MELVILLE HIGH
Week 5
Monday / 13 Aug / P & C Meeting in Library from 6.30pm
Skills 2 Chill
Tuesday / 14 Aug / Year Advisors’ Day
Wednesday / 15 Aug / Trial Bay Gaol Excursion
Thursday / 16 Aug / Trial Bay Gaol Excursion
Friday / 17 Aug / Motivational Media Presentation
Week 6
19 – 23 August / Snow Excursion
Monday / 20 Aug / Skills 2 Chill
CHS boys softball inter-regional carnival
Tuesday / 21 Aug / Body Armour Performance
CHS boys softball inter-regional carnival
Wednesday / 22 Aug / CHS boys softball inter-regional carnival
INDONESIAN MUSIC WORKSHOP
(Pictured above, left to right, are Brooke,Jenni-Leigh, Daniel, Ben, Crystal)
On Tuesday, 5 June the Yr 7 students spent the morning engaged in an Indonesian music workshop. Made Dennis and his team arrived at Melville with all the instruments of a full Gamelan (gong) orchestra and most students had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument. Everyone had fun with simple Balinese tunes which were practised and played on gongs, cymbals, xylophones and drums. Students waiting for their turn were treated to Francis playing the Balinese pipes and leading them in a performance of the Monkey Dance.
Mr D Barry
Social Science
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Education Week
For Education Week our school participated in the Macleay Music Festival on Monday, 30 July. Congratulations to all students and staff from Melville who contributed to such a wonderful event. The festival is a showcase for musical talent for all students in the Macleay and it is a privilege to be the host school. I must convey a special mention to Mrs JulieOlzomer who as usual gives of her time and expertise so generously to ensure success.
On Wednesday, 1 August the school opened its doors with staff providing an evening of displays and demonstration for the community and especially Yr 6 students and parents from our partner schools. I was encouraged by the warm and positive comments offered by parents. Parents who commented indicated how pleased they were to have the opportunity to see what was happening in classrooms. I was particularly pleased with the observation of one parent who indicated that Melville was a school her child belonged to rather than just attended. I hope that all students and parents who are part of our school do have that sense of belonging.
Subject Selection Year 10 to 11
At this stage all Yr 10 students should have had a discussion with their parents around their intentions for 2013. On Wednesday evening many students and parents took the opportunity to meet with staff to discuss the transition to senior school. Over the next few weeks, students and parents will be making important decisions. Students will be meeting with Focus 10 teachers to discuss subject selection and future career training options.
On 17 August, students will be required to submit their first round subject selection. After the draft lines are drawn up, parents and students can arrange interviews to clarify any issues they may have.
Please contact myself, Mr David Bartlett or Mrs Joanne Cavanagh if you have any questions.
Year 8 Transition to Year 9
Yr 8 students will be making their subject choices for 2013 over the coming weeks. After meetings with the Yr Advisor and Mr Bartlett students will be issued with a subject selection sheet. These will need to be returned by 14 August. If parents have any questions about Yr 9 elective choices please contact Yr Advisor Mrs Caroline Muldoon for advice.
School Fees and Payments
Melville High School relies on school fees and subject contributions to cover the cost of important educational programs. While we strive to offer our programs as cheaply as possible, fees and subject contributions are unavoidable. At this stage in the year a number of families have not paid their fees.
Over the next few weeks staff will be contacting families encouraging them to make their contribution to the operation of the school. If parents are having financial difficulty they can access student assistance by contacting the school administration office or myself.
If every family meets their obligations in this regard, many more worthwhile educational opportunities can be offered to students.
Education Week at MHS
(Parent and students participating in Egyptian calligraphy (foreground) and Interactive history activities at the smartboard (background))
On Wednesday, 1 August Melville High School had an Open House from 3.30 – 6pm for the wider community to come and see what our students are doing in education. On arrival, the families/caregivers met at the library, where afternoon tea was provided and they were able to register and collect a map and program of activities. Forty eight families viewed a variety of displays and took part in many activities offered across 12 key learning areas throughout the school.
General feedback comments made by the visitors praised the friendliness of teaching staff, the “hands on” nature of activities and the high quality of displays and interesting work of students in Wood Work, Creative Arts, History, Social Science, Textile & Design, Marine Studies, German, English and Mathematics. Many of the visitors also appreciated the pet care animals in the quad area, Mr Singleman and his scientific “magic”, Mr Thomas’ interactive ball games (which kept the visitors very busy) and Mrs Olzomer, who had all the children on drums and playing a beat before they left.
A big thank you to all the staff for their time and effort, that participated in such a successful afternoon.
(“Mini” Olympics in the Hall)
(Kelly explaining that his Yr 12 major woodwork job is made completely from recycled timber)
Mrs Robyn Townsend, Community Engagement Officer & Mrs Rachel Turner, D.P. Quality Teaching
LOOKING AFTER OUR SCHOOL
Schools are an important part of the community. We take care and pride in our school, so that it will be a happy, safe and pleasant learning and play centre for all of our young students.
No-one has a right to be in the school out of school hours and certainly no-one has the right to vandalise our children’s classrooms.
As a community member we are asking you to help us by:
- Being vigilant as you walk or drive past the school out of hours.
- Detouring past the school whenever you are able and checking the grounds as you go past.
- Reporting any trespassing or vandalism by phoning the school security unit (24 hour service) on 1300 880 021 or the Police.
Your personal safety and security is important, so please do not intervene in any way if you observe trespassers, simply report the incident.
Congratulations to Oscar Murphy on his continued “post-Melville” success.
Pictured above: Oscar Murphy receiving his UNSW scholarship in May, 2012.
Oscar Murphy, Yr 12 Melville High School 2011, has been awarded the “Stephen Robjohns Memorial Rural Engineering Scholarship” for 2012 at the University of NSW on the basis of his excellent achievements.
Professor Graham Davies commented in a personal letter to the school, “I am pleased that Oscar has enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering in the Chemical engineering program at UNSW to continue the excellent education with which your school has provided him”.
National Schools Tree Planting Day
On Friday the 27 July the sun was shining and Melville High School students, Tahni-Lee, Kristina, Sally and Kristopher (L-R next page), along with many other schools in the district went to Boyter’s Lane, Jerseyville to take part in National Schools Tree Planting Day. The day was sponsored by Toyota, Bi-Lo SWR, Kempsey Shire Council and PlanetARK. All students and teachers helped Bill Larkins, from Kempsey Shire Council, plant 300 native seedlings to help regenerate a wetland into a mini rainforest. When we finished, we were rewarded with light refreshments and then went for a walk to see the bird watch house.
Thanks to Mrs Townsend for organising our involvement and participating in the planting with us.
SallyYr 10
SPORTS NEWS
North Coast Athletics Carnival Results
Twenty seven Melville students made the trek to Kingscliff for the Regional Athletics Championships. Congratulations to James who was 16 years age champion – another outstanding result for him. Well done to the following students who gained major placings and who will now represent North Coast at the NSW Combined High Schools Athletics Championships at Homebush in early September.
GIRLS
Samantha (16-19 yrs AWD) – 2nd discus.
Tyisha (15 yrs) – 1st javelin.
Matilda (17 yrs) – 2nd javelin.
Hannah (14 yrs) – 2nd 800m, 1st 400m.
BOYS
Brenden (14 yrs) – 2nd long jump.
Terry (12-15 yrs AWD) – 3rd javelin.
Lachlan (13 yrs) – 2nd javelin.
Akira (16-19 yrs AWD) – 3rd shot put.
James (16 yrs) – 1st long jump, 1st high jump, 1st javelin, 1st triple jump.
Cameron (12-15 yrs AWD) – 2nd long jump, 2nd 200m, 2nd 100m.
Ben (16 yrs) – 1st 800m.
Other students who competed included Kasey (12 yrs) – 3rd discus; Mayta (15 yrs) – 4th discus; Annabelle (16 yrs) – 5th high jump; Claire (16 yrs) – 6th javelin; Annaliese (14 yrs) – 4th discus, 6th javelin; Mitchell (17 yrs) – 5th javelin; Kevin (12 yrs) – 4th shot put, 3rd discus; Jack (13 yrs) – 6th 200m, 7th 100m, 8th long jump; Joseph (12-15 yrs AWD) – 7th 200m, 5th 100m; Mark (15 yrs) – 6th 1500m; Billie (13 yrs) – 4th discus.
The boys 13 yrs relay (Triston, Jack, Billie, Shae) came 4th and unfortunately the boys 15 yrs relay (Cameron, Harrison, Dennis, Brenden) were disqualified.
NAIDOC Week
PDHPE classes celebrated NAIDOC Week in the last week of Term 2. PE classes engaged in Traditional Indigenous Games such as buroinjin, kabikabiburoinjin, parndo, puldjungi, pulyugge and purlja. Most Indigenous Games were played for pleasure and a game could go from sunrise to sunset. There were no referees or umpires and no scoring system. Perhaps sport should still be played in this manner today.
In Health lessons, students looked at the involvement and success of Indigenous athletes in sport. Did you know:-
- The origin of Aussie Rules is believed to have come from an Indigenous game called MarnGrook (a football game featuring punt kicking and catching a stuffed “ball”)
- The first Australian team to travel overseas was an all Aboriginal cricket team. They went to England in 1868.
- Arthur Beetson was the first Indigenous player to captain Australia in rugby league.
- Lional Rose was the first Indigenous boxer to win a professional world boxing title.
- Eric Simms (the Rabbitohs) forced a change in the rugby league rules. He was a great kicker of field goals. This made the NRL change the value of field goals from 2 points to one.
The Olympics
With the Olympics happening in London, some Health classes have looked at the history of the Games. Some interesting facts:
- The name of the Olympics originated from the ancient games which were held at Olympia in Greece.
- The Olympic torch is symbolic of ancient Greek traditions.
- The Olympic flag has 5 rings intertwined – they represent the unity of the 5 inhabited continents (America, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Europe)
- The modern Olympics have been held every 4 years since 1896. However, the Games of 1916, 1940 and 1944 were cancelled because of World Wars I and II.
- Go the Aussies!!!!!!!!!!!!!
15 Years Netball
(Pictured above: Back Row – Annaliese, Charlee, Malise, Kristina.
Front Row – Miriam, Angie, Olivia, Maddie)
Recently, our 15 years netball team travelled to Port Macquarie for the Zone KO day. We played Camden Haven High in round 1 and had a convincing victory. In our next game we came up against a “red-hot” Macksville High team and that was that. The team consisted of Olivia, Maddie, Annaliese, Angie, Malise, Kristina, Miriam and Charlee.
Thanks to Mrs Gear for her efforts with the team and also to Mrs Adams and Mrs Arndell for assisting with transport. A big thank you also to Mrs Townsend for the running around that she did for the team as well as finding some players at late notice. Thanks ladies!!
14 Years Rugby League.
MrMcCafferty entered our 14 years team in a gala day last week. Schools involved included Kempsey High, St Pauls High and Nambucca High. In our first game we played Kempsey High and won 22-6. St. Pauls then beat us 18-4. In the last of the round games we played Nambucca High and it finished up a draw (4-4). Nambucca were winners as they scored the first try. In the play-off for third we again beat Kempsey High. Stand out players for Melville wereTriston“Joey”, Dean “Robbie” and Brenden“Tamou”. The squad included Bradley, Caleb, Allan, Mitchell, Triston, Cody, Tristen, Rhys, Blake, Dean, Liam, Rhys, Jesse, Shaun, Sebastian,Brenden.
Out of School Sporting Success
- Well done to Callan who was selected in the NSW Country 14 years Indoor Cricket team. During the school holidays he competed at the National Junior Indoor Cricket Championships in Queensland.
- Harrison was selected in the Mid North Coast 15 years AFL team and was named MVP in their rep game against North Coast. Well done.
- Bailey and Lachlan competed at the Timberjacks Friendship baseball carnival recently in Lismore. They played against teams from Victoria, NSW and Qld. Congratulations.
- Harrison was a part of Frederickton’s golf team which won the division six pennant in the Mid North Coast competition. Good stuff.
- Well done to Sebastian (14 years), Triston and Robert (both 13 years) who gained selection in Group 2 rugby league representative sides. Sebastian’s team went through the carnival undefeated.
- Isaiah gained a major NAIDOC Week award – the North Coast Aboriginal Education Encouragement Award. Isaiah was a part of the North Coast Southern Region gifted and talented student program this year. He has also performed Welcome to Country acknowledgements at official ceremonies and been a part of the National Leaders program. On top of this Isaiah was the PSSA Macleay Sports Person of the year, in 2011. Congratulations.
“Streetwise” Handbook.
This week Yr 11’s were issued a booklet developed by the NSW PCYC organisation called “Streetwise”. The booklet promotes initiatives in the local area but also offers safety information on issues our youth are subject to from day to day. Topics such as drugs, alcohol, money, jobs and travelling are some of the topics covered in the booklet. If your son/daughter missed out on the booklet they can see Mr Thomas in the PDHPE staffroom.
Mr Thomas
PDHPE Head Teacher