Edition 2 Term 2, Week 3
Bonjour à tous, and Wanju
Welcome back to Term 2. The term has begun with a relaxation of COVID restriction in an indication that we are at a junction of living with the virus. I cannot thank you all enough for the way in which you have supported the school to manage the operating conditions. I know that it wasn’t always easy with mask wearing, no gatherings, entry onto school limitations and the like.
Although things feel like they are getting back to normal with masks and restricted movements, we are still living with the impacts of COVID restrictions. The number of students and teachers catching the virus is on the rise. Daily case number tracking indicates that we will be heading towards a school peak in the next two weeks. It is important to remain vigilant and follow the guidelines from the Health Department.
The school Athletics Carnival was postponed and will now be held on Wednesday 27 July 2022. After much discussion with School Sport WA, the Department of Education and school Principals, Country Week is back on the calendar. It will now be held in Term 3 Week 7 (29 Aug-2 Sept). The timing for this is not ideal and we are working on ways to lessen the impact on students’ academic success. More information about the issues surrounding this new date, our strategies to soften the impact and the choices available to students will come out in a specific communication.
ANZAC Commemorations
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful job done by Mereki Morgan-Harvey and Molly Mayne in reading the requiem at the recent ANZAC Day commemoration. Their efforts were acknowledged by the MC on the morning. While watching it, I was overwhelmed by the level our school community is engaged in the fabric of life in Bunbury. As well as those students being pivotal in the on stage ceremony, our whole student leadership team were represented (Jarrod Meyer and Molly Mayne pictured above), two of our students led the different cadet units and staff were involved in representing community groups and laying wreaths.
Exams and Testing
Term 2, is a critical time for students’ academic life, as it is the “reporting season”. Similar to company reporting, the whole school finalises assessments, collates and reviews the data to measure progress. If you notice your teenager is testier than usual, impending deadlines for assessment tasks or coming tests and examinations may be the root of the behaviour. Providing some space and reducing, outside of school, commitments can help at this time.
In the school at the moment, our Year 7 and Year 9 students are trying really hard to do the best they can with the NAPLAN testing. They have a quiet place to do the test, it is well resourced with support staff and technology to ensure it is the best environment for the students to do well.
Year 10 Pathways
When students select a senior school course at Bunbury SHS they are choosing the; top ATAR school in Bunbury and the South West and a World Skills Australian National Championship award winning school.
Bunbury SHS is situated in the heart of the city by the beach. The infrastructure of the city is our classrooms; students enhance their learning through access to the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, the BREC, cultural walking tours, the city chambers, the Dolphin Discovery Centre and much more.
Independent Research Project
Each year our expanding pathways cater for a greater range of students. One such course event, the Independent Research Project industry night, held just recently, highlights the opportunities that are available to the students because of the relationship with the city and its infrastructure.
Students heard from local business owners who have a problem in their business or industry. The students are seeking such problems as the basis of an in depth research project, the results of which will be presented back to the business owners.
BYOD
One resource that is paramount to our students is their electronic devices. It is central to the delivery of our teaching and learning programs. Having a reliable accessible device provides your child with the greatest opportunity for success. Please see the link below to get further information about acquiring a device.
NSOS Survey
As part of our own assessment, we have gathered data from students, parents and teachers about the performance of the school. Thank you to all the parents who provided feedback to the National School Online Survey (NSOS). In general, the feedback is very positive. We strive to ensure that we provide a level of excellence that our community can be proud. We use your feedback to look for opportunities to grow and improve. If you would like to have more input to the school, The P&C, The Bunbury Senior High School Graduate Society – Alumni and The School Board are great ways to do this. Listening and acting on this feedback is why we are the great school that we are.
School Board
The school board has welcomed Rebecca Gilmore to the vacancy left by Rebecca Reid’s tenure finishing. We would like to thank Rebecca for her contribution. The AGM for the school board was held on Thursday evening. Tim O’Byrne, who has been the Board Chair for three years now has retired and will move on to some big projects in his business life. On behalf of the school community, I would like to thank Tim for great contribution and support he has provided me in our school improvement journey so far. In Tim’s place, we will be welcoming Todd Brown into the Board Chair position.
Have a great term
En Avant
Mike Sinagra
School Development Day - Date Change
Please pay special attention to the change of dates for the school development day in Term 3 Week 6 (Friday 26 Aug). It has now changed to Term 3 Week 8 (Monday 5 September). Students are not required to attend school on this date.
COVID Update
The Premier announced that from 14 April, the close contact definition will now align with the National Cabinet definition. A close contact is now defined as:
- a household member [or intimate partner] of a person with COVID-19 who has had contact with them during their infectious period,
- someone who has had close personal interaction with a person with COVID-19 during their infectious period, where they spent greater than 4 hours of cumulative contact with them in a residential setting, (i.e. a home, accommodation facility) where masks have been removed by both people for all of this period
- someone who is directed by WA Health that they are a close contact.
For schools, this means a child will no longer be identified as a close contact at school. Please continue to contact the school if your child becomes COVID-19 positive or becomes a close contact and is required to isolate. We can then provision remote learning for your child as required.
Any child who becomes symptomatic should stay home and be tested for COVID-19. Please continue to refer to healthywa.wa.gov.au for information on close contact definition, testing and isolation requirements.
The easing of restrictions has meant some of our school activities can resume this term, including school camps. We will provide more information on the requirements and COVID‑19 considerations for each activity as they arise on the school calendar.
BOP Industries
On Monday 9 May, our Year 7-10 GAT students were delighted to attend a BOP Industries workshop incursion held in our Library.
BOP deliver programs for school-aged students to develop their 21st century skills in entrepreneurship, STEAM and innovation.
The workshops were split into two groups, with our Year 7 & 8s participating in 3D printing, augmented reality, conductive ink and robotics while our Year 9 & 10 students learnt about what future jobs could look like. The third session was open to all year groups where students explored entrepreneurial opportunities.
Year 10 Parent Information Sessions
The Year 10 Parent Information Sessions are upcoming. These will provide parents with important information regarding Senior School pathways at Bunbury Senior High School.
To book your place at one of these sessions, please click here.
Year 9 VASP
The students have been working on creating some amazing designs for a skateboard.
They researched selected art movements then incorporated some techniques and elements from their chosen movement into their own design.
Well done team 9 VASP!
Year 8 French
Year 8 Students studying French, have spent this term reading, re-creating and developing their own menus and scripts to perform a café scene. Some groups took the time to rehearse until they were able to perform their scene with scripts down.
Year 7 French
Year 7 students studied a short poem containing similes to describe coloured eggs as other objects in French. They had the choice to hand-draw or create digital versions of their own drafted poem.
Shedworks 2022
It has been a busy term for the SHEDWorks group of students.
Some of the activities include but are not limited to;
The school garden - planting care, compost management, propagating thyme, strawberry, mint, and Magnolia seeds (taken from school plants) and general garden maintenance.
The students have recognised that if you look after the soil and develop the compost then the plants will grow well. They also recognised the problems of pests and benefits of predators that can inhibit growth and how to remedy or address them.
We have participated in a volunteer program through the Dolphin Discovery Centre called Storm Chasers.
We have visited three sites so far including the Bunbury Port – Fishing Landing, Turkey Point and the Bunbury Back Beach.
The idea behind the Storm Chasers volunteer program is to engage in voluntary work to help others by collecting rubbish and leftover items to clean up the environment.
The data is collated to help provide solutions to the littering issues and to also understand how those items end up in the Estuary and the Beach.
This data is then forwarded to Dolphin Discovery Centre where they record that information for their own purposes.
We have been cooking using a limited budget of $5 per person. Students can team up and join their allowance to create a more complex or larger recipe.
Some wonderful food has been produced from pizza, BLT’s, Chocolate Fruit Blonde, Tuna Pesto Pasta and marinated Chicken wings and a few other tasty meals.
Well done to all and thanks to the Home Economics Staff for supporting and guiding our students.
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)
These scholarships will be open on Tuesday 19 July 2022 and the Scholarship Application Form available from this date. Applications close Monday 21 November 2022.
Attendance
Going to school every day is vitally important so your child does not miss out on important ideas, concepts, knowledge and skills for future learning. At Bunbury Senior High School we want your teenager to do their very best. To get the best education, they need to attend school regularly (90%+).
The teenage years are a time for young people to develop independence and find their place in the world, including how they take part in their school life. By working together, our school community can support your child’s attendance.
What can you do to help?
- Act early. It is important to understand and work on the underlying reasons why your teenager is not going to school.
- On average, teenagers need eight to nine hours of sleep a night to be healthy and alert. Maintaining a daily routine helps. This may include monitoring internet, mobile phone and television use at night to ensure sleep is not disturbed.
- Try not to make appointments or take holidays during school time. This can make it difficult to catch up on missed school work, and cause anxiety about attending school.
- Don’t let your teenager stay home unless they are genuinely sick.
- Don’t let your teenager stay home to finish an assignment that is due. Make attendance the number one priority.
- Teach them that attending to commitments is important.
Do you need to let the school know if your teenager will be away from school?
- Yes, you need to let the office staff know the reason why your teenager is going to be or has been absent from school as soon as possible.
- Don’t feel the need to ‘cover up’ the reason for your teenager’s absence.
- Be honest so we can work with you and your teenager to improve their attendance.
- Having information about why your teenager is missing school helps us plan for their return, and to work out whether we can provide any further help to you.
- Have clear expectations about after school jobs. Make sure work does not impact their ability to get to school each day or interfere with study.
- Encourage extracurricular activities such as sports and creative activities. They can help your teenager develop positive relationships and experience success, helping them feel more motivated.
- Monitor your teenager’s attendance and learning at school. Periodically check with the school to find out how things are
- Avoid taking over or giving your teenager the impression you are solving their problems for them. Improving attendance requires the school, parent and student to work
- If your teenager delays getting ready for school so they are late, encourage them to still go to
- Ask school staff for help if you are struggling to get your teenager to
What will staff at our school do to help?
- Offer relevant and interesting learning opportunities to engage students.
- Monitor every student’s attendance and work with you to overcome problems affecting your teenager’s attendance.
- Talk with you about involving school support staff and/or other agencies or organisations to help.
- Talk with you about local services that may also be able to help.
We understand that often, students who do not attend school have reasons that make it difficult for them to do so.
We are here to help. For more information, you can contact Student Services to arrange a meeting. Additionally, there is some information for parents about school refusal, anxiety and attendance below.
HPE – Change of dates for school events
At Bunbury SHS we love participating in activities that challenge us outside of the classroom setting. Unfortunately, many activities planned for the start of 2022 have been quite disrupted by COVID, with some camps and interschool events not running as scheduled.
The below table outlines some of the events that had to be postponed in term 1, with a new date scheduled for later in the year. If you need to discuss any of the below, feel free to contact Adam McGill (Head of HPE), or your child’s class teacher.
|
Event |
Old Date |
New Date |
|
Year 7 BEST Camp |
Week 2 Term 1 |
Week 4 Term 4 2-4 November |
|
Interschool Swimming |
Week 8 Term 1 |
Week 7 Term 4 Thursday 24 November |
|
Athletics Carnival |
Week 9 Term 1 |
Week 2 Term 3 Wednesday 27 July |
|
Country Week |
Week 10 Term 2 |
Week 7 Term 3 |
|
Year 7/8 Lightning Carnival |
Week 5 Term 3 |
Week 3 Term 4 Wednesday 26 October |
|
Outdoor Ed Yr 12 Hiking Camp |
Week 8 Term 3 |
Split into 2x day trips due to Country Week now in Term 3: Wednesday Week 3 Term 3 Wednesday Week 8 Term 3 |
|
Year 9/10 Winter Carnival |
Week 10 Term3- Wed 21 Sept |
Week 10 Term 2 Wednesday 29 June |
Clubs at Bunbury Senior High School
Did you know that we have loads of different clubs at Bunbury Senior High School? And they are free! Our fantastic staff volunteer their time to run the various clubs below.
We encourage students to get involved in the extra-curricular activities available to them. Many students engage in Sport, Art or Music as part of our specialist programs. These clubs provide an opportunity for other students who may not be in one of those programs, but they are open to all.
Clubs are a great way to develop team and leadership skills. Some of our clubs contribute to the wider Bunbury community through fundraising or contributing their time and effort to a cause.
|
CLUB |
VENUE and TIME |
Other details |
|
Diversity Club |
Rm6 Fri L1 |
Has been running since 2014. The main focus has been support of students with diverse sexuality and/or gender. It is also a space for allies. This group is active in running informative and celebratory events for the whole school, as well as fundraising for local relevant external agencies. |
|
Kingia Z Club |
Rm 44 Wed L2 |
Newly formed in 2021. The current President is Year 12 student Zoe Anderson-Hicks. Some activities completed in 2021 were to support breast cancer patients and women without access to hygienic birthing supplies. This club is connected to and supported by the Zonta Club of Bunbury. |
|
Robotics Club |
D&T4 Mon, Tues & Fri L2 |
Has been running for several years. The group usually competes in RoboCup. They use Lego Mindstorms robotics gear. |
|
Homework Club |
Library Mon, Tues, Wed 3.00 -4.15pm |
Has been running for many years. Several staff from across all the learning areas volunteer to assist students. |
|
Maths Club
|
Rm39 Friday 7.30 – 8.30am |
Has been running for a few years. Maths staff have a roster and support students with their Maths skills. |
|
Movie Club |
Rm15 Mon to Fri L2 |
Has been running for a few years. The teacher provides a range of movies across different genres for the students to watch. |
|
Dungeons and Dragons Club |
TBD |
Students have expressed an interest in having a DnD club at school. This is currently being set up. |
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program®
Positively Parenting Teenagers
By Professor Matt Sanders
As a parent, you want to do the best for your child, but how do you know what’s right? What do you do when your teenager constantly answers back or starts staying out late? How do you prepare your Senior for Schoolies Week? What if your child is being bullied?
This year in your newsletter, I will share some of Triple P’s proven tips for the best ways to handle common teenage problems. From battling disobedience to encouraging homework routines, I’ll cover those everyday issues to help you work out some strategies to suit your family.
I’ll highlight common “parent traps” and hopefully make the very important job of raising kids as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
But remember, parenting is sometimes hard work and it may take time to tackle more difficult problems. The good news is that help is always at hand.
Professor Matt Sanders is founder of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program®. For more information, go to www.triplep-parenting.net
This month on SchoolTV - Screen Time
As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.
Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.
Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.
In this edition of SchoolTV, care-givers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition https://bunburyshs.wa.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time
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 instructions below to install.
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.
P&C AGM
Last term we held our AGM and whilst we welcome Kathy Quinn as our new Secretary and Rachelle Rechichi as a new Executive member we thank outgoing Secretary Penny Rackam and Executive members - Belinda Green, Leah Bazeley for their service in the last few years and especially Jeanie Lewis for 10+ years of service on the Executive.
Executive Vacancies
We have two vacant Executive positions so if you would like to be involved in the P&C that owns and manages the Uniform Shop and Cafeteria businesses at Bunbury SHS as well as making decisions on fundraising expenditure, please turn up to our next meeting on Wednesday 8 June 6pm at the school library. It only cost $1 to join.
Staffroom Vending Machine
During last term, we purchased a vending machine for the staff room. It is stocked with snacks, chocs and cold soft drinks. We will be seeking feedback from staff during the year for ideas on where the profits can be spent.
Cafeteria
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 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 (P&C will cover this cost) and to be COVID vaccinated if volunteering for more than one day per week.
Uniform Shop
The uniform shop is well stocked for the year. Please download the order form from the school website and email to Marianne and send your kids to collect on Mondays or Wednesdays. As always Marianne is happy to accommodate your uniform needs out of hours if needed. Contact details are on the order form.
We understand the next few weeks will be very challenging with the spike in COVID cases in WA. We, therefore, wish you all the best hoping that you will stay safe and healthy. We can be contacted through our Facebook page if you require any further information or email our Secretary Kathy with any enquiries at bunburyshspandc@gmail.com
Nomination for Volunteer of the Year award
Congratulations to our Treasurer Athena Sofilas for receiving this nomination.
Athena has been our Treasurer and committee member for 10+ years. She also volunteers at local Primary Schools assisting students with their reading.
We wish her all the best in the awards ceremony at Volunteers South West to be held Tuesday 17 May.
P&C Association Raffle Winner for Term 1
During Term 1, our P&C received a generous donation of two noise-cancelling headphones from our uniform wholesaler Action Sportswear.
The headphones feature a built-in mic, hands-free calls, lithium battery, voice prompt, noise-cancelling and many more features.
These headphones were given away as prizes in the P&C raffle drawn from families who have paid their voluntary P&C contributions and charges.
Congratulations to our two winners from Term 1: the Kenny family and the Jarvis family!
On Wednesday the Kenny family (Rhys and Amanda) collected their headphones from P&C President Geoff Ogden.
Well done to both families; we hope you enjoy your headphones!
School Contributions & Charges Raffle
The school will be holding another raffle at the end of Term 2 for families that have paid their school contributions and charges during the term. We thank uniform shop wholesaler Action Sportswear for donating the wireless noise-cancelling headsets for Term 1 prizes.
We would like to thank the many families that have paid the voluntary P&C contribution so far. We hope to raise approx $10,000 with funds being allocated by the P&C to small projects provided by the school. If you would like to be involved in these spending decisions you are always welcome to join us.
I hope you have been going well so far this term. It has been a busy term with class tests, NAPLAN exams and the upcoming Yr 12 exams. So there has been a lot of work for the students to do this term and I hope they are coping well.
We have recently restarted Breakfast Club on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in Room 17 (Home Ec) if anyone would like to grab some toast, fruit or a toasted sandwich before school. The food is provided free from Foodbank.
Feel free to contact me if I can be a support to you or your child/children.
Deon Throne
BSHS YouthCARE Chaplain
Career Information
Many students will be starting to think about their future pathways and what this means for them. It may be looking at options once they leave school or even figuring out which subjects to choose for 2023. Parents play an important role in this process and whilst it can be a little daunting, remember the following:
1. Change is constant – remind your child that flexibility is an important work and life skill. We can make the best of plans, but we need to be willing to change if required.
2. Follow your heart – students should be aware that there are an infinite number of career possibilities available and exploring their passions could lead to a rewarding career.
3. Focus on the journey – focusing on the journey each of us is on rather than just the destination can be productive and provide important steps throughout our careers.
4. Keep learning – we are lifelong learners. Keeping up to date with information on areas your child is interested in can be a positive step toward their career development.
5. Be an ally – parents are great to have in a child’s corner when it comes to supporting choices and planning for their career. Assisting in building support networks outside of school or home will help provide opportunities and further career information.
Careers Expo
There are two big expos coming up with valuable information on careers.
The Careers Expo 2022 is held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 12th - Sunday 15th May. If you are in Perth, you may want to check it out!
The South West Careers Expo 2022, which is normally held at Bunbury Catholic College will be going online this year. It will be available from 16th May. Watch out for information on the BSHS Career Information Connect page soon.
The Year 9 Career Taster Program
The Year 9 Career Taster Program (CTP) is an exciting and innovative program designed for Year 9 students to become ‘career curious’ and get a taste of different career options, education and training pathways. Students can explore career pathways, try hands-on industry-based activities and see occupations in action.
The program is also designed to challenge the way students think about their post-school options and help them to make more informed decisions on their subject selections for Years 10, 11 and12.
The new Career Taster portal includes a database of industry experiences and information and resources for students, schools, parents and carers, and industry.
To find out more about the program, visit jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/careertaster.
| NAPLAN | 16-20 May 2022 |
| Year 10 Parent Information Sessions | 19-20 May 2022 |
| Year 11/12 Exams | 23-30 May |
| 2023 Enrolments Open | 23 May |
| Science & Engineering Challenge | 24 May |
| Reconcilliation Week | 27 May-3 June 2022 |
| Youth Literature Day Yr 9/10 | 31 May 2022 |
| Young Writers Day Yr 7/8 | 3 June 2022 |
| WA Day Public Holiday | 6 June 2022 |