31 August 2018

Bellingen High School

NEWSLETTER Telephone: 02 66551 315 Fax: 02 66552 630 Website: http://www.bellingen-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

From the Principal

WOW! What a wonderful welcome I have had to Bellingen High School in my first week! Firstly, my name is Mrs Kim Dixon and I have come to this beautiful part of the world from Griffith in the Riverina, New South Wales. I have been teaching for almost 30 years and have worked all over the State in a range of contexts, most recently in a Principal Leadership Support style position, assisting central schools and primary schools to meet the rigour of administrative processes, systems and protocols and to work with schools regarding student and staff wellbeing as well as their new school plan implementation and milestoning. I am happily married to my husband, Anthony and we have two children: Ashleigh, who is 29 and Kieran, who is 27. We are very proud of our children. I am a family oriented person and believe in connections and belonging to family, friends and community. My core focus in this role is on Effective Teaching and Learning for all students and staff and supporting staff and student wellbeing. An English teacher by trade, I believe in using data to inform ongoing and changing practice; evaluation of practice and performance to improve personal and professional goals and reflective practice by both staff and students to ensure that maximum engagement and success can be achieved –especially so the learning cycle remains continuous in its improvement processes. On a daily basis, I believe in the power of positivity and of gratitude, and hope that those two things can be embedded in the school culture in some way through my being here.

Since my arrival, I have been to a whole school assembly – where lots of awards were given: Book Week prizes; Family Feud winners; History Competition award recipients – with some outstanding results, placing students in the top 25% of the State; Debating Achievements for Stage 5 students – who clearly know how to argue well (and this is a great life skill) and a plethora of sporting awards – including Futsal and Gymnastics – which were outstanding! While at an Executive meeting yesterday afternoon, Mr Kingsley shared the Da Vinci results as they came in – and Year 7 seemed to ‘knock it out of the park’ in almost every category – placing Bellingen High first overall. What a wonderful achievement, from a gathering of 30 schools!

On Tuesday evening we held a well patronised Year 8 into 9 Subject Selection Evening. This gave me the opportunity to meet some parents and get to know some students and what their interests are. It was a fun evening and the Head Teachers were on hand to answer any subject specific questions. There was lots of pleasant, friendly, community banter and a great knowledge of staff by the community – for their work in schools and their interests beyond schools, which made those interactions lovely to witness. Those subject selection forms are due for return to the Maths staffroom by Friday, August 31st (that’s this week!).

Next week is national SASS week – so, it’s important that we recognise the valuable and wonderful work that the SASS staff do in schools – be it manning the office; assisting with school finance; organising staff and student resources; caring for, looking after and maintaining the school’s computers; looking after the photocopying for staff and students; maintenance of gardens, mowing or the Ag. Farm; setting up experiments in Science; the cooking equipment and ingredients in the Home Ec. Section of TAS or helping accession or record and place books and look after student needs in the Library. These staff keep the cogs in the massive wheel that is Bellingen High turning and ensure the smooth day to day operations of many things beyond the classroom. They deserve our thanks and recognition for the quiet achievements they make on a daily basis. Students were reminded of their importance at assembly this week – and hopefully, the SASS staff enjoy a few, well deserved thank you’s next week!

Next Tuesday, parents are invited to an exhibition of HSC Industrial Tech Timber and Metal Major Works and Visual Arts Major Works in the Stockton Hall after school. Light refreshments will be available. The display of these works are a great opportunity for younger students to see the possibilities that these courses offer when considering subjects before entering Stage 6. I’d like to thank Mr David Mayo for organising this event – and look forward to seeing you there!

That’s about enough for my first week. I hope you can tell, I am really excited, invigorated and proud to be at the helm of this wonderful school. To that end, I must thank former Principal, Mr Paul Holding, who has been a wonderful asset to me and will continue to be, in my transition here and has been very welcoming. Special thanks to Lindsay Kingsley for his ongoing support of this transition process – and of students and staff while in the Relieving Deputy Principal role. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exemplary leadership of Mr Tim Laverty over the last few months. He is well respected by staff and students alike and it is easy to see why. His calm, even manner when dealing with any issue is a significant boon to this school. We are lucky to have him as a Senior Executive member at Bellingen High and I look forward to a fruitful, productive and powerful working relationship with Tim as we create a new Senior Executive team to lead Bellingen High into the next stage of its evolution and future.

My door is usually open – please feel free to come on in and meet me or if you see me down the street, please stop me to say hello. I look forward to working with you in partnership for your student and for the future of Bellingen and Australia!

Until next time – Yours in Education:

Kim Dixon

Cyberbullying

We work hard to prevent bullying in our school and we recognise that the best outcomes

are achieved by school communities, parents, students and teachers working together.

Recently some of our students appear to be using social media inappropriately. Most of

this is happening outside school. Unfortunately issues can then quickly escalate which

affects relationships and learning within school.

Cyberbullying out of school needs to be reported to the police as follows:

1

Report to

social media service

2

Collect evidence

3

Make a report

Option 1 – Call your local police station Bellingen Police – 66551444

Urunga Police – 66556244

Option 2 – Report online via eSafety Commissioner

https://www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/cyberbullying-complaints/i-want-to-

report-cyberbullying

Cyberbullying inside school needs to be reported to staff

Any cyberbullying occurring in school should be reported to staff, along with screenshots or

evidence. Remember you can always report such incidents (or any other concerns)

confidentially using Stymie – www.Stymie.com.au

A copy of our schools Anti Bullying Plan can be found on our website:

http://www.bellingen-

h.schools.nsw.edu.au/documents/39146011/39167771/antibullyingplan2018.pdf

Frieda Gorman

Careers, Welfare & VET Teacher

Bellingen High School P&C Meeting

Monday 10 September 2018

6pm Staff Common Room

All Welcome!

Meika, Sophia and Bella

‘Dress Like a Farmer Day’

The whole school was invited to

‘dress like a farmer’ on Friday 17th August to raise funds for

the farmers out near Quirindi.

Lots of students and staff got into the swing of things,

dressing up for the day.

Following is a selection of photos showing some of the

students and staff who got

involved. We managed to raise over $600. Many thanks to all.

Cheryl Hook

Science Faculty

Hugo Fortin (Year 8) and Tom Lockman (Year 9) Corey Cutler (part of

Demi Bowd (Year 8) the Year 12 organising Committee)

Year 9 students Year 8 and 9 students

Ms Lockman and Mr Boyd Ms Lane and (Agriculture specialists!) her little lamb

HSIE News National History Competition

Twelve Bellingen High students took on the National History Competition this year despite having to 'do an exam at lunchtime.' Overcoming the inconvenience to the stomach, the students deployed their knowledge and skills to tackle the source analysis and multiple choice questions with gusto and a high degree of success. Outstanding results were achieved with 5 Credits, 5 Distinctions and Two High Distinctions among the participants, defying National averages.

Congratulations to:

Year 10 Sam Gribben, Christopher Hogan Carey, Jake Warman, Lilli Storm, Summer Storm and Paloma Birch - High Distinction

Year 9 Dylan Herron, Lillie Ridgley Year 8 Nelson Stark, Etienne Axelsson Year 7 Riley Bell - High Distinction

Stage 5 debating Report

Bellingen High's Stage 5 debating team got stuck into the State Competition with determination and teamwork. Our first debate was against Casino High School and in contentious circumstances we lost after a long and considered adjudication. The next round saw us facing Dorrigo High and after another hard fought debate away from home the adjudication swung in our favour. The final round pitted us against Woolgoolga High which again led to dynamic and persuasive rebuttals and arguments presented from each side. Ultimately the adjudicator found Bellingen's case more convincing, elating the team and leading to the prospect of further debates in the competition. Unfortunately for us we had to wait for the results of Casino's debates, which dashed our hopes as they later emerged as the unchallenged Regional winners. The team demonstrated highly developed oral presentation skills, content knowledge and critical thinking.

Thanks to the students involved for representing the school proudly and sacrificing their lunchtimes training in the art of debating. Congratulations Dylan Herron, Hugo Turbill, Mali Tipping and Paloma Birch.

Sam Cross Debating Coordinator HSIE Faculty

Careers News

Name: Danielle Eichmann

Year left Bellingen High School: 2004

Current Job: Primary School Teacher

Subjects studied in Years 11/12: Legal Studies (Year 11), Drama, Marine Studies, Advanced English, Advanced

Maths, Ancient History

Inspirations: Going through school I had a lot of fantastic

teachers, so I always aspired to be just like them. There were however two teachers in particular that became my

inspiration - Mrs Burnell and Mrs Birchnell. They sparked

our imaginations, they found what made us excited, and they used that as a hook to reel us in so we could be the

best we could be. I always wanted to be just like them.

Career pathway since leaving school: I applied for

Early Entry into UNE while I was still studying at Bellingen High School. I was accepted into three different teaching courses, and of course picked a Bachelor of Education

(Primary). I had always planned to have a gap year and work, however, as the new year loomed closer I decided to just go to uni straight away. I thought that this would

allow me to keep in the study mind frame, plus I would be qualified by 21. I was at UNE for four years, and would come home on weekends to work at the Bowling Club,

Swiss Patisserie and Golf Club. When I graduated, I got work instantaneously at Coffs Harbour Public School. I taught at Coffs Harbour PS for three years on kindergarten.

I then went to Mullaway Public School, where I was on K/1 for another three years. During my time at Mullaway PS I had my daughter, Indi. When I became pregnant

with my son, Beau, I decided to have a year off. During my year off I worked casually

at local schools, including Bellingen High. For the last 18 months I have been at Raleigh Public School teaching mixed grades and I absolutely love it. Raleigh Public

School is such a beautiful place to work.

Favourite School Memory: I have lots of fantastic memories from Bellingen High

School. Quirindi visits were always a highlight, and I enjoyed going away for sporting carnivals and team events. Our U/15's Rugby Union girls’ team made it to the top

four in the state, coached by Mr Bastic - this was a great experience and one I remember well. My most favourite though would be becoming School Captain in 2004.

Representing the school at various community events, and speaking publicly were things that I feel have contributed to who I am today, and memories that I will pass

on to my kids in the future.

Advice to current students: My advice to current students is to savour every moment

at school. While you're there, you'll think it's the worst place to be, but when you grow

up, it's the one place you'd love to go back to: I miss seeing my friends every day. Don't stress too much about what you want to or need to be when you're an adult, just

study hard and put your mind to it, so you have the flexibility when the time comes to choose your career path, rather than be restricted by your ATAR. Take every

Ex Student Career Spotlight

opportunity offered to you - play the sport and go on the excursions. Lastly, respect and appreciate your teachers. Coming back to work at Bellingen High School was made

so much easier by having the support and guidance of my past teachers. Twelve years

on and they still remembered me and smiled in my presence. Be the smile, not the frown. :)

Year 12

If you are doing a TVET course you should have completed 70 hours of work placement before the end of this term arranged by TAFE. If this is a problem please see Mrs Gorman urgently.

Remember to keep an eye on the Important Dates flyer if you are applying for university. Checking Year 12 Facebook page regularly for reminders is also vital. As most closing dates occur at the end of September/last week of term when Year 12 will be busy with end of school activities, it is important to start applications early.

Parents of Years 11/12

If you use Facebook, please join our group. To ease communication, everything careers related which we share with Year 11/12 students will also be shared to this group. Here is a screen shot to make it easier to find:

Year 11

Queensland Universities Excursion - permission notes are available from the Careers Noticeboard or Front Office. Cost $145, deposit $50, places are limited. Universities visited include Southern Cross, Bond, Griffith, UQ and QUT. A great way to experience student life and what each university has to offer.

Year 10/11/12 Careers Excursion

There are still a few places available for the Careers Excursion to Tamworth and Armidale on the 12th and 13th September. Cost is $20 which includes dinner, overnight accommodation and breakfast at UNE and entry to the Future of Work Seminar and Expo at Tamworth.

Year 10

Work experience forms are due by the end of this term. Please see Mrs Gorman if you need further assistance.

Frieda Gorman Careers, Welfare & VET Teacher

Bellingen High School TAS and CAPA Faculties warmly invite community members to an exhibition of the

2018 HSC Industrial Technology Major Projects

and Visual Arts Body of Works

When: Tuesday 4th September

3.30pm to 6.00pm

Venue: Stockton Hall

This is a great opportunity for the community to appreciate the culmination of a year of hard work for our Year 12 Wood and Metal workers, and our Visual Artists.

Light refreshments will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you there!

From the Ag Plot The new raised gardens are planted

The first spring vegetables have been planted by Year 9 Agriculture students. The produce is targeted at winning many prizes at the Dorrigo Show, and producing some amazing healthy vegetables.

The incubators are on!

One hundred eggs from our Silver Pencil Wyandotte hens were placed into the incubator this week. Hoping for a hatch of future show champions.

The Tractor Licence

Year 11 Primary Industries students tested their tractor operating skills this week as part of their studies. Year 9 students will be attempting to pass their tractor licence test, over the next couple of weeks.

Year 10 Agriculture

The class enjoyed presenting this years Red Poll calves for an in class cattle show. They practiced their knot tying, cattle brushing and parading skills. The students then led the calves around our parading course. A few of the calves took detours to greener pastures.

All enjoyed the lesson, with the calves being trained for next year’s parading competitions.

Year 9 Agriculture

The Year 9 Agriculture class gave the 2018 lambs their weekly health check. All lambs were determined to be healthy. Stephen Boyd Agriculture and Primary Industries Teacher

TERM 3 ASSESSMENTS

YEAR 11

English Studies Monday 10 September

Music Friday 14 September

YEAR 12

Society & Culture Monday 10 September

Standard and Advanced Thursday 13 September

safe online? Workshop

Inspired by attending the Stymie talk at Bellingen High School in Term 1 of this

year, Lowanna Doye has built a detailed PowerPoint presentation with the intention of empowering parents, teachers and carers with information, language and

practical solutions (see flyer in this Newsletter). The Safe Online? workshop is

equally relevant for carers of primary and secondary students. Guests are encouraged to bring their phones to photograph the slides.

Lowanna Doye is a parent of 3 daughters and 1 son. She has owned Kombu Wholefoods with husband Kevin since it was founded in 2004. Prior to motherhood

and health-education, Lowanna worked in the television industry, with a particular passion for documentary film making.

Safe Online? Feedback from Term 2 participants

“Thorough, surprising, empowering and I made connections with other community

members around the topic.” Hamish

“The sharing of knowledge and practical advice to enhance parental involvement and protect our children was invaluable and gratefully received.” Fiona

“I enjoyed the group interaction of Safe Online. I feel we have a lot to offer each other by sharing our experience of our children and their technology use, and the

common goal we have in exploring ways to keep our children safe in this very new territory. I feel also that the group experience is valuable in that honest

identification is empowering and moves one away from isolation. It's a conversation

that definitely needs to be had and exploring it as a group is far more integrative and enlivening than listening to one person speak.” Anon

“I found 'Safe online?' extremely informative and empowering - I left with ideas

about how I wanted to guide my child through their social interactions online and so far it's working really well. Being forewarned about different apps has been

especially important to me so I know which ones I feel OK about them using.” Cath

“Safe Online? Was full of valuable and interesting information that armed me with

tools and knowledge for navigating the world of apps, social media and the use of devices. I particularly enjoyed hearing from other parents; the sharing of

experiences and the swapping of advice. A must for all parents.” Jay

Sport News First place for North Coast team at State

gymnastics!

Last month Bellingen High School students, Asha Stagg and Caitlin Errey, were

selected for the North Coast Gymnastics team

at regionals. Their team of 6 performed

extremely well, receiving overall first place at

the CHSSA - Secondary State Gymnastics

Championships, held in Newcastle on 8th

August.

Results: 1st place North Coast – 112.550

2nd place a tie to Sydney North

& North West – 108.925 each

Asha Stagg achieved fantastic individual

results with a 1st place in beam and 2nd place on

floor. Asha and Caitlin, (trained at Coffs Coast

Gymnastics), have also qualified for the

Gymnastics NSW State Championships which

they will be attending in Sydney.

The photo features Asha (top right) & Caitlin

(bottom left) with teammates and their amazing

coach Alannah Robey from Coffs Coast

Gymnastics.

Girls Dominate Northern NSW Futsal

Championships

Bellingen High School had three girls’ teams qualify for the Northern NSW

Championships held in Port Macquarie from the 13th to 16th August.

The 14 years girls were the first to take on the best Futsal teams from Taree in

the south to Tweed Heads in the north and west to Tamworth and Armidale on

Tuesday, 14th. With a bit of a slow start the girls managed to finish second in their

pool, which put them in to the semi-finals against first place from the other pool,

Oxley High School. This was a high quality game with both teams matching each

other and the full time score of 4-4. This meant the all too common sudden death

extra time. The teams could not be split in extra time with no goal scored. So a

penalty shootout followed with Sophie Boyd, Summer Hogan and Indiana Brodbeck

taking our shots. They made no mistakes and on the second round through Oxley

missed and the semi was ours 4-4 (7-6). The final against Camden Haven was also

evenly matched with the final score again 4-4 putting the game again in to sudden

death extra time. This time Camden Haven slotted one in and the game was over.

The girls were still so happy as they had qualified to go to the Australian Titles by

finishing top 2. Special mention must be made that 3 of the girls in this team were

only 12 years old this year so they have 2 more years in this division – so the future

looks bright! Also Sophie Boyd and Indiana Brodbeck really displayed great skill

throughout the day.

14 years girls Runners-up: Back row - Layla Jones-0’Brien, Indiana

Brodbeck, Laeli Couper, Clementine Whiteley, Ruby Kohlhagen, Summer Hogan,

Yasmin Ball. Front row - Serenity Ellacott, Bonnie Malt, Sophie Boyd

Wednesday saw the 16 years girls take the court less Ashley Sticker playing Futsal

in Brazil! The girls got through their preliminary games winning 5 out of 5 scoring

21 goals for with only 5 against. This put them in to the semi against St Columba

College and they wasted no time getting a lead then winning 4-1. The final against

Oxley High School was much closer but the girls held strong to win 4-2. This was a

great result for the Northern NSW Champions.

16 years Champion team with runners-up Oxley High School from Tamworth

16 years Champions

Back row - Emily

Ruming, Lara

McLennan, Shellby

Osland, Tallara

Doye, Willow Berry,

Brynne Couper

Front row - Sophie

Boyd, Willow Neal,

Mia Craggs

Finally Thursday saw the 19 years girls take the court. Their campaign started very

slowly with a 0-3 loss to Chatham High School. They won the rest of their preliminary

games, however, not without drama as they seemed to enjoy giving the opposition a

start and then coming from behind showing their ability to take the lead easily. The

semi-final against Wauchope High saw a strong performance winning 3-1 and the

final against Chatham High was their best game dominating 6-2 and conceding a late

goal to win 6-3. This made another Northern NSW Champion team from Bellingen

High.

19 Years Champion

team

Back row - Emily

Ruming, Sophie

Russell, Hannah

Watt, Shellby

Osland, Lauren

Rigney, Jordan

Healy

Front row - Kelsey

Williamson-Leslie,

Tallara Doye, Gaia

Malcisi, Willow

Neal

With only three age divisions in the girls Bellingen High won two and were runners-

up in the other division. A fantastic result!

The boys qualified in three different age groups - U13’s, U14’s and U16’s. The U13

boys were competing in a group of 5 with the aim to come in the top 4 to reach semis.

They put in a high level of effort against some very strong teams, developing their

Futsal skills as they progressed. A draw against St Columba was enough to get them

to the semi-final. Unfortunately their semi was against the eventual winners, a very

strong Bishop Druitt team, the boys played valiantly eventually going down 3-1. The

U14’s have progressed extremely well over the year and this was evident in all of

their group games. They won all 3 games against Camden Haven High, Heritage

Christian School and Taree High scoring an impressive 15 goals. The team

progressed to play Hastings High in the semi-final, unfortunately this was one game

too many for the boys on the day, their legs looked heavy and they were unable to

reproduce their form of the round games. The U16 boys trained hard in preparation

for the tournament, showing some really strong potential. This potential was evident

in their group games which began with a narrow defeat to St Clare, followed by a

win against Bulahdelah and then a defeat at the hands of Bishop Druitt College. This

mixed bag of results meant that the U16’s did not make it to the semi-finals.

Liz Hoy/Jon Winfer

Sport Organisers

Nexus Con

“Pop Culture

Convention” (originally called Level Up!) is now in its fourth year, and is set to be the biggest and best yet! This exciting event will be held from 10am – 5pm on Saturday 8th September at the Coffs Harbour Racecourse.

Think all things pop (popular) culture - anime, gaming, cosplay (costume play), characters, movies, fantasy and so much more! Nexus Con is an all ages, family friendly, inclusive event. There is something for everyone and the whole community is invited to join in the fun.

Nexus Con has attracted well-known special guests from all over the country, cosplayers, itasha cars, gamers, media and experts. There’ll be lots of hands-on activities to experience - things like sword play, archery, LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), virtual worlds, animation, electronic gaming, table top games, special effects makeup and heaps more. There’ll be a cosplay competition (details on the website), children’s costume parade, workshops to learn different skills, expert panels as well as the very popular “Zombie Extraction Zone”. We’ve got giant games on the grass, jumping castles, as well as a huge variety of food and drinks.

Tickets are available from our website nexuscon.com.au and at the gate on the day. There’s free bus transport from Taree, Port Macquarie and Kempsey. You’ll find the program, accommodation and travel information on the website too.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/NexusPopCultureCon/ & Instagram nexusconmnc to follow all the latest updates.

Be sure to dress up (if you like!). Don’t miss out on all the fun on Saturday 8th September!

Costs:

Adult - $15 for an adult

Kids - $10 for kids

U5 years - free

Family Pass (2 adults/2

kids) - $35

Bellingen Stitched Up is a free group where high school aged girls work with volunteer

mentors to work on all kinds of creative projects, whether it be sewing, knitting,

crocheting, quilting, embroidery or crafting. Stitched Up has been running every

Monday 3.30 to 5.30pm at the Bellingen Uniting Church for the past 10 years.

A Stitch in Time: the Ten Year Anniversary Celebration will be held from 1.00 pm to

4.00 pm on the 1st September 2018, at the Bellingen Uniting Church Hall.

The community is invited to come and enjoy a display of stitched creations from both

girls and mentors, with a catwalk parade of dresses and garments at 2.00 pm. A high

tea, with scones, cakes and delicious goodies will be on sale from 3.00 pm.

Stitched Up is also seeking to invite any previous girls or mentors to the celebration, to

re-unite with their sewing sisters. We understand that it is difficult for those who have

moved away from Bellingen to attend and hope that these girls could make a short

video about their Stitched Up memories and email it to

bellingenstitchedup@gmail.com

For those now out of the area, they’re asking families or friends in Bellingen to pass on this invitation.

For more information on the event, or to find out more about Stitched Up, call group coordinator Michelle Stockton on 0403011597, visit their Facebook page or emailbellingenstitchedup@gmail.com

DATES TO REMEMBER

SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

5 NSW CHS Athletics 2 MNC Beach Volleyball

10 P&C Meeting 7 NC Surf Lifesaving

14-21 Year 11 Exams 8-11 Futsal Championships (Senior)

24-28 Year 11 Work Placement 12 P&C Meeting

27 Year 12 Final Assembly 12-16 Year 10 Exams

OCTOBER 14 Year 9 Love Bytes

17-18 NC Cricket (Boys) 15 MNC Netball Gala Day (15’s)

18-20 North Coast National - Lismore 19-21 Year 10 Geography Excursion

22 Year 7 Immunisations 20 NC Beach Volleyball

29-2/11 VALID Test – Year 8 Science 21 Year 9 Love Bytes

Did you know?

Nutella was invented during WWII, when an Italian pastry maker mixed hazelnuts into chocolate to extend his chocolate ration.

A baby can cost new parents 750 hours of sleep in their first year.

22-25 Futsal Championships (Junior)

22 Year 10 Love Bytes

26 Year 10 Work Experience Starts

DECEMBER 10 P&C Meeting

11-12 Gold Excursion

12 Year 10 Work Experience Ends

14 Presentation Day Assembly

19 Final Day for Students

20-21 Staff Development Days

Come and Try Golf Day!

Where: Bellingen Golf Club

When: Sunday 16th September

9am for a 9.30 tee off

Why: The aim of the day is to have fun and provide an

opportunity for people to experience the great

game of golf and the friendly atmosphere of the

Bellingen Golf Club.

Format: A fun 3 person teams event

Register with the golf club before the day.

Free sausage sizzle at 9am!

Bellingen Golf Club: 6655 1312 www.bellingengolfclub.com.au