Outstanding Academic Achievement:
I congratulate Sarah Klink (Year 11 – Rutter House) on her selection to attend the 2012 Rotary National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January. This is an outstanding achievement and opportunity for Sarah who continues to demonstrate a passionate interest in science. Sarah’s dream is to embark on a career in science and the National Youth Forum will allow her to explore various areas of science so that she can identify her preferred interest for a career path. Over recent weeks Sarah has been involved in a very competitive process and I am certain that there are a number of other young people who would have been worthy of this opportunity, the fact remains that for 2012 it will be Sarah’s opportunity. In addition to the exposure that students will have to various areas of science they will also participate in a simulated Senate inquiry, where students in the role of senators question the witnesses to become better informed about issues arising from a bill. The senators use the evidence gathered to recommend either that the bill be accepted, rejected or that appropriate changes be made. This will provide NYSF students a look into how the parliament can have an impact on their possible future careers in science and engineering.
I know that Sarah will be an outstanding ambassador for Eltham High School and Victoria. Once again Congratulations Sarah!
Eltham High School Victorious in the Victorian Schools Volleyball Cup:
I congratulate all the students and the staff who through their hard work, effort and skill have once again brought home the Victorian Schools Volleyball Cup. You will recall that Eltham High achieved the same success in 2010.
It is important that we recognize this as another outstanding achievement from our volleyball teams and coaches and one which aligns with other recent successes in the field of sport.
I wish to acknowledge all the students who have participated in each of the teams, their coaches, their supporters (including parents, family, teachers and friends), past students (who continue to support the volleyball program) for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the sport.
I also wish to thank the staff who although not directly involved with the program demonstrate their support of the students, their colleagues and the program through such things as taking replacement classes back at school and ensuring that the students in the various teams are not disadvantaged by not being in class.
Finally, I congratulate and commend the work and commitment of Mr Greg Thomas who through his leadership consistently engages our young people to be the very best that they can be in this sport. This translates into other areas of the students’ educational program.
An exceptional effort! Once again congratulations to everyone! A more detailed report is provided in a subsequent section of this newsletter.
Eltham High School Debating:
On Monday 25 July, Eltham High School's debating teams spoke in the last of the debate series. Grade A and B had secret topics, "That Smokers should not be covered by Medicare" and "That Performance-enhancing drugs should be legalised in sport". Unfortunately our A-Grade opponents failed to appear so we won by forfeit, thanks to Ben Hague (Year 12 – Andrew House), Scout Rodrigo (Year 12 – Rutter House) and Peter Shackleton (Year 12 – Andrew House). Our students won the B Grade debate, with Sarah Klink (Year 11 – Rutter House) awarded “best speaker” supported by Aidan Puglielli (Year 10 – Andrew House)and Nathan Kerwood (Year 9 – Andrew House). Our D Grade Debate was "That Space exploration is not worth the cost." Carly Notting (Year 7 – Everard House), Michaela Prunotto (Year 7 – Everard House) and Maddie Charisis (Year 9 – Andrew House) were commended for the superior standard of their debate and although losing by one point, Maddie Charisis was awarded “best speaker”. I congratulate these most competent orators. Furthermore, I acknowledge the hard work and commitment of their coach Ms Leanne Ipsen who has supported the students’ passion and development throughout the season, the congratulations are also for her. An excellent outcome!
Overseas Exchange:
I congratulate Nathan Kerwood (Year 9 – Andrew House) for having been selected to be part of a student exchange program to France in 2012. Nathan will be involved in the program from January to October 2012. I am certain that Nathan will also be an outstanding ambassador for Eltham High School and Australia. We wish him all the best during his time away and hope that the experience will support his ongoing development and education particularly his study of French language.
A reminder about Student Safety:
I ask all members of our community to take great consideration around student safety during peak traffic times of the day; the morning drop off and the afternoon pick-up. Members of staff on duty have been placed in difficult situations because of thoughtless driving and or parking which impinge on student safety. They have had to deal with some less than ideal situations and on occasions have been verbally abused. This is not appropriate behaviour and it is unacceptable.
There is a weekly report in the newsletter as to what work is planned to be carried out over the following week in relation to the building works and how this will affect the traffic management system particularly at the Withers Way entrance of the school. I ask that all parents who drive their children to school make a point to read this so that you are informed of what is happening and how this may affect you. Student safety is the number one priority and once again I ask you for your support.
It is important that you support your child’s timely arrival to school of a morning. There have been a number of occasions of late when parents arrive at the front of the school close to 9:00 am or even later; classes start at 8:55 am, the warning bell for period 1 sounds at 8:45 am, every child should be in the school by this time. Late arrivals tend to cause a level of panic in both the driver and the student and safety is often compromised.
In order to minimize the amount of traffic during the period of the building program, if your child can arrive at school via some other means outside of being driven to the school I ask that you encourage them to do so. If you must drive and pick up your child from school then I ask that you plan with your child where an appropriate and safe drop-off and pick-up point might be. I suggest that you consider the Ely Street end of the school or some other place close by which alleviates you having to drive right up to the front gate of the school.
I remind all drivers that the maximum speed in the area of the school is 40 Kph and inform you that both the police and the traffic officers from the Shire of Nillumbik have begun patrolling the area of the school during peak times to help deter reckless driving and unlawful parking.
This may result in reprimand and fines.
Note of Condolences:
We extend our most sincere condolences to Mrs Orietta Wheatley and family for the recent loss of her husband Alan. Mrs Wheatley was member of staff in recent years who was highly regarded and respected by her colleagues, students and the school community. Our thoughts are with Mrs Wheatley at this difficult time.
Vincent Sicari
Principal
The works have quickly moved into the next phase where we are seeing many more tradespeople on site now. This indicates that work is moving ahead and allows the various trades to start their work. At present there are roofers, bricklayers, concreters, carpenters, electricians and heating engineers working on site.
The main work now is to commence the concrete flooring in the Performance Centre. Preparatory works are underway however there is still much to do. The concreters expect to lay the first of two slabs early next week. It is likely to be either Tuesday 9th or Wednesday 10th August. Once again the drop off car park will be closed that morning. Vehicular traffic will not be able to enter the area. Parents are asked to ensure that you do not try and enter the car park area, park across the student crossing or perform U turns in Withers Way. Please check out notices concerning when the pour will occur.
Once the slab is poured the heating engineers can then commence laying the in-slab heating pipes. When this is complete there will be a further concrete pour which will again cause the Withers Way car-park and drop off zone to be closed.
A photographic update of the works can be viewed on the School’s web page. This provides views from demolition to current works.
The expected finish date for Stage 1 works is now November 2011.
Stage 2 works are due for completion in May 2012.
Bruce Martyn – Project Manager
ALL 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.
Reminder for all entrants in this year's competition, it's time to start practising. Visit the Australian Mathematics Trust website and try some practice papers. The address is: http://www.amt.edu.au/. The competition is on Thursday 4th August periods 1 and 2.
Volleyball
Victorian Schools Volleyball Cup
Congratulations to all teams on their efforts over the three day competition. Thank you to all – staff, players and parents who had to give up their weekend so that teams could take part in this competition. But it was worth the effort because Eltham High has won the cup for the 8th time and the last 3 years in a row.
There were some fantastic performances but none better than our open mens honours team who defeated Billanook in the gold medal playoff. Well done guys.
Snaps photography took thousands of photos over the weekend and they will be available for you to view on Tuesday. Just go to the snaps photography web page, put in the password that teams will be given on Tuesday, click on the link for your team and enjoy the action.
Results as of Monday morning.
For full results go to Volleyball Victoria.
Under 14 Boys Div 1 = Bronze
Under 14 Boys Div 2 = Gold
Under 14 Girls Div 1 = 7th
Under 14 Girls Div 2 = Bronze
Under 15 Boys Honours = Bronze
Under 15 Boys Div 1 = Bronze
Under 15 girls Div 1 = 4th
Under 15 Girls Div 1(2) = 9th
Under 15 Girls Honours = Silver
Under 16 Boys Honours = Bronze
Under 16 Boys Div 1 = Bronze
Under 16 Girls Honours = Silver
Under 17 Girls Div 1 = 5th
Open Women Div 1 (1) = 4th
Open Women Div 1(2) = Gold
Open Women Honours = Bronze
Open Men Honours = Gold
Important Volleyball Dates for 2011
8th November – Northern Zone Volleyball finals – year 7&8.
16th November – North East Conf. Volleyball finals – yr7&8.
24th November – State Volleyball Finals – year 7 and 8.
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. I have copies of the Nillumbik sporting achievement grant application form if you require one.
tho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au
Greg Thomas
Volleyball Coordinator
State Cross Country Championships
Eltham High Students recently competed at the State Cross Country Finals held on a wet and wintery course at Mt Cooper, Bundoora. We had some fantastic results in both the team and individual competitions. Louise Alford dominated her run and finished 1st in the 15 Girls age group. Braydon Turner and Michaela Prunotto both finished in 10th position in their respective age groups.
Congratulations to all students who represented the school.
Results
13 Girls 13 Girls
10th M Prunotto 64th T Ramsdale
14 Boys
10th B Turner
48th J Clamp
95th W Bull
99th J Fitzgerald
6th Teams Event
15 Girls 15 Boys
1st L Alford 30th T Pettie
44th J Black 49th T Logan
56th J Harrington
16 Girls 16 Boys
35th R Stephens 52nd J Turner
17-20 Boys
48th J White
53rd A Smith
59th A Fun
72nd D Seymour
5th Teams Event
Basketball
Last week the Senior Girls, Intermediate Girls and Intermediate Boys competed
in the finals of the Victorian College Championship. It was an excellent
achievement to make it to the finals and a big congratulations to all teams. A
special mention to the Senior Girls who came Runners up to Rowville in a
closely contested final.
Both our senior teams progressed to the
Northern Metropolitan Region finals on Friday and our Senior Boys came 2nd and
out Senior Girls won the competition and will progress to the Conference
Finals.
Payment for the basketball uniforms are due
and if they could be made to the PE office ASAP. The senior teams did look good
in their new uniforms!
The 2011 McDonald's Cup is fast approaching
and we will be nominating both our senior and intermediate teams to
participate. This is an opportunity for our teams to compete at the elite
level. The tournament will be held Mid August and further details will be given
shortly.
Nic Cooper
Due to a minor change in the itinerary for the Year 7 City Experience Camp it has been necessary to change the collection time for students on the last day of the camp.
Please
collect your child from the Eltham Railway Station
at 2.20pm on the last day of camp.
We will assemble near the Eltham Priceline Pharmacy.
Ross McKinnon – Junior School Leader
Australian Language Certificate Tests are going to be conducted during French and Indonesian classes for years 9 and 10 in both languages and for year 11 in French. Selected students in year 8 will also be invited to participate in these tests. The tests will run from 9th August to 15th August during class time. They will consist of questions in listening and reading comprehension with multiple choice answers. Revision can be done in class from past papers and students can revise all topics on www.languagesonline.com.au
Language teachers will explain details to students including costs of tests. Letters will be sent home to inform parents.
Pompa Brady (KLA Languages)
MUSICAL
NOTES Last week 'date' notices were given out at band rehearsals regarding Melbourne Schools Band Festival and Royal South Street competitions. Further information will be given this week.
Symphonic Band has its music camp, running Thursday afternoon till Saturday afternoon.
A reminder to parents ... if your child is absent from a band rehearsal, please send a written note explaining the circumstances or leave a message on the music office phone - 9430 5127
The Music Support Group is again overseeing the Eltham Mudbrick Tour...
WANTED: ADVERTISERS FOR MUD BRICK TOUR BOOKLET 2011
Do you have a business or workplace that would benefit from reaching a target audience? If interested, please email the Music Support Group at msg.ehs@gmail.com or ring Stephe Dean on 0411 406 227
Any queries, please contact the music office on 9430 5127
Jill Browne, Music Office
EMA applications for the second instalment are due by Friday, 5th August (THIS FRIDAY).
If you have already completed an application at the beginning of 2011, you need not submit another.
Please call into the school office to collect an application form.
Canteen Roster |
|
AUGUST 2011 |
|
|
Wed 3 |
Christine Muscat, Alison Jones |
|
Thu 4 |
Marg Cunningham, Lisa Emmins |
|
Fri 5 |
Annabelle Preston, Christine Schwaighofer |
|
Mon 8 |
Sharon Alexander, Debbie Gregg |
|
Tue 9 |
Karen Smith, Rhonda Steele |
Volunteers URGENTLY required for the following dates:-
Wednesday 10 August (x 2) Tuesday 23 August (x 1)
Monday 29 August (x 2) Tuesday 30 August (x 2)
Please contact Gael 9430 5122 to assist.
SCHOOL CALENDAR |
|
AUGUST 2011 |
|
Wed 3 |
Transition – Year 10-11 Tertiary Information Subject Selection Sessions (all week) |
Thu 4 |
Transition – Year 10-11 Tertiary Information Subject Selection Sessions (all week) Maths – Maths Competition Music – Symphonic Band Rehearsal Camp (until 6/8) |
Fri 5 |
Transition – Year 10-11 Tertiary Information Subject Selection Sessions (all week) Music – Symphonic Band Rehearsal Camp (until 6/8) |
Mon 8 |
SAC Week Transition – Year 11-12 Subject Selection Sessions (until 11/8) Year 7 City Camp (7B, D, G, J) |
Tue 9 |
SAC Week Transition – Year 11-12 Subject Selection Sessions (until 11/8) HPE – Yr11 HHD Grp1 Fieldwork – Mercy Hosp Sport – Intermediate Round Robin (Basketball, Table Tennis, Hockey) Finance Committee Meeting Year 7 City Camp (7B, D, G, J) |
Wed 10 |
SAC Week Transition – Year 11-12 Subject Selections Year 7 City Camp (7B, D, G, J) returning today |
Thu 11 |
SAC Week Transition – Year 11-12 Subject Selections |
Fri 12 |
SAC Week Science – Year 11 Chem Labwork – Latrobe Uni |
Sat/Sun |
Music – Jazz Weekend |
Mon 15 |
Music – Melbourne Bands Festival Year 7 City Camp (7A, E, F) |
Tue 16 |
Music – Melbourne Bands Festival Year 7 City Camp (7A, E, F) HPE – Yr 11 HHD Group 2 Fieldwork Transition – Year 11-12 Subject Selections due Music – Melbourne Schools Band Festival – Symphonic Band |
Reminder to all families that payments and notices for all excursions are due back to school at least 7 days prior to the event and sporting events are due to the teacher on the day of the event.
17 year old Miranti Fitri Khairunissa is from Bandung in Java, Indonesia and is in year 12 at Sekolah Menegah Atas Negeri 15 which translates as 15 Senior High School. Miranti lives with her family (including her one older brother) close to the city centre in Bandung. She is about to leave Australia after spending 6 weeks on exchange to Eltham High School thanks to the Australia, Indonesia Association of Victoria.
In Indonesia, the school day starts at 6:45am and finishes at different times depending on the day of the week. For instance, on a Friday school is let out at 11:30am.
When asked where she would take someone visiting her hometown, Miranti said that she would take them to Gedong Sate (Satay building) because it was a beautiful building and a symbol of Bandung. She also said that she would show them Mount Tangkuban Parahu which looks like an upside down boat.
Miranti has learnt violin for eight years and is in a jazz band called 15 Plus. At Eltham High she has enjoyed taking part in the string ensemble.
Miranti said that she had been surprised that at Eltham high there was no uniform and, even more surprised that you could drink water straight from the taps instead of having to boil it. She liked that she could choose her subjects whereas at her school back in Indonesia she had to do all of the subjects. When she was asked about her English Miranti said, “That’s why I’m here, I want to learn English more.”
When the subject of vegemite was brought up Miranti laughed and said, “I thought it was chocolate and then I thought ‘ooh it’s salty!’”
Miranti said that when she first came to Australia she found it hard to understand the accents and had to concentrate really hard on what people were saying.
Miranti had her two host families chosen for her and she liked them both. The first one was very different because in Indonesia they didn’t have so much routine. Miranti said, “In my home we don’t have, ‘it’s time for dinner it’s time for sleep’.” The second host family wasn’t as different.
When Miranti was asked what she liked about Melbourne she had a few answers. She said that she liked the public transport, because it was so easy to use, the fresh air and the city of Melbourne which she described as “so beautiful”.
Miranti has thoroughly enjoyed her stay in Australia but will soon have taken flight back to her home in Bandung. Eltham High will miss her.
By Crista Watson-Colvin
All students who had their photo taken by the school photographers this year can now purchase a Student Photo ID card for only $5.
To place your order, please contact:-
Fotomakers - directly on 9550 3550
Payment can be made by credit card (addition $1 charge applies).
During the last holidays a group of students, staff, ex-students and parents visited Kenya and Tanzania. We went on safari in the Serengeti and other National Parks, as well as visiting Nairobi, Arusha, a Maasai village and St Jude’s School in Arusha.
There were many highlights but the things that I will remember are the people I met like our Safari driver Dennis, who showed us amazing wildlife but also insights into his life in Tanzania. I also came to realise the many things that I take for granted that are not part of other people’s daily lives – the lack of electricity, water and sanitation. Meeting Maasai people who are always thirsty; six year old boys looking after cattle all day, without anything to drink.
One scary incident, that now seems funny, was when a baboon invaded our vehicle. Four of us were in the vehicle, with the window open and we’d just been talking about not having the rabies injection, when a huge male baboon leapt in the window. He looked around, we all froze. He then opened one of our lunch-boxes and selected a piece of chicken, fruit and a roll and exited to sit on top of the car and eat it.
St Judes in Arusha is a school started by an Australian woman. I was amazed by how clean the school was because the students want to be there and appreciate the chance of getting an education. Many of the people there were volunteers and the school is run on sponsorship. I hope that Eltham High School will sponsor a child’s education and many of us left with the thought that we will come back and volunteer there in the future.
On safari we were in Land Cruisers with open tops. My favourite animals were zebras and lions. There were so many zebras yet they all seemed unique. The Migration was not so much massed animals but lines of wildebeests and zebras. The lions were majestic and clearly their reputation as ‘king of the jungle’ was understandable.
Our accommodation was fantastic. Lodges set amongst rocks with natural swimming pools, even a tent (complete with toilet) that we couldn’t leave during the night and hearing the lions made us realise why. The views from most lodges were spectacular, looking out over the plains or rivers. It was even good not to have internet and phones, as we didn’t know what was happening elsewhere.
It was hard to get on the plane to leave, the warm temperature and numbers of animals were hard to leave behind. Many of the group went on to Zanzibar, while we students returned for school.
Thanks to Brendan Monigatti, Di Parry and Pompa Brady for organising the tour. It was a life changing experience...the animals, the sunsets, the cultural difference, the friendships made, an appreciation of different places and landscapes.
Justin Howlett Year 11
ALL 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.
Payments by cash can be receipted by the cashier from 8.40am – 3.00pm and EFTPOS payments until 4.00pm (excluding pupil free days).
Students can only make payments at the cashier window from 8.40am until 8.55am then at recess or lunchtime.
Parents are welcome to contact the cashier on 9430 5118 to arrange payment by credit card at any time.
BPay (Almost too easy….) is our preferred method of payment.
Are you aware that you can set up a regular payment schedule to pay your account using BPay?
Refer to your banking provider for details.
Small Music Teaching Studio Space
Required to rent
Piano and trumpet teacher needs new location.
Timetable of students, afternoons and evenings.
Please contact – Colin McKellar 9499 6832 or 0401 019 529
Transport Needs Assessment Survey
St Andrews, Panton Hill, Smiths Gully
and Cottlesbridge
If you live
in St Andrews, Panton Hill, Smiths Gully or Cottlesbridge and you
have received your St Andrews and Panton Hill Transport Needs Assessment Survey
we urge you to return your survey or complete it online by Friday 5th August
2011. We are very excited that we are finally having the transport needs of our
community assessed and hope that a good response from the community to the
survey will result in a bus service being implemented. We urge you to make the
most of this opportunity and let the Department of Transport know how vital
public transport is for our area and how you would use a bus service if it were
available.
St Andrews - Hurstbridge Community Bus
Steering Committee.
Parenting Teenagers
Through Challenging Times
NMIT’s Youth Unit in conjunction with the Youth Connections program present a free seminar to explore effective ways to develop a strong and supportive parent-teenager relationship, manage adolescent behaviour and guide teenagers in the right direction.
The seminar will look at the changing nature
of your role as a parent, including:
• ages and stages – where they’re at
• communication
• increasing independence
• boundary setting
• encouraging healthier choices
Helen Rimington will facilitate the seminar, drawing from her experiences at Parenting Australia, Centre for Adolescent Health and her teaching background within the Graduate
Diploma of Adolescent Health and Welfare at the University of Melbourne.
When: Tuesday, 9 August 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Where: NMIT Epping campus,
Building A, Auditorium,
Cnr Dalton Rd and Cooper St,
Epping VIC (Melway ref: 182 C12)
To register: Brenda McKenzie
p: 03 9269 8352
NMIT’s Youth Unit in conjunction with the Youth Connections program present a free seminar to explore effective ways to develop a strong and supportive parent-teenager relationship, manage adolescent behaviour and guide teenagers in the right direction.