NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER 

Friday, 16 th December 2016 

RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, SUCCESS 

Principal’s Report 2016 

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take this final opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed. 

While 2016 presented many successes, it also presented a great deal of sorrow. Sadly, this year public education lost a 

wonderful man and inspirational leader; Mr. Paul Lawrence, our former principal, was taken from us when he un-expectantly 

passed away on Wednesday 8 June following a short, intense battle with cancer. The loss that the school community felt was 

enormous; our new principal had served only two terms in the role, and yet, in that time, he had not only made a huge impact 

on the direction of the school, but also on the wellbeing of both staff and students. Mr. Lawrence will always be remembered 

as an innovative leader that helped shape the future path of Eagle Vale High School. 

Congratulations to students and staff for the resilience you have demonstrated throughout the year. Despite the many 

challenges, the school has remained united and has continued to move forward. 

I would now like to highlight a number of the many successes we have accomplished over the past 12 months... 

In the area of year 6 – 7 transition: 

Year 5 and 6 students from our partner primary schools participated in a range of taster lessons including: Mathematics, 

Science, Visual Arts, History, Applied Science and Industrial Arts. Participation in these days allowed the primary students to 

experience high school first hand. In addition to the taster lessons, this year the school launched a STEM initiative, and each 

week 20 year 5 students from each of the partner primary schools, attended to learn more about computer programming and 

robotics. The highlight of the program was the Showcase and Awards night, held in the school library, where the students 

received their awards and were able to show their family and friends the problems and tasks that they had been working on 

during the term. 

In August this year, the school hosted a ceremony to commemorate NAIDOC week. A number of Aboriginal cultural items 

were presented by performers from within and outside the school, including a dance item by the students from Claymore 

Public School. The event was a true celebration of Aboriginal Culture. 

Thursday the 8 th of September was a special day on the school calendar, with the relaunch of Positive, Behaviour for Learning 

(or PBL) combined with Harmony Day, to celebrate and promote diversity within our school and the wider community. While 

there were many highlights of the day, the cultural food stalls were well received by both staff and students, with many taking 

up the challenge to buy and eat the varied foods that were prepared by the different faculties. 

The Creative & Performing Arts continues to go from strength to strength. Highlights this year include: Art, Speaking for the 

Planet coinciding with World Environment Day. This initiative was driven by Phil Smith from Know-Hands, and supported by 

Campbelltown Art Gallery, to promote the awareness of the illegal trade of wildlife. The two winners were given the 

opportunity to sit with the graphic designers at Campbelltown Art Gallery and design their posters. Winners and runners up in 

the senior and junior categories, each received prizes from S and S wholesale-art suppliers. 

The 2 nd important visual arts event was held during term 3, with 52 students from years 7 and 8 participating in the Art 

Pathways program with the Art Gallery of NSW. The program was very successful and students valued the experiences 

delivered at the art gallery, as well as the workshops that were delivered onsite, here at school. 

Our Entertainment Crew continue to provide outstanding technical assistance at all major school events, including the Annual 

Presentation Night held this week. During the year, they have also assisted local schools with their productions, including: 

Blairmount Public School’s Evolution of Dance Concert, as well as a production at Campbelltown North Public School. On all 

occasions these students have represented our school in a respectful, responsible and safe manner. 

At the end of term 2, the school held the biennial Hands On Careers Expo which allowed students in Years 10 – 12 to explore 

their vocational interests through practical and hands on experiences. Students were thoroughly engaged and relished the 

opportunity given to them by the variation to their regular routine. The day was a great success and reflected the enormous 

efforts made by our industry partners, working in conjunction with Eagle Vale High School. 

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Another important Careers event was held during term 4 this year, with students in year 10 completing their Mock Interviews 

at the Cube – Campbelltown Catholic Club. Students were given the opportunity to participate at interview in a realistic 

setting, and then receive feedback, which allowed them to further refine their job interview skills. 

The Interact club continues to be a strong feature of the school; membership is voluntary, and the club holds weekly meetings 

with the Rotary advisor, Malcomn Nearn. This year the Interact students volunteered their time to work with Rotarians, 

Malcolmn Nearn and Beth Mitchley, to transform the courtyard area between the administration office and J-Block, into a 

beautiful memorial garden to be dedicated to our past principal, Mr. Paul Lawrence. While there is still some work to be done 

to complete the area, the garden area is now a welcoming and inviting space. 

For the Support Faculty, it has been an exciting year, with the appointment of a new head teacher, and with the relocation of 

the support unit to the J-Block area; this move involved the complete upheaval of a number of classrooms, not to mention a 

swap in staffrooms. The move went very smoothly, and has provided the best opportunity for students to engage in their 

learning in a safe, supportive and innovative environment. 

In the area of sport, the school continues to excel. And this year the highlight was when the U14 boy’s rugby league side 

made school history as the first side to qualify for the NSW Buckley Shield Grand-Final. Brisbane Waters Secondary College of 

the Central Coast were the opponents in the Grand Final, and although Eagle Vale boys never gave up, they were defeated 24 

to 16. 

This week we bid farewell to a number of staff: 

Ms. Jade Knell, one of our experienced visual arts teachers, has been successful in gaining a transfer on merit, closer to home; 

while we wish her well for the future, she will be a huge loss to the school. Congratulations to Ms. Knell. 

Mrs. Julie Gassmann, the school office manager, will also be leaving us at the end of the week after 34 years of service. It has 

been a very difficult decision for Mrs. Gassmann, but she fully deserves to take a break and move onto the next phase of her 

life and enjoy retirement. 

While we farewell these two staff, we also welcome a new principal to begin in 2017, Ms. 

Margaret Mulcahy. Ms. Mulcahy was appointed to the position on incentive transfer from 

Coonamble High School, the school that she has been working in as executive principal for 

the past 5 years. Whilst I am sad that my time as acting principal is coming to a close, I am 

really positive about the future of the school under the leadership of Ms. Mulcahy and I 

look forward to working with her next year. 

As I conclude, I would like to thank our 2016 school captains, 

Aleisha Fisher and Joshua Miletic-Burr, for their leadership over 

the past year, and to wish them every success in the future. 

Also, I would like to thank the senior executive for their ongoing support over the semester. They 

have worked very hard and have demonstrated a deep level of care and concern for all students of the 

school. To Mr. Glasgow, the school thanks you for your commitment whilst relieving in the role of 

deputy principal. On behalf of the school, I wish you well in 2017 as you return to your substantive 

position at Kanahooka High School. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the whole learning community of Eagle Vale High School – students, 

parents, the executive team, the teaching and support staff, SAS staff, for continuing to make Eagle Vale High a wonderful 

place to work and learn. I am indeed fortunate to have led such a dedicated, hardworking and talented team, and it has been 

a great privilege to serve as acting Principal over this semester. 

I wish you all well for the festive season, a prosperous new year and an enjoyable and safe holiday. 

Calendar Dates 

Last Day of Term Friday 16 th December 2016 

Australia Day Thursday 26 th January 2017 

Staff Development Day Week 1 Friday 27 th January 2017 

Students Commence Week 1 Monday 30 th January 2017 

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Eagle Vale High School Farewells Graduating Class 

On Tuesday 22 nd November, our marvelous year 12 class of 2016 ended their journey with us here at Eagle Vale High School. In 

true Eagle Vale fashion the students prided themselves in their love, respect and dedication to the school which was strongly lead 

by their school captains Aleisha Fisher and Joshua Burr. 

An emotional day for students and staff in particular their wonderful year advisors Mrs. Scott and Miss. Golowiecki. 

It has been an honour for all staff and students to have these remarkable young adults in our lives for the past 6 years. We as a 

community have watched them grow into the respectful youg citizens that we knew they could be and are proud of all they have 

and are yet to achieve. 

On behalf of all the Eagle Vale High School community we wish you good luck for your pending HSC results and remember that 

these results do not define you, yet shape and prepare you for the endless possibilities that may come your way. Congratulations 

Graduating Class of 2016! 

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Congratulations Aleisha Fisher! 

Eagle Vale High School would like to Congratulate Aleisha on her outstanding Higher School Certificate Results. 

Her hard work, dedication and commitment has paid off and we are extremely proud of her efforts. 

Aleisha received a band 6 in the following subjects: 

English Standard 

General Mathematics 

Community & Family Studies 

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An exciting journey begins for Year 6 students on Orientation Day 

On Tuesday 6 th December Eagle Vale High School hosted 150 year 6 students from our Community of schools to begin their 

successful transition to high school for 2017. The day was full of exciting lesson tasters which saw students actively engaged in 

what our successful Stage 4 curriculum offers. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to make new friends, familiarise 

themselves with staff and the surroundings of Eagle Vale High School. Following the Orientation Day in the evening we hosted a 

Community BBQ and a school tour and showcase. The library was full of excited parents and students getting prepared for this 

momentous journey. As a school community, we are excited about this wonderful group of new students and wait in anticipation 

for their arrival in 2017. 

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Eagle Vale High School Athletes shine at Sports Presentation Night 

On Tuesday 29 th November Eagle Vale High School hosted the Annual Sports Presentation 

Evening. This event successfully showcased the amazing achievements of students in sport. 

Students displayed great maturity when receiving their awards and were proud of being 

recognised in front of their peers and the Eagle Vale High School Community. 

Students were entertained by wonderful slideshows compiled by Mr. Snowden and The PDHPE 

Faculty and were inspired by a talented guest speaker; Denan Kemp. Denan spoke to our 

students about the importance of their studies and finding that perfect balance between their 

athletic achievements and their educational success. Students marveled in his diligence and 

dedication to all aspects of his life both on and off the field. As a school community, we would 

like to thank Denan for his time and contribution to this highly successful evening. 

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Academic Success highlighted at Presentation Night 

On Monday 12 th December the academic success of Eagle Vale High School students was successfully showcased to staff, students 

and the community at the annual Presentation Awards Night. 

Students were recognised for success in individual subjects for their year group across all Key Learning Areas. There were also 

several major awards highlighting exemplary qualities of leadership, tenacity, dedication and diligence to study and perfect school 

attendance. 

Since the relaunch of the Positive Behaviour for Learning system Eagle Vale High School has seen a dramatic increase in student 

recognition awards and these excellent awards were also delivered last night with students receiving Silver and Gold Principal 

Awards. 

As a school community, we would like to thank all sponsors of major awards, special guests and the organisation of staff that 

made this night a great success. 

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CONTACT US 

Drysdale Street 

Eagle Vale NSW 2558 

02 4626 5088 

02 4628 0408 

eaglevale-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 

https://www.facebook.com/eaglevalehigh 

@eaglevalehigh 

@EaglevaleHS 

Eagle Vale High School- Skoolbag 

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