Airds Announcer“A place to learn, lead and achieve your personal best”

Find us at: Airds High School, Briar Road, Airds NSW 2560

airds-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Issue 5 – Term 3 September/October 2010

EDUCATION WEEK 2010At the Education Week Special Assembly

DIARY DATESSEPTEMBERWednesday 1st - School Council, P&C MeetingThursday 9th and - CHS Athletics ChampionshipsFriday 10th - (Homebush)Friday 10th - Gala DayWednesday 15th - Campbelltown Schools Parent

ConferenceWed 15th – Fri 17th - Support Camp – Teen RanchMon 20th – Fri 24th - Year 10 & 11 ExamsTuesday 21st - Multi-cultural Parents DayFriday 24th - LAST DAY TERM 3

OCTOBER

Monday 11th - FIRST DAY TERM 4Thursday 14th - HSC Written Exams beginMonday 18th - Year 7 VaccinationsTuesday 19th - Multi-cultural Parents Meeting

YEAR 11 UPDATEThroughout Term 2 Year 11 students have been extremely busy with finalising the designs for their senior jackets and their chocolate fundraising drive. The money raised by individual students is to go towards their Year 12 jackets for next year. For every box sold by the students they were given a discount off the price of their jacket. There was a prize for the person who sold the most boxes and 1st place went to Andrew Phoumivong who sold 10 boxes. 2nd place went to Bradley Dixon, Taiba Rezaie and Josaia Turaganivolo who all sold 9 boxes. 3rd place went to Alisha White who sold 7 boxes.

The Jersey Committee has been working exceedingly hard to finalise the design and the Year 11 students have voted for their jacket and pants designs. It is extremely pleasing to say that this year’s cohort will be the first year group to have their very own personalised pants as well. Thank you to those students who have made payments however, it would be appreciated if payments could be paid at the Front Office and the full amount must be finalised by Friday 6th August, 2010. The cost of the jacket is $90 each and pants are $45 each.

This term has been an action packed term for Year 11 students with more to come in Term 3. A Welfare Day has been organised for early Term 3 which I’m sure the students will enjoy. I would like to say a big thank you to all the students (and those parents who involuntarily) volunteered to support this worthy initiative of the chocolate fundraising drive as it was a major success!

Ms N VongsouvanhYear 11 Adviser

TEACHERS V STUDENTS FOOTBALL GAME

SPONSORS AIRDS HIGH SCHOOL TRIVIA NIGHT

These local businesses kindly donated prizes for our recent Trivia Night.

Please thank and support them when shopping locally.

* Bridge Climb Sydney * Airds Butchers* Captain Cook Cruises * Pizza Shop Ruse* Evans Jewellers, Mac Square * Foodworks Bradbury* The Body Shop, Mac Square * Hair Tonic, St Helens Pk* St Helens Park Takeaway * Bradbury Pharmacy* Fitzy’s Fine Meats, Bradbury * Dumaresq St Cinemas* Ruse Family Butchery * Ruse Tavern* I.G.A. Airds * Red Lea Chickens* Willis Cakes, Campbelltown

CAREER NEWSYear 12 Each student has had an interview in order to assist

them with their study options after Year 12. Please make sure that all paperwork for TAFE, Universities, Colleges etc are done on time as some late applications will not be accepted and others will incur a fine.

TAFE Application: 9th August – 29th October. University Application: Early August – 30th of

September. Scholarships and Early Entry forms available for:

Uni of Sydney, Uni of New England and Charles Sturt University.

Year 10 Thank you to Year 10 for their behaviour and

attentiveness during their Taster Day. Please keep in mind that if you are unsure about which subjects to choose in order to assist you in your chosen career field when you finish school please see me ASAP.

If you are interested in attending TAFE in Year 11 or Year 12 then please complete the application form. TVET/TVET SPY applications open on the 26th July – 24th September.

Year 7-12 Tax File Appplications Resume Writing Careers Counselling

Puggy Hunter Memorial ScholarshipsAre you Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders, studying or interested in studying in a health related course? The Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and administered by Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA). These scholarships will be available for the start of the 2011 academic year and are worth up to $7,500 per year for part time study and up to $15,000 per year for full time study. Applications will be available to download from www.rcna.org.au and applications will close 20 August 2010.

For more information please phone free call 1800688628 or visit www.rcna.org.au

Job Interview Day 2010 Date: Friday 10th September

Venue: Glenfield Education Office

Time: 8.30am – 2.30pm

Open for students attending secondary school in the Sydney South Western Region who are planning to exit school at the end of 2010. There will be Group Training Organisations and Employers on hand to interview students interested in apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. Students will have the opportunity to have 3 interview choices and 2 will be allotted from the three chosen.

Interviews will be approx 15 mins

Bring copy of resume

Dress code – school uniform

For further information please ring (02)92039935

Myfuture Video Competition 2010This competition is designed to explore career options for young people, by getting them to produce a 2-3 minute video on an occupation that they may be interested in. The competition opens on 30 July and closes on 29 October 2010, and a cash prize of $7500 is on offer. Individuals as well as groups are encouraged to apply and full details can be found on the www.myfuture.com

Integral EnergyIntegral Energy has opened their apprenticeship program for 2010. They have 60 apprenticeships and are inviting students from Year 10 through to Year 12 with reasonable aptitude in mathematics to apply. For more information please visit www.integral.com.au/apprenticeships

TAFE Information – Aboriginal StudentsWhat’s Yulang?Yulang is Sydney Institute’s Aboriginal Education Training Unit. It provides specialist advice and support on all TAFE courses, pathways to higher education and apprenticeships and traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The unit consists of Aboriginal staff whose role is to support Aboriginal students and consult with Aboriginal communities and industry to design and deliver appropriate TAFE courses. Staff can provide teacher liaison, assistance with Centrelink benefits including Abstudy, tutorial support, literacy and numeracy skills and goal setting.

For more information contact you’re Aboriginal Co-ordinator at: Gymea 9710 5183

Randwick 9469 8509

Ultimo 9217 5365

University Of Ballarat MIT CampusThe University of Ballarat at MIT-Sydney Campus offers the following courses for Mid Year intake:

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Bachelor of Management

Bachelor of Information Technology

How to apply to UB@MIT? Direct application forms for Mid Year entry can be found on

www.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/student/recruitment/applications.shtml

Sydney Uni Information Night for Year 12 studentsSydney Uni is having an Information Night for Year 12 students to find out about Engineering and Information Technology. When: Tuesday, 21st September 2010 Time: Evening will commence at 6.00pm Where: This will depend on numbers, and will be advised closer to the date, Registrations are essential. Light refreshments will be available. To obtain registration form, or obtain more information, phone 02 9351 2131, fax 02 9351 4654 or email trish.dimasi@sydney.edu.au

UNSWUNSW has its Law and Tax Undergraduate program guides out for 2011. If you are interested please go see your Career Adviser or visit www.law.unsw.edu.au or www.atax.unsw.edu.au

The University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame has its Early Offer Program 2010 out and if you are interested contact your Career Adviser. For any other information regarding the university visit www.nd.edu.au

If you require further details about Early Entry please email Shannon or call her on (02) 4221 5732.

UOW Important InformationYr 12 Information Evenings • Illawarra - 31st August - University Hall, Wollongong

• Sutherland Shire - 25th August - Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club, Cronulla

• Campbelltown - 24th August - The Catholic Club, Campbelltown

• Shoalhaven - 26th August - UOW campus, West Nowra

All events book can be made online or by calling 1300 367 869.

Creative Arts Information NightsThe UOW Faculty of Creative Arts is holding Creative Arts specific information evenings to showcase the “new” Bachelor of Creative Arts and the Bachelor of Performance programs and to provide information about the range of programs on offer for 2011.

 Dates:12 August 2010:  Digital Media at the Digital Media Centre at Innovation Campus19 August 2010:  All Creative Arts undergraduate programs at UOW Main Campus. To RSVP please email fca_enquiries@uow.edu.auFor more information see the Faculty’s website or contact the faculty at 02 4221 3996.Applications for Creative Arts in 2011 are now open and close on 1 October 2010.

Early Entry Now OpenOn 1st July Early Entry applications opened. Early Entry is a great way for students to secure a place at UOW before exams and take some of the stress out of their HSC, while still keeping their options open.  One of the benefits of the Early Entry program is that students can apply and be made an Early Entry offer and still take the time to think about their options before

submitting their final UAC preferences in January 2011.There have been a few changes this year: • Early Entry online applications will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 1st September.  • Trial HSC results are not needed for the online application (however will be required during interview week and may be requested by some faculties prior to interview).• In 2011 students can apply to a maximum of five courses through Early Entry.  Double degree courses count as one of these selections, not two.• We have tailored the Online Application form to ask students to only provide the information that the faculties they are applying to request.  This means that not all students will be asked to provide the same results and information as part of their application.If you require further details about Early Entry please email Shannon or call her on (02) 4221 5732.

Points to UOWYear 12 students, who do well in relevant HSC subjects, may be eligible to score an extra three points for their chosen UOW degree. Students must have an ATAR (or equivalent), complete their HSC in 2010 and complete relevant subjects. Points to UOW are awarded only for UOW undergraduate degrees that start in February 2011.

Regional BONUS 3 POINTSStudents can also boost their points simply by attending a school in the local area or in regional or remote NSW.If students complete the HSC at a school in UOW’s ‘drawing area’, or at a rural or remote school in NSW, they will receive three bonus points for each of their UOW preferences. Again, these points are calculated by UAC and no specific application is required to be considered for the Bonus Points. For more information on the regional bonus three points and a list of eligible schools, refer to the UOW Bonus Points website.

Upcoming UTS EventsEvent Date More Info

Engineering & IT Discovery Day

Tuesday 23rd November (02)95142666

Smorgasbord Science

Yrs 10 -12 Wednesday 25th August

Registration essentialUTS:Science Outreach website

Leisure, Sport & Tourism

Wednesday 8th September 4pm-7pm

UTS Kuring-gai campus website

UTS Info Day 5 January 2011 UTS website

NAIDSA Dance CollegeThe College is looking for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students to audition for entry in to the College. Success in the auditions can lead to full time tertiary training and can give young people and exciting career in the performing arts. Residential auditions will be held on October 7, 8 and 9 at NAISDA Dance College on the central coast NSW. All costs paid by Abstudy. For more information please phone 1800117116

Design Centre Enmore Open DaySaturday 11 September, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm.Design Centre Enmore Open Day provides an opportunity for prospective students and parents to view student work, talk to teachers, tour the college facilities, participate in interactive displays and pick up an application form.

This year in conjunction with Open Day we are hosting a Young Designers Market, in the quadrangle of the college. There will be a large array of work from young designers available to purchase, as well as our student fund raising food stalls and a DJ.

Job Search EnginesMy Gateway has a variety of traineeship and apprenticeship vacancies at the moment. For more information or to apply please visit www.mygateway.org.au and click on Job Seekers.Orwww.austrg.com.au for a variety of job vacancies

Scholarship Opportunities - Hospitality and Events'Get Real Events Experience' is a program for Year 11 students interested in Hospitality and Event Management. 15 applicants are chosen for a week of work experience with one of Kenvale's industry partners, and based on their application as well as performance; two of those students will then receive a scholarship to study Hospitality & Events at Kenvale College after their HSC. One of those scholarships must go to a regional student.

The closing date is August 20. For more information and for application forms, contact Bernie McFarlane on 9314 6213.

SteelBluescope Steel 2011 Cadet Applications have opened. These Cadetships have opportunities in Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, Civil/Structural, Materials, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Mechanical. Applications opened on 1/7/10 and close on the 31/8/10. These roles will be advertised throughout NSW and the ACT and for detailed information please visit www.bluescopesteel.com/cadets

St Patricks Business CollegeSt Patricks Business College is holding Open Days on the following dates:

17th October 14th November from 11am. There will be course information, employment opportunities discussed, general information given and tours of the college. To register please phone (02)83062333.

APM College of Business and CommunicationAPM has their new prospectus out for 2011 and the college is also running a 2011 Scholarship Competition.

If you are interested please see your Career Adviser or phone (02)85884775 or email lcullen@think.edu.au

Bedford CollegeBedford College offers a variety of courses in Business, Accounting and Child Car. All of their diploma courses provide university pathways. They offer

VET fee-help and have small class sizes. The college will be holding their Open Day & Scholarship Assessments on 25th September 2010 from 9.30am to 3.00pm. For any additional information please phone (02)85723262 or visit www.bedford.edu.auUniversity of WollongongThe University of Wollongong has a variety of information on offer for different faculties of the University, including Law, International Studies, Physics, Civil Engineering, Mining, Graduate School of Medicine and others. If you are interested please visit your Careers Adviser of phone 1300367869 or visit www.uow.edu.au/future/events

TAFE TAFE South Western Sydney Institute will be holding “step into your future employment expo and open day.Date: Thursday, 9th September, 2Time: 9.30am-1.00pmVenue: Miller College,Cnr Hoxton Park & Banks Rds,Miller NSW.

An ideal opportunity for job seekers, students, parents and carers to find out about apprenticeships and traineeships. Talk to employers, university and TAFE staff, and vocational training providers. For any additional information please call (02)98217776

TAFE Sydney InstituteTVET has its Course Guide 2011 out now. If you are interested in pursuing a course at TAFE rather than university this booklet gives you a summarised version of course on offer at TAFE. If you are interested please see your Career Adviser or visit www.sit.nsw.edu.au/tvet

UWS Dates for the Calender Campus Date Time

UWS Parramatta campus

Sunday 29th August 2010

10am-3pm

UWS Campus Tours October, 2010 TBA

UWS Day Penrith

Wednesday 3rd November 2010 TBA

Course Decision Day,

Monday, 3rd January 2011 TBA

UWS also has its Undergraduate Course Guide 2011 out. If you are interested please visit your Careers Adviser or phone 1300897669 or visit study@uws.edu.au

Ms Fitas (Room 8.8)

CANTEEN NEWS

For a quick breakfast try a yummy cheese Brekkie Omelette!!! – ready to eat - $3.00 or with 2 slices of toast $3.50 AND FOR A SHORT TIME –WITH EVERY OMELETTE PURCHASED RECEIVE A FREE HOT CHOCOLATE!!!!!!

+

New vegetarian pizza slice - $3.00 (please order)

Tukka Tubs – ready to eat meals available in: Honey Soy Chicken - $3.80 (please order)

Fruit T – flavoured ice tea drink – $2.00

Breakfast for $3.00 and under!!!!!!

Toast with topping & hot chocolate - $2.50

Raisin toast (café style) & hot chocolate ……………………. - $2.20Cheese toastie & hot chocolate - $3.00

P&C PRESIDENT’S REPORTOn 6th August, we held our Trivia Night. I’d like to thank our members, Lyn Clark and Melanie Cutts for arranging and collecting the donations, Judith Ferderer for the ‘behind the scenes’ help, Robyn Culbert, our outstanding secretary, for all the advertising and paper work done for this event and to Max Foord for allowing us the use of the hall. To all the staff of Airds who attended, thank you for your continued support. Thank you also to those outside of our school community and former staff and students who attended the night, and our MC, Mr John Culbert, who put together the questions and as usual did a wonderful job.

A huge THANK YOU must be made to the wonderful sponsors who always help us whenever our association approaches them. You will find the list inside this of the school newsletter – please support these businesses as much as possible. Also be supportive of our wonderful staff as they are the biggest supporters of any fundraising efforts done by the P&C.

In April, on behalf of the P&C I applied for funding under the Federal Government Volunteer Grants. We were successful in obtaining money to provide our members with training for their First Aid Certificates. This will be done through St Johns Ambulance Service of NSW. We will also run the two day course in late October or early November. To book contact Robyn Culbert on 4625 5811 (Monday, Tuesday or Friday). You will go on a list as the numbers are limited.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 1st September at 10.15am. Our guest speaker will be Natalee Bonnell. It would be great to see some new faces so please feel free to attend as you are most welcome – morning tea will be provided.

I would like to wish Year 12, 2010 all the best for the HSC. These fine young men and women are entering a very exciting phase in their lives and it is important that they have our support and well wishes from within the school community. To their hardworking Year Adviser, Ms Nevine Atlagic, congratulations for bringing this year group through the last few years.

Till next timeTheresa ClarkP&C President

CLO REPORTAs usual, Term 3 is a busy time for our school with lots of programs and activities.

Our Trivia Night was a great evening of fun and fundraising. Thanks to all the staff who supported this even as well as parents and community. Special thanks

to the P&C members who worked so hard for weeks beforehand.Our P&C has been successful in obtaining a grant for volunteers which will enable us to provide FREE First Aid training with St Johns Ambulance. A current First Aid Certificate is so important for all parents and is often a requirement for a job application. Numbers are limited so please call me on 4625 5811 to put your name on the list. The course will be held in October and I will contact you with all the details soon.Multi-Cultural parents will have their next meeting on Tuesday 21st September. All parents are welcome. Our Culture of the Term for Term 3 was combined with our special Education Week Assembly and emphasised the importance of Refugee Week.

Parents participated in Mr Miezio’s technology Workshops in August. Gaining increased knowledge and skills in a “hands-on” situation. Thank you, Mr Miezio for your time and enthusiasm.

Parents from our school will be attending the Campbelltown Schools parents Conference in September, being held at John Warby Public School. Airds High School Year 11 Hospitality students will be catering for this event.

On behalf of the school community, I would like to wish all the Year 12 students good luck in their HSC Exams and their future careers. Thank you for your leadership and contribution to our school.

Finally, a reminder to Year 7 parents that Vaccination Day is in Term 4, Monday 18th October.

Robyn CulbertCommunity Liaison Officer

YEAR 9 REPORTOnce again, the last few months have been very exciting, with many different programs and activities continuing to go on involving students from Year 9. Parent Teacher Night was a hit, and it was a pleasure to meet many parents and talk constructively with them about their students and their progress at Airds High School.

I was also very lucky to attend the LEAPS Program with a cohort of students from my year and it is my pleasure to say that the day out was as close to a perfect excursion as one can get. For those of you who are unclear about LEAPS, it is a program where we take twenty gifted students from our school and go into the city for a day and the students pair up with a mentor from a prestigious Sydney Law Firm located opposite Town Hall. In that time the students undertake various activities that equip them with the skills to succeed in the future. The day also threw up a pleasant surprise when the students ran into a Home & Away star in Martin Place and had photos taken with him.

The LINKS to LEARNING Program run by Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative is also going from strength to strength with the number of Year 9 students participating in it almost doubling this term, and all reports I have

received from Carmen Fox, the program co-ordinator, the group dynamic at the moment is fantastic and the students are receiving a whole range of support services, activities and participating in them with enthusiasm. Lastly, could all parents/ guardians please make sure to either call the school or give your child a note if they have been away for one reason or another, if you are concerned about your child’s absence record feel free to contact the school and get it fixed up. Year 9 Students from the Links to Learning Program at Sydney

Jewish Museum

Mr Robert OczosYear 9 Adviser

YEAR 12 UPDATETerm 2 finished off on a real positive for Year 12, with our last day enjoyed by most of the students on a Welfare Day, bowling and having lunch at Macarthur Square. This was also a great opportunity for the students to enjoy a day out away from school life, with their Roll Call teachers and myself (who I think was the biggest kid on the day!). At our Year 12 Formal Assembly I was also very proud to announce the winner of the ‘Youth off the Streets’ scholarship, Danielle Wright-Brizzolara. Danielle is a very hard working young lady and I am confident she will put the money to good use to further her education. She is the first student from Airds High School to be awarded this scholarship, and she was one of only 20 students chosen out of at least 500 students statewide. Congratulations Danielle!

Education week was celebrated in Week 3 of Term 3, and Year 12 was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to fundraise for their Year 12 Formal. They took advantage of the sustainable future theme, by running a Trash and Treasure stall during recess. I was able to do a spring clean at home and sell the items to the students and some parents, who came on the day.

A total of $170 was raised, and judging by the photos a lot of fun was had!!

On a more serious note, Year 12 completed their HSC trials in Week 5. The trials give the students an opportunity to experience the rigors of the HSC exams, and I know that some students now understand what is required of them, and what subjects and areas they need to study more in. I wish them all the luck and success as they complete their final term of school.

Just a reminder also that payments for the Formal and Graduation are due by the last day of Term 3. Please phone me if you require assistance with payments.

Nevine AtlagicYear 12 Co-ordinator

ENGLISH NEWSEarly this term, 28 students from Year 10 had the opportunity to see a performance of Just Macbeth, by Andy Griffiths and the Bell Shakespeare Company at the Opera House. We are very lucky to be able to attend these performances. A generous Bell Shakespeare sponsor, Rebel, kindly donated a row of seats under the Hearts in a Row program, meaning we saw this performance for free.

This is the third year in a row that we have been invited to participate in this program, mainly due to the excellent behaviour and feedback given by previous year groups. This year’s group also proved exceptional ambassadors for the school, and enjoyed the laugh-a-minute performance immensely (especially the bit where they saw an actor’s bum). Just Macbeth reinterpreted Shakespeare for a modern young audience, and proved that there is always something new to be found in great drama.

Year 12 are fast approaching their HSC Examinations and the English Faculty would like to wish all these students the very best of luck. All students in Year 12 should be studying English by practising their essays, writing and re-writing them in forty minute periods. This cohort achieved the best School Certificate results in many years, so we expect some very pleasing performances in the HSC.

HSIE NEWSThis is going to be another busy term for the HSIE faculty and Airds High School. All staff have been very busy preparing Year 12 students for their Trial Higher School Certificate which will be on in Week 5. Students in HSIE will be sitting for Ancient History, Modern History, Legal Studies and Business Studies. Hope all students have been studying hard and preparing many notes as the exams are not easy and quite long. Good luck to all Year 12 students!

Mr Robert OczosHSIE Relieving HT

JUSTICE FOR YEAR 8On 28th July, Year 8 completed part two of the High Resolves Program. They had a fantastic time learning about global injustice and world poverty. All of year 8 and their senior leaders were complemented by the organisers and the DET Director of Equity on their outstanding contribution to the day.

SPORT REPORTIn Week 3 of Term 3 the Regional Athletics Carnival was held at Campbelltown Stadium on 4th and 5 th of August. The following students need to be congratulated on their performance and effort at the carnival. Milly Turaganivolo, Ashleigh Vidovic-McCarthy, Alisha White, Iesha Wright, Aidan Ferderer, Jason Phoumivong, Adam Akbas, & John Alley. Our best performance came from Elijah Sa in the 13 Years Boys’ Discus event where he received third place and is a reserve for the State Carnival to be held later this term. Well done to all the competitors.

Elijah Sa (3rd place in 13 boys Discus)

Volleyball Although our school teams have finished their run in the Knockout Competition there have been some great results from both the males and females this year. Two students need to be congratulated on their continued participation and achievement level. Firstly, Jared Noa in Year 12 who represented Sydney South West Boys Volleyball Team in March. This team was highly successful and won the NSW CHS State Championships. Great result Jared, well done. Secondly, Jackie Faiaoga in Year 10 represented the NSW Under 16s Team at the National Championship held in Canberra during August. Jackie continues to strive and represent Airds High School in an honourable fashion. Keep up the great work Jackie. What an inspiration!

Jackie Faiaoga Jared Noa

Eat It Work It Move ItThis term EWM and the Sport Department are running an indoor soccer competition. It has 10 student teams which range in years from 7 to 12 and two teacher teams. Teams play one game a week which could either fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. This competition could not run without the help of the following people who invest their recess or lunch time to referee games. A BIG THANKYOU to Mr Halliburton, Miss Simms, Mr Rosete, Mr Miezio and Mr Wagner. Good luck to all the teams in the competitions.

School Sport The following students have shown a high level of participation and commitment towards their school sport. Well done and congratulations, keep up the great work.

Year 7 Katerine Vanu Sharni Anderson Stefan Czarnowski Al-Harraz Hudaja

Year 8 Siteri Peter Alicia Loli Nathan Sempel Riggot Varu

Year 9 Cheyenne Morrissey Adi Turanganivolo Hayden Harrison Jayke Cooper Martin

Year 10 Amie Slavin Sharon Srey Shane Peagam Adam Yassine

Year 11 Chelsea Nauer

Alisha White Sione Usaia Trendal Boyce

N. TateSport Organiser

Boys Knockout NetballThe Boys Knockout Netball Competition was held on the 22nd July at Endeavour Park in Fairfield. This year’s team consisted of David Leautaua (Yr 12), Jared Noa (Yr 12), Raven Nichols (Yr 12), Ross Leifi (Yr 12), Varu Varu (Yr 12), Jeremiah Leato (Yr 11), Josaia Turaganivolo (Yr 11), Paul Vaai (Yr 9) and Leon Longbottom (Yr 8). Our boys played a Round Robin Competition of four gruelling games against various schools throughout the day. The first game was against Picton High School with the score being 9-16. We lost the second game against Bonnyrigg High School with the score being 10-15. Our third game was a draw against Cecil Hills High School and the score was 12-12. The last game against John Edmonson High School was a success with a score of 9-1. I would like to say a big thank you to Mrs V Williamson for umpiring all four games as she was working extremely hard keeping up with the boy’s fast paced game all day. Congratulations to all our boys on their great teamwork and sportsmanship as they were fine ambassadors for our school. Well done boys! Thanks to my Year 12 boys for your efforts over the last four years, you will be missed. For those students who missed out on this year’s Boys Knockout Netball Team remember to try out next year.

Ms VongsouvanhBoys Knockout Netball Coach

On Tuesday August 3rd, Year 12 Biology visited the gruesome Museum of Human Disease. After an early morning start at Campbelltown Station, the 11 students braved public transport and unpredictable weather to reach the University of NSW where the museum is situated.

After an hour lecture on the effects of different diseases on the body, the students were free to roam the museums extensive pathology display which included cancerous lungs, gangrenous legs and cirrhotic livers.

After a late lunch at McDonalds, we headed home tired after our interesting and informative day.

Thank you to all the students in Year 12 Biology for your hard work this year and best wishes for your promising lives ahead.

Melanie HolmesScience

DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD MOBILE PHONES AT HOME?We need them!Airds High School is attempting to accumulate 100 old mobile phones for recycling. Mobile phones contain a product called Coltan, which is largely mined in Africa. The mining of Coltan is endangering the habitats of gorillas. We can help save gorillas by recycling the Coltan in your mobile phone.

Taronga Zoo is supporting the endangered gorillas by recycling the mobile phones we collect. In return, Airds High School will adopt a gorilla through Taronga Zoo!

Please donate your old mobile phones to the Science faculty.Remember, think globally, act locally

FROM THE PASTORAL CARERS DESKTerm 3 is flying by and there is so much energy in the school at present.

The level of dedication from staff is inspiring, with so many good people doing good things. It’s made me think how disciplined we all need to be to achieve our goals.

Discipline, some people may only relate this word to punishment, but its broader meaning is training and instruction to improve strength and learning.

This can be the key to giving your life meaning! It can even save your life!

It can be confronting and maybe uncomfortable, but for the staff at AHS I believe it goes deeper than teaching, it is an act of caring.

Self discipline however, is something we’re in control of and have the ability to change.How can we do this? What actions can we take?

Picture the future (good and bad) I can determine my future.

Set goals (big and little) and set deadlines. Be committed and involved (focus on the prize). Plan and write it down. Take personal responsibility (I’m determined or

I’m making excuses).

Make yourself accountable (share with a friend and encourage each other).

Celebrate the results(I really enjoy that part!)Think about this, and maybe give it a try because the outcomes can be really surprising.

I would like to remind everyone that I am at AHS on Wednesday and every second Thursday (Week B) this term. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me through the office.

Until next time, cheers.Rob Hodgson JP

COMMUNITY NOTICES29/7/2010

RE: Encouragement Awards from FastLane Karting

FastLane Karting at Minto has recently donated 200 Free Track Passes to support and encourage students at your school.

We understand your school makes an effort to reward exemplary behaviour and outstanding achievements, and this term may result in your child receiving a FastLane Karting Encouragement Award.

Please be aware that students require a FastLane Karting licence ($5, valid for 12 months) in order to use their Free Track Pass. A parent or guardian must be present to authorise their child to engage in motor racing.

We sincerely appreciate your support in this promotion. We also look forward to enjoying many fun and memorable moments with the families in our local area.

Aaron OswaldFastLane Karting - Marketing & Promotions

Campbelltown Rainbow Girls hold free craft afternoons on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 3.00 – 5.00pm in the Scout Hall, Broughton St, Campbelltown.

We invite you to come, also to our dress-up ‘Princess Party’ on September 11th at the same time and venue

For more information call Talese – 041 213 800 orMrs Jones – 9630 8474

Students discover the world on a

WEP student exchange!World Education Program (WEP) Australia is now accepting applications from students to participate in 2011/12 exchange programs. Students and parents can choose from 27 countries, including France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the UK and Canada.

Give your child the opportunity to have an international experience and gain the personal, social and academic skills that are so important in today’s world.

Catherine with her host sister in The Netherlands

Student exchange is a journey of discovery – of self and of places, peoples and cultural practices.

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DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YRS 8, 10 & 12

As I pen this article I have just attended a very successful Parent teacher Night at Airds High School. I was thrilled by the number of parents who attended the evening in the hall. I hope you all had the opportunity to speak with all the teachers of your children. If you need to speak to any of the teachers don’t hesitate to call the school and make an appointment.

By the time you read this article Year 12 2010 will have completed their Trial Higher School Certificate examinations. They will have completed all their formal assessments and also be in the throes of revision for the Higher School Certificate. If you as a parent, carer or student need any assistance with these issues please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the staff who may be able to assist you.

At this point in the year our Year 8 students and our Year 10 students are busily choosing their subjects for 2011. It certainly doesn’t take long for the school year to disappear does it? We are working as hard as possible at present to ensure that we can provide all students with as many of their selections as is possible. However, timetabling as it is not an easy science. Should we not be able to provide your son or daughter with their first choice we will try and create for them a subject pattern that will allow them to achieve a pattern of study for 2011 that will be both challenging and satisfying for them?

So in closing I hope that you and your children have a marvellous Term 3 and as usual if you have any issues you think I can address please don’t hesitate to contact me at school.

Yours in Education,

John KennedyDeputy PrincipalYears 8, 10 and 12.BA Dip EdM Ed Leadership

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YRS 7, 9 & 10

The end of Term 3 is quickly approaching, yet there is still so much to do. This is an extremely important time of year for both staff and students, with many whole school activities currently occurring. I am sure that the holidays cannot arrive soon enough for the teachers and students.

Year 12 will be leaving at the end of term, after 13 years of education. I would like to wish them success; however, this will not come without hard work. So I advise all of Year 12 to make the most of the time they have left before their HSC Examinations begin. All of their teachers will be available after the holidays for any last minute revision.

Year 11 are currently trying to complete their Preliminary HSC. Any student that has not completed the requirements of the Preliminary HSC cannot begin the HSC in Term 4. That means that all N Awards need to be resolved before students can start the HSC pattern of study. Please support your child by encouraging them to attend school every day on time, equipped and ready to learn.

Recently, I have received a number of phone calls from parents concerned about our uniform policy. I was happy to hear that parents overwhelmingly supported the wearing of our school uniform and suggested that it should be enforced. I can assure you that we do insist on all of our students wearing their uniform to school every day. Students that continue to come to school out of uniform will be given a formal caution to suspend and ultimately a suspension for continued disobedience. Should you need financial assistance to help with purchasing a uniform please contact the school.

I would like to remind parents/carers that we are still running an after school Homework Club every Wednesday afternoon from 3.10 till 4.00 pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for all of our students to get additional support for their learning and I cannot speak too highly of this program. If you believe your child would benefit from some additional tuition please contact the school.

On a negative note, recently the school has needed to suspend a number of students for aggressive behaviour; this has included both verbal and physical abuse. Neither our school nor the Department of Education will tolerate this from our students. This message needs to be given loud and strong, at school and at home. I would like to thank all of the parents that I have contacted recently for their understanding and support when working in partnership with us to support our students.

As always if you have anything you wish to discuss please contact the school and we can arrange a

meeting. I wish you all a happy and safe holiday and look forward to hearing from you in Term 4.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT – TEACHING & LEARNING

I would like to congratulate Nevine Atlagic who was successful in her application for the Transition Adviser training in October. This position will involve her promoting the active engagement and retention of targeted students and developing a personalised program of career and transition support for our students.

As part of the Digital Education Revolution Program all Year 10 students’ laptops are now due for an upgrade. This is an important process as it provides students with the latest software and with fixes to known problems on the laptops. All Year 10 students received a letter to take home re: the upgrade and returning their laptop to Michael Peppernell our Technical Support Officer. All Year 10 students should have returned their laptops by now!

I am pleased to report that Year 9 students have all now participated in workshops for the educational use of the laptops. The purpose of these workshops was to ensure that students are using the laptops to their full potential to access technology for use in lessons.

I conducted the Technology Workshop for parents on Wednesday 18th August in two sessions 10am – 12pm and from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. I would like to thank the parents that attended but was slightly disappointed with the response. If you have any suggestions as to how we can improve parent attendance please contact me.

Our Year 6 Transition Program with our feeder primary schools will start on Tuesday 24th August with taster lessons which will then continue on Tuesday 7th

September. We have also tentatively booked in two dates in Week 2 & 3 of Term 4 for whole day activities culminating in the Orientation Day on the 7th December. We look forward to working with the students and teachers of our local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition to high school.I would like to acknowledge the work of our Beginning New Scheme Teachers who are not only establishing themselves in the classroom and delivering quality lessons but giving up their own time to be involved in professional development activities on a Thursday afternoon. Thank you to The Head Teacher Mentor (Ms Sumana Viravong) for coordinating these activities and

the Beginning New Scheme Teachers for working hard for the benefit of our students.

Mr Jeff Miezio

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

As we near the end of Term 3 for 2010, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge firstly the commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm of all Airds High School staff whom on a daily basis provide a quality education for all of the their students. I would also like to commend the SAS staff for their ongoing support of staff in performing their roles.

The term has been filled with a number of extra curriculum activities that have greatly enriched the learning experiences of the students involved. These additional activities provide relevance and engagement, thus ensuring a deeper understanding of subject knowledge delivered across various KLAs.

Details concerning the various activities and excursions have been reported on throughout this edition.

A very successful Trivia night was organised by Robyn Culbert, Theresa Clarke and the P & C. Participants including both past and present teachers, parents and local community members ensured the night was well attended and highly successful. I would also like to thank all members of the P & C and School Council for their ongoing contribution and support to the various learning and extra-curricular experiences that occur across the school.

I would like to once again acknowledge the quality work of Ms Cath Angel and Mr Matthew Buckley who have spent considerable time training all staff in Accelerated Literacy. Staff have almost concluded the program and will be required to demonstrate Accelerated Literacy in action in their classrooms to meet the final component of the course. I wish all staff all the best in this endeavour. The students can only benefit from your skills and dedication.

The BER (Building Education Revolution) has almost concluded at Airds High, with the final roof being placed over the library block. It will be great to have our school void of construction zones. Students have certainly

benefitted from the vast upgrades to the school’s resources.

I would like to thank Mr Miezio for his workshop on Technology for the parents of our school community and the considerable time spent in organising the Yr 6 Transition Program. I would also like to thank the staff for the quality demonstration lessons to our future Yr 7 students.

Yr 12 near the end of their education at Airds High and with only 5 weeks left they need to ensure they have completed all assessments and consolidate the knowledge they have acquired over the past two years. Revision should be a daily practice and taking opportunities from staff to do additional study should be a priority. I wish Year 12 every success in their HSC and the future career path they may chose to follow.

At the end of this term, Mrs Jan Sargeant-Smith will be leaving us and transferring to Picton High School. Mrs Sargeant-Smith has been a tireless supporter of our support students for the past 4 years. She has also been an integral part of school community having a major role in the organisation of our end of year Presentation Night. Her professionalism, commitment and bubbly personality will be greatly missed. We wish her every success in her new role and I hope she takes many fond memories with her.