News - Perth Modern School

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Exceptional schooling. Exceptional students. Exception 2 From the Principal The 2011 school year has had a very smooth start, despite the very hot weather in the first weeks, with students engaging quickly with their program, the timetable working well and very few students reconsidering their course selection. The staff has returned to the 2011 school year with the usual enthusiasm and commitment to the students. Given the excellent 2010 results, the first meeting of all staff was a time of celebration and affirmation. Whilst ensuring a swift and effective start to the delivery of the curriculum in class time, many staff members have been actively supporting the co-curricular and enrichment events offered at the school. We welcome a number of new staff who have joined Perth Modern School this year including: Steve Hounsome – English/Drama Felicity MacLeod – Home Economics Evelyn Doerenberg – Mathematics Alex Banyard – Science Joanne Dobb – Science Krista Jordan – French Glen McClelland – Mathematics Louise Secker – HOLA Society and Environment Lisa Kim – Mathematics Students at Perth Modern School are encouraged to engage in a range of co-curricular activities whilst maintaining a balance with their commitments to classroom learning and homework and extra-curricular and out-of-school activities. As adolescents, there are huge opportunities available to meet individual interests. It is important for all students to engage in a range of activities – and to learn to manage these. There has been a variety and quality of events that have taken place during the term including: • the outstanding success of the school swimming team at the Interschool Swimming A Division, • our students representing the state in Beijing, • a gold in Rowing, • the success of many debating and sporting teams, • the fun and community spirit of Mufti Day, • the wonderful Centenary Concert, • the very moving ANZAC Commemorative Service and • the fun Year 8/9 Club Mod evening These events are just a sample of the wealth of opportunity available to students at Perth Modern School. Year 8s have settled in well generally and along with new students in other Year groups, are being monitored to support their transition into the school. I do hope that your child has settled into school feeling confident and engaged in the learning program. If you are concerned at progress, or wish to talk with a teacher, please contact the classroom teacher or advocacy teacher through the School Reception on 9380 0555. A very enjoyable House Swimming Carnival was held in the first week with students actively participating and supporting their House. The carnival was won by Parsons. Students selected for the Inter School Swimming enjoyed an evening of training and bonding finishing with a sleepover in the school refectory. The team went on to retain their place in A Division achieving a very commendable fourth place. Year 12 students enjoyed a wonderful School Ball which was held at the C Restaurant and dazzled everyone with their beautiful dresses and attire. The 2011 Student Council President is Emma Dyce and the Vice President Sakinah Munday. Perth Modern School > NEWS April 2011 These students have ably managed their many duties including as speakers and student representatives at the Centenary Dinner, Master of Ceremony at both the Centenary and ANZAC Day Commemorative Service assemblies and leading the Student Council in the organisation and successful running of the annual Mufti Day to raise money for charity. Achievements of 2010 Leavers: Outstanding results were achieved by many students in the 2010 WACE Examinations including Michael Taran’s winning the Beazley Medal for the top WACE Examination Candidate and both Michael Taran and fellow student Mark Chia achieving General Exhibitions (of 40 top students for WACE Examinations). Tessa Richards gained the Course Exhibition for English. In addition Jacob Collier, Mark Chia, Sasha Dawson, Michael Taran and Peter Trinh gained an ATAR (Tertiary Entrance Ranking) of 99 or more thus joining the prestigious 99ers club. Certificates of Distinction were achieved in Chemistry (Michael Taran), Design (Carli Steyntjes), English (Dominique Maberly, Tess Richards, Sam Scaife), Mathematics: Specialist (Michael Taran) and Philosophy and Ethics (Jacob Collier). Several courses were listed in the TOP 10 across the state. These included: Design, Drama, Economics, Literature, Mathematics – Specialist, Media Production and Analysis, Modern History, Music, Philosophy and Ethics and Visual Arts.
al schooling. Exceptional students. These excellent results were acknowledged at the Curriculum Council Awards Ceremony and at a High Tea function at Parliament House held by the Minister for Education to congratulate Principals of high performing public schools. Past Principal, Dr Robyn White, also attended both functions. 2011 is the first year that all 934 Students currently enrolled in the school have been selected as academically gifted and talented. The incoming students at Year 8 come from around 100 different primary schools. Applications for Year 8 2011 entry totalled 1505 and 196 students were enrolled. Parent Information Nights have been held this term. These included: The Year 8 Information Night provided information on organisational skills, homework policy, co-curricular opportunities as well as outlining pastoral care and general support which is in place to support students in the transition from primary school to the more challenging secondary school environment. The Year 12 Information Night focused on explaining the complexities of the WACE requirements for Graduation, the WACE Examinations (previously TEE) and the data processes applied in the compilation of the ATAR (previously TER) for University entrance. Presenters covered a range of issues including ensuring a life balance, stress management, support strategies and ‘tips’ for study from Year 12 students of 2010. The PowerPoint presentation will be available to parents via email. The Year 11 Information Night focused on preparation and requirements for the WACE and senior secondary life. Parent – Teacher Interviews: A very positive atmosphere is evident as parents of students in Years 11 and 12 recently talked to teaching staff to discuss student’s progress. This reflects the commitment of staff to ensure there are clear channels of communication with parents. Two Presentation Evenings have attracted over 600 people. The focus was to inform parents of prospective students of the opportunities at Perth Modern School prior to the 21 March closing date for applications for 2013. The School Council has met twice this term. Arnold Wong has been elected Chair for 2011. The School Council confirmed its support of the school applying again in 2011 for Independent Public School status. 2011 is Centenary Year for Perth Modern School as it celebrates 100 years of public secondary schooling in Western Australia. A series of events have been held and others planned to celebrate and acknowledge this special year. A Centenary Assembly was held on Monday 14 February for students, staff at the school and special guests. The occasion saw all participants presented with a Centenary Pin to acknowledge the significance of the year. At the end of the assembly everyone present sang Happy Birthday to the School. The much anticipated Centenary Dinner was held on the concourse in front of the Heritage Building on the evening of 14 February. Despite a threat of a storm, the evening was a delightful success with perfect weather and a relaxed atmosphere. Nearly 160 guests enjoyed an evening of reminiscing with school friends, chatting to current parents and staff whilst acknowledging the celebration of 100 years of secondary schooling in WA. The beautiful singing from the school’s combined choirs added a wonderful dimension to the evening. A Picnic held on Friday 11 March to welcome new students was well attended with over 500 people enjoying a relaxed day at the school. Congratulations to the P&C who did a fantastic job organising it. The Centenary Music Concert, the final Centenary event for this term, was held on Saturday 9 April at the Perth Concert Hall in front of 1200 people including the Governor, Governor Designate and Minister for Education. After many months of hard work from all concerned and the added dimension of international artists and commissioned works, the evening was a wonderful success. A Staff Cocktail Party is being organised by staff member Walter Wilson on behalf of the Staff Association on Friday 20 May. This will be a terrific opportunity for staff, past and present, to enjoy collegial company whilst celebrating the significance of 100 years of teaching at Perth Modern School. The planned Centenary Summit will occur on Saturday 23 July, the last Saturday of the July holidays. The Summit, organised by Modernian Dr David Black, is intended to provide an opportunity for around 60 members of the Perth Modern community to help shape the future of the school. Interested parents and community members will be invited to nominate to be part of this event. The Parent and Citizen (P&C) meeting, which is held on the third Monday of each month at 7.30 pm in the library, has met twice this term. Deb Cook was elected president and Ruth Thatcher Vice President. The P&C endorsed the school applying for Independent Public School status. In addition, the P&C undertook to develop and submit a response to the School Funding Review in support of government schools. The P&C also endorsed the concept of growing the number of parent groups to support various aspects of school life (in the model of Friends of Music). An insert to this newsletter is seeking nominations from parents and community members who would be interested in supporting one of these groups. All interested parents are encouraged to attend. Continued page 4 Perth Modern School > NEWS April 2011 3
Page 1: in this issue > Exceptional schooli
Page 5 and 6: al schooling. Exceptional students.

News - Perth Modern School

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?