THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

THS SCHOOL NEWS

Thornbury High School 238 Collins Street, Thornbury Victoria 3071 Australia

T: (03) 9480 4066 F: (03) 9480 1314 E: thornburyhs@edumail.vic.gov.au www.thornburyhs.vic.edu.au

Keep up-to-date with the latest THS news on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thornburyhigh

PRINCIPAL’S REPORTWelcome to 2018

I would like to officially welcome all families to the start of the 2018 school year and in particular our new students at Year 7 and across the school who begin their Thornbury High School journey this year.

Year 7s had their first day of school on Tuesday 30 January with a transition program and finished with a very well-attended barbecue with their families and staff. Year 12s also commenced on the Tuesday with a first full day of normal classes in this very important year for them. The new private study arrangements are working well and I know both Year 12 students and staff are looking forward to moving into the newly refurbished Year 12 centre in March.

Years 8-11 commenced on Wednesday 31 January with a full day of normal classes. I have been impressed with the start to the year for students across the school, both in the way they have presented themselves and their focus on their learning.

As well as the major improvement works to the Year 12 centre, there have also been a number of other improvements over the holidays, including:

• The redesign of the Year 9 and 10 office to include new meeting spaces

• Total repairs to library floors and new carpet throughout

• New fencing along Dundas Street and part of Matisi Street

• New carpet throughout many classrooms and other learning spaces

• New concrete pathway connecting the school buildings with the gymnasium

• Painting/polishing throughout the school

These improvements serve a number of purposes in enhancing the student learning environment and continuing to build community pride in the school and its facilities. This will continue throughout 2018 as we continue planning for the major capital works announced at the end of 2017.

I look forward to seeing you all at Thornbury High School events throughout the year.

Michael Keenan Principal

REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES

Years 7–10: Carol Marsh 9458 6125

Years 11-12: Shannon Martens 9458 6135

TERM 1 IMPORTANT DATES

20th February:

• Yr 9/10 Cricket

• Yr 11 Psych Penders

21st February:

• Yr 11 Business Exc

22nd February:

• Yr 12 Info Night

23rd February:

• Yr 7-10 Cricket Finals

28th February:

• Yr 11/12 Barwon Prison Exc

1st March:

• Yr 7 Parent Info Evening

2nd March:

• Swimming Carnival

• Music Students Exc

6th March:

• VCE Volleyball/Tennis

• Music Top Acts

7th to the 9th March:

• Yr 7 Camp

8th March:

• Maths Students IMAX

February 16 2018

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THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

February 16 20182

A Message from the THS Redevelopment Project Group.

Hello Parents and Friends and welcome to 2018! It’s going to be an exciting year for the ‘Our School, our Community’ campaign. The awarding of $5 million dollars towards Stage one by the State Government last year was a wonderful moment for the school community. Just a touch over $20 million to go to be able to complete the redevelopment! Don’t be daunted. We have two significant lobbying opportunities in 2018; the current Federal by-election in the seat of Batman and the State election in November.

We also have a rapidly growing parent group signing up to be part of the campaign. There are skills, talents, knowledge and community connections amongst the parent community that will make a huge difference to the outcome of our campaign. We need you to help present strong and compelling messages to the government that stages two and beyond of the redevelopment urgently need to be funded. There will be campaign planning, letter writing, sharing and liking our Facebook page, preparing content for the Facebook page, meetings with local politicians and many other activities throughout the year as parents and friends join in with whatever contributions you can make. To get involved:Please visit the THS Redevelopment Project website and facebook page . Sign up to register support and please share all these links to your family, friends and community networks.

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THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

February 16 20183

A Message from Meredith StephensonWelcome to 2018 and what an excellent start it has been . Even with all the changes to our buildings the majority of our students are settled with books, correct uniform and ready to work. Many thanks to all you parent/guardians that have helped make this happen - greatly appreciated Hats A reminder that we really encourage students to wear their school hat whilst outside. This includes to and from school. The only hat allowed is a school hat and there is a choice of 3 available at the uniform shop. Remember to name them, please. Immunisation Secondary School Vaccinations in 2018: The Secondary School Vaccine Program offers free vaccines to Year 7 and 10 Students. These vaccines provide protection against:• Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) - one dose for year students• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - two doeses for year 7 students• Meningoccal A,C,W,Y - one does for year 10 StudentsParents/guardians of Year 7 and 10 students should look out for the vaccine consent card booklet coming home from school with your child. You need to read the information, complete and sign the permission section.For information relating to the HPV vaccine, please visit www.hpvvaccine.org.au and for any other questions please contact Darebin Council Immunization on 94708888 School photos These were taken last Tuesday. Orders can still be done online at www.arphotos.com.au Any issues please ring Arthur Reed photos on 52434390 or email customerservice@arphotos.com.au Students leaving early In the instance that your child/ren need to leave early from school, please provide them with a note which will excuse them at the specified time. You will need to meet them at the general office and sign them out. Holidays during school time If you choose to take your child away during school time, teachers MAY NOT be able to provide work depending on the curriculum content being taught at the time. Your child’s assessment for that semester will only relate to the work undertaken whilst at school. If you have any concerns with this please contact the subject teacher

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THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

February 16 20184

Insurance We remind parents or guardians and staff that the Department does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and it has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property. The Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance or transport as well as any other transport costs. Uniform shop volunteers Do you have a free Monday afternoon and would be willing to help out in our uniform shop? Please give Meredith a call on 94586105 as we would love to hear from you School Buses After SchoolStaff members and council crossing supervisors are present afterschool at Dundas Street & Station Street Bus Stop.There are two 552 buses which travel from Dundas Street to Reservoir station and beyond. One bus is an express to Reservoir Station and stops there, and the other bus stops at all bus stops to Reservoir Station and then continues on. These both leave from the Dundas Street school gate at 3:20. If a student misses these 552 buses they need to walk up Dundas Street over Station Street and catch the public bus on the corner of Dundas and Station Streets.The 567 bus that leaves from the Dundas Street school gates goes to Fairfield Station and then the plaza. It also leaves at 3:20pm.On the school side of Station Street travelling south the 567 public bus goes to Fairfield Station and then Northcote Plaza.On the other side of Station Street the 567 public bus goes to Northlands. No student should be catching the 552 bus that travels north on Station Street from that bus stop because there are safer alternatives in Dundas Street.

Closure of footbridge At the end of Theobold Street heading towards Ivanhoe the footbridge that joins Theobold and Banksia Streets will be closed from February for 4 months for a rebuild Car park Closed to parents that are dropping off or picking up their children. We have around 1100 students and 140 staff in the school and for safety reasons we must keep this area clear. We ask that you pick up your child in either Matisi or Jones Street. Collins Street is too small to undertake 3 point turns and we have many students that leave by this entrance on bikes. Residents in Collins Street have asked me to remind you not to park in their driveways or speed. Meredith Stephenson Assistant Principal

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THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

February 16 20185

Welcome New & Returning Staff

(Back row left to right) Massimillano Tosi (Languages), Peggy Oberthier (Wellbeing), Joel Plymin (Instrumental music), Nicole van Dijk (Visual Arts), Hannah Garganis (English and Humanities)(Front row left to right) Sheraz Salama (Visual Arts), Alex Caniglia (PE / Health)(Pictured) Dean Zanetidis (PE / Health)(No picture) Shannon Martens (Senior school administration)

Have You Paid Your Fees?School levies are now due. Levies should be paid in full or in installments. Parents/Guardians are able to make payment via compass or at the general office. Please contact the General Office on 9480 4066 if you have any queries or would like to set up a payment plan.

NASA Tour 2019The NASA tour is once again in the process of being organised for the end of Term 1 2019.This tour will include the following:• Camp Kennedy Space Centre(KSC) (3 days) with accommodation in Cocoa Beach• 1 day at Universal Studios with ‘Ride Design’ Education Program• 2 days at Disney World with ‘Evolution of Technology’ Program• iFly physics lesson and one flight of indoor sky diving.• Everglades Airboat ride with Environmental Science lesson.• Shopping time at Orlando shopping outlets• All breakfasts, with most lunches and dinners included at the hotels, local restaurants and at theme parks.

There will be a parent information evening on Thursday 15th February at 6:30pm in the School library.

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THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

February 16 20186

EARTH WATCH 2018

On the 14th of January, we got on a plane and headed off to NSW to spend a week catching, measuring, processing and researching the vulnerable green and golden bell frog with a group of 12 other students from all around Australia. The week that followed was packed full of new experiences and learning opportunities. We spent the first two days in Barrington Tops National Park working in and around the streams and learning more about the frog we were all here to hopefully save from eventual extinction. The rest of the week was spent doing hands-on field work in the wetlands in Kooragang Island that were home to the frogs. In the fields, we completed a range of tasks ranging from catching and processing the frogs, checking water quality in the different wetlands, catching and counting Gambusia, a species of fish that were harming the frogs, and doing vegetation surveys. When we were not out in the field, we spent our time bonding with the other students. It was amazing how close we grew over the six days we spent together, which was quite bittersweet in the end because although we made some incredible friends, it made goodbyes at the airport on the last day very difficult and sad. One of the highlights of the trips was being able to see and experience what it is like to do fieldwork, especially since we knew we were making a real difference. It also helped open our eyes to possible career options in the field of environmental science. Overall, it was by far one of the best experiences both of us have ever had, and we learnt things we never would have if not for this Earthwatch trip.by Mila and Taylor Year 11.

ECO FriendsThornbury High School’s Eco-Friends Group is starting up again!With fun projects such as the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden and the Darebin Creek Stewardship programs, there is something for everyone – from planting, to constructing nest boxes, to water quality testing, and more!Students looking to get involved need only meet outside the school garden (next to the Trojan horse) on Thursday lunchtimes. ALL are welcome – with those who attend regularly, having the opportunity to be invited to some extra special events throughout the year.Mrs Haydock and Ms Magliozzi

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February 16 20187

Wellbeing I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the THS community. I’m originally from Canada, am a teacher by profession and hold a Masters in Student Wellbeing. I spent several years teaching at Northcote High School and headed up the Wellbeing Team at Parkville College. Last year the school was well supported by Amy Jess, Jo Apostolopoulos, Koori Engagement officer Guy Neaves and the Secondary School nurse, Claire Logue.I will be endeavouring to provide similar service to staff, students and parents with the help of Claire Logue on Tuesdays and Fridays, and Guy Neaves on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays.I have felt very welcomed by all staff and students in the first few weeks and am very much looking forward to meeting more people in the coming term. Peggy Oberthier Student Wellbeing Coordinator.

Wellbeing Programs Update:OUTSIDE PROVIDERS - There are a number of psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and social workers who work at the school on different days. These services have resumed this week.

NEW POLICY for recess and lunch at the Wellbeing centre – We welcome ALL students to drop in, eat and have a chat during recess and lunch. However, due to overcrowding and the risk of injury, the microwave and kettle will no longer be available to use at these times.

BREAKFAST CLUB started this week - Please join us on Wednesdays from 8am in the Wellbeing centre for a hot or cold breakfast before class starts.

SECONDBITE resumed their delivery of FREE fruit for the school. This will happen every Tuesday.

PEER SUPPORT TRAINING - A group of Year 10 students who will be accompanying the Year 7s on camp attended the first training session held for 2018. On February the 9th the students learned the basic skills of listening and problem solving various scenarios that are likely to arise. Claire and I very much enjoyed the class and believe the Year 7s are lucky to have such a mature and thoughtful group of students as support for 2018.

Compass Password ResetAttention parents! When resetting your password for compass we ask that you use the email address reset option instead of the SMS option. Please note that the email address you enter must match the email address recorded in the compass database for this option to work, if having trouble with the email please check your junk mail folder in case it has gone in there.

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THORNBURYHIGH SCHOOL

February 16 20188

Weekly public speaking & dramaNOW!

program for children aged 6 - 15 Communication Skills Confidence Creativity Loads of FUN A Venue Near You!

CALL 9572 5249 info@SuperSpeak.com.auwww.SuperSpeak.com.au

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