19 Aug 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the mid-Term 3 edition of the Bay Bulletin. There are always so many great things happening at WBHS. Our school website and Facebook page are regularly updated with information, news stories and photos highlighting student success and wonderful teaching and learning programs. From the Years 9 and 11 History archaeological dig, to sporting success, to a champion equestrian - WBHS students and staff are amazing!
Choral Fest
Our choir performed brilliantly at Choralfest recently, achieving a highly commended citation from the adjudicator. I was a very proud audience member and enjoyed some marvellous singing. Well done to all staff and students involved. See here for photos and audio.
WBHS Musical
The WBHS-written musical 'Runway Runaway' started today with a matinee for our partner primary school students, and performances tonight and tomorrow night. It is always inspiring to see students shining in their passions and gifts. Come if you can - it will be great. See here for more information.
New Teacher
I would like to welcome Mr Turner to the WBHS staff team. Mr Turner joined the Science faculty at the start of Term 3.
Sounds of Colour
This groundbreaking WBHS production on Nov 18 will be an exciting fusion of art, music, sound and light. See here for more information.
HSC Trial Exams
The HSC Trial exams went very well. Our Year 12 students approached their exams with maturity and dedication. Many of our students have already submitted their major works with other projects due soon. Music, Drama and Languages students have their HSC practical exams over the next few weeks.
Year 7 PBL
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a number of 'pitches' from several Year 7 groups during the recent Project Based Learning incursions days. I saw many examples of innovation, creativity, problem solving and collaboration. Well done to all staff and students involved.
Careers Information Evening
Students, parents and carers are invited to attend an information night on School to Work Pathways, Wednesday 24th August, at 7pm in the MPC. This event will be of interest to anyone looking to learn more about youth employment, apprenticeships, traineeships and full-time VET courses available to school leavers in 2023. Invited guest speakers include ex-students currently completing apprenticeships/traineeships, local employers including LMCC, TAFE, and Group Training Organisation representatives. The purpose of this event is to provide up-to-date information on post-school options for students from Years 10, 11 and 12. The evening will consist of a brief introduction regarding career pathways and guest speakers will discuss the workplace and transferable skills employers are looking for in applicants, along with emerging job opportunities in the Hunter region. Guests will then be given the opportunity to gather information and discuss individual questions with employment representatives in a market setting. For more information, please contact our Careers Adviser, Renee Sommer (renee.stone@det.nsw.edu.au) or call 4954 9488.
White Shoes and Hoodies
A reminder that white shoes and hoodies are not part of the school's uniform policy.
Revised IER policy
You may have seen recent media coverage about the department's revised Inclusive Engaging and Respectful Schools policy (IER). This suite of policies comprises the Inclusive Education Policy, Student Behaviour Policy, and Restrictive Practices Reduction and Elimination Policy, Framework and Procedures. Please see here for more information. At the next P&C meeting (see below), I will be providing an overview of the changes to the Student Behaviour Policy.
Next WBHS P&C Meeting
Tuesday, 23rd August at 7.00pm. Ms Tamas (HT Languages/VET) will share about the great things happening at WBHS with Languages and vocational education and training (VET). I will give a brief overview of the department's revised Student Behaviour Policy. The meeting will be held in Room A1. Access is via the front car park.
Latest COVID settings
Please see here for the latest COVID advice and settings.
Vaping
Vaping remains a serious concern and is getting increasing media exposure. In March, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell launched the Get the Facts – Vaping Toolkit as part of a NSW Health vaping awareness campaign. The campaign is aimed at secondary students and reminds parents, carers, young people and teachers that vaping is not safe and can have harmful, long-term effects to the physical and brain development of young people. All families are encouraged to be proactive in their awareness of the dangers of vaping and have regular conversations with their children about these issues.
Vaping devices and accessories are prohibited items at Warners Bay High School. Students are not to possess, use, purchase, sell, share or swap vaping devices or accessories with other students on school premises or away from the school site on school-endorsed activities. This type of behaviour will result in disciplinary action that may include suspension from school.
e-Safety Resources for Families
As we know, e-Safety is a critical issue for young people. The following excellent resources from the e-Safety Commissioner can support families in discussion at home:
- Webinars for parents and carers
- The eSafety Guide has information about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect information and report inappropriate content.
- eSafety has a guide for parents and carers (in six languages) which covers key online safety issues for young people and includes a range of practical advice on what to do if things go wrong. These resources cover the big issues and has tips for the hard to have conversations
- The eSafety Commissioner blogs are a good resource to use in communication with parent and carer communities, some of the latest blogs include:
Regards,
Marcus Neale