Term 4 Week 4 - Tue
26th October 2010
Term 4 Week 4 - Tue
26th October 2010
Safe Schools Coalition Victoria:
The Eltham High School Purpose statement clearly identifies our school’s commitment to ensure the best possible learning experience for all students. It states:
“At Eltham High School each person feels safe to be themselves and challenged to think critically, to work in teams, show leadership and achieve success along many pathways.”
Our school values the Pursuit of Excellence; Individuality; Creativity; and as a learning community we espouse that “The Deeds that Count” are Social and Environmental Responsibility; Respect for Diversity; Integrity. These are fundamental to our existence and are crucial to our work as a learning organization within a very supportive local and wider community.
Based on these values it should be no surprise that when as a school we were invited to become a founder member of the “Safe Schools Coalition Victoria” we accepted without hesitation. Every school has an amazing capacity to shape students’ experiences and have a positive impact on young people’s lives. The Safe Schools Coalition is an organization with the strategic intent to support a consistent effort across the State for the ongoing development and enhancement of safe environments where our young people can learn.
Exploring sexuality and gender identity is a normal part of every young person’s growth, and it is crucial that this happen without fear of negative reactions from peers, parents or school staff. We work hard at ensuring that students of all sexualities and gender identities are supported without fear of criticism or community exposure. Eltham High School has a strong reputation for valuing diversity and for providing a safe learning environment. It has been our experience that diversity supports the development of a rich culture. Furthermore, our students consistently confirm that they feel safe at Eltham High School. Each year (over many years) through the State wide “Students’ Attitudes to School Survey” our students consistently place our school in the 90th percentile for feeling safe at school.
It is important to understand that unlike what some lobbies might infer, members of the Safe Schools Coalition do not advertise for gay, lesbian or transgender young people in the same way that they do not advertise for heterosexual young people to join our schools. Young people come to us to engage with learning irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Our purpose is to provide every opportunity for all students to learn and the way we do this best is by supporting an environment where each person feels safe to be themselves without prejudice or fear and valued for what they contribute to this learning environment. If students do not feel safe in the learning environment then their learning will be impaired. There is no place for any form of discrimination within our schools including homophobia.
Individually schools have been working on this for a long time, the coalition provides us with the opportunity to learn from each other, to feel supported through the work of the
Rainbow Network Victoria and the Foundation for Young Australians and to build the confidence in schools and across schools and implement the actions and strategies to support others to follow.
The Safe schools Coalition was launched by the Honourable Bronwyn Pike MP, Minister for Education and Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation on Thursday 21 October. I take this opportunity to thank both Brendan Monigatti and Jenny Fowler for attending the launch and representing our school.
Student Achievement:
Debating Victory!
Congratulation to our Debating Team who on Sunday 24 October competed at the Environment Festival at Edendale Farm and won. With a very animated moderator, Wilbur Wilde, our team won against Eltham College, arguing the negative of the topic:
“That politics is the best way to achieve environmental change”.
Scott Van Gemert (Year 8), Aiden Puglielli (Year 9) and Ben Hague (Year 11), spoke with convincing enthusiasm after diligently preparing for a few weeks during lunchtimes and were assisted in ideas by Peter Shackleton, Sarah Klink and Oakley Germech. Their logical arguments were very impressive and despite the opponent team consisting of all year 11 students, our team convinced the adjudicator. In congratulating the team, I also congratulate Peter, Sarah and Oakley for their contribution to the success on the team and in particular I congratulate and thank Ms Leanne Ipsen for her contribution to the preparation of the students, as well as for her ongoing support and encouragement.
I encourage all students to consider becoming involved in the Interschool Debating Program in 2011. All enquiries to Ms Jacobsen.
School Sports Victoria:
Congratulations to the students who represented our school in the Secondary State Track and Field Championships. Maddison Coates (Year 7); Simone Beattie (Year 9); Hannah Beattie (Year 11); James White (Year 10) performed admirably and once again were outstanding ambassadors for our school and community. Their achievements are outlined in a further section of this newsletter. I take this opportunity to also congratulate and thank Mr Max Balchin who has been very supportive of the students and has encouraged them all the along the way. A great effort!
Completion of VCAL:
I congratulate all students who will be completing their VCAL Certificate this week. I take this opportunity to wish them all the very best in their future pathways and remind them that they remain members of the Eltham High School Community and will always be welcomed back into our school. I thank all the staff and various organisations who have supported our VCAL students to complete all components of their Certificate and acknowledge their ongoing commitment. VCAL students will complete the formal part of their education this coming Thursday and they will be acknowledged at an award ceremony in early November.
Class of 2010:
I congratulate all the students in the Class of 2010 for their outstanding behaviour during the end of year celebrations. The afternoon countdown, the breakfast and the formal were all a great success partly because of the organization that went behind these events but also because of the way that the students engaged with these opportunities for celebration. I wish to thank all the staff who in whatever way contributed to making this experience for our Year 12 students a real success and in particular I wish to acknowledge the work of the senior school team under the leadership of Mrs Anna Panas. The coordination team have worked hard throughout the year supporting teams of students with the organization of these events. I also wish to thank Mrs Brenda Wilkins and Mrs Rhonda Bonfante for their contribution to a very successful outcome.
It is now time to refocus on the preparation for the upcoming exams and I remind students that their teachers will be available to them during this time. I encourage all students to take advantage of this as needed. Once again I wish the class of 2010 all the very best in their exams and their chosen future pathways.
The Junior School team will soon begin to create the Year 8 class lists for 2011. The aim of this process is to create the optimal learning environment for all students. In order to do this, we tap into the insights of the current Year 7 teachers who provide advice on what combination of students will create productive classes. During this process we take into account the social, emotional and academic needs of students. Parents and students also have an opportunity to provide input into this process. If you have any genuine requests regarding student placement for 2011, keeping in mind that classes will be constructed to create positive learning environments for all students, please send them, in writing, to Ross McKinnon, Junior School Team leader or email to Ross McKinnon at mki@elthamhs.vic.edu.au.
The Working Community class have arranged a raffle to raise money for 5 different charities and a new Graffiti Mural behind Eltham Senior Citizens. Some of these charities include The Variety Club, which has achieved great success in helping disadvantaged kids. The Butterfly Foundation, who have helped many people with body disorders and have changed many lives. The Lighthouse Foundation, who worked to end youth homelessness and we are also working with the Eltham Senior Citizens and Nillumbik Shire.
The raffle prizes are a Hot Air Balloon ride, an Xbox 360 and a $100 gift card for Westfield.
Raffle drawn 5th November
Tickets are $1.00 each or 3 for $2.00 and can be purchased from the school or sent home with your child.
Contact Mr McCrystal at school on 9430 5111 for further details and ticket information.
Please notify Ms Cathy Cukier of any changes you have made ASAP Contact 9430 5113 or cuk@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
Volleyball
Australian Volleyball Schools Cup
Six weeks to go.
Super League Volleyball
The competition that now runs on Thursday nights after school is a very important match practice for all teams playing in the Australian schools cup in December. It is very important that all team members attend and that when you have duty that you perform it. This is a free competition but we rely on duty teams umpiring matches.
Take note that the draw has changed. Check the new draw on the volleyball info board.
This weeks games - 28th October
On the show court. U/16 girls honours vs U/17 boys Div 1
Duty U/15 boys honours
Court 1. U/17 Girls Honours vs U/16 boys Honours
Duty U/15 boys honours.
Court 2. U/15 girls honours vs U/16 girls Div 1
Duty - U/15 boys div 1
Court 3. U/17 boys Div 2 vs U/15 girls Div 1
Duty - U/15 boys Div 1
Diamond Valley Group Volleyball Round Robin
On Thursday 11th November our year 8 and 9 students will be taking part in the Diamond Valley Group sport round robin. This is the 2011 intermediate round robin for students who will next year be in year 9 and 10.
Because we have so many volleyball teams we will be running a pre round robin competition on Friday the 5th November so that our 6 boys and 6 girls teams can play off to see who represents Eltham High in the round robin. The pre round robin will be played period 1 and 2 in the stadium on the 5th. Details are on the volleyball information board.
Northern Zone Volleyball Final
On Tuesday 9th November our year 7 girls and year 8 boys and girls will be taking part in the northern zone volleyball finals at Reservoir Secondary College, Plenty Road, Reservoir.
We will leave school at 9.00 am from Ely St and return at 3.00pm. Students will be given a parent permission form at training this week.
Important Dates
9th November - Northern Zone volleyball for year 7 and 8.
11th November - Diamond Valley Group - Intermediate round robin (2011) for year 8 and 9 2010 students.
18th November - Diamond Valley Group - Year 8 Round Robin (2011) for 2010 year 7's.
25th November – Year 7 and 8 VSSSA final.
5th – 10th 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
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.
School Sport Victoria
Secondary State Track & Field Championships
Olympic Park – October 19th 2010
Eltham HS was represented by four students at the Secondary State Track & Field Championships held at Olympic Park on Tuesday 19th October. To reach the State finals, each student had to win their event, or come second, at the Northern Zone (MetroZ) finals. The State Championships were of a high standard throughout the program and the experience gained for the four students was a valuable one.
Girls 12-13 100m
Madison Coates 13.68 - 3rd
Girls 15 Year Olds 90m Hurdles (76.2cm)
Simone Beattie 15.41 - 4th
Girls 17 Year Olds 100m Hurdles (76.2cm)
Hannah Beattie 20.16 - 6th
Boys 16 Year Olds 1500m
James White 4:54.90 - 12th
Madison Coates – 3rd
Max Balchin
MUSICAL NOTES Lots happening in the music department! The Year 12 students have nearly all completed their Unit 4 performance exams. Selected students have been performing at the Music Society sessions at Blackburn High School, which they have found very rewarding.
The Music Support Group held their first Mudbrick House Tour on the weekend – thank you to the members involved and the students who played at various houses during the day. Money raised will go towards new instruments.
The Clarinet Choir and 'Section 4' have been invited to perform this Sunday at 'The Royal South Street Showcase Concert'. This is a prestigious event, the selection being from their performance during the competitions.
We have rehearsals currently happening for the upcoming AMEB exams. The pianos are in great demand!
And finally ... Intention Forms ... some students still haven't returned these. Parents, please ensure your child has handed their form in. These are vital for calculating staffing for 2011.
Any queries, please contact Jill in the music office on 9430 5127
Jill Browne – Music Administration
Year 9 Work Experience
If they haven’t done so already, Year 9 students need to be arranging their Work Experience placement now. Work Experience is for two weeks, Monday 29th November to Friday 10th December, giving students the opportunity to do two different placements if they wish. Maybe one week with an employer with the view to gaining a part-time job and one week to explore a possible future career. The deadline for forms to be submitted is Monday 8th November. Year 10 Work Experience next year is for one week only, May 23 – 27 and students should be applying now for hard to get positions.
Architecture, Building and Planning Summer School – Melbourne University
The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning’s Summer School is for Year 10 - 12 students who have an interest in architecture and design and want to learn more. Over the four days students will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of architecture or a design related career. The Summer School will be run by a team of experts from the Faculty who have many years experience teaching and working in the industry. New for this year will be an introductory session on Landscape Architecture.
Dates: 13–16 December 2010,9:30am–5:00pm each day
Cost: $450 (covers all materials and lunches)
Registration: Interested students must register online at
www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/summerschool2010
For more info. contact Andrew Middleton:
miaj@unimelb.edu.au or 8344 3111
Filmmaking Summer School – Melbourne University
This event offers expert teaching in all aspects of practical film production by leading Australian filmmakers. Areas taught: screenwriting, cinematography, producing and production management, directing actors, production and sound design and much more. The summer school runs daily and one weekend from January 5 to January 25, 9.30am – 5.30pm and can be taken in full or as individual days. All course details including enrolment forms at www.summerfilmschool.com/ Brochures available from Careers Room or download at www.summerfilmschool.com/download/SummerSchool_web_Ir.pdf
University Enhancement Studies for high achieving Year 11 students
These programs are for very high achieving Year 11 students who want to study a first year university subject as part of their VCE.
1. Monash University Enhancement Studies
Program guides available from the Careers Room, applications close on December 10, more details at www.monash.edu/enhancement
2. University of Melbourne Extension Program
Applications close 19 November (Music 29 October) and the information evening will be held on October 21. All details about this program at www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/school/aust/umep
Peter Goddard
Careers Teacher
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.
The school has arranged for a calculator supplier to visit on 10 November from 12:30pm to 1:30pm (Room 911) to sell the new touch pad Texas Instruments Nspire calculators directly to students/families, the cost is $195 and includes a 1 year warranty. This is the only time this special price will be offered. The booklisted price for the calculator is $219.95. Only cash or cheque will be accepted on the day. Cheques will need to be made out to The Organiser & Calculator King. All cheques require name, address and phone number on the back. A receipt will be given with each purchase which must be kept for warranty purposes.
The Texas Instruments Nspire calculator is the essential and required calculator for year 10 core Mathematics and the following VCE Mathematics subjects:
General Maths (Further) (1&2), General Maths (Maths Methods) (1&2), Further Maths (3&4), Maths Methods (1&2,3&4) and Specialist Mathematics (3&4). This calculator is NOT required for Foundation Maths (1&2).
For further information contact your child’s Maths teacher or Ms Ivory, KLA Coordinator Mathematics.
This great trip for Indonesian students is being organised again for next year. The aim of the trip is to give our students the experience of life in a South East Asia culture and to develop speaking skills through personal contact with Malaysian people eg. at the markets and restaurants.
Highlights of the tour include:
· Tour of Kuala Lumpur , including Chinatown, markets, Sunway lagoon Theme park, crafts and the Batu caves
· Taman Negara National Park
· Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre. The group takes part in a special program including elephant rides and feeding and bathing the elephants
· Kuantan, a resort town
· Chendor turtle Centre
· Tour of Malacca
· Visit to Malacca High School, our sister school.
There is an information night at the school at 7.30pm November 9 in the staff room about the trip. Please contact Bu Pollard or Bu Brady at school if you have any questions.
Please donate your old ipods to LOTE.
Recently we have been the lucky recipient of grants which have enabled us to purchase ipod touches for use in LOTE for all our listening tasks. We were fortunate recipient of both Federal and state grants to improve student engagement in LOTE as this is one of the state and federal priorities for Education in the 21st century.
Students are really very excited about the use of these devices and we have noticed a significant improvement in engagement and successful completion of listening tasks in classes where these devices were used. However, like everything good which comes in small doses, we do not have enough ipod touches for use with all our classes. So we are requesting that if your son or daughter has graduated to an iphone or updated their ipods and you no longer need your old ipods/MP3 players, please don't leave them lying around in drawers. We can use them in our classes for listening activities. Please donate them to LOTE via one of the LOTE teachers in staff room B.
Many thanks
Bu Brady
Canteen Roster |
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October/November 2010 |
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Wed 27 |
Jacqui Harley, Yvonne Heeringa |
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Thurs 28 |
Margaret Cunningham |
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Fri 29 |
Wendy Dixon, Petra Leaford, Tracey Clark |
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Mon 1 Nov |
No Canteen |
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Tue 2 Nov |
Cup Day – No Canteen |
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Wed 3 |
URGENT HELP REQUIRED |
Canteen volunteers - Gael Carter, Manager 9430 5122.
CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS required for the following dates:-
November 16, 29 & 30 and December 3.
SCHOOL CALENDAR |
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October/November 2010 |
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Wed 27 |
PAG Week OES – Surf Camp Lorne OES – MS OES Camp – Mt Kooyora Photoshop Course 418 |
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Thu 28 |
Unit 4 Exams begin (until 18 Nov) OES – MS OES Camp – Mt Kooyora |
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Fri 29 |
Unit 4 Exams |
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Mon 1 Nov |
School open (must advise school if attending) |
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Tue 2 |
Melbourne Cup Day – School CLOSED Planning Committee Meeting |
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Wed 3 |
Unit 4 Exams Photoshop Course 418 |
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Thu 4 |
Unit 4 Exams |
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Fri 5 |
Last Day Year 11 Classes Unit 4 Exams HPE – MS RRS Squash |
Eltham High School VCE students look forward to sharing the fruits of their creative endeavours with the local and wider community. The annual Arts Festival includes work from Art, Visual Communication and Design, Interactive and Digital Media, Design and Technology (Wood), Studio Arts (Photography) and Media (Film).
The school is committed to building a sense of culture and community spirit through engaging arts students in a wide range of opportunities in the arts. There will also be live music and theatrical performances at the opening.
A diverse range of students has contributed to the exhibition, supported by the school’s teachers. A variety of personal reactions and response to a number of themes have been developed through the use of a variety of media.
The exhibition will open on 5 November at 6.30 and will be open on 6 November 1-4 for viewing.
Virtual Reality Baby Program, Yr 11 HHD
Eltham High School would like to thank Maxam for supporting our virtual reality baby program and for the donation of two baby capsules. Maxam is located at 1/31 Peel Street, Eltham Ph 1300 885 645 or visit www.maxam.net.au This is a council run baby equipment hire & sales service providing a number of baby products, and all accessories for safe installation to residents of Nillumbik.
Vinnie Gandolfo
Health & Human Development
DVC provides buses to outlying areas. This service can be accessed by Eltham High School students provided that an application and payment has been received. For details of the bus services, application forms and commonly asked questions, go to
http://www.dvallcoll.vic.edu.au/index.php?section=bus.
If you wish to use this service, please forward your application and payment to EHS. We will then process the application.
Applications and payment of fares for 2011 are due by Friday 2 December 2010
Coles are running a promotion whereby if you collect vouchers after shopping at Coles, Bi-Lo or PacknPay you can bring them in to school and place them in a box at the office. The school can then convert the vouchers into sports equipment.
Over the last few weeks we have had a number of parents arriving at the office to collect a sick child, only to be greeted with blank looks and no child. In order to avoid confusion and wasted time, please familiarize yourself with the procedures described below
If a student is feeling unwell during class time they should ask the teacher for permission to go to the sick bay. Our school nurse, Michelle Ford, will assess the student and decide what needs to be done. If the student needs to be sent home, Michelle will make the appropriate phone calls to arrange a pick up.
It is important that all conversations about leaving school take place between Michelle (or someone in the office) and parents. Conversations between students and parents (usually on student's mobile phone) often lead to significant confusion.
If a student is unwell or injured at recess or lunchtime they should go directly to the sick bay where Michelle will initiate the procedures described above. Thanks for helping us to look after your children.
Ross McKinnon - Junior School Team Leader
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
The Eltham High School Swim Squad meets every Thursday morning at 7.00 am at the Eltham Leisure Centre. We receive swim coaching for an hour and then meet back at school for hot chocolate. Lots of fun and a great way to feel healthy and get fit for the beach this Summer!
Hoddie tops have been ordered and will arrive within the next few weeks!
Lap a thon this year will be on Thursday 18th November - looking forward to seeing lots of past and present members.
For further info please contact Phil Boyd - bod@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
Talking to Children About Sexuality
Parents and carers play a vital role in communicating with children about sexuality, however, we know that many parents have doubts about how to talk to their children about sexuality, and what is appropriate for children of different ages. A research project currently underway at the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland and Family Planning Queensland is looking at how parents communicate with their child about sexuality, and what support they would like in teaching their child about sexuality. We are seeking parents of 3 to 10-year-old children to share their thoughts in an online survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please visit the website to find out more and take part in the survey.
For more information about the project email: alina@psy.uq.edu.au
