Edition 6 Term 3, Week 10
Choosing the right Senior School pathway and course can be a daunting experience.
When I first arrived at Bunbury SHS I was having a conversation with a senior school student about her friend that had chosen to go to another school for Year 11 and Year 12. When I enquired as to why they went, she mentioned that they couldn’t get the course that they wanted. I said “oh I see”. I asked about her course and she said she also couldn’t get all the courses that she wanted either but she would do some by SIDE. I asked her why she didn’t change schools too. Her response was priceless. She was surprised that I would ask a question like that. She laughed at me and said.
“.. Because I belong here. There is a place for everyone at Bunbury Senior High School”.
It is a great testament of what our students receive at Bunbury SHS. From the courses to the school structures, individual attention and support, the historically entrenched culture of success and the opportunities that align to the students’ needs - we know our students well and prepare them well for a successful future.
For our senior school students, we have recently added a dedicated Senior School Manager. This person will monitor and be available to assist the students at every twist and turn through their senior school journey. The completion of the cafeteria has also given the students an adult place to socialise and use as a casual study area with a dedicated charging station for their devices. When the Shedworks Program accommodation is relocated in 2022 the Year 12’s will regain the common room and kitchen area as a dedicated senior school space.
This week I spoke with a group of parents about our Shedworks Program. This is one of an increasing number of pathways that we offer to make the journey through senior school successful. In 2021 the ECU UniPrep course has given a number of students an alternative pathway to university and we continue to subsidise students who choose Bunbury Regional Trade Training VET certificate, $500 per student per year*. In 2022 we will also be offering a new pathway with an endorsed course called Research Project. This course allows students to work with businesses to complete projects in conjunction with a business or higher educational institution.
Bunbury Senior High School is an extraordinary school – rich in tradition and firmly focused on the future. Our students are part of a 100-year long tradition of academic success and we are proud of our Alumni, many of whom hold positions in local, national and international environments. They excel in politics, medicine, industry, law, engineering and the arts.
*second-year funding based on success of first year
En Avant
Mike Sinagra
Principal
COVID Vaccinations
Dear parents and carers
As you may have heard, all Western Australians aged 12 to 15 are now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Health has also announced it is offering allocated times for school students aged 16 years and over and school-based staff to access WA Health clinics.
More information about clinic locations can be found on the HealthyWA website.
Please find below a letter from the Chief Health Officer, providing details about the clinics, including information about consent.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinating your child, please visit the HealthyWA website.
Thank you for your support in keeping our students, staff and community safe.
Recently the School Board received notification from the Deputy Director General endorsing the Public School Review of Bunbury Senior High School. The review report contained many commendations and validated the school’s assessment of recommended areas to focus improvement.
The report will soon be available for the school community to read on our school website and on the Schools Online platform.
School Board members recently engage in some board training.
“..the training was educational and well worth attending” Cr Todd Brown
“time flew. There was lots of content that could have been unpacked even further” Ross Millington
We also recently completed a self-review of the board performance. The results have given us an insight into the future focus of the board and the areas to focus on with the school.
The board continues to explore opportunities to help the school build partnership to engage with businesses, universities and research facilities. We are working with the school to host a BGCCI After Hours event, and connecting the school with the Dolphin Discovery Centre. They are exploring a joint research project.
It has been a busy term which is reflected by the size of this newsletter.
Annual Conference
WA Council of State School Organisations / WA School Canteen Association workshop at Bunbury SHS was held during August in Perth. Our Vice President Rebecca Reid attended this event on behalf of the P&C Executive. Rebecca presented us with much information and new ideas gained. As a result, she is organising a financial management workshop for P&C members, executive & cafeteria staff and volunteers to be provided by representatives from the WA Schools Canteen Association early next term. The proposed date is Tuesday 26 October from 5pm. If you are involved in another P&C or school canteen you are welcome to join us so please send us an email with an expression of interest.
Cafeteria
I would like to thank our Cafeteria staff and volunteers for their hard work this term. The Education Department has purchased a pair of electric ovens for the Cafeteria and we hope these will be installed by the start of next term. They will make it a lot easier for meal preparation. Our wonderful cafeteria cooks and prepares a variety of delicious 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 cafeteria Managers Deb on 0409 219 281 (Mon to Thurs) or Louise (Fridays) on 0439 922 697 if you can give some time.
You will need a Working With Children Check and the P&C will cover this cost.
Uniform Shop
The uniform shop has made 2022 stock orders that will be available from December and the Year 7 2022 Orientation Day. We are seeking feedback on the new softshell Jackets that have been sold since June as well as the Microfibe Jacket with the warm lining. We hope these jackets have kept students warm this winter. Whilst we know no news is usually good news it’s always helpful when we receive feedback even if it is negative.
Either email us below or send us a message through our Facebook Page.
1000 People Project
The P&C will be supporting the newly formed Bunbury SHS Graduates Society - Alumni as they plan a launch event later in the year. For more details please refer to their Facebook page.
Fundraising Initiative
We are fundraising in 2022 by providing a donation option via the School Charges and Contributions accounts. We hope to raise approx $10,000 through voluntary contributions. These funds will be allocated by the P&C to small funding projects provided by the school that would not normally be met by Education Department funding.
All the best for the holiday break and we look forward to catching up with everyone next term.
You are welcome to attend our next General Meeting on November 24 where we will be discussing our 2022 Business Plan. You can contact us through our Facebook page if you require any further information or email our Secretary Penny with any enquiries at bunburyshspandc@gmail.com
Geoff Ogden
P&C President
BUNBURY SHS GRADUATES SOCIETY (ALUMNI)
It is with great excitement that we announce the BSHS Graduates Society - Alumni is now a legal entity after the application for incorporation was accepted and registered with the WA State Government.
To comply with our constitution, we are required to hold an inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect an Alumni Council. There are a number of positions, but only a small network of people ready to form the council.
By the time you are reading this newsletter, the AGM will already have been held as it is scheduled for Thursday 23 September in the BSHS Library. The constitution also allows us to coopt interested Alumni to positions as we start to develop. If you are interested, please let the school Administration know and they will put you in contact with the incoming Alumni Council.
Even more exciting news: the epic 1000 People Project.
Are you a former Bunbury SHS student?
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 bang out 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.
Register on our Facebook page: Bunbury Senior High School Alumni.
BSHS Alumni need you to join, grow our school and connect with your friends.
Kingia Foundation
An upcoming project for the BSHS Alumni is the creation of the Kingia Foundation. This will be a donations account that can be effectively used to develop the connection between alumni and the school and provide new opportunities for our existing student body. Lots of work to do and we encourage any interested Alumni to get involved.
Yours sincerely
Interim Alumni Council
James Jarvis (1985)
Sarah Henderson (1985)
Sam Goodlad (1994)
Kristy Narkle (1996)
Peter Martinson (1961)
Wayne Hayres (1981)
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.
Staffing Matters
Current Deputy Principal Mr Andrew Healey will be taking some much deserved Long Service Leave in Term 4 and Mrs Sharna Mason will be acting Deputy in his absence.
Our current Student Services Manager Mr Mark Woodland will also be on Long Service Leave in Term 4 and we will be welcoming a new and very experienced Student Services Manager at the start of the term. Please follow our Facebook page for that introduction.
We thank all of our wonderful school staff for their hard work and support at our school during another busy term and hope they all have a wonderful break.
Final assembly for Term 3
This morning we farewelled our Class of 2021 cohort at our final assembly for Term 3.
It was a bittersweet feeling for our Year 12 students as the prefects participated in the traditional handing over of their jackets and the entire cohort in the ceremonial hat throw on the front lawn.
We wish all our Year 12s the very best in their upcoming exams, work placements and courses and with all their future endeavours.
We also heard one of our senior bands play some of their favourite pieces while we celebrated our Year 12s.
The Inspiring Self Belief Citizenship Award for the Year 12 cohort was awarded to Macie Horner. Congratulations.
Cafeteria Officially Opened!
In August we welcomed the Honourable Sue Ellery MLC Minister of Education and Training, the Honourable Don Punch MLA Member for Bunbury and many other esteemed guests for the official opening of the Bunbury Senior High School Cafeteria.
With breathtaking views of the WA coastline, special guests filled the cafeteria where the Minister of Education and Training unveiled the plaque and officially opened our new facility. The Minister also announced upgrades to our Gymnasium and changerooms and the extension of the Follow the Dream program to Bunbury SHS.
Guests were also invited to stay for afternoon tea and enjoyed the warmer weather and amazing views.
The brand new building was built throughout 2020 and was opened for the start of the 2021 school year. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the official opening was delayed until 24 August 2021.
The cafeteria also recently won Best Education Building at the Master Builders-Bankwest Building Excellence Awards South West.
The awards night was held on Friday 3 September at the Quality Hotel Lighthouse.
The schools' cafeteria was built in conjunction with Kent Lyon Architects, Perkins and the Department of Finance and the Department of Education.
Book Week
From 21-27 August, we celebrated National Book Week.
Our library put on some craft activities for classes to fit with the theme: 'old worlds, new worlds, other worlds.' Students created posters, collages, and illustrations reflecting this year's theme based on a book they picked out from the library's catalogue.
On Friday, our English department also dressed for the occasion, wearing their favourite book character costume. Staff were also quizzed on some famous novel questions with the fastest response receiving a prize!
MND Prefect Event
Our staff and students took the plunge today to support and raise funds for FightMND, an organisation that donates funds towards vital research to help beat MND. Our school community raised over $1200 that will be donated to this very worthy cause.
MND or Motor Neurone Disease is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It causes weakness that gets worse over time. There's no cure for MND, but there are treatments to help reduce the impact it has on a person's daily life. Some people live with the condition for many years.
Our heroic participants included:
Lunch 1
Prefects
Mr Marinoni
Mr Barratt
Mrs Edwards
Mr Smith
Mr Andrews
Mr Woodland
Lunch 2
Prefects
Mr Stewart
Ms Carpenter
Mrs Simmonds
Mrs Mason
Mr Healey
And the highlight and main event Mr Sinagra!
A big thank you goes to all who donated and volunteered to be dunked and to our Yr 12 Prefects who organised the event!
Check out our Facebook page for videos and photos from the event.
House Banner Competition
Calling all students for the House banners/shields competition.
Our old House banners (from 1970!!) need to be updated and we need your help. Check out the shields from the 70s below and see if you can come up with a new creative design.
You must use the template provided below and the chosen designs will be used to develop the new and updated House Shields/Banners.
In addition to the glory of having your design chosen as the ultimate winner, other prizes will be awarded to students for effort and creativity.
Submissions to be given to Students Services by Friday 22 Oct 2021.
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.
SPECIAL REPORT: The Wellbeing Barometer
SchoolTV has been supporting families and schools for quite some time now by providing guidance and information to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by young people, especially during the pandemic. Over recent months, many people have been impacted and it has proven to be a difficult time for some more than others.
However, irrespective of whether your family has experienced many lockdowns or not, the social, economic and psychological impacts over the coming months remain uncertain. There is substantial evidence to show that mental health concerns are on the rise, especially in relation to our young people who may require some extra support. Parents will need to play a vital role in providing this support, helping their kids reframe their worries and focus more on the things they can control in their life. Ensuring the mental health and wellbeing of our young people is important for many reasons, one of which is the direct impact it can have on educational outcomes.
In this Special Report, we are seeking parent participation through a short survey. The survey is designed to assist the school to provide a barometer on the state of wellbeing within the community. The information gathered will assist in focussing on the key issues affecting students and discovering where further assistance may be required.
We encourage all parents and carers to spend a few moments to complete the survey. This will help with understanding the nature and extent of your concerns and determine how best to support our community.
Please reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report https://bunburyshs.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer
Year 11 ATAR to 12 Early Start
Year 11 ATAR students will receive their Year 11 exam timetable in week 1 of Term 4, Year 11 exams commence in Week 4 and will be held in our Kingia Building. Following the Year 11 exams, students will return and begin the Year 12 courses. They will remain at school until Friday, 3 December.
These first few weeks are very important in completing the initial curriculum for these courses. Whilst we understand students have just finished exams and we are heading towards the end of the year, they do need to fully engage with the Year 12 work. It would be greatly appreciated if parents could ensure that students are attending school every day during this period, unless they are unwell.
Year 11 General & Vet Finish
Year 11 VET students will finish Wednesday, 24 November and Year 11 General will finish on Friday, 26 November.
VET and Workplace Learning
Congratulations to all the students who have achieved certificate qualifications this year. The hard work and dedication to school, Workplace Learning and VET has paid off. Thank you for your efforts.
A number of students have successfully gained employment such as an apprenticeship beyond Year 12, from contacts with work experience, TAFE and the Bunbury Regional Trade Training Centre.
Well done and stay in touch, we'd love to hear about your transition to work and how the VET pathway worked for you.
Workplace Learning Logbooks
Year 12 Logbooks due 13 October 2021
Workplace Learning can give the student credit towards achieving WACE. 55 hours in an approved work placement when correctly evidenced in a logbook with a Skills Journal completed, is a C grade equivalent. 4 unit equivalents up to 220 hours are available over Year 11 and 12.
Students should submit the logbook asap to ensure time to provide the correct evidence.
Year 12 reporting of Workplace Learning closes 13 October 2021.
Any questions, please contact Ms Chambers.
Ms Chambers
SLEEPOUT FOR THE HOMELESS
The annual Sleepout for the Homeless prefect event took place on Friday 13 August. During this event, staff and students created 215 care packages for the homeless.
On Monday 13 September, Captain Mark from the South West Salvos collected approximately 75 packages for the local homeless population in Bunbury.
Year 11/12 Carnival
On Friday 3 September, our Year 11/12 students competed at a sports carnival as a replacement for the cancellation of Country Week earlier in the year.
Although not quite the same as Country Week, the one-day competition saw students competed for enjoyment only and not for any trophies.
Our students had great fun across a number of sports including hockey, netball, basketball, volleyball and soccer.
The carnival was held today over a number of locations in the South West such as Hay Park, South West Sports Centre, Eaton Rec Centre, Geographe Rec Centre and others.
We commend our Year 11 & 12 students for their comradery and sportsmanship with the issues and disruptions they have faced because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Year 12 Outdoor Ed Camp
On Monday 30 August, the Year 12 Outdoor Education students embarked on the final camp of their school career. They spent three days hiking through the beautiful forest on the Bibbulmun track between Walpole and Denmark.
Students were required to carry everything they would require for the three days, many learning the importance of not overpacking. The camp was very challenging but all students felt a great sense of achievement as they finished on the final day. Well done Year 12 Outdoor Education students!
Year 11 Outdoor Ed Camp
Over three days in September, the Year 11 Outdoor Education class attended their hiking camp along the Cape to Cape track.
The track allows for magnificent views of the South West coastline. The group started at Ellensbrook beach and finished at Conto campsite. On the third day, the students went on a tour of Lake Cave. The perfect weather made for a fantastic camp.
Thank you to one of our Physical Education teachers Mrs Nimmo for capturing some great photos from the camp!
2022 YEAR 9 & 10 ELECTIVES
Students moving into Year 9 & 10 in 2022 were given the opportunity to submit their preference for electives subjects next year.
In Week 8 of Term 3, these students received the outcome of their selections. The school makes every effort to accommodate each student’s choices however if a course that a student applied for was not listed on their course information sheet, it was because it was either not available due to insufficient students choosing a course and/or it conflicted with another subject or their specialist program. Reserve choices are placed if that occurred.
Students needing to make further selections or who missed the timeline to submit their electives have been given an appointment to see me during Term 4.
Year 7/8 Lightning Carnival
The School Sport WA Year 7/8 Lightning Carnival was held on 18 August, where students were able to spend the day in the sun playing sport.
Bunbury put up teams in mixed hockey, netball, boys and girls soccer and basketball across various venues across Bunbury.
Some of our senior students assisted staff with coaching and umpiring teams during the day to extend their leadership skills.
Well done to all who participated in this fun day out and a big thank you to all our staff who assisted on the day.
Year 8 VASP Workshop
On Friday 27 August, students in Year 8 VASP visited BRAG (Bunbury Regional Art Gallery) to participate in a practical painting workshop facilitated by exhibiting artist, Annettte Peterson.
Students began by having a quick look at her current exhibition, ‘Through the Streets’ and then settled into an art studio at the back of the gallery to each create a ‘speed painting’ of a given photograph related to the subject matter of the artist’s exhibition.
Students had to listen carefully to instructions and paint quickly and confidently within the workshop’s 2-hour timeframe. The pressure was on and students did BSHS proud, rising to the challenge to complete an urban landscape painting using acrylic on canvas board.
It was fantastic to hear that the artist actually thought that they were Year 11’s due to their mature approach and impressive focus. She was shocked to find out that they were actually only in Year 8.
It was a rewarding experience with students gaining insight into the practice of a professional artist and learning new skills in colour mixing, working from photographic observation and brush technique.
Cinefest Oz Excursion
On Tuesday 17 August, a number of Year 9 students attended the Cinefest Oz Cinesnaps excursion where they were given the opportunity to engage with leading Australian filmmakers and industry professionals.
Students walked to Grand Cinemas Bunbury where they viewed the inspiring WA documentary feature film Jaimen Hudson: From Sky to Sea which explores the story of Jaimen Hudson as he begins his quest to become the world’s first underwater cinematographer with quadriplegia.
After watching the film, the students made their way to the Stirling Street Arts Centre where they engaged in a number of interactive film workshops exploring a range of interactive zones including VR, indigenous short film, stunt demonstrations, make-up, lighting, and more.
This interactive workshop was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with local artists and explore the world of film.
Year 9/10 Winter Carnival
Some of our Year 9/10 students spent Tuesday in the sun at the School Sport WA Winter Carnival. The students participated in a number of sports across the day including AFL, basketball, netball, hockey, soccer and volleyball.
The event was held across Bunbury and Busselton with a majority of the competitions held at Hay Park in Bunbury.
The Bunbury SHS teams competed well on the day with some results below:
First place:
Girls basketball, girls AFL and girls soccer.
Second place:
Boys soccer, boys AFL
Third:
Hockey
Girls volleyball
Fourth:
Netball
Sixth:
Boys basketball
Well done to all our students and staff who represented our school values of courage, collaboration, wellbeing, learning and diversity across the day.
Head over to our Facebook post for more photos from the day.
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
Following the Year 12 Semester 2 exams during vacation, students will return to school on Monday, 11 October (first week of Term 4) for 2 weeks. This will give them time for exam feedback and final revision before their WACE exams. These are normal school days and all Year 12 ATAR students are expected to attend. This period is particularly important as it gives students the final opportunity to have questions answered and receive comprehensive feedback from their teachers. We appreciate parental assistance in ensuring that students are in attendance during the last 2 weeks of scheduled classes.
WACE EXAMS
As you are probably aware by now, students have access to their personalised WACE Exam timetables. Please ensure you are fully aware of your exam times and you must bring your timetable to every exam. Misreading a timetable is not an acceptable reason for missing an exam. Failure to sit the final WACE exam will result in no credit towards their WACE for having completed the course (Please see statement below in italics).
It is essential that all students sit all exams and give their best effort. If a student is identified as a non-trier because they have clearly put in minimal effort, the statement below from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority also applies.
If students do not sit an ATAR course examination and do not have an approved Sickness/Misadventure Application for that course, the pair of units completed in that year will not contribute towards any of the WACE requirements. Students who do not sit the ATAR course will not have a course mark or grade recorded on their WASSA, nor will they receive a report for that ATAR course.
I would like to encourage the following strategies to ensure students attend their exams at the correct time and minimise potential last-minute stresses:
- Parents/Guardians have all their child’s exams in a calendar, or diary that they use with the appropriate reminders in place.
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to your exams. Arrive early. There are plenty of quiet places to sit and relax before entering an exam. Being late for exams can add to your stress.
- A copy of the exam timetable is kept in multiple places such as on the fridge where it will be seen regularly.
- Students have an additional copy of their timetable in their bag that they bring to the exam. This is not their main copy, it is a backup and always bring the same bag to each exam, this allows you to be confident that you always have a copy. Make sure your bag is packed the night before.
Congratulations to our Year 12 students for getting through a hectic year of study and finishing their courses.
I wish all our Year 12s the best for their next journeys after finishing at Bunbury Senior High School.
During Term 3 the following students completed the World Vision “40 Hour Famine” challenge and raised $483.
Congratulations to: Tayla Andrew (Yr 10), Gabrielle Maslin (Yr 10), Jarod Meijer (Yr 11), Timothy Pilbeam (Yr 11) and Mary Salazar (Yr 11).
Please come and see me if you haven’t received a certificate for it.
Please stay safe if you are travelling during the school holiday break as it is a popular time to travel to Perth or go out camping.
I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe school holiday break and when we return in Term 4 the countdown to Christmas and the summer holidays begins.
Deon Throne
BSHS YouthCARE Chaplain
| Yr 12 Semester 2 Exams | 4-8 October |
| Students first day of Term 4 |
11 October |
| Whole School Assembly | 13 October |
| Youth Literature Y9/10 Grammar | 21 October |
| Young Writers Yr 7/8 | 22 October |
| WACE Exams | 1 Nov - 19 Nov |