Excursions and Events

There are a number of School Events planned for Term 3.

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 those bookings are open.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Dates: 28th February – 18th August 2022

In 2022, quite a few students at ETASC are participating 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, to read more and to 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

Years 7 – 10

ZooSnooze

When: Monday, 19 September – Tuesday, 20 September 2022

Where: Taronga Park Zoo

In Term 3, Years 9 & 10 students will have the opportunity to participate in an overnight stay at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. This excursion will help to consolidate the content they are studying in Science and English. Students will be participating in workshops at the zoo related to sustainability and ecosystems which will help them further explore and understand Science and English units. More information will be sent home closer to the date.

Geography field trip

When: TBC

Where: Wamberal Beach

ETASC will be taking Year 10 students to Wamberal Beach as part of the study of Geography this term. This excursion links directly to the assessment and will provide students the opportunity to use the skills taught in class to collect data samples and conduct fieldwork. Students will focus on completing a field survey of the beach. Students will examine the beach ecosystem, effects of erosion caused by previous storms, coastal processes, and management strategies to restore or protect beach ecology.

Year 11

Biology Field Study

When: Thursday, 28 July 2022

Where: Bateau Bay Beach Rock Platform

This excursion provides students an opportunity to gather data using a range of scientific equipment to investigate the distribution, abundance and adaptations of living things on local rock platforms. They will measure physical factors of the ecosystem and undertake transect and quadrat surveys to identify distribution and abundance of biota present. Students will then investigate adaptations of living things to their environment and discuss human impacts on the environment.

Parent/Carer Pathway Plans

When: Various dates, Term 3, 2022

Where: ETASC Years 11 & 12 Campus

Year 11 parents/carers will be invited to attend their child’s pathway plan meeting with the Student Development Coordinator and Principal. This meeting will focus on identifying any support the school can provide to help students transition into Year 12 and achieve their study and employment goals.

PDHPE Practical Lessons

When: Term 3, 2022

Where: Clip N Climb Gosford

In Term 3, Year 11 students will participate in a practical PDHPE lesson at Clip N Climb. Year 11 students will be learning about the range of physical activity options for people and this activity will cover the emerging physical activity component of the course as rock climbing is becoming popular in the community. It will be great to apply knowledge about physical activity in a practical setting.

PDHPE First Aid Lessons

When: Term 3, 2022

Where: ETASC Years 11 & 12 Campus

In Term 3, Year 11 will be studying a first aid module in PDHPE. They will have the opportunity to participate in a Provide First Aid course which will give them a first aid certificate provided by an accredited training organisation. This will be another opportunity to apply lesson content and not only use skills they have learnt in class but also gain a valuable certificate that is valid for 3 years from completion.

Years 11 & 12

Business Studies Excursion

When: TBC
Location: Gosford RSL

Year 11 and Year 12 Business Studies students will visit Gosford RSL and see the operations of North Construction and Building in action. Students will listen to a presentation to learn about the operational issues faced with renovating a building in today’s environment. From there, students will travel to North Constructions and Building head office for a tour. Students will have a chance to listen to staff share the tasks involved in marketing Norths and managing the human resources and finances to make their business successful.

Year 12

Business Studies and Mathematics Excursion

When: Friday, 29 July 2022
Location: Luna Park, Sydney

Year 12 students will attend the postponed excursion to Luna Park on Friday, 29 July. 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. On the completion of these tasks, students will also have time to enjoy the rides.

Finishing Line Elevate Workshop

When: Wednesday, 3 August 2022
Location: ETASC Years 11 & 12 Campus

To help Year 12 students in the lead up to their HSC, a workshop with Elevate has been organised. The purpose is to assist students to identify weakness and equip them with tools to overcome them. They will look at the role of exam study groups, along with creating study routines, especially for the holidays. Techniques to manage stress levels and maintain well-being will also be taught.

HSC Elevate Revision Workshops

When: After the Trial HSC Exams on various dates
Location: ETASC Years 11 & 12 Campus

After the Trial HSC exams, a variety of revision workshops are planned for the following subjects and dates:

30 August 2022                English

5 September 2022          Mathematics

8 September 2022          Business Studies

12 September 2022         PDHPE

14 September 2022         Biology

These workshops are run by Elevate and personalised to the subject specific needs of our students. Students will receive a course guide summarising the entire course. They also gain access to Elevates HSC blog which goes live 5 weeks before the HSC. Students can also access a live Q&A series which runs 2 weeks prior to the HSC.

Year 12 Graduation

When: Friday, 23 September 2022
Location: Crowne Plaza, Terrigal

Year 12 students will attend their Class of 2022 Graduation Celebration. This is an opportunity for the students to celebrate the hard work they have put in over their whole schooling career. Parents/carers and close friends have also been invited to honour the students and their diligent efforts over the last six years. With staff support, the Student Committee have been hard at work organising this special event.

Key Dates for Term 3 2022

The first day of Term for all students is Tuesday 19 July 2022.
The last day of Term for all students is Thursday 22 September 2022* *This will be a half day for Years 7-10 students.

School Starting Times and First Day of Term 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 8:30 am.
• 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 8:30 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. 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 

ET Australia continues to operate with COVID-smart measures that follow current NSW Health guidelines to minimise transmission, keeping schools open and the community safe. We recognise that COVID-19 will continue to impact our students’ school experience and offer support for those well enough to learn from home when possible.

This information is subject to change given changing government guidelines and we will keep parents/carers aware of changes as they occur.

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 with symptoms at school will be sent home immediately and will not be able to return to school until they satisfy the above stipulations.

Anyone who tests positive to Covid-19 must continue to follow the guidelines – notify Service NSW, self-isolate for 7 days (and remain in isolation until 24 hours after symptoms have resolved), advise all contacts for the 2 days prior and wear a mask for 3 days after the isolation period is complete.

Close contacts (defined as a household contact or an individual deemed by NSW Health to be a close contact) do not have to isolate if they have no symptoms and comply with the following guidelines:

• Notify their employer/educational facility that they are a close contact
• Undertake daily RATs before coming into contact with people outside their household
• Wear a face mask in indoor settings outside the home
• Do not visit aged care, hospitals, disability, and correctional facilities unless a special exemption applies
• Avoid contact with elderly and immunocompromised persons where possible
• Work from home where practical

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 isolating with COVID-19 and are well enough to do schoolwork. Learning from home provisions and online learning is only available for students who have returned a positive COVID-19 PCR or RAT result. All other students are required to attend face to face lessons at school. Failure to attend school will impact a student’s overall attendance, A prolonged or frequent absence from school could result in the withdrawal of a student’s enrolment.

Thank you in anticipation of your support in continuing to protect the community by adherence to the guidelines.

School Management System – COMPASS

Compass is our 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.

From the Compass App you can:

·         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
• Update your registered email and mobile number details (used for SMS alerts)
• Access information regarding upcoming events and news

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 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 the Compass portal, 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 can be used for absentee notifications. We request this email address be used rather than emailing individual staff members. This will ensure the notification is received by Reception staff regardless of who is working on the day.

Methods for notifying the school of absences 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 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 that 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

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

• 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.

We are still working through the enquires for enrolments in Year 7 and Year 11 for 2023 with interviews continuing in Term 3.

Please contact the school office if you would like to make an enrolment enquiry or would like more information.

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 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 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 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

Buddy Update

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

We recently celebrated Buddy’s first birthday by holding a small gathering at each of our campuses. Students and staff played party games and of course, there were gifts and cake! You can see highlights on our Facebook page and Buddy was also featured on the Dogs Connect page.

Buddy is progressing well and will continue to expand her classroom visits 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

Our team of staff who lead this program are now all trained. We assure the community that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved. We can see that Buddy is having a positive impact on many people in our school already, and we know that the connection with Buddy will be offered on a wide 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

Just Cuts Vouchers – Complimentary Style Cut

As part of Just Cuts hair salons community sponsorships and outreach program, ETASC students at the Years 7 to 10 campus have been provided the opportunity of 1 free style cut between now and the end of the year.

Vouchers are available for students in Years 7 & 8 this term and will be made available to students in Years 9 & 10 in Term 4.

These vouchers can be redeemed at the following salons:

• Gosford
• Erina Marketplace
• Erina Corner
• Tuggerah
• Lakehaven
• Bateau Bay

Years 7 & 8 students wishing to take advantage of this opportunity are asked to speak to the School Administration Officers to receive a voucher. Students are only entitled to one voucher.

Parent/Carer Teacher Interviews

Parent/Carer and Teacher interviews for Years 7 to 10 will be held at the beginning of Term 3 on Tuesday, 26th July and Wednesday, 3rd August.

Interviews will return to onsite this year, providing many parents/carers their first opportunity to visit our new Years 7 to 10 campus.

Parents/carers will receive an email when the school returns advising of the session times and how to access the booking page on the COMPASS parent/carer portal.

If you miss out on booking one of the scheduled sessions, or would prefer a phone or Zoom interview, you can request an interview with your child’s teachers at a time that is mutually convenient by emailing or phoning the college.

More information will be sent home to parents/carers via email at the beginning of Term 3.

VALID testing

Year 8 and Year 10 students will be participating in the Science VALID testing. The Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) program provides online end-of-stage assessments for the science key learning area. These assessments can be used as a diagnostic tool to assist in improving student outcomes in science and as a tool for program evaluation. The test is linked to the science syllabuses and assesses what students know and can do in science. It also provides useful information about student attitudes towards science. An email will be sent home with the dates for these online tests.

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 2 GAT students have been participating in a variety of activities to extend and challenge their creative and critical thinking. In English students have had the opportunity to create stories and poems to enter The Red Room Poetry Competition as well as continue to develop their creative writing skills.

In GAT maths, students from both stages entered the Computational and Algorithmic Competition run by the Australian Maths Trust. Students performed pleasingly well. Sarah in Year 10 received a Certificate of Distinction. Oliver and Reuben in Year 8 and Sol in Year 10 received a Certificate of Credit. Well done to all students for their pleasing results!

In Stage 4 GAT maths, students have been exploring fractions, decimals, rates and percentages. They have continued competing in Maths Olympiad (APSMO) which is a challenging problem-solving competition. Both Stage 4 and 5 students are busy creating animation clips to enter in the Tax, Super and You competition which encourages the sharing of the Australian tax and superannuation knowledge.

The CSIRO Bebras competition involving computational problems was also entered by several of our students in mid-March. Students performed well with Oliver in Year 9 achieving a Certificate of Merit.

In art lessons, students have been looking at portraiture. Several of our students entered the Design an Original Character Competition. Billie, one of our Year 9 students came first in her age category whilst Sol, in Year 10’s entry was highly commended. Congratulations to both talented students.

Finally, both Stage 4 and 5 GAT students who attend the Social Justice group are creating videos to submit to Videos of Change. The idea behind this initiative is to give the opportunity for young people to build valuable skills and inspire awareness and action about the issues that matter through the creation of a short video.

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

Within the Gifted and Talented Program, ET 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 on an individual basis.

Short term rewards including but are not limited 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.

Year 7 Immunisations

Please note the following immunization date for Year 7 students:

• Thursday, 8 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, as well as giving them the opportunity 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

Years 9 to 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.

Year 11 2023 – Information & Enrolment

Year 11 enrolments for 2023 are now open and students in Year 10 who would like to continue their studies at ETASC in 2023 are encouraged to apply now as spots are limited.

ETASC offers students an ATAR focused HSC pathway for students, offering the following 2 unit subjects:

• Standard English
• Standard Mathematics
• Biology
• Modern History
• Business Studies
• PDHPE

Successful completion of the pattern of study provided will give students the ability to nominate for an ATAR if they wish.

We also have the ability to provide students some flexibility in subject selection with distance education courses available through external providers. Enrolment in these courses is per the external providers requirements and the cost is not included in the college school fees.

Students who would like to attend Years 11 & 12 are required to apply for a position and provide supporting documentation (school report etc.) to determine their suitability for the ATAR focused course ETASC provides.

Enrolment forms are available on request from reception at the Years 7 to 10 campus.

We will also be running information sessions for our Year 10 students with Year 12 students speaking to them about their experiences in completing the HSC. The Years 11 & 12 Curriculum Coordinator, Christina Clark and Student Development, Elissa Cosentino will also speak to the students about the course requirements and possible support provided. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the Years 11 & 12 campus to see the classrooms environments and other facilities that are available.

New enrolments are required to contact reception to organise an enrolment interview with the Assistant Principal and a tour of the facility.

If parents/carers of Year 10 students have any questions or would like to organise a tour of the Years 11 & 12 campus, please contact reception so a suitable time can be arranged.

For more information about the Years 11 & 12 programs ETASC offers students, please see the student handbook.

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
• Independence – 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.

HSC Minimum Numeracy and Literacy Standard testing

During Week 3 of term 3, Year 10 students will have the third opportunity to complete their online tests and reach their level 3. A reminder that we have literacy and numeracy tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help students revise for those tests. The dates for testing have been changed from the original letter sent home to accommodate Zoosnooze.

Stage 6 Curriculum Update

Term 3 is going to be a busy and very important term for all our students. On completion of the term there will many celebrations for students

Year 12 Trial HSC Weeks 4 & 5

In Term 2, students toured the facilities of Henry Kendall High school where students will sit both their HSC and Trial HSC. Trial HSC exams commence on 8 August for the duration of weeks 4 and 5 of Term 3. Students are encouraged to be making summary notes, memorising the syllabus and completing practice HSC questions. The key is to get feedback from teachers so the student can be assisted in knowing how to improve their answers. During the Trial HSC students are expected to be at school when they do not have exams. On the days students have exams they can either study at school or at home.

Year 11 Yearly Exams Weeks 8 & 9

In Term 3, students need to begin studying and revising for their yearly exams. These exams will take place in weeks 8 & 9 and cover the content of everything taught since the beginning of the year. This will be the first time some of our students have experienced being tested on such a large volume of content. At the end of Term 2, students participated in two seminars that taught tips on how to ace their exams and memorise content. Students would benefit from applying the tools learnt at these seminars. The presenter encouraged students to make summary notes, memorise the content and complete practice questions. Teachers will continue to be available in the study sessions after school between 3-4pm to assist students with their revision.

Elevate is the name of the company who ran the study seminars last term. Students have access to online resources to help them study at   www.elevateeducation.com  They also offer free parent webinars which are held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in attending, please click on the following   https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/register

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 3 to sit the HSC Minimum Standards Test.

Reports 

Student reports will be emailed out through our school administration platform Compass. Students will receive comments on their achievements and how to improve their academic progress. Year 11 students will receive their yearly report the first week of Term 4 and Year 12 at the end of Term 3.

Subject Selection

At the start of Term 3, students will be informed about the process of subject selection and parents will be sent a detailed email. Parents will be required to complete an online form to finalise the subjects their child selects to study for the HSC. Parents are encouraged to attend Year 11 parent interviews at the beginning of Term 3 to discuss with teachers their child’s capabilities in subjects that will be helpful in the decision-making process.

Year 12 Graduation – 23 September

To celebrate the achievement of completing 13 years of schooling, a graduation ceremony is planned. It will be held at Crowne Plaza Terrigal on 23 September. Tickets cost $110. It will be a wonderful night acknowledging the efforts of our students and the support given by parents/carers. Invites for the Year 12 Graduation will be sent out shortly.