WR 17/02/12 - OxleyLearning Home

HEAD’S COMMENT:
Core Learning Department
Stuart Bollom (Deputy Head, Pastoral & Co-curriculum) often uses the analogy that it is better to place fences at the top of a cliff than ambulances at the
bottom. Often this analogy is considered in the context of pastoral care alone and is also often misinterpreted as removing all ambulances from the
bottom of the cliff. Both are not the case.
The analogy applies to all areas:
Pastoral;
Co-curricular; and
Academic
The application of the analogy to our academic provides me with the opportunity to explain the rationale behind the formation of the new Core Learning
Department at Oxley College.
Instead of having the members of the Core Learning team as ambulances at the bottom of the cliff, a role they have traditionally
assumed, we are using their skills and abilities to help us build strong fences at the top of the academic cliff.
However, this does not totally remove them from their role of ambulances but does devote time and energy to support the classroom teacher. I stress that
the teams’ primary role is to support the classroom teacher. This support is via guidance and assistance with embedding items in the normal teaching
program.
The following is an article from Bronwyn Tregenza (Head of the Core Learning Department) that provides further information on this new team:
“One of the most distinctive features of Oxley College is the way it values and responds to the unique traits and characteristics of each member of our
community. Diversity is recognised as a strength and we diligently seek to open avenues for every individual to develop his or her talents. We recognise
that diverse learners need varied challenge levels, different modes of presentation and expression, and opportunities and support to pursue areas of
personal interest. This year we have intensified the support for innovative, individualised teaching and learning by forming the Core Learning team.
The formation of the K-12 Core Learning Department in 2012 brings together the collective expertise of a team of educational and health professionals
for the purpose of supporting teachers as they learn about the individual needs of each of the students they teach and shape curriculum and classroom
practice to optimally meet those needs. The new Core Learning team comprises Learning Facilitator and ICT Specialist, Mr Tom March; Head of Library,
Mrs Petah Fishburn; Coordinating REV (Religion, Ethics and Values) and Critical Thinking, Mrs Jan Ryan; Speech Pathologist, Mrs Kate Psarakis;
Educational Psychologist Ms Rani Ritchie; Occupational Therapist, Dr Heidi Coupland and Mrs Bronwyn Tregenza as Head of the Core Learning team. The
Core Learning team will also be supported by a Teachers’ Aide who will be appointed shortly.
The aim of Core Learning is to empower teachers to provide the students in their classes with learning experiences that result in the strongest possible
learning gains, high levels of interest and maximum engagement in the learning process. Each of the members of the Core Learning Team brings unique
expertise and will work collaboratively alongside classroom teachers as they harness the powerful technologies being introduced to the school, embed
information skills and critical thinking into classroom lessons and offer each student a range of challenge options.
Our support team of Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Speech Therapist and Learning Enrichment Staff will integrate their services into regular
classroom lessons with the advantage of being able to target larger numbers of students with intensive support. Having highly qualified specialists working
alongside teachers in the classroom results in refined classroom practice which is informed by clinical research and experience. Not only are teachers better
able to recognise and respond to learning needs, they are supported to deliver teaching programs that prevent difficulties and delays in the first instance.
Teachers working in this way develop a very keen ability to capitalise on learning opportunities for every student. As specialists work in the classroom, the
adult to student ratio is reduced and the classroom culture remains inclusive.”
Community
In the 7-12 Assembly this week both the Student Leaders from Monash House and I spoke about community. The topic for our reflection section of
Assembly this term is ‘Symbols of Oxley College’. Both presentations used part of Marianne Williamson’s (no relation) prose:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our
darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”
by Marianne Williamson
from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles.
This quote, and others, provided our students time to think about their membership of the Oxley community. There are times when we are provided with
wonderful opportunities to give back to our community. Indeed a number of our Prefects are currently assisting as Bus Buddies each morning by helping
get our K to 6 bus travellers from the buses to the classrooms. They are doing a great job. My challenges to our 7 – 12 students at Assembly today were:
Are you giving back to the community in which you live?
What we you actually going to do?
Do you encourage others?
Do you help others?
Are you helping us to be a supportive community?
What can you do to make a difference?
If discussing this with your son or daughter, they may refer to an amazing TropFest video clip I used. This clip can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrDxe9gK8Gk.
Virtues
Wisdom and knowledge is about using our brains to acquire and use knowledge. The second of the attributes under wisdom and knowledge is Curiosity.
Curiosity is taking an interest in the world around you.
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LEARNING@OXLEY
At our Staff Professional Learning session on Monday afternoon, faculties presented the work already begun in our classrooms this
year, focusing on feedback. All presentations were varied and demonstrated the different and innovative approaches being used to
ensure that students are appropriately engaged, enriched and challenged in their learning environment.
This week we also began our series of Parent Information Sessions. It was pleasing to see so many attend the Kindergarten – Year 6,
Year 7, Year 11 and Year 9 evenings - an indication of the interest and support for all our students.
The remaining Parent sessions are as follows:
Year 8: Tuesday 21 February 6 – 7pm, Orchestra Room
Year 10: Thursday 23 February 6 – 7pm, Orchestra Room
Year 12 students and parents are reminded that their first Student/Parent/Teacher session will be held on Wednesday 29 February,
beginning at 4pm in the PE Centre. Parents will be emailed so that interviews times can be booked electronically.
Support sessions are also beginning for learning outside the classroom. Please be aware of the following:
Tuesday mornings 8:00am: Maths Homework support
Wednesday afternoons 3.45pm: Senior Maths Tutorials
Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes: English learning clusters
Kate Cunich, Deputy Head, Academic
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Here are the details for the Oxley College Music Ensemble Rehearsal times.
YEAR 2 MUSIC
Core Ensembles | Directors
Rehearsal Day | Time | Venue
Corale Mr Robert Hughes
Monday 7:45am-8:45am Orchestra Room
Guitar Ensemble Mr Andrew Byrne
Tuesday 7:45am-8:45am Orchestra Room
Senior Concert Band Mr Richard Hodge Thursday 7:45am-8:45am Orchestra Room
String Ensemble Mrs Alison Bunyan Thursday 7:45am-8:45am Music Room 1
Junior Concert Band Mr Richard Hodge Friday 7:45am-8:45am Orchestra Room
JVs – Junior Voices TBA
TBA TBA
**Small Ensembles | Directors
Year 2 students who currently learn and own a musical instrument are asked to bring their instrument to school on Wednesday
22 February. Thank you. David Whetton.
K-6 ASSEMBLY MERIT AWARDS
Rehearsal Day | Time | Venue
Flute Ensemble Ms Emma Knott
Monday Lunchtime Orchestra Room
Stage Band Mr Robert Hughes Wednesday 7:45am-8:45am Orchestra Room
World Music Ensemble Mr Richard Hodge Thursday Lunchtime Orchestra Room
OxVox Mrs Kate Cunich Friday Lunchtime Music Room 1
**You are expected to be a regular member of one or more of the Oxley ‘Core’ Ensembles in order to join one of the ‘Small’
ensembles. Please see the Oxley website for the Music Tuition Student Guide and further information.
Robert Hughes, Head of Music.
The following K-6 students received merit awards at last week’s Assembly.
Kindergarten: Luke Pendlebury “being an attentive listener and a focussed reader”.
Year 1: Sarah Shields “consistently trying to achieve”.
Year 2: Monty Clark “a huge improvement in self organisation”.
Year 3: Rose Barnett “wonderful consistent listening”.
Year 4: Jakob Hill “giving his best efforts to all tasks”.
Year 5: Lachlan McKillop “courageously retrieving a handball from the bin!
A real team effort”.
Year 6: Angus Feetham “excellent effort and achievement in his work”.
NEWS FROM YEAR 2
Year 2 have been studying various forms of energy as part of their
Integrated Studies unit. Students then researched the Van Gogh
Painting, ‘Starry Night’, which features swirling winds, driving rain and
beaming stars. Using a variety of methods such as shading, painting,
layering and applying a wash, students re-created their own version of
the famous artwork. David Whetton.
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PASTORAL AND CO-CURRICULAR NEWS
K-6 SHIPS (Southern Highlands Independent Primary Schools) Carnival
Oxley has been invited to the 2012 SHIPS Carnival on Tuesday 21 February from 4.00pm at Bowral Swimming Pool. As this is prior to
the school carnival we are inviting any Swimmers who are currently training or competing with a Swim Club/Centre to enter this
Carnival. Parents will be responsible for the transportation and supervision of their child/ren at the event. A note was sent home earlier
in the week for children who would like to compete at this Carnival. Mrs Cupitt will be at the Carnival as Team Manager.
K – 6 Inter-House Swimming Carnival
The inaugural K – 6 Oxley College Inter-House Swimming Carnival is being held on Friday 24 February at the Bowral Swimming Pool.
Students will be transported to and from the pool by bus departing at 9.00am and returning by 2.45pm. Students are to wear PE
uniform with their house coloured polo shirt. A program of novelty events for our K – 2 students has been included in the program
and they are also welcome to participate in the 25m events if they have the ability. Students in Year 2 who are turning 8 years in 2012
are also eligible to compete in the 50m and 100m events if they can confidently complete the distances. A note was sent home earlier
in the week and it would be appreciated if parents could discuss participation with their child/ren prior to the Carnival and indicate
their level of involvement on the note. Parents who would like to assist at the Carnival are also asked to indicate their availability on
the note. Parents are very welcome to attend.
7 - 12 Inter-House Swimming Carnival
The 7 - 12 Oxley College Inter-House Swimming Carnival is being held on Wednesday 22 February at the Mittagong Swimming Pool.
Students will be transported to and from the pool by bus departing at 9.00am and returning by 3.00pm. Students are to wear PE
uniform with their house coloured polo shirt. Official school swimming costumes must be worn whilst competing. Female competitors
may wear Oxley PE shorts with the school swimming costume. All students are advised to wear a hat and apply sunscreen whilst
spectating. There are no limits to the number of events a competitor may enter. The 200 IM and the 100m Freestyle events were held
during Wednesday Sport over the last two weeks. There were some very close races and we look forward to more at the carnival next week.
Parents are very welcome to attend.
Stuart Bollom, Deputy Head, Pastoral and Co-curriculum.
WELCOME TO 2012 @ LIBRARY
We are here to assist the Oxley learning community in accessing their information and recreational reading needs. We have two part time
Library Assistants: Mrs Penny Everingham and Mrs Jenni Rees. I am Mrs Petah Fishburn, Head of Library and Teacher Librarian.
K-6:
Welcome to our new K-6 teachers and students.
We have had a busy time with Library orientation lessons and borrowing of books. Kindergarten students may borrow one book per
week, while the remainder of K-6 students are encouraged to borrow two. Please return books in the Library Bags each week. It has been
impressive to see how creatively these bags have been personalised. Your class teacher would have notified your child of the regular
Library day for their class.
7-12:
Junior students are allowed to borrow three fiction books and three non-fiction books for a period of two weeks. Senior students are able
to borrow five fiction and five non-fiction books. Students are also able to borrow magazines, audio books and DVDs (relating to class
work). Students may renew items if they need them for a longer period.
We value the feedback from parents as we attempt to provide Library resources and services that will enable your child’s success and
enjoyment of their school experience at Oxley.
Petah Fishburn.
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REV (RELIGION, ETHICS AND VALUES)
REV, Philosophy and Critical thinking for 2012
Some good reasons for us all to learn to think critically
Here are some thought provoking quotes which involve the use and abuse of human’s inability or unwillingness to learn to think and
if needed stand against the status quo:
The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt.
Bertrand Russell
The propagandist’s purpose is to make one set of people forget that certain other sets of people are human.
Aldous Huxley
The great masses of the people…will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.
Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf, 1933
The trouble with most folks isn’t so much their ignorance, as knowing so many things that ain’t so.
Josh Billings
Jan Ryan.
LIVING WITH TEENAGERS
Parenting Tips from Jan Ryan
Why self-compassion is healthier than self-esteem – for parents and students alike
Why we should stop chasing self-esteem and start developing self-compassion.
Published on June 25, 2011 by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. in The Power of Self-Compassion.
It's important to distinguish self-compassion from self-esteem. Self-esteem refers to the degree to which we evaluate ourselves
positively. It represents how much we like or value ourselves, and is often based on comparisons with others. In contrast,
self-compassion is not based on positive judgments or evaluations, it is a way of relating to ourselves. People feel self-compassion
because they are human beings, not because they are special and above average. It emphasises interconnection rather than
separateness. This means that with self-compassion, you don't have to feel better than others to feel good about yourself. It also
offers more emotional stability than self-esteem because it is always there for you - when you're on top of the world and when you
fall flat on your face.
Research indicates that self-compassion offers the same benefits as self-esteem (less depression, greater happiness, etc.) without its
downsides. In a large survey conducted with over 3000 people from various walks of life, for example, it was found self-compassion
was associated with much more stable feelings of self-worth (assessed 12 different times over an 8 month period) than self-esteem.
This may be related to the fact that self-compassion was also found to be less contingent on things like physical attractiveness or
successful performances than self-esteem. Also, self-esteem had a strong association with narcissism while self-compassion had no
association with narcissism.
DAILY STRUCTURE K-6 and 7-12
K-6 Daily Structure
9:00am
School commences
9:00 - 9:50 Class
9:50 Munch and crunch in class
9:50 - 10:50 Class
10:50 Morning Tea break in play area
11:20 - 12:25pm Class
12:25 Lunch – supervised eating followed by play time
1:05 - 1:50 Class
1:50 - 2:00 Afternoon Tea in Class
2:00 - 3:15 Class
3:15pm
School finishes
7-12 Daily Structure (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) 7-12 Daily Structure (Wednesday)
8:45am
Roll call
8:50 Period 1
9:35 Period 2
10:20 Recess
10:50 Period 3
11:35 Period 4
12:20pm Period 5
1:05 Lunch
1:55 Tutor Group
2:10 Period 6
2:50 Period 7
3:30pm
School finishes
8:45am Roll call
8:50 Period 1
9:35 Period 2
10:20 Recess
10:50 Period 3
11:30 Period 4
12:10pm Period 5
12:50 Lunch
1:25 Sport
3:10 Tutor Group
3:30pm School finishes
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OLD OXLEYAN ASSISTS SAMOAN CRICKET
Old Oxleyan, Chris Khoo (2003) is currently working as a cricket development officer in Samoa. Chris represented the Oxley 1st XI
cricket for five years, captaining the side in his final year. During the Christmas holidays, Chris returned to visit his mother and family
and was able to tap into local Highlands support in order to take cricket equipment back with him to Samoa. The College provided
Chris with some pre-loved equipment as well as the use of our grounds for a match involving the ‘Honest Trundlers’ (a Sunshine
Coast based cricket charity) and a local team. Oxley staff member Tim Dibdin played for the ‘Honest Trundlers’. All-in-all three
matches were played in the Highlands and over $520 raised by many different groups of cricket enthusiasts keen to support Chris’
efforts in Samoa. Peter Craig.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
Gabrielle Nappa (Year 12) and Shalmali Yadwad (Year 11) who have been selected for the ISA Softball team to play in the NSWCIS
Carnival on Thursday 23 February at Blacktown Olympic Park. This is a wonderful achievement and both girls are to be
congratulated.
SPORT FIXTURES
YEAR 8 GET-TOGETHER
Year 8 Family Car Observation Challenge & BBQ. Don’t miss this unique Year 8 family get together.
When:
Where:
What to bring:
RSVP:
Sunday 19 February 10.30am – 2.30pm (approximate finish time)
Starting and finishing from Oxley College
A roadworthy car, pen/pencil, clipboard may be useful, food for your family for the BBQ afterwards,
(some salads will be provided), drinks (NO ALCOHOL PLEASE)
Please let Tristan Bevan know on 4861 1366 or Tristan.Bevan@oxley.nsw.edu.au if you are coming.
CALENDAR: WEEK 3A TERM ONE, 2012
Saturday 18 February: ISA Summer Sport Round 9
Years 7-12 St Andrews Cathedral School Invitational Swimming Carnival,
Drummoyne Swimming Centre, 4:00pm—11:00pm
Sunday 19 February:
Tuesday 21 February:
Wednesday 22 February
Thursday 23 February:
Friday 24 February:
Year 8 car observation challenge (details above) 10:30am—2:30pm
Years K-6 SHIPS Twilight Swimming Carnival, Bowral Pool, 4:00pm—8:00pm
Year 8 Parent Information Session, Orchestra Room, 6:00pm—7:00pm
P&F Meeting, K-6 classrooms 7:30pm—9:00pm
Years 7-12 Inter-House Swimming Carnival, Mittagong Pool, 9:00am—3:00pm
Year 9 Music Pipe Organ Discovery Tour, St,. Judes Church, Bowral 11.35am—1:15pm
Year 10 Parent Information Session, Orchestra Room, 6:00pm—7:00pm
Years K-6 Swimming Carnival, Bowral Pool, 9:30am—2:00pm
Years 7-11 Southern Highlands Hospice Fun Run (from Oxley) 4:00pm—8:00pm
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PO Box 552, Bowral NSW 2576
Phone: 02 4861 1366
Email—Office@oxley.nsw.edu.au
Website—www.oxley.nsw.edu.au
ABN 80 002 341 791
P & F NEWS
The next P&F Meeting will be held in the K-6 classrooms at 7:30pm on Tuesday 21 February. ALL WELCOME.
There was a wonderful turnout to the Welcome drinks last Friday evening and the rain cleared just as everyone was arriving. It was the
first opportunity for parents from the primary and senior schools to come together and there was a certainly a buzz in the music room.
Quite a few people offered their services to the P&F on the night and I encourage all these people to either email the
relevant committee member (see below) or come along to our first P&F meeting next Tuesday 21 February at 7.30pm in the K-6
classrooms. This is a great opportunity to meet other parents, see the new classrooms and hear the talks by our Head of College,
Mr Grant Williamson and Head of K to 6, Mr Steven Armstrong about our new K to 12 community. If you have any questions about
the combined college please come along. We will have a 30-minute P&F meeting followed by the talks and everyone is welcome!
2012 is going to be an exciting year and the more people that get involved with P&F events the better. We have a great committee
that includes Tom Isaksson (thomasolofisaksson@gmail.com) as Vice President and Events Coordinator, Frances Teffany
(ftefany@acenet.com.au) as Secretary and Ralph Nixon as Treasurer. We also have Sharon Taylor (sharonntaylor@bigpond.com) as the
Year Rep Coordinator and Deborah Taylor as the Canteen Coordinator assisting Catherine Fraser (Catherine.Fraser@oxley.new.edu.au)
with the canteen rosters. I will be introducing the committee members over the next few weeks. We also have many parents who
don't have specific positions on the committee but have expressed interest in being involved.
The events that we need assistance from parents and grandparents this year include:
Equestrian Day on Sunday 13 May
The Annual Oxley Day on Saturday 2 June
The Trivia Night on Friday 3 August
The Text Book Exchange in Term 4.
The committee is looking forward to receiving your expressions of interest in helping the P&F by email or by seeing you next Tuesday
evening at the first P&F meeting for 2012. Tina Allen, P&F President.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Bowral Hockey Club
Registration Day 18 February from 2:00pm—4:00pm at Mittagong MacDonalds. $50 deposit per player must be paid at the time of registration.
For more details phone Kim McNaught 0431 737 560.
THSPA Anniversary
THSPA 10th Year Anniversary, Saturday 3 March. An evening of live music, drinks and catering (by M&B) at THSPA, 73 Kirkham
Road, Bowral. Cost: $35.00 for THSPA members, $40.00 for guests. For more information call THSPA 4862 3333 or
www.thspa.com.au.
OXLEY SHOP—TERM ONE
Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday each week: 8:30am—4:00pm
Saturdays: First and third Saturday of each month 10:00am—12:00pm
The next Saturday trading day is:
Saturday 3 March
I have received supplies of grey trousers (most sizes K-12), size 10 and 14 elastic back primary shorts and girls summer tunics (primary
and small high school sizes). No sport gear, straw hats or blazers yet.
WEEK 4 ONLY: The shop will be open on Monday 20 February and closed on Wednesday 22 February (7-12 Swimming Carnival).
Jo Ismay.
CANTEEN—week commencing Monday 20 February
Next week’s specials:
Monday Pumpkin Frittata and salad $4.00
Friday Tandoori chicken drumsticks and rice $4.00
Salad for the week: Risoni and carrot or veggie garden produce salad $3.00
Two helpers a day is ideal for the canteen. If you are available to assist on the following days, please contact me on 4862 7729 or
Catherine.Fraser@oxley.nsw.edu.au. Alternatively please phone Reception 02 4861 1366. Start time is approximately 9:00am
Monday
Sally Quirico
Help x 1 please
Tuesday
Fiona Brown
Help x 1please
Wednesday
Jan Wasiliev
Help x 1please
Thursday
Meggie O’Toole
Help x 1 please
Friday
Help needed
X 2 please
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