From the editor

Leaves Newsletter

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

It was my great pleasure to attend the school swimming carnival on Monday the 9th of February. A really positive school spirit was evident, with students and parents in the stands cheering on the participants. Evident also was the outstanding level of cooperation between teachers, parents and students. There was a high attendance rate at the carnival and the vast majority of students entered events and participated fully. Quite a few students also volunteered to help out in a number of areas ensuring that the carnival ran smoothly.

Parents may have noticed that in the last couple of weeks we have had a focus on uniform across the school. We have particularly concentrated on ensuring that students have the appropriate footwear. Occupational Health and Safety regulations require that students wear leather shoes that protect their feet in practical lessons such as Science and Design and Technology and in the playground. The deputies and I have really appreciated the support we have received from parents in regards to our efforts to encourage all students to proudly wear full uniform.

As I have now been in the school for several weeks, I have had the opportunity to observe the students and staff and talk to many of the students on the playground and in the office and corridors.  They are cooperative, friendly and outgoing and demonstrate a social awareness and sense of responsibilty that is quite impressive. This week our Year 12 students held a Valentine's Day assembly. Usually the money raised from such an event would go to support initiatives including Year 12 activities; however, this time the students chose to contribute to help the victims of the Victorian bush fires. The Forest parents and caregivers can be justifiably proud of their children.

 

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MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT REPORT

Welcome back to 2009. This will be a very exciting year for the Mathematics staff as we will soon be appointing a new Head of Department. We have been very lucky to work with Mr Peter Mackey who has been Head Teacher at the Forest High for the past 9 years and has taught for over 40 years. His vast mathematical knowledge, organisation and love of technology will be hard to match. The Mathematics Staff for 2009 are Ms Karen Gourlay (relieving Head Teacher), Mr Gerard Gouiric, Mr Peter Mackey, Ms Christine McClean, Ms Denise O’Donnell, Ms Deborah Steed and Ms Kerry Wallace.

All students have Mathematics three times a week and will receive homework on these occasions. Please check diaries and remind students, if necessary, to do their homework. It is important that the students are able to access a computer to complete homework as they have been issued with a disc which matches the textbook used in class. Please contact the class teacher if this is a problem. Students from Years 8 to 12 are required to have a working scientific calculator in every maths lesson (the Casio fx-82AU-plus is preferable). Calculators can be purchased from school for $25. Year 7 students will be asked to purchase a calculator at the end of Term 1.

Assessment for Term 1 will be topic tests. This enables us to monitor student’s particular strengths and weaknesses. Students in years 7 and 8 will also have an assignment in Term 1. Early in Term 2 Years 7 and 9 students will sit for the National Assessment ( NAPLAN ) test and practice tests will take place as this approaches. Senior students need to start working on a study plan as Year 12 exams are the end of Term 1 and Year 11 exams are at the start of Term 2.

All students from years 7 to 10 have also been enrolled into Mathletics. This is a computer based mathematical program linked to the student’s class and current level. Teachers are able to set homework and monitor student progress as they work through exercises based on their current unit of work. They are also able to participate in a live challenge encouraging speed with basic number facts. This program normally costs $99 however as all students are enrolled we are able to offer this for $10 for 2009. An information note will be coming home along with the student’s individual password. All students can access Mathletics now and we have asked they bring in the $10 to their mathematics teacher by the end of February.

The Australian Mathematics Competition is an activity of the Australian Mathematics trust of which the University of Canberra is Trustee. The Forest High School has a tradition of success in this competition and we would like to invite as many students as possible to participate in it again this year.

The entry fee of $4.50 is to be returned to the student’s Mathematics teacher by the end of term 1.  The competition will be held on Thursday 6^th August.

The Mathematics Challenge is another competition which will run over three weeks next term.

Students who have been selected to participate will need to return their permission note and pay $18 to the accounts office by February 20^th.

 
We ask all parents to assist by ensuring students have the equipment required each lesson. Students often need a few reminders. Please look through their workbooks on a weekly basis. Ask questions about the work being done and praise neat and completed work. It is important all students have a solid grasp of their times tables and basic number facts and use mathematics on a daily basis, not only at school. Discuss the use of mathematics in your job and in daily life. Please contact your student’s class teacher if you have any concerns during the year.

 

Mrs K. Gourlay

 

 

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VACCINATION PROGRAM

Northern Sydney Central Coast Health will visit our school and will be offering the following vaccinations:

Tuesday 17th February:
Yr7 Students - Hepatitis B (dose 1) & Human Papillomavirus (dose 1)

Yr 10 Students - Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis

Thursday 28th May:
Yr 7 Students - Chickenpox & Human Papillomavirus (dose 2)
Yr 10 Students - diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (catch up)

Friday 6th November:
Yr 7 Students - Hepatitis B (dose 2) & Human Papillomavirus (dose 2&3)

Please note that the consent form must be returned to the school.  No student will be vaccinated without the form. A Record of Vaccination will be provided to your child on the day of the clinic.  Please ask your child for this record.

 

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POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM

 Please click on the following link to view details of the 3 seminars being held in March

Triple_P_seminars_Term_1_2009.pdf

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SPORT ARRANGEMENTS - SESSION 1

 

SPORT	MEETING PLACE (Buses leave at 12.30pm from front of the school
Surfing/Experienced	Bus 1
Surfing/novice at Long Reef Beach	Bus 2
Tennis - Wakehurst Tennis Centre	Bus 3
Fitness First	Bus 4
Mountain Bike Riding	Meet at gym
Power Walking	Meet at gym
Table tennis - school	PAC
Weights	Weights Room
Yoga	Drama Room
Touch football	Oval
Basketball	Basketball courts
Soccer	Oval
Board Games	A5
Rotational Sports	School Gym
Sport Detention (all students who have not handed in a note MUST report to this room	D16

 

 

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SPEAKER'S NIGHT for parents of teenagers

 Please click on this link for details of this event on 25th March 2009  Speakers_Night_25_March_2009.pdf

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UNIFORM SHOP

The uniform shop is open every Monday from 8am to 12pm.

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CANTEEN NEWS

Our Canteen is open every day selling a huge variety of fresh & homemade food made fresh daily.

We are always happy to have volunteers help out even for just a few hours or to assist in serving.  We have some spare days that we NEED some assistance.

We do not want to have to close the canteen for lack of volunteers so please feel free to drop in have a look or just say Hi.

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P & C FUNDRAISING 2009

We are only running 2 fundraisers this year:

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WAKEHURST PUBLIC SCHOOL

 

MRS CHRIS GHATT’S FAREWELL

Sadly Mrs Chris Ghatt is retiring after

32 years at Wakehurst Public

School and a total of 42 years teaching!!  

If you are an ex student of Wakehurst Public School or parents that would like to come along and celebrate Mrs Ghatt’s retirement we will be having a Farewell night in 2009.  

Make a note for…  

Mrs Ghatt’s Farewell Evening

Friday 27^th March 2009

7.30pm  

To register your interest in attending please email –

Bec Pincott -  rjpincott@hotmail.com

Wakehurst Public School, Glen Street, Belrose NSW 2085

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PANASH DESIGN

 

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Count Wealth Accountants

 

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STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Learn all about student exchange, WEP Australia and the 2009/2010 exchange programs available at one of WEP’s FREE information sessions in Sydney.

18 February, 1 April
7.30 - 9.00pm
Bowlers Club of NSW
95-99 York Street Sydney

Students can choose from over 20 countries to live and study with the support of a host family, school and community. Explore new opportunities beyond the classroom!

WEP Australia is a not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered with the education departments.

Judith Ortmann
Communications & 18+ Programs
World Education Program Australia Limited
Email: judithortmann@wep.org.au
www.wep.org.au
www.volunteerabroad.com.au

A not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered
with the education departments.

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FREE COURSE FOR PARENTS

Northern Beaches College of TAFE is offering the following free course this semester:

19001 Certificate II in Information Technology.

If any parents are interested in doing this course, please contact

Annette Bonnici (Acting Head Teacher of Information Technology).

Tel: 9941 5360

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COMMUNICATING WITH TEENS COURSE

Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service
Enquiries:  Phone 9887 5830

1 Come along and get some great ideas to assist you to:

 -  Learn how to resolve "issues" between your teenager and yourself and still keep the relationship intact

COURSE VENUE: Chatswood (5 Weeks)
WHEN : Wednesday, 26th August, 2009 (7.00pm - 9.30pm)
COST: $150 per person   Concession: $125 per person
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2. WORKSHOP  -  "DEALING WITH TEEN'S BACK CHAT"
    VENUE: CHATSWOOD
    WHEN: Wednesday, 19th August, 2009 - 7.00 - 9.30pm
    COST: $40 per person