Welcome to the Term 1 Newsletter for 2020
Principal’s News
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 2020. 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
Upcoming Events
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.
Conversation Cafe Incursion
When: Tuesday 18th of February
Location: ET Australia Secondary College
Conversation café is an incursion that all Year 9 and 10 students participate in to help prepare them for their English picture book assessment.
Students will participate in teacher run workshops discussing various Aboriginal culture topics and will also participate in a workshop run by Koomurri Aboriginal incursions – The Outback Experience.
Activities will include looking at artefacts, bush survival and history, Aboriginal song and dance, Aboriginal face painting, didgeridoo and storytelling. This is a fantastic opportunity for all students to be immersed in Aboriginal culture.
Parents/carers please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.
Year 7 and 8 Camp
When: Wednesday 26th to Friday 28th of February
Location: Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest
This Term Year 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to attend the Great Aussie Bush Camp located at Tea Gardens.
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 that may be provided for our students include High Ropes, Mud Run, Archery, Gully Crossing, Kayaking, Crate Climbing and Snorkelling.
These activities will encourage team building, communication and resilience.
Parents/carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion being sent to you via email in the next couple of weeks.
Year 7 and 8 Clip and Climb Excursion
When: Thursday 19th March
Location: Central Coast Leagues Club
Year 7 and 8 students will use the skills and content taught in Mathematics in Term 1 to complete a number of different data collection exercises at the Clip and Climb facility located in the Central Coast Leagues Club.
The data each student will collect during this excursion will be used in class to illustrate key concepts and skills required as part of the subject requirements.
Parents/carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you via email.
Year 8 History Incursion
When: Tuesday 24th of March
Location: ET Australia Secondary College
In History this Term, students will be studying Vikings and the Black death from Medieval times.
We have a guest speaker presenting a Viking and Medieval show which will cover battle tactics, social structure and law and order from both periods in history.
Students will be able to carefully handle weapons and wear armour and clothing. It is a lot of fun and a very interactive day.
Parents/carers please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.
Year 8 French Pop Concert Incursion
When: Wednesday 1st of April
Location: ET Australia Secondary College
To celebrate learning French in Term 1, a Pop Concert will take place for Year 8 students here at the college.
It will be a chance for students to continue to develop to their listening skills and gain knowledge about French culture in an enjoyable manner.
Students will be able to apply their acquired French language skills outside a classroom setting through music and songs.
Parents/carers please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.
Year 7 Food Production Excursion
When: During Week 9 of Term 1
Location: Various locations on the Central Coast
The Local Food Production excursion enables Year 7 students to visit businesses on the Central Coast which produce food and beverage products.
Students will experience all stages of food and beverage production including: planting, growing, processing, manufacturing, and distributing.
This excursion is related to the school’s Food and Agriculture Technology curriculum and is an educational and fun day out.
Parents/carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you.
Year 7 Laser Tag Excursion
When: Thursday 2nd of April
Location: Central Coast Leagues Club
In week 10, Year 7 students will participate in a laser tag competition as a practical extension of the Mathematics and PDHPE curriculum.
Students will be exploring movement concepts and tactics in a challenging environment and will carry out calculations during a subsequent lesson using the data collected on the day.
Parents/carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you via email.
Whole School News
Synergetic Parent Portal
ETASC’s school administration software system, Synergetic, has an online portal to provide parents/carers access to information about parent teacher interview booking facilities, student attendance, student personal details and contact details here at the college.
This portal also provides parents/carers the ability to update information.
If parents/carers have not been provided access to the Parent/Carer Portal by the 10th February, please contact the college office so your portal access details can be provided.
As development of the Parent/Carer Portal continues, parents/carers will be emailed when updates are made and new options are available.
Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students
A reminder to parents/carers that in order 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) 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 reception and needs to be completed 4 weeks prior to the planned absence from school.
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 is a non-smoking secondary college for ALL students and staff.
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 2021.
Thank you to those parents/carers 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 2021 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 will remain $1400 in 2020.
A reminder to parents/carers that ETASC is a fee paying school 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 experiencing 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 the involvement of schools in the issue and re-issue of this free service for school children. Parents/carers 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.
Banned items – Reminder
A reminder to all parents and carers that the following items are banned at the college:
- Chewing gum
- Aerosol Cans- deodorant etc
- Permanent Markers
- Laser devices
- Metal of opaque drink bottles
- Cigarettes or e-cigarettes
- 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 behaviours outlined at enrolment and in the College Handbook.
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 team work skills which is an important attribute of being successful in a learning environment and in the workplace.
Year 7 and 8 will participate in a range of activities such as initiative and challenge games and rhythmic and expressive movement sequences.
Year 9 and 10 will participate in a range of fitness activities from boxing classes, yoga and attending lessons at Snap Fitness gym in Gosford.
Where a student has a temporary incapacity and requests an exemption, a letter from a parent/carer 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.
Gifted and Talented
During Term 1, Gifted and Talented students will be completing the following:
Year 7 and 8 and Math Ability Group
- Australian Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge in March 2020.
The Australian Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge aims to prepare students for a future full of real-world problems – problems that will need ingenuity, creativity and determination.
Year 10 Math Ability Group
- Australian Brain Bee Challenge round 1 in March 2020.
The Australian Brain Bee Challenge is a competition for high school students in Year 10 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses.
Year 9 and 10 English Ability Group
- In English, students will analyse several poems by Australian and Aboriginal authors through poetry conventions and themes. Students in the Gifted and Talented English Ability Group will analyse a Year 11 and 12 poem to challenge and evaluate cultural assumptions and values in texts.
- Students will also look at connections between their studies in English and History, explaining and analysing the motives and actions of past individuals and groups in the historical contexts that shaped the modern world and Australia to develop a historical timeline.
Year 9 and 10 Creative Writing Group
- The Creative Writing Group will focus on the use of writing techniques and the different ways in which stories can be developed, communication of ideas, proofreading, editing skills and specific creative writing skills – character development, plot development, setting, themes, point of view, dialogue and literary techniques. Students are encouraged to use a range of software processes to develop and publish their creative writing for submission in competitions throughout the school year.
Photography competition
- All interested Gifted and Talented students can participate in the Australian Photography monthly competition.
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 (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.
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:
| # 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 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 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.
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 in 2020. The Duke of Edinburgh 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.
In 2019 we congratulated Maddison Frame and Liam Parle on the completion of their Bronze Award. Ten students in 2019 enjoyed completing four day hikes and two overnight hikes throughout the year. In 2020 we are looking forward to seeing some of these students go on to complete their Bronze award.
An email will be sent out in early Term 1 with details on how students who are ready for a challenge can sign up to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award.
Teaching Staff Changes
Changes in Responsibility
Morven Durick has been appointed to the Teacher on Duty (the TOD) role in 2020. The TOD 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.
Graham Johnston will continue teaching Year 8 Music and will return to teaching Stage 5 Mathematics in 2020.
Narelle Leite will continue teaching Stage 5 Mathematics along with Stage 5 Science in 2020.
Tahlia Boettcher has been appointed as a Year 7 English, Art, and PDHPE teacher for 2020.
Nerida Turrise has been appointed as a Year 7 Mathematics, Science and Technology Mandatory teacher in 2020.
Katie Livermore has been appointed as a Stage 5 English and HSIE teacher for 2020.
Brooke Gordon has been appointed as a Stage 5 English and HSIE teacher for 2020.
Employment Opportunities
The college is currently advertising the following positions:
- Aboriginal School Administration Officer
If you would like to know more about the requirements of this position, please call the college office on 43231233 and ask for an application pack.
Year 7 & 8 News
Year 7 Immunisation
Please note the following immunisations for Year 7 students:
- Thursday 5th March 2020
Vaccines to be given- HPV/Gardasil, dTpa, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough. - Wednesday 11th November 2020
Vaccines to be given-HPV/Gardasil
If you need further information about our immunisation program please contact the college office on 43231233.
Year 7 High Resolves Program
Over the course of 2020, every Year 7 student will take part in a new program being delivered at ET Australia Secondary College. 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 young learners to explore the concepts that surround topics such as ‘Identity and Purpose’.
This new and exciting approach will see Year 7 students experience a simulated ‘Peak Experience’ as well as providing weekly lessons and group discussions which will be delivered across the curriculum.
At the end of the year, each student will be given the opportunity to volunteer and become citizens and leaders in their own context and community.
Year 9 & 10 News
Removal of Friday Afternoon Catch Up Classes in 2020
Friday afternoon lessons will be compulsory for all students in 2020. The start and finish times for our school days will be the same Monday to Friday. Year 7 and Year 8 students will attend all day on Fridays and have normal classes as per our current school timetable. That is, nothing is changing for Year 7 and Year 8.
Year 9 and Year 10 students will attend all day on Fridays to participate in a series of curricular and extra-curricular programs that will be delivered on Friday morning. The programs will be different to normal classes and will improve academic outcomes and focus on career building skills.
Parents/carers should note this change to the structure of our Friday school days for 2020 and avoid scheduling appointments, and/or other activities for students during this time. Consistent absence for appointments or truancy during this time will reduce a student’s overall attendance. Failure to meet the NSW Government’s attendance requirements will lead to a student’s enrolment being withdrawn.
More information regarding these programs is below.
SYNC – Skills You Need Consolidating
This year ETASC is introducing a new course for Year 9 and Year 10 students to participate in that will focus on various skills that will help them consolidate the learning they are doing in class and giving them opportunities to apply that knowledge in life after school.
Each class will help to establish and reiterate the fundamental skills necessary for further education and work. Each unit will have numeracy tasks embedded within the 9-week program to showcase how numeracy is universal and used in a wide range of situations.
Classes will 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 and a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) project. These units will help to round out the students’ employability skills.
Year 10 Immunisation
Please note the following immunisations for Year 10 students:
- Thursday 2nd July 2020
Vaccine to be given – Meningococcal ACWY
If you need further information about our immunisation program please contact the college office on 43231233.
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.
Quick Links
ET Australia Secondary College Term Dates
| Year | Term | Year | Start Date | Finish Date |
| 2020 | Term 1 | 7 and 8 | Thursday 30th of January | Thursday 9th of April |
| 2020 | Term 1 | 9 and 10 | Friday 31st of January | Thursday 9th of April |
| 2020 | Term 2 | All | Wednesday 29th of April | Friday 3rd of July |
| 2020 | Term 3 | All | Tuesday 21st of July | Thursday 24th of September |
| 2020 | Term 4 | All | Tuesday 13th of October | Wednesday 16th of December |
