Edition 4 Term 3, Week 10
Welcome
Welcome all to the end of Term 3 newsletter. It has been a busy term with many events, camps and interesting and engaging activities for the students. Many of our students have made outstanding personal achievements reaching state and national teams or been crowned regional debating champions and much more. You will find a complete record of all the wonderful school events and achievements documented on our Facebook page. The newsletter provides a chance for us to delve deeper into discussion.
The end of Term 3 is also a time that we farewell our Year 12s. While school officially ends for many there is still much to do. Completion of Certificates and workplace hours and Semester 2 and WACE examinations. This can be a stressful time for students and hence they need all the support, space and sometimes tolerance that we can muster to help them through. I, on behalf of the school community, wish them all the best of luck in completing their studies and examinations.
Important Lessons Learned from COVID
With a great deal of trepidation, I would like to say that the mass control methods of dealing with COVID are over (let’s hope). Now, after every significant event is a time to reflect. I recently read an independent report on remote flexible learning in Victoria during the pandemic. Certainly, every school and each region had different experiences. However, there were some common lessons learned for improving education as identified in Learning First 2020.
- Better Connection with parents
- Greater flexibility of remote learning
- Expansion of online learning capabilities
Strangely enough, the reported attendance of students (ie their engagement with the remote lessons and online material) was higher than usual at school attendance rates. There is some really specific data in the report that may interest you but a piece that sticks in my mind is the comments from students regarding the flexibility that online learning and learning from home gave students.
There were also negatives that are evident in the report. These also provide really valuable information. Forced to have to deal with the upheaval that COVID caused gave us a chance to experience a reimagined delivery of education.
Time to talk about the purpose of secondary school post-COVID
When we put the experiences of a delivery system of education during COVID alongside the advances in technology and the research done by National bodies like the Youth For Australia reports and the Shergold report, we have a great background for a discussion on what is the purpose of secondary schooling.
Some key questions for our community to ask; are there better ways
- to identify and cater for student needs
- motivate and engage them in successful learning
- provide them with real relevant learning that interests them.
Without COVID we are free to choose the best bits from our experience of alternate curriculum delivery during COVID and cut out the worst bits or even imagine a whole different structure and delivery.
Already we have introduced some alternative approaches in pockets of our Senior Secondary that have produced great results. The students involved in the PBL program, Shedworks program, ECU UniPrep, WPL, Certificate courses and Independent Research Project all appreciate the different approaches taken and the experiences gained. Recently, I have been negotiating an external partnership aimed at providing further opportunities for ATAR students also.
We spend a lot of time and resources making sure that our senior secondary students needs are catered for while still using an almost “one size fits all” for our junior secondary students. Perhaps it is time to move our focus to our Year 7 – 10 students; investigate their needs, what is working for who and what other things we can do to meet their needs and make learning more engaging and successful.
News
What a busy term it has been. I don’t intend to paraphrase the contents of the newsletter but after a hiatus of 2 years, Country Week has come and gone and Bunbury Senior High School has come out as Champion School. While it was fabulous to have Country Week, it was a little disappointing that there was no opening or closing ceremony. It is at this ceremony that the students get a real sense of the occasion and it reinforces our school culture of belonging.
October holidays are a chance to refresh for most of us – but please spare a thought for our ATAR students who will be attending revision seminars and attempting Semester 2 Examinations. Please support them where you can, it can be a stressful time in this period and the lead up to the WACE examinations.
One moment of inappropriate behaviour caught on camera or video can follow a person for a lifetime. Given the inappropriate behaviour of some students from other schools, I urge all parents to talk with their children about appropriate behaviour during the celebrations post school. There are a number of young people who have to live with the moment of madness that they were captured doing last year.
The Board and I were recently given a tour of the new additions to the gymnasium.
What a fantastic functional addition to the aging building with modern facilities that are thoughtful and pragmatic gentled nestled into the dramatic and towering cafeteria, redefining a new contemporary space within the Bunbury High School heritage precinct.
And speaking of the cafeteria, the High School used the space to host a “Business After Hours” networking event with the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce that was attended by 60 representatives of local businesses. It was a great night and really well received by the attendees, creating important social and business links with the local community.
On behalf of the Board, I would also like to congratulate the School community for winning the 2022 Country Week. A great accomplishment for those who participated. Also a special mention to those who organised and coordinated this great event.
Finally, the Board and I would like to wish the leaving Class of 2022 the best of luck in their future endeavours.
School Contributions and Charges Raffle
Congratulations to the following students and their families who have won a $50 JB Hi Fi voucher in our P&C Raffle for paying their fees up to the end of Term 3.
You can collect your voucher from reception next term.
Euan Morris
Emily Van Oyen
Reese Tarrant
Kayla Van Herk
Taylor-Rae Tuhiwai
Charlotte Turner
School Psychologist (Lauren Dragon)
As we approach the end of Term three, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the importance of looking after ourselves as we take a break from regular routines.
As parents and carers, you know your children best. You are in a good position to monitor your children’s wellbeing and to recognise early signs that they may be experiencing difficulties. These signs can include changes in behaviour, mood or health, or your child may communicate (directly or indirectly) how they are feeling and thinking.
If you are concerned about your child over the holiday period, I encourage you to seek further advice and assistance. There are a range of external services available for young people and families while schools are closed. For some examples, please see the below links and attached resources which include services that provide assessment, intervention, phone and web-based support. Your family GP may also be able to provide information/referrals to other services.
Headspace:
Students:
Tips for good mental health (click on link below)
How to help a friend going through a tough time
Parents/families:
7 ways to support a young person’s healthy headspace
Self-care for family and friends
Mental Health Commission:
Department of Education:
Emergency and consultation contacts for parent/carer/student support (click on link below)
Support for children and young people
We wish all of our students and families an enjoyable break.
Student Services Manager
The Student Services Crew in collaboration with a bunch of other incredible staff have been coordinating and supporting some great programs, events and activities this term designed to build awareness and promote our school values: Learning; Collaboration; Diversity; Courage; and Wellbeing.
Our Prefect Group and The Diversity Club have both been busily involved in coordinating events this term such as RUOK Day, Wear it Purple and Sleep Out For The Homeless. Their aim was to raise awareness of key issues facing young people; particularly around mental health and suicide prevention, LGBTIQA+ and inclusivity, and supports available for people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. In line with Bunbury SHS’s strong history of advocating inclusivity and supporting people less fortunate, these events and activities have raised significant funds for selected charity organisations and local support agencies. Well done to all involved!
Every term we recognise and reward students for maintaining regular attendance (90%+) and positive behaviour. This term’s reward for eligible students was a Burger Lunch. A massive thanks to our amazing Cafeteria staff and volunteers who assisted us with making hundreds of burgers in the last week of school! Next term’s reward is the BIG ONE………. The ‘Golden Ticket’ Choice of Excursion on the last day of school. Stay tuned for more info.
This term we launched a new program on offer to our Year 9 students linked to our Transition Schedule. The Peer Mentor Program is an opportunity for our students to engage in a training day focused on aspects of leadership and positive role modelling, followed by planning and delivering a range of team building activities for Year 6 students at our local area primary schools. Having our students coordinate activities for our incoming cohort of Year 7’s allowed primary school staff to meet with key Student Services Staff in a series of Handover Conferences. I’m very impressed by the way our Year 9 Peer Mentors represented our school and showcased that big kids aren’t actually that scary!
This term saw the selection of our 2023 Prefect Group. Aspirant students engaged in a rigorous selection process including an online application, interview and vote. On behalf of our whole school community, I would like to sincerely congratulate the following students for being elected for these prestigious student leadership positions within our school. Our 2023 School Captains will be determined in Term 4!
Chaplain's Corner
Well done everyone for making it through a very busy Term 3. Congratulations to our Year 12 students as they celebrated their final assembly together as a year group at Bunbury High. I wish them all the best for their future.
During this busy term, there have been some amazing fundraising activities from our staff, students and parents/carers. Our Prefects organised the Sleep Out For Homeless and handed over care packages to agencies that help the homeless. We also handed over 4 boxes of food items to Rotary for their “Give a Damn Give a Can Appeal”. Mitchell was the most generous House in this Appeal with over 66 cans donated. That was fantastic!! Some of our students participated in the 40-Hour Famine challenge.
It certainly has been a very busy term and well done to everyone who participated in these activities.
I trust you will have a safe Spring Holiday break and you will be refreshed and ready for Term 4 when we return after the break.
All the best,
Deon Throne
BSHS YouthCARE Chaplain
Parent Information Nights
PBL Information Night
RSVP: https://www.trybooking.com/CCXUO
Shedworks Information Night
Apply for the Shedworks Program in 2023: https://forms.office.com/r/vBwHv8XbiE
RSVP for the Information Night: https://www.trybooking.com/CCUIG
Gifted and Talented Program Information Night
For parents of students who are interested in the Gifted and Talented Program in 2024 run by the Department of Education.
Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance programs provide the opportunity for exceptionally able students to study in learning environments that challenge, inspire and empower them to excel every day.
For more information, please visit Department of Education website
This information night is a Department of Education-run event and is hosted at Bunbury Senior High School. The information night will delve a little deeper into the Gifted and Talented Program and what is on offer at different schools across WA.
Details:
When: Mon 24 October 2022
Time: 6-7pm
Where: Bunbury SHS Library
To RSVP, visit: www.trybooking.com/CCSMG
COUNTRY WEEK
After being cancelled twice in a row, (once only hours before the bus was due to leave), 2022 was 3rd time lucky!
Bunbury SHS was very successful, appearing in six grand finals across 12 events resulting in the school being crowned overall Tier 1 champion school!
The Country Week culture is strong again for Bunbury SHS. This was highlighted by loud cheering, enthusiastic chants, and immense support for all of our teams.
Students also had a great time outside of their sporting fixtures, enjoying a full week of sunshine during the day and night time activities, including a river cruise, Optus Stadium tour, buffet dinners, and shopping sprees. No doubt Bunbury SHS will be once again the team to beat next year!
Results
Boys Basketball: 1st
Girls basketball: 2nd
Girls Soccer: 2nd
Dance: 2nd
Girls AFL: 2nd
Touch football: 2nd
Speech & Debate: 2nd
Girls Hockey: 3rd
Netball: 4th
Boys Soccer: 4th
Boys AFL: 4th
Girls Volleyball: 7th
Today, Peter Smith from School Sport WA visited the school to present the overall Champion School Shield to the school for our win at Country Week!
He also presented staff member Cherie Fielder with a special certificate for her dedication to Country Week for attending the event for 25 years! Well done Cherie!
Download the Schoolzine App
We understand that now more than ever, it’s essential for our school to have effective and efficient communication channels available to our school community - accessible anywhere, anytime.
Our new communication platform "Schoolzine" offers that and more! We encourage you to download the SZapp so that you have access to the latest news and events as well as important links in one convenient app.
Get access to the school newsletter, website, PTO, subject selection online, attendance and much more.
Please follow the video below to install or in the document below.
Gifted and Talented Program Information Night
The Department of Education will be holding their Gifted and Talented Information Night on Monday 24 October from 6-7pm at the BSHS Library.
This information night will introduce parents to and provide information about the Department of Education Gifted and Talented Programs run across WA and what to expect from the programs.
Bunbury SHS will hold it's own Gifted and Talented Program Information Night with more specific information about the GAT Program run at the school. This will be later in the year. Look out on our facebook page for further details about this event.
To RSVP for the Department of Education's GAT event, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CCSMG
For more information about the Gifted and Talented Program at Bunbury SHS, visit our website: https://www.bunburyshs.wa.edu.au/specialist-programs.html
Academic Scholarship 2023
Through the generosity of the school community, Bunbury SHS offers academic scholarships for currently enrolled students or those students who would appreciate the opportunity to study at Bunbury SHS.
The following scholarships are available to any currently enrolled Year 10 student or those prospective students who would appreciate the opportunity to complete their senior school study at Bunbury SHS for 2023/24.
Kingia Scholarship
One student completing an ATAR pathway and one student completing a VET pathway. A monetary scholarship ‘up to the value of $1000’ for each year during the period of senior schooling.
ATAR criteria for consideration:
- Minimum band 8 in all NAPLAN components Numeracy, Writing and Reading
- Academic standing in Year 10 Semester 1 report to meet an ATAR pathway
- Participation in extra curricula activities.
VET criteria for consideration:
- Acceptance into nationally recognised Certificate III course
- Academic standing in Year 10 Semester 1 report
- Participation in extra curricula activities.
Funds cover compulsory school charges with residual monies allocated to other optional charges and/or personal items and other services in consultation with the student during the period of senior schooling.
Kaadadjiny Scholarship
Two ATAR pathway students and two VET pathway students awarded the Kaadadjiny scholarship are drawn from the Kingia scholarship applicants. The recipients of these scholarships will have their compulsory school charges ‘up to the value of $500’ covered for each year during the period of senior schooling.
VET pathway students completing a Certificate II course may apply directly for a Kaadadjiny scholarship under the following criteria:
- Acceptance into nationally recognised Certificate II course
- Academic standing in Year 10 Semester 1 report
- Participation in extra curricula activities.
How to Apply
To apply for a 2023 Scholarship, students complete the Scholarship Application Form found on the school website and include the following documents:
- Student composed letter of introduction which details current interests and achievements as well as future ambitions. The letter should not exceed a typed A4 page (1-sided)
- A copy of Semester 1 Year 10 report
- Certificate III course acceptance (for VET Kingia pathway scholarship)
- Certificate II course acceptance (for VET Kaadadjiny pathway scholarship)
Apply through the link below. Applications close Monday 21 November 2022.
Cafeteria Online Ordering
Our Cafeteria has recently moved to a new online ordering system called Spriggy Schools. The app is user friendly and can be downloaded onto your phone.
For more information about Spriggy Schools and to download the app, head to their website:https://www.spriggyschools.com.au/
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
We want to get to know our students and school community better and hear all about your life out of school.
If you have been kicking goals out in the community - whether you've had sporting success, are volunteering somewhere fun, or have an interesting or unusual hobby we want to know about it.
Please fill in the online form using the link below and you might be featured on our Facebook page or in our newsletter in the near future.
You will also win points for your House which goes towards the overall score and end of year tally for the champion house.
Senior School Update: Year 12
Friday 23 September, marks the final official school day for all Year 12 students. It is a significant occasion! We wish all of our students every success for the future.
The weeks ahead are very busy for staff as final preparations are completed for Graduation, examinations and reporting processes. Parents are encouraged to access the school website, school Facebook page and Connect for important information.
Please also be aware that ATAR students return to school at the beginning of Term 4 and their last day is Friday 21 October.
All Year 12 students can access the student portal on the School Curriculum and Standards Authority website to view a range of information including enrolments, achievements and examination timetable (https://studentportal.scsa.wa.edu.au).
Year 12 Graduation is scheduled for Thursday 27 October 2022. Please put the date in the diary!
Senior School Update: Year 11
Year 11 VET students will finish 2022 on Friday 18 November. Year 11 ATAR students will finish 2022 on Friday 2 December. I encourage students to remain focused on their studies and strive to achieve their potential.
From the beginning of Term 4, students can complete a 2023 Senior School Course/Pathway Change Request form. Forms can be collected from Student Services and will be made available via Connect.
Year 10 Transition to Senior School: Year 10
It has been a long and exhausting process! The majority of VET students have made applications for enrolment in certificate courses. It is now essential that students [and parents] check emails regularly to ensure an offer is not missed. If an offer is made for a course of first preference then accept that offer and decline any further offers.
Accept any secondary offer that is made. A student can withdraw at a later date if an offer is then made for a preferred course.
During Term 4, as I receive confirmation of students who have accepted positions in certificate courses, I will finalise individual 2023 timetables. Please be patient but all will be confirmed by the end of Term 4.
2023 ATAR students have received their timetable. Please contact me at any time if there are queries or any need to make changes. Students are encouraged to come to Student Services and collect their timetable if they missed the initial distribution.
Senior School Team: Staff
Each of us have key roles in supporting Senior School students. Please contact the school at any time when there are concerns or queries. You will be directed to the appropriate person. Further information on our roles will be shared during Term 4.
And finally…
We look forward to a busy and productive Term 4. Have a safe and restful holiday with your children!
Tim Fry
Senior School Manager
Year 12 Presentation Night
The Year 12 Presentation Night will be held on Thursday 27 October 2022 at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC).
Students are required to be at the rehearsal held at BREC at 1pm on Thursday 27 October.
Students are also required to be at BREC no later than 5.45pm prior to the ceremony's commencement so they can receive their sash and gown.
If you have not yet booked your seat for the Presentation Night, bookings are still open until Sunday 9 October.
Please note: students are not required to sit in the audience with families or have tickets booked for them as they will be seated on the stage.
Professional photography and opportunities for photos will be available in the foyer after the ceremony. Students must return their gown and sash before leaving the BREC after the ceremony.
Workplace Learning & VET
Year 12: Logbooks due 10 October 2022
Year 11: Logbooks due 18 November 2022
Workplace Learning contributes to the West Australian Certificate of Education, WACE as a recognition of time spent in the VET pathway. WP hours need to be signed by the employer and accompanied by a Skills Journal for every 55 hours in the workplace.
Congratulations to the 2022 Year 12 Leavers!
You've possibly had a hard journey, juggling VET, School, work placement, jobs etc but you've made it! Well done and thank you for your efforts.
En Avant
Ms Chambers
Shedworks Program
The Shedworks students have continued to participate in a diverse range of activities during the program. The students have gone out to Upper Capel in recent weeks to install a cattle grid extension. We also participated in two visits to a farm in Donnybrook where we installed four Black Cockatoo nests that we completely researched and constructed. They have also participated in the deconstruction and reconstruction of a horse float.
In more recent days, we spent a few hours at Belvidere Point under the Storm Chasers program that is connected to the Dolphin Discovery Centre. We collected a bunch of rubbish and got to see the south end of the Leschenault Peninsula Conservation Park.
| Year 12 Semester 2 Exams | Mon 3 - Friday 7 October |
| Whole School Assembly | Tuesday 11 October (period 3) |
| Year 12 ATAR students last day | Friday 21 October |
| Young Writers Day Yr 7/8 | Friday 21 October |
| Year 7/8 Lightning Carnival | Wednesday 26 October |
| Year 12 Presentation Night | Thursday 27 October |
| WACE Exams | Mon 31 Oct - Fri 18 Nov |
| Yr 11 Exams | Mon 31 Oct - Mon 7 Nov |