School Captains - Blackburn High School

School Captains
Warren Dawson
Acting Principal
Tristan Webb & Bonnie Hodge
Inside this issue
Page
From the Principal
Dunlop House
Freeman House
Hollows House
Sport News
Teaching & Learning
School News
Pathways
English News
Maths News
Cultural Tour
School Council News
Chaplaincy News
School Calendar
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8
9
9
10-11
12
13
14
15
15
16
Please remember to
advise the relevant
House Assistant by
9:30am if your child
will be absent from
school
Melba—8804 6407
Freeman—8804 6408
Hollows—8804 6409
Dunlop—8804 6410
Music Dept: 8804 6411
Term
1.
2.
3.
4.
Dates in 2015:
30/01—27/03
13/04—26/06
13/07—18/09
05/10 –18/12
Next School
Council Meeting
Wed. 17th June 2015
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
Moving towards the end of Semester One there have been a large
number of events and opportunities for staff and students to be
involved in. I’d personally like to acknowledge and thank our music
students and staff for their Autumn Concert which was another
terrific example of showcasing the skills and dedication that are hallmarks of our
Music Program. In support of our program the Friends of Music will be holding a
Trivia Night on Friday 19th June to support the Music Program. Any enquiries can
be made through the school.
Recently Ms Richards and Ms Zhou, spent approximately two weeks visiting
parents of our international students to deliver progress reports, as well as
highlighting what is happening in the school. Despite a very hectic flight and
travel schedule the trip was a wonderful affirmation of the school’s programs and
was a real highlight for both staff. In their travels, parents were genuinely
excited about what their children were doing here at Blackburn and many
officials and agents indicated the high status that Blackburn is gaining
throughout China. This is a wonderful achievement for all of the staff, students
and teachers who are part of our International Program.
Currently, Year 10 and 11 students are completing Semester based exams which
are always an important aspect of their educational journey. The exam period is
a valuable opportunity to demonstrate knowledge but also gain further
experience in successfully completing this important form of assessment.
Following the exams, Year 10s will then be involved in their Work Experience
placements over the following week (8-12th June). Again this is a valuable
opportunity for all students to gain first hand experience and understanding of
work environments and the potential career pathways that may lie ahead.
The Year 8 “Night Of The Notables” is also another upcoming event that will
provide students with a wonderful chance to demonstrate their learning and as a
newcomer to Blackburn I am looking forward to seeing what the students have
done. This follows on from the Year 7 Rich Task Presentations, which were a
fantastic example of the work done by students and staff to deliver some
wonderful presentations that students were extremely proud of. The creative
energy, enthusiasm and detail on display, highlights some of the deep learning
that students have received as part of this Year 7 program. I am certainly
looking forward to seeing firsthand what students are producing as part of their
studies here at Blackburn. I am continuously impressed with the standard of
work, the engagement of students and the professionalism demonstrated by staff
to assist students in their learning endeavours.
Finally, all students and parents should be aware that the current Cycle reports
will be available on the 9th June and Semester reports will be available on the
16th June. This is a terrific opportunity to highlight the progress made
throughout this semester and the areas of improvement needed for the future. If
you have any concerns regarding reports please feel free to communicate with
the school ands relevant staff.
Blackburn High School
Telephone: +613 8804 6464
60 Springfield Road, Blackburn Vic 3130
Facsimile: +613 8804 6499
Website: www.blackburnhs.vic.edu.au
Email: blackburn.hs@edumail.vic.gov.au
DUNLOP HOUSE NEWS
Claire Greve
Dunlop House Leader
“I have a conviction that it is only when we are put at full stretch that we can realise
our full potential’ Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.
From the House Leader—Thank you for helping
I would like to take the opportunity to thank our parent community for their ongoing
support in ensuring their child attends school in the correct full school uniform. We do
appreciate the regular contact that we receive for our parents and the timely
communication that occurs, when there is a uniform issue that we need to be aware of.
It is the teaching staff, students and parents working together in partnership that
makes Blackburn High School a terrific community.
House Keeping
House Assistant:
Liga Darzins
8804 6410
Parent Pick-Up and Drop Off Zone
Please be aware that the rear entrance/driveway to the back of the Dunlop Building is
not a pick up/drop–off zone for parent use. It is a service entrance for deliveries and
access for maintenance services. Please use the designated parent drop off/pick up
zone at the front of the school.
Please also be aware that ANYONE visiting the school MUST sign in at the Front Office.
Front Office staff will then alert the House Office of your requirements.
Student Signing In/Out
Students are reminded that if arriving to school after 8.40am or leaving before 3.15am,
MUST sign in/out at the House Office. It is important that we know who is and is not on
campus at all times.
Upcoming Dates for your Diary
Correction Day—Friday 5th June
Public Holiday (Queens Birthday) —Monday 8th June
Year 7 Rich Task
Congratulations to all of the Year 7 Dunlop students for their
effort and achievements during last week’s Rich Task. The
end results were fantastic and it was wonderful to see and to
speak to the Year 7s about their work. It was very evident
that students were very proud of what they achieved and all
should be highly commended. During last week’s House
Assembly we highlighted Kaja Jeffrey’s outstanding digital
Lego presentation. Kaja spent several hours creating a terrific
video of a Lego man building. It was wonderful to share the
work that students do with the House and I encourage other
Year 7 students to share their work at assemblies over the
coming weeks.
D11 Mentor Group
Presentation
Page 2
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
DUNLOP HOUSE NEWS
Claire Greve
Dunlop House Leader
“I have a conviction that it is only when we are put at full stretch that we can realise
our full potential’ Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop.
Humans of Dunlop!
For this week’s Vox Pop we ask D6 the following question;
House Captain:
James Zukiewicz
What mantra, saying or quote inspires you the most?
‘I tried to be normal once, worst
5 minutes of my life’.
This quote inspires me because
to me it is saying be you, don’t
change who you are because
you feel you don’t you fit in.
‘Life isn’t about waiting for the
storm to pass, its about
learning to dance in the rain’
This inspires me because it
teaches you to put yourself out
there and to have fun .
House Captain
Sarah Turner
‘Life is a sport, make it count’
‘Other people can encourage
you, tell you what to do and
how to do it, but if you really
want to achieve, it must come
from yourself’
I like it because I learnt it by
myself. It gets me motivated
to do the stuff I want to do.
‘If you can’t fly then run.
If you can’t run then walk.
If you can’t walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do you have
to keep moving forward’
I like this Martin Luther King
quote because it’s aim is to say
never give up.
‘Follow not where the path may lead,
but instead forge your own and leave a
trail’
I like it because to me it’s not to
simply conform to what others want,
but instead to do something that noone else has done.
Page 3
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
‘The more you give the happier
you become’
This is about giving and
happiness and I like it because it
says you feel better if you make
your friends happy.
‘It’s not over until the fat lady
sings’
Whenever I play sports I know
to give 100% for the whole of
the game.
Freeman House News
Geoff Vezey
House Leader
During Mentor Groups last week we had a focus on Art. Please see below some
wonderful paintings by 7FB. We studied Henri Matisse in Art Class and the
students drew a still life that I had set up in class and then they applied brightly
coloured paint as this was what Matisse did in his paintings. Ms Roach
House Assistant
Denise Strahan
8804 6408
Matisse used pure colours and the white of exposed canvas to create a light-filled
atmosphere in his Fauve paintings. Rather than using modelling or shading to lend
volume and structure to his pictures, Matisse used contrasting areas of pure,
unmodulated colour. These ideas continued to be important to him throughout his
career. “To find joy in the sky, the trees, the flowers… There are always flowers
for those who want to see them." (quote from Matisse 1926)
Page 4
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
Freeman House News
Geoff Vezey
House Leader
The Long Walk
Last Saturday 30th May Ms Roach, Mr Ayre, Andre and Marjorie attended ’The
Long Walk’ to the MCG. to support the Freeman Foundation
House Captain
Andre Burborough
Keeping a balance.
In my previous newsletter article I wrote about strategies to
reduce stress. In a follow up to that article I am referring to an
article by Katherine Smith from the University of Melbourne
about “a parent’s guide to managing VCE stress”. This time of
year becomes difficult for families who have a son and/or
daughter completing their VCE. Recently at Blackburn some
students have been sick and have had to take time off school. Unfortunately this
causes more stress for students because they fall behind and this worries them.
Parents can help. Key points from Katherine’s article are:
1.
Assist your son and/or daughter to maintain a healthy balance between
studies, regular exercise and leisure time.
2.
Ensure they are eating healthy foods and getting 8-9 hours sleep a night.
3.
Assist them to plan the way they use their time.
4.
Keep the VCE in perspective—it is only one stage of life.
5.
For parents not to display (or try not to) their stress about VCE and future
pathways to their children.
I would encourage you to read the article. It provides reference to research that
has been conducted and strategies to assist parents.
http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/yourfuture/a-parents-guide-to-managing-vce-stress
Mentor Program
The previous fortnight has seen Mentor Groups present to the House.
Presentations have included topics such as racism, how we learn, jobs of the
future and respecting our environment.
Students and teachers analysing reports and SMART goals, preparing for House
presentations and attending an Anzac Day service. This is in addition to
participating in a School Attitudes to school Survey and assisting the Student
Representative Council with their ongoing work.
Reports
Previously, students have analysed their Cycle 1 reports and reflected on their
goal progress in the Mentor Program. The second reporting date is June 9 which is
approaching. Freeman students have made a commitment to view their next
report before participating in a report/goal analysis session in the Mentor Program.
I am asking all parents to support their child’s learning by discussing the next
report with their son and/or daughter. This demonstrates the value of education to
them and involves you in their learning.
Mr Vezey
Freeman House Leader
Page 5
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
HOLLOWS HOUSE NEWS
Mark Pasquali
Hollows House Leader
GREAT WORK BY YEAR 7s
Our Year 7 students did a great job in their ‘Rich Tasks’ extended assignment. It
was great to see the students present their ‘invention’ in a massive display in
the school gym. There was a great array of inventions studied and here are
some photos and thoughts from our Year 7s.
House Assistant
Kaye Sampson
8804 6409
SOME YEAR 7 HA THOUGHTS ON RICH TASKS
“It was a great experience” Luke
“I really enjoyed talking to all of the visitors” Amy
“It was a fun way to learn new things” Phoebe
“It was a good way to express creativity” Grace
“It was fun to use our creativity” Jesse
Page 6
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
HOLLOWS HOUSE NEWS
Mark Pasquali
Hollows House Leader
GOOD LUCK TO YEAR 10s AT WORK EXPERIENCE
Good luck to our Year 10s who will be undertaking their work experience from
today (June 5) until next Wednesday (June 12. We look forward to hearing how you
went in the array of jobs that you are going to. Enjoy the experience.
SEMESTER TWO BEGINS
A reminder to students and parents that Semester 2 begins on Monday June 15.
This means that students will change over elective classes to Semester 2. A new
timetable will be issued on this day.
House Captain
Lucy Fist
HOLLOWS FUND RAISER AND CAKE SALE
Just an early reminder to everyone that our major fundraiser for the year will take
place on Friday June 19th. As in the past, we ask that all Hollows students bring
baked goods (cakes, cookies etc) to sell. We will also be holding a
free dress day and bbq. All the money raised this year will go to the
Fred Hollows special appeal to help victims of the Nepal earthquake.
Last year we raised more than $2000 thanks to the generosity of
the students.
Last year’s bake sale.
Page 7
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
Nadine Roche
Sport Coordinator
Sports News
SPORTS DATES
TERM 2
Term 2 has been a successful term for sport. We have had a great number of students
participate in soccer, table tennis, badminton, netball and AFL. We also had a few
successful teams go through to the Eastern Zone competitions, including the Junior Girls
AFL and the Intermediate Girls’ Netball teams.
We wish the students going to the EMR Cross Country meet best of luck for the day.
Please remember to bring some warm clothes and a change of shoes and socks, as it is
bound to be a cold/wet day! Please remember to complete your permission and payment
request through the Compass portal.
Tuesday 16th June
Eastern Metropolitan Region—Cross Country
Monday 22nd June
Eastern Metropolitan Region—Junior Girls’ AFL
Tuesday 28th July
Eastern Metropolitan Region—Senior Boys’ Hockey
Friday 7th August
Eastern Metropolitan Region—Intermediate Girls’ Netball
Tuesday 25th August
Intermediate Basketball, Hockey and Tennis
Friday 4th September
Year 7 Basketball, Hockey, Table Tennis
Monday 14th September
Year 8 Basketball, Hockey, Table Tennis
Nadine Roche &
Karen MacLean
Sport Coordinators
roche.nadine.nr@edumail.vic.gov.au
Page 8
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
Teaching & Learning News
Arlene Roberts
T & L Coordinator
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AT BHS
We are continuing to develop our 21stC pedagogies and programs by supporting and developing
professional learning opportunities for our teachers. Leading educator Heidi Hayes Jacobs, argues in
her book “Curriculum 21 Essential Education for a Changing World” that the need to overhaul,
update and inject life into our curriculum and to dramatically alter the format of what schools look
like” is the challenge for 21stc educators.
In order to continue to develop our 21stC Teaching and Learning Platform at our school, Warren
Dawson, our Acting Principal has identified Professional Development for our teachers as a key
priority area. A focus of our PD program is to develop 21stC pedagogical skills in our teachers so
that we can produce programs for our 21stC learners. Apart from our 21stC High Achievers Program
and our Global Learning Program which are 21stc programs, we are developing strategies to embed
21stC Skills throughout our curriculum. We have, for example, programs such as Edrolo for our
Year 12 students to access VCE learnings digitally and, so far, 32,500 videos have been watched by
our Year 12 students. As a part of the innovations platform, our Maths/Science teachers Phillip
Daborn, Kazi Mapuranga and Shona McEnaney, our new Teaching and Learning Coach, are
investigating and developing flipped learning at both a theoretical and practical level. Our English
Coordinator, Youla Pantazopoulos has been attending PD on project based learning and she is now
working with Chris McDuff and Year 9 English teachers to develop a project based learning program
for our Year 9 students. Many of our Year 12 teachers have been attending VCAA briefings on the
new Study Designs that will be implemented from 2016 and this will be important PD in Terms 3 and
4.
Language learning will be an important element of our 21stC Teaching and Learning platform. Alan
Keeble, our LOTE Coordinator has been working, with LOTE teachers, to develop a LOTE curriculum
pathway that has more rigour in it from Years 10-12 so that our students are more prepared for the
challenges of learning a language at VCE level. These changes will be reflected in the 2016
Handbooks.
HANDBOOKS
Years 9-12 Handbooks will be available to our students from the 6th July 2015. It is important that
students and parents read the handbooks and select subjects based on a student’s passion and
interest as well as take into consideration VCE and career pathways. We will be offering Year 10
Drama as an elective next year.
YEAR 12 PRACTICE EXAMS
Year 12 practice exams are scheduled for Oct 5th—Oct 9th. During this period the normal Year 12
program will be suspended.
School News
HOMESTAY NEEDED
Blackburn High has become the proud ‘alma mater’ here for a German exchange
student who has been at our school since February. She has settled in happily
and is a valuable member of our musical ensembles. Her current host family
describes her as “a lovely girl who is very happy at Blackburn High and is taking
part in everything.” This exchange student is very well regarded by our school
and looks forward to being able to complete her exchange year through the
further support of BHS families. Midway through her exchange, this student’s
stay with her current host family is nearing completion and if you would like to
extend your support by voluntarily hosting her for the remainder of her exchange,
please get in touch with Southern Cross Cultural Exchange’s:
Genevieve at 1800 500 501 or email Genevieve at liaison@scce.com.au
Page 9
Issue 01—6 February 2015
Careers Corner
Terry McGann
Pathways Coordinator
BUSY WEEKS AHEAD!!!
Reminders…..
………..YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE (starts June 5th)
AND FOR YEAR 12s ….
UMAT Registrations by 5 June; Test Date: 29 July, 2015
Focus on University of Melbourne - Law 4 June, Engineering 11 June, IT 11 June, Music 24
June, and VCA 25 June (most 6.30-8.30pm). Register attendance (essential) at:
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/events.
OTHER EVENTS
KEEPER/VET FOR A DAY – This program is running again in the June/July holiday break. Are you an
aspiring zookeeper? Find out w hat it takes to care for an array of animals at Healesville
Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Who: Years 7-12; When: Healesville – 30 June, 1, 7 and 8
July; Werribee – 30 June, 2, 6 and 8 July. Do you want to be a vet? Meet veterinary staff at
Healesville – 1, 2, 8 & 9 July; Info: www.zoo.org.au/education/careers-programs; Bookings: 1300
966 784.
SOME OTHER EVENTS COMING UP AND CAREERS TO CHECK OUT……….
FOLIO PREPARATION COURSES – RMIT’s portfolio preparation courses are intensive practical
courses held in the school holidays. They are designed to help students seeking entry to art,
design and architecture courses to produce their best portfolio of w ork, as w ell as an
overview of the industry and selection procedures. Up-coming courses: adobe illustrator and
photoshop for fashion, Adobe InDesign for fashion, design jobs, portfolio preparation in 3D product
design, graphic design, interior decoration, photography and in visual merchandising. Information:
9925 8111 or www.shortcourses.rmit.edu.au/page/high_school_students.
VICTORIA UNIVERSITY (VU) – BE YOU AT VU – VU offers certificates, diplomas and degrees. Year
10 and 11 students can find out about VU by attending Be You at VU. Take part in course
and career specific workshops with current students and staff, and explore your passions, interests
and career options. Meet representatives from each discipline area. When: 10am – 3pm, 8 July;
Register and obtain more information: www.vu.edu.au/be-you-at-vu.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND MARINE CAREERS EXPO – Find out about career opportunities in fields like
conservation and research and education, consider what school subjects could be helpful, and examine
tertiary options. Also find out the latest information about career diversity, training and volunteer
opportunities in the environmental and marine industry. When: Exhibitor times - 9.30am-5pm, Wed
24 June; Presentation times: 11am – 7pm (every 20 minutes); Where: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium,
Cnr King and Flinders St; Cost: $20 before 4pm on 15 May, $25 after that; Bookings: 9923 5911,
bookings@melbourneaquarium.com.au; Info: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au/schools.
DEFENCE FORCE RECRUITING – If you are interested in a career in the Australian Defence Force
and not sure where to start, Defence Force Recruiting has a new Job Finder Tool on the website –
www.defencejobs.gov.au. This is a fully responsive and interactive tool that will suggest roles to you
based on your personality. Check it out.
Page 10
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
Careers Corner
Terry McGann
Pathways Coordinator
AROUND THE UNIs………
DISCOVER DEAKIN – Deakin University welcomes Year 10 -12 students and their parents to get
a taste of university life. Attend study area workshops, explore the campus, find out information
about fees and services, and hear from Australia’s leading innovation consultancy firm, Inventium
on the latest scientific findings in relation to what drives highly inventive and intellectual thinking.
When/ W here: Tues 30 June at Burw ood campus & W ed 1 July at Geelong W aterfront
campus; Register: www.deakin.edu.au/discover-deakin.
EXPERIENCE ACU – This program at Australian Catholic University gives you the opportunity to
sample the degree of your choice. Get a taste of life at ACU by meeting staff and current
students, and trying out the course in which you are interested. This is for Year 10-12 students to
learn about industries and careers, hear helpful tips in preparing for university, and enjoy the
entertainment and fun campus atmosphere. When/Where: Mon 29 June (Melbourne campus,
Fitzroy) & Tues 30 June (Ballarat campus); Register: www.acu.edu.au/uni-experience; Info:
1300 275 228.
EXPERIENCE LA TROBE UNIVERSITY – This is your chance to get to know the La Trobe
community and be a uni student for a day. Find out what really happens after secondary school
and attend workshops, seminars and lectures of your choice. This is a free event with lunch and
entertainment provided. When: 9 July (Bundoora); Register: www.latrobe.edu.au/experience.
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE NEWS –
GET A UniExperience AT MELBOURNE – Year 11 students from a rural and border regions,
those who are first in their family to consider tertiary study, and Indigenous Australian and Torres
Strait Islander students are invited to the P arkville campus on 9 -10 July. UniExperience
gives students the opportunity to experience university life first-hand. The two-day program
offers a range of sessions covering all aspects of tertiary study including on-site
accommodation in a residential college, campus tours, information about courses,
workshops covering transition to university, scholarships and study skills, and social activities and
the chance to meet current students. Cost: $100 covers accommodation and meals;
Applications: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au; places are limited – selection will be based
on your reasons for wanting to participate as outlined in your application. Info: Leah McGregor,
ph 8344 7508, leah.mcgregor@unimelb.edu.au.
HANDS ON ENGINEERING – Get hands on experience in activities and workshops to learn
about different fields of engineering. When: Thurs 2 July; Who: Year 10 students; Register:
www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/schools.
HANDS ON COMPUTING – Find out what computing and information systems study involves,a
nd pathways to careers. When: Tues 7 July; Register: www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/schools.
MELBOURNE RISES IN WORLD RANKINGS - The University of Melbourne remains the number
one university in Australia according to the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings
for 2015. The University has moved up two spots since 2014, and is now placed at 41 in the
world. The reputation rankings are based on the world’s largest invitation-only survey of
academic opinion, featuring more than 10,000 respondents from nearly 150 countries. See:
www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/
HAVE YOU SUBCRIBED TO ‘MY MELBOURNE’? ‘M y M elbourne’ is a monthly new sletter
for future students. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date with what’s happening at the University of
Melbourne and find out all about the opportunities available. Subscribe: https://
blogs.unimelb.edu.au/mymelb.
VCE LECTURES – The Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne is offering a series of
inspiring lectures and tutorials in three VCE subjects. Subjects on offer: 4 & 5 July – Literature,
11 & 12 July – Australian History, 11 & 12 July – History Revolutions. If you are seeking
excellence, see: http://arts.unimelb.edu.au/VCE
Page 11
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
English News
“Taming of the Shrew”
Workshop
Last Tuesday our Year 10 students
attended a workshop as part of their
studies of the text “Taming of the Shrew.
This is a one of Shakespeare’s popular
plays that we are studying in Year 10
Literature classes currently and comparing
to similar adaptations both film and stage
productions. As usual, the theatre group
provided an interesting perspective on the
play and it was thoroughly enjoyable,
informative and helpful for their studies.
Literature Circles BookFair
Thursday 18th June is the day we are
holding our annual bookfair for the
Literature Circles program which is run in
Year 7-9. To see which books your children
would like to read in this program, please
go to www.littlebookroom.com.au and click
on the Blackburn High Link to see the
latest titles and descriptions.It is advisable
to purchase online to ensure prompt
delivery on the 18th and 25th June.
ENGLISH CLUB 2015
English Club has recommenced in Term 2
for those students who need support in
English. It runs every Wednesday lunch
1.20–1.50pm in H2.
Page 12
Issue 01 6 February 2015
Youla Pantazopoulos
English Coordinator
Maths News
Steve Thomson
Maths Coordinator
STEM
Blackburn High School is running STEM. STEM stands for the Science, Technology,
Engineering and Maths competition. The program was developed in response to the
perception that too few young Australians viewed engineering and related technical fields
as a career path of choice. At Blackburn High School Ms Baron is spearheading the
project along with Mr Metheringham. Students from Years 7 to 9 have been invited to
participate in the F1 in schools competition. The patron is Formula1™ supremo Bernie
Ecclestone along with the Formula1™ teams who are co-patrons. It promises to be an
exciting challenge for the teams of students that have decided to become involved. It is
not too late to register your team with Ms Baron ASAP to gain poll position on the grid!
Education Week
The Maths Department ran the following activities as part of Education Week: Monday
18th May – The Blockorz Challenge, Tuesday 19 th May - Straw Tower Building, Thursday
1st August – The Rubik Cube Race and lastly Friday 2nd August - The Maths & Science
Race. Above and below are some of the photos from the week.
University of Melbourne Maths Competition
The University of Melbourne Maths Competition was held on the 6 th of May. Depending on
the age group this competition ran for either 2 or 3 hours; the mathematical equivalent of
a marathon. Students were challenged by complex worded problem solving questions.
The following students should be commended for entering the competition: (Year 7),
Mitchell Burfitt, Louise Hewitt, Shrita Sira, Shriya Sira,(Year 8), Ryan Hewitt, Cameron
Twidale, (Year 9), Sorena Behzadipour, Annika Lad,(Year 10), Joyce Cheng, Anisha
Dejvani, Manini Handa, Angel Liang, Cicy Wang, Maria Zhao and (Year 12), Jordan Ung.
They are to be wished every success with their results!
Page 13
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
International Cultural Tours
Nicole Taylor
Coordinator
2015 Tour – Germany & Switzerland - Departing June 19, 2015
This year‘s tour is a learning experience students will remember for the rest of their lives.
Students will explore some of Germany's historical and scenic treasures, see picturesque
landscapes, charming villages, centuries-old towns and enchanting palaces. Students will
explore the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, visit 2nd World War landmarks, marvel at the
beauty of the Black Forest, glimpse into the personal worlds of famous composers such as
Beethoven and Wagner, tour medieval villages and immerse themselves in their history, see
the iconic remains of the Berlin Wall and learn about its place in history. They will discover
for themselves some of the darker side of Germany’s involvement in the 2 nd World War, and
delight in the local traditions and culinary specialties of Germany – and much, much more.
Bi – Annual International Cultural Tours
Opportunities to explore a world of exciting learning.
Every two years Blackburn High School provides an opportunity for students to
explore either Germany or France where they can practise their language
skills, immerse themselves in the history and culture of these ancient lands,
indulge their senses in the wonderful worlds of music masters like Beethoven
and Wagner and study the renowned artists of these two countries. The tours are truly
experiential learning at its best. They are also an opportunity for personal growth through
the development of independence, responsibility, organisation, cooperation, sharing and
being part of the team. The tours aid the development of lifelong skills and attributes that
will guide our students through their lives.
Pre-Payment Plans are available. P arents can set up an instalment payment plan
so that the cost of the trip is spread over the 18 months preceding departure.
2017 Tour – England and France
Plan now and start your own savings plan
In 2017 students will tour London, Bath and Paris. They will have the opportunity to
visit Windsor Castle, the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth and British Royalty for
centuries, listen to iconic Big Ben chime the time at the Houses of Parliament, visit
London Bridge and learn about its history, marvel at the view from the London Eye,
built over the famous River Thames and one of the biggest Ferris wheels in the world,
experience the colour and vitality of Broadway and see a stunning performance of Les
Miserables before travelling to Bath an ancient city steeped in history and culture.
Students will learn about the Romans, Edwardians, Georgians and Victorians in just
one city.
After exploring London and Bath students will travel across the English Channel to savour
the delights of Paris - one of the most famous cities in the world. They will enjoy the
bird’s eye view from the world’s most recognizable structure, the Eiffel Tour, cruise the
river Seine to take in the history and culture that abounds, journey to the UNESCO listed,
visit the lavish palace of Versailles and stroll through the exquisite artistry of the palace
gardens planted in 1661 by King Louis X1V and finish the tour with loads of fun at Disney
Land, Paris. This is just a taste of the many attractions and experiences students will
enjoy on this fabulous journey.
Page 14
Issue 07—22nd May 2015
School Council News
School Council met on 20 May. Here is a summary of what was discussed:

Rob Vague was co-opted to School Council to fill a Community member vacancy. Rob
is a parent of the School, and can contribute to Council from his extensive career
experience in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Received reports from the various sub-committees. There are new Convenors for 3 of
the sub-committees. All are parents within the School, and I would like to publically
thank them for their commitment to improving the Blackburn High School community
through their dedication and work. Education & Policy: Tanya Burton, Facilities: Jim
Rushby, Publicity & Promotion: Marija Crnjac-Burborough, and thanks to Geoff Hugo
for once again volunteering to take on the role of Treasurer, and convene the Finance
Sub-Committee.

Reviewed and endorsed the following policies: Purchasing Policy, Equal Opportunity
Policy, Anti-Harassment Policy and EFTPOS Policy.

Discussed current Facilities and future requirements due to continued growth in
student numbers.

Reported on Open Night, which was very successful, with large numbers in
attendance, and a very positive atmosphere.

Received a report from Chaplaincy

Received a report from Jane Richards on her international trip to China. The trip was
highly successful, forging important global links for the School.

Approved the next Working bee date as Sunday 16 August 9.30am – 12.30pm
Carolyn Nette
School Council President
Chaplaincy Program
Kate Steel
Chaplain
Second Hand Uniform Shop
A reminder that the second hand uniform shop is open every Tuesday morning from
8:15—8:45am.
If you would like to donate uniform items you can leave them at reception or your
child’s house office at any time.
At the moment we are in need of Sports Track Pants, Rugby Jumpers, School Ties,
and Long-Sleeve White Shirts.
Thank you to all who have already donated uniform. It is greatly appreciated.
Remember: Donations of uniform not only give families the opportunity to buy items
at a reduced cost, money raised by the sale of uniform and text books throughout the
year is available for student needs and welfare.
"Chaplaincy at BHS is partially supported by the Federal Government's National School Chaplaincy and
Student Welfare Program".
Page 15
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015
School Calendar - June 2015
Sunday
7
Monday
8
Tuesday
Wednesday
9
10
15
21
22
Saturday
12
13
Year 12 Formal
Victorian Schools Music Festival Strings—Strings
Year 10 Work Experience
16
Start of
Semester 2
11
Friday
GAT Exams
Queens
Birthday
Holiday
14
Thursday
17
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
2:05pm-4:30pm
Night of the Notables
23
We are looking for: Local families to host International Students
from overseas who will be studying at Blackburn High School from Years 10—12.
Homestay families are paid approximately $270- $280 per week. You must be
English-speaking, willing to help the student(s) adjust to life in Australia and help
improve their English through a variety of means. Please contact the International
Students’ Program Coordinator Isabel Zhou on 8804 6464 if you would to have any
further information please email: zhou.isabel.y@edumail.vic.gov.au
Have you lost your phone or spectacles?
Please check at the front office as we have a lovely selection to choose from.
Page 16
Issue 8 - 5th June 2015