■ Newsletter Edition 7 ■ Week 4, Term 2, 2018

Batemans Bay High School

School Matters

■ Phone: (02) 4478 3600 Bridge To The Future

■ Fax: (02) 4472 8173 Batemans Bay High School

■ Email: batemansba-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 2 George Bass Drive

■ Website: www.batemansba-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Batemans Bay NSW 2536

Produce for Agriculture

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Batemans Bay High School

Calendar Term 2, Week 4

21-22 May Lovebites, Year 10

21-23 May ALC STEM Camp, Jindabyne

Wed 23 May South Coast Orienteering Day

Wed 23 May Links to Learning, Year 9

Thu 24 May AFL Open Boys, Canberra

Fri 25 May ANU Maths Day

Term 2, Week 5

Mon 28 May UN Youth Forum

Tues 29 May Senior Study Preparation Sydney

Uni, Years 10-11

Wed 30 May Jewish Museum Sydney, Year 10

Wed 30 May Links to Learning, Year 9

Wed 30 May School Social 6.30-9.30pm

Fri 1 June South Coast Regional Cross

Country, Willandra

Fri 1 June Poetry in Action, Years 9-11

Term 2, Week 6

Tues 5 June UOW Future Finder, Year 10

Wed 6 June School Athletics Carnival

Wed 6 June Links to Learning, Year 9

Term 2, Week 7

Wed 13 June Links to Learning, Year 9

Thur 14 June Girl Campaign, Year 7

In this issue… Principal’s Message ..................................................................... 3

NSW Curriculum Review ....................................................... 3

Screenagers................................................................................ 3

Hackathon .................................................................................. 4

From the Deputies ....................................................................... 4

Learning and School ............................................................... 4

Acknowledging Students and Staff .................................. 5

Sports News ................................................................................... 5

Open Boys AFL Report .......................................................... 5

Tuna Trials Report ................................................................... 6

Zone Cross Country ................................................................ 6

Agriculture News .......................................................................... 7

Community Announcements ................................................... 8

Feature Photo

Claire Ison, Holli Pritchard and Scott Rigby

Looking for school documents? Please note that most of our school documents such as

newsletters, information booklets etc can be found on

our school website.

Download our school app – School Enews

Batemans Bay High School

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Principal’s Message

NSW Curriculum Review

Nuptials aside, possible changes to the NSW K-12

curriculum dominated the news last week and provided

plenty of fodder for media commentary. Premier

Berejiklian announced that a review would soon be

underway, seeking to find coherent and pragmatic ways

to implement the broad reforms in the Gonski 2.0

report. For those interested, the report can be found in

its 158 page entirety on the Federal Department of

Education and Training website, and I have included the

single page summary in this newsletter. Its themes are

certainly worthy of discussion.

Parents might infer that there is something wrong with

the current curriculum, its implementation (i.e. how it is

taught) and that syllabuses have stagnated and not

changed with the times. Nothing could be further from

the truth. Lack of relevance and teaching of skills are

often cited as problems with the curriculum. This is

nothing new, and somewhat ignorant. Much of the

curriculum is highly relevant and skills are emphasised

as much as content. The challenge is to make

connections for students and enable them to recognise

the significance of what they study at school and its

applicability to the real world. How many parents wish

they had paid a little bit more attention in Mathematics,

History or Industrial Technology? I would think quite a

few, and I see evidence of it in adult education and

mature-age tertiary study.

Some might also argue that the rate of change and the

incessant increase in expectations placed on students

and schools might have contributed to the apparent

decline in student outcomes nationwide. I know of

schools (thankfully not Batemans Bay High School)

where experienced teachers are floundering with the

new HSC science syllabuses because they don’t have

adequate familiarity with the content. Teachers come to

grips with a new syllabus, assessment methodology or

teaching practice, only for it to fall out of favour and be

replaced by the next fashionable doctrine. This leads me

to question change is it simply for the sake of change,

and critically examine the assumption that change and

improvement are synonymous.

It is hard to argue against the priorities and the

recommendations of the most recent Gonski report, but

I see good schools, this one included, already doing

much of what is considered “better practice”. This is in

spite of the systemic constraints (e.g. teacher

recruitment, mandatory course hours), social constraints

(e.g. attitudes towards education, student mental

wellbeing, intergenerational poverty) and broader

government constraints (e.g. funding, short-term

reactive decision-making) that don’t support students

to the extent required. Whilst we clearly need to prepare

students for the future, there are conflicting opinions as

to what this looks like. This is reinforced by the measures

we use to determine the success of students and

schools. One of the clearest examples is in senior

secondary education. The Gonski report challenges the

privileging of university pathways, indirectly

questioning the academic focus of the HSC, and decries

the devaluation of vocational education despite the

supposed emphasis on it over the past 20 years.

However, the main way in which schools are judged,

both by the system and parents, remains the number of

Band 6 results and overall academic performance in the

HSC. This paradox, amongst others, needs to be

resolved in the upcoming curriculum review.

I strongly agree with the premier, the minister and the

CEO of NESA on at least one point. The “crowded

curriculum” needs to be addressed in order to free up

time and clarify educational priorities. It will be

interesting to see whether this actually happens – the

Gonski report may provide some with the justification

for further expanding the curriculum.

Screenagers

The Batemans Bay Community of Schools (which

includes the high school, Batemans Bay Public School

and Sunshine Bay Public School) has organised a free

showing of the documentary Screenagers. It explors the

struggles families face with social media, video games

and Internet addiction, and the real impact technology

can have on children’s brains during their development.

Doctor and filmmaker Delaney Ruston watched her

own children “scroll through life”, with their rapid-fire

thumbs and a six-second attention span. After learning

that that the average child spends six and a half hours a

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Batemans Bay High School

day looking at screens, she investigated the impact of

this behaviour and the friction occurring in homes and

schools around negotiating screen time. The result is the

Screenagers documentary.

The showing will be held at the Batemans Bay Soldiers

Club on Tuesday 26 June. Families, including children,

are encouraged to attend. Bookings are essential and

can be made online through Eventbrite.

Hackathon

It has been nearly two years since we hosted our

inaugural hackathon and another is well overdue. The

last day of term, Friday 6 July, has been set aside for the

next event. Our hackathon is many things, but put

simply, it allows students with an interest in technology

to indulge their passions in ways not catered for by the

regular curriculum. Guided by industry mentors,

students spend a day learning and building, creating a

project in an area of their choosing. This year’s streams

will be animation, game development, app

development, web development, 3D printing and

robotics (using an underwater remotely operated

vehicle, rather than Lego Mindstorms).

This event is open to all Eurobodalla schools, so places

are limited. Registration is through -

bayhackathon.weebly.com.

Mr Greg McDonald

Principal

From the Deputies

Our focus this fortnight centres on continued

improvement in classroom practice, school-wide

expectations and additional learning opportunities.

There is an expectation of students to show their

commitment to learning by accepting responsibility for

their attitude and behaviour when in the classroom. One

of our classroom expectations is to strive for

excellence. We encourage students to challenge

themselves in their learning and maximise every

opportunity to develop new skills or refine already

learned concepts. We are also currently reviewing our

discipline and wellbeing strategies and are trialling

some new procedures to manage negative situations

that may arise with a view to a WIN/WIN outcome for

students and staff.

Learning and School

Now that students have settled into the school year, it is

timely to reflect on the practice of effective learning.

What does make a student a good learner? The

following list offers some suggestions on how students

can optimise their capacity to learn. Becoming a skilled

learner sets our young people up for a lifetime of

learning.

What do skilled learners do differently? Skilled learners:

Think about their own learning

Ask more questions

Are process-oriented. Learners who find more

joy in the process of working toward their goals

will have an easier time achieving those goals

Can often find their own way, without guidance

Always keep the big picture in mind

Frequently try new things

Make mistakes work for them, not against them

Are interested in improving their memory

Process the same concept in multiple ways

Teach others

Look up answers rather than struggle to

remember

Are good observers

Use testing to boost their own learning

Cultivate curiosity

Work to understand

Appreciate different perspectives

Can explain what they know in ways that make

sense to others

Have clear objectives

Gather information from a variety of sources

These were adapted from an article by Saga Briggs who

is Managing Editor of InformED.

Batemans Bay High School

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Acknowledging Students and Staff

To all our Year 7 and 9 students who did their best in

last week’s NAPLAN tests. It can be a daunting process

for students but we all managed to complete the three

days of testing in a calm and positive manner.

A special mention to Mr Rod Hatton (Sports Organiser)

who has been working tirelessly behind the scenes

organising whole school sport but has also been

coaching junior and senior basketball and AFL teams. He

manages this additional organisation whilst still

preparing and teaching his classes. Providing students

with sporting opportunities.

Also, an acknowledgement of our cleaning staff – Kylie,

Gary, Kevin, Kevin and Karen who maintain our school

to a very high standard. Their commitment to our school

is highly valued.

Ms Fiona Saunders and Mr Gerard O’Keeffe

Deputy Principals

Student Achievement

Monique Perry, Year 12

Monique is achieving outstanding results in the HSC,

achieving top rankings in many of her courses through

her consistent effort and application.

Uniform Pool

Do you have any unused school uniforms? Any articles

of clothing to our uniform pool would be greatly

appreciated by families in need.

Sports News

Open Boys AFL Report

The open boys AFL played a knockout competition at

Hanging Rock on Tuesday 8 May. We played a three way

tournament against Carroll College and Moruya High.

Our team members: Lachlan Malcolm, Hunter Backo,

Cody Gunson, Jack Stewart, Liam Backo, Scott Stuart, Will

Aiken, Dylan Coulter, Alexander Graham, Kyle Hogan

Grimm, Jack McFarlane, Deklyn Pascoe, Blayne Abela,

Dylan Art, Lachlan Croke, Jade Eaton, James Gunson,

Blake James, Jeremy Rutherford and Daniel Stuart.

We started the first game really well kicking the first

three goals against Carroll College. After half time they

came back kicking the next three before we finished

them off after composed performances from Jade

Eaton, Will Aiken and Deklyn Pascoe. We won the

game 37-22.

We had a break while Moruya fought out a tough game

against Carroll College but eventually lost. If we could

beat Moruya by a decent margin there would be no

need for a final. The boys started red hot, kicking the

first three goals. The game got a bit heated but the boys

remained composed and professional and ended up

blitzing them 67-6.

All boys contributed to the team performance but

standout players were Will Aiken, Alexander Graham,

Deklyn Pascoe, Lachlan Croke, Jade Eaton and

James Gunson. We now head to Canberra on 24 May

for the next round of the Giants Cup. Congratulations to

all the boys. I am very proud of their efforts. We have

not had an AFL team progress to the next round of this

competition for some years.

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Batemans Bay High School

Tuna Trials Report

In the last week of Term 1 the Tuna trials were held at

Hanging Rock oval. This is a trial to select the best under

15’s AFL players in the region. Players came from as far

as Goulburn and Eden. Over sixty boys trialled including

four of our students, Jack Stewart, Lachlan Malcolm,

Seb Giri and Kobi Huntley Montga. All boys played

well but only Jack, Lachlan and Seb were successful.

Congratulations and we wish them the best for the

tournament in early June.

Mr Rod Hatton

Coach

Zone Cross Country

Zone Cross Country was held in Jindabyne this year at

the Sport and Recreation facility on Friday 18 May. It is

the first time this venue has hosted the carnival, after

many years of it being at Wolumla near Bega.

Batemans Bay High took a team of 22 students which

were: Ashlyn Breust, Archie Conniff, Kalin Dorn, Corran

Draper, Decklyn Gatehouse, Jarni Hulme, Johnathan

Lalor, Nathan McCallum, Sophie Minogue,

Oscar Scognamiglio, Jedda White, Christian Dean, Nioka

Kerry, Jai Rhodes, Phoebe Campbell, Calhoun Meehan,

Mackenzie Rippon, Jack Stewart, Alexa Warwick, William

Graham, Tayah Hancock and Claire Ison.

The team left at 6:30 in the morning. On behalf of the

22 runners that came on the day, I would like to thank

their parents who got out of bed early to get their child

to the bus on time. When we arrived, everyone jumped

out of the bus and ran up to the starting line, so we

could walk the course with the other schools. The 12

year old races started immediately afterwards. The

temperature was not as bad compared to the snow that

had been predicted. When the sun was out it felt a

pleasant 13 degrees. Good conditions for running.

Overall, 10 of our students made it to regional with the

best result being Jack Stewart who finished 3rd in the

15 boys. Well done Jack! South Coast Regional

Secondary Cross Country Championships will be held at

Willandra Cross Country Course, Cambewarra on Friday

1 June.

Well done to all the team and thank you to Mr Hatton

and Ms Gilligan who managed and supported the team

and allowed a well-deserved maccas run on the way

home.

Tayah Hancock

Year 10

Batemans Bay High School

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Agriculture News

Our students have enjoyed Agriculture in the last couple

of weeks due to the kindness of our local Bunnings

store. They sold us many plants for the students’

gardens at a very much reduced price. Their assistance

is greatly appreciated.

We also welcomed a new addition, a baby lamb born on

Friday 18 May. We have many baby animals at the

moment making it a very busy place. Piglets for sale

soon!

Mrs Megan Nicholls

Relieving HT Science

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Batemans Bay High School

School Uniform Shop

Open Tuesday and Thursday

8am to 11am

Parents & Citizens Association

Held third Monday of every month

Next meeting 21 May

7.00pm in the school library

All are welcome to attend

Our parents & citizens’ association brings the

school community together. Parents, teachers and

community members can help meet the needs of

the school community and contribute to decisions

about the school.

The P&C also raises funds that help finance

improvements to our school and provide

additional resources.

Community Announcements

Batemans Bay High School Newsletter regularly

includes community information and advertisements.

The School does not endorse or accept responsibility

for these activities. Attendance at or use of these

services is at the discretion of the students.

Providers of the Safer Drivers Course for Young Learner Drivers

Ulladulla, Batemans Bay,

Narooma, Merimbula

Visit: www.proactivesaferdriving.com.au

For all course dates, bookings and more information.

Next Batemans Bay course 10 July and Ulladulla 25 June

Pro-Active Safer Driving caring for the

community

Batemans Bay High School

Page 9

Batemans Bay High School Newsletter regularly

includes community information and advertisements.

The School does not endorse or accept responsibility

for these activities. Attendance at or use of these

services is at the discretion of the students.

TAFE Safer Drivers Course

Get 20 hours credit on your log book. The Safer

Drivers Course involves two modules and is

available to learner drivers under the age of 25 who

have completed at least 50 log book driving hours.

Saturday 16 June at TAFE NSW Moruya Campus.

For more information phone 4474 1800 or email

Elizabeth.Whitelaw-Adams@tafensw.edu.au

Bay Indoor Aquatic Centre

Pre-Loved Fashion Parade Sunday 3 June 2pm at the Catalina Club, entry $5.

Proceeds go towards equipment for the new

Indoor Aquatic Centre.

Donations of quality clothes appreciated

Contact Carolyn Harding 0423 214 333

Foster Carers Needed

Every child deserves a safe, stable home. Your family

could provide the support a child urgently needs. Foster

carers can fill a range from overnight and short term

support through to permanent care.

Speak to someone from our Anglicare team today about

what option could work best for you. Together we can

give support to children in our community.

Contact Edith Ishadi 4475 0901, 0407 128 068 or email

edith.ishadi@anglicare.com.au

Be Your Best With

The Bay Beginners Driving School

Call 0412 446 568

! TEENS LEARN TO DRIVE !

1hr = 3hrs in Logbook

Structured Lesson Plans according to the students requirements (which can include:

Kings Hwy (Clyde Mountain), Princess Hwy,

Night Drives and Mock Test)

Automatic & Manual Instruction RMS Accredited Instructors, High Pass

Rate (owner being former Driver Tester with RMS)

$70 for 1hr Instruction or ask about our Package Deals to Save $$$

Contact Charmaine 0412 446 568 or email

baybeginnersdrivingschool@gmail.com

xii Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools

Report on a page

We have identified three priorities …

... and made recommendations across five areas to address them

Laying the foundations for learning

Equipping everystudent to grow and succeed in a changing world

Creating,supporting and valuing a profession of expert educators

Deliver at least one year’sgrowth in learning for every

student every year

Equip every student to be a creative, connected and

engaged learner in a rapidly changing world

Cultivate an adaptive, innovative and continuously improving education system

• Promote high-quality early learning and seamless transitions into school• Engage parents and carers as partners in their children’s learning throughout school and develop tools and resources to support this • Ensure all students have the opportunity within schools to be partners in their own learning

• Introduce new reporting with a focus on learning attainment and learning gain• Revise the structure of the Australian Curriculum to present the learning areas and general capabilities as learning progressions• Prioritise the acquisition of foundation skills in literacy and numeracy in curriculum delivery during the early years • Give more prominence to the acquisition of the general capabilities e.g. critical and creative thinking, personal and social capability• Strengthen community engagement to enrich learning• Review senior secondary schooling to equip students with skills for the future

• Create the conditions and culture to enable and encourage more professional collaboration, observation, feedback and mentoring amongst teachers • Develop an online and on demand student learning assessment tool for teachers for the purposes of formative assessment and tailored teaching • Provide teachers with high-quality professional learning • Develop a comprehensive national teacher workforce strategy • Implement effective induction practices for early career teachers• Create meaningful career pathways which value and utilise teaching expertise and keep excellent teachers teaching

• Review and revise the Australian Professional Standard for Principals to prioritise leadership of learning and include accountability for individual student learning growth • Ensure principals have the autonomy required to lead their school on the improvement journey most relevant to their starting point• Create and implement a structured career pathway for school leaders • Provide school leaders with high-quality professional learning

• Enhance school and system internal self-review and external quality assurance processes for the purposes of monitoring and reviewing student learning gain• Accelerate the introduction of a Unique Student Identifier • Establish an independent institution to coordinate, source and generate the development of a national research and evidence base that can be easily accessed and implemented to improve student outcomes

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Empowering andsupporting schoolleaders

Raising andachievingaspirationsthroughinnovation andcontinuousimprovement

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