Principal’s Report

Interstate Volleyball Competition:

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Under 16 VSSSA volleyball competition in Canberra last week. Stephanie Harrington and Cassie Stockton contributed to the girls’ team winning second place whilst Luke Brisbane, Andrew Hague and Perry Mitchell supported their team to gain fourth place. Special mention needs to go to Luke and Andrew who as two of the best players for the week were selected in the “Australian All Star Team”. Once again our students performed their role of ambassadors of our school, our community and our State in an admirable way. Many thanks to their coaches and their parents.

Eltham Music:

Congratulations to all the Bands that participated in the most recent Melbourne School Bands Festival. Outstanding feedback was received from the judges for all the Bands. In particular I congratulate all the members of the Jazz Band and their conductor Mr Aaron Vreulink for having been selected to participate in the Festival’s Finale Concert. This is a recognition of excellence. Well done!

Student Progress Interviews Junior and Middle School:

The student progress interviews for Junior and Middle School parents and students that took place last Tuesday provided an opportunity for parents and students to meet with teachers and engage in a conversation about current student progress and strategies for improvement. It also provided an opportunity for reflection on the selection of subjects for 2011 particularly for Year 10 students moving into senior school and year 8 students moving into middle school. It was a very busy day with many people in attendance across the various sessions. Feedback has been extremely positive and I take this opportunity to thank teachers for their preparation for this day as well as parents and students for engaging with us in the partnership to support and enhance student learning.

Year 10 Portfolio Interviews:

All year 10 students were involved in the Portfolio Interviews Day on Thursday 19 August. These were very structured interviews conducted by teachers in collaboration with members of our community. Students were asked to reflect on their aspirations and dreams for the future; the work experience placement they had already participated in; their Managed Individual Pathways outline and their thoughts around their selection of subjects for Year 11 in 2011. The community members came from local business, and local clubs and organizations. Feedback was consistently positive across the groups of interviewers who commented that the students’ preparation was exceptional and that their level of commitment and professionalism commendable.

I wish to thank all the community members for their time and I congratulate both Peter Goddard for his organization of this event as well all the English teachers who worked hard in their classes to prepare the students for this experience: Paul Oliver, Chantalle Wigley, Rai Jones, Ruth Lindsay, Jenny Isaac, Seamus Robertson, Cindy Ahearn, Jenny Fowler, Soile Keskinen and Leanne Ipsen.

Student Exchange:

I congratulate Zoe Gerardson for having been selected to participate in a student exchange program to France beginning in mid-November for a period of approximately two and a half months. As part of her exchange, Zoe will live with a volunteer host family and attend a local school. In addition to the cultural experience, Zoe will also have the opportunity to refine her French language skills which will also be of benefit to her classmates as she supports the language development of the class in her VCE years. I wish Zoe a very worthwhile experience.

Building Futures Process:

Our Project Officer, Mr Bruce Martyn is currently working very closely with our architects and other professionals to ensure that the Tender Documents are being prepared within the timeframe for the project to be offered to Tender by mid September. The Tender Process will take 4-5 Weeks before a contractor will be appointed and from there a variety of things need to happen before we begin the demolition of the hall and the 200 Wing.

I want to assure parents and students (particularly Year 12) that this will not take place during year 12 exams and that as always the school will do everything possible to ensure a consistently smooth running examination process.

Vincent Sicari, Principal

All Junior, Middle & Senior School absences can now be reported to 9430 5299

(designated answering service).

Please advise:- name of child, year level, reason for absence and length of absence.

SPORT SPORT SPORT

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup

After our success at Victorian Schools cup we are planning to enter 16 teams in the Australian schools cup.

Some features of the tournament:-

• The competition runs from Sunday (evening) 5^th to Friday 10^th December.

• On the Sunday evening we require all teams to attend a meeting at school to confirm their draw details, collect a team T-shirt and have their team photo taken.

• This is a week-long tournament held at both the State Volleyball centre Dandenong and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

• Each team will travel with their coach and manager in a 12 seat bus.

• Games may start at 8.00 am each day and may finish late in the evening, though if a team starts early they usually finish the day early.

The cost of the tournament for students playing in division 1 or 2 (year 7 teams) will be approximately $240. This is to cover among other costs the $705 team entry fee, bus hire, petrol, etc. Teams playing in honours divisions have an $890 entry fee per team so the cost will be a little more than last year. Prior to teams being entered I need to know if all players are available for selection. If anyone has a problem, please contact me in the next week to discuss availability.

Greg Thomas

Work phone – 9430 5150

Email – thomas.gregory.h@edumail.vic.gov.au

Volleyball T-Shirt Competition

Students are invited to submit a design for this year’s Eltham High T-shirt at the Australian Volleyball schools cup competition.

The design is for the front of the T-shirt and should have ‘Eltham High Volleyball’ on it. It may have other wording if required.

The back of the T-shirt will be the same design as last year and reads ‘Australian Volleyball Schools Cup 2010’.

The winner of the competition will get free entry to Aust Volleyball Schools Cup and a Free T-shirt (value $ 250). Non players are welcome to enter and could win $75 and a free T-shirt.

Entries must be submitted to Mr Thomas by the end of August 2010.

Get designing!

Congratulations

Congratulations to the students that played in the under 16 VSSSA volleyball teams in Canberra last week. Stephanie Harrington and Cassie Stockton were members of the girls team that came second in the tournament and Luke Brisbane, Andrew Hague and Perry Mitchell were members of the boys team that came fourth. Luke and Andrew were also selected in the 'Australian all star team' as some of the best players for the week.

Important Dates

9^th November - Northern Zone volleyball for year 7 and 8.

25^th November – Year 7 and 8 VSSSA final.

5^th – 10^th December – Australian volleyball schools cup

If your child is selected in a state team or has a significant ‘sporting moment’ please contact me so that we can share the good news on the parent newsletter.

Greg Thomas

Volleyball Coordinator

Proposed Bus Services – St Andrews and Panton Hill areas.

Panorama Coaches are talking to the government bus authorities seeking to establish a bus service from St Andrews to Diamond Creek Station via Panton Hill. While this is still in the early stages of being developed, families may like to contact Panorama to support them to have this service commence. Contact John Griffiths at Panorama on 9438 3666.

MUSICAL NOTES

Congratulations to our Jazz Band. Their fantastic performance at the Melbourne School Bands Festival was recognised with an invitation to the Festival's Finale Concert. Once again, under the direction of their conductor, Aaron Vreulink, they showed their expertise and obvious enjoyment is playing the jazz pieces.

Now with MSBF officially over the last call for photo orders! All ensemble members received an order form - this has to be returned immediately to the cashier with payment.

Royal South Street Competitions - Intermediate, Concert, Symphonic, Jazz, Stage, VCE groups, small ensembles and Choirs have received this information. Please return the 'transport' sheet to the music office by tomorrow [Wednesday 25th August]

The flyer / ticket order sheet for the 'Celebration of Music' Concert [Monday 13th September]has also been forwarded to students. Tickets are on sale from Monday 30th August for two weeks from the music office. Please purchase your tickets by Friday 10th September - there will be limited attendance in the music office on Monday 13th September for ticket processing.

If you have any queries regards the competitions in Ballarat, please contact Jill in the music office on 9430 5127.

Jill Browne, Music Administration

SCHOOL CALENDAR
August 2010
Wed 25	OES – Yr 11 Cross Country Skiing – Lake Mountain Eng – Yr 12 Eng performance of COSI – Hall Lunchtime Performance Photoshop
Thur 26	Working Community Cake Day
Fri 27	Eng – Yr 12 Literature Lecture – Melb Uni Music – Chamber Choir & Strings - Greensborough OES – Yr 12 Rafting – Mitchell River Gippsland Lakes (until 29/8)
Mon 30	SAC Week Music – Royal South Street Competition (thru 4/9) HPE – MS RRS Ten Pin Bowling Music – Small Ensemble - Regent Theatre City Melb Airport
Tue 31	Planning Committee Meeting

Reminder to all families that payments and notices for all excursions are due back to school at least 2 days prior to the event.

URGENT NOTICE - YEAR 12 COSI INCURSION

Payments are due NOW.

A payment of $15 needs to be made at the cashier for Complete Works Theatre Company performance of “COSI” for the Year 12 English Students for Wednesday morning (25 August).

CAREERS NEWS

Year 10 Portfolio Interview Day

Last Thursday, 19^th August, the Year 10 students fronted up in all their finery for their interviews. Feedback about their performance was very positive, staff were impressed with the level of preparation shown and how well the students handled the interviews. Thanks to Eltham Rotary and the Westpac Commercial Banking Centre, Preston for helping out.

University & TAFE Open Days

Students in Years 10 – 12 are strongly encouraged to attend Open Days so as to help them choose appropriate tertiary courses. Most Open Days are on Sundays in August.

Open Days still to come:

· Sun 29 Aug - ACU (Ballarat); Ballarat Uni; La Trobe Uni (Bundoora)

Super Thursdays at NMIT

NMIT is opening every metropolitan campus door (Collingwood, Epping, Fairfield, Greensborough, Heidelberg and Preston) on the third Thursday of every month for the rest of the year. This is a great opportunity for potential students to check out the facilities and join in many events ranging from information sessions to interactive classes. The inaugural Super Thursday is on 19^th August and the calendar of events can be accessed at www.nmit.edu.au/information_enrolment/super_thursdays.aspx

Work Experience at the Zoo

Applications for next year have now opened and close on Friday 8^th October. Best suited to current Year 9’s though Year 10-11 students may be able to fit it into their studies. Applications must be endorsed by the school, those submitted directly by students will not be considered. See me for more details.

Monash Parent Information Evening

This event is for parents of Year 11 and 12 students to find out about course and campus options, application and selection, equity and access schemes, student support services and scholarships. It will be held on Wednesday 8^th September at the Caulfield Campus. For more information and to reserve a place: www.monash.edu/study/events/parents

Peter Goddard

Careers Teacher

Canteen Roster
August 2010
Wed 25	Susan Liistro, Ruth Robinson
Thurs 26	Jane Woollard, Joanne Kersteren
Fri 27	Craig Lacey, Sally Wadham, Greer Harvey
Mon 30	Lesley Nihill, Shelley O’Connell
Tue 31	Ruth Glynatsis, Rhonda Steele

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR SEPTEMBER

Canteen volunteers - Gael Carter, Manager 9430 5122.

VCE Subject Selection Process 2011

VCE Subject selection sheets have been distributed to Year 10 & 11 students for completion and submission to Senior School Office by Monday 30^th August, 2010.

The VCE subject selection handbook has been designed to assist students in their selection of VCE subjects. It should be used in conjunction with the Parent Information Evening held for Year 10 students, and the class and individual careers counseling that is provided to students.

The Senior School subject selection handbook can be accessed via the Eltham High School web site, further information is also available from the VCAA web site (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au), or from the Study Designs held in the school library.

Apart from these sources, students are advised to consult widely with staff and family for assistance in selecting their VCE studies. Senior School Coordinators, Middle School Coordinators, subject teachers and the Careers Coordinator are more than willing to work with individual students who may require some additional assistance.

Current Year 10 students must select six units for study in Semester 1 & 2, 2011. Students must choose at least one of English OR English Language OR Literature in both semesters. Students who undertake a VCE Mathematics study are advised to discuss the varying options with their Mathematics teacher who will sign the recommendation section on the VCE selection sheet. Students are able to select from the following Unit 1/2 sequences: Foundation Mathematics; General Mathematics (Further); Mathematical Methods (CAS) and General Mathematics (Methods).

Current Year 11 students must select five units for study in Semester 1 & 2, 2011. Students must choose English OR English Language OR Literature as a Unit 3/4 sequence. Students who are selecting VCE Mathematics are required to use the following information as a guide in making their subject selections. General Mathematics (Further) Units 1/2 leads to Further Mathematics Units 3/4. Mathematical Methods (CAS) and General Mathematics (Methods) Units 1/2 lead to Mathematical Methods CAS OR Mathematical Methods CAS and Specialist Mathematics OR Mathematical Methods CAS and Further Mathematics.

VTAC Parent Seminar for Bushfire Affected Schools

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre will be conducting a briefing session for Bushfire Affected Schools on Tuesday 31^st August, 2010 commencing at 7.00 pm at Whittlesea Secondary College, Laurel Street, Whittlesea. Participating schools include: Eltham High School, Whittlesea Secondary College, Epping Secondary College, Diamond Valley College and Ivanhoe Grammar School. Members of the Eltham High School community are welcome to attend the information session. No bookings are necessary.

Anna Panas

Senior School Team Leader

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

STUDENT WELFARE NEWS

Nillumbik Youth Services Network - www.nyp.com.au provides a range of programs, events and services for young people and families. Plus heaps of fun stuff and more!

Outreach – if you would like NYP outreach to attend your school or another venue where you and your friends hang out, contact Jess Sayers on 9433 3168. For more information visit www.nyp.com.au

EGG is a group for young people in Nillumbik and Banyule who want to explore their sexuality or gender. We have activities, discussions, arty stuff, food and fun. This group is FREE and we meet on Monday’s 4:30pm-6:30pm at a venue close to Eltham Station.

For more information: Text/call: 0439 812 316, 9430 9100 or email: davidf@nchc.org.au or contact Brendan Monigatti or Jenny Fowler on 9430 5123.

Parenting/Carers Workshop FREE

This workshop will be run by Jeneanne Eastaway an experienced relationships counsellor

Ingredients for a healthy relationship with young adults

WHEN: Wednesday 1^st September

WHERE: Diamond Valley Learning Centre

Cnr Diamond Creek and St Helena Roads

TIME: 7-9pm

Contact: Jeannene or Graham on (03) 9435 9060.

Bookings essential. Supper provided.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO IN

THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION?

To mark the start of 2010’s Body Image and Eating

Disorders Awareness Week, Eating Disorders Victoria presents a special screening of Beauty Mark: Body Image and the race for perfection. Image & the Race for P

This courageous film examines popular culture’s obsession with weight and looks through the eyes of former world-class triathlete Diane Israel.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion about why the pursuit of excellence in sport can become dangerous and how this might be avoided.

When: Sunday 5 September

Time: 3.00pm for 3.30pm screening until 5.15pm

Where: Kaleide Theatre, RMIT Building 8, Level 2,

360 Swanston St, Melbourne

(Refreshments will be served prior to screening)

Register Online:

http://www.eatingdisorders.org.au/events.html

“What kids are doing online and how to keep them safe!” by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

On August 30th at the Novotel St. Kilda (7 to 8pm) Dr Michael Carr Gregg will give an important presentation to parents and teachers giving an insight into what children are doing online and how to keep them safe.

Following the presentation there will be the opportunity to stay back for an hour or so to mingle with other parents and teachers from all over Australia and NZ.

Finger food and drinks will be provided (8pm to 9pm) as part of the $49 admission charge.

To book online please click here: http://www.stickytickets.com.au/3996

To book by phone please call Danielle on (03) 8591 2280 or email admin@criticalagendas.com.au

As places are limited a prompt booking is absolutely essential.

Brendan Monigatti & Jenny Fowler

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

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.

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

Volunteer Drivers required for 12 week Pilot Program. Community Shuttle Bus, St Andrews to Hurstbridge Station. Saturdays only 8.00am - 5.00pm 02/10/10 to 18/12/10. 12 seater bus WWC required. Contact Ron 0439 669 122.