RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS

Principal: Mrs M Crelley Issue No: 2 Term: 1 Monday 18th February, 2019

It has certainly been a very busy start to the year. Thank you to all students who participated in last week’s annual swimming carnival. Numbers in attendance were really pleasing as were the efforts by each house to support their swimmers. Students were exceptional in their behaviour which made for a great day. 2019 Welcome BBQ We had a great turn out to our Welcome BBQ last Tuesday evening. It was wonderful to see so many parents and carers who were able to meet our staff and students. We enjoyed a sausage sizzle and a game of touch football which was a fantastic way to finish the evening. Thank you to all the parents, carers and students who attended this event. Year 7 Online Literacy and Numeracy Testing Students start secondary school with different skills and abilities in literacy and numeracy. It is important that our Year 7 teachers have access to current information about their new students, to plan their teaching accordingly. To support our teachers to access the most current information on our Year 7 students, we have opted in to administer Best Start Year 7. Best Start Year 7 is a new literacy and numeracy assessment package for schools to use in the first five weeks of Year 7. It is designed to:

provide teachers with consistent and up-to-date information about new students' skills and abilities in literacy and numeracy

identify students at risk of falling behind help inform targeted teaching and intervention strategies.

Year 7 students are currently undergoing online testing to determine the level of literacy and numeracy support or extension required. Testing typically takes one lesson to complete and the school can access the results quickly for action. Please contact Naomi Butler, Learning and Support Teacher or Meagan Crelley on 0269532122 with any queries related to Best Start testing. To further support our students learning and wellbeing we have purchased a license to administer Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). The assessment package that we have purchased consists of Reading, Vocabulary and Maths online assessments and a Social-Emotional Wellbeing survey. These assessments are for students in Years 7-10 and evidence prior learning. The ACER resource centre is accessible by all teachers and provides various resources to help teachers to design strategies for learning support once the PAT assessment information has been accessed and interpreted. The assessments should be administered again 9-12 months later to ascertain growth, which is a very useful feature for us to determine where our students need assistance next.

Please contact Naomi Butler, Learning and Support Teacher or Meagan Crelley on 0269532122 with any queries related to PAT testing on 0269532122.

P.O Box 843, LEETON 2705 Ph: 69532122 Fax: 69535085 leeton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au ABN: 22 761 278 122

“Educating young people for active and responsible citizenship”

~~ PRINCIPAL’S REPORT~~

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Positive Behaviour for Learning

Our PBL lessons are going well with students embracing information and discussion surrounding our values of being respectful responsible learners. Many students are earning PBL tickets for demonstrating positive behaviours in our school, which is fantastic to see. We are currently finalising our 2019 Wellbeing and Discipline Policy to reflect our move to becoming a PBL school. The attached information will be contained in our updated policy but I have attached some key information to assist you understand how PBL works in our school. Attached are All External Settings Matrix, which outlines expected behaviours in areas around the school. Please note - we will address expected classroom behaviours once we have established that our external setting positive behaviours are widely known and understood as per the PBL implementation process. Also attached is our updated Merit System flowchart and our Minor and Major Behaviour Level System flowchart for your information.

Breakfast Club and Homework Centre @ Leeton High School Breakfast Club will run Tuesday and Friday mornings. Toast and a variety of spreads and fresh fruit is available. A huge thank you to the Golden Apple for supporting us with this great start to the day. Our Homework Centre will run on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3.30pm – 4.30pm in the Library. Teachers will be available to support students with homework, assignments and assessment tasks. Students are welcome to access the internet for educational purposes via the computers in the library.

School Photos 21st March

Please ensure full summer school uniform is worn for our photo day. Order/payment envelopes will be sent home when they arrive at school.

Leeton High School recognises and values the importance of communication between home and school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school on 69532122. Stay in touch with the happenings at Leeton High School via the School Website http://www.leeton-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/ or our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/LeetonHS .

Mrs Meagan Crelley Principal

RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS

RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS

RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS

RESPECTFUL RESPONSIBLE LEARNERS

~~DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - TEACHING & LEARNING~~

SCHOOL EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK To assist schools in pursuing excellence and the provision of high quality education, all public schools in NSW are required to develop three-year school plans. The time frame for Leeton High School’s (HS) current plan covers the period: 2018-2020. The critical importance of the school plan is that it allows the school to have a vision, which gives the ‘team’ direction and inspiration and forms the foundation for goal setting and action planning. Leeton HS’ mission and vision is set out below.

Timeframe Today Tomorrow

Statement Mission Vision

Purpose Educating young people for active and responsible citizenship

Leeton High School will inspire, engage and challenge all students to succeed.

The school has three strategic directions which forms the basis of our school plan which helps the ‘team’ to carry out the mission to fulfil school’s vision:

Each year, Leeton HS undertakes a self-assessment of practice against the Department of Education’s, School Excellence Framework (refer to table below), to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement.

School Excellence Framework

Learning Domain Teaching Doman Leading Domain

-Learning Culture

-Wellbeing -Curriculum -Assessment -Reporting -Student Performance

-Classroom Practice -Data Skills & Use -Professional Standards

-Learning & Development

- Educational Leadership

- School Planning - School Resources - Management Practices

Over a five year period, schools will participate in at least one external validation event. This year will be Leeton HS who will undertake this process whereby we, as a school, assesses where we think we are, against the 14 elements shown above. Thereafter, an external panel comprising of two other principals provide feedback to the school to ensure that we have correctly identified where our practice is at based on the evidence that we have provided.

Delivering Sustaining & Growing Excelling

Wellbeing (PBL) Professional Standards Data use and skills

*Example only.

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Ideally, green is preferential, however this isn’t always achievable. For example, as the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is a new initiative at the school, it would most likely be placed in the delivering segment. The benefits of the going through the External Validation process is that it will provide Leeton HS with the opportunity to improve our collective practice as it allows us to reflect on where we are currently at, and then plan, formulate goals and

improve practice so as to fulfil our vision statement of: inspire, engage and challenge all students to succeed.

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY At the recent whole of school assembly, I mentioned to the students that as a school we run the ‘Tell Them From Me’ survey each year. This results of the survey provides school principals, school leaders and teachers with insight into student engagement, wellbeing and effective teaching practices, from the perspective of students. The survey is useful in identifying trends within schools over time and allows for better inform school priorities. The survey that the students complete will occur from week 7, Term 1. Parents/carers will be given the opportunity to complete the parent/carer survey during Term 3. We encourage all parents/carers to support their children in completing the survey to the best of their ability (during school time) as this valuable feedback will help Leeton HS make practical improvements for the future. The questions covered in the survey are outlined below.

Glenn Duggan - Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)

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~~DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – WELLBEING~~

As per usual, the year has started very well for most, but a couple of students have already fallen foul of the Wellbeing and Discipline system and on Level 1. With the introduction of PBL, Level 1 should be easily avoided for anyone who comes to school and goes to every class. There are a number of steps that are in place which are design to help students both learn respectful and responsible behaviour and provide time and opportunity to rectify current actions and finish any given lesson successfully. As well as time-honoured classroom management strategies, teachers and Head Teachers will offer informal and formal cautions before anything has to be referred to either Deputy Principal. You would think that 5 steps should be enough, surely? Nonetheless, through irresponsibility and disrespect for the learning of others some students are now carrying the double-sided orange Level 1 Card depicted on the following page. Some will notice significant changes from Level 1 conditions in the past. Firstly, students will be monitored for 10 days. Yes, we are serious. The cards will also have personal goals for students to work through and strive to achieve. Secondly, points will be awarded for a student’s ability to uphold the core values of being a RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE LEARNER in class. Additionally, extra points will be given for being accountable (or responsible, if you like) by having parents sign it and checking in with myself or Mr Duggan, to monitor your progress. I believe that it is fair that students have the opportunity to work their way off Level 1. In doing so, they will have behaved as a RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE LEARNER and consequently learned what to do to be a RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE LEARNER in doing so. At this point in time, I felt that 200 points is a fair target figure, which means that a student can (deservedly) work their way out of Level 1 status well before 10 days has expired. The cards will be collected by the Deputy Principal every Friday afternoon (and other times if needed), so that points earned can be tallied. If cards are lost, then points cannot be counted, but a replacement card will be issued. There is a flip-side to this argument. Being on Level 1 comes with an automatic warning of Suspension. If you continue to exhibit negative behaviours contrary to that of a RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE LEARNER after ignoring all of the many chances to resolve the issues previously, then the following rule of thumb applies:

“DO IT ONCE, SHAME ON YOU. DO IT TWICE, SHAME ON US” For the first ‘zero’ score on the card, we will contact your parents/carers to say that you will be suspended the next time. For the second ‘zero’ score in another lesson that week, we will be calling them to collect you, in accordance with NSW Department of Education Suspension and Expulsion Policy. Upon return from suspension (or “Level 0”), students have to work through the Level 1 card again. Consequently, people can go straight to Level 1, (or worse- suspended) for serious acts of misbehaviour. This year, absconding from class and truanting beyond the school grounds have been the major reason for students being on Level 1 at this early stage in the year. We are currently adapting our Wellbeing and Discipline Policy and will produce the more user-friendly Student Handbook after due diligence has been exercised. Our school’s Mission is to ‘Educate students for active and responsible citizenship’. PBL is just another tool that will help us to help you to make this happen for your child. Andrew Morschel – Deputy Principal (Wellbeing) I acknowledge the Wiradjuri people as the traditional custodians of the land upon which I work, and am honoured to be working with their current and future leaders.

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WRITER’S GROUP

FEAR CITY!

This week we see the beginning of Leeton High School’s 2019 Writer’s Group.

This group will meet once a week and provide students with an opportunity to

explore their creativity through narrative writing. With one central setting,

Fear City, all stories will explore different parts of the city and the fears that

we all carry with us.

Alanya Skewes

Relieving HT English/CAPA

LHS SWIMMING CARNIVAL On Wednesday 6th Feb we hosted our annual swimming carnival in ideal conditions at the Leeton Memorial Pool. All students are to be commended on their participation in both the swimming and novelty events. Following our carnival, a team of over 40 students were selected to represent the school and they will compete at the South West Zone carnival at Lake Talbot this Wednesday. As always we truly appreciate the support of parents and family at our carnival and wish to thank all of our volunteers for their contribution. Congratulations to our 2019 Swimming Age Champions: 12 Years - Abbie Joy and Hayden Gilmour 13 Years - Matilda Ryan and Raith Henman 14 Years - Madeline Irvin and Jhi Grundy 15 Years - Jade Cooper and Thomas Heins 16 Years - Hannah Pianca and Dion DeMamiel 17+ Years - Madison Teerman and Reece Grundy

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Congratulations also goes to David House who were convincing House Champions! Hunter House finished runner up with Mawson and Smith taking out the minor placings. To start the carnival we inducted our newly expected House Captains for 2019. They did a fabulous job at the carnival and we would like to both congratulate them on being elected by their peers and thank them for a job well done. Our 2019 Captains and Vice-Captains are: David Captains Reece Grundy Taelah Jackson David Vice-Captains Dion DeMamiel Isabel Ryan Hunter Captains Bryce Rogers Madison Teerman Hunter Vice-Captains JJ Smith Tayah Preston Mawson Captains Jesse Horsfield Makayla Broadbent Mawson Vice-Captains Cooper Holmes Mikayla Boots Smith Captains Tim Toia Juliann Patenia Smith Vice-Captains Michael Wang Imigin Langham - McCann

LEETON HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE

HOURS

Front Office is open between 8.30am -

3.45pm

Cashier is open between 8.45am-3.30pm

UPDATE INFORMATION

Parents/carers, if you have moved over the school holidays or changed

your phone number can you please contact the Front Office (6953 2122)

to update our records.

It is important for the school to have correct information in case we need

to contact you.

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UPCOMING EVENTS Big Day In at CSU Wagga - Years 9-12 Wednesday 13th March The BiG Day In™ is an IT careers conference designed by students for students. It is designed for both high school (Years 9-12) and University students interested in careers in technology. Some of the speakers that will be delivering talks on the day will include: Tim Kitchen from Adobe, Westpac, the team from Wisetech Global, Defence Force Recruiting, Australian Govt Digital Entry Level, PWC, Rugby Matcher and many more. Please see Careers Central if you would like to take part in this exciting event! WIN PROGRAM The first group of eager WIN students have been selected. A reminder that there is a registration morning on Tuesday 19th Period 2 in the school Library. Please make sure you have a copy of your Medicare card. Work Ready Day at the TAFE (yellow) notes are also due back as soon as possible to the Front Office.

WHITE CARD NSW General Construction Induction (White Card) is required for all people, including work experience/placement students who attend a construction site. This course has been planned to satisfy mandatory Work Cover requirements, increase students’ awareness of workplace safety issues and to enhance their career and employment opportunities. The course has been offered to the students participating in the WIN Program but if you are interested in the course please come and see us in Careers Central. The White Card course will be running on the 20th March 2019 and notes are due back on the 15th March. The cost is $118.00 and payment should be made through the Front Office.

With Mrs Goring & Mrs Palmer

WIN Program Students

Group 1 There will be a registration morning on Tuesday 19th.

Please bring a copy of your Medicare card.

Leeton High School Careers

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PAST EVENTS University of Wollongong Discovery Day 2019

Year 12 students had the opportunity to experience Wollongong

and university life during their visit to UOW in week two. On the

Monday they arrived at their accommodation, Wollongong Surf

Leisure Resort, where students were excited to settle into their

cabin accommodation and head off to the nearby beach. On

Tuesday morning they travelled to UOW to get a tour of the new

on-campus accommodation. After a quick presentation by an

inspiring current student, students set off in their chosen groups

where they attended mini lectures for courses on offer in 2020.

UOW offers a great range of courses in Business, Engineering,

Medicine, Health, Law, Arts and Media.

RETAIL OR WAREHOUSING TRAINEESHIP LEETON A local business is looking for candidates who have an interest in animals and want to pursue a career in retail / customer service / warehousing. Ideal candidates will be currently in Year 11 or Year 12. Students who think they would be the right person for this role, and possess excellent customer service skills, forward your resume to: Mr Ron Arel at GetSet Leeton, ron@getset.org.au. If you have any questions or would like further information about this fantastic traineeship opportunity contact Mrs Goring at Careers Central or Mr Ron Arel at GetSet on 69538727

Confused about your

career options?

Come see us in Careers

Central, we can help!

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DATES TO REMEMBER Wed 20th Feb – South West Swimming Carnival Wed 6th – Fri 8th March – Year 7 Camp Mon 4th Mar – Riverina Swimming Carnival Thurs 21st March – School Photos

YEAR 12’S FINAL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

LEETON JUNIOR RUGBY

LEAGUE

2019 registrations are now open for those turning:

5-14years old Rugby League Players 5-16yers old League Tag Girls

Registration cost is $100 and includes: 1xLJRL Socks

1xLJRL Playing Shorts 1xLJRL Jersey (handed out at presentation)

LJRL are an Active Kids participant sport

Training will commence 7th March 4pm Leeton High School Ovals

2019 Coaching Applications close Friday 15th

February and can be emailed to leetonjrl@gmail.com

Go to playnrl.com to complete registration

All registration enquiries to: Kristy Jackson 0409 833 218

PHANTOMS RUGBY

Training Every Wednesday 6pm to 7pm (excluding school holidays)

Want to try a different sport? Try RUGBY

UNION! With a place on the field for everyone, rugby is a positive, can do sport. No

experience needed! Teamwork, sportsmanship, fitness, individual and group challenges help provide lifelong skills. With

Leeton providing key players for the Australian 7’s, A.C.T. Brumbies and Waratahs, the next Wallaby could be from your family. Phantoms Junior Rugby provide teams for

under 6’s, 8’s, 10’s, 12’s, 14’s, 16’s and 18’s for boys and under 10’s, 14’s and 16’s for girls.

With a girls contact series played throughout season and post season.

Contact Quinten 0488 535 847 or

Tim Allen 0409 710 305 or Visit the Leeton Junior Phantoms Rugby

Union face book page