School Meetings

Apr 28th Thurs School Council 7.30 pm

Apr 21st Thurs Parents Club AGM 10.00 am

The Rochester Review

Important Dates

Rochester Secondary College exists to provide quality learning for all in a challenging and nurturing environment.

April 2016

21st (Thurs) - Yr 11 Jewish Holocaust excursion

22nd (Fri) - Anzac Day Service

22nd (Fri) - Junior Field Events at College

26th (Tues) - DAV Debating

29th (Fri) - House Athletics

May 2016

2nd-6th (Mon-Fri) - Year 10 Work Experience

3rd-6th (Tues-Fri) - Year 12 Melbourne Trip

8th (Sunday) - College Working Bee

Principal’s Report:

Dear Parents,

W elcome back to term two. In particular I would

like to welcome Ms Holly Westaway to our

school. She will be taking over all of Mr.

Salisbury’s classes for the rest of the year. Mr Salisbury

will be overseeing all of Mrs McFarlane’s classes while

she is away on long service leave for the coming six

weeks.

Yesterday I attended a briefing in Bendigo about our

Whole School Review process which happens in state

schools every four years. The purpose of the school re-

view is to look closely at all our operations over the last

four years—what have we achieved? What can we do bet-

ter etc? Then consider what our goals and priorities will

be for the next four years (2017—2021). For this process

to be fully effective we will be analysing all our data

around student achievements but will also be seeking de-

tailed feedback from parents, teachers and students about

how we can make our school the best it can be. Over the

coming month I look forward to working with all sections

of our school community to develop our next Strategic

Plan.

At our last School Council meeting it was agreed it would

be a good time to have a College working bee. Not only is

this an excellent way to ‘tidy up’ many areas of the

grounds but also a way to stretch our finances further in

more student focused ways. Please refer to the ad in this

newsletter for details (Sunday May 8th). If you can possi-

bly spare an hour or two it would be very much appreciat-

ed. Thanks to Mrs McCarty for initiating and overseeing.

As the cooler weather approaches please make every effort

to be fully prepared with the correct school uniform—the

fleecy zip up tops are very effective against the cold.

(Hoodies are banned).

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Bernie Altmann

Principal

Volume 551 Issue 1

Thursday 14th April 2016

www.rochsec.vic.edu.au

Phone: 54841 844 Fax 54842 348

rochester.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au

2015 Scholarship Recipients

A ny students who have not yet cashed or banked their

scholarship cheque, could they please do so as soon as

possible.

Year 12 Update

A fter only two days into the term, several teachers have

approached me with quite significant lists of students

that have not completed work given last term. We

have spoken to the group on several occasions about keeping

up to date with foundational and preparatory work. The re-

sponse has been less than pleasing. The problem is a general

concern and we encourage parents to monitor student progress.

To use a sporting analogy: It is difficult to perform well with-

out training the basic skills. All sports have training so that

participants improve their skills – the same holds in education-

based skills.

We have ben trialling an online tutorial program for Year 12

subjects. The free trial expires soon and we need to decide if

we continue. Student feedback has been mostly positive but

some students have not yet accessed much of what is available.

The cost would be $25 per subject that is offered and would

need to be paid by all students, as the providers have found if

one or two in a class have access it is then shared. We realise

that it would be another cost to you the parent – please discuss

this with your son/daughter. We will keep you informed.

Tuesday the 3rd to Friday the 6th of May is the Year 12 Trip.

Information will be out next week. We will visit four Universi-

ties, have several subject-based lectures and activities, even-

ing social events and visit the VCE and Careers Expo. The

cost of the trip is still to be finalised but a figure of $310 was

last year’s amount. Students will need money for meals but we

have a busy program so they will have limited chance to

‘shop’.

We are excited about our VCAL students attending the trip

this year with their program tailored towards gaining more

insight into work and training opportunities, social issues and

work support programs that are more available in larger com-

munities.

We really need to finalise numbers this week, as our budgeting

is based on spreading the overall cost to a per-head fee. Stu-

dents have been asked several times to let me know if they do

not intend to go, so at this stage I assume all will be attending

except the three that have let me know.

We have run the Year 12 Trip for many years and do so be-

cause the benefits to students has been considerable. We look

forward to another great trip.

Expect information early next week.

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Bill Barkla

Senior School Manager

English Update

S tudents of all Year Levels are encouraged to include

reading as part of their homework program. It is quite

beneficial to students to be keeping abreast of events

being covered in the media, in particular issues that are gener-

ally of enough significance that generate ongoing public or

political debate. Watching and discussing films that make

some insight into societal developments or issues can also be

helpful.

Next week our Year 11 English students will be travelling to

the Jewish Holocaust Centre as part of their text studies.

Bill Barkla

English Domain Manager

Youth Week 2016

A s if things weren’t

busy enough in the

first week of term, we

fitted in time for an art compe-

tition, a free sausage sizzle and

the creation of a mural, to

which every student in the

school was welcome to con-

tribute.

The Lions and Leos did the

hard work cooking for every-

one, while Kaye Staley and

Ayla Pearson took time out of

their busy schedules to help

with the judging. Krystie Bal-

lard from REDHS, Scott

Thompson from the Shire and our Arts Captain Briana Abrey

created the event on a very tight schedule, but it was very well

received and clearly popular with all ages.

‘Making a Difference’

S tudents in Years 11 and 12 – are you interested in

‘making a difference’?

Why not consider, instead of ‘schoolies week’ spending 13

days doing humanitarian work in Cambodia. Also experience

life in a third world country and see and learn about the culture

of the Cambodians.

Speak to those students who have been on this tour.

The cost of $4199 includes: travel insurance, Cambodian tour

guide, Australian group tour manager, return air fares, all

transfers, comfortable, well equipped hotels (including wifi),

all meals and temple passes and river cruise, a new life chang-

ing experience.

For further information speak with Mrs Watson or visit the

website www.wod.org.au

Around the College

Around the College

I t has been a busy and exciting Term 1 for our student ath-

letes. We all finished the term off with a challenging and

enjoyable karate session conducted by the very fit and flex-

ible instructors of Colin McHardy and Lee Hicks. The training

session focused on self-defence techniques, flexibility and

strength and conditioning. It was very enjoyable watching some

of our boys attempt some of the more complex moves.

Tuesday morning before school our athletes played a game of

touch football. They were then treated to a hearty breakfast and

healthy fruit platter and Powerade drinks donated from Justin

Cleary – Caltex (Willow Cafe). Two students (Dylan Oaff and

Zali Hocking) also won an Easter egg bunny for their attend-

ance and contribution during the morning training sessions.

I would like to thank the support from our local community

sponsors: Bendigo Community Bank, Rochester SportsPower,

Rochester IGA, Rochester Caltex-Willow Café and Paul Evans

Welding.

I would also like to thank our CAS instructors Luis (Boof) Har-

ris, Leigh (Sticks) Millard and Leisa (The Rock) Evans for their

time and efforts during Term 1.

I encourage all student/athletes and families to download the

Team App and register under CAS. This will keep you up to

date on upcoming training sessions, events, excursions, etc.

On behalf of the CAS team, we would like to thank all of our

student athletes and their families for their ongoing support dur-

ing Term 1 and we look forward in seeing your development

and progress during Term 2.

“I hated every minute of training. But I said ‘DON’T

QUIT’. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a CHAM-

PION.” Muhammad Ali.

Pictured are students and teachers who participated in this years Run For The Kids in support of Taylor Marrone

(Tay's Army).

Library Refurbishment

Around the College

We would like to thank Lachlan Trewick, Matthew Lambert and Dylan McWhinney who did a fantastic job as they

moved all of our books ready for carpet to be laid—it was a massive job! Greatly appreciated and thanks.

Mrs Quinlan and Ms Hooppell

CWA Diamond Jubilee Residential Grant

D o you know a first year Tertiary student living away from home?

The CWA are providing a very valuable scholarship for a student studying at a tertiary institution

whose mother or grandmother is a CWA member. Please contact the school for an application form.

Greetings from the team at Go Girl, Go for IT.

We are in full swing organising our fantastic Go Girl, Go For IT event scheduled for 16th August at

Deakin University.

Go Girl, Go For IT is a free, full day event planned especially for female secondary school students,

years 7 to 12. Our aim is to excite and engage students by introducing them to the wide range of

global, rewarding and varied career options in the IT space. The event seeks to inspire students with

fantastic speakers, showcasing the technologies of the future and challenging preconceptions of a

career in IT.

Sophie Blackford, Brand Development at Instagram Australia is the event patron. Along with other

female role models in IT, she will discuss and demonstrate how IT qualifications can lead to chal-

lenging and exciting careers ranging from small not-for-profits to the largest multi-nationals. There

will be workshops throughout the day and a careers expo where attendees can acquire useful infor-

mation on prospective employers.

See Mr Borger for a copy of the program for the day. If there is sufficient interest then a bus can be

arranged to take students to the event, free of cost.

Careers

ROCHESTER SECONDARY COLLEGE

SCHOOL COUNCIL

WORKING BEE

SUNDAY 8TH MAY

9.30 am—12.00 noon

Your efforts in ‘sprucing up’ our school would be

greatly appreciated.

More details in next week’s newsletter.

B. McCarty 54841844

VACANCIES

Apprentice Cabinet Maker (Certificate III in Cabinet Making) – Full Time based in Strathallan

Apprentice Chef (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery) – Full Time based in Echuca

If interested, contact Mahir Ozdilek at MEGT on 0418 630 905, or see Mr Huddy. Apprentice Baker – Beechworth Bakery – Echuca. To apply, bring your resume to the bakery and see Kylie (Manager) between 9am – 11am Sunday – Thursday. RSC WEBSITE – CAREERS A Careers Blog has been included on the RSC school website. It can be accessed at www.rochsec.vic.edu.au/careers . This will include regular

updates of job vacancies, university and TAFE information, careers events and other relevant information. While we have just made a brief start

at this stage, a lot of information will be included as we get further into the school year. Please check it out.

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE?

NEW APPROACH TO TEACHING DESIGN – The University is introducing a new undergraduate Bachelor of Design degree in 2017. This

degree will create new pathways for students who are passionate about the use of design and creative approaches across a wide range of disci-

plines and professions, and give students contemporary opportunities for their graduate and career prospects. Majors available will be: architec-

ture, construction, computing, civil systems, digital media, landscape architecture, mechanical systems, property, spatial systems, urban

planning and visual and performance design. As a result of this development, the University will not take new students into the Bachelor

of Environments in 2017.

The new Design degree will encompass a number of the pathways to masters programs currently available in the B. Environments and students

interested in environmental science and sustainability will continue to be able to access majors through the B. Arts and the B. Science. Current

B. Environments students will be unaffected by the changes.

‘FOCUS ON MELBOURNE’ – ‘Focus on Melbourne’ University seminars offer you the chance to take a closer look at the courses you

would like to study at Melbourne. The seminar series include sessions for every undergraduate course at Melbourne. Hear from current stu-

dents and find out about majors and degree structures, pathways to further study, employment prospects, entry requirements and applica-

tion, and the unique Melbourne experience. The series kicks off with

Focus on Engineering on Tues 17 May (6.30-8.00pm),

Focus on Veterinary Science on Wed 18 May

Others to follow To find more information and sessions, and to register to attend, go to: http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/focus2016.

DOOKIE COURSE INFORMATION DAY – You are invited to the largest farm campus in the southern hemisphere to find out about pro-

grams available at the University of Melbourne’s Dookie campus. Find out about the B. Agriculture, pathways to the Doctor of Veterinary

Medicine, the Diploma of General Studies as a pathway to some Melbourne degrees, speak to staff and current students and see the accom-

modation. When: 10am-2pm, Sun 17 April; Where: Dookie campus, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Rd, Dookie; Information/Registration: http://

fvas.unimelb.edu.au/dookie-open-day-2016.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY NEWS -

OFFERS OF PLACES – La Trobe offered places to over 8,000 applicants this year. Apart from the large campus at Bundoora, La Trobe is the

largest University in regional Victoria with a total of 1,595 main round offers at its regional campuses, which is 46% of all Victorian regional

university main round offers.

‘ASPIRE’ EARLY ADMISSIONS PROGRAM (EAP) – this program has been well received by students, with 587 community-minded stu-

dents receiving an offer under the program, an increase of 23.6% on the inaugural year. The university is planning to expand this program

(more detail later). Some universities are looking at the need to restructure their admissions practices to promote greater ethical engagement

among aspiring students and to reduce pressure on academic achievement. For information about this program see: www.latrobe.edu.au/aspire.

STEM AN AREA OF STRENGTH AT LA TROBE – For those who are unsure, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics. As you can see below, this is an area the government is wishing to promote. La Trobe University plans to introduce important

initiatives in relation to these course and career areas.

RESTORING THE FOCUS ON STEM IN SCHOOLS – The Federal Government committed an extra $12 million to restore the focus, and

increase student uptake of, science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects in primary and secondary schools in the 2015-

2016 budget. This built on the $5 million allocated in the 2014-15 Budget. Restoring the focus on STEM subjects is about ensuring Australia’s

young adults are equipped with necessary skills for the economy of the future.

STEM is everywhere: our homes, transport, food, health, jobs and leisure to name a few, are all profoundly shaped by technological innova-

tion.

Four key elements of the program are:

providing innovative mathematics curriculum resources

supporting the introduction of computer coding in schools

an innovative approach to education based on the US ‘Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) model

summer schools for STEM students to increase the number of girls and disadvantaged students attending.

Students need to be encouraged to study STEM subjects to help secure the nation’s future. Starting this interest at the school level will hopefully

help increase the number of students taking up STEM subjects in higher education and in their careers, and help keep Australia competitive

internationally in these important fields.

For further questions about these activities or other careers issues, please contact Colin Huddy (Pathways Coordinator).

Rochester Driving School

Brian Crockett Accredited Driver Trainer is offering driving

lessons in a Manual & Automatic car in the Rochester & Dis-

trict Area.

For more information he can be contacted on 54842 182 or

0438 095 651

www.rochesterdrivingschool.com.au

General Mending

Reasonable Prices

Ring Sharon on 5484 3178

Movie Night

It’s a FREE Movie night this Friday 15th April in Heathcote at

Barrack Reserve in the multipurpose room. The movie is Hun-

ger Games—Mockingjay: Part 2 (rated M).

It starts at 7 pm and the first 30 people through the doors will

receive free popcorn and soft drink.

More information can be found via Yo Bendigo’s Website, or

by visiting the event page. https://www.facebook.com/

yobendigo

Winter Tennis Squad

The 2016 winter tournament and training squad is for players

wishing to keep playing tennis during the off season. There

will be monthly tournaments and training sessions conducted

from May to September. The squad is open to all children aged

from 8 through to 17 years of age. Anybody interested please

call David on 0427004457

.Rochester Fine Art

Exhibition

Our opening night is on Thursday 21st April featuring a very

funny comedian, ex local, MONICA DULLARD. Opening

night cost is $15 per head and will include finger food and

drinks, 7.30 start. Bookings on line at www.redhs.com.au or

tickets available at the door on the night.

We are also holding an “Artist’s International Dinner and

Art Auction” night at the Rochester Wine Tavern on Sunday

24th April. A delicious multi course dinner cooked by Mel-

bourne guest chef, Daniel Spizzica will be served. An original

John Perceval painting will be available to bid on at the auc-

tion along with other various works up for auction on the

night.

Tickets MUST be booked through the www.redhs.com.au

website only as there is limited seating available. $75 per

head.

Come along and see the “Rochybald Prize” entrants and we

feature a retrospective of Castlemaine Artist Brian Nunan

along with many other artists of note. Sculpture, glass, paint-

ings, ceramics, and lots more all for sale.

Exhibition open to public FRIDAY 22ND TO SUNDAY

24TH 10—4 PM. Devonshire tea available each day! Anzac

Day 25th from 1.00 pm—4.00 pm.

Exhibition Curated by Penny Silver,

Event Coordinator Judy Anderson (enquiries 0408505373) or

email - peteandjude50@hotmail.com

All funds raised from the exhibition go towards replacing old

beds at the Rochester and Elmore District Health Service with

new electric beds.

Community News