Issue 2 - Bunbury Senior High School
Transcription
Issue 2 - Bunbury Senior High School
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Issue 2 April 2015 The transition to high school for two year groups at the one time is something that is not likely to occur again and I am pleased to report that it has been a relatively smooth transition this term. SCHOOL VALUES The Year 7 students have quickly adapted to high school life including the demands of moving around the campus and having contact with approximately ten different teachers each week. The challenge that faced teachers was the fine balance of enabling students access to a full high school curriculum without losing the style of teaching to which they have been accustomed. In that regard, it has been a good learning experience for both the teacher and the student. We RESPECT our traditions, our environment, ourselves and one another In the later half of this term, Year 7 and 8 students have experienced a full formal assembly in the Amphitheatre and our traditional inter-house athletics carnival. We are very fortunate to have use of a facility like the Amphitheatre because it is possibly the only venue in which we could comfortably fit our 950 students and 65 teaching staff. We take RESPONSIBILITY for our actions We develop strong RELATIONSHIPS in the school community We learn from RELEVANT and real experiences We RECOGNISE and reflect on our achievements and successes We encourage RISK TAKING to achieve our potential Preference is that this venue is used for each assembly but we all know that causes some issues in winter and sooner or later we will be „squeezing‟ into the gymnasium. The long term plan is to upgrade the Amphitheatre by improving the seating and investigating coverage for protection from the various weather conditions that make it impossible to be an all year venue. The inter-house athletics carnival is unique, and for many years Bunbury High has been the only local public high school to provide such a carnival. This carnival also marks the commencement of a new student leadership model that provides an opportunity for students in all year groups to become representatives of their respective „house‟. Four teachers have also volunteered to coordinate the leadership program and I am looking forward to the benefits it will bring to the school. I am hoping that parents of our new students feel they are a part of the school and that they can enquire at any time with any of their child‟s teachers, about the progress their child is making. The teenage years are a critical time for parents to partner with their child‟s school. Whilst these years provide fantastic opportunity for a teenager, the independence that is often demanded by them can sometimes be counterproductive to the relationship with school and their parents. The student services team at Bunbury High offers a range of high quality support mechanisms that also require a supportive partnership with parents. I therefore, continue to encourage all parents to be an active participant in their child‟s education and to never be a „stranger‟ to their school. Finally, I am on leave for the entire second term and Susanne Vaughan will be in the position of Principal in my absence. I wish all staff, students and parents a safe and enjoyable break and I look forward to my return in Semester Two. Craige Pettit Principal CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES Thank you to the many families who have already settled their account with Bunbury SHS. Schools rely heavily on parents meeting their commitments in respect to these contributions and charges. Our capacity to continue to provide students with the consumables that enable us to present a quality curriculum is directly affected by your commitment to meeting these contributions and charges. Payment can be made at the school administration between 8.00am and 4.00pm during school terms excluding public holidays by Cash Cheque EFTPOS Credit card - in person or by telephone Direct deposit to the school bank account – Account details: BSB 016 560 Account No 3408 25826. Centrepay, a direct bill paying service is now available to anyone who receives a Centrelink payment. Forms are available from school administration. We understand the cost of schooling can be a burden for many families particularly at the beginning of the year. If you wish to discuss payment options or organise a payment plan please contact the Business Manager, Glenda Smith on 9781 2500. Regards Glenda Glenda Smith Business Manager July Study Courses for Year 12 ATAR Students. TEE Consultants are running 10 hour study courses at both UWA and Murdoch from Monday 6 July to Friday 10 July. Country students have the opportunity to stay at Trinity College with three meals provided. An accommodation package with three courses is $750 or without accommodation each 10 hour course costs $175. Year 12 students will be given an enrolment form to bring home. Students from previous years have recommended these courses. 3CD MAT, 3AB MAT and 3CDMAS Revision Seminars and Classpad Techniques. Charlie Watson who works extensively with private schools in Perth is coming to Bunbury. All ATAR students doing these courses are invited to a revision course at Bunbury Catholic College. Cost is $30 per student to be paid to the College. 3CD Wed 8th April 1.30pm to 5pm 3AB Thurs 9th April 9am to 12.30pm 3CDMAS Thurs 9th April 1.30pm to 5pm. There will be a 25 minute break in the middle of each course. All students in these courses should have received a note with regard to this on Friday 27th March during Planning for Success. If extra information is required please call Mrs Houghton on 97812500. STUDENT SERVICES SIGNING OUT STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL PROCESS If your child is required to leave school throughout the day due to an appointment, family reasons etc, your child will require a leave pass. They are able to obtain a leave pass from Student Services by presenting a note from a parent/guardian or having the parent/guardian phone student services directly to organize-phone 9781 2500. Alternatively, the parent/guardian can present at the front office and a staff member will collect your child from class. LOST PROPERTY All lost property is kept at Student Services. If your child has lost any items, they can go to student services and check whether it has been handed in or complete a lost property report. If items are labelled, it makes it easier to return the item to the owner. Information on the upcoming NAPLAN testing (May12-14) for years 7 and 9 can be found on our webpage www.bunburyshs.wa.edu.au SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY Students who have been diagnosed with a disability or a learning disorder may be eligible for special provisions during tests and examinations. Students who have ADD, ADHD or any other condition requiring medication or medical intervention may be eligible. These provisions are designed to assist students from class room test through to formal examinations [NAPLAN, OLNA, ATAR etc] If you believe that your child may be eligible please contact Tim Fry on 9781 2500 to discuss what options may be available.” MOBILE PHONES AND PERSONAL MUSIC DEVICES In accordance with the Department of Education procedures related to Management of Student Mobile Phones While we prefer that students do not have these items at school we understand that there will be times where this is necessary. Therefore at Bunbury Senior High School we follow a common sense approach based on responsibility and respect. This approach is supported by the following guidelines: Mobile phones may only be switched on before and after school and at lunch and recess breaks. Silent mode is not acceptable. Headphones must not be seen in class. Use of mobile phones for bullying, accessing inappropriate material and taking photographs without permission may lead to suspension or legal action. When parents have a need to contact their child, the preferred method is via the school‟s telephone number (9781 2500). Student mobile phones and music devices are their responsibility to keep safe. Breach of Guidelines Students who breach any of the above guidelines will be subject to the following consequences; 1. A mobile phone that is switched on in class will be confiscated by the teacher and sent to the front office. The parent can collect the phone from the front office at their convenience. 2. Parents will be informed via a text when the phone is confiscated. 3. Parents will be contacted in situations where a student refuses to hand the phone to the teacher. STUDENT SERVICES This year we celebrated Sexual Health Week. Sexual Health Week promotes safe and respectful relationships and raises awareness of important information about healthy relationships and sexual health. On Friday 20 March we celebrated National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. This day is about taking a stand and saying no to bullying to make a safe school environment for all. Thank you to the Bunbury High Supports LGBTI student group for helping to organise this event. Thanks, Nina Mastrantonio School Psychologist Epilepsy Awareness Day Our Prefect group set about organising their first fundraiser for the year. They chose to raise funds for Epilepsy Awareness. They walked around the school selling purple ribbons and for 50c, all staff and students could guess how many lollies in the jar. The winners of these lolly jars were Angela Manzi of Year 7 and Jaxon Telini of Year 7. A grand total of $142 was raised for the Epilepsy Assoc. Well done to our Prefects, and thank you to all staff and students for your support. Year 12 Bunbury Senior High School Prefects Top row from left-Jack Giacomini, Brayden Almond, Nicola Mazzella, Jai Howitt, Lance McGuire Bottom row from left-Sneha Mishra, Shakira Moulton, Raya Thompson, Mira Kokir, Anais Chen GRIP Student Leadership Conference All Prefects attended a GRIP leadership conference at the Lord Forrest Hotel. This program has been developed to prepare our students in a practical way for the role of a leader at our school. Topics covered include "How to maximise the impact of your communication" and "How to lead in different situations". A great day was had by all and the prefects came away impressed with how much they had learnt. HAWAIIAN RIDE FOR YOUTH, FRIDAY 27 MARCH 2015 YEAR 10, INCURSION 71 riders rode from Albany to Perth visiting 19 schools along the way sharing their stories and raising funds for Youth Focus to assist in the prevention of youth suicide, depression and self-harm. This year they have so far raised over $2M. All Year 10 students were respectful and showed the riders their support by forming a guard of honour as they continued onto their next school. Special thanks goes to Shae Tylor and Georgia Opie for officially welcoming the riders to Bunbury Senior High School. Pictured with BSHS School Principal Craige Pettit are Georgia Opie and Shae Tylor. TEEN Positive Parenting Seminars Term 2 2015 Positive Parenting Program (Teen Triple P) is an internationally renowned parenting program being offered through schools in your area. Parents from across WA have given it rave reviews… And it’s free! The primary aim of Teen Triple P is to assist parents to develop parenting skills and abilities which enable parents to have positive interactions with their teenagers and help them become confident, responsible and reliable. Remember, you don’t have to be experiencing difficulties - Positive Parenting Program is for every parent! A course will be running in your area: Venue: Bunbury Senior High School Library Conference Room Term: 2rd Term 2015 (beginning Week 3) Dates: Tuesday 5th May – Seminar One – Raising Competent Teenagers Tuesday 12th May – Seminar Two – Raising Responsible Teenagers Tuesday 19th May – Seminar Three – Getting Teenagers Connected Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm for all seminars Parents can choose to attend one, two or all of the seminars. A limited number of places are available and you need to book in advance – please register your interest to attend as soon as possible by returning the information below by Tuesday 28th April. You can register using the slip below OR for more information contact Nina Mastrantonio (School Psychologist) or Maree Kilner (School Nurse) on 9781 2500 or e-mail them at nina.mastrantonio@education.wa.edu.au or maree.kilner@health.wa.gov.au ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REGISTRATION FOR: TEEN POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM COURSE Bunbury Senior High School – Library Conference Room Name of Parent(s) wishing to attend: _______________________________________________________________ Phone Numbers: _______________________________________________________________________________ I/We will be attending Seminar One______ Seminar Two______ Seminar Three______ (please tick which you will attend) Please leave slip at Bunbury Senior High School office Or email your registration to: nina.mastrantonio@education.wa.edu.au WORKPLACE LEARNING I recently had the awesome opportunity to go to the Dolphin Discovery Centre for work placement. The whole environment and vibe there was really cool. The people that work there are all volunteers, which I think is awesome because the money they get from people paying to come in or go on tours goes to the research of dolphins. Also most of the volunteers come from other countries, so while I was there I met people from places like Germany, Belgium, UK, Japan and the US, but they also have a lot of locals that volunteer there. Speaking to people from other countries is so interesting and learning about how different it is. I learnt so much about dolphins and octopuses that I would never have taken the opportunity to learn on my own so I’m really glad I went away from this placement with that knowledge because dolphins are really cool. Some duties I did were: I watched for dolphins to see when they entered the interaction zone and I also cleaned out a few fish tanks. Every day was so enjoyable, which I loved because it wasn’t super stressful and I could actually do all the things the employed volunteers did. The DDC was definitely beneficial for me and I went away with learning so many new things. Working there increased my confidence because every day I attended a meeting and talked to people that were from completely different places. Abbey Rogers, Year 12 Vocational Education & Training (VET) Students have commenced training in nearly 30 courses in the VET program this year. Workplace Learning is a vital component of learning on the job and Bunbury Senior High School appreciates the support given by these local employers . Parents can contact Ms Chambers at the school for further information. SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Year 12 ATAR Biology – Harry Perkins Medical Research Centre Excursion On Monday 16 March, 2015 the Year 12 ATAR Biology class were privileged to attend the Harry Perkins Medical Research Centre. Students participated in the “Searching for Mutations with Polymerase Chain Reaction” program. In this program students discovered how to amplify a human gene with PCR. They engaged in a laboratory session that explored how to amplify the potentially mutated V600 BRAF gene of 3 melanoma patients. The student‟s day at Perkins included engaging sessions hosted by research scientists to help them better understand how mutations can be identified by PCR, electrophoresis and sequencing. They also discovered why melanoma can present a serious risk for young Australians and how West Australian research is leading the way in the search for better treatment and management of this condition. Cathy Watson, Science Teacher Renee Rissetto and Kathryn Robertson Samantha Kerr and Tia Warrilow Hannah Yamauchi Kathryn Robertson, Renee Rissetto, Temika Freeman and Hannah Yamauchi SCIENCE DEPARTMENT Year 11 ATAR Biology – Zoo Excursion, By Cathy Watson, Science Teacher On 17 February, 2015 our extremely talented Year 11 ATAR Biology students visited Perth Zoo. The students participated in the “That‟s Classified” learning experience, which aimed to improve student‟s understanding of biological classification and to introduce them to the great diversity of animals. During the learning experience students discussed an overview of why biologists classify living things and the general principles forming the basis of modern biological classification; including the importance of binomial nomenclature in the identification and management of Zoo animals. Students were also involved in the practical classification of both animal artifacts and live animals (known and unknown). Students discovered how classification is an ever-evolving science, especially due to new information found through DNA analysis. Helena Little‟s Hand Helena Little Kaitlyn Down MATHS DEPARTMENT Kerrilee Haberfield, Cyril Harkin, Lauren Thomas, Rhys Mader, David Strong, Kohta Shimada Proud mathematicians gained second place in the Regional 'Have Sum Fun' Mathematics Problem Solving Competition on Friday, 20th March at Bunbury Catholic College. These three Year 9's and three Year 10's combined very well to achieve a score of 27 out of a possible 32, and only one point behind the winning team. CALCULATORS NEEDED FOR YEAR 7 AND YEAR 9 NAPLAN NUMERACY TESTS Parents of Year 7 and Year 9 students are reminded that all students will need a calculator for their numeracy segment of NAPLAN. Learning to use a calculator correctly is an important skill but difficult to achieve if the student does not have one. NAPLAN assessments are during Week 4 in Term 2. Mathematics teachers are preparing students for these tests by making them familiar with the style of questions that are asked and providing practice tests. Remediation both in class and at homework classes in the Library is available to students who need it. In the past two years our students in Year 9 have achieved commendable results, outperforming the National mean. With the right preparation and support this can occur again. Tyril Houghton HoLA Mathematics The Bunbury Senior High School team members who finished third in the “Have Sum Fun” competition are left to right Grace Huang, Nathan Nguyen, Emma Patterson, Monti Chambers, Matthew Henderson and Zachery Peachey SCHOOL LIBRARY NEWS With our higher student numbers this year there has been a real buzz in the library as students come in to organise their Smartrider/Library cards, several class groups use the different areas, and before school and lunchtime users enjoy board games, computer access and just catching up in the welcoming environment. Nearly all students have now collected their Smartrider/Library cards which are required to borrow library items, though we know many were less than excited about their photographs! The library is open before school from 8.15am, and at Lunch 2 (1.28-1.55pm) for students who would like to read, catch up on homework or play board games. With a nearly full building at lunchtimes, it is obvious that it‟s a popular place to be. Homework Club runs in the library on Monday to Wednesday afternoons from 3.00pm-4.00pm with teacher supervision and support. We have a great selection of new books to start the year off and it‟s good to see so many keen readers taking advantage of the range of resources. We encourage students to fill in request forms for titles they would like to read, and will buy suitable books as the budget permits. On Wednesday 18 March we were lucky to have guest author Craig Silvey (Jasper Jones, Rhubarb) visit and give an inspiring talk to a keen student group. Thanks to Ms Malone for her efforts in organising this. On Wednesday 25 March as part of Young Writers‟ Week, James Roy (Town, City, Mack’s War and others), also gave a presentation at the library. The enthusiasm these author talks and workshops creates is invaluable for budding writers and readers. Later in the year we have more authors to looks forward to including Cath Crowley, Deb Fitzpatrick and Sally Murphy. At Bunbury Senior High School we are fortunate to have a well-resourced and versatile library in an attractive, modern building, and we encourage students to make the most of it. Jill Prospero and Bobbie Arvidson Library Officers Some new Library Titles SHED WORKS TERM 1, 2015 Term 1, 2015 has seen a lot of progress down at the Shed. All students have taken ownership of their workspace and have been involved in setting the area up into a more usable space. They have set up different work areas, work benches, tool trolleys and sorting boxes. All have been made from old pallets. They have been responsible for all aspects of building the projects from pallet breaking, denailing, sorting wood, drawing individual or team task, choosing wood, measuring, cutting to assembly of project. Now that the shed is set up, they are working on individual projects they have selected. Some of the projects that have been completed include: mirror frames, planter boxes, chairs and dog beds. They are all learning to use various tools; thicknesser, grinder, sander, drop saw, nail gun, staple gun, welders as well as designing a new pallet puller and denailing bench to help with the process. The students are all completing daily academic classes of English and Maths, both written and online. Several of the students attend SWIT weekly as well as participating in workplace learning which commenced mid way through Term 1. We are looking forward to an excursion to Camp Mornington, First Aid Training and Young Drivers Training in Term 2. Paul McKenzie SSEP Co-ordinator Bunbury Senior High School SCHOOL BALL A Mid Summer Night’s Dream The Bunbury Senior High School ball for 2015 was a great success. The decorations matched the „A Midsummer Night‟s Dream‟ theme perfectly and transformed the ballroom into a magical space. Everyone attended in their formal attire, looking amazing! Students enjoyed a fabulous meal, took many photographs and danced the night away with our amazing DJ turning up the tunes. Congratulations to the students who were presented the awards below. A big thank you to all staff involved, the night would not have been such a huge success without you. Anne Whitman, Belle of the ball: Georgia McGee Beau of the ball: Christopher Edwards Best dress female: Sapphira Ranui Best dressed male: Brayden Almond Miss Congeniality: Mira Kokir Mr Congeniality: Luke Spokes PHOTO BOOTH PICTURES PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHS Please find below the link to the mini website created for the students. http://www.paparazziphotobooths.com.au/bunshs15 To find their photos students will need the PIN number printed on the bottom of their strips. They do provide free options for students to download their photos as well as the option to purchase the full size digital file or reprints. The professional photographs from the Bunbury SHS Ball are now online for viewing. Please use the following details to login and view the photographs: Website: www.maverickphoto.com.au Login ID: bshs Password: bs6315hs Lenord Webb Jordan Britza and Tiahne Bruce Donna Garcines and Hong Nguyen Josh Cruickshank and Raya Thompson Deni-Jane Robertson and Tayla Oliver Billy Dellaca and Elissa Preedy Kobi Chambers and Charlie Riordan_ Lauren Forsberg and Tom Burford Toby Harper and Georgia McGee Georgia Dodds, Gage Edgecombe and Bridie Walker Ebony Hill and Mahani Johns Tenille Barbetti and Josh England Jacob Woods and Fletcher Kiley Georgia Murtha and Jessica Fraser Chelsea Williams, Anais Chen, Hannah Yamauchi and Lauren Horton 2015 SAP Games Day On 9 March, the Year 7 to 10 Selective Academic Program students participated in a Games Day. The weather was fine and we began by visiting the Bunbury Pioneer Cemetery and the Wardandi Memorial Park. We continued our walk along the beachfront, past the lighthouse and onwards to climb the Apex Lookout Tower. Students, in teams of four, completed a "Walk Quiz" on the way, in part viewing the recently painted artworks around town. On our return trip we stopped for a lunch break at the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery where we spent time touring a variety of interesting exhibitions. Well done to the students for their great behaviour. We returned to school and went on to hold a "Daytime Quiz Night” followed by a stimulating team challenge activity and a board game session. Thank you to the many staff that made the day a fun and enjoyable one; Mrs Hughes for driving the support vehicle for the walk; Ms Malone for tidying up loose ends and assisting at the gallery; Mrs Prospero for her assistance in the library; Mrs Unwin for marking the Walk Quiz; the six Year 10 students, Clare, Michael, David, Austin, Kwergan and Jared, who took on leadership roles to mark and adjudicate the "Quiz Night" and on occasion, along with Nick from Year 9, taking on the role of quizmaster and, last but not least, Ms Silk for her great effort in organising and running the team challenge activity on the front lawn. Thanks also to Mrs Kerr, Mrs Houghton, Mrs Vaughan, Mr Duffield and Ms Obal for their help at various times over the course of the day. All assistance was very much appreciated. Mr Gregory and Mr McKenna Year 7/8 and Year 9/10 SAP Coordinators Winning team of the "Daytime Quiz Night" Zeke, Michelle, Georgina, Jamieson, Alex and Jakeb. COUNTRY WEEK UPDATE Can Bunbury Senior High School make it four Champion School Shields in a row? The challenge has been set and preparations are well under way for Country Week 2015. This is the major sporting event on the calendar at BSHS and with the school enjoying great success in recent years, 2015 is set to be another significant year for the school. Students are currently trialling to be selected into various teams, with team selections set to be completed by the end of Term 1. Over 160 students and 16 teachers will travel to Perth to represent the school in Week 11 of Term 2. There will be a meeting for all selected students in the first week of Term 2 to discuss financial, uniform and training requirements. Remember, all students wishing to be considered for Country Week need to actively participate in at least 1 track and 1 field event at the Athletics Carnival on Wednesday 1 April. I look forward to meeting with selected students early in Term 2! Mr A McGill Country Week Coordinator 2015 CONGRATULATIONS Sneha Mishra, Year 12 student was named Zonta Bunbury‟s Young Women in Public Affairs Winner. She has been recognized for the many hours she has spent volunteering and demonstrating leadership. More information to follow next newsletter. 2015 SECONDARY ASSISTANCE SCHEME General Information The West Australian Department of Education provides an allowance to assist eligible families with secondary schooling costs. To be eligible for the allowance the parent/guardian must hold a Centrelink or Veteran‟s Affairs card that represents a statement of income for the family. The allowance consists of two components: $115 Clothing allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian or the school. $235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the school. Application is made by the parent or guardian for student/s enrolled in Years 7-12 at a secondary school. Eligibility Criteria Parent or guardian must hold one of the following cards: Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Family Health Care Card Veterans‟ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card Please Note: the only Veterans‟ Affairs Card that meets the criteria is a blue card that is issued annually and expires in December each year. This card is income means tested. The parent/guardian must be the holder of a card that is valid some time during first term. The only exception to this is when a student holds their own health care card and has been declared independent by Centrelink (eg living away from home). In this instance, a letter of confirmation from Centrelink needs to accompany the application. The allowance is paid up to and including the year the student turns 18 years of age. Application Forms Application forms are to be completed at the school during Term 1. Applications close 2 April, 2015 Late Applications Late applications will not be accepted unless the student has recently arrived from interstate or overseas and enrolled after the end of first term. Contributions and Charges Schools will receive the Educational Program Allowance of $235 for approved recipients. In the first instance this amount will be paid directly to the school to reduce voluntary contributions in Years 7-10 and the course charges in Years 11 and 12. Clothing Allowance The clothing allowance of $115 will be paid to the parent/guardian unless indicated on the application form that you wish it to be paid to the school. If payment to the parent/guardian is requested, the payment will be deposited into the parent/guardians bank account. Processing of Payments Once the form is completed by the parent/guardian, the school will forward it to the School‟s Resourcing and Budgeting Directorate for processing. If you change any of your details supplied on the application form please notify the school as soon as possible on 9781 2500. Bunbury Senior High School P&C Canteen We would like to thank the parents that have offered their help for our roster for Term 1, it has made such a difference, Thank you. We have quite a few places available for Term 2 so I am asking any of you that have some time please come and see us. We need 3 volunteers a day so it is urgent that we find some extra volunteers. Dates: Number of Volunteers Needed Thursday, 23 April 2 Friday, 24 April 1 Thursday, 30 April 2 Wednesday, 6 May 1 Friday, 8 May 1 Monday, 11 May 1 Tuesday, 12 May 1 Wednesday, 13 May 1 Thursday, 14 May 2 Friday, 15 May 2 Monday, 18 May 2 Tuesday, 19 May 1 Wednesday, 20 May 2 Thursday, 21 May 3 Friday, 22 May 3 Please Phone Debbie McGinley or Brigitte Reichardt 6am- 2.30pm 9721 7910 P&C NEWS Thank you to those who attended the P and C Annual General Meeting held last week. It was good to see some new faces and to feel the energy in the air. This is a very exciting time in the history of Bunbury Senior High School, with two new year levels of parents and students in their early days at the school. I feel that it is a time of great opportunity and I feel privileged to be able to be President of the P and C for another year at this important time. Following the AGM, I was pleased to attend the Year 7 and 8 parent night and see so many parents in attendance. Thank you to those parents who offered their time to do canteen duty. The canteen staff are always grateful for additional helpers and it is a fun and worthwhile way to spend a few hours. On Friday, I toured the new year 7 building and was impressed at this wonderful facility that is available to our children. The P and C is responsible for overseeing the provision of the canteen and the uniform shop in the school. While these two areas are crucial for the school, I would hope that the P and C can have an even bigger role in the school community and that it can provide an opportunity for parents to have a say and to receive support. Meetings are held twice a term (Weeks 3 and 7) on Wednesdays at 6pm in the school library. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. I will be doing my utmost to ensure that meetings go for no longer than one hour! Finally, I would encourage every family to pay the P and C contribution that appears on the school fees notice. Money raised via this donation minimises the amount that needs to be raised through fundraising. All funds raised are then available to be invested in worthwhile projects around the school where they can be of direct benefit to our children. Next P and C meeting: Wednesday May 6 at 6pm in the school library. With every best wish for the coming weeks, Jackie Ross President BSHS P and C IMPORTANT DATES, TERM 2 3-20 April Easter/School Holidays 20 April School Development Day, No Students 21 April Students commence school, Term 2 24 April ANZAC Assembly 27 April Public Holiday, Anzac Day Holiday 28 April Year 12 Outdoor Education BEST Surfing/Body Boarding 29 April Interschool Athletics Carnival 5 May TEE Consultants talk to year 12 students 6 May P&C Meeting, 6pm, School Library 6-8 May Year 7 BEST Camp 27 May International History Test Year 8 and 10‟s 29 May Music Showcase Evening 1 June Public Holiday, Western Australia Day 3 June P&C Meeting, 6pm, School Library 11 June Interschool Cross Country 15-17 June Year 12, Hiking Expedition 17 June Young Writers Day 29 June -3 July Countryweek 3 July Students‟ Last Day 4-19 July School Holidays 20 July School Development Day, No Students 21 July Students commence school, Term 3