YEAR 9 BoYS - Gloucester High School

GLOUCESTER
HIGH SCHOOL
Quality education in a caring, innovative environment.
School Calendar 2014
TERM 1
NEWSLETTER 21 March 2014
Thursday 27 March
Year 7 SRC Speeches
P&C Meeting 7:30pm School Library
Welcome Year 7 Social
Monday 31 March to Friday 11 April
Year 10 Work Experience
Thursday 3 April
Vaccination Day - All Year 7 & Year 9 Boys
Friday 4 April
Gloucester Show
Monday 7 April
Parent / Teacher evening (Years 7/8/9)
3:30-6:30pm
Thursday 10 April
ANZAC Day Ceremony
Friday 11 April
Last Day of Term 1
TERM 2
Monday 28 April
Staff Development Day
Wednesday 30 April
Athletics Carnival
Friday 2 May
Duke of Ed Bronze Walk
Monday 5 May
Lunar Park - Year 8
Red Shield Appeal Assembly
Thursday 8 May
Shakespeare Festival Year10-12
Monday 12 May
Parent Teacher Evening Year 10-12
3:30-6:30pm
CANTEEN
Phone 65589963
Monday 24 March
Elona
Tuesday 25 March
Sue Hoppe
Wednesday 26 March
Jennie Smith
Thursday 27 March
Kylie Johnston
Friday 28 March
Elona
Monday 31 March
Elona
Tuesday 1 April
No Volunteer
Wednesday 2 April
Reena Skelton
Thursday 3 April
Alison
Friday 4 April
Great Teaching, Inspired Learning
Mrs Louise Harris moves through the
room like the expert she is. Giving
instructions to one group of students,
demonstrating a cooking technique to
another, while all the time keeping an
eye on the safety and wellbeing of all
students under her care. Coordinating
the efforts of an entire class of students
in a bustling kitchen endeavouring to
complete a complex recipe during a
single period is a sight to behold. Poetry
in motion!
Louise enjoys coming to school because
of the “beautiful bunch of students”
we have here at Gloucester High. She
loves the variety in what she does, and
sees her role as one of building trust
with students and watching their skills
develop throughout the years. Students
Olivia Gray, Mason Parker and Jack
Davis all love food and its preparation.
And they also appreciate the care and
expertise shown by Mrs Harris. Mason
is impressed with the fact he’s learned
how to segment an orange. Olivia
can now fan a strawberry. And Jack is
impressed with his capacity to “plate
up” – all skills taught by Mrs Harris. All
the students appreciate Mrs Harris’
capacity to give them lots of great ideas,
her infinite patience, her desire to help
every individual and the fact that she’s
“obviously a good cook!”
Great Teaching – Inspired Learning!
Care Achievement Respect Effort Responsibilty
129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422 / P 02 6558 1605 / F 02 6558 1229
www.gloucester-h.schools.nsw.edu.au / gloucester-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Principal’s Report
What an interesting start to the week! The power outage certainly lasted longer than any of
us expected! Little did we realise that, not only had our electric phone system been rendered
useless, but also the mobile phone network. The other complication, of course, was that the
Year 7 camp was ready to go and we had no idea if the Great Aussie Bush Camp was operational
either! The good news is that the school now has a standby non-electric phone in case we have
a similar set of circumstances in future. Thanks to the patience of all parents and to Kerry Cowan
for her great communication with the school. An unfortunate result of the outage was that a
great deal of perishable food from the canteen had to be thrown out. Our thoughts have been
with Canteen Manager Mandy Nelson in what was a trying day.
You will notice a new section in the GHS Newsletter entitled Great Teaching, Inspired Learning. You will also notice
that this section takes pride of place on the front page of the Newsletter – and for very good reason. Last year, parent
feedback indicated that it would be interesting to see the types of things that were happening within classrooms
across the school. While articles about special events and programs are important, parents thought that seeing
teachers engaging in our Core Business of Teaching and Learning, and hearing the responses of students to this is really
what we’re all here for. So from now on, the front page will be devoted to the Great Teaching and Inspired Learning
that happens across faculties at Gloucester High School. Kicking us off this time will be Mrs Louise Harris and her
enthusiastic Year 9 Food Technology class. I hope you enjoy this edition of the newsletter.
Mr Pat Cavanagh
CAREERS NEWS
White Card
Eighteen Year 10 and 11 students have successfully fulfilled the requirements and received a WH&S White Card. The
course was conducted during the full school day in Room 15 on Wednesday 12 March. The White Card will allow these
students to legally work on a building site and fulfil compulsory requirements for Vet subjects and/or Work Experience.
This Statement of Attainment is nationally recognised and will also allow these students access onto construction sites
for work related activities. The Statement of Attainment remains valid as long as the holder enters a building site at least
every three years. Congratulations to these students and their success.
Work Experience
Year 10 Work Experience will be conducted during Weeks 10 – 11 this term (31 March–11 April). If students have not
secured a position, it is imperative that they do so immediately. The Gloucester community has historically been and
remains very supportive of the Work Experience program. It’s just a matter of getting out there and presenting yourself
to businesses and organisations. It is important to remember that employers and parents alike will need to complete The
Student Placement Record forms before students are legally able to commence work.
Work Experience is an extremely beneficial exercise for young people and will provide many students with the only
employment experience they possess. All students are encouraged to work hard, follow instructions, ask questions and
make the most of their time. Basically, the more they ‘put-in’ the more they’ll ‘get-out’. Work Experience will further
assist students when creating their resumes and provide them with the awareness necessary for a successful job
interview.
Students will need to ensure that their employer/s complete the evaluation in the Work Experience Handbook. Again
these evaluations will provide the opportunity for students to reflect on the work they have done.
Good luck and enjoy this opportunity.
Michael De Angelis
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
Year 11 Biology Excursion
On Tuesday the 18 March, a group of delightful, energetic and sophisticated Year 11 students took part in an
enlightening day out at Crowdy Head rock pools. Departing at 9:07 am the group was ecstatic at the prospect of a day
out.
After loading up the last couple of excited children in Nabiac, the bus joined all the other Tuesday drivers on the Pacific
Motorway, for these kids, life was officially a highway… for 20 minutes at least. The first stop was Cattai wetland, as
the group found out a popular hangout of the local mosquito community. The overwhelming awe inspiring beauty
of the Wetland, which caused many young photographers to show off their Instagram skills, getting the best angle of
the Lily pads, was rudely interrupted by the ever present, ever biting mosquito population. After a mad rush back to
reach the safe haven of the little white bus, the group hit the road again, but they were wrong, the bus was not in fact
a safe haven and the bus turned into a warzone, student vs mozzie and after what seemed like an eternity of swatting,
spraying, slapping and screaming the mozzies were vanquished! A short stop at Harrington Light House lent itself to
more group photos.
After a short drive we reached our final destination, the rock pools. A scenic group of rock pools, with patterned rock
formations, with a sea spray on their faces and the sea breeze at their backs, the group didn’t want to leave. After a
bit of adventurous rock climbing, enlightening talks on zonation, the discovery of different types of crabs, snails, shells,
bright anemones and fish and some skilful photography on behalf of the students, the group, with heavy hearts, were
herded onto the bus and forced to leave.
Spirits lifted at the thought of McDonalds, but after at least seven conversations which consisted of “Can we go to
Maccas Miss?” which received the reply of “NO” and when asked why not, the only reason given was “Because no”. But
a meal from the local cafes and fish and chip shops at Harrington proved to to be adequate, with a much better view!
Great day had by all. Thank you
Ethan Hamilton
SCHOOL PHOTOS
School Photos are Term 2 Week 5, Monday 19 May. Full school uniform must be worn. Forms will be sent home early
next term.
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
GLOUCESTER HIGH GETS INTO
THE SPIRIT
On Tuesday 11 March, Gloucester High School students
and staff got to dress up in their House colours, from reds
(Tibbuc) and blues (Belbora) to greens (Mograni) and
yellows (Kurracar), the school was awash in technicolour
for Spirit Day.
Spirit Day was the brainchild of ex-school captain Emily
Hamilton. It was born out of a feeling that House spirit
was a little less than many thought it should be. So, Spirit
Day was conceived to promote teamwork and pride
in one’s House. The day itself includes a range of fun
activities from handball and tug-of-war to theatresports
and scavenger hunts. Last year, motivational speaker
Sam Cawthorne entertained students with his moving
and inspirational story. This year, we started off the day
listening to respected musician Matt Zarb, who was
absolutely spectacular. He gave us the inspiration to
achieve our dreams, no matter what anyone says. And the
music was excellent, too!
After being moved from the hall to the main quadrangle,
all Years were dispersed into to their House team to
practice their war cries. From the beating of drums, the
stamping of feet, the yells and cries could be heard from
far away. Parading in front of the teachers and students
their different war cries and fancy dress, the students
filled the quadrangle with cheer and joy and lots of noise!
Scattering into their different groups, the students
decided to show how much spirit they had in a variety of
activities, from Cup Cake Decoration and Party Games to
Angry Nerds and the Construction Challenges, and many
more fun things to do.
At lunch, the S.R.C provided a sausage sizzle and face
painting for the students. Then the students and teachers
moved down onto the oval to join in the tug-of-war
and obstacle races. Even our Principal got in on the act,
putting his head in the stocks at the mercy of students
in the sponge throwing. Fortunately for him (and the
students!), nobody managed to hit ‘the mark’.
Much thanks to Tom Redman and
Ryan Hennessey for running the
barbecue and to Rose Windred,
Hannah Feeney, Ms Grey and
Nathaniel Tanare for taking photos
and video on the day. It really was
a great day!
Maddison Eveleigh
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
ART EXPRESS
Friday 28 March, Stage 5 and 6 Visual Art and Photographic Digital Media will be travelling to Sydney to Art Express.
Art Express is an annual series of exhibitions of exemplary artworks created by New South Wales Visual Arts students
for the Higher School Certificate examination. We will be doing ‘self guided study tours’ and we will be visiting three
different galleries, The White Rabbit Gallery which is a contemporary Chinese art gallery, The Museum of Contemporary
Art and The Art Gallery of NSW. The students really like visiting these galleries because of the diversity of the art they
experience. The cost of the excursion is $35. Permission note and money must be returned to the office by Friday 21
March 2014. Students must wear full school uniform, bring a pencil, their art book, money for breakfast, lunch & dinner
or alternately bring your own food and drink. We will be departing school on Friday 28 March at 6am and returning at
approximately 8pm. If you need to contact us on the day please phone 0428 589 294. Please click on the link if your
require a permission note. http://www.gloucester-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/calendar
Year 9 Sydney Excursion 2014
Year 9 Sydney Excursion has been planned for Term 3 Week 2, Tuesday 22 July to Friday 25 July 2014.
We encourage all students in Year 9 to come with us to see and enjoy the highlights of Sydney. The activities will cover all
subject areas (KLS’s) plus learning responsibility, cooperation, tolerance and learn about Sydney and its history.
The final cost of the excursion is still to be finalised but we are trying to keep the cost down, around $497, less if we get
most students going.
Thank you to the students that have paid their deposit. The balance can be paid over a payment plan of the time left.
This guide may help. $100 Friday 21 March 2014
$100 Friday 11 April 2014
$100 Friday 9 May 2014
$100 Friday 23 May 2014
Balance of $47 by Friday 6 June 2014
I’m looking forward to taking this great group of students on such a worthwhile excursion. If you have any inquiries
about the excursion or payments, please contact me on 65581605. More information will come your way, as soon as I
receive it I’ll pass it on to you. Thank you and cheers
Mr Lyle McLucas
Australian Mathematics Competition
All students from all years are encouraged to enter this competition which will be held later this year, but students need
to enter now. All participants receive a certificate which can be added to their portfolio for future employers to see.
Cost $5.50. Please put your name down and pay at the Front Office.
Mr Philip Dowle
YEAR 7 WELCOME DISCO
We will be holding a Welcome Year 7 Disney theme disco on Thursday 27 March in our school hall from 7pm to 10pm.
Entry $4. SRC will be selling drinks and snacks. There will be prizes for best dressed. Ticket will be on sale Monday 24
March to Thursday 27 March at lunch time in the quad.
SRC
BREAKFAST CLUB
Breakfast club is in the hall on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30am untill 9am. Come for a hot milo,
cheese on toast, fresh platters of fruit and lots of other breakfast items. All students are welcome.
Miss Chloe Walker
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study
A number of Year 9 classes from Gloucester High School have been selected to take part in the Trends in International
Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) – Field Trial. TIMMS is an important educational research project investigating
student achievement in Mathematics and Science. More than 60 countries, including Australia, are participating in this
study. TIMMS is an important activity to keep us, as parents and citizens, informed about how our students in Australia
are performing in comparison to their peers in other countries and to compare programs of study and teaching
practices. We will be able to obtain current national and international information which will help improve the teaching
and learning of Mathematics and Science in our country.
Selected students will do an assessment in Mathematics and Science on Monday 24 March and complete a
questionnaire about their experiences at home and school. There is no need for students to study specifically for the
assessment as it will not affect individual students’ grades or progress in school.
All data will be kept strictly confidential and no individual student or school will be identified in published data or
reports.
Parents are directed to contact the TIMMS Hotline on 1800 220 411 if they have any concerns of questions regarding
the test.
Mr Pat Cavanagh
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Thankyou to all the parents that have already booked interviews at our Year 7 to Year 9 Parent Teacher evening.
The Parent/Teacher interviews are an opportunity for you to evaluate your student's progress and to plan for future
improvements. We encourage the students to attend the interviews and play an active part in the meeting. However
we are aware that some teachers are fully booked. If you require a longer interview or a different time proceed with
the booking by scrolling to the bottom of the booking page and selecting the icon with the teacher’s name. This will
email the teacher and the teacher will contact you for an alternative booking.
Year 7-9 Parent Teacher Interviews are Monday 7 April 2014 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Year 10-12 Parent Teacher Interviews are Monday 12 May from 3:30pm to 6:30pm
Bookings are now open for student's from Year 7-9 and will close Monday 7 April at 3:00pm.
Bookings for Year 10 -12 Parent Interviews will be open from Saturday 12 April and close Monday 12 May at 3:30pm.
To book your interview with your childs teachers please click on the link below. http://sobs.com.au/pt/parent.php
If you have difficulities booking your interview please call the school office on 65581605.
Wingham Beef Week
Money and notes must be handed in by next Friday 4 April 2014. Please note Year 10 must have the money and notes
in before they go on Work Experience at the end of Week 9. We can arrange payment plans and encourage you to
come up to the school and discuss any issues.
The value of this experience is huge for all Agriculture students and is a great bonding experience for our Ag team. We
hope that we can be as successful as last year. Our level of success will be measured by student involvement and skill
development not just on the number of ribbons we win. Please contact the school on 65581605 if you have any issues
or concerns. Mrs Nicole Dwyer
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
vaccinations DAy Thursday 3 April
All forms need to be returned to the office by Thursday 27 March 2014.
What do you need to do?
• Complete the Vaccination form and return it to the office by Year 7 Parent Information Kit
• Read the information included in the Kit (translated copies are available on the website below)
• ENSURE FORM IS COMPLETED CORRECTLY, AND SIGNED
• Make sure you tick which vaccines your child requires
Tick the coloured boxes on the front of the consent form for each vaccine/s you would like your child to receive. eg. if
you want your child to receive all three vaccines, tick all three boxes.
• ensure your child has eaten breakfast the morning of the clinic
• ensure your child is wearing clothing that enables the upper arm to be exposed
• Complete consent forms in blue or black pen only
Ask your child for the record of vaccination when they arrive home on the day of the clinic – keep this record in a safe
place (eg. babys’ blue book), ideally notify your GP for their records.
What if your child misses a vaccine?
You won’t need to do anything, every effort will be made to catch-up missed vaccines at other clinics at your child’s
school during the year.
More questions?
Please contact Hunter New England Local Health District, Immunisation Unit on 49246477 or visit
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx
Year 8 Students - Please Note
Any student who did not complete their full course of HPV vaccine from last year can still be completed while they are in
Year 8. The nurses have all consent forms for these students who missed doses of HPV last year, they will ask that these
students be sent to the clinics for catch-ups on the day.
Year 9 Boys
This will be the last year that Year 9 males are offered HPV vaccine as part of the national ‘catch up’ program.
All detail are available at: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/Immunisation/school_prog/index.asp
Dropping Students At school
It has been observed that several parents are still dropping students off in the staff carpark. The school policy is that
students are not allowed in staff car parking areas at any time for safety reasons. To reduce the risk to students we do
maintain that rule vigilantly as we do not want a staff member backing over a student.
Can we please ask that parents refrain from using these areas as a drop-off. Please use the street parking availabe
parrell to the tennis courts. If you have any problems with this please contact the school to discuss your issues and we
can aim for future improvements.
Thanks for your understanding with regards to carpark safety and keeping our kids safe.
Mr Mik Wisely
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
Senior Boys Soccer v Scone
Last Thursday 13 March, the Senior Boys
team played their first round knockout
match against Scone High School. The
game started very well for Gloucester
with our midfield well in control allowing
Sebastian Munro to get away a great shot
from 25m to score the first goal. From
then it was Scone’s turn to put pressure
on our defence with some skilful dribbling
through the midfield and long through
balls resulting in two goals. Ryan Yates
scored the next for Gloucester again
from long range after some good passing
from Coen Durbidge and D’arcy Tuckwell.
However Scone’s lead was restored soon
after when the defence did not clear another through ball. For the first twenty minutes of the second half Gloucester
regained control of the midfield with Tom Redman, Callan Radford, Eli Cossar, Jalil Virzi Hartigan and Sebastian Munro
combining very well to prevent Scone from attacking and setting up opportunities for themselves. Callan scored another
goal from distance, Ryan chased down a good through ball for his second and Sebastian also got a second from a well
taken long range free kick. The effort of all the players was very impressive and they can be proud of the teamwork they
showed. They will need all of this and more in the next game against Tomaree.
Final Score: Gloucester 5 ( Sebastian Munro 2, Ryan Yates 2, Callan Radford) d Scone 3
Thank you to Anthony Hughes for helping with transport and Nick Clarke for helping with the setting up and taking
down of the nets.
Mr Greg Leighton
OPEN GIRLS NETBALL KNOCKOUT
The Open Girls Netball team travelled to
Taree on Tuesday 11 March to compete in the
knockout round against four other schools.
The team consisted of Sophie Kingston, Sarah
Moore, Alex Steadman, Hannah West, Jaimi
White, Bronte Davis, Laura Bignell, Jamie-Lee
Bird, Lauren Cameron and Sandi Thompson.
The girls faced tough matches in the first
and last rounds against Great Lakes College
and Taree High. The second and third rounds
against Chatham and Wingham were both
close games with the girls narrowly missing
out by five goals against Chatham and three
goals against Wingham. Regardless of the
scores, our Gloucester girls displayed great
sportsmanship, teamwork and determination that rivalled all the other teams. An umpire from Great Lakes commended
the girls on their sportsmanship and respect for the umpires’ decisions. Thank you to Mrs Betty Pearson for umpiring
and to Mrs White, Mrs Bignell, Mrs West and Mrs Steadman for providing transport on the day.
Mrs Toni Stanton
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
Treatment of head lice
We have had a case of head lice at school, please check your childs hair.
Around 23 per cent of primary school children screened through the NSW Health Nitbusters program have head lice.
Head lice are a very common problem that most parents and teachers are more than familiar with. If your child has
head lice here are some treatment tips:
• Do not treat your child if their scalp is irritated or inflamed
• Always read the head lice product label and directions before you apply it to your child's head. Products can be
found in local chemists
• Apply the head lice product to every strand of your child's hair and work through, leave for 20 minutes, and comb
out with a good quality lice comb
• Check your child's head and if dead lice are found, the product has worked. However make sure you re-treat your
child's head in seven days to catch nymphs that have emerged from unhatched eggs
• Reduce the risk of your child catching head lice by tying their hair back or braiding it.
For more information visit: www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/environment/headlice/treatment.asp
NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge 2014
The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to
experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read
more widely
•
Books read from 1 September 2013 to 1 September 2014 can count towards the Challenge.
•
A condition of entry is that students will receive PRC certificates and appear on the PRC Honour Roll.
•
Students must complete a set amount of reading to meet the Challenge: at least 15 PRC books (listed online) and no more than 5 personal choice books.
•
All Student Reading Records are submitted online using the student’s own username and password.
•
To successfully complete the Challenge students must have their online reading record entered and validated by 1 September, 2014.
•
A reading log can be used to keep a personal ongoing record of books read
•
Students who complete the challenge for four years (do not have to be consecutive) receive a gold certificate.
•
GHS Library has 448 titles that appear on the PRC Reading List!
•
Students in Years 7, 8 & 9 can register online NOW!
Year 12 Half Yearly Examination
Year 12 will start their Half Yearly examination on Thursday 3 April. There will be a catch up day for students that have
missed an examination due to illness or medical appointment on Friday 11 April 2014. Please check our school website
for the Examination Timetable at www.gloucester-h.school.com.au
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
it was an experience that conquered many of your fears!
Thank you to our wonderful teachers - Ms Corbett, Mrs Hogan, Mr Davis and Mrs Davis for an awesome excursion! We
had the best time and have made many memories that we will never forget.
From the Year 7 Students
On Monday 17 March, Year 7 travelled to Tea Gardens to participate in the Great Aussie Bush Camp. We took part in
many activities that extended our comfort zone, such as the giant swing, leap of faith, abseiling and the team challenge.
Students also got the opportunity to take part in other activities such as raft building, commando, lost island, kayaking
and county fair.
We came home exhausted from the three day trip. Everyone had an excellent time and won’t soon forget the
experience and the new friends we made.
James McLeod and Azren Snow
Monday 17 March we travelled to the Great Aussie Bush Camp where we participated in lots of events. Some of the
events I enjoyed most were, the giant swing, leap of faith, abseiling and the team challenge. Other activities were on
the water such as raft building, kayaking and the Lost Island. The rest of the activities consisted of archery, commando
and the county fair. Everyone had a great time and we will all remember the great experience and memories
Paula Edwards
Aussie Bush Camp was a fantastic experience, we all had a very good time and the instructors made sure that we were
pushed to our greatest limits. Our campsite was awesome, it had logs that we sat on that were surrounding a campfire.
Our tents were made up of six bunks, where we all got at least a bed to sleep in and a bed to put our bags on.
The activites were brilliant, they were instructed by either Lauren (Super Woman), Ben G. Money and Travis. They
were all great! There were activities that included heights such as the giant swing, the team challenge, leap of faith or
abseiling . There were activities that were on the water such as kayaking or raft building and there were activities that
were in a lot of mud such as the lost island. They were all perfect as well as exhausting.
Aussie Bush Camp all up was an experience that many of us will never forget and that it was an experience that
conquered many of your fears.
Kyra Edstein
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
NEW LIBRARY BOOKS
PICTURE BOOKS
Into the Forest by Anthony Brown: One night a boy is woken by a terrible sound. A storm is breaking,
lightning flashing across the sky. In the morning Dad is gone and Mum doesn’t seem to know when
he’ll be back. The next day Mum asks her son to take a cake to his sick grandma. “Don’t go into the
forest,” she warns. “Go the long way round.” But, for the first time, the boy chooses to take the path
into the forest, where he meets a variety of fairy tale characters and discovers the fate of his father.
Memorial by Gary Crewe (author)/Shaun Tan (illustrator): In 2014 the world will mark the 100th
anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Internationally acclaimed author, Gary Crew,
and multi-award-winning illustrator Shaun Tan have created a powerful picture book to help us
all remember. When the soldiers return in 1918, a memorial tree is planted...'Lest we forget'.
But generations later, what do those who pause in the shadows of the tree's immense branches
remember? A message we should never forget. Memorial serves as a reminder of the lessons to be
gained from the past and examines the significance of conservation, respect and remembrance.
The Island by Armin Greder: When the people of the Island discover a man and a tattered raft on
their beach, they are reluctant to take him in. He doesn't look like them. But they cannot send him
back to the sea where he will surely perish. Instead, they put him aside but even that doesn't solve
their problem. The Island is a powerful picture book about refugees, xenophobia, multiculturalism,
social politics and human rights.
SHORT STORIES
Coraline & Other Stories by Neil Gaiman (author) and Dave McKean (illustrator): When Coraline
explores her new home, she steps through a door and into another house just like her own -- except
that things aren't quite as they seem. There's another mother and another father in this house and
they want Coraline to stay with them and be their little girl. Coraline must use all of her wits and
every ounce of courage in order to save herself and return home ... but will she escape and will life
ever be the same again?
FICTION (illustrated)
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: Orphan, clock keeper, thief: Hugo lives in the
walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. Combining
elements of picture book, graphic novel, and film, Caldecott Honor artist Selznick breaks open the
novel form to create an entirely new reading experience in this intricate, tender and spellbinding
mystery.
FICTION: Books by JOHN GREEN, a New York Times bestselling author who has received numerous
awards. John Green lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Fault in our Stars: Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years,
Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a
gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's
story is about to be completely rewritten
An Abundance of Katherines: When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type is girls named
Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen
times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has
ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy
- loving best friend riding shotgun -- but no Katherines.
Looking for Alaska: "If people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane." Miles Halter's whole
life has been one big non-event, until he meets Alaska Young. Gorgeous, clever and undoubtedly
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
NEW LIBRARY BOOKS
Looking for Alaska: "If people were rain, I was drizzle and she was a hurricane." Miles Halter's whole
life has been one big non-event, until he meets Alaska Young. Gorgeous, clever and undoubtedly
screwed-up, Alaska draws Miles into her reckless world and irrevocably steals his heart. For Miles,
nothing can ever be the same again. Looking for Alaska brilliantly captures the exquisite painful joy of
living and loving. Poignant, funny, heartbreaking and compelling, this novel will stay with you forever.
Paper Towns: Quentin Jacobsen (Q to his friends) is eighteen and has always loved the edgy Margo
Roth Spiegelman. As children‚ they'd discovered a dead body together. Now at high school‚ Q's nerdy
while Margo is uber-cool. One night‚ Q is basking in the predictable boringness of his life when Margo‚
dressed as a ninja‚ persuades him to partake in several hours of mayhem. Then she vanishes. While
her family shrugs off this latest disappearance‚ Q follows Margo's string of elaborate clues -- including
a poem about death.
FICTION: Books by FIONA PALMER, bestselling rural author of books set in outback Western Australia.
Small communities, farming, great Aussie characters and Mother Nature.
Heart of Gold: CJ Wishart is a hardworking country girl with a heart of gold but a life that can be
tough. Her job as a wool classer is back-breaking, her family life is a disaster and, after a string of
dating debacles, she's put men in the too-hard basket. When strong, handsome Lindsay arrives on the
scene as their new shearer, CJ can't help but take notice. They have an undeniable spark, but can she
handle the complications and potential heartbreak of falling in love? Set in the colourful world of the
shearing sheds, this is a lively and uniquely Australian story of love overcoming adversity.
The Family Farm: Isabelle Simpson longs to take over the family farm, but her ailing father won't give
her a chance. The stand-off between them threatens to tear the family apart. Handsome neighbour
Will Timmins holds the secret to building bridges between them, if Izzy can forgive him his past. Izzy is
forced to make a tough decision -- sacrifice an exciting new romance or relinquish her lifelong dream.
But then, unexpected tragedy befalls the farm, and Izzy is thrown the greatest challenge of all. As she
gathers with family and friends by the shade of the gum-tree tavern, confessions are made, long-held
secrets are revealed and hearts are set free.
The Road Home: When your life is at a crossroads, how do you find the road home?
Lara Turner has a boyfriend, a nice house in the city and a chance at a big promotion. So when her
brother calls asking her to come home, she hesitates. Can she face the memories that inhabit the
beloved place of her childhood? And how does she feel with the news it's to be sold? Could she be the
answer to saving the family farm?
Junior Book Club 2014
Book Club is a fun way to encourage a love of reading, develop literacy skills and promote a sense of community in our
school. The great thing about a book club is that reading the same book allows for interesting conversations about the
text and helps create more excitement for the students. Students are introduced to a variety of stimulating books they
might not otherwise choose to read on their own.
The first JBC book for the year has been changed to British author Jonathan Stroud’s The Screaming Staircase. Ghosts
crowd the streets and houses of London. Anthony Lockwood, with his slightly grumpy deputy George, and his junior
field operative Lucy, make up Lockwood & Co, the small, shabby yet talented ghost-hunting agency. After a series of
calamitous investigations into the supernatural go awry, the team are desperate to prove themselves. Their opportunity
comes in the form of a terrifying ghost, the Red Duke. But little do they know what perils lie in store for them at the
haunted Bliss Hall . . .
[courtesy of Booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au]
The first Junior Book Club meeting will be held at lunchtime on Thursday 3 April in the Library.
Ms Lyndy Grey
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
THE NEW RULE
EVERY PARENT
NEEDS TO KNOW
BY CATHERINE GE
RHARDT
Have you ever heard yourself say to your children,
“Don’t talk to strangers?”
An honest person will likely admit that at some time in their
childhood, they were given this rule. In fact, many parents
will admit they continue to pass this rule onto their own
children. Yet, in the same breath, we might encourage our
children to talk to the supermarket cashier, the sales
person or the long lost relative. All of these people fit the
definition of a stranger, but for some unknown reason it is
okay for the child to talk to them. At best, this rule sends
mixed messages to our kids.
There is a strong shift away from the old rule of “never talk
to strangers” to “never go anywhere with anyone without
asking permission first”. A child who has been taught to
never talk to strangers may feel they have nowhere to go if
they find themselves lost in a shopping centre or other
public place.
As parents we need to emphasise who is a “stranger”.
Your definition and your child’s may be quite different.
Engage with your children to help them understand that a
stranger is simply someone whom they do not know. We do
not know if someone is good or bad just by looking at them.
Rather, we need to teach our children about “strangeness”.
Five ways to enforce the new rule:
1. Never go anywhere with anyone without asking
permission first
This is the new fundamental rule to keeping kids safe. This
rule must NEVER be broken. Regardless of if it is a school,
public or family function, work with your children to ensure
they always ask an adult for permission before going off
with ANYONE.
Classic “what if” scenarios are worth their weight in gold.
“You are at school and walking back to class after snack
when a man comes up to you and says he is looking for his
son’s class. He asks you to go with him to show him where
it is. Do you go?”
CLASSIC “WHAT IF”
SCENARIOS ARE
WORTH THEIR
WEIGHT IN GOLD.
Use tempting scenarios that are relevant to your child,
such as puppies or toys, and discuss safe options and
strategies in each case.
Issue 4 Page 10
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
the
magazine
2. Your personal alarm
Children have an innate sensitive personal alarm, which
we can teach them to use. This is their natural defence
system. Work with them to identify and recognise the
physical and environmental signals that cause their
alarm to sound. Knowing that a rush of adrenalin will
cause physiological changes in our bodies and activate
our personal alarm is a good start. A child’s personal
alarm will present the same physical and emotional
cues that an adult’s will.
3. Trust your instincts
Have you ever gotten “the creeps”? Maybe it’s the idea
of snakes, mice or heights that does it for your child.
Encourage them to draw on how it feels when they get
the creeps. Instincts are those feelings you get when
something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
Instincts are the physiological changes that happen to our
body when our personal alarm goes off.
Physiological changes include noticing that you feel
scared or nervous, your tummy feels upset and your
heart is racing. And you know what? Our personal alarm
is right 100% of the time.
4. Personal space vs. safety zone
Most kids understand the concept of personal space.
How many times have we heard, “Stop invading my
personal space!” Most people feel comfortable within an
arm’s length of others. However, do your kids recognise
their safety zone? Teach your child to be aware of their
surroundings. If a “strange” person is too close, suggest
they back away and maintain their safety zone. A safety
zone is much bigger than your personal space – at least
three giant steps bigger.
5. Safe places, safe people
There are times when a child must ask for help quickly
and instinctively. We already know that not all strangers
are bad, that most strangers will help a child who is lost
or upset. It is situations that are safe, not places. Talk
with your child and reinforce that he or she must
ALWAYS use his or her skills with ALL people, including
those presumed safe. Encourage your child to tell an
adult they trust when someone or something has frightened them.
As parents we need to empower our children with
self-confidence and trust in their ability to sense when
something is just not right. It doesn’t matter if they can
articulate it; they just have to feel it.
Catherine Gerhardt, Kidproof Melbourne
Kidproof provides proactive and preventative child
and family education programs. We work with
schools, community groups and other child centric
organisations. We provide peace of mind for parents
and create safer communities for everyone.
www.kidproofsafety.com.au
melbourne@kidproofsafety.com
1 300 577 663
www.parentingideas.com.au
Issue 4 Page 11
“Parentingideas Club is a new online parenting centre founded by Michael Grose. You can now get expert advice at
every stage of your child’s development. Become a member at www.parentingideasclub.com.au today and get ready
for more confident parenting and happier, more successful kids.”
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
PIX FROM THE STIX
It’s that time again, Pix from the Stix will be held July
2014.
Entry forms are now available at Gloucester Gallery
website http://www.gloucester-gallery.com.au/
downloads and https://www.facebook.com/#!/
PixFromTheStix
Mr Steele
16th Annual Shakespeare in Gloucester Festival
2014
T H E M E R C H A N T O F VPRODUCED
E N& PERFORMED
I C EBY
by William Shakespeare
BO
O
K
S TO O G E D
THEATRE
NO
W
!
TWO BIG SCHOOL DAYS
Thursday 8,
Friday 9 May 2014
$12 per Student
Info & Bookings
Gloucester High School
Tel: 6558 1605
Fax: 6558 1229
Contact: Scott Davis
scott.davis10@det.nsw.edu.au
or web site below
Show starts: 10.00 am,
Interval: 11.00 am
Act two: 11.10 am,
Break/Merchandise sales: 12.10 pm BBQ Lunch available
Q & A session with cast: 12.25 pm
All performances take place at
Gloucester Soldiers Club Auditorium (RSL)
BBQ lunch with cast: 12.30 pm
Denison St, Gloucester
www.shakespeareingloucester.com.au
R
ADIO
2RE
Shakespeare In Gloucester
We are starting up both a Juniors and Seniors mixed indoor hockey
competition. If you have some experience or would like to try something
new and are interested in playing this awesome fast paced sport, come
along to the Recreation Centre in Gloucester on Wednesday 19th March
and Wednesday 26th March at 6:30pm to register for this comp.
Equipment will also be available for those wishing to get involved. Come
along to find out what it’s all about. Hope to see you there.
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire
The 100th Annual Gloucester Show
SECTION 9
COOKING AND FOOD
JUNIOR SECTION
Steward:
Entry Fee:
First Prize:
Contact:
Entries:
Judging:
Sandy Tebbet, Mel Power
50c
$2.00 Second Prize: $1.00
Sandy Tebbet....6515 0510
in by 9am Friday 4 April
10am
4 to 8 Years
Most Successful Exhibitor - $10 Prize donated by Mrs J O Higgins
1)
Six Chocolate Crackles
3) Small 16cm decorated pizza (cooked)
2)
Vanilla Packet Cake 4) Chocolate Packet Cake (uniced)
decorated in Farm Theme
8 to 12 Years
Most Successful Exhibitor - $10 Prize donated by Mrs J R Higgins
5)
Cup Cakes, six decorated
7) Sweet Muffins, six
6)
Choc Chip Cookies
8)
Australian Flag made from Friut or Vegetables
20cm x 30cm
12 to 16 Years
Most Successful Exhibitor - $ 20 Prize Donated by Gloucester CWA Evening Branch
and Friends of Bakers Creek
9)
Banana Bread
11) Chocolate Caramel Slice
10)
Chocolate Mud Cake, Decorated12) 12) Mini Savoury Quiches, six
OPEN SECTION
Most Successful Exhibitor - $10 Prize Donated by Friends of Bakers Creek
13)
Decorated Eggs, four (hard boiled in shell)
14)
Decorated Fruit one piece
SPECIAL PRIZES donated by “The Vault on Queen” and “Leading Appliances”
****Special CupCake Decorating demonstrations held throughout the Show****
Gloucester Showgirl Competition
Miss Mini Showgirl (7 to 10 years) – a brief discussion about your favourite thing at the show and answer some general
knowledge questions.
Miss Junior Showgirl (11 to 14 years) – a brief discussion about an experience or memory of the show and answer some
general knowledge questions.
Miss Teenage Showgirl (15 to 17 years) – a brief discussion about what you would do at the show if you were president
and answer some general knowledge questions.
Entry forms available from: : Town & Country or www.gloucestershow.org.au
Contact : Kathy Sansom 65589050
0407456043
RSVP by 21March
Diverse educational programs that challenge and inspire students
Ticket will be on sale Monday 24 March to Thursday 27 March at lunch time in the quad!
SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT
Gloucester High School aims to develop a supportive learning environment that engages all students,
Teachers and community in the pursuit of excellence.
Principal
Deputy Principal Address:
Telephone: Email:
Mr Pat Cavanagh
Mr Mike King
129 Ravenshaw Street, Gloucester NSW 2422
6558 1605 Fax: 6558 1229
gloucester-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au