Newslink No. 18 26.11.2015 - Wanganui Park Secondary College

Wanganui Park Secondary College
26th November 2015
No.18
P.O. Box 4010
SHEPPARTON
3632
Principal:
Ken Murray
Assistant Principals:
Xavier Tanner
Gerry Vecchio
Nancy Harcourt
Telephone:
Excursion:
Website:
Email:
58209900
Absence: 58209977
58209988
Fax:
58209900
www.wanganuipsc.vic.edu.au
wanganui.park.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
By Shae Montgomery - Year 9 Continuing Photography student
REPORTING
We are into the busy end of the term with staff and students finalising assessments and end of semester
reports.
Year 11 students’ reports should be available by the end of this week (SMS will be sent to parents) and
their Course Confirmation Day is Monday 30th November.
Year 10 reports should be available 9th December (SMS will be sent to parents) with their Course
Confirmation Day on Friday 11th December.
CALENDAR
NOVEMBER
30th
Year 11 Course Confirmation
30th – 9th
Overland Track Bushwalk (Year 10 students)
DECEMBER
2nd
Junior Band breakup BBQ & concert – Theatrette 6pm
4th
Last day for Year 10 students
7th – 11th
Year 8 Adventure Camp - Anglesea
7th – 11th
Great Ocean Base Camp
8th
9th
Orientation Day for Grade 6 students – Year 7 2016 (no Year 7
classes)
Year 7 Basketball Tournament
10th
End of year activities commence (Year 7 – 9)
10th
Newslink
Canteen Roster
Monday Nov 30
Tuesday Dec 1
Wednesday Dec
2
Thursday Dec 3
Friday Dec 4
Katrina Ahmet
Tania Stuart
Pauline Diamond
Shirlie Baum
Kirrily Dainton
Pramila Santhakumar
Kelly Bagnato
LAST DAY YEAR 10
Monday Dec 7
Tuesday Dec 8
Carolyn Reeve
Tara Maxwell
Vicki Jorgensen
GRADE 6
ORIENTATION
DAY
Wednesday Dec
9
Thursday Dec 10
Friday Dec 11
XUNO PARENT PORTAL
The XUNO Parent Portal has been in place for all of 2015. Parents and students have been logging in
regularly and taking advantage of the easy way of keeping up to date with what is happening at school.
Recently we introduced the XUNO kiosk which sends parents a SMS when their child signs in late or
signs out early and we have received positive feedback from parents.
Next year we will transition SOS and Late work notices to the XUNO system so that parents will be
notified of these incidents through XUNO and via email rather than a letter home.
Have you logged in yet?
The Wanganui Parent Portal can be accessed at http://xuno.wanganuipsc.vic.edu.au
If you have misplaced or not received your username and password please contact the Main Office
either by phone on 58209900 or by email at wanganui.park.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au
JAPANESE STUDENTS IN URGENT NEED OF A HOST FAMILY
There are many Japanese exchange students, boys and girls aged 15, 16 or 17, who are hoping to be
placed with a family here in Victoria. They are part of a leadership group especially picked for their social
and academic qualities, so are really looking forward to being a member of a family. If you feel that you
and your family could be at all interested in hosting one of these students for three months, please
contact their coordinator, Klaus Schumann, on 03 9758 4279 to express your interest, or send me an
email (klaus.schumann@hotmail.com).
You would need to be able to afford to have the student you choose at meal times and provide them
with a bed, share room or own. There is no payment involved. It is hoped that the relationship you
develop with your new family member will be a lasting one. The student will be able to pay for school
books, subject levies, transport, entertainment, food when they’re out, and so on. They arrive beginning
of February and need placement before Christmas. Hope to hear from you.
Klaus Schumann
Southern Cross Japanese Exchange Student Coordinator
2nd HAND LOCKERS FOR SALE
The school will have several four door steel lockers for sale from December
16, at $40.00 each.
If you are interested please contact Taylah in the Main Office on 5829 9900
or via email wanganui.park.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au.
REMEMBRANCE DAY SCHOOL CEREMONY
At 11 am on 11th November, the school conducted a ceremony in commemoration of all those who have
given their lives in conflicts over the years. All students and teachers assembled in the front courtyard for
this ceremony. The presenters were Hamish Steer, Celina Johansson, Meg Nicholls, Max Diamond and
Brendan Macgill. The presentation took place beside the Lone Pine tree under which a set of ceramic
poppies were placed along with other paper poppies that had been made by students the day before. A
poem was read titled “In Flanders Fields”, the Last Post was played and a minute’s silence followed. All
students should be complimented on the manner in which they conducted themselves during the
ceremony. School Council would like to make this commemoration an annual event.
Meanwhile, Kaylie Carbis
(vice-captain) & Raj Parhaar
(captain) performed their first
duty as our 2016 leaders. They
attended the Remembrance
Day ceremony at the
Shepparton cenotaph on this
significant day
LATEST FROM THE LIBRARY
The holidays are approaching again – the perfect time to test drive a book that is part of a series! If you
enjoy it, you can borrow some others in the series to read during the holidays. I am looking forward to
reading (finally!!!) the final book in the Obernewtyn series, Isobelle Carmody has kept me waiting for
YEARS.
In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh and secretive. But
for Elspeth Gordie, born with enhanced mental abilities that would possibly see her
burned if discovered, it is also fraught with danger. There is only survival by secrecy,
and so she determines never to demonstrate her forbidden powers. But she comes to
the attention of the totalitarian Council that rules and controls the Land with sadistic
intentions and is sent to the remote mountain institute of Obernewtyn where escape is
impossible. Here she must throw off her safe cloak of concealment and pit herself
against those who would resurrect the terrible forces of the Apocalypse.
Only then will she learn most truly who and what she is...
Mitchell Grady is the new boy at Sandhurst School. Every year, the students compete
to be the school's Sporting Legend - the best out of eight sports. The first round is in
the surf at the school camp. Mitchell is good, but is he good enough? Travis Mace, the
school bully doesn't think so.
This series has a variety of characters that play a number of different sports –
something for nearly every sports lover.
Her dad's got the mentality of a Teletubby (only not so developed). Her cat, Angus, is
trying to eat the poodle next door. And her best friend thinks she looks like an alien –
just because she accidentally shaved off her eyebrows. Ergghhhlack. Still, add a little
boy-stalking, teacher-baiting, and full-frontal snogging with a Sex God, and Georgia's
year just might turn out to be the most fabbitty fab fab ever!
This book could cause you to laugh out loud.
When his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his
world turned upside down.
Within days he's gone from schoolboy to superspy. Forcibly recruited into MI6, Alex has to
take part in gruelling SAS training exercises; then, armed with his own special set of secret
gadgets, he's off on his first mission. But Alex soon finds himself in mortal danger. It looks
as if his first assignment may well be his last...
It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where
undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already
shaving. Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when
Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his
own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious
fashion.
Happy reading 
WHAT’S NEWS IN SCIENCE
Forensic Science
Guest Speaker Report by Brad Sullivan
Last Tuesday afternoon, a guest speaker from Victoria Police Crime Unit – Leading Senior Constable
Annie Clarke – visited our Forensic Science class to introduce some of the investigative concepts and
techniques used in the police force. She mentioned some of the different problems that many people had
with recording evidence, most of which involved trying to prevent contamination by ensuring that the
police officers themselves left no incriminating traces at the scene whilst investigating.
We were given the chance to observe a few different processes that could be used to reveal and collect
evidence from a crime scene, and one student was also given the chance to lift his own fingerprint from
a window (might need to practise that one a little more, Jak). As a whole, it was an enjoyable and
educational double period – a welcome break from note taking and a step into the career of a Forensic
Scientist.
I BELONG IN HEALTH AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
Ten students from Wanganui Park, along with representatives from the three other State schools in the
Shepparton Alliance, travelled to RMIT University in Bundoora. Here they were guests of SNAP- Schools
Network Access Program, a program designed to inspire and build tertiary engagement for secondary
students.
Students undertook 3 workshops: Nursing, Laboratory Medicine and Chinese Medicine. They had a taste
of what it would be like to be a university student studying one of these courses.
Thanks go to Mr Crosbie, WPSC Careers Advisor, for organising this opportunity. Perhaps some of the
students pictured below have now cemented their career aspirations.
DANCE SHOWCASE
On Tuesday 24th October, this semester’s Dance students took part in their special Dance Showcase
Assessment evening. We had lots of parents and friends who came and everyone did an amazing job.
The night featured Solo, Small Group & Whole Class performances plus a special item by Dance 3.
Congratulations to all of the students involved, it was a great night.
From Mrs. McGregor
MUSIC NEWS
2015 GEORGY AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated for the 2015 Georgy Awards.
Nominations for SPAMALOT
Connor McDonald ~ Best Junior Male Performance
Andy Burkitt ~ Best Junior Supporting Male Performance
Raj Parhaar ~ Best Junior Supporting Male Performance
Kaylie Carbis ~ Best Junior Supporting Female Performance
CONGRATULATIONS TO ANDY BURKITT WHO WON HIS CATEGORY.
Nominations for NOISES OFF
Steph Amadei ~ Best Performance in a Theatre Studies Play
Kaylie Carbis ~ Best Performance in a Theatre Studies Play
Jess Hawtin ~ Best Performance in a Theatre Studies Play
Connor McDonald ~ Best Performance In a Theatre Studies Play
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAYLIE CARBIS AND CONNOR MCDONALD WHO WERE JOINT WINNERS IN THIS
CATEGORY.
Also a big congratulations to the Theatre Studies class who put on NOISES OFF and won an unexpected
award at the Georgy Awards for 2015 JUNIOR ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD.
SPORT NEWS
KIA-ORA
On November 10th, a group of 29 students and 3 staff boarded a bus out the front of the school at 2 am
to begin their New Zealand adventure. The tour consisted of 3 netball teams and 3 tennis players and
we spent 10 days travelling the North Island of New Zealand playing different schools along the way. We
started in Auckland and played the rather exclusive St Kentigerns, then made our way up to Warkworth
to play Mahurangi College. We were billeted by this school for the night. Our next stop was Cambridge
High. After our games, most were billeted while a small group stayed in the Whare with Mrs Eddy, Ms
Trickey and Ms Fiddes. The weekend was spent enjoying Rotorua; a fascinating area with volcanic lakes,
thermal pools and geysers. Not to mention the luge rides, jet boat and sky swing! We travelled further
south to our ‘sister’ school, Wanganui High School, where some students were billeted while most
stayed in the Wanganui Girls High school boarders’ accommodation. The final days saw us heading to
Wellington with a stop off to play Kapati College and a final game at Upper Hut. The netball was fiercely
competitive, (well it is Aussie vs NZ) and we were able to win a number of the contests. The tennis was
also good value with a mixed set of results. Overall, it was a fantastic experience for the girls who
embraced every opportunity to meet new people, share the cultural opportunities and learn about team
work in a touring party. Wherever we went, there were compliments on the girls’ behaviour and
enthusiasm and we were very proud of all of the girls who were on the tour.
Cate Eddy, Janita Trickey and Elisha Fiddes
Year 7 Basketball Tournament –Wednesday 9th December
As part of the Year 7 PE program this year, your son/daughter will participate in a Year 7 Basketball
tournament on Wednesday 9th December. The venues for this activity will be the Shepparton Sports
Stadium and the VISY Centre at school. There will be no cost for your child as it is covered in the subject
levies. This activity/excursion will go all day with students back at school by 3.20 pm. A letter has been given
to the students with further information about the day on it. If you have any further questions contact your
child’s PE teacher.
ALCOHOL & TEENS
Research tells us clearly that teens and alcohol don’t mix. (In fact, medical studies routinely suggest that
humans and alcohol don’t mix!) One in ten teens have a regrettable sexual experience related to alcohol
consumption. One in five injures themselves while drunk. And the earlier our kids start drinking, the
greater the risk of alcohol problems throughout their lives.
Then there’s the issue of the way alcohol impacts on brain development
Given the dangers of alcohol, particularly for teenagers, and the regular news stories describing out-ofcontrol teens, it is a good news day when data points to reductions in teen drinking.
The Australian Secondary Students’ Alcohol and Drug Survey (ASSAD) highlighted that drinking among 1215 year-olds fell from 29% in 2002 to just 11% in 2011 (when asking about past-week consumption).
Among the slightly older group of 16-17 year-olds the numbers also fell sharply, from nearly one in two
(48%) to only one in three (33%) who had been drinking in the past week. (It’s worth pointing out that
while our alcohol consumption is dropping, so too are youth use of tobacco and illicit drugs on average.)
Recent research published in the scholarly journal Addiction shows that the trend is continuing and has
been found to be true in multiple areas. In this research, participants were asked if they had consumed
alcohol in the previous 12 months – The data told the following story:
– From 2001, overall alcohol abstinence for 14-17 year-olds increased from 32.9% to 50.2% in 2010.
– The pattern of alcohol abstinence improvements was consistent for both male and female respondents.
– While alcohol consumption increases as our teens get older, the numbers are improving each year. For
example, only 18% of 17 year-olds were abstaining in 2001, this had increased to 28.7% in 2010 – nearly
one in three.
– Young people who are students are more likely to abstain from alcohol (54.6%) than young people who
are working (26.1%).
– Young males are slightly more likely to abstain from alcohol than young females
If you are a concerned and engaged parent, here are my top tips to reduce the likelihood that your child
will make dumb decisions:
– Actually have that conversation with your teenagers. Tell them what your expectations are and provide
clear rationales for what you’re asking.
– Invite their perspective. See things through their eyes. Listen and understand. If they say, “I’m probably
going to drink”, find out why. Ask how much. Explore the idea with them. Find out who they’ll be with
and what those friends’ plans are.
– Problem solve together. If you don’t like what you’re hearing, invite dialogue and discussion. Work out
how you can both get what you want. Walk through scenarios. Make sure you are both on top of things.
– If you don’t feel good about where things are headed, make it known. Once your children are over 18
they will make up their own mind regardless of what you say. (And I meant 18 years, not 18 months…
although some parents struggle from then!). But use controlling
techniques as little as possible.
– Make sure that they absolutely know that they can call if they’re in
trouble and you will help them. You may not save them from all of the
consequences of foolish actions, but if they are in genuine need, you’ll be
there.
Kildonan Uniting Care would like to extend an invitation to Wanganui Park Secondary
College families to join them at Shepparton High School, Mondays, 3.30 – 4.45pm, for
regular weekly homework or English language support/help, during school terms.
For the next few weeks, we will be offering a simple ‘hands on’ introduction to
computer use, for students, and/or parents, and conversational English practice, for
those who would like to meet the staff and volunteers, and who would value the
opportunity to grow their English skills.
Any families (particularly those less than 5 years in Australia) who would like to access
this support are welcome to attend. Please contact Allison Schubert on 0438 247 529
or email her at aschubert@kildonan.org.au
Shepparton United Junior Football Pre Season Training
Shepparton United Football Netball Club wish to invite all current and future Under
14’s and Under 16’s players to our pre-season training sessions.
Pre Xmas training dates are as follows with all sessions held at Kialla Park Rec
Reserve:
 Wednesday December 2nd 4:30pm to 5:45pm
 Wednesday December 9th 4:30pm to 5:45pm
 Wednesday December 16th 4:30pm to 5:45pm
 Sunday December 20th, Xmas break up, time TBC
Registration forms will also be available at these sessions.
For any enquire please contact
Shepparton United Junior Coordinator
Dean Walton 0439 455 250
em.agedcare@raclimited.com.au
You’re invited to join the Junior Swans pre-season training
for U/14’s & 16’s with the opportunity of becoming a 2016
player.
Attending coaches – Brett Warburton
Jarrod Sutherland – Jika Ford
Friday, November 20th & 27th 2015
Friday, December 11th and 18th 2015
Princess Park Oval - 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Any queries: Wayne Steward
President SSJFC Phone: 0458 222 906