Airds Announcer“A place to learn, lead and achieve your personal best”Find us at: Airds High School, 2 Briar Road, Airds NSW 2560

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

Issue 1– Term 1 February 2013

DIARY DATESTues 26th Feb Year 8 School Values DayThurs 28th Feb Swimming Carnival - BradburyFri 1st March School PhotosTues 5th Mar Year 9 laptop parent information

evening 5.30pmFri 8th March Year 7 ShowcaseMon 11-13th MarTues 12th March

Year 7 CampZone Swimming Carnival

Mon 18th March Regional Swimming CarnivalFri 29th March Good FridayMon 1st April Easter MondayWed 3rd-5th April Year 11 CampMon 8th-11th April Year 12 Half Yearly ExamsThurs 11th April Year 9 School Values DayFri 12th April End of Term 1Mon 29th-30th April School Development DaysWed 1st May Students return Term 2

P&C REPORTOn behalf of the P&C I would like to welcome everyone back to what I’m sure will be a very busy and valuable 2013. I would like to extend a special welcome to all the students and their families who are just beginning their time at our school. I am sure the years you will spend at Airds High School will be enjoyable, interesting, challenging at times, and will prepare you well for your life ahead.

The P&C is a group of parents and community members who work hard to support the staff and students at Airds HS. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at the school and it was great to see a couple of new faces at our meeting earlier this month. Each year we must hold an AGM ( Annual General Meeting) where our official positions must be filled. These positions are President, Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The AGM this year will be held on Wednesday 6th March at 10:15am in the school common room. All parents and community members are welcome to attend. To vote or stand for a position at this year’s AGM you must be a financial member, the cost is $1.00. Payment must be made at least one week prior to the AGM to be eligibile for nomination and voting. Please pay your $1.00 to the front office and they will pass your details on to the P&C who will issue a receipt as soon as possible.

I would like to encourage all parents and community members to think seriously about becoming involved with the P&C at Airds High School. Any contribution, no

matter how big or small, can only benefit our children and enhace their time here at school.

I am looking forward to working with the P&C again this year and watching all the wonderful learning experiences that I’m sure will be happening. I hope all our staff, students and families have a great year working together to ensure our children receive the best education possible.

Melanie CuttsP&C President

SCHOOL PHOTOS -Friday the 1st of March

This year school photos will be on Friday the 1st of March. Students will receive a package during their year meetings indicating the cost involved for photos. Should any families want a family photo, please advise your child/children to approach Mr Rosete in the Maths Staff room for a copy of the family photo form.

Please be advised that Pixie Photo’s do not give out change on the day, all payments must be finalised on the date of the photos so please ensure that all envelopes have the correct amount indicated on the form. Students are to return the envelopes to the Pixie Photo Staff on the day.

Students are also required to be wearing the correct full school uniform. For any more details please contact Mr Rosete as he will be coordinating the day’s event.

Mr S RoseteMaths Faculty

FROM THE PASTORAL CARERS DESK

P & C AGM FOR 2013WEDNESDAY 6th MARCH

AT 10:15 am IN THE STAFF COMMON ROOM

WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Wow it’s 2013 and good to be back!I hope by now everyone is settled into the new school year. It is always an exciting time when we return after the holidays; although it can be a little hard, as we all get back into our routines.

As this is the first Airds Announcer this year I would especially like to welcome our new students and families to Airds High School, our best wishes in their future learning and development. AHS is a caring and supportive school community we encourage parents and friends to get involved in our P&C. And with a wonderful staff AHS provides great opportunities for our students, we want it to be an enjoyable experience for all.

A tip in making your life a little less stressful at this time is to establish routines. Having predictable patterns and routines in your day; or over a week, can be very calming and reassuring. It’s also important for your health and wellbeing.Routines can include…

Regular bedtimes Regular waking Regular mealtimes Regular times for work, exercise and relaxation And planning and preparing ahead to do

routine jobs or activitiesEstablishing routines will also help to develop good organisation skills.

This term I will be at AHS on Wednesday. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Have a great year and until next time, cheers.

Rob Hodgson, JP

PI CLO REPORTKia Orana, Greetings to all staff, students and their families, welcome back to what is going to be a great year at AHS, so many wonderful programs and events are planned for this year and we are looking forward to making it all happen with you and your students.

Polyfest 2013 There have been some changes to the Polyfest 2013, the date has been changed to Saturday 20th April 2013 during school holidays and the venue is yet to be announced.

Pacific students are well into practising mode and so many students have already learnt so much about other Pacific cultures. Many are learning new songs and dance moves and it’s great to see the dedication and commitment from the students who continue to come to practice every day. The Tongan section will not be going ahead and the Samoan practise has been extended to Saturday mornings from 9-1pm at ABCentral there is only 10 more weeks to go before the event.

Pacific Parents Committee The first meeting of the year for Pacific parents will take place on Wednesday 20th Feb 2013 at 1pm in the school meeting room, all Pacific parents are invited to come and be a part of this great committee whose mission is to

Promote Provide and Pursue for our Pacific students, school and community.

Pacific Mentoring courseCome and learn to be a mentor for Pacific students from Airds HS, a great way to be involved in the school and be a positive influence in a young person’s life. The course runs for 6 weeks and covers a whole range of topics including - What is Mentoring? How to talk to young people, Exploring our Community and more and at the end of it you get a certificate which will look great in your resume and more importantly you get to help our Pacific students. This starts on Wednesday 27th

February 2013 in the library at 1:30-2:30pm. If you are thinking about doing Community Services at TAFE this is a great way to start.

University of Western Sydney (UWS) Pasifika Achievement to Higher Education (PATHE) workshopOn Wednesday 13th March at AHS, UWS PATHE will be doing a presentation on the importance of further education and attending University for Pacific students, this initiative was brought about by Dr JioJi Ravulo and Moera Sakimi who have run this successful program since last year. The students will have a better understanding of what is expected from them when they enter into university life.

Multicultural GardenThe garden is looking great and we have already started harvesting some vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers, beetroot, and silverbeet, if you would like to sample our fresh vegies leave your name at the front office and a package can be made up for you. Thank you to Carolynn Peagham and Eleanor Lilomaiava for the great work you are doing in the garden.

Kia Manuia

Mrs M. Varu PICLO

TEACHING AND LEARNING REPORTThe beginning to 2013 has been very active for our faculty. We have retained most of our staff but have lost Ms Atlagic for a year as she takes a secondment as Head Teacher Welfare at another high school. Her absence is sorely felt by staff and the many students who were assisted by her transition programs and career support. Mr Miranda has moved to England and Mr Latilipe will be working with our senior Aboriginal students. Mr Tyler who has been our numeracy support teacher will now be the Careers Adviser. Mr Dehaan will continue his work with numeracy in the maths faculty and will also spend Wednesday and Thursday in a local primary school. Mr Reynolds joins our Learning Support Team as our behaviour specialist and will support new teachers and students who are experiencing issues with their behaviour management. Ms Zalewski and Ms Green will continue to deliver

MULTILIT (Making up lost time in literacy) to Year 7 & 8 and Gifted and Talented programs.

CAREERSThis is a very busy time for our students, many of whom are enrolling in and beginning new TAFE courses, Hands On programs, SBAT, TVET and other external programs. This year Airds High School will be running a TAFE Certificate II in Floristry, with the TAFE staff visiting our school every Tuesday for a session from 9.30 until 2 pm. Year 10, 11 and 12 students really enjoyed their first session and returned home with beautiful bouquets of orchids! Well done girls!This year our Year 10 students will do work experience earlier in the year, hopefully in Term 2. They are all keen to find placements, please offer ideas to them if they cannot think of what they may like to do. Of course we will assist in this process.

MULTILITDuring this year we are once again implementing the Multi Lit Reading Tutor Program to selected Year 7 and 8 students. The Reading Tutor Program caters for students who have not acquired the basic skills needed to become functional readers and covers Word Attack Skills, Sight Words, and Reinforced Reading. The aim of the program is improved reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension and spelling. The reading programs have been specifically researched and designed for students who are reading at a level considerably lower than their peers. The program delivers high-level one-to-one instruction over two sessions per cycle, with at least one day in between sessions. Regular monitoring is conducted and the program adjusted to maximize the student’s progress.We look forward to implementing this program again this year and hope that we can incorporate it into higher year levels in the future.Parents are always welcome to contact us – Ms Zalewski or Ms Green - and discuss their children and their progress and the extra support they are receiving. All new students beginning at Airds High School undertake a PAT maths and a TORCH literacy test so that we can identify their needs as soon as possible and ensure they are able to access any assistance they may require.

LIBRARYA big welcome to Year 7 students and welcome back to everyone else. The Library is still one of the most popular places in the school during recess and lunch, and it’s good to see people borrowing books and using the other resources we have available.

All Year 7 have had an orientation lesson in the library and it’s encouraging to see how many availed themselves of the opportunity to borrow books. Just a

reminder – book loans are only for 2 weeks. If you need longer then come and see us and renew your book .

It was exciting to receive so many applications from Year 7 students for the position of Library Monitor. It’s great to come across a group of people who are willing to embrace a new experience and offer to assist to their peers. It is also exciting to announce that the Library has received an increased number of new computers. They should be operational Week 4 for all those students who have assessment tasks to complete. It should also make class research easier for teachers.

Just a reminder to Years 8-12 to check for overdue books. Please bring them back as quickly as possible so that other students may borrow them. Remember, you can renew them if you’re still reading them. Remember – support your school Library.

Mrs Jones and Mrs Burgess

GIFTED AND TALENTEDThe gifted and talented program at Airds High School aims to support the school’s motto ‘Strive to Achieve’ by providing opportunities for students who have the potential to achieve beyond the norm. The whole school has been professionally developed in the understanding and implementation of differentiated learning within the curriculum. However, the school also aims to provide experiences / challenges / opportunities for each discrete year group. This year the program will target students in Years 7, 9 and 10 which is an extension from last year’s sole focus on Year 9.

The identified students will operate within a “cluster” arrangement within main KLA classes and in Years 9 and 10 also be withdrawn 1 class / cycle for extra stimulus. The withdrawal classes are run by the G&T coordinators.The program taps into externally provided opportunities specifically designed for high achievers such as Fast Forward (UWS) and LEAPS (Lawyers Encouraging and Assisting Promising Students) is a workplace learning mentoring program in which young people are each provided with a mentor from a law firm.

It also promotes a large number of external competitions to the targeted students, and encourages participation particularly in areas of student personal interest / skill eg Tournament of Minds

Currently, our Year 9 Gifted and Talented students are beginning to plan a year-long Tournament involving Year 5/6 gifted students from our feeder primary school.

The Tournament consists of four challenge days – one per term –

in which school teams interact, have fun learning as they move through a variety of workshops and compete for points. Our Year 9 students are responsible for the entire Tournament. They devise the workshops, organise materials and collaborate to ensure there is variety across each day. On the day, they organise the primary students and deliver the workshops.We look forward to working with all GAT students this year and collaboratively working with all staff to ensure increased results for all students.

SLSO’sOur new Year 7 students have adjusted to high school very quickly and are enthusiastic and willing to learn in every class. They are happy to meet new students from different primary schools and expand their friendship groups. If you would like any support booklets for literacy and numeracy, comprehension, problem solving and handwriting skills, please get in touch with the office and we can arrange for easy to use modules to go home. Even half an hour a night can make such a difference. We are able to give support to you or your child if you find things a little tough.

We aim to get into every class and ensure that students who may be struggling with content, focus, engagement and other issues, have some extra support and know that success is possible. Please contact our school office or come along to Wednesday activity centre if you would like advice or resources to support your child at home.

After a very successful year last year, mainstream SLSO’s are again targeting year groups across the school. Ms Marie Addamo is now responsible for supporting Years 8, 10 and 12 and Ms Julie Hopwood being responsible for supporting Years 7, 9 and 11. During the first few days at school the Year 7 students have been welcomed and assisted wherever possible to ensure a smooth transition into High School. Both Ms Addamo and Ms Hopwood are looking forward to working within the classroom, offering assistance to both the student and the teacher. The goal of the SLSO’s this year is to assist all targeted students to achieve their personal best.

WEDNESDAY ACTIVITY CENTREEvery Wednesday in the library, we are offering a variety of activities for all students. Notes went home with all students last week and we had a very positive response for our first week. We supply a lovely afternoon tea and activities include Traditional Arts and Crafts, Film Club, Homework Centre, Chess, fitness and other activities will be coming on board over the next weeks. Teachers supervise all activities and are available to support students with their assignments and classwork generally. Most faculties have representatives at the library, but if your child would like a particular teacher to support them, then please get your child to contact us in the library.

ABORIGINAL EDUCATIONAboriginal education has gotten off to a flying start. This year there are many programs and strategies being utilised to support Aboriginal students and community engagement in the school. The Norta Norta provides

literacy and numeracy support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Leon Latulipe has been a wonderful addition to the Norta Norta program and will support students in Years 11 and 12 and Lisa Chesterfield will continue to support students in Years 7 – 10. Personalised Learning Plans (PLP’s) are integral to ensuring that the individual needs of students are catered for. In the coming weeks parents/carers will be invited to attend a PLP meeting with your child’s Year adviser. We strongly encourage parents/carers to be involved in this process.

Specific women’s and men’s business programs will begin in Week 5 Term 1. Bobby Ann Trindall and Lisa Chesterfield have partnered with local primary schools and community members to coordinate and deliver the Sista Speak program each Tuesday. We look forward to hearing of the program’s success.

We are pleased to welcome Jason Sampson to the Airds High School Aboriginal Education team. He has been employed as an Aboriginal Community Development Coordinator across the Airds CoS and has begun the Bro Speak program with boys and local community members and elders. We thank the community members and the Dharawal Men’s Corporation for their support of the program.

Developing and ensuring students have access to career opportunities continues to be a priority for our school. The University of Western Sydney Mentoring Program has assisted us to provide unique opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in the senior years. The program will continue for years 10 and 11 in 2013.On Friday 1st March there is a father’s engagement activity planned for fathers, grandfathers or carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the school. The day will conclude with a spot of fishing at La Perouse. Information will be sent home in the following days. Please contact Jason Sampson should you have any queries.

Aboriginal Education Team 2013 Cath Angel – HT Teaching and Learning and

Aboriginal Education Tammy Anderson – Deputy Principal Airds CoS

(Thursday’s) Bobby Ann Trindall – Aboriginal Education

Officer Lisa Chesterfield – Norta Norta Tutor Years 7 -

10 Leon Latulipe – Norta Norta Tutor Years 11 – 12 Jason Sampson – Aboriginal education

Community Development Coordinator (Thursday’s)

Community engagement is important to us and we look to continuing to work with our community to build strong and positive partnerships in 2013.

We are: SafeRespectf

SCIENCE REPORTScience has welcomed two new staff members this year. Mrs Sally Stoddart is a very knowledgeable Science teacher who is covering Mrs Dunn's Maternity leave. She has proven to be a fabulous asset to our faculty in the short time she has been with us at Airds High School.

Mrs Nardine McCabe is the new Science Assistant. She is new to the role, yet has already become indispensable to the running of the faculty. Welcome Ladies!

Mrs Stoddart

Mrs Holmes and Miss Radford proudly took Year 11 Biology and Senior Science classes on the first Science excursion of 2013 on Friday 15/2/13. The group visited the Bicentennial Field Study Centre within Sydney Olympic Park to take a close look at the beautiful Grey Mangrove Wetlands Ecosystem. All students braved difficult weather conditions and insect invasions with resilience and poise, making them excellent ambassadors for Airds High School. Thank you for making us so proud Year 11!

Year 11 Biology and Senior Science at Sydney Olympic Park. Excellent ambassadors in full school uniform.

Finally, a welcome to Year 7 students who have settled into the learning of Science with ease. As Science has not been explicitly taught in Primary School, it is often a new and exciting experience for the Year 7's to be in the Science laboratories with the specific equipment and safety rules. We ask parents to please send all students to school in black leather shoes to maintain their child's safety in all areas of the school, but particularly in practical subjects such as Science.

Mrs M HolmesScience Teacher

Year 11 Chemistry demonstrating safety during practical Science lessons.

Ms McCabe Science Assistant

PEER SUPPORT

We are: SafeRespectf

Peer Support has successfully begun for 2013. The program involves all Year 7 Students and the selected Year 10 Peer Support Leaders performing a variety of activities to build self confidence, resilience and positive relationships within the school community. So far the reports from the students are positive, yet these will further improve as the groups establish themselves with familiarity and trust as they undertake increasingly fun activities. Peer Support occurs during Period 5 on Tuesdays.

Mrs M HolmesPeer Support Coordinator

2013 Peer Support Leaders

SRC REPORTThe SRC has had quite a busy and successful start to 2013. On February the 14th, the SRC held their annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser. To help raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, over the last couple of weeks the SRC has been busy wrapping and preparing roses for Valentine’s Day. On the 14 th, these roses were delivered by our very own Cupid (Tonga Fukofuka ). The day was a huge success as the SRC was able to raise $359 which will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation. I would like to congratulate everyone on the effort they put into this event, and thank the students of Airds High School for supporting this cause.

Coming up soon, the SRC will also be organising a School Disco. Unlike previous years, the Disco will now be free of charge. Students will, however, need to make sure that they follow our School Values of being a safe, respectful learner if they wish to be invited. Anyone who is interested in helping out with the organisation of music, decorations, themes etc for the Disco needs to see their SRC representative or Mr Wallace. We would like as many students as possible to get involved with organisation so that the night is fun for everyone.

Finally, on Monday 11th March, AB Central is running a clean-up Australia day event. Anyone from the community who wishes to get involved should meet at AB Central at 9.30am. The event will finish at 2pm, and a free BBQ lunch will be provided. For more information, feel free to contact Natalee Bonnell on 46293245.

I look forward to having a very successful and positive year working with the SRC.

Mr WallaceSRC Co-ordinator

SUPPORT REPORTWe are very pleased to welcome our new Support Teacher, Miss Desplat to our faculty. Students from all classes have been actively engaged and highly motivated to complete their own Relationship Journals and Family Crests as part of the Relationships Unit. Most recently several of our Yr 10,11 and 12 students have been out of school attending work experience and have indicated that they are enjoying their experience.This term we start our fortnightly Community Access Program. Blundstone and Prada will be bowling at Campbelltown Bowl and Gucci , Cooper and Manolo will be bowling at Macarthur Square Bowling Centre. Parents need to check student diaries daily as all communication about students and upcoming events in the Support Faculty will be communicated through these diaries.

Mrs N RobinsonHT Support

YEAR 12 REPORTWelcome back Year 12 Class of 2013!! I hope that you had a fantastic holiday and are re-energised for this final year at Airds High School.

A Study Camp to Wisemans Ferry, ran at the end of 2012, was not only fun but of great benefit to students. Students were involved in study sessions that taught them how to relax, set goals, prepare, plan, organise, study effectively and how to reward yourself.

Students were also involved in many outdoor activities…

Canoeing

Abseiling

Team Initiative Games

Raft building and races

Rock Climbing and Rock Wall

Aqua Park ‘Rock it’

A big Thank You to Mrs Ingram and Mrs Addamo for catering and additional support; Mr Wallace, Mr Latulipe and Miss Zalewski for running the study sessions, helping with activities and organisation; Mr Lightfoot and Mr Hodgson for driving the bus.

This year will involve many more activities for the Year 12 cohort. Be prepared Year 12 for Formal and Graduation preparations, a variety of fundraising events, excursions to Penrith Ice Skating and Jamberoo, assessment tasks andexams. All this in less than 30 weeks!

On the 4th of March, Year 12 will be holding a Family Fun Night Fundraiser at Campbelltown McDonalds between 5pm – 7pm. Come and support Year 12 by making purchases from the Front Counter or McCafe. MacDonalds will donate 15% of all purchases made in store to go towards the Year 12’s and their fundraising committee. So please remember to come inside and enjoy the fun – you might even be served by me (Ms Green).

Important Dates for Year 12 Term One: 21st Feb – Team Building activities and Ice

Skating excursion 28th Feb – Swimming Carnival including a

Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser 4th March – MacDonalds Campbelltown

Fundraiser 8th April – 11th April – Year 12 Half Yearly Exams 12th April – Staff Car Wash and Slave for a Day

Fundraiser

Best of Luck Year 12 for this fast and exciting year to come. Knuckle down, study hard and prepare for success.“Success is a journey not a destination” – Ralph Arbitelle

Ms GreenYear 12 Adviser

YEAR 11 REPORTWow I can’t believe it’s already half way through Term 1 2013. This term there are many exciting events to look

forward to for Year 11. I would like to take this opportunity to comment on how fantastic our Year 11 uniform looks, it is becoming ever so clear now that your young children are now entering adulthood and it is fantastic to see our students wearing their uniform with pride.

Along with their academic commitments, fundraising is going to be a large focus for our cohort in Term 1. This year with fundraising I have decided to change it up a little for our students. There will be a cash incentive of $15 per chocolate box sold which will be given to each participating student. This money will be deducted directly off the total price of this year’s values camp. So basically sell 2 boxes and you will receive a $30 discount off the camp. Chocolates will be arriving on Monday Week 5 and will be ready for sale thereafter.

Hopefully by now you have received the Year 11 camp note that went out in Week 3 and are putting away the needed funds or have already begun to pay instalments down at the front office. The camp will be at Deer Park – Youthworks Port Hacking, Chaldercot site Thursday 4th and Friday 5th of April Week 10. The final payment date for the excursion is Week 9 Thursday 28th March 2013 and instalments can be made at the front office from the start of Week 3 Friday 15th February 2013. The permission notes will be due by Week 8 Friday 22nd March 2013. This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to develop the much needed teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and social competencies which are essential for them to lead a successful and fulfilling life. The camp will be fully catered for and the students will be tucked away safe at night in beautiful water front cabins. This establishment offers great opportunities for our students with raft building, archery, high ropes just to name a few. A full itinerary will be provided later in the term.

We will also be participating in ‘Slave for a Day’ at the swimming carnival, which is Week 5 Thursday. We have many willing and able participants to give their time and efforts to assist staff and students throughout the day. All proceeds will be going into the Year 11 fundraising account.

So as you can see we have a very action packed first term, but I know our students are more than equal to the challenge. I want to wish all of our kids the best of luck this year and I look forward to working with you all as the year progresses.

Mr LightfootYear 11 Adviser

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YR 8, 10 & 12

Firstly welcome back to all the families and friends of Airds High School. I hope your holidays were both relaxing and rewarding. There is nothing like spending quality time with the family. Hopefully, Santa was kind to you all and you received everything that you desired. I know the staff fully enjoyed their Christmas break and now are looking forward to the challenges of the 2013 school year.

It has been fantastic to see so many of our students return to school in their correct uniform and display obvious pride in the school and the community. It has been a wondrous sight during assemblies to look out and see the entire student body dressed in the school colours. I urge you to continue to support our school uniform policy. Wearing a school uniform allows students to demonstrate pride in their school and helps to develop a sense of unity in our learning community.

Our school day commences at 8.30 am each day. This is when the rolls are marked and important information is given to our students. If your child arrives after this time they may be recorded as absent; this can affect Centrelink payments, lead to a Home School Liaison Officer (HSLO) referral and even affect their ability to meet mandatory course requirements and Higher School Certificate accreditation. Arriving late to school, results in your child losing valuable learning time, they fall behind the rest of their classmates and as a result have gaps in their education. This can critically affect their future.

Recently a number of parents have contacted me in regard to Cyber Bullying (facebook) issues. This hideous misuse of today’s technology has caused significant disruption to the learning of our students. In some cases this has been the direct cause of aggressive behavior in our school. The school and community must work together if we are to prevent this type of harassment and remove unnecessary stress and anxiety for our students. Please monitor your child’s social media usage. I have a number of pamphlets that deal with Cyber Bullying, feel free to contact me if you would like one. I would like to remind parents that mobile phones are not to be used during school hours; this is clearly outlined in your child’s school diary. Please support us, so that we can maximise learning within our school.

Most of our students have started the year on a very positive note and it is crucial that we work together to encourage our students to take opportunity of all available learning opportunities. One example of this is the activity centre, this is the perfect place for any

student to build upon what they have learnt in class and it is in operation every Wednesday from 3.00 pm till 4.00 pm.

This year I will be overseeing the following year groups; 8, 10 & 12. I will have the pleasure of working with Mr O’Neill, Ms Taylor, and Ms Green, three very talented Year Advisers. If you have any concerns relating to your child’s education at our school contact us immediately. Simply call the school to arrange an appropriate meeting time, this will ensure that your concerns are addressed as quickly as possible. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming school events.

Mr S McGuireDeputy Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YR 7, 9 & 11

To all of our new students and families, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Airds High School. To our returning students and families, I welcome you back. I look forward to working with you as we all work together to be safe, respectful learners.

The year has certainly started off quickly, the holidays are a distant memory! I would like to congratulate and acknowledge the hard work of all of the Year Advisers in ensuring the year was off to a smooth start for their respective year groups. I would particularly like to thank Ms Kate Kennedy, Year 7 Adviser, who has done a phenomenal job in ensuring that Year 7 had a settled and productive start to the year. I know that she has also done a lot of work in the lead up to their camp in Week 7, which I am sure will be another wonderful success. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome parents and carers to our Year 7 Relationships Showcase on March 8, 9 – 10:30am. There will be more information to come on this.

Likewise, I know that Mr Lightfoot has been organising fundraising, the study camp and the study skills seminar (Week 4) for Year 11. I would encourage all students and families to support all of these causes as Mr Lightfoot works tirelessly for the students and it is disheartening when his efforts are not supported by the student body. The fundraising will certainly ease the financial burden in 2014 if all of the events are fully supported. Likewise, the study camp and seminar are to motivate, inspire and educate students early on so that

they can “strive to achieve” their personal best from the beginning of their Preliminary studies. I thank Mr Lightfoot for all of his amazing work so far this year.

Year 11 parents and carers should find 2 other documents with this edition of our newsletter. You should have a copy of your child’s timetable and a copy of our expectations for senior students. I would ask that you read and discuss the expectations with your child and both sign the form. This form needs to be returned to Mr Lightfoot by the end of week 5. On your child’s timetable, you will notice that period 5 on Tuesday (both Week A & B) they have a free period. This means that they are allowed to leave the school at lunch (12:40pm) on these days only. There are no other free periods for Year 11, so they are expected to be at school, on time (8:30am) every day. If you do not wish for your child to have early leave, please send a note stating this and your child will remain at school and be supervised in the Senior Study until 2pm (normal Tuesday finishing time).

All Year 11 students were issued with their Assessment Booklet last week. We have tried very hard to stagger our assessments this year so that students are not over-burdened some weeks and have no assessments on other weeks. The booklet also contains valuable information regarding the assessment process. The main point that we need to impress on our students is that assessments are important and compulsory; however, classwork is as well. Students can still be N-Determined when classwork is incomplete or not attempted. When students are absent, they MUST catch up on missed classwork and homework. They only disadvantage themselves if they don’t catch up. If your child has not brought their copy of the Assessment Booklet home, please contact the office and I will arrange for one to be sent home with your child.

Some Year 11 students changed subjects at the start of the year. Please have a look at the timetable with their current subjects – if there is a problem, please feel free to call me and discuss the issues. Any future subject changes will only be made with our official change of subject form which requires parent / guardian consent for any change to be made.

This same ruling applies to Year 9 students. While there were only a few changes to subjects in Year 9, no more changes will be processed without parental consent. If you are concerned about your child’s subjects, please feel free to contact either Mr Buckley (Year 9 Adviser) or myself.

At this point, I would like to commend Year 9 for the care and compassion they have shown for one of their fellow students. All students signed a get well card for the student and 4 of her friends made a visit to the hospital which cheered her up immensely. I would like to thank Mr Buckley who made the generous gesture of taking her friends to visit her and to Dounia Bakalaje, Nikita Ah-Lam, Rhiannon Cuthbert and Angela Franks – well done!! You were exemplary role models for our school and wonderful friends.

This year I supervise the Wellbeing Team. It is comprised of the following staff:

Year Advisers Ms Kennedy, Mr O’Neill, Mr Buckley, Ms Taylor, Mr Lightfoot, Ms Green

Attendance Co-ord Mr RoseteCounsellors Mrs McClure & Mr

GiltrowCareers / Transition Adviser Mr TylerSuperviser of Girls Ms SimmsSRC Co-ord Mr WallaceLST Rep Mr Deehan

We all meet once a fortnight to discuss the wellbeing needs of our students. Any of these staff are available to discuss any concerns that you might have in regards to your child. Please feel free to contact the relevant personnel should the need arise.

I look forward to meeting many of you and working together as the year progresses. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any concerns about your child.

Mrs J FullerDeputy Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORTTEACHING & LEARNING

I would like to welcome all students, parents and staff to the start of an exciting 2013. I am excited about working with a great team in developing and implementing strategies to enhance the Teaching and Learning at Airds High School. My main role will be to oversee and implement whole school teaching and learning in the following areas:

a) Literacy & Numeracyb) Technologyc) Middle Schoolingd) Gender Equitye) Enrichment & Engagement

It has been a busy start to the year with a lot happening already. I have been impressed with the way Year 7 have settled into life at Airds High School they have taken on board the new structures to their schooling. Ms

Kennedy has been instrumental in this occurring making sure all of her Year 7 students are happy.

It is also with great pleasure that I introduce Ms Holmes who will be the Year 6 Transition Coordinator for 2013 & Year 7 Coordinator in 2014 and therefore will be working closely with the Year 6 students in 2013. We are in the process of visiting all of our feeder primary schools to discuss with Year 5 & 6 students their local high school and provide information for Year 6 students as to what it will be like next year.Airds Community of Schools – What we are doing?

Student Activities

Airds High School science faculty will develop lessons/activities with the primary schools. Airds HS staff visit Primary School and students visit High School to have the opportunity to explore the use of scientific methods in the science labs.

Year 5, 6 & 7 gifted and talented challenge involving students selected from the Primary School. 6 students are nominated from each school.The challenge will take place one day each term at AHS & will be run by the Yr. 9 G & T students under the supervision of AHS G & T teachers.

These students will participate in set challenges rotating their way through KLA based quiz questions, problem solving activities & team building experiences. Each school group will be given points for each challenge & these will be collated after each day. At the end of the year, the school group who has the most number of points will win the annual G & T Middle School Challenge. A cross school blog will also be established for this group to communicate & set challenges during the year.

Stage 3 numeracy program targeting Gifted & Talented students from the Primary School and mentored by a high school maths teacher.

Aboriginal Numeracy Challenge Gala Days each term. Stage 3 focus with the inclusion of Year 10 mentors to assist on the day.

Year 10 selected students are trained as mentors to deliver the Boys Own & Girl Zone program currently run at Airds HS.

A Peer Support program will be delivered to Yr 5 with Yr 8 as mentors, so they already have relationship with peer support leaders when they attend Yr 7 (i.e. Yr 7 and Yr 10 peer support program).

Transition visits to high school, this would involve the primary school students attending Airds High school for “taster lessons” and other activities. Use of video conference for some activities.

A basketball program is being developed which involves training HS students as coaches for PS students after school clinics, basketball competition held between primary schools hosted at AHS.

School Visits

Airds HS to coordinate a 2014 Yr 7 YA to start to work with Year 6 (2013) & 2015 YA to work with Year 5 (2013) students/parents.

Year 5 & 6 transition advisers visit primary schools on a regular basis which allows the building of rapport necessary for the smooth transition process as well as establishing a relationship between the student and YA’s.

DP T & L and Year 5 & 6 transition advisers visit feeder primary schools early in Term 1 to discuss Airds HS and starting high school.

High school staff visit PS to observe lessons and PS teachers observe lessons in the high school. Teacher exchange to enhance a professional relationship between the communities of schools there could be team teaching and classroom visits across KLA’s in Year 7 & 6. Professional dialogue as well as discussions of teaching and behavioural strategies.

Year 7 showcase evening which allows the Year 7 students to demonstrate their achievements to date. Every faculty displays students work as well as work samples and performances. Year 5 & 6 students from the primary schools are invited to contribute displays by providing work samples and displays.

Orientation Day 4th December – What to expect and getting to know High School.

Involve Parents & Community

High School Expo where each KLA will present material to the parents & students of Yr. 7, Yr. 6 & Yr. 5 & show case what happens in that KLA at High School. These activities will provide information to parents about the nature of secondary education and the options available. There will also be tours of classrooms & facilities. A Parent and Carer Information Session will also be conducted to provide you with more thorough information on topics pertaining to the transition of your child into Year 7, such as: the curriculum offered, programs and resources of the school as well as an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have regarding your child’s education with us at Airds High School.

Airds High School staff conducts generic “parent meetings” to inform parents of starting high school, high school curriculum & how high schools cater for the needs of students. Parent meetings linked into Primary School meet the teacher sessions/parent teacher, P & C meetings.

Airds High School staff to conduct “parent meetings” to inform parents of use of ICT, being safe(e.g. cyber bullying)

Produce CD to inform parents of starting high school, high school curriculum & how high schools cater for the needs of students.

Continuation of the COS Koori Newsletter each term.

Year 9 Digital Education Revolution (DER) laptopsAs part of the process in your child receiving their laptop we are required to hold a Parent Information Session. This will be held on Wednesday 6th March from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in the Library at Airds High School.This session will include information about:

Key specifications & software on the laptop

How the laptops will be issued The policy and protocol in using the

laptops Question & Answer time

The Technical Support Officer (TSO) will also be introduced. The TSO provides support to students and teachers who use the laptop.The Laptop User Charter will be issued. This charter outlines the responsibilities regarding the use of the laptop and the internet. A Laptop User Charter must be signed and returned before the laptop will be issued.

It is important that all parents/carers and students attend this session as a laptop will not be issued until the Laptop User Charter has been signed and returned. If you are unable to attend we will arrange other alternatives.

Mr J MiezioDeputy Principal Teaching & Learning

School starts at 8:30am EVERY day. Please ensure your child arrives to school at this time EVERY day. If they are late, they MUST bring a note from you explaining the lateness. Thank you for your co-operation.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Welcome BackI would like to welcome back all students and staff and I hope that you have had a very enjoyable and relaxing Christmas break. I’d also like to bestow a special welcome to our new Year 7 students, and to those who have joined us from other high schools. I’m sure your time at Airds will be both enjoyable and educationally rewarding.

New Staff 2013 has seen a consolidation of staff with only a small number of changes. We would like to welcome Ms Bethany Desplat replacing Mrs June Bokody who has gained promotion to HT Support at Ingleburn HS. We wish Mrs Bokody all the best at her new school. Also we would like to welcome Mrs Sally Stoddart to science. Mrs Stoddart comes to us from Ambarvale HS. Mrs Jacquai Drakefield replaces Ms Melissa Kane. Mr Andrew Ryder (an ex-student) relieves as HT English with Mr Adams promotion to DP at Forster HS. On behalf of the school community I would like to welcome you and thank you in advance for the contribution I know you will make to the positive learning outcomes of our students in the years to come.

Staff Training and DevelopmentMany staff spent considerable time either at school or home during the holidays preparing for 2013. Our committed staff spent the first Training and Development day completing modules from the DEC directorate. The staff will continue to undertake training and development outside student learning time, this year the focus will be on gifted and talented education, supplementing the skills in literacy, numeracy and quality teaching and learning acquired in previous years. We believe that the skills developed and or refined in this training will have a great impact on the learning outcomes of our students at Airds HS

BERThe school year has begun well despite a small number of improvements still in progress and in particular the effort required by students and staff to negotiate the impact of the BER (Building Education Revolution) works around the school. The school was successful in Round 4 of the government’s Trade Training Centre initiative and as a result will have a $980,000 construction facility built in half of the old school hall. This project is on time for completion by the end of term 2.

UniformIt has been extremely pleasing to see so many students wearing the new school uniform. I must thank parents for their support in this matter and students who showed the initiative way back in 2011 and wanted the uniform to become more formal. Seniors have also impressed through wearing the school tie with their cotton shirt and this looks fantastic. Thank you from the school

community for wearing your uniform with pride and making a positive contribution to the good image of our school.

A reminder that it is a work place requirement that students and staff who access Science labs and Home Economics and Industrial Technology rooms are required to wear leather shoes. All students are required to now wear black shoes and ones made of leather allows students to access all parts of the curriculum..

Changes to school Policies and Procedures – in briefThe school day now concludes at 2:50pm each day, except Tuesdays, which conclude at 2:00pm. Bus times have been adjusted and thus will not impact on learning time in 2013.

Mobile phones are not to be seen, heard or used during the school day as they impact on the learning environment and social interaction of students and staff. It is requested that if parents wish to contact their child during the school day, they do so through the front office.

Appropriate use of Social Networks sitesSocial networks have been designed to enable people to communicate with friends, have fun and share positive experiences. The misuse of this site through posting inappropriate and unacceptable comments and pictures has a negative impact on those that are targeted. In fact, harassment on-line is known as cyber bullying and is a criminal offence. It is extremely important that those who use such sites do so in a respectful and appropriate way. If you believe you are unable to be responsible in your use, maybe it is best that you deactivate your account.

I wish everyone a successful and fantastic year at Airds High School.

Mr M FoordPrincipal

COMMUNITY NOTICES

MG My Gateway Current Traineeship & Apprenticeship

For information on apprenticeships or traineeships or to apply please visit their website: www.mygateway.org.au and click on Job Seekers

Year 12 AHS Fundraiser

What: Year 12 will be holding a Family Fun Night Fundraiser . Come and support Year 12 by making purchases from the Front Counter or McCafe. McDonalds will donate 15% of all purchasesstore to the Year 12’s fundraising.  When: 4th of March, 2013 between  Where: Campbelltown McDonalds  

Come down and support your local school , every cent counts!