March 2013 - Katoomba High School

Page 2As the new principal of Katoomba High School I would like to welcome you to our first newsletter for 2013.It has been exciting so far and I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months. First of all Iwould like to congratulate the 2012 HSC students and the staff who taught them for their hard work anddedication. We had many pleasing results across all subject areas. A particular highlight was that theschool was one of the highest ranked comprehensive high schools in the state in English. Also our dux BenTerracini achieved an ATAR of 94.75 and has been accepted, like many of our students, into his first choiceof university courses. In Ben’s case it is a Bachelor of Engineering specialising in Robotics at the Universityof Technology. On behalf of all the staff at the school I would like to congratulate Ben and all the studentswho were part of Year 12, 2012 and wish them a wonderful year ahead as they pursue their post schooloptions.I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Robert O’Brien and Mr Frank Ranieri who bothRelieved as Principal during 2012 as well as Mrs Edgar who Relieved as Deputy Principal. Theirmanagement of the school during a time of significant change was greatly appreciated by the schoolcommunity and I would like to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. I would also like to welcometwo new staff members into the school. They are Ms Nash who is teaching in the Support Unit and Ms Perryan English teacher who is also assisting Mrs Edgar with Welfare. I would finally like to acknowledge thetireless work of Mr Davies who is currently Relieving as Deputy Principal until a new appointment is made,early next term. I am most appreciative of his support.In leading Katoomba High School I am passionate about inspiring students to reach their full potential andam committed to developing a culture of high expectations and strong values that nourish the developmentof creative, confident, accomplished young men and women. To that end our school motto, Quality andCreativity, which highlights the holistic emphasis of the school has been the driving force behind theexecutive’s decision to bring the creative and performing arts (dance, drama, music, art) teachers together.So with great excitement I would like to let you know that the CAPA faculty has now been formed and Ilook forward to Katoomba High School’s continued growth in creative arts opportunities.I would also like to let you know that I have been visiting our feeder primary schools, along with MsGlasscock Year 7 Adviser 2014, as part of our transition program. Morning Tea and school tours will betaking place soon for these students and their families so if you know anyone who has a child currently inYear 6, please encourage them to come and see the wonderful learning, engagement and enrichmentopportunities at Katoomba High SchoolI would also like to extend a warm welcome to all the 2013 Year 7 students and their families.Mrs Jennifer BoyallPrincipalFrom Our PrincipalMaths TuitionThe Katoomba High Maths Tuition is on every Tuesday and Thursday, 3.30pm to 4.30pm in theLibrary. There is no need to book, but you do have to arrange for your own transport home afterwards.Maths Tuition is a great way for you to build your confidence in maths, complete homework assignmentsand to prepare for assessment tasks in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Bring your friends! Everyoneis welcome.Term 1 ExamsYears 7 and 8 exams in Mathematics will be held during Week 8Years 9 and 10 exams in Mathematics will be held during week 9Year 11 Week 8 (Ext 1, Week 11)

Page 3Blue Mountains GazetteCSIRO Scientist Sniffs “Old” Air at Katoomba High SchoolDr Paul Fraser from the CSIRO’s Marine and Atmosphericdivision visited Katoomba High School to collect a sample ofair from 1990. The air was contained in a diving cylinderwhich had remained unused since it was last filled in 1990. DrFraser explained the significance of having a sample of airfrom that year to the 2013 HSC Chemistry students.Students learned that Dr Fraser had been one of the Scientiststhat established the Cape Grim Baseline Air Pollution Stationin Tasmania which collects samples of air as they move fromthe Southern Ocean at a location that is remote from localisedpollution sources.He explained that direct air samples for the determination ofairborne pollutant dates back to the year 2004. The recordsfor some pollutants such as carbon tetrafluoride(tetrafluoromethane) are obtained from samples of air thatcan be traced back to particular years as is the case with olddiving cylinders. The oldest record held by CSIRO from diving cylinders dates back to 1969.Tetrafluoromethane is a significant gas in that it is associated with the production of aluminum. In nature, ithas remained at a stable concentration of 40 parts per trillion up to 1940 as established from ice coresamples but has since risen to a concentration of 80 parts per trillion in 2012. It is a strong greenhouse gasthat is almost indestructible which needs to be considered as another factor in climatic models.Mr Pastore who teaches Chemistry at Katoomba High School initiated the contact with CSIRO when hediscovered the sample of ―old‖ air belonging to his wife in his shed. He was very happy for the opportunitythat this provided his Chemistry students to have contact with scientists of the caliber of Dr Fraser, inparticular on aspects of research being undertaken by CSIRO which are an integral part of the ChemistryHigher School Certificate course.As a request, he urges anyone that might have more ―old‖ air to contact CSIRO.

Page 4P & CNEWSHello for 2013 from the P&C.Last Wednesday we welcomed the Principal, Jenny Boyall, to herfirst official P&C meeting. We also welcomed three new members, MargoDaly, Brent Hoare and Tamara Tancred.A GiftA piece of great news and a wonderful way for the new CAPA department to celebrate coming into being.Three weeks ago two friends of KHS emailed the P&C and said they wished to donate $500 to the MusicDepartment. That donation has been made - anonymously, as the donors wished - and Ms Capper is in theprocess of buying a padded adjustable piano stool and a drum box (cajon). The reputation of KHS as amusic and performance school is clearly growing. The P&C hopes the donors have the secret pleasure ofbeing in the audience when their gifts are used.Blue Mountains Music FestivalThe response from staff, students, and parents and carers to the call for volunteers to help at the MusicFestival has been terrific. Two weeks out from the Festival the roster for KHS's area is almost full. The hardwork is still ahead, but many hands will make light work. The dates for those wishing to attend are 15-17March.Cuts to School FundingThe P&C has received a reply from the NSW Minister for Education, Mr Adrian Piccoli, to ourrepresentations protesting the cuts of $1.7 billion to the education budget. Nowhere in his letter did theMinister explain why the cuts are being made or how those cuts will directly affect KHS, which is what hewas asked. A letter in response has been sent through our local member, Roza Sage, and we wait to seewhether we might now get answers rather than just a reply.Our next meeting is on 20th March, at 7.30 in the staff common room. It's going to be an exciting year.We look forward to seeing you.Trevor ShearstonPresidentIn the next few issues of Katoomba High flyers we will behighlighting the work of our newly appointed permanentteachers. Ms Nash has been appointed to the Support Unitat Katoomba High.The support unit provides a wide variety of services andfacilities to cater for students with special needs. Ms Nashstudied at the University of Newcastle, completing adegree in Special Education. Her favourite subject isSpecial Education because she can use her studies to makea difference to the learning and lives of her students.Ms Nash currently teaches years 7, 8 and 9 and theseare her favourite students. Shesays that she was fortunateenough to be appointed toKatoomba High School.Gemma, and JosiePress TeamEnthusiastic New School Teachers Join Katoomba High School in 2013School ReunionMrs Sheppard conducted a reuniontour with the Class of 1972 (4thForm ) and Class of 1974 (6th Form).This photo was taken in Room 2 whichwas the library when they attendedschool.

Page 5Katoomba High School Student Awarded Coles Art PrizeArt students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 at Katoomba High School submittedtheir latest art work as part of the opening of Coles Katoomba. For the newART Award, students and artists were invited to make artworks about the localenvironment which highlighted their experiences of growing up in the BlueMountains. Students across 7, 8, 9, 10 submitted work. The award reflects thecreative skills of Art students at Katoomba High and strong links with the localbusiness community.Belinda Shaddock in Year 10 won the individual award and the school tookout the overall schools award. Students were presented with awards andcongratulated by the marketing manager of Coles Jenifer Hambly whoreflected on the strength of the quality of the art works submitted. Belindawas presented with artmaking materials including paints, acrylics, brushes anda 20 dollar voucher from the Art shop in Springwood. The Art Facultyreceived artmaking materials including brushes and a variety of paints, crayons and a voucher for thepurchase of art materials from the Art shop in Springwood.Me Gusta MotivationStudents at Katoomba High School are regularly given the opportunity to participate in extra curricularevents that provide them with positive examples of personal achievement. In this respect, the WelfareProgram at Katoomba is designed to not only provide support but also examples of resilience and personalexcellence.On 12th February, 2013 Katoomba High School students attended ―M.A.D For Life – A Motivational MediaProduction.‖ This production was intended to be inspiring and encouraged the development of selfconfidencein students. Guest speakers focused on a variety different topics such as the ethics of what’sright and what’s wrong, directions in life, how to cope with stress, avoiding substance abuse and making adifference in other children’s lives. A significant focus was on the experiences of Nick Vujicic (a man with nolimbs) and how he overcame adversity. This film lasted roughly around forty minutes and provided studentswith a powerful and motivational experience.Ben Monger and Darkon CainPress TeamKatoomba High Students Breath Easy with First AidA strong feature of Katoomba High Schools Year 10 End of Year Program is First Aid. The program isintended to provide students with the skills they need to potentially save the life of someone in anemergency situation. In 2010, the program wasrecognised for its excellence by the Royal LifeSaving Society. This year Mr Ian Frape hascontinued to coordinate the program whilst alsoproviding the tuition. In the program, studentslearn about the latest theories and proceduresrelated to emergency care and first aid. Theknowledge learned is then applied in practiceusing dummies, until the trainer is confident thestudent has mastered the procedures.

Page 6TuesdaysMorning TeaDATES9:30am19th March7th May4th June23rd July20th August10th September15th October19th NovemberINVITATION to Parents of Year 5 and 6 StudentsOn behalf of the staff at Katoomba High School, the local comprehensive high schoolserving the students of the Upper Blue Mountains, I would like to warmly invite you tovisit our school.We will be providing morning tea where you will meet some of our staff and studentsas well as have a tour of the school I encourage you to come and see the wonderfulfacilities and programs that are being offeredIf you would like to attend, please phone the school on 47822622 with you R.S.V.P.Looking forward to meeting with you soon.Jennifer BoyallPrincipal―Quality and Creativity ―KHS is a foundingMember of the UpperBlue MountainsLearning CommunityKatoomba High SchoolMartin Street, Katoomba NSW 2780Phone – 47822622, Fax 47825976Email – katoomba-h.school@det.nsw.edu.auParents of current Year 5 and 6 students are invited to attendYear 7 2014 Parent Information Eveningand School TourTuesday 12th March 20136:30pm—8:00pmKatoomba High School, Martin Street, KatoombaFrom the Head Teacher Welfare’s DeskLate Arrivals to SchoolStudents must arrive at school at 9:00am. If you arrive during roll call you need to go to late roll call inRoom 11. If you arrive at school after roll call you need to go to the Front Office, sign in and be issuedwith a pass. ―You must have a note if you arrive late”. Persistent latecomers are placed on detentionFamily HolidaysIf parent/carers are planning a family holiday of more than 5 schooldays, you need to apply for an ―An Exemption from School‖ throughthe Principal using the appropriate forms available at the FrontOffice. This is a DEC requirement. The school is able to organiseschool work.School AttendanceDid You Know? If you average 5 days for more away fromschool per term over your entire school career, you will have missedthe equivalent of over a year off school in total?So…..the Motto is…..come to school to agreat world oflearning in the21st century!Mrs Jenny EdgarVaccination ClinicParents Please Note:The first Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday,21st March, 2013.Students who will receive vaccinations at this Clinic will be:Year 7 boys & girls: HPV, Hepatitis BYear 9 boys only: HPVVaccination envelopes have beenhanded out to the students and are requiredto be completed and returnedto the school prior to the clinic

MusicGREAT ACHIEVEMENTSCongratulations to our HSC Music students. All students gained amark in the top 2 bands. This was an outstanding achievement for ourtalented students.Congratulations to Anais Grant (Yr 9), Nicholas Grant (Yr 8)andEmma Lindeman (Yr 10) for their outstanding results in theirinstrumental exams sat in late 2012.Congratulations to Georgia Evans (Yr11) and Emma Lindeman (Yr10)Congratulations to Georgia, Emmaon receiving Katoomba High’s inaugural music scholarships for 2013.UPCOMING EVENTSTuesday April 9 th will be the date for this year’s first Basement Bash. Already the list of performers isgrowing. Make sure you see Ms Capper if you’d like to perform at this fun event.―Unplugged‖ concerts will again feature in this year’s evening performances. The first of these will be earlyin Term 2, with date yet to be confirmed. Please see Ms Capper if you would like to perform at this event.NEW INITIATIVESIn addition to the scholarship program, 2013 sees the introduction of 2 more initiatives to foster the musictalent at Katoomba High.A Student Music Committee has been established. This committee will meet with Ms Capper fortnightly.Their role is to provide ideas for musical opportunities, assist with the running of events, and to promoteperformances.Music Lessons are being offered at Katoomba High.Guitar group lessons are being offered by Mr Hocknull (no charge);Flute lessons are offered by Ms Capper (no charge);Brass band instruments - tuition is being offered after school at Katoomba Public and Katoomba NorthPublic. Band conductor Volka Schoeler is providing this excellent program. Instruments are provided and asmall fee of $50/ term is charged.Singing lessons in small groups or individually are on offer before school on a Thursday. Fees depend onthe number of students in the group. The voice teacher is Miss Erin Bogart.See Ms Capper if you are interested in pursuing any of these tuition opportunities.Uklele group has begun! This group meets each Thursday lunchtime. All levels catered for and the schoolhas ukuleles that can be used. See Ms Capper if interested.GLEE Club continues this year, meeting every Monday and Friday lunchtimes. This is a great opportunity totake to the microphone in a very friendly, accepting and relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is welcome, evenjust to sit and listen.Cross Country - A Runaway SuccessStrong attendance and active participation reflected the increasing popularity of the Cross Country atKatoomba High School. The weather was perfect for running, some rain, a cool breeze and a combinationof clouds and sun.Harrison Cram , Riley Clark and Natasha Shepherd gained first place in the under 12 group, reflectingtheir strong focus. Camdon Matthews and Isabella Robinson were congratulated by gaining first place inthe under 13s. In the under 14 group, Byron Staffiere and Tierrae Guerin took out first place, with astrong final effort to secure their victory. Tallai Morrison-Jones and Leanne Clines, followed closely byTammy Knox secured success through a combination of experience and resilience.Our State and Australian champion runner Daniel Francken could not be beaten. Emma Koch secured firstposition in the under 16 girls. Sean Lawday and Crystal Bolton led a focused and disciplined runningchallenge to gain first place. Katoomba High School senior students, Emily Sutton and Rodney Cormackled by example, gaining very strong first positions.Congratulations to Mr Daniels on a well organised Cross country which builds on the success of recent years’school events. For the details of 2 nd and 3 rd check the web site or see Mr Daniels.Page 7

Page 8If you are in Years 7 or Year 8 …..If you are The Parent or Carer of someone inYear 7 or Year 8Come along to the family eventOf the year…For the first time EVER!!TheParentingAdolescents QuizHave fun….Meet Other families….Childcare providedWin PRIZES… Enjoy a FABULOUS MEALGet a lift home if you needMusic...Local Services… Great InformationMore FUN!Tuesday 26th March 6-8:30pm@ Katoomba High School HallRSVP Sarah 4780 5637 orsfarrellwhelan@bmcc.nsdw.gov.auThe School currently has a problem withEuropean Wasps. We have arranged pestcontrol visits to the school and we are inthe process of eradicating them.

New Year 7 Students Embrace High School Life With EnthusiasmThis year’s Year 7 are a group of eager learners and nice people. When asked what they thought of theschool most replied ―It’s a good school and we hope to do well‖. Daniel Turner says he likes KatoombaHigh School and he has made some new friends. Trent Whalley’s favourite subject is woodwork, he likes thestructure and set out of the new Science labs. Colleen Willis says, she misses her old primary friends, thoughshe likes the challenges of high school.Many of this years new students are keen to learn and have a good time and think that they will makemany friends in their time at Katoomba High School. From the comment made by a number of students theyare also eager to make their mark by taking on responsibilities to prepare themselves for leadership rolesin the senior school in years to come.Tuwsdagh Benson - Press TeamCareers NewsYear 10 Work ExperienceYear 10 students have now been issued with their Year 10 Work Experience Paperwork. The parentpermission note was due last week and the Student Placement Record that is completed by the employer isdue by Week 1 in Term 2. Students are encouraged to find their own placements but can be assisted byMrs Tully if required.Year 11 School to Work Program aka Tully TimeYear 11 students are participating in a School to Work Program in the basement each Tuesday morningstarting at 9:00am. This program will cover study skills, post school planning and assessment requirements.Seminars so far this year have been addressing requirements for senior school. As part of their approach,students need to be in uniform and ensure they bring their folder and equipment to school each day.Students are also required to be on time to lessons and ensure that they are prepared for when the lessonbegins. Five minutes of revision of each day of what has been covered in lessons is encouraged. The Year11 Assessment Book has just been issued to students and all students have been asked to ensure that theyhave read the policy.Year 12 School to Work ProgramYear 12 meet on Thursday mornings and preparations for post school planning has begun. Moderation ofassessment and the reporting of the Higher School Certificate is also currently being discussed.Mrs Tully—Careers AdviserKatoomba High School Graduate Cooks Up A StormLeura has a number of well regarded restaurants and former Katoomba High School student Ian Halpin isabout to introduce another to be called Restaurant 156. The restaurant is near Woolworths in the cottageat 156 Megalong Street. Ian and his colleague, Robin Butler, are keen bring their youthful enthusiasm to theLeura dining scene. Their menu reflects’ a new twist on older family traditional recipes’. There is a strongEuropean influence to the cuisine, reflected in the scallops and prosciutto entree, followed by the salmon anddeep fried egg with bruised asparagus and mint taragon salad. There are a variety of desserts on themenu but one of Ian’s favourites is the vanilla poached pear with homemade chai ice cream and ricotta cream.There is also a take away menu on offer to locals who aren’t able to dine in.Ian is keen to give back to his school, and wants to encourage student artistsfrom Katoomba High School to exhibit work. Local Artists are featuredheavily in the new restaurant, including Adam Scarf, who has gained areputation as one of the best young photographers in the mountains.Restaurant 156 will open on April 6 with a cocktail menu and Canape nightsevery second Friday. The restaurant will be open every night exceptMonday.Page 9

Katoomba High SchoolMartin St, KatoombaPO Box 294Katoomba, 2780Phone: 4782 2622Fax:4782 5976SCHOOL PHOTOS2013Principal:Mrs J BoyallKatoombaHighSchoolEmail: katoomba-h.school@det.nsw.edu.auWeb: www.katoomba-h.schools.nsw.edu.au12th March12th March14th March15th March18-22ndMarch21st MarchDiary 2013Preliminary Ancient HistoryAssessmentYear 7 2014 Parent InformationEvening 6:30-8:00pmPreliminary Physics Practical TestHSC Visual Arts AssessmentYear 7, 8 English Assessment—inclassVaccination Day—Year 7 girlsand boys, Year 9 boysFriday 8th MarchAll students will behaving their individualphoto taken and werequest that they be infull schooluniformCarnival Highlights—Swimming TalentSwimming Carnivals are great occasion for students to socialise and make newfriendships. However, the serious side of the event is that it allows students totest their skills in a competitive environment. Many of our students are skilledswimmers who relished the chance to achieve success at a whole school event.Pippa Ridley, Troy Geddes, Camdon Matthews and Grace Atkins gained firstplaces in their age groups while Finn Berryman, Bradley Holdsworth andMonique von zum Hof were successful in the 14 year group. Using her skillsfrom athletics training, Leanne Clines won the 15 years championship forBurragorang House. In the 16 years group Shane Wenc led the team with somestrong swims. Simon O’Toole built on his strong reputation as a swimmer bygaining first place, as did Natalie Crowe, Steven Geddes and May Suzuki.To develop their skills further, these students will hopefully be selected to attendthe regional swimming championships. The past few years have seen a significantincrease in the number of Katoomba High School students who move on tocomplete at more advanced competitions. Check the website for more details.Press TeamDeputy PrincipalMr A Davies (Relieving)Head Teacher WelfareMrs J EdgarHead Teachers:Mrs A AtwoodEnglishMr G AtwoodHSIEMrs C JefferyMathsMs L Glasscock (Relieving)ScienceMrs L Hanrahan (Relieving)TASMr C MendhamPDHPEMrs E StahlSpecial EducationStudent Advisers:Year 7Ms S AlexanderYear 8Miss C AnsteyYear 9Ms M PaulleyYear 10Ms T HousbeyYear 11Mrs L HanrahanYear 12Mr B KovariATSIMrs C TullySwimming CarnivalThe P & C Associationmeets in the CommonRoom at 7:30pm the thirdWednesday of everymonth