Community News June 2012 - James Meehan High School

Community
Newsletter
58 Harold Street,
Macquarie Fields, 2564
Phone 9605 4395, Fax 98293976
www.jamesmeeha-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
James Meehan
High welcomes
primary visitors
The Principal writes:
In memory of
Ms Dirgham
Earlier this term we were saddened and
shocked by the sudden death of Ms Dirgham.
The death of someone so young is always
hard, but the impact has been greater as Ms
Dirgham lived her life in Macquarie Fields
and had been a student here at James Meehan
High. Many staff here, including myself had
the pleasure of teaching her.
Many of the qualities that made Ms
Dirgham such an exemplary teacher were
evident in those years — talent in the creative
arts, her enthusiasm and love for learning and
for doing the best that she could, her loving
and caring nature and willingness to give her
time to help and support her peers and to be
involved in school programs and activities.
These qualities saw Ms Dirgham elected Vice
Captain of James Meehan High School in
2000.
Ms Dirgham used to tell me how proud
she was to have been a student here and the
difference that this school had made to her
life.
She was even prouder to have come back
here to teach and to gain her Teaching
Certificate at James Meehan High.
She had a passion to want to make a
Students and teachers
recently hosted a visit from
almost a hundred Year 5
and Year 6 students from
Guise and Curran primary
schools.
The visitors attended
lessons with our Year 7, 8
and 9 students to get a taste
of high school life.
As expected, James
Meehan students were
great hosts, making the
primary students welcome
in their classes and in the
playground.
The visit was the first in
a series designed to assist
primary school students in
their transition to high
school.
Other primary schools
will be participating in this
program as it continues
throughout the year.
Continued on page 2
James Meehan High School
1
April– June 2012
In memory of
Ms Dirgham
Continued from page 1
difference and give back to the school that she
said had given her so many opportunities.
That was why she took on roles like Year
Adviser – Years 10-12 in 2007-09 and Year 7
in 2012. She was involved in LEAPS, Peer
Support, PLS, X-tend. She supported every
school activity with great enthusiasm and
commitment.
Ms Dirgham was a talented artist and
photographer, she was a whizz at technology
and her dream, which she had started to
realise, was to have a totally digital
classroom. Her students would be well
prepared for the 21st century. She was creative
and innovative and was always looking at
ways to make her lessons new and exciting.
She could always be seen talking with other
staff and asking for their ideas on how to do
this. She also shared her skills and expertise
with staff.
She saw the potential in every student and
made sure that each person in her class and
year group felt special. She wanted students to
be proud of their achievements and shared
these with staff, students and families. She
constantly strove to make each student realise
their potential and would not give anything
but her best – and expected that from her
students in return. No matter how busy she
was she took the time to listen and give advice
and to provide students with support.
Ms Dirgham wanted her students to know
that where they live makes no difference. That
each one can, with a positive attitude and a
willingness to have a go and do your best,
have a bright future.
We will ensure as a staff that the
opportunities that she wanted her students
and year group to have and the programs that
she was involved with will continue and
grow. This will be our legacy to her.
We have received many suggestions for
what we could do to remember Ms Dirgham.
This will not happen until next term – we
want to involve the family in these decisions
as they have been so overwhelmed by the
support from the staff, past and present
students that she taught and people who went
to school with her – primary and high school.
The family knew she worked very hard for her
students but had no idea of how much she
was loved and respected. We will celebrate
her teaching life.
Biggest Morning Tea supports
cancer research
Our school support staff once again excelled themselves with a sumptuous
morning tea on May 25 in support of cancer research by the Cancer Council.
This is a highly popular fundraiser with teachers, and a total of $332.50 was
raised. Congratulations to all for another successful Biggest Morning Tea.
State-wide Science testing
ESSA Results 2011
Year 9 students who sat the pilot for the Essential Secondary Science
Assessment (ESSA) in November last year should find their report card mailed
with this newsletter. The ESSA multimedia online test assesses a variety of
outcomes from stage 4 or years 7&8 learning in Science. The report provides
valuable information for students, parents and teachers to plan learning programs
and activities so that students keep moving forwards in their science knowledge
and skills.
Congratulations to David Zhan for his outstanding performance in the test.
David Achieved at the highest level (level 6). Only 3% of students who sat the
test state-wide test demonstrated achievement at this level.
ESSA 2012
This year all students in year 8 will sit the state-wide ESSA online test on
Tuesday 13th November. Further details will be given closer to the test date.
If you have any questions please contact the school.
Mr Lally
ESSA Coordinator
It’s not OK to be away!
Ms Gail Taylor, Principal
James Meehan High School
2
April-June 2012
Leyla Bozkurt
attends UBS
Young
Women's
Leadership
Academy
JAMES Meehan High School student
Leyla Bozkurt did the Macarthur region
proud last month when she attended the
UBS Young Women’s Leadership
Academy in Sydney.
The Macquarie Fields resident was one
of 22 NSW students who attended the
academy between April 16 and 20 at the
Women’s College, Sydney University.
The year 11 student was recognised for
her aspiring leadership potential and joined
young women from schools across the
country.
The academy aims to inspire a new
generation of young women to pursue
leadership positions.
Ms Bozkurt said she enjoyed the
experience.
“I took a lot from the week and it
helped build up my confidence and
leadership skills,” she said.
Ms Bozkurt said she would put her
experience at the academy to good use by
working on a new anti-bullying program at
the school.
Volleyball success
We continue to enjoy great success in the area of volleyball on both an
individual and team level. Both the boys and girls teams are still alive in the
regional knockout competition with the girls having easily won their first two
games and the boys easily winning their first.
In their most recent game against Casula, the girls' played confidently to
dominate the match and come away with a two sets to zero victory. We all
wish the girls good luck in their next matches.
James Meehan were very well represented in the Hume Zone
representative teams with our students filling over 80% of the places on these
two teams. Both of these teams were also successful in winning their
respective regional championships.
On an individual level, we had Maria Autagavaia (above left) represent
our school in the Sydney South West girl’s team and from here, gain selection
in the NSW CHS volleyball team. Three of our boys went away on camp with
the Sydney South West volleyball team (Junior Lepou-Fiapito, Saulala
Masima and Zak Grant), with Junior (above right) gaining selection in the
NSW CHS squad.
Congratulations to all students and staff who are involved with volleyball
at JMHS and we look forward to enjoying more success in the later stages of
this year and in the future.
Sean Thompson
Saulala, Zak and Junior show the
power of their game in a recent
volleyball match.
Thank you to the Macarthur Chronicle for
this story and picture
James Meehan High School
3
April– June 2012
Samoan Independence Day
celebration
Fifty years of Samoan
independence was celebrated
on 5th June with a special
ceremony at James Meehan
High School.
Our Pacific Islander
Community Liaison Officer,
Mr Fou Atonio organised the
event with Ms Lefu and Ms
Markham.
The Deputy, Mr Flew and
Principal, Ms Taylor took the
roles of the King and Queen of
Samoa during a re-enactment
of the Independence ceremony.
Student speakers and
performers entertained the
audience of community
members.
The event was a time for
students to reflect with pride on
their cultural heritage.
The celebration concluded
with a wonderful lunch
provided by our Samoan
community.
James Meehan High School
4
April-June 2012
Premier’s
Debating
Challenge
After a tough start with losses to
Liverpool Boys High and Leumeah High
School, our Year 11-12 “Reds” team were
recently victorious in a debate at Liverpool
Boys High. Our students successfully
argued that Mathematics should not be a
compulsory HSC subject. Team members
were Alexia Fauvette-Brown, Atlanta
Faamau, Ethan Jackson and Jericho
McCredie. The final debate for the season
will be a home match between JMHS
“Reds” and JMHS “Blues”. Both teams
have conducted themselves extremely well
this season, and they should be proud of
their efforts.
The Year 9-10 season began with
JMHS “Reds” defeating Mt Annan High
School. In a close debate, our students
successfully argued for the Affirmative,
that “We should ban all home schooling.”
The team, coached by Ms Blanch, was
Stephanie Rushmer, Samar Helwe,
Cassandra King and Adriana Tauamata.
This was a particularly pleasing victory as
it was the first time Samar, Cassandra and
Adriana have competed against another
school.
This year we are very fortunate to have
great strength in the Year 9-10 division,
with our JMHS “Blues” team also showing
great potential. This team was largely
responsible for last year’s success where
they reached the final four out of 58 teams
in the region. For 2012, team members are
Aliesha Collins-Ali, Ashley Ryan, Elyzia
Arreola and Jodie Skidmore. Their season
began with a very tough opponent in
Macquarie Fields High School. Our
students performed outstandingly and it
was a convincing win against a good team.
Unfortunately, our second Year 9-10 team,
JMHS "Reds" was defeated by the same
team in their debate at Macquarie Fields
High.
James Meehan High School
Primary Schools Debating
Program
The JMHS Primary Schools Debating Program continues with our students
recently putting on demonstration debates at Macquarie Fields Public School
and Ingleburn Public School. Macquarie Fields students visited JMHS for a
whole-day workshop and showed great talent as debaters. Their teacher, Ms
Aitken said that this was invaluable preparation for their own debating season.
At Ingleburn Public
School our students made us
proud when they put on an
entertaining debate in difficult
conditions. The JMHS teams
were both composed of
students from the Tuesday
afternoon debating elective
class, and most have only
been debating for one term.
Nevertheless they spoke well
in front of a large Year 5-6
audience, and without the
assistance of a microphone.
This term our debating
class will also visit Glenfield
Public School and Ingleburn
North Public School for
further demonstration debates.
Our debating students, along
with Mr Wawszkowicz and
Ms Blanch, will then host
both schools for full day
debating workshops.
5
April– June 2012
LEAPS launch 2012
This year, 9X students are participating in
the Law Firms Encouraging and Assisting
Promising Students (LEAPS) program. JMHS
will again collaborate with Minter Ellison
Lawyers to provide this important
opportunity to our students. Throughout
Term 2 and 3, students will visit Minter
Ellison to work with their individual mentors
on areas such as teamwork, goal setting and
ethical decision making.
The year has started with students
attending an introductory session where they
first met their mentors. Students and mentors
alike enjoyed a morning of Laser Tag and Ten
Pin Bowling at Darling Harbour. Mentors
also visited JMHS for the Introductory
Evening to meet students’ parents and join in
a gourmet barbecue.
The evening was only made possible due
to the extraordinary help of many staff
throughout the day, and in particular those
who stayed until 8pm: Mrs Dirgham, Mrs
Taylor, Mr Plunkett, Mr Wawszkowicz, Ms
Hemmett, and Rebecca Taylor. Mentoring
commenced energetically this term with a
teamwork session at Minter Ellison. Students
also visited the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde
Park to compliment their learning in
Integrated Studies.
Rebecca Blanch
Student Engagement Coordinator
James Meehan High School
6
April-June 2012
STLA Update
We in the STLA (Support Teacher Learning Assistance) department are very
proud of all the effort our students have given so far and look forward to all we
can accomplish in the future.
Students in the Focus Group Program illustrated a desire to improve
themselves and worked cooperatively with their leaders and each other. Term 2
brought continuation of Focus Groups with our many dedicated Group leaders
and 6 new Focus Groups to assist even more students in accessing the
curriculum.
We are moving in a new direction this Term by targeting Year 7 students to
extend through the newly created Enrichment Group Program. To lead our very
capable students will be Ms Tsolkas-Johnston who will be the Literacy Group
Phoenix leader, Mr Kumar who will pave the way in Numeracy with the Aquila
group and Mr Roy who will also work in the Numeracy field with the Lupus
group. Each of the teachers chosen to lead the Enrichment groups are highly
competent in their field and are excited to challenge their students to aim for the
stars and develop their understanding to even deeper levels.
The STLA team are always available for students and their parent’s/
guardian’s queries, so come in to Room 612 or call us at the school and ask for
the STLA.
C. Le-Grand
STLA
It’s been a busy term…
It’s always a busy term, but there are so many different activities to cater to
the needs of students at James Meehan High School, we thought it would be a
good idea to let you know what’s been happening.
Lunch with the Girls – 22 May
LWTG is a program delivered to year 10 as part of the No Dole Program.
This year, our students headed down to ING Direct in the city. We thank ING
Direct for their generosity in providing a venue for the day’s events.
Buddy Up Program – 24 May
Six Year 11 students continued a program that began last year as part of the
Beacon Foundation’s No Dole Program at JMHS. Students worked with
mentors from Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM), an engineering firm based in St
Leonards. This is the first time that the program has been continued, but the
mentors were so inspired by our students that they have volunteered to provide
continued guidance and support throughout the students’ senior years.
Fuji-Xerox
This is an exciting link that we are looking forward to as JMHS is the first
school to have the session delivered. Our Information Technology students will
be looking at how the things they learn about in class are applied in the real
world.
IT and ING Direct
United Way, a non-profit organisation, has linked us up with ING Direct.
Our students will soon have a Business Blackboard presentation with IT people
telling them about what it takes to get into the industry.
Ms R Vujcic, Transition Adviser
Documentary to focus
on JMHS success
A number of students and Mrs Taylor
were recently interviewed as part of a
documentary being made to showcase the
success of our school’s business links with the
Beacon Foundation.
Beacon provides numerous training and
employment opportunities for our Year 10
and Year 11 students which help engage
them in learning and prepare them for the
future.
‘Productive
Living Skills’
Youth Health
and Safety
Expo
The JMHS Youth Health and Safety
Expo is now in its second year. The annual
event forms part of the “Productive Living
Skills” curriculum for Year 8 students.
This year, all Year 8 students
participated enthusiastically in a full day of
workshops, including Healthy
Relationships, Conflict Resolution and
Leadership Skills. The expo is supported by
a number of local agencies who facilitate
the workshops.
Many thanks go to Macquarie Fields
Police, Mission Australia, Uniting Care
Burnside, ADRA, Work Ventures,
Traxside, YOTS and YWCA. The day
concluded with an Art workshop where
students represented their learning in chalk
drawings. Kody Burke, Ashlee Ridley and
Christina Toutai are congratulated for
winning the Art competition. These
students were recognised for their talent
and will receive gift vouchers provided by
YWCA.
Rebecca Blanch,
Student Engagement Coordinator
James Meehan High School
7
April– June 2012
It’s been a busy term...
Football United and Harmony Day
James Meehan HS have teamed up with Football United who use the magic of
football to bring people together for the common goal of creating harmonious and
cohesive societies. Apart from training students in the real game (otherwise known
as soccer), students have the opportunity to participate in workshops and leadership
activities.
Some of our students went along to the Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets game at Allianz Arena, Moore Park. The theme for Harmony Day 2012 was “Sport: Play, en-
TAFE Taster Courses
James Meehan students are fortunate in that they have a school principal who
wants them to be exposed to the environment of TAFE and the variety of courses on
offer. We have a very good relationship with TAFE and this has led to students having
access to courses such as Business Administration, Carpentry and Bricklaying. The
latest course on offer will be a Child Studies style course, with a start date in Term 3.
We also have Tiling and Carpentry that will be exclusive to our students. Construction students and a few others will have access to these courses later in the year.
Speed Careering
This event has settled in well at James Meehan HS. Our year 10 students
listened to the pathways travelled by a variety of adults in different professions. It was an exceptional day as we saw some ex-JMHS students come
back to their old stomping ground – these people were inspirational as they
are proof that if you work hard enough, anything is possible. Their insight
into the minds of students was invaluable as there are many students who put
themselves down without any help from someone else. These students have
potential but may not realise that there are positive pathways – they just need
to find the way.
Learner Driver Mentor Program
Students can still access driving instructor lessons via the Learner Driver
Mentor Program. Pick up information from Ms Vujcic at recess or lunch. We
are always looking for volunteers for the mentor component of the program –
if you know of someone who has a few hours to spare and is prepared to
work with a student who is trying to meet their logbook requirements, drop in
to the school or call us and let Ms Vujcic know.
Ms R Vujcic, Transition Adviser
BECOME A VOLUNTEER HOST FAMILY
World Education Program (WEP) is inviting you to experience another culture in your own home
by becoming a volunteer host family to an international student. Students from Italy, Belgium
and The Netherlands are looking forward to experiencing life in Australia, making new friends
and becoming a member of an Australian family.
Find out more!
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity and contact WEP today to receive a full information
pack.
Chantel Woods
Inbound Exchange Administrator
Phone:
1300 884 733
Email:
wep@wep.org.au
Online:
www.wep.org.au
James Meehan High School
8
April-June 2012
School bell times
James Meehan High School
9
April– June 2012
Careers News
In 2012, the Institute of Chartered
Accountants will host some exciting and
informative events for students who are
interested in a career in business or
commerce. I would strongly recommend their
attendance or involvement at this FREE
event:
Meet the Business
Leader
This will be held on Wednesday the 22
August from 4:30pm at the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in Sydney. This event
will provide Year 10 & 11 students the
opportunity to meet and network with young
and experienced professionals from a variety
of business roles to gain a better insight into
the business profession.
In the mean time, please make an
appointment to see the Careers Adviser for
further information.
Mr Leva Nguyen, Careers Adviser
It’s not OK to
be away!
James Meehan High School
10
April-June 2012
Art Gallery surprises
Our Year 7 students, along with 8X and 8/9S recently had the
opportunity to participate in the Art Gallery of NSW Open Gallery
program.
Through sponsorship from Optus, the program provided free a
guided tour of the Art Gallery, transport, lunch and art materials.
One highlight of the day was a surprisingly loud and excited tour of
Indigenous artworks provided by the Gallery’s own fruit bat (pictured
below).
The Gallery guides praised our students for their attentiveness and
good behaviour throughout the day.
Congratulations to the students and thank you to Ms Clancy and
Ms Rymer for their support on the day.
JAMES MEEHAN HIGH
After School Study Centre
♦ Do you want to improve your marks?
School Certificate and HSC support
Individual tutorial support is available for
Y10, Y11 and Y12 students.
See Mr Lally for information
♦ Are you falling behind in your
♦
♦
♦
♦
classwork?
Do you need help with classwork,
Homework or Assignments?
Do you need guidance from a tutor on effective study techniques?
Do you need to use the library, computers, internet and photocopying
facilities?
Do you wish to meet and exchange study ideas with other students?
If Yes, then come and join* the Study
Centre:
ALL YEARS welcome
Where: In the School Library
When: Every Monday and Thursday
Time: 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm
Refreshments provided.
James Meehan High School
*Conditions Apply
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11
April– June 2012
Cnr Eucalyptus Drive & Peppermint Crescent,
Macquarie Fields
9605 4749
LONG
DAY CARE
7:00am—6:00pm
Monday to Friday
Ages 6 weeks—6
years
CHEAPEST FEES
♦
♦
♦
♦
Fully Cooked Nutritional Meals and Snacks Included
Qualified and Professional Caring Staff
School Readiness and Literacy Programs
Fully licensed and Accredited at “High Quality” Standard.
TO ENQUIRE OR TO ENROL, DROP BY
AT ANY TIME
TO RECEIVE A TOUR OF THE FACILITIES AND MEET OUR FRIENDLY
TEAM OF
PROFESSIONAL STAFF!
James Meehan High School
12
April-June 2012
James Meehan High School
13
April– June 2012
School
uniform - our
dress code
James Meehan High School’s uniform is simple
and affordable. Students are expected to be in
full uniform every day.
Uniform items are available from GT Fashions
in Glenquarie Town Centre.
School polo top - junior or senior versions
available
Plain navy trousers or tailored shorts; or
navy skirt (new options coming in 2012!)
Plain white socks and all black leather shoes
for proper feet protection
School jacket — no hoods or other logos,
please
PREMIERS READING
CHALLENGE
For Physical Education and Sports classes,
students must change into a sports uniform
(shorts and shirt).
get your paws on a book &
read yourself rich!
RESEARCH proves:
♦ Reading makes you mentally active. You have to use your brain to think about
many things that are unfamiliar (unlike passive use of TV or computer games).
♦ Reading improves your vocabulary and writing ,as you will be exposed to many
new words and guess their meanings from their context.
♦ Reading gives you cultural and historical glimpses of many places in the world.
You can “travel” to Africa, or back in time, or even into the future in a book.
♦ Reading improves concentration and focus. Like exercising the “muscle” of your
mind, you concentrate for long periods of time, unlike with Internet posts etc.
♦ Reading builds self esteem. The more you read, the more knowledgeable you
become and confidence grows as you fit into a literate society with ease.
♦ Reading improves memory as you are required to remember details, plot,
characters, ideas and patterns in your book.
♦ Reading improves your self-discipline by making a regular time to read every day
during roll call and a regular time to borrow a book.
♦ Reading improves creativity, because it exposes you to thinkers, new ideas and the
diversity of life.
♦ Reading gives you something to talk about-ALWAYS! Read any good books lately?
♦ Reading reduces boredom and improves marks in all subjects of the curriculum.
James Meehan High School
14
Student safety
is our number
one concern
The bus bay outside the school on
Harold Street is a designated KISS
& RIDE ZONE where students can
be dropped off safely in the
morning and picked up in the
afternoon.
Please do not drive into the staff
carpark to drop off and pick up
students at the start and end of
the school day. The carpark is busy
and dangerous at these times.
For your student’s safety use the
KISS & RIDE ZONE.
April-June 2012