today, Thursday 1st December 2011 - Goroke P-12 College

Jaden showing off the
Honda SL70 that he along with
Austin, Brodie and Gage have
been busy restoring since the
beginning of Term 1.
Goroke
P-12
College
Newsletter
PO Box 132
GOROKE VIC 3412
Phone: 03 53 861024
Fax: 03 53 861283
1st December 2011
Volume 37
Contact the school and view our newsletter online
www.goroke.p12@edumail.vic.gov.au

Year 8’s returned on Wednesday from their camp in Ballarat where they have been
undertaking an orientation to Ballarat University. We have been connected to Ballarat Uni for
several years now – they have provided information evenings and sessions for students and
parents at the school, helping prepare them for what is in store after students leave
secondary school. Our school has combined with a couple of other schools in the Wimmera
for this camp and stayed in the student accommodation at the university. There has been no
cost to the students thanks to the financial support of the University of Ballarat. Thank you
to Ms Aldridge, Michele Mulraney and Brian O’Leary for their organisation and assistance
over the 2 days.
Concert preparations are well underway for the end of the year and hopefully by the
16 th December some of our rock and roll dancers will be well practiced and less likely to
injure themselves as they have been doing in rehearsals.
A reminder about next year’s parent contributions and booklists. Parents will have
noticed that the booklist requirements have been reduced. The school is relying more and
more on Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and therefore there is less
dependent on exercise books, scrap books, folders etc. As a result of this increased
dependence on technologies, however, parents will see an across the board increase in ICT
charges on their parent contribution list so that all students in year 5-12 can have 24/7
access to their own laptop as well as have the unit regularly replaced every three years.
Today was the last official RE session for the school and the students had the
opportunity to send our RE teachers off with a wonderful farewell. Many thanks to Barb and
Jenny for their ongoing commitment to the education of our children at Goroke P-12
College and to all of the religious education teachers who came before them. We have been
very fortunate to have had some wonderful instructors in our school – all on a volunteer
basis and all committed to sharing the affirming values of their faith. Many thanks Jenny and
Barb. We will miss you both.
This week we also received some sad news from Keith McCarron, our instrumental
music teacher. Keith has been teaching music in a number of schools over the years but
eventually only chose to continue in our school because of his commitment to our music
programme and the dedication of the children involved. Keith has informed us that he has
been diagnosed with lung cancer and will not be able to teach for a while. He spoke to the
students on Wednesday and it was with a heavy heart that he told them he would be unable
to return in 2011. Keith is hoping that he may, depending on tests, treatments and surgery
options undertaken between now and next year, return. Whilst he is away, we will be trying
to find a temporary replacement music teacher to ensure that students have some continuity
next year. This is a tough time for the McCarron family and we wish Keith and his wife
Lorraine all the best. The band will still be performing on Concert Night and have given their
promise to Keith that they will try their best with their new ‘assistant’ conductor Kylie
Charlton.
Joy Forbes
The library will be closed for borrowing purposes from
today, Thursday 1st December 2011

2011 - Events Calendar
6th December
Volunteers Morning Tea
8th - 9th December Prep, 1 and 2 Camp to Halls Gap
9th December
Goroke Christmas Street Party
13th December Naracoorte Caves Excursion Year 8
16th December
19th - 21st December
20th December
21st December
22nd December
School Concert
Activities Week
Grade 6 Graduation
Term 4 ends for students at 2.30pm
Parent Teacher Interviews as requested
2012 - Events Calendar
1st February
2nd February
Term 1 begins for Staff
Term 1 begins for Students
13th February Life Education Van Prep - Year 6
21st February
Performance ‘Friendship’ Prep - Year 6 at 2pm
Could all Parents Club raffle tickets and money be returned to school by the
end of next week, Friday 9th December.
Thank you
Bernie McCuish
ice cream containers with lids..?
butter containers with lids..?
plastic take away food containers with lids..?
The cookery centre would appreciate any spare throw away containers that
you no longer need, for storing food.

Whooping cough on the rise in 5-14 year olds
The number of children aged 5-14 years old catching whooping cough has
increased dramatically in Victoria over the last four years.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious disease causing
a severe, persistent cough. Whooping cough is spread by coughs and sneezes
from an infected person.
While most children and adults eventually recover, often after weeks or months of
illness and household disruption, there is a serious risk if infected people pass the
disease to young babies.
Around one in every 200 babies under six months of age who catch whooping
cough will die. Some babies will suffer permanent disability from brain and lung
damage.
Family members, including siblings and parents, are the main source of whooping
cough infection in babies.
Timely immunisation offers the best chance of preventing the spread of whooping
cough. Whooping cough vaccine is provided free for children at two, four and six
months, at their fourth birthday, adolescents in Year 10 of secondary school and
parents of newborn babies. The two month vaccine can be given early at six
weeks to start protection earlier.
Parents are urged to ensure their children are vaccinated on time and to consider
their own whooping cough vaccination needs. Vaccination is recommended for all
adults caring for or working with young children, including school teachers, as well
as all health care workers.
Parents should talk to their doctor or nurse if they have questions about the
whooping cough vaccine.
For more information search ‘whooping cough’ on www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

The organisers of
the Disco fundraiser,
Will, Jackson, Jessica
Josh and Yasmin.
Although Jessica
didn’t attend the
Snowy River Campus
she volunteered her
time to help with the
preparation of the
Disco.
Thank you to everyone who supported the disco fundraiser which was held on
28th October.
Overall, the Leadership group raised a total of over $1000 for their
Community Learning Project (CLP). This money has been donated to the
Jane McGrath Foundation.
The 5 - 10 age group of students
enjoying themselves at the disco.

Pancakes
Ingredients
145g Plain Flour
2 tspns Baking Powder
Pinch of Salt
1 Egg
4 tblspn Vegetable Oil
300ml Milk
Maple Syrup
What to do:
... Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl, then use a spoon to make a well
in the middle.
... Carefully break the egg into another bowl. Whisk it with two tablespoons of the oil and
the milk.
... Beat the egg mixture into the flour, a little at a time, until everything is mixed and makes
a smooth batter.
... Pour the remaining two tablespoons of oil into a frying pan and heat it until a faint haze
rises from the pan.
... Carefully spoon two tablespoons of batter into the pan to make one pancake. Add batter
to make two more.
... Cook the pancakes for about a
minute on one side. When they
begin to bubble, turn them
over with a spatula.
... Cook the pancakes for another
minute, until they puff up. Lift
them out of the pan onto a
warm plate.
... Serve the pancakes hot with
maple syrup poured on top.

Begin Celebrating the Christmas Season
at
Goroke ‘s Town Christmas Party
Where: Town Hall
When: Friday 9th December
6pm-9pm
What: Jumping Castle
Santa Photos
BBQ and Drinks Available
Santa will arrive at about 7pm
Gift can be left at Goroke stores.
Carols By Candlelight
will begin at 8.30pm
There will be a town courtesy bus available so if you need to be picked up
Please contact Georgie Buckley 53861187
Any community members or groups wishing to display
Nativity Scenes or Christmas Trees in the Hall
can do so on Friday 9th from 3.30pm on.
Organised by the Goroke Silent Angels and supported by The Lions Club,
Apex Club, Goroke Pre-school, Goroke P-12 College, Goroke Stores,
Chris Bull and West Wimmera Shire.

On Thursday the 24 th
along with
the Year 8
Agricultural class travelled out to Phillip
and Helen Crabtrees’ farm at Peronne to
experience life on a sheep and cropping
property at this time of year. We arrived at
the farm on Diggers’ Lane at about
10:30am and went to the paddock where
their New Holland header was harvesting
canola. The students watched as Craig
completed a lap of the paddock using a
pickup front to strip the canola wind rows.
of November Mr Hager

After that we went back to the shearing shed
and ate a delicious morning tea, including
scones and cream filled cakes which Phillips’
mum, Gwen had prepared.
Whilst we were enjoying Gwens’ cooking, Phil
(with some help!), set up a laptop computer at
the woolshed to show the students how he
purchases sheep through the live auction
process.
Next stop was out to ‘McPhees’ to look at a
centre pivot and to see the crop that is growing
there at the moment. Phillip talked about the
crops that had previously been grown on the
pivot which had also included potatoes. Quite a
few of the students enjoyed finding leftover
potato plants and potatoes!!
It was then back on the bus to have a look at a broad bean crop. At the end of our
tour Annie thanked Phillip for sharing his valuable knowledge of farming.
Jacob

This term in Technology I built
an amplifier
Firstly I measured the wood and
then cut it to size. Then it was
nailed together to create a
speaker box. I then filled the nail
holes with putty and sanded it.
The speaker box was stained
and after that coated with a
clear varnish. I cut the holes for
the speakers in the side of the
box and then fitted them. Next,
with a little help from Mr Hager,
I built the amp using a soldering
iron, which was a new skill for
me.
Overall I am happy with what I
have made. Its awesome!
Austin
In Term four, I made a coffee table in
Vocational Studies.
Firstly, l measured and cut the
materials. Then, biscuit joined, glued
and clamped the top together. Then, l
fitted the legs using a special mortise
and tenon joint. Once the table was
assembled I sanded the legs and top
with the orbital sander. After the
sanding was completed, I picked out
the stain I was happy with and applied
it. I finished the table with a coat of
clear varnish. This was a great project
to make and it is being used at home.
James

This year is galloping to a
close and we are desperately
trying to complete a number
of projects in Auto.
Michael and James are
working to reassemble their
Briggs and Stratton
stationery engine. The
engine has had the ring
ridge removed, the bore
honed and valves lapped.
New rings have been fitted
and gaskets other than the
head gasket have been
made. The engine needs
final assembly and we hope
it will burst into life and
reward the technicians.
Will and Josh are also
working to reassemble their
Briggs and Stratton
stationary engine. The
engine has had the same
overhaul as Michael and
James’. The engine needs
final assembly and we hope
it will burst into life and
reward the technicians.

Ben brought to school his Suzuki
4wd ute that serves as a bus stop
car... or what is left of his Suzuki
4wd ute. Rampant rust has
dissolved much of the floor, sills
and RHF mudguard. Ben has
welded a new floor into the drivers
side and is now working on a new
wheel arch for the right hand front
mudguard. The new arch is taking shape and
after welding it in place, grinding the welds
down and filling, it is planned to paint the
finished repair.
Samuel is playing a waiting
game as we wait for parts
and machining on his Morris
Minor engine that is
undergoing a complete
overhaul. All the
components have been
cleaned and Samuel is
thoroughly sick of washing
and drying engine parts
ready for reassembly.

Jaden, Austin, Brodie and Gage have been working flat out to complete the
Honda SL70 motorbike project they started back in Term 1. It has begun to look
like a very pretty little motorcycle and students across the school all want to own
it. This is a truly international machine with parts coming from Thailand,
Indonesia, Malaysia and the USA. The engine will go back into the frame this
week and with final wiring, all fingers will be crossed when we try to start it.
A very busy and intense program in Auto for Term 4 with a wide range of skills
experienced and practised by the students.

Financial Assistance
Parent Information
Financial assistance for parents/guardians with children commencing Prep or Year 7
in 2012
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA):
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is provided by the Victorian Government to low-income families to help with
education-related costs.
If you have a child under 16, and hold a valid Health Care Card, Pension Card, or are a foster parent, you may be eligible to
receive the EMA. The allowance is split evenly between the parent and the school, and is paid in two instalments, one in March
and one in August.
The parent portion is often used for uniforms and excursions, while the school portion may be used for expenses such as
textbooks, stationery and special programs. You can elect to have the parent portion of the EMA paid into your nominated bank
account or receive a cheque.
In 2012, the total annual amount is $235 for primary students and $470 for secondary students – these amounts are split evenly
between the parents/guardians and the school.
School Start Bonus:
The School Start Bonus is provided by the Victorian Government to assist low-income families with the costs associated with their
child starting Prep or Year 7 at a government or non-government school.
If you hold a valid Health Care Card, Pension Card, or are a foster parent, and you have a child starting Prep or Year 7, you may
be eligible to receive this one-off $300 payment.
The School Start Bonus will be paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into your nominated bank account in late January 2012.
The School Start Bonus is separate, and additional to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).
How to Apply: Contact the school office to complete an application form for the EMA/School Start Bonus.
Closing Date: Parents/guardians with prep or year 7 children commencing in 2012 need to lodge an EMA/School Start Bonus
form before 15 December, 2011. For late enrolments, applications will be accepted up until 29 February 2012.
For more information about the School Start Bonus and the EMA, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/financial/
Education Tax Refund:
The Education Tax Refund is a Commonwealth Government tax refund to help with the cost of educating primary and secondary
school children. Eligible parents, carers, legal guardians and independent students can be reimbursed for half the cost of it ems
such as computers, educational software, textbooks and stationery.
For more information about the Education Tax Refund, visit www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au/

Byron
8th December
Jordan
3rd December

Concert Seamstresses !
A big thank you to the people who donated fabric and to Kerry
and Mandy for coming in to help with the sewing in preparation
for the concert. It made light work of the task for me.
Thanks, Pam Grimmer

Throughout Term 4 Students will be preparing and producing
different culinary treats for sale to both Primary and Secondary
Students. These dishes will be available on Fridays at lunch and
must be pre ordered using the form below. Payment will need to
accompany the order form.
Please return order form and money to Ms. Clarke
no later than Tuesday 6th December 2011
Students Name
Chocolate Strawberry Number of
Milkshake Milkshake Hamburgers
............................................................................... .................. ................ .....................
.......................................................................................... .................. ................ .....................
.......................................................................................... .................. ................ .....................
.......................................................................................... .................. ................ .....................
Total Paid $ .................