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WOrTh reaDING
www.wrc.vic.edu.au

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FEBRUARY 2014

ART CaMP INDIA

n December last year, Ms Walk organised to take 15 students on an Art Camp to the Uttaryan Art Centre in Gujarat, India (for 15 days). Students participated in ceramics and sculpture workshops with important Indian contemporary and tribal artists. They created etched plates to produce

a limted edition run of prints and particiapted in a self directed acrylic painting workshop. Students visted the Maharajah of Gujarat Palace, world heritage listed mosques, museums and contemporary art galleries. And of course one of the most interesting activities was negotiating the trafc, animals

and general business of the streets to do some shopping. The trip ended in a Bollywood party with all students dressed up in Indian attire and dancing the night away. It was an amazing cultural experience with the opportunity to develop artworks within a new and inspiring environment.

A Proud History, a Bright Future

Welcome Back
W
elcome back everyone and I hope you have had a wonderful and relaxing break over the Christmas holidays, I know I certainly have and cant wait to get stuck into work for 2014. In both my opening address to staff and students I emphasised how proud I was of the achievements of the school in 2013 and set out some direction for areas I would like to see improvement in for 2014. The key areas we have set out for improvement in 2014 are: Common Assessment Task (CATs) and School Assessed Coursework (SACs) to be completed by all students in all subjects. Increasing the quality and quantity of writing by all students in all subjects. Introducing the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support program to continue to build on our top class results in student surveys. On behalf of all of the staff, students and parents of Warragul Regional College we welcome our new staff and wish them well as they become inducted into our learning community.

Principals Report

Year Level Teams

In order to provide greater support to students, staff and parents we have Year Level Teams who are each supported by a full time administrator (Year Level Assistant) in the ofce who will help the operation of the team. The Year Level Assistants key duties are to communicate with parents, monitor and track attendance and classwork, help organise excursions and camps and oversee the smooth running of the year level. If you have any issues you need to discuss please ring the Year Level Assistant or the Team Leader as you rst port of call. The YLAs and Team Leaders are listed below:

I will elaborate on these key ideas in further editions of Worth Reading. I have to say I am impressed with the way students have begun the year and it is great to walk into classrooms to watch and listen to the great learning that is occurring. A special welcome to all of our new families whether they be in Year 7 or in Years 8 to 12. We are really pleased to see the large numbers of students who have chosen to enrol at Warragul Regional College and our numbers are really strong in each year level.

Year Level 7 8 9 10 11 12

Team Leader Jai Law Kate Boyer Sam Richards John Gilcrist Graeme Miller Eric Bott

Year Level Assistant Elisa Fitzsimmons Tracey Harrison Jess Potter Jocelyn Saunders Anne Eacott Anne Eacott

School Council Elections

College Council is responsible for determining the policy framework for our school and provides an excellent opportunity for parents to participate in planning for the future of our young people. There are six elected parents on our Council. Each position has a two year term, requiring an election for two parents this year. This year, two year terms expire for Cathy Stephenson and Jody Wadley. Department of Education employees whose terms expire are Ann Humphries and Ken Spragg therefore there are two staff vacancies. Later in this newsletter, I have included details of the elections for Parent and Department of Education employee members of the College Council. Please note that nominations close Friday 21st February at 4pm. Nomination forms are included in this newsletter and can be returned to Frances Roberts at the College Administration. Please call me on 56239900 if you are interested as I would be pleased to discuss your possible participation on the Council in more detail.
Rob Juratowitch

New Staff
This year we have seen thirteen new staff join the school and we are excited by the quality and enthusiasm of our new recruits. The new staff comprise of one new Assistant Principal, two new teachers and ten new support staff. They are: xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx xx Cameron Nicholls (Assistant Principal) Tegan ODea (Year 7, English/Hums) Jack Deen (Year 8, H&PE) Grant Harris (IT Manager) Sarah Kent (Admin) Courtney Baker (ES Student Support) Mike Jungwirth (Careers) Daniel Greig (IT Trainee) Zoe Dowie(Library Trainee) Bonnie Hendrick(Ofce Trainee) Erica Halls(Ed Support Trainee) Josh Keppel (Ed Support Trainee) Chelsea Taylor (Ed Support Trainee)

Assistant Principals Report

academic, behaviour, uniform, attendance or work due issues) xx View the College newsletter Worth Reading The parent/guardian Compass portal also allows parents and or guardians to: xx Update their contact details xx Approve absences and indicate future absences xx Print off excursion permission forms xx Email the students teacher directly xx Book parent teacher interviews xx View a students report as an electric PDF le. Each family listed on the schools data base has an unique login username and password allowing them to access the Compass website. Please contact your students year level administrator at the school on 562399000 should you have any problems logging on to Compass. these rules and hence survive Year 12, you will have to make sacrices. If that means not going out with your mates or watching television, it does. Just think how much happier you will be when the results come out, and next year and the year after. But Im not a straight As student! So What!! The most important thing to have in Year 12 is perseverance, brains come second!! Think about it. Year 12 is for 10 months. Its like when a tennis match goes 5 sets, if youve got stamina and determination you are more likely to walk away with a win! Have conviction to make it through these 10 months and the commitment to The 2 golden keys to success and I guarantee you will get rewards.

s this is my rst report for the year I wish to welcome back all the students, parents and friends of the College. We have had a very successful and busy start to the year. Enrolments are well above expectations and quite a number of new students have enrolled in our VCE and VCAL programs. I look forward to a productive and successful year. A special welcome to all of our new families whether they be in Year 7 or in Years 8 to 12. We are really pleased to see the large numbers of students who have chosen to enrol at Warragul Regional College and our numbers are really healthy in each year level without being too crowded.

VCE Policies and Procedures

The VCE Team have reviewed its policies and procedures and have produced a student booklet. There have been some changes and parents and students need to read and understand the requirements to successfully complete their VCE. The attendance requirement of 75% in particular is vital. If a students attendance is below 75% in any class students will be assigned an N for that unit. If the student has grounds for an appeal there is an appeal process in available. The booklet was sent home at the end of Term 4 2013 and the students received the booklet at this time as well. Another copy was distributed to the students this week. If you have any questions regarding these procedures please contact the VCE year level administrator Anne Eacott on 56239900.

GUIDELINES FOR YEAR 12

Will I survive Year 12?
If you want to survive Year 12, you will! Quote: time is any managers most precious resource. It is irreversible and irreplaceable. It cannot be stored and it cannot be slowed down. Before you know it the November exams will be knocking on your doorstep. Prevent panic attacks and conquer VCE. These clear steps will help you through life in Year 12.

What if I get stuck?

It might happen! And if it does dont just sit there. There are zillions of people who can help you. I know approaching teachers can often be quite daunting but do it, they love to help people. DONT EVER LIE! I mean dont say you are up to date when you are not. This is a trap; often teachers will not scream at you but will actually help you get on top of things. Dont be embarrassed, be honest!! If you are stuck there are no excuses because there are plenty of ways to get out: 1. See a class teacher in class, during study periods, at lunch time or after school 2. See you year level leader 3. See your careers teacher 4. See your principal 5. Talk to friends 6. Talk to family 7. Talk to family friends 8. Talk to students who did Year 12 last year. Everyone knows how hard Year 12 can be and will help you. Just Ask! Hang in there its only 10 months of your life. Les Ponton Assistant Principal

Im not sure if Im ready?

Ready or not VCE is coming to get you! Year 12 can be extremely hard and challenging and then again it can be easy. It all depends on whether you want to do well or just pass.

Compass
The College has an established school community communication tool, called Compass, which is now in its second year of use. I know that several families are aware and use this internet based system already. If you are unaware of this program, please visit the College website for the link. The user name and password required will be provided to all families. Compass allows parents/guardians to view their students prole including: xx Student timetable xx School notices xx Attendance xx Chronicle reports (these reports will keep you informed on any

How do I organise my time?

If you never studied much through school dont fool yourself and think youll study every night for 2 hours after dinner. It might happen for the rst week, but the rst week only. Go at a pace you feel most comfortable. If you want to watch television, go ahead. If you want to go out, go ahead as long as you abide by the 2 golden keys to success!! 1. Keep up to date in class 2. Make sure you understand your work Remember though to be able to abide by
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Welcome Cameron Nicholls, Assistant Principal

Laptop Distribution
The information Technology Services Team has been distributing new laptops to students in years 7 and 10. This is a signicant process given that the program now includes a range of laptops to accommodate the learning needs of individual students and nancial considerations of families. By now most students should have received their laptop, however, the delivery of some machines has been slightly delayed. This is commonly the case where a device has been purchased with Accidental Damage Protection as these machines are shipped direct from a factory overseas where the paperwork for insurance is managed. Arrangements have been put in place to provide students affected with access to a school machine in the meantime. If your child is yet to receive a laptop or is experiencing difculty in connecting to the school network or with the laptops performance, they should take the laptop to IT Services to have the problem solved.

Boot Camp
While access to digital learning is an essential part of a 21st Century education, cyber safety is an important issue for all students. By the time students arrive at secondary school most will already be regular and active users of digital technologies including social media tools such as Facebook. Warragul Regional College recognises the need for students to be safe and responsible users of digital technologies. As a rst step in educating students about safe and responsible computer use, a Boot Camp was held on Friday morning and attended by all students in years 7 and 10. The Boot Camp guided students, particularly those using their own laptops at school for the rst time, though safe and responsible online behaviours and raised student awareness of issues such as online privacy, intellectual property and copyright. Also covered were the responsibilities students have to ensure the laptop is kept in good working order and charged so students are ready to work and ready to learn. At the conclusion of the Boot Camp students were given a copy of the WRC Acceptable Use Agreement for Years 7-12 (AUA). We would encourage parent to read this document with their child as we believe safe and responsible use of technology is best taught when parents/ guardians work with us and encourage this behaviour at home. The last page of the AUA document must be signed by both students and parents and the relevant section returned to the appropriate year level ofce.

Parents visiting the college

Whilst we look forward to seeing parents/guardians and encourage you to visit the college any time of the year, it is essential that any visitors report to Main Reception before visiting any other part of the grounds. It is certainly not acceptable for parents/guardians to collect student directly from classrooms, locker bays or the yard. For the purposes of health and safety, and DISPLAN procedures, visitors are required to register their attendance at reception after which you will be issued with a visitors pass. The visitor pass issued is to be worn at all times throughout the duration of your visit to the school. We thank you for your assistance in these matters.

Assistant Principal Cameron Nicholls

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Financial Assistance - Information for Parents

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA):
The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is provided by the Victorian Government to lower-income families to help with education-related costs. If you have a child under 16, and you hold a valid Health Care Card, Pension Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible to receive the EMA. The allowance is paid in two instalments, one in March and one in August. The payment is intended to assist with education-related costs such as; uniforms, excursions, textbooks, and stationery. You can elect to have your EMA paid in one of the following ways: Paid by direct deposit (Electronic Funds Transfer) into your own nominated bank account; or Paid to the school to be held as credit which you can use towards education expenses; or Paid by cheque which will be posted to the school for collection. In 2014, the annual EMA amount per student is: $200 for prep students $150 for students in years 1 6. $300 for year 7 students $250 for students in year 8 until age 16*.

* A pro-rata amount is payable for students turning 16 in 2014. How to Apply: Contact the school ofce to obtain an EMA application form. Closing Date: You need to obtain an EMA application form from the school ofce and return by 28 February 2014. For more information about the EMA, visit http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/nancial/ Pages/default.aspx

InTRoducing The new LibRaRy TRainee foR 2014

My name is Zoe Dowie. Last year I graduated from St Pauls Anglican Grammar and applied for this position as Gap year employment before going to University, hopefully to study Social Work in 2015. As part of my role in the Library I run quizzes and colouring competitions of a lunchtime for all students to enter and will be assisting with the new Literacy Program. I will also be coordinating this years Premiers Reading Challenge; stay tuned for further information in the next edition of Worth Reading..

SCHOOLWIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT (SWPBS)

In 2014 Warragul Regional College will adopt an innovative framework through which we will create a consistent and positive learning environment for all students of the college, from Year 7 to Year 12. As part of our commitment to ensuring all students benet from a safe and supporting learning environment, our entire college community will collaborate under the umbrella of a Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework. Through this means we will develop whole-school systems to not only dene what we deem to be appropriate student behaviours but effectively teach and support such behaviours. In contrast to rigid programs and traditional approaches to behaviour management, SWPBS is a framework which, by its very nature, is designed to envelope our unique and dynamic college community, enabling our college to adapt and respond to the evolving learning needs of our students. Developed by leading behavioural experts, the SWPBS has proven to be a successful strategy in the development of whole school behaviour management systems which have not only reduced problematic behaviour but increased the academic performance within their focal school communities. The ongoing training of our staff is the key to our great success and in keeping with our ideals as a progressive secondary college we are committed to our professional development in SWPBS. Working together, our teaching, ancillary, administration staff and other interested community members will meet regularly to discuss and evaluate the success of our Colleges current approaches to student behaviour management. As a team we will make decisions and adjustments to ensure the processes we have in place within our classrooms will not only enable our students the chance to embrace a full curriculum of study, but effectively teach them expected social behaviours as well. This powerful combination of knowledge and understanding will ultimately bring positive results for our entire college community as students grow in condence through recognition of their appropriate behaviour and their ability to learn in an environment which has been built to maximize their potential. The social culture of our college is of great importance to us. Growing from strength to strength, it is buoyed by the genuine desire and focus of our entire staff on the creation of a positive and unique learning environment for our students. Through the constant identication of effective behaviour management strategies we will continually apply best practices to build and support the academic and social success of our students. The learning of effective and durable behaviours will not only benet our students whilst within our school environment, but will echo into their personal lives assisting them immensely in their future endeavours. On Tuesday last week the entire Warragul Regional College staff, under the expert guidance of Anne Outhread (Educational Consultant), participated in a series of workshops about SWPBS. Further workshops are planned during the coming year, and will involve, wherever practical, parents, community & students. If you would like further information about this amazing educational initiative, please do not hesitate to contact me at school. Iain Luck Assistant Principal ~ Student Services

The AGE VCE and Careers Expo is Australias biggest careers and education event with 170 exhibitors providing VCE, tertiary course, career, study skills and gap year information and resources. Exhibitors include Australias 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 under 14 are free) and is valid for all 4 days of the expo. Admission includes all seminars.

The AGE VCE & Careers Expo 2014 Thursday 8th & Friday 9th May, 9-3pm Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May, 10-4pm Cauleld Racecourse

For more details see The Expo Visitor Guide in the Age on Monday 28th April or visit vceandcareers.com.au

school council elecTions 2014

What is a school council and what does it do?
All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly inuence the quality of education that the school provides for its students. If you decide to stand for election, you can arrange for someone to nominate you as a candidate or you can nominate yourself in the Parent category. DEECD employees whose child is enrolled in a school in which they are not employed are eligible to nominate as parents for the school council where their child is enrolled Once the nomination form is completed, return it to the principal within the time stated on the notice of election. You will receive a Nomination Form Receipt in the mail following the receipt of your completed nomination. If there are more nominations received than there are vacancies on council, a ballot will be conducted during the two weeks after the call for nominations has closed.

Who is on the school council?

There are three possible categories of membership: A mandated elected Parent category. More than one third of the total members must be from this category. Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) employees can be Parent members at their childs school as long as they are not employed at the school. A mandated elected DEECD employee category. Members of this category may make up no more than one third of the total membership of school council. The principal of the school is automatically one of these members. An optional Community member category. Its members are appointed by a decision of the council because of their special skills, interests or experiences. DEECD employees are not eligible to be Community members. The term of ofce for all members is two years. Half the members must retire each year, creating vacancies for the annual school council elections.

Remember
Ask at the school for help if you would like to stand for election and are not sure what to do Consider standing for election to council this year Be sure to vote in the elections. Contact the principal for further information.

Notice Of Election And Call For Nominations

An election is to be conducted for members of the School Council of Warragul Regional College. Nomination forms accompany this newsletter, extra forms may also be obtained from the school or downloaded from the school website: www.wrc.vic.edu.au Forms must be lodged by 4pm on Monday 21 February 2014. The ballot will close at 4pm on Friday 7 March 2014. Following the closing of nominations a list of the nominations received will be posted at the school. The terms of ofce, membership categories and number of positions in each membership category open for election are as follows:

Why is Parent membership so important?

Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of the school. Those parents who become active on a school council nd their involvement satisfying in itself and may also nd that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

How can you become involved?

The most obvious way is to vote in the elections, which are held in Term 1 each year. However, ballots are only held if more people nominate as candidates than there are positions vacant. In view of this, you might seriously consider standing for election as a member of the school council encouraging another person to stand for election.

Membership category Parent member

Term of ofce

Number of positions

From the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2014 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2016 From the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2014 to and inclusive of the date of the declaration of the poll in 2016

Four (4)

Do I need special experience to be on school council?

No. What you do need is an interest in your childs school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the schools future.

DEECD employee member

Two (2)

What do you need to do to stand for election?

The principal will issue a notice and call for nominations following the commencement of Term 1 each year. All school council elections must be completed by the end of March.
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If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect and calling for further nominations will be posted in a prominent position at the school.

We wish to remind parents and students that careers advice and information is available on a range of pathways related matters and that you are encouraged to contact the Careers Staff ( Sarah Taylor or Mike Jungwirth ) should you have any questions about: Year 10 Work Experience VCAL Structured Workplace Learning Placements VET programs Applying for tertiary courses through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre Information regarding subject re-requisites for tertiary courses General career/pathways planning School based apprenticeships and traineeships Parents wishing to talk to either Sarah or Mike can contact the College on 5623 9900 to arrange an appointment time.
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YOUR COLLEGES CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE

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C ommunity A chievement R espect E ffort

Quote of the week

A new year brings a new beginning.

diaRy daTes
Mon Mon Fri Mon Tues Wed Fri Mon 17 Feb 10 Mar 4 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 9 Jun School Photos Public Holiday - Pupil Free Day Last Day of Term 1 Public Holiday - Pupil Free Day Curriculum Day- Pupil Free Day Term 2 Commences Public Holiday - Pupil Free Day Public Holiday - Pupil Free Day Fri Fri Mon Fri Mon Tues Fri 13 Jun 27 Jun 14 Jul 19 Sept 6 Oct 4 Nov 19 Dec Curriculum Day - Pupil Free Day Last Day of Term 2 Term 3 Commences Last Day of Term 3 Term 4 Commences Public Holiday - Pupil Free Day Last Day of Term 4 2014

2014 bell TiMes

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am 9:05 am 9:13 am 10:10 am 11:07 am 11:34 am 11:39 am 12:36 pm 1:33 pm 2:13 pm 2:18 pm 3:15 pm Locker Bell Homegroup Period 1 Period 2 Recess Locker Bell Period 3 Period 4 Lunch Locker Bell Period 5 End of Day Thursday (Extended Homegroup) 9:00 am 9:05 am 9:30 am 10:27 am 11:24 am 11:44 am 11:49 am 12:46 pm 1:43 pm 2:23 pm 2:28 pm 3:25 pm Locker Bell Extended Homegroup Period 1 Period 2 Recess Locker Bell Period 3 Period 4 Lunch Locker Bell Period 5 End of Day

COME AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Lifeline Gippsland needs committed and dedicated community members interested in becoming telephone crisis support volunteers. The benefits from the training and skills gained will last you a lifetime.
INFORMATION SESSION & WORKSHOP 10am-3pm Saturday 22nd February 2014 At Drouin Fire Brigade - Drouin For more information contact the Lifeline Gippsland office on 5136 3500 or email Kathleen@llg.org.au

P.O. Box 213 | 55 Burke Street Warragul 3820 | Ph: (03) 5623 9900 | Fax: (03) 5623 4473 | Web: www.wrc.vic.edu.au E-mail: 9 warragul.co@edumail.vic.gov.au | A.B.N. 19 320 417 831 | CRICOS Provider Code: 00861K

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