RUTHERFORD TECHNOLOGY

HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

16th October 2015 Email: rutherford-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.rutherfordhs.nsw.edu.au Telephone: 4932 5999

Fax: 4932 8166 http:www.facebook.com/RutherfordTechnologyHighSchool

OFFICE OPENING HOURS

Please be aware the office is open Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm. Outside office hours a message may be left on the school answering machine.

Parents and caregivers are reminded an appointment is necessary before meeting with teachers as they have class, playground duty and other commitments during the school day.

RESPECT

RESPONSIBILITY

COMMITMENT

CALENDAR DATES

12th October - HSC

Exams commence

20th October - Computer

Tutoring at Maitland

Senior Citizen Centre

21st October - Year 10

Plan It Youth

23rd October -

Transition Child Studies

at Rutherford Public

School

23rd October -

MOTIVATE Program at

Genesis Gym

27th October - Computer

Tutoring at MSCC

28th October - Year 10

Plan It Youth

29th October - Year 10

Peer Support Training

29th October -

MOTIVATE Program at

Genesis Gym

Our next P & C meeting is on Tuesday 20th October at 6pm. All are welcome to attend, the meeting is

held in the interview room at the Front Office.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JARED, JACK AND EPHREAM.

Three of RTHS Year 12 students have been successful in their application to the Honeywell Engineering Summer School from 6

th - 11

th

December, 2015. Jared Hughes, Jack Williams and Ephream Osborne have been included in the 100 students from NSW and ACT who will spend 5 days attending lectures, demonstrations, experiments and excursions at five Sydney based universities. They will meet and interact with professional engineers employed by government, private companies, researchers and academics in a wide range of engineering disciplines. They will also gain valuable insight into career opportunities as they visit first-hand different industry sites. Congratulations to our students as placement at this event is a highly sought after and prestigious experience. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Rutherford/Telarah who have partially financially sponsored our students as costs for this type of event is expensive.

Mr Michael Weatherall (ROTARY), Jared Hughes, Jack Williams, Ephream Osborne and Mr Michael Whiting

SENIOR EXECUTIVE REPORT

The end of term was extremely busy with our Sports assembly and the Year 12 farewell assembly. These were both fantastic events and a credit to all the staff involved in the organisation. Welcome back to Term 4, especially our new families. I trust that you enjoyed the break from school. I have had a large number of students saying how happy they are to be back at school and we continue to strive to make this a safe, happy, learning environment where every student is valued and respected.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST Our annual Business Breakfast on Thursday 8 October was, again a great event show casing our talented hospitality students, our student leaders and many of the talented students we have in the school. It was great to see the pro-grams presented that are strengthening our bonds with our partner primary schools. Thank you to Mrs Porter, Mr Butler and Mr Wirth for their organisation. Thank you to Mrs Keath, Mrs Weber, Mrs Smailes, Mrs Rasmus and Mrs Wicks for coordinating the catering. We appreciate your 4.00 am start. Most importantly thank you to all our great students who were involved in the day – hospitality, music, presenters and leaders.

SCHOOL UNIFORM We are continuing our strong monitoring of school uniform. Our students are looking fantastic in their summer uni-form. Please be reminded that uniform including shorts are to be purchased from the school uniform shop. If you need assistance with purchasing uniform please contact Ms Young in the science faculty.

YEAR 12-2015 To our departing year 12 students, thank you for being such a fantastic group of young people, we wish you all the best for your futures, thanks for the contribution you made to our school you will be missed. We continue to wish our year 12 students all the very best of luck as they complete their HSC exams. The HSC finishes on the 4

th November.

VIVO Staff are starting professional development in order to implement Vivo in 2016. Vivo Miles is a web-based system that rewards students for positive behaviour both inside and outside the classroom. It encourages students to save their reward points and then redeem them in an on-line shop, or donate them to charity. Vivo Miles works for the whole school. It will help us to improve our attendance rates, academic performance, and enrich behaviour and well-being throughout our school and to the benefit of every student.

HSC ASSESSMENT BOOKLETS - 2016 Our Year 12 students (2016 HSC) have received their Board Of Studies Rules and Procedures as well as their HSC Assessment booklet which outlines course assessment task information and schedules, as well as the HSC Policy on procedures for absence from tasks, notice of tasks, submitting tasks, failure to submit, Misadventure-Appeal and N Award information. The HSC takes precedence over all school activities, including excursions, competitions and sporting events. Par-ents and students should be aware that only under special circumstances can an exemption be considered. We would strongly encourage all HSC parents to read the booklet carefully and particularly be aware of the assessment schedule. We would also advise parents not to plan any family holidays that clash with the assessment periods as this is not grounds for appeal. Students who have not yet collected their HSC assessment booklet need to see Ms Hughes ASAP.

SCHOOL UPGRADE PROGRESS Performance workshop is ready for handover and looks great. The last three Science labs are ahead of schedule and we hope to be in them early November. Many of the walkways are completed making access around the school easier. The new two storey block is at the gyprocking stage and looks fantastic.

YEAR 10 N DETERMINATIONS Students in Year 10 who have outstanding N awards are encouraged to complete all tasks by the end of October. Failure to do so may put their ROSA at risk. In the upcoming weeks, I will be conducting interviews with families who have a student at risk. Any questions please contact me at school. I look forward to seeing you all at our many events this term. Kylie Fabri Deputy Principal

MAITLAND TUTORIAL CENTRE IN THEIR NEW PREMISES.

Staff and students from the Maitland Tutorial Centre have moved from their old site in South Street Telarah to the new buildings in Weblands St, Rutherford. The classrooms and facilities are in the process of being organised to provide an exciting learning environment for the students. Michelle Hunter, Head Teacher and her staff are looking forward to the new facilities.

HT Michelle Hunter and Rebecca Bourke at Maitland Tutorial Centre

RUTHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HIGH BUSINESS BREAKFAST

On Thursday 8

th October 2015, Rutherford Technology High School held its annual Business Breakfast. The event

consisted of around 100 business people, community members, staff and students attending our school for a profes-sional, freshly prepared hot breakfast and exceptional entertainment. The Breakfast has a number of purposes for RTHS. Firstly, it provided an opportunity for us to recognise and thank the business and community members who have contributed to our school over the last 12 months. Their donation of time, support and expertise is greatly appreciated by both staff and students here at Rutherford Technology High School. Secondly, this was an opportunity for our exceptional Hospitality students in Years 10 and 11 to test their knowledge and skills in conducting service for a major function. Finally, this was an excellent opportunity to show-case some of the great things students from our school do. Students gave four short presentations about some of the special programs that we have been involved in in 2015. These programs were the Targeted Sports Program, the ‘Little Aspirations’ Primary Careers Workshops, the Primary Transition Group the Student Representative Council.

As it has in previous years, the morning was immensely enjoyed by all. Some of our staff and students should be specially recognised for their efforts in making the 2015 Business Breakfast a success. These people are:

Mrs Marilyn Porter (Community Liaision Officer) for her coordination of the event with the support of the RTHS office staff.

The Hospitality staff (Mrs Cathryn Weber, Mrs Louise Smailes, Mrs Lyn Wicks, Mrs Caryn Rasmus and Mrs Annette Keath) and their students for skilfully catering for such a large function.

The Aspire Ambassador Team for impressively hosting the event.

The students who proudly provided entertainment or presentations (Ryan Peters, Emily Lambourne, Jared Hughes, Jock Sullivan, Derrick Vale, Zoe Fletcher, Priyanka Kumar, Tiffany Burbage, Courtney Martin, Sophie Currie, Kianah Redmond, Lachlan Forbes and Tahlia Bell).

Thank you again to all of those community members, businesses and staff who have gone above and beyond to assist our school and came to celebrate our achievements

LITTLE ASPIRATIONS PROGRAM VISITS BRANXTON PS

In the final week of last term our Aspire Ambassadors visited Branxton Public School to deliver the Little Aspirations Careers workshop. We had the pleasure of conducting the workshop with two classes of Year 4 students who were exceptionally keen and well-behaved. Students developed awareness of different occupations and participated in hands-on activities using employment skills such as problem-solving, personal presentation, communication and self-promotion. Thank you to Branxton PS for making us so welcome.

Mr Toby Butler

HT VET (Rel)

PDHPE NEWS

Term 4 will see much of the school upgrades completed and work spaces returning to use for PE classes. This is a timely reminder for students to be prepared for the hotter weather with water bottles, hats and sun protection (sunscreen is available at the PE staffroom free of charge to all students). Bringing a change of shirt is also particu-larly important in the hotter months, and a reminder that aerosol sprays are on the Department’s banned items list; instead, a roll on deodorant should be brought for school use. Year 7 have commenced Lifesaving awards at Maitland pool during sport lessons. This is a most important program, catering for all levels of swimmers and providing the opportunity for greater water awareness and competency at the beginning of the swimming season. Parents and students are encouraged to support this program as it is an excel-lent opportunity to prepare for the Summer season, and on hot days, there’s not many nicer places to spend a double sport lesson! Congratulations are extended to all the recipients of the RTHS Sports Awards held in the last week of Term 3. The assembly highlighted the excellent effort of staff and students in the many extra-curricular activities undertaken in our school. The major awards were presented to: Senior Sports Person of the Year – Kallan Egar Outstanding Sporting Achievement – Eric and Brodie Morey Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Jock Sullivan NSW Premiers Sporting Challenge Award – Harley Oliver Isaac York Scholarship 2014 – Danny Vale Coaches Award – Mr Blair Newham

Mr D Thomas Head Teacher PDHPE

WELLBEING NEWS

STUDENT HEALTH INFORMATION

A reminder to parents to notify the school about your child’s heath. We welcome information from parents and carers about your child’s health, even if you are not requesting specific support from our school. Our school asks for medical information when you enrol your child. If is also important that you let us know if your child’s health care needs change or if a new health condition develops. Information about allergies, medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes and other health care related issues (including prior conditions such as medical procedures in the last 12 months) should be provided to the school by parents. Please provide this information in writing to the principal. This will greatly assist our school in planning to support your child’s health and wellbeing. Please also remember to notify staff in the school of any changes to your contact details or to the contact details of other people nominated as emergency contacts. We appreciate your assistance in this regard and assure you that any information your provide the school will be

stored securely and will only be used or disclosed in order to support your son or daughter’s health needs or as

otherwise required by law.

YEAR 6 TRANSITION

During the last fortnight, as part of the Year 6 into Year 7 transition program, our 2016 Year 7 Adviser and Assistant

Year Adviser have visited all feeder primary schools. These visits enabled Year 6 students to meet their year advis-

ers for the first time and gain valuable information about starting high school. Year 7 2016 will be very ably supported

by Mr. Kegan Daly as year adviser and Mrs. Jessica James as assistant year adviser. At the same time our Learning

and Support teachers met with Year 6 teachers to ensure the learning and support needs of students starting high

school in 2016 are effectively accommodated.

WELLBEING NEWS (continued)

PLAN-IT YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM

Eight students and their Plan-it Youth volunteer mentors enjoyed a visit to the Hunter Valley Training Company last week. This excursion enabled students to gain valuable information about a wide range of apprenticeship and train-ing options available through the training company. Rutherford High would like to thank Michael from Hunter Valley Training Company, who generously gave up his time to work with our students to raise awareness of a variety of career pathways available. Our students now have a much better understanding of how to best position themselves to be competitive when applying for jobs and attend-ing interviews.

ATTENDANCE

This week 85 students were invited to attend a complimentary pizza lunch to celebrate and acknowledge their excel-lent attendance during Term 3 2015. Congratulations to these students who have all demonstrated the school’s core values of responsibility and commitment to their education. Permission notes have also been handed out this week to all students who qualify to attend the end of year attendance excursion to Port Stephens, where students will have the opportunity to enjoy a Dolphin Watch cruise. To be eligible to attend this excursion students must have an excel-lent record of attendance throughout the 2015 school year. This excursion is subsidised by the school and there will only be a small cost involved for students. As numbers are strictly limited to one bus load, students are encouraged to make their payment and return permission notes promptly. If your child is absent from school please notify the school via phone or by responding to the SMS text message on the day of the absence.

If you would like to discuss your child’s attendance please do not hesitate to contact Kris Turner (Head Teacher

Wellbeing) on 49325999.

Students and their mentors visiting Hunter Valley Training Company

MENTAL HEALTH MONTH 2015

October each year is Mental Health Month. The timing of the campaign centres on World Mental Health Day, which happens each year on October 10. The following is the 2015 Mental Health Month theme :

The main message of this campaign is to encourage all individuals to think about how mental health exists in their

daily life & promote the need for all individuals to make mental health a priority in their daily lives. When we make

our mental health a priority, we are practicing self- care which is an important part of our daily living to ensure the

maintenance of a balanced wellbeing.

PEER SUPPORT

During PBL lessons the Year 10 year adviser Mr. Buckie has been talking to students about Peer Support leadership training. This training provides students with a range of skills and it is recommended that Year 10 students partici-pate in the training for the following reasons:

Provides opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills

Develops confidence in students

Builds positive relationships across the school

Assists students in gaining skills which are highly regarded by employers

Provides opportunities to demonstrate initiative

Develops time management and organisational skills

Trained Year 10 Peer Leaders will then facilitate structured activities with groups of 8-10 Year 6 students on Orienta-tion Day which is held later in Term 4. They will also continue this leadership role into the first part of Term 1 2016 by meeting with their Year 7 Peer Support group weekly for the first 8 weeks of the term. Any students in Year 10 who are interested in participating in Peer Support Leadership training which is taking place on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th October, need to return their permission note to Mr. Buckie in the ICT staffroom. Head Teacher Wellbeing Mrs. Louise Smailes/Mrs. Brooke McCallum (Years 7, 9, 11) Ms. Kristine Turner (Years 8, 10, 12)

YEAR 8 NEWS Well Year 8 finished off Term 3 with a great sense of enthusiasm, with the highlight being an incredible time at the Great Aussie Bush Camp. All students that attended had a fabulous time and demonstrated fantastic behaviour, cooperation and respect, with both the teachers and camp staff commenting on how enjoyable it was to spend the time together. There were countless happy memories with students being challenged and encouraged to expand their comfort zone, through activities such as abseiling, rock climbing and the leap of faith!! Other highlights included trekking through the water and mud at Lost Island, working together in their teams at ori-enteering and alpine rescue, and trying to rescue hostages in a game of commando just to name a few. Many pho-tos from camp can be viewed on the school Facebook page. We hope all students and their families had a safe time over the holidays and are now ready and refreshed to come

back for term 4.

Josh Potapczyk

Assistant Yr 8 Advisor

YEAR 10 ELECTRONICS ELECTIVE CLASS.

The boys in the Year 10 Electronics class were busily engaged in making their audible moisture indicator. Along the

way, students have learnt about resistors and how to determine their wattage, diodes, read electrical circuit diagrams

and to solder fine and delicate wires into position. Work Cover procedures are always considered with correct shoes

and use of safety glasses.

Mr James Marks

HT ICT Dept

‘IMPRESSIONS 10’ INTERVIEWS COMING SOON. Year 10 students and parents are reminded that the ‘Impressions 10’ Interviews will be taking place on Monday, 16

th

to Wednesday, 18th November in the Library. During those three days, Year 10 students are not expected at school

except for their allocated interview time. The attendance at the interview is a mandatory event. A grade is allocated and entered on the Year 10 Yearly Report. If a student cannot make the appointment, it is essential that the school is contacted by either phone 49325999 or email marilyn.porter1@det.nsw.edu.au before the allocated time. An alternative arrangement will be made for the student to be interviewed. The Maths Faculty will be assisting in the preparation of Year 10 students for the process that will include the ques-tions asked by the panel. Students have already completed their resume and cover letter for a job application as part of their Careers Assessment task. It is important that this information is updated and well presented. Students are also reminded that they are required to bring their latest school report and samples of work that supports answers to questions asked by panel members. M. Porter

ENVIROTHON 2015 Yr 11 Biology students Grace Quilty, Jocelyn Ware, Jared Hughes and Liam Faustini competed against ten Hunter schools in the Envirothon Competition at Redhead Beach on 14th October 2015. They demonstrated team work skills, water testing assessment, fauna and flora analysis and knowledge about the local environment. The team camr third and performed with excellence in assessing and monitoring the environment. They were a credit to the school and should be congratulated for their responsibility and commitment.

ITEM PRICE DRINKS PRICE

Salad Roll $4.20 Moove Milk 500ml $3.00

Chicken Salad Roll $4.70 Moove Milk 300ml $2.20

Ham Salad Roll $4.70 Juice 300ml/375ml $2.20

Corn Meat Salad Roll $4.70 Water 600ml $2.00

Chicken Salad Sandwich $4.20 Small Water $1.00

Salad Sandwich $3.60 Soft Drink 600ml $3.20

Egg & Lettuce Sandwich $3.60 Quench $1.80

Curried Egg Sandwich $2.80 Plain Milk 600ml $2.00

Vegemite Sandwich $2.80 Focus Water $1.80

Cheese Sandwich $2.80 Hot Chocolate (term 2 & 3) $1.50

Ham, Cheese & Tomato $2.90

Cheese & Tomato $2.60

Corn Meat & Pickles $2.90 SNACKS

Meat Sandwich $2.80 Fresh Fruit Salad (Term 1 & 4) $2.50

Chicken Salad Wrap $4.70 Fresh Water Melon (Term 1 & 4) $2.50

Thai Chicken Salad Wrap $4.70 Deli Rock Chips $1.00

Salad Wrap $4.20 JJ’s Chips $1.00

Meat Salad Wrap $4.70 Eucalyptus Drops .50c

Salad Box $4.80 Muffins $1.50

Chicken Salad Box $5.80 Finger Buns $1.50

Bread Roll (extra) .90 Banana Bread $2.40

Butter Bread .90

Toasted Sandwich (order) .50

Extra Fillings .40 each

Butter/Mayo or Mustard .20 each ICE CREAMS

HOT FOOD Billabong $1.50

Cheese and Bacon Roll $2.00 Paddle Pops $1.50

Hot Dog $2.40 Frosty Fruits $2.00

Pizza Rounds $2.30 Frozen Yoghurt $1.70

Chicken Burger $3.50 Vanilla Buckets $1.20

Chicken Burger w Salad $4.20 Paddle Pop Lemonade Twist $1.20

Plain Pies $2.60 Juice Ice Block $1.00

Sausage Rolls $2.50 Milo Cups $2.80

Cheese & Bacon Pie $2.90 Moosies $1.00

Potato Pie $2.90 SAUCES

Mamee Cup Noodles $2.00 Tomato .40c

Chicken Gravy Roll $3.60 BBQ .40c

Cheese Burger $3.50 Sweet & Sour .40c

Chicken Chippies (6) $2.80

Chicken Nuggets (6) $2.80

Garlic Bread $2.00 NEW

Meat Ball Subs **NEW** $3.60 Watch our noticeboard

for daily $3 hot dishes

No $50 notes before lunch

RUTHERFORD TECHNOLOGY HIGH SCHOOL CANTEEN MENU

CANTEEN ROSTER 2015 October 19 Volunteer Required October 20 K. Cresswell October 21 Volunteer Required October 22 Volunteer Required October 23 Volunteer Required October 26 K.Cresswell October 27 Volunteer Required October 28 K Hobbs October 29 Volunteer Required October 30 Volunteer Required

Rutherford Technology High School has an Offi-cial Facebook Page – just go to Facebook and look for “Rutherford Technology High School NSW Official Site” and click on “Like”. We will be using the Facebook page to keep everyone informed about events at the school, important dates for your diary, and general infor-mation about the school. Link: http://www.facebook.com/RutherfordTechnologyHighSchool

The staff and students who are involved in the Breakfast Club would like to acknowledge the generosity of

‘Bakers Delight’ at Rutherford who now provide us with bread. There are many local businesses who donate their time, service or products to our school. In return we express our appreciation

and hope our school community can reciprocate.

THANK YOU TO McDONALDS RUTHERFORD.

McDonalds Rutherford continues to support our school in

many ways.

UNIFORM POOL

We are in need of clean, second hand school uniforms for our clothing pool. If

you have any items that you think would be suitable, please drop them into the

Front Office.

Rutherford Technology High School

UNIFORM SHOP

PRICE LIST

OPENING HOURS:

TUESDAY 8:00am - 12:00noon THURSDAY 12:30pm - 4:30pm