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CROMER
COURIER
P & C MEETING
NORTHERN BEACHES SECONDARY COLLEGE
CROMER CAMPUS 16 February 2007
Tuesday 20.2.07
8 pm in excellence . innovation . opportunity . success
Common Room
All Welcome
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
On behalf of the school community I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our new students and parents. I
am sure you will find your time at Cromer an enjoyable and rewarding experience. To all returning students and current
parents, welcome back to the start of a new school year and a new year of learning.
Welcome Evening for New Parents
On Tuesday, 20th February there will be an informal evening from 6.30 to 7.45 pm in the staff common room to give
parents of Year 7 as well as any other new parents an opportunity to meet each other and staff. Refreshments will be
provided. Following this, the P and C will hold its first meeting for the year from 8.00 pm for all interested parents.
Staff Changes
Long service and maternity leave have meant some temporary staff changes for 2007. I would like to welcome some
familiar, as well as new faces to the school to fill in these temporary gaps. They are Jaz Immerz, Katina Steward and
Sue Regan (Science), Derek Champion and Jasmina Zarkovic (HSIE), Alison Roberts and Brent Emmons (English),
Zoe Beale (Creative Arts) and Robyn Riley who joins integrated studies this semester.
School Directions for 2007
Prior to our students arriving this year, the staff looked at our new strategic plans and directions for 2007 as well as
preparing for our start up with students. As a school community, we have developed a clear values platform which
underpins our work, as well as a number of clearly defined and focused goals.
Our vision is to ‘deliver a quality education in a caring environment which maximises the learning outcomes and
development of every student.’
Our mission is the commitment to provide:
Excellence - in teaching and learning
Innovation - in engaging learning experiences
Opportunity - for students across all areas of school life
Success - for students in learning, participating in school life and in striving to achieve their personal best
You will notice these drivers on the top of our Courier under our school name.
HSC Results
Our HSC results last year continued to reflect the high quality of teaching and learning in the school. I was particularly
impressed with a number of outstanding results achieved across diverse faculty areas. Our students performed at the
highest level in some of the most demanding HSC courses, including English Extension 2. Our top UAI went to
Vanessa Allom who achieved 96.95. Of note, is Cromer’s performance which placed us significantly above State
average in a number of HSC courses including Biology, Dance, English Extension 2, Music, Textiles and Design,
Retail Operations, Community and Family Studies and Visual Arts, where multiple students attained Band 6 results. A
detailed analysis of HSC results will be provided in the school’s Annual Report.
School Contributions and Payments Including P& C
The majority of school funding comes from allocations provided by the Department of Education, however, we, like all
other Department schools rely on the contributions of parents to provide many of the extras for students. These extras
may include additional library or technology resources, additional sets of resource books to ease the pressure on class
sets used by multiple groups, etc. The extras might also include consumables in electives and practical subjects to pay
for extremely expensive materials in art, food technology, woodwork and metalwork. The key point is, however, the
Cromer Courier Page 2
funds raised by school contributions and the P& C (which requests a contribution to avoid involving parents in time
consuming fundraisers) are an important means by which your child can directly benefit. Obviously, if you have
difficulties meeting these payments, please contact the school office so suitable arrangements can be made. The
school is also happy to arrange payment via installments if this is required. We would appreciate your support for the
prompt payment of school and P& C contributions as soon as possible.
Changes for 2007
There have been a number of changes introduced this year at Cromer. I have detailed some of these below to keep
parents informed of the expectations of students and of the new structures which may affect your son or daughter’s
involvement at school.
Revised Discipline and Welfare Policy
Following extensive consultation with staff, students and parent representatives, a team of staff have developed a
revised system of Discipline and Welfare. Whilst many elements of the old system remain, there is now greater
prescription for both staff and students in terms of the policy. The emphasis remains on self direction and self
responsibility which has been a strength of our students. I spoke to each year group and outlined the policy during
Week 2. This included an information sheet and set of classroom rules. These were formulated last term with
consultation from students via surveys on what rules they felt were fair and most important in the classroom. The main
aim of the policy was to create greater consistency and less ‘grey’ areas in terms of structure and expectation. Copies
of the revised policy are available on request at the front office.
Senior Students
The dynamics of senior schooling have changed significantly over the last 10 years. Flexible timetables, VET and
TAFE courses and multi campus colleges have required schools to adapt their organization. The result is far greater
opportunities for students in course selection and often more appropriate means of delivery, including the provision of
larger blocks of lesson time to better accommodate VET courses such as Hospitality and Construction. Senior students
need to be responsible and trusted to operate in more self directed ways. Starting and finishing times vary and blocks
of time during the day for some students are lesson free.
With this in mind, there have been some changes to our procedures for senior students, mainly involving their signing
on procedure at school. A trial has commenced whereby seniors sign on in the morning instead of standing on the
quadrangle with Years 7-10 for their roll mark. This has been introduced in line with the College’s senior philosophy
and to provide Year 11 and 12 with an opportunity to display greater self responsibility. Seniors will however be
required to attend our main assembly each Wednesday morning if they have a Period 1 class.
In terms of keeping parents informed about senior structures, I felt it important to outline the school’s current
expectations and procedures for senior attendance. Senior students are not required at school until the start of their
first lesson and can leave at the end of their last scheduled lesson including ‘group’. If a student has Period 2 and 3 off,
they have permission to go home for the purposes of study. Where a student has only 1 lesson off, they are required to
stay at school and study in the library, careers room or senior area. If you have any questions regarding this policy,
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Uniform
I appreciate the support of parents in ensuring their child arrives at school in their correct uniform. A revised system
has been introduced in the management of uniform. All students have had this policy explained to them. Students who
are unable to wear the correct uniform on a particular day are required to present a note written and signed by a parent
to the Deputy Principal before school. They will receive a uniform pass which excuses them for that particular day.
Students who arrive at school without correct uniform may receive an out of uniform slip. Where a student receives 3
slips in any Term, they will be required to complete an afternoon detention. The emphasis at Cromer for students is on
self direction and a pride in one’s school. If you have any questions regarding our uniform policy, please do hesitate to
contact the school.
A Final Word
Cromer Campus aims to provide the best education possible for your child. Parental support is a vital ingredient in this
quest, along with the high expectations we have in partnership for our students. Please do not hesitate to contact the
school should you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to a great year of learning for all our students.
David Krust
Principal
Page 3 Cromer Courier
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM REPORT
Assessment Books
All students are receiving assessment books in week 3. There is no reason for any student to be unaware of
assessment tasks or to claim that they have no homework. There will be an information evening for parents in regard
to assessment on Tuesday 27th February in the library at 7.00 pm.
Computers and the Computing Skills Test
Computing Skills Test: The skills that are tested in the School Certificate Exams are based on content delivered in the
core subject areas. The skills and knowledge provided in the Information and Software Technology course are
different and separate.
Students who do not have access to the internet and computers at home have many opportunities to access these
services at school. The Learning Centre is open at lunchtimes and can be accessed by any student at these times, the
Careers Centre has computers for senior students and there is STLA support for students needing any extra help.
School Certificate Results - Congratulations to the following students who gained Band 6 results.
Geography History English
Deegenaars, Nicole Sarah Deegenaars, Nicole Sarah Bryant, Skye Signe
Giglio, Peter Edmond Flego, Jules Laurence Godbee, Olivia Alice
Kilani, Sami Godbee, Olivia Alice Hardwicke, Jessica
Locane, Nicolas Jower, Gabriel Sebastian Jower, Gabriel Sebastian
Regent, Taylor Alexandra Locane, Nicolas Regent, Taylor Alexandra
Sladakovic, Jovana Skovrlj, Aleksandra Spencer, Claire Elizabeth
Spencer, Claire Elizabeth Sladakovic, Jovana
Spencer, Claire Elizabeth
Mathematics Science
Oldfield, Michael Nuku McDonald, Melissa Heidi
Redford-Smith, Christian Luke Teale, Daniel James
Sawyer, Reuben Alan De Sa
HSC Results - Congratulations to the following students who achieved the highest possible Band in the following
courses:
Ancient History Community and Family English Extension 1 English Extension 2
Studies
Fox, Melinda Allom, Vanessa Allom, Vanessa
Nizeti, Lydia Munro, Kate
Puafisi, Katalina
Music 1 PDHPE Retail Operations Software Design and
Development
McKee, Cameron Feltscheer, David Krix, Sally Anne
Sackett, Emma Mangano, Jacqueline Sharkey, Justin
Nizeti, Lydia
Textiles and Design Visual Arts
Hooley, Belinda Joldzic, Julijana
Allom, Vanessa
Fox, Melinda
Hancock, Elise
Stuart Hill, Deputy Principal Curriculum.
Cromer Courier Page 4
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL WELFARE REPORT
The new canteen is operating very well. The managers “Fresh Express” have canteens in many other venues, so
they are very experienced. We will continue to monitor and improve this important facility during the early stages of its
operation.
The Salvation Army has formally thanked our Cromer students for their generous Christmas toy drive in 2006. The
presentation of toys was featured in the local press before Christmas and we anticipate the same success and
generosity to continue for 2007.
The Regional Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese has requested that one hour seminars be held on the 5th April
for Catholic students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Parents will be further advised of the details of these seminars.
Students who arrive late to school will be interviewed before going to class. There are many reasons for being late,
but students without a note must be recorded as ‘unexplained’ so please supply a note.
Uniform looks wonderful across the school and is greatly appreciated by the entire community. Executive teachers will
be monitoring students throughout the day who are out of uniform.
New classroom rules are displayed in every classroom and they form the backbone of our discipline and welfare
system. We have Group activities to discuss how these basic rules effect classroom behaviour.
All students who catch buses now have their passes and these must be swiped when getting on the bus. In the
bus bay common sense rules apply like keeping away from or off the road etc.
Greg Talbot, Deputy Principal Welfare.
ENGLISH REPORT
Welcome to 2007. The academic year promises to be challenging for many of our students. All students should be
striving to improve their expression and write more sophisticated response. When faced with work in English be it for
study or assessment all students need to think carefully about their response and write detailed pieces that develop
logically and are fluently expressed. Sometimes students are inclined to dash off a quick and simple answer. As
secondary students they should realise that the more depth and detail they provide and the more insights they
demonstrate, the better their results will be and the greater their satisfaction in their achievements.
Parents can help their students by discussing the texts their children are studying and giving advice about approaches
to set tasks. If your child has problems in expression you can help by encouraging him or her to read widely and
critically or by providing homework books in addition to the set schoolwork. A range is available at Dominies in
Brookvale.
Senior students should be reading and re-reading their texts and keeping up with notes and analysis. Year 12 should
already be making time to practise exam questions and submitting them for appraisal. The half yearlies will be upon us
very soon and students need to ensure they have re-familiarised themselves with the Area of Study, Journeys.
Please note that most English classes are comprehensive; that is they have students of mixed ability. Except for the D
class they are not graded. The O classes have a similar mix of students to the L, P and N classes. Whatever class your
child is in he or she needs to actively engage with the learning opportunities offered and endeavour to develop his or
her skills in expression and analysis. Students should remember that the skills developed in the middle years have a
direct co-relation to success in senior English.
Above all students should enjoy the challenge of their English studies. English has the potential to take students out of
their world and enhance their understanding of human nature. I wish all students a successful and enjoyable year. If
you have any concerns about your child’s progress in English please feel free to contact me.
Elizabeth de Montfort, Head Teacher
COMPUTERS
Do you know any students that would benefit from owning a computer? Wesley E-Recycling is an activity of Wesley
Mission that specialises in refurbished computers for individuals, families and community organisations. They have a
range of low cost computer packages starting from $50. You can contact them on 9572 3200 or visit their website.
Robyn Condrick, Teacher Librarian.
Page 5 Cromer Courier
THE PEER LITERACY TUTORING TRAINING PROGRAM
The Peer Literacy Tutoring program was first implemented in NSW school in 1999 as a part of a commonwealth
initiative, Literacy and Numeracy Plus. At Cromer the program is in its 6th year. It provides very effective literacy
support for year 7 students who have been identified by the school’s Learning Support Team as being below their
grade level in reading fluency, accuracy and/or comprehension. Evaluation of this program has shown that there are
significant improvements for these supported students . The reading material is taken from the year 7 curriculum so
they become more confident with reading in the classroom. They take more knowledge about the lesson content back
to the classroom, where they are better focused. They also develop friendship and respect for their tutors and feel
more secure at high school knowing they have senior student mentor.
Eighteen students from Year 10 heave volunteered to act as tutors, this year and as a result have enrolled in the
Voluntary Literacy Tutoring Course at Brookvale TAFE. They receive a TAFE certificate at the end of the year.
Feedback from across the state has revealed that high numbers of the year 10 tutors are finding significant academic
improvements, for example, when they use improved reading strategies for subject revision for exams. They also gain
a sense of responsibility and commitment to the students they are supporting.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank these exceptional Year 10 students. It is a challenging undertaking to study a
TAFE Literacy Tutoring course whilst preparing for the School Certificate. It is, however, a wonderful opportunity,
especially for young people who may be considering careers in education, child studies or welfare, and we are very
pleased to be able to offer it to a handful of very special Year 10s, each year.
J Gregg, Support Teacher Learning Assistance and Peer Tutoring Coordinator.
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE – YEAR 7 AND YEAR 8
The Premier’s Reading Challenge is now in its sixth year at Cromer Campus and continues to provide our students
with a wonderful opportunity to further engage in reading. The Premier’s Reading Challenge is important in helping
develop a love of books and at the same time improving literacy.
Students in Years 7 and 8 are challenged to read at least 20 books in one year, with at least 15 of those books chosen
from the 7-8 booklist. Up to 5 of the books can be personal choice. Students must complete a reading record sheet
and have it signed by their parents. We ask parents to assist us in developing good reading habits between now and
the close of the challenge in September.
Robyn Condrick, Premier’s Reading Challenge Co-Ordinator.
FROM THE WORLD OF MATHEMATICS……..
Students have settled quickly into the routines of the mathematics classrooms. Most students are working with a
textbook. We are mindful of how heavy our mathematics text books are and as a consequence students in Years 7
and 8 and most classes in Years 9 and 10 may purchase a CD ROM version of the book for $2 from their mathematics
teacher (refundable on return of the CD ROM). Some classes have also been given another copy of a book that they
may leave at home, from which to do their homework.
Homework is regularly set in mathematics. This homework provides for maximum “absorption” of learned procedures
and the reinforcement of important skills. Please encourage your child to have an organised approach to their
homework.
Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any concerns regarding your child and mathematics. As teachers,
through Mathematics we hope to engage and challenge all of our students to maximise their individual talents and
capabilities whilst at the same time enabling all of our students to enjoy learning, be self-motivated and reflective.
We are looking forward to a great year in Mathematics!
Mrs M Murray, Head Teacher Mathematics.
Cromer Courier Page 6
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY NEWS
Fabulous results in the 2006 HSC from a number of our Year 12 students. All Textiles and Design students gained
either Band 5 or 6. Belinda Hooley topped the class with a Band 6 and Elise Hancock, Sally Krix, Jacqueline Mangano
and Gemma Spagnol (Manly) all achieved Band 5. Well done Mrs. Budd !!
Community and Family Studies students were also outstanding, with Katerina Puafisi and Lydia Nizeti gaining Band
6. Those students gaining Band 5 were Jacqueline Mangano and Sally Krix.
We have begun the year on the hop – Years 11 and 12 Textiles and Design students spent Monday, 12th Feb. at
Vaucluse House learning about textiles techniques, historic costume and viewing the 2006 HSC Best Major practical
projects, whilst Year 11 Food Technology spent the afternoon discovering Bush Foods and native vegetation along
Manly Dam.
We are looking forward to wonderful 2007 in the Applied Technology faculty.
Mrs D Rodd, Head Teacher Applied Technology.
TECHNOLOGY LEARNING CENTRE
The Technology Learning Centre is an innovative resource open everyday to allow teachers and students individual
access to computers for class work and assignments. The TLC provides a technology based learning environment for
all curriculum areas in the school. It is staffed by specialist teachers who coordinate its operation and provide a wide
range of support for the classroom teachers who use the facility. Teachers bring students to the TLC during lessons to
incorporate technology into their curriculum areas. It is very popular with students who can access the Internet for
research, scan images, use CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawing software, compose music and design art. The
software available includes Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Microsoft Access. PowerPoint, FrontPage are used to
prepare multimedia presentations and design websites. CAD Standard is used for technical drawing and Adobe
Photoshop Elements is used to edit digital images. Students can then print their work on the network printer. Students
also have access to our colour printer or the black and white printer/photocopier for a small fee. The TLC is staffed and
open at lunchtime for students to complete class work and print their assignments.
Ms P Osborne & Ms L Lewis, TLC Co-Ordinators.
School Sick Bay
Parents are requested not to send their
children to school if they are unwell in the
morning.
Lately our sick bay has been inundated with
students who have arrived at school feeling
unwell. It is distressing for the students and
disruptive to parents who are called to
collect their child.
We do not have the facilities or staff to
monitor students all day who arrive at school
already feeling unwell.
It is extremely important that we have
accurate contact details in the event of
illness or accident so please contact the
office on 9981 1155 if any of your contact
details change.
Page 7 Cromer Courier
SPORT REPORT
Congratulation to Nikki Deegenaars on her selection into the Australian Women’s U/19 Softball Team. The team will
play a number of lead up tournaments against China, Japan and New Zealand before flying to The Netherlands to
compete in the World Championships in June.
Nikki has also been selected in the NSW U/17 Netball Team who will be traveling to Melbourne for the National
Championships and the Sydney North Area softball squad. If selected in the team, she will play in the NSWCHS
championships at the end of this month.
Congratulations to James Thom on winning a gold medal in the U/17 Patrol Competition and a silver medal for the
U/17 Champion Lifesaver at the Branch Surf Lifesaving Championships at Manly. He will be representing NSW at the
State Titles in March.
Recreational Sport
New Sports in 2007 – Skateboarding, Beach Volleyball and American Cheerleading
• Rec sport begins on Wednesday 14th February at 1.35pm – 2.50pm.
• The following is a list of sports and venues :
Ten Pin Bowling Dee Why Bowl
Tennis Courtsportz
BeachVolleyball Dee Why Beach
Surfing Dee Why Beach
American Cheerleading Dance Room/Senior Lawn
Basketball/Cricket School Courts
Touch St Matthews Farm Res
Soccer/ Ball Games Cromer Park
Skateboarding Netball Court
Badminton School Gym
Rock Eisteddfod Freshwater Campus
Weights Weights Room
• Students travelling to sports venues outside of school will walk with their supervising teacher(s) to the venue.
• Students are expected to be in full sport uniform and abide by the School Rules at all times.
Important Dates:
Monday 19th February School Swimming Carnival Manly Swim Centre
Thursday 15th March Zone Swimming Carnival Warringah Aquatic Centre
Tuesday 20th March Area Swimming Carnival Sydney Aquatic Centre
Wednesday 4th April School Cross Country Cromer Park
Knockout Sport and Area Trials
There are a number of Knockout teams starting NOW. Listen for information on assembly and/or check the Sport
Noticeboard and/or see your Sport Coordinators for details. Also, those interested in Sydney North Area Trials can
check online for trial dates and information at www.sports.det.nsw.edu.au/.
B. Pimentel / S. Bonello, Sport Coordinators.
Cromer Courier Page 8
CALENDAR
Month Week Sun Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Sat
4B 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
February Swimming P & C Meeting
Carnival Welcome to
parents of Yr
7 & new
students night
5A 25 26 27 28 1 2 3
March Yr 7 Camp Yr 7 Camp Yr 7 Camp
6B 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
ELLA Test Yr On Show On Show Cromer
7&8 Open Day
9.30 – 11.30
7A 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Zone
Swimming
Carnival
8B 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Yr 12 Work Yr 12 Work Yr 12 Work Yr 12 Work Yr 12 Work
Placement Placement Placement Placement Placement
(Construction, (Construction, (Construction, (Construction, (Construction,
Retail, Hosp) Retail, Hosp) Retail, Hosp) Retail, Hosp) Retail, Hosp)
9A 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half
Yearly Exams Yearly Exams Yearly Exams Yearly Exams Yearly Exams
Computer
Competition
April
1 2 3 4 5 Good
10B Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half Yr 12 Half Friday
Yearly Exams Yearly Exams Yearly Exams Yearly Exams
CHS Swimming Cromer Cross
Country
School Holidays from Friday 6 to Friday 20 April inclusive - Term 2 commences Monday 23 April.
MAGAZINE DROP BOX
Cromer Campus students LOVE to read. Some magazines today cost as much as a brand new book, so rather than
throw out your old magazines please drop them into the big orange Magazine Drop Box at the library door. We thank
you for all donations.
Robyn Condrick, Teacher Librarian.
CROMER CAMPUS
120 South Creek Road
CROMER 2099
Phone: 9981 1155
Fax: 9982 5398
Email: nbsccromer-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: ww.nbsccromer-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
