Term 1 Week 9 -
Tue 29th March 2011
DATES TO REMEMBER
31st March - Yr 7-2012 Information Night - 7:30pm Yarra Plenty Centre (360 Main Rd Lower Plenty)
1st April - Yr 7 Open Morning – 9:30am – 12:00pm from the Library
Now 5th April– MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCESS/DISRUPTIONS see amendment in building update report
28th April - Student Progress Interviews – Middle School – 4pm-7pm
Student Achievement
I wish to congratulate each of the year 7 volleyball teams for their success at the Diamond Valley Sports Group competition last Wednesday. Six teams entered the competition and both boys and girls teams finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd out of the six team competition. The teams will now represent our school at the Northern Zone Volleyball Final on Tuesday, 8 November.
Congratulations to Kyal Baart (Year 8 Stewart) and Daniel Seymour (Year 11 Everard) who came first in the junior and senior Northern Region Golf Final respectively at Growling Frog on 3 March, 2011. This is an outstanding result and we look forward to future successes in this sport.
I also congratulate Kyle Burns (Year 7 Everard) and Warwick Purchase (Year 7 Stewart) for having been selected in a Kangaroo Development Baseball Squad in a series of matches that will include six Australian teams and four Japanese teams. We will follow Kyle and Warwick’s success with interest.
Congratulations to the Eltham High School debating teams who competed last night, Monday 28 March, in the Debating Association of Victoria’s Interschool Debating which was held at Loyola College. Our ‘A’ Grade team debated the question of whether “we should ban Scientology”. Sarah Klink (Year 11 Rutter), Peter Shackleton (Year 12 Andrew) and Scout Rodrigo (Year 12 Rutter) were excitingly articulate but missed by one point to Marymede Catholic College. Our ‘B’ Grade team debated whether “we should prohibit building homes in areas prone to natural disasters”. Joely Mitchell (Year 11 Everard), Aidan Pugielli (Year 12 Andrew), and Nathan Kerwood (Year 9 Andrew) won against Loyola College, with Nathan scoring best speaker. Our ‘D’ Grade team competed against St Monica’s college, debating the issue of whether “we should ban violent video games”. New Year 7 students, Michaela Prunotto (Year 7 Everard) and Carly Notting (Year 7 Everard) debated for the first time with Maddie Charisis (Year 9 Andrew), and although not winning, made a wonderful impression with powerful anecdotes and a confident delivery.
Congratulations to all our debating students. I also congratulate and thank Leanne Ipsen, Debating Co‑ordinator, for her all her hard work, guidance and encouragement of our students in their endeavours.
Year 7, 2012 Information Night/ Open Morning
A reminder to all members of our community that the Information Night and Open Morning for prospective Year 7 students and their families for 2012 will take place on Thursday evening, 31 March at 7:30pm and Friday morning, 1 April between 9:30am and 12:00noon respectively. Due to the current building works the Information Evening will take place at the 360 Centre, 360 Main Road, Lower Plenty (parking is available on site). The Open Morning presentation will occur in the School Library. Student led tours will move from the Library throughout the morning. I ask that you communicate these details to friends and family who may not yet have access to this newsletter.
Building Futures
You will recall from my communication to you over the last 18 months or so that the budgeted figure for our Building Futures Project was set at $9 million in the 2009 State Budget by the previous State Government. The design of the project provides a number of new teaching and learning spaces, a flexible performance space, a dance/drama facility, a new canteen, a VCE study lounge, a new administration area, a number of staff offices and work areas, as well as the refurbishment of the 1926 building. The costs of the project were estimated during the period of the ‘Building the Education Revolution – Economic Stimulus Projects’ and it was considered that the project would cost beyond the allocated budget figure. As a result of this estimate, the school was forced by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to suspend a number of works prior to allowing the project to proceed to the design and development phase and then to tender. The school was given no option but to reluctantly agree to this suspension of a number of identified works. It was always understood that if the project costs came in under budget after the tender process then the suspended works would be reactivated. The tender process showed that the initial estimated costs were actually inflated by a considerable amount. However, we now find ourselves in a position where the new government does not support the reinstatement of the suspended works and instead wants to withhold funds which were promised to this community for the completion of the project to a satisfactory level. The suspended works include substantial “hard” landscaping; the development of locker pavilions; acoustic works in the performance space; development of new parking spaces, to name a few.
The School Council has written to the new Minister of Education, the Hon. Martin Dixon, MP. A copy of this letter, including both the Minister’s postal address and our local State Member’s (Steve Herbert) address can be found on the Eltham High School website. I ask that you support our efforts insisting the new Government to honour the commitment made to this school and the local community by using the content of the School Council letter to write to Minister Dixon and Steve Herbert expressing your discontent with this situation and insisting that this community be given the announced figure of $9 million to successfully complete the building futures project.
Now is the time to act, and I urge you not to remain silent! This is for the benefit of our children and the community.
Cyber-Safety Survey
The Australian Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on Cyber-Safety is currently inquiring into the nature, prevalence and implications of cyber-safety and cyber-bullying.
The Committee has set up an online survey and it encourages all students to participate. The Committee believes the input of young people is critical in its inquiry and will be invaluable in making reasoned conclusions and viable recommendations to government. The survey is available at www.aph.gov.au/cybersafety. In its final report, the Committee will present recommendations to the Government to promote cyber safety and reduce cyber-bullying in the Australian community. More information about the Committee is available at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/iscc/index.htm
I encourage parents to discuss this with their children and I ask that you provide them with the necessary support to engage with the survey. This is the first Federal initiative of its kind and one that may set a positive direction in support of our young people.
School Working Bee
I congratulate all the volunteers who attended the second working bee of the year. A great deal of work was carried out as well as starting the planning of the work for the next working bee. The development of the front oval courtyard is well on the way with the construction of steps from the top level to the oval, the concrete pavement area and the start of the building of the planter boxes and seats. I commend the work of the Grounds Committee for its vision and for the fruits of its labour. I also congratulate John Coates for his organisation and planning for the day. In particular I wish to mention the commitment of the various students who joined their parents and a number of staff on the day. A job well done by all.
Vincent Sicari, Principal
Bruce Martyn – Project Manager
The Grounds Committee held the second Working Bee for the year on Sunday 27th March. The 50 volunteers worked enthusiastically on a number of tasks in almost perfect working conditions. Significant headway was made on the new landscape project adjacent to the cricket nets and we look forward to improving this area as we progress through 2011. The gardens on the eastern side of the school were also given a significant prune and cleanup and the environment looks a lot more loved for the experience. Thanks go to all our volunteers who arrived on time and took on the tasks that were planned for the day. A particular acknowledgement must also go out to the Grounds Committee members who take on leadership roles for the day so that the planned tasks run as smoothly as they possibly can. Grounds Committee members also provision, prepare and cleanup after morning tea and the barbeque lunch. Thanks again.
The following is a summary of the tasks that were completed on the day.
1. Vertical uprights were set up and concreted into position for the construction of the retaining walls seats planned for our next Working Bee
2. A 10 metre section of retaining wall was repaired adjacent to the tennis courts
3. A significant amount of pruning and weeding was completed on the garden beds adjacent to the admin block, 600’s wing, 700’s wing and the courtyard garden complexes
4. A 10 metre section of post and pipe fence was extended along the roadway adjacent to the 600’s wing
5. A significant amount of sweeping was completed in the courtyard precincts
6. Fifteen new plants were provided with a home on the south side of 904. They were also staked and bagged
7. Half of the callistomen hedge was removed on the north side of the 700’s block in preparation for some further paving in that area
8. A significant amount of mowing and brushcutting was completed in a variety of areas around the campus.
Again a very successful community event with parents, students and teachers coming together to make Eltham High School a more environmentally friendly place for all those who work in this institution. Thanks again for all our volunteer brigade who put aside their Sunday morning to make this event the success it was.
John Coates, Mark Croft, Matt Jones, Sue Washington, Phillip Green, Leo Adamson, Frank Medcalf, Zofia, Theresa, Richard Laxton, Steve Moon, Marian Birkett, Trevor, Jamal & Maneesha Trotter, Angela Voisey, Craig Bradley, Suzie Gerrard, Pete Green, Ross & Margot McDonald, David Norden, Debra, Rachel & Jade Gregg, Rachel Williams, Dahlia Ramsdale, Terry Philips, Rachel Bishop, Susan Hamilton Green, Peter Lucas, Jade Mitchell, Rick Klink, Martin Hasan, Ian Temby, Steven Gilbert, Bill Taylor, Anna Thamm, Sue Gwilym, Terry & Stephanie Bourne, Robert Ackland, Sue Harvey, Mal Sinclair, Leanne Ipsen, Annette Lambert, Mick Cervinka, Vincent Sicari, Bronwen Cervinka
The next Working Bee will be held on the 15th May, so please mark this day on your calendar. Looking forward to your anticipated support
John Coates for the Grounds Committee
Students are still required to attend school on this day.
Excursion payments receipted on Friday 11 March or prior have been credited to the family account and will be allocated against essential school item charges unless requested otherwise.
Should you have any queries please contact Helen Morris on 9430 5111 or by email at mor@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
The 2012 Entertainment Books will soon be available from the Cashier at the school.
Check out the offers. The new Entertainment book flickbook is now available at
www.entertainmentmedia.com.au/greater_melbourne_20112012.
The book remains great value at only $65 per book.
This Sunday we have our first 'music gathering' for the year. It's in the canteen courtyard, students to arrive by 8.30am with the music starting at 9am. The MSG will be cooking up a BBQ and the Intermediate, Concert, Symphonic, Jazz and Stage Bands, their music! Heralding the title of 'A Music Smorgasbord'! Invite family and friends to a pleasant Sunday morning of entertainment!
Paperwork ... this was mentioned in the last newsletter, that Intermediate and Concert Band students could pick it up on Thursday. Yes parents, unfortunately it has all the fee payment details! But I had one student come in to collect! The remainder will be given out at rehearsals this week.
Reminder - the Training Band's first rehearsal is Thursday 7th April at 7.30am!
A new ensemble is being formed! The Junior Jazz Ensemble.
It'll be rehearsing on Wednesdays at lunchtimes.
Open to all instruments. Sign up on the sheet in the music foyer!
Remember our After School lessons ... electric bass, drum kit, piano and guitar lessons available.
Please contact Jill in the music office if you have any queries [except Fridays!]
Jill Browne, Music Administration
Students that use the Diamond Valley College buses should note that DVCollege will be holding Parent Teacher Interviews on Thursday 31 March 2011. No classes will be run on this day therefore the buses will not be running for Thursday 31 March.
Canteen Roster |
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March/April 2011 |
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Wed 30 |
Adrienne Harris, Anna Whittley, Chris Campbell |
Thu 31 |
Rhonda Constantinou, Nicole Brittain |
Fri 1 Apr |
Michele Courtney, Margot McDonald |
Mon 4 |
ATHLETIC SPORTS |
Tue 5 |
Michelle Chequer, Melissa Smythe |
Wed 6 |
Jenny Alford, Christine Williams |
Thu 7 |
Pearl Yung, Karen Biddiscombe, Jane Weinert |
Fri 8 |
Linda Turner, Wendy Dixon, Petra Leaford |
Canteen volunteers - Gael Carter, Manager 9430 5122.
Volleyball
Sporting Blue Award
Last week Sam Brisbane had the honour of receiving a sporting blue award. Sporting Blue awards are very prestigious and Sam was a very worthy winner. Sam was recognized as the most outstanding male volleyballer in all Victorian government schools in 2010. Congratulations Sam and the best of luck with your tour to Thailand with the Australian Junior volleyball team and best wishes to Luke also on your tour with the youth team in April.
Eltham High Thursday afternoon Volleyball
Every Thursday afternoon Eltham High runs a volleyball competition for students in year 8 to 10. This weekly match is a key factor in developing teams in the lead up to the Victorian schools cup in July. Entry forms are available from Mr Thomas.
Year 7 Volleyball program
Following the year 7 round robin in which 25 boys and 24 girls competed, a number of students have been invited to continue to take part in a volleyball program which will take part during year 7 sport. Students interested in taking up the offer should reply quickly as we need to order uniforms soon. A list of students in volleyball squads has been displayed on the volleyball notice board in the stadium foyer.
Moonee Valley Tournament
Ms Pascoe is organizing a number of teams to play in a practice tournament in the lead up to Vic schools cup. Please keep Sunday 29th May free. Information has been distributed to teams last week.
Important Volleyball Dates for 2011
Tuesday 3rd May - Senior Northern Zone volleyball Final
Friday 6th May - Intermediate Northern Zone volleyball Final
Friday 13th May - Senior and Inter North East Conference Volleyball
Sunday 29th May - Moonee Valley Tournament
29 - 31st July - Victorian Volleyball Schools Cup
5th - 9th December - Australian Volleyball Schools Cup
If your child has a unique sporting moment or is selected in a state or National team please let us know so we can share the good news. Email: tho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
Greg Thomas – Volleyball Coordinator
SCHOOL CALENDAR |
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March/April 2011 |
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Mon 28 |
O&ES–Yr11(5) Canoeing–Warrandyte (until 29/3) SoSE – Yr11 Legal GrpB Court Visit Year 12 – Look after your mates |
Tue 29 |
O&ES-Yr11(3) Canoeing – Warrandyte (until 30/3) School Tours (bookings essential) |
Wed 30 |
School Tours (bookings essential) Arts – Yr12 VCD Top Designs – Melb Musuem |
Thu 31 |
School Tours (bookings essential) Arts – Yr12 Top Arts – NGV Ian Potter Transition – Parent Information Night Yr 7-2012 7.30pm (Yarra Plenty Centre – 360 Main Rd Lower Plenty) |
Fri 1 Apr |
Sci – Yr11 Biol Fieldwork – Marine Discovery Centre Queenscliff Transition – Open Morning 9.30am-12.00pm |
Mon 4 |
SAC Week Athletic Sports – George St Reserve |
Tue 5 |
SAC Week School Tours (bookings essential) |
Wed 6 |
School Tours (bookings essential) OES – MS OES Kayaking & Camping Lorne (until 7/4) |
Thu 7 |
School Tours (bookings essential) Sports – SSV Swimming MSAC Music – String Ensemble Concert – Music Centre |
Fri 8 |
Reporting - MS Reports online END OF TERM 2 – school finishes at 2.30pm |
Reminder to all families that payments and notices for all excursions are due back to school at least 7 days prior to the event
Students from all year levels are invited to enrich their mathematics learning by entering in the Australian Mathematics Competition.
Cost: $5.50 to the cashier
Due: final date for registrations & payment 4th May
Competition date: Thursday 4th August periods 1 & 2
Venue: The Library
Mathematics staff will provide practice papers and support preparation. Practice papers are also available at http://www.amt.edu.au/
The Competition is the original and largest competition of its type in Australia and is designed to test mathematical thinking and organisation. Each participating student receives a certificate and a full statistical report on basic skills, the ability to solve routine problems in arithmetic, geometry and algebra and problem-solving skills. The competition is run by the Australian Mathematics Trust and sponsors include the University of Canberra and the Canberra Mathematical Association.
Lyn Ivory KLA Coordinator (Mathematics)
Are you interested in a career in design. AG IDEAS is an inspiring and informative presentation by 8 designers. Come and listen to them talk about their brilliant careers.
Before the presentation a Design Course Expo will have information booths set up by tertiary colleges offering the courses they offer.
Ask your VCD or Design teacher for a information and a permission form.
Tuesday 3rd May
Displays 4-6pm Designers talk 6-8 pm
Melbourne Exhibition & Convention centre
Linda McLeod - Teaching and Learning Coach
Email - mcl@elthamhs.vic,edu.au
CHECK OUT LA TROBE UNIVERSITY – The first ‘Talk and Tour’ for 2011 is in the coming school holidays. This will be a great opportunity for Year 10-12 students/parents to find out about courses; see the university; have your questions answered. When: Fri 15 April; Where: La Trobe, Bundoora; Register: On-line (details soon).
ART AND DESIGN AT SWINBURNE – Swinburne is holding an Art and Design Discovery Day at their Prahran campus in the coming school holidays. Find out about courses and careers. When: 9am-3.30pm, Thurs 21 April; registration: www.swin.edu.au/artanddesign; Questions: Montana Daknach, 9214 8904. Swinburne Prahran at 144 High St has a great range of certificate, diploma and degree courses in design.
THE AGE VCE AND CAREERS EXPO 2011 – Expos provide a great opportunity to collect information, ask questions and explore options at one location. The Age VCE and Careers Expo is one such opportunity. Universities, TAFEs, independent colleges, employer groups, defence forces and others will be represented. There will be a range of seminars that you can book into as well. When: 10am-4pm, Fri 6, Sat 7 and Sun 8 May; Where: Caulfield Racecourse. PUT THE DATES IN YOUR DIARY!
Engineering Careers Expo – 2-7pm, Thurs 31 March; Etihad Stadium, Enquiries: Noel Dos Santos, 9321 1726; Register: www.engineeringexpo.org.au.
WHAT’S TAFE ALL ABOUT? TAFE courses are provided by registered training organisations (RTOs) authorised to deliver nationally recognised training. TAFE provides the knowledge and skills most needed for specific jobs; it is relevant, accessible, affordable and flexible
There are two types of RTOs:
· Public TAFE Institutes that are Victoria’s largest providers of vocational education and training (VET) (eg Box Hill, Holmesglen, Kangan, RMIT)
· Other RTOs including group training companies, commercial enterprises, industry training centres, Adult Community Education organisations and some schools.
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE - TERM 2 MONDAY 23RD to FRIDAY 27TH MAY
Students and parents are reminded that completed forms are required by Friday 1st April. There is still ample time after that to find a placement and the holiday period is a perfect time for students to get out and about to confirm a spot prior to their return in term 2. Please note that no placements will be accepted in the week prior to the commencement of the work experience period.
Ross Pringle – Careers Co-ordinator
The Diamond Valley Library will have a tutor available to students free of charge Monday afternoons from 3:30-5:00pm as part of its Homework Help program commenced the beginning of March.
Bookings are required. Further information can be obtained by contacting Deanne Jones on 9434 3809.
ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL GOOD FRIDAY APPEAL
You’re invited to join us to support this worthwhile cause and hopefully help us to improve on last year’s collection total of $10,268.75!
Eltham High School, in conjunction with the Pied Pipers, is organising the annual Good Friday Appeal in this area to support the work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Students (both past and present) and families are encouraged to join us to help with our door knock collection on Good Friday. Collectors will meet at the school, in the main staffroom at 8.20am on Friday 22nd April and in groups of four will be driven to the area where they will be collecting for the morning. At all times students are under the direct supervision of an adult supervisor. All Collectors will return to school by 1.30pm.
You will be provided with drinks/a snack/ Easter eggs/hot cross buns throughout the morning and on your return to school.
So, get a group of friends or family together (or come by yourself!), and collect permission forms from Mrs. Choong and do your bit for the Royal Children’s Hospital!! Permission forms are to be returned to Mrs. Choong
Parents wishing to assist with the collection are requested to notify me of their intention on 94305111 or by email at cho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
Thanking you in anticipation of your support of the Good Friday Appeal!
2011 RCH Good Friday Appeal Poster: Each year students ask about the child featured on the poster they see displayed around the school. The 2011 poster features Scarlett McGowan, now a 2 year old, heart transplant recipient. Scarlett was the first to receive an ABO incompatible heart transplant in Australia. This transplant technique is considered a last resort for children such as Scarlett.
Jenny Choong
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.
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
Please notify Ms Cathy Cukier of any changes you have made ASAP Contact 9430 5113 or cuk@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
ARE YOU AN AUSLAN
SPEAKER?
We are looking for an Auslan Tutor for an
EHS student studying VCE Auslan as an external subject. We are also
keen to meet anyone in the community who would like to get together and
practice their Auslan conversation skills.
If you can help, please call Helen on 9431 0397.
Eltham Lacrosse Club is currently recruiting boys for the under 14's age group.
Under 14 boys come and join Eltham Lacrosse Club and play the fastest game on two legs.
Training: Thursdays 5.30pm to 6.30pm commencing 7th April Training is FREE, so come down and check it out.
Junior Director: Jai Arambatzis 0425 328 223
Secretary: elthamsec@lax.org.au
Families needed for LaTrobe PhD project
This project will examine the lived experiences of teenagers with High Functioning Autism their parents and siblings, including perceptions of stigma, sibling relationships and physical and emotional health determinants.
If you are willing to be a part of this project or require further information please email Jessica Gill at jmgill@students.latrobe.edu.au or phone 0439 324 295.
DIAMOND CREEK BASEBALL CLUB
COME & TRY / REGISTRATION DAY
SATURDAY 2nd APRIL 2011
10.00 a.m. to 12 noon.
At CAMPBELL STREET RESERVE, DIAMOND CREEK
Entry via CAMPBELL STREET to CHALLENGER STREET, (MAP 11, K7)
UNDER 11, 13, 15 & 17 PLAYERS REQUIRED
BOYS & GIRLS MOST WELCOME
ENQUIRIES: RICK CAMPBELL (President)
9239-3553 (Work), 0438 721 962 (Mobile)
Yoga for teenagers
Greenhills Neighbourhood Centre in Community Drv. Greensborough is offering Yoga classes for teenagers aged 15 – 18 yrs. This program enhances concentration and focus through breathe awareness and yoga postures. Class includes guided meditation for relaxation to reduce the stresses of life.
Classes will be held on Saturday mornings
from 10.30am – 12.00pm.
Phone 9435 9287 for bookings and details
You are invited to the
Community Renovation Celebration
The Salvation Army, Doncaster East
Date: Sunday April 3 at 2.30pm
Location: The Salvation Army Doncaster
37 Taunton St Doncaster East 3109
For details email:
admin.doncaster@aus.salvationarmy.org
or phone: 9842 4744
FREE PUBLIC INFORMATION EVENING, SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND HOST FAMILY REQUEST
Student Exchange Australia New Zealand, a not-for-profit organisation registered with all state and territory departments of education, is pleased to extend an invitation for Eltham High School students to attend our next information evening in Melbourne on Thursday 7th April at the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens, 380 William St, Melbourne. The session starts at 7:30pm.
The evening gives students and families the opportunity to learn more about becoming an exchange student and the various scholarship options that are available. Further details are available in the newsletter notice which can be downloaded in either Word format, as a JPG or in PDF format. We would be most grateful if you would place this notice in your school newsletter, on a notice board or website, or mention it in an assembly.
OVER 26 SCHOLARSHIPS ON OFFER |
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED IN JUN/JUL 11 |
Each year we offer over 26 scholarships valued from $2,500 up to $10,800. Students don't need to be A-grade to apply and the top language student doesn't necessarily win. · Your career advisor and/or language teachers may be interested to promote our 12 x Language, 2 x International Affairs and 3 x Indigenous scholarship opportunities valued from $2,500 up to $10,800 each. · Creative Arts teachers may like to be aware of our 9 Creative Arts Scholarships. Valued at up to 35% of the program price these scholarships are in the form of an on-line t-shirt design competition called 'Make Your Mark'. The design theme for the current competition is 'FOREST'. · Physical Education teachers may like to inform their students of our Sports Scholarships USA program, which is open to recreational or amateur sports men or women of low, average, and high level ability involved in basketball, tennis, soccer, volleyball or golf. A dedicated online information session will be held on Thursday 7th April at 6.30pm (AEST) for any students interested in finding out more. Further information is also included in the newsletter notice. Please note that the deadline for scholarship submissions for all programs departing between October 2011 - March 2012 is 30th April, 2011. More information on scholarships is available from here. |
In June/July 2011 we will also be receiving exchange
students from Europe, the USA and Latin America. Our new arrivals will live
with a host family and attend a local school for 2-10 months. |