School Meetings

Nov 27th Thurs School Council 7.30 pm

Principal’s Report:

VET Awards Night

Once again the annual VET awards evening which was held last night in

Moama was quite inspiring. It really is terrific to see these young people

pursuing their chosen career paths with such enthusiasm and optimism.

Congratulations to all the Rochester Secondary College students who

were shortlisted as finalist in each of their chosen fields. Tannum Foley,

Hannah Schwab, Eliza Schwab, Jacob Glass, Hugh Macague, Alex Bau-

mann, Angelica Dipasupil, Kiesha Coulson, Ella Spizzica, Rhiannon

McIntyre and Anthony Newman. A special well done to our four win-

ners; Tannum - Automotive, Ella - Music, Rhiannon - Sports and

Recreation and Alex - Engineering. You were all great role models and

ambassadors for our school both last night and throughout the year.

Many thanks also to Mr Huddy who does a huge amount of work behind

the scenes that not everyone sees, to assist these aspiring young VET

students.

EMA

Previous recipients of the EMA allowance should be aware that govern-

ment changes to this program will mean that NO parent at Rochester

Secondary College will be eligible for EMA in 2015. Some schools

across the state who have been deemed to be in a lower socio economic

status will receive some funds, we are not in this category. Any further

questions to myself or our Business Manager, Maureen Oliver.

Year 11 Exams

Year 11 Exams begin tomorrow. Could parents and students please be

vigilant in following the exam timetable and protocols carefully. Mr

Barkla has gone to a great deal of trouble to accommodate as many stu-

dents as possible so please be sure to be in the right place at the right

time. It’s tempting to say good luck to all 10’s and 11’s currently com-

pleting exams but it is more accurate to say “go forth and reap the bene-

fits of your hard work”.

As there is only four weeks to go in the school year it is tempting to

think things are “winding down” here at Rochester Secondary College.

The real situation is the opposite, as we plan and prepare for 2015 we

also have final assessments to organise and a range of exams, excur-

sions, extra curricula activities, presentation evening, orientation days

for Year’s 7, 10 and 11 students, two school camps and of course run-

ning regular classes.

Non the less it is an exciting time for students as they begin to think

about next year and the summer holidays. Could you please assist us by

doing your up most to keep students in routine right till the end of year,

in correct school uniform and at school until their last day.

Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated by myself and the

staff.

Bernie Altmann, Principal

November 2014

20th-23rd (Thurs-Sun) - Energy Break Through

20th-21st (Thurs-Fri) - Year 10 Mock Interviews

21st-26th (Fri-Wed) - Year 11 Exams

27th (Thurs) - Year 11-12 Orientation Day

28th (Fri) - Last day Year 11’s

28th (Fri) - Studio Arts Excursion Melbourne

28th (Fri) - Year 12 Formal

December 2014

3rd (Wed) - Peer Support Training

4th (Thurs) - Year 10-11 Orientation Day

5th (Fri) - Last day Year 10’s

8th-12th (Mon-Fri) - Year 8 Camps

9th (Tue) - Orientation Day Grade 6 students

9th (Tue) - No School for current Year 7’s

9th (Tue) - Secondhand Book/Uniform sale

12th & 15th (Fri & Mon) - Activities Program

Rochester Secondary College exists to provide quality learning for all in a challenging and nurturing environment.

The Rochester Review

Volume 506 Issue 1

Thursday 20th November, 2014

www.rochsec.vic.edu.au

Phone: 54841 844 Fax 54842 348

rochester.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au

VET Award winners pictured with Mr Colin Huddy.

Parents Club

T he Parents Club would like to thank the following peo-

ple who volunteered their time to work at the Elmore

Field Days: Caroline Vredenburg, Lisa Myers,

Michelle Horkings, Wyn Hodgens, Sonya Else, Andrea

Windridge, Ruth Carr, Anne Budge, Anna Trewick, Michelle

Hooppell, Sandra Holmberg, Therese Jensen, Leanne

Holmberg, Karen Taylor, Louise Murray, Ali Serafini, Maree

Macague, Rhonda Dwyer, Claire Wickham, Maree Laux,

Lawrie West, Helen Ward, Christine Hooppell, Bev Monigatti

and Claire Johnson.

Thank you to Michelle Hooppell and Ruth Carr who attended

Field Day meetings on behalf of the Parents Club and Ruth

also for filling and organising the roster.

Year 11 Update

T oday is the last day of Year 11 classes and they now

move straight into four days of exams. Next Thursday

is Year 11 to Year 12 Orientation Day – it is vital that

all students returning next year attend.

Thank you to Mrs Katrina Trewin and Mrs Rhonda Dwyer for

volunteering to cook the BBQ lunch for our Year 11s next

week.

Congratulations to our winners at the VET Awards last night:

Alex Baumann and Ella Spizzica. Well done to our eight Year

11’s that are on EBT.

Today we had an assembly to acknowledge the efforts of our

Year 11’s throughout the year. They have really involved

themselves in their studies in a pleasing manner. They are

willing to contribute to programs and the broader community.

Many have shown great leadership across a broad spectrum of

opportunities on offer within the College and in other fields.

We look forward to the results of elections for next year’s

leadership group and to being part of their Year 12 efforts.

Finally, I have informed the College award winners from

within the group. They should attend the Presentation Night

held at 7.30 on Tuesday 16th December, in full uniform.

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Bill Barkla, Year 11 Coordinator

Secondhand Book/Uniform

Sale

T he Parents Club Secondhand Book/Uniform sale is on

Tuesday 9th December at 8.30 am in Rooms 32-34 at

the College.

Please check your booklist for secondhand prices, this is approxi-

mately two thirds of the retail price of a new book (provided the

book is in good condition). A reminder that any secondhand

books/clothing should be dropped off at the office prior to Fri-

day 5th December. Please have an envelope attached to your

item with your name, year level, the name of the book/

clothing and the asking price. (The College is not responsible

for this).

The Parents Club will deduct a 10% commission off the selling

price if your goods are sold. The money from the sale can be

collected from the office after December 11th.

Please Note:

Books and money CAN NOT be left at the office for other stu-

dents to collect. This responsibility should be between the two

parties.

Can you assist on the following days? Monday 8th December

at 2pm to set up for the sale, or 9th December the day of our

Secondhand Sale from 8.30 am. If able to assist please contact

Anne on 54845 315 or Maree 54842 443.

Booklist 2015

E ach student will have received two copies of the booklist,

one to be retained by you for your reference and one to be

placed with your book supplier. (If you order through J I

Office Products a donation is given back to the College).

If ordering through J I Office Products orders need to be re-

turned to the box at the College office foyer no later than Friday

December 12th. NO MONEY is to be returned with this list.

If you have not received a booklist please call at the office to

collect one.

Year 8 Camp Reminder

y ear 8 students who will be attending the camp to Anglesea

your payment of $210 will be due Friday 21st November.

Any concerns please see Mr Harris.

Camp dates: 8A/B 8th-10th December and 8C/D 10th-12th

December.

Around the College

2014 SRC Tryout day held

at the Rochester Sports

Club on Monday.

2015 Subject Contributions

C ollege contributions help us develop a rich and diverse curriculum along with providing services that assist students in their

transition from primary school and their transition into the workforce or on to tertiary education.

The subject contributions are as follows:

Year 7 $200 Year 8 $200

Year 9 $220 Year 10 $220

Year 11 $220 Year 12 $220

Computer contribution -$50 per first child, $30 per child there after.

(Requested for the ongoing upkeep of our computer fleet i.e. classroom computers , trollies and infrastructure)

The College subject contributions this year are standard for all students across each year level. These subject contributions cover a

range of optional materials and services which parents are requested to pay – Locks for lockers, College Magazine, Report Folder,

College Diary, weekly newsletter, additional classroom materials including printing and photocopied handouts in lieu of textbooks,

reference books. Additional charges may be made in some classes, especially technology, where students are making special pro-

jects they take home e.g. meals, projects etc. Camps and excursions are also charged outside the above items. Although most

camps are not compulsory we encourage all students to make an attempt to participate in these activities.

Yearly charges for Food Technology are: Year 7 & 8 - $65 Year 9 - $80 Year 10 - $85

Yearly charge for Technology (Wood/Metal/Small Motors) $20 per subject.

The subject contributions may be paid when collecting books on January 23rd 2015. Arrangements can be made to pay subject

contributions off during the year.

Financial Assistance and Making Payments

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will not be available in 2015 due to DEECD changes.

Conveyance Allowance is available for some students who fall under the new eligibility criteria implemented in 2013. Applications

and information for this allowance will be available through the College.

Methods of payment for outstanding charges owed to the College can be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS (machine at College of-

fice) , BPay or Direct Debit to the College’s account.

Information is regularly printed in the Newsletter, through our College App and is available at the General Office.

SRC Tryouts Day 2014

O n Monday, 17th November Year 10 and 11 students made their way over to the Rochester Sports Club to participate in the

SRC Executive Tryouts Day. This day has been running for the last three years and it gives students the opportunity to find

out a bit more about the SRC, how it runs and what it involves. There was also quite a lot of discussion about ways our

College could be improved.

After lunch a few games were played, including a particularly funny round of Cannibal Challenge. Then those students attending

completed their application forms. This day would not have been possible without the assistance of this year’s president Ebony

Hooper and past SRC executive members Harley Hayes, Hamish Heathcote and Chloe Irwin. We thank them for their time.

Around the College

Bring Your Own Device 2015

The school does not require families to purchase a particular brand or type of device. In fact families may already have a

suitable device at home that could be used, as long as they meet the minimum requirements above. The school also has

secondhand computers in good condition for sale through the school competitively priced at $100 or $200.

Please contact the college on 5484 1844 if you would like to purchase one of these devices or you need to discuss the suita-

bility of a computer you intend to purchase.

RSC - BYOD hardware and software requirements

Devices

Acceptable:

* iPad and iPad mini

* Android tablets 7” and above

* Netbooks

* Laptops

Not acceptable

* 6” screens and less i.e. smartphones, iPod

* PSP or other gaming devices

* Kindle

Required software

Approved operating systems

* Windows 7 or 8

* OSX 10.5 or later (Apple)

* Android Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, all versions for Android tablets, or later

iOS 5 or later (iPad)

Applications

* Web browser

For example, Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome

* Word processing, spreadsheet and presentation (slideshow) software

For example, Microsoft Office, Apple iWorks, Documents To Go, LibreOffice, Google docs

Antivirus (either free such as AVG, Avast, Microsoft Security Essentials etc. or purchased e.g. Norton,

McAfee.)

Important notes

* WiFi Internet access provided at school

* All laptops should be capable of eight hours use after a full charge

* Consider insuring against theft and damage

* DEECD does not hold insurance for personal property brought to school and has no capacity to pay for such a

loss

* Rochester Secondary College accepts no responsibility for damage, loss or repair of these devices

* If you are unsure if the device you are considering meets the guidelines, please ask for advice before purchasing

Around the College

VET AWARDS

L ast night the Regional VET Awards were held at the Moama Bowling Club, where students from a range of schools in our

VET cluster attended. Rochester Secondary College was represented by eleven students in a range of subjects. Our finalists

were: Tannum Foley – Automotive, Hannah Schwab – Children’s Services, Eliza Schwab – Dance, Jacob Glass, Hugh

Macague and Alex Baumann – all Engineering, Angelica Dipasupil – Hospitality (Kitchen Operations), Kiesha Coulson and Ella

Spizzica – Music, Rhiannon McIntyre – Sport & Recreation, Anthony Newman – School Based Apprenticeship. Congratulations to

all of these students who were nominated for an award, formally interviewed and short listed as finalists. Four of these students

were successful in winning the overall prize within their category. They were Alex Baumann, Tannum Foley, Ella Spizzica and

Rhiannon McIntyre. This is an outstanding achievement that highlights the passion they have for their area of interest, the commit-

ment displayed in their studies, along with the effort and attitude demonstrated in their work placements. The VET program plays

an important role in equipping students with the skills and experience they need to assist them in the transition to employment and

we look forward to another successful year in 2015.

2015 National All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp

T he five day program aims to support young people as they develop their interest in the dairy industry. Throughout the five

days of the camp, participants will cover topics such as breeding, nutrition, communication, showmanship and judging

skills. This years camp theme is “Dairy Cow Nutrition—The Life Cycle”. Sessions involve farm visits, activities and guest

speakers.

Students participate in a variety of team activities. Participants have the opportunity to care for a heifer calf throughout the week.

They are involved in the daily feeding, watering and monitoring of the heifer as well as preparing it for Exhibition Day.

Participants will undertake units of competency from the Certificate II and Certificate III in Agriculture qualification.

TIMES & DATES:

Arrival: 12 noon Monday 5th January, 2015

Departure: 4.30 pm Friday 9th January, 2015

FEES:

Participants will be required to pay a course fee for the five day program which includes program fees, food and accommodation.

The Camp relies on industry sponsorship to keep fees at a minimum for students

Closing date is Friday 28th November, 2014

See Mr Borger for an application form if interested.

Around the College

VACANCIES

Traineeship (Gap Year) – SportsPower Rochester

This opportunity is available for a student looking to take a Gap Year. You will need to put together resume and a hand written

cover letter, to be provided to Lynda Magill at CVGT in Echuca (or drop this into the store).

Office Trainee Opportunity – local Rochester business This is a great opportunity for an enthusiastic person to work in local engineering office, learning all areas of administration and

finance. Please contact Mr Huddy at the school if you are interested.

Apprentice Butcher (local) – Please see Mr Huddy if you are interested in this position.

CVGT Echuca - Traineeships & Apprenticeships:

Administration Traineeship

Spare Parts Interpreter Traineeship

Retail Traineeship

Apprentice Chef x 2

Please call CVGT 5481 3500 for more information.

Apprentice Mechanic - A large Shepparton tyre and auto service is looking for an Apprentice Mechanic to join their team. This

will be a long term position if you are wanting an ongoing career. This role will include servicing cars, light trucks and working as

part of a team. To apply please email your resume to: nlaffy@cvgt.com.au or fax 5823 3444

Apprentice Baker - Moama Bakery are seeking a full time Apprentice Baker to join their team. Applicants must be self-motivated

and willing to work in a team environment. Please apply in writing to: Ben Atkins, Moama Bakery Pty Ltd, 3/57 Meninya St

Moama NSW 2731 or email to: moamabakery@bigpond.com

NUCLEAR MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIPS Applications are open for RMIT Nuclear Medicine Scholarships worth up to $10,000 over three years. They provides assistance

towards study and living costs for students commencing the B. Applied Science (Medical Radiations) Nuclear Medicine stream,

with five scholarships awarded. Info: Ph 9925 7075, email medicalsciences@rmit.edu.au, www.rmit.edu.au/scholarships/nuclear.

WESLEY MASONIC SCHOLARSHIPS Students from the Bendigo and surrounding areas undertaking first-year tertiary studies in 2013 are invited to apply for scholarships

from the W.G. Wesley Masonic Scholarship Fund. Written applications outlining education history, ambitions for future studies

with prospective education facility, together with any community involvement are to be submitted no later than 5pm on Monday,

2 December 2013. Further information may be obtained from Rob Layton on 5443 3558.

SCIENCE EXPERIENCE AT RMIT (FOR YEAR 10’S IN 2015) This is three fun-filled days of hands-on activities for students entering Year 10 next year. It allows next generation if curious scien-

tists to go behind the scenes and sample the world of science and technology. Perform experiments, participate in field trips, attend

university lectures, and experience three days of student life on campus. When: Tues 20-Thurs 22 Jan, 2015 (the program is run

at a number of Australian universities including RMIT); Cost: $115; Info and register: www.scienceexperience.com.au.

RMIT RACING AT CALDER PARK RMIT Racing invites secondary students to attend the Formula SAE, Melbourne’s largest engineering competition at Calder Park

Raceway. See the RMIT Electric and renewable ethanol fuelled cars fired up and competing. When: 9am-4pm, Sat 13 and Sun 14

Dec; Where: Calder Park Raceway; Info: Rose, De Amicis, SAE Australia, Ph 9676 9568.

DID YOU KNOW?

Many TAFE’s have articulation arrangements with universities. E.g: after completing the Box Hill Institute’s Advanced Dip. of

Engineering Technology, students will receive 18 months credit and can enrol into the fourth semester of the Bachelor of Mechani-

cal Engineering at Deakin University. Similar arrangements apply to many other TAFE diplomas.

For further questions about these activities or other careers issues, please contact Colin Huddy (Pathways Coordinator).

Careers

Rochester Netball Association

The Rochester Netball Association well be holding their AGM

on Tuesday 2nd December at 7pm in our clubrooms.

We are planning an exciting year for 2015 and would appreci-

ate as many thoughts and ideas as we can.

Please contact Jillian George for more information.

Rochester Lawn Tennis Club

Rochester Lawn Tennis Club will be hosting a fun

Doubles Tournament on Sunday, November 30th

Any gender combinations in the following grades: Juniors - A

Grade, B Grade & C Grade

Open Court (depending on final numbers).

Cost: $10 per player Registration on arrival at 9.00am – Play

starts at 9.30am. BBQ Lunch

To enter please contact Lisa Myers 0408 371837

or Kate Lee 0439 657 380

For Sale

Black and white Dalmatian male rabbit. Quiet nature, must go

to a good home. Cage not included. Price: $10.

Phone 0448 987 868 for more information.

Movie Night

The Salvation Army Youth Group will be holding a Movie

night on Friday 28th November commencing at 7 pm. This is

open to Year 7– 12 students. (Students must register to attend

and be signed in and out by a parent).

Phone:54841 364/0458 600 495.

Tigerettes Netball Training

Rochester Tigerettes Netball Club will be holding the follow-

ing training day/nights:

Sunday 23rd and 30th November commencing at 10 am

Wednesday 3rd and 10th December at 6pm.

All training will be held at the Rochester Netball courts, for

more information contact Anita Ward 0417 575 815.

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Community News

St Joseph’s Parish

Spring Garage Sale

Spring Garage Sale will be held on Saturday November 22nd

at St Joseph’s College Delany Pavilion, Priory Street Roch-

ester. Commencing at 8 am.

Toys, Craft, Fairy Floss, Games, Plants, Clothes, Furniture,

Fruit and Veg, Books, Cakes & Preserves, Bric a Brac, BBQ,

Raffle and morning tea.

Donations of goods are welcome.

Contact either: Fr Austin 54841 073, K Williams 0417 597

815, A Williams 0417 109 998, P Slattery 54841 568 or

D Pentreath 54862 334

Community News

Community News