From the editor
Leaves NewsletterPRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Technology update
In Term 1 we purchased eight interactive whiteboards, which were installed in classrooms
across the school. I am happy to report that following on from that purchase we have now
ordered another six interactive whiteboards so that students and teachers will have access
to the technology in every subject area. Rachelle Krilich, Head Teacher Science, provided training for teachers to use the boards and this will be followed up with further training this
term.
Properties report
A great deal of progress has been made towards refurbishment of the school buildings
and grounds. External cleaning and painting will commence next week. The covers over
the walkways will be repaired and installation of gas heating in the hall should begin within
a few weeks. We are scheduled for a number of other upgrades including new roofs and landscaping and I will give you more detailed information on those improvements when
I have specific dates.
Signage
Thirty five new signs have been delivered and will soon be installed throughout the school
grounds and buildings. These include our signs for PBEL (Positive Behaviour Engaging Learners) which outline our school-wide expectations as well as new signs for the front
of the school and for specific areas such as the canteen and the performing arts centre.
The signs were professionally designed to incorporate the new logo and reflect the school’s
key messages. Our sincere thanks goes to our fantastic P&C Committee for funding
Uniform
I thank the parents for supporting us by ensuring that their children are in full school uniform.
I have only had to speak to a small minority of students this week regarding their footwear.
All students must wear fully enclosed, black leather lace-up shoes. However, we do seem
to be having an issue with a few odd jumpers and jackets being worn. This is of particular
concern as anyone out of uniform may be a visitor or an intruder on school grounds so they
will be asked by staff to identify themselves.
Please ensure that your child has an appropriate jumper or jacket, which can be purchased
from the uniform shop here at school. The weather is becoming quite cold and we do not
want students to be cold or to be out of uniform.
Year 7, 2011
Our enrolment numbers for Year 7, 2011 are strong, indicating a high level of support for
The Forest High School in the local community. Anyone who is wishing to enrol their child
in 2011and has not contacted the school, should do so as a matter of urgency. We are
currently planning the class structure and timetable for next year and there are a number
of orientation functions scheduled for new students in the near future. Students who are
coming from out of area will need to contact the school for information regarding procedures
for out of area enrolments.
STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR MAY – CONCENTRATION SKILLS
Daydreaming is something that everyone is prone to at one time or another. There are a
number of things you can do to improve your concentration in the classroom. Firstly, come
to class prepared with the correct books, equipment and homework completed. Your
attitude also makes a big difference. Look for what is interesting or different in the subject
so you can keep your mind targeted to what is being discussed. The key is to really try
and focus on the teacher, a good way to do this is to mentally ask yourself questions
about what they are saying. Classroom concentration is a skill that can definitely be
improved with practice. Visit the Using Classtime Unit on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au<http://www.studyskillshandbook.com.au> for more tips
(as well as some challenging concentration games!). Also new this month on the site, a
list of iPhone Apps that are useful for school and learning (click on the For Students Tab
to see this extra unit). And wait till next time you complete one of the modules, each
module now has a little video surprise as a reward for your work!
Our school’s subscription details to this online study skills website for secondary school
students are -
User name:
Password:
CHANGE OF DATE FOR SRC TRIVIA NIGHT - 2nd JUNE 2010
The annual SRC Trivia Night is back so please book the Wednesday 2nd June -
School Hall 7.30pm in your diaries – this evening in the past has been a fun night,
totally organised and run by the students. We have had to change the original date due
to a clash with the State of Origin match.
The Student Representative Council are currently collecting prizes and would
appreciate any donations for the night. A thank you to those parents who have
already donated wonderful prizes - it helps make our night. Please contact the school,
or drop off prizes to the library, if you can help.
Please book your table as soon as possible for a great night of trivia and fun. The
Student Representative Council look forward to seeing you there. Tables of ten can
be registered at the Library.
$10.00 per adult
$5.00 per child/student
$20.00 per family – 2 adults and up to 3 children
A table of ten Forest students will cost $40.00. We would love to see you there.
Line up the trivia buffs and sign up now for a table at the SRC Trivia Night.
Bring your own nibbles for your table. What a great way to share a fun evening
and raise funds for The Forest High!
Prize awarded for best dressed table – pick any theme you wish.
CANTEEN NEWS
A few changes have occured at the Canteen and we want to ensure all
students are aware of them to ensure you get the best service from your
P&C Canteen.
- Bring your own lunch box to the canteen and get 50 cents off your
$3.50 meal (salads, pasta, quiche & salad, fried rice, etc)
- New menu items are being made, so if any students or staff have
any suggestions, please place them into the Lunch Order Box (in front
of the canteen) for us to consider.
- Warm breakfast options are being made in the canteen (i.e. Bacon &
Egg roll & Toasted Jaffas)
- Various Wraps should not be so 'wet' as we have changed our lettuce
choice.
Canteen Committee
AUSTRALIA MY COUNTRY COMPETITION - Prize Winners 2010
Written Essay Years 7-8
1st Prize Rebecca Oakes - whose story appears below
ANZAC day is on the 25th April, it represents Australians and New Zealanders that fought in
WWI and it lets us remember the people who suffered and all the sacrifices for our country.
The Word ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It was in 1914 when the
war started. A year later Australian and New Zealand soldiers became allies they wanted to capture Constantinople.
On 26th April 1915 finding fierce Turkish defenders unexpectedly because they thought they
would get rid of them easily they found that the Turkish had the advantage of higher ground
but they didn't give up fighting and pushing themselves harder.
Both sides were brutally hurt and thousands of people died and some got terribly hurt. At the
end of 1915 the battle was over Australians returned home to warm arms and lots of proud Aussies. Not everyone was glad some were sad because their family or friends died or were
badly hurt.
Today ANZAC day represents all those who sacrificed themselves and it lets us learn and respect
all that they did for the future. Some soldiers who are still around and some people who are
related who just got medals and uniforms passed down through the family march through the streets on this special day to show us their pride and bravery for what they achieved.
A symbol for ANZAC day is The Brown Slouch Hat on one side of it has a slouch with a sun on
it so if they hold the gun up so it isn't in the way. Another symbol is ANZAC biscuits but where
did they come from there are lots of theories but everyone can agree they are delicious.
One thing you don't usually think when you see the word ANZAC is the families the ones who
you can't even think of how they would feel. At first when he loved one leaves they would be
so upset not knowing if that would be the last time they ever saw them again and missing them being around. The whole time they would be so upset hoping for the best and trying to contact the soldiers. When they got back they would be so proud and so very happy that they are alive. As some are not as lucky and don't get to see those people ever again.
Non Written (Drawing/Art/Craft) Winners Years 9-10
1st Rubie Hardie
4th Hannah Thompson
Lifeline Northern Beaches Giant Book Fair
Book Fair Details:
Date: 1st weekend June 2010
Venue: Balgowlah Boys High School
Cnr Sydney Rd & Maretimo St
Balgowlah
Dates/Times: Friday 4th June 5pm -- 9pm
Saturday 5th June 9am -- 5pm
Sunday 6th June 9am -- 2pm
At the Book Fair there will be thousands of good quality books, in many categories, and
at bargain prices. This includes a wide range of children's books suited to all ages.
Please note we accept Visa & Mastercard and also have EFTPOS facility available
Entry by gold coin donation very much appreciated
All funds raised support the activities of Lifeline Northern Beaches
FREE COUNSELLING - 24 HOURS A DAY
Separation is a difficult time for everyone in the family
A decision to separate is one of the hardest choices you may ever make, and it has consequences for everyone in your family. Both you and your children may feel confused about what is happening, and be unsettled about the impact of such change.
Separation can evoke strong feelings for everyone – you, your partner, your children, and even extended
family members like grandparents, aunts and uncles. Your family is undergoing significant change - separation usually means that the family is dividing, and that one parent will be leaving the household.
With change comes emotion. You may feel sad or lonely, angry, guilty, or like you have failed in some
way. Many parents have experiences of depression and anxiety. In fact, you may feel all these emotions
at different times.
It is important to remember that your child also has strong feelings. They may feel grief, shock, insecurity
and worry whether the remaining parent will leave them as well. Some may feel that they are to blame
for the situation, while others may feel angry.
As a parent it’s important to understand that your children are also going through a distressing time, and
to do what you can to reduce the impact on them. Here are some basic tips to assist with that:
ÿ Prepare children as best as you can. Give them a simple explanation of why
you are separating.
ÿ Let your children know that both parents love them very much.
ÿ Remind children that it is not their fault – it is a decision that you as parents
are making about your relationship.
ÿ Focus on the positives. Give lots of love and attention. Try to avoid conflict
in front of your children, and avoid blame.
ÿ Try to minimise the change to your children’s environment and routine.
ÿ Acknowledge how your children are feeling, and that these feelings are okay.
for the cost of a local call from a land line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1300 1300 52 or read our information sheets on separation on www.parentline.org.au
VISION VALLEY SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS
School holiday camps for children and young people – July 2010
As the Winter school holidays approach, I wanted to tell you a little about Vision Valley
Conference Centre’s upcoming school holiday programmes for children and young people.
Vision Valley has been running our popular school holiday camps for almost 40 years now.
We provide challenging outdoor adventure activities which aim to provide enjoyable and
memorable experiences that develop a person physically, socially and spiritually. The children
and young people will be immersed in the tranquility and beauty of Vision Valley, while experiencing
an awesome time of fun and adventure.
We have a range of upcoming camps this July school holidays including:
Snow Camp (Years 10-12): 1 - 4 July 2010
Youth Camp (Junior High Years 7-9): 7 – 9 July 2010
Youth Camp (Primary Years 4 – 6): 12 – 14 July 2010
Youth Camp (Senior High Years 10 – 12): 12 – 14 July 2010
Plus Horse Day Camps & Adventure Day Camps. Visit the website for more information.
These camps are run for children and young people from the ages 8 to 18 years
(school years 3 to 12). So there is plenty of variety to meet all ages and needs!
Should you require any further information or brochures please do not hesitate to contact me
directly at Vision Valley by emailing vvcamps@wesleymission.org.au or on 02 9655 2600.
Otherwise, please see our website for available camps, dates, BOOKING FORMS
and more information at www.visionvalley.org.au .
** Please note our Booking forms will be available on our website from the 14th May, 2010.
UNIFORM SHOP
UNIFORM SHOP SPECIAL
LEGGINGS
2 pairs for $25.00
3 pairs for $30.00
"get them now, while stock lasts"