www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Tuesday, 22nd February, 2000               Term 1 Week 5

Parents are notified that an election is to be conducted for members of the School Council of Eltham High School. Three vacancies exist for parent members of Council, each for two years and two vacancies exist for Department of Education, Employment and Training members for two years. Nomination forms, eligibility requirements and nominee statement proformas can be obtained from the school office. Nominations, on the supplied proforma must be received at the school office by 4:00 pm on Tuesday 29^th February. A list of nominations received will be posted at the school. Ballot papers and candidate statements will be distributed on Monday 6^th March. Ballot papers must be returned to the school office by the close of the ballot, 4:00 pm Tuesday 14^th March 2000. The ballot will be declared at the Annual General Meeting to be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, 15^th March.

Please Note: there have been significant changes to the eligibility requirements for council membership - especially for DEET employees. Teachers may now nominate as parents for their child's school council.

The school diary is a most important means of assisting students to keep on top of their work and plan their study. It also provides an efficient communication tool between parents and the classroom teacher. It is good to know that the diary, which was distributed a little over a week ago has been discussed widely within the school community.

Last year the Education Department indicated to schools that it was appropriate for parents to be required to purchase the school diary. At Eltham High School the council believed that this was not appropriate, that diaries should be provided free to students, but that the cost to the school of about $7000 was very high. As a trial we chose to use a diary that would be supplied to us for free, that would contain our school information and which would also contain advertising. In this way the $7000 could be put into providing classroom resources for students.

I acknowledge that the diary we have provided has been somewhat controversial. There is more advertising than we expected, the nature of some advertisements is an issue, the paper quality could be better and the artwork has upset some families. At the same time I must say that many students have found the diary interesting and refreshing. We are not insisting that the planner we have provided is the only one that can be used. Families should feel free to replace the planner with a diary of their own choosing. The process for selecting a diary will be reviewed and I am sure that this problem will not re-occur. My thanks to all those students, parents and staff who have taken the time to speak with me over this matter.

Principal

The final reminder, completed EMA applications and a photocopy of the entitlement card are to be submitted to the school office by this FRIDAY, 25^th FEBRUARY (late applications are not permitted). Application forms are available at the reception counter. Please the Business Manager, Peter Gurney if you have any questions on EMA administration.

This Wednesday and Thursday are photo days. Years 7, 8 and 9 will be photographed on Wednesday and Years 10, 11 and 12 will be photographed on Thursday. Envelopes to order photos have been distributed to students. Please remember to make payment to A-One Photos, preferably by cheque, in the envelope and return the envelope to the photographer on photo day.

Payments are due this Friday. If your child is undertaking a course requiring additional payment please pay by Friday 25^th Feb. The relevant sub school handbook contains details of courses requiring payment. (The course charges in the VCE Handbook were amended slightly late last year). Payment requests will be mailed in the next few days. If there are payment difficulties please contact the Business Manager, Peter Gurney.

The bridge is open to traffic. Beware the new speed humps just near the bridge.

Bell Street is also open to traffic. We are grateful to Nillumbik Council and the Department of Education, Employment and Training for funding and managing the road improvements. We have achieved a safer and less dusty environment for the school and also a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. The buses will continue to park in Withers Way for a short while until paving works and signage is completed. Students will be advised when the buses relocate to Ely St.

Nillumbik Council is continuing with footpath works from the Dalton St footbridge to Withers Way. Students are asked to please not cross into the school grounds on the Bell St corner, but to use the new raised road section crossing adjacent to our tennis courts and main entry. The school's fence on the Bell St corner has been improved to discourage pedestrians crossing at that point. Our next priority in improving road safety around the school is to have Nillumbik Council construct parking bays and footpaths on the northern side of Withers Way, opposite the school.

The EHS Junior Volleyball season starts this Thursday 24^th February at 3.30pm. Students in Years 7 to 9 interested in playing, can get details and an entry form from Mr Thomas. Games are played each Thursday between 3.30and 4.15pm with finals for this season being held at the end of term 2.               Greg Thomas

Eltham bowled first and dismissed Montmorency for 57. Belinda Kelly took 5 wickets and was well supported by Captain Liz Young, Kristy O'Loughlin and Kathryn Rogers. Eltham batted very well in hot conditions and an opening stand of 55 by Michelle Gimson (20) and Laura Johnson (18) took Eltham to a convincing victory. Well Done. Remember training every Monday Lunchtime. Mr McCrystal - Manager

For just $13.00 your child can be covered for a range of accidents, 24 hours a day, anywhere in Australia or while overseas on authorised school activities. Coverage is for 12 months, commencing 1st March. For additional details, please contact the general office.

Parents are reminded that final payment $290 (total cost $390) should be paid to the school cashier by this Friday 25^th February