“Tallebudgera was an awesome camp and everyone had a fantastic time”

On Monday 26th

November Year 10 set off for Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre on the sunny Gold Coast. We arrived at midday and were instantly sorted into our groups and off to our first activity. My group's first activity was stand up paddle boarding, which I had never done before, followed by rock climbing. Even though some of us found these activities challenging, I think the whole group had a lot of fun and got to try something new. Throughout the week and with our instructor Heidi's help, everyone in my group got the opportunity to participate in activities such as high ropes, raft building, team games and kayaking, which were all really fun and challenging.

Alexie Grice

TALLEBUDGERA

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

The end of the school year brings with it farewells.

Year 12 finished in style with a splendid post-HSC formal at Pacific Bay. Most reported feeling positive about their big exam experience — an indication of the quality of their efforts over the past two years. Even before their results are announced later this week, many of them have been offered early entry at Southern Cross University and University of New England, and three students have been awarded special scholarships:

• Isabelle Capell Hattam at the University of New South Wales

• Lucy Langfield at the University of Newcastle

• Mikaela Donn Paterson at the University of New England.

Our best wishes to all our graduating students for success and fulfilment in their further studies and their future careers.

To those Year 10 students who are leaving to pursue their studies at the Senior College, we wish you every success in your final years. Our students are fortunate enough to have the choice of two high quality public schools for their senior years, each with its own learning environment. Students can thus choose whichever one suits them better. The public high schools in Coffs Harbour have developed a very strong partnership, with our teachers working together on professional learning, providing enrichment activities for students, and increasingly on shared assessments. This co-operative approach makes all of our schools stronger.

Sadly, we also farewell our General Assistant, Mr Doug Parker. Doug has been an extremely knowledgeable and competent asset, who in his 20 years of service to our school has provided valuable advice to three different Principals. I have particularly appreciated his initiative, and his success in fostering cordial relationships with the many contractors who have worked with us. Doug's work has been especially challenging over the last four years, when we have had to learn how to be a building site at the same time as a school. His watchful eye has been crucial in making sure students and staff were safe at all times. Our very best wishes to Doug and his wife Robyn, who is also retiring.

There have been many highlights in 2012. It is not possible to list them all, but I shall choose five which make important statements about our values and direction.

• the induction of former student Bob Brown, into our Hall of Fame. The ceremony was simple but moving, with Dr Brown choosing to speak to students not about his own many achievements but about the importance of building quality personal relationships

• the leadership of our P & C, not only in their huge contribution to the school’s welfare but also in the Community Day of Action for a fairer approach to funding for public schools

• the joint publication, with Orara High School, of a wonderful collection of writing and artwork by refugee students who now call Coffs Harbour home: I commend it to you as a moving revelation of what these children have been through, for I believe it will help change many people’s minds about why they are here

• our first student trip to China, a clear indication that we are among the leaders in embracing "The Asian Century"

• Isabelle Capell Hattam’s attendance at the Euroscience Forum in Dublin, demonstrating that first class

achievements and opportunities are available to students of comprehensive regional public schools.

Former School Captain, Noelene Bloomfield (Watt), from the class of '56, has recently donated to the school library a copy of her lavishly illustrated book Almost a French Australia. Her dedication is a testimony to the school’s long-standing tradition of providing top-level teaching and learning for everyone:

For my Alma Mater, Coffs Harbour High School, where I received an inspirational education.

My very best wishes to all students and their families. I look forward to working with you in 2013, when we will proudly celebrate 75 years of quality education.

Patti Kearns

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

In the final week of the school year, it is nice to be able to reflect on some of the great experiences that our students have undergone. The camps have been well attended for each year group, and Ms Steward and I have enjoyed attending each of these as they have allowed us to get to know the students better. New to the list of excursions this year was a camp to Tallebudgera for Year 10 students, which ran successfully and gave the students opportunities to develop friendships and learn new skills. The Year 9 snow excursion and the Year 11 Heron Island excursion have again provided some wonderful memories for students. It is noticeable how the students who attend these Year Group excursions bond as a group, which has real value for their education as they progress into the senior years.

During the year the school began to use a new computer program as part of our administrative processes. By using this new system we have been able to inform parents via SMS if their child is not at school, and we have appreciated the prompt phone calls that parents have made to explain the absences. If you have not registered a mobile number for this service, or have changed numbers throughout the year, please call the school to update your details.

Throughout the year we have also had the completion of upgraded science laboratories and increased wheelchair access throughout the school. These facilities have already been well-used by students, and they give an overall improvement to infrastructure of the school. The students have become used to doing their schoolwork as construction goes on around them, but we are now hopeful that there will not be any major disruptions over the following year.

On behalf of Kathy Steward and myself, I would like to thank all of the students and staff at the school for a wonderful year. Thank you to all of the parents who have made a contribution to the school; I appreciate working with so many of you as we strive for happiness and positive educational outcomes for your children. Have an enjoyable and safe Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Tony Wilson

CAREERS

School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships (SbAT)

In recent months a number of SbAT opportunities have been announced to Year 10 students.

School based traineeships provide students with the opportunity to attain a nationally recognized Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification as well as their higher School Certificate (HSC) and gain valuable work skills and experience through paid employment. This allows senior high school students to commence a traineeship while at school. At present there are still a number of vacancies in the following areas:

Information Technology School based traineeship with Directions Plus – 1 position available

Aged Care / Health Services School Based Traineeships at various aged care facilities – 3 positions available

Accounts Assistant School Based Traineeship – 1 position available

Application forms and information leaflets are available from Mrs Court. Applications close soon. Additional information can also be obtained at www.sbatinnsw.info/

School Based Trainee of the Year

Congratulations to outgoing Year 12 student, Katrina Hilton on winning the Novaskills School Based Trainee of the Year. Katrina completed a School-Based Traineeship in Business Services with Coffs Harbour City Council throughout her HSC and was recognized for her efforts, competing against other students across the region. Congratulations Katrina!

Senior Schools Day

This event held at Southern Cross University was designed to give Year 12 students insight into University life. Twenty-six students gained firsthand knowledge of courses available and costs associated in attending university at SCU.

Year 10 Employment Skills Program

Held from the 19th

– 23rd

November, the program gave Year 10 student insight into various career opportunities. More than forty guest speakers volunteered their time to talk to students about working in different industries, university and TAFE course options, apprenticeship and traineeship advice and tips on how to secure future employment. Major courses and activities included Barista courses, a five-day cadet program with SES and the CHYFM Bronze Taster course.

Thank you to students, parents and guests who supported this program. We will offer a similar program for year 10 students next year.

SES Cadetship Program

Twenty-two Year 10 students were given first-hand experience in rescue skills thanks to the NSW State Emergency Service. Students participated in a range of activities from basic rescues to filling sand bags and exploring the SES and Fire Brigade headquarters. The week-long program culminated in students heading to Mylstom to compete against another group of cadets from Port Macqaurie in land and water rescue skills. The SES Co-ordinator Craig Wykes said students from Coffs Harbour High School were the best they have ever seen participate in the program to date. Thank you to Craig Hundle for supporting the students by also participating.

Dionne Court Careers

CONGRATULATIONS

Ben Valance and Darcie Pitman attended the 2012 Clarence valley equestrian challenge on 24

th and 25

th November pulling in

ribbons from first to fifth.

WISP (Work In School Program) Congratulations to all students who have been involved in the WISP Team over the course of the year. WISP involves students committing to work placement within the school for 2 periods per fortnight. Students have worked in: Hospitality, Canteen, Sports Organisation, PE department, Art Department, Administration, and the Library. The program has been highly

successful and has run over Terms 2, 3 and 4 of 2012. Students involved have gained invaluable work skills and given incredible

amounts of energy and dedication to the productivity of the school. It has been an absolute pleasure and delight to witness the growth of these students and their mature approach towards a work environment. I would like to congratulate the following students for their dedication and hard

work throughout the year: Brad Mercer, Nick Zancanaro, Sam Archibald, Chloe Towler, Alyah Monro, Emily Gilson, Amber Tasker, Courtney Horan, Renee Favell, Taylor Dickson, Mikyla Croft, Dylan Smith, Brandon Dorta-Fernandes, Isaac Peisker, Zac Goodwin and Daniel McLaughlin.

Natasha Heinrich CAPA

CONGRATULATIONS Last term, Year 8 student Matthew Cox participated in snowboarding competitions at several national events. In early August he gained 3

rd place in the

Boarder-Cross, Slope Style and Big Mountain competitions. He then followed with 1

st place in

the half-pipe event in the Junior Series, and 2

nd place in the Under

15 Slope Style event at the World Rookie-fest.

During September, Matthew represented Coffs Harbour High School in the National Interschool Championships at Perisher. This event is open to students from across Australia, from both public and private schools. In the lead-up to these championships, Matthew raced in the North Coast Region and State Titles at Thredbo in Boarder Cross and Giant Slalom. At the National Titles he came 2

nd in the Giant Slalom event, which was

a wonderful effort. However, the main achievement of his national championships was his success in winning the Boarder-Cross event (14 year age group), thereby becoming the Australian champion. Congratulations Matt.

Matthew is currently in the USA for five months to live and train in an environment where his snowboarding skills can develop. He will compete in the Burton US Open early next year, and dreams of representing Australia in the Winter Olympics.

PDHPE U15’s Boys Basketball Report

The Under 15’s Boys Basketball Team made it to the North Coast Finals and travelled to Newcastle to play against Hunter Sports High School for the winning spot at CHS. Our team on the day consisted of 7 players and stood up against a squad of 14, which train for up to 5 hours a week in a brand new five million dollar school stadium! The boys held them off until the third quarter. Although we were beaten by 15 shots the boys never let up. They gave 100% the entire game, showing true sportsmanship and dedication. The final score was 76 – 46. Mrs Pearce would like to thank the team, who are now the North Coast Team B Finalists and Ray Ellicott who helped with travel and supervision.

U15’s Girls Netball Report

On Wednesday 7th

November, the Under 15’s Netball Team travelled to Grafton with Mrs Pearce for a Zone Gala Day. Our team was no match on the day, with the girls smashing every team, three rounds in a row. Schools played were Dorrigo, Toormina and Grafton.

The Round 4 game was against Macksville High School. In high spirits and hoping for a win we played hard in every quarter just staying ahead of the game. During a nail-biting last quarter, the girls in the last 10 seconds were pulled up for a series of whistles under the Macksville goal. The score was even, and we just had to stop the goal from being scored. Unfortunately in the last second a penalty shot was awarded to Macksville and they won the point! I’d like to congratulate the girls for their fighting spirit to the last second, their sportsmanship and dedication to the game. Thank you to all parents who supported the girls and Taylor Vandenberg for stepping in and refereeing at the last minute.

Jenny Pearce PDHPE

Glass Without Water Exhibition

On the evening of Friday, November 9th

, and to a packed audience of around 250 guests, the Glass Without Water Exhibition was officially opened by Coffs Harbour Mayor, Denise Knight, at the Bunker Cartoon Gallery. On show were over 150 works of refugee creative art, writing and photos brought proudly to the public by students from Coffs Harbour High School, Orara High School, Coffs Harbour Public School and Tyalla Public School. Accompanying the opening was the launch of an associated book titled, 'Before Today and Forever': a collection of selected pieces of writing and art appearing in the exhibition. Also performing during the night were African dancers and drummers. Delicious African finger (by Marcus and Tigist from Seequa Ethio-African Foods) food stylishly catered to an appreciative audience. The book itself was on offer for a generous donation from visitors, and Lucy Langfield, Lar Say and Say Meh did an outstanding job that night to raise $1200 for future refugee projects. The exhibition has been on show for a period of three weeks now and in that time over 800 people have attended, some going back on a few occasions with friends. Visitors have commented in the visitors' book that it has given them a unique opportunity to understand refugee issues and that they feel privileged to be let into the personal experiences of our students and are admiring of the courage that these student exhibit in sharing their stories. The refugee students have done a wonderful thing for the community of Coffs Harbour: by being prepared to talk of their pain, they have shown that we all really do relate deeply to each other and can share in a beautiful and common humanity. The book 'Before Today and Forever' is available for purchase from Coffs Harbour High School for $11.

Alex Riske ESL

P&C NEWS I hope this newsletter finds everyone well, excited and ready for much anticipated family time. 2012 has flown and with it we have seen many students achieve their best, with the support of a team of teachers and executives working as one. I would also like to recognise the wonderful P&C executives and members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make things better at our school. Educating the public on issues we may be clouded with by the media (Jude). We have members who are always diligent in the search for grants to upgrade our facilities. (Karen) We also have a few wonderful public speakers who shine when they speak. (Leanne, Sally & Jenny) We have ladies who consistently support the canteen, uniform shop and our students travel requirements, and even wear the coach hat (Sharon). Then we have our wonderful Principal who steers the ship in the right direction and keeps us going forward smoothly (Patti Kearns) supported by a wonderful executive team who are always there to help (Kathy Steward and Tony Wilson).

I would like to also like to make mention of our wonderful canteen, how beautifully run it is and how lucky our children are to have such a fantastic outlet at school for food, stationery and uniforms. Gail, Tracey, Deanna, Michelle and Maryanne run a tight ship full of goodies. They are always needing volunteers in the canteen, if you could spare a day a month, they would love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity for the new Year 7 mums to get familiar with your child’s school.

I am proud to say we have the most wonderful P&C team that work cohesively to achieve the best outcomes for our children.

We welcome new members to our P&C and hope to meet new faces in 2013. We are a happy welcoming family that work well together to achieve positive results and support each other. If this sounds like you, please join us in the school library on the 1st Monday of each month at 7pm.

The first P&C meeting for 2013 will be on Monday 4th

February at 7pm in the school Library.

The canteen will be open for uniform needs on 24th

and 25th

January 2013, before school goes back. If you have any enquiries re uniform shop, ring the canteen on 66524637.

I for one, am proud to have been part of such a wonderful school community. I wish everyone a very safe, healthy, happy and loving Christmas, may it extend through to 2013.

Thank you to all the dedicated teachers who have made a difference in our children’s lives, to inspire and encourage is a real gift. This gift is a lifetime treasure!!

Enjoy your families, take good care!!!

Many Smiles Sal Malouf-Grice

P&C Publicity Officer

Dates To Remember—JANUARY/FEBRUARY

January 29th

Staff return to school

January 30th

Year 7 begins

January 31st

Years 8 to 12 return

February 4th

P & C Meeting, Library 7pm

February 18th

-February 20

th

Year 7 camp

February 21st

CHHS Swimming carnival

February 26th

MNC Zone Swimming Carnival

Tallebudgera

Evening lecture by Marine Parks Management

H E

R

O

N

Goodbye Heron!!!

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S L

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D