Mental Health ForumLast week’s Mental Health Forum has received very positive feedback from both staff and students. Stuart Baker shared his personal story of his family’s tragedy, it was an extremely moving speech and I imagine every person in the hall could feel the pain he and his family have experienced. On behalf of our school, I made a commitment to him that our school would be represented at this year’s Winter Solstice event that will be held in Albury on 21 June. I will run this as an excursion and let students know the details as the event gets closer.

Lauren Jackson spoke of her struggles as a teenager travelling the world alone as an international basketballer. The question and answer format provided students with the opportunity to ask Lauren questions and she answered with honesty and humour. Mrs Terlich did a magnificent job of managing the student’s questions and Robbie Mackinlay displayed all of his journalistic skills. These forums do not succeed without the

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Term 2 Week 4B 15th May 2017

work of many, and I would like to thank everyone that contributed in some way. In particular our School Captains, Ty Voss, Nessa Liston, Lewis Bowen-Crane and Olivia Hall and SRC Presidents Georgia Nicholls and Greta Mackinlay who represented their school in the best possible way. I would also like to thank Margaret Jamieson and Holly Johnson who managed the technology on the day.

Compressed Curriculum ReviewLooking back through my minutes of meetings last week, I was reminded that the initial discussion regarding the Compressed Review started in June 2017. I am pleased to report that the review team have completed their part of the review, and this week will present their recommendations to the Principal. The announcement regarding the future directions of the model will be made before the end of Term. Ms Julie BowenDeputy Prinicpal

Lauren Jackson with School Captains- Nessa and TyDeputy

Principal

Monday 26th March 2018 Term 1 Week 9B

BILLABONG HIGHLIGHTS

Army Careers DayOn Friday the 23rd March twelve students from Year 9-12 attended the Army Careers Day at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, to learn about all the career options available in the Defence Force. Students viewed and participated in many areas within the Army – Electrical, Mechanical, Health, Transport, Field Cooking, Ordinance, Weapons Display and Personal Training activity. All students enjoyed their experience in the Weapons Simulation firing range.

Crossroads- RYDA Day for Seniors in Wagga Wagga.On Friday the 23rd March we had the opportunity to participate in the RYDA Youth Driver Training Program conducted by the Rotary Club of Wagga Wagga.The program is facilitated by NSW Police Officers, experienced driver training instructors, clinical nurses and specialist trauma nurses. The topics covered were relevant to young drivers and introduced our Seniors to some real life situations involving young drivers. Some of the emphasis was placed on the effect on family and the wider community after a traumatic youth incident. Demonstrations on stopping distances of speeds up to 80km per hour were an eye opener to many, especially considering the wet road conditions on Friday during the demonstration.The day was positive, informative and well presented by the facilitators. Awareness can have a positive impact on young drivers and this day certainly provided lots of real life examples of just how aware young drivers need to be in order to avoid any traumatic incidences. A big thank you to the teachers who attended the day and supported our students.

Crossroads Program - Wagga Wagga

Billabong Highlights

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Instruction Leader ReportAt Billabong High School we value learning. This applies to students and teachers alike. In my role I have been working with staff in structured professional learning sessions. We have been discussing teaching and learning programs at BHS and different ways to engage students through embedding not only content,but also experiences and skills that prepare all students for life beyond BHS. For some teachers this open forum discussion has proven challenging. Like students, we too find ourselves wanting to only speak if we know the right answer. We too are worried about being embarrassed in front of our peers. It is important to realise when you are learning something new a little stress is normal. I have been talking with staff about learning continuums, moving from positions of ‘not knowing what you don’t know’ to ‘knowing what you don’t know and have to learn’, through to the hard, day to day slog of ‘learning and trying to master something’. The hope for all of us is that eventually we get to the point where the doing becomes ‘effortless and (even at times) you don’t realise how competent you are’. In any new skill acquisition there is much to be learnt from failure, so it is important to try, Page 3

Billabong Highlights

evaluate what worked and what didn’t, then modify your approach for next time. These skills of checking understanding, evaluation and setting challenging but achievable goals for growth, are skills for life and learning. For more information and some handy tools on growing these skills go to https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_96.htmMelissa Ferrara BHS Dance EnsembleLast Monday 19 March, 16 students danced with Mrs Kathryn Fisher from Wagga Wagga High School. Mrs Fisher worked on choreography and technique with the group and helped prepare them for auditions for the 2018 Riverina Dance Festival and Schools Spectacular. Mrs Preston

Riverina Dance CampDuring Week 7, Faith Smith was selected to attend a three day residential camp at Temora for talented dance students. She participated in a number of workshops each day including Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Modern dance. Faith was under the instruction of teachers from local areas as well as visiting choreographers from Japan. Mrs Preston

Army Careers Day BHS Dance Ensemble

Billabong Highlights

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Canteen Roster Tuesday 27th March

Lyneen Merkel Wednesday 28th March

Bernie RoyalThursday 29th March

Sarah Kennedy Friday 30th March

Good Friday Monday 9th AprilEaster Monday

Calendar 27th March 2018

Davidson Shield Cricket 28th March 2018

Berry Jerry State Forest Wagga Snr Biology Rural Australians for Refugees Debating

30th March 2018 Good Friday

2nd April 2018 Easter Monday 3rd April 2018

Duke of Ed Practice Walk - The Rock 4th April 2018 Preliminary Final Exams Riverina Netball Trials

Villains Anonymous On Tuesday 8 May (Term 2, Week 2), come see how those devilish Disney villains fell into a life of evil. Will they reform? Will they be cast in a new film?

Students and staff have been busy getting ready and we will hold two performances: a matinee for primary schools and an evening session for the community. More information will come through Highlights, Facebook page and advertising.

Year 7 Welcome Disco