Issue No 2 26th February 2019Newsletter |U

YSC |

www.uysc.vic.edu.auwww.uysc.vic.edu.auwww.uysc.vic.edu.auuysc.vic.edu.au

From the Principal's DeskSchool CouncilCongratulations to Edwina Whiteside for joining Upper Yarra Secondary College School Council. She joins Rob Hay, Glenn Bray, Keri Morris, Eliza

Lee, Meredith Partel, Jonathon Trengrove and Jody Sykes as Parent Representatives. We also have Sally Brennan as our Community Member and of course our College Captains, Grace Bray and Monique Lee.

Swimming Carnival 2019It was fantastic to see so many students participate in our Swimming Sports. Although the weather was a little cooler than usual for this time of year (and I’m led to believe the water temperature), many students gave it their best and even more dressed up to show their school and house pride.

Save The Date! Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday 4th March 12.45pm-7.30pm as an opportunity to discuss your child's progress to date and how we can work together to support your child to achieve future success. Classes run as normal until 12.15 then students can accompany you to their conferences in the afternoon. Further details will be posted to Compass and a letter sent home with students next week.

Learning Together Prof. Lea Waters

Personality strengths – our character – play a big role in helping us build our talents. Think about anyone who has built a talent and imagine if it could have been done without character. Imagine Einstein without curiosity, The Beatles without creativity, Mother Teresa without compassion or Neil Armstrong without bravery.

Yet for decades, scientists were blind to character strength. We focused on talent, often on physical strength and skills. In fact, when I first ask young children what they think a strength is, they almost always point to their biceps or talk about being able to lift something heavy.

Once you get familiar with the language of strengths and a framework for seeing them, you’ll see character strengths easily in your child. In fact, you may find your child calls on their character strengths more often than on talent to meet life’s challenges.

You’ve probably seen a child joylessly perform at a piano recital. They may hit all the right keys, but there’s no energy or enthusiasm. It’s as if they don’t want to be there.

Key DatesMonday 4th March Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences 12.45pm - 7.30pm

Yr 8 Cricket

Monday 11th March Labour Day Public Holiday

Monday 1st April to Wednesday 3rd AprilYear 7 Camp Phillip Island

Friday 5th April Last Day Term One2.30pm Finish

Tuesday 23rd AprilFirst Day Term Two

Thursday 25th AprilANZAC Day

Monday 29th AprilAthletics Carnival Morrison Reserve Mount Evelyn

Tuesday 2nd MayUYSC Information Evening 7.00pm

Monday 6th May to Friday 10th MayYr 9 Rubicon Residential Camp

Monday 10th June Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

Wednesday 12th JuneGAT

Friday 14th JunePresentation Ball

Friday 28th June Last Day of Term Two

81- 89 Little Yarra Road, Yarra Junction P (03) 5967 1877 F (03) 5967 2109Absence Notification SMS 0477 391 484

24/7

YARRA - House Champion 2019!

SUPERHEROES, UNITE!

U Y S C P R O D U C T I O N 2 0 1 9  

The citizens of Nova City need a patron superhero to save them from

the evil clutches of villains.

Legions of fantastic, incredible, and uncanny characters descend upon

City Hall hoping the mayor and police commissioner might marvel at

their strange powers.

So when Colonel Mustard unleashes a surprise attack on City Hall, both

the mighty and the average must join together to bring justice and

security to Nova City.

CALLING ALL SUPERHEROES!

POW!

If anyone is interested in being involved, please see Miss Kinsella

S t u d e n t s o f t h e We e k ...recognising

excellence.

Year 8

For an excellent transition to UYSC and welcoming and

assisting others:

BRETT GRAND-COURT

Year 9

For his responsible attitude and showing his full potential with

his learning:

GEORGE ANDERSON

Year 10

For fantastic work and

effort in all her Yr 10 and Yr 11 Health & PE

classes:

LARA BENNETT

Year 11

For always taking responsibility for

learning, including her Distant

Education Unit:

ISABELLE SPENCER

For excelling in all areas of her learning

and a tremendous start to Year 12:

LILLYBETH FULFORD

For exceptional leadership and start

to Year 7:

TALEI WHITESIDE

Year 7

Year 8

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EOn the flip side, we’ve seen the child onstage who’s clearly motivated and energised and who fearlessly flails through every mistake – of which there are many.

It turns out that three elements come together to form a strength. For purposes of strength-based parenting, we need to keep our eye on all three:

1. Performance (being good at something)

Watch for when your child shows above-age levels of achievement, rapid learning, and a repeated pattern of success.

2. Energy (feeling good doing it)

Strengths are self-reinforcing. The more we use them, the more we get from them. They fill us with vigour. You’ll notice your child has abundant energy when using a strength.

3. High use (choosing to do it)

Finally, look for what your child chooses to do in their spare time, how often they engage in a particular activity, and how they speak about that activity.

For true strengths, these three elements form a beautiful feedback loop: great performance provides the child with a shot of high energy, so the child naturally chooses to do more. In turn, high use – also known as effort or practice – improves performance levels. So, for example, if you notice that your child is energised when they play the piano, and you provide enjoyable opportunities for them to play, if they’re mining a true strength they will likely practise more, which improves their performance, which then energises them … and so the loop continues.

Keeping this triad in mind will help you avoid pushing your child into an area that seems like a strength just because your child is good at it. It will also help you differentiate between whether your child is bingeing on an activity in an escapist way or expressing a true strength.

For example, when a parent asks me, ‘My son is great at computer games and wants to play all the time. Is that a sign of a strength?’ I reply, ‘Observe his energy levels at the end. Is he drained and cranky? Or energised and full of life? Are you seeing the full triad?’ Computer games can tap into a child’s strategic and problem-solving skills or stimulate creativity (in some games, you invent whole new worlds). Or they might just be about filling time.

So look for all three signs. When you see your child do something well, with energy, and repeatedly, you’ll know you’ve unearthed a strength!

Scott Tully | Principal

Year 11 VCAL Work-Related SkillsWorkplace bullying, stress and mental health problems can be an issue that affects young workers and apprentices starting out in the workforce for the

first time.

Exercise has been proven to reduce fatigue, improve alertness, concentration and reduce stress. A program called Move for Minds has been developed in conjuction with UYSC, Eastern Health - ECASA and the Yarra Centre in Yarra Junction that explores the relationship between the workplace, OHS issues, mental health and exercise. Students in WRS will develop an Awareness Campaign to make workers aware of an issue and how people can seek help and support.

Every week the Year 11 Work Related Skills class attend the Yarra Centre where they participate in classes in the gym with Hayley Butler, the Health Club Coordinator at the Yarra Centre who teaches them programs that may help reduce stress and improve their general health and wellbeing. While half the class are in the gym, the other half are in the class room with Rebecca Filliponi, Counsellor/Advocate from Eastern Health - ECASA and Aleksei Bonderenko, Community Development Co-ordinator from the Shire of Yarra Ranges. They look at topics that may impact on young workers such as work place bulling, stress management and supporting your peers.

The Rotary Club of Upper Yarra in partnership with the Belgravia Foundation have kindly donated the funds required to run the program.

At the end of the term the students will create an awareness campaign to make their workplace aware of an issue they have been studying that will enable people to seek help and support.

Tracey Shallcross | Careers

Indigenous@UYSCWe have some exciting additions to our school foyer this year.

Firstly, a beautiful Acknowledgment Of

Country plaque and a new flag display. We now have a portable flagpole, to display the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags at the same time. This can also be taken to assemblies, award nights and other functions as required.

Jason Kilby will be the Indigenous Liaison Officer this year, I will still be assisting with the role to begin with but I know he will be fantastic in this role. Kim Bradford, our local KESO will be at the school every Thursday and is an invaluable source of support and connection to resources for parents, students and teachers. She is located in H1.

I have enjoyed being in this role and working with our Indigenous kids. I have been privileged to learn so much and to experience the cultural and spiritual journey alongside our students. I wish Jason the best in his new role and I know that he will build amazing relationships with our students.

Please keep an eye out for upcoming events and feel free to contact us about any concerns, questions or ideas.

We look forward to continuing our involvement in Swinburne’s Marngo Designing Futures program and working to build upon the Indigenous profile in our school.

Denise Muir, Jason Kilby | Indigenous Liaison Leaders

Outdoor and Environmental StudiesOur first Outdoor Ed Camp for 2019 was to the Mornington Peninsula to

go snorkelling in and around Pope’s Eye. It was most of the groups first time snorkelling and it was a great experience. We got to see different marine life including fish and seals as well as different kinds of birds including Australasian Gannets. Snorkelling with seals was our

favourite part because we had the chance to get really close to them and they were very cute. On our second day we set off to Point Nepean for a hike and learnt about the history of the first defensive forts and the significance of the Mornington Peninsula in WW1 and WW2. During our time we learnt about the responses of the early European settlers and the importance of the land to the Boon Wurrung people (first people of the Bays (Port Phillip and Westernport) and South East Victoria).

Jazmine Bull, Jamieson Ritchie Yr 11 OES

Year 11 VCAL Personal Development Skills.VCAL Students are learning how to create and run an event. The class has chosen to organise a Cleanup Australia Day at school. At the moment they are in the first phase of planning "investigating the issues", such as looking at what rubbish is around the school, where it is, what sort of rubbish it is, and where the bins are located around the school.

As part of their investigation, Students had to experience picking up rubbish to help them work out how they can encourage their peers to pick up rubbish on the day of the event.

Megan Sloan | VCAL

Year 12 Camp 2019Last week the Year 12s went on a camp for the night in the city. We stayed at a back-packer’s hostel around the corner from Melbourne Central. From the moment we arrived, we got

straight into a full schedule.

First, we went to Melbourne University where we had a presentation about what the Uni has to offer and learnt about all the different pathways we could take after completing Year 12. We then took a tour around the campus and had a chance to explore their grounds.

After this, our visit to RMIT University highlighted the different learning styles and the hands-on approach used to engage students and foster a range of pathways. We then completed a questionnaire that took us on a race around their facilities. It was great to see the differences in each of the Uni's structures and opportunities they offered.

In between learning about Unis and exploring the city we got to do fun activities that allowed our year level to bond with one another. These included versing each other in laser-tag and bowling, visiting the National Gallery of Victoria or the State Library and doing a scavenger hunt in the CBD. We also walked through the Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central.

Overall the camp was beneficial and fun, though super tiring. It was a good opportunity to hang out with the rest of the year level away from the stresses of VCE.

Monique Lee and Grace Bray College Captains 2019

GTAC - Year 11 BiologyOn Friday the 15th our Year 10 and 11 students went to visit GTAC in

Parkville. At GTAC we learnt how to use a microscope and learnt about all the different parts of a microscope. We also learnt how to estimate a cell size. We were then put into groups with a science helper to help us do all of the five practicals we had to complete. The practicals were all based on cells.

The GTAC excursion was very interesting and we found it really fun to experiment with all of the equipment they had to offer. We

thank Tom and the other scientists for the opportunity to experience hands-on learning and assisting each of our groups

Georgia Parker, Chloe Maggs and Tegan Caughlan Yr 11

What's going on in Year 10 this year?Exciting things are happening in Year 10 in 2019 and include the Year 10 Formal in September. A Formal Committee of Year 10 students has been formed to get the students involved in the Formal planning and

preparation.

Our Year 10 teachers are hard at work planning a trip to the Holocaust Museum as part of our history topic in Humanities and also a Model UN Conference on the topic of ''Wellbeing''. Having done the Model UN last year as part of extension work in the Law and Society elective last year, we can say that the Model UN conference is a rewarding experience.

This year the Year 10s have been encouraged to either fast-track a VCE subject or a VET course as a way of helping to prepare for VCE or VCAL next year in Year 11. We talked to some of these students.

The fast-tracking students said their VCE subjects are a lot more work but rewarding and they recommend fast-tracking to future Year 10s. One of the VCE teachers, Ms Leicester said, “I think it helps students prepare for VCE, I’ve had students say to me, 'Wow I wasn’t prepared for VCE, there’s so much work that I didn’t know was expected of me straight away.' ”

Students undertaking a VET course this year said that it is a good alternative if you don’t plan on doing VCE. There is more homework but they like having the opportunity to do VET because they choose a course that suits their interests.

Our previous Year Level Leader Ms Knowles said, “It’s wonderful to see students rise to the challenges of Year 10 and embrace their school life with maturity and responsibility.”

Meredith Rowlands, Josh Pitts Yr 10

CHEFS OF THE WEEK

Swimming Carnival 2019The grey clouds did little to dampen the spirits and colourful enthusiasm of our students who participated in the Swimming Carnival on Thursday 21st February. The tunes and vibe were palpable and the students and staff

enjoyed a day out of the classroom; poolside! Highlights of the day include Fashions of the Field, with impressive dancing and a range of colourful outfits from all year levels including staff.

1st Aidan Tsoumbakos Yarra

2nd Ashley Shotter Acheron

3rd Morgan McKee Yarra

ResultsThe overall winning house of the day was YARRA!

Yuonga – 164 points

Once again well done to the staff and students for making it a sensational day! The next whole school sports event will be the Athletics Carnival on Monday, April 9th.

Jessica White | Sports Coordinator

The overall house results are as follows:

Yarra - 248 points Donna - 216 points

Acheron – 243 points

AGE GROUP CHAMPIONS 2019

Male Champion: Carter Morrissey

Female Champion: Jessica Bennett

13

YR

Male Champion: Rex Partel

Female Champion: Ashlyn Hermansen

14

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Male Champion: Jacob Grotaers

15

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Male Champion: Jack Anderson

Female Champion: Isabelle Nightingale

16

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Male Champion: Johannes Hirthe-

Decker

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20

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Female Champion: Madeline Bennett

Female Champion: Camryn Partel

Sports Captains 2019Yr 7 Patrisha Robins & Carter Morrissey

Yr8 Ashlyn Hermansen & Kobi Rostron

Yr 9 Kiara Zekas & Lily Smith

Yr 10 Tamin Crunden & Danielle Johnston

Yr 11 Madisen Holmes

Yr 12 Billie Mills

House Captains 2019YOUNGA

True Robinson & Jedd Robinson

DONNA Madeline Bennett & Livinia Mace

ACHERON Grace Bray & Trey Morrissey

YARRA Tara Mataele & Todd Cochrane

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Japanese - an Excellent Start!The Year 7 Japanese classes

have made an excellent start to the year. Last Friday the students investigated the culture of Japan and using their devices, created electronic collages.

The students looked into the cuisine, martial arts, clothing, media, and industries of Japan to broaden their knowledge.

I was impressed with their existing knowledge and their interest in various aspects of the culture.

The attached work was created by Makayla Guppy, Savannah Fraser, Lewis Powell and Connor Vandenborne.

Lyle Wenholz | Japanese Teacher

Instrumental Music ProgramLast Wednesday, Year 7 students were given the opportunity to trial an instrument offered in the Concert Band Program. They were given a period

to rotate through Woodwind, Brass and Percussion. The staff have taken notes of those expressing interest and are in the process of following up new

enrolments.

The Intermediate Band played at the BBQ Wednesday night to showcase the program. Music staff were there to chat to parents about the program and answer any questions. We are very proud of the Band's loyalty and commitment to the program and look forward to the year ahead!

Kellie Woollard | Instrumental Music Coordinator

Year 7 and 8 Mathematics ActivitiesFinding and measuring the perimeter and area of shapes outside, drawing circles, measuring the diameter and calculating the circumference.

Year 8 Sports Captains Kobi Rostron

Ashlyn Hermansen

Year 8 Vice Captains Hudson Semple

Teagan Bresser

Year 8 CaptainsAshlyn Hermansen

Cooper Allum

Year 8 News - Year 8 Student Leaders 2019

Amazing Year 12 Tertiary Offers For Class Of 2018Of last year’s graduating class of 2018, many students applied for a wide variety of tertiary places. Across the state it is usual for about 80% of applicants to receive an offer, as requests for places far out way the number of places available in many courses. UYSC is pleased to announce that 100% of our students who applied for places in tertiary courses received

an offer. This is an amazing achievement and we are very proud of our students.

The process for deciding courses begins well before Year 12 at UYSC. Students have Careers classes in Year 10 that concentrate on their work values, strengths, interests and abilities. They also begin to look at subject requirements for future courses as well as writing resumes and applying for jobs.

Parents can go onto the UYSC Careers Student Portal, on the school's website under "Key Links" that gives helpful links and hints on how to help teens with career planning, as well as Senior School, post-school options and workplace learning. The UYSC Careers Student Portal is an excellent resource for all families.

Individual half-hour appointments are given to all Year 10 and 11 students to help them choose their subjects for the following year and to ensure they are on track for their future goals. Many students are unsure of what they want to do when they complete secondary school, so these appointments ensure students are choosing a range of subjects that will keep their options open for the future and to discuss possible alternatives. In Year 12, students have two Careers appointments. All Year 12s are currently having their first appointment with Mrs Shallcross. These are timetabled during their study periods, are on Compass now and parents are welcome to attend. At these first appointments students discuss their thoughts for 2020 and we visit the VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) site to view possible courses, prerequisite subjects, ATAR requirements and specific requirements of courses such as interviews and folios. The second appointment is to support students to enter their application for courses making sure they have a range of different courses with different entry requirements. Students put a lot of effort in educating themselves into the requirements of courses so their applications are appropriate and meet all the requirements. This is why we have been so successful in getting placements for UYSC Year 12 students.

I have included the offers for all students(below) to show the variety and depth of the courses our students have been accepted in to. It demonstrates the fantastic job teachers have done in preparing their students for their SACs and exams in order for them to meet the prerequisites of some very demanding courses. If you have any questions about courses or how you can help your child prepare for these decisions do not hesitate to contact me in the Careers office.

Tracey Shallcross | Careers Advisor/VET coordinator

Natalie Ball Bachelor of Criminal Justice RMIT Megan Bennett Diploma of Animal Technology Box Hill Institute Nicolas Benson Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design Box Hill Institute Harry Bray Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sports Practice) Victoria University Tom Bray Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems RMIT Timothy Chambers Bachelor of Screen Media Victoria University Holly Cole Diploma of Nursing Box Hill Institute Rhyder Coshutt Bachelor Degree (Honours) Science (Dean's Scholar) RMIT Lorryn Debono Bachelor of Arts (Textile Design) RMIT Macy Dobson Bachelor of Film (Post Production or Production) SAE Creative Media Institute Cody Dunne Bachelor of Creative Arts (Screen, Theatre, Writing) La Trobe University Natasha Elderhurst Diploma in Languages Latrobe University Karrie Firth Certificate IV in Guiding and Outdoor Recreation Holmesglen Tyler Green Bachelor of Legal and Disputes Studies RMIT Zachary Green Bachelor of Business (Sport Management) RMIT Ethan Griffiths Diploma of Bioscience/Bachelor Biological Sciences La Trobe College Brianna Hamnett Bachelor of Art History and Curating Monash University Nikolas Hay Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and

Conservation Biology) Deakin University

Paris Jarvis Bachelor of Animation Swinburne University Jasmine Maassen Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) RMIT Hannah Mahoney Bachelor of International Development Studies ACU Sally McIntosh Bachelor of Nursing Deakin University Tristan McIntosh Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care Box Hill Institute Poppy Mills Bachelor of Interactive Media: Academy of Information Technology Caitlyn Muir Bachelor of Arts Melbourne University Bryn O’Brien Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology Electrical RMIT Tiffiny Oliver Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice RMIT Charlie Parker Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care Box Hill Institute Olivia Pert Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences La Trobe University Jaclyn Ritchie Bachelor of Arts Deakin University Charlee-Maree Robinson Diploma of Community Services Box Hill Institute Matthew Rowan Diploma of Information Technology RMIT Ellie Smith Diploma of Nursing Box Hill Institute Xiann Smith Bachelor of Design Melbourne University

The Year 9 art class began this Picasso-inspired project with a continuous line drawing, which was done blind (that is without looking at the page). From there, students edited and evolved their portraits, adding acrylic paint.

Penny Hale | Art Teacher

DO YOURIDE MOUNTAINBIKES?INTERESTED IN REPRESENTING UYSC? See Ms White - Yr 9 Office

DO YOU CURRENTLY PARTICIPATE IN CLAY

TARGET SHOOTING?WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN AN INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION?See Ms White - Yr 9 OfficePractice - every Wednesday afternoon/night in Lilydale. You will need to provide your own transport.

Jessica White | Sports Coordinator

Students have been learning how to use repetition to create pattern. By repeating their name, they have been able to create designs which are based on the same principle as a kaleidoscope. They have learnt about symmetry and reflection and have also improved their skills in working with colour.

Laura Molan | Art Teacher/Curriculum Leader