YASS HIGH SCHOOL€¦ · Report 2013 (ASR) Parents are encouraged to access this newly-published ... sound and lighting. The three night spectacular will replace our well supported

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YHS Annual School

Report 2013 (ASR)

Parents are encouraged to access this newly-published document online or in hard copy as it is the yearly mandatory overview of our school's progress and achievements. It is also the formal accountability requirement of the NSW Department of Education and Communities for each school. The ASR provides details of the school's context and make-up and its educational, cultural, sporting and welfare programs. It outlines student awards, achievements and performances for last year as well as recording ongoing planning and evaluation processes and strategies.

March 2014

YASS HIGH SCHOOL W e v a l u e r e s p e c t , r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , s a f e t y a n d l e a r n i n g .

Principal: Sandra Hiscock Deputy Principal: Louise Pinson

Little Shop of Horrors

Planning for our first musical production for some years, Little Shop of Horrors, is well under way. The cast and crew are very busy with music, dancing and acting rehearsals, building props and planning sound and lighting.

The three night spectacular will replace our well supported Talent Quest for this year. It is a whole school production with all faculties contributing in many different ways. Ms Swinbourn and Mrs Riach have worked tirelessly with the leads to develop this exciting project.

so save the date!

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Winter Uniform

Footwear

The following uniform items are available at school office:

White polo shirt, blue PE/Sport polo shirt and navy full zip hooded jumper all with

school crest are available from the Front Office and Full-Circle Serenity.

White polo shirt with school crest $25.00

Blue PE/Sport polo shirt with school crest $36.00

Navy full zip hooded jumper with school crest $36.00

Girls Boys

White polo top, with school crest

Navy box pleated skirt with black stockings

or

Navy blue tailored pants (not jeans)

or

Navy blue track suit pants

Navy blue hoodie with school crest

White socks

White polo top, with school crest

Navy blue school pants (not jeans)

or

Navy blue tracksuit pants

Navy blue hoodie with school crest

White socks

All navy blue uniform options should be without coloured stripes, panels and

prominent brand advertising

Covered shoes Entry to laboratories, kitchens and workshops is conditional on covered leather shoes being worn.

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Farewell to Michele

After almost 30 years of outstanding service Michele Winter, Yass High School’s administration manager (SAM), has retired. On Wednesday 26th March a full school assembly acknowledged her exceptional organisational skills and her ever-pleasant demeanour with generations of students and parents. School Captain, Bailey Wales, presented Mrs Winter with flowers and spoke of her wonderful commitment to the students at Yass High School. All 550 students and staff then clapped Mrs Winter from the stage in an emotional appreciation of her service to the school.

As well as being responsible for the school’s finances, resources and records, Michele also ensured that visitors, parents and students were made welcome at the office, the first contact for many with the school. That evening over 60 staff and friends gathered at the golf club to praise her warmth and thoughtfulness and her professionalism and administrative prowess and to wish Michele and her family well for the future.

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Scott Baker Shares His Secrets

Local Canberra author, Scott Baker,

visited the school recently to talk to

students about the craft of writing and

encourage them in their own creativity.

Year 11 students enjoyed a seminar on

adventure writing while interested

students were thrilled to get some

hands on advice from someone who

has worked hard and been successful

as a writer.

The school bought six signed copies of

his novel, ‘The Rule of Knowledge’ to be

given to one students from each year, to

be nominated by their Reading Group

teacher.

There is no doubt that sustained reading each afternoon is encouraging more

students to return to regular book reading – the silence around the school is

testimony to that. We thank Scott for generously sharing his time and enthusiasm

for writing and reading with our students.

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Respectful Language Policy

The PBS (Positive Behaviour for Success) team is evaluating school policies, especially

those regarding student behaviour, ensuring that they are in line with the our

understanding that behaviour can be learnt and that we need to focus on the positives.

Recently the team has considered the importance of choosing appropriate language at

school.

At Yass High School a key value is respect and this refers to language as well as actions.

It is expected that all members of the school community speak respectfully to each other:

staff, parents and students. Spoken language must be respectful in tone and in content.

Where necessary, students will be taught, or reminded, how to speak respectfully eg

waiting until the other person has finished speaking, using appropriate titles and speaking

without sarcasm, mockery, rudeness or swearing.

Offensive language is defined as words which could reasonably be expected to offend

another person. This includes but is not limited to swearing.

When considering a response to offensive language, teachers will consider intent, tone,

context and provocation. Some students may simply need a rule reminder but if another

person has been offended, a stronger consequence may be necessary.

Thanks to those students who always speak to peers and staff respectfully.

School Celebrates National Anti-Bullying Day

Friday 21st March is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. This is the

time of year when Yass High School revisits its anti-bullying plan. The plan, which reflects

the Department of Education and Community's mandatory policy looks at definitions,

prevention, intervention and response and is a joint initiative of staff, students and

parents. On Friday, all students will discuss at least one aspect of the plan and its

implementation in classes across the school.

The plan emphasises the importance of respectful relationships and building resilience,

both of which are developed in the Peer Support program which runs at the end of one

year and the beginning of the next to support the transition of students from primary

school to high school.

Pictured are Year 10 Peer Support leaders and a year 7 student in front of one of the

many colourful posters designed by the Community Studies class to convey messages

about the importance of being someone who stands up and helps rather than 'stands by'

if bullying is observed.

Motivational Media reinforce the message on the day in a high impact multimedia

presentation. http://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

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Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

With the withdrawal of funding for the Digital Education Revolution (DER) NSW laptops program, Yass High is seeking to provide students with an alternative quality technology solution to sustain the advances made over the last six years. Students currently in Years 11 and 12 will be able to use their laptops until they graduate and then have the option of taking ownership or donating to the school. Students in Year 10 currently received their laptops under a different loan agreement, so they will remain the property of the school. Students in Year 9 will be able to take advantage of the high speed wireless infrastructure installed throughout the school to connect their own learning device for use as determined by their teacher. Students and parents will be responsible for their devices and the school will be responsible for providing the learning environment and the network infrastructure. A signed code of conduct and device registration will make the conditions of use of the school facilities clear. Yass High School is negotiating a partnership with local business and school supporters, Think Technology to provide advice, sales, support, repairs and maintenance directly to parents and students. They will produce a list of devices suitable for connection to the school wireless and satisfying educational needs at different price points. The school is also investing in alternatives for students who do not wish to bring their own device. Laptop banks are being set up around the school using older laptops donated by graduating students. Teachers will be considering how the learning can be enhanced by a variety of different devices without every child having their own laptop. The DEC has also negotiated with Microsoft and Adobe to make their full suite of programs available to NSW DEC students to install on their own devices. This includes Windows 8 and Microsoft Office Professional, Adobe Creative Suite 6 (including Photoshop Elements and Premiere). In the near future, Year 9 students will also be able to use Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365 on their own devices or at home. A website has been launched at http://YassHighBYOD.weebly.com to support parents and students in BYOD. It details suggested devices, responsibilities, FAQ, and the registration and user agreement process. Our next P&C meeting on 7 April will outline the BYOD policy and help us work together to provide our children with the best educational tools and experiences. All parents are welcome.

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O=orientation

Monday 5th May 2014

Lunch time in quad Live entertainment

Stalls

Information about what clubs, groups and

activities you can join at YHS.

Sports, culture, academic, chess anime, and

more.

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Students to start next term with an O Week activity

The SRC, which meets every Monday at lunch time, has recently been gathering

information on all the extra-curricular activities which are offered at the school

beginning with Brekky Club every morning and including Tech Club, Maths Club,

Vocal ensemble, Anime club, Drama Club and a myriad of sports training

opportunities which run at lunch time. After school, students may be rehearsing for the

school musical or seeking additional teacher assistance at the supervised study hub

in the library. To publicise all these activities, the SRC hopes to run an O Week

information day during lunch on Monday 5 May. Students are encouraged to find out

more about what is going on and get involved.

Motivational Media

Students recently had the opportunity to watch ‘Impact’ the high intensity production

from Motivational Media recently. The program looked at a number of young

Australians whose lives have had a big impact on those around them, from an

adventurer to a singer to a family caring for their son and brother left severely disabled

by a single punch to the head. Students were encouraged to take on challenges and

make something of their lives, following the examples of these young people and

other well-known personalities who had to overcome adversity and criticism before

finally succeeding at their chosen profession.

The themes of overcoming adversity and developing resilience were also considered

in scripture seminars held at the school this week.

Encouraging Student Success

Parents often ask how they can support their child’s learning and one simple way is to

check out the school website. Under ‘School Years’ you can find a tab on

‘Assessment’ for each year group from which you can access the Assessment

Calendar. Here you can see when tasks are due and read a short description. Helping

students organise themselves to complete tasks in a timely way is giving them a

lifelong skill and also enhancing their chance of success.

Arrive On Time

We still have a number of students who arrive late to school. Because lessons start at

9am, this means that valuable learning time is lost. Parents and carers can assist their

children by ensuring that they are woken early enough to complete all the tasks that

need to be done before heading to school. Students require notes or phone calls to

explain absences, even short ones at the start of the day. While occasional lateness

might be unavoidable, students should be able to arrive on time as a general rule.

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The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep

Some classes have been covering the importance of sleep in their well-being lessons

after teachers commented that some students are often tired and lacking in energy.

Dot points taken from: http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/teens-and-sleep

FACTS:

Sleep is vital to your well-being, as important as the air you breathe, the water you

drink and the food you eat. It can even help you to eat better and manage the stress

of being a teenager.

Biological sleep patterns shift toward later times for both sleeping and waking during

adolescence -- meaning it is natural to not be able to fall asleep before 11:00 pm.

Teenagers need about 9 hours of sleep each night to function best (for some, 8 1/2

hours is enough) but one study found that only 15% reported sleeping 8 1/2 hours on

school nights.

Teens tend to have irregular sleep patterns across the week — they typically stay up

late and sleep in late on the weekends, which can affect their biological clocks and

hurt the quality of their sleep.

CONSEQUENCES:

Not getting enough sleep or having sleep difficulties can:

Limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems. You may even

forget important information like names, numbers, your homework or important dates;

Lead to aggressive or inappropriate behaviour such as yelling at your friends or being

impatient with your teachers or family members;

Cause you to eat too much or eat unhealthy foods like sweets and fried foods that

lead to weight gain;

Increase the use of caffeine and nicotine; and

Contribute to illness.

SOLUTIONS: Make sleep a priority. Decide what you need to change to get enough sleep to stay

healthy, happy, and smart! Make your room a sleep haven. Keep it cool, quiet and dark. Let in bright light in the

morning to signal your body to wake up.

No pills, vitamins or drinks can replace good sleep. Consuming caffeine close to

bedtime can hurt your sleep, so avoid coffee, tea and chocolate late in the day so you

can get to sleep at night.

Establish a bed and wake-time and stick to it, coming as close as you can on the

weekends. A consistent sleep schedule will help you feel less tired since it allows

your body to get in sync with its natural patterns. You will find that it’s easier to fall

asleep at bedtime with this type of routine.

Don’t eat, drink, or exercise within a few hours of your bedtime. Don’t leave your

homework for the last minute. Try to avoid the TV, computer and telephone in the

hour before you go to bed.

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Year 10 APEX Students at Work Experience

1) Billy Worthy at JB’s Auto Electrical 2) Ben Medway at Yass Valley Automotive and Offroad 3) Jarrod Saunders at Yass Library 4) Rebekkah Hartwig at YECCA 5) Jay Vickery with Waters Concreting 6) Jayden Bitmead at Yass Mufflers

1 2

3 4

5 6

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Cross Country

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Place House Points

1 Hume 210

2 Sturt 172

3 Hovell 161

4 Oxyley 125

Age First Runner-Up

12 Girls Elysia Mackay Emma Bell

12 Boys Liiam Taylor Kai Douven

13 Girls Alyssa Kemp Deana Nasralla

13 Boys Cian Ebert Jarrad Hulme

14 Girls Kelly Govier Peggy Stacey

14 Boys Tom North George Elliott

15 Girls Victoria Alley Breanna Lennon

15 Boys Bailey Maher Daniel Kemp

16 Girls Ashleigh Witt Tara Friend

16 Boys Kris Hansson Sam Edwards

17+ Girls Brooke Garland Rachel Fletcher

17+ Boys Hayden Starr Billy Beck

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Destination Survey 2013 Year 12 Cohort

The 2013 Year 12 cohort consisted of 43 students. 25 of these or 58% have gone on to further education or training. Over half of the students (22) did one or more of the 5 Vocational Education & Training courses offered at Yass High School. 7 students secured an apprenticeship or traineeship and 6 of these were related to the VET course they had studied. 7 students are studying other courses at TAFE, CIT or private providers. These courses include Childcare, Games Programming, Personal Training, Aboriginal Studies, Youth Work and Graphic Design. 13 students or 30% received university offers and of these 3 deferred and 10 took up the offer this year. 4 are at the University of Canberra, 3 are at the University of Wollongong, 2 are at the Australian University and 1 is attending Charles Sturt University. They are now studying degrees as varied as Commerce, Education, Science, Psychology, Sport Coaching, Veterinary Science, Engineering, Journalism and Law. 23 or 53% are working either full-time or part-time, some of these are still looking for better work or apprenticeships, but some are working 1 or more part-time jobs while on a GAP year and saving to travel or study later. Overall, they are a successful group who are following a range of different pathways. We are sure to hear more of many of them in the future.

Rachel McLucas and fellow Charles Sturt University student outside

the cattle yards after finishing their very first cattle handling

assessment for their course.

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Siobhan Opens Skyfire's Got Talent

Siobhan McGrath was selected from hundreds of entrants to be one of five finalists

in 104.7's "Skyfire's Got Talent" competition. The finals were held at Westfield

Belconnen on Friday evening, and the finalists performed for a judging panel that

comprised of Scotty and Nige, last year's winner, and a member of the Westfield

Belconnen's team. Siobhan sang her version of "Break Easy" by The Script, and

won over the judging panel immediately. Although the scores were incredibly

close, Siobhan came away as the winner. She won a $500 style voucher, and the

opportunity to open the Skyfire concert the next Saturday night. Siobhan did a 20

minute set, singing some covers, and also some of her own compositions before

Timomatic continues the show.

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Mrs Riach was at Sydney Con, with Idea of North, learning the

repertoire for the May Choral Concert

Annabelle Hansson, Bella Wilson

and Maddie McGrath Veanka Howard

Southern Stars

Veanka Howard, Bella

Wilson, Maddie McGrath

and Annabelle Hansson

have successfully made it

through the first round of

auditions for Southern

Stars. Southern Stars is a

show put together by

schools in our region, a bit

like School Spectacular,

showcased in Wollongong

in November.

The girls now have to audition in front of a panel, singing 2 songs each, to see if

they can make it through to the next round of auditions.

Good luck!

Little Shop of Horrors

Rehearsals for the musical, Little Shop of Horrors, are well underway as the cast prepares to “wow” everyone with Yass High School’s first musical in over 10 years. The show is on stage in Week 2, Term 2 in the school hall. The lead characters, Seymour and Audrey, are beautifully played by Dana Wilson and Orion Mandla, while Edward Hinch is Orin, the evil dentist. Bella Wilson is the manipulative Mrs Mushnik and our man-eating plant is voiced by Mel Parker with Zack Direen and Eric Barnett co-ordinating the giant puppet. Joanna Devey, Siobhan McGrath, Annabelle Hansson, Emily Parker, Isabella Lewis and Annie Hill are the harmonically beautiful backup singers, The Ronettes. Purchase your tickets at the front office - adults $15 students/concession $10

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YASS HIGH SCHOOL

PRESENTS

7, 8, 9 May 6.30pm

Yass High School Hall

Tickets available from Yass High School 62261711

Adults $15 Children/Concession $10

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken

Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith. Originally produced by the WPA

Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director). Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre New York

City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organisation

By arrangement with HalLeonard Australia Pty Ltd Exclusive agent for Music Theatre International (NY)

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Emily Parker and Daniel Jones lead a game

Peer Support This term Year 7 and Year 10 students have been involved in a Peer Support program aimed at empowering students to participate in a positive school culture. The programme is designed to equip young people with skills to deal pro-actively with life experiences. Anti-bullying has been the focus of this

year’s programme. It has focused on developing: decision making, problem solving, assertiveness, empathy, relationship building and conflict resolution. Year 10 leaders have been facilitating small groups of year 7’s and working through activities such as discussions, reflective exercises, games and puzzles, aimed at conflict resolution. The end of the programme will be celebrated by a BBQ and games afternoon at River Bank Park on Thursday 11th April. Further excursions throughout the year and a camp is planned to encourage and build on the relationships between Year 7 and Year 10 students formed in this program. Yass High Schools aim is to engage in a whole school approach to bullying, inclusive of school staff, students and parents. Parents are invited to a meeting on Monday 7th April at 7.30pm to learn about the Yass High Anti-Bullying Policy so that they can support their children at school.

Ally Thurkettle and Brittany Burns discuss strategies

with Year 7 students

Catherine Barberis, Amber Gasperski and

Edward Hinch explain activities to Year 7 students

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Success at the Boorowa Show

As part of their HSC course, the Chemistry class study the process of fermentation. As part of this topic the Yass and Crookwell sections of the class made a batch of beer in home fermentation kits and bottled it. They both then entered their beers in the Beer and Soft Drink section at the Boorowa Show. The Yass group consisting of Amy Adamow, Veloria Andrew, Kahlie Bush and Kate Kelly were awarded a first place in the bitter beer section and the Crookwell class

was awarded a second in the same class. Having two these two entries also meant that the class overall was awarded Most Sucessful Exhibitor in the Beer and Soft Drink Section and a prize of $25 was added to their winnings. This money will be put towards the costs of the next Chemistry Brew. Next year we hope to put entries in other local shows as well.

Proud winners Kate Kelly, Veloria Andrew

and Amy Adamow

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Welcome to Our Brekky Club, Yass Soldiers Club

Students welcomed vistors from Yass Soldiers Club, Bill Nesbitt and Robert Packwood to our Brekky Club this morning. We celebrated with Milo and raisin toast. Thanks for supporting this wonderful program at Yass High School.

Police Liaison talks Cybersafety

Snr Constable Gary Mutton speaks to some of our students about protecting their cyber safety.

Our 12 Year Boys Relay off to State

Championships

Congratulations Kai, William, Tom and Magnus. Pictured at Dapto Regional Swimming Carnival, the winning 12 Year Boys Relay Team They will now be representing the region at State Championships

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Cycling to March Reaches Yass

Raphael McGowan with his sister Miriam and mother Bernie, in Yass en route to Sydney for the Melanoma March. Raphael rode from Adelaide in memory of his sister Tess who died from melanoma aged 30 http://www.cyclingtomarch.com/ Community Studies students were keen to support this cause after watching 'To my 16 Year Old Self' in assembly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4jgUcxMezM They baked and sold cupcakes which, added to some funds from a special staff morning tea, meant that Raphael was presented with $100. The McGowan family were very grateful and Raphael was impressed with the concern for others shown by our students.

Student of the Week Red Cross Calling

On Sunday 9th March about 30 students from Yass door knocked to raise money for Red Cross. After we were done we went back to the Memorial Hall for morning tea. This was lots of fun. A huge thank you to Ms Jenny Rajchert for organising our participation and thank you to everyone that donated. Taylar McIver Year 9

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Free Transport from Binalong and Bowning to Youth Week Movie Night in Coronation Park As part of the annual Youth Week celebrations, Yass Valley Youth Council is screening Mr Bean’s Holiday at 7.30pm on Saturday 5 April at Coronation Park in Yass. Mr Bean’s Holiday is the fourth movie night hosted by the Youth Council and all funds raised will go towards equipment for Yass High School. The Yass Valley Youth Council has been successful in receiving a small grant from the NSW State Government to provide free transport for people from Binalong and Bowning to the Youth Week movie night. The bus will pick up residents in Binalong at 5.30pm at the Binalong Post Office and residents in Bowning from the Bowning General Store at 6pm. The bus will return to Bowning at approximately 10pm and Binalong at 10.30pm. Places on the bus are limited. To reserve a seat please contact Council’s Community Development Manager, Cathy Campbell on 62269285 before 5pm on Thursday 3rd April 2014.

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Coming Events

Date Event

Thu 3 Apr Year 7 Parent BBQ and Interim Report distribution from 5pm - Hall

Sat 5 Apr P&C BBQ at Youth Week event: movie night ‘Mr Bean’s Holiday’

Mon 7 Apr Parent meeting 7.30pm in the library – Bring Your Own Device information and presentation of the school’s Anti Bullying Policy

7 to 11 Apr Year 12 Mid Course Exams

Tue 8 Apr Zone Boys’ Tennis - Goulburn

Wed 9 Apr UC Student for a Day

Wed 9 Apr Regional Rugby League

Thu 10 Apr Peer Support BBQ

14-15 April Little Shop of Horrors rehearsal 9.00am – 3.30pm

Fri 25 April Anzac Day Service – students and staff to meet at cnr of Lead & Comur

Street 10.30am

Mon 28 Apr School Development Day for Staff

Tue 29 Apr Term 2 Begins for Students – Timetable changes

29 Apr-2 May Year 12 Study Camp

Fri 2 May Zone Girls’ Tennis

Fri 2 May Vaccinations Year 7 + Year 9 Boys

7-9 May Little Shop of Horrors 6.30pm school hall

Fri 9 May Athletics Carnival

13-15 May NAPLAN Tests Year 7 & 9

Click on the school website for the online calendar

Remember Assessment tasks dates due are available on school website assessment

calendars