newsletter - schools.education.tas.gov.au

NEWSLETTER
Wednesday 17 th February 2010
Volume 34 – Issue 1
Welcome to Penguin High School in 2010,
especially our Grade 7 students and their families,
and those who are new to the school in other
grades. We also welcome new staff members, Mr
Adam Conkie (Grade 7), Mrs Claire French (Grade
7 and Foods/Catering), Mr Jade Hughes (Grade 8
and HPE), Mr James Todd (School Chaplain), and
Mrs Deb Winton (Pathways Officer). It is also
congratulations to Mrs Jodie Murphy and Mr Trent
Graham, who at the end of last year, were
appointed to substantive AST positions at the
school. With an increase in enrolment figures, we
have a number of other new faces who are in
temporary or acting positions, and for that reason I
have included a full list of our current staff in
today’s newsletter.
Thank you to all families for the way you prepared
students for their return to school last week. It is a
very expensive exercise getting everything
organised and set for the new year, however
students certainly arrived ready and well equipped,
which facilitated a very smooth start to the year. I
have already received a large number of
compliments from members of the community
regarding the impressive presentation of our
students in full school uniform.
It is pleasing to announce that next week we will
have full access to our newly refurbished Foods
facility. This area of the school has benefited from
a $200,000 Building Education Revolution (BER)
facelift. The scope of works also involved a major
upgrade to the electrical switchboard servicing the
Foods, Technology and Arts areas. This will ensure
we have the highest level of electrical safety
mechanisms and also a ready supply of power to all
these areas.
Over the holidays, a number of other building
works and developments were completed. The
Grade 10 courtyard was re-landscaped, which
involved considerable demolition and repaving; and
an outdoor stage was erected. Our appreciation to
Youth and Family Focus for the outstanding work
that was achieved with this project – a fantastic end
product!
We also extended the classroom teaching space in
the Grade 8 area by enclosing a rarely used,
external courtyard; one of our large sails was
replaced in the eastern courtyard; and in a fortnight
we should see the start of the largest
redevelopment the school has seen in recent years
– our Science building. Here we will house two
high-tech, purpose built, science laboratories, a
greenhouse, weather station, sports science
/physical testing gym, and showers and toilets
which will have both internal and external access.
Whilst it will mean some hassles with the
timetabling of Science classes over the next 4 - 5
months, it will certainly be worth the
inconvenience.
We have also taken possession of the school’s
brand new 12 seater vehicle, made available
through our successful application for a ‘Cars for
Communities’ grant. Whilst, there is still some
paperwork to be sorted, and it may be a couple of
weeks before you see our bus out on the road, this
vehicle will provide increased opportunities for
both maximising and personalising student learning.
Grade 7 students have made the shift from primary
to high school with tremendous poise and
confidence, which is clear testament to the
extensive transition work that is done with our
cluster schools. In the next fortnight, this group will
experience their first PHS surf carnival; have school
photos, and then back up for a range of activities as
part of their camp experience at Port Sorell. A
busy start!
I am really looking forward to a productive year.
Trudy Pearce,
Principal
Department of Education 2

Grade 7 News
Grade 7 students have made fantastic start for 2010. It is pleasing to see each student has
set themselves a high standard in regard to wearing the correct uniform and the Grade 7
team would like to congratulate all students/families on their efforts. We hope that this
continues for the rest of the year. We welcome two new teaching staff to Penguin High and
to the grade seven team, Claire French and Adam Conkie. They are enthusiastic about
working with the 2010 year sevens.
Camp (2nd - 4th March) is a highly valued part of our curriculum and allows students to
engage and experience alternative activities that will enhance their learning and development
as an individual and team member. Consent and medical forms have been sent home, these
will need to be completed and returned by Friday 18 th February to ensure all student’s
dietary/needs are taken care of. An itinerary with further details will be sent home early next
week.
Students have been working on the following in each subject area;
Maths: Using various paper folding exercises, students have been concentrating on creating
different shapes and identifying their properties.
English: Grammar skills have been the focus while each student completed a letter about
themselves. This has allowed teachers to get to know each student. Students have also
begun playing oral communication games to get to know one another.
Health/Physical Education: First grade seven’s will be acquiring an understanding about
the dimensions of health and how these relate to them. Beach skills will be an area of
interest for all classes before the surf carnival, to be held later in the coming week.
Society and History: Geography of Australia and Tasmania, students have been looking at
using atlases and labelling maps.
Science: Studying classification of various species has started the year while renovations
take place in the science labs.
MDT: Wooden spoons are being designed, ready for creation!
Food: Mrs French is excited to introduce students to the new cooking facilities, while
looking at the preparation and safety aspects of food.
Art: Miss Brooke has been working with students improving their skills through drawing
with pastels.
Students have been issued with a school diary and it is strongly encouraged that these are
used as a tool to communicate issues with teachers or appointments that require your
son/daughter to leave the school premises. If you have any questions or concerns, please do
not hesitate to contact any member of the grade seven teaching staff, through the school
office at any time during the school year.
Grade 7 Teachers
Miss Kelly Russell Team Leader
Mrs Claire French
Mr Adam Conkie
Miss Kirsten Moore
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Grade 8 students have made a very pleasing start to the 2010 year and it is great to see students wearing
the correct school uniform. This year we are located in the same grade 8 area as last year. The area has
been modified to include an extra classroom so that all three classes can be in the area at once.
The main grade 8 teaching staff for this year includes; Mrs Tania Tabart, Miss Katie Pickford, Mr Jade
Hughes, Mr Robert Maywald, Mr Damien Pursell and Miss Sarah Brooke. If you have any questions
concerning Grade 8 please don’t hesitate to contact us.
This year we are encouraging students to make better use of their diaries and to include dates when
assignments and homework are due. Parents could use this as a means of checking these dates too. It
can also be used as a way of communicating between parents and teachers.
Some of the students below have commented on their first impressions of grade 8 so far:
The thing I have enjoyed most about grade 8 is getting to see all my friends again. I didn’t see them for
ages and I missed them all heaps.
Ashleigh H.
In Art we have only just started but we are already working on a front cover and I can’t wait to do our
first Art piece.
Dimity.
In MDT we get to choose what we are going to make. I hope to make a clock.
Jaykob.
The first week of school was interesting and one of the best lessons was going to the beach for PE.
Cooper.
I am currently enjoying Science as we have an awesome teacher, Ms Pickford.
Kellie.
In Textiles I think it is fun that I’m able to do Metallica as my appliqué project.
Lila.
I like having new teachers and working on harder things.
Tegan.
Grade 8 Teachers
Mrs Tania Tabart Team Leader
Miss Katie Pickford
Mr Damien Pursell
Mr Jade Hughes
Grade 8 News
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Grade 9 News
Well, 2010 has started well for this year’s Grade 9’s and we are looking forward to a
2010 solid has year’s started effort well from for this all year’s students. Grade This 9 year students is an and important we are stepping looking stone forward for to the a solid
year’s student’s effort from future all as students. it can set This them year up is an for important not only stepping Grade 10 stone but for further the student’s education future
as it including can set college them up and for university, not only and Grade future 10 employment. but further education including college and
university, and future employment.
Though we have lost a few students from last year’s list, we have also gained some.
New These students students with are us Melanie this year Creely, include: who Melanie, was a member who was of a this member year group of this in year Grade group 7 in
Grade and 7 has who just has returned just returned from Parkdale, from Parkdale, Victoria; Victoria; Hayley Edwards-Gow, Hayley , who who comes comes to us to from
Fremantle, us from Western Fremantle, Australia; Western and Australia; Agnetha Agnetha from Hamlyn Bendigo, from Victoria. Bendigo, We Victoria; hope that and these
students Ben Clark have a who good was start a Grade at Penguin 7 student High School here in and 2009. an enjoyable We hope year. that these students
have a good start at Penguin High School and an enjoyable year.
This year the student’s options classes have changed. They are now participating in Applied
Learning This year classes the twice student’s a week options – one classes running have for a changed. full year and They the are other now for participating half a year. in These
classes Applied were Learning chosen last classes year twice by the a students week – one and running are on Wednesday’s for a full year and Friday’s. the other for
half a year. These classes were chosen last year by the students and are on
We Wednesday’s have moved from and Friday’s. last year’s area into the largest teaching area in the school, with new
locker areas, added computer access, closer to the library and unfortunately, less ventilation as
we have We have found moved out after from a few last hot year’s days. area into the largest teaching area in the school,
with new locker areas, added computer access, closer to the library and
This unfortunately, year it is a must less that ventilation students as have we have their found school out diary. after It a will few be hot used days. a lot this year for a
variety of things including homework, a leave pass and communication with home. Students
will This not be year allowed it is a to must leave that class students without have their their diary school being diary. signed It will by a be class used teacher a lot this – and it
must year be their for a diary, variety not of somebody things including else’s. homework, If a diary is a lost leave it will pass be and expected communication that it will be
replaced! with home. These are Students available will at not the be school allowed office. to Organisation leave class without is one element their diary that being we would
like signed to see improve by a class amongst teacher most – and students it must be in this their grade diary, this not year. somebody else’s. If a diary
is lost it will be expected that it will be replaced! These are available at the school
Overall, office. it Organisation has been a sound is one start element to Grade that 9 we and would we hope like to for see a consistently improve amongst good year most for all
students. students in this grade this year.
Overall, it has been a sound start to Grade 9 and we hope for a consistently good
year for all students.
Grade 9 Teachers
Mr Ian Forbes Team Leader
Ms Jodie Murphy
Mr Ashley King
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Welcome to 2010! I am certain it will be a very exciting and busy year for grade 10 students and staff.
Students have quickly settled into their studies. We welcome Deb Winton who has joined us as our
pathway officer. Deb comes to us with a great deal of experience in this area and is eager to assist
students with their pathway decisions and choices.
Our Grade 10 trip has begun to be organised. We will be heading to Queensland from 26 th to 31 st
October! A $30.00 deposit and the permission slip must be returned strictly no later than Thursday
18 th February 3.00pm.
The grade 10 leavers dinner will be held on Thursday 9 th December, with the grade 10 assembly being
held the same date during the morning. Further information will be sent out as arrangements are finalised
It is great to see so many students taking up leadership positions in Grade 10. Congratulations to the
following students:
Andrea Harding
Grade 10 Leader
Student Representative Council House Captains
Amy Travis
Naomi Abby
Aaron Rohan
Jane Lauren
Nikkila Brent
Callum Zac
Abbey
Beacon Foundation Youth Engaged
Stacey Shayarne
Thomas Kendall
Rachel
School Association
Kacie
Alex
Grade 10 News
Grade 10 Teachers
Ms Andrea Harding Team Leader
Mr Trent Graham
Mr Tino Delbourgo
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Calendar of Events
Surf Carnival Friday 26 th February
School Photos Monday 1 st March
Grade 7 Camp Tuesday 2 nd March – Thursday 4 th March
Beacon Leaders Induction Day Tuesday 2 nd March
Student Free/Staff PD Friday 5 th March
Leadership Assembly Wednesday 10 th March
SCHOOL PHOTOS
At Book Sales/Levy Payment days all students were issued envelopes to participate in
Argyle MSP school photos.
School photo day is Monday 1st March, 2010
Group photos will be for the year group, not home groups.
Please take time to read the relevant information on the MSP envelopes and
remember these helpful points.
� Do not seal envelopes inside each other – you can pay for all of your children in
one envelope however each child needs to have their own envelope on photo
day.
� Family envelopes are available at the school office upon request.
� Please enclose correct money as change is unable to be issued. Cash, credit
cards, cheque and money orders are accepted.
� All envelopes must be returned to the school office before photo day.
� All children must have their envelope on photo day whether they are ordering
photos or not.
Please feel free to contact the office if you have any queries.
2010 Competitions
Over the next few weeks there will be information sent out via the newsletter about
competitions being held in 2010. Entry dates and competition dates will be provided
along with any associated costs. If you require more information please contact Ms
Jodie Murphy on 6437 2102. Payments and registrations will be taken at the school
office.
2010 Australian Mathematics Competition: entries in by Friday 30th April; fee $4.95;
competition date is Thursday 5th August 2010.
2010 Australian Informatics Competition: entries in by Friday 26th March; fee $4.95;
competition date is Thursday 6th May 2010.
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Surf Carnival
The 2010 Penguin High School Surf Carnival will be conducted at the Ulverstone
Surf Club this year on Friday 26 th February. The change of venue is due to the
unavailability of toilet/shower facilities at the Penguin Surf Club, Preservation Bay.
The cost of bus travel will be provided from school levies. If you are able to assist
with the running of the program in any way please contact Mr Forbes at the school
on 64372102. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with a surf bronze who
may complement the water safety team. Alternatively, parents and friends are
welcome as spectators, to join us on the beach for an enjoyable day of beach and
water activities. The carnival begins at 9.30am and students will return to school in
time for their regular dismissal from school. A separate flier will be provided.
Chosen by Ashleigh & Briana
Last year two Grade 10 Visual Art Applied Learning students
Briana and Ashleigh spent a week at the Burnie Regional Gallery
for work experience. While there they had the opportunity to
select which art work appealed to them and make this into an
exhibition.
This exhibition was opened on Friday night by Deb Malor, Head
of Graduate Programs at the Academy of the Arts, UTAS. This
was a fantastic way for both students to enter into the art world.
Briana and Ashleigh chose some fantastic pieces of work and should be congratulated
for their hard work and achievements. This exhibition will be open until the 11th of
April.
Penguin High Parents and Friends’ Association
The next meeting will be held at the school on Wednesday, February 24, between
7.30pm and 9.00pm. Come along and become involved in your child’s school.
Everyone is welcome.
Recycle and Re-use: A reminder – the school still needs more good quality
second-hand uniform items, both for parents to purchase and for use as ‘emergency
clothing’. You can either donate the clothing or the school can sell it for you. For
those wishing to purchase any items, please enquire at the office.
Acknowledgment
The Library would like to thank and acknowledge the donation of the following two
books from Bruce Myers (Penguin Sub-Branch R&SLA) :
A Bastard of a Place: the Australians in Papua, Kokoda, Milne Bay, Gona, Buna, Sananada
by Peter Brune
The Strength of a Nation: Six Years of Australians Fighting for the Nation and Defending the
Homefront in WWII by Michael McKerb
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Penguin High School Pathway Experiences
Throughout 2010 students in grade 10 will have the opportunity to undertake a
variety of pathway experiences. These will include a range of activities from guest
speakers, university and polytechnic visits, work placements, and other alternate
programs.
Students will have the chance to express their interest areas and work on developing
resumes, application letters, and the skills and attributes required for the world of
work and their specific career path.
Further information about these opportunities will be provided for students and
parents as they arise. There will, at times, be permission slips and medical forms to
be signed and these will be sent home with students.
All of these activities and opportunities form part of student learning and their
preparation for the future. I look forward to working with students throughout the
year.
Jodie Murphy
H1N1 Influenza 09 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Update
Dear parents and carers,
As the school year begins I want to remind you all of the swine flu vaccine and its
importance in protecting your child and your family. The vaccine gives protection against the
swine flu virus - which we expect to be the main form of flu again this year.
In 2009 we learned a lot about the virus:
• for most it causes a mild illness, with symptoms similar to other flus. For some it
can cause serious illness or even death
• we can’t always predict who will get seriously ill
• young people and children were found to be at higher risk of illness
• one third of all people who became seriously ill or died from swine flu were
previously healthy
Adult and child doses of the free swine flu vaccine are available now. As with the seasonal flu
vaccine, children aged less than 10 years of age need two doses of the vaccine given at least
28 days apart. People aged more than 10 years need one dose. Children aged less than 6
months can not receive any flu vaccine. Vaccinating those around them, including parents and
carers, brothers and sisters, is vital for their protection.
Where your family can be vaccinated
The vaccine is available from GPs and via most local government vaccination clinics. In
addition during the next few weeks there will be a range of free community vaccination
clinics in most areas.
For more information on free clinics please visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/flu or phone 1800 358
362 (1800 FLU DOC).
Yours sincerely
Dr Roscoe Taylor
Director of Public Health
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Are you thinking about getting into work
or returning to training in 2010?
Find your TRUE potential with The Connect Career Education Course
(Certificate II in Skills for Work & Training)
Held at the Tasmanian Polytechnic Burnie 3 days per week
Get the skills employers are looking for!
Increase your chance of getting into the course or job YOU want!
� Computer skills � Identify employment &
� Communication skills training opportunities
� Develop confidence and self esteem � Job search skills
� Workplace awareness � Team work
This FREE course can provide you with the personal and work skills to reach your employment
goals.
COURSE DETAILS
When? Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Start? Monday 22
Are you thinking about learning computer skills or updating your existing skills in
2010?
nd Feb 2010 – Wednesday 5th May 2010
Time? 9.30am – 3.30pm
For further details contact:
Miranda on 6434 5879 or email Miranda.Smith@polytechnic.tas.edu.au and an Expression of Interest Form
will be sent to you
The Connect Basic Computer Course (E-Learn) could be for you
Held at the Tasmanian Polytechnic Burnie 1 day per week
On completion of this FREE course you may be eligible for a statement of
attainment for units from Certificate I in Information Technology or a full
Certificate I in IT.
This course will consist of the following units:
� Operate a Personal Computer Operate a Spreadsheet Application
� Send and Retrieve Information using Web and E-mail Operate a Presentation Package
� Operate a Word Processing Application Operate a Database Application
COURSE DETAILS
When? Thursdays
Start? 25 th Feb 2010 – 6 th May 2010
Time? 9.00am – 1.00pm
For further details contact:
Miranda on 6434 5879 or email Miranda.Smith@polytechnic.tas.edu.au and an Expression of Interest
Form will be sent to you
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Kidfit Triathlon 2010
The MBF Foundation Kidfit Triathlon Series is for children aged 7 years to 15 years
and is over a much modified course to allow all children to participate regardless of
their sporting ability. Children do not even have to be able to swim as they can wade
through the water at a comfortable depth!
With sponsorship from the MBF Foundation, and based on the success of the
Tasmanian series over the past 10 years, ‘Life. Be in it’ has been able to keep the
whole event FREE! So we are asking all children to be a part of this exciting and long
running event to help increase physical activity amongst children in Tasmania.
(Ulverstone is February 27 th
, George Town is February 28 th
and Hobart is on March
14 th
).
For entry forms or for further information go to www.tas.lifebeinit.org or call 1300 738363.
With the event growing every year get your entry in early to avoid disappointment
More information and entry forms are available at the school
office.
Anyone for Tennis??
The Penguin Tennis Club is pleased to announce that after-school tennis lessons will
re- commence for school aged students on Thursday February 25th for 5 weeks.
Classes will run from 3.30pm-4.30pm.
This follows on from interest expressed by families who participated in the Kids
Connecting Communities program coordinated by the Penguin Cluster Schools last
year.
Our members are not qualified coaches, but are well experienced and keen to get
the kids of Penguin and Riana off the couch and onto the court!
Families who last year completed an application for membership with the club will be
eligible for these 5 weeks of lessons at no additional charge. New members will need
to pay a season membership of $20.00 per child. This will cover students for
insurance through to the end of the season in Term 1, 2010. Forms may available at
the courts on the day and payment must be paid before commencement of lessons.
The club does have some equipment so your own racquet is not essential.
Tennis courts are located behind the Penguin High School grounds and can be
accessed by car via Sports Complex Drive.
For more information please phone Tennis Club President Quentin Paske on
6437 2465 or Cheryl Fuller 6437 1500.
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Mersey Police & Community Youth Club Inc. Presents
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Featuring
Daniela Pizzirani-Rand as Alice
Bronwyn Baker as Mad Hatter
Andrea Hendrey as March Hare
Supported by a cast of 15 Young People from Schools in the Mersey Region
February 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th 7:30pm Matinee 21st, 27th 2pm
Our Lady of Lourdes CHURCH HALL Stewart Street, Devonport
Tickets Adults $8 - Children $5 Family $20 (2 Adults, 2 Children)
Tickets can be Purchased at FACEBAR 22 Stewart Street, Devonport Ph: 6424 5253
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
NOVA DESIGN & PRINT ULVERSTONE REPERTORY THEATRE SOCIETY INC FACEBAR
2010 The Year of the Girl Guide
Do you enjoy the outdoors, leadership, challenges and learning new skills?
Join us and help celebrate our centenary. There are opportunities available for girls
and women in all areas.
For more information contact Girl Guides Tasmania on 1300 139 244, email
office@guidestas.org.au or Nerina Dixon on 6424 7415, email
sdonorthwest@guidestas.org.au
1st Penguin Scouts
Come along Friday nights 6-8pm for exciting adventurous times. Activities
include boating, bushwalking, cooking, camping, Know your knots & games,
games, games.
Scouts is for boys & girls aged from 10.5 to 14.5 years.
1st Penguin Scouts Group commences for 2010 on 19th February at the Penguin
Scout Hall located near the Skate Park. For more info contact the Leader Shane
Fuller 0418 139941
Hope to see you there!
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STAFF LIST 2010
Debbie Bowen Kitchen Assistant
Sarah Brooke Teacher
Sonya Browning Library Technician
Kaylene Carey Art Aide
Adam Conkie Teacher
Tino Delbourgo Teacher
Susan Dick Administrative Officer
Bruce Edwards Tech Aide
Ian Forbes Teacher
Claire French Teacher
Shirly Good School Attendant/Canteen
Trent Graham Teacher
Andrea Harding Teacher
Sarah Horsman Teacher
Jade Hughes Teacher
Geoff Ingram School Attendant
Robin Johnson Relief School Attendant
Jackie Kinch Teacher Aide
Ashley King Teacher
Damon Kingshott IT Technician
Kaleb McKay IT Technician
Bruce Marshall Assistant Principal
Cheryl Masters School Attendant
Grant Maynard Aboriginal Support
Robert Maywald Teacher
Kirsten Moore Teacher
Jodie Murphy Teacher
David O’Brien Groundsman
Trudy Pearce Principal
Damien Pursell Teacher
Leanne Ray Teacher Aide
Nicole Thorp Lab Technician
James Todd School Chaplain
Jan Robertson School Executive Officer
Kelly Russell Teacher
Heather Rutherford Guidance Officer
John Steed Online Access Centre – coordinator
Roger Smith Teacher Aide
Tania Tabart Teacher
Barbara Woodhouse Administrative Officer
Sharon White School Attendant
Deborah Winton Pathways Planning Officer
PO Box 138
125 Ironcliffe Road
Penguin Tas 7316
� 6437 2102
� 6437 1490
Mobile 0407 578 724
��penguin.high@education.tas.gov.au
www.penguinh.tased.edu.au
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