Sand, slides and sun

Volume 7 Edition 1 Mindarie Senior College News June 2009 The tug of war (top) and the water slides (below) were among the biggest hits as Mindarie SC Year 11 students made their annual Great Escape pilgrimage to the Hillarys water park. BOTTOM: Students showed their artistic skills with some amazing sand sculptures. Sand, slides and sun he Year 11 cohort kick started their school year in hot summer style with an excursion to the Great Escape, Hillarys. This was no ordinary flexi-day for students, to catch up on schoolwork or relax, this was a day packed full of excitement to encourage students to have fun and develop friendships with their peers and teachers. Cooling down was a must for the scorching 40-degree heat, and this was no issue for the 400-plus Year 11s who enjoyed the thrills of the waterslides, volleyball, tug of war, mini golf and sand sculpting. As the students rolled into the Great Escape, the teachers prepared various activities and team games for the students to enjoy. Beach volleyball was arguably the greatest event of the day, as it was not only an exciting game for students, but even caught the attention of people walking by. Other activities included sand sculpting, which required students to work T Year 12 College reporters Alex Mankowski and Joshua Antram recount the fun and games of the Year 11 Term 1 excursion. together in their mentor groups. This activity was quite fun, as many of the students got a chance to make new friends and try to win the competition. After much deliberation by our judges, Mr Rick Gendle, Associate Principal, announced the winners, Mr Dragomir Smiljkovic’s (11.14) and Mr Peter Lilywhite’s (11.28) groups. Tug of war provided ample opportunity for the boys to flex their muscles and the girls didn’t give up so easy either. The waterslides kept the temperature at bay and mini golf became more of a serious tournament than a friendly round of the back nine. On the whole, the day was a great success, with students commenting that it was a “great way to meet teachers and other students”, and “it was a really fun day”. Excitement was anticipated and it was surely delivered on the day, a memorable one for all of those involved. @ Mindarie June 2009 — 1 Perfecting the art Manager of the Arts Reese Driscoll shows how perspiration T Visual Arts Certificate ll Year 11: This group has had a wonderful start to the year. They have been working on a variety of drawing and painting techniques and are working towards creating a lino print. Certificate ll Year 12: This group has had a very strong start to 2009. At present they are artistically involved in graffiti and urban art. They are working towards creating custom sneakers and small furniture. 2A/B Visual Art: These students have been drawing, working with wet mediums and are about to start experimenting with printmaking techniques. Year 12 TEE Art: This group has been working with the challenges of portraiture with great results. They are also involved in creative photography and painting and are working in the studio in textiles. Certificate 2 in Creative Industries: This group of student has been scripting, storyboarding, shooting and editing a digital video project. Year 11 Media Production and Analysis: This group have been focused on subcultures and are creating a trailer for a film about subculures. Year 12 Media Production and Analysis: This group has been looking at film form and history.The students are looking at how different film movements affect the films that we view today. This group is also creating short alternative films. Certificate II Year 11 Art student Devina Filinski. Certificate II Year 11 Art. TOP and ABOVE: Certificate 2 in Creative Industries. Certificate II Year 12 Art student Alex Marshall. Year 11 Media Production and Analysis. Year 12 Media Production and Analysis. Helping others call Western Australia home LWAYS wanted to experience a new culture in your own home? Perhaps put into practice a language you’ve learnt for years? Do you want to show the world that there’s a lot to Australia and in particular Western Australia? Why not host an AFS exchange student? Arriving in July and staying for six months on an AFS exchange program we have high school students from different countries in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. A In addition, AFS will be welcoming AFS Community Service volunteers who have chosen to spend six months of their life helping community, educational and governmental organisations throughout WA. Hosting is a great way to bring the world into your home! Not only can you experience another culture firsthand without leaving your doorstep, you can also practise a new language with a native speaker! AFS host families come in all shapes and sizes; we look for secure, open minded, understanding and loving families who are willing to share their lives with a young person from the other side of the world! Volunteer host families are needed to provide these students with the unique opportunity to discover and experience the ‘real’ Australia. So, to establish life-long friendships, gain a new family member or touch up on a foreign language, why not seize the opportunity and become an AFS host family? AFS ensures peace of mind for host parents and students before, during and after the experience. Become a volunteer host family and step into the cultural experience of a life time! Call AFS WA Volunteer Hosting Coordinator, Joyce Vandenberg on 9534 5823 or 0409 535 721 if you’re interested in hosting an AFS exchange student or visit www.afs.org.au. 2 — @ Mindarie June 2009 meets inspiration in the work of Arts students of really hard work Music THESE Year 12 students are practising their originals or covers songs. Their task is to create a music video. They have a choice of being recorded in the recording studio or live in the PA Space by a film crew at the end of this term. They are working across a number of music genres including Australian Hip Hop, Shredder Metal, Indie/Folk, Rock and Soft Rock. Everything covered: Year 12 Music students during a practical session. ABOVE: Shontay Snow. BELOW LEFT: Austin Falconer-West, Romey Hennessey and Kevin Viljoen. BELOW RIGHT: Brandon Read and Brendan Mundell. ABOVE: Gary Pursey. BELOW: Romey Hennessey. Dance DANCE students are working on their small group-choreography using traditional dance styles in a modern context. Dance styles include Charleston, African Tribal and Belly Dancing. Dance students in rehearsal. ABOVE: Year 11 Drama students. BELOW: Year 11 Drama students Charlotte Ball and Michaela Pritchard. Drama Year 11 Drama: These students have been blocking a scene from Hedda Gabler, with an emphasis on realism. Year 12 Drama: This group of students has been working with the Black Swan Theatre Company and recently attended a dramaturge workshop. The students worked with Angela Betzien, a contemporary Australian playwright, and director Adam Mitchell. The students will be viewing The Dark Room later in the year. Dance students in rehearsal. @ Mindarie June 2009 — 3 I T was not a day for ed. The Year 12 classes encounter wild beasts in captivity The animals viewed Year 12s were a vari birds and mammals tak parts of the world. The venture tak courageous students 27 ranged from the l Walkabout, to the hot Savannah, to the cool t Entering the Dark Room Year 12 Stage 3 Drama students with the Hot Bed Theatre Ensemble preparing for The Dark Room. UPON arrival at the college on Fe Ms Stewart’s Year 12 Drama class ing to begin their journey to the Bl State Theatre Company in Nedlan The class was set to meet w Swan Education Liaison Alena Tom the cast and crew of the company coming stage production, The Da which included director Adam Mi tors and playwright. Unfortunately, the transport was no so “transportational” as according to Kristian Maxwell-McG “The class had to resort to cars the teachers and peers to make reached their destination on time,” “After an excessive amount turns the class had finally reached tination, albeit 10 minutes late, greeted by Alena Tompkins at door.” The cast and crew of the produ through a new scene that had be to the play, whilst students were provide the team with feedback. Students’ impressions and ideas careful consideration by the team. “It was a successful day, which students and the cast found to be a experience,” Ms Stewart said. Fast ForWord CAN YOUR CHILD BENEFIT FROM FAST FORWORD? • • • • Does your child have difficulty concentrating? Is your child easily distracted by background noise? Does your child have Central Auditory processing Disorder? Did your son or daughter have frequent ear infections during early childhood? Fast ForWord is a series of interactive computer games that train participants in core cognitive and reading skills. Based on over 30 years of neuroscience research into how the brain learns, it is internationally recognised by educators, health professionals and parents as an effective and scientifically proven learning tool. Mindarie Senior College has secured a grant to offer Fast ForWord to 15 students during Term 2. To discuss this opportunity, please contact Sarah Moran or Richelle McSweeney on 9304 5800. 4 — @ Mindarie June 2009 r the faint-heart1A Geography red numerous y at Perth Zoo. d by the fearless iety of reptiles, ken from various ken by these on February local Australian and dry African temperate Asian Rainforest, stopping at numerous other habitats on their journey. The global nature of the tour gave students a better understanding of world biomes and the natural living organisms that live within them. At the midday lecture the students learnt about environmental conservation and the theories of maintaining high reproduction levels in the environment, Benjamin McLay and Kristian Maxwell-McGeever explained. The students were then tested on their general knowledge about the subjects presented and were introduced to the zoo’s pet python. “Our fearless leaders Mr Josh Popp, Ms Tracy Smith and Mr Rick Gendle managed to get up close and personal with the slithery creature,” Benjamin and Kristian said. “The students really enjoyed themselves and the animals were in such an inquisitive mood, making it a great day to interact with all the creatures,” Ms Smith said. Candice Watson (above), Associate Principal Mr Rick Gendle and Mr Josh Popp (below) discover the sensation of touching a snake. ebruary 4, s was rarlack Swan nds. with Black mpkins and y’s up and ark Room, itchell, ac- arranged expected, Geever. s driven by sure they ,” she said. of wrong their desand were the front ABOVE LEFT, ABOVE and BELOW: Some of the animals students encountered on their zoo visit. uction ran een added invited to s ere given . h both the a valuable New class finds its way around THE latest addition to join Mindarie Senior College’s esteemed Year 12s burst onto the grounds on Monday, February 2. The Year 11s were full of nerves and excitement as they proceeded into the atrium after shaking hands and being greeted by the Principal, Ms Janice Sander, and Associate Principal, Mr Rick Gendle. Various activities, including a fashion show and team-building competitions, saw the new Year 11s conquer their firstday nerves and gave them an opportunity to get to know their peers and mentor teachers. The Orientation Day was solely for the new Year 11s (and a handful of new Year 12s) so they could comfortably get to know their new surroundings. Many of them took full advantage of their newfound freedom under our respected adult ethos system, visiting the various eating areas during lunch. The day helped the Year 11s develop a positive attitude in pursuing their future education at Mindarie Senior College. The teachers and Year 12s look forward to spending 2009 with the most recent arrival of students. Kacey Dellamarta and Jessica Barker LEFT: The students wait to meet their mentors. RIGHT: Principal Ms Janice Sander greets new student Katelyn Jones. @ Mindarie June 2009 — 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MINDARIE SC STUDENT SERVICES Student Services staff are available to students, parents and teachers to provide counselling and advice in all aspects of College life. Manager of Student Services – Alan Kemp, 9304 5818 A founding member of the College and former English Literature teacher, Mr Kemp heads the team that consists of the following members: School counsellor Gemma Graffin 9304 5632 Community Service Coordinator Nathalie Keunen 9304 5816 Nurse Angela ConnollyBrown 9304 5814 Year 12 Leader Craig McQueen 9304 5878 Year 11 Leader Louis Cheeseman 9304 5815 Educational Aide Sharlene Stock 9304 5879 If you wish to speak with any of these staff, contact them directly or Leanne Hanna at the Student Services reception. LEAVING COLLEGE Appointments If a student is required to leave the College for a prearranged appointment, please bring a note to Student Services to receive a Leave Pass. The student signs out at Student Services reception at the arranged time and if returning, signs in again. Illness If a student is feeling unwell, report to Student Services reception. If it becomes necessary for the student to be sent home, Student Services will contact a parent on the student’s behalf and arrange a time and place to be picked up. Students are NOT to leave College without first signing out through Student Services. Alternative Pathways If a student has decided to leave College for apprenticeship, full-time employment or TAFE studies or a combination, it is IMPERATIVE that particular procedures are followed. Bring in a note explaining your alternative to Ms Hanna at Student Services reception. You are required by the Department of Education and Training to complete a Clearance Form, as well as a specific Notice of Arrangement form. These forms MUST be completed and returned to the Department of Education and Training before the student can be removed from the College roll. All the forms can be collected from Ms Hanna at Student Services reception. 6 — @ Mindarie June 2009 Receptionist Leanne Hanna 9304 5819 ATTENDANCE School Chaplain Hannah Newnham 9304 5877 Student attendance is calculated in half days. All absences must be supported and satisfactorily explained, in writing, by parents. Wherever possible, it is encouraged that students provide a medical certificate/ doctor’s or dentist’s note, as these do not affect the percentage calculation. Students with a low attendance percentage may be referred to the Behaviour and Attendance team at Department of Education and Training. Students with a percentage less than 90 per cent are considered “At Risk” of not achieving a good education by DET. No debate - Humanities great THE Humanities Department welcomes two teachers of Society and Environment. Mr Tony Bird has been working at the Curriculum Council for a number of years, as the course controller of Economics. His subject expertise and his many years of classroom experience will provide terrific opportunities for Mindarie students. Ms Tracy Smith is an exceptional graduate teacher who comes to the College highly recommended, as her story on this page shows. Ms Smith will be specialising in Geography 1A/B and has already planned some engaging and exciting learning experiences for her students. Mindarie will once again be entering a team in the West Australian Debating League competition. Last year, Mindarie had exceptional success, winning our division against six other teams and advancing to the semifinals after defeating Perth Modern School in the quarterfinals. Manager of Humanities Mr Paul Hanna said this year the school hoped to match the success of last year. “But the prime purpose of such competitions is to enrich the experience of students during their two years at the College,” he said. Students with a passion for writing are also well catered for, with opportunities provided to enter writing competitions – both state and national, poetry and prose. This term, students have enjoyed a number of excursions in their Humanities subjects.The Year 12 History students visited Fremantle Museum and its surrounds, as part of their studies of the Australian immigration policy. Geography 1A students visited Perth Zoo to assist their understanding of world biomes, whilst the Year 12 TEE Geography students embarked on an overnight camp in the South-West, to better understand bauxite mining, dairy farming and settlement patterns. “We certainly appreciate the efforts of the Society and Environment teachers, who have put so much effort into organising these excursions,” Mr Hanna said. Close call for award winner GEOGRAPHY teacher Ms Tracy Smith has only been in the job a few months and, although she hardly has a moment to spare, she believes she could not have chosen a better career. The young graduate comes to Mindarie SC well recommended having received the prestigious Cryil Cook Award for Professional Competence for the best overall results in the secondary program at her graduation ceremony last year. “Geography really chose me because until the Friday before school started this year, I did not have a job,” Ms Smith said. “When I received a phone call inviting me to take on the position here, I was thrilled and feel I have really got off to a good start.” Ms Smith majored in accounting and business computing, but she was very happy to make the switch to Geography and really enjoys teaching the unit. “I work with three Year 11 classes and two Year 12 classes,” she said. “It means doubling up on some excursions and a lot of preparation before and after the event, but the program is extremely interesting with many hands-on activities. “This term I have visited Rottnest Island for a day with my Year 11’s to study coastal landform and also taken the Year 12’s to Mundaring Discovery Centre as part of their study focus on the Jarrah forest. “I find the students keen to learn and as I have only just left university, I can certainly relate to them and any study concerns they may have.” Away from school, on her weekends, Ms Smith enjoys netball and working out at the gym. Geography teacher Ms Tracy Smith. Economics teacher Mr Tony Bird. AS the new Economics teacher at Mindarie SC this year, Mr Tony Bird is in the rare position of having worked on the Curriculum Council’s new West Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) Economics syllabus that he is now introducing to the Year 11s. Year 12s going through the college this year are completing the last year of the TEE course. This year’s Year 11s are the first to start the restructured course, which is considered to be more topical for students. “Effectively I am putting what I worked on in theory with the Curriculum Council into practice here, and students seem to be very enthusiastic in the course which is a good sign,” said Mr Bird. “Interest in Economics has really picked up among Year 11 and 12 students in the last few years as students see what is going on within Australia and globally.” UK-born Mr Bird worked in the world of finance for 14 years before entering teaching. He studied for his economics degree while employed, then completed his Graduate Diploma in order to make Rare Bird’s theory in practice a career change to secondary school education. At the end of 2006 he was elected President of the Economic Teachers Association of WA. Within weeks of the appointment he was also invited to join the Curriculum Council as Project Officer for the new Economic syllabus which included delivering a professional development program for teachers. He says it was a great opportunity to work on the new syllabus and believes much of its success was due to the large number of teachers who provided major input and supported its development. “My involvement with the Economic Teachers Association meant that I received lots of feedback and so far it’s all good news, with the course being generally well received by teachers and their students,” Mr Bird said. In 2000, Mr Bird did a 12-month teacher exchange to Britain and took A-level Economics classes in a London secondary school. He particularly likes the young adult ethos at the college and its very modern working environment. You do the math - every day ADULTS who say they have never been any good at mathematics are a continual puzzle to veteran Mathematics teacher Mr Greg Piggott, because he says most people use the discipline in virtually every decision they make each day. “It’s really algebra, geometry and learning proofs that concern them and the belief that there is a single right answer to every numeric problem,” he says. “The truth is that anyone who can run a small business or make a decision that they will go on holidays to Bali or they won’t go on holiday because they can’t afford it, is making very numerate or mathematical decisions and one of the reasons they are able to do this is their schooling. “Some people will say, ‘OK, but I didn’t get my knowledge from a Mathematics class.’ I think they did, but in an unapparent way.” Mr Piggott joined Mindarie Senior College earlier this year as Manager of Mathematics and Science. A dedicated teacher with 27 years’ experience in his field, he has taught in five senior schools between the Pilbara and the great Southern and also worked for two years at the Department of Education in Perth. He says the young adult ethos at Mindarie led to his job application to the college and he has not been disappointed. The school implements what it states in its ethos and most students react to it in a positive way. “The work ethic of staff here is awesome,” Mr Piggott said. “While the vast majority of teachers in the schools I have taught in across WA work hard to help students learn as much as they can while they are at school, I must say that staff here put that up even another notch.” Mr Piggott’s teaching philosophy is for students to develop an interest in learning rather than simply excelling in one or two subjects. “It is important for all students to respect the rights of other students in the class to learn and to respect the rights of teachers to provide the opportunity to learn,” he said “If they can build on their learning skills and develop and work towards achieving their goals, they will enjoy success in whatever they take up during their lifetime.” Manager of Mathematics and Science Mr Greg Piggott. @ Mindarie June 2009 — 7 Year 12s immigrate to Freo Western Australia’s rich migrant past was brought to life for the Year 12 History class. VISAS organised and passports stamped, the Year 12 History classes, together with Ms Chris Suckling and Mr James McNeill, went on an expedition to Fremantle to uncover the stories of West Australian immigrants at the Fremantle Museum. Arriving at the museum for the February 23 excursion, the students were taken upstairs to hear “Ilona” speak about her immigration. Many were blown away by the fact she looked about 25 years old, even though she was born in 1928, according to Maddie Jones and Alex Mee. “It was soon revealed to us that she was an excellent actress playing the role of a post-war immigrant,” they said. The museum presents students with a very interactive and dynamic display, including diaries, artefacts and memorabilia of West Australian postwar immigrants. “The building itself first started out as a mental asylum and, together with the beautiful yet daunting surrounds, provided a backdrop for our understanding of what life may have been like for these early migrants,” Maddie and Alex said. After viewing the exhibits and educational video the group had worked up a hunger and went to the city centre for lunch. At one o’clock when everyone was fed and happy, Ms Suckling started an Amazing Race, taking off from the Esplanade. This consisted of running around the harbour, restaurants and parks looking for famous statues. These included monuments to Bon Scott (see picture, left), Sir Walter Raleigh and Dick Whittington, while taking in other famous sites such as the Welcome Walls and the Roundhouse. “With the race concluding at the Maritime Museum, the winners were announced and the unlucky last group to arrive back was eliminated and had to remain back at school when we arrived back at the College after our jam-packed day,” Maddie and Alex said. IMPORTANT DATES Term 2 Wednesday 24 June Wednesday 24 June Wednesday 1 July, 3-8pm Friday 3 July Term 3 Monday 20 July Staff PD Day – College closed to students Semester 1 Reports posted out Parents Night Last Day Term 2 Staff PD Day Tuesday 21 July First Day Term 3 8 — @ Mindarie June 2009