Woolgoolga High School€¦ · Based on the Dream Works Animation Motion Picture Book by: Kevin Del...

Woolgoolga High School

Newsletter Issue 17 . 8 November 2019

Woolgoolga High School will be closed Tuesday

12 November due to fires. Click below for more information https://woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/parent-information/bush-fire-information.html

CENTENARY DRIVE WOOLGOOLGA 2452 . 6654 1500 . [email protected] . www.woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the Principal P.2

Coming events P.3

Aust College of Educators P.4

2019 Bush Fire Arrangements P.5

Thirsty? Choose Water P.6

Year 10 Geography P.6

HSC Visual Arts Works P.7

Angela Poultney / Under 15 Netball P.8-9

Year 6-7 Orientation P.10

RRISK—Year 11 P.11

2020 Sport Carnival Dates P.11

Term 4 Community Projects P.12

SMILE Community P.13

Tickets will go on sale from the

school front office (66541500) on

Monday 11 November and will need

to be presented on the night.

Tickets may also be purchased at

the door on the night of the musical.

No POP payments will be accepted.

Adults $15

Child & Concession $8

Family $40

Seating is not numbered so the

early bird gets the worm!

Woolgoolga High School Presents

Based on the Dream Works Animation Motion Picture

Book by: Kevin Del Aguila

Original music and lyrics by: George Noriega & Joel Someillan

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).

All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.

Woolgoolga High School Hall

Thursday 28th

November 2019

Friday 29th

November 2019

Saturday 30th

November 2019

Doors Open @ 6:30pm Show @ 7pm

Door Sales Welcome

School Canteen Available with Refreshments

https://woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/parent-information/bush-fire-information.html

Woolgoolga High School Newsletter 2 8 November 2019 . Issue 17


Our thoughts go out to those communities that

have been affected by the devastation caused

by the fires.

It is important that all within our school commu-

nity know that should there be a catastrophic

fire warning given for our area the school will

be closed and no staff or students will be

attending the school. This information will be

placed on our school website and local radio

stations will also be informed.

Today is Remembrance Day and was part of

our assembly. At 11.00am on 11 November

each year people from countries around the

world pause to commemorate Remembrance

Day, the anniversary of the day fighting ended

during the First World War. It is important that

we remember and learn from the past.

Three of our staff were honoured last Friday at

the Australian College of Educators (ACE)

World Teachers Day celebrations at the Osprey

Restaurant at the Coffs Harbour Education

Campus. The Australian College of Educators

Awards are given to our high performing educa-

tors from pre school, primary school, high

school (public and private) TAFE and

university.

I am so proud to announce and reproduce the

citation on this page and on page ?? Of this

newsletter. Congratulations to Kim Beedie,

Blake Cusack and Erica Beesley. We are so

lucky to have such outstanding educators in our

school.

From the Principal’s Desk

It is important that all within our school community know that

should there be a catastrophic fire warning given for our area

the school will be closed and no staff or students will be attend-

ing the school.

Kim Beedie is a special education teacher

who has worked with students with learning

difficulties for most of her 29 year teaching

career.

Kim was appointed to Woolgoolga High

School in 2018 and established a second MC

Class which targets many of our most

challenging students. She is changing student

lives, in fact the student’s families have also

been very positively impacted from her work.

Kim is driven to ensure all of her students

re-engage in learning, feel good about them-

selves and are effectively prepared for their

individual futures. Kim has created a learning

environment that allows these students to

experience a sense of belonging whilst main-

taining clear expectations of individual

accountability for learning, behaviour and

relationships. Under Kim’s careful direction

these students have blossomed and now

enjoy attending school and learning. There is

a genuine warmth and communal spirit within

her classroom.

Our whole school staff has benefited by

adding her expertise into our school. Her

practices in engaging the most disengaged

students are being tried and implemented by

many teaching staff across the school.

Kim Beedie is indeed an outstanding teacher who is a worthy recipient of this World Teachers Day Award.

Until next time

Guy Wright

Principal



The WHS P & C

meets on the

second Tuesday of

every month at

6.30pm

COMING EVENTS

Thurs 17 Oct to Mon 11 Nov • Higher School Certificate Exams

Thurs 21 Nov • Year 10 Police Talks/road safety and parties

Wed 27 Nov • Musical Madagascar to Primary School

Wed 27 Nov to

Mon 2 Dec • Musical Madagascar performances

Tue 3 Dec • Year 6 Orientation Day

Mon 9 Dec to

Fri 14 Dec • Year 10 Work Experience

Wed 11 Dec to

Fri 13 Dec • Coastal Walk Excursion

Tue 17 Dec • Annual Presentation Assembly

• HSC Results

Fri 20 Dec • Last Day Term 4

Sat 21 Dec to

Mon 27 Jan • School Holidays

Roll up to watch Woolgoolga &

Toormina High School students getting

inky and making amazing shorebird

prints for the Overwintering Project

exhibition!

SATURDAY 30

NOVEMBER 2019

8.30AM—12.00PM

CASTLE STREET

CARPARK,

COFFS HARBOUR

More information and FREE tickets

www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/gallery

Our students are participating in the Overwintering

project in conjunction with the Coffs Harbour Art

Gallery, by each doing a lino print based on the shore-

birds. The lino will be printed on this day which have

been worked on in Art classes over the last few weeks

with our artists in residence from the gallery. Everyone

is welcome to come along to this event and support

our students.



The Australian College of Educators Awards are given to our high performing educators from pre

school, primary school, high school (public and private) TAFE and

university.

The Australian College of Educators

Blake Cusack has been an important link

between our school and the local Aborigi-

nal Community creating positive relation-

ships.

In 2019 Blake was asked to step forward

and work as a Teacher’s Aide in our MC

Class that was established to cater for

some of our most challenging students.

Blake has helped these students

re-engage in their education and through

her caring and mature nature she has

developed trusted positive relationships

with the students.

Blake has been able to add a new

perspective into their education. Along with

the classroom teacher Kim Beedie she has

introduced a significant Gumbaynggirr

Aboriginal languages component into the

class curriculum. All students in this class

are now totally re-engaged in their learn-

ing.

As President of the local AECG and

committee member of Muurrbay Language

and Culture Co-op, Blake was asked to

speak at the recent Puliima Aboriginal Lan-

guage conference in Darwin. She was able

to showcase clearly how Woolgoolga High

School is helping to lead the way in the

teaching of the Gumbaynggirr language.

Blake is indeed a worthy recipient of the

World Teachers Day Award.



11 November 2019

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 2019 – 2020 BUSH FIRE SEASON

Dear parent/carer,

I am writing to let you know about arrangements for our school for the current bush fire season.

Our school has been identified as a school at increased risk if a bush fire were to break out on a day when a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is issued for our area.

To ensure the health, safety and welfare of students and staff, the NSW Department of Education has determined that on days when a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is issued for our area, the school will temporarily cease operations. This is based on information obtained through a bush fire assessment of our school arranged by the department.

A Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating does not mean there will be a catastrophic fire, but rather weather conditions that could pose a high risk for a bush fire. The rating is a proactive measure to ensure staff, students and the community remain safe.

This is likely to occur on a very small number of days during the bush fire season, if at all. To ensure that we continue to support student learning on these days, I have put the following arrangements in place:

Should a catastrophic fire rating be put in place information will be placed on our school website at http: www.woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.edu.au.

The school may only receive notification of a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating on the day before the fore-cast is issued. To assist me in contacting all parents please ensure that you have provided the school with up-to-date home or after hours contact details. You can also check the school website and social media on these days for up to date communications on school operations.

Please contact the school on 02 6654 1500 if you would like any further information about this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Guy Wright Principal

Guy Wright Principal

Woolgoolga High School Centenary Drive Woolgoolga 2456

Phone (02) 6654 1500

Fax (02) 6654 1936

Email: [email protected]

http://www.woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

mailto:[email protected]



Behavioural Interventions and Water Stations in Regional Secondary Schools

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Our school has agreed to participate in a research study which is exploring ways to promote and

increase water consumption and decrease sugar sweetened beverage (SSBs) consumption in

Year 7 students.

We know that childhood overweight and obesity is a significant problem and has negative health

effects on children both in the short and long-term. We also know that consuming sugary drinks

such as soft drink, sports drinks, energy drinks and juices contributes to this. Therefore, this is an

important study to determine how we can encourage children to drink more water.

Our school will be promoting the message of choosing water throughout the school and in PDHPE

lessons as well as installing a water station for students to access.

All Year 7 students will participate in a survey at the beginning, and end of the study. This will

allow us to determine which factors are most important in promoting water as a preferred drink.

A detailed note to parents with further information will be sent home with Year 7 students in the

near future. If for any reason you do not wish your child to participate in these surveys, please

inform the school by completing and returning the permission slip on the bottom of the note to

your student’s PDHPE teacher.

Week 3 this term, Year 10 Geography went to Woolgoolga Beach to

complete a field study as a compulsory component of their Geography

syllabus. The purpose of their study was to investigate the management

of Woolgoolga Beach and Sand Dunes through the completion of primary

research activities including field measurements, sketches, visual obser-

vations, photographic comparisons and note taking. This is then supple-

mented with secondary sources back in the classroom such as newspa-

per articles, graphs and historical documents. The result is the submis-

sion of an extensive report which identifies fieldwork methods, the human

impact on the beach and sand dunes, organises and processes the data

collected, and evaluates the effectiveness of the management strategies

observed.

This part of the Year 10 Geography course is always a highlight of the

year. Many students start to see their local area in a different light when

studying contemporary geographical issues such as these; how can they

contribute to and influence them.

Mrs Chivers and Ms Hyder

Year 10 Geography Field Study



Pictured clockwise: Erin Dalton,

Alex Rook, Alexis Gonzalez, Tahlia

Gillespie, Joseph Dare, Tahli Ber-

inger, Jade Farleigh, Maddison Avery



For those of you unfamiliar with who I am, my name is Angela. I’m currently in Year 9 and if you hadn’t

already noticed, I have a severe vision impairment. I was recently asked if I could write an article giving an

explanation of the Braille course I am studying at school.

Firstly, if you don’t know what braille is, it’s basically a written tactile code - raised dots that can be read with

the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. A Braille cell contains 6 dots. Different patterns of

raised dots represent certain letters, words or signs. Braille is produced using an embosser (manually or

electronically). Created by Frenchman Louis Braille in 1824, who at 15 years old created the first tactile code

(later adopted by soldiers in the wars to communicate in secrecy and at night), Unified English Braille is read

in the same way as print (left to right and top to bottom) and is used for literary and technical materials

throughout the English-speaking world.

My first introduction to Braille was at about 3 or 4 years of age, though not

literate enough to understand written words let alone a different language/code,

it confused me significantly. I went on to rely upon large print and electronic

access to the curriculum at primary school. As Year 7 came and went, I was

introduced to the idea of learning braille as a secondary compensatory access

method of information access and communication. As skeptical as I may have

been, in Year 8 I decided that even if doing a course such as Braille labelled me

as being a bit ‘different’, I was going to take up the opportunity, especially with my

risk of vision fluctuation/deterioration in the future. I have been classified as

‘legally blind’ my whole life and reading print and my own handwriting had

become increasingly difficult and straining as my academic workload increased.

My Specialist Teacher Vision began my Braille

course at the end of 2018. Progress was initially

quite slow (and my exasperation high). Neverthe-

less, it quickly picked up momentum and I am

pleased to say that with the endless support and

impeccable educatory skills of my vision teacher,

Jemma Burrows to whom I could not survive without,

I’ve now completed the Mangold Braille Recognition

Program, in which I have learned tactile perception

skills and can now ‘read’ with my fingers. Being able

to read 84 characters per

minute with over 92% accuracy is only the begin-

ning, but not something I ever thought I would be

able to do. I had to apologise to everyone I startled

with my celebratory scream on achieving this accom-

plishment (specifically Mr Rutledge - who supposed-

ly shed a tear at my exuberant commemoration).

“There’s nothing on that page.”

“You don’t look visually impaired.”

“You didn’t wave back.”

Believe it or not, these statements I hear frequently.

Angela Poultney—Year 9



I also thought I should quickly address the area of my

course that tends to spark the most interest. That being

my Braille writing implement - the Perkins Braillewriter

(first developed in 1951). Although many electronic

Braille devices exist (and I have been exposed to them),

I have enjoyed learning to write Braille using the Perkins.

Similar- looking to a typewriter, it makes a very audible

noise, and hence is cause for some attention and odd

looks from other students and teachers in the library.

While I have a significant sensory disability, I

also have many strengths, skills and abilities. I

enjoy playing music (piano), reading, figure

skating, being irritatingly optimistic and obnox-

iously loud (obviously not in class, despite

many people in my year who would probably

beg to differ), and I give everything a go. My

advice is don’t be afraid to talk to me, or anyone

with a disability. We’re actually really cool

people (100% unbiased opinion)!

I am learning the rules of contracted Braille via an online

program (uebonline.org), which I access visually on my

iPad or on a magnified desktop computer. Once I com-

plete my Braille course I will be known as a dual media

user (ie can access information in a variety of formats -

tactile, large print, electronic and audio).

Massive congratulations to the U15 Netball team who made it through to round two of the North

Coast CHS knockout at Woolgoolga on Friday 1st November. The second round against Orara

High School unfortunately saw them go down in a hard fought battle 16-32.

Stars of the court were Colleen Brauman with representative game experience and sheer determi-

nation in centre; Claudia O’Connor, Esha McCarthy and Riley McCarthy with some sensational

midcourt combinations and plays; Rianna Binning and Lilly Bartley worked super hard in the goal

third proving their worth with many fabulous intercepts; Gemma Barnes and Ebony Singh made a

great shooting team; and Brydi Custance was an invaluable asset in both goal defence and shoot-

ing. Special mention to Ella Wilson and Ashman Chaudhry for umpiring and the Woolgoolga

Netball Club coaches helping with advice, positioning and cheering. I am very proud of the girls’

sportsmanship and team effort displayed on the day and the tired smiles at the end said it all.

Under 15 Netball



On Thursday 24 October, indigenous students

from our local schools attended various activi-

ties here at Woolgoolga High to meet our

amazing Aboriginal Educational Officers,

Blake Cusack and Kelly Hine. The wonderful

Jo Hine, who teaches many of our students

Gumbaynggirr, also attended. The students

were painted with ochre then participated in a

Welcome and Smoking Ceremony facilitated

by Steven Skinner. After introductions to

various students and staff, the students had a

tour of the school finishing in the language

room for a mini-lesson with Blake and

Mrs Hine. They all shared lunch and got to

know each other.

The feedback received by staff, parents and students expressed not only the enjoyment of the day

but also the excitement to start Year 7 in 2020 at Woolgoolga High School. Thank you to all partici-

pating schools and staff who assisted in the organisation of the event.

Year 6—7 Indigenous Students’ Orientation

Academic Achievement Centre

A learning initiative for our student voluntarily staffed by teachers across a range of subject areas.

Tuesdays 8.00am – 8.55am

Thursday3.15pm – 4.30pm

Transport will need to be arranged by parents to and from the school for their child to participate

in the program.

Permission notes available from the office.



2020 SPORT CARNIVAL DATES

PLEASE NOTE: DATES AND VENUES ARE CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING BUT ARE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK CLOSER TO EVENT.

SWIMMING CROSS

COUNTRY

ATHLETICS

WHS Wed 5/2/20 Whole school

Woolgoolga

Wed 12/2/20 Competitors only

Woolgoolga

Thu 9/4/20

Woolgoolga

Wed 6/5/20 & Fri 8/5/20

Woolgoolga

MNC Mon 24/2/20

Grafton

Fri 15/5/20 (TBC)

Nana Glen

Thurs 18/6/20

Coffs Harbour

NC Tue 3/3/20

Coffs Harbour

Fri 12/6/20

Lismore

Thurs 6/8/20

Kingscliff

NSW Wed–Fri, 1–3/4/20

Homebush

Fri 24/7/20

Eastern Creek

Wed–Fri, 2–4/9/20

Homebush

RRISK

Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge RRISK is a health promotion program that addresses risk taking behaviour amongst Year 11

students on the North Coast of NSW.

RRISK is a resilience building program that is relevant to the social life, developmental stage and concerns of

adolescents. It extends the school based drug education and road safety curriculum by providing opportuni-

ties for senior high school students to develop knowledge, attitudes and skills to reduce risk taking and

develop safer celebrating strategies.

Students from Woolgoolga High School attended the RRISK day at Southern Cross University on Thursday 8

November. Students were educated about road risks and safe behaviours as they were provided with practi-

cal skills and strategies to manage risks across many aspects of their social lives by addressing binge drink-

ing and drug use, safe partying and encouraging them to look after their friends.

Thanks to Mrs Hart for the organisation of the day.



A group of students are volunteering

each week this term to our Community

Project initiative. This week we visited

Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre

and assisted the manager Bob in replac-

ing some of the boards on the board-

walk. Initially established in 1987 by the

Garby Elders, Yarrawarra is proudly

owned and operated on a not-for-profit

basis. The students enjoyed Bob chat-

ting to them about the significance of the

area for Aboriginal people and his wis-

dom of the bush tucker surrounding the

boardwalk. We even tried a few local del-

icacies. The students felt the contribution

the centre gives daily to our local com-

munity a worthwhile addition to the Com-

munity project initiative.

Term 4 – Community projects

Yarrawarra Aboriginal

Cultural Centre board-

walk receives much

needed repairs

Salvo’s Christmas Hamper Appeal

for drought and bushfire survivors

Woolgoolga High School is once again supporting this great appeal with

the Salvation Army.

Donations of non perishable food, toiletries, pet food, children’s toys,

books etc. will be collected during home group by student members of the

SRC.

Thank you for your kind donations which are gratefully accepted.



Forty of our SMILE mentors had lunch with community members and representatives of organiza-

tions that support the SMILE program, and the community at large.

Our guests were delighted to see the program going strong, as the mentors shared a presentation

of their experience with the SMILE program. The mentor’s presentation took the guest on the

journey from their training, to mentoring young students, to planning and producing whole school

events with the focus of improving positive relationships in the school.

The visitors, representing Rotary, Lions, Quota, Lifeline, Zonta, Police, Aboriginal Officer of DOE,

STARTTS and Headspace all shared what their role and how their organization assist people in

the community.

The common element in the room was they all had an interest in the wellbeing of people and

community.

Over lunch they shared ideas and experiences of positive work in community with guests

commenting it was an enjoyable and valuable experience to just sit at the table and talk with young

mentors.

A huge thank you goes out to our guests and their respective organization for their ongoing friend-

ship and support.

A Meeting of Community Minds



Wanted : Homestay Hosts

We are looking for caring families and individuals to provide a wonderful home away from home

for international students attending Woolgoolga High School.

Must be able to provide meals and a Working With Children Check.

Hosts receive $285 per week for a single room. Short (1 term) to long (4 terms) stays are

available.

Apply online at www.staydownunder.com.au

For further information contact Stay DownUnder on (02) 8901 4499

Or school co-ordinator Mrs Megan Hart (02 6654 1500)

Monster auction held at the Rotary compound and shed behind the Woolgoolga CWA build-ing (beside the Diggers RSL club) on the first Saturday of every month (except January).

A significant portion of the funds raised goes to supporting programs for local school students.

Smaller items will be on sale from 10am, with the larger items to be auctioned off from 1pm.

A big thank you to each of the members of our community who have donated goods. If you have items for pickup, call Dick Matthews on 6654 1828.

SAY NO TO NASTY (coming soon)

http://www.staydownunder.com.au



Available At Woolgoolga High School

A secure Westpac banking facility has now been added to the Woolgoolga High School website to allow

parents/carers to make online Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card payments for things like voluntary school

contributions, excursions, sporting activities or sales to students.

To make a payment click on the link and go the “Make a Payment” tab: http://www.woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

We hope you will find this payment option convenient. Payments can still be made at the Woolgoolga High School

Office by cash, cheque or EFTPOS before school and during break 1.

Woopi High Canteen

fresh food daily

Volunteering in the canteen is a great way to give back and the

students always love seeing their family members helping out.

We are flexible with days and hours as any help is always

appreciated. Ring the school on 66541500 to speak to one of

the canteen team.

To view the menu and price list click here

http://www.woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

https://woolgoolga-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/w/woolgoolga-h/localcontent/student-and-parent-information/MENU_2018.pdf

Woolgoolga High School€¦ · Based on the Dream Works Animation Motion Picture Book by: Kevin Del...

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