our hardest workers and also Mrs Debenham, for supporting the students’ efforts.

Year 11 Contemplating Maths Choices for the HSC

At this time of the year, Year 11 students are contemplating their choices as they approach their HSC studies. A reminder that we offer two levels of General Mathematics in the HSC year – General 2 (for those seeking an ATAR and tertiary studies), and General 1 (non ATAR). General 1 is an appropriate course for those wanting a more practical and hands-on course. There are mainly assignments rather than tests, and no HSC Examination. Students wishing to take this, must ensure they retain SIX units of other Board Courses, and need to get a green change of subject form from Mr Fortey. Come and have a chat to the Mathematics staff if you want to discuss your options. If you are trying hard in Year 11 General, but only manage 20-30% in assessments, General 1 may be the best pathway for you …


After School Help with Mathematics

We have continued with running after school maths all year – we have our core of weekly attenders, and, as assessments approach, we welcome students who just want a little extra help with their preparation. We have found that some students prefer a very quiet room and some prefer a more sociable atmosphere, so we tend to run at least two rooms each Wednesday. Most Mathematics staff make themselves available during this time, so students receive individual attention. Mr White and Mr Lauder also run extra maths sessions during breaks, targeting particular year groups. These are normally read out in the morning notices.

Calculators

Maths has just received a new shipment of calculators – if you need one, please pay $22 at the front office and bring the receipt to the Mathematics staff room. Casio calculators are having a price rise in October and I’m not sure whether the price rise will affect the next shipment we order.

Jacqueline Woodley, HT Mathematics

2016 Science Championships

During Science Week this year (15 - 22nd August), a number of our students competed in the 2016 Science Championships. It is an online competition, run globally with students from Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and the United Arab Emirates, all competing to correctly answer the most Science-related questions over the one-week period. We are EXTREMELY pleased to report on the achievements of our amazing Science students:

GOLD CERTIFICATE:

Amy Lawrence (Year 10): answered 3,441 questions, placing her in the top 2% of the 50,000 competitors from around the world.

Elle Davies (Year 10): answered 3,112 questions, placing her in the top 2% of the 50,000 competitors from around the world.

BRONZE CERTIFICATE:

Kristen Twomey (Year 10): answered 1,731 questions, placing her in the top 10% of the 50,000 competitors from around the world.

Rhianna Scott (Year 10): answered 1,477 questions, placing her in the top 10% of the 50,000 competitors from around the world.

PARTICIPATION:

Olivia Edwards (Year 10): earned 72 points.

Kane Callan (Year 8): earned 328 points.

Maddison Holmes (Year 8): earned 201 points.

Samson Matthews (Year 7): earned 115 points.

Ella Avni (Year 7): earned 87 points.

Louis Giles (Year 8): earned 46 points.

Elliott Russell (Year 8): earned 27 points.


With these students’ efforts, Kincumber High School gained 7th place, by an average score, out of 1,015 schools worldwide. Congratulations to all of the students who chose to give this competition a go. We are very proud of your achievements. We would love to see more competitors involved next year and look forward to offering the opportunity to our students during Science Week in 2017!

Ball of Fun!

Over the past couple of weeks, our Science students have been having an amazing time learning to control our set of Sphero robots (proudly displayed by our Science Championship participants in the photo!). Sphero is a transparent robot ball, which is controlled via Bluetooth, using an app on a tablet or mobile phone. Students can race and navigate the Sphero’s around a course (they even ‘swim’ in water!), but ultimately they are being utilised as a fabulous tool to teach ‘coding’ skills to our students. Sphero relies on a programming tool called “block coding”, where students simply drag and drop a series of commands in the app to set the Sphero to change colour, roll, flip and spin. Sensors on the tennis ball-shaped robot give feedback regarding heading, speed, and vertical acceleration, and you can use these parameters to determine other actions, such as “if speed is greater than 50, set LED light to blue!” They look particularly cool when the lights are off and their coloured LED lights are on display (as some of our Year 9 students have discovered). We look forward to our students getting more confident in their programming of these cool little robots.

Super Scientists

It has been a particularly busy end to Term 3 ... topic tests, assessment tasks, practical activities and Science Week festivities have seen many students achieve both personal and academic success. As a result, we have a significant number of students who we would like to recognise as ‘Super Scientists’. A huge congratulations to the following students:

YEAR 7: Phoebe Brown (pictured), Amity Bright, Hannah Lyttle, Joshua Frawley (pictured), Elijah Mason (pictured), Layla Robertson (pictured), Natalia Wilson and Yaden Bateman (pictured).

YEAR 8: Ella Malligan and Jasmine van Dorst.

YEAR 9: Georgia Kent (pictured), Ruby Kiss and Samantha Dunn (pictured).

YEAR 10: Keely O’Toole (pictured).

YEAR 11: Eleanor Gundry and Emma Livingstone.

NB: Pictures on next page

Keep up the hard work!

The Science Faculty


Year 9 Marine Studies – Dangerous creatures presentations

As part of their course work, Year 9 Marine Studies had to choose a dangerous marine creature and present their information in a speech to their class. Allirra Miller-Moore’s presentation on the Blue Ringed Octopus was a standout amongst the class. Allirra went to the effort of designing and making her own Blue Ringed Octopus costume to do her presentation in. Well done to Allirra and the Year 9 Marine Studies classes for their high quality presentations.

Mr McRobie and Mrs Pratt



Industrial Technology Graphics and Timber

HSC Major Projects

‘


Industrial Technology Graphics and Timber

HSC Major Projects

Year 10 Information Software & Technology Robotics Incursion

Year 10 IST students spent the day learning the ins and outs of robotics and the skill of programing. With an expert in Mr John Reynolds, students learnt how to write basic programs to make the Lego robots move. The first challenge was to make the robot move forward, 1m in distance, and then to reverse the 1m distance.

After this was mastered, students then investigated how to construct a program to make the robots spin a full 360o. Students were then set the challenge to make their robot move around a 1m square. They very quickly took up the challenge, getting the robots to accurately move around the square, ensuring the wheels of the car hit the tape markers on all four corners. It was very rewarding to sit and listen to the students’ conversations, as they discussed how to modify the program they had written, and succeed in program writing.

As the day progressed, the challenges increased in difficulty. Some students spent their free time producing programs to make the Lego robots dance. They also discovered how to use a master and a slave, so that the robots

followed each other, and how light sensors worked, allowing the robots to follow a black line.

The last challenge was to write a program so that the Lego robot could navigate its way through a maze. Students displayed great patience and perseverance throughout the day. Their behaviour was fantastic and they really enjoyed challenging themselves in an area that can be quite challenging. Well done Year 10 IST.

Year 9 Engineering – Principles of Levers

The Year 9 Engineering class has been investigating the principles of levers and the importance of the FULCRUM (the pivoting point).

In groups of 3-4 students, they constructed a base for a throwing device. Each student was then required to design and construct the throwing arm. Each group placed the fulcrum in a different position. Group 1 placed the fulcrum in the middle of the throwing arm. Group 2 placed their’s near the counterweight, and Group 3 placed the fulcrum near the throwing device.

Each student’s throw was then measured to determine which one produced the best throwing device. The results were interesting and quite varied!

Students are now designing and producing their own throwing devices. The fulcrum of the device can be no higher that 200mm off the table. We seem to have a combination of trebuchets and catapults.

The test will come when students’ throwing devices are tested for their accuracy and the longest throw.

Keep watching out for finished designs!

Mrs Rearden, HT TAS


CAPA Report

Student of the week awards …….

Congratulations to the following students who achieved ‘Student of the Week Awards’ for excellent work in:

Dance Year 9 - Kayley Chandler, Safiya Fontanel, Taylah Stone

Year 10 - Eliza Giles, Rhianna Scott, Elle Davies

Year 11 - Summa White, Meghan Casey, Jessica Graves

Year 12 - Rhiannon Price

Drama Year 9 - Matthew Ball

Year 10 - Jacob Lynn

Year 11 - Thomas Wood

Photography and Digital Imaging Year 9 – Courtney Craig

Year 12 – Bonnie Carde

Visual Arts – Year 7 - Marshall Pearman & Tylah Griffith, Kyan Lindstrom, Finlay Calder

Year 8 - Harrison Marshall, Ella Euni, Alex Lufe for unique and interesting Paste Up design.

Year 9 - Nina Cole, Jazmin Lemon, Safiya Fontanel, Hannah Vinski

Year 10 - Jasmine Jones

Year 11 - Lucy Kemp

Year 12 - Emily Palmer

CAPA Upcoming Events – Dates for your diary

Alladin excursion — Wednesday, 23 November, 2016.

The next Year 10 Interested and Talented workshop with high profile ceramic Artist Juz Kitson, Wednesday and Thursday, 12th and 13th of October, 2016.

2016 One Night Only Expo – Thursday, 8th December, 2016.

ATOM Photo Competition Deadline, 19th September, 2016.

Congratulations to Bonnie Carde and Lucy Kemp – Semi Finalist Australian Moran Prize Competition Established in 2007, the Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize (MCPP) is a national competition that awards and promotes Australian contemporary photography and excellence in all forms of still based artwork.

The MCPP invites photographers to interpret ‘Contemporary Life in Australia’, with an emphasis on Australians going about their day-to-day life. We aim to encourage the production of photographs taken in Australia, by Australians, that reflects the diversity, multiculturalism and uniqueness of life, no matter where you live in Australia.

There are many ways to interpret this brief, but we are after your perspective on contemporary Australian society, your life, your dreams, your abilities, your inabilities, your mates, your loves. We want the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful and the everyday. Entries are NOT restricted to portraits.

Currently, with an annual first prize of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the Prize is an important part of Australia's Arts calendar. The Moran Prize is acquisitive and the winning photographs immediately become the property of the Moran Arts Foundation, to be held and exhibited permanently as part of the Moran Arts Foundation Collection.

We wish Bonnie and Lucy all the very best in their quest for a finals place.


by Lucy Kemp


by Bonnie Carde

http://www.moranprizes.com.au/student-gallery/2016/secondary-years-11-12/semi-finalists?page=1 Carol McGilvery, HT CAPA

0ur 2016 Musical — ‘Hey There Delilah’

It has been an absolute pleasure working on this production. It is not everyday that you can work collaboratively on a project with students, across a variety of years, and see them take on new and diverse roles, push the levels of their comfort zones, by either taking on a challenging role, or learning complex routine or song. For some of these students, this production was their first time onstage, and for others their first time singing, dancing and acting together. This, is a huge achievement. I am in awe of each and every one of our cast and crew and the professionalism, dedication and commitment they brought to the show. Having a wonderful cast is one thing, but when tackling a production like this, there are many other people that work tirelessly to create the final product. Thank you to the wonderful staff here at Kincumber High School who assisted in getting the show off the ground, making props and costumes, rehearsing with the students, building and painting our sets, selling the tickets, taking extra lessons, supervising students and supporting the show. This was not a one-person job and it is to the credit to the staff that these opportunities can be provided. It is so easy to look at an event such as this and think that it is just a bunch of kids in costumes running around a stage, but in reality, it is so much more. It is a safe space where students can be themselves, interact and learn with other students of all different years, inspire each other and challenge themselves to do things that they never thought they could before.

Stay fabulous.

Ms Roth, Drama


Dates for the Diary

12 - 23 Sept - Year 11 Final Exams

23 Sept - Year 12 Graduation Assembly 9.30am

For more important dates check out the calendar on our website.

https://www.millenniumschools.net.au/kincumber/

2016 Hey Delilah cast


Congratulations to Year 11 Dance on the completion of their yearly Dance exams. It has been fantastic to see their overall achievements, particularly in composition.

As term 3 comes to a close, a few reminders about events and opportunities in term 4:

Tuesday afternoon sport – Hip Hop dance classes with Georgia from Studio M. This sport option was open to everyone, so I hope you selected it if you are interested.

Aladdin is booked!

We are going to see this on Wednesday, 23rd November. If you think you booked a ticket, please see Mrs McRae in the PE staffroom to confirm this. We will be having a meeting very early next term, about the final organisation, so stay tuned!

Mrs McRae & Ms Dutton


DANCE NEWS

Express Yourself: Paste Ups

Bringing the colour and creativity of Street Art to Kincumber High School! Last week, students in Year 8 participated in an exciting process to exhibit their Banksy inspired Street Art designs on the CAPA Paste Up wall. Students revealed personal interests and aspects of self, through a range of colourful and unique designs, including footballs, animals and cartoon characters. The designs were applied to the wall using homemade poster glue and teamwork. Students made conceptual decisions regarding the placement of their design on the wall to build meaning. Well done to students in class 8U for their detailed designs.

Miss McIntosh

Natalie Costa Kai Lenton

Ashlee Singleton Roxy Armstrong

Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (A.E.C.G.)

WHAT IS THE A.E.C.G.?

The Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (A.E.C.G.) is a community based voluntary organisation that has been operating from a grass roots level since the late 1970’s and is the peak advisory group for Aboriginal education in N.S.W. The A.E.C.G. caters for pre-school through to Tertiary education.

WHAT CAN THE A.E.C.G. DO FOR YOU?

A.E.C.G. is an avenue for parents and community members to have a “voice”. It’s your chance as a parent, caregiver or student to have a say in what happens in your child’s education and be aware of what’s happening in your local school and community.


HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Membership is open to parents, Aunties, Uncles, caregivers and community members. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members are invited at a cost of $2 per year.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A MEETING/YARN-UP?

Well first we grab a cuppa, our meetings are short, very informal and informative. An opportunity for you to voice your concerns, hear about opportunities for the kids and families, meet new people and little ones are very welcome.

Our local is the Tjudibaring.

Our next A.E.C.G. meeting is at Kincumber Public School on Wednesday, 12 October, with a 5.30pm start for our Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander community only, and 6.00pm for other interested members of the community.

Enquiries: Tjudibaring A.E.C.G., Kerry Turner 0424 686 329


newsletter 16 september - millennium schools · 2016. 9. 16. · newsletter kincumber high school...

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