Issue 4 - 18th March, 2016 Absence Hotline ---- 0439 326 767

MARCH

Tues 22nd Year 12 School Photos - Periods 1 & 2 Wed 23rd Open Night - Year 7 2017 Interim Reports available on the School Portal from 5.00 pm SSV Swimming Thurs 24th LAST DAY OF TERM 1 - SCHOOL FINISHES AT 2.30 PM Bookings can be made on Parent Portal for Parent/Teacher/ Student Conferences from today Western Metropolitan Swimming

APRIL

Mon 11th TERM 2 COMMENCES Tues 12th Year 7 Immunisations Parent Information Session for 2017 Year 7 Enhancement Program - 6 pm in the Library Wed 13th VCAL - Guest Speaker Period 1 Thurs 14th Parent /Teacher/Student Conferences 4.30 pm - 7.30 pm Frid 15th Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 9 am - 1.30 pm White Card Training Sun 17th Rostrum Public Speaking Competition Geelong Heat Tues 19th Excursion - Earth Ed Ballarat - C8 & T8 Frid 22nd Public Speaking Festival Years 11 & 12

12 Pickett Crescent, Belmont, 3216 Phone: 5243 4444 Fax: 5244 2005 Web: www.oberonhs.vic.edu.au

Mon 25th ANZAC DAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - SCHOOL CLOSED Thurs 21st STUDENT FREE DAY - STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Thurs 28th Barwon Athletics - Landy Field Frid 29th Worlds Greatest Shave Fundraiser

MAY

Tues 10th - Frid 13th NAPLAN Testing Wed 11th Year 11 Chemistry Exursion - Ecolinc Thurs 12th House Cross Country - Eastern Gardens Frid 13th - Frid 20th Year 8 & 9 Central Australia Tour Wed 18th Year 12 Chemistry Excursion - Biolab Thurs 26th L7 Enhancement class - Compass Award Hike Frid 27th Public Speaking - Years 7 - 10 Mon 30th G7 & T7 Science Excursion to Earth Ed Ballarat

JUNE

Thurs 2nd C7 & L7 Science Excursion to Earth Ed Ballarat

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

School Council Thank you to all parents that voted as part of the recent School Council Election where we had five parents nominating themselves for three parent vacancies. Congratulations to the following parents that have been elected to School Council as Parent Representatives:

• Scott Barnes, Kythie Fisher and Kathy Spowart-Deller

Two other parents Kerry Iapozzuto and Richard Nearn who nominated themselves as Parent Representatives have agreed to be on School Council as Community Representatives. After our recent School Council Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 9th March, the School Council formation will be as follows for the 2016 school year:

• President - Craig Wood-Burgess

• Vice President - Jan Gregor

• Treasurer - Scott Barnes

• Parent Representative - Kathy Spowart-Dellar

• Parent Representative - Neil Fischer

• Parent Representative - Kythie Fisher

• DET Representative - Craig Feaver

• DET Representative - Helen Carson

• DET Representative - Josh Baker

• DET Representative - Sam MacKenzie

• Community Representative - Jill Unsworth

• Community Representative - David Noble

• Community Representative - Richard Nearn

• Community Representative - Kerry Iapozzuto If parents have issues that they wish to have discussed at School Council I encourage you to address these to your Parent Representatives. Annual Report

At the March meeting of School Council the 2015 Annual Report was tabled and approved. The Annual Report provides a summary of the achievements of the school over the past 12 months based around the focus areas of student achievement, student wellbeing, student engagement and productivity. I will be placing a copy of this Annual Report on the school website and I am happy to discuss this with any community members who require clarification.

House Athletics The House Athletic Sports were held on Tuesday 15th March at Landy Field. Thank you to Mr Rob Neal who organised these sports. It was great to see so many students participating in the sports over the day. The Champion House and Age Group Champions will be announced at our next whole School Assembly. It was great to see so many students participating over the day and it was also great to see parents in attendance to support their children. Primary School Tours As part of our Primary to Secondary School transition process, a number of Primary schools have been visiting the school and conducting taster classes. These visits will continue until we hold our school Open Night on Wednesday 23rd March. Open Night The school will be holding our Open Night on Wednesday 23rd March with tours of the school available from 5pm and an Information Session at 6.30pm. Year 7 Camp It was great to visit our Year 7 students on camp at Camp Wilkin at Anglesea during the week. The Year 7 students spent three days Wednesday 9thth – Friday 11th March challenging themselves with a variety of outdoor activities and further building on their positive start to their Secondary schooling. Thank you to Mr Scott McDonald and Ms Renae Barnett who organised the Camp. Interschool Sport It has been a busy time for interschool sport in recent weeks with both Senior and Intermediate Sporting Carnivals being held. It has been great to see so many students representing the school in such a positive manner. A number of teams have been successful in winning the Zone matches including Senior Girls Softball and Senior Girls Tennis. Building Works A number of areas of the school have had building maintenance work completed on them over the last couple of weeks, with more work planned over the next few weeks. Work has been undertaken on the Gym, Year 12 Common Room and Auditorium with more work to be undertaken on the Library. Cont…………

SCHOOL FINISHES AT 2.30 PM ON THE LAST DAY OF TERM - THURSDAY 24TH MARCH

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on:

• Thursday 14th April - 4.00 pm - 7.30 pm

• Friday 15th April - 9.00 am - 1.30 pm

As you’d be aware we have moved to communicating through the Parent Portal http://smportal.oberonhs.vic.edu.au. Our upcoming Parent/Teacher Interviews can be booked from Thursday 24th March through the “Parent Interviews” tab seen on the left hand side of the Portal. From there select the teacher and choose from one of the available time slots. Please note each time slot only goes for 10 minutes.

Term 1 Interim Reports

In addition to Parent/Teacher Interviews being booked via the Portal, parents will receive Interim Reports via the Parent Portal. These will be accessible from 5.00 pm on Tuesday 22nd March. Please note this will replace the hard copy normally sent home.

If you don’t have access to a computer at home, please make use of the computers in the foyer of the school office.

For support in accessing the Parent Portal please email me at baj@oberonhs.vic.edu.au Joshua Baker Assistant Principal

Principal’s Report cont……... School Uniform Whilst building works were undertaken on the Gym, students were able to come to school in their PE uniform if they had Physical Education on that day. Now that the building works are completed and students have access to the Gym changerooms, students will be required to come to school in their school uniform and get changed into their PE uniform for their PE classes. Last Day of Term The last day of Term One is Thursday 24th March. We will be finishing at 2.30pm, buses have been notified. Student Reports The Interim Student Reports will be available for parents and students to access on Tuesday 22nd March from 5.00 pm via the Parent Portal. Parent/Teacher interviews The school will be holding Parent/Teacher interviews on Thursday 14th April from 4.00 pm until 7.30pm and Friday 15th April from 9.00 am to 1.30pm. Parents will be able to book interview times through the School Portal.

Tim McMahon

INTERIM REPORTS & PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Our first Whole School Community Service Activity for 2016 will be fundraising for the Leukaemia Foundation to help raise money to continue research into finding a cure for cancer and to help provide support for those people suffering from cancer. The students in the Year 7 Enhancement Program are planning, organising and hosting the day.

World’s Greatest Shave will be happening on Friday 29th April. This will be a Casual Dress Day (gold coin donation please) with entertainment, BBQ lunch and cold drinks sold at lunchtime (Students will be advised of prices closer to the event.) We will also be running a Hamper Raffle to be drawn on this day. A highlight of the event for students will be the ‘Dunk Tank’ starring Mr McMahon and Mr Baker.

Via the Student Bulletin and at a Whole School Assembly I have asked that students who are passionate about supporting this fundraising event, and are prepared for their hair to be shaved (number 1 cut) to please see me in Staffroom 1. Of course students will need to have parent permission to participate and if they are not brave enough (or not allowed) to shave then sponsoring other students is the best way to be involved. Last year we raised a staggering $6,600 so we know our goal for raising $2000 this year is very possible. Please note that qualified hairdressers are responsible for the hair cutting.

Any questions or to collect a permission form please see Carole Fisher in Staffroom 1 or contact me on 52434444.

Donations of chocolates, lollies, vouchers or other suitable items would be greatly appreciated for the raffle hampers. These can be left at the Office or given directly to Ms Fisher. Please be advised that the Canteen will only operate until 11.00 am on this day to cover the morning and Recess. They will not take lunch orders due to the sausage sizzle.

Thank you on behalf of the Year 7 Enhancement class.

STUDENT FREE DAYS 2016

The following days have been approved by the the Oberon High School - School Council as student free for 2016:

• Thursday 21st April - Professional Development Day (this date may change subject to availability of Guest Speakers)

• Tuesday 7th June - Report Writing Day

WORLDS GREATEST SHAVE

YEAR 7 STUDENTS IMPORTANT DATES TERM 1 & 2

Please mark in your diary

Week 9

Wednesday 23rd March Interim Reports available on the Parent Portal from 5 pm THURSDAY 24TH MARCH LAST DAY OF TERM ONE STUDENTS FINISH SCHOOL AT 2.30 PM Parent/Teacher Interviews can be booked on the Parent Portal

TERM 2

Week 1

MONDAY 11TH APRIL TERM 2 COMMENCES Tuesday 12th April Year 7 Immunisations

Thursday 14th April Parent Teacher Interviews 4.30 pm - 7.30 pm Friday 15th April Parent Teacher Interviews 9.00 am - 1.30 pm - Bookings can be made on the Parent Portal from Thursday 24th March Week 2 Thursday 21st April STUDENT FREE DAY - STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Monday 25th April ANZAC DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED Friday 29th April World’s Greatest Shave Fundraiser - Casual Dress Day - gold coin donation Week 5

Thursday 12th May House Cross Country - Eastern Gardens Week 9

Tuesday 7th June STUDENT FREE DAY - YEAR 12 GAT Week 10

Monday 13th June QUEENS BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY - SCHOOL CLOSED Tuesday 14th June Year 7 Immunisations Week 11 Friday 24th June End of Term 2

An Oberon student has been diagnosed with Shingles. Shingles is a contagious skin rash characterised by pain and blistering. The virus can be spread when a person comes into contact with the fluid contained in the blisters, either directly or indirectly. Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Please consult your Doctor if your child displays any symptoms.

For further information about Shingles please visit www.health.vic.gov.au.

HEALTH ALERT

POSTCARD FROM GERMANY

The big adventure is just starting.

At Singapore Airport. Rather a drop in temperature in Frankfurt!

Helping out in Year 6 English.

Hard at work on day 1.

YEAR 11 & 12 VCAL CLASSES

AT THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE EXPO

On 4th March, a large group of VCAL students attended the biennial ADF Expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Building. Aside from the Bushmaster, tanks and heavy artillery displays, students had the opportunity to engage with military personnel about a wide range of pathways within the Defence Force, including work experience options and the ADF Gap Year Program. Highlights included the simulated helicopter rides, working dogs and WW2 aircrafts.

A huge thanks to our own military man, Mr White, for joining us on the day.

We arrived safely in Frankfurt on Sunday morning and the weather was rather cold. Quite a shock to us all after the heat back home. The host families met us all in Marburg and the adventure began. We have been at school for 3 days and are settling in well. English classes are lots of fun, we have to do lessons and interviews. At Heskem there are also 20 exchange students from France- we had to join in activities with them today. All are enjoying the food, the beautiful country side, the city of Marburg and life in a different family. We are getting used to the cold!

This afternoon after school we will go on a tour of Marburg with all of the 44 Australian students and 5 teachers.

Liebe Gruesse aus Marburg,

Frau Ray, Stevie, Lorelei, Max, Patrick, Lucy, Hannah, Taylor, Taylah, Sean, Lindsay, Alex, Jasmine, Sophie, Ty, Tristan, Sophie, Cru and Mason.

Immunisations will be held at School on Tuesday 12th April.

Consent forms have been distributed and should now have been returned to school, even if your child does not require the immunisation. Please ask your child to collect a consent form from the Office if you do not have one.

Year 7 Students:

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

• Boostrix - Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping Cough (Pertussis) - One single injection

If parents have any questions regarding immunisations please call Barwon Health Immunisation on 42156962 or visit immune@barwonhealth.org.au.

IMMUNISATIONS - YEAR 7 STUDENTS

A reminder to parents that if you hold a valid means-tested Concession Card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for the CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student misses out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government's commitment to breaking the link between a student's background and their achievements. The annual CSEF amount per student is: • $125 for primary school students • $225 for secondary school students How to Apply:

Contact the School Office to obtain a CSEF Application Form or download from the CSEF website. Please return completed forms to the General Office with a photocopy of your Health Care or Concession Card (card can be photocopied at the office). Applications close 3rd June 2016.

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR THE CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)?

LOST PROPERTY

A number of items of lost property are awaiting collection at school. Items - (some left behind at the House Swimming Sports and Year 7 Camp), include: school rugby tops, windcheaters, bathers, goggles, towels, sleeping bags, drink bottles and books. If your son or daughter have lost any belongings please ask them to check at the back of Sick Bay at school as soon as possible.

Monday March 28 Junior Singles Round Robin events Social play for parents Monday April 4 Junior Doubles Round Robin events Social play for parents Contact Alan Doherty 0439 555 783 for details

GEELONG LAWN TENNIS CLUB SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

THE VCE AND CAREERS EXPO 2016

Thursday 5th and Friday 6th May, 9 am - 3 pm

Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May, 10 am - 4 pm

Caulfield Racecourse, Station St, Caulfield

The VCE and Careers Expo is Australia’s biggest careers and education event with 170 exhibitors providing VCE, Tertiary Course, Careers, Study Skills and Gap Year information and resources. Exhibitors include Australia’s major Universities. The Expo also features 156 seminars on VCE subjects including English and maths, Tertiary Courses, Career and Study Advice. Admission is $10 or $25 for families of 3 or more (children 14 and under free) and is valid for all 4 days of the Expo. Admission includes all seminars. For more details visit vceandcareers.com.au

Please be advised that on fundraising days where food items are sold - eg sausage sizzles, the Canteen will only operate until 11.00 am to cover the morning and Recess. The Canteen will not take lunch orders on these days.

CANTEEN SERVICES DURING FUNDRAISING DAYS