21st October

Dear Students, Parents & Carers,

Welcome to Week 3 of Term 4 and our first full week of onsite learning since Week 4 Term 3!

 COVID Safe Reminders

• Stay home when unwell
• Ensure physical distancing (1.5m)
• Wear a face mask
• Practise good hygiene – use hand sanitiser on entry to every building

2021

Enrolments are still open for 2021 – join our vibrant and innovative learning community today! Contact the office on 5723 0500. 

Please inform us if you are leaving the school at the end of this year to ensure exit processes can be undertaken as soon as possible.

Regards

Brad Moyle

Executive Principal

Key dates for Term 4.

Please check the Compass calendar for more information.

Date	Item	Notes
Friday 23rd October	Public holiday	Pupil free day
Thursday 29th October	Year 7 immunisations
Thursday 29th October	Last day of classes for Year 12s
Friday 30th October	Celebration Day	Year 12s onsite 8.30am-10am
Monday 2nd - Friday 6th November	Year 12 study week
Tuesday 3rd November	Public holiday	Pupil free day
Monday 9th November - Wednesday 2nd December	Unit 4 exams	Good luck to our Year 12s!
Friday 20th November	Last day of classes for Year 11s
Monday 23rd - Friday 27th November	Year 12 2021 Step Up
Friday 27th November	Last day of classes for Year 10s
Monday 30th November - Friday 4th December	Year 11 2021 Step Up
Friday 4th December	Year 12 graduation	Event TBC
Wednesday 16th December	2020 Presentation Awards	Event TBC
Friday 18th December	Last day of Term 4	Happy school holidays!

 

 

Canteen Feedback
Please provide any feedback about the canteen, including suggestions for food options here.

Masks to be worn on school buses
Please remember to wear your face masks correctly when travelling on school buses.

Tryouts - Wangaratta Netball Association 

The link for applications is https://forms.gle/S97eMTV8duurgrSQ7

Youth Council - Rural City of Wangaratta 

Youth Council is a group of up to 20 young people aged between 14 - 18 years which meets regularly to discuss youth issues, help organise youth and community events, take part in leadership forums and personal development activities. Youth Council is a 12 month commitment.

Youth Council is open to any young person who is interested in making a difference in their community.

For more information and to nominate see here.

Applications close Friday 26th October.

Bike Jumps - Rural City of Wangaratta
We’re happy to report that three new bike jump sites will be in place within a few weeks. At last month’s Council meeting Councillors voted to create three supported bike jump sites at:

• Arlington Park
• Railway Bridge/Sydney Beach
• West End (200m from St Bernard’s site)

It was also decided that the fourth site at Valdoris Avenue would not be established until a review of the success of the Pump Track.

We are aiming to have these bike jump sites in place by the end of this month. Signs have been developed for all three sites and these are now being manufactured by a local signage company. When the signs are installed Council will also deliver soil to the sites. Once the new sites are established then Council will get to work removing existing jump sites.

A track designer will also run workshops to help you get the most out of the jumps you create. We are hoping these sessions will be in-person but due to Covid-19 restrictions we are currently not allowed to have a large gathering. You’ll receive an update and invitation when the details are finalised.

Below are the sign designs, which include the rules for how to build jumps, and how to look after the area. It’s important these rules are followed, for your safety and so the broader community can have confidence that you are being responsible.

Certified by the Chief Executive Officer in accordance with section 55D of the Local Government Act 1989.

Australia Day Nominations Open - Rural City of Wangaratta
Australia Day Awards are now open!! Categories include Citizen of the Year, Youth Citizen of the Year and Community Event / Project of the year.

We’ve been through quite a year. It’s time to celebrate and reflect on who is active in our community and who we admire.  

Now is the time to take the opportunity to show your respect and acknowledge those in our community who deserve some recognition.

Click here to download a fillable PDF form

OR  pick up a hard copy of the nomination forms from: 

• Council customer service
• Wangaratta Library
• YMCA reception
• Wangaratta Visitors Information Centre.

For more information see here.

Nominations close Friday November 6^th, 2020.

Student Birthdays

Melina Young 7B and Tim Ogunjobi 10A celebrated their birthdays last week! Happy birthday!

Sri Lanken Feast

Shanika one of our wonderful cleaners brought a delicious home cooked meal made by her mum Sumana for the admin team to celebrate students returning to school! Thank you Shanika!

















Library Display
Sharon prepared a lovely welcome back board in the library - check out the bookworms and book bees next time you are in the library.

7E Humanities
During remote learning, 7E researched and analysed ancient civilisations as part of their work in Humanities. For one component of the task, they were required to create their own artefact that was specific to their chosen civilisation. Below are examples of some of the amazing artefacts that students created and then brought into school to show the class, now that we are back on site. The work produced by students on this task was brilliant, well done!

Ms Wealands


Ancient Roman currency made with soap stone, clay and fired in an oven, by Alison Jones.

Replica of an Ancient Roman shield, by Isabelle Hooper.

Replica of an Ancient Australian axe, by Ryley Downing.

Jordyn Parker Richards from Year 12 has achieved Guiding's Peak Achievement Award, the Queen's Guide Award.

To achieve this award Jordyn had to accomplish taks in leadership, community service, outdoor skills, cultural awareness, working with peers and had to advance her own personal development. 

Jordyn said 'I have been in girl guides for 7 years, and now volunteer as a junior leader assisting in running the program for the guides. The Queen’s Guiding Award is the highest achievement available to guides and takes 2+ years to complete.' 

Jordyn completed a number of activities to achieve the award. 'The challenge features 2 parts with a number of challenges in each. Some of my challenges included volunteering in a local soup kitchen, organising and hosting events for the young girl guides, holding a presentation night on my experience on a conservation trip to Mexico, leadership activities completed in and out of guides as well as a number of guiding traditions.'

She went on to say 'I completed these tasks throughout the last 3 years with the help of leaders in the unit and completed my reports in April of this year, I received confirmation of my achievement this month. An award ceremony typically occurs at the end of the year with one the Queen’s representatives but will be postponed until Covid safe.'

Wangaratta High School has spent time with each Mentor Group this week working on a Gratitude Wall. Gratitude is paying attention to what you have and not worrying about the things you don’t have. 

If we practice gratitude activities for 21 days, research shows that we can rewire our brains to start scanning for a world that is positive, negating our natural negative bias AND you can become three times more likely to notice a positive.

Parent Opinion Survey
We want our parents to tell us what they think!

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents think of our school. The Parent Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is conducted amongst all parents.

It is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of parents’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, student engagement and experiences of remote and flexible learning. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

All parents have been invited to participate in this year’s survey on Compass. All responses to the survey are anonymous. This year, the Parent Opinion Survey will be conducted from Saturday 17^th October to Friday 13^th November.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the fieldwork period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.

The online survey will be available in a range of languages other than English. These include: Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Somali, Turkish, Punjabi and Greek.

The results of the annual Parent Opinion Survey assist us in ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our students and families. The results will assist in identifying priorities for 2021 and beyond. Results will also be reported to parents in our Annual Report to the School Community.

Please check your Compass newsfeed for how to access the survey.

2021 Prefect Speeches
On Tuesday 27th October applicants for the Prefect 2021 team will be making their speeches during mentor session. Please bring you laptops so you can vote for your Prefect Team 2021.

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues

Our very own Scott Solimo has been working hard to get the Jazz Festival ready for 2020. 

An exciting program featuring Australia’s premier jazz and blues artists, new commissions and collaborations, never before seen archival footage, an exclusive international appearance and the distinguished National Jazz Awards, mark the 30th edition of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues from 26th October till the 1st November.

More information here.

Scholarships to support senior secondary students
Scholarships are available for Year 12 students planning to undertake tertiary studies in 2021, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students planning on completing years 11 and 12.

Year 12 Student scholarships
The Department of Education and Training manages up to 60 scholarships that are available to students currently in Year 12 and planning to undertake tertiary studies in 2021.

Applicants for these scholarships are evaluated on their:

• participation in school activities
• community involvement
• academic record for the current year.

Scholarships are either one-off payments or for the duration of the student’s course/study annually.

Most of these scholarships have specific eligibility criteria. Applications are now open and will close on 28 February 2021.

For more information and for a list of available scholarships refer to the 2020-21 Year 12 Student Scholarships factsheet.

How to apply
For information on how to apply visit the student scholarships web page.

The Marrung Education Scholarships program
The Marrung Education Scholarships program provides scholarships to support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to complete years 11 and 12.

The program offers 20 scholarships of $5000 each ($2500 per year over two years). The scholarships recognise students who demonstrate a high potential to succeed in their chosen pathway.

Selection is based on the following criteria assessed for each candidate:

• involvement in the Aboriginal community
• Year 10 results
• school reports
• potential to succeed in a chosen pathway
• references from school and community representatives.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday 13 November 2020.

How to apply
To apply for a Marrung Education Scholarship, eligible students need to download the application form, and email it to  marrung@edumail.vic.gov.au (subject: Marrung Scholarships [insert full name of applicant and school] )

2021 Beechworth & District Community Bank Scholarship Program
Scholarships are available to academically outstanding Year 12 students whose financial or social circumstances limit their tertiary aspirations. They are available to students who either reside or attend school in Indigo Shire.

A scholarship helps cover study and accommodation costs that rural and regional students face in their first years of tertiary education.

Information detailing the scholarship criteria which includes student academic achievement, community involvement, leadership roles and details of their financial and/or social disadvantage, is included in the FAQs here.

Bachelor Program: http://cia.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/Program/Index/2?programId=2400

TAFE Program: http://cia.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/Program/Index/2?programId=2401

Applications close on Wednesday 27th January 2021.

For more information, visit Bendigo Bank

Indigenous Apprenticeships Program
A pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to start their career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The 12-month program offers:

• A permanent, full-time, entry-level job
• on-the-job training
• a competitive salary and great benefits
• a nationally recognised certificate or diploma qualification.

It also offers a range of roles across a number of departments and agencies. You could work in:

• administration
• policy and program development
• service delivery
• finance
• human resources
• information technology.

Check which agencies and departments are participating in the program this year.

You can also find out more at one of our information sessions. Register your interest in attending one today.

More information here.

We would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors for supporting our school and providing opportunities for our students.

 

Whether you require domestic, commercial or industrial electrical installations, we have the experience and the team to complete our work on time and on budget. We can assist with computer points, control systems, hot water, stove and cooktops maintenance, cable and pipe locations, emergency lighting, TV and phone points, trenching, scissor lift hire and more. https://www.websterselectricalvic.com.au/	We provide domestic & commercial plumbing maintenance, general plumbing, roofing, septic tank installation and gas fitting services. Our services start at minor tap repairs right through to complete house plumbing renovations. No job is too small! https://stonebrosplumbing.com.au/
When it comes supplying quality concrete and quarry products, Mawsons are specialists. The company is recognised as a leading construction materials supplier with a reputation for quality and reliability. Mawsons are able to meet customer needs from 16 quarry sites, 40 concrete plants and 7 landscaping centres. Mawsons also operate mobile crushing and screening equipment, and have a fleet of concrete, cement and quarry delivery trucks. https://www.mawsons.com.au/	Our aim is to be the news and information destination for North East Victoria, by growing and developing print and digital products that serve our communities. Sponsorship and media support of communities and events are part of our business aims. https://wangarattachronicle.com.au/
Butler’s Pantry Bakehouse is proud to call ourselves your local community bakery in Wangaratta. We’re locals to the area, and we’re so happy to call this our home. That’s why we love getting involved in the local community. Not only do we feed locals and visitors alike with delicious pies, wraps, hot food, rolls, cakes and specialty items, but we also support our local sports clubs.  Another part of Wangaratta life that we love is helping out with fundraisers and pie drives. We’ve been a part of fundraising for schools, clubs and organisations for a long time, and we won’t be stopping any time soon. https://butlerspantrybakehouse.com.au/	Dennis Family Homes is proud to be a family building homes for families. Our numerous years of building experience promises your home will be built to the highest quality, and well designed. Most importantly, we’ll ensure the home you choose will be the home you’ll love. https://www.dennisfamily.com.au/
The team at Ravishing Makeup & Beauty Lounge understand how busy life can be & how easy it is to put everyone else first, our goal is to remind you to slow down & ensure that you put YOU first! Based in the heart of Wangaratta our salon is a place where you can come to unwind, relax & be pampered by one of our trained therapists. We want you to leave our salon feeling proud & owning the skin you're in. https://www.ravishingmakeupandbeautylounge.com/	The Quality Hotel™ Wangaratta Gateway offers modern and relaxing accommodation in the heart of Wangaratta with convenient access to the CBD and local attractions. The hotel is located less than 15 minutes from Wangaratta airport and conveniently close to the Wangaratta Base Hospital, Performing Arts & Convention Centre and the Court House. https://www.wangarattagateway.com.au/
Office Choice is your one-stop for essential office supplies, from office stationery and filing products, to printers, shredders, tech solutions and more. We have everything you need to organise and optimise the daily operations of your business, with a selection of high-quality products from reputable brands available at competitive prices. https://wangaratta.officechoice.com.au/	Bringing together a palette of complementary colours, balanced textures and patterns and the visualisation of the scale and proportion of a space, we will produce solutions to develop an existing style or create a fresh new look https://www.designhouseinteriors.com.au/
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As a Ford dealer, Ovens Ford provides you with high-performing Ford vehicles designed to thrill and inspire you. Located in Wangaratta, we are your #1 choice for Ford vehicles near Yarrawonga, Myrtleford, Beechworth and Bright. https://www.ovensford.com.au/	Franks Footwear has been operating for over 60 years in the same store location. We take pride in our excellence in customer service and our wide range of shoes. https://www.facebook.com/franksfamilyfootwear/
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a progressive and award-winning university and has a well-earned international reputation for excellence through its innovative approach to higher education. https://www.csu.edu.au/	A1 Tyrepower Wangaratta are North East Victoria's leading independent tyre experts. We specialise in supplying our customers the very best products and services. Tyres are what we know and what we do! Passenger and commercial vehicles are serviced by our trained personnel dedicated to keeping you and your family safe on our roads. https://www.a1tyrepower.com.au/
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Located in Wangaratta, North East Victoria, SignEffects is a locally owned and operated company that is a leader in sign fabrication and installation for over a decade. As highly experienced and qualified signwriters, SignEffects sets new standards in the sign industry. We pride ourselves on providing a professional solution for all your signage requirements. https://signeffects.com.au/	We are locally established, owned and operated.  With over 30 years combined experience we can guarantee you a wealth of knowledge when it comes to tyres. We aim to meet all of your tyre needs, keeping in mind quality and affordability. Great customer service is our mission, call in to see how we can help you today. https://www.tufftyreswangaratta.com/