Welcome to Term 2 2022 from the Principal

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

In 2022 we continue to deal with Covid-19. At ETASC, we have managed to avoid an outbreak at school through the distribution of Rapid Antigen Tests and a regular testing regime for students and staff. Thank you for your continued support of our Covid-safe measures. Our combined efforts have kept ETASC open and operational. We will continue to promote safety as we increase school activities such as excursions, parent/carer and teacher interviews and pathway plans.

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

NAPLAN testing will occur in Term 2 for our Year 7 and Year 9 students.  At ETASC, we see the NAPLAN tests as an experience for students to engage in to better prepare them for similar activities in the future.  Students who go on to sit their HSC, students sitting tests for entry into TAFE trade courses or similar, and students who go for job interviews that may involve a literacy 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

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 give permission through the Compass Portal 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.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Dates: 28th February – 18th August 2022

In 2022, students at ETASC will have the opportunity to participate in the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading and to enable students to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge for each student to read, read more, and read more widely. The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is open to ETASC students in Years 7, 8 and 9. The challenge involves reading 20 books between March and August each year.

URL: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

Year 7 HSIE Excursion

When: Wednesday 4 May 2022
Location: The Gap Lookout, Sydney Harbour National Park

On this engaging and hands-on Geography excursion for Landforms and Landscapes, students walk from the iconic ‘Gap Lookout’ north on the ‘Gap Bluff’ nature trail, then head south along the awe-inspiring ‘Federation Cliff Walk’. Soaking up the entire exquisite Sydney Harbour coastal landscape, students discover a range of natural environments as they embark on this short, 400 metre walk surrounded by scenic natural beauty.

Students will observe and assess the various features and characteristics of natural landscapes and examine a variety of landforms. They will discover the value of natural and built environments and investigate the perspectives of people and organisations on a range of geographical issues. While discussing the management and protection of environments for their sustainability, students will also examine various issues of land degradation and environmental hazards, exploring how these environments are sustainably managed and protected by local councils and National Parks.

Students will investigate the diversity of landscapes and landforms on Earth and participate in geographical fieldwork. Students will actively interpret graphs, use maps, experiment with geographical tools and acquire geographical information.

Years 7 & 8 Camp

When: 9 May – 11 May
Location: Great Aussie Bush Camp, Tea Gardens

Stage 4 students are all going to attend the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens in Term two, Week three, 2022.

Students will participate in a range of educational and challenging activities and meet some practical outcomes from the Physical Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus.

The activities students will be enjoying are archery, high ropes, raft building, gully crossing and a half-day at Jimmy’s beach. This is always a memorable experience for ETASC students and staff. We are looking forward to seeing all Stage 4 making new friends and challenging themselves throughout the three-day camp.

HSC and Careers Expo (for students in Years 10, 11 & 12)

When: Friday 3 June 2022
Location: Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park, Sydney

The HSC and Careers Expo 2022 is an event that connects students with organisations to help them make informed decisions about their future and highlights the support that is available. The Expo will include seminars on topics including:

• Information and resources for the HSC
• Information about tertiary study, university, TAFE and training courses
• Career advice
• Study advice
• Employment advice and opportunities
• Apprenticeship and traineeship advice

Year 11 Student Incursion Ace Your Exams and Mnemonics Elevate Workshops

When: Wednesday 22 June 2022
Location: ETASC 11 & 12 Campus

 Two workshops have been organised to help students prepare for their yearly exams next term. The first workshop assists students to ace their exams by outlining how to prepare for exams and techniques to use during exams. The second workshop is on memory and mnemonics. It will give students an understanding of how memory works and techniques to help them recall information. It also looks at regulating distractions to help the student stay focused.

Year 10 Work Experience

When: Monday 27 June – Friday 1 July 2022
Location: Various

ET Australia Secondary College Year 10 students will be undertaking work experience in week 10, Term 2  (27^th June- 1^st July). This is part of the pathway plan process that ETASC began with Year 10 students in Term 1. Work experience involves secondary school students in short-term industry placements, which broadens their experience and understanding of the world of work and career opportunities. Placements with parents are not recommended as the student benefits from meeting new challenges in new environments. In general, students will observe different aspects of work within the industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor.

Parents and Carers are encouraged, with assistance from the school, to help find suitable work experience for your child.

If you are in the position to offer work experience to any of our students, please let us know as this would be very welcome.

All students will be visited by an ETASC staff member during their placement.  If your child has not secured work experience, we encourage them to contact businesses during the school holiday period. Once a business has agreed to take your child, please forward details to  jasmyn.duplessis@etuaustralia.com.  The school will facilitate the exchange of documents and forward the relevant insurance certificates.

Year 12 Business Studies and Mathematics Excursion

When: Friday 1 July 2022
Location: Luna Park, Sydney

Year 12 students will go to Luna Park on the last day of Term 2. Business Studies students will have a presentation about the various operational logistics and marketing objectives of Luna Park. This will provide a great business case study for their most recent topics. Year 12 Mathematics students will have a worksheet with real-life questions to solve. Students will also have time to enjoy the rides on completing these tasks.

Key Dates for Term 2 2022

The first day of Term for all students is Thursday 28 April 2022.
The last day of Term for all students is Friday 1 July 2022.

School Starting Times and First Day of Term Arrangements

• • Years 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 8:30 am.
  • Years 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 8:30 am.
  • Years 11 and 12 students are required to be at school every school day 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. Students who arrive before 8:40 am 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.

Aboriginal Liaison Officer – Jessica Pitscheider – Wiradjuri

ET Australia Secondary College’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer is Jessica Pitscheider. Jess is a Wiradjuri woman originally from Cowra NSW. She has been employed with ET Australia for over 13 years. Jess has completed a Bachelor of Business Administration (Indigenous) degree. Jess is also our Principal’s Executive Assistant and our IT Coordinator. Jess’ role as Aboriginal Liaison Officer is different to most schools. Jess’ focus is to provide information, share opportunities, and make herself available when requested to be a support person for our Aboriginal students, parents and carers.

ET Australia implemented our Reconciliation Action Plan almost 3 years ago and has made a great deal of progress towards our action items. A component of this plan is to add further value to our cultural activities. Jess and our senior management staff work with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to identify suitable cultural activities for them to participate in during the year.

We strongly encourage parents and students to contact Jess at any time throughout the year if they have any cultural questions or concerns, so Jess can work with our Assistant Principal to meet the needs of our students.

If you would like Jess to make herself available to attend any meetings, parent teacher interviews or if you would like to discuss student matters with her directly, please phone the office.

COVID-19 Requirements 

ET Australia regularly reviews our COVID-19 safety plan to ensure we’re able to keep students, staff, and other members of our community safe. This information is subject to change given the constantly changing government guidelines and public health orders, and we will keep parents/carers aware of changes as they occur. We recognise that COVID-19 will continue to impact our students’ school experience for some time.

Current NSW Health advice is that if a student is unwell and has any symptoms, they should always test for COVID-19.

If the test comes back negative for COVID-19, the student should still not return to school until either:

• the student no longer has any symptoms, or
• a medical certificate is provided to the school confirming that symptoms are explained by another diagnosis (such as hay fever)

NSW Health advises that it is important that students do not attend school if they are unwell, even if they have tested negative for COVID-19. Rapid antigen tests can produce false negative results and symptoms of other illnesses can also be similar to COVID-19, including flu, the common cold and stomach bugs. Health advice is that students who are sick should always stay home to rest and recover and avoid putting other students and staff at risk of getting sick.

Students who present flu-like symptoms at school will be sent home immediately and will not be able to return to school until they satisfy the above stipulations.

ETASC is not providing the same level of support for students in isolation as we did in 2021, but work will be made available online for students who are forced to isolate as a result of the current public health orders. Learning from home provisions and online learning will only be made available for students who have returned a positive COVID-19 PCR or RAT result or those who are identified as household contacts. All other students are required to attend face to face lessons at school. Failure to attend school will impact a student’s overall attendance, where a prolonged or frequent absence from school could result in the withdrawal of a student’s enrolment.

New School Management System for 2022 – COMPASS

ETASC’s implementation of Compass will continue in Term 2 with more functions moving onto this platform. We are working to move the following functions onto the Parent/Carer portal as the year progresses:

• Access your child’s Student Progress and Semester Reports
• Book your Parent/Carer/Student and Teacher conferences
• View up-to-date class and school attendance information
• Approve or enter upcoming or past absences for your child
• Download, print details and provide permission to attend upcoming excursions
• Complete your child’s course information
• Update your registered email and mobile number details (used for SMS alerts)
• Access information regarding upcoming events and news

Compass is a web-based system that is accessible on any modern web browser or by using the ‘Compass School Manager’ app available on iOS or Android. To access our Parent/Carer Portal, go to:

https://etaustralia-nsw.compass.education

Compass user ID’s and passwords have been sent to all Parent/Carers, if you have any questions about Compass, please contact the College.

Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students

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

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

This means the college expects every student to attend school every day unless they are too sick to attend. In the event of 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 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 be 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 of absences from now on are:

Email: attendance@et.makearchive.com.au

Phone: 02 4323 1233 after 8:30am

Via the COMPASS App.

When your child is absent from school and we have not been notified, an email and push notification via COMPASS will be sent to inform you of their absence which you can 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 is approved by the college Principal in advance. A Student Leave Request form is available from reception and needs to be completed four 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 that it is illegal to sell cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vape pens, or accessories to, or buy these products on 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

Enrolment places are still available for the current year groups in 2022:

• Year 8
• Year 9
• Year 11
• Year 12

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 not available in our other year groups, and a waiting list is in place.

School Fees

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 is 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 for following 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 the 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 with 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

Buddy Update

Buddy is our school support and well-being dog. She is working in classrooms at both campuses on a flexible timetable as she continues to grow and learn in her role. The school is supported by the Dogs Connect program. This is a whole-school well-being program that provides the training and framework for the introduction of Buddy in our community. Our school support and wellbeing dog is becoming a much loved and important member of our community.

The Dogs Connect program will support us in implementing this very gradually, thoroughly, and considerately. We encourage anyone who would like to know more about this program to look through the website link: https://dogsconnect.net.au

We have a team of staff who will lead this program. We assure the community that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved. We know that Buddy will positively impact many people in our school, and we know that the connection with Buddy will be offered on a great variety of levels.

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 that do not belong there.

Teaching Staff

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

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 the MacqLit reading program
• Mathematics – ETASC offers the QuickSmart program. We also offer 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.

Literacy Tutoring is offered on a Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. Melanie McDonald, a Learning Enrichment Teacher and SPELD NSW-endorsed literacy tutor, is facilitating Literacy Tutoring this year. The Term 2, 3 and 4 Literacy Tutoring will be based on a Direct Instruction program called Expressive Writing.

Expressive Writing focuses on developing the following subskills:

1. Writing clearly (using pronouns with clear referents and including details that are necessary for clarity);
2. Writing with a variety of sentences (sentences that begin with a dependent clause, sentences that contain a series and some compound sentences);
3. Writing what people say and appropriately paragraphing their conversations; and
4. Editing for clarity, punctuation, paragraphs and sentence forms.

Each Literacy Tutoring session includes the following: a skill development component that includes three to five exercises designed to teach specific subskills and editing skills that students will need to write passages and a passage writing exercise in which students apply these subskills. Students will also be provided with opportunities to apply these skills to writing passages for their English and HSIE classwork.

Gifted and Talented Program 2022

During Term 1, GATS students have been learning about a variety of topics. In English, students have had the opportunity to create stories and poems to enter The National Treasure Competition. Stage 5 has been looking at media bias and visual literacy.

In Maths students have been exploring consumerism, budgeting and problem-solving. Stage 4 students have been competing in Maths Olympiad (APSMO) and next term (Stage 4 and 5) will compete in Australian Maths Trust competitions involving computational and creative problem-solving.

The CSIRO Bebras competition involving computational problems was also entered by several of our students in mid-March.

These competitions allow our GAT students to develop and enhance their academic, creative and leadership talents and abilities.

Within the Gifted and Talented Program, ETASC students are given the opportunity of the following:

• Self-directed projects
• STEM lessons
• Critical and creative thinking application
• In-depth topic development
• Competitions
• Real-world problem application

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 individually.

Short term rewards include but are not limited to are:

• 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 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 rewards day and engages in negative behaviour before the event, their invitation can be revoked. Reward day activities are intended 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.

Assessment Week

Assessment Week will be held during Week 5 for all year groups. Students in Year 9 and Year 10 will be completing a separate KLA examination each day with revision time in class. Year 7 and Year 8 will be in their timetabled classes completing their assessment tasks. Adjustments and support will be available to students who qualify. If you know you will not be present during this time, please contact Assistant Principal Lachlan Scott. If you have any questions, please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler.

NAPLAN

Year 7 and Year 9 will be participating in NAPLAN Online, which will be held at the school during Weeks 3 and 4 ( 10^th to the 17^th of May).  An information letter was sent home with the dates and information about the online tests. ETASC engages in the NAPLAN Online Tests which allows the students access to certain supports and tailored testing. For more information about NAPLAN online, please see the website https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment. An email was sent to specific parent/ carers about adjustments for the tests – if you did not receive an email and would like your child considered for any adjustments and any other questions, please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler.

Year 7 Immunisations

Please note the following immunisation date for Year 7 students:

• Thursday 8^th September 2022

Vaccines to be given – HPV/Gardasil

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

Years 7 and 8 High Resolves Program

Over the course of 2022, 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 and allow them to make a difference in their local community.

ETASC is working in partnership with ‘High Resolves’ to facilitate our students’ 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.

Lunch Orders – Lunch Options for 2022

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 have the following lunch order options in 2022:

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

Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12 students 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 are only 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.

Years 11 & 12 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.

HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests

Year 10 will be participating in their second opportunity of HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests. These tests are used to show the level of numeracy and literacy achievements of students before they exit the school system, whether it be in Year 10, Year 11 or Year 12. Students who acquire a level 3 in each of the standards tests have reached the state level of achievement and do not need to continue the testing process. Students are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to acquire a level 3. ETASC students will be participating in the second round of testing in Week 9 (20^th, 21^st and 22^nd of June). For more information please see the website https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard Any questions please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler

Year 10 Immunisations

Please note the following immunisations for Year 10 students:

• Wednesday 8^th June 2022
  Vaccines to be given – Meningococcal

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

Year 10 Pathway Plans

Year 10 Pathway Plans were conducted during term one and will continue in term 2. Each Student completes a career quiz provided by Skillsroad. The results are analysed, and students research a minimum of three careers of interest.  During Terms 3 and 4 parents/carers will be invited to participate in a Pathway Plan meeting with our Principal Tony Mylan and Student Development Coordinator Jasmyn du Plessis. More information will be emailed later in the term.

SYNC – Skills You Need Consolidating

ETASC will continue with running 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.

Stage 6 Curriculum Update

Year 12 students are now halfway through their HSC courses and started the year determined to improve their achievements by studying consistently. Year 11 students have quickly discovered and are adjusting to the longer days, greater workload, and the need to complete homework.

Reports

Student reports were emailed out through our new school administration platform Compass at the end of Term 1. Year 11 received a progress report to give parents/carers an indication of students work habits and knowledge of subject content. Year 12 received their Semester 1 report with comments on their achievements and how to improve their academic progress.

Assessments

Please refer to the Student Assessment Handbook for an outline of when tasks are due throughout the term. Many tasks require students to research and write responses outside of class time. Remember to take advantage of the after-school session from 3-4 pm, where teachers are available to answer questions. These tasks require students to work on them throughout the term and are not designed to be done in one night. If a student is absent on the day an assessment task is due, please ensure the illness misadventure form is completed with documentary evidence and emailed to chrisitna.clark@et.makearchive.com.au within 24 hours.

HSC Minimum Standards-Intervention

In order to receive the HSC, all students need to receive a level 3 in the HSC Minimum Standards Test. There are three tests, reading, writing and numeracy. Last term, students were given the chance to complete these tests. Any students who did not receive a level 3 will be taken from class and given access to intervention in small groups. The aim is to help these students practise and develop the skills needed to gain a level 3. Students will be given another opportunity towards the end of Term 2 to sit the HSC Minimum Standards Test.

Year 12 Mentorship Program

Each year 12 student has been assigned a staff member to be their mentor. Last term, they met to reflect on strategies that worked to achieve the student’s goals. This mentorship program will continue into Term 2. Students will receive a booklet to record their academic goals for the term and meet with their mentor to plan steps to help them achieve them. Mentors will meet with the students to encourage them to keep working on those steps.  They will also help students to reflect on what strategies are helping them and what things need to change to ensure they meet their academic goals.

Year 12 Student Pathway Plans

Year 12 parents/carers will be invited to attend their child’s Pathway Plan Meeting with the Student Development Coordinator and College Principal. This meeting will focus on identifying any support the school can provide to help students transition and achieve their study and employment goals after they complete Year 12.

ET Australia Secondary College Term Dates

ET Australia Secondary College Years 7 to 10 Handbook

ET Australia Secondary College Years 11 and 12 Handbook

ET Australia Training College Upcoming Courses