community news

www.elthamhs.vic.edu.au

TERM 4 WEEK 5

WEDNESDAY 6 NOVEMBER 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

Eltham High School Art and Technology Exhibition

The opening of the Eltham high School Art and Technology exhibition will take place on Friday, 8 November at 7:00 pm. The viewing of the exhibition will be between 6.00pm – 8.30pm on the same night, as well as between 1.00pm – 3.00pm on Saturday, 9 November. All of the Art Awards will be presented at the opening. The Wes Muir and Principal’s Acquisition prizes will also be announced (although these will not be presented until the Year 12 Valedictory Evening since these prizes are generally selected from Year 12 work).

I extend a personal Invitation to all members of our community to attend the Art and Technology Exhibition opening, and to view the show, which promises to be a fantastic display of our students’ talent across a number of areas of the Arts and Technology.

I congratulate all the Art and Technology staff for their ongoing commitment to, and support of, our young people and I thank them for their hard work in bringing this show together. I particularly wish to congratulate Ms Ute Leiner as the curator of the show and thank her for her ongoing input into the arts at Eltham High School.

I am sure that you will enjoy the show, so please do come along and join us in the experience.

Senior School Exams

The Year 12 exams are well on the way and students have been engaging with these in a positive way. On the few occasions that I was outside the examination room as students came out they were pleased with their exams. Of course, this is always relative to the effort that the individual has dedicated to the preparation for these assessments. Students have been diligent during their SWAT VAC in using the resources that the school has put at their disposal, including access to teachers and access to the Year 12 Study Centre. From speaking with the staff there are varying views across the range of exams already completed from a very good and fair paper to somewhat challenging and long. The proof will be in the pudding, as they say.

Year 11 Exams begin today and these will continue into the following week, during which Middle School exams will also begin and continue into the next week.

Current Year 11 and Year 10 students will begin an Orientation Program into Year 12 and 11, respectively, at the end of their examination period. The “Head Start” Program will allow students to begin their 2014 studies prior to the completion of 2013. Whilst it may not be possible to have the specific teachers that they will have next year, in all instances, every attempt will be made to accommodate this in order to provide a level of continuity with their studies. Regardless of this we believe that this will be beneficial to the students and their learning. I take this opportunity to thank the Senior Sub School Team for their organisation of the “Head Start” Program and all the staff for the preparation they have put into making this a very positive start for the Senior students.

Annual Lap-a-Thon

The annual Lap-a-Thon took place on Thursday, 17 October and it was great to see the number of students that participated this year, including a small number of past students. This year was a special year because the Swim Coach herself participated in the event, surpassing her target of 160 laps. Outside of this being a fun event it is also a major fundraiser for a worthy charity. This year the Lap-a-Thon was a resounding success raising funds to support the Nillumbik Christmas Wish Giving Tree.

I firstly want to congratulate all the participants; students, past students; coach and other community members that took part in the event. I also want to thank all the staff and volunteers that support the Swim Club every Thursday morning at 7:00 am at the Eltham Leisure Centre. This is a great commitment for all involved and the opportunity would not exist if it wasn’t for the goodwill of all of these people. The Lap-a-thon has now become a tradition for the Eltham High School Swim Club and one which continues to benefit both our local and wider communities. Well done to everyone!

Note of Condolences

I wish to extend our most sincere condolences to the Jenkin family on the recent passing of Jeanette. Our thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time.

Vincent Sicari

Principal

Middle School News

Middle School Semester Two Examination Period: 11 - 15 November 2013

Examinations are compulsory for all subjects.

Starting times: Each examination commences with a 10 minute reading period which is included in the times shown on your timetable.

Venues: The Performance Centre and designated classrooms, as indicated on students Compass schedule.

Students are not required at school during the examination week, except when they have an examination scheduled, or in the following circumstances: 

·         If students have an examination in periods 1 and 2, and none in periods 3 and 4, but have an examination scheduled for periods 5 and 6, they must remain at school for the whole school day. These students will be supervised, in designated rooms, during periods 3 and 4, and they are expected to use this time to study for their forthcoming examinations.

Students are not required at school until their first scheduled examination for the day. 

Students are not required at school after their last scheduled examination for the day.

Students are required to be at school 15 minutes prior to the commencement of their examinations.

Students will be issued with an examination schedule electronically. Copies of the examination timetable will be posted around the school, and are also published below. All students should have their examination timetable on their Compass schedule by Thursday, 7 November 2013.

Please note that if there are any issues in relation to the examinations, please contact the Middle School Office.

Jodie Sutton

Middle School Team Leader

Year 9 School for Student Leadership – Successful Applicants

After the submission of a written application and a formal interview process, congratulations go to the following students who have been selected to attend the Snowy River Campus of the ‘School for Student Leadership’ (formerly the Alpine School) in Term 2, 2014.

Whilst continuing their Year 9 studies at the campus, the students will be involved in a number of outdoor activities, as well as developing a community project to complete on their return to school.

Christine Andrews

Student Growth and Student Leadership Leader

School Notebooks

All school notebooks are to be handed into IT Support once a year for maintenance and an operating system upgrade. Please find below a brief schedule for school notebook maintenance; a more in-depth schedule will be released at a later date on Compass. It is important that you note the week you are to be updated. IT Support will collect your notebook from your class. You need to back-up your school files in your H: home drive and back up other files to a hard drive or usb. You will be without a notebook for 3 periods. It is essential that you update on the week that has been allocated to you.

If you miss the update slot you need to drop your notebook into IT Support the next day. Without the update your notebook will not work in 2014. All notebooks in Year 7 - 9 are to be updated prior to the school holidays. The 2014 Year 11/12's will be upgraded in the first two weeks after the holidays. 

Craig Bradley

IT Leader

Musical Notes

Intention Form

The return date for completed forms was Friday, 1 November.  If your child has misplaced their copy, please email Jill in the Music Office, and she will forward you a replacement form. 

Eltham Town Festival

This year's 'old' Jazz Band is going to perform at the Eltham Town Festival:

Date:               Saturday, 9 November

Time:               12 noon -1.00pm

Location:        Eltham Town Square

The group will have a rehearsal on Thursday, 7 November 3.30pm - 5.30pm in preparation for the performance. 

Information regarding this event has been emailed to students' families. 

Upcoming Performance for This Year's Training Band

Victorian School Music Festival:

Date:               Tuesday, 12 November

Time:               Students to arrive at school by 8.30am

Location:        Iwaki Auditorium, ABC Southbank Centre

Return Time:  Students returning to school by 1.00pm

Students taking part have been given a flyer regarding this event.

Twilight Evening Concert: 2, December

The Twilight Concert, involving all Large Ensembles, will be taking place:

Date:               Monday, 2 December

Time:               6.30pm (students to arrive at 6.00pm)

Location:        Eltham High School

This event is a great opportunity to invite family and friends.

After School Voice Lessons

A couple of vacancies exist for after school voice lessons.  For further information, please contact Jill in the Music Office.

If you have any queries regarding 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

Australian Volleyball Schools’ Cup: 8–13 December

Team lists are displayed on the volleyball information board in the Stadium and on the volleyball page on the Eltham High web page. If you are not able to take part please let Mr Thomas know this week by emailing him at tho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au. Final information will be sent out to parents later this week.

The final payment is due on or before Friday, 15 November.

Year 9 Round Robin

Congratulations to our Year 9 Boys and Girls teams on winning the Group Volleyball Competition. They progress onto the Northern Zone Final in April 2014.

Northern Zone Volleyball Finals

Congratulations to the Year 8 Boys and Girls and the Year 7 Boys on winning the Northern Zone Volleyball Finals last week. Those three teams now progress onto the School Sport Victoria State Volleyball Final at the Melbourne Sport and Aquatic Centre on Tuesday, 26 November. Details are now on Compass.

Unfortunately the Year 7 Girls missed out this year, but the experience will benefit them as they head off to National Schools’ cup in 4 - 5 weeks.

Year 7 Boys win Northern Zone Volleyball Final

Important Volleyball Dates for 2013:

26 November               Year 7and 8 State Volleyball Final

8- 13 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).

Greg Thomas

Volleyball/Elite Sports Coordinator

tho@elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Parents and Carers

2013 Mercury

Don’t miss out on your copy of the 2013 MERCURY!

Orders will be finalised on Friday, 15 November and will be mailed early 2014 to all families who have paid the ‘School Magazine’ voluntary charge on their family statements.

If you are not sure if you have paid, please check your current statement or contact accounts@elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Don't be confused, MERCURY is a record of the school year and is very different to the student ANTHOLOGY of writing. MERCURY includes the class photos, samples of artwork, stories of student achievements and Faculty adventures as well as photos and details from some of the major school events - Swimming and Athletic sports, Drama production, Arts festival, Outdoor Ed, Overseas trips etc.

In fact you can even become involved - if you have ideas about what should be included or can write a paragraph about a significant school event or have some good photos that show our students in action, then please email them to cla@elthamhs.vic.au. Get them in before the end of November!

The magazine serves as a great record of our school community's achievements. By being published at the beginning of the following year, it doesn't get lost in the Christmas rush and will hopefully inspire students, staff and parents to get involved in the New year in a multitude of ways.

Ian Clark

Mercury Coordinator

Second Hand Book Sales For 2013

Coming Soon!

Please note these dates

·         2013 Year 12 students will be able to collect a list of suitable titles for sale from the general office on Wednesday, 30 October.  Students may leave their books for sale at the second hand book room operating in the Y12 Study Centre for early collection of VCE books only on Wednesday, 13 November and Friday, 15 November from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

·         2013 Year 11 students will receive their booklists for 2013 shortly and may now view 2013 titles suitable for sale on the list in the Common room. They may also leave their 2013 books for sale and their 2014 second hand book order at the book room operating in the Y12 Study Centre for early collection of VCE books only on Wednesday, 13 November and Friday, 15 November from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.

VCE students – to ensure your books are available for sale don’t miss out on these dates as orders for 2014 texts will be filled firstly with texts made available on these dates.  If you are unable to leave your texts on these early collection dates, the Book room will be open for general collection and orders from Wednesday, 20 November at 8.30 – 10.30am

·         2013 Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 students will also be receiving their 2014 booklists shortly with a list of 2013 texts suitable for resale.

·         As from Wednesday, 20 November the second hand book room will operate from the Y12 Study Centre from 8.30 – 10.30am and families wanting to sell 2013 texts or order 2014 texts may do so until Tuesday, 3 December.

·         2013 Year 9 & 10 students can bring their books for sale to the Y12 Study Centre during the above times.

·         2013 Year 7 & 8 classes will be given the opportunity during classes commencing Wednesday, 27 November to take their books for sale to the book room.

Please organise with your child which books (if any) are to be taken to the book room for sale.

Place your ORDER EARLY….leave your Second Hand Book order forms at the General Office before Friday, 29 November (remember orders are filled on ‘first in’ basis).

All booklists will be available shortly at www.elthamhs.vic.gov.au

Kathleen Hannan

Finance Manager

Dates of Interest for Diamond Valley College Bus Network

Diamond Valley Bus Network - Term Dates for the Remainder of 2013:

Pease note the following Term dates for the remainder of 2013.  Bus times will alter for END of terms.  Term dates are:

Term 4:            Last day for buses 19 December at 3.00pm

Careers

Year 9 Work Experience:

Monday, 2 December – Friday, 13 December 2013

All Year 9 students, who will be 15 years of age at the time of the work experience, are eligible to participate. For students who will not yet be 15 years old, there is still the opportunity to work at a pre-school or primary school.  The normal ‘Work Experience Arrangement Forms’ are used in both instances.

If your child is not going to participate, a written note must be handed into the Careers Office, or an email sent, detailing alternative arrangements.  Please note there will be no alternative school program provided during this period for students who are not participating in the Work Experience Program.

Now is the time to get something organised, whether it be with one or two employers for the period.  Please contact Ross Pringle on 9430 5133 or email pri@elthamhs.vic.edu.au for further information.

Ross Pringle

Careers Coordinator

Student Wellbeing

Calling all students who are part of and care about our LGBTI community.

The annual pride march is a celebration of the Melbourne LGBTI community and our allies, and a great way to demonstrate our commitment to supporting gender and sexual diversity at EHS. 

Safe Schools Coalition Victoria will have a place in the parade where all students, staff and families from any schools in Victoria can join.  

I would love to have some student leadership on this, please contact me at school, in person or via email if you would like to be part of leading a group, and drumming up support for this event, holding the EHS banner high!

Next year the march will be held at 1pm on Sunday 2^nd February in St Kilda, so we need to sort out plans before the end of term 4.

Find out more? Follow the links below:

http://www.pridemarch.com.au/

http://www.sscv.org.au/

Any questions, as always feel free to get in touch.

Louise Heathcote

Student Services Leader

hea@elthamhs.vic.edu.au

Like to try slalom canoeing? This might be the opportunity for you. Please read information below and contact Warwick Draper, Melbourne Canoe Club, on warwickdraper@yahoo.com.au.

National Slalom Development (NSD) Camp

Goulburn River, Eildon

Friday, 15 November – Sunday, 17 November

NSD Camp is an ‘all levels’ slalom development camp to benefit beginner to elite paddlers, with coaching sessions, video review, training workshops, race preparation and feedback. It will run in conjunction with Country Series Final Race on the Goulburn River, and whether you’ve never paddled before, are a parent or racing on a National Team, this camp will cater for you!

NSD Camp features:

·         High level technical coaching in small groups

·         Video feedback

·         Race preparation and feedback

·         Workshops on training

Cost will be $135 per paddler, and includes:

·         4 coached sessions + video review

·         Race entry

·         Race prep/feedback

·         BBQ on Saturday night

Note: Accommodation and all other meals are not provided.  Camping and cabins are available at Blue Gums Caravan Park.

Registration closes Friday, 1 November.  Contact: warwickdraper@yahoo.com.au

 Southern Cross Cultural Exchange

Learn About Yourself!

As Marcel Proust, a late 19^th century novelist wrote: “the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes”. Volunteer to host an international high school student in 2014 through Southern Cross Cultural Exchange and prepare to be amazed at the way this unique and rewarding opportunity helps your family to become closer, to understand themselves better and to see the world in a new light.

Carefully selected students will arrive in:

February for one term, one or two semesters from France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Finland, Canada, the U.S.A, Columbia, Mexico and Japan.

July for one term, one or two semesters from France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Spain.

They will attend a local secondary school, arrive with their own spending money and comprehensive insurance cover – all arranged by Southern Cross Cultural Exchange. Visit us at our website www.scce.com.au, email scceaust@scce.com.au or call us toll free on 1800 500 501; request our international student profiles, and capture the spirit of family and friendship.

Victorian School of Languages

Is your child interested in learning another language?

At Doncaster Secondary College on Thursdays after school in 2014, the Victorian School of Languages will be offering:

                                Japanese

                                Greek

                                Chinese (Cantonese & Mandarin)    

These classes are available to any Victorian school student.*  

                                Grade 1 to Year 10 students:           $70 per year

                                Year 11 & 12 VCE students:              $85 per year

*  Note:  Overseas (non-permanent resident) students:please contact Area Manager

The Victorian School of Languages is a government language school within the Department of Education, consistently producing exceptionally high results in VCE languages every year.   There are currently 55 languages offered through the Victorian School of Languages at 40 different schools around the state.  Most classes run on Saturdays, but some run after school during the week.  VSL also offers a range of Distance Education language programmes, through to VCE.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in one of the VSL languages offered on Thursdays at

VSL at Doncaster Secondary College, please contact us at:

Email:     east1@vsl.vic.edu.au

Phone:   9840-0082

Information regarding other languages and other VSL centres can be found on the VSL website: http://www.vsl.vic.edu.au/

Or contact the VSL Head Office directly:

                                                                Email:     vsl@vsl.vic.edu.au

Phone:   9474-0500

Register your interest now for classes in

2014

limited places available

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Contents

Principal’s Report  1

Middle School News  2

School Notebooks  4

Musical Notes  5

Sport  6

Parents and Carers  7

2013 Mercury  7

Second Hand Book Sales For 2013   7

Careers  8

Student Wellbeing  9

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS  9

School Calendar  2

Canteen Roster  4

School Term Dates: 5

School Absences  5

Final Notebook Instalment  5

Smart not Scattered   6

Extra Maths Help   6

Homework Club   6

Japanese Language Classes  6

Why Not Get Involved! 7

Chess Club   7

Drama  7

Drawing Club   7

Eltham High School Swimming Club   7

Interschool Debating Team    7

Manga and Anime Club   7

Topline Tennis Coaching  8

Yoga at Eltham High School 9

Upcoming Canteen Menu

Wed: Wedges

Thu: Chicken Salad

Fri: Hamburgers

Mon: Nachos

Tue: Meatball Subs

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

Coach: Whole School Professional Growth

Extra Maths Help

When: Tuesday

Location: Room 706

Time: 3.10pm – 4.00pm

Mrs Milner

Maths KLA Coordinator

Homework Club

When: Tuesday

Location: Room 908

Time: 3.15pm – 4.00pm

Julia List

Junior School Coordinator

Japanese Language Classes

Japanese Language Classes are available:

When: Friday

Location: Room 136

Time: 8.10am – 8.45am

Melissa Hughes

Coach: Whole School Professional Growth

Why Not Get Involved!

Chess Club

When: Wednesday

Location: Library

Time: Lunchtime

Ben McLeay

English/Drama Teacher

Drama

When: Tuesday/Thursday

Location: 111 Drama Space

Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm

George Franklin

Art/Technology KLA Coordinator

Drawing Club

When: Friday

Location: Room 168

Time: Lunchtime

Melissa Hughes

Coach: Whole School Professional Growth

Eltham High School Swimming Club

When: Thursday

Location: Eltham Leisure Centre

Time: 7.00am – 8.00am

Phil Boyd

Junior School Coordinator

Interschool Debating Team

When: Wednesday

Location: Room 166

Time: Lunchtime

Leanne Ipsen

Debating Coordinator

Manga and Anime Club

When: Friday

Location: Room 156

Time: Lunchtime

Melissa Hughes

Coach: Whole School Professional Growth

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

Yoga at Eltham High School

Yoga focuses and calms the mind.  It develops strength and flexibility.

Relaxation fosters contentment and replenishes energy.

Term 4, 2013

Wednesdays 4:45pm

All teachers, students, parents and friends welcome.

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

·         Standing poses for strength and balance;

·         Pilates for core strength and tone;

·         Deep relaxation.

10 Week Course Commences  Wednesday 9 October

1 hour sessions.  No experience required.  All equipment provided.

Where: Room 408

Cost: $120  (students: $108)

Come and Try: $12

Instructor: Gillian Lazenby

Phone: 9444 0700

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

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