community news

www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au

TERM 3 WEEK 2

TUESDAY 23 JULY 2013

30-60 WITHERS WAY ELTHAM VICTORIA 3095

PHONE (03)9430 5111 – FACSIMILE (03)9431 0448 – EMAIL: eltham.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au

Absences:  9430 5299

Principal’s Report

PETER WEBSTER

17.01.1957 - 11.07.2013

It is with sadness that I inform the Eltham High School Community of the passing of Mr Peter Webster on Thursday morning, 11 July 2013. Peter was a longstanding member of the teaching staff at Eltham High School, and during his time here, touched the lives of many young people. Peter contributed to building the culture of Eltham High School that relies heavily on the building of positive relationships across all stakeholders. Through the many friendships that Peter built with colleagues and students alike, the school became his family. The following, written by two past students, summarises the legacy that Peter leaves behind as an educator and a friend:

“Peter Webster was a really nice man who always had time for those he knew. He had a really lovely temperament, and his humour was on the cheeky side and always brought lightness to more serious situations. He had a gentle nature and a genuine character that you could always feel comfortable and familiar around. He had a great respect for the kids he taught and enjoyed a laugh. In our experience his classes were the ones you would walk into at the end of the day when everyone was pretty tired, and instead of taking a more serious approach, he’d have a chat to you like a friend and ask how everything was going in your life (although we still did learn a lot as he had a fantastic knowledge of what he taught, and he taught it well). He would always make cheeky jokes and he was so consistently positive even when things got difficult. He is synonymous with our fond memories of high school. He will always feature in our memories. It’s not fair that he’s gone and that he left us before his time. However, we’ll never forget him and he’ll always be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.”

Morgan Pickett (Class 2012) and Zoe Kaskamanidis (Class 2012)

A celebration of Peter’s life took place on Friday, 19 July in Bendigo followed by a private cremation.

I extend the Eltham High School Community’s most sincere condolences to Peter’s sister and her family and to all his friends who remained close to Peter after his retirement from the teaching profession.

Student Achievement

2013 Australian Junior Volleyball Championships:

Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra, 7 – 13 July, 2013.

Eltham High school was well represented at the 2013 Australian Junior Volleyball Championships, with a total of 18 current and former students in teams across all year levels.  This is an amazing number of representatives from the one school and a credit to the Volleyball Program, the students, the coaches and their leader Mr Greg Thomas. Of course the commitment and support from the parents cannot be overestimated and I thank them for this.

Congratulations to all our young people including: Jordan Richards (Class of 2011, Everard House); Sam Brisbane (Class of 2011, Stewart House); Brodie Collins (Class of 2012, Everard House); Georgina Burley (Class of 2011, Rutter House); Sophie Paine (Class of 2010, Andrew House); Teigan Cloke (Class of 2012, Rutter House); Emily Pendlebury (Year 9, 2012, Rutter House); Luke Brisbane (Year 12, Stewart House); Sam Richards (Year 11, Everard House); Andrew Hague (Year 12, Andrew House); Daniel Notting (Year 11, Everard House); Gabby Seymour (Year 11, Everard House); Louise Alford (Year 11, Everard House); Angus Symons (Year 10, Stewart House); Hugh Heys (Year 10, Stewart House); Corey Chubb (Year 10, Stewart House); Ellis Evans (Year 10, Everard House); Emily Faulkner (Year 9, Stewart House) on their commitment and their achievements.

Particular congratulations to Sophie Paine, Jordan Richards, Gabby Seymour and Andrew Hague who were selected for the “All Star 7” in their respective age groups.

A full report including results appears in a further section of this newsletter.

Past Student Achievement:

Congratulations to Sam Baddeley (Class of 2009, Andrew House) as one of the two recipients of the “Thierry Marx Career Development Award 2013.” Since leaving Eltham High School Sam has undertaken training in the hospitality industry, specifically as a chef. The Thierry Marx Career Development Award for Apprentice Chefs will give Sam the opportunity to travel to Paris and work for four weeks under the guidance of Thierry Marx and his team in the Kitchen of the “Mandarin Oriental Hotel.” Further to this Sam will have all of his accommodation paid; $500 to help cover out of pocket & incidental expenses; national recognition and publicity through multiple media channels; a winner’s certificate and a gift pack.

This is an outstanding achievement and opportunity for a young, aspirational chef.

At the conclusion of his time in Paris, Sam will return to Melbourne to complete his apprenticeship which he is currently undertaking under the mentorship of the excellent chefs at Vue de Monde. Following this, Sam plans to travel overseas to gain further experience.

I wish Sam all the very best with his trip to Paris and a prosperous career in the hospitality industry.

Gonski:

Time is crucial and this is a further plea to our community to act.

Tell Minister Dixon and Premier Napthine to sign up to Gonski so that much-needed funds can be delivered to Victorian schools. 

By taking five minutes to make these calls, you can help ensure a fairer funding model for the young people in our school and for our public education system.

Tell the Government what you know; that extra funds would mean more individual attention, more resources and more support for the kids who need it most.  

• Call Premier Napthine on 03 9651 5000 
• Call Education Minister Martin Dixon on 03 9637 3196  
• Call your local MP - click here for a phone list

Here's a link to some tips to help you make the call.

If you are unable to speak to these people please leave a message with your name, the name of your child’s school and a brief message urging the Premier to sign up NOW!

Vincent Sicari

Principal

Assistant Principal’s Report

Middle School Reports

Middle School Reports are now available online via Compass. These reports are a valuable source of feedback for students and I would encourage all students to read them carefully, and to seek clarification from their teacher, if there are suggestions for improvement that they do not understand.  As well as a document to inform learning, the reports are also a celebration of a wide range of fantastic student achievements. Interim Reports will be distributed to students and families on Friday, 16 August.

Middle School Information Night for Current Year 8 Students – Monday 29 July 2013

Next week all Year 8 students and their families are encouraged to attend the Middle School Information Evening. This evening will give students an insight into what the Middle School Program holds in store for them, how it operates and the process that they need to follow in order to select subjects for 2014. A huge amount of effort goes into tailoring courses for students that are based around their individual preferences and this process begins with them considering the subjects that are on offer and seeking information from the subject displays that will be present on the night. Any student who is unable to attend should seek information from the Middle School Office during the next week so that they understand what they need to do for this process. I look forward to seeing many of you there on the night.

Tim Natoli

Assistant Principal - Curriculum

Senior School News

VCE, VCE VET and VCAL Subject Choice Database: Year 11 & 12, 2014

Following student briefings and course selection interviews last week, current Year 10 and Year 11 students have been requested to enter their subject selection preferences on line in priority order. Instruction sheets have been forwarded to all students and can also be accessed via the EHS Internet page (school handbooks/VCE transition presentation). Once entered, students must print a hard copy to be signed by a parent/guardian and submit the signed form to the Senior School Office by 9.00am Monday, 29 July 2013 together with the Course Selection Form.  The database will remain open until midnight Sunday, 28 July 2013 when course selections close.

Anna Panas

Senior School Leader

Middle School News

Year 9 & Year 10 Cross Country Ski Trip

Would you like to try cross country skiing? In mid-August we will be running a 1 day cross country ski trip to Lake Mountain. This trip will be for Year 9 and Year 10 students only, and will require a minimum of 20 (max. 22) students to run. The cost will be $125.00 and further details will follow in the next newsletter.

Ross McKinnon

Junior School Team Leader

Junior School News

Year 7 City Experience Camps

The Year 7 City Experience Camps will soon be taking place. Please ensure all appropriate paperwork has been returned, and payments finalized. There are two things on the equipment list that are worth emphasizing: 

·         Make sure your suitcase is small/light/easy to carry (because that is what you will be doing!)

·         Make sure you have practical footwear.

I hope students are looking forward to the camps as much as I am!    

Year 8 Cross Country Ski Trip

Would you like to try cross country skiing? In mid-August we will be running a 1 day cross country ski trip to Lake Mountain. This trip will be for Year 8 students only, and will require a minimum of 20 (max. 22) students to run. The cost will be $125.00 and further details will follow in the next newsletter. 

Ross McKinnon

Junior School Team Leader

Languages

Indo Austay Limited is organising its sixth Northbound Student Exchange Program for Australian students studying Indonesian in Year 10 and Year 11.  It will allow students to experience homestays in Indonesia, with Indonesian families, and be immersed in the language and culture of Indonesia. The program will run from December 7, 2013 - January 18, 2014. More information can be obtained from the Compass Newsfeed.  This is a great opportunity to fast track your skills in Indonesian and to experience what is a vibrant, exciting and beautiful country. 

Pompa Brady

Indonesian Teacher

Maths

Australia Mathematics Competition 2013

We are counting down to this year’s Australia Mathematics Competition:

Date:               Thursday, 1 August

Time:               Periods 1 & 2

Location:        Performance Centre.

Practice papers are still available on the Australian Mathematics Trust’s website  www.amt.edu.au   If students have any questions, please contact Mrs Milner in room 704 or their Maths teacher.

Lynette Milner

Maths KLA Co-ordinator

Musical Notes

An updated Music Calendar has been given to Intermediate, Concert and Symphonic ensembles this week.  Other groups will receive their copy after Music Camp week.

Music Camps

The Music Camp Program has started, with the Symphonic Band, Junior and Senior Strings ensembles having already enjoyed the experience.

The remaining Music Camp schedule is as follows:

Students will return by bus to EHS at approximately 4.30pm (subject to traffic, etc).

Choir

Our choir will be attending the 'Eisteddfod by the Bay' on Thursday, 1 August.  Their conductor, Ms Williams, is very pleased with their preparation and we are sure they will be great ambassadors for the school.

After School Program

A reminder that there are a few places available for voice lessons with Louisa Rankin.

If you are interested in these or any other aspect of the Music Program please contact the Music Office on 9430 5127 or email Jill at  bro@elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Rick Plummer
Director of Music

Sport

State Champion Hoodies

The senior boys’ ‘State Champion hoodies’ have arrived and can be collected ed from Mr Thomas in the PE office.

Uniforms

Volleyball shirts and shorts have arrived and will be distributed at training during the week. Jackets should arrive soon.

Knee Pads

Any student new to the Volleyball Program this year should receive knee

Pads.  If you haven’t received your knee pads please see Mr Thomas.

Victorian Volleyball Schools’ Cup

The Victorian Schools’ Volleyball Cup

This event is the premier volleyball event in Victoria for schools. This year Eltham High has entered 19 teams. Please be aware in advance that we require athletes for this 3 day competition on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (July 26-28).  All teams will be transported by bus to and from the State Volleyball Centre, Stud Road Dandenong on Friday, 26 July. Parents will be required to drive their children or make other transport arrangements over the weekend.

On Friday, 26 July all teams (except those listed below) need to assemble at Ely Street at 6.30am.

The following teams need to assemble at Ely Street at 10.30am:

U14 Boys’ Division 1 and 2, U15 Boys’ Honours, U16 Girls’ Division 1 - Team 2, U17 Girls’ Division 1 and Open Girls’ Honours.

Students will be given details this week, and supplied with a draw and bus timetable for Friday. Please contact me via email at tho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au or phone 9430 5150. If you have any last minute concerns.  Good luck to all teams over the weekend. Hopefully we can bring the Victorian Schools’ Cup home for the 5^th year in a row.

Many students still need to register with Volleyball Victoria.

Registering with Volleyball Victoria:

All students taking part in the Victorian Schools’ Cup must be registered with Volleyball Victoria.

A list of currently registered players is on the volleyball notice board for students to check their registration status. If you are not registered, please do so by Friday.  You have to go to www.volleyballvictoria.com.au and follow the instructions.

How To Become a Volleyball Victoria Member for 2013: 


1. Read the Volleyball Victoria Membership Declaration

2. Choose your membership type (school events -$40)

Follow the directions on the web page.

CONTACT: If you have any questions in relation to membership with Volleyball Victoria, please contact the Volleyball Victoria office during business hours: Mon - Fri, 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Phone: 03 9794 0009 or email: memberships@volleyballvictoria.com.au

Important Volleyball Dates for 2013:

26 – 28 July                 Victorian Volleyball Schools’ Cup

17 October                   Year 8 Volleyball Round robin

29 October                   Year 8 Northern Zone Volleyball

30 October                   Year 7 Northern Zone Volleyball

30 October (2014)       Intermediate Round Robin (Year 8 and 9 students)

26 November               Year 7and 8 State Volleyball Final

8- 13 December          Australian Volleyball Schools’ Cup

2013 Australian Junior Volleyball Championships

The Australian Junior Volleyball Championships took place in Canberra during the second week of the school holidays.

An amazing 18 current and former students of Eltham High School were selected to play for Victoria, in teams across all year levels, at this year’s Australian Junior Volleyball Championships. An incredible effort for one school to have so many students selected to represent their State, and a fantastic endorsement for the school’s Elite Sporting Program for Volleyball, headed by Greg Thomas.

Congratulations to all students on their efforts, and weeks of training and preparation for the championships.

Special Mention also to Gabby Seymour, Andrew Hague,  Sophie Paine and Jordan Richards who were named as members of the “All Star 7” for their respective age groups.

Photos, videos and match reports are available through the following websites:

·         Australian Volleyball Federation http://www.avf.org.au/

·         Volleyball Victoria http://www.volleyballvictoria.com.au

Congratulations

Calisthenics Victorian Team National Titles were held at Mount Scopus in Melbourne over the school holidays.  Congratulations to Amy Smith (Year 11) who was selected as part of the Victorian Senior Team, in which Victoria finished first.  A great effort!

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).

Greg Thomas

Volleyball/Elite Sports Coordinator

tho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Careers

Year 9 Work Experience:

Monday 2 December – Friday 13 December

Although it is a long way off, why not think about placements now for December? To start with have a look at the Employer File sent to all Year 9 students which lists, by occupation, placements other students have undertaken in the past. Have a think about how far you are willing to travel and whether you would like one or two employers for this period. Forms are available from outside the Careers Office (next to Drama) and need to be fully completed before returning to the Careers Office. You do not need to organise the Principal’s signature as this is done once the form has been checked and approved by Mr Pringle. Good luck and get in early to avoid the rush!

RSPCA Animal Career Discovery Day

Hear from RSPCA staff currently working in the industry in various roles and gain helpful insider knowledge on planning pathways to a fulfilling career with animals.

Dates:             Tuesday 3 September and Thursday 5 December

Time:              9:00am – 3:30pm

Location:        Burwood East RSPCA

Cost:               $55 includes registration, morning tea, RSPCA career show bag, and all activity costs.

For more information and to download a registration form visit :

http://www.rspcavic.org/services/education/secondary-education/animal-career-discovery-day

Applying for a Tax File Number

Are you intending to look for part-time work or are you currently employed? If so then having a TFN will avoid you having to pay tax on the pay you receive from your employer. As of 2013 the tax free threshold will be $18,200 so to ensure you are not taxed you can get an application form from outside the Careers Office. Please ensure that the form is filled out neatly and with either your birth registration number or passport number. Copies of documents are NOT required with the application form. Return the form to the Careers Office to be checked and mailed out. The processing time by the ATO is about 4 weeks and any contact with the ATO following your application needs to be done by the applicant.

Ross Pringle
Careers Coordinator

Wellbeing

Seeking Accommodation/Board for a Senior Female Student in Local Area

Please contact Louise Heathcote (Student Services Leader) on 9439 5123 if you think you can, or know of any suitable person who could provide board for a senior female student of Eltham High School.

Girl Talk Yoga

A yoga class for gorgeous young women, ages 16 to 21.

Yoga is all about balance and building up strength and flexibility.  It also supports organ health and relaxation. 

Yoga is a great balancer for Years 10, 11 and 12 and University life, studying or life generally!

When: Wednesdays 7 – 8pm (Free Introductory Class)

Where: Eltham

Numbers are limited to 9 and newcomers are always welcome.

For more information contact Natalie Will on 0415823998.

Louise Heathcote
Student Services Leader

Mens’ Shed in St Andrews – For Young People

We are looking for aspiring handy men and women to assist with the building of a set for the Glee Club’s end of year production of ‘The Lost Boys’. We will be meeting at the Mens’ Shed in St Andrews on a Thursday afternoon after school. No skills are required, just be willing to learn how to build a tree, carve some daggers and hoist a sail.  

There is no cost for this activity. Must be willing to have some fun and learn new things.

The current plan is to meet at Mens’ Shed, 35 Caledonia St, St Andrews on a Thursday after school.

Please let me know if you are interested; we are happy for you to bring a friend along. To put your name down or if you have any questions please contact me at Sali.Robinson@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or telephone 9433 3349.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Sali Robinson

Youth Services Officer, Nillumbik Shire Council

Tuning in to Teens

Emotionally Intelligent Parenting

A six-session parenting program
for parents of adolescents aged from 10-16 years

Would you like to learn how to:

·         be better at talking with your teen?

·         be better at understanding your teen?

·         help your teen learn to manage their emotions?

·         help to prevent behaviour problems in your teen?

·         teach your teen to deal with conflict?

Tuning in to Teens

shows you how to help your teen develop Emotional Intelligence.

Adolescents with higher Emotional Intelligence:

·         are more aware, assertive and strong in situations of peer pressure

·         have greater success with making friends and are more able to manage conflict with peers

·         are more able to cope when upset or angry

·         have fewer mental health and substance abuse difficulties

·         have more stable and satisfying relationships as adults

·         have greater career success –

·         Emotional intelligence may be a better predictor of academic and career success than IQ!

Where:      Greenhills Neighbourhood Centre
Community Drive
Greensborough  3088

When:       Thursdays 8 August - 12 September

Cost:          $160 / $240 couples

Phone 9435 9287 to make a booking

Parents and Carers

Important News Regarding the Schoolkids Bonus

The second instalment of the Schoolkids Bonus for 2013 was paid by Centrelink from 4 - 17 July. If you didn’t receive your payment by 18 July, but think you're eligible, please contact Centrelink to discuss your personal circumstances.

If you receive Family Tax Benefit as a lump sum the Schoolkids Bonus will be paid after your Family Tax Benefit claim is assessed.

For further information go to http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/benefits-payments/schoolkids-bonus

Dates of interest for Diamond Valley College Bus Network

Please note the following dates are Diamond Valley College student free days for the remainder of 2013. Buses will NOT run on these days and times will alter for END of terms.

Diamond Valley College student free day: 14  August

Last day for buses 19 December at 3.00pm

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Contents

Principal’s Report  1

Assistant Principal’s Report  2

Senior School News  2

Middle School News  2

Junior School News  2

Languages  2

Maths  2

Musical Notes  2

Sport  2

2013 Australian Junior Volleyball Championships  2

Careers  2

Wellbeing  2

Parents and Carers  2

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS  2

School Calendar  2

Canteen Roster  2

Upcoming Canteen Menu   2

School Term Dates: 2

School Absences  2

Music Fees Due  2

Log into Compass Parent Portal for Information on: 2

Compass ID Cards & Lateness Procedure  2

Extra Maths Help  2

Dates of Interest for Diamond Valley Bus Network  2

Year 7 Camp 2013  2

Malaysia Language Safari 2013 Trip  2

Girltalk Yoga  2

Smart not Scattered   2

Extra Maths Help   2

Drama  2

Japanese Language Classes  2

EMA - Education Maintenance Allowance. 2

Period 2   2

Girltalk Yoga  2

Topline Tennis Coaching  2

Weight Watchers  2

Yoga at Eltham High School 2

Upcoming Canteen Menu

Wed: Fried Rice

Thu: Sushi

Fri: Meatball Subs

Mon: Nachos

Tue: Quiche

Log into Compass Parent Portal for Information on:

Compass ID Cards & Lateness Procedure

Extra Maths Help

Dates of Interest for Diamond Valley Bus Network

Year 7 Camp 2013

Malaysia Language Safari 2013 Trip

Girltalk Yoga

Smart not Scattered

After school support group to assist students with time management and organisation skills.

When: Tuesday

Location: Room 136

Time: 3.15pm – 3.45pm

Melissa Hughes

Extra Maths Help

Extra Maths Help will continue in Term 3:

When: Tuesday

Location: Room 706

Time: 3.10pm – 4.00pm

Mrs Milner

Maths KLA Coordinator

Drama

After school Drama Ensembles have commenced:

When: Tuesday/Thursday

Location: 111 Drama Space

Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm

George Franklin

Art/Technology KLA Co-ordinator

Japanese Language Classes

Japanese Language Classes are available:

When: Friday

Location: Room 136

Time: 8.10am – 8.45pm

Madame Hughes

Girltalk Yoga

Loving yourself

Loving life!

These yoga classes are designed to help students learn some of the basics of Yoga.  Each week we will explore some of the main postures and central themes of yoga to enhance our daily lives and wellbeing.  Come to learn more about your natural posture, natural medicine, core strength, meditation and deep breathing!

Starting:  15 July 2013

When:      Mondays 3.20 – 4.20pm

Where:     Room 134

                 Eltham High School

Cost:        $100 for a 10 week term

Phone Natalie Will on 0415 823 998 for bookings & inquiries

Facilitated by Natalie Will - Oki-do Yoga teacher, acrobat and dancer trained in Psychology, Remedial Massage and Dance Movement Therapy

Topline Tennis Coaching

Be one of the first 20 players to sign up for lessons at Eltham High School and receive a FREE Racquet values at $40.00!

Topline Tennis has been the Diamond Valley’s No. 1 tennis coaching business for over 20 years.

We specialise in lessons for beginners with affordable lesson pricing.

We focus on our students learning in a fun, social environment and at the same time developing their tennis skills.

For more information please call 9432 3706

Web: www.toplinetennis.com

Email: info@toplinetennis.com

Weight Watchers

Life is a grand, messy thing!

With ups and downs and twists and turns! But, that’s what keeps it fun.

So when it comes to losing weight, why try and fit your busy life around a weight loss plan, when there’s already one that fits you? Family friendly, dinner party proof and socially sound, Weight Watchers is approved by Life TM.

Come and join the team and other members at our Eltham High School Meeting, Withers Way, Eltham.

Meetings are held in the 400’s block near the Library. Enter from Withers Way basketball courts.

Doors open THURSDAY 6‑7pm.

New members please arrive at 6pm for enrolment and your getting started session.

Let our motivational Leader and Meeting team start you on your weight loss journey.

For more information call: 13 19 97 or visit weightwatchers.com.au

Yoga at Eltham High School

Feel a sense of wellbeing - Invigorate the body –

Calm the mind.

Term 3, 2013

Wednesdays 4:45pm

All teachers, students and parents welcome.

·         Dynamic Yoga for flexibility in hips, shoulders and spine;

·         Standing poses for strength and balance;

·         Pilates for core strength and tone;

·         Deep relaxation.

8 Week Course Commences  Wednesday 24 July

Yes, You can start in the 2^nd week and pay for the remaining course

1 hour sessions.  No experience required.

Where: Room 408

Cost: $96  (students: $84)

Instructor: Gillian Lazenby

Phone: 9444 0700

Register and pay at: www.geniuswellbeing.com.au/elthamhigh.html

Year 11 Outdoor Education Trip – Warburton Camp

Year 12 Outdoor Education Trip – Wilson’s Promontory National Park

Senior Strings with guest conductor Peter Bandy

Each year our instrumental music students take part in 'Music Camp'.  This involves our large ensembles taking turns to travel to Ferngully Lodge in Healesville and enjoying an intensive program over two days. The first day is in their 'instrument' groups with tutors, the second day is rehearsal in their ensemble. 

The Symphonic Band stays two nights, with the second evening holding a traditional activity evening organised by the Year 12 students, with a theme attached!  Their camp concludes with a concert for the parents of the pieces they have been working on.

The ensembles this year have had the privilege of guest conductors including: Peter Bandy, David Worrall, Simon Brown and Brian Hogg.

The commitment to these camps by students and staff are to be commended.

Training Band – Percussion Students

Training Band – Tuba Students

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