PO Box 3 COONABARABRAN NSW 2357 Phone: 02 6842 1099 Fax...

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COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL and P&C NEWSLETTER

24 June 2016

PO Box 3 COONABARABRAN NSW 2357 Phone: 02 6842 1099 Fax: 02 6842 2267

www.coonabarabranhigh.com M Johnston, Principal P van Schalkwyk, P&C President

Next P&C Meeting

Monday, 27 June @ 5.30 pm

School Library

ALL WELCOME

Week 10 Event

Mon, 27 June P&C Meeting—5.30pm—Library

Tue, 28 June Year 10 ASPIRE to Sydney till Friday

Wed, 29 June Canteen Red Day

Thu, 30 June Charolais Youth Stampede

Fri, 1 July Last day of Term 2

Charolais Youth Stampede

Junior Reports distributed Term 3

Week 1 Event

Mon, 18 July Pupil Free Day

Tue, 19 July Students resume

Wed, 20 July Feast of Words

Thu, 21 July Feast of Words

Fri, 22 July Feast of Words

Combined High Schools X-Country

Events are subject to change, so please check the

school’s website for updates. Like us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/coonabarabranhighofficial/

On 8 June, the Hon Adrian Piccoli - Minister for Education visited Coonabarabran High School. The Minister was accompanied by Dail McGilchrist - Executive Director, Learning and Teaching, Andrew Stevenson - Deputy Chief of Staff and Leah Anderson – Department Liaison Officer. The Minister was undertaking a tour of a number of regional schools. CHS was targeted as the Minister was keen to hear about our strategies which secure HSC success.

On arrival the guests were met by School Captains Anna Nash and Gus Elton and Indigenous Youth Leadership Scholarship holder Allynta Sutherland. The Minister and staff then met briefly with Mr Johnston, Mark Fosdick (Past President P&C), Anna, Gus, Allynta and Ms Doolan.

Guests then met with our AEO Alison Stanton, Mr Johnston and a group of Indigenous Elders to discuss various projects including the restoration of the Indigenous Garden at the school and a Girl's Yarn Up; funded via Federal Indigenous Advancement Strategy funds.

Thereafter the Minister and his staff met with a number of staff at an informal afternoon tea in the Library. The Minister took questions and also invited staff to share about their time at CHS and their thoughts on why our school is such a positive and successful one. Mr Enks also attended and provided valuable input to the discussion.

Ex-student David Tighe (School Captain 2015), who is currently studying Medicine at UNSW also prepared a short video clip for the Minister setting out his thoughts on why he valued his education at CHS and how, in his view, the school encourages students to set high expectations and supports them, to achieve them.

Mr Piccoli (front and centre) with CHS staff. Photo courtesy of Tori Estens, Coonabarabran Times.

Shakespeare Festival

Annabelle Park—Young Shakespearean Artist of the Year, pictured with Mr Johnston. See page 7 for full report.

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION’S VISIT

https://www.facebook.com/coonabarabranhighofficial/

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE

Upcoming events 1

Shakespeare Festival 1/7

Minister for Education’s Visit 1

Principal’s Report 2

President’s Report 3

Treasurer’s Report 3

Wearing of School Uniform 3

Mock Trial 3

P&C Minutes 4/5

Feast of Words dinner 5

Society & Culture Sydney Excursion 6

NEMA 6

Shakespeare Festival 7

NEMA 8

Feast of Pi 8

Your Time Starts Now 8

Year 11 Geography & Biology Excursion 9

MUNA 9

Sport 10

60 Seconds 10

Principal’s

Report Our school suffered a great loss on Thursday 9th June with the tragic death of Mr Paul Di Ienno. Mr Di Ienno or Mr D as he was fondly known to staff and students joined our English Faculty in the last term of 2015. He taught at Coonabarabran High for two days per week and at Binnaway Central for three.

Mr D brought a passion for learning and the fun of language to each of his classes. Students were amazed and amused by his constant punning and the joy he derived from sharing his unique humour with them.

Mr Di Ienno was a highly professional teacher who possessed enormous generosity of spirit . We have been fortunate to have him at our school and for the wonderful slice of life he shared with us.

We look forward to the opportunity to farewell Mr D with his family and friends at a memorial service on Friday 24th June at St Lawrence’s at 4:00pm.

The school was honoured to host a visit from NSW. Minister for Education, the Honorable Mr Adrian Picolli on 8th June. The Minister and his team came to celebrate the success that Coonabarabran High has had with student achievement and to promote achievement in rural schools throughout the State.

Teachers and community members impressed our visitors with their enthusiasm and commitment to success for our students. One of the Minister’s staff expressed the wish to bottle what we have at Coonabarabran so that it may be shared around other schools to replicate our success.

Our school was proud to taking a leading role in the recent National Sorry Day event in Coonabarabran. Our students participated in the march, public speaking and dance activities and demonstrated dignity and respect as ambassadors of our school.

Expo once again set the town buzzing. Our Equestrian Team boasted 19 riders, all of whom braved the cold and wet conditions to compete over the 5-day event. All riders gave the competition their best and several garnered awards for their efforts. Octavia Whale did spectacularly well earning the Runner-Up award as the rider with the highest Individual point score.

The North West Equestrian Expo is a wonderful opportunity for our students and a boon for our community. The school is a hub for many of the volunteers that work tirelessly over the weekend to ensure that Expo runs smoothly despite its complexity. Thank you to the school staff who fill multiple roles as Head Stewards, Managers and support staff. Thank you also to the P&C and the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the 2016 Expo.

This term has been truly action packed. Each day begins early with individualised learning opportunities that are diverse as the Shakespeare Festival and week long Metals & Engineering Work Placement, excursions, sporting representation, chess mastery and mathematics competitions. If your student has not taken up any of the host of extra-curricular activities promoted this term, please challenge them to get involved and enrich their learning in the upcoming semester.

Mel Johnston Mr Johnston with Coonabarabran Elders during Mr Piccoli’s visit. Photo courtesy of Tori Estens, Coonabarabran Times.

Lily Abbott competing in the Cross Country at Expo. Photo courtesy of Pip Murray.

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P&C President’s Report Another Expo done. Thank you seems to sometimes fall short from showing our appreciation for every parent, teacher, student and other volunteers that made our Expo possible. As the P&C and wider school family we can only thank everyone involved. A special thanks to the organisers and helpers of “The Hut” Canteen, our major fundraiser. Due to fewer entries, unpleasant and wet weather and maybe other reasons it was a little less hectic this year. We will know our final results by Monday. If you are interested all will be discussed at our next meeting on Monday, 27 June in the school library.

Hope to see you there.

Philip van Schalkwyk

WEARING OF SCHOOL UNIFORM As a school community we have agreed on a school uniform and it is important that students wear the correct uniform. Tracksuit pants are not to be worn except navy blue ones on Wednesdays. Representative hoodies can only be worn on Wednesday and only if they are predominantly blue or black or navy in colour. Joggers should only be worn on Wednesdays. If students have a PE practical class during the week they will be given time to change out of uniform. They should not come to school dressed ready for PE. With the cold weather upon us, school jumpers are needed. If you require assistance with school uniform please contact Mr Johnston or Ms Doolan. If your child is out of uniform for a day kindly send a note by way of explanation. This note should be presented to Ms Doolan prior to school. The wearing of uniform assists with building a respectful culture in the school - it is also fair that all students comply with the uniform policy. Your support to ensure that your child is in uniform is appreciated.

Mock Trial On 3 June 2016 the Coonabarabran High School Mock Trial team of Daisy Andrews, Karen Capangpangan, Alison Green, Eugenie Martin, Brooke Meier, and Leah Murray travelled to Dubbo to compete in the third round of the NSW Law Society Mock Trial Competition. The Team faced an experienced and highly-skilled team from St Mary's Catholic School in Wellington.

After a four-hour trial the Coonabarabran Team emerged as the victors on the day

"The Coonabarabran Team showed great skill, knowledge, and flair in presenting a challenging case involving a used car sale. The Coonabarabran team was complimented by the Magistrate on their preparation and capacity for logical argument," said Coonabarabran Mock Trial Coach Michael Armstrong.

The Team now goes on to the fourth round of the state-wide competition.

Treasurer's Report

COONABARABRAN HIGH SCHOOL Parents and Citizens' Association

Statement of Receipts and Payments

as at the 30 May 2016

BALANCE

Opening Cash Balance as at 4 $20,552.84

Add Receipts

Receipt

96-100 5 x membership $10.00

1601 1 x membership $2.00

Total $12.00 $20,564.84

Less Payments

Cheque

477 Coona Times - AGM ad $30.00

478 CHS - donation (hall $3,000.00

479 CHS - donation 50% $1,071.15

480

CHS - donation (texts, microscopes, chemical balance)

$1,800.00

481 Cash for wishcard $500.00

482 North West Equestrian $150.00

483 Essential Brands - $2,132.29

Total $8,683.44 $11,881.40

Cash book balance as $11,881.40

Bank Statement

Reconciliation

Balance as per $14,663.69

Receipt

No

Add deposits since 30 April 2016

Total $- $14,663.69

Cheque

No

Less unpresented cheques/payments since 30 April 2016

481 Cash for wishcard $500.00

482 North West Equestrian $150.00

483 Essential Brands - $2,132.29

Total $2,782.29 $11,881.40

Reconciled total as per cashbook 30 May

$11,881.40

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Coonabarabran High School P & C Association Meeting Minutes

Monday 30th May 2016 Meeting Opened: 5:30 pm

Attendance: Present: Anne Fosdick, Angela Karagiannis, Tammy Samuel, Joanne Wallace, Skye Lambert, Mary Doolan, Ansie and Philip van Schalkwyk, Mark Fosdick, Col Mercer, Leesa Kelly, Gary Erickson, Geoff Gasior and Kellie Nash. Apologies: Mel Johnston, Mandy Sulter Motion: That apologies be accepted. Moved Colin Mercer and seconded Kellie Nash. Minutes of Previous Meetings Minutes of AGM and General Meeting were tabled. Motion: The minutes of the AGM and General Meeting be accepted as a true and correct record of the meetings. Moved Col Mercer, seconded Kellie Nash. Carried Business arising from Previous Minutes – Nil Guest Speaker Alison Stanton (Aboriginal Education Officer) Alison spoke about her role which involved supporting indigenous students, their parents and carers and the teachers. Through obtaining funding they can foster links with the community/school/students. Project Burra Bee Dee is running again with support from the police to increase school attendance and fitness and build relationships. Currently they have a dance group and are resurrecting the garden at the school with input from students. Mary Doolan added that Alison provides pastoral support within the school and assists the Deputy Principal in dealing with some situations. Correspondence Incoming:

1. ATO - information regarding SuperStream deadline

2. P & C Federation email re: Expo hut - payment information

and membership info

3. P & C Federation - Certificate of Currency for Expo Hut

4. Pony Club letter - confirming availability of the Hut and their

items contained within, for P & C to use. P & C Federation magazine - Term 2 2016 issue Outgoing: There was no outgoing correspondence. Motion: Correspondence be accepted moved by Tammy Samuel and seconded by Leesa Kelly. Carried Actions arising from Correspondence: None Treasurer’s Report: Balance of account - $11,881.00. Expo Invoices are starting to come in and are being paid on receipt. Motion: The Treasurers report be accepted. Moved - Angela Karagiannis, seconded - Tammy Samuel. Carried

Business Arising from the Treasurers Report Anne Fosdick requested Canteen Accounts be moved to the Credit Union, with the process to be followed determined by the procedures of the different financial institutions. There was a discussion as to who the appropriate signatories would be and it was decided the signatories of the P&C would also be the signatories on the canteen accounts. Motion: The canteen’s accounts to be moved to the Community Mutual Credit Union and signatories would be retained as per the P&C. Moved – Anne Fosdick, seconded – Tammy Samuel. Carried President’s Report – Held over to next meeting. Canteen Report Angela presented the canteen report and highlighted the following items

Sue Hincks has confirmed there are to be no Satay

products sold in the canteen

There has been a general price rise in the canteen

without much objection

The canteen meeting which is held before the P&C

meeting will be advertised in the school newsletter.

There is one more year on the coffee machine lease

Advertising for the Hut is on the school website and the

roster is slowly filling.

Pumpkin soup for the EXPO has been made

School Representative

Canteen is to be refurbished with new floor, ceiling and

benchtops. Motion: The Canteen report be accepted. Moved - Angela Karagiannis, seconded - Tammy Samuel. Carried Principal’s and Deputy Principal’s Report

Presented by Mary Doolan, Mel Johnston having

provided his apologies for the meeting. A brief summary of the past activities and upcoming events in the school calendar were addressed, as follows;

NAPLAN was held in Week 3 and results will be

available in August

MUSICAL – Back to the 80’s; All credit was given to the

staff and students directly involved in the production and recognition that it was the whole school effort that it was a success.

Athletics Carnival – NANDI won and discussion was had

about the changing fortunes of the teams.

HSC Enrichment Lectures – These are held to support

year 12 students gain a deeper understanding of the subjects they are studying and were scheduled for 2nd and 3rd May in Dubbo and History in Sydney the following week.

Academic activities – MUNA, Mock Trials, Chess and

Debating

Sporting Activities – Football, Squash, Lawn Bowls,

Tennis, Netball CHS, Rugby 7’s

Junior exam week – from Mon 30 May provides junior

students with experience in doing exams in school hall and not in their classroom.

North West Equestrian Expo – Held from the 3rd to the 7th

June

Year 11 Reports – sent home on 10th June

Junior Reports – sent home on 1 July

Shakespeare Festival – on 21 June with Romeo and

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Juliet and Othello

Ag Skills Day – 23rd June targets year 8 (postponed till 4

August)

UWS Indigenous Rural Visit – Week 9. Mel Johnston

takes indigenous year 11 students to University of Western Sydney.

UNSW Aspire Program – Week 10. Year 10 students

that attend the Aspire program gain credits towards their year 12 entry into UNSW.

Term 3 – Festival of Words 20 – 22 July and the Feast of

Pi on 29 July

There was also discussion about the Season for Growth

Gala about dealing with loss or grief and runs with the seasons of the year.

The school now has a facebook page and it is not able to

take comments, if any one needs to put something on there, they need to email the info to Mel Johnston.

General Business:

At the previous meeting Col Mercer moved a Motion to

approve the funding by the P&C for the Maths Online program. Philip van Schalkwyk seconded the motion. This motion needed to ratified at this meeting

Motion – That the Maths Online fees of $1100.00 be

ratified. Moved – Mark Fosdick, seconded – Colin Mercer. Carried but with objection by Leesa Kelly

The Hut (Expo) arrangements are proceeding well and

invoices and float for the event are being arranged in the ordinary course of business

School Hat Policy Discussion which had been carried

over for a number of meetings was discussed. Angela mentioned there was an issue with sunburn at school events and asked if the school had a particular hat policy. Mary Doolan informed us the school constantly promotes hat use and sunburn protection but there is no particular hat required and it is not part of the school uniform.

Confirmed there have been no changes to P&C member

email addresses

Michelle Birrell provided feedback about the school

shorts for girls and described the current situation, as one where 4 girls currently use the tailored shorts and find them comfortable and 6 girls do not use the correct shorts which raises some recurring discipline problems. Mary Doolan informed us of the difficulties associated with the implementation of dress codes and they are only really able to ensure all clothing meets the WHS requirements such as appropriate footwear, etc,. There was further discussion on school uniform and it was noted the school does not have a winter coat uniform.

Tax deductibility of gifts to the P&C was discussed and

further investigation will be carried out by Gary Erickson

International Feast night date was discussed and a date

and Mary Doolan will check the school calendar and inform us of a suitable date in November.

The Save a Mate issue will be held over to next meeting,

Mandy Sulter having sent her apologies. Date of Next Meeting: Monday 27th June 2016. (5.30pm High School Library all welcome).

Meeting Closed: 7.00pm.

Note: Mary Doolan has informed us that the 18th of November is the time that suits the school.

2016 Festival2016 Festival2016 Festival An evening with the writersAn evening with the writersAn evening with the writers

JJJESSEESSEESSE BBBLACKADDERLACKADDERLACKADDER

SSSULARIULARIULARI GGGENTILLENTILLENTILL

EEELLIELLIELLIE MMMARNEYARNEYARNEY

Join us for dinner at Join us for dinner at Join us for dinner at

Birds of a Feather on: Birds of a Feather on: Birds of a Feather on:

Thursday, 21 JulyThursday, 21 JulyThursday, 21 July

6.30 for 7.00pm6.30 for 7.00pm6.30 for 7.00pm

$50 per head$50 per head$50 per head

hors d’oeuvres & 2 hors d’oeuvres & 2 hors d’oeuvres & 2

coursescoursescourses

BYO drinksBYO drinksBYO drinks

Tickets available from Birds of a Tickets available from Birds of a Tickets available from Birds of a

Feather, Prezzies or Feather, Prezzies or Feather, Prezzies or

Coonabarabran High School.Coonabarabran High School.Coonabarabran High School.

Proceeds from this dinner help Proceeds from this dinner help Proceeds from this dinner help

fund the Festival.fund the Festival.fund the Festival.

Proudly supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund

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Society & Culture Sydney Excursion During term one Society & Culture students had the opportunity to travel to Sydney and spend several days learning about diverse cultures in Australia. Mr Moffat escorted the students to a number of locations including the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque, the Nan Tien Buddhist temple in Wollongong and the Sydney Jewish Museum.

At the Mosque we were guided by Ahmed, a member of the congregation. As well as giving us a tour of the beautiful building, Ahmed answered numerous questions and provided a detailed explanation on several key factors of the Islamic faith. Students discussed how Ahmed’s western cultures have impacted his faith as well as how the portrayal of Muslims by the media has affected him individually. During our time there we had the privilege of watching the congregation conduct the afternoon prayer, for many of us this was a true highlight of the week and a wonderful experience.

The next day we took the train down to Wollongong and visited the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple. The temple is influenced by Chinese Buddhism and the monks there practice traditions from the ancient religion. We participated in a meditation session instructed by one of the many reverends (female monks). Guided by Ruth, students were given a tour of the grounds including the main shrine, the walls of which are covered in over 10,000 Buddha figurines. After much discussion, Mr Moffat encouraged us to walk up a large hill and ring a bell to pay respect to our primary caregivers.

Before returning to Coonabarabran on our last day, we spent several hours at the Jewish Museum. This was an emotional experience as students were fortunate enough to speak to a Holocaust survivor, Hans. Upstairs in the museum itself we looked at original documents detailing the experience of Jews in Europe during the Second World War and another exhibit on the life of Anne Frank. Finally we listed to one of the academics, Ari, who works with the Jewish Museum. He spoke to us about the experiences of the Jewish community in Australia from the arrival of the First Fleet right up to today. Spending these few hours at the Jewish Museum, our eyes were opened to the experiences of other peoples, both in our own country and around the world.

The trip to Sydney was beneficial and enjoyable, enabling us to apply the core concepts of the Society & Culture course to a range of real world situations. On behalf of all the students involved we would like to extend our thanks to the bus driver Mark, our tour guides and our teachers for providing us with this wonderful opportunity to expand our horizons.

NEMA On Friday 13th May, 8 students from Year 8 left Coonabarabran at 5.30 am and attended the New England Mathematics Challenge day in Armidale to compete against 64 teams mainly from the New England area. This day involved teams completing a series of problems in a set time and each problem was worth points according to its difficulty. The final challenge of the day was for each team to use 15 sheets of A4 paper and a small roll of sticky tape to make the highest tower possible in 30 minutes. Some of our students might need to refine their engineering skills as their results were not anywhere near the winning tower of 4.35 metres. Students attending were Breanna Menz, Cobey Smith, Christopher Reynolds, Anikin Evans, Ameila Smith, Bethany Freeman, Hannah Meier and Anna Goard. These students were a pleasure to take and represented the school admirably with other teachers commenting on their behaviour. A big thank you to Mrs Freeman for helping with the transport.

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Shakespeare Festival On Tuesday 21st June the English department held their annual Shakespeare Festival. We welcomed our judges, Ms Judie Suttor, Mr Gary Furnell, Mrs Elizabeth Macintosh and Dr Michael Armstrong whilst our MC for the day was Ms Natasha Bell. As well as performing for the festival the students were also being assessed for their Shakespeare unit. The students enjoyed the day immensely and the day was a resounding success. The day was rounded off with some theatre sports with Mrs Aitkin. The following are the results for the day:

Shakespeare Awards Year 9

Best Scene – Rory Allerton, Angus Lambert, Bailey Reedman, Isaac Walden & Kaleb Khodary

Highly Commended – Matilda Harris, Kali Meier, Rhiannon Robinson, Niamh Whittall & Corey Thomas

Encouragement Award Scene - Will Capewell, Hannah Deshon & Sam Abbott

Best Actor – Mya Stone

Runner up – Rory Allerton

Year 10

Best Scene – Darcy Abel, Tristan Thomas & Joseph Samuel

Highly Commended Scene – Nicholas Bowden, Ethan Hoffmann, Denver Clark, Grace Colantonio, Olivia Tilborghs &

Ale van Schalkwyk

Encouragement Awards – Annabelle Park, Claire Cole & Liana Kaloumaira

Best Actor – Annabelle Park

Runner up – Jessie Dumble

Year 11

Best Scene – Hayley Martin, Eli Howson, Alison Green

Highly Commended Scene – Gabrielle Webster, Osea Kaloumaira, Brooke Meier & Eugenie Martin

Encouragement Awards – Daisy Andrews, Tyson Bennett, Edwin Samuel & Maddison Hincks

Best Actor – Alison Green

Runner up – Daisy Andrews

Overall

Champion Scene/Duologue – Jarrod Lambert & Jessie Dumble

Reserve Champion/Duologue – Mya Stone & Emily Wallace

Shakespearean of the Year – Annabelle Park

Clockwise from left: Year 10 witches scene from Macbeth; Macbeth final scene; the balcony scene from Romeo & Juliet; forest scene from As You Like It.

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Feast of Pi The fifth annual Coonabarabran High School Mathematics Festival - Feast of Pi will be held on Friday July 29, 2016. The goal of the Feast of Pi is to raise the profile of Mathematics as a discipline in the school, thus encouraging students to recognize the significance of acquiring Mathematical skills which can open the door to an extensive range of career opportunities.

Given the Government’s pledge in 2015 to spend $84 million "inspiring" Australians in digital literacy and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and the fact that International research indicates that approximately 75% of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills and knowledge, the importance of STEM disciplines for the future economic and social wellbeing of Australia cannot be underestimated.

The focus of the 2016 Feast of Pi will be on STEM skills. Students will be provided with opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops and presentations designed to enrich mathematical and scientific understanding and student engagement.

This year we are fortunate to have the Outreach team from UNSW Physics present the following workshops:

Digital Science Lab: Astronomy

Students are taken on a tour of the southern night sky and learn about stars and the solar system inside an inflatable portable planetarium. This will be followed up by a movie called ‘Capturing the Cosmos’,a production that was put together by Melbourne Planetarium and CAASTRO in highlighting some of the big Australian astronomical projects!

Photo Physics

Students learn about how to form an image and get to build their own pin-hole camera.

Understanding Gravity

Students learn about Einstein’s Theory of Relativity via an interactive space-time curvature demonstration. This is followed up by a construction activity in building ‘Einstein’s Toy’ in demonstrating the equivalence principle.

Harry Langes the Virtual Mathematics Faculty Leader will deliver lectures to our senior and junior mathematics students. Recently Harry has been working in primary schools with a focus on working mathematically and problem solving. He is passionate about getting students to think about their responses and being able to articulate them to others. Harry will concentrate on areas of the Mathematics curriculum which students often have difficulties with in their HSC exam and as an experienced HSC marker Harry will share many tips that will benefit students in their future HSC studies.

A highlight of the Feast of Pi will be a dinner on Thursday night July 28th at “Birds of a Feather” at 6.30pm. Cost is $50 for nibbles and a 2 course

meal. Bring your own drinks.

Tickets are available from the School Office.

We encourage parents, staff and the general public to join us for an enjoyable night socializing with our presenters.

Please contact Debbie Redden or Kylie Deshon at Coonabarabran High School 6842 1099 for more information.

My earliest memory: is hiding behind the back door because there were tawny frogmouths sitting on the back fence!!

My school report usually said: something nice? (This is now lost in the mists of time!)

My first relationships were with: my family (mum, dad, sister and brother)

I don’t like talking about: well it's the opposite - let's talk!

My most treasured possession: is life

My mother and father always told me: to come straight home after school!

In the movie of my life, I’d be played by: someone gorgeous, of course.

I wish I had: gone overseas more often.

I wish I hadn’t: stopped visiting my English friends (I didn't see them for 16 years)

My guiltiest pleasure: is chocolate - dark chocolate :)

My most humiliating moment was: forgotten. There were many embarrassing moments. I used to go bright red, so that made me even more embarrassed. Now if I go red that is too bad and not to worry:)

My happiest moment was: too many to write - how fantastic is that?

At home I cook: as little as possible. On the current menu is kumera and cauliflower dahl.

My last meal would be: ice cream? or gelato?

My favourite gadget is: hmmmm - my jeweller's screwdriver.

I’m very bad at: running

When I was a child I wanted to: read lots of books (and I did).

The book that changed my life is: the Bible.

If I could live anywhere I’d choose: Coonabarabran. Yay!!!!

It’s not fashionable but I love: to play the viola da gamba (check it out on YouTube)

My worst trait is: not saying what I am thinking.

My best trait is: loving other people.

Friends say I am: well I will have to ask them that!

If I wasn’t me I’d like to be: well I am me and I have to manage that the best I can.

The song I’d like played at my funeral is: so many to choose. "Amazing Grace" would be good, but then how about some J.S. Bach or a Fijian Farewell song. In fact, play lots of great music and celebrate!

It scares me, but I’d love to: keep travelling

If I could change one thing in the world it would be: how we treat one another.

My greatest fear is: 'a life filled with fear is a life half lived'.

If only I could: play the viola better. (To do that I would have to practise more consistently!)

The hardest thing I’ve ever done was: speak in front of four hundred students for the first time.

The last big belly laugh I had: was yesterday.

I relax by: doing crosswords and jigsaws; listen to music; watch television.

What I don’t find amusing is: how the grass is the best thing growing in my rose garden.

I’m always being asked: "should I play a musical instrument?" Answer: yes! yes! yes! (looking for people now to join the band and play percussion - or any other instrument!)

My favourite place in the world to visit is: London and my adopted family and the Rocky Mountains near Banff in Canada (just so beautiful).

At the moment I’m listening to: my students chattering!

My favourite work of art is: too many to count. So many different pieces with different things to say - how fabulous.

My worst job was: preparing vegetables for a chef.

Di Suthons teaches Music at Coona High.

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Year 11 Geography and Biology at the Warrumbungles

These classes spent a wonderful day in the Warrumbungles on Thursday 16 June studying our local ecosystem with Wes Leedham and Nicole Hunter from the Environmental Education Centre in the National Park learning about our local ecosystem and its importance to us.

The study began at Whitegum Lookout, giving us a panoramic overview of the Park, an introduction to its geological history, the flora that has evolved, adaptations to survive in skeletal soils and the harsh conditions of this part of the Park with regeneration from epicormic shoots and lignotubers evident on White Gums.

A transect was set up after a short trek along the West Spirey Track where measurements, including light intensity, altitude, slope, relative humidity, temperature, were taken along the 100m line using equipment bought for students by the P&C. Plant identification was also included at this site.

After a short stop at the Education Centre to determine pH and texture of soil samples taken along the transect, we headed back to school. This was a fantastic day spent with people who made their best efforts to take accurate and reliable measurements and to gain a deeper understanding of the interactions between the biotic and abiotic which contribute to determining this unique ecosystem, its importance to us and how humans impact on this ecosystem.

MUNA Each year the 9650 Rotary District hosts a Model United Nations Assembly (commonly known as MUNA) and Coonabarabran High School has a proud record of attendance. This year was no exception with the school sending two teams of students to participate in the event, held at Kempsey High School on 28th, 29th and 30th of May. Our teams consisted of, Molly Atkinson and Alison Green representing Denmark, and Eli Howson and Eugenie Martin representing Norway. Both groups prepared themselves for the event by devising costumes, reflecting their assigned nation, along with the more academic preparation of notes and materials on a range of topics. Issues discussed over the weekend covered a broad range of areas, from the banning of fossil fuels, to combating internet piracy, to placing a global tax on sugar and everything in between. Our students represented the school well at the event and contributed in a lively manner to many of the debates. Finally a huge thank you to the Kempsey and South West Rocks Rotary clubs who organised the event, and Coonabarabran Rotary Club who sponsored our attendance.

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60 seconds…. My name is… Aimee

My friends tell me… ‘you’re pretty neat’

My favourite movie is… Lord of the Rings

My favourite song is… Footloose

It scares me, but I’d love to… drop out

The best advice I’ve been given was… Start your assignments early

My favourite place other than Coona is… Sydney

My funniest memory is… Advanced Maths

If I could change one thing in the world, it would be… Maths

I have never understood… how one slice of pizza is a meal.

I am happiest when… I’m eating

I would cry if I lost… my friends

The hardest thing I’ve done was… Advanced Maths

If I was Prime Minister I would… actually do what I promise

If I was reincarnated I would come back as a… someone rich

School has been… both really good and really bad

When I grow up I want to be a… famous, I wanna be a star, I wanna be in movies

Any words of wisdom?... Don’t procrastinate!

Open Netball Gala Day Coonabarabran hosted an open Netball Gala Day on Wednesday 15th June. We welcomed teams from Wee Waa, Coonamble and Narrabri. Coonabarabran team: Hayley Walton, Leisl Fretwell, Emily King, Hollee Watts, Kerrie Ward, Molly Atkinson, Ale Van Schalkwyk, Sophie Stinson and Kiara Hawkins. Round 1 saw Narrabri defeat Wee Waa 37 to 8 and Coonabarabran triumph over Coonamble 31 to 9. Round 2 saw the winners of Round 1 play against each other (Coonabarabran against Narrabri). Coonabarabran girls played fantastically, they combined well and thoroughly out-played Narrabri and defeated them 32 to 8. Congratulations to the girls and good luck for the next level of competition. Many thanks to Jack Isedale, Matilda Harris, Ellen Nilsson, Jessie Dumble and Jack Patterson for their assistance on the day. Particular mention and thanks to Emmah Varty and Debbie Korff for refereeing the games.

North West Cross Country

On Friday the 17th of June, 23 Coonabarabran High students set off to Coolah for the Annual North West Cross Country. The predicted conditions were for rain later in the day, however, the downpour arrived early making it a bit challenging for the competitors. Taking shelter and ensuring a thorough warm up was the order of the day with many athletes surprising themselves with personal best times recorded. Six Runners qualified for the CHS Titles in Sydney on 22nd July. They are: 2nd—Gus Elton; 3rd—Gina Elton; Nicholas Willoughby; John Martin; 5th—Octavia Whale; 6th—Jon Kelly We wish them all the best at state.

RDA Expo Three Coonabarabran High students attended the RDA Expo and came away with lots of success. Wally Walker, Penny Price and Ty Sim thoroughly enjoyed the day with Mrs Young and Mrs Rice and riding instructors, Melissa and Chloe Clarke and Norma and John Roberts.

All three students returned with lots of ribbons for a variety of events. Penny won the barrel riding, Ty won the keyhole, Wally got best leader, Baradine’s representative Kellie won Champion Girl and Wally Walker won Champion Boy. Unfortunately, Will Clarke, the 4th member of the CHS RDA group was unable to attend. Jack and Pablo provided enjoyable and safe rides and a great day was had by all.

Tennis Over the past few weeks both the Boys and Girls Tennis Teams have been active in the North West Knock Out. On 8th June the Boys Team consisting of Tristan Thomas, Nils Thomas, Ian Whitall and Jarrod Lambert, travelled to Moree. Against an older and more experienced Moree team the boys were narrowly beaten and knocked out of the competition. A week later on 15th June the girls hosted Gunnedah High, last year’s winners in Coonabarabran. The Girls Team consisting of Ashleigh Smith, Georgina Elton, Kate Masman and Annie Nash, performed admirably and in good spirits going down to a strong opposition. Both teams were a pleasure to take to their events and represented our school well.

PO Box 3 COONABARABRAN NSW 2357 Phone: 02 6842 1099 Fax...

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