Newsletter From the Principal’s Desk Dear Parents and Carers Yet another survey! 2014 School Satisfaction Surveys The 2014 School Satisfaction Surveys will be conducted later this term. Parents and carers, school staff and students (in years 5 to 12) will be asked to participate in these important surveys. The survey results will contribute to the school improvement process, which aims to achieve high standards in student learning, innovation and best practice in ACT public schools. The surveys include nationally agreed parent and student items and our 2014 School Board Report will include a summary of our school survey results for these national items. Although the survey is voluntary, we hope you will want to participate. It won’t take much of your time and it will help us understand areas where we are doing a good job and areas for further development. A letter or email about the parent survey will be sent to you later in August. The key results from the 2013 School Satisfaction Surveys have been published in a brochure which is available at www.det.act.gov.au under ‘publications’. Thanks to those community members who have come forward to be part of our community consultation groups. Some of the learning teams still need community representation. Please consider giving up an hour of your time. Expression of interest to be a community member of a UCHSK Teaching and Learning Team Name: Parent or Student (circle) Email (students please use parents email) I would like to be involved in ONE of the following Teaching and Learning teams as a community consultant (circle): Literacy and Numeracy Differentiation ICT and Innovation Wellbeing I understand that I will have to give up an hour each semester in working hours to attend this consultation meeting. Please email Denis Dickinson at [email protected] or give a hard copy to the front office. Look out for our performance in Limelight http://www.det.act.gov.au/limelight – Rock Band, circus, dance and drumming all in the one performance. Thanks to all staff and students for their work on UCan Perform last term. What a talented group of young people we have. It was great to see so many parents give time to come and see our students perform. We promise to keep the show to an hour or there about in the future. Welcome to Sam Seton our new Deputy Principal. Issue 5/2014 August 1 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK cont... The following is the report from the Literacy and Numeracy Team. Specific Goal 1: Specific Goal 2: Specific Goal 3: Deliver an innovative, systematic and relevant curriculum linked to system and national imperatives Achievements: Embed a culture of analysis and discussion of data to inform teaching Build teacher capacity in literacy and numeracy Achievements: Achievements: Majority of the data room has been updated New data tools and data cards used for numeracy Data room morning tea Breaking down the literacy and numeracy capabilities for staff during PL week 0. Literacy program unit outline that breaks down the literacy capabilities into outcomes for the program. Program is sustainable, curriculum documents regularly updated Sharing of resources amongst teachers. Development of the reading/ vocab teacher resource In Progress: In Progress: In Progress: Looking into developing a tool in Accelerus for teachers to record against the numeracy and literacy capabilities which will be added to the end of semester reports outlining students learning of these areas. Catching up with new students Testing of LSU/ISP students Establishing on line PAT testing for the school Mapping of the numeracy capabilities across the various faculties curriculum documents UCHSK Numeracy plan IMPORTANT ACTION SERVICES On Monday 1 September 2014 a new ACTION bus network, including a new school services network, will commence. As this new ACTION school services network may affect many students we are providing four weeks’ notice to schools, students and parents to help them prepare. Please find attached a letter which contains information about the changes and where applicable, specific information regarding the changes affecting your school. Full details of the new school bus services and regular routes which will service schools are now available on the ACTION website www.action.act.gov.au. A dedicated schools information hotline is available on 6205 5033 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm) until Friday 12 September 2014. Issue 5/2014 August 2 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK cont... On Sunday, Michael Doyle the father of Connor Doyle in Year 10 passed away. The Doyle family have been connected to the school for many years and have been great supporters of many of our programs. The family‘s commitment to our community is best shown by the enormous support they have provided to the school farm. Our thoughts are with the Doyle family during this incredibly difficult time. Please contact the school if you have any concerns about your child processing this information. As always if you have any concerns please make contact with me. Denis Dickinson Principal UC High School Kaleen UCHSK ELECTRONICS POLICY The emerging technologies of electronic devices are a part of everyday life and can add value to a student’s educational experience if appropriately incorporated into the learning program. However, some use is inappropriate in the school environment and can be disruptive to student learning. The major issues relating to the use of electronic devices in the school environment include: Disruption to educational programs through the receipt and transmission of messages Privacy concerns related to the ability of many devices to take photographs or record conversations without the knowledge or consent of those being recorded Access and interface with inappropriate materials via the internet Potential for cyber bullying including the sender’s view that they have anonymity Loss and/or theft Potential for breach of copyright Duty of care to take reasonable steps to prevent persons being harmed by access to inappropriate materials, by cyber bullying, by defamation and/or threats of violence etc. UC High School does not take responsibility for the loss, theft or damage of a student’s electronic device. Unless otherwise directed by a staff member; any electronic device that is carried onto the school premises, and/or into school environments by a student must be switched off and kept out of sight between the hours of 8.55am and 3.00pm, except during recess and lunch. Parents/Carers: It is the responsibility of parents/carers to support and reinforce the school policy regarding the acceptable use of electronic devices at UC High School Kaleen and to ensure that their child is complying with the policy. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 13-15 August Writers Camp 18 August 9/10 Food Tech. Excursion 28 August Enrichment Literacy & Numeracy Day 3 Sept Issue 6 Newsletter 16 Sept Beacon Signing 19 Sept Principal’s Book Club 11.15am - 12.15pm Issue 5/2014 August In the event that emergency phone communication between students and families is necessary, communication should take place through the Front Office by phoning 62055811. Any misuse of mobile phones will result in confiscation of the phone by the Principal. DEFINITIONS School premises: includes school buildings and also school grounds. School environment: includes school premises, excursions, camps and other school organised functions and activities. Electronic device: includes, but is not limited to, mobile phones, laptop computers, music and video players, still and video cameras, voice recorders, instant messaging services, personal digital assistants, handheld games and various other functions commonly found within these devices. 3 ACT COUNCIL OF P&C ASSOCIATIONS MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER Parental Engagement A Priority $190 million extra for our schools? During Public Education Week at the end of May, it was very good to see the achievements of our students, schools, teachers, and staff showcased and celebrated. On show were so many examples of where you and your communities are actively involved with your children’s schools, through different activities and programs. Last year the ACT and Australian Governments signed a $190 million joint agreement for six years of extra funding for ACT schools following the recommendations of the Gonski review. I will continue to focus on putting children, parents, carers and communities at the centre of our education system and will be looking at further ways of communicating the values of the public education system. For example, the online enrolment system has simplified processes for parents and carers, and we have also launched the ‘Parents and Students At The Centre’ page on our website, which features stories of parent-school engagement, including one about how ACT public schools are increasingly using Facebook and Twitter to enable parents and the community to engage and stay up to date on their activities and achievements. Other initiatives include the ‘Fresh Tastes’ program which encourages learning about nutrition and healthy food and drink choices in schools and we have also launched a series of fact sheets for parents and carers of gifted and talented students. I also recently launched the ‘100 Stories: Celebrating public education in Canberra’ book which features fascinating stories of people who have influenced, or have been influenced by our public education system. This extra funding is now making a difference in our schools. It means more teachers and more resources. However, the Federal Government has now announced that it will not fund the final two years of this agreement, the crucial years where two-thirds of the funds are to be delivered. Not having this funding will make it harder for ACT schools to implement their plans for improving our schools. Those plans include: Reducing class sizes Expanding literacy and numeracy programs Increasing the individual attention and support for students at risk Providing greater assistance to students with disabilities or special needs. Please help us tell the Australian Government that we want our children to have all the resources they need for a high quality education. Visit www.igiveagonski.com.au to find out more about the issue and to add your voice to the call for needs-based funding across Australia. YEAR 10 2014 DATES TO REMEMBER Have a great run-up to the end of term and stay warm! ‘100 Stories: Celebrating public education in Canberra’ can be viewed online at www.det.act.gov.au. Joy Burch MLA Minister for Education and Training Tuesday 16th September: Beacon Signing Thursday 4th December: Year 10 Formal 6pm Friday 5th December: Last day of Year 10! JAPAN CLUB JAPAN CLUB, EVERY FRIDAY LUNCH IN THE JAPANESE ROOM. WATCH ANIME, TV SHOWS AND GAME SHOWS, LISTEN TO MUSIC, OR JUST RELAX! Issue 5/2014 August Farewell Breakfast - 8am Farewell Assembly - 9am Excursion to Big Splash - 11am Tuesday 9th December: Year 10 Graduation Assembly 11.45am 4 ISSUES IN BRIEF Page 1 From the Principal’s Desk Page 2 From the Principal’s Desk Important Action Services Page 3 From the Principal’s Desk Dates for your Diary UCHSK Electronic Policy Page 4 Message from the Minister Japan Club ACT Council of P&C Associations Year 10 Dates to Remember Page 5 Issues in Brief Contacting Students Student Absences Before & After School Supervision Page 6 WEX News Snapshot Student Tutorials Pyjama Day Advertising Page 7 UC High School Uniform Policy Uniform News Page 8 WEX News UC 4 Yourself Day Page 9 Page 10 Financial Acquittals Limelight Display Community News Page 11 Advertising Page 12 Principal’s Book Club Page 13-16 Community News STUDENT ABSENCES Please call 62055870 if your child is going to be absent from school. We would appreciate contact with the school before 9.30am. A message can be left on the answering machine prior to 8.30am. A reminder that when students sign in late, they must return the white slip to the attendance office the following day with a parent/guardian signature. Or email to: [email protected] BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION The school does not provide supervision before and after school. Parents are asked to make sure that students come to school as close as possible before the bell rings at 8.55am and that they are picked up at 3.00pm. Executive staff are on duty at the bus stop until 3.20pm and the front office should be contacted in an emergency. UCHS Kaleen newsletters are completed in weeks 3 and 7 every term. They are sent home via email and displayed on our webpage each month for viewing by our school community. Parents are often advised of school activities and events in the newsletters so it is very important that you advise us of any changes to your email address. If you would like your newsletter sent electronically, please email: [email protected] with your current email address. CONTACTING STUDENTS Occasionally parents/carers need to contact young people at school. The school will make every effort to facilitate immediate contact in an emergency or otherwise urgent situation. However, we ask that parents/carers be patient with the school in the case of non-urgent situations. School staff will endeavour to get messages to students in a way that minimises disruption to student learning. The school minimises the use of the PA system for this reason. The PA system will generally not be used to contact individual students. In non-urgent situations students will be asked to make contact with parents during recess or lunch breaks. Issue 5/2014 August 5 WEX NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S PYJAMA DAY DESK On Tuesday 24th June the Year 10 Formal Fundraising Committee ran a “Pyjama day.” Students were encouraged to dress in their PJ’s for the day as well as partaking in activities throughout assembly, like chilli chicken eating competitions. We wish to express our utmost gratitude to the ‘Green Shed’ for supporting our Inclusive Education students throughout their work experience adventures. The students enjoyed attending WEX each week and look forward to continuing their fun experiences next semester. Each day they return from WEX, and share their experiences about the wonderful staff and the jobs they complete during the day. Their parents also express gratitude to the Green Shed team and are very pleased to know that their children are learning and developing new skills at each visit. SNAPSHOT Prizes were awarded for best dressed students, and even the Principal got into it by dressing in his suit and Ugg boots! During lunch time students got to throw wet sponges at teachers (even worse in 4 degree temps) eat fairy floss and donuts on a string. There was a guessing jar of lollies, won by Gavin H in year 9. Stay tuned for more events throughout second semester. A big thank you to Sam Gazzard for her fairy floss machine, and to the teachers who were willing to have cold, wet sponges thrown at their (often bald) heads. Mr. Barry ADVERTISING Mr Issa braving freezing wet sponges! STUDENT TUTORIALS In addition to attending classes to support ATSI and International Students with their learning, Ryan Whitmore also holds tutorials every Thursday at 11.45am to support students with test preparation, assignments and any difficult work. Please encourage your child to attend. Mr. Rolfe Issue 5/2014 August 6 UC HIGH SCHOOL KALEEN UNIFORM POLICY Thankyou to the many students (and their families) who have shown their support by wearing our school uniform. Students at UC High School Kaleen are strongly encouraged to adhere to the uniform guidelines, and it is compulsory to wear school uniform on excursions, and at various school functions. The following clothing items are included in our Uniform Policy: Tops School uniform tops embroidered with the UCHS Kaleen Logo (available by order from the Front Office) Pants/Shorts/Skirts Students may wear navy, black or dark grey pants, trackpants or shorts. Female students may wear box pleat skirts. Shorts/ skirts need to be an appropriate length (mid thigh or longer). Ordering Uniforms Uniform tops can be easily purchased via our Front Office. Students are welcome to come in and try on various sizes and payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card. We endeavor to hold as much variety of stock as possible (within financial constraints), however there is sometimes a delay of 2 -3 weeks in providing a particular item if we have run out of stock and an order needs to be placed with our supplier in Melbourne. If you are experiencing financial difficulties with purchasing school uniform, please contact Denis Dickinson, Principal, on 62055811 to discuss. If you have any uniform queries, please contact our Uniform Coordinator, Tania Carnegie, on 62413308, email [email protected], or contact the friendly staff at the Front Office on 62055811. Jumpers/Hoodies School Hoodies/Hoodie Jackets, Polar Fleeces and Rugby Tops are available by order from the Front Office. Students may also wear plain navy jumpers, hoodies or jackets. UNIFORM NEWS Footwear Sports shoes (Runners/Joggers) or black leather shoes. Enclosed shoes are a safety requirement for Science, Technology and Cooking. Caps/hats are encouraged for sun protection outside, but must be taken off inside. PE Sports shoes (Runners/Joggers). For hygiene reasons it is requested that students bring a plain T Shirt to change into for PE classes. Students who are inappropriately dressed may be required to change into clothing provided by the school. No singlet-type garments or those that expose the midriff are permitted. Thongs or backless shoes are not acceptable. In some cases parents will be contacted. Secondhand Stock We have a small supply of secondhand stock. If you have any uniforms (in reasonable condition!) that your child has grown out of, particularly Dri Polo’s, we would greatly appreciate it if you would consider donating them to the school. All donations can be left with the Front Office. EOFY SALE!!! We have a small collection of unwanted/unclaimed Year 10 tops going for the bargain price of $35!!! Tops may only be purchased by Year 10 students or Staff. Students were allowed to include a nickname or saying on their shirts at time of ordering, so there are some ‘interesting’ choices available….! Ladies Size 12 – ‘Harvay’ Ladies Size 12 – ‘Radical Rump’ Ladies Size 16 – ‘Mrs Vanders’ Men’s/ Unisex Size M – “LAUU” Men’s/Unisex Size M - blank Men’s/Unisex Size L – blank If you would like to purchase a top, please see Mr Barry, Tania (in the WEX Room) or leave a message at the Front Office . Tania Carnegie Tania Carnegie Uniform Coordinator Issue 5/2014 August 7 WEX NEWS Term 2 was very busy with many students undergoing Pathways Interviews, completing their WEX placements and attending courses. Please join me in congratulating the following students who have successfully completed their WEX placement since the last Newsletter Lily L– Stage Management Lily L (again!) – Nursing (special acknowledgement to Lily for going above and beyond to secure her nursing placement by having extra immunisations done before her application was accepted!) Isaac P – Office Duties (continuing) Nick G – Recycling/Retail Jabriel L – Recycling/Retail Connor D – Recycling/Retail (continuing) Luke G - Recycling/Retail (continuing) Luke G (again!) - Mechanic Stephen M - Recycling/Retail (continuing) Fabia A – Office Duties/Library Illy KT – Childcare Braden R – Zookeeper Amber Q – Teacher (Primary) Jessica M – Teacher (Primary) Mitchell B – Construction Tahnee I – Equine Vet Tyler H – Retail (music/audio) Teaghan S – Disability Support Worker Congratulations to Teaghan S who was subsequently offered, and accepted, an Australian School-Based Apprenticeship (ASBA) in Certificate III Disability following her successful WEX placement. At the time of this newsletter going to print, the school now has 3 students undertaking an ASBA this year – Luke M, Dylan C (both in Construction) and Teaghan. This is a wonderful achievement for a school of this size! Congratulations also to these students for completing the following courses – National Construction Induction Card (White card) and Asbestos Awareness training at the Capital Training Institute Anii B Mitchell B Jack S Hospitality course through Access Alex S Issue 5/2014 August and finally, well done to the following students for attending the Careers with Health Day Out – Ayesha A Van L Term 3 promises to be just as busy with 23 WEX placements already booked and more to come! Interested Year 9 and 10 students also attended the Careers Xpo on Wednesday 30th July to learn more about the potential pathways available to them once they finish school. Ms Omufila hopes to complete all of the Year 10 Pathways Interviews this term, with interviews for Year 9 possibly starting in Term 4 and continuing into 2015. Unfortunately we have had only a handful of students bring in their deposit and Expression of Interest Form to do their White Card and Asbestos Awareness training at a course hosted at our school. If there are no further responses we will look at sourcing training for those interested students through an alternate provider. Students are reminded to please return their signed 4 Way Agreement to the school before they start their placements. Agreements must be signed by the host employer unless alternative arrangements have been made by either Ms Omufila or Tania to have the forms signed on your behalf. Agreements can either be given directly to Ms Omufila, Tania (in the WEX Room) or left at the Front Office! If you would like any further information, please come and see us in the WEX Room, or leave a message at the Front Office on 62055811. Faith Omufila and Tania Carnegie UC 4 YOURSELF DAY In Week 1, 37 Year 9 students attended the University of Canberra for the day to get a taste of what it is like to be a University student. Students attended an Expo which showcased a lot of the different opportunities available. They attended workshops in either Robotics or Ecology, and visited the student accommodation. The students had a great day and were great Ambassadors for our school. Mr. Rolfe 8 FINANCIAL ACQUITTALS CROSS COUNTRY 2014 Income $ Expenditure $ (from all sources including fundraising) (include relief staff costs, administra on costs etc.) Payments $301.00 Bus $258.18 TOTAL INCOME: $301.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE: $258.18 RESULT (+ or ‐) + $42.82 DENDY CINEMA EXCURSION 2014 Income $ Expenditure $ (from all sources including fundraising) (include relief staff costs, administra on costs etc.) Payments 380.50 Dendy ckets $368.19 TOTAL INCOME: $380.50 TOTAL EXPENDITURE: $368.19 RESULT (+ or ‐) + $12.31 MUSEUM EXCURSION 2014 Income $ Expenditure $ (from all sources including fundraising) (include relief staff costs, administra on costs etc.) Payments 238.00 Bus $200.00 TOTAL INCOME: $238.00 TOTAL EXPENDITURE: $200.00 RESULT (+ or ‐) + $38.00 Issue 5/2014 August 9 ‘LIMELIGHT’ ART GALLERY DISPLAY Hayley S’s artwork! ‘Step Into the Limelight’ art exhibition, on display at the ANU School of Art Gallery. COMMUNITY NEWS Issue 5/2014 August 10 ADVERTISING *UCHSK does not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised Issue 5/2014 August 11 PRINCIPAL’S BOOK CLUB Issue 5/2014 August 12 COMMUNITY NEWS *UCHSK does not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised Issue 5/2014 August 13 COMMUNITY NEWS *UCHSK does not necessarily endorse the products or services advertised Issue 5/2014 August 14 COMMUNITY NEWS Issue 5/2014 August 15 COMMUNITY NEWS Issue 5/2014 August 16
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