West Wallsend High School

Year 7 Handbook - 2018

Always Striving

Table of ContentsYear 7 Camp 2

Bell Times 3

Welcome to West Wallsend High School 4

School Organisation 5

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) 6

Specific Information for Parents: 7

Skoolbag App 8

Parent Portal 9

facebook 9

School Procedures: 9

Absence from school 10

Arrival at school 10

Roll call 10

Leaving school during the day 10

Movement between lessons 10

Attendance FAQs 11

Equipment 12

Personal property 12

Lost property 12

Playground expectations 12

Sickness or injury at school 12

Access to the School Counscellor 13

School uniform 14-15

Health and safety 16

Clinics 16

Prescribed medication 16

Some special points to remember 17

Curriculum structure 17

Monitoring academic performance 17

Subject requirements 18

Homework and study: 19

Study methods 19

Homework policy 19

Year 7 Sport 20

The Library Resource Centre 20

P & C Meetings 21

GATS – Enrichment program 21

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 21

Sun protection/UV Policy 22

School Canteen 22

Year 7 Camp 2018

‘Outdoor Education Experience’ Forster Centre

The Year 7 Camp for 2018 has been booked for Term 1, Week 7 from Monday 6th – Wednesday 8th March

Three days of fun, including; Water Park

Go Carts and Quad Bikes Challenge Ropes, Giant Swing and Flying Fox

Mud World And so much more

The cost will be approximately $264.00 (all inclusive)

West Wallsend High School Bell Times 2018

MONDAY WARNING BELL 8.55 PBL ASSEMBLY 9.00 – 9.20 PERIOD 1 9.20 – 10.20 PERIOD 2 10.20 – 11.20 RECESS 11.20 – 11.50 PERIOD 3 11.50 – 12.50 PERIOD 4 12.50 – 1.50 EARLY FINISH 1.50 – 3.20

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY WARNING BELL 8.55 Targeted literacy program, social lessons for PBL and mentoring sessions for strive interviews

9.00 – 9.20

PERIOD 1 9.20 – 10.20 PERIOD 2 10.20 – 11.20 RECESS 11.20 – 11.50 PERIOD 3 11.50 – 12.50 PERIOD 4 12.50 – 1.50 LUNCH 1.50 – 2.20 PERIOD 5 2.20 – 3.20

THURSDAY WARNING BELL 8.55 SPORT ASSEMBLY 9.00 – 9.15 PERIOD 1 9.15 – 10.10 PERIOD 2 10.10 – 11.05 RECESS 11.05 – 11.35 PERIOD 3 11.35 – 12.30 LUNCH 12.30 – 1.00 SPORT 1.00 – 3.20

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Welcome to West Wallsend High School On behalf of the teaching staff at West Wallsend High School, it is my pleasure to welcome you and your child to our school.

West Wallsend High School is a 7 to 12 comprehensive, coeducational school of 630 students, including 56 Aboriginal students. The school has embraced an ethos of continuous improvement, with staff taking on numerous initiatives to support student learning and achievement of excellence. West Wallsend High School is held in high regard by its community and has a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, student engagement, high expectations and professional learning.

Our strategic directions for 2018-2019 include:

• Innovative Teaching and Dynamic Leadership• Effective Whole School Systems and Infrastructure• Collaborative Relationships and Communication Structures with the School Learning Community.

At West Wallsend High School, we believe in working collaboratively, within and beyond the school, in a strategic, enthusiastic and purposeful way. This will inspire the provision of a high quality education, to foster creative and innovative individuals with an innate love of learning. Our commitment to the development of the whole child will leave a legacy of capacity building for our community as our students grow into adults contributing positively to society and a better place for all.

West Wallsend provides many opportunities for students. In this rapidly changing world, students are confronted by many problems and experiences that challenge their perception of their community and the world at large. It is exciting that, as staff, we can provide them with skills and confidence that will enable them to lead successful lives.

One of the great strengths of West Wallsend is the professional and committed staff. I am confident that you have already found my staff friendly and helpful and that they have already assisted you and your child to settle into the new school environment. We are fortunate to have many experienced and quality teachers who are eager to assist in your child’s orientation to West Wallsend.

I look forward to working with you over the next six years to provide your child with the best educational experiences and opportunities our school can offer.

Yours in education

Dr Fiona Walsh

School Organisation Principal Dr Fiona Walsh PhD

Deputy Principals Krystal Bevin -Years 8, 10, 12 Michael Chandler -Years 7, 9, 11

Head Teachers Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Lana Mansfield (Relieving) English and Drama Melanie Clarke Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) Daniel Dawkins HSIE Jo-Anne Bailey (Relieving) Mathematics/Languages Allan Burns Science Mark Milat PE Shayne Mason Special Education Andrew Katoa (Relieving)

Head Teachers accept responsibility for their respective subject departments, planning of courses and teaching of the subject.

Year Advisers 2018 Year 7 Lee Schubert Year 8 Dale Cowling Year 9 Mitchell Jones Year 10 Amy Blakemore Year 11 Stacey Cross Year 12 Marcus Riley

Student Welfare Support Teacher (LAST) Roy Turner & Karen Parker School Counsellor Connie Spinks Head Teacher Welfare Vicki Hutchinson

Student Assistance Sports Coordinator Dave Munro Careers Adviser Paul Blakemore

The Office The Office is open for student business at the following times:

• Before school 8.30 am - 8.55 am• Recess• Lunch

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West Wallsend High School is a PBL School

What is PBL?

PBL stands for Positive Behaviour for Learning, it is a consistent, school-wide system of support that helps define, teach and support appropriate student behaviours, creating a positive school environment.

PBL is designed to be responsive toindividual school’s current social andeducational challenges and encouragesschools to reflect on their systems andpractices to determine if they are havinga positive impact on student learning

PBL creates effective teaching/learningenvironments where students make thepositive behaviour choices that supportacademic success

PBL focuses on prevention of problembehaviours and instruction in appropriatebehaviours

West Wallsend High is committed to the core values of Respect, Responsibility, Excellence. The values are embedded in our universal behaviour expectations. As a student of West Wallsend High, you are committing to the following:

EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE , EVERY TIME LOOKS LIKE

RESPECT Good Manners , Follow Instruction, Accept Everyone

RESPONSIBILITY Right Place, Right Time, Own Your Choices, Ready to Learn

EXCELLENCE Pride, Quality, Teamwork

The Logo above was designed in consultation with the entire learning community, students, staff and parents. Mount Sugarloaf represents the community, the wedge-tailed eagle is the totem of the Awabakal people, and the road represents the journey we are on together.

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Specific Information for Parents If you need to contact the school:

Mailing address: 2 Appletree Road, West Wallsend, NSW 2286 Phone: 02 4953 2111 Website: www.westwalls-h.schools.nsw.edu.au School email: westwalls-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Year 7 Adviser email: lee.schubert@det.nsw.edu.au

You may on occasion need to discuss some aspect of your child's education or matters affecting it with the school. You can email your Year Adviser or the school at the address above at any time OR telephone the school during school hours. If you telephone and are in doubt as to whom to consult, please state the general nature of your problem to the School's receptionist. Staff members that perform this function in the school are experienced, discrete and sympathetic, and will be happy to advise you as to the appropriate procedure. Preferred practice is to schedule a meeting with the relevant teacher to ensure the matter is handled professionally.

In addition, appointments can be made for a mutually convenient time with the Head Teacher Welfare. The following guide may be helpful to you in your inquiries:

Matters relating to: Please refer to:

All matters of confidentiality and concern Principal

Enrolment or Leaving Principal / Deputy Principal

Theft, Injury, Bullying, Reports of observed misconduct, Truancy Deputy Principal

Any matter regarding student welfare Deputy Principal / Head Teacher Welfare / Year Adviser

School Uniform Deputy Principal

Overall progress or conduct Year Adviser

Progress in a particular subject Head Teacher in Subject Area

Variation to courses of study Deputy Principal

Matters of adjustment, contentment in school. School Counsellor / Year Adviser

Special illness Year Adviser / Deputy Principal/Head Teacher Welfare

Reading problems Learning and Support Teacher

Job opportunities, work experience Careers Adviser

Lost property, payment of fees Deputy / School Office

Sport Sport Coordinator

Keeping in touch and up to date information

Our school has a number of tools for communicating with you:

• Our schools free Skoolbag App, used for alerts, reminders, calendar (see below) you canuse for absentee notification, to update contact details and permission to publish

• School website used for in-depth information and resources and access to our ParentPortal

• Parent Portal you can view student daily notices, timetable, school calendar, update yourcontact details, and booking parent teacher interviews.

Skoolbag Smartphone App

Our school now has our own free Skoolbag iPhone and Android App to help us communicate more effectively with our Parent/Student community. We are asking parents/students to install our Skoolbag School App. To install it, search for our school name "West Wallsend High School" in either the Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.

How to install Skoolbag on your Smartphone

iPhone and iPad Users 1. Click the “App Store” icon on your Apple device2. Type your school name in the search West Wallsend High School3. If iPhone, you will see your school appear, click “Free” then “Install”4. If iPad, change to drop list to iPhone Apps. School will then be visible, click

“Free” then “Install”5. When installed click “Open”6. Select “OK” to receive push notifications, when asked7. Click the “More” button on the bottom right of the App, then “Setup”8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable to you

Android Users You must have a Google Account before installing the App

1. Click the “Play Store” button on your Android device2. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top and type in West Wallsend High

School3. Click the school name when it appears in the search4. Click the “Install” button5. Click “Accept” to various permissions (please note we do not modify any

of your personal data on your device).6. Click “Open” when installed7. Click “More” on the bottom right of the App, then “Setup”8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable to you.

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Parent Portal

You can access our Parent Portal from our school website; if you already have older children at the school, you will already have access. If this is your first child to enroll at our school you will receive a letter early in Term 1 containing a Family Access Key, which you will use to register for the portal. We encourage all parents to register as soon as possible.

Facebook

We use Facebook to share current news about the great things that are happening at our school. Please follow us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/westwallsendhighschool

If you have a good news story to share:

Please contact our Community Liaison Officer Karen Masters via email or by phoning the school karen.masters5@det.nsw.edu.au

School Procedures

Absence from school Under the Education Act 1990 Section 22, parents have a legal responsibility to ensure the regular school attendance of their children aged between 6 and 17 years.

For the award of a RoSA and the HSC, the Principal must verify that a student’s progress and attendance have been satisfactory. All students, parent/carers and guardians should be aware of these requirements to avoid failing to meet mandatory requirements.

A parent/carer or guardian can send a Skoolbag Absence notification using the e-form in the App. Alternatively we require a note from the parent/carer or guardian to be handed in at the school office on the first day the student returns to school. Parent/carers or guardians are asked to ring the school/office telephone 4953 2111 if a student is likely to be absent for more than three days. This is to be followed by a letter or medical certificate. Student name and school year should be printed on the top of all notes. In the case of prolonged leave, contact your Year Adviser who can send out work that can be done at home.

Arrival at school Whether you arrive by bus, car, bicycle or walk, you are expected to enter school grounds and observe PBL expectations for passive and active areas. You are not permitted to wait for friends on the footpath nor should you leave the school grounds at any time, for any reason. (This includes visiting the shop in Withers St).

The car park is out of bounds at all times. Students should not cut through the car park when entering or leaving the school grounds.

Roll call The bell rings at 8.55am - students then proceed immediately to Roll Call. The Roll System is computerised. The school, in accordance with Department of Education and Community requirements, requires that notes explaining student absence be submitted on the first day back after an absence.

After 5 days of an unexplained absence, a letter is generated automatically by the system that administers roll information. These letters are then send home with students. Roll call is not the time to see other teachers (unless specifically sent for) or to see friends. Students are expected to be prompt, to behave and to attend until dismissed.

Late arrival to school Proceed quickly to the School Office where you will be issued with a late arrival slip that you show to your class teacher then take home, ask your parent/carer or guardian to sign the slip, you must return the signed slip to the school office the next day. Students who are regularly late will be contacted by the DP to discuss their attendance.

Leaving school during the day You must have a note from your parent/carer or guardian requesting permission and signed by the Deputy Principal. It must state: student’s full name, year, date, time and legitimate reason. You must hand in the note at the office before school and your name will be entered into the system. You must then return to the office before you leave and collect an Early Leavers Pass. You cannot be given an Early Leavers Pass without a note from home. Students should not ring home from mobile phones and ask parent/carer or guardian to collect them. If students are sick, they must get a note from a teacher, then go to the office where staff will contact a first aid officer or phone home.

Movement between lessons

• Students are required to observe basic rules of safety and courtesy (PBL expectations)• Move promptly to the next class (not via the toilets or bubblers).• Generally, you will be required to line up outside your next classroom in an orderly fashion and

to behave.• In crowded corridors and stairwells, you should keep to the left-hand side and proceed

carefully.• To exit a building use the closest door and allow traffic to move out of doorways before entering• Do not run, do not push and do not behave aggressively towards anyone.

Attendance FAQs

Is regular attendance important? Yes, from the first day. If students miss the basic skills, they often experience difficulties later.

Must I send my child to school? Yes, all children between the ages of 6 and 17 years are required, by law to attend school regularly.

Must I send my child everyday? Yes, unless your child; • Is too sick to leave the house• Has an infectious disease like chicken pox, mumps or

measles• Is too incapacitated through injury to move around the

School• Has to honour a religious commitment• Is accompanying his or her parents on a family holiday

that cannot be arranged in school vacations. This shouldbe arranged with the Principal prior to the absence.

• Wherever possible, medical and dental appointmentsshould be made out of school hours.

Must I notify the school if my child has been away?

Ways to inform WWHS of Student absence

Yes, you should always send a note to explain the reason for any absence on the day the student returns to school. This includes lateness and partial absence. See above

• Use of WWHS Skoolbag App – e forms.• Phone WWHS and Press 1 for Attendance to give a

verbal explanation.• Send in a written note on student’s return to school – with

their full name, school year, dates absent and reason forabsence, please hand in at the School Office.

Should I notify the school if my child refuses to go to school?

Yes, you should contact the School and seek assistance as a matter of urgency.

Do I come to school if I am not attending an excursion?

Yes, alternative lessons are always organised on excursion days.

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Equipment It is expected that students respect all school equipment including furniture and facilities provided for your comfort. Wilful damage of school property will result in the student being required to pay for damages or replace equipment.

Students are asked to observe simple rules of courtesy within the classroom. Rooms should be left neat, rubbish should be placed in the bins and any work displayed on notice boards should be treated with respect. Any incidence of defacement on the work or on desks or chairs will again result in the student having to clean the entire room as their restitution.

Personal property Students are required to mark all of their personal possessions clearly with their name. They are asked not to bring valuable items, including jewellery, mobile phones, MP3s or large amounts of money to school. If for some reason students are required to do this then the money or items should be deposited in the office for safe keeping.

Lost property

Check with the Deputy Principal.

Playground expectations Students are asked to observe the following rules in the playground:

• The only game allowed in the quadrangle is handball – passive area.• No student is allowed on the roof of a building.• No student is allowed to leave the school grounds without permission.• All litter must be placed in the bins provided.• All students should abide by reasonable requests to clean up litter.• All students need to observe boundaries, marked by yellow lines, in the playground areas.• No food on the oval this is an active area!

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Sickness or Injury at School

Parent/carer or guardians should ensure that school records, addresses and phone numbers are current. These records give the school information when seeking medical or ambulance attention if necessary. If a student is sick before coming to school he/she has to be kept at home, with the consent of parent/carer or guardians.

Parents/Carers you can update your contact details at any time by the following methods:

• Our Skoolbag App use the e-form change of details• Download and print the change of details form on our website (Noticeboard) and send to the

school office with your child• In the Parent Portal• Request a paper form be sent home with your child, complete and then return to the school

If you are unwell at school Go to your classroom and tell your class teacher who will give you a pass to go to the office. Contact will then be made with home for someone to pick you up. DO NOT phone home yourself.

If you injure yourself at school If you have a minor injury and need a Band Aid or ice, see your class teacher who will send you to the office with a note and the first aid officer will attend.

We insist that students, wishing to go home through illness or injury, should consult either the Class Teacher or the office We will contact parents to collect students when they are experiencing discomfort or are unwell. Unfortunately, there have been instances where students have rung parent/carer or guardians and left the school grounds without informing us. We need to know where students are at all times in the interests of their safety and the legal constraints placed upon us.

If your child is Sick or Injured at School we need to be able to contact youParent/carer or guardians should ensure that school records, including all contact details are current:

• Residential and mailing addresses• Daytime phone numbers• Mobile phone numbers (also used for urgent sms notifications)• Email addresses• Emergency contact numbers (only used if we are unable to contact you)

These records give the school information when seeking medical or ambulance attention if necessary. If a student is sick before coming to school he/she has to be kept at home, with the consent of parent/carer or guardians.

Access to the School Counsellor You can make an appointment with the Counsellor through the Head Teacher Welfare. Self refer in the orange letter box outside the Head Teacher Welfare’s office or the white letterbox outside the Counsellor’s office. You will be given an appointment slip, which must be shown to the teacher of the lesson that you will miss.

West Wallsend High School Uniform Rationale

In our school community, we value positive relationships, respect and individuals taking responsibility for their actions. The West Wallsend High School community has chosen to be a uniform wearing school in accordance with the Department of Education Guidelines (http://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies) after a consultative and decision-making process that involved students, parents/carers or guardians and representatives of the school community.

A school uniform consists of a limited range of clothing, including footwear and headwear. It identifies students as belonging to a particular school. We expect students to wear school uniform during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when engaged in school activities out of school hours. Full school uniform is required to be worn on excursions unless otherwise stated. Our school uniform reflects school/community standards and expectations. It is based on a strong student and parent voice and the whole school community has a role to play in encouraging the meeting of these standards.

The wearing of an identifiable uniform and colours represents an important child protection requirement. Students are expected to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and neatness. Clothing and accessories should be clean, safe, modest and in reasonable condition. Our obligation to protect all students at West Wallsend High School and is in line with Work Place Health and Safety, Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Legislation.

The WWHS Work Place Health and Safety Committee, following its Department of Education Policy guidelines, has reviewed the safety of the non-teaching and teaching spaces in relation to required footwear. The WH&S Committee has determined that the wearing of un-enclosed footwear represents a foreseeable risk of injury. For this reason, it is not permitted that a student wear un-enclosed footwear while at the school.

These guidelines prohibit students from entering labs, workshops, kitchens and all practical areas if their footwear is deemed unsafe. Unsafe footwear are those with no protection for the upper part of the foot, sides of the foot and heel; do not have a low heel on the shoe; or are slip on shoes made of canvas or open weave material; shoes that do not have laces or Velcro to tie them up. Leather lace-up, solid, enclosed upper shoes with leather tongues are required at all times.

Sports UniformJunior Student Uniform

All items are available at Lowes Glendale

Boys Uniform Girls Uniform Juniors • Navy shirt with WWHS logo• Navy shorts with sky piping & WWHS logo• Navy trousers with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Navy Hoodie with Logo• Appropriate sun safe headwear

Juniors

Seniors • White school shirt with WWHS logo• Navy shorts with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Navy trousers with sky blue piping & WWHS logo

• Navy shirt with WWHS logo• School check skirt with navy stockings• Navy shorts with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Navy Slacks with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Navy Hoodie with Logo• Appropriate sun safe headwearSeniors• White school shirt with WWHS logo• School check skirt with navy stockings• Navy shorts with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Navy slacks with sky blue piping & WWHS logo

Sport/PE • Sports shirt with WWHS logo• Navy shorts with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Sports shoes

Sport/PE • Sports shirt with WWHS logo• Navy shorts with sky blue piping & WWHS logo• Sports shoesAvailable JDecember 2017 from Lowes Glendale Limited stock of skirts available at WWHS uniform shop

Senior Student Uniform

Warm Winter Hoodies 15

Health and Safety

Clinics It is our policy, at West Wallsend High School, to provide responsible care and attention to students at all times. To be able to achieve this, it is necessary to have a set of procedures and policies in place.

The school is a member of the Ambulance fund; therefore should we feel that it is necessary to pursue this avenue for a student – parent/carer or guardians will not be responsible for any cost.

We ask that all students follow the cleanliness procedures outlined in the clinic. These simple procedures assist us in keeping the clinic’s clean environment.

Prescribed Medication It is Department of Education and Training Policy that no painkillers or tampons are to be issued by us, for student use. However, from time to time, students may require medication.

If students require regular and/or intermittent medication, a parent/carer or guardian is required to contact the school and negotiate appropriate arrangements with the Head Teacher Welfare or the Deputy Principal. Relevant paperwork will be lodged in the student’s personal file in the front office.

Where long-term medical or allergic conditions requiring medication exist, the family doctor should provide directions in writing, through a parent/carer or guardian, as to the nature of the drug and its prescribed use. If such drugs are to be stored at school for use during the day, they will be kept in an appropriate and safe place.

The school has designated personnel, nominated by the Principal, to administer medication, or to supervise where students administer their own medication. Alternative arrangements are in place if the designated personnel are absent or unavailable.

The designated personnel are present during medication administration and full details of medications administered are recorded in a medication register. Identification safeguards are also kept with this register. Parent/carer or guardians are responsible for notifying the school of any possible side effects or allergies to medication.

Students who require Asthma puffers may carry their puffers for self-administration. Parent/ carer or guardians are required to inform the school of their child’s condition and provide a completed School Asthma Action Plan. The completed documentation will be lodged in the Medication Registers. Students must not share puffers.

Parent/carer or guardians are encouraged to schedule antibiotic and short-term medication so that medications are given to students before school and on arrival home from school.

Anaphylaxis The parent/carer or guardian of each student diagnosed with anaphylaxis should provide the school with an ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis signed by the doctor, for that student, and an adrenaline auto-injector. The student should carry an Epipen with them at all times. The extra adrenaline auto-injector will be held securely at the school as a back up in the event it is needed.

Some special points to remember • Do not bring felt pens, ‘liquid paper’, chewing gum or aerosol cans. They are not allowed at

West Wallsend High School.

• Avoid bringing valuables and large sums of money to school. Do not leave valuables inunattended bags. Put your name and class on everything you bring to school.

• Wear safe leather shoes always. Thongs and backless sandals are strictly forbidden for safetyreasons. Students who arrive at school in thongs, sandals or slip on shoes will be sent homeor remain in the office for the day.

• Do not leave the school grounds unless you have an Early Leavers Pass or Permanent Leavecard signed by the Principal. Keep in bounds all the time.

• Behave well on all public transport, especially school buses.

• Avoid hurting anyone by careless actions, words or deeds.

• Do your best at all times.

Curriculum Structure There are 23 periods in every week. WWHS operates on a cyclic (2 week) timetable.

On Thursday afternoon, the last two periods are designated as sport.

On Monday, the last period of the day is set aside for staff meeting time. Students go home at 1.50pm if walking and 2.40pm if catching a bus.

Each period is allocated to the various subjects that you are studying. Your teachers will give you a class timetable and discuss it with you on the first day of attendance at High School. Your timetable will show for each period, the class, your teacher and the room for that lesson. You can access your child’s timetable in the Parent Portal.

Note: All students in Year 7 will have the option of being involved in 1 period per week of scripture. Students will have an introductory lesson. Following this, a letter will be sent to parents giving the option to opt out of this program.

Monitoring Academic Performance Where it seems that a student's progress is "at risk" or that the student is reluctant to take advantage of educational opportunities offered by the school, a range of strategies may be employed.

Contact with parents is made first.

If necessary, the Student Adviser will arrange an interview with parents, student and class teachers. Progress reports may be arranged from time to time in consultation with the Year Adviser, Head Teacher Welfare, Deputy Principal or parent/carer or guardians.

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Subject RequirementsTextbooks Students will be lent some textbooks that are the property of the school. Look after them properly and return them promptly when asked to do so by your teacher. If students lose or damage textbooks, they will be asked to replace them or pay for their replacement.

English • 2 x A4 196 page workbooks.• 1 x A4 plastic display folder for assessment work• Dictionary / Thesaurus (electronic or book form)• In addition, students are expected to have adequate writing materials e.g. a blue/black biro, a

pencil, ruler, colour pencils, textas, glue, scissors, USB flash drive – 2GB (minimum).

Mathematics • 1 x 196 page workbook, a protractor, compass and ruler.• 1 x 240 page grid book (5mm or 7mm grid).• A calculator is required at the beginning of Year 7 – CASIO fx -82AU Plus II

Science • All students will need a 240 A4 page exercise book (approximately) for general notes.• Students will require pens, pencils, eraser, ruler etc. for all lessons.

HSIE • 1 x 196 page workbook• Pens, pencils, eraser and ruler.

Music • 100 page music book• A pair of ear buds (earphones)• A plastic-sleeve folder.

Technology (Mandatory) • This Course is ‘hands on’, therefore a fee is needed to cover the cost of materials and

consumables used by the participants.• 1 x A4 display folder with name on the front.• Leather shoes with leather tongues for practical lessons.• USB flash Drive – 2GB (minimum).• Students will be advised of other requirements.

Japanese • 1 x 200 page book.• Pens, pencils, glue, scissors, eraser and ruler.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education • Full sports uniform for all physical education periods.• For reasons of personal hygiene and effective participation in PE, and sport it is imperative that

all students change before and after PE.

Student assistance Parents of students in Years 7-10 who are experiencing financial difficulty with paying fees (contributions) or purchasing uniforms should contact the Principal or School Administration Manager.

Homework and Study For learning to occur, students need to undertake individual work at home in addition to their usual study at school. Students should record homework set and the due date in the manner advised by their classroom teachers. In the absence of prescribed homework, students should revise their work nightly as a method of reinforcement. Some private study each day is essential for success.

Study methods 1. Work actively, recall facts, make summaries, redo exercises, and draw diagrams and

sketches. Never just, browse through notes.

2. We learn by:(I) Seeing: such as reading and visual impressions

(II) Hearing: repetition - say work aloud(III) Manipulating: Writing and doing. The best way to test if you understand something

is to write it down.

Homework policy For effective learning to occur, students need to undertake individual work at home in addition to their usual study at school. The main purpose of such work is to:

• reinforce skills and material learned in class• prepare students for forthcoming class topics• teach children to learn independently• aid in evaluating student progress• teach children to assume responsibility for their own work• teach children organisational, research and time management skills• improve memory and recall

Responsibilities of students Students will:

• record all homework set• complete all homework neatly by the due date• do their own homework - on their own - and to the best of their ability• make up homework and assessment tasks missed due to absence

Responsibility of parents Parent/carer or guardians should:

• establish homework as a priority for their children• provide a quiet homework environment• provide positive support when homework is completed• not allow children to avoid doing homework - insist on a 'study' hour each day• contact teachers if their child is having problems with homework or an assessment task

Responsibility of teachers Teachers will:

• set regular homework• ensure that all students record all homework set• ensure that each homework assignment has a specific learning objective• positively reinforce those students who complete homework in an exemplary manner• ensure that their Faculty Homework Policy is conveyed to all students

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Year 7 Sport Sport is on Thursday afternoon and it is a mandatory part of the school curriculum. The Department of School Education and Communities requires all students to maintain an 85% attendance rate at Sport. We request that you do not to make doctor or dental appointments during sport time.

Term 1 • Students will be involved in a number of school-based sporting activities as part of Year

7 Sport.• In the second part of the term, students will travel to Speers Point Pool and Merewether

Baths to undertake a Swimming and Aquatics Program. There is a cost for bus travel andpool entry with these activities.

Terms 2, 3 and 4 • At the end of each term, students will receive a note to take home with information about

the wide range of sports available for the following term. Sport selections take place onthe EDVAL System at the end of each term.

• There is a cost to cover bus travel and venue use for many of the sports.

Sports Carnivals Students are placed in House groups for participation in School Carnivals (Swimming, Cross-Country and Athletics).

Rhondda (Black) Seaham (Red) Stockrington (Yellow) Sugarloaf (Blue)

Dates for Carnivals will be advertised in the school calendar available in the Skoolbag App and Parent Portal. NB: The School Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 3rd February 2018

The Library Resource Centre The Library provides resources to support the students and staff in their learning and teaching and for leisure-time activities. Our collections include books, magazines (information and popular) DVDs and games. Thirty Computers are available for class use and during breaks. Makerspace has been set up for students to create with Lego, K’nex, Snap Circuits, and Origami etc.

Operating Times The library is open for student borrowing each day except for Thursday Break 2. The library has its own set of guidelines regarding use that are outlined to new students on arrival at the school. General courtesy must be exercised at all times and the directions of library staff must be followed.

Student Borrowing Year 7 can borrow two fiction and two non-fiction books for a period of two weeks. Magazines can be borrowed overnight.

Students will usually be sharing the Centre with students and staff from other classes and we ask that they work quietly so that everyone can work with minimum disturbance.

P & C Meetings P & C Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at 5.30 pm in the Principal’s office. All parent/carer or guardians are cordially invited to take an active part and interest in this association.

Parent/carer or guardians are again cordially invited to contact the Principal if they wish to join any School committee.

GATS - Enrichment Program This program aims to provide the opportunity for students to extend themselves into an area of interest, through independent research projects. Mentor teachers are available at negotiated times to provide assistance and guidance in relation to their major interest project. Students present their projects to parent/carer or guardians, teachers and other invited community personnel in 4th Term.

Students gain valuable experience from the program including: • Communication skills• Teamwork• Time management skills• Organisation and planning skills• Presentation skills

Students gain a certificate of participation at the end of the program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program is available at West Wallsend High school. The Award is an internationally recognised youth development program providing opportunities for personal and social development for 14-25 year olds.

Participants will get out of The Award what they put in. There is the opportunity for them to both grow personally and connect with others, through a range of new experiences. They have the chance to discover their potential through the encouragement and some individual programming provided by adult volunteers.

Participants will discover a sense of adventure and bond with your mates. Learn the skills to enable you to then journey into an unfamiliar environment with a group – bushwalking, canoeing, cycling or an urban adventure. Contact: Mr Johnson for more information.

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Sun Protection/UV Policy The school community, including families, need to work together to protect students from the risk of harm that could occur due to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, with appropriate sun protection measures, yet ensuring some daily sun exposure for vitamin D requirements. We aim to make a significant contribution to reduce the incidence of skin cancer and related skin damage later in life.

Students are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV levels reach three and above.

• Wear sun safe hats• Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen for outdoor and sporting activities, including breaks.

Sunscreen is provided at sport and sporting carnivals; and is available in the Library• Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes• Wear sun safe clothing styles (shirts with collars, elbow length sleeves, longer style shorts,

skirts and pants)• Use shaded areas when outside when UV levels are three and above

The School Canteen The canteen is open every break for the convenience of students. The canteen operates as a business enterprise run by the School with the valued assistance of parent/carer or guardians and friends of the school.

Canteen rules • Order your lunch before 8.50am or at first break.• Queue quietly.• Only two pupils at the counter at a time, the

remainder queue behind the yellow line.• Buy for yourself only.• Do not go to the canteen during lessons unless you

have a note from a teacher.• Be polite to the people serving.

Canteen price list The price list for 2018 is will be available on the Skoolbag App at the start of Term 1.

The canteen – Can you help? One of the important services at West Wallsend High School is providing Canteen facilities for students. However, this is not possible without your help. Parent/carer or guardians are needed to assist in the School Canteen. This can be a most enjoyable experience and requires only a small amount of time, possibly only one day per month. If you can assist in any way or require further information, please contact, Jennie Middlemas on 4953 2111. NB: All volunteers need a Working with Children Check from the RMS. No cost. Easy to do you only need your Driver’s Licence.