Welcome to Term 1 2020

The beginning of each new school year marks the point where everyone can make a fresh start on succeeding with their education. ET Australia Secondary College (ETASC) offers a fresh start for all students and especially for Year 7 students who are all starting their high school experience for the first time. In Year 8, Year 9 and Year 10 we also welcome students who will also be first-time ETASC students. Our school provides students with a new place to belong to. Our continuing students coming into Year 10 will be our School leaders and we will look to them to maintain the very high standard of achievement set by students in past years.

ETASC is a school model for students who will thrive in a small school environment where the teaching focus is all about preparing students for the world of work and life-long learning. The learning environment at ETASC integrates ethics and behaviour self-management skills so students can concentrate on achieving their best.

I look forward to meeting our new students and to observing our students experiencing positive progress in 2019. I hope that every student enrolled at ETASC fully utilises the opportunities available to them in our school and in the education pathways that are presented.

Tony Mylan
ET Australia Secondary College Principal

Excursions and Events

There are a number of School Events planned for Term 1.

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 parental/carer’s consent provided cannot be included in the event. Phone calls, handwritten notes and texts will no longer be 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 and 8 Capitol Theatre Excursion – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

When: 20th February
Location: Capitol Theatre, Sydney

In Year 7 and 8 students will be studying two plays and a twisted fairy tale as part of the English studies.

To enhance their learning students will attend a professional performance of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney

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

Year 7 and 8 Outdoor Adventure Camp

When: 25th to 27th February
Location: Wisemans Ferry

This Term Year 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to attend an Outdoor Adventure Camp at Wisemans Ferry.

This camp will cover a range of key learning areas such as PDHPE, Geography and Science. Students will engage in a range of activities and challenges that will create important life experiences and help form friendships along with a foundation for learning at ETASC.

The activities provided for our students include High Ropes, Raft Building, Archery, Gully Crossing, Canoeing, Crate Climbing, Giant Swing and a disco. These activities will encourage team building, communication and resilience.

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

Year 9 and 10 Brainstorm Productions – Anti Bullying Incursion

When: 6th March
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

ETASC is a registered school with the National Day of Action Against Violence and Bullying.

On this day we are providing Year 9 and 10 students an incursion run by Brainstorm Productions titled ‘The Hurting Game’. This drama performance focuses on bullying, cyber safety, body image, social media, binge drinking, resilience and positive relationships which strongly links to the NSW PDHPE Curriculum.

For more information you can head to the following link: https://www.brainstormproductions.edu.au/high-school-shows/the-hurting-game

Parents please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.

Year 8 Smashed Incursion

When: 7th March
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

Year 8 students will have the opportunity to engage with the ‘Smashed’ program in Term 1.

This is a program dedicated to breaking the culture of underage drinking and reducing alcohol-related harm amongst young people. More specifically it focuses on the appropriate and inappropriate use of substances, identifying the consequences of risk behaviours and strategies to minimise harm and analysing attitudes, behaviours and consequences related to health issues affecting young people.

This will be a drama performance at the college and meets the PDHPE curriculum for Year 8 students as they will be studying the ‘Risky Business’ unit throughout the Term.

Parents please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.

Year 7 Brett Whitely Studio Excursion

When: 21st March
Location: Brett Whitely Studio’s, Sydney.

In the study of Art this Term, Year 7 students will be introduced to the artist Brett Whitely and what influenced his artworks.

During this excursion students will travel to Sydney to the studio and home of Brett Whitely. Here they will see where he lived and identify things that influenced his artworks. They will see his studio and observe the materials he used. They will also get to view many of his artworks in his gallery which will lead to inspiration for their own artworks to be created throughout the year.

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

Year 7 Geography Excursion

When: 26th March
Location: Somersby Falls

In Term 1 Year 7 students will be able to experience a cultural day out with the Barabarang Aboriginal group looking at Australia’s past and the heritage of Aboriginal people on the Central Coast.

This excursion incorporates visits to Pearl beach, Bulgandry and Somersby falls and links closely to the Year 7 Geography and History curriculum.

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

Year 8 History Incursion

When: 28th March
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

In the study of History, Year 8 students are learning about Vikings and the Black Death from Medieval times.

To supplement their learning, a guest speaker will be presenting a Viking and Medieval show which will cover battle tactics, social structure and law and order. Students will be able to participate in carefully handling weapons along with wearing medieval armour and clothing.

Parents please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.

Year 7 French Incursion

When: 4th April
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

During Term 1 students will witness a bilingual performance called “Sur la route” as part of their French studies.

It incorporates humour, Belgian history, original French rock songs, storytelling, audience participation and impersonations of famous Belgian comic-strip characters.

Parents please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.

Synergetic Parent Portal

ETASC’s school administration software system, Synergetic, has an online portal to provide parents/carers access to information about permission notes, parent teacher interview booking facilities and contact details here at the college.

This is currently in the development stage and will be rolled out to parents/carers during Term 1. Please keep an eye out for emails from the Assistant Principal, Lachlan Scott and the School Administration Officer, Jessica Pitscheider regarding this facility and setting up access.

Additional Year 7 Class For 2019 – Places Available

With the increase in demand for places in Year 7 in 2018, ETASC have added an additional Year 7 class to the College in 2019.

The class sizes will remain the same as in 2018 with 15 students in each Year 7 class.

Additional staff have been employed to help with this expansion. If you are interested in enrolling your child in Year 7 in 2019 please contact the College office on 02 4323 1233.

Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students

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

The NSW Education Department require 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 Doctor’s 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 are able to account for the student’s absence.

For more information on school attendance please refer to our College Handbook.

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 college reception and needs to be completed 4 weeks prior to the planned absence from the College.

Please contact the College office on 4323 1233 if you have any further queries about holidays during school Term.

ET Australia Secondary College – A Non Smoking High School

ETASC will be a non-smoking secondary college for ALL students in 2019.

Students who are caught smoking cigarettes during school hours will have their cigarettes confiscated and destroyed. Parents/carers will be contacted to inform them of this behaviour.

Any student smoking during school hours will be in breach of school rules. Any student smoking 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 provision of access to quit 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

The College is currently accepting enrolments for Year 7 students for 2019, and students for Year 7 to Year 10 for 2020 and beyond.

Thank you to those parents and students who are recommending our school to prospective students who will value and enjoy what ETASC provides.

If you or anyone you know are interested in a place for Year 7 in 2019 you are urged to act now. Please call the College office on 4323 1233 so we can send you an information pack in the mail.

School Fees

School Fees for 2019 are $1400. This increase in fees is the first increase in school fees since 2014. This increase includes the $100 enrolment/administration fee for all students.

A reminder to parents and caregivers that ETASC is a fee paying college and the contributions made provide opportunities to 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 ETASC school fees please refer to our College Handbook.

Opal Cards

The Department of Transport’s introduction of OPAL Cards is designed to reduce schools’ involvement in the issue and re-issue of this free service for school children. Parents are now responsible to follow up with errors / lost and stolen cards. Students are advised not to put OPAL cards near phones or other disabled cards.

For more information on Opal Cards please refer to our 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.

PDHPE

This Term in PDHPE practical lessons all students will be focusing on fitness and how they can incorporate moving more in everyday life.

The lessons will incorporate a range of activities that encourage students to become involved in lifelong physical activity. Some important benefits of physical activity can include: improved self-esteem, achieving higher learning outcomes, making friends and decreasing the risks of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes (type 2), cancers and cardio vascular disease.

The fitness activities students will be participating in include:

• Boxing
• Circuit training
• Pilates/Yoga
• Walking
• Gym at Snap Fitness in Gosford
• Swimming

Where a student has a temporary incapacity and requests an exemption, a letter from a parent will suffice for one week, any time beyond one week must be supported by a Doctor’s Certificate. If you need further information please contact ETASC PDHPE teacher Joshua Wakem on 43231233.

Please note these options are subject to change depending on student selections.

Free After School Tutoring

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

Weekly Timetable

Tuesday:
Extension Maths (Y10 students intending to complete the HSC) 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Literacy tutoring 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Thursday:
Extension Science (Y10 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

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.

We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of our free tutoring.

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.

Medication Taken at School

Parent/Carers are reminded that students must not bring medication to school without advising the school in writing (this includes non-prescription medication). Medication which needs to be taken during school hours must be held and administered by College staff, not the student.

For more information on medication at ETASC please refer to our College Handbook.

Positive Behaviour Management and Rewards

ETASC has reviewed and refreshed our positive student behaviour reward system to include short term and medium term rewards. We will continue to offer reward days once a semester.

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 take into account 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 including but not limited to may be:

• 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 according to the number they accumulate over the term. The number of positive behaviour reports required to achieve specific medium term rewards that could include:

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 taken into account:

• 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 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 AP but this is not negotiable.

If parents/carers have questions regarding the positive behaviour system please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

Duke of Edinburgh International Award

ETASC will be providing students in Year 8, 9 and 10 the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award again in 2019. The Duke of Ed is a non-competitive self-development program available to all young people which encourages them to set and achieve goals at a level appropriate to their needs and aspirations.

There are four sections to develop; skills, service, physical recreation and adventurous journey. Throughout participation in this award students develop skills in decision-making, teamwork, organisation, communication, perseverance, self-confidence, leadership, resilience and citizenship. These are highly sought after employability skills and great for the holistic development of young people.

Information sessions will be held at the school on Monday the 18^th of February 2019.

An email with more information will be sent to parents/carers next week.

Teaching Staff Changes

New Staff

Welcome to Narelle Leite and Nerida Turrise who have commenced employment here at the college this Term. Narelle has been appointed as the College’s Stage 5 Mathematics Teacher and Nerida has been appointed as a Stage 5 English and HSIE Teacher.

Changes in Responsibility 

Graham Johnston has been appointed to a new role for 2019 called the Teacher On Duty (the TOD) and will be a student’s first point of call if they wish to speak with a member of staff or if they are sent from class for behaviour reasons.

Tahlia Boettcher has been appointed as the Year 7 Mathematics, Science, Mandatory Technology and PDHPE Teacher for 2019.

Employment Opportunities

The college is currently advertising the following positions:

• Stage 5 HSIE Teacher – Maternity Leave Contract
• Stage 4 and Stage 5 Casual Teachers

If you would like to know more about the requirements of each position, please call the college office on 43231233 and ask for an application pack.

Year 7 and 8 Excursions and Events

Year 7 and 8 parents please take note of School Events planned for Term 1.

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 parental/carer’s consent provided cannot be included in the event, phone calls, handwritten notes and texts will no longer be 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 Immunisation 

Please note the following immunisations for Year 7 students:

• 29th March
  Vaccines to be given- HPV/Gardasil, dTpa, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough.
• 13th November
  Vaccines to be given-HPV/Gardasil

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

Procedure for Friday Classes – Years 9 and 10 Only

With the introduction of the SWYM writing program on Fridays in 2018, Year 9 and 10 students who are up to date with their work will be able to now leave at 12:55pm on a Friday.

Those students who have work outstanding will need to remain at school until 2:25pm to complete their work.

Parents/carers should avoid scheduling medical appointments or organising work shifts for students during this time so they are available to stay back for catch up if required.

Year 10 Immunisation 

Please note the following immunisations for Year 10 students:

• 2nd July
  Vaccine to be given – Meningococcal ACWY

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

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