Welcome to Term 1 2021 from the Principal

The beginning of each new school year marks the point where everyone can make a fresh start on succeeding with their education. In 2021 ET Australia is excited to provide students with two new school campuses. We have a new Years 7 to Year 10 campus and a new Years 11 and 12 campus so this year everyone is going to be starting a new experience together.

This will be 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, Year 10 and Year 11 we also welcome students who will also be first-time ET Australia Secondary College (ETASC) students. Our school provides students with a new place to belong to. Our continuing students coming into Year 11 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 observing our students experiencing positive progress in 2021. I hope 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 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 Camp

When: 8th-10th February
Location: Milsons Island Sport and Recreation Camp

Students will undertake team building, resilience, trust, initiative, and strategic thought challenges through a tailored outdoor activity program including ropes, flying fox, archery, and kayaking.

Our aim is to increase our students’ friendship groups and their sense of belonging as they begin the new year at ET Australia Secondary College.

Year 8 Vikings Incursion

When: TBA
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

Year 8 students will have the opportunity to participate in a Viking information lesson.

The day will allow students to participate and learn about Viking clothing, household goods, Viking weapons and armour and the use of these.

Students will also be given the opportunity to handle the various equipment on display with care.

Year 7 Geography Excursion

When: 29th March
Location: Kincumba Mountain Reserve

Year 7 students will have the opportunity to visit Kincumba Mountain Reserve to view the rock shelters located on the mountain. Then they will move on to Avoca Beach where they will discover more about this unique cultural landscape with an abundance of natural resources.

Students will learn about the landscapes that are unique to the Central Coast and how the traditional landowners utilised these.

Year 8 Powerhouse Museum Excursion

When: TBA
Location: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

Year 8 will be going to the Powerhouse Museum where they will be building their Science investigation skills. We will also be touring the Design for Life and Interface exhibits as a precursor to the Materials Technology topic in Mandatory Technology.

Year 8 French Pop Concert

When: TBA
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

This term in French, Year 8 students will receive an introduction to the French language and culture.

Throughout the term, students will be able to experience various aspects of the French culture through interactive activities, music and song. To celebrate a term of learning French a Pop Concert will take place at school.

This is a fantastic, high-energy experience where students will be able to test out their new-found French language skills outside of the classroom setting through music and song. Students will enjoy the opportunity to sing and dance along with the performer.

Key Dates for Term 1 2021

Year 7 and Year 8 students will commence classes on Monday 1st February 2021.

Year 9 and Year 10 students will commence classes on Tuesday 2nd February 2021.

Year 11 students will commence classes on Wednesday 3rd February 2021.

Term 1 school holidays will start on Thursday 1st April 2021.

New School Sites

We are very excited to announce that both new campus sites (Years 7 to 10 and Years 11 and 12) are now complete and ready for students when they commence the 2021 school year. Students will be provided with a guided tour of their new school on the first day of term to ensure they are familiar with the new facilities and the resources available to them.

Due to current COVID 19 restrictions, parents/carers are not permitted a tour of the new facilities. We will be monitoring this information closely and advise when tours will be available.

School Starting Times and First Day of School Arrangements

• Year 7 and Year 8 students are required to be on campus at 8:55 am for a 9:00 am start time every school day. Students enter our Years 7 to 10 campus via the school reception area located on Level 1, Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Accessing the Imperial Centre via the Erina Street entrance is the most direct entry point for the school. The school hall is open for students and supervised by staff every morning from 8:30am.
• Year 9 and Year 10 students are required to be at school at 9:05 am for a 9:10 am start time every school day. Students enter our Years 7 to 10 campus via the school reception area located on Level 1, Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Accessing the Imperial Centre via the Erina Street entrance is the most direct entry point for the school. The school hall is open for students and supervised by staff every morning from 8:30am.
• Year 11 students are required to be at school every school at 8:40 am for an 8:45 am start time. Students enter via the school reception located in the driveway of 125 Donnison Street, Gosford. For those students who arrive before 8:40 am, students are welcome to use the student common area from 8:30 am.If a student arrives late to school without a valid reason, they are required to surrender their mobile phone to reception for the day. Failure to do so will result in the student having to surrender their phone to the Assistant Principal every day for a period of 10 weeks.

COVID-19 Requirements – Imperial Shopping Centre

As per NSW Government regulations, all students in Years 7 to Year 11 are required to wear a mask in the Imperial Shopping Centre. This includes students moving through the building before and after school, moving to and from breaks and Year 9 to Year 11 students using the food court to purchase food. In school, all students are exempt from wearing masks and the square metre requirements do not apply.

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) 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 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, 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 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 during school hours will be in breach of school rules and 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

We still have a couple of places available in Year 7 and Year 11 for the 2021 school year. Parents/carers who are interested in finding out more are encouraged to contact the Assistant Principal by calling the college office to organise an enrolment interview.

Places are limited in the other year groups and a waiting list is in place.

School Fees

School Fees will increase to $1500 in 2021.

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 disabled 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 behaviours 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 for most afternoons.

Weekly Timetable

Tuesday:

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

Thursday:

• Extension Science (Year 10 students intending to complete the HSC) 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
• 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.

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.

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 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.

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

# 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.

Duke of Edinburgh International Award

ETASC will be providing students in Years 8 to Year 11 the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award in 2021. 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.

A number of students in 2020 enjoyed completing four-day hikes and two overnight hikes throughout the year. In 2021 we are looking forward to seeing some of these students go on to complete their Bronze award.

An email will be sent out early in Term 1 with details on how students who are ready for a challenge can sign up to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award.

Silver Duke of Edinburgh

Students who have progressed to the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award will have a training afternoon to check their swimming ability before heading out on their Adventurous Journey.

Silver Practice Adventurous Journey

Monday 15^th March to Wednesday 17^th March

Duke of Edinburgh students will spend two nights camping at Patonga. They will hike from Woy Woy to Patonga, paddle up Patonga creek and hike from Patonga to Pearl Beach. It will be a chance for them to gain new skills in kayaking and increase their camping capabilities.

Silver Qualifying Adventurous Journey

Tuesday 30^th March to Thursday 1^st April

Having successfully completed their practice journey, students will undertake their qualifying journey navigating independently. They will camp at Frazer Beach for two nights. They hike throughout Lake Munmorah state recreation area and paddle on Lake Munmorah.

Teaching Staff Changes

Changes in Responsibility

Brooke Gordon is our Teacher on Duty (the TOD) role for 2021. 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.

Christina Clark is our Years 11 and 12 Curriculum Coordinator and will also teach Year 11 Business Studies.

Elissa Cosentino is our Years 11 and 12 Student Development Coordinator and will also teach Year 11 Biology.

Alyshia Boettcher is our Years 7 to 10 Assistant Curriculum Coordinator.

Olivia Whiting is our Years 7 to 10 Assistant Student Development Coordinator.

Graham Johnston will teach Year 11 Mathematics and Year 8 Music.

Joshua Wakem will teach Year 11 PDHPE.

New Staff Members

Matthew Asciak will join us on a full-time basis joining the Learning Enrichment Teachers.

Alexandra Body will be joining us on a full-time basis and will be teaching Year 11 English and Modern History.

Jaclyn Brownhill will be returning from maternity leave and continue working as our Gifted and Talented Teacher.

Ann-Marie Meany will be joining us on a full-time basis as a Teacher Assistant.

Katie Neilly will be joining us on a full-time basis as our Years 7 to Year 10 PDHPE Teacher.

Alahna Richmond-Yunn will be joining us on a full-time basis and will be teaching Years 9 and 10 English and HSIE.

Catherine Summut will be joining us for Term 1 and Term 2 covering Kellie Callow’s classes while she is on maternity leave.

Angus Voss will join us this year on a full-time basis teaching Years 9 and Year 10 Mathematics.

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:

• Friday 5th March 2021
  Vaccines to be given – HPV/Gardasil
• 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.

Changes to Years 9 and 10 in 2021

With the introduction of Year 11 at ETASC in 2021, a change in the way Year 9 and Year 10 operates will occur in 2021. Until now, at ETASC Year 9 and Year 10 have been taught as a Stage 5 cohort rather than in individual year groups. This has been achieved by delivering the Stage 5 syllabus in English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography and PDHPE in a 2-year cycle, rather than in Year 9 and Year 10 groups and classes.

In 2021 ETASC will introduce separate year groups for Year 9 and Year 10 classes. This will provide students with improved capacity to learn skills in Year 10 that will flow into topics taught in Year 11. Our Stage 5 students will be broken up into two Year 9 and two Year 10 classes rather than the four Stage 5 classes we have delivered until now.

Students will be placed in classes based on their academic ability in Mathematics to ensure they are completing the most suitable course matched to their proven competency. Movement between the classes will continue throughout every term based on Teachers’ recommendations and student progress. A move in class occurs to ensure students are placed in a class group where they can progress in the Mathematics course, they are best suited to. Class allocations will continue to be based on a student’s learning needs and friendships will not be used to determine a student’s class. All Year 9 and Year 10 students will be allocated to classes on their return in 2021.

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.

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.

ET Australia Secondary College Term Dates

Year	Term	Year	Start Date	Finish Date
2021	Term 1	7 and 8	Monday 1st of February	Thursday 1st of April
2021	Term 1	9 and 10	Tuesday 2nd of February	Thursday 1st of April
2021	Term 1	11	Wednesday 3rd of February	Thursday 1st of April
2021	Term 2	All	Wednesday 21st April	Friday 25th June
2021	Term 3	All	Tuesday 13th July	Thursday 16th September
2021	Term 4	All	Tuesday 6th October	Wednesday 15th December

ET Australia Secondary College Years 7 to 10 Handbook

ET Australia Secondary College Years 11 and 12 Handbook

ET Australia Training College Upcoming Courses

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