Principal’s Report 2017 has shaped up to be a

very busy year! There is lots of news to share

with you. I apologise for the lateness of this

edition but we needed the time to ensure we

had information for you.

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR: I am exceptionally

proud of all of our students who entered the

Lions Youth of the Year competition, Isiah,

Phoebe and Maddison. This is a well-

recognised and rigorous competition recog-

nised state wide.

I am especially proud of our Captain, Phoebe

who is now a State finalist and will compete in

Forbes next weekend. Without the support of

her family and the English Department (under

the leadership of Ms Welsh) she would not

have had this opportunity. Thank you to all and

best of luck Phoebe.

THANK YOU: to all of the parents who attend-

ed the new look parent teacher evening last

week. We hope you found it successful and far

more inviting to come to our school and meet

our staff. Feedback would be appreciated.

LMBR is the new management system the

Department is using across all schools. You will

be familiar with the changes if you have a child

at Primary school. In essence it means the

school will not have access to a cheque book

and all payments in and out are done through

a central system. It will change the way we

can invoice yourselves, and the way you can

make payments.

Please read the following page about the way

in which changes will affect you. We “go live”

next term and have been very busy making

sure all of our information is correct.

HOME INFORMATION: It really helps if all of

the records we have are totally up to date, in

regards to address, phone numbers, education

levels of parents, who is living where and who

are legal carers. Please make sure we have the

latest information for your child. Please make

sure we know about any court orders or AVOs

that may exist.

TELL THEM FROM ME Surveys: These are vital

surveys which students in most Departmental

schools complete each year. They give vital

feedback about our ability to look after our

students emotional, physical and psychological

wellbeing. They also allow us to measure how

well we are extending our students academi-

cally. We would like every child to complete

these surveys to give us very good data to use.

CHANGES TO HSC: By now, many parents of

students in Year 9 have heard about the new

changes to the HSC where their child has to

receive 5 band 8’s in order to receive their

HSC. The NAPLAN tests in Year 9 therefore,

have a higher priority and need to be taken

seriously by all of our students. We will howev-

er, have an information evening to explain this

to the parents, and that their child can resit

the NAPLAN test up to 5 times to earn the

minimum standard. Rest easy……they still get a

certificate of attainment and can leave school

after Year 12.

P&C Meetings: Starting 10am TUESDAY 22nd

March are now alternating between day and

night time meetings. I hope far more parents

can contribute and provide feedback as we

enter into the new planning cycle for the

school.

WE NEED YOUR HELP It is vital we have your

opinions and guidance to plot the direction of

the school to become “THE SCHOOL OF

CHOICE” in the area. Staff, executive have

been working hard with Leonie Cutts to really

hone down what is important to us as educa-

tors

My thanks to all of the staff who have already

made this year so action packed for students.

From the Year 7 camp in the first full week of

school to now it has been go go go. Congratu-

lations to all. I can only recommend all stu-

dents take charge of the opportunities offered

to build their skills in a range of areas.

March 2017 Edition No. 1

Successful Learning – Responsible Living www.morisset-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Morisset High School

PO Box 114

Morisset NSW 2264

Ph 02 49731 999

Fax 02 49705 386

IMPORTANT

DATES

Easter Break: Saturday

8th April until Tuesday

25th April.

Students first day Term 2:

Wednesday 26th April.

Parents and Community

Meetings

Term 2 Wed 14 June

Canteen 6:30 then P & C

7pm.

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is

held annually on the third Friday of March. It is an opportunity

for the whole school community to 'take a stand together'

against bullying and violence.

The day is an initiative of all Australian education authorities

and is managed by the Safe and Supportive School Communities

Working Group.

On Wednesday 15th of March there are parent teacher inter-

views for senior students which can be booked on the parent

portal. Yr 7-10 parents are invited to a meet and greet with

teachers where there will be a BBQ. So come along and chat

with MHS staff in an informal meeting for Junior students.

Senior students parents must make the appointment online

through the parent portal. This interview is important as parents

will get a clear understanding of how their student is going

while preparing for the HSC. It all begins at 3:30pm and finishes

at 5:50pm.

Student Leaders 2017. Front Row: Teagan Kelly, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Mrs McDonald, Phoebe McIlwraith, Jessica

Southward, Louisa Rimoni and Rachel Newman. Back Row: Melissa Christieson, Reyne Cupples, Albert Hanger and Isaiah Lilikakis.

NSW Premiere’s Reading Challenge Ready, set, read! Welcome to PRC 2017

The PRC turns 15 this year - and to celebrate we are launch-

ing at 10am on Monday May 6 with our fabulous Reading

Ambassadors Oliver Phommavanh, Deborah Abela and Su-

sanne Gervay. Bookings have now closed but you can watch

live on YouTube to join in the fun! We're thrilled with our

poster this year, which is designed by the talented Chris Nix-

on, whose latest book is 'Pandamonia' (Fremantle Press).

Happy reading from the PRC team.

Morisset High School participated in the NSW SES Cadet Pro-

gram for 2017. Students experienced a week long SES course at

school and local venues (Fire Station, SES Unit and Lake

Macquarie) promoting communication, leadership, team work

and rescue management. This course was free and open to all

MHS students via a selection process.

The students were very excited, enthusiastic and engaged.

Thanks to the local SES for providing. Ms Hilder

Please contact Rebecca Kelly on 4973 3125 if you are able to help.

Congratulations to Phoebe McIlwraith, our school Captain who

today won the Regional Final of the Lions Youth of the year com-

pletion. Her poise and presentation was superb. Judges compli-

mented her abilities in the interviews, prepared speech and im-

promptu responses.

Later this month she competes at District level at The Entrance.

We are so proud of her, her family support and the English staff,

led by Ms Welsh for supporting her. To the Lions Club, our appreci-

ation for giving Phoebe and all the other students such an oppor-

tunity. Photos of Pheobe and her family are shown below.

Our students from Big Picture had their first excursion to Myuna

Bay Sports and Recreation Centre at the beginning of this year.

By all reports from the students the activities were fun and even

the food was good.

Some of the activities included High Ropes, Challenge course,

Kayaking and Canoeing, Archery and even a fishing night.

The students’ behaviour was exemplary and the staff at the centre

spoke highly of their behaviour and said that they were welcome

back anytime.

The camp gave the group the opportunity to work together as a

group and to support each other when carrying out the activities.

It was extremely hot but the students were well hydrated and

used the pool to cool down.

It was a successful camp and we look forward to many more in the

future.

The year 7 camp was at Active Education Forster in Week 3 of

the term. All the students and teachers had a “blast” at the

camp. We all participated in a range of activities, such as the

flying fox, waterslides, giant swing, mud world, zorb balls and

quad biking. The students were excellent and represented

Morisset High School very well.

On Thursday 2nd March the Open Girls Netball team travelled to

Cardiff to compete in the Westlake’s Gala day. The girls had

some tough competition on the day in some wild weather. They

had great defence against Toronto and Cardiff’s representative

side and had some big wins against West Wallsend, Glendale

and Lake Macquarie. The girls all displayed great sportsmanship

and represented Morisset High well. Big congratulations to all

the girls that competed – Shelly Curwen, Lauren Newton, Jayan-

na Gibson, Kaitlyn Walters, Kobi Ellis, Emma Pollitt, Tahlia Fisch-

er, Sarah Pope and Shelby Tocker. Special thanks goes out to

our umpire Rhiannon Sharp.

Great work girls. Miss Morris.

Big Yoga. On 27th of February Wolf Pack Big Picture advisory

went to Clear Water Yoga at Dora Creek, Lake Macquarie. We

were met by our yoga instructor Dane Sullivan who introduced

us to the world of Yoga!

Dane first started yoga because of a back issue which he re-

lieved by taking a 20-minute shower daily, however he soon

discovered yoga was the cure to not only back pain but to his

completely wellbeing. Dane took us through a series of yoga

poses which included; Tree pose, slo-mo burpees, Warrior pos-

es, Dragon lunge, Eagle and we lied on our backs for a spinal

twist.

Even though the poses were relatively simple some of our advi-

sory found them challenging and even rather exhausting. Soon

we were all hot and sweaty and ready for the resting pose

‘Savasana’.

During Savasana Dane played a relaxing piece of music called

‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, which not only helped us relax but

helped us connect with our inner self…DEEP!

Emalee Bird in Wolf Pack advisory said “I learnt that I love yoga

and that it is very relaxing and helps relieve your emotions”.

Jack Sharp also said “It was very painful and hurt a Lot but I did

feel heaps better. The instructor was great; however he did

make us do the same move over and over again”.

At Morisset High School- we want to prepare

our students for all future challenges. Our

school aims to provide quality, current career

information. We are fortunate enough to have

our own dedicated Careers website which can

be found at www.morissethighcareers.com

and also a Facebook page

@morissethighschoolcareers . The website

provides a wealth of important information

from post school options to work place learn-

ing- with a range of resources for student and

parent use. While our Facebook page provides

up-to-date information on courses, school

events and student achievement- so please

LIKE our page!

Morisset High School is creating innovative

programs for students from 2017 with the im-

plementation of “Next Step”. The “Next Step”

program aims to encourage students to be

actively thinking and creating future pathways.

The 21st century is a dynamic, evolving envi-

ronment whereby students need to be ade-

quately prepared and create their own oppor-

tunities to future success. Morisset High stu-

dents from Years 8, 9 and 10 will participate in

fortnightly Career Education (Next Step) les-

sons which aim to partner career development

and student well-being by creating educational

pathways to prepare students for the future.

Lesson content includes;

The World of Work

Computer Skills- digital literacy

Workplace literacy and numeracy

Life education

Resume writing

Workplace health and safety

Skills and interests testing

Work readiness

Work place learning and experience

Community service

From the lessons and programs available, stu-

dents can gain valuable skills along with build-

ing their portfolio (Statements of Attainment

and Competence for units and courses) which

are fantastic for their resume’. The school en-

courages students to get qualified with regular

White Card and Provide First Aid courses (see

below for dates).

Along with lessons, the Career department

offers a range of services, such as;

Careers counselling which includes appro-

priate subject selection, matching

student's interests to appropriate

careers and supporting students deci-

sion making.

Career pathway support such as resume

writing, interview and presentation

skills.

Access to service providers and potential

employers, for information on em-

ployment requirements.

Conducting careers excursions.

Guest speakers and school incursions.

Involvement in community programs.

Work experience organisation with local

businesses and community partners.

Career workshops - The aim of these is to

raise awareness about the diversity of

employment opportunities so that

younger students start investigating

employment possibilities.

Support of students undertaking School

Based Traineeships and industry

scholarships. These students have

paid on-the-job experience and com-

plete an industry related TAFE cre-

dential.

Organisation and support for the TVET

programs. Year 11 and 12 students

can attend TAFE and complete these

courses as part of their Preliminary or

HSC program. The TAFE competencies

they gain may help them with either a

future career or further TAFE training

after the HSC.

Students are welcome to drop in and make an

appointment at any time. Parents can contact

us if they have questions or concerns.

Upcoming events ────

White card course

March 24th

Careers Adviser Mrs Natalie Hilder

Natalie.hilder@det.nsw.edu.au Ph:

49731999

White Card Course dates

($85 per student)

Term 1- Week 9- Friday March 24

Term 2- Week 4- Friday May 19

Term 2- Week 9- Friday June 23

Term 3- Week 4- Friday August 11

Term 3- Week 9- Friday September

15

Term 4- Week 9- Friday December 8

Provide First Aid Course dates ($70

per student)

Term 1- Week 8 Thursday March 16th

Term 2- Week 8 Thursday June 15th

Term 3- Week 8 Thursday September

7th

Term 4- Week 8 Thursday November

30th

Support Unit Work Experience Coor-

dinator

Mrs Robyn Spaull

VET Coordinator

Mr Ron Victor

Head Teacher Welfare

Miss Rebecca Ballantyne

Rebecca.ballantyne@det.nsw.edu.au

Morisset High School was fortunate enough to host the first

round of the CHS Open Boys and Girls Basketball Competition

on Friday 3rd March 2017. The following students were selected

to represent Morisset; Louisa Rimoni, Kaitlyn Walters, Sarah

Pope, Meleseini Tangulu, Laulala Siulai, Olivia Hebei, Milan

Hammond, Jack Naylor, Tom Steel, Michael Upsall, Ryan Fenton,

Brad Redman, Cherokee Townsend, Austin Nieva, Logan Neale

and Tyrone Mesake.

The Girls team versed the very tall Lake Munmorah side and

were unfortunately defeated 25-8. A huge thankyou goes out to

Mr Hammond for coming in early to run the girls through some

last minute skills and drills which led them to play a great defen-

sive game.

The Boys team played Glendale Technology High School in a fast

paced game and come away with a 20-14 win. Thank you to Mr

MacDonald for coaching the boys to a great win. They will now

progress to round 2 at Maitland the following week and we

wish them all the best. Miss Morris.

Morisset High School

Careers page

Keep up to date with courses, excursion and opportunities!

REMINDER PLEASE

HEALTH WARNING

In the school we have a few staff

and students who a severely

asthmatic. Their asthma attacks can

be set off by the propellant in cans

of deodorant or perfumes and

cause serious health issues.

To protect them in school students

have been informed that aerosols

will be confiscated and action taken

if brought to school.

Your assistance in purchasing roll-ons

only for school use your child would

be appreciated.

The Visual Arts Department are excited to announce that Rani

Corkery’s HSC Visual Arts - Body of Work was selected to be

included as part of the ‘First Class Exhibition’ at Lake Macquarie

Gallery at Awaba.

‘Uniquely local and now in its ninth successful year, the First

Class series is a major event in the gallery’s calendar. The First

Class 16 exhibition continues the tradition of showcasing the

most outstanding work produced by Hunter and Central Coast

HSC Visual Arts students from the previous year. It provides

young artists with a unique opportunity to exhibit in a profes-

sional public gallery environment and encourages audiences to

experience a richness of talent and the voice of youth. This year

the artworks demonstrate a quiet concern for the complex envi-

ronmental, cultural and scientific issues facing young people

today. Sophisticated interrogation and observation of source

material is transformed, revealing the vulnerability of both our

environment and culture.’ - LMAG

Rani’s Body of work included a series of photographs and a

short video piece titled “ONLY 3 Degrees’

TAFE has commenced for

2017 at MHS! Our Stage

5 girls will be completing

a Cert II on location in

the hair salon. Super

TAFE teacher Mel in

action.

Southern Lakes United are a local small family orientated club located

at Dora Creek. We are still seeking players for the following age

groups.

Loren Registrar SLUFC

We are still taking registrations for the following age groups!

Under 7 - $135.00

Under 8 - $180.00

Under 13 -$195.00

Under 15 -$195.00