Edition 6 Term 3, Week 4
This week there was a noticeable shift in the weather. We are emerging from the wild, windy, wet days of Makuru (June and July) and into Jilba (August and September). Jilba is a season where the winds begin to ease, the days are still cool (cold) in the mornings but by midday, the air has warmed. The days are sunnier with less rain. It is the time of planting the seeds.
We too are entwined within the cycles of school life. Like Djilba, it is time for students to awaken from the winter darkness and plant the seeds of success. The new term is a time to do some of the hard work so as to be able to reap the rewards later in the term and early next term. I urge you to talk with your child about what goals they need to set themselves for success. What habits do they need to develop to ensure that in two to three months’ time they will see the fruits of their labour. We too are having those conversations with the students. Working together we can get the best for the students.
Although it has only been a few weeks since our last newsletter, there are still many things to report. The school is a hive of vibrant, constant activity.
Band Camp ran last week but it nearly didn’t. One of our staff members was rushed off to the hospital last minute. The Executive team swung into action, late in the evening, to make the necessary arrangements for the band camp to proceed. A special thank you to them and Ms Neesha Copley who accompanied the students and made the trip possible. While checking in on our staff member I needed to remind her many times to focus on herself for a minute as she kept enquiring about the students and the camp – such is her passion for our students.
I have said many times before, excelling is in our blood at Bunbury Senior High School. Across a weekend our Secondary Rescue RoboCup competitors took home first place taking out the state championship in their division. Our Mathematics students competed in the Numero Challenge placing second in the heats and making the state finals. The state final was always going to be a challenge with our Year 7 students competing against Year 10 students from 11 other schools. They were not going to be limited by being younger and they pulled off third place. Our Interschool Cross Country team won every division including Champion school. We also won Champion School at the WA Surfing and Body Boarding Titles. This is all without mentioning the excellent opportunities that the students have in every class, every day at Bunbury Senior High School.
Parents, please help our students to attend every day. We know that everyday matters and as we can see every day, in every classroom, there are opportunities galore to develop our brightest young minds.
Finally, I would like our school community to know, that even as life begins to be normal we must not be complacent about the possibility of lockdowns occurring here like they are on the East Coast. The school has been updating our Remote Learning Plan to ensure that should the need arise we have plans in place to swing into action for the continuation of student learning. Now is a good time for you to also check that you have; a viable internet connection, access to our CONNECT platform and a room that can become a dedicated learning space.
Boorda
En Avant
Mike Sinagra
Principal
Country Week Cancellation
Thank you to all the country week team parents that filled in a survey. Our results were split with the result being slightly in favour of not rescheduling.
56% Not reschedule
44% Reschedule
The result has been sent to central office for consideration.
New Jacket
This year a new jacket has been introduced to the range of uniform options. The jacket was a suggestion from a Year 12 student to me when I first arrived here in 2020. The P&C have done a great job bringing the jacket to the student body.
The material is a soft shell material that is excellent for cutting the wind out and is shower proof. The students that have one have given it a big thumbs-up and I notice that there are many staff members that have picked one up also.
For us to continue to provide the best for our students, yours and the students’ input is really valued. Can you help us and give your feedback through the survey link below.
COVID-19 UPDATE
This week the Premier has opened up access to the COVID vaccination to 16 to 29-year-olds. No doubt that this is in response to young people being susceptible to the Delta variant. I’m sure that he is worried about a Sydney styled outbreak should we get a case here in Western Australia. The implication for our students could be very disruptive should this happen during the WACE examination period.
Last Friday I “Rolled up my Sleeve for WA” and had my second Pfizer vaccine shot. There are now a number of general practice clinics offering the COVID vaccine in Bunbury. My experience at the COVID vaccination centre in the Home Maker Centre was excellent. The operation there is very efficient and the staff very supportive and caring.
Unlike the previous lockdowns where schools stayed open, I don’t believe that this will happen should we have a Delta outbreak. We are prepared should the school be closed with our Remote Learning Plan. You too can prepare yourselves by following this simple checklist.
CHECKLIST
- The school has my latest contact details to keep me informed
- There is a quiet space for my child to work
- My child has the technology device needed to access online learning and we understand that there are paper options available (lending a device from the school is also available)
- My internet connection is up to my student working from home
- I know how to use CONNECT
It’s been nearly two months since the last Board meeting, but that hasn’t meant our activities stop in the background.
Since the last meeting, three of the school staff who sit on the Board, as well as four of our parent members, had the opportunity to participate in the Board training program run by the Education Department. This training assists to provide understanding and appreciation of the school governance principles and responsibilities required by an Independent Public School (IPS), such as Bunbury Senior High School is, under the School Education Act 1999.
On the topic of IPS, we have our IPS review coming up which involves the participation of myself, and Mr Geoff Ogden - our P&C President, along with some other key stakeholders from within the school and wider community, to meet and discuss key aspects of performance and community relationships with the Public Schools Accountability Directorate. Bunbury Senior High School is always a standout performer in Bunbury and the South West, and this year I’m sure will be no different.
We also have the pleasure to welcome Hon Sue Ellery MLC into the school on Tuesday 24 August to officially open the new cafeteria. This opening has been moved and delayed several times due to lockdown and restrictions, so it will be a momentous occasion to finally recognise. While the building has already been open for use throughout 2021, feedback from staff and students is nothing but positive about what a significant stride forward it has meant for upgrading our facilities. Plans are currently under review for further redevelopment of several areas of the school which we look forward to highlighting shortly.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday 2 September.
Tim O’Byrne
BSHS Board Chair
Welcome to Term 3. The Bunbury SHS P&C Executive meet Wednesday Week 3 of each Term and then hold a General meeting on Wednesday Week 7 of each term at 6pm in the School Library, and is open to anybody to attend.
It's a great opportunity to meet our Principal Mike Sinagra and see what the P&C is up to. One new exciting initiative this year will be supporting Mr Sinagra in bringing together government agencies for the redevelopment of the bus stop shelters.
Our wonderful Cafeteria cooks and prepares a variety of yummy meals for students every school day. We are always looking for volunteers to assist cafeteria employees. If you would like to gain some experience and fellowship with staff or would just like to enjoy the ocean views, please contact Manager Deb on 0409 219 281 or Louise on 0439 922 697.
During Term 3 the uniform shop is ordering stock for the next 12 months.
We are seeking feedback on the new softshell jackets that have been sold in the last couple of months as well as the microfiber jackets with the warm lining. We hope these jackets have kept students warm this winter.
The P&C will be supporting the newly formed Bunbury SHS Graduates Society - Alumni as they plan a launch event later in the year.
All the best for the term and please come to our next General Meeting on 1 September. You can contact us through our Facebook page if you require any further information.
Geoff Ogden
P&C President
Year 12 Semester 2 Exams
All Year 12 students and parents are reminded that Term 3 school holidays are when Year 12 Semester 2 Exams (previously known as Mock exams) and Year 12 WACE Practical Exams run. All Year 12 ATAR students will be required to attend their Exams in Week 2 of the holidays. The exams will take place in the Bunbury SHS Library.
ATAR WACE exams with a practical component such as Phys Ed will run that part of the final exam during the first week of holidays. Students should have received their exam timetables in week 4.
Year 12 Semester 2 Exam Timetable
YEAR 10, 11 & 12 STUDENTS - OLNA
If your child is required to sit OLNA in Week 7 and 8, they will have received an individualised timetable with the components they are required to sit in Round 2.
To achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), students need to demonstrate minimum standards of literacy and numeracy. These standards cover the range of skills regarded as essential to meet the demands of everyday life and work.
There are two ways students can demonstrate the minimum standards:
- Prequalification through the Year 9 National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), or
- Performance in the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA).
Students who achieve Band 8 or higher in any of the three components of reading, writing and numeracy in their Year 9 NAPLAN are acknowledged as having demonstrated proficiency and are not required to sit the corresponding OLNA component, e.g. if a student achieves Band 8 or higher in reading in their Year 9 NAPLAN they will not need to sit the reading component of the OLNA.
If your child is required to sit OLNA in Week 7 and 8, they will have received an individualised timetable with the components they are required to sit in Round 2.
Please click on the following link for further information on the OLNA Assessment.
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.
Please follow the instructions below to install.
REMINDER - NO SCHOOL NEXT MONDAY 23 AUGUST
START OF TERM 3 ASSEMBLY
Towards the start of term, we held a whole school assembly. During the assembly, we recognised the hard work and dedication of students throughout term 2. Students were recognised for their individual success throughout term 2 in academics, behaviour and attendance. Well done to all our recipients!
WA SURFING AND BODYBOARDING TITLES
Congratulations to the BSHS Surfing and Body Boarding Team, who took out overall champion school at the 2021 SunSmart Surfing and Body Boarding Titles. The conditions were very challenging and all competitors should be congratulated on their efforts.
The following teams won their division and have the opportunity to compete in the state titles at the end of the month:
Junior Girls Body Boarding (Milla Gray and Indi West)
Junior Boys Body Boarding (Jessie Hollins and Will Smith)
Senior Girls Body Boarding (Lily Gray and Lexie Edwards)
Junior Boys Surfing (Eamon Ramsey and Angus Oddy)
INTERSCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY - OVERALL SCHOOL!
Congratulations to the Bunbury SHS Cross Country team on an extremely successful day at the Interschool Cross Country competition!
This year we returned to Bell Pasture Seeds Farm where the Cross Country competition has been held previously. The course offered many challenges including running through fresh mud, jumping over hay bales, and many other challenging obstacles. All the students' hard work and training paid off resulting in Bunbury SHS being crowned the overall champions for the day! In a record-breaking display, Bunbury was awarded first place in all year groups and team relays! This is the first time a school has ever completed a clean sweep of the cross country! All of the students involved on the day should be extremely proud of their efforts
Individual honours were awarded to:
Olivia Doddy: Second place
Connor Wright: First place
Lucas Andrews: First place
Zeke Walker: Second place
Ruby Williams: Second place
Hamish Melvin: Second place
Kade Szyszka: First place
Thank you to everybody who made this such a successful day and we look forward to defending our title again next year!
A big thank you to Mrs Gardiner and Shaye Skraha for organising such a successful day!
WORKSHOPS IN THE CBD FOR VASP
As part of the Town Team Movement, Andrew Frazer and Charlotte White put together a mural proposal for the wall located in the back laneway at Maker+Co.
On Thursday, 5 August, our Year 10 VASP students met with the artists at Maker+Co and learnt about the process they undertook to create the mural.
Andrew and Charlotte provided them with a look at the nearly finished wall, had a chat and then moved into the CBD hub for a sitdown art workshop getting them hands-on with illustration techniques.
NAIDOC NETBALL CARNIVAL
Bunbury SHS joined in the NAIDOC celebrations on Wednesday, 4 August and put a team in the first NAIDOC Netball Carnival hosted by Australind Senior High School.
This one day carnival held at Leschenault Leisure Centre was well supported by many schools in the South West region and the South West AMS. The focus of the day was Kalyakool meyer (forever one).
We had a strong team who performed very well and had a fantastic day coming together with students from all around the South West.
COUNTRY WEEK FOOD DONATED
After the cancellation of Country Week last minute, our staff had a dilemma. The food they had purchased for the students would be going to waste!
The decision was made to donate all the breakfast food that was brought for our students to Foodbank Australia's Bunbury branch during the holidays.
Foodbank kindly picked up the food from the hotel in Perth and transferred it to the Bunbury branch so the food would go back into our local community.
A big thank you to all the staff involved and Foodbank Australia for their assistance, especially during COVID restrictions in and around Perth at the time.
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.
SPECIAL REPORT: Instilling Hope In Uncertain Times
Although life is always filled with uncertainty, the levels we are currently experiencing are unprecedented and it is becoming evident that this is taking a toll on our young people. The most recent research from Mission Australia makes clear the breadth and depth the pandemic is having on our youth across the nation.
It appears that lockdowns and tighter restrictions will be with us for some time, but it is important in such times of uncertainty to instil hope and remain optimistic. Adult carers can play a vital role in helping young people reframe their worries, encouraging them to see life as it is and getting them to focus more on the things they can control, rather than those they can’t.
It’s important young people remain connected with their social networks during these times as often their natural response to uncertainty is to exhibit varying degrees of fear and anxiety. With the continued disruptions, mental health concerns are on the rise and it is evident that many students may need some extra support to achieve their goals. Parents can help their kids focus more on the good things in their life, rather than fill in the blanks with catastrophic narratives.
This Special Report outlines how adult carers can help instil hope and offer support in such times of uncertainty. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this Special Report raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Click here for access to the special report.
PE UNIFORM
Its been great to see so many students wearing their new PE shirts to class.
A reminder to all parents that these shirts are part of the school uniform, and it is compulsory for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 to be wearing these shirts to their Physical Education classes.
REGULAR UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES (during school terms):
MONDAY 10.30am - 11.30am
WEDNESDAY 1.00pm - 2.00pm
Or contact the uniform shop manager, Marianne on 0417 982 387 for further enquiries.
ROBOCUP JUNIOR AUSTRALIA WINNERS
Congratulations to our two Year 10 teams who competed at the RoboCup Junior WA State Event on 30 - 31 July 2021.
Competing in the Secondary Rescue Line category, Connor Goodlad, Owen Patmore and Billy Greg took out the top spot to become state champions.
While our team in the Open Rescue Line division, consisting of Lukas Murray, Byron Henderson and Kasey Jarvis placed third, beating a number of other school teams.
Students robots follow a line on a series of titles to a designated rescue area. Robots can encounter obstacles and bridges on their path to the 'chemical spill'(green coloured title) area where the robot has to locate 'the victim' (an object) before pushing it to safety.
The Rescue competition mirrors the real life use of robots that rescue people from life-threatening situations.
NUMERO CHALLENGE
For the first time, our a group of our students competed at the Numero Challenge on 5 and 11 August 2021.
For the first heat, students travelled to Perth to compete in four rounds of Numero card related games and problems. One of our teams, who had named their team Bunbury Maths Masters, took second place at this heat and secured a place in the final. Thank you to the 12 students who were involved in this day.
The final for the Numero Challenge was held on 11 August at Perth Modern School where Bunbury Maths Masters were up against the best 12 teams from the heats. With improved performance in the 'Top Take' round and solid performances throughout the morning, the BSHS team placed third in a field that included students up to three years older than themselves. Well done to the Year 7 Bunbury Maths Masters members Hinata, Miller, Mex and Nelson!
We hope to make the Numero Challenge an annual event for students and look forward to returning next year.
Career planning and transition for young people on the autism spectrum| Thursday 2 September, 4.00pm (AEST)
In this 60 minute live and interactive webinar, our presenters, Associate Professor Marina Ciccarelli, Cheryl Mangan, and Brendan James will provide information for parents about:
- The Better OutcOmes and Successful Transitions for Autism (BOOST-A) research;
- The role of parents and supporters in youth focused, strengths-based career planning; and
- How myWAY Employability career planner can support young people on the autism spectrum to build a customised profile and goals to plan for future career pathways.
Based on six years of research, myWAY Employability is a smart web platform that helps autistic individuals plan and prepare for working life. Autistic individuals co-produced content, design, and usability of the website. myWAY Employability matches an individual’s interests and strengths to relevant careers and pathways. It encourages users to create big dreams, and smaller goals and tasks to track progress.
Click here to - view the Notice >
If the link above does not work, try copying the link into the address bar of your browser.
https://connect.det.wa.edu.au/redirect/cmty/13507866/announcements?viewNotice=3382041451
WORLDSKILLS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to hard-working VET TAFE students Jessica Cherry, Sky Burgess and Imogen Hunt who have been selected for Team WA for the WorldSkills National Championships taking place in Perth from 26-28 August 2021.
The competition, held over three days, is designed by industry and skills experts who assess an individual’s knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against a set of strict criteria.
Jessica will be competing in hairdressing and Sky and Imogen will be putting their food and beverage skills to the test. Good luck girls and go Bunbury SHS!
CAREER SEMINAR
Earlier in the term, our Year 12 Career and Enterprise students were tasked to develop their own Careers Seminar for Year 10, 11 and 12 students.
The students planned and organised for guest speakers to attend the school and talk about their career pathway and journey into the workforce.
The guest speakers included Shauna Willis (Journalist), Paul Buswell (Sales), Isaac Salter (circus artist), Murray Goodwin (Real Estate), Khan Le Prevost-Shepard (Australian Police Force), Daniel Scott (Physio), Boden Edwards and Jana Pschichholiz (South 32 - Worsley) and our very own Francesco Mazzella (Australia Defence Force - mission to the Solomon Islands).
Well done to our hard-working Year 12 classes and a big thank you to all the guests who took the time to speak with our students today.
SLEEPOUT FOR THE HOMELESS
The annual Sleepout for the Homeless prefect event took place on Friday 13 August. Year 12 students along with some staff members received donations of personal hygiene items which the students used on the night to create packages for people of need. These packages will be distributed to local charities who will hand these out to local homeless people in Bunbury.
The students heard from members of local Bunbury businesses who work to support people who are homeless in the South West region.
The Year 12s and staff also slept the night on the PAC floor with only a blanket to simulate what it could be like to be homeless.
BUNBURY SHS GRADUATES SOCIETY (ALUMNI)
Interim BSHS Graduates Society (Alumni) Association.
There are two key focus areas for the Alumni:
- Create an appropriate Governance structure that can set the Alumni up for the future; and
- Implement an idea that will raise awareness of the Alumni and attract former students and staff to consider joining and being involved.
Status Update:
Governance Structure
- The Bunbury Senior High School (BSHS) Graduates Society - Alumni registration as an incorporated Not For Profit organisation has finally been accepted by the Associations Branch of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
- With the Constitution achieving registration, an Alumni Council meeting will be called and positions filled through the Graduates Society inaugural AGM.
- The AGM is to be confirmed.
The 1000 People Project
- BSHS Alumni is introducing a first-ever event designed to get YOU to come back to school, connect with like-minded former students and staff who all want to give back to the school that gave them so much.
- Let’s perform together in the spirit of learning that pays forward the wisdom and unity you gained from your time at BSHS.
- On Friday 3 December 2021 bring your voice, or your guitar, or your drums, or brass, or your triangle to perform a musical classic that, like us, has stood the test of time. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
- Numbers are capped at 1000 (and there are 72,257 likely contenders), register and you will receive your lyrics and/or music sheet to practice.
- Registration details are about to be launched.
- BSHS Alumni would love you to join to help grow our school community.
There is a small team working on the implementation of this idea, but many hands make light work. If you have a gift of time and/or talent, please let the school know.
We would like to thank Principal Mike Sinagra and his team, particularly Ellie in Marketing, Geoff Ogden and the music school and key and enthusiastic students and teachers from the Media and Photography team.
If you are interested in joining the Alumni Council, please contact Mike Sinagra at michael.sinagra2@education.wa.edu.au or visit the Graduates Society website. Your support and participation in developing the Graduates Society is welcome, needed, and important in giving back to a school that gave so much to its graduates and former staff.
Yours sincerely
Interim Alumni Council
James Jarvis (1985)
Sarah Henderson (1985)
Sam Goodlad (1994)
Kristy Narkle (1996)
Peter Martinson (1961)
Wayne Hayres (1981)
VALE JOHN 'STROP' CORNELL
Australian comedian and Bunbury SHS Alumni John Cornell has died at the age of 80 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
You can read more about John's life in the article below.
| Yr7/8 Lightening Carnival | Tuesday, 17 August 2021 |
| Science Activity Day | Friday 20 August 2021 |
| Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL | 23 August 2021 |
| Cinefest English excursion | 24 August 2021 |