docIssue 3 - Kyneton Secondary College
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Issue 3 - Kyneton Secondary College
Thursday 18th February 2016 Newsletter No.3 Principal’s Chat: Dear Parents, Caregivers and Members of the College Community, On Monday 15th February, we held our annual Year 7 family BBQ. This is always a great opportunity for new and existing families to our school to meet with teachers and with each other. This year’s BBQ was very well attended (we had just enough food!) and I really enjoyed catching up with and meeting new and existing parents and guardians. Many thanks to our College Chaplain, Mike and to the Z Club girls along with Marian and Katie for cooking and serving the meal. Thanks also to Michelle from Food Tech for preparing the food and helping to get everything ready. Well done to everyone who came along on the night and to Pam, Merna and our teaching staff for their organisation and participation. I also have a huge thank-you for Craig and the group of parents who packed up all the tables and chairs at the end of the evening. It was a great night and the feedback from parents, students and staff was very positive. On a different note - along with our office staff, I am very concerned with the recent number of excursion and camp forms that students are attempting to lodge without an accompanying payment. Where there is a cost attached to an excursion or camp, students are expected to make that payment when they return their signed permission forms. I recognize that some families may be experiencing financial hardship and we do have some capacity to assist. Where financial hardship is an issue, please contact the office and make appropriate arrangements before having your children return their forms. I have instructed the office not to accept permission forms submitted without appropriate payment or prior arrangement. Many of our camps and excursions carry significant cost and we need to know that we can cover this cost before proceeding with the activity. If an activity has to be cancelled due to lack of support, we will refund the payments that have been made to the relevant families. In the same vein, we also need to have received student permission forms and payments at least a week before the scheduled activity. Increasingly we are seeing students trying to return their paperwork on the day of the activity – this is not acceptable and may result in those students being unable to participate in the activity. I remind all of families that nominations for membership of school council close this Friday. Nomination forms are available from the front office and I encourage you to consider applying. School Council provides an excellent opportunity to become involved in the governance of our school and to help set its strategic direction. Continued over page: New Chaplain Mike Peautagitama at the year 7 BBQ with Marion Orr and volunteers from the Kyneton Secondary College Z Club. Parents - we have a dedicated phone number to report student absences. If your child is going to be absent please call 03 5421 1195 and leave a message along with date of absence. Principal’s Chat Continued This will be the last of our weekly newsletters - as of next week we will be moving to a fortnightly publication. This is due to two main reasons, the first being that much of our information home is now delivered through our online portal: XUNO. This has reduced the need to use the newsletter to provide immediate and timely reminders and information for families. In addition, production of the weekly newsletter requires an enormous commitment from our front office. Moving to a fortnightly schedule will enable us to source a greater range of articles without having to constantly juggle around the deadlines imposed by the weekly cycle. We will monitor the new fortnightly schedule to gauge its success, uptake and acceptance by our community. Please let us know your thoughts and feelings on the new format. Mark Ridgeway-Principal ridgeway.mark.m@edumail.vic.gov.au UPCOMING EVENTS February 2016 School Photos School Council Meeting (2015) March Boost/English Information Evening 7pm -8pm Immunisations -Year 7 Interschool Summer Sports Intermediate 2016 Wednesday 2nd -Fri 4th Year 7 Camp Wednesday 24 Leadership team – on Thursday the 11th we had our first leadership team meeting with a great turn out! Many students were eager to involve themselves in taking part in improving our school through their eyes; we always encourage more students to come along! During this meeting, we introduced ourselves and what we want to do in our leadership role. This year we are trying to engage the house captains more and run events throughout the year that they can take leadership of. Term one is full of lots of great activities and events that all the school captains are looking forward to participating in. Our swimming carnival yesterday was the first of many events that will take place and was a great success. Congratulations to all that were involved! Kaitlen Perkins & Bailey Clarke-College Captains th Monday 29th Year 7 Summer Sports Wednesday 9th Reach Year 9 Thursday 10 th School Council (2016) Friday 11th Interschool Swimming Sports Monday 14th Wednesday 18 College Captains Report VCAL Camp Thursday 18th LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY th House Athletics Monday 21st Progress reports distributed Tue 22nd–Thur24th Year 12 OES Camp Thursday 24th End Term 1 Uniform Update-Important This is to notify all parents and students that the Uniform Shop will not be open next Tuesday 23rd of February. I apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause. Thank you. Cheryl Simmonds Canteen Message The school canteen is unable to provide credit to students for food purchases. In the case of a student forgetting their lunch or money, we advise a parent or guardian to contact the canteen manager directly. Thank you -Pauline and Carole. Congratulations Lauren Lauren Cocks from 8A rode at the Geelong Grammar Inter-school dressage day last Sunday, 14th of February, representing Kyneton Secondary College. Placing in both tests with a 2nd and a 3rd, Lauren then went on to win Reserve Champion for Preliminary Intermediate. Congratulations Lauren we are all proud of you! Senior News On Monday the 15th February period 5&6 a group of fortunate year 11 students got the opportunity to have a discussion with Lisa Chesters the federal MP for Bendigo and Amanda Rishworth the Shadow Assistant Minister of Education and Higher Education. We all had a discussion about our futures and things the government could improve to make schooling better. We also talked about things the Government could improve in our community to make it better for the youth. It was good to see that the State and Federal Government were interested in hearing the opinions of people who are in secondary school and higher education. We are very thankful for this amazing opportunity. Senior Years Department Senior Boys Tennis KYNETON Secondary College competed in the Interschool Senior Summer Sports in tennis on Monday the 15th of February at Wallan. The team of four boys consisted of Brad Reeves, Mikael Maunus, Tim Kirk and Isaac Hale. The first doubles game went Kyneton’s way with Brad and Mikael easily accounting for their opponents 4 to 0. Tim and Isaac followed with similar success winning 4 to 1. In their singles games they easily accounted for their opponents. Brad won 4 to 0, Michael won 4 to 0, Tim won 4 to 0 and Isaac won 4 to 1. L to R: Tim Kirk, Brad Reeves, Isaac Hales, Mikael Maunus Kyneton moved into the Grand final and played Sacred Heart. Brad and Michael won their doubles game in a see-sawing affair coming out on top in the tie breaker winning 4 to 3. The other games went 50/50 with Kyneton and Sacred Heart winning 3 games each. The overall winner was decided on total games which went against us 21 to 16. Our boys came away knowing they went very close to taking it out. Fantastic sportsmanship was shown by all. Well done guys Mr B.A.May-Coordinator Fresh Fruit Friday On Friday 12th February Kyneton Caring Community along with the Welfare Team put on platters of fresh fruit for all students. This will continue every Friday at lunchtime at the back of the school hall. The fruit is free to the students and we would like to thank Cheri and Sam from Kyneton Caring Community for supporting our students. Amanda Summers-Welfare ASX Share market Game Are you interested in learning about how to make money by investing in shares through the Australian Stock Exchange? The ASX Share market game allows you to do this. Students and Staff can enter through their school but parents can play in the Public game. The school-based competition begins on March 10 but registration is now open. If you are interested in participating in this competition- entry is free- please see Mrs Bird or send her a XUNO message to let her know. Mrs Bird-Coordinator Year 7 Family BBQ On Monday 15th February, Kyneton Secondary College welcomed parents and carers of year 7 students to a BBQ at the college. Parents and carers had the opportunity to meet their child’s teachers and mingle with other families in a relaxed and fun evening. Principal Mark Ridgeway and Assistant Principal Pam MacDonald spoke to guests about the opportunities and future for students at Kyneton Secondary College. Thank you to the Z Club girls for assisting on the night with preparation and clean-up. Merna Bell-Year 7 Co-ordinator Breaking News! SWIMMING SPORTS Baynton wins the swimming sports for a 3rd consecutive year. Pictured left are Baynton team captains with college principal Mark Ridgeway. For more on the swimming sports day please see the next issue of the newsletter. Invitation-Year 7-8 Parents ENGLISH AND BOOST INFORMATION EVENING We would like to warmly invite our Year 7 & 8 families to our information evening. When: Wednesday 24th February, 2016 Where: Kyneton Secondary College, Senior Wing, Room 9 Time: 7 - 8pm During the evening we will explain our English and Boost curriculum. We will also share ideas of how you can support your child's literacy development at home. For catering purposes please RSVP by Monday 22nd February. Phone: 5421 1100 Email Kate Rantall: rantall.kate.a@edumail.vic.gov.au Faye Zollia-English Teacher School Council Elections The beginning of the year is always a busy time for schools and one of our tasks is to constitute our school council for 2016. We have three parent positions and two staff positions open for nomination this year and I encourage interested parents and staff to nominate. We have a parent nomination form attached to this newsletter or one can be collected from the front office. Once you complete your nomination form, please return it to the front office. Nominations will close at 4pm on Friday 19th February. If we need to hold an election, the election will be held between Friday 26th February and the 4th March. Mark Ridgeway-Principal Year 12 Update Chemistry Excursion On Wednesday, 10th February, year 12 chemistry students travelled down to Melbourne University to investigate the uses of various analytical machines. The session began at the steep lecture theatre with the program organiser Mick Moylan explaining to the students about the main components of each machine and a giving a chromatography demonstration. Our students then went to the laboratory where they worked with year 12s from other schools to analyse different products, for example - find the concentration of calcium in sea water and the amount of caffeine in Coke- Cola. All of the students from Kyneton showed wonderful cooperation and laboratory skills. Thanks very much to the families for accommodating the early start in order to catch public transport to and from the event. Thanks also to the year 12 teachers for allowing these students to take time out of busy schedules to experience these instruments first hand. Cindy Bradford-Chemistry teacher Above Left: Chantelle Sciberras and Gemma Wilding-McBride used the Gas – Liquid Chromatography instrument to calculate the alcohol content in white wine. Above Right: Leah Short used UV-Visible Spectroscopy to determine the amount of iron in a dietary supplement. KSC Z CLUB Kyneton Secondary College Z Club was first established four years ago and has a core group of members who are currently in year 11 and 12 so they are keen to recruit new members from the junior years. Established in 1948, the Z Club program is one of Zonta International's longest-running programs. A Z club helps students to develop leadership skills and encourages them to participate in community, school and international service projects. Our Z club is currently the only functional club in Victoria and over the last four years the club has indeed been very active. At a local level the Z Club has raised whole school awareness about eliminating violence against women through an active involvement in the White Ribbon Campaign. Over the last 3 years they made white ribbons, which were given to Kyneton Secondary College students on November 25th. The club also held out of uniform days and as a result have donated over $850 to the White Ribbon Campaign. To provide a safer birthing environment for women in developing nations they have helped assemble 600 birthing kits, which were sent to Nigeria and to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Zonta Club of Kyneton provided funding for the kits while the Z club organised the assembly days and provided delicious morning teas for all the volunteers. They have supported local young homeless through a donation to Cobaw Community Health Youth homeless Program. With the assistance of ladies from The Zonta Club of Kyneton they developed their sewing skills and put them to good use in making breast cushions. They also used these new found skills in taking on the Days for Girls project. This is an international not for profit organization, founded by Celeste Mergens in November 2008. This project aims to create a more dignified, humane and sustainable world for girls through reproductive health awareness, education and sustainable feminine hygiene. Through the project, washable feminine hygiene kits are made and distributed to those communities where there is limited if any access to the feminine hygiene products we take for granted today.The Z club, with the support and guidance of Zontians (with sewing expertise) sewed tri fold pads and draw string bags. They also collected and donated other items such as soap and underwear. In October 2013 the Z Club was honored to have member of Federal Parliament and Zontian, Lisa Chesters as guest speaker. With funding from Lisa they were able to produce Z Club polo shirts. With sponsorship from Rotary and the Kyneton Zonta Club, Z Clubbers were able to attend International Women’s Days dinners at the Shire hall. It was a fantastic experience for them and at last years dinner Past President Ebony was an inspiring guest speaker. Last year they cooked the BBQ for the Year 7 parent evening and had a stall selling cupcakes at the recent carnival day. They also donated $170 from selling friendship bracelets around the community to the Malala Fund. This was started by Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for her efforts to give girls an education, and has since become a global advocate for the millions of girls being denied a formal education because of social, economic, legal and political factors. Z Club meets every second Wednesday in room 17 (our next meeting is 24th February) with school advisor Ms Matthews and Zonta Club of Kyneton member Ms Marian Orr. Membership is open to all students at Kyneton Secondary. Katie Matthews-Z Club Coordinator CSEF-Message for Parents Camps, Sport and Excursion Fund (CSEF) Payments Parents and guardians should note that we are not able to accept camp and excursion permission forms without payment unless prior arrangement has been made. If you are eligible for the Camps, Sport and Excursion (CSEF) payment it is important that you apply. Applications for the CSEF are now open. You will find an application form attached to the back of this newsletter. If you are the holder of a valid, means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for the CSEF. Further eligibility criteria are outlined in the application form. All applications must be accompanied by a copy of a valid concession card. This year for eligible students, funds will be used by the school to help cover the cost of camps, excursions/incursions, interschool sport, swimming programs and outdoor education programs for 2016. Applications should be made by the end of term one however late claims can be accepted into term two for this year. Payments should commence to be received in March. For further information, or if you require assistance completing an application, please contact the General Office. Tracey Madden- Business Manager Conveyance Allowance The conveyance allowance is available to eligible students travelling by public transport, private car and private bus. If you answer ‘yes’ to all of the following questions, your student/s may be eligible for conveyance allowance – 1) Does your student attend their nearest school/campus appropriate to their year level at which admission is permissible? 2) Does your student live 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from that school/campus attended? 3) Does your student travel by public transport, private car or private bus? Conveyance allowance might also be available to students travelling on the free school bus service if they reside more than 4.8km from the nearest school bus stop. If you answer ‘yes’ to questions 1) and 2) above, you may be eligible. Please contact the office for an application form. Forms must be completed and returned to the school no later than Wednesday 24/2/16. Tracey Madden- Business Manager Careers Update Students who do research, attend events, collect information, and talk to others about careers frequently find it easier to make their own decisions. ALTERNATIVES FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS University -Research shows that those who have a university degree are on average less likely to be unemployed and are likely to earn more during their lifetimes than those who do not. Vocational course - hospitality, childcare or graphic design. Apprenticeship/traineeship - plumbing, carpentry, or office administration. Those entering employment with no study plans need to understand that their career options and earning capacity are likely to be limited in the long term. Qualifications are vital. Universities in Victoria: Australian Catholic University (ACU) has campuses in Fitzroy and Ballarat. It is a small but growing university, publicly funded, open to those of any or no faith. Deakin University’s main campus is in Burwood, but it also has campuses in Geelong and Warrnambool. It is a large university offering a very broad range of degrees. Federation University has campuses in Ballarat and in Gippsland. It is a fairly small university serving two rural communities. La Trobe University’s main campus is in Bundoora, but it also has campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, Mildura and Shepparton. It is a large university. Monash University is very large; its main campus is in Clayton, but it also has campuses in Berwick, Caulfield, and Frankston (Peninsula Campus) (also in Malaysia and Prato in Italy). RMIT is a large dual-sector institution (a TAFE provider as well) in the City, with other campuses in Brunswick and Bundoora. Swinburne is also a dual-sector provider with a university campus in Hawthorn, and VET campuses in the City, Croydon, Hawthorn and Wantirna. The University of Melbourne is the oldest university, its main campus being in Parkville. It also has specialised campuses in Burnley, Creswick, Dookie, Shepparton, Southbank and Werribee. Victoria University’s main campus in in Footscray, but it also has campuses in the City, Melton, St Albans, Sunshine and Werribee. VU is a university and a VET provider. NOTE: Charles Sturt University is sometimes listed with Victorian Universities. It is in fact a NSW Institution with a campus on the Victoria/NSW border at Albury-Wodonga. There are many TAFE providers - Bendigo, Box Hill Institute, Gordon, Holmesglen, Kangan, Melbourne Polytechnic, RMIT, Swinburne and Victoria University. With so many institutions available it is important to do some research during senior years at school. This includes attending Open Days, Career Expos, school holiday programs etc. HEALTH DEGREES MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY - It is possible to study medicine/surgery at Deakin (Geelong), Monash (Clayton and Gippsland), and Melbourne universities. Many interstate universities also offer medicine, and it is possible to study it in New Zealand (eg University of Otago in Dunedin) and have the qualification recognised in Australia. The only university in Victoria offering an undergraduate medical degree is Monash. Acceptance into this course is based on a combination of ATAR, UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) and a multimini interview. This year the test will be held on Wednesday 27 July. Registrations are open now and close at 5pm (AEST) on Friday 3 June 2016. See: http://umat.acer.edu.au. The UMAT is a multiple choice assessment and it is possible to purchase practice tests. The only Victorian undergraduate degree, which requires completion of the UMAT, is Medicine at Monash. Continued: Some interstate universities require the UMAT as part of the application process for medicine, dentistry and some other medical-related courses. It is common for students keen to study medical courses to apply to interstate universities as well as Victoria. Living in a particular state does not give any priority to applicants. Monash also offers a post-graduate degree in medicine, as do Deakin and Melbourne universities. Monash has very specific requirements for entry to the post-graduate degree, including that from 2017 the undergraduate degree must be a Monash degree (preferably the B. Biomedical Science, or alternatively the B. Pharmacy or the B. Physiotherapy, or in a small number of cases the B. Science). Most applicants for the Melbourne degree would complete either the B. Biomedicine or the B. Science at Melbourne first. Deakin also does not specify the under-graduate degree. Many post-graduate medical degrees require applicants to sit for a test known as the GAMSAT. See: http://gamsat.acer.edu.au. Dentistry is only offered in Victoria as an undergraduate degree at La Trobe University (Bendigo) and as a postgraduate degree at Melbourne University. It is important for anyone thinking of studying medicine or dentistry to research and start preparing; the competition for university places is considerable. Some universities offer information sessions about their courses (eg ‘At Monash’ Seminars and Focus On Melbourne seminars). Many students considering medicine or dentistry could be well suited to several other occupations, not necessarily in the medical field. BACHELOR OF HEALTH SCIENCES AT MONASH –Are you passionate about health and keen to contribute to addressing real health challenges? This is a ‘parent’ course under which there are four possible specialisations. Students enrol in the course relevant to their specialisation: B. Emergency Health, B. Human Services (can lead to Masters in Social Work), B. Public Health Science and B. Radiation Science. Studies commence at the Caulfield campus where students from all specialisations will apply scientific approaches to the study and improvement of health, considering physiological, behavioural, developmental, social and environmental aspects of human health and disease. After the first three semesters, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of the theory and practice of your specialisation. Prerequisites – 3/4 English and any Maths. WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY? Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease. They work in private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, health department, mental health, school systems and some with sports clubs. Most young aspiring physiotherapist want to work as sport physiotherapists, however, you need to understand that many, in fact, work with elderly patients. Physiotherapy is taught at Monash, La Trobe, Charles Sturt and Melbourne Universities. ACU is introducing the course at Ballarat campus in 2017. The ATAR required for all courses is very high, and admission to the Monash degree also requires an interview. The Melbourne degree is post-graduate. A science background and interest is required for successful completion of the course. WHAT IS MYOTHERAPY? This is a remedial massage course, which assists in rehabilitation, pain and injury management. The Advanced Diploma takes two to three years to complete. Some students who are interested in physiotherapy but who are not able to obtain the required ATAR find myotherapy a satisfying alternative. It is offered at a number of institutions such as Box Hill, Chisholm, Holmesglen, Melbourne Polytechnic, RMIT and Victoria University. WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY? Do you want to engage people to participate in activities to their full potential? Occupational Therapy involves working with individuals, groups and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do. It is offered at ACU, Charles Sturt, La Trobe, Deakin (Geelong), and Monash universities. WHAT IS PROSTHETICS? Learn about artificial limbs (prostheses) for people with amputations and supporting devices (orthoses) for people with musculoskeletal weaknesses. In Victoria this degree course is taught only at La Trobe University. Cate Burton-Senior School Principal/ Careers Advisor News from the Nurse Health & Wellbeing Be SunSmart During late summer/early autumn, we still have higher UV levels so protection from the sun is important. In Victoria from September to April (when UV levels are generally 3 and above) most people need sun protection. Skin cancer is a significant public health problem in Victoria and Australia. Research has established that childhood and adolescence are critical periods during which sun exposure is likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life. It is estimated that more than 75% of all skin cancers could be prevented by practising sun protection in childhood and adolescence. The SunSmart UV Alert is a tool you can use to check today’s UV level. UV levels of 3 – 5 and higher ► Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat (black, green or navy hats with no emblems, can be worn at school), seek shade during midday hours. More information available from the Cancer Council website. Enjoy the sun in a SunSmart way. Viv Harris- Kyneton Health Promotion School Nurse Singing Lessons Donna Fisk, vocal coach and singer will be taking singing lessons from the beginning of 2016. Our singing teacher in 2015 has had a new baby and will need the first half of the year for herself. Donna has kindly offered to make sure our singers keep learning to make beautiful music. During her career Donna has shared the stage with the acclaimed artists such as Muhammad Ali, John Denver, Donny Osmond, Dame Edna Everage, Tom T. Hall, Canned Heat, Brian Cadd, Susan Raye, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, Dave Dudley, Blood Sweat and Tears, Frank Ifield and The Seekers. KSC is incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced musician and singer at the College and we should take every opportunity to share her knowledge and experience….and she is a wonderfully warm and friendly person as well! Donna’s lessons will cost $25 per student with a minimum of three students in the class. Please pick up an enrolment form from the office and return it ASAP if you want to learn from Donna. Henry Vyhnal-Music Teacher Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Research Participation Advertisement PROJECT TITLE: Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices - Brief A.Prof Robert Hester (Principal Researcher) Tel: 83440222; email: hesterr@unimelb.edu.au Ms. Antoinette Poulton (Research Assistant) email: antoinette.poulton@unimelb.edu.au You are invited to participate in a project that examines the reliability of a short version of the Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM). The RAPM is a commonly used tool that examines non-verbal problem solving. In this study we hope to determine if short forms of the RAPM are as reliable as the full version. Participation in this project involves completing a web-based survey. You will be asked for demographic information (e.g., “How many years of formal education have you completed?”) and will be required to work through twelve (12) non-verbal problems/puzzles from the full version of the RAPM. It should take you no more than about 20 minutes to complete this survey. In recognition of your time, you will go into the draw to win an Apple Store Gift Card valued at $200. E-mail Ms Antoinette Poulton for further information: antoinette.poulton@unimelb.edu.au To participate in the study just go to this address using your computer or mobile: http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief Study closes: 26 Feb 2016 http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief http://tinyurl.com/RAPMbrief Community News ENGLISH & MATHS TUTORING All levels including VCE. . Please feel free to call Amanda 0468324778 Have you ever thought how good it would be to be able to learn what it’s like to live in another country? Learn a new language? Experience a different culture? You can have all of this in 2017 - With Rotary Youth Exchange If you are in year 9, 10 or 11 in 2016 you can apply now For further information contact District 9800 Rotary Youth Exchange Phone: Vanda Mullen, 0408 109 368 or Email: vmullen@netspace.net.au www.rotaryyouthexchangedistrict9800.com.au Rotary Youth Exchange A Chance of a Lifetime! Host Families Invited Now! Rotary Youth Exchange invites kind and caring Host Families within the community to assist local Rotary Clubs offer an outstanding exchange program to young people from all over the World. A Host Family is a vital part of this cultural and educational exchange and typically hosts a student on a voluntary basis for a period of between 10 to 16 weeks. In doing so, a Host family officially becomes a Friend of Rotary International. The Host Family plays an integral role in offering the student the experience of a new culture and language, whilst at the same time learning itself about a different culture from a young leader. It is a direct window to the world for all members of a Host family. You not only share a young person’s hopes and dreams, but more importantly, you make those dreams possible. Hosting is the beginning of a lifelong friendship and connection with a student and family overseas. Whilst it can be challenging to help a young person transition to a new culture and ease into the surroundings, it is always fun and the rewards are immeasurable. Host Families in the Rotary Youth Exchange program come in many shapes and sizes! Young children, older children, and no children at all, extended families and older generations – all have been successful in hosting exchange students. Please consider this amazing and rewarding opportunity now. Enquiries are most welcome. Further information is available at www.rotaryyouthexchangedistrict9800.com.au Vanda Mullen Chair: District 9800 Youth Exchange 0408 109 368 vmullen@netspace.net.au FRENCH EXCHANGE STUDENTS ARRIVING IN MAY FOR ONLY ONE TERM !! Southern Cross Cultural Exchange ( a registered not for profit organisation) is seeking volunteer host families to host international exchange students from France arriving in mid May 2016 for a stay of one term. We would be extremely grateful for your support by inserting the following information into your next school newsletter, or pinned to your notice board or website. We would appreciate any feedback or a copy of your newsletter if possible. We are also very interested in visiting your school to do a presentation, participating in a general assembly, running a lunchtime information session or simply speaking to classes about international student exchange. If you would like to arrange this, please contact us on 1800 500 501 or scceaust@scce.com.au The 2016 Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival will be bigger than ever. On Saturday 27 February, a Sustainable Design and Technology Expo will be held at the Black Forest Timber Mill, and a Sustainable Food and Gardening Expo at the Woodend Community Garden and Hub. Free shuttle bus service between the two Expos. On Sunday 28th, ride your bike to the Community Picnic in the Woodend Children’s Park, bring your lunch or buy a veggie burgers and enjoy live music and old time games. Festival ticket price on Saturday: $10 adult, $5 child and $25 family. More information: http://slf.mrsgonline.org.au or www.facebook.com/SLFestivalMR Festival Coordinators: Jon Morgan 0429 357 751 Alan Reid 0449 677 922 mrslf@mrsgonline.org.au Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival – 27 and 28 February 2016 Saturday: Sustainable Design and Technology Expo + Sustainable Food and Gardening Expo. Sunday: Community Picnic. slf.mrsgonline.org.au www.facebook.com/SLFestivalMR Festival Coordinators: Jon Morgan 0429 357 751 Alan Reid 0449 677 922 mrslf@mrsgonline.org.au DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SOCCER IN 2016? Soccer is a team sport that is fun and helps in developing social skills. The Kyneton Soccer Club offers opportunities to play this team sport for all boys and girls from competitive Under 12 up to Under 18 and even Senior Men’s and Women’s as well as a Mini-Roo's program for younger participants. For more details contact Ron Cole 0411 289717 or Lance O'Donnell 0418 174427 The clubs website is at www.kynetonsoccer.org.au Come and join a successful club that is based around family. Romsey & District Netball Association Inc. Registration Night – 2016 Summer Season Thursday 25th February 2016 6:30 - 7:00 at the Romsey Rec Centre All ages 8 - 17 years Any Enquiries Contact Chris 5429 - 5582 romseydistrictnetball@hotmail.co Notice of Election and Call for Nominations An election is to be conducted for members of the School Council ofKYNETON SECONDARY COLLEGE Nomination and Self-Nomination forms may be obtained from the school and must be lodged by 4.00pm on19/2/2016 The ballot will close at 4.00 pm on4/3/2016 Following the closing of nominations a list of the nominations received will be posted at the school. The terms of office, membership categories and number of positions in each membership category open for election are as follows: MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY Parent member DET employee member TERM OF OFFICE NUMBER OF POSITIONS From the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2016 To and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2018 3 From the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2016 To and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2018 2 If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect and calling for further nominations will be posted in a prominent position at the school. Principal CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) APPLICATION FORM Kyneton Secondary College 7970 Parent/legal guardian details Surname First name Address Town/suburb State Postcode Contact number Centrelink pensioner concession OR Health care card number (CRN) – Foster parent* OR – – OR Veterans affairs pensioner *Foster Parents must provide a copy of the temporary care order letter from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Student details Child’s surname Child’s first name Student ID Date of birth Year level (dd/mm/yyyy) I authorise the Department of Education and Training (DET) to use Centrelink Confirmation eServices to perform an enquiry of my Centrelink customer details and concession card status in order to enable the business to determine if I qualify for a concession, rebate or service. I also authorise the Australian Government Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide the results of that enquiry to DET. I understand that: • DHS will use information I have provided to DET to confirm my eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund and will disclose to DET personal information including my name, address, payment and concession card type and status. • this consent, once signed, remains valid while my child is enrolled at a registered Victorian school unless I withdraw it by contacting the school. • I can obtain proof of my circumstances/details from DHS and provide it to DET so that my eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund can be determined. • if I withdraw my consent or do not alternatively provide proof of my circumstances/details, I may not be eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund provided by DET. • information regarding my eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund may be disclosed to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and /or State Schools Relief for the purpose of evaluating concession card services or confirming eligibility for assistance. You are able to request access to the personal information that we hold about you, and to request that any errors be corrected, by contacting your child’s school. Signature of applicant Date / / CSEF ELIGIBILITY Below is the criteria used to determine a student’s eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF). Criteria 1 – Eligibility To be eligible* for the fund, a parent or legal guardian of a student attending a registered Government or nongovernment Victorian primary or secondary school must: • on the first day of Term one, or; • on the first day of Term two; a) b) c) Be an eligible beneficiary within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004, that is, be a holder of Veterans Affairs Gold Card or be an eligible Centrelink Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) holder, OR Be a temporary foster parent, and; Submit an application to the school by the due date. * A special consideration eligibility category also exists. For more information, see: www.education.vic.gov.au/csef Parents who receive a Carer Allowance on behalf of a child, or any other benefit or allowance not income tested by Centrelink, are not eligible for the CSEF unless they also comply with one of (a) or (b) above. Criteria 2 - Be of school age and attend school in Victoria School is compulsory for all Victorian children aged between six and 17 years of age inclusive. For the purposes of CSEF, students may be eligible for assistance if they attend a Victorian registered primary or secondary school. Typically, these students are aged between five and 18 years inclusive. CSEF is not payable to students attending pre-school, kindergarten, home schooled, or TAFE. Eligibility Date For concession card holders CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on the first day of either term one (27 January 2016) or term two (11 April 2016). Closing Date Parents are encouraged to lodge the application form by 29 February 2016, so that payments can be made from March 2016. However schools can accept parent applications up until 03 June 2016. PAYMENT AMOUNTS CSEF payment amount The CSEF is an annual payment to the school to be used towards camps, sports and/or excursion expenses for the benefit of the eligible student. • Primary school student rate: $125 per year. • Secondary school student rate: $225 per year. The CSEF is paid directly to your child’s school and will be allocated by the school towards camps, sports and/or excursion costs for your child. . For ungraded students, the rate payable is determined by the student’s date of birth. For more information, see: www.education.vic.gov.au/csef Year 7 government school students who are CSEF recipients are also eligible for a uniform voucher. Secondary schools are required to make applications on behalf of parents so please register your interest at the school. HOW TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM 1. Complete the PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN DETAILS section. Make sure that the Surname, First Name, and Customer Reference Number (CRN) details match those on your concession card. You will also need to provide your concession card to the school. If you are claiming as a Foster Parent or a Veteran Affairs Pensioner, you will need to provide a copy of documentation confirming your status as a temporary Foster Parent or provide your Veterans Affairs Pensioner Gold card to the school. 2. Complete the STUDENT/S DETAILS section for students at this school. 3. Sign and date the form and return it to the school office. CSEF payments cannot be claimed retrospectively for prior years. Queries relating to CSEF eligibility and payments should be directed to the school.
