PARKES HIGH SCHOOL

Inspiration - Innovation - Inclusion

I S S U E 3 - W E E K 6 T E R M 1 2 0 1 9

Phone : 6862 1844 Fax : 6862 5046 Email : parkes-h.admin@det.nsw.edu.au

Parkes High School, Proud to be a member of the Henry Parkes Learning Community, “Leading In Education”

Parkes High has many new faces this year on the teaching staff.

Tim Billiards joins the Creative and Performing Arts Faculty as Head Teacher this year. Mr Billards comes to us from Dubbo and has a Bachelor of Music (performance) and a Bachelor of Teaching (Music)

The Science faculty is happy to have Alex Rogers join the team. He has been working in Western Sydney for the last 5 years at Bass High School. Mr Rogers studied a Bachelor of Applied Science Exercise Sports Science at the University of Sydney, a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary PDHPE) at the University of Wollongong and also gained a Bachelor of Education (Service Conversion Science) at the University of New England.

Bec Ryan comes to Parkes High from Denison College, Bathurst High. Mrs Ryan will be teaching in the HSIE faculty and has a Bachelor of Business Marketing and a Bachelor of Secondary Teaching Society and Environment.

Hayley Kemp will also be teaching in the HSIE faculty. Ms Kemp studied a Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) at the University of New England and comes to us from Gunnedah, NSW.

Skye McLachlan has come all the way from North Sydney Boys High School to also teach in HSIE. Miss McLachlan has a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature and History), Graduate Diploma of Education (English and History), Master of Education (Special Education) and a Bachelor of Arts Education (Photographic and Digital Media).

The PDHPE faculty has four new faces joining the team. Meaghan Kempsen joins us from Orange where she attended Orange High School. She studied for four years at Charles Sturt University Bathurst and gained a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. Miss Kempsen’s hobbies include touch and rugby but her passion is soccer. She plays on weekends for the prestigious Western Mariners. Recently Miss Kempsen travelled to Russia to represent Australia as a publicity officer at the World Winter University Games.

Emily Collett studied a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education at the University of Newcastle. She originally hales from Manly and her hobbies include surfing. Miss Collett has said she loves Parkes High and is excited to have a tree change.

Another Newcastle University graduate is Dominic Fiorenza. Mr Fiorenza also studied a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education. He is a talented Rugby League player who is originally from Cessnock and is now happy to change his Cessnock Goannas jersey for a Parkes Spaceman jumper. Nicole Mee is the last addition to the PDHPE faculty. Miss Mee gained a Bachelor of Commerce at Sydney University and a Masters of Teaching at the University of New England. She is very passionate about sport and a very successful swimmer, just missing the world championships for Butterfly.

The Parkes High School community welcomes all our new teachers into our great school.

Pictured above are: Back: Dominic Fiorenza, Skye McLachlan, Hayley Kemp, Front: Alex Rogers,

Emily Collett, Bec Ryan and Tim Billiards.

Pictured above are: Carol Xureub, Meaghan Kempsen and Margo Lawry.

Parkes High Welcomes Our New Teachers

ALLERGY AWARENESS - IMPORTANT REMINDER Due to the increasing number of students with severe allergies and anaphylaxis we ask students, parents and all staff to not bring the following items to school:

All nuts, including; peanuts, cashews, pistachios, nut mixes, peanut butter, products including peanut / nut or ex-tract or oil. These include nutella, muesli bars, satay, various sweets, chocolate and biscuits.

Raw egg

Also, students should not share or exchange food

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Meet the teachers night

Year 7 parents were warmly welcomed to meet the Parkes High teachers at a school barbeque on February 20. Ms Kira Johnson, Relieving Head Teacher English, and Mr Brett Pinkstone, Year Advisor, were overwhelmed with the large attendance and said parents, students and teachers alike had a great evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for parents to finally put faces to names that no doubt the students had been talking about at home.

Mr Pinkstone and Mrs Tanya MacGregor, who is helping with Year 7 wellbeing, addressed the parents in the hall about their role as Year Advisor and mentor, also giving many tips on how to be organised. Mr Pinkstone pointed out that our school is not defined by the buildings and furniture but by our students and that Year 7 students can work together to make our school an even better place in which to learn and grow.

The parents and students were invited to go into the playground to mingle and enjoy a sausage sandwich kindly cooked by SRC students, Kiah Turnbull, Ainsley Newton and Nicayden Greenwood.

Everyone had the opportunity to look at displays that faculties had set up with samples of students work and a highlight of the night was the fun games organised by PDHPE teachers.

Mr Fiorenza and the students were very talented at Totem tennis, while Miss Collett and Miss Kempsen had a lot of fun with the students with some awesome dance moves.

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Girls CHS Cricket Last week Maddison Spence attended the CHS Girls State Carnival for cricket representing with the Western team at Raby, Sydney South West. They were fantastic ambassadors for their schools and region with very positive feedback from other coaches and umpires. Although the team only had one win, they showed determination to improve their skills and worked well as a team. The girls had a tough draw playing most of the top teams. While they held their own they often fell short in runs. Maddison Spence - Maddy didn’t let being the youngest team member stop her performance. She is a competitive and enthusiastic cricketer with a bright future ahead of her. She took on any role she was asked in the team and gave it her best. Although she didn’t take any wickets from her bowling it was very economical. Her batting was steady and included a valuable 28 runs against North Coast. Rachel McCann - PDHPE Teacher - Mudgee High School

Pickles Airliner The Year 12 Engineering Studies class of Parkes High School under the direction of David Warburton and Neil Unger, have undertaken the challenge to build a flying craft to enter the prestigious Moomba Birdman Rally. The Engineering students are one of only two teams entering from outside of Victoria. The Birdman Rally is a competition where members of the public build home-made gliders or human-powered aircraft and launch themselves off a four metre high wharf, competing for distance and entertainment value all in the name of Charity. The students will be promoting their support of Currajong Disabilities Services Parkes as the elected charity for the Charity Jackpot Prize. Any donations can be left at the PHS front office. The students have been building the craft in their free time after school, on weekends and over school holidays with guidance from Mr Warburton, Mr Unger and visiting pilots. Mr Geoff White kindly allowed the young engineers the use of shed space, tools, bench space and his forklift operator skills over the drawn out period needed to complete their construction of `The Pickles Airliner’ The nine engineering students have greatly appreciated and would like thank David, Neil and Geoff for the time, guidance and expertise they have received from these generous volunteers and supporters. Saturday’s test flight was a success, and let’s hope it continues. The 2019 Moomba Birdman Rally will take place over the Yarra River, Melbourne, Victoria on Sunday 10

March as part of

the Moomba Festival weekend.

Pictured are some of the students with their “Pickles Airliner” and also a picture of the aircraft as

it took flight during a recent practise session.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Canteen Volunteers Needed If you have a spare hour a day at either 11.00 am or 1.30pm to help serve recess or lunch it would be greatly appreciated.

Please call Canteen on 68 622 805

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IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday 12 March Free Learner Driver Workshop

Parkes High School Library 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Wednesday 13 March School Photos

Tuesday 26 March P&C AGM Meeting 7.30pm Conference Room

New Study Website For Senior Students

The website contains tips for time management, note-taking, wellbeing and extended research, as well as providing a list of apps that may be useful for students. Forms are downloadable so students can create their own timetables and calendars.

The expectations for students in timetabled study groups are outlined on the homepage. In 2019, all study lessons will be timetabled into the Green section of the Library, which has been redesigned to optimise quiet study and small-group learning.

The website will be a living document, so suggestions from students, teachers and parents are welcome. Please encourage your child, especially if they are studying for the HSC, to utilise the resources we have gathered for the site.

A new website to complement our senior study program, Ten Percent On Top (TPOT), is now online. https://sites.google.com/education.nsw.gov.au/ten-percent-on-top/home?authuser=0

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Now Available At Parkes High School Cash or Cheque to the School Office

Polar Fleece Jacket $60.00

Blue Shirt $22.00

White Shirt $22.00

Long Sleeved Shirts $22.00

Girls Skirt $60.00

Girls Dress Pants $40.00

Sport Shorts $15.00

Sport Shirts $25.00

Trackpants $30.00

School Jumper $50.00

School Jackets $50.00

Beanies $10.00

Scarves $10.00

School Hats $15.00

School Tie $15.00

Please note that uniform CANNOT be paid

through POP online

AECG Meetings 2019

Term 2: Parkes High School: Junior – Tuesday 28 May Senior– Wednesday 29 May

Term 3: Parkes Public School: Junior – Tuesday 20 August Senior – Wednesday 21 August

AGM Parkes High School: Tuesday 22 October 2019 9:30am

Term 4: Middleton Public School: Junior – Tuesday 12 November Senior – Wednesday 13 November

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Principal’s Report

Open Day: Thank you to our wonderful staff for the magnificent Open Day last week. Many Year 5 and 6 students, together with their parents, took the opportunity to discuss the positive aspects of learning at Parkes High School. Our SRC students acted as tour guides and took their groups through the school, stopping at the faculty displays and interactive sessions. I did start to feel a little older when I realised that I had held several of the students when they were babies! Many of the parents commented favorably on changes that have occurred throughout our school since they were students. A big thank you to our P&C members; Stephen Gaut, Craig Bland, Craig Smith and Michael Ostler for cooking and serving a tasty BBQ. P&C Meeting: We had our first P&C meeting for the year on Wednesday night due to the Open Night being on Tuesday night. It was pleasing to see many new faces as well as those who have been active supporters for several years. The P&C have two committees, one looking at the uniform as it has been in place since 2012 and one looking at how to lessen the weight Year 7 students are carrying to school in their backpacks each day. We have rectified the situation with the payment of school and subject fees. This can now be completed at the front office for all years by cash or cheque. The fees can also be paid online. The school fee is a voluntary contribution that supports the school in purchasing resources for our students. hOPE Choir: A large number of students from Years 7 to 10 enjoyed a performance from the hOPE choir on Monday. It was an unbelievable performance of joy and passion. Our elective music students then had a workshop with the choir after lunch and were in awe of the performances and how young some of the children in the choir were. Birdman Challenge: We wish our Moomba Festival Birdman entry all the best as they head to Melbourne to compete in this competition. The plane has been constructed by our Year 12 Engineering Studies class under the guidance of their teacher Mr David Warburton ably supported by local experts, Mr Neil Unger and Mr Adam Pay. International Women’s Day: I am looking forward to accompanying our senior SRC girls Rebecca Wright, Phoebe Potts and Vivian Tosetti, to the Quota International of Parkes celebration of International Women’s Day on Sunday. Thank you to our parents for your support with students placing their hats, phones and earphones in their bags when they line up prior to entering their classes. Students are able to have their bags with them in classrooms. This allows the students to listen and concentrate on the tasks set by the teacher as it removes distractions. It also allows the teachers to have more time to teach and conduct one-on-one support as they are not constantly reminding students to stay on task. Our next P&C Meeting for 2019 will be held in the Conference Room (just along the corridor from the front office) on Tuesday 26 March at 7.30 pm. This is the AGM for the P&C. I look forward to seeing all our new and continuing parents. Please contact the school (6862 1844) or make an appointment if you need to discuss any aspect of your child’s education or if you need clarification on any issues or events your child may be involved in. Please be aware that all visitors to the school, including parents, must report to the office in Albert Street. At Parkes High School we are safe, respectful and responsible. Mrs Sandra Carter Principal

Important Attendance Information Every school day students should be at school engaged in their learning so they are able to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding and strive to reach their potential. If a student is sick, their parent or care provider needs to give a written explanation and or a medical certificate to the school the first day they return or contact the school the day of the absence. The reason for an absence from school cannot be changed after 7 days from the absence. If a written explanation is not received or the reason is not valid, eg getting a haircut, then the absence is recorded as unjustified. I understand that there are circumstances where a parent or care provider needs to ask for permission for leave, for example, attending a funeral. Please do this in writing, addressed to the Principal, prior to the student being absent. If a student needs to attend an appointment, eg with a doctor or specialist, please attach the appointment card to the note as supporting evidence. Family holidays will no longer qualify for an exemption from school. These will be granted under the leave provision and will count as absences from school. Please note that students cannot be paid to work during school hours.

Careers - Let Your Journey Begin Here By Mr Kieran Duncan

Please 'like' the PHS Careers noticeboard

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Pictured are some of the students involved in the recent CSU talk.

CSU VISIT: Recently representatives from Charles Sturt University visited the school to speak to Year 12 students. They provided valuable information about the university giving the students a better insight into undertaking tertiary study. CSU Parent Info Night: At CSU, we think knowledge is power. So come along to this free evening event and get the info you need. Together, we can guide your child through the transition from high school to university – seam-lessly. It’s a great opportunity for you to get all your questions answered. We’ll walk you through the application process, as well as things like early entry, accommodation and scholarships. Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) representatives will also be there to give advice on the best ways to get into university. Orange - Monday 11 March, 5.30–7.30pm Bathurst - Tuesday 12 March, 5.30–7.30pm Wagga Wagga - Wednesday 27 March, 5.30–7.30pm Register to attend here – https://futurestudents.csu.edu.au/school-leaver/preparing/parents CSU Open Days – Save the date Bathurst – August 4 Wagga Wagga – August 11 Albury-Wodonga – August 18 Port Macquarie – August 25 Dubbo – August 30 Orange – September 6 More details to come – https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/3162025/F5982-2019-CSU-Events-Flyer_WEB.PDF Get Into Med: First steps to becoming a doctor! Medical school admission is becoming an increasingly difficult task. The number of medical school places has doubled in Australia and New Zealand over the past 15 years, but as sup-ply has increased, so has demand. As more students become aware of the exciting career prospects of a medical practi-tioner, medical school competitiveness becomes stronger and stronger. To obtain the ever-elusive medical school place, students must be well-informed of their personal, philosophical and professional reasons for pursuing medicine. Get into Med: first steps to becoming a doctor will deep-dive into the world of medical school admissions. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-into-med-newcastle-tickets-57358297211

Saturday, 6th April | 1pm-3pm | Parramatta Sunday 14th April | 1pm-3pm | Newcastle Saturday 18th May | 1pm-3pm | Sydney North Shore Cluey Learning Scholarship: The Cluey Learning Scholarship will award one individual $1,500 AUD to put towards their University related expenses such as tuition, laptops, textbooks etc for all courses and disciplines. Applications are open now and close at 11:59 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time 31st March 2019. Find out if you ’re eligible and how to apply at https://clueylearning.com.au/scholarships/ Australian Museum Work Experience: This work experience program offers high school students the chance to explore a variety of careers including science and cultural research, education, public programming, curatorial and exhibi-tion design, marketing, communications and corporate services. The program is available for students in Years 10, 11 and 12

Applications open – Monday 4 March 2019

Applications close – Friday 5 April 2019 Placements will be available in Term 2, 3 and 4 and all successful applicants for 2019 will be notified from 29 April. Each placement is limited to 5 days (Monday to Friday) working 10am to 4pm each day. Contact them for details on how to apply. https://australianmuseum.net.au/get-involved/contact/ Year 12 2019 Destination Survey: Each year the Careers Department conducts a Destination Report tracking the whereabouts of our school leavers. The information is used to help the school develop our vocational and educational pro-grams. It is also used in collecting data for the annual schools report. I am currently chasing this information and would appreciate anyone who has contact with students from 2018 to assist in returning the destination form or by contacting me direct. Students can also access the survey on the Careers Web page under Post School Destination.

The Townsend Memorial Scholarship

The Townsend Memorial Scholarship is available to students attending Parkes High School to assist students to complete a

degree course of study at the University of NSW or University of Sydney in the faculty of Medicine, Law, Dentistry,

Architecture, Agriculture, Veterinary Science or Engineering.

Please see Mrs Carter to discuss your application.

Health and Safety Risk Aerosol Spray Deodorants

Aerosol Spray Deodorants are BANNED from school as they pose a health risk to students and staff through the potential for asthma attacks and

allergic reactions. These will be confiscated if brought to school.

If students need deodorant at school they are encouraged to use roll on deodorants.

Parkes High School ‘Bring Your Own Device’

Specifications

Please refer to our Parkes High School website for specifications before purchasing any new

“Bring Your Own Device” computers or tablets.

Health and Safety Changes ALL visitors to the school MUST report to the

office and sign in. ALL visitors attending assemblies or events will be required to SIGN IN either at the office or

at the LP Johnston Hall.

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HELPING LEARNER DRIVERS BECOME SAFER DRIVERS

FREE TWO HOUR WORKSHOP FOR PARKES Parents and supervisors of local learner drivers are encouraged to attend a free workshop which will be held at Parkes High School on Tuesday 12 March. The free two hour workshop, Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers, will offer parents and supervisors hands-on advice on how to provide the most effective driving practice for learner drivers. Parkes Shire Council's Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the workshops offer practical advice to parents and supervisors on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers. "Parents and supervisors of learner drivers have a crucial role to play in making our roads safer. That is why Parkes Shire Council have teamed up with Roads and Maritime Services to hold these FREE two hour workshops. "The workshop covers the licencing system, how to use the Learner Driver Logbook including the use of digital logbooks, licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, the benefits of on-road driving sessions, tips on supervising a learner driver and more. "Parents and supervisors who have attended this workshop in the past have found that it boosted their confidence, helped them better plan driving sessions and allowed them to share their experiences with other parents and supervisors," Ms Suitor said. The Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers workshop will be held at Parkes High School on Tuesday 12 March commencing at 6pm. Light refreshments will be available during the workshop. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling Ms Suitor on (02) 6861 2364. For further information please call Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, on (02) 6861 2364.

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Term 1 Assessment Schedules For Students, Parents and Carers Please use this as a guide to help your child plan their study schedules and assessment tasks.

On occasion, changes may need to be made to this guide due to unforseen circumstances.

Students can confirm dates with the Head Teacher of the faculty if they have any concerns.

Parkes High School P & C Executive Contacts

President - Stephen Gaut on 0418 667 180

Vice President - Sharon Woods on 0401 629 020

Treasurer - Tracy Glasson on 0459 661 252

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Maths Help Does your child have maths questions they need help with? Would they benefit from a quiet place to do their homework? Looking for assessment preparation? Maths help is available for all students in any year, from 3:25pm on Thursday afternoons in the Learning hub (B9). No bookings needed, no cost. Helen Vere - Mathematics Teacher Distance Education Support Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader Parkes High School

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12

Week 7 Child Studies Outdoor

Education

Child Studies Outdoor

Education

Modern History IT Metals

Business Studies CAFS

English Studies English Standard English Advanced

Week 8 Mathematics Technology Mandatory

Mathematics Science

HSIE PASS

Science PASS

CAFS Business Studies

Mathematics SLR

Agriculture

Week 9 English GATS English

English GATS English

PDHPE

Science PDHPE

HSIE PDHPE

English Studies English Standard English Advanced

Music 1 PDHPE

Modern History Chemistry

Week 10 Science Music A

HSIE Music

English Mathematics

English Mathematics

Mathematics Standard

Mathematics Advanced Chemistry

Legal Studies

Legal Studies Ancient History

Biology Geography

Engineering Studies

Week 11 Timber Metal IST

Spectra PBL

Timber Music Metal

Spectra PBL

Ancient History SLR

English Extension Mathematics

Extension

English Extension 1 English Extension 2

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Competitions for 2019

At Parkes High School we are strong supporters of academic success, and to that end we encourage our students to enter the National and International competitions that are available. Many of our new students will have substantial experience with these competitions from their primary school days.

By entering the competitions our students have a chance to practise their exam technique skills (vital for those who plan to sit the HSC exams), as well as compare their results with students from around the country and from some other countries internationally.

The following competitions are open to all students to enter:

Entries for the CAT close 13 March, so if you are interested in this competition please get in quickly. Practise papers are available for students wishing to prepare.

Further information can be obtained by calling Helen Vere in the Mathematics Faculty on 68621844, or email Helen.vere3@det.nsw.edu.au

Please fill out the entry form below and return to the school with payment for those competitions being entered.

COMPETITIONS AND ASSESSMENTS - PERMISSION SLIP

Please return THIS section to the office with payment

Child’s name year to participate in the following 2019 Competitions:

ICAS Digital Technologies – 3 September 2019 ($14.50)

ICAS Science – 5 September 2019 ($14.50)

ICAS Writing – 10 September 2019 ($14.50)

ICAS English – 17 September 2019 ($14.50)

ICAS Mathematics – 19 September 2019 ($14.50)

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)– 1 August 2019 ($6.50)

Australian Categorical and Algorithmic thinking Competition CAT) – 2 April 2019 ($6.50)

AMC and CAT bundle - $10

Payment for the CAT and bundle only available until 13 March 2019. The AMC can still be paid for after this time. Please find enclosed ____________________ entry fee. Amount

I give permission for my child of

Name of Parent/Guardian Date ________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian

Subject Test Date Fee

ICAS – Digital Technologies (Computers) 3 September $14.50

ICAS - Science 5 September $14.50

ICAS - Writing 10 September $14.50

ICAS - English 17 September $14.50

ICAS - Maths 19 September $14.50

Australian Maths Trust –Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (Informatics Competition) (CAT)

2 April $6.50

Australian Mathematics trust – Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) 1 August $6.50

CAT and AMC bundle (if you are sitting both) $10.00

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