Welcome to Term 2 2019

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 Year7, Year 9 and in Year 10.  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 aim to be part of every interview with the students so I have the opportunity to meet them.  Our Student Development Coordinator, Jasmyn, follows up and monitors every Year 10 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 in to better prepare them for similar activities in the future.  Students who go onto 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 and 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

Excursions and Events

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 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 9 and 10 Brainstorm Productions – Anti Bullying Incursion

When: 6th May
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 7 and 8 Clip and Climb Excursion

When: 20th May
Location: Central Coast Leagues Club

Year 7 and 8 students will use the skills and content taught in Mathematics in Term 2 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 and carers please look out for the permission note for this excursion which will be sent to you via email.

Year 7 Art Incursion

When: 21st June
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

In Term 2, Year 7 students will be learning more about Aboriginal artworks.

On this day students will have the opportunity to learn more about the significance of Art to Aboriginal people from a local Aboriginal elder.

Students will also get to participate in making artwork using traditional Aboriginal art creation techniques.

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

Year 9 and 10 History Incursion

When: 18th June
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

Year 9 and 10 students will participate in a History incursion to better understand the events surrounding World War I.

The incursion will provide students with the opportunity to engage with artefacts from this period, including objects from soldiers and gain an insight into trench warfare. This incursion will provide students with an image and idea of the average diggers’ experience in the frontline trenches of Europe towards the end of WWI.

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

Year 7 Geography Excursion – Muogamarra Nature Reserve

When: 20th June
Location: Muogamarra Nature Reserve

The study of geography entails the development of a range of skills required to help students understand the world around us. This includes utilising a range of geographical tools.

At Muogamarra Nature Reserve, Year 7 students will be introduced to the nature of geographical inquiry and the practical use of these geographical tools.

Through investigating sites within the National Park, students will gain a deeper understanding of both the physical and human elements of the environment and also how Indigenous people interacted sustainably with their immediate surroundings.

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

Year 8 History Excursion – Quarantine Station Manly

When: 24th June
Location: Quarantine Station Manly

Year 8 students will complete a mandatory site study as part of their Term 2 History subject at the Quarantine Station in Manly.

Students will be provided with the opportunity to see how the plague affected Sydney after first contact. They will discuss the context of how the thinking about sickness and disease at that time and before influenced why the site was established and how it functioned.

Students will also discover the story of plague outbreaks in Sydney and the quarantines for each plague that occurred at the station.

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

Year 8 French Incursion

When: 26th June
Location: ET Australia Secondary College

To celebrate learning French for the first six months of 2019 a French Pop Concert will take place at school.

It will be a chance for Year 8 students to continue to develop 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 and carers please look out for the information note for this incursion being sent to you via email.

Synergetic Parent Portal

The 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.

The Parental Portal was being prepared during Term 1 and is now ready for rollout to parents/carers during Term 2. All parents/carers will receive an email before the end of Term 2 advising how they can gain access to their child’s information on the system.

Keep an eye out for the email to be sent to you by the end of Term 2.

Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students

A reminder to parents and 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 NSW Education Department 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 an 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 the 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 is a non-smoking secondary college for ALL students.

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 the 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, 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 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

A reminder to parents and carers that ETASC is a fee-paying college and 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 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 and 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 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 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 workplace.

Year 7 and 8 students will participate in a range of fitness lessons which will allow them to understand how the body moves and engage students in a range of activities to promote lifelong physical activity.

Year 9 and 10 students will participate in team games which focus on transferring movement skills in a range of challenging situations. The main sports Year 9 and 10 will participate in during PDHPE lessons this term includes:

• Ultimate frizbee
• Oztag

Please note if your child cannot participate in practical lessons due to injury or illness they need to provide a note which will cover that lesson for the week. If it is an ongoing injury or illness then a medical certificate will need to be provided. If you would like any further information about PDHPE please contact Joshua Wakem via the school office on 4323 1233.

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 extracurricular and 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 lockers 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 to them.

Medication Taken at School

Parent and 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 reviewed and refreshed our positive behaviour reward systems in Term 1 to include short term, medium term rewards and will continue to offer reward days once a semester.

As a result of the renewed focus on positive behaviour, 4589 positive behaviour reports were awarded to the students over the Term.

This is a very positive outcome and reflects the positive behaviour of our students at the college on a daily basis.

ETASC will continue with the focus on positive behaviour in Term 2 and details regarding the end of semester-based reward day will be advised closer to the end of the Term.

Teaching Staff Changes

Michaela Thornley, one of our Stage 5 HSIE teachers left at the end of Term 1 to travel to Europe and work in England. We wish Michaela all the very best and safe travels.

With Michaela’s departure, we would like to welcome Kellie Kruit back after taking maternity leave and welcome Brooke Gordon who has commenced employment here at the college. Brooke has recently emigrated to Australia from Scotland, where she worked in a school in Edinburgh and was the head of the English department. Kellie and Brooke will be teaching Stage 5 English and HSIE.

We would also like to welcome back Elizabeth Byrne who is also returning from maternity leave during Term 2. Elizabeth is one of the college’s Learning Enrichment Teachers and will recommence working with students to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

Big Science Competition

All keen scientists are invited to participate in the 2019 Big Science Competition.

The Big Science Competition is an international competition that challenges critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The competition does not focus on factual recall, but student’s ability to respond to questions set in real-life, contemporary contexts. Thus, making them relatable and interesting.

Any students who are interested in participating must see Jaclyn before the 15^th of May (week 3 Term 2) to sign up! Students who wish to participate will be offered practice tests to prepare for the competition.

Creative Writing Group

Creative Writing Group is held every Tuesday afternoon from 2.30-3.15pm, with an additional group specifically for Year 9 and 10 students during Break 1, Wednesday. Creative Writing Group provides students with an opportunity to develop their creative writing skills in collaboration with like-minded students.

Students engage in a variety of activities to generate ideas and refine their skills for their own enjoyment and/or for submission in academic competitions such as Write 4 Fun.

Creative Writing Group is open to all students no matter their year or ability level. Please see Jaclyn for more information.

Competitions

Students are reminded that if they are interested in participating in extracurricular competitions (academic/creative etc) to check the notice board across from Classroom 7 regularly. Many have a variety of cool prizes to be won!

Make sure you speak to Jaclyn if you would like more information about competitions on the notice board or support in entering.

NAPLAN

The official NAPLAN online test will take place during week 3 on Tuesday the 14^th of May, Wednesday the 15^th of May and Thursday the 16^th of May.

Catch up on the tests will be each afternoon of the test days. More information will be emailed to parents and carers at the start of Term 2.

Year 7 Immunisation 

Please note the following immunisations for Year 7 students:

• 13th November
  Vaccines to be given – HPV/Gardasil

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

Procedure for Friday Classes – Years 9 and 10 Only

Year 9 and 10 students who are up to date with their work are able to leave school 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 4323 1233.

Central Coast Model United Nations

Three students from ETASC’s Year 9 and 10 cohort have been preparing to represent ETASC at the Central Coast Model United Nations Assembly. The CCMUNA is a unique one-day event held annually in May, open to all Central Coast High Schools. Hosted by the combined Rotary Clubs of the Central Coast, with the assistance of the University of Newcastle’s – Central Coast Campus.

The three participating students were selected based on HSIE results and their keen interest in public speaking.

At the CCMUNA these students will engage in informed and cordial debate on matters of world political and social concern. The ETASC team are representing South Africa, therefore the arguments they develop must be in line with the political and social views of their chosen country. In developing their responses students have been improving their research skills and critical thinking skills, undertaking in-depth research focused on three United Nations Resolutions (1. Nuclear Non-Proliferation & Disarmament (Peace Resolution), 2. Eliminating Violence Against Women and Girls and 3. Trade Barriers and Tariffs) to compile a binder of relevant reference information for the event.

We look forward to seeing how our students perform on the day.

HSC Minimum Standards Testing

Year 10 students will be participating in their first attempt at the HSC Literacy and Numeracy minimum standards tests in Term 2.

These tests are mandatory for all Year 10 students and students have 6 attempts to achieve the minimum standards before the completion of Year 12.

At ETASC we see the HSC Minimum Standards Testing as an experience for students to engage in to better prepare them for similar activities in the future.  Students who go onto 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 and numeracy test will benefit from having experienced the test conditions for the HSC Minimum Standards Testing.

These tests will be conducted on Tuesday the 7^th of May, Wednesday the 8^th of May and on Thursday the 9^th of May.

More information will be emailed to parents and carers at the start of Term 2.

Year 10 Assessment Handbook

Year 10 students all have access to the Student Assessment Handbook located on the ET Australia website.

This handbook has information on all the requirements for the RoSA, grade descriptors and their assessment schedules.

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