Welcome to Term 2 2021 from the Principal

Term 1 was a positive beginning to the year for our school. Our staff are focused on helping our students to work on succeeding with their education. Our school will always support students who are making a genuine effort to work with us. All students and staff at ETASC should be striving to display ethics and behaviour which are going to be beneficial to all.

A pathway plan interview is conducted with every student in Year 7, Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11. Commencing 2022, Year 12 will also be included. Pathway plans provide a framework where ETASC can provide support and guidance for students so they can develop vocational and job goals and make informed decisions about their career path. I conduct every interview with the Year 7 students so I have the opportunity to meet them. I am also involved in all of the pathway plans when parents/carers are present. Our Student Development Coordinators, Jasmyn and Elissa, follow up and monitor every Years 9 – 12 pathway plan with each student to ensure they are getting the support they need. We believe the pathway plan framework positively assists students to make realistic and achievable plans for their future.

NAPLAN testing will occur in Term 2 for our Year 7 and Year 9 students. At ETASC we see the NAPLAN Tests as an experience for students to engage and to better prepare them for similar activities in the future. Students who go on to sit their HSC, students sitting tests for entry into TAFE trade courses or similar, and students who go for job interviews that may involve a literacy or numeracy test will benefit from having experienced the test conditions for NAPLAN. This is an example as to how our school model is designed to provide students with experiences that will help them in the world of work.

Tony Mylan
ET Australia Secondary College Principal

There are a number of School Events planned for Term 2.

Parents/carers will be emailed with details of each event and where permission is required, we ask that you REPLY to the email with your permission, as instructed. This will ensure that your response goes to the staff member who is responsible for that event.

Students without parent/carer consent provided cannot be included in the event. Phone calls, handwritten notes and texts are not accepted, unless a prior agreement has been made with the Assistant Principal. Some events will be limited due to transport or other considerations, so getting in early will be important once you are notified that bookings are open.

Year 7 Excursion – Clip n Climb

When: Wednesday 23rd June
Location: Clip n Climb, Central Coast Leagues Club

While students will be challenging themselves climbing, the focus of this excursion will be on measurement and practical use of fractions, decimals and percentages for Mathematics.

Students will demonstrate competence while performing skills in a variety of settings, making correct decisions under pressure for PDHPE.

Parents and carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you via email.

Year 8 Excursion – Q Station

When: Monday 14th June
Location: Quarantine Station, Manly

In History this term, Year 8 students will be studying the Great Plague which occurred in Medieval Europe.

Q–Station will provide students with the opportunity to see how plagues affected Sydney in the 19th Century. Students will examine how authorities dealt with its first contact during early British settlement and how it has changed over time.

Students will explore how sickness and disease influenced the establishment of the site and how it functioned. Students will also discover the story of plague outbreaks in Sydney and the quarantine process that occurred in the event of a plague.

Parents and carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you via email.

Year 7 Excursion – Muogamarra Nature Reserve

When: Monday 21st June
Location: Muogamarra Nature Reserve, near Cowan

As part of the study of Geography this term, ET Australia Secondary College will be taking Year 7 students on an excursion with the Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre to Muogamarra Nature Reserve.

During the day, students will identify and describe the features of the dominant riverine landscape, investigate the human landscape including how the area is currently used, how it is valued by different groups and the impacts of changes over time on the landscape.

Students will be introduced to the nature of Geographical inquiry and the practical use of these Geographical tools.

Parents and carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you via email.

Key Dates for Term 2 2021

• Wednesday 21^st April 2021 – Term 2 commences for students
• Tuesday 11^th May 2021 to the 18^th May 2021 – NAPLAN testing will be conducted for students in Years 7 and 9.
• Monday 7^th June 2021 to Wednesday 9^th June 2021 – HSC Minimum Standards testing will commence for all Year 10 students.
• Friday 25^th June 2021 – last day of Term 2. This will be a half day for students in Years 7 to 10, they will be dismissed at 11:55am.

NSW Youth Week 2021

Youth Week will take place from 16th to 24th April and there will be a variety of activities, opportunities and events across NSW for young people.

As part of Youth Week, students can lead the direction of the new NSW Government Strategic Plan for Children and Young People. All they need to do is complete a short survey and they will go in the running to win prizes.

Entries close 24th April, 2021. Click on the following link to find out more: http://bit.ly/SEYW2021

NAPLAN

Year 7 and Year 9 will be participating in NAPLAN Online which will be held at the school during week 4 (11^th to the 14^th of May). The testing timetable is as follows: Monday – Writing, Tuesday – Reading, Wednesday – Language and Thursday – Numeracy. Catch up opportunities will be available in week 5. ETASC engages in the NAPLAN Online Tests which allows the students access to certain supports and tailored testing.

For more information about NAPLAN online please see the website  https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment.

Any questions please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler.

Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students

A reminder to parents/carers that for their child to continue their enrolment here at the college, students need to maintain a consistent pattern of attendance.

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires all students to have a minimum attendance percentage of 85% throughout the year.

This means the college expects every student to attend school every day unless they are too sick to attend. In the event of absence caused by illness, the college requires an explanation of the absence within 24 hours of the student’s absence. Notification can be provided via text message, email, or phone call. In the event of three or more consecutive days off, the college can request a medical certificate to support the provided reasons. If you have other reasons for a student being absent for the day (family emergency for example) please provide the college office with an explanation so we can account for the student’s absence.

For more information on school attendance please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

Reporting Student Absence

It is a government requirement for parents/carers to notify and provide a reason for their child’s absence from school on every occasion. To ensure notifications are always received and recorded by the appropriate staff members, a generic email address has been introduced for absentee notifications. We request this email address is used from now on rather than emailing individual staff members. This will ensure the notification is received by reception regardless of who is working on the day. Methods for notifying the school for absences from now on are:

• Email: attendance@et.makearchive.com.au
• Phone: 02 4323 1233 after 8:30am

When your child is absent from school and we have not been notified, an SMS message will be sent to your mobile informing you of their absence which you are able to reply to.

Request for Student Leave

The Department of Education’s requirement for school attendance also affects opportunities for families to take holidays during school terms. Some schools are withdrawing the option of families taking students out of school for holidays.

ETASC is flexible but the Minister of Education requires us to ensure all student leave during term time be approved by the college Principal in advance. A Student Leave Request form is available from reception and needs to be completed 4 weeks prior to the planned absence from school.

Please contact the college office on 02 4323 1233 if you have any further queries about holidays during school terms.

ET Australia Secondary College – A Non-Smoking High School

ETASC is a non-smoking secondary college for ALL students and staff – this includes the use of vape pens and e-cigarettes.

Students who are caught smoking cigarettes, using and/or possessing vape pens or e-cigarettes during school hours will have their cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigarettes confiscated and destroyed. Parents/carers will be contacted to inform them of this behaviour.

Advice from NSW Health clearly outlines that it is illegal to sell cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vape pens, or accessories to, or buy these products on the behalf of a person under 18 years of age.

Please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarettes.aspx for more information from NSW Health.

Any student smoking cigarettes, using and/or possessing vape pens or e-cigarettes during school hours will be in breach of school rules and this will be treated the same way as any other breach of school rules. Repeat offenders will be placed on a school contract that will stipulate the behaviour required to maintain their enrolment at the college. The school contract with the student will include the provision of access to quit smoking programs and access to the college psychologist to develop strategies to use instead of smoking during the school day. Breaching the school contract will result in the student’s expulsion from the college.

Enrolments

ETASC still has limited places available at the college for 2021 and we have new students commencing their enrolment at the beginning of Term 2.

Limited places are still available in Years 7, 10, and 11 for 2021. If anyone you know is interested in a place in the year groups listed, you are urged to act now. Years 8 and 9 are currently full and a waiting list is in place for both year groups. We have received a lot of interest for places in Year 9, in particular, and there is a waiting list.

The Year 7 2022 enrolment process has commenced, and interviews are now being conducted. Interviews will continue in Term 2 to ensure we have a full cohort of Year 7 students for the 2022 school year. If you are interested and you haven’t contacted the college, please give the office a call on 4323 1233 so your details can go on the enquiry list.

School Fees

School Fees for 2021 are $1500.

A reminder to parents/carers that paying school fees is compulsory at ETASC as the contributions made provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of different learning experiences.

It is a requirement of a student’s enrolment that school fees are paid by parents/carers and failure to pay fees will result in the student’s enrolment being withdrawn.

Scholarships are available to families who are suffering financial hardship and we encourage all parents/carers to apply for scholarships if they are struggling to pay school fees. Information regarding school fees, payment plans, and scholarships are available on the college website.

For more information on school fees please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

Opal Cards

The Department of Transport issues OPAL Cards and schools are no longer involved in the issue and re-issue of this free service for school children. Parents/carers are now responsible to follow up with errors or lost and stolen cards. Students are advised not to put OPAL cards near phones or other cards.

For more information on OPAL Cards please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

Contacting Students in Class Time

Please do not phone your child during class time, they will be tempted to answer which is very disruptive to the class. Their phone should be off and out of sight. Parents/carers who need to contact their child during school hours are asked to do so by calling the college office on 4323 1233 or wait until break times.

Banned items – Reminder

Students are prohibited from bringing certain items to school:

• Chewing gum
• Aerosol cans – deodorant etc.
• Knives
• Liquid paper
• Permanent markers
• Laser devices
• Metal or opaque drink bottles
• Cigarettes
• e-cigarettes or vape pens
• Cigarette lighters or matches

If students bring these items to school, they will be confiscated.

If students continue to bring these items to school appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the consequences for breaches of the expected behaviour outlined at enrolment and in the  Years 7 to 10 College Handbook and Years 11 and 12 College Handbook.

Medication Taken at School

Alterations have been made to our administration of student medication process.

In conjunction with our First Aid and Medications Policy, parents/carers are now required to complete an Authorisation for Administration of Student Medication form for any medication you would like your child to take at school.

Parents/carers will also be required to provide the medication in its original packaging which has the Doctor’s instructions on the label.

Please contact the school office if you would like any further information or require a form to be sent home.

For more information on medication taken at school please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

Free After School Tutoring

Any student who wants help after school in any subject should ask the subject teacher and arrangements will be made to provide free tutoring on most afternoons.

Weekly Timetable

Tuesday: 

• Extension Maths (Year 10 students intending to complete the HSC) 2:30pm to 3:30pm 
• Literacy tutoring 2:30pm to 3:30pm 

Thursday: 

• Extension Science (Year 10 students intending to complete the HSC) 2:30pm to 3:30pm 
• Numeracy tutoring 2:30pm to 3:30pm 
• All extra-curricular or tutoring classes are free. 

Learning Enrichment Opportunities

ETASC offers free tutoring for all students. 

For students who are identified as needing extra assistance with: 

• Reading
  ETASC offers two reading programs: QuickSmart and MacqLit 
• Mathematics
  ETASC offers QuickSmart and consolidation of classwork and after school tutoring. 
• Writing
  ETASC offers English tutoring and consolidation of classwork. 

Literacy Tutoring

In Literacy Tutoring, students will make considered and deliberate choices about vocabulary and text structure to express their ideas coherently. 

Years 7 and 8 students will be focusing on writing creatively. Students will participate in a range of activities designed to develop their vocabulary and sentence structure. They will use adjectives and adverbs to expand their sentences and employ synonyms to make their writing more engaging. Students will have the opportunity to plan, write and edit short stories. 

Years 9 and 10 students will develop their ability to write expository essays. Students will engage in exercises that will enhance their oral expression and ability to form cohesive arguments. When responding to a range of questions, students will apply formal essay structure, add relevant evidence, and refine their ideas. 

PDHPE

This term in PDHPE students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities that not only develop athletic skills but also build friendships and develop teamwork skills which is an important attribute of being successful in a workplace. 

Year 9 and 10 students will visit SNAP gym. 

Year 10 will go to Central Coast Lawn Bowls on a fortnightly basis. 

Year 8 will go to Gosford Tennis Club. 

School Lockers

Lockers are provided at no cost for students to store their school bags to improve security, and work, health and safety. Students are asked to clean out their locker at the end of every term. Items left in lockers at the end of each term will be discarded. If you value the contents of your locker, please take it with you. 

Students are encouraged to keep lockers locked at all times, even when empty. We are keen to prevent unauthorised access to your locker and/or to have other people placing objects in lockers which do not belong there. 

Lunch Orders – Lunch Options for 2021

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 will have the following lunch order options in 2021: 

• Monday – McDonald’s 
• Tuesday – Sushi 
• Wednesday – Subway 
• Thursday – no option available due to PDHPE practical lessons 
• Friday – Chips and gravy 

Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 students will have permission to buy food from the food court in the Imperial Centre for the first 15 minutes of each break every day. The school staff provide student supervision in the food court during breaks. 

As soon as students have received their food and drinks, they must make their way directly to Kibble Park. During breaks in Kibble Park, students are always supervised by school staff. 

Students will only be permitted to enter the food court if they are purchasing food or drinks. If students go to the food court and do not purchase food or drinks, they will be banned from accessing this privilege. 

Year 11 students are also permitted to go to Shop 3 Café unsupervised to buy food and drink during breaks. As soon as students have received their food and drinks, they must make their way directly to Kibble Park. During breaks in Kibble Park, students are always supervised by school staff. 

Bottled Water – Drink Bottles

From the beginning of Term 2 students will no longer be able to purchase bottled water from the school. 

Instead, students may want to spend $5.00 to purchase a reusable drink bottle available during breaks from staff in the student kitchen. The drink bottles come in 2 different colours – pink and blue and staff will be able to print the students’ name on the bottle to save confusion. 

ETASC is conscious of the amount of waste plastic we are producing and have determined that providing students with a reusable drink bottle is a much better solution to ensure that students can remain hydrated during the school day. 

Positive Behaviour Management and Rewards

ETASC’s Positive Student Behaviour Reward system includes short-term, medium-term and long-term rewards. Reward days once a semester are the pinnacle reward of this system. 

Short Term Rewards – Fortnightly Basis

Short term rewards will occur on a fortnightly basis and be awarded to one student from each class based on their behaviour in the previous two weeks. Teachers will consider the number of positive behaviour reports or in-class points awarded, the student’s attendance during this time and any noticeable changes in a student’s behaviour. Students will be informed of their positive award in a manner that is comfortable to them – during the whole school assembly, stage assembly, class time or on an individual basis. 

Short term rewards may include: 

• Chocolates
• Free lunch – pizza etc.
• Books
• Trinkets, toys, stationery etc.

Medium Term Rewards – Term Basis

The accumulation of positive behaviour reports over a term will earn students medium-term rewards. A schedule of rewards will be provided to the students at the beginning of each term. The accumulation of positive behaviour reports over the term will earn a student rewards. 

The number of positive behaviour reports required to achieve specific medium-term rewards include: 

# of Positive Behaviour Reports Reward:

25           Qualifies student to attend semester reward day

30           Listen to music during class time for one week

40           5-minute early mark at the end of the school day for one week

50           Free lunch order to the value of $10

Long Term Rewards – Semester Basis

The long-term reward for sustained positive student behaviour is an invitation to attend the reward days held at the end of each semester. Students will be invited to attend our reward day if they have accumulated at least 25 positive behaviour reports during the semester. If a student is invited to a reward day and engages in negative behaviour before the event, their invitation can be revoked. Reward day activities aim to be fun days with activities that students want to participate in. 

Our reward days so far have included: 

• Go-karting
• Jet boats
• Laser tag
• Mini golf

In determining whether students are entitled to attend a reward day the following will be considered: 

• The number of positive and negative behaviour reports a student has received
• School attendance – students need to maintain a regular pattern of attendance
• Outstanding school fees – A student’s school fees need to be no more than 1 month in arrears to be eligible to attend reward days.
• School Contract – if a student has been placed on a school contract, they are deemed ineligible to attend reward days. Exceptions on a case-by-case basis may be considered by the Assistant Principal but this is not negotiable.

If parents/carers have questions regarding the positive behaviour system, we welcome feedback and questions so please contact the Assistant Principal. 

Teaching Staff Changes

Jasmyn du Plessis is returning from maternity leave in Term 2 and will resume her position as the Student Development Coordinator for Years 7 to 10 along with teaching Year 9 Mathematics and Year 10 Science. 

Contact details for all members of school staff are located in the College Handbook relevant to you: 

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

Year 7 Immunisation 

Please note the following immunisations for Year 7 students: 

• Thursday 24th June 2021 
• Thursday 4th November 2021 

If you need further information about our immunisation program, please contact the college office on 43231233. 

Year 7 and 8 High Resolves Program

Over the course of 2021, every Year 7 and Year 8 student will take part in the High Resolves program. The program is designed to support and nurture our learners to become future global citizens and leaders. 

ET Australia Secondary College will be working in partnership with ‘High Resolves’ to facilitate our student’s ability to explore concepts that surround the topics ‘Identity and Purpose’ and ‘Just Society’. 

This exciting approach will see Year 7 and Year 8 students experience an immersive ‘Peak Experience’ as well as regular lessons and group discussions throughout the year – which will be delivered across the curriculum. 

Year 10 Immunisation

Please note the following immunisations for Year 10 students: 

• Thursday 24th June 2021
  Vaccines to be given – Meningococcal 

If you need further information about our immunisation program, please contact the college office on 4323 1233. 

SYNC – Skills You Need Consolidating

This year ETASC has introduced a new course called SYNC for Year 9 and Year 10 students that focuses on various skills which will help them consolidate the learning they are doing in class. SYNC provides students with skills and knowledge that will be useful in life after school. 

Each lesson aims to help students establish and practice the fundamental skills necessary for further education and work. Numeracy tasks are included in the 9-week program to showcase how numeracy is universal and used in a wide range of situations. 

Classes include: 

• Nutrition – properly reading food labels, budgeting, planning, food wastage and cooking skills; 
• Computer Skills – using Microsoft Office and typing; 
• Careers – resume writing, cover letters, how to research jobs, skill selection, numeracy unit reviewing fundamental skills; 
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project; 

These units will help to round out the students’ employability skills. 

Year 10 Student Assessment Handbook

The Year 10 Student Assessment Handbook is available on the school website and is an important document for Year 10 students to read to be informed about their Record of School Achievement (RoSA) requirements. 

Within the handbook there is information on how to successfully complete Year 10, the grading scale for each subject, what an ‘N’ Determination Award (N Award) is and how to avoid one, study skills and who to talk to if you need help. 

We encourage all Year 10 students and parents/carers to read this document thoroughly to ensure they are informed of the expectations for Year 10. 

Click here to read the handbook.

HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests

Year 10 will be participating in their first opportunity of HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests. These tests are used to show the level of numeracy and literacy achievements of students before they exist the school system, whether it be in Year 10, Year 11 or Year 12. Students who acquire a level 3 in each of the standards tests have reached the state level of achievement and do not need to continue the testing process. Student are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to acquire a level 3. ETASC students will be participating in the first round of testing on the 7th, 8th and 9th of June. 

For more information please see the website https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard

Any questions please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler.

Curriculum Update

Term 1 has been a big change for Year 11 students. They quickly discovered that the day is longer, work load is greater and homework is expected. In the final years of school they are becoming more responsible for their own learning.

Reports have been sent out, with the results of their first assessments recorded. Teachers have given students feedback on their assessments which will provide them with the opportunity to keep improving.

In Term 2 many of the assessment tasks will require research and time outside of class to complete it. I encourage students to make the most of the after school study sessions to seek clarification and to ensure plenty of time is spent on the tasks. These assessments are designed to be completed throughout the Term not in one night.

There are many hands on and engaging assessments tasks planned for term 2. Biology will involve a fieldwork excursion to help students with their in-depth study report. PDHPE will involve analysing their muscle movements at the gym. In Business studies students will create a business plan for their own business. In History students will research an area of personal interest and in English they will create a website. Maths will involve a statistical investigation. All these tasks will take time, so start early and plan ahead.

Year 11 Student Assessment Handbook

The Year 11 Student Assessment Handbook is an important document for Year 11 students to read to be informed about the Preliminary HSC course requirements.

Within the handbook, there is information on how to successfully complete Year 11, the grading scale for each subject, what an ‘N’ Determination Award (N Award) is and how to avoid one, study skills and who to talk to if you need help.

We encourage all Year 11 students and parents/carers to read this document thoroughly to ensure they are informed of the expectations for Year 11.

A link will be made available to parents/carers and students during Week 1 of term, the handbook will also be placed on our website.

Year 11 PDHPE

In Term 2, Year 11 PDHPE students will be studying the foundations of human movement. They will be exploring how the body moves and why it moves in particular ways. Students will focus on the relationship between anatomy, physiology, fitness, biomechanics and efficient human movement.

Students will be participating in practical activities such as circuit training and strength training sessions to explain how the musculoskeletal system influences movement and how the cardiorespiratory system works together during exercise. Students will also describe biomechanical factors that affect the proficiency of movement. They will be required to film videos of a range of exercises to explain these concepts for their assessment task. This will be done during class time when students go over to the SNAP fitness gym in Gosford.

ET Australia Secondary College Term Dates

Year	Term	Year	Start Date	Finish Date
2021	Term 2	All	Wednesday 21st April	Friday 25th June
2021	Term 3	All	Tuesday 13th July	Thursday 16th September
2021	Term 4	All	Wednesday 6th October	Wednesday 15th December

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ET Australia Secondary College Years 11 and 12 Handbook

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