lithgow high school...2015/12/04 · geographic channel host and wild animal encounters host ben...

Lithgow High School

Pau Street Lithgow 2790 PO Box 296 Tel 6352 1422 Fax 6353 1081

email [email protected]

Lithgow High School – Excellence In A Caring Educational Environment 1

NEWSLETTER 4th

December, 2015

PRINCIPAL

Sam Luchetti, Community Contact Officer

At Lithgow High School we are: RESPECTFUL SAFE

RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS


PRINCIPALTerm 4 has seen some amazing achievements for Lithgow High School. These successes are what the comprehensive school system is about; working with every student to maximise their learning engagement and success across academic, cultural, sporting and leadership areas. A few Term 4 achievements of note include:

Lachlan Sharp receiving HSC Sporting Blue Award and being

selected for the Under 23 Australian Hockey Team

Samuel Gray, U16 All Schools Australian Team to tour next

year.

Courtney Clarke’s performance as a featured artist at school’s Spectacular, and

her selection for the HSC Music achievers performance Encore.

Emma Cross’s performance at School’s Spectacular with the State Dance

Ensemble.

Sophie Beale, Louis Long-Jaccoud and Jessie Luchetti outstanding Visual Arts

work included in Art Express Exhibition.

The amazing Lithgow High School student films; Bullets to Buttons, The Gift and

Wiped Out have won awards at the Robyn Anderson Film awards , and the

national ATOM Awards.

This is a most impressive list of State and National achievements, just from Term 4. Congratulations to all staff and students involved. Year 7-10 Presentation Day will be held on Monday December 14 at 9.20am. This assembly will recognise the achievements of students around areas of academic success in all subjects, excellent attendance and recognition for outstanding participation across all areas of the school. Parents of students receiving an award will receive an invitation to attend. A number of our valued staff are leaving Lithgow High School at the end of 2015. Mr Ian Morrison will transfer to Blaxland High School. On behalf of the school community I thank him for his service to Lithgow High School over many years and wish him the best for his future. Mr and Mrs McQueen have decided, after many years of outstanding service, to retire. On behalf of the school community I congratulate them on years of professional service and loyalty to Lithgow High School and Public Education, and wish them all the best. Mrs Hamment will take on the role of Careers adviser from 2016. Mrs Shirt has been employed to replace Mr Morrison from 2016. I extend my thanks to all members of the Lithgow High Staff for another outstanding year. I congratulate all students on their achievements. I wish everyone in the school community a safe and relaxing holiday and a rewarding 2016. Students in Years 7, 11 and 12 return on Thursday, January 28 all years return to school on Friday, January 29.


DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Term 4 has been very busy with many wonderful events and programs happening across the school. The students at Lithgow High School have demonstrated success in many areas across the school. Presentation Day 2015 The Presentation Day is scheduled for Monday the 14th of December and will include year’s 7-10. Previously all students have participated in the ceremony. This year award recipients will take part in the event. Parents will be invited to attend the ceremony this week. I encourage all of you to attend. Uniform I have been really impressed with how quickly the uniform has improved this term. The students are taking great pride in their appearance and we have had many positive comments from the community. There are still the few who challenge the system, trying to dictate what they think the uniform should be. But constant vigilance by key staff, supportive parents and fair application of the school’s uniform policy have assisted the school in improving its image. Students return Wednesday, 27th January, 2015 – Staff Development Day – Staff only Thursday 28th January, 2015 – Year 7, Year 11 and Year 12 begin Friday 29th January, 2015 – All students return including Support Have a good break, see you all next year!!

Matthew Quirk


Students from Lithgow High School's film making class are celebrating after coming home from Melbourne with two ATOM awards for the films "Bullets To Buttons" and "The Gift" In a competitive international line up Lithgow High School was recognised in two of the six categories on the night that was hosted by National Geographic Channel Host and Wild Animal Encounters Host Ben Britton. The Films continue to attract attention as finalists in the Blue Mountains Short Film Festival and as shortlisted award contenders for the upcoming Robin Anderson Film Awards.

Sean O’Keeffe – CAPA Teacher


Emma Cross and Rosa Lynes Ross of Year 9 were recognised for their magnificent filmmaking at the recent Blue Shorts Film Festival. The girls, as part of their homework, made a documentary call “Wiped Out” about Rosa’s aunty and her family. The family went for an ordinary family camping trip and things took a turn for the worst. The foolish act of a young man deciding to drive while being heavily intoxicated resulted in their tent being driven over which changed their lives forever.

The girls won three awards, Best Documentary, Best Film and the People’s Choice Award. “Congratulations girls on your awards and making such a moving

documentary with a great message not to drink and drive”. Congratulations girls, we can’t wait to see what you produce in the future if wiped out was just a class assignment!


Courtney Clarke and Emma Cross took to the stage last Friday in the first of four performances at the 2015 School Spectacular. Courtney in her second year as a featured artist and Emma in the State Dance ensemble, we congratulate the girls on their outstanding performances. It has been a lot of hard work travelling to rehearsals most weekends leading up to the event. If you were not able to attend any of the concerts in Sydney, you will be able to watch the whole performance which will be broadcast this Saturday night, 5th December at 7.00pm on Channel 9.


EXTENSION PROGRAM OPEN NIGHT On Wednesday November 18th 7A and Ms Gonzaga put on an enrichment night for all parents and family members, this included a barbeque and demonstrations of what the students have learned in all their subjects in the past year. Students wrote speeches, created videos, performed experiments and put on performances. There was lots of laughter and fun had on the night and the comments 7A received at the end of the night were outstanding.

Daniel Galloway and Lachlan Wilson – Press Club


DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Year 7 – 2016 A big welcome goes out to the Year 6 students who visited us yesterday for their Orientation Day. A great day was had with students enjoying getting to know the school grounds and completing a grand treasure map activity. Students also attended and participated in a couple of classes which ranged from Agriculture, Art, Technical and Applied Studies to English and Drama. This was the first time that the entire group of Year 7 2016 students came together from all schools and they had fun getting to know some new people and the teachers who will be closely following them through their transition to high school. A huge thank you to the Teaching and Learning Faculty that organised the day and coordinated the events that took place, in particular Mrs Moore for your fantastic organisation. Year Adviser for year 7 2016, Ms Cases had a great time getting to know the students and looks forward to 2016. Year 10 and 8 Year 10 students are currently finalising their RoSA courses for stage 5. Students are also in full swing planning the Year 10 Celebration that will be held at the school on Thursday 10th December. Students are reminded to return all library books and complete their clearance prior to commencing senior study. It has been a big year for both year groups with two camps, Year 8 to the Aussie Bush Camp and Year 10 to the Ski Trip. Students should reflect upon their achievements throughout the year and get themselves ready for the challenges ahead in 2016 as they move into Stage 6 or Stage 5 study. The Year 7-10 presentation day will be held on Monday 14th December. This year students who are receiving an award will be notified in advance and this will give the opportunity for parents to organise to attend the presentation celebration. I look forward to celebrating all student successes. I wish you all a warm and happy summer break and look forward to another fantastic year in 2016.

Karin Mawhood

Next P & C Meeting is at 6.00pm on

Monday, 7th

December

in the Hall Foyer

You are all very welcome to attend.


Three Lithgow High School Visual Arts students have had their 2015 HSC artworks chosen for the prestigious Artexpress exhibition. Artexpress is an exhibition of about 250 outstanding artworks chosen from a field of nearly 10,000 works from the HSC practical examination.

The three Visual Arts students selected for this year’s Artexpress exhibition are Sophie Beale, Louis Long-Jaccoud and Jess Luchetti. Sophie created a high relief sculpture entitled “The Old Quarter”, Louis produced a series of five expressive portraits and Jess painted her grandfather. The three Bodies of Work will be displayed at a number of Artexpress venues throughout 2016, including The Armory Sydney Olympic Park, The Margaret Whitlam Gallery at UWS and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre at Katoomba. The Creative and Performing Arts faculty would like to extend congratulations to the three students on their selection, and wish them every success for the future.

John Bawden HT CAPA


Dr Megan Halcroft returned to Lithgow High School recently to work with 7A engaging students in a range of activities for "Pollinator Week". To attract native bees to our garden 7A planted hundreds of pollinator-attracting plants, we also planted bush tucker plants to be used in Aboriginal Programs and Food Technology classes in the future. Thank you to Vanessa, Bunning’s Community project manager for kindly donating all of the plants and to Timberfix for letting our school borrow the bobcat for free!!!

Rosie Galloway – Norta Norta Teacher


7A Bee Hotel This year, 7A have been working with Dr Megan Holcroft to create a hotel for bees. Megan Holroft is an Entomologist who works and learns about bees and their environment. Ms Holcroft taught us about pollination and its importance. She told us how bees do this to make food and honey, and to make new seedlings grow.

The bee hotel is somewhere the bees can nest. It is surrounded by flowers that we planted for the bees to pollinate. The whole class has been amazed by how easy and fun this experience has been. And we would like to thank, Mrs Galloway, Mrs Young, Mr Horton James and especially Megan Holcroft for their contribution.

Faith Capomolla, Lara Compton, Beth McGovern and Callie Capomolla – Press Club


Reminder, Senior Tuition is available daily during Student’s Study Periods in the Library, providing assistance with Assessment Tasks and Study Techniques in all subject areas. We also offer Thursday afternoon tuition for Seniors including those who have a full timetable with no Study Periods. We are here to provide support, motivation and stress management during the senior years. A variety of resources are available for students to borrow.


Selected students in Year 7 and Year 9 have been participating in intensive writing workshops with Mrs Galloway and Ms Edwards. The workshops are designed to improve students’ writing skills

and the students have been producing some outstanding

work.


BRO SPEAK PROGRAM

The BroSpeak program is up and running again. Aboriginal elders from the local community are engaging the boys in range of cultural activities as well as discussions relating to school, family and social life. It is providing a great opportunity for the students to connect with both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal experiences.

Charles Russell – Norta Norta Teacher


UPPER HUNTER BEEF BONANZA

From the 23rd to the 26th of October Lithgow High was represented at the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza in Scone by 14 students from Year 7 to Year 11. It was quite a climatic shock for all of us, the week before we were in snow and in Scone the maximum temperatures were 34C -39C. The Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza is a Hoof and Hook Show. This means the cattle are paraded and judged in the show ring over the weekend and then taken to the Abattoir where they are processed under strict Australian regulations and the carcase is then judged. Our cattle performed well with Rhonda (Heifer) coming 3rd in her parading class and Bruce (Steer) coming 4th in his parading class. In the carcase section Rhonda’s score was low due to a technicality and Bruce came 6th. These were all pleasing results for our cattle that were born and raised here at school. I would like to thank some important people in the process of raising and showing our cattle, Peter and Anne Walton “Locksley Park” Locksley for allowing us to run our cows with their Limousin bull over the 2012-13 summer. Trent Johnston “Trojon Shorthorns” Lyndhurst (a past student of the school) for clipping the cattle before the show and transporting the cattle to the show, Trent also artificially inseminated one of our cows in February 2015, if successful this will be one of our entries for 2016. Alison Grant who was camp mum, thank you.

Jon Abbott - Science/Agriculture Teacher


Lithgow High School's Computing Teacher Mr Dingle, hosted the Regional VET IT WorldSkills 2015 competition, for the first time since 2011. With 5 students competing, 3 from Lithgow High School and 2 from Dubbo Senior College, the students were all given the same task to test their IT skills.

The students involved from LHS were Jarod Inzitari, William Lawson and Nicholas Pasztor.

Jarod was awarded first place and William taking third place. Jarod might now have the opportunity to compete in the National WorldSkills event next year. Congratulations to all students involved."


Your Year 10 RoSA Results

Activating studentsonline account to be able to access School Certificate Results a) Go to Students online http://studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au

b) Go to activate your account now

(under the Login banner on right hand side of page.) c) Fill in details:

Select school Enter names Enter date of birth Complete security question section

d) Submit

Your student number will appear on the screen. Write it down At the same time an email will be sent to your school email address.

e) Go to your school email account and open the email sent to

you by the Board of Studies

f) Click on the website listed in the letter. This will take you to the site

where you create your PIN . (You will need your student number for this site.) g) Enter your student number and submit, and then enter your chosen PIN

(it has to be a six -digit number.) Write it down.

h) Once that’s done, you should be taken automatically back to the studentsonline

home page, and you should already be logged in. i) If you’re not, go back in to http://studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au

home page and log in with your student number and your PIN. j) Go to My Details and then go to Enrolments/Results and select Stage 5

from the Currently Viewing drop-down menu. k) Click Request eRecord.

l) Go to My Messages to access your School Certificate eRecord

(it might take a few minutes for it to be sent to My Messages) m) Once it’s there, you can open it by clicking on the paper clip icon.

George McQueen – Careers Adviser

http://studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au/

http://studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au/


Thank you from the Canteen

On behalf of myself and the staff at the LHS canteen, I would like to thank our wonderful volunteers for their help throughout this year.

I look forward to seeing you in 2016.

We still want more volunteers to fill our roster. If you would like to help out, please ring Debbie or Evonne on 63512308. The hours are

from 10.45am – 1.45pm once a month or whenever you are available.

School Fees School fees may now be paid on line direct debit to:

Westpac, Lithgow High School, BSB No: 032-001

Account No: 15-3857. It is imperative that you put your student’s full name, Student ID

number or both when paying fees in this manner.


YEAR 11 PRESENTATION DAY CEREMONY This year Jarrad Pringle achieved many top awards including the overall highest marks of Year 11, Academic Excellence Award. Jarrad was followed by fellow students, Josana Stockdale and Max Arkley-Smith both receiving the Centennial Coal Encouragement Awards for Consistent Endeavour.

The presentation day ceremonies are for the students, parents and teachers to celebrate each student’s hard work and dedication. The awards cover academic, sporting, cultural, citizenship and other school achievements. Christopher Seymour thrilled the crowd with his piano performance which was a highlight of the ceremony Jarrad Pringle received the L.J. Hooker award for Academic Excellence, achieving the highest overall marks in Year 11. Jarrad was also awarded three additional major awards including: University of Western Sydney Award which is presented to the best All Rounder in all courses studied. Dick Lancaster Memorial Award for outstanding results in Mathematics and Thales Australia Award for the student who has the highest aggregate over the best 7 units in Mathematics Science and Technology Mr Dingle Year 11 Adviser commented on Jarrad’s high level of achievement. “Jarrad has always presented himself as an intensely focused student who has risen to the challenges of senior study. He truly deserves these awards as he continually strives to achieve at the highest standard”. Josana Stockdale and Max Arkley-Smith received the Centennial Coal Encouragement Award for Consistent Endeavour, 2nd and 3rd overall highest marks of Year 11. Josana was also awarded with the Le Fevre & Co Solicitors; a new award for outstanding results in Visual Arts, Max received the Blue Mountains Law Society Award for consistent effort in Legal Studies and the EnergyAustralia award for School Citizenship Outstanding achievements:


Isaac Trounce- C.F Haywood Memorial Award for Excellence in History Keely Newham – Barry F Cosier Award for consistent High Achievement in English Joshua Kitchner – Alec Stanely Outstanding Achievement in Science Award and the Victor Chang Western Region Science Award Benjamin Allan – Bailey Family Award, an annual award presented to a student who has dramatically improved their marks, and has represented in school sport Abigail Wilson and Max Arkley-Smith - EnergyAustralia Award for School Citizenship

Bonnie Goodsell – P&C Encouragement Award

Cameron Denley – Bunnings Award – Technology & Applied Studies

Brianna Rigby – 100% Attendance Award

Abigail Wilson – Jessica Dean Sportswomen of the Year Award

Congratulations to all the Award

recipients for 2015


Joshua Kitchner, Year 11 was recently awarded with the prestigious Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Science Award Joshua is enrolled in 3 Sciences at LHS, he is enthusiastic student in all areas, striving to do his best at all times and always wanting to learn beyond the curriculum to improve his breadth of knowledge and understanding in Science. His marks were excellent in all 3 courses placing him first in Biology and Chemistry and a close second in Physics. Year 11 students from 120 schools across the South Western Sydney, Illawarra and South-East region have been awarded

the Victor Chang School Science Award for their outstanding achievement in scientific studies throughout the year. The Victor Chang Awards are about helping local students see a career in research as a viable and rewarding pursuit. Each student was nominated by their schools, for having the highest achievement and commitment to their scientific studies throughout the year. They will have the opportunity to do work experience with leading researchers at the Victor Chang at a special work experience day in December.


Arrietty is a Japanese film by Studio Ghibli, the creators of ‘Spirited Away’ and ‘My Neighbour Totoro’. It is based on the book The Borrowers by Mary Norton, it focuses around the lives of miniature people living in human houses. The storyline follows Arrietty, a young borrower who lives in an old house in Japan. Her family lives peacefully but are the only borrowers in the house and believe they are the only ones left. At the beginning of the film, Sho arrives and changes the borrower’s lives. Borrowers are not supposed to be seen by humans and after Arrietty is spotted her family are in danger. Arrietty is a great movie for all ages, it is rated G but is not in any way boring. The animation of the film is beautiful and incredibly detailed. We recommend this film to families and people of all ages because of its great story line and amazing graphics.

We give it

Four out of five star

Aminah Baker, Heather Sy, Kasey Cross,

Maia Michell, Taylah Harrington.– Press Club

Guess that movie

A man’s wife was brutally murdered by a serial killer

along with all but one of his children, who was left

physically disabled. In a twist turn of events his son

was kidnapped and to get him back he travelled

thousands of miles with the help of a mentally disabled woman.


Amulet is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuish. It focuses around Emily, a young girl who after the death of her

father, moves with her mother and brother Navin to an old house. It was once owned by their uncle Silas, an eccentric inventor who went missing in the house. Whilst staying in their uncle’s house, Emily and

her brother discover an amulet with immense powers and are thrown into an adventure in a world quite unlike their own.

There are 6 different books in the series and 2 more books to be released in early 2016. For people who love graphic novels packed

with fantasy, excitement and adventure.

We give this book a rating of:

Aminah Baker, Heather Sy, Kasey Cross, Maia Michell, Taylah Harrington.– Press Club


1. Full Name: Dylan Nicholas Sheaves

2. Date Of Birth: 10th of May 2000

3. What is Your Favourite?...

Animal: I don’t really have one. Food: Pizza. Subject: Mathematics

4. What do you like/ dislike about Lithgow High? I think the school has a really

good education system, but I dislike the layout of the school as it is difficult to

navigate your way around. Otherwise I think it is a pretty good school.

5. What are your future plans after you finish school? I would like to go to

university and study Maths and some sort of Science.

6. If you were Prime Minister for a day what would you do? I would change a lot

of the legislations on working mothers, as they are fairly harsh on a lot of

families.

7. What is your biggest fear? NEEDLES!

8. Do you have any hobbies? Playing video games, reading and painting

miniatures.

9. If you were given 1 million dollars what would you do with it? I would buy a

nice house for my family, invest and put the rest into savings.

10. What is one of your most embarrassing moments? I don’t really have one that

I can think of.

Alannah Stoneley and Brooklyn Mackie -Press Club


Up Close With

Full Name: Jeff Monaghan What is your role at Lithgow High? TAS Teacher What is your favourite colour? Blue/Aqua If you could be any animal what would it be and why? Lion, Top of the food chain and great mullet/mane What annoys you in class? Students speaking when I am giving instructions What schools did you go to? Cooerwull Infants and Primary & Lithgow High School What are your hobbies? Squash, Graphic Design, Home DIY and PlayStation What are your greatest achievements? University Degree, Wife and two daughters, home renovations Describe yourself in three words: 1. Short 2. Fat 3. Grumpy What did you want to be when you were a kid? Architect Do you have any nicknames? Mono How long have you been teaching? 5 Years Driving: 7 Sport: 7 Shopping: 0.5

Lachlan Wilson & Daniel Galloway – Press Club


Students who participated in the 2015 Premier's Debating

Challenge. Thank you for your hard work and persuasive words! Debating training will start next year. For more information see

Ms. Cases or Mrs. Alexander.


Earlier this term, Year 12 Drama students participated in the Belvoir Street Theatre Enrichment Program and saw a free performance of 'Ivanaov' in the city. Students had to do a two period workshop with the educational officer which helped them to prepare for the show. "It was amazing, a very very funny Black Comedy", stated Ivana Jerga and "Clever lighting and set design" was a comment by Tristan Hart. Later this term the class will also see

a recorded performance of 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore', one of the core texts this term.

In the last week of November, Year 12 Drama students also participated in a performance for the school's annual performance night. Pictured are some of the students in rehearsal. A big thank you to Zachery Palmer for being part of the playbuilding process as well as Ivana Jerga and Emily Spiller for directing the performance.

Abigail Cases – English Drama Teacher


SPORT REPORT

Josh Kitchner Congratulations to Josh Kitchner of Year 11, for the third consecutive year Josh has been named in the Open Western Region Cricket Team. Josh recently trialled in Dubbo and was a sure bet to be named in the team after representing for the past 3 years. He was chosen as wicket keeper/batsman and at the end of the day he was announced as the Western Region Captain of the side.

Josh displayed outstanding form, great technique with the bat in the nets and outshone all other wicket keepers throughout the drills and game with endless enthusiasm and energy. Congratulations to Josh on his fine achievement. The Western Region Team doesn’t compete in the CHS tournament until early next year.

Congratulations to our

U16 Girls Basketball team,

5th in the State at the CHS

top 8 knockout finals. BASKETBALL

Earlier this term the girl’s U’15 basketball team travelled to Terrigal to participate in the CHS top eight state knockout carnival. The team consisted of mainly year 7 students. The girls were up against Tamworth in their first game. They played their best and came out on top with a two point lead. Next, they played a strong Terrigal and although they played their finest, they unfortunately had a one-point loss. In their last game they played against Westfield sports high where they were unlucky to have a five-point loss. Overall making it this far was a great achievement for the girls placing fifth in the state. A big thankyou to the teachers and parents for organising the event and travelling with the girls to make it possible.

Miranda Swift & Kellsey Charlton – Press Club


Recently our students were privileged to have the Central West Goalball team visit our school and provide a demonstration of the sport. Goalball is an inclusive team sport designed specifically for athletes with vision impairment. Alice Kingston of Year 9 is currently a member of the Australian Goalball Team which won gold in China. She also travelled to Adelaide in the last few weeks of November for the Pacific School Games bring home a Bronze Medal. Congratulations Alice on your selection into the CHS NSW Goalball team, we are very proud of your achievements.

Students who tried their hand at Goalball said “it was quite intense and more difficult than it looks. It was nice

to join in and learn more about the Goalball sport”


The students of the Support Faculty have been working on completing a Wall of Colour in the Methven Building corridor. Each student was asked to produce an artwork based on an Aboriginal painting sourced from the internet. Students traced the image onto clear film then it was projected onto the wall. Each student chose their own colours to personalize the image. The photos show Atlas working on their paintings and we can’t wait to see the finish product. The students are very proud of their work and it will be a lasting reminder of the students of 2015.

Michelle Stamper – Support Teacher


Goodbye and Farewell to

Year 12: 2015

The Year 12 Formal was held on the 10th November. The evening was an outstanding night and a great celebration of 13 years of schooling. All students involved had a fabulous time. It was lovely to see everybody dressed in their finest outfits. Well done Year 12! You are a credit to yourselves, your families and our school. We will miss you!


Message to all Year 10 regarding your Celebration next week

Thursday 10th December!

Year 10 please remember the Celebration Tickets will only be issued once your Clearance Forms are completed. Clearance Forms are to ensure you have returned all of your books and your fees are up to date for every subject. Should your family need assistance, please contact the Principal to access the LHS Student Assistance Scheme. Once you have completed your clearance, you can purchase your ticket via the payment window in the administration office. The cost of the evening will be $55.00, this includes your dinner and entertainment, hire of tables and chairs and hall decorations. The evening will begin at 6.00pm at the school with photos in Queen Elizabeth Park from 5.00pm. There will be drinks available for purchase on the evening. We can’t wait to have a fabulous night with a great group of kids.


During November LHS students and staff have been supporting Movember, raising money and awareness of men’s health issues. Thank you to everyone for supporting this worthy cause and to our Mobrothers, the mo’s were well worth the effort we raised over $315.00. To our Mo sistas, your support during Movember was appreciated.

Movember is about bringing back the moustache (Mo), having fun and doing good to change the face of men’s health, specifically Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer and Mental Health Problems. Mo Bros take action by changing their appearance through the growth of a new moustache for the 30 days of Movember, and in doing so become walking, talking billboards for men’s health. Mo Sistas sign up and commit to supporting the men in their lives while helping to promote men’s health at home, in the workplace and within their community.


On Friday the 27th November, 40 students that take PASS as a subject (Physical Activity and Sport Studies) spent the school day out at Lake Lyell. They were split into two groups and did two different activities, kayaking and an hours’ worth of fun on the Wibit which is an inflatable park on the water.

After the groups each had a turn of the activities we had a BBQ lunch and selection of soft drinks. After lunch most of the students had another chance to have another turn on the Wibit, and the rest got to chill on out and relax and have a swim in the lake.

Lainey Holmes – Year 9 student


Parents are often at a loss about how to manage the amount of time children spend using technology. This is becoming particularly difficult as students are required to not only undertake their research electronically, but also to complete their work from school either on-line or at least on the computer. It can be hard to tell whether your child is doing legitimate work, or working legitimately with “study buddies” online, or whether or not they are getting distracted with gaming, social media and the like. Here are the Top Ten tips to help you manage your child’s technology use.

1. Model good technology behaviour

Parents are the number one role model for students. If you are always on your phone, ipad or computer, even if it’s for work, you are sending the message that this is appropriate. Make sure you regularly take time to “unplug” and demonstrate that it’s more important to engage with people than technology. For example turn off your phone when you are having family time (even for a short burst) or rather than watching a family movie, organise a family outing.

2. Try to understand the technology your child is using and why

Some students will happily use the technology available to help them with their homework without getting distracted. Many will easily become distracted by, or will prioritise, social media, online gaming, apps related to their interests, YouTube etc. To help your child manage these distractions it is useful to spend time with them understanding what they are using technology for and why. Developing this understanding will help you set limits which are reasonable to both parties.

3. Set clear limits in relation to technology time

Parents need to decide what they consider to be a reasonable amount of technology time per day and per week. As mentioned above, understanding why and how your child is using technology will inform this decision. What works for each family will be different, but options include: no technology before school, technology for a particular amount of time each day, electronic games on the weekend only. It’s vital to be consistent with whichever system you choose for it to work well.

4. Monitor technology use

If you aren’t sure what your child is doing when they are on the computer (homework or something else), then move the computer to where you can monitor what they are doing. This can be difficult depending on your family and space available. If it’s not possible to move the child/computer, consider doing quiet activities in the space they are using, such as reading or ironing, to monitor their use.


5. Establish “screen free” systems - days, spaces etc.

Make sure technology doesn’t dictate your home and family life. Establish “screen free” spaces eg. the kitchen and dining table. Perhaps have a screen free day on the weekend? This encourages the whole family into more active pursuits and positive interactions.

6. Centralise storage of handheld devices

Have a rule that all handheld devices are stored in the one place (along with their chargers) so when it’s not an approved technology time, the device is away and not causing a distraction.

7. Use technology time as a reward

Show that you can be reasonable and flexible. If your child has done all their schoolwork and has enjoyed other activities/completed chores etc. there is no reason why some additional screen time can’t be used as an occasional reward. However, mixing up the rewards with other activities will benefit the whole family.

8. Provide lots of opportunities for physical activity and socialising

Time which used to be spent in physical activity or more creative leisure pursuits is now often spent on technology. Providing opportunities for students to participate in meaningful and enjoyable activities away from technology helps them to find other interests and connect with people. Options include organised sports, playing music, learning a new skill etc.

9. Use parental controls to block particular sites

Parental controls are useful to block particular websites which have inappropriate content or which your child gets easily distracted by. The Australian Government’s CyberSmart program makes various recommendations http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Parents/About%20the%20technology/Parental%20controls.aspx

10. Change the WiFi password

If nothing else works, and your child is constantly on social media or surfing the net, consider changing the WiFi password. Whilst it’s an extreme measure it is sometimes useful as a reminder that there are other things that need to be done.

Learn more this year about how to work effectively at home and manage distractions by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au.

Our school’s access details are:

Username: Lithgow Password:Library

http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Parents/About%20the%20technology/Parental%20controls.aspx

http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Parents/About%20the%20technology/Parental%20controls.aspx

http://www.studyskillshandbook.com.au/


SAFE DRIVER TRAINING The PDHPE Faculty will be offering

RSE (Road Safety Education) in early Term 1, 2016

Road Safety Education – Giving young people the key to a safer future

Getting behind the wheel of a car as a young driver or being a passenger with a novice driver is said to be among the most dangerous things that a person will do in their entire life. Youth road trauma statistics are staggering but the enormity of the loss is often only realised when it hits close to home, impacting family, friends and a school community. Road Safety Education Limited (RSE) is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers highly effective, evidence-based road safety education programs which adhere to recognised “best practice” guidelines to reduce the incidence of youth road trauma in our area. The Road Safety Education Foundation has been established to help sustain the aims of Road Safety Education Limited. Our senior students will be offered the opportunity to attend RSE’s award-winning road safety education program called RYDA at Mt Panorama in Term 1, 2016. This will comprise part of the compulsory (Crossroads Program for Year 11 students). We invite you to explore this website to discover more about RSE and their programs

http://rse.org.au/ alternatively you can contact the school on 63521422 for further information. Permission notes will be distributed in Term 1 next year.

https://staffowa.det.nsw.edu.au/owa/redir.aspx?C=jEeZ0-Flq0Shc5lg7xRkUvhUusu13NFIEiv1ZP1C4HvquwVdE1lWT2UrKNoHv0ERKQVvz7KEfJI.&URL=http%3a%2f%2frse.org.au%2f


HELP REQUIRED If you have any old school uniforms and would like to donate them our clothing pool, please hand in to the front office. Year 12 in particular! Many students benefit from these

donations.

HELP REQUIRED If you have any old school uniforms and would like to donate them our clothing pool, please hand in to the front office. Year 12 in particular! Many students benefit from these

donations.

The Uniform Shop (02) 6352 3494

FITTING APPOINTMENTS IN TERM 4

Orientation fitting appointments for Term 4 are available now To book, either contact the Uniform Shop during their opening hours, or go online:

www.alintaapparel.com

JUNIOR & SENIOR UNIFORMS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2016!

For students entering Year 7 or Year 11 next year, the Uniform Shop has full stock of both the junior 7-10 uniform, and the senior 11-12

uniform (including skirts). You can either purchase through the Uniform Shop, or you can shop online at: www.alintaapparel.com.au

Tuesday and Thursday Mornings – 8.00am – 10.00am

Uniform price list, online shopping & fitting appointments available at: www.alintaapparel.com.au

http://www.alintaapparel.com/

http://www.alintaapparel.com.au/


Year 10

You need to start thinking about your senior uniform! LHS onsite uniform shop is open for students

TUESDAY and THURSDAY MORNINGS – 8.00am -10.00am LHS uniform shop will not be open during the Xmas holidays,

until:

January Opening Hours Thursday 21st January, 8.30am - 1.00pm Friday 22nd January, 8.30am - 1.00pm Wednesday 27th January 8.30am - 11.00am (extended hours if busy)

Friday 29th January, 8.30am - 10.00am (extended hours if busy)

Payment Options Lay-by - We accept lay-by (50% deposit) and you can collect the uniforms in January before school goes back. Payments – Cash, Credit Card, or Debit Credit Card.

“Be proud to graduate into Senior School”


IN THE COMMUNITY


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER Monday 7th December, 2015 – P&C Meeting

Combined School Carols - Hall

Thursday 10th December, 2015 Year 10 Celebration Evening – LHS 6.00pm

Monday 14th December, 2015 Stage 4 & 5 Award Winner only - Presentation Day Ceremony

9.30am - Hall

Wednesday 16th December, 2015 LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS

Thursday 17th December, 2015 Staff Development Day – Teachers only

Friday 18th December, 2015 Staff Development Day – Teachers only

SUMMER HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!

Thursday 21st January, 2016 – Uniform Shop Open 8.30am – 1.00pm

Friday 22nd January, 2016 – Uniform Shop Open – 8.30am - 1.00pm

Wednesday 27th January, 2016 Staff Development Day – LHS Staff only

LHS Uniform Shop Open – 8.30am – 11.30am – extended hours if required

Thursday 28th January ,2016 School Resumes for Year 7, 11,and 12

Friday 29th January, 2016 School Resumes for Years 8, 9,10 and Support Faculty

LHS Uniform Shop Open 8.30am – 10.00am – extended hours if required


For your fridge – Term 4 Calendar

We hope you have a lovely, safe Christmas break

Lithgow High School Calendar - Year 2015 TERM 4

Month/ Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Dec

Week 1 9

30 Parent Tour - 9.15am bookings essential

1

2 Year 7 Luna Park Excursion

3 6►7 Orient Day 9.30am Hall

4 Year 9 Big Day Out Excursion Newsletter Issued

Dec

Week 2 10

7 Parent Tour - 9.15am bookings essential P&C Meet 6.00pm - Foyer Combined Christmas Carols - Hall

8

9

10 Year 10 Celebration Evening

11

Dec

Week 1 11

14 Stage 4 & 5 Award Winners Presentation Day Ceremony 9.30 - Hall

15

16

17

School Development Day - Alpha

18

School Development Day - Beta

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