Principal’s Report

Student Achievement

I congratulate our students involved in the recent Volleyball Zone Tournaments for having won each of their competitions. In congratulating our students I also congratulate all of their coaches who once again have supported our young people to achieve their very best in the sport. We look forward to the upcoming competitions and wish all the students the very best in continuing with these outstanding outcomes.

Life Saving Australia

Congratulations to Bianca Deaney of Year 10 who most recently won the bronze medal in the Life Saving Australia Title. Whilst Bianca came to this competition as a strong contender, she did have to compete with some very strong opponents. This is an outstanding achievement for Bianca and in congratulating her, we also congratulate her team of supporters.

Anzac Day Ceremony

I want to firstly thank all the students who were involved in the organisation and running of the 2010 Anzac Day Commemorative Ceremony last Friday afternoon. We managed to get through the ceremony in a timely way, even though we were being threatened by the weather. Furthermore, I want to acknowledge the attendance of our most senior past student, Mr Jock Read who made the effort to be there and take part in our ceremony. Jock was very impressed with the attitude of our students towards the solemn occasion and congratulated them on having taken the time to commemorate something which is close to his heart. I wish to acknowledge the respectful way in which our students participated in this event, once again demonstrating that they are outstanding young citizens and I congratulate them and the staff. Our wreath was laid at the base of the lone pine tree which is located in the front of the school, facing Withers Way.

Year 7 Information Night for Prospective Students 2011 and Open Morning

Once again, I wish to thank and congratulate all the students who have been involved in the organisation and running of both the recent Information Evening and our Open Morning. These students all carried out their tasks admirably and with the highest level of commitment and pride as members of our learning community. Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive and I wish to also thank them for taking the time to join us during these two events. It goes without saying that without the ongoing support and help of all the staff, events such as these could not take place. I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate all our staff from the various key learning areas for their displays and for

their ongoing support and conversations with parents and prospective students. Furthermore I wish to thank and again congratulate the members of the Junior School team who planned and organised these events. This is not a ‘one person show’, but is built from the collaborative efforts of people right across the school, so I thank everyone who supported the organisation and running of these two very important events.

School Tours

School tours will continue until the end of next week and I encourage you if you know of anyone who is interested in entering the school but has not yet been able to visit the school to ring the General Office on 9430 5111 and book in for one of the tours that are coming up in the next week or so. Anyone wishing to receive an information package may request one from the General Office.

Vincent Sicari, Principal

ANTHOLOGY LAUNCH

You are invited to attend the 2009 Anthology Launch on Tuesday 4^th May 2010 at 7.30pm at Eltham High School (the 400’s space). Guest speakers include Elizabeth Campbell and Danielle Clode. Entry - Gold coin donation.

Come and join us for supper!

(Refer to flyer in online newsletter)

MUSICAL NOTES

The Intermediate Band have headed up the road to sunny Ballarat this morning. The overnight tour will see them playing at various schools with a workshop at Ballarat High School. The overnight stay at Sovereign Hill Lodge allows them to experience the sound and light show this evening. We hope they enjoy their trip!

Various engagements coming up for different groups, the Concert Band tour and the Mid Year Concert are all happening in May.

Another call for second hand uniform items - clean and tagged. The Training Band members are currently looking at their uniform situation and this is the time to try and sell yours!

Any queries, please contact the music office on 9430 5127

Jill Browne, Music Administration

SCHOOL CALENDAR
April/May 2010
Wed 28	OES – Year 11 Fieldwork
Thur 29	Eng - Yr11 Richard Frankland Presentation
Fri 30	Arts - Yr11&12 TOP Arts

Young Designer visits Eltham High School
Last Thursday the year 12 Visual Communication and Design class had a special visit from Eltham High graduate, Sarah Frith. Sarah has recently graduated from Monash University with a degree in Design. She came to talk to the students about her experiences at University and her study practices during year 12 VCD. Sarah was a very successful design student in Yr 12 gaining full marks in both Units 3 and 4.

She gave the students valuable advice on how best to handle the stress of a year 12 design subject and how to plan to meet work due dates. Sarah gave an inspiring presentation discussing and showing her work to demonstrate how The Design Process works and continues to be relevant to VCE, Tertiary studies and now as she embarks on her career as an illustrator.

Sarah continues to be very generous with her time by attending the VCD classes in order to help the students individually achieve the best results they can.
Sarah’s continued contribution to Eltham High School demonstrates how valuable and rich our learning community continues to be.

Sue Pickett - Yr 12 Visual Communication and Design teacher

WORKING BEES TERM 2 – 2^nd MAY

The Grounds Committee has scheduled the first Working Bee for Term 2 on Sunday 2^nd May starting at 9.00am and concluding with a barbeque at 12.30pm. Morning tea will also be provided for those willing volunteers. If attending this event please park your vehicle on the hard courts adjacent to the library and follow the directional signage to the Canteen courtyard where you will be registered and assigned a task by a member of the Grounds Committee. The following tasks have been identified for attention on the day:-

1. Removal of a 15 metre section of post end pipe fence adjacent to the hall

2. Removal of some seating and bin holders near the cricket nets to make way for a new development of gardens, pathways and seating complex in that area

3. Pruning and weeding in the Junior School courtyard area

4. Pruning and weeding of the gardens adjacent to the tennis courts

5. Mowing and brushcutting in a variety of locations

6. Sweeping gutters adjacent to the stadium complex as well as the courtyard areas

7. Spreading of mulch in the Environmental area at the end of the tennis courts

8. A cleanup and mulch of the area on the Western boundary

9. A clean out of drains in the courtyard areas

10. Watering of plants in a range of locating

11. A prune of the Callistomon hedge adjacent to the 700’s block

12. Staining of some bollards in the courtyard areas

Again we have a broad array of tasks on offer that will by the end of the day enhance the environs of the school. Looking forward to anticipated support on Sunday 2^nd May.

John Coates – Environment Coordinator for the Grounds Committee

Class of 1980 Reunion

Almost 90 people attended the 30 year reunion for the Class of 1980 at the Eltham Gateway Hotel. Most of the students started their Eltham High School years in 1975 and many commenced Kindergarten and Primary School together in 1967 and 1968. For many, this was their first meeting since they last walked through the doors at Eltham High School 30 years ago. A coming together of strangers it may seem but in reality is was as if we’d never left. Certainly, there was middle aged spread, graying and receding of hair lines, the soft youthful skin had gone and we talked of our own children, many of whom have completed their High School years, some at EHS. Despite all this, it was clear that the years at Eltham High School, the sharing of the trials and tribulations that are part of High School years and especially HSC, had forged a common bond and friendship between these people that can never be broken.

The night was positive, and conversation led toward the good years and good times at school as well as filling each other in on our lives since then. It was wonderful to have so many of our former teachers along who enjoyed the night with similar enthusiasm. These teachers were younger than what the former students are when they diligently went about providing an education that would stand us strong in our adult lives. They must have done a mighty good job too for it can be said that the gathering of former students had become strong, high achieving and interesting adults.

Principal from 1980, Wesley Muir and a good number of teachers attended. Past students from far and wide also attended, coming from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Tathra and many who travelled from country Victoria.

Thank you to the many people who assisted in tracking people down for the occasion. Thank you to Shane Driscoll and Leanne West for embarking on this project some ten months ago and bringing us all together, especially Leanne, who started this madness and whose vision for a true reunion came to life this ANZAC Day Weekend of 2010.

Shane Driscoll

Canteen Roster
April/May 2010
Wed 28	Michelle Dalton, Margaret Toohey, Tracey Angelopoulos
Thurs 29	Liz Deacon, Lisa Emmins
Fri 30	Leonie Knoblock, Kylie O’Reilly, Sharon Davies
Mon 3	Carol Guille, Robyn Flannagan
Tues 4	Dianne Milankovic, Kathy Smith

Please note that we require volunteers for the following dates 8, 15, 21, 22 & 23 June. Please contact Gael to assist.

Canteen volunteers Gael Carter, Manager 9430 5122

CAREERS ROOM NEWS

Year 10 Work Experience

This year Work Experience is for one week only, May 24 – 28. Students should aim to gain a placement in a job/industry that they are considering for the future. The due date for forms to be handed in is very soon - Monday 10^th May.

Careers Night

Every second year there is a Careers Night where ex-students and parents of current students talk about their jobs: what they do, pathways into the industry, employment prospects and so on. It’s a great way for Year 10-12 students to gather information to help them with their post-school decision-making. This year it will be held on Wednesday 16^th June. If parents would like to volunteer, call me on 9430 5133 or email careers@elthamhs.vic.edu.au All types of jobs and industries are needed – “tradies”, creative, IT, health & beauty, engineers, financial, etc.

Advertising and Public Relations – RMIT Seminars

Recommended for anyone considering advertising or public relations as a career. The seminars provide a realistic, up-to-date overview of the industries and employment opportunities. Presentations delivered by leading industry practitioners and RMIT staff.

Advertising: Saturday 21August, 10am – 3.30pm. Cost: $55.

Public Relations: Saturday 4 September, 10am – 3.30pm. Cost: $55.

Book early, places are limited. Register at www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au

Experience Electrical and Computer Engineering at RMIT

This free program allows Year 11 and 12 students to explore and build their understanding of engineering through a series of hands-on workshops. Choose four from: iRobots, Digital film, High voltage, Radio bugs, Micro-technology, Satellite dish on your roof.

When: Wednesday 30 June or Thursday 1 July (identical days), 9.30am – 4pm

Registration at www.rmit.edu.au/seh/experience

Careers in Sports Medicine Evening

Sports Medicine allows you to work with motivated athletes and your favourite football club as well as travel with teams to the Olympics. Sports physicians, Physiotherapists, Soft tissue therapists, Dieticians, Podiatrists, Exercise physiologists and Psychologists will be giving short talks.

When: Friday 28^th May. Registration 6.30 – 7.00pm, start at 7.30pm.

Where: Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre, within the new Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Olympic Boulevard. Cost - $25 per student (one parent free).

Spaces are limited and you must register by May 21. Application forms available from the Careers Room.

Workplace rights and conditions for apprentices and trainees

The Fair Work Ombudsman is running a national campaign throughout April and May to encourage apprentices and trainees to check that they aren’t missing out on their minimum entitlements. Visit www.fairwork.gov.au/apprenticestrainees for information on pay, leave, allowances and workplace conditions or phone the Fair Work Infoline, 13 13 94.

Peter Goddard

Careers Teacher

THE AUSTRALIAN MATHS COMPETITION

Students from all year levels are invited to be part of this year’s Australian Mathematics Competition.

Cost: $5 to the cashier

Due: by the end of April

Competition date: Thursday 5^th August

Venue: The Library

Mathematics staff will provide practice papers and support preparation.

Ms Lyn Ivory, KLA Co-ordinator Mathematics

Australian Education Union – AEU

Please refer to online newsletter for important information on assessment and reporting to its parents using the Federal Governments My School website.

HOMEWORK CLUB

Junior School Homework Club will begin in the first Week in May. This revamped program will run for one hour straight after school, one night a week, and will be supported by the Middle School Peer Mentor Program.

Mr McKinnon on behalf of Junior School

Middle School Homework Club sessions take place on Wednesday at 3:15pm until 4pm in Room 105. Each session will be fully supervised by a Middle School Coordinator and caters for students who volunteer to come along for extra assistance or simply a set time to work quietly on school tasks.

Mr McCrystal on behalf of Middle School

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS are now available from the General Office. These books represent great value for not only dining but also for movie vouchers, activities around Melbourne, accommodation and also a discount opportunity for Coles supermarkets (see page F1 in the book). Purchase price is $65.

Eltham High School Tour to Africa-July 2011

EHS is running a tour to the National Parks of Kenya & Tanzania during the Term 2 school holidays in 2011. Please see Brendan Monigatti, Ms. Brady or Ms. Parry for a more detailed itinerary.

The tour is open to students, staff, past students and their extended family with preference being given to currently enrolled students.

LOST PROPERTY

We currently have a large volume of lost property, including sports shorts and shirts. If your son/daughter has recently lost any clothing please either have your child see Michelle in the Sick Bay, or you are welcome to come into the General Office to look in lost property.”

Community Announcements/Advertising appear on the web this week www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Are you interested in playing women’s baseball this winter?

Doncaster baseball club, currently the largest summer based women’s baseball program in Australia, is looking for players to join the women’s winter team.

The team will be coached by Australian & Victorian rep Amy McCann.

The baseball league begins early May and finishes in August (TBC), with games played on Sunday afternoons and team training on Thursday nights from 6-9.

We welcome women and girls 14 years or older! Even if you have never played baseball, we encourage you to give it a go!

It is a great opportunity for those looking to try a new sport as it is a great friendly atmosphere where you will meet new friends and have great fun.

Are you interested in playing or do you know anyone who may be interested?

Contact DBC at www.doncaster.baseball.com.au, Email: doncasterbaseballclub@yahoo.com.au P Amy McCann 0425 758 989.

Cross Country

All Schools Cross Country Relays: Saturday 22 May 2010

Jells Park, Wheeler’s Hill

Any student interested in representing EHS at the All Schools Cross Country Relays is invited to register their interest with Mr Seymour at the Junior School Office. Team entries are due to be entered by Thursday of this week – so see Mr Seymour early in the week if you would like to run.

Cross Country season with Diamond Valley Athletic Club

Students are always welcome to join training sessions with the Diamond Valley Athletic Club on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon from 5:00pm at Willinda Park, Greensborough. Separate Junior training groups are preparing for a Cross Country season with Athletics Victoria. Contact Max Balchin on 0409005406 for further information.

Surviving Your Adolescents

When: Thurs 13 & Thurs 20 May 2010 from 6.30-9.30pm

Where: Year 12 Study Centre – Montmorency Sec College

To register please contact Heather Douglas on 9422 1500

We need you !!!!! to complete an application

ELTHAM HIGH SCHOOL COOPERATIVE

ABN 56 079 715 735

400s BLOCK & LIBRARY UPGRADE

FORMS AVAILABLE AT THE General Office.

Thank you

Have you changed your contact details?

Please notify Ms Cathy Cukier of any changes you have made ASAP Contact 9430 5113 or cuk@elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Register to receive an email version of this newsletter – this is a guarantee your copy reaches home – simply go to the web site – www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au click on the newsletter link choose subscribe and follow the prompts. Thank you for helping save paper & considering the environment.

BPay at EHS………. Almost Too Easy

Simply use the biller code and reference number listed on your statement.

It can sometimes be difficult to identify what items your payment relates to, so please provide us with details at the time of your payment so it can be allocated in accordance with your request. Email your payment details to accounts@elthamhs.vic.edu.au otherwise it will be allocated as follows:

1. Essential education items

2. Optional extras

3. Voluntary financial contributions.

Please note that biller code 87361 will show DEECD (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development) NOT Eltham High School. The Department initially receives the payment and then distributes to schools the next day so there is a processing delay of two days.

If you require any further information, please call the office on 9430 5111 Kathleen Hannan, Business Manager

eNewsletter - to ensure your copy of the weekly Community Newsletter & other Special bulletins from the Principal… register for the email version go to our website, www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au click on the Parent Newsletter link and choose subscribe (follow the four steps) more than 500 newsletters are sent each week! Imagine the paper we’re saving!!! Thank you

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