quality education in a caring, innovative environment

129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 / P 02 6558 1605 / F 02 6558 1229 www.gloucester-h.schools.nsw.edu.au / [email protected]

GLOUCESTERHIGH SCHOOL

Quality education in a caring, innovative environment.

School Calendar 2014TERM 4Tuesday 7 OctoberStudents return to schoolMonday 13 OctoberHSC Examination CommencesWednesday 15 OctoberU/15 Girls Netball - GloucesterFriday 17 Octobere-Learning ExpoThursday 16 OctoberTaronga Zoo ExcursionYear 7 2015 Parent Information BBQWednesday 21 OctoberT20 Cricket Years 7-10Thursday 23 OctoberP&C MeetingMonday 3 NovemberSafe Party Talks Friday 7 NovemberHSC FinishesYear 12 FormalTuesday 11 NovemberRemembrance Day CeremonyThursday 13 NovemberVaccination Day- All Year 7 and Year 9 BoysThursday 27 NovemberP&C MeetingWednesday 3 DecemberOrientation Day - Year 7Monday 15 DecemberPresentation NightThursday 18 and Friday 19 DecemberSchool Development Days

CANTEEN - Phone 65589963Monday 6 OctoberPublic HolidayTuesday 7 OctoberElonaWednesday 8 Octoberno volunteerThursday 9 OctoberAlisonFriday 10 OctoberElonaMonday 13 OctoberElonaTuesday 14 OctoberNo volunteerWednesday 15 OctoberRuth EdwardsThursday 16 OctoberKylie JohnsonFriday 17 OctoberElona

18 September 2014

Care Achievement Respect Effort Responsibilty

Good Luckand FarewellYear 12 2014

www.gloucester

-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

mailto:[email protected]

Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students

PRiNCiPAL’S REPORTLadies and Gentlemen, staff and students, Year 12Welcome to the graduation ceremony for the Year 12 class of 2014. It is an honour to address you today. It is your day, Year 12! You have almost completed thirteen years of formal education. You took your first uncertain steps in Kindergarten, and learned how to walk during primary school. You changed into something close to unrecognisable during adolescence and (to the utter relief of parents and teachers) emerged on the other side as something resembling a human being again! And now you are about to face the HSC exams and then the rest of your lives.The other night, I had a dream. I was sitting on a rock in the ocean. A small rock. A one-person rock. This rock was about 15 metres from the beach. And what a beach! Warm, white sand,

the smell of summer! A beach in a million! The 15 metre stretch of water in front of me was calm and green, with the temperature of bathwater. The trouble was that the 15 metre stretch of water was not empty. The 15 metre stretch of water was full of sharks. Most of them small and strangely friendly, but one of them was big and mean, with a hungry and beguiling look in its eye.“What will I do?” my dreamself thought. “Those friendly little sharks seem fine, but I’m not sure about the big, mean looking one. I wonder if he’ll be my friend?”You see, I’d heard things about sharks before. Top of the food chain and all that. Super-predators. Killing machines. I knew all this stuff and it was pretty scary. So I thought “Probably better to just sit on the rock and see what happens”. But no sooner had this thought been thunk, than I leapt into the water, heart pounding, thrashing about like a rabbit in a woodchipper! Swimming with all that was within me, I seemed to be making little progress. The friendly little sharks seemed to be chuckling at my lack of headway, and the big, mean shark had noticed my washing machine swimming action and was on his way over to say hello!What happened next was like a blur of action and emotion. There was water, there were razor sharp teeth, there was blood (I had accidentally punched myself in the nose whilst thrashing about). But, with the calmness and deliberation of a slow motion western movie, I formed my hand into a human six shooter and poked the brute in the eye! I then made it to the beach, exhausted but satisfied that I’d shown that shark a thing or two.And then, I woke up! Whoa!Now, kiddies, what you’ve just experienced is a (Sophie?) narrative. And this narrative was the vehicle to deliver a (Dan) metaphor. Now in this metaphor, the rock symbolises our (Hannah), individual feelings of isolation and uncertainty and the 15 metre stretch of water is the (Sarah) time left between now and the end of our secondary education. The shark, obviously, is the (Shelby) HSC exams. The beach? Well that’s the (Ayla) rest of our lives!

So, Year 12, go forth with confidence. It matters not that you may have been doing some thrashing about in the lead up to this moment, because in front of you is the warm, inviting beach of life. Jump into these daunting waters! Be the best gunslinger you can be, and poke that shark in the eye! Goodbye and Goodluck!


A PRETTY OuTSTANDiNG GROuPWell here we are Year 12, finally the last official day of your time here at Gloucester High School.

You arrived here in Term 1 2009, a group of excited, eager and even a little apprehensive group of student to begin your career here. Since then there have been many highlights and quite a few “firsts”.

• First group for a long time that was so small (in numbers not size)• First group to not sit for the School Certificate• First group to undertake an interview prior to making decision

concerning subjects choices for Year 11• First group to undertake an interview as part of the School

Leadership election process.• First group to share the Senior Centre with Year 11 - well I think

you share as Sebastian does always seem to be there, maybe he has an ulterior motive?

• The group even includes a student who is the first from his family to ever graduate from Year 12. Well done Matt.

I have been with you for most of the journey, with a couple of brief periods when I was in an acting Head Teacher role and having knee surgery (again) and Mrs Stanton very capably stepped up to look after you, for that I would like to thank her as I am sure you would also. She did a great job, thank you Toni.

As a Year Adviser I have been fortunate to have had a very supportive Head Teacher for this year. Mrs Doust has always been there to handle any discipline issues that arose, but apart from a very small number we decided that you guys were definitely the best group ever, so thanks Mrs Doust, hope your next group is just as well behaved. I have also had a great group of support from parents who helped us to weather the journey. There have probably been times when they didn’t always agree with decisions, however they continued to care and support all through your time here, so thank you for that.

There have been some memorable excursions with this group, Great Aussie Bush Camp, I am sure none of you will ever forget the Giant Swing, or the Mud from the commando course. We also had a great time in Sydney despite (again a first) having the worst weather with the most rain Sydney had seen in 60 years! You guys were awesome, as you just carried on and participated in every activity with such great enthusiasm it was a pleasure to be with you.

There have been some great achievements by you along the road, with many for you representing the school in various fields, such as Mock Trial, Horse Sports, Athletics, Swimming, Cattle Judging and Parading, Musical and Dramatic productions. Who will ever forget Sophie as Edna Turnblatt, with Hamish as Wilbur and the elegant Sarah as Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray.


Your academic achievements speak for themselves as you received your rewards today. They were well justified and demonstrated the commitment that you have made to your studies during your time here.

Year 12 you have matured into a cohesive, caring and pretty outstanding group of young people, you all demonstrated the principles of our CARER ethos, Care, Achievement, Responsibility, Effort and Respect. This group of young people here today will leave here with a great grounding that will stay with them throughout their lives. They will all move forward, following many different career paths, but I guarantee there will always be a small part of their heart and mind that remembers the last six years here at Gloucester High.

I wish you all the best of luck in your upcoming HSC exams and I hope that you all are able to follow your hearts and minds in choosing your career paths.

Thank you for being a great group of students. It has been a privilege to have been your Year Adviser.

Mrs Judy Ingram


Year 12 Formal AssemblyYear 12 Special AwardsDaniel Hughes Gloucester High School Captain

Sophie Kingston Gloucester High School Captain

Sarah Moore Gloucester High School Vice Captain

Hannah West Gloucester High School Vice Captain

Ayla Ansell Gloucester High School Senior SRCMacaela Harris Gloucester High School Senior SRCRuby Eather Gloucester High School Senior SRCNathan Butler Gloucester High School Senior SRC

Shelby Green Shepherd Memorial Prize for Citizenship and Scholarship Donated by the Shaw family in memory of Tom Shepherd who instigatedtheestablishmentofGHS

Hannah West Caltex Award for the ‘Best All Rounder’ Recognisesparticipationandexcellenceinacademic, leadership,sportingandcommunityserviceactivities

Ruby Eather Reuben F Scarf Award for Commitment Recognisesconsistenteffortanddesiretoimprove

Macaela Harris Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award

Jessica Hawkins GHS Award for Achievement through Motivation and Commitment

Ayla Ansell Gloucester High School Service AwardSophie Kingston Gloucester High School Service AwardJason Murray Gloucester High School Service AwardNathaniel Tanare Gloucester High School Service Award

Nathaniel Tanare Commitment to Music

Ayla Ansell John Tight Memorial Prize for Woodwork Donated in memory of John Tight former student of GHS

Matthew Starrett John Tight Memorial Prize for Woodwork Donated in memory of John Tight former student of GHS

Nathan Butler Premier’s Sports Medal Award

Jake Harris Derek Kerry Memorial Science Award


YEAR 12 ACADEMiC AWARDSSarah Moore First in Year 12 First English Advanced First Ancient History First Biology First Legal Studies First PDHPE

Sophie Kingston Equal Second in Year 12 Equal Third English Advanced Third Mathematics Second Biology First Chemistry First Drama First Visual Arts

Jake Harris Equal Second in Year 12 First English Ext. 1 Second English Advanced Second Mathematics Second Mathematics Ext. 1 First Software Design & Development Second Visual Arts First Physics

Shelby Green Third in Year 12 Second English Ext 1 Equal Third English Advanced First Mathematics Ext 1 First Mathematics Second Ancient History Third PDHPE

Ayla Ansell Second Primary Industries Second Industrial Technology – Timber Third Metals & Engineering

Nathan Butler Third Mathematics General 1 First Construction Pathways

Jemma Clarke First English Standard First General Mathematics 2 Second PDHPE First Hospitality Second Drama

Trae Cooper Equal Second Agriculture First Primary Industries

Teigan Cummins Third English Standard Third Biology Second Chemistry

Jack Ferris Third Drama


YEAR 12 ACADEMiC AWARDSMikayla Donkin Equal First Senior Science First Food Technology First Community & Family Studies

Ruby Eather Third Mathematics General 2 Third Visual Arts First Agriculture Second Software Design & Development

Hamish Garner Second Hospitality Second Food Technology Third Software Design & Development

Ben Grady Equal Third English Studies

Macaela Harris Equal Second Agriculture Third Primary Industries Second Community & Family Studies

Jessica Hawkins Second Senior Science

Hayley Hedges Second English Studies First Exploring Early Childhood

Wil Hennessey- O’Reilly Equal Third English Studies First Metals & Engineering Joel L’Green Second Physics

Natasha Oldfield Second English Standard Third Chemistry

Alicia Snedden Third Community & Family Studies

Matthew Starrett First English Studies Second Mathematics General 2 First Industrial Technology- Timber Second Metals & Engineering

Alexandria Steadman Second Music 1 Third Food Technology

Nathaniel Tanare First Music 1

Dale Tonks First Sports Coaching

Jessica Ward First Mathematics General 1 Equal First Senior Science

Hannah West Second Legal Studies

Danyon Wilkinson Second Mathematics General 1 Second Construction Pathways


PEER RECOGNiTiONThe SRC will again be running a Peer Recognition Program next term with a view to acknowledging good deeds from students around the school. Students are invited to complete Peer Recognition forms, which can be collected from the office foyer and inserted into the box there. SRC members will then collate nominations and designate awards to be distributed at Monday assemblies.

So put your thinking caps on and consider students who deserve recognition for positive behaviour. Let’s applaud those who help to make Gloucester High the great school that it is.

SRC Committee

PuRCHASiNG A NOTEBOOKAs you know the DER Laptop program for students has been discontinued. This means that Year 9 students will not be provided with a laptop in 2015. Many High Schools have embarking on a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), in which families purchase devices for their children to use at school and at home. Recent meetings with staff, students and parents have all led to the acknowledgement that, if purchases are made by parents, that the school needs to provide some guidelines surrounding the type and capacity of device that we think will meet student educational needs and can cope with the wireless and software demands that exist. Year 9 students will need a device. Parents may also choose to purchase devices for students in Years 7 and 8. While the school encourages this, we realise that the expense may be prohibitive and, therefore, won't be making this compulsory. Mrs Chris Moulds has compiled a specifications list, so that parents are well-informed when purchasing a device. http://www.gloucester-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/parents/purchasing-a-notebook

YEAR 11 ExCuRSiON TO THE GOLD COASTDeparts Monday 6 October (Labour Day) 7.00-7.15am and returns Friday 10 October estimated time 7pmIf your child seriously misbehaves we will contact you and ask advice on how to manage your child’s immediate safe journey back home. As teachers our ‘Duty of Care’ is very strong but if students do not follow it and they put themselves or others at risk we are unable to accept responsibility for that student. If you have a major concern about the excursion over the holidays you can call 0427172811 to speak with Mik Wisely Head Teacher Year 11.

Mik Wisely and Sue Keirstead.Year 11 Head Teacher and Year Adviser

TARONGA PARK ZOO ExCuRSiONAn excursion to Taronga Park Zoo is planned to supplement work being completed in class for Year 7 and Year 11 Biology. We will depart school at 6am on Thursday 16 October and return approximately 9pm that night. Students must wear their school shirt and jacket/jumper. Students are to wear either shorts or jeans. Enclosed shoes must be worn. The bus will stop at the Twin Service Stations for breakfast and dinner. Lunch may be purchased or students can bring a packed lunch. Bring Back pack, hat, water bottle and snacks.The excursion will form part of the Year 7 Assessment Task on The Environment and Balance in Nature and Year 11 will study work in Maintaining a Balance (core topic in HSC syllabus Biology). Payment for this excursion is required by Friday 10 October 2014.

Mrs DoustHead Teacher Science


4GB THuMB DRiVES4GB THUMB DRIVES are for sale at the School Office. Thumb Drives are $10.00 each

ROBOTiCSIn the TAS faculty Robotics has been an established unit of work in the Year 10 Information and Software Technology (IST) course but recently, robotics has been introduced in the Year 8 Information and Creative Technology (ICT) course.

Robotics in education has many benefits. A unit on Robotics is ideal as a self-directed, hands-on, challenge-based learning in a project based format where there are goals to achieve, making it very relevant to the application of real-life problems. Many traditional topics can be taught by ‘stealth’ using robotics. It’s not so much about learning about the nuts and bolts of the robots themselves, but about using robotics to highlight and explain concepts in mathematics, science, computer programming and technology. Students can apply even basic robotics knowledge in order to learn by design, trial and experience.

Robotics introduces students to knowledge, concepts, and skills that are needed for understanding the information-based technology of today and of the future: technology that is highly interactive, multi-modal, adaptive and autonomous. Technology long ago stopped being about the private domain of a self-selected group of ‘nerds’, and sophisticated technological systems are no longer reserved for academic research laboratories or the military or government. Indeed, today’s computer devices have far exceeded the capacity of the most sophisticated systems in the world just a generation ago. It is an easy prediction to make that technology systems will be more and more ubiquitous—not just in school and work settings, but in home and recreational lives as well. Technology will be increasingly complex and intelligent. To have an understanding of technology to be able to drive devices today and those of the future is an asset in any work place.We are grateful for the assistance given by the P&C in 2013 for the purchase of extra LEGO Robotics kits.

WANTEDOne of the enjoyable tasks that Year 9 Information and Software Technology (IST) students are given to do is to take apart an old computer. It can be an old laptop, a printer or even better, a standalone PC. If you have any old computers you would like to donate to the school, please contact Carol Layton 6558 1605.

Carol LaytonComputing


iCAS RESuLTStudents from Gloucester High School achieved excellent results in ICAS English Competition. These students were rewarded with Certificates of Credit and participation awards. Year 7 - Participation - Paula Edwards, Year 8 Participation - Hunter Hodge, Credit - Laura Dunlop, Cael Hickman and Nina Samson. Year 9 Participation - Jacob Bird and Mia Bowden. Year 10 Participation - Hayley Johns.

AN iNSPiRiNG AND uPLiFTiNG EVENTIt is wonderful to hear such positive feed back. This is a letter I received from a member of our community that attended our Excellence and Leadership Assembly last week.

DearMrCavanaghAsgrandparentsofMaxHogettweattendedtheExcellenceandLeadershipAssembly.Wewanttosaywhataninspiringandupliftingeventitwasforus,nodoubt,itwasforallinvolved.Itwassogoodtoseesomanyyoungpeopleachievinginsomanydifferentfieldsandtoenjoytheirobviousdelightintheevent.Congratulationstoyouandyourstaff

KindRegardsJimandCoralHoggett

YEAR 7 2015- PARENT iNFORMATiON EVENiNGParent and Student Information Evening for Year 7 2015 will be held Thursday 16 October 2014 commencing at5.30 pm with a BBQ. The BBQ will be provided by the P&C and will be held in the main quadrangle. From there you willbe welcome to attend an information session in the hall.This evening has been organised to provide important information regarding your child’s transition into high school.At our Information Evening you will be provided with a prospectus outlining details about Gloucester High School. Youwill have the opportunity to ask questions with regard to the school and your child’s transition and you will also have theopportunity to purchase some school uniform items from the P&C.If you and your child will be attending, would you kindly contact the school by Monday 13 October 2014 for cateringpurposes. You can ring on 6558 1605 or email [email protected] with your RSVP.

Mrs Colleen SorrensonYear 7 Adviser 2015

PRiMARY TO HiGH SCHOOL - DATES TO REMEMBERGloucester High Year 6-7 Transition Program

Outline of events for Term 4

Week 2 - Thursday 16 October 5.30pm -7.30pm Information Evening at Gloucester High School

Week 3 – Wednesday 21 October 1.30-3.15pm PtoH program starts

Week 5 – Wednesday 5 November 1.30-3.15pm PtoH continues

Week 7 – Wednesday 19 November 1.30-3.15pm PtoH continues

Week 9 – Wednesday 3 December 9-1.30pm Peer Support Program

Week 9 – Wednesday 3 December 1.30-3.15pm PtoH concludes


[Blurbs and cover images courtesy of Booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au]NEW SERIESANCIENT EGYPT by Wilbur SmithRiver God (#1): Ancient Egypt, A land of the Pharaohs. A kingdom built on gold. A legend shattered by greed... Now the Valley of the Kings lies ravaged by war, drained of its lifeblood, as weak men inherit the cherished crown.

The Seventh Scroll (#2): A fading papyrus, nearly four thousand years old, holds the clues to a fabulous treasure from an almost forgotten time ... a riddle that becomes a savage battle across the unforgiving terrain of North Africa. When her husband is brutally murdered, beautiful half-English, half-Egyptian Royan Al Simmu is forced to seek refuge in England.

The Quest (#4): Egypt is struck by a series of terrible plagues that cripple the Kingdom, and then the ultimate disaster follows: the Nile fails. The waters that nourish and sustain the land dry up. Something catastrophic is taking place in the distant and totally unexplored depths of Africa from where the mighty river springs.

THURSDAY NEXT by Jasper F FordeThe Eyre Affair (#1): There is another 1985, somewhere in the could-have-been, where the Crimean War still rages and dodos are regenerated in home-cloning kits. In this world there are no jet-liners or computers, but there are policemen who can travel across time and a great interest in all things literary -- and a woman called Thursday Next, literary detective and newlywed.

Lost in a Good Book (#2): Thursday Next is back to embark on an adventure that begins, quite literally on her own doorstep. It seems that Landen, her husband of four weeks, actually drowned in an accident when he was two years old. Someone, somewhere, sometime, is responsible. The sinister Goliath Corporation wants its operative Jack Schitt out of the poem in which Thursday trapped him, and it will do almost anything to achieve this -- but bribing the ChronoGuard? Is that possible?

The Well of Lost Plots (#3): Leaving Swindon behind her to hide out in the Well of Lost Plots (the place where all fiction is created), Thursday Next, soon-to-be one parent family, ponders her next move from within an unpublished book of dubious merit entitled 'Caversham Heights'.

Something Rotten (#4): Thursday Next in on a mission – and it’s not just a mission to save the planet. If only life were that simple… Unemployed following an international cheese-smuggling scandal, Thursday Next is faced with a world of problems.

First Among Sequels (#5): Fourteen years after her last adventure, Thursday Next finds herself in an unusual situation. Her job policing the fictional characters of the BookWorld has been downgraded since her previous escapades are now themselves in print. However, a pressing threat may call her back into action: first Sherlock Holmes and then Miss Marple are found dead, stopping their series in their tracks. When Thursday’s written self also receives a death threat, it becomes clear that a serial killer is on the loose.

One of our Thursdays is Missing (#6): The BookWorld desperately needs a heroine like Thursday Next. But with the real Thursday apparently retired to the Realworld, the Council of Genres turns to the written Thursday.

The Woman Who Died A Lot (#7): The BookWorld’s leading enforcement officer Thursday Next is at a low point in her life: she is four months into an imposed semi-retirement following a near fatal assassination attempt. She is yet to walk without a stick, has double vision more often than she doesn’t and limited mobility in her left arm. A time for relaxation, recuperation and rest. If only life were that simple…

NEW LiBRARY BOOKS


THEODORE BOONE by John GrishamTheodore Boone (#1): In the small city of Strattenburg, there are many lawyers, and though he's only thirteen years old, Theodore Boone thinks he's one of them. Theo knows every judge, policeman, court clerk - and a lot about the law. He dreams of being a great trial lawyer, of a life in the courtroom. But Theo finds himself in court much sooner than he expected. Because he knows so much -- maybe too much -- he is suddenly dragged into the middle of a sensational murder trial.

The Abduction (#2): When we last saw Boone, he ensured that justice was served by uncovering evidence that kept a guilty man off of the streets. Hot off this high-profile murder trial, thirteen-year-old Theo is still dispensing legal advice to friends and teachers. But just when it seems as if his life has calmed down and gone back to the status quo, a new legal mystery comes to town, and this time it's personal.

The Accused (#3): Theodore Boone never expected to be the victim of crime himself. But then his bike is vandalised, he's attacked while doing his homework and, worst of all, framed for a robbery. When stolen computer equipment turns up in Theo's school locker, the police start leaning on him hard. And he is the only suspect. What if he is found guilty? What about his dreams of becoming a lawyer?

The Activist (#4): Theodore Boone’s young friend Hardie Quinn is about to have his family home bulldozed to make way for a bypass. Hardie is not the only one affected: other homes, businesses and schools lie in the path of the new road. Theo has to tell his friend the bad news: for once, the law isn't on his side, and there's very little anyone can do to end the destruction. NEW TITLES IN SERIESINFINITY RING by Matt De La PennaEternity #8: Dak Smyth and Sera Froste are heroes. They fixed the Great Breaks in history, setting the world on its proper course at last. Or did they? Strange events in the present hint at big trouble in the past. But what could a Chinese alchemist, the trial of Galileo and a stargazing Russian dog possibly have in common?

AUSTRALIAN ROMANCE FICTIONRain Dance by Karen Wood Kaydon gave up. Trying to make her smile was like doing a rain dance. There were clouds and rumblings, and a sprinkle here and there. But no amount of fancy footwork was going to make it happen for real. Holly Harvey doesn't want to move to Gunnedah, far from her friends and her home near the beach. And she's a vegetarian, so living on a beef property, with cattle yards, polo ponies and pig-shooting, makes it even worse. She and Kaydon are worlds apart- - until a fight breaks out at the fundraising ball.

NON FICTIONIf I Tell You… I’ll have to Kill You edited by Michael Robotham Whether you're a fan of crime fiction, true crime or a would-be crime writer, this collection of essays will provide laughter, understanding, insight, ideas, advice and hopefully some inspiration. Learn about Shane Maloney's near-death experience in a freezer and Tara Moss taking a polygraph test to prove her doubters wrong. There are stories of struggle and triumph, near misses and murderous intent, as our best crime writers lay bare their souls and reveal their secrets as never before, along with their rules for writing and

reading lists

iNFORMATiON FOR THE YEAR 12 FORMALDate: Friday 7 November 2014 Venue: Gloucester Soldiers Club Time: From 6:30pm Cost: TBATickets available through the school office: Maximum of 4 per student.Further information will be advised early Term 4. NB: This is an alcohol-free event.


CHAPLAiN’S REPORTThe beginning of this month marked a year in the role of Gloucester High School’s chaplain. And what a huge learning curve this last year has been! I am greatly indebted to the staff of this school and the wider community for supporting me so well as I have found my feet! After one year in, 3,500 plus cheese melts, countless laughs and just as many tears I can assure you this role has been just as diverse as I was promised.

What exactly does a chaplain do? I have:- sat and comforted those who are grieving or experiencing a difficult time!- shared my fruit and played games at recess!- chatted to parents - on the phone, in the shops, down the street!- assisted students one on one who are struggling with their class work!- listened, listened, listened!- helped students get connected with the right help - referrals to school counsellor, year advisor, etc!- shared lunch with those who have forgotten theirs!- provided a second opinion!- encouraged constantly!!- been available, accepting and willing to stop and listen at all times! And so much more!

Breakfast ClubThis has been our first year running BreakfastClub three mornings a week. We average 30 - 50 students each morning across all years. One of our senior students stopped by for a hot chocolate recently and expressed her appreciation of what we offer. With many of our students arriving after long bus rides breakfast can seem like a long time ago!! We have wonderful volunteers who aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all. And I am again so grateful for all those who consistently donate financially as well!

Seasons for GrowthIn 2nd term I took a small group of students through the SeasonsforGrowth program. This educates young people on the natural process of grief and enables them to connect with other students who have also experienced great loss or change in their lives!

ShineThis year we have offered the opportunity for all girls in Year 9 to participate in our Shine program. Shine is about instilling a sense of worth, strength and purpose in our girls. The lovely Nikolah Deen has assisted me in doing demonstrations on how to correctly apply makeup. We have also covered hair, skin and nail care, etiquette, dreams andmany more important topics. This has been offered during wellbeing classes with a different group of girls each term!

DareAt the same time our Year 9 boys have been participating in the Dare program - aiming to challenge our boys to dream big, dare to make great choices and dare to live an exciting life. Baptist youth pastor and community member James Goodwin has lead the boys through this program, involving a mix of physical activity and discussions. Feedback has been very positive. This also runs during wellbeing periods fortnightly, with a different group of boys each term.!

Friendship FocusThis year we have also trialed a friendship skills group for a select number of students from Years 7 and 8. This is run during their wellbeing period fortnightly. Those students selected have joined me outside for some hands on team bonding activities and discussions about healthy and unhealthy friendships. Student feedback has been very positive andwe look forward to continuing this in the future!

Once again thank you to every one who has supported me in the past year. I have loved operating in this role and look forward to a lot more in the future! If you any questions about the above programs or would like to chat to me about anything at all, you can contact me here at school from Monday to Thursday. I always appreciate feedback or suggestions from others. !I hope everyone has restful and balanced holidays, and I look forward to seeing you all next month!!

Chloe Walker


CHANGE TO POLiCYI would like to congratulate the vast majority of students who continually display the values and expectations of Gloucester High School. For these students our CARER standards are part and parcel of their day-to-day dealings with staff and other students. They consistently strive to excel and obviously understand the value of education in expanding their life choices.It is unfortunate, then, that I am compelled to write about an issue that has become a serious impediment to teachers teaching and students learning. Recently, a great deal of time has been wasted by teachers trying to get some students to follow even the simplest and most reasonable of instructions. I need to remind these students that it is the teacher who is in charge of the classroom and the activities which occur within it. My staff members are highly qualified and experienced, so they are well aware of what work needs to be completed to ensure quality student outcomes. They are also well aware of the fact that time wasted on defiant, disrespectful and disobedient behaviour is time taken away from the majority who genuinely want to learn. Students’ rights to quality learning are being put at risk by the self-centred and ill-natured behaviour of some.Executive staff have endeavoured to use our discipline and wellbeing procedures to modify this negative behaviour, but our efforts in recent times have had little effect on some students. Members of the student body have also been involved in giving insight into the negative effects of such behaviour. The consequence of this will be the implementation of the following measures until further notice:1. The Principal will immediately suspend from school any student who refuses to follow the reasonable instruction of a Head Teacher or the Deputy Principal.2. The Principal will consider imposing a Long Suspension from school (of up to 20 days) for any student who has shown, through multiple instances of defiance, a pattern of non-compliant behaviour.Students will be informed of this change to policy through daily roll notices and the assembly. As Principal of a Secondary School I expect students to behave with increased maturity as they approach adulthood. My primary concern is to ensure every opportunity for those students who wish to learn. Those who, by their disobedient behaviour, jeopardise the learning opportunities of the majority will be asked to reconsider their approach whilst on suspension and to give considerable guarantees upon their return to school. I ask you to discuss this issue with your child and to reinforce that these decisions have been made in the best interests of those students who have committed to a positive, independent and motivated approach to their learning.

Mr Cavanagh

YEAR 7 SCiENCEMr McCarthy’s Year 7 class have been studying a topic on Energy. We have been busy designing models on energy changes. Some students have made some outstanding models and have had a lot of fun demonstrating them to our class.

Jake Moulds


You'reLeaving Schooland so is yourLaptop

Be prepared for the exciting opportunities ahead of you with your unlocked laptop.

Get a ‘Transfer of Ownership Acknowledgement and Acceptance’ form, fill it out and hand it in with your laptop to be unlocked.

Starts NOW!

Your unlocked laptop will…

Allow you to manageyour own laptopincluding installingsoftware

Provide you withunfiltered web accessincluding access toFacebook and Twitter

Give you access to yourown copy of MicrosoftWindows 7 Ultimate andMicrosoft Office 2010

Attention Year 12

1st step is take a backup (copy) of your files on the laptop.


ANOTHER GHS STuDENT WiTH FiRST CLASS HONOuRS!Daniel Wilson obtained a bachelor’s degree with first class honours in civil engineering at the University of Newcastle. He was awarded a full scholarship to undertake a PhD at the university which he completed in 2013. Daniels PhD thesis and current research focuses on the stability of geotechnical structures, such as tunnels, footings, retaining walls and embankments.Daniel uses a number of mathematical methods to models the behaviour of soils, this is achieved by breaking the soil into many thousands of discrete elements. Daniel works with a number of colleagues at the University of Newcastle and international collaborators to publish their results in international journals.

BREAKFAST CLuBBreakfast Club is in the hall on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30am until 9am. Come for a hot Milo, cheese on toast, fresh platters of fruit and lots of other breakfast items. All students are welcome.

Miss Chloe Walker

BYRON'S BRAiN BANK For those of you who do not know them, meet the Hall family - Pauline, a local nurse at Gloucester Hospital and Community Health, and her two boys Byron (15) and Nathan (12).

In July this year, Byron became very unwell unexpectedly. He was rushed to Gloucester hospital and later airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney where he spent most of the next month. For most of the time he was in the Intensive Care Unit due to the seriousness of his condition, all the while with mum by his side.

Pauline has been supporting her two boys on her own for quite some time now but unfortunately these unexpected medical expenses and staying by Byron’s side in Sydney haven’t been factored into the weekly budget and they could do with some of our help. Their strength and persistence is an amazing example in our community and it would be appreciated beyond words by the whole Hall family if we could show our support by donating what we can to help out. If you would like to do so you can donate by bank transfer (account details below) or Paypal will be available soon. All donations will go directly to the Hall family. Thank you for your support! Pauline Rosemary Hall BSB: 732587 Account Number: 665311

Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire

www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/kidscamps 13 13 02

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THE BEST HOLIDAYS HAPPEN AT CAMPChoose from over 30 exhilarating camps at 10 locations across NSW these school holidays.

Our Sport and Recreation Centres offer over 40 activities for kids aged 5 to 16 years. Try your hand at fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, abseiling, crafts, cooking or flying fox. You’re sure to find a camp the kids will love.

Kids’ Camps from $45 per day

Principal Mr Pat Cavanagh Deputy Principal Mr Mike King Address: 129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422Telephone: 6558 1605 Fax: 6558 1229Email: [email protected]

SCHOOL ViSiON STATEMENTGloucester High School aims to develop a supportive learning environment that engages all students,

Teachers and community in the pursuit of excellence.

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quality education in a caring, innovative environment

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