Save the Date March 5th

Nepean Careers Forum

March 6th Parent Forum

March 9th

School Photos

March 12th College Disco

March 13th Aboriginal Parent Forum

March 15th LEAPS training

March 27th Beyond the Bridge

March 29th Beyond the Bridge Visit

March 29th School Athletics Carnival LEAPS meet the mentors

Change, change, change – why doesn’t it just stay the same? Often parents are confused by the changes in education- raising the school leaving age, school certificate requirements and new curriculum. I must admit that some changes are difficult, for even us in the education system. For example, maths students now have a different process of division and multiplication compared to the way I learnt it. In English, there are term such as visual literacy and text types and in other subjects research and assignment are quite different due to a new dependence on computer technology and web searches. We will be giving parents the opportunity to learn these new directions in education from our teaching staff so that you may support and assist your children in their school studies at home. I also encourage you to visit our school web page and search each faculty. You will find information on homework, assignments and tips to help students with their learning. There has been much talk about no more school certificate. This is

misinformation and untrue. The School Certificate is still going to be awarded at

the end of Stage 5 – Year 10.The change is that there will no longer be an

external Board of Studies exam. This exam will be replaced by a College exam

and all students must reach a satisfactory standard in these tests to gain entry

to the Senior Campus. As well as this, the Board of Studies requires the school

to submit all assessment task results and attendance records for each student so

that a Certificate may be awarded. Hence, the SCHOOL CERTIFICATE is still very

much a credential to senior studies- there are just a few variations.

Learn. Discover. Inspire

02.03.12

Mt Druitt Matters

From the Principal

Cyber smart Presentations Who: Students and parents What: The ways children use the internet and emerging technologies

risks faced by children when online such as cyber bullying, identity theft, inappropriate contact and exposure to inappropriate content tips and strategies to help children stay safe online.

When: 6th of June 2012 Where: Student presentations Period 4 in the hall. Parent presentations 6.30 in the common room

Chifley College

9625 9750 / 9625 7318 Fax: 9832 1463 Website: www.mt-druitt-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

Year Ten News

Year 10 have settled in well to the new school year. It’s great to see the majority of students in full school uniform and arriving to lessons on time and with their equipment ready to learn. All students are encour-aged to come to school fully-prepared. A timely reminder that school contributions an now be paid at the front office. Year 10 students continue to be involved in a whole range of activities both of an academic and sporting theme, including Work Studies, Volunteering and of course, the swimming carnival. Claim the Date: This years formal will take place on Thursday evening, 6th of December 2012. As in the past it will be held in the Concept 33 room of Rooty Hill RSL starting at 6:00pm. Students have been extremely busy with fundraising towards their formal. Students actively sold Valen-tines Day gifts, chocolates and drinks. Fund raising will continue throughout the year and if you have any great ideas that students could implement at school, please feel free to let your child know or call me to discuss them, all ideas or inspiration would be greatly appreciated. I wish all families and students a safe and happy term and would like to remind you that I am available to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your students welfare, I am located in the TAS faculty. Mrs Saunders

Year Nine News

It has been a great start to the Term for Year 9 settling into their elective classes and beginning the

premiers volunteering challenge. I would like to acknowledge the following students for their hard

work and continuous efforts in the classroom. Kolomaile F, Heilala C, Talia-Ataarangi W, Emma P, Sofia

F, Semisi L and Mahubo B.

The ‘Fast Forward Program’ awards night will be held on Tuesday 13th March 2012 at UWS Kingswood

Campus, from 6 – 8pm. RSVP’s are due now to Mr Peachey in the TAS staff room. The following stu-

dents are involved in the ‘Fast Forward Program’ Daisy A, Brayden B, Heilala C, Sofia F, Kristel G, Leslie

K, Telesia L, Semisi L, Kula P, Emma P, James R, Steven S, Siliga T, Desmond T and Nehoa T.

Those Year 9 students who are Volunteers can collect their log books from my staff room, if they have

not done so already.

The Year 9 formal assembly will be held in week 11 on Monday 2nd April 2012 during period 1. A friend-

ly reminder that all school fees and contributions can be paid at the front office. Thank you to those

who have already paid their fees. I am available to discuss any welfare issues that may arise and can be

contacted in the TAS faculty.

Mr Peachey

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus– student success

Meet our School Captain

Aboriginal Student Representative Team Report

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus– student success Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

Meet our School Captain

Hobbies/Interests: Socialising, helping out

Favourite music/artist: R&B, slow jams

Favourite sports: Volley & Rugby

Favourite subject: PE, HSIE, Commerce

Future aspirations: To decrease the hate and increase the love

As Captain I’d like everyone to think Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus is a safe place.

On Thursday 1st of March, students were asked to self-nominate for the Aboriginal Leadership Team. From here there were will selections for committee members from each year groups. Ms Kavanagh is the teacher coordinating the team along with Mrs Trist. Some of the exciting programs that are com-ing up include: NAIDOC celebrations in early July and

Aboriginal students will be co-ordinating this assembly along with their peers.

Sista Speak will be returning and Aborigi-nal students will be mentoring students from Wilmot Primary School.

Aboriginal Dance practice, self-esteem workshops and resilience workshops will be coming soon.

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

Year 6 Transition Day

Tuesday 21st February, Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus -THREE HUNDRED students from seven local

primary schools were bussed into Mount Druitt Campus to experience a day at high school!

Students were welcomed by the principal, Ms Anderson, before being placed into 12 classes with stu-

dents from each of the schools. Classes rotated through 3 periods of high school lessons which included

cooking pizza muffins, making clay masks, learning map reading skills, print making in art, physical educa-

tion, trying ancient Chinese writing and hieroglyphs in history, Japanese culture, completing science ex-

periments, using “clickers” in literacy based history lessons and learning about the library. All students

received a certificate of completion and an ice block to reward their efforts.

The transition co-ordinator, Mrs Coid said, “students seemed nervous and unsure of themselves at the

beginning of the day but they left feeling very excited about coming to high school. This is what we hoped

to achieve.”

Teachers from the primary schools and parents who attended said they enjoyed the day and felt that

“students got a lot out of it”.

Year 8 students from Mount Druitt Campus were excellent leaders for the day, helping teachers and as-

sisting students to find their way to class.

Staff at Mount Druitt Campus hope to make this an annual event to assist year six students to overcome

their fears about coming to high school.

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

Library Matters!

Reading café returns on Tuesday the 6th of March We are excited to announce that our library reading café returns next week at lunch. We would like to ex-

tend a special invitation to our year 7 students to join. The reading café has been very popular and is a

great opportunity for our avid readers to enjoy reading and hold book discussions. Interested students can

collect an information sheet at the library circulation desk.

‘You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you

have lost a friend.’ ~ Paul Sweeney (Irish Author).

New computers have arrived! Our school library has received new computers for student use. Students have access to the computers dur-

ing recess and lunch for assessment tasks, research and homework. Students who would like use the com-

puters can purchase a one-off student ID card for $5.00, available at the circulation desk. This allows stu-

dents to reserve access to a computer at recess or lunch.

School Photos Reminder School photos will be held on Friday the 9th of March (week 7). All students have been given a photo or-

der envelope to take home. If you would like to purchase school photos, please return the completed order

form along with correct payment on photo day. All students will need to wear full school uniform on the

day. Students may also purchase family photos with their siblings. Students can collect family photo enve-

lopes from the library.

Korean and Japanese book and cultural display Our school library has received two lovely donated gifts from the Korean school students that visited our

school this term. The souvenirs have been placed in the library showcase as part of a cultural promotion of

Korean and Japanese culture. Students can learn about Asian language and culture by borrowing one of

our fantastic books.

National Year of Reading school library events We had a good response to our Chifley Reading Challenge so far,

with students recording the books that they have read and having

their form signed. We are well on the way to rewarding some

successful challenge participants.

Our library is also starting a new borrowing and reading incentive

next week with a prize to be awarded once a fortnight to a lucky

student borrower. Watch this space for more details...

r

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

SUPPORT UNIT WORKPLACEMENT

It has been an exciting start to 2012 for our Stage 5 students here in the Support Unit. We have introduced a

theory component to the student’s practical experiences, in these lessons the students are learning about their

personal details, creating a resume and interview techniques. The Year 10 students have started their practical

Workplace Learning at a variety of places in the local community. Dylan, Troy and Paul have started working

at Minchinbury Car City. Each of the boys are enjoying the experience and are learning new skills

every time they go.

Jamie is also working at Car City in

the Café. His supervisor has been

extremely impressed with his work

ethic and has complimented him on

his commitment to his work.

Jayson is working at Best & Less and

Justyne is working at Trade Secret in Mt

Druitt. They are both enjoying working

independently and is learning a variety of

new skills in their Workplace

environment.

Luke is working at Bunnings in the

garden section. He is developing his

communication skills with his

fellow workers and is enjoying the

different activities each week.

Andrew has started working at Big

Wheel Tyre & Mechanical Repairs .

He has been extremely keen and his

Supervisor has spoken of his

dedication to performing each job to

the best of his ability.

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

SUPPORT UNIT WORKPLACEMENT

Jamie is also working at Car City in

the Café. His supervisor has been

extremely impressed with his work

ethic and has complimented him on

his commitment to his work.

Jayson is working at Best & Less and

Justyne is working at Trade Secret in Mt

Druitt. They are both enjoying working

independently and is learning a variety of

new skills in their Workplace

environment.

Luke is working at Bunnings in the

garden section. He is developing his

communication skills with his

fellow workers and is enjoying the

different activities each week.

Andrew has started working at Big

Wheel Tyre & Mechanical Repairs .

He has been extremely keen and his

Supervisor has spoken of his

dedication to performing each job to

the best of his ability.

On Friday 10th February we welcomed 17 Korean exchange students to our school all the way from Seoul in South Korea. The all-female group from Hanol Middle School were bud-died up with girls from Mount Druitt Campus and showed “the time of their lives” while staying with students and teachers and exploring the school, the city and Australian culture. Upon arrival the girls met their buddies and they immediate-ly hit it off and started out their adventure as life-long friends by playing ‘getting to know you’ games and discussing the popular culture of Korea and Australia. They were presented with a small gift and provided food by Mrs Rani (TAS) and her year 10 helpers which consisted of famous foods from Aus-tralia, like vegemite, lamingtons and damper. Then it was off to experience a P.E. lesson at Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus. Mr Salt (Relieving Head Teacher P.E.) played games in the canteen with all 35 girls as they got to interact with their new friends and learn games that are played, not only in Australia, but only at our school. My Salt introduced Korea to “Chainlink tip”. After lunch and a library lesson, to email their home and research Australian animals, the students left (exhausted) to spend the weekend with their host families. When the students returned on Monday they experienced more of what it is like in an Australian school. Miss Hawley (CAPA) took the students and their buddies for an art lesson. The students created their own souvenir of a clay cockatoo which they were able to take home with them and they cre-ated a card, using the Aboriginal dot painting technique of both their and their buddy’s hands, which was signed by all their new Mount Druitt friends on the last day. They continued to learn about the Aboriginal culture and experiences at the Sorry Day Assembly and in an English les-son delivered by Mrs Annables (Relieving Head Teacher T & L). They studied a Dreamtime story and learnt Aboriginal words and phrases.

The exchange students were given the opportunity to sit in on a lesson in their buddy’s class. Most of the girls sat in on a Maths or Science lesson. For many it was the first time they had been in a class with boys. The following three days the Koreans and their buddies got to see all the sights that they came here to see: On Tuesday they caught the train into the city and got to go to the top of Centre Point Tower and look down and around the whole of Sydney. From there they visited the Opera House and had some great photo opportunities of the Har-bour Bridge. Wednesday was the day that many were most excited about as they were going to see (and be able to touch) all the Aus-tralian animals and birds that they had only seen in pictures. We caught a bus to Featherdale Wildlife Park and it did not disappoint. All students and teachers patted the kangaroos, koalas and emus as well as touch a snake, owl and lizard dur-ing a lesson on Australian animals. Thursday was action packed in the Blue Mountains. At Sce-nic World we caught the steepest railway down the moun-tain, took a long bush walk through the forest and viewed the sculptures that were on display. We caught the cable car up the mountain and the skyway, 270 metres above the ground, across the mountain. We ended at the Three Sisters at Echo Point where everyone took the opportunity to get a few last photographs of the beautiful Australian landscape. Friday 17th February was a sad day for many of the new friends as it was our time to farewell the Koreans as they continued their adventure of Australia outside Mt Druitt. The whole week was filled with fun, laughter, education and good times. We would like to thank all the Chifley College buddies for excelling in their role of looking after our visitors. We would also like to thank, and farewell our Korean school and we look forward to continuing and strengthening our relation-ship with Hanol Middle School in the future.

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

2012 Korean Exchange Students’ Visit

Science News!

You Are a Scientist Now - Year 7 Science

Year 7 students have been busy in the Science laboratories making new discoveries. It is part of the year 7 Science unit— you are a scientist now. In this unit, Students have the opportunity to conduct and write fun and interesting science experiments along with learning about the important work that Scientists do. These are some photographs of 7C conducting one of their Science experiments on elements affecting colour changes:

Clean Up Australia Day Campaign at Mount Druitt Campus!

Mr Iqbal’s year 10 Agriculture class have been busy taking part in the Clean Up Australia Day campaign at Mount Druitt Campus. Partici-pating in the campaign gave the students an awareness of the im-portance of conserving our school environment. We would like to thank Mr Iqbal and Mr Sharif that helped organise this event.

2012 INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COMPETITION (ICAS) ICAS provides an opportunity for all Years 3 – 12 students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing situation. It provides teachers, parents and students with comprehensive reporting of results in the areas of Computer Skills, English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Writing.

Important Dates:

2012 entries close on 27th April 2012

2012 test date is 6th June 2012

Please obtain the permission slips from Mr Singh (Science) and return the permission slips and entry fee to the front office by 27

th April 2012.

It may be fun to do this activity, however, it comes with the following warnings: This activity is best done outside in the middle of an abandoned field, or better yet, on a huge lawn. Use diet soda only (diet or regular soda will work, but diet soda is not as sticky). Experiment:

1. Carefully open the bottle of soda. Position the bottle on the ground so that it will not tip over.

2. Unwrap the whole roll of Mentos. The goal is to drop all of the Mentos into the bottle of soda at

the same time (which is trickier than it looks). One method for doing this is to roll a piece of paper into a tube just big enough to hold the loose Mentos. You'll want to be able to position the tube directly over the mouth of the bottle so that all of the candies drop into the bottle at the same time.

3. Don't drop them into the bottle just yet! Warn the spectators to stand back. Okay, you're going to

drop all of the Mentos into the bottle at the same time and then move out of the way... so long... bye- bye... hasta la vista!

It's just like fireworks. The spectators erupt, of course, in a chorus of

ooohs and ahhhs. Someone yells out, "Do it again" and you do.

How does it work? Here's the question of the day... Why do Mentos mixed with soda produce this incredible eruption? You should know that there is considerable debate over how and why this works. While we offer the most probable explanations below, we also understand and admit that other explanation could be possible... and we welcome your thoughts. But there's more... If you shake the bottle and then open it, the gas is released from the protective hold of the water molecules and escapes with a whoosh, taking some of the soda along with it. What oth-er ways can you cause the gas to escape? Just drop something into a glass of soda and notice how bubbles immediately form on the surface of the object. When you drop the Mentos into the soda, the dissolving candy breaks the surface ten-sion. This disrupts the water mesh, so that it takes less work to expand and form new bubbles. Each Mentos candy has thousands of tiny pits all over the surface. These tiny pits are called nucleation sites - perfect places for carbon dioxide bubbles to form. As soon as the Mentos hit the soda, bubbles form all over the surface of the candy. Couple this with the fact that the Mentos candies are heavy and sink to the bottom of the bottle and you've got a double-whammy. When all this gas is released, it literally pushes all of the liquid up and out of the bottle in an incredible soda blast. You can see a similar effect when cooking potatoes or pasta are lowered into a pot of boiling water. The water will sometimes boil over because organic materials that leach out of the cooking potatoes or pasta disrupt the tight mesh of water molecules at the surface of the water, making it easier for bubbles and foam to form.

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

Mentos + Pop = Fun …

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus– student success

The school Swimming Carnival was held at Emerton Leisure Centre pool on Tuesday 21st February. Well done to all students who attended, participated and supported their peers at the carnival. The House spirit was fantastic and behaviour was exceptional. Thank you to all staff for their assistance in officiating and positive house spirit. Congratulations to the following age champions: Boys Girls

House Points 1st Place Emert 490 pts 2nd Place King 306 pts 3rd Place Lethbridge 278 pts 4th Place Dawson 144 pts

12 Jayme Bradbury Cassandra McDonald

13 Tie: Ben Smith & Cody Browne Emma Delaney

14 Junior Tau Tiffany Ellis

15 - Jessica Lansdowne

16 Lucas Lobe Alana Neale

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus– student success

GOTCHA program

Last year’s success of the GOTCHA program has seen it continue into 2012. GOTCHA stands for Get On

Track Chifley Helps Attendance.

What is the GOTCHA Program?

The aim of the program is to support and improve the attendance of students so they can engage in their

learning and reconnect with school as a positive place of success and well-being.

How is a child placed on the GOTCHA Program?

Attendance data is analysed and students who are regularly absent or truant from school are placed into

the program. In each year group, 10 students are identified for improved attendance and placed on the

program.

How do I know if my child has been placed on the GOTCHA Program?

A letter is sent to parents to inform them their child has been placed on The GOTCHA Program. It explains

that students on the GOTCHA Program will receive individualised monitoring and intervention. Each child is

assigned to an Attendance Co-ordinator who is responsible for the monitoring of attendance for two

weeks. During this time parents may receive phone calls, letters or emails from the schools Attendance Co

-ordinators to inform you of your child’s attendance and progress within the program.

How do students know they are on the GOTCHA Program?

In addition to the letter, your child will be approached by an Attendance

Co-ordinator who will explain their role and provide them with an attendance monitoring card which will

be completed and signed by their class teacher each time they attend a lesson. They will also report to

the Attendance Co-ordinator with card for monitoring.

How do I know if student attendance has improved on the GOTCHA Program?

After two weeks, the Attendance Co-ordinator provides feedback on your child’s progress at a Welfare

Meeting and your child’s attendance is reviewed by the Head Teacher Welfare. A letter is sent to parents

to inform them of their child’s progress.

If your child has shown a vast improvement in their attendance they are deemed successful and released

from the program. If your child has shown minimal improvement, they are interviewed and continue with

the program for a further two weeks.

Students who are unsuccessful after a further two weeks or who fail to actively participate in the program

are interviewed by the Head Teacher Welfare and the Deputy Principal. Students may be issued with a

warning of suspension and/or considered for placement in the re-engagement room.

What is the Re-engagement Room?

The Re-engagement Room is a four week intensive educational program aimed at students with long term

attendance issues. Whilst in the re-engagement room, students will be provided with meaningful educa-

tional activities which will include a focus on literacy, numeracy and student well-being. The goal by the

end of the four weeks is to transition students from the re-engagement room back into the classroom set-

ting.

If I want to know more about the GOTCHA Program who do I speak to?

You can speak the Deputy Principal Attendance Mrs Loughran or Head Teacher Welfare Mrs Attard.

Chifley College Mt Druitt Campus

Monday 5th March to Friday 9th March 2012 Be in the chance to win 4 x $50 Coles Voucher

The PSP survey is a survey of families in government school communities in NSW that is used to determine the so-

cio-economic status (SES) of individual school communities and identify Priority Schools who will receive significant

extra funding.

Completion of the PSP survey by families can lead to increased funding and staffing for our school in the future to

support students’ achievements in literacy numeracy and engagement in learning.

Families in Year 7, 8 and 9 will be receiving a one page survey on Monday 5th March 2012. It is crucial these surveys

are filled in accurately and are returned promptly.

To encourage families to return their surveys, each family will receive raffle tickets to be in the draw to win a $50

Coles Voucher. There will be four chances to win. The earlier in the week the survey is returned the more raffle

tickets to be awarded.

Parents and carers should be aware that the PSP survey is a voluntary and completely confidential process. The sur-vey asks families to complete a single page of questions related to the following: Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status

Type of occupation of parents/caregivers

Educational qualifications of parents/caregivers

Proportion of sole parent families in the school community

Current employment status The survey form does not include any identifying information such as the name of the student or the family. Once the survey form is completed, it is placed in an envelope and sealed by parents or carers. No-one at the school, region or state office level will see the survey form – confidentially is assured. The survey form is then sent to a firm that is independent of the Department of Education and Communities for processing. If you would like copies of the survey in a particular language and/or an interpreter service to be organised or if you

have any questions regarding the PSP survey – please contact the Deputy Principal, Donna Loughran on 9625 9750.

SURVEY WEEK: Monday 5th March – Surveys issued to youngest sibling. Tuesday 6th March – Surveys returned to the office receive 4 raffle tickets. Families

attending the Parent Forum on this day in the Common Room at 9:30am with completed surveys will receive 2 bonus raffle tickets.

Wednesday 7th March - Surveys returned to the office receive 3 raffle tickets. Thursday 8th March - Surveys returned to the office receive 2 raffle tickets. Friday 9th March - Surveys returned to the office receive 1 raffle ticket.