Term 1 - Week 3 “Education for a Better Quality of Life” Page 1

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

I would like to offer a warm welcome back to our returning students and families, our new Year 7 cohort and new enrolments throughout the academic years for the 2017 school year. The beginning of any school year is challenging for both staff and students and I would like to congratulate the school community on the way in which they have applied themselves throughout the first 3 weeks and upheld our Positive Behaviour for Learning values of being Responsible, Respectful, Honest and Doing your best. As a point of clarification, the week that students started school was considered ‘Week 2’. This is due to the fact that staff were in attendance the Friday of the previous week for School Development Day activities and professional learning. We have experienced a significant change in our staffing this year and we have several new faces to introduce across the faculty areas. Our two new executive members are Mr David Lickess (Head Teacher TAS) and Mr Jason McKee (Head Teacher English). They will be joined by Ms Vicky Barker (French/English), Ms Shani Harrigan (Drama/English), Ms Kathryn Umbers (Agriculture/Science), Mr Chris West (PDHPE/Science) and Ms Tara Morrison (PDHPE/Girri Girri). We also welcome Mr Damon Grounsell to our school, Mr Grounsell joins us from Scotland as he is taking part in a teacher exchange program with Ms Edwards for the year. I look forward to the positive contributions that these staff members will have in supporting the successful achievement of our students and our school culture. I am a firm believer that we as a school are partners with the community in supporting and educating our students. As we move into the new school year I would like to reinforce the importance of two-way communication between students/parents/carers and Forbes HS. An open dialogue helps us to make informed decisions about any number of issues which occur both inside and outside of the school environment. It also allows us to be proactive, which leads to more positive outcomes. A message that I continually convey to students is that ‘if we do not know about it, we cannot support you with it’. I encourage you all to contact the school and discuss any issues that arise so together we can support all of our students and children. The transition from primary to high school is a steep learning curve and I have been impressed with the way in which our Year 7 students have coped with the change. I would like to thank Mr West for his work in providing ongoing support for students in his role as Year Advisor. With any period of change issues may arise which require extra support, if students identify any such concerns could you please contact the school in order for these supports to be put into place. Forbes High School is a uniform school. As a school community we have made the positive decision to commit to wearing school uniform as it assists in:

Defining an identity for our school within the local community

Developing students’ sense of belonging to the school community

Providing an opportunity to build school spirit

Enhancing the health and safety of students when involved in school activities

Promoting a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunity

Increasing the personal safety of students and staff by allowing easier recognition of visitors and potential intruders in the school

Promoting positive perceptions of the school within the local community

Making school clothing more affordable for families by eliminating the risk of peer pressure to wear fashionable and expensive clothing

Our annual swimming carnival took place at the town pools on Friday 3 February. The day was again a highlight with students and staff enjoying a fun filled day supporting their houses and participating in events such as the time honoured belly-flop competition. Those in attendance are to be congratulated on their participation, lively costumes in dressing up in house colours and passion during the war cry competition. An even more pleasing result was that the mighty reds, Burrabinya, were crowned house champions. I look forward to the opportunities for and achievements of our students in 2017.

Forbes High School Newsletter

18 Wyndham Avenue, Forbes NSW 2871 T (02) 68522666 F (02) 68511071 E forbes-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Term 1 - Week 3 Friday February 10, 2017 Part of the Lachlan Valley Community of Schools

FEBRUARY 2017. 8-10-Yr 12 Tertiary excursion 13- School photos 14- Valentine’s Day 16- School disco MARCH 1- Wellness hub Launch

Inside. NRL DBA pg.2

New staff pg.2

SRC events pg.3

Welcome Yr 7 pg.3

Swimming carnival pg.4

Student Profile pg. 5

Staff Profile pg. 5

Homework Centre pg. 6

Assemblies pg. 6

PBL meetings pg.6

School payments pg. 6

Madmaker Challenge pg. 6

Bell times pg. 7

Wellness launch pg.7

P&C meeting pg.7

Canteen menu pg.8

Community News pg9-10

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DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE

Forbes High School students in Year 7-10 participated in a program delivered by the NRL to inspire young people to dream big, and to believe in themselves to achieve great things. Some students were lucky enough to win a few prizes as well as meet some of the Penrith Panthers players in the NRL.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF!

Forbes High School would like to welcome our new teachers to the school. Ms Tara Morrison, Ms Kathryn Umbers, Mr Jason McKee, Mr Damon Grounsell, Mr Christian West, Ms Shani Harrigan,

Mr David Lickess, Ms Vicki Barker.

FHS-News

SCHOOL UNIFORM CLOTHING POOL If you have any unwanted school uniform articles please drop them into the schools administration office so that they can be added to the school clothing pool. If you require items please contact the

school office to help assist you.

SCHOOL DRIVE SUBSIDY

If you live a long way from public transport and need to drive a student to a public transport pick up point or to school, you may be able to get financial assistance.

The School Drive Subsidy provides eligible parents and guardians twice-yearly payments to help cover some of the expenses of getting children to school.

To find out if you’re eligible, and apply online, visit: transport.nsw.gov.au/schooldrive

Can’t get online?

Ask about the School Drive Subsidy at the school office on 02 68522 666 or call 131 500

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FHS - News

SRC EVENTS

VALENTINES DAY

Looking to send that special someone something on Valentines Day? The SRC can help you out! A selection of gifts and roses can be purchased on Tuesday 14 in the quad during recess and lunch.

YEAR 7 WELCOME DISCO

The SRC will be hosting a disco on Thursday 16 February to welcome our new Year 7 students to our school.The disco will be held in the school hall with a party theme Mexican Fiesta. Doors will open at 6:30pm. Entry cost is $3. There will be a variety of food and drinks available to purchase on the night. There is even lucky door prizes and best dressed prizes to be won the night.

WELCOME YEAR 7

Our Year 7 students are settling extremely well into High School. Don’t forget though, if parents or carers have any questions about their child’s time at Forbes High, please contact the Year 7 Advisor Mr Tim West at the school on 68522666.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

School photos will be held on Monday 13 February. All students are to be in school uniform.

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SWIMMING CARNIVAL On Friday 3rd February Forbes High School held their annual swimming carnival. A great day was had by all. Thanks to all the helpers on the day and to Mr Bainbridge for organising another great event to kick start the year!

FHS - News

SWIMMING CARNIVAL CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the following students awarded age champions.

Age Champs: 12: Henry Hodges, Maddy Kemp 13: Austin Brown, Sarah Nightingale 14: Stuart Shaw, Jessica Cole 15: James Taylor, Angelica Dietrich 16: Henry Earney, Savannah Bevan 17+: Warren Baxter, Britney Dukes Belly Flop: Junior: Toby Pout, Laura Campbell Senior: Hamish Coles, Paige Ellison Teacher: Mr Grounsell Winning house on the day was: Burrabinya: 587 Gamiloroi: 452 Wiradjuri: 316 Nguri: 314

To keep up to date with all the news and activities happening at

Forbes High School, like us on Facebook.

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STUDENT PROFILE Name: Galen Ryan School: Forbes High School Year: 12 Age: 17 Star sign: Gemini Do you have any nicknames? Ranga Do you have any brothers or sisters? 7

brothers What is your favourite past time? Drawing and

weights Do you play any sports? Yes footy What is your favourite subject? Art/ P.E What is your favourite food? Steak/

vegetables What do you want to do when you leave school? Become a dentist Who is your idol? I don’t have one What are three things you can’t do without? My car, family and sport

STAFF PROFILE Name: Rachel Eagles Place of Birth: Singleton Star Sign: Aries Where you went to High School? St Catherine’s College Singleton How many years working at FHS? 8 What is your role at the school? Science/

Ag teacher/ Year 8 Advisor How many members in your family? 5 What is the most important thing in your life? My family, my children, my husband What is your favourite past time? Fishing Best book or movie? The Count of Monte

Christo What is your favourite food? Roast lamb Best holiday destination? Anywhere on the coast What are three things you can’t do without? My family, my car and our animals

FHS - News

FORBES HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE The school website is constantly being updated with new photos, calendar dates and information.

Visit www.forbes-h.schools.nsw.edu.au to find photos and information about our wonderful school.

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CENTRELINK PAYMENTS

Changes have been made to the payment options at Forbes High School. Please see below for further details.

MADMAKER CHALLENGE

Industrial Technology- Multimedia students received their certificates for taking part in the Madmaker Challenge. Students to receive Distinctions were Andrew Greenberg, Tessa Pymont and Paige Thomas.

HOMEWORK CENTRE OPEN The Homework Centre is open again for students to attend on Monday afternoons. Mr West and the team will be opening the Homework Centre every Monday over the four school terms. The timeslots available for each of the years is as follows;

Year 7 to 9 from 3.15 pm to 4.45 pm

Year 10 to 12 is from 3.15pm to 6.15 pm.

There is rostered staff on during these times to assist students with their work. This gives the students an opportunity to catch up on homework, assignments and preparation for any upcoming exams. Parents are sent a message via mobile phone to confirm their student’s attendance. If any students are required to leave early, a written note from the parent must be provided.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES

The school has changed their assembly time to every Monday afternoon at 2:20 pm. These assemblies are an opportunity to promote student achievement, pass on important messages about what is happening at school and to create pride in the school, the area and the country. Most assemblies are held in the hall.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR LEARNING (PBL)

Forbes High School PBL team are seeking parents/carers to be a part of our team. Meetings are held every fortnight starting at 3:10pm at the High School. The first meeting will take place on Monday 20th February. If you are interested in joining our team please contact Emma Northam at the school on 68522666.

FHS - News

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2017 Bell Times

MONDAY TUE/THU/FRI WEDNESDAY

DEAR 8:55 – 9:10 DEAR 8:55 – 9:10 DEAR 9:10 – 9:20

1 9:10 – 10:00 1 9:10 – 10:00 1 9:20 – 10:10

2 10:00 – 10:50 2 10.00 – 10.50 2 10:10 – 11:00

Recess 10:50 – 11:10 Recess 10:50 – 11:10 Recess 11:00 – 11:20

3 11:10 – 12:00 3 11:10 – 12:00 3 11:20 – 12:10

4 12:00 - 12:50 4 12:00 – 12:50 4 12:10 – 12:40

Lunch 1 12:50 – 1:10 Lunch 1 12:50 – 1:10 Lunch 1 12:40 -1:00

Lunch 2 1:10 – 1:30 Lunch 2 1:10 – 1:30 Lunch 2 1:00 – 1:20

5 1:30 – 2:20 5 1:30 – 2:20 ASSEMBLY 1:20 – 1:30

Assembly 2:20 – 3.10

6 2:20 – 3.10 SPORT 1:30 – 2.55

FHS - News

WELLNESS HUB LAUNCH

SAVE THE DATE

Forbes High School will be holding their official opening of the Wellness Hub on Wednesday 1 March. School community members and families are most welcome to attend from 12pm. Further details will be provided closer to the date.

P&C MEETING The next Forbes High School P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 February at the Forbes Services Club between 7pm-8pm. This is a great opportunity for new families to get involved and become a part of the schools P&C.

.

Thank you Forbes High School would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of our student programs from Woolworths Supermarket and Evolution Mining Cowal. Without these partners many programs at

Forbes High would not be able to run.

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CANTEEN MENU TERM 1

FHS - News

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FHS - News

COMMUNITY NEWS

MUSIC LESSONS

Mitchell Conservatorium of Music is now taking enrolments for our Forbes and Parkes Studios. We have classes available for Piano, Guitar, Singing, Woodwind and Brass. Music lessons are also available through some of our local schools. Video Conferencing lessons are available at both our studios. Please contact our office on 685203766 for further details. Our office Hours are 12-30 to 4-30 Monday to Friday

COLOUR FOR A CURE FUN RUN

ABORIGINAL EDUCATION

CONSULTATIVE GROUP (AECG) Our first Full Members AECG (Aboriginal Education Consultative Group) will be on the 27th February at 11.30am at Forbes North Public School in the Breaky room. This meeting will be community, AEO and AECG Executive. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jodie Markwort at Forbes North on 6852 2187

FORBES SQUASH CLUB

Welcome to 2017! Summer comp is due to commence Wed 15 Feb and Thursday 16 Feb with grading nights and warm up squash to be played on Thursday 2 Feb, Wed 8 Feb and Thursday 9 Feb. All welcome. New players or those returning who haven’t played last year must attend a grading night. All names to be in by 9 February please.

SCHOOL PLANNERS

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FHS - News