PDF, 1.61MB - Coonabarabran High School

1
COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL and
P&C NEWSLETTER
21 November 2014
PO Box 3 COONABARABRAN NSW 2357 Phone: 02 6842 1099
www.coonabarabranhigh.com
M Johnston, Principal
Sydney University Campus Visit
Twelve Year 12 students were extremely fortunate to
be hosted by the University of Sydney English
Department last week. The invitation was extended as
part of the University's outreach program and, together
with Bankstown Girls High School and Blacktown Boys
High, our students attended creative writing lectures and
workshops and also received a guided campus tour led
by academics and current undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Overall, the outreach program
encourages students to consider Sydney University when
selecting their path for tertiary study.
Week 8
Mon, 24 Nov
Event
Year 10 Work Experience continues
Peer Support Training
P&C meeting
Fri, 28 Nov
Year 6 Science Orientation
Orientation at Baradine
Year 10 Work Experience concludes
Week 9
Wed, 3 Dec
Thu, 4 Dec
Event
Girls Softball, Narrabri
Awards Night—6.45 for a 7pm start
Week 10
Mon, 8 Dec
Event
School network upgrade
commences
Year 6 Orientation Day
Canteen Red Day
Junior Report distributed
Fri, 12 Dec
Week 11
Wed, 17 Dec
Thu, 18 Dec
Fri, 19 Dec
Event
Last day of term for students
Staff Development Day
Staff Development Day
Return dates for 2015
Tue, 3 Feb
Staff Development Day (Pupil Free)
Wed, 4 Feb
Years 7,11 & 12
Thu, 5 Feb
Years 8, 9 & 10
Events are subject to change, so please check the
school’s website for updates. The website has a new
format, which allows for bigger and better photos.
Next P&C Meeting
Monday, 24 November @ 5.30 pm
School Library
ALL WELCOME
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
Fax: 02 6842 2267
M Fosdick, P&C President
2
Principal’s Report
The International Feast capped
off a wonderful week of cultural
learning for our school. The
Chatswood
Intensive
English
Centre visit to our school gave our
students the opportunity to
interact with 20 students who
have arrived in Australia as
migrants or refugees. The group
stayed for 3 days and attended a range of activities
including Dandry Gorge, Pilliga Pottery, an Indigenous
performance by our students and several of our classes. I
was very impressed with a workshop for our senior
English students which addressed the themes of study:
journeys and discovery. Our students were enthralled by
the story of 17 year old Freden who escaped Afghanistan
as a refugee.
On Friday evening around 300 people came to the
school to enjoy the foods of other countries. Students,
teachers and community members prepared meals from
around the world. The exotic flavours and smells made
for a special community event. I thank everyone who
worked to make the International Feast such a success,
particularly our P&C. While we aim to raise funds through
the Feast, our goal is to bring the community to the
school and this is the measure of success.
The feedback from our HSC students and teachers
has been very positive. Fourteen students have already
been offered places in the course of their choice through
the Principal's Recommendation scheme. These students
have impressed the universities with their performance at
our school. They have received the recommendation of
our teachers and been successful in gaining a position in
a participating university. Quite a few students must wait
for their HSC results and UAC responses to finalise their
tertiary education futures. I wish them all the best.
On Tuesday 18th November, I met with the parents of
Year 6 students as they prepare for the transition to our
school. We have a larger than average cohort coming
next year which is very good news for the school. We can
plan for broader student support programs funded by a
larger resource base. We look forward to our Orientation
Day on 12th December where Year 6 students will spend
the day with us at High School.
Year 10 students are currently undertaking Work
Experience in workplaces around the state. Mrs Nancy
Doolan has done a remarkable job to coordinate this
program and the students are very fortunate to have the
opportunity to experience real work environments over
the two-week event. Thank you to the businesses that
have taken on our students.
Strategic Planning is gaining momentum with the
school community. Recent surveys of parents and staff
have reinforced our strategic directions. They are:
Student Achievement, A Culture of Learning and Teacher
Capacity. The central theme of each of these directions is
learning - learning of students and learning of teachers.
In 2015 I have the opportunity to travel and study.
While I will miss the students and school community
enormously, I am very excited about the chance to
explore education systems and programs in other places.
Mr Enks will relieve in my position and Ms Mary
Doolan will relieve as Deputy. I am very confident that Mr
Enks and Ms Doolan will manage the school well and
keep the focus of our efforts on the learning and
achievement of students.
Our school evaluation processes are underway at the
time of writing. The magnificent ORION publication is
bursting with news from the school year. The
achievements of the school are being collated for our
Awards Night ceremony to be held at 6:45pm on
Thursday 4th December. I encourage you to attend and
celebrate the achievements of our school with us.
As this is our last formal newsletter of the year, I would
like to wish all of our families a safe and enjoyable
Christmas and New Year.
Mel Johnston
International Feast
Here is a sneak peek of the evening. Go to
our website to view a video of the
International Feast.
International Feast Hamper Winners:
Charnelle Crossingham
Janice Howard
Sue Murphy
Chockie Lane
Judy Over
Narelle Armstrong
This will be the final newsletter for
2014. For news and photos over the
coming weeks, please visit our website.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
3
P&C President’s Report
The second International Feast, held on Friday 14th
November 2014, was another outstanding success. The
organising committee, led by Nick and Angela
Karagiannis and Tammy Samuel, did a fantastic job once
again. Apart from the fact it was a great night, with over
300 people attending, gross returns of about $5000 were
achieved. The Feast is now our second biggest fund
raising event, behind the canteen at the NW Equestrian
Expo and plans are already underway for next year‘s
event.
On Monday 18th November the 2015 Year 7 students
and parents and carers were welcomed and introduced to
school staff and the school program by Dan Stewart, the
2015 Year 7 Advisor. I encourage all new parents and
carers who are interested in being involved in the school
to join the P&C and attend the monthly meetings held on
the 4th Monday of every month during the school term at
5.30 in the library.
Well, the year is drawing to a close and the School
Awards Night, on Thursday 4th December 2014, is the
next and last big occasion scheduled at our school. It‘s
always a good night and a positive way to end the school
year. On behalf of the P&C I would like to thank
everyone who has participated in any of the meetings or
functions throughout 2014, particularly our Secretary,
Mandy Sulter and Treasurer, Angela Karagiannis. Have a
great break over the summer, a merry Christmas and
happy new year.
Treasurer's Report
COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL
Parents and Citizens' Association
Statement of Receipts and Payments
as at the 27 October 2014
BALANCE
Opening Cash Balance as at 25 August
2014
$12,049.92
Add Receipts
Receipt No
55
Orana Mutual-Community
P'ship donation
56
Warrumbungle Shire Council
Total
$1,372.53
$500.00
$13,922.45
$13,922.45
Less Payments
Cheque No
645
Coona High donation
(Whiteboard)
646
Coonabarabran Pony Club -
$5,500.00
$250.00
647
CHS - Canteen - Expo
648
P & C Federation - Insurance
$1,294.00
$883.45
Total
$7,927.45
Cash book balance as at 27
See you on Monday, Mark.
$5,995.00
Bank Statement Reconciliation
Balance as per statement 30
Receipt No
$7,289.00
Add deposits since 30 September 2014
Total
$-
Less unpresented cheques/
Cheque No payments since 30 September 2014
P & C Federation Insurance
648
Total
$
$7,289.00
1,294.00
$1,294.00
Reconciled total as per
cashbook 27 October 2014
$5,995.00
ASPIRE 2014
On Tuesday 28 October, Mrs Kenny, Mrs Hawkins
and Mrs Stanton took a group of Year 9 students to
Dubbo to participate in a ‗Year 9 we‘re doing just fine‘
program that was run by ASPIRE people from UNSW in
Sydney.
The day was set up so we did three workshops out of
the six faculties which were:
Engineering, Health
Services, Indigenous Studies, Performing Arts and
Chemistry.
The ASPIRE people bought their solar
powered car that currently holds the World Record for the
fastest solar powered car to go 500kms.
Overall the day was great. We now have a better
understanding of these faculties and the day has us
thinking about University.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
4
Coonabarabran High School
P&C Meeting Minutes
Monday 27th October, 2014
Meeting Opened: 5.40p.m
Present: Mark Fosdick, Tammy Samuels, Geoff Gasior,
Col Mercer, Angela Karagiannis, Nick Karagiannis, Anita
Tighe, Leesa Kelly, Graham Enks, Mel Johnson, Ansie
Van Schalkwyk, Philip Van Schalkwyk, Kellie Nash,
Narelle Pfeiffer, Mandy Sulter.
Apologies: Skye Lambert, Natasha Milford.
Moved: Leesa Kelly
Seconded: Tracee McHugh
Previous Minutes: Minutes of Monday 25th August 2014
– moved and accepted. Motion minutes be accepted
Moved: Angela Karagiannis
Seconded: Mel Johnson
Business arising from Previous Minutes:
Year 12 guernsey‘s decision making and management of
this process to be looked at for 2015. 2014 guernsey‘s to
be followed up.
Correspondence In:
 Parent & Citizen Journal, Term 3 Vol. 66 No.3.
 Orana Mutual Arts - $1372.53
Moved: Mandy Sulter
Seconded: Tammy Samuels
Correspondence Out: Nil
Treasurer’s Report: Tabled by Angela Karagiannis.
Motion report be accepted.
Tabled current balance $5995.Thank you letters to Orana
Credit Union and Warrumbungle Shire Council, Mandy
Sulter and Angela Karagiannis to draft.
Need to follow up invoice for the Agriculture Banner.
Moved: Angela Karagiannis Seconded: Tammy Samuels
Canteen Report:
September and October reports tabled. Structural
improvements to be made at the canteen.
Moved: Anita Tighe
Seconded: Nick Karagiannis
Environment & Grounds Committee Report:
Working bee Friday 7th - focus on preparing the grounds
for the international feast, front garden and north wall.
Indigenous students and elders will be maintaining the
garden area.
Principal’s Report:
Survey provided to discuss, after feedback more general
survey to be prepared for the new school planning for
2015-17, available on the website and provided with
Newsletter.
Information sourced from survey will assist in strategic
directions for 2015 – 2017, areas covered include –
Student Achievement, a Culture of Learning and Teacher
capacity.
Looking at BYOD – Bring our own device for students
opening up to technology.
Congratulations –to Harley Wood for the gold medals won
at the State Championships and to all those in the team.
Open boys cricket won, one student got a century. Cattle
leading at Scone , all great achievements. Jessie Doolan
won Mudgee writer‘s competition. Prefect induction and
Year 12 farewell all went well.
Deputy Principal’s Report:
Follow up on guernsey‘s – still not available Graham Enks
to follow up and advise parents. Commitment to organise
for these to be distributed to students in Term 3, 2015.
NAPLAN – coaching and practice are not our policy, CHS
used NAPLAN as diagnostic tool. CHS achieved below
the state average, however CHS do monitor the students
individual growth from Yr 7 to Yr 9. Numeracy has
improved in the last 2 years, the Multilit and Quicksmart
group have demonstrated significant improvement, also
very worthwhile statistically. Executive will liaise with staff
to ensure all students are encouraged to improve, need
also to look at timing of school events to ensure NAPLAN
does not interfere with these.
Considering streaming year 9 and having female and
male classes, particularly in English, formal discussion on
this can be organised with Mr Enks.
Questioned how to make Yr 7 to Yr 10 more formal, as
School Certificate no longer offered, Mr Enks, Head or
classroom teachers can be organised to discuss any
ideas.
Tammy raised issue of single sex classes, what are the
particular reasons behind this, some gender specific texts
in English for example, still in discussion phase, not for all
subjects, requesting class teacher to give feedback.
HSC students all going well, some unexpected question.
Year 11 reports were distributed, discussed HSC
assessment booklet
Year 10 ‗Love bites‘ program discussed, Narelle Pfeiffer
gave overview, only for Year 10 boys and girls,
workshops on facilitating discussion regarding
inappropriate behaviour, domestic violence and cyber
bullying, parental consent required.
Year 6 orientation, CPS will be provided with access to
flight stimulator then.
Mentoring and exchange program, Tuesday 11th
November from Chatswood, Cultural visits and school
events, sharing their experiences, assembly in covered
area African drum presentation. Mr Enks requested a
packed lunch be provided by P&C for all visiting students
on the last day, canteen to provide, dietary issues to be
checked, all in favour.
General Business:
Narelle Pfeiffer spoke about changes to the funding of
chaplaincy program. Whole new project for 2015, change
to funding process, is likely CHS will be eligible. Generate
is the main provider, Cornerstone board has agreed to
change. Requested the school and P&C vote on this
issue, Narelle left the room for voting process.
Minuted – P&C supports the position of the chaplaincy
within in the School. All in favour, Seconded: Tammy
Samuels.
Tammy raised issue of Year 8 awards seem to get less
than other years, Graham and Mel to look at, could be
due to the streaming.
Committee to organise floats for the feast night.
Meeting closed: 7.25pm
Next Meeting 24th November, 2014, 5.30pm, School
Library.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
5
Farewell from Year 12
On the 13th of October, 49 Year 12 students of Coona
High sat their first HSC exam, and on the 5th of
November Bradley Watts was the last member of the
Coona High cohort to complete his final HSC
examination. Throughout our time at Coona High, this
cohort has been regarded as the class that said
thankyou; whether it was at the end of a class or thanking
the canteen ladies. Whether or not we deserve this title,
we would like to say one last thankyou. Thankyou to the
school. From the incomparably dedicated staff to the
enthusiastic and positive students, our time at Coona
High has been precious and we have enjoyed our time
here. We‘ve learned a lot of things along the way, and in
our leaving we have been asked to offer some words of
advice; here‘s one tip to help you through any stage of
school.
Take every opportunity you are offered. Coona High
has a high reputation for extra-curricular activities and a
dedicated staff. The students from every year group are
offered all types of chances to excel and explore in a
diverse range of fields, from horse sports to chess, and
as veteran captains we would suggest that any student
would be mad not to grab such opportunities with both
hands.
That is, #YOLO. Enjoy every moment of your school
life. Too much emphasis is placed on how adolescence is
a time of inner-turmoil and stress. From two HSC
survivors who crammed as much into their daily
schedules as possible, your teenage years are amongst
the best years of your life, so spend them to the limit and
fill your days up. In the words of Tim Minchin, ―Put your
head down and work with pride on whatever is in front of
you… you never know where you might end up.‖
So from two retired captains, on behalf of the class of
2014, adiós, enjoy your Christmas holiday, and thankyou
for everything you have done for us.
Samantha Smith & Clayton McKinnon
RDA Awards
Pictured with Mrs Young are Mark Watton—Reserve
Champion Boy Rider; Will Clarke—Champion Boy Rider;
Daniel Kenyon—Highly Commended. Brittany Abberton—
Champion Girl Rider—is missing from the photo.
Coonabarabran Aero Club
Year 9/10 Media Publishing students Maddie Hincks,
Lydia Harris and Lockie Hadfield worked closely with and
interviewed Colin Mercer and Geoff Gasior from the
Coonabarabran Aero Club last week and had an
opportunity to operate the Flight Simulator, which was
recently purchased for the school via an NAB grant.
These students will be taking this video interview and
transcribing it into a written interview piece, which will
then be published in the Australian Aviation magazine.
Maddie, Lydia, Lockie and I would like to thank Mr
Mercer and Mr Gasior from the Aero Club for their time,
patience and expertise in putting together this interview
and we look forward to the finished piece.
Stay tuned for the interview!
Emma Rankmore
Go to the school’s website to view a slideshow of the
Keeping Place & Aero Club.
Keeping Place
On Friday 14th November 2014 our school was invited
to the Opening of the Coonabarabran Lands Council
Keeping Place at the Tourist Information Center. The
significance of the Keeping Place was the return of a
breastplate which belonged to Tommy of Bungabah. The
breastplate has been part of Museum Victoria. Bungabah
was actually a large parcel of land south of
Coonabarabran. Further research had discovered there
was a mission established on Bungabah Station in the
early 1900‘s.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
6
Year 8 ZoosnooZ
On 6th and 7th of November, Year 8 along with Mr
Moffat, Mr Graham, Mrs Rankmore and Mr Holden went
on an overnight visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. We
visited the zoo because we are learning about the
importance of zoos in protecting and conserving
endangered species. We were lucky enough to camp in
tents in the middle of the zoo and could even hear the
lions in the middle of the night!
Once we arrived at the zoo on the Thursday
afternoon, we listened to a talk about the dingos and the
zookeepers told us a lot about their habits and
personalities. Back at the camp site we had a lovely BBQ
for dinner. The zookeepers then took us on a night walk
where we saw many animals including koalas, emus and
kangaroos. Afterwards we stopped in at the education
centre which had all different types of animals some of
which we were allowed to touch including blue tongue
lizards, snakes, a baby crocodile and a stick insect. We
returned to the camp site and were treated with chocolate
and strawberry milk and biscuits. Then off to bed. (No one
really slept).
The next morning we had to get up at 6.00 in the
morning to have breakfast. We were treated to a morning
walk where we saw two different types of Gibbons and
the Sumatran tigers. We returned to the camp site and
loaded the bus with our gear. We returned to the entrance
of the zoo and then went on our last walk through the
entire zoo. We saw Giraffes, Rhinos, Buffalos, Zebras,
Przewalski‘s Horses, Elephants and Hippopotamus.
We would like to thank all the teachers that were
involved in planning this excursion and all the teachers
that put up with us on the bus and at night when no one
went to sleep, we all had a great time.
Ale Van Schalkwyk
Christmas Hampers
Each year the school community donates items to
make up hampers for people who need them at
Christmas.
That time has come around again, so please look
through your cupboards or buy an extra item when
you go shopping to help make Christmas a little
cheerier for families in our town.
It would be lovely if each family could donate one
item. Ideas from previous years are shortbread,
lollies, tins of fruit and vegetables, packets of jelly,
bonbons, tea. Think of something you would like in
a hamper and give that – you know it will be giving
joy to someone at Christmas.
Thankyou to everyone who supports this each year,
and to those who have already donated items for this
Christmas. Please leave your donation at the high
school office.
Summer
Holiday
Reading
No Christmas holiday is complete without a stack of
books by your bed and a talking book in the car. So
come up to the library and get yourself organised with
books that will take you to different worlds, different
countries and into someone else‘s shoes.
Go to the school’s website to view a slideshow of the
ZoosnooZ excursion.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
7
COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL BLUE AWARDS, 2014
"Nomination Forms" for the Coonabarabran High School P&C Blue Awards can be obtained from the receptionist at
the High School.
Nominations close Wednesday, 3.00pm, 26 November 2014 and can be returned to the High School Office.
To be eligible the person nominated must be a student at Coonabarabran High School. Teams may also be
nominated.
The criteria for consideration for an Award is for outstanding achievement in a
school-based or school-related activity, in any of the following areas:
1
ACADEMIC
-
HSC ATAR Result 95 or higher
Top 10 in HSC State Subject List
(HSC Awards will apply to students of the previous years HSC)
A minimum of 3 High Distinctions in National or International Competitions in different
subject areas
2
SPORTING
3
OTHER FIELDS OF ENDEAVOUR
1st, 2nd or 3rd at State/National level or attainment of excellence consistent with the
rigor above eg Whitlam Institute National Writing Competition, HSC Selection for
participation in ArtExpress State tour, Design/Industrial Technology display Powerhouse
Museum and Music Encore Concert at the Sydney Opera House.
-
1st, 2nd or 3rd in State Competitions
State or National Individual or Team Representative
Note: Consideration will be dependent on the number and quality of competitors in the nominated field of
endeavour, and provided such achievement also reflects positive attitudes and participation in the school
community.
60 seconds….
My name is… Ben Yarnold
My nickname is… Benny Babes
My friends tell me… you used to be so
innocent
My favourite movie is… Zombie Land
My favourite song is… Mama Ain‘t Proud—Guy Sebastian with
2chainz
It scares me, but I‘d love to… fly a jet
The best advice I‘ve been given was… I want no mediocre
My favourite place other than Coona is… home in Newcastle
My funniest memory is… when I was little I had pants we called
‗bubba pants‘ and I came off a slide and got them all muddy
If I could change one thing in the world, it would be… to give
pigs wings
I have never understood… hash tags
I am happiest when… I‘m playing games
I would cry if I lost… my xbox
The hardest thing I‘ve done was… sending my ipad away for 2
weeks
If I was Prime Minister I would… wear a cape and be ‗Mr
Minister‘
If I was reincarnated I would come back as a… zombie, just to
shake things up.
School has been… too long
When I grow up I want to be … the fuzz
Year 7 Discover the
‘Puzzle the Warrumbungles’
Miss Moore‘s very lucky Year 7 Science class
ventured out into the Warrumbungles for a day of trekking
and geological discovery with the aim of figuring out how
some of the geological features of the Warrumbungles
formed those many, many years ago (around 14 million).
The students were also provided the opportunity to test
out their skills in the ancient art of napping (making stone
tools). They got to use their tools to peel some oranges
and there were some very impressive results.
Any words of wisdom?… ‗nothing is true, everything is
permitted‘
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
8
2014 Australian Mathematics
Competition Results
YOUR TIME
STARTS NOW…
The Australian Mathematics Competition was held last
term and the following students achieved some very
sound results:
My earliest memory is… playing in
the snow at our farm—Breeza ‗64.
Proficiency Certificates
Brittany Doolan (Year 7)
Angus Lambert (Year 7)
Daisy Andrews (Year 9)
My school report usually said…
needs to apply himself more.
My first relationship was… with a
horse (plutonic of course!)
I don’t like talking about…. Dying.
My most treasured possession is… my health.
My mother always told me… stop picking on your sister.
In the movie of my life, I’d be played by… Paul Hogan.
I wish I had… the GT Falcon I didn‘t buy for $4000—now worth
$250,000.
I wish I hadn’t… got so sunburnt when I was a kid (Melanoma
is a curse)
Credit Certificates
Hannah Deshon (Year 7)
Sam Edwards (Year 10)
Sara Hincks, Stephen Sanders & David Tighe (Year 11)
Kevin Lee and Clayton McKinnon (Year 12).
Congratulations to all these students as well as the other
students who participated in this competition.
My most humiliating moment was… asking Year 2s how to
use a computer.
My guiltiest pleasure is… driving fast cars, while eating
chocolate.
My happiest moment was… the birth of my two sons.
At home I cook… only when I can‘t con my wife into it.
My last meal would be… mum‘s roast lamb.
My favourite gadget is… TV remote.
I am very bad at… computers.
When I was a child I wanted to … grow up.
The book that changed my life is… How to hot-rod a chev
350 V8 by Smokey Unick
If I could live anywhere I’d choose… Coona—love it here!
It’s not fashionable but I love… burning fossil fuel (racing)
My worst trait is… forgetting things.
My best trait is… waking up and remembering things at
2.30am
Friends say I am… handy.
If I wasn’t me I’d like to be … Hugh Jackman (mans got it all)
The song I’d like played at my funeral is… Monty Python‘s
Bright Side of Life or AC/DC Highway to Hell—depending on my
mood at time of my passing.
It scares me, but I love to… play practical jokes on my wife.
If I could change one thing in the world it would be…
poverty.
My greatest fear is… speaking to an audience or in public.
If only I could…make it rain.
The hardest thing I’ve ever done was… comfort my wife at
childbirth (I needed the gas)
I relax by… watching sport.
What I don’t find amusing is… advertising.
I’m always being asked… to fix things.
My favourite place in the world… with family.
At the moment I’m listening to… the ceiling fan! Must fix that!
My favourite work of art is… the latest drawing by my 8 year
old granddaughter, usually stuck on the fridge.
My most rewarding job was… teacher‘s aide—special kids.
Kevin Keeler is our General Assistant.
North West Tennis
– Third at CHS
Jack Masman travelled to
The Illawarra Tennis club in
week 5 as a member of the
North West Boys Tennis Team
and came home with a bronze
medal. The team contested the
Combined High Schools interregional carnival where teams
representing all 10 sporting regions play off to determine
the champion region.
Playing in Pool A North West defeated Sydney West,
Hunter and Riverina and lost to eventual winners Sydney
North. This meant that they finished second in their pool
and qualified for the semi finals.
Their semi final match was against Sydney South
West which they lost putting them in to a play off for third
and fourth. In this game they came up against Sydney
East and after all matches were completed each region
had won six sets. This meant the result was decided by
the number of games won with North West finishing on
top by 54 games to 49
Winning a CHS medal is an outstanding achievement
and Jack was a part of North Wests best performance for
a number of years.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
9
Indonesian language
competition winners
Earlier
this
year,
students
from
Coonabarabran High school participated in
an annual writing competition organised by
the
Indonesian
Language
Teachers
Association of NSW and the Australian
Indonesian Association in conjunction with the Consulate
General of the Republic of Indonesia. The competition
was open to all students of Indonesian in NSW schools.
The judges were very impressed by the high standard
of entries submitted by Coonabarabran High School. I
have it on good authority that the Consul General of
Indonesia, who was a judge in this competition, was
particularly interested with the rural aspect of our
students work. The work itself was an electronic
storybook entitled ‗Sekitar Kota Saya‘ which means
Around My Town.
I am really delighted to announce that Jackson Sulter
won 1st place, Brodie Draper won 2nd place and Kate
Masman received a High Commendation all in the Stage
4 category.
I would also like to congratulate Mackensie Newton,
Charles Knight and Jarrod Lambert for their participation
in the competition.
Terima Kasih semua
MERRY XMAS
FROM THE CANTEEN
In the first weekend of November a small choral group
travelled to Sydney. Accompanied by Miss Suthons and
Miss Sullivan, the four girls joined a massed choir of
Secondary School student choirs and Adults‘ Choirs to
participate in an annual music performance at the Sydney
Town Hall. The CHS girls were Rhiannon Robinson,
Annabelle Park, Hayley Martin and Gabrielle Webster. A
larger number of students had started to participate in the
choir but found the lunchtime rehearsals did not suit
them. The girls in the Choral Ensemble worked diligently
over two terms as there was a lot of challenging music to
learn. Included in the program were: The Polovstian
Dances by Borodin, Communion – a movement from
Peter Sculthorpe‘s Requiem, and six Gospel Songs. We
also sang the traditional carol O Come All Ye Faithful as
the final piece. This song was accompanied by the Town
Hall organ, an 80 piece orchestra and the entire
audience, so we certainly tried to lift the roof off the
Sydney Town Hall! The program also included SaintSaen‘s Organ Symphony which many people would
recognise as one of the themes in the movie Babe. The
concert was quite wonderful as the music mentioned took
up only the second half of the program. The first part of
the concert was given to a massed primary schools‘ choir
interspersed with excellent items which included a string
orchestra, and choral ensemble and a virtuoso
performance on a traditional Chinese instrument. The
concert was quite inspiring and good fun for all involved.
Although rehearsals took up a large part of Saturday
(at Chatswood High School) and Sunday (in the Sydney
Town Hall) we still managed to visit three different
shopping centres, walk along the path looking at the
―Sculptures by the Sea‖ and enjoy a dinner out before the
concert. Thanks go to Jenny Sullivan for her wonderful
driving in Sydney, and sharing the driving with Di Suthons
to and from Coona.
The Concert is organised by a team of music teachers
led by Mal Hewitt. This is a non-profit organisation which
uses the small ticket prices and raffle tickets sold in the
evening of the concert to raise money for Westmead
Children‘s Hospital. This year we have managed to raise
over $20,000 for the Music Therapy unit at the hospital.
This is a lovely result when we have worked diligently and
consistently in rehearsals and had the fun of
performance.
Di Suthons
Julie, Sue, Belinda and Vicki and the canteen committee
would like to wish all the volunteers who have given their
time and valuable culinary skills throughout the year in
the canteen, a wonderful Christmas full of health and
happiness.
We really appreciate our volunteers who help to make
our canteen run smoothly and help create a healthy
canteen menu for the staff and students.
Our 2015 canteen roster will be available on line before
the end of term with rosters also being sent home.
We are looking forward to the new year in the canteen
with lots of new volunteers putting their hand up to
come and work with us to assist in making our canteen a
gastronomical Centre of Excellence.
Go to the school’s website to view a slideshow of
Celebration Sing Out.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com
10
RFS School Cadet Program
Throughout Term 3, the Rural Fire Service ran the
RFS Secondary School Cadet Program here at
Coonabarabran High School. This program was open to
students from Years 9, 10 and 11 who had an interest in
the Rural Fire Service. Eighteen students took part in the
ten week program which involved briefings, group
discussions and practical exercises which were
coordinated by RFS volunteers from surrounding
Brigades. The core of the program was delivered in a
practical environment, without the use of live fire and
covered the following areas of training:
• Basic Safety
• Understanding and appreciation of fire behaviour
• Communication
• Identification, use and care of equipment
• Basic techniques in fire fighting
• Developing leadership, teamwork and initiative skills
• Fostering qualities of community responsibility and
service
Students enjoyed the opportunity to learn new and
valuable skills as they participated in interesting and
challenging training.
Go to the school’s website to view a slideshow of
the Cadet Program & Chatswood High visit.
Chatswood Intensive English
High School
On Tuesday, 25 November 2014, 20 students from
the Chatswood Intensive English High School arrived for
a three day excursion. They were warmly welcomed by
Year 10 students with an afternoon tea and a tour of our
school. Our visitors were from a variety of non-English
speaking backgrounds and are a combination of
international students and refugees. Mr Draper, with
support from staff and Year 11, joined Chatswood
students for a tour of the Sculptures in the Scrub.
That evening at the Warrumbungle Mountain Motel,
Donna Burton provided a most informative slide show
and telescope viewing, following a BBQ dinner. The
following morning, our visitors shared their experiences
with Year 11 English students by providing accounts of
their lives and an understanding of why people might
need to seek refuge from their countries of origin. This
seminar supported the HSC students with the new Area
of Study, Discovery. Our students were also enriched by
receiving lectures from Chatswood teachers in Chinese,
German and Japanese.
Additionally, our guests were treated to enriching
hands-on activities with Coonabarabran students,
including Indigenous art and culture provided by Paddy
Chatfield, abseiling with Phil Draper, agriculture with Mrs
Hawkins, sport with Ms Crossingham, and an African
drumming workshop with Ms Suthons that was
subsequently presented at our farewell assembly.
The final evening was spent at Pilliga Pottery with
Maria‘s generous hospitality and providing our visitors
with a tour, demonstration and delicious wood fired
pizzas. This visit, although very short, made a significant
impact upon our students and staff and we look forward
to visiting Chatswood students in Sydney next year.
We‘re on the Web! View online at www.coonabarabranhigh.com