news letter · letter amber holmes receives a $5,000 scholarship to the australian national...

ARMSTRONG DRIVE, TOORMINA NSW 2452 026653 3077 [email protected] www.toormina-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

TERM 3 | WEEK 6 | AUGUST 2013

NEWSLE T TER

Amber Holmes receives a $5,000 scholarship to the Australian National University

in Canberra.Amber Holmes, year 12, has always taken up any opportunities or challenges that have been offered to her at THS. A prefect, an artist (winning our Sketchbook Project last year), a participant in Relay for Life, Tournament of the Minds and Lions Youth of the Year Quest are just some of her interests. Amber also was part of our science team that appeared on the New Inventors on the ABC and also represented us at the State Swimming Trials.

Recently Amber was awarded a fully paid trip to the capital after making it through to the last 72 students from all over Australia, vying for the $100,000 Tuckwell Scholarship. Although missing out on this she was rewarded with a $5,000 residential scholarship.

Amber will study Medical Science at ANU next year beginning a long education journey that, she hopes, will culminate in her long held dream to become a neuro surgeon.

Good Luck Amber, we are very proud of you.

CREATING OUR FUTURE

TOOR M I N AHIGH SCHOOL

‘GIRLS IN TRADES’ CAREER INFORMATION DAY‘Girls in Trades’ Careers Information Day will be held on Friday 13 September. If you are interested you must register with Mrs West in the Careers Office.

There will be an opportunity to talk with local tradeswomen working as electricians, mechanics and carpenters. You can also listen to apprentice carpenters talk about their work and check out the TAFE facilities. You will be inspired about what is

possible in your future!

Any questions please see Mrs West.

HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER TERM 3 | WEEK 6 | AUGUST 2013


CREATING OUR FUTURE


SCU STAR ENTRY SCHEMEApplications are now open for the Southern Cross University STAR Entry scheme. Southern Cross University’s STAR Entry Scheme enables Year 12 students to gain an early offer to study at Southern Cross University in 2014 based on their school Principal’s recommendation. The STAR Entry Scheme matches an individual student to a particular SCU course based on their likelihood of success in their chosen discipline.

SCU recognises that ATAR and OP scores are not the only indicators of your likelihood of success at University. Via this scheme you can gain an early offer to study an SCU course in 2014 based on your Principal’s recommendation. Many talented students have undertaken their undergraduate degree at Southern Cross University after gaining admission through the STAR Entry Scheme.

SCU will notify Queensland students in mid-October and NSW students in mid-November of the outcome of their application. You will need to match your STAR Entry Scheme first preference with a first preference application through UAC or QTAC to receive your STAR offer which will be made in two early offer rounds (November 28, 2013 through QTAC and December 5, 2013 through UAC).

For more information and to register for the STAR Entry Scheme visit www.scu.edu.au/starRegistration closes on 13 September.

Pictured above is THS Captain Audrey Gillingham donating toys to the Warrina Women & Childrens Refuge representative, Ros.Audrey learnt about the refuge through our ‘Lovebites’ program at school and was pleased when Ros said they will be able to tuck a toy into each child’s bed when they arrive at the refuge.

Toormina High students support Wear It Purple Day – Friday August 30.

Wear it Purple is a student-led initiative that seeks to support sexuality and gender diverse young people.At Toormina High we believe that these students should feel free to be proud of who they are in all environments. The aim is to foster more supportive, inclusive and safe environments for students.

Friday August 30 is ‘Wear it Purple’ Day. Although NOT a mufti day, students all over Australia will wear something purple (e.g. a hair tie, scarf, hat, ribbon etc) to express their support and to raise awareness of the issues facing gender diverse young people today.

Lisa Mullan - Head Teacher Welfare

PURPLE DAY

SPIRIT OFTOORMINA AWARDS

Congratulations for showing a fantastic attitude that embodies the Toormina High School philosophy of caring, sharing and participating.

NADINE HUGHES - MATISSE HERDEGEN - GEORGIE BLAIkIE - TAITUM BROWNE

HIGH SCHOOL



CREATING OUR FUTURE


Nerves begin to tingle and stress levels begin to rise in households all over NSW at this time of year. Year 12 students begin their final assault, with extra study, trial examinations, school formals and final assemblies all to occur prior to their sitting the HSC. For one Toormina High School student, Jessica Summerville, these nerves are compounded by her recent diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For Jessica, a committed and focused all round student, this news and the knowledge of the battle ahead of her, is one that she is determined to overcome and win.

To support her in her efforts and to show their true friendship, her close friends felt she needed to have the experience of a school formal before her arduous treatment began. The staff of Toormina High and her family also felt that this would be a won-derful boost for her and would allow her to experience this event without the concern of medical interventions.

Toormina High School would like to sincerely thank the following businesses who generously gave of their time and goods toallow Jess and her family to enjoy the evening:Trendz Hair Salon Toormina who donated a hairstyle and makeup for the evening

Beauty on the Promenade who spoilt Jess with a facial and nail treatment

Divine Living who donated a formal dress and jewellery, allowing her to look and feel like a celebrity for the evening

David Wolter offering a Mustang chauffer driven ride for the whole afternoon and evening

Rory Banwell Photography who captured the total event

Freelance Flowers who decorated the tables with arrangements to suit the colour scheme

Creative Etch generously created a ‘Spirit of Toormina’ Award for Jess

Mangrove Jacks who especially opened their restaurant for the evening and then generously donated the meals for the family and students attending.

Liz Donnan

THANk YOU

PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN

HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

PATHWAYThe Support Unit students have been building paths for wheel-chair access as part of their TAS units. Thyrone Chew, Hayden Castle and Ben Thorn are pictured proudly showing off their great paving skills.

Links to Learning is a targeted program implemented by the NSW Department of Education and Communities to improve outcomes and focus on effective transitions for young people.In Coffs Harbour, our local community organisation is the Police and Community Youth Clubs NSW LTD, which provides Links to Learning activities. Each term Toormina High School is able to nominate 5 boys to participate, with the outcome of re-engaging in education or training, or transition to employment.Photo on right shows Dallan Beard, Cliff Abel and Isaac Tonkin, absent from photo - Blake Archibald-Holten, Ezekiel Major.

Robyn West - Careers Adviser



CREATING OUR FUTURE


LINkS TO LEARNING

As this newsletter is sent via email it is important to notify the office of any changes to your contact details.

Students can pick up a copy of the newsletter from the front office.

If you do not want your child’s photo to appear in thenewsletter please ring the school on 66533077.

Booking sheets for the Parent/Teacher night to be held on Tuesday, September 3 will be sent home with

students.

Please donate any unwanted uniform items toMs Mullan. Items can be left at the front office and will

be much appreciated.

HIGH SCHOOL



CREATING OUR FUTURE


IMPORTANT DATES - WEEkS 3 & 4

WED 28/8 All School

School Social

FRI 30/8 All School

Wear it Purple Day

30/8 Mini Expo Disabilities11 - 2pmLibrary

MON 2/9 Year 11 Assessment Moratorium

AIME Day

TUES 3/9 All School

Parent TeacherNight

3/9 Year 11 Assessment Moratorium

WED 4/9 Year 11 Assessment Moratorium

THURS 5/9 Year 11 Assessment Moratorium

CHS Athletics Homebush

FRI 6/9 Year 11 Assessment Moratorium

Year 8 Police Liaison Visit

TUES 13/9 Girls in TradeWorshop at CHEC

FRI 16/9 Defence Force Talk1:40 pmTHS Library

TUES 17/9 Year 12 Farewell Assembly

Toormina High School is reviewing the best model to deliver technology access for students in Years 7 & 8 and would like your feedback.

Now that the federal Digital Education Revolution funding has come to an end, laptops are no longer handed out to students when they reach Year 9. Schools need to look at alternatives so students can still have access to technology-rich learning at school. We are asking for your input to help determine the way forward, so we have developed a survey for parents and carers of Year 7 & 8 students.

Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/THS-survey to complete the short survey by Friday 6th September 2013.

For any questions relating to this survey, please contact the Technology SupportOfficer, Ree Higoe, on 6653 3077 or [email protected]

Pictured above are year 7 students Bailey Tees and Blake Adams.

TECHNOLOGY SURVEY for Parents & Carers of Year 7 & 8Students

YEAR12 Your laptop is ready to graduate with you,

we can finally ‘unlock’!Please see Ms Higoe for the paperwork.

HIGH SCHOOL



CREATING OUR FUTURE


MATHS

National Science week was celebrated by having a competition. A science question was posted daily and students who answeredcorrectly went in the draw for some great prizes.The winners of the National Science Week question competition are: Zoe Meiklejohn, Juston Edwards, Caleb Freeman, Tye Shipman and Jake kent.Congratulations!Winners with science teacher, Matt Ryan(absent - Juston Edwards).

Pictured below are some of the 60 THS students who recently entered the international ICAS maths competition. This valuable experience had participants from 90 countries around the world.

Funding from the National Partnership Program has enabled our Maths Faculty to employ a full time specialist maths School Learning Support Officer, Susan Harwood, below with Charis Williams of year 8.

The focus within our school is on improving foundation skills in the junior years and incorporating ongoing professional development with our teachers.

Craig Holden - Head Teacher Maths

Science WINNERS

Sawtell Toormina/Coffs Coast Little Athletics Centre will be conducting Registration Days…Thursday 5 Sep: 4.00pm to 5.30pm at Toormina OvalSaturday 7 Sep: 9.00am to 2.00pm at Centro ToorminaThursday 12 Sep: 4.00pm to 5.30pm at Toormina OvalAges 5 to 17 welcome. Proof of Age (birth cert, baby book etc) required for all new athletes. More information Greg Robson 0407 882460 or [email protected]

Little Athletics Registration Days

HIGH SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

It was an early start on Friday, 2nd August as the bus departed Toormina High at 5am on its way to kingscliffe for the Regional Athletics Carnival. Toormina High had 14 students make the trip to represent their school in both individual and team events. All performed well, with the best performers being 13 boys Relay, 17+ girls Relay, Lauren Dam, Lillie Moye, Allira Walker and Riley Gray.

Some of the results were, Allira - 2nd in 13yrs Discus, Riley - 1st 100m sprint, 1st 200m, Lillie - 1st 100m sprint, 1st 200m, 1st Long jump, 1st Triple Jump, 2nd High Jump, 1st 100m Hurdles and 16 years regional age champion, Lauren - 2nd 100m sprint, 1st 200m, 1st 400m.

Sheridan Watkins - PE Teacher



CREATING OUR FUTURE


REGIONAL ATHLETICS

Last Friday night saw our talented Drama & Music students perform for their Trial Examinations in Music and Drama to an audience of family, friends and staff. Congratulations to these talented girls for performances that were polished and so entertaining! Remi Hillery, kate Harding, Ellie Crossley and Laura Devoy (pictured) showcased their comedy Group piece, Individual Performances or submitted projects in Costume & Director's Portfolio.

Emily Hodgens and Gracie khalil, wowed the audience with their sensitive vocal performances! Mrs Babbage (Music) and myself are very proud of these girls and wish them all the very best in their HSC PracticalExaminations coming up in the next two weeks!

As an added note, kate Harding has been selected to perform at the Regional HSC Drama Exemplar Showcase "Platform 12" at the Jetty Theatre on Wednesday 4th September. Congratulations, kate!

Mrs Ward (Drama Teacher)

Year 12 DRAMA & MUSIC SHOWCASE

Picture above is the Girls Relay team -

Grace Autry-Hall, Monique Sawarsin, Lillie Moye and Lauren Dam.

Below, Ellie Crossley, Remi Hillery, kate Harding and Laura Devoy.

news letter · letter amber holmes receives a $5,000 scholarship to the australian national...

Documents