november 4, 2016 bellingen high school …...on tuesday 20th september a number of bellingen high...

Tell Them From Me student survey:

Information and consent form for

parents and carers

November 4, 2016

Bellingen High School NEWSLETTER Telephone: 02 66551 315 Fax: 02 66552 630 Website: http://www.bellingen-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

http://www.bellingen-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/



parents and carers

MyRiveR Bellinger

On Tuesday 20th September a number of Bellingen High students from Years 8 and 9 undertook a day of fieldwork, measuring water quality, stream-flow, bank shape and riparian zone (vegetation along the river bank) health. Four sites were selected upstream from Lavenders Bridge.

The results of this work were combined with a further four sites measured by Chrysalis students that focused on the upper catchment, above Hobarts Bridge.

Oliver and Sam Sam, Oliver and Caila

Caila and Sam Reece and Andy

Over the following three days the schools combined at the Bellingen Youth Hub to analyse the data. This was led by Sue Lenox and the OzGreen team. Michael Jarrett started the proceedings by welcoming everyone to country and giving a Gumbaynggirr perspective on the importance of the river. Students also met with representatives from the Office of Environment and Heritage, Gerry McGilvray and Shane Ruming who gave a detailed update on the study being conducted on the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi). Bellingen Shire Council Officer Alex Waldron also presented information on the BSC River Management Plan.

During the workshops the students discussed concerns raised in their study and began work on an action plan for the future. The major local concerns included pollution of the river, habitat loss, bank erosion and sedimentation of the river channel. The dissolved oxygen levels in the water tests were particularly low at some sites. The ongoing study and monitoring of sites along with an awareness campaign were included in the action plan. Students decided to develop a “Turtles are Keepers” reusable cup. This is to both raise awareness of the issues surrounding the health of the turtle population and also to raise funds to support further research. To find out more information about how to order a cup go to www.chuffed.org and search for “Turtles are Keepers” or www.savetheturtle.com.au

http://www.chuffed.org/

http://www.savetheturtle.com.au/



parents and carers

Oliver and Evy

At Turtlefest during the school holidays, Oliver Abell (Year 8) and Evy Cooper (Year 9) worked in the information tent, talking to members of the general public and promoting the “Keep-a-Cup”. Here we also met with Arthur Georges, a biologist who has dedicated his life to studying turtles and who Myuchelys georgesis is named after. Also, Dr Karrie Rose from the Taronga Conservation Society who is in charge of the captive breeding program and Ricky Spencer from the University of Western Sydney, met with students and gave presentations.

River Management and Geography

The plan from here is to study the changing nature of the river and the main tributaries, regularly conducting tests and measuring stream flow, the shape of the channel and banks, especially after storm events. In addition, students, in partnership with Landcare, will be involved in riparian zone replanting along a section of Connell Creek, near the school. This will mostly be carried out through the River Management program during sport time on Wednesdays or through Geography classes.

Andy Core - HSIE Faculty

Booklyn, Aziza and Sian

Jamie

Rosie in the Kalang River Never River

Claudia, Kelsey and Sophie Django, Finn and Liam

Gabrielle, Katelyn, Pat and Demian Rosie and Aziza



parents and carers

Senior Geography Adventure to New England National Park

Recently the senior Geography students went on an overnight excursion to New England National Park and the Dutton Trout Hatchery in Ebor as part of their study of Ecosystems at Risk.

Students (and teachers) were lucky enough to stay in ‘The Residence’ cabin at Banksia Point – I think the students called it ‘Glamping’! The lovely views from Point Lookout were right outside our doorstep along with the awesome World Heritage Gondwana Rainforest.

On Friday afternoon, before setting up camp, we visited the Dutton Trout Hatchery where we were taken on a tour by one of Bellingen High School’s ex School Captains – Ian Boutell. The main breeding programme is for the Rainbow Trout and the hatchery breeds roughly two million trout per year. These are then dispersed throughout New South Wales and the New England area. I don’t think the students and I had ever seen so many fish!



parents and carers

On Saturday, the students were up early for bushwalking and fieldwork. They recorded wind speed, took bearings and measured tree heights. Vegetation transects were drawn along with landform sketches and plant identification. During our three hour walk, students also had the opportunity to observe current strategies that had been employed in an effort to maintain the sustainability of the environment. Students will be processing their information into a field report later in the term.

Thank you to Mr Kingsley who assisted on the excursion – he sure can cook a good BBQ for a vegetarian!

Amber Hill Senior Geography Teacher



parents and carers

Year 10 Geography Fieldwork

Excursion

On Friday 16 September Year 10

Geography students visited Coffs

Harbour to complement our unit on

Coastal Management. Students

enjoyed a beautiful day at Park Beach

and the Jetty precinct area as they

studied the longshore drift, power of the

waves and changes along a transect.

This fieldwork was a vital part of the

beginning of the Research Action Plan

that the students do as their major

Geography assignment. The students

investigate three inquiry questions,

gather data and write up results and

conclusions about a geographical

issue.

The students’ behaviour could not be

faulted and they all now have a good understanding and appreciation of how

important it is to look after our coasts and to be actively involved in local

community issues. Many thanks to Mr Core, Mr Neville, Mr Budd and Mr

Kingsley who assisted on the day.

Amber Hill

HSIE Faculty



parents and carers

BHS Gifted & Talented

Hi Bello students!

A reminder that G & T lunchtime

groups are still on this term

(Thursday lunchtimes Week A). All

year groups are welcome! I do

apologise for the confusion last

Thursday as there was a room

change.

Be sure to have a go at this week’s

Code Breaker!

Rotary Public Speaking

Competition

Good Luck to Jordan Neville in Year 10 who will be

representing Bellingen High School in the Rotary Public

Speaking Competition. Jordan is required to prepare

a 5-minute speech, followed by a 2-minute

impromptu speech if successful. The prize is a trip to

New Zealand.

Good luck Jordan!!

This Weeks Code Breaker!

Decode this message carved into a granite plaque, in a secret code, with some

advice to those who will take the advice. The plaque was dated sometime in

the late 1600’s. What does it say?

Solution in next Newsletter. Good luck!

Solution to previous Newsletter’s

Code Breaker!

SRWADHS SEEDTEO NEEODTR

EANDRBF EOSYCSR NTINRDN

MYEEOSS AINARTD WIAMSUT

Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man’s desire to understand.

Neil Armstrong

(Columnar Transposition Cipher, Key Word “ZEBRA”, Key Number is “541236”)

Sustainability Film Competition

‘Storytelling is the oldest yet most effective form of

communication’.

Congratulations to Lohani Davis, Claudia Abell and Molly Britt who worked

extremely hard to submit their sustainability film. The girls had two days to create

their 3-minute documentary and it was submitted 1.5 hours before the deadline!

Well done girls!

Amber Hill

GATS Coordinator

From the CAPA Faculty

Thank you to Akashya Leopold for her beautiful delivery of song at our recent Assembly. It is a great opportunity for students to prepare performance skills by presenting pieces to the school during assembly time. Thank you to the school audience for respectful attention, it means a lot to our student performers who are developing their craft.

Opportunities are always available for other interested music students to perform at assemblies. Not only is it worthwhile for aspiring musicians, it is inspiring for the audience.

If interested, please see Ms Phelan or Ms Cochrane in the Music Staffroom.

Linda Cochrane CAPA Faculty



parents and carers

From the TAS Faculty Year 8 Textiles

Year 8 Technics 1 & 4 have been creating some excellent unique tie dye designs for their bags they are making in Textiles this term. Here are some to show you.

Jesse Jeanes TAS & VET Hospitality Teacher

TAS Faculty

Gold Excursion

The 2016 Gold Excursion to Movieworld and Wet ‘n Wild on the Gold Coast is on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th November. The excursion is for students who have achieved Gold Level (that is 20 or more Bronzes), not been on Level 3 or above of the school's level system, and have adhered to the school’s uniform policy.

The cost of the trip is $255 less the non-refundable deposit of $50 which was due on Friday 28th October. The balance of $205 is due to the Front Office by Tuesday 17th November 2016.

Any questions please do not hesitate to contact either Julie Taylor or Rob Wickham.

Julie Taylor/Rob Wickham Coordinators



parents and carers

English News Years 7 and 8 Assessment Tasks

Year 7 Portfolios are due Monday 7th November (Week 5).

Year 8 Portfolios are due Friday 11th November (Week 5).

Look in the website under Faculty Info English for details if the assignment sheet has been lost.

Years 9 and 10 Exams – Week 6

Year 9 will answer questions about a poem then compose a piece of imaginative writing.

Year 10 will answer questions on a poem from their in-class topic then write an essay on that topic (prepare 2 poems for your classroom work to use in this exam essay).

Tom Gyenes Head Teacher English

Years 7 and 8 English Open Day 2-5pm Friday 9 December

All parents/carers/students welcome!

See wonderful student work from throughout the year!

Afternoon tea provided

Come for 5 minutes or 2 hours – Anytime through the afternoon.



parents and carers

The Clappers

It’s that time of year again, time to make movies! This year’s Clappers film night will be held next Friday 18th November.

For the uninitiated, the Clappers are Bellingen High’s Oscars, an evening of dress ups and movies. Prizes are on offer for films and the best dressed; so even if you don't make movies you can start planning your gorgeous outfit.

There are 4 categories, with prizes for each. The categories are:

Minute Me - a one-minute autobiographic film that captures the essence of

you, what you love, how you live, whatever, so long as it is 1 minute long and it’s about you.

Documentary or Mockumentary - a short film, between 3-5 minutes that discusses

an issue, or portrays a special person or sport, or activity, anything really so long as it’s non-fiction and it doesn’t have to be serious.

A short fiction film - tell a story in less than 5 minutes, let your imagination run

wild, it could be a crime story or a love affair, it could be a thriller or a comedy.

A music video - get your friends together and have some fun shooting a video

clip for your favourite song, if you’re really talented you could even sing it. You may use an app like Video Star to make things easier

There is also a prize for The People’s Choice, voted for, by the audience, on the night.

Please ensure your movies are handed in this Monday 7th November

Come on people, get shooting! See Ms Lane for more details.

Lynda Lane - CAPA Faculty

Year 9 Study Skills Day

The Year 9 Study Skills Day took place at the Bellingen Youth Hub on Friday

21st October, on a sweltering hot afternoon. On arrival we were divided into

three different groups and set to our first workshop.

I started with Mr Gyenes and Mr Neville (both of whom are very funny

characters) on the studies of how your brain functions and how to utilise those

functions to the best of your abilities. We started with some physical group

games to get us switched on and then sat down to get into the nitty gritty of

how our brains work. This particular workshop helped us to further

understand the network and individual mannerisms our brain uses to study and

take in knowledge.

The group next migrated to an icy air-conditioned room where Ms Newhouse

and Mrs Usher were waiting for us to start the next workshop on self-time

management. We first began by getting into groups and straight away got

started on a questionnaire which gave us insight on how we each organise our

time. After the questionnaire was completed and had been discussed amongst

friends, we cooled off with the chit chat and started to discuss choices we have

when managing our time. We received proformas where we were able to colour

in blocks of time and then ascertain how to use our spare time.

The final workshop we took was a stress management session ran by Sandy,

the School Counsellor. We spoke about how to utilise our stress to a positive

form. Other classes did breathing activities to alleviate stress and all classes

participated in big discussions about mental wellbeing in times of stress.

Exams and assessment tasks can be immensely stressful, particularly nearing

the end of the year. I think with the skills and techniques I have obtained

though this study skills day, a huge amount of worry and stress will be

alleviated.

Thank you to all teachers involved in the study skills day; speaking on behalf of

all Year 9 students the time you put aside to help us was hugely appreciated.

Written by Ella Hollinsworth Year 9



parents and carers

News from the Ag Plot

We have been quite busy this term down at the Ag Plot. Apart from the ongoing

care maintenance of our delightful chickens, lovely sheep herd and gorgeous

cattle, we have had 2 incursions.

The first visit was the completion of our Rye Grass trial sponsored by Valley Seeds.

Their rep-in-the-field Anthony Leddin came and spoke to our Year 10 Agriculture

class and explained to them some important pasture techniques and concepts.

For our second visit, the Year 9 Agriculture class hosted six Japanese students who

were touring the Coffs Harbour region learning valuable lessons in agriculture. The

visitors got to pat some of the lambs, as well as observe tail docking of a sheep.

They also got to help brush and wash our cows Bubbles and Harper.

We are in full swing preparing for the Dorrigo Agriculture Show on Saturday 26th

November. Stay tuned for more updates as it gets closer.

Also, if you have clean empty egg cartons, we need them. Please drop them off to

the Science Staffroom.

Peter Barron

Science Faculty

Bellingen High School - P&C Meeting

Monday 14th November 6.30pm

Staff Common Room

All Welcome!

CHICKENS FOR SALE!

Last year’s chicks have grown up and are now up for

sale.

Bargain price of only $10 each!!

They’re very good layers and

easy to look after – you won’t

be disappointed!

See Mr Barron or Ms Lockman

to put in your order.

Careers News Year 10 Work Experience

Most students are now returning their completed Work Experience forms to me. Once forms have been checked, students will be

issued with:

3 copies of their forms (one for parents, one for employer and

one for their own safe keeping)

An emergency contact card which should be taken every day

on work experience

A log book to complete every day (this also contains a page for

the employer to complete)

Where possible, students will be visited during work experience by

a Year 10 teacher or myself.

Year 10 School Based Traineeships

There are several school based traineeships available to Year 10

students including Hospitality in Nambucca, Aged Care in

Toormina and Retail in Coffs Harbour. There are also several

opportunities for Indigenous students in Health Care and in Business Services. School Based Traineeships run for 2 years,

involve paid work and TAFE training as well as continuing the HSC

at school. Many of our students have benefitted from School Based Traineeships over the last few years.

If you are interested, see Mrs Gorman or the Careers Noticeboard

for more details. Applications close soon.

BREAKING NEWS!!! Bellingen High School will receive a visit from

the Skills Road Show van on Thursday 17th November. Students in

Years 9 and 10 will be given the opportunity to participate. Check out the info ad in this Newsletter.

Frieda Gorman

Careers, Welfare & VET Teacher



parents and carers

Sport News Captain Katie completes her final

innings!

The Open Girls Cricket team travelled to Grafton on Friday 28th October to

play South Grafton High School in the second round of the State Knockout.

The team was a young team with only four players over 14 years old, however,

this didn’t dampen their enthusiasm. Keen to take on the bowling, Captain

Katie Thorn won the toss and elected to bat.

This looked like a good decision with openers Katie and Jasmin Nolan attacking

the bowling hitting 19 runs off the first two overs. Unfortunately, in the 3rd

over Katie was given out, caught off what looked like a no ball. If that wasn’t

bad enough, Jasmin in the next over was given out by a dubious run out

decision. From here there was little resistance except for Hannah Watt who

almost batted through the entire innings for her 7 runs. The girls still need to

learn to stay at the crease long enough to score runs. The entire team was

out in the 13th over of a 30 over game!!!

This meant we had a small total of 49 to defend. The girls did not let this

worry them and with good Bello spirit went out and gave it their best. Jasmin

Nolan was the pick of the bowlers snagging 2 wickets in first spell and young

Danika Meenahan showed what a talent she is being the most economical bowler

on the day. The fielding by all the girls was great but South Grafton passed

our score with 6 wickets in hand.

As it was Katie’s last cricket game for the school (as Katie will be doing her

HSC next year) the girls gave Katie a guard of honour leaving the field. Katie

has been in the cricket team since Year 7 and has been an excellent role model

as well as helping all the young players.

Katie has also achieved some excellent results in Athletics since the NSWCHS

Carnival. She has travelled twice more to Sydney to compete against the best

in the State and has now qualified for Nationals in 100m hurdles, 400m hurdles

and Heptathlon (where she came 2nd in her age group at State!). Katie is an

outstanding all round athlete. Watch out for her in the future!

Liz Hoy/Jon Winfer Sport Coordinators



parents and carers

Katie chasing the ball in the field Katie being clapped off the field

Willow Berry bowling with the field ready

The Skillsroad Show is hitting the streets of NSW to provide young

Australians expert career advice and connect them with committed

employers through jobs and work experience opportunities.

Right now our mobile careers hub, comprising of a pimped out 4WD and

customised Avida career caravan, is touring NSW visiting local schools and

communities to deliver the award winning Skillsroad careers program.

The program aims to expose school students and young Australians to:

Inspirational career stories

Expert career counsellor

Onsite career testing

Information on over 300 career pathways

Work readiness and job hunting skills

Local employers offering work experience and job opportunities



parents and carers



parents and carers

Junior Exam Timetable

Our Junior Exams (Years 8, 9 and 10) will commence next week. Year 8 exams will be

held from Monday 7 to Friday 11 November (Week 5), with Years 9 and 10 from

Monday 14 to Friday 18 November (Week 6). All core exams will be held in the MPC,

other exams will be held during class lesson time.

YEAR 8 – WEEK 5

PERIOD MONDAY 7 November

TUESDAY 8 November

WEDNESDAY 9 November

THURSDAY 10 November

FRIDAY 11 November

1 Science Part A Maths Part A

(8 Maths 4 to F7)

2

RECESS

3 Science Part B Maths Part B

(8 Maths 4 to F7)

4

LUNCH

5 SPORT

6 SPORT

YEAR 9 – WEEK 6 PERIOD MONDAY

14/11/16

TUESDAY

15/11/16

WEDNESDAY

16/11/16

THURSDAY

17/11/16

FRIDAY

18/11/16

1 English Part A

2 English Part B

RECESS

3 Z Elective

(In class)

Maths Part A

4 Maths Part B

LUNCH

5

SPORT X Elective

(In class)

6

SPORT Y Elective

(In class)

YEAR 10 – WEEK 6

PERIOD MONDAY 14/11/16

TUESDAY 15/11/16

WEDNESDAY 16/11/16

THURSDAY 17/11/16

FRIDAY 18/11/16

1 Maths Part A English Part A Science Part A 2 English Part B Science Part B

RECESS

3 4 PDHPE Maths Part B

LUNCH

5 Y Elective

(In class) SPORT

6

SPORT X Elective (In class)



parents and carers



parents and carers

Dorrigo Show

Fun Run Sunday 27 November 2016

Get your running gear on and come up and participate in the Dorrigo Show Fun Run

1.5km, 6.5km and 13km distances

The course is a picturesque meander through the hills of Dorrigo.

START: North Dorrigo Store - 8:00am

FINISH: Dorrigo Showground

Registration is on the morning and includes a bus from Dorrigo Showground leaving at 7:00am and 7:30am and

entry to the Dorrigo Show.

Cost: $12 Adults $8 Juniors



parents and carers

DATES TO REMEMBER

NOVEMBER JANUARY 2017

7-11 Year 8 Core Exams 26 Australia Day Holiday

9 Year 12 Formal (Sawtell RSL Club) 27 School Development Day (Week 1B)

10-12 Champion of Champions Futsal (Senior) 30 Years 7, 11 & 12 Start (Week 2A)

11 Remembrance Day 31 Years 8, 9 & 10 (Week 2A)

14 P&C Meeting FEBRUARY 14-18 Years 9 and 10 Core Exams 13 P&C Meeting 17 Zone Cricket Trials (Boys) 17 Year 7 Camp

17 Skillsroad Show MARCH 18 CLAPPER Awards 13 P&C Meeting 18 RRISK 21 Harmony Day

21-25 Year 10 Futures Program APRIL 24-26 Champion of Champions Futsal (Junior) 7 End Term 1 28-14/12 Year 10 Work Experience 24 School Development Day 29-30 Gold Excursion 25 ANZAC Day

DECEMBER 26 Students return - Term 2 Week 1A

1-2 Queensland Uni Excursion

Did you know?

Mountain lions can whistle.

The giraffe’s tongue is so long that they

can lick the inside of their own ear.

A ball of glass will bounce higher than a

ball of rubber.

Saturn’s density is low enough that the

planet would float in water.

2 Year 6 Small Schools Orientation Day

9 Year 6 All Schools Orientation Day

9 Years 7 & 8 English Open Day

12 Year 6 into 7 2017 Parent Info Night

12 P&C Meeting 15 HSC Results Released

16 Presentation Day Assembly

16 Years 7 to 10 Reports Issued



parents and carers

november 4, 2016 bellingen high school …...on tuesday 20th september a number of bellingen high...

Documents