Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 Editor S.Steegers Middle School News We hope that all students and families had a relaxing Term 1 holiday. Term 2 has started with many events already taking place. Year 7 students had their immunisations and year 9 students had a half day trip to an expo in Cranbourne to look at options for their future pathways. Selected year 9 students started the first of many sessions with High Resolves, a program designed to assist in their leadership development. All students were part of the school cross country and MOGHUL course on Friday 24th April where lots of talent was discovered and loads of fun was had. As we settle into the term we have a few messages we would like to communicate with all families. As the weather gets cold it is important that students still wear the correct school uniform. Please ensure students have their school uniform ready for the week and that they have a school jumper so that they can avoid wearing non-school uniform items and being asked to remove them. Year 7 students must be wearing the school blazer with the school jumper and we encourage parents and families to support us in ensuring we follow the school uniform policy and check that is being worn in the correct way. Coordinators will enforce consequences for students who breach the uniform policy. All classrooms have sufficient heating and during recess and lunch time students may sit in the school resource centre to do revision work or read if they would prefer a warmer space. We have many students who have key padlocks or non-school locks on their lockers and many are having issues with losing keys or breakage. We are encouraging all students to purchase a school combination lock which will last them for the remainder of their school years at Lyndale Secondary College. School locks are available for $15 from the school bursar. Should a student forget their combination, the school also keeps a record to avoid a lock ever having to be broken. Students who now have to have a lock cut will get access back to their locker once a school lock is purchased. No student may have access to a locker without a lock on it. We also ask that parents enforce at home the risks of bringing to school valuable items such as mobile phones. If students wish to bring valuable items to school, they are encouraged to leave these in their lockers during the school day. Students are solely responsible any damage or lost items and must ensure they do all they can to keep these items safe. Students should not be taking these items to any class during the day and if they are seen in class teachers may confiscate the item for the day. We have many students displaying high levels of achievement at the school and we encourage all students to work hard to ensure they achieve their desired results. Support is in place at school if you believe your child needs additional help. Please feel free to contact any of your child’s teachers or coordinators and they will be willing to put in place strategies to help. Each term the Middle School hold an assembly to recognise the efforts of students in year 7- 9. We are welcoming any parents that would like to attend these assemblies. The next Middle School assembly will be on Tuesday 24th June during period 3 in the Hugh McCrae Hall from 11:45am. Diana Kennedy - Director of Middle School Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 eLearning across the College A big change that has taken place across the college this year has been the introduction of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program for Year 8 to 12 students. It has been fantastic to see how many families have arranged a device for their child. It is compulsory for students to bring their device to all of their classes and not leave it at home or in their locker, so please urge your child to meet this requirement as well as encouraging them to ensure their device is fully charged before bringing it to school. What is Google Docs? The eLearning team is responsible for investigating different tools teachers and students can use to enhance teaching and learning across the college. One of the tools that can be very useful is Google Docs. These days Google provides much more than just a search engine and one of their amazing features is the Google Docs program that can be used to create, edit and share work. What this means is that students, teachers and parents, can all be working on the one document at the same time. Can you imagine how this could enhance teaching and learning? Teachers could use Google Docs to write comments on student work as the student is actually completing the task. Small teams of students could be collating research together or collaborating on creating writing assignments, presentations or spread sheets while they are all in different locations. The opportunity to share and create one document while each student, teacher or parent is on their own device is very exciting, so stay tuned to see how your child might be using Google Docs in the future. Jessica Quinn - Learning Technologies Co-ordinator Work Inspiration Program, 2015 – ARUP The ARUP Work Inspiration Program is an opportunity for students to have an insight as to what engineers, designers, planners and architects do in their career. This particular program is run by The Smith Family and a firm called ARUP that consists of these professional services. The program is mainly directed to students who have an interest in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and have aspirations to work in this field. In this case, ten students from year ten to eleven had participated in this event to experience the workforce. The first day focused on an activity called ‘All About Me.’ There was a detailed discussion about the firm, an introduction to engineering and meeting two engineers who had talked about their experiences. Later in the day, students took a tour to various sites that ARUP had worked on such as, The Bio Garden and Building in Fitzroy Gardens and the MCG. We were informed about how to stay environmentally friendly and learnt the aspects of engineering that is required to build a building. After that, the students went through a “personality quiz” to help them discover their talents, passions, interests and personality. The second day allowed the students to see what is ‘behind the scenes’ of ARUP. Various engineers (including electrical, mechanical, structural, building physics, façade, planner and acoustics) from the firm came in to talk about their career, experience and advice. Next, students were taken to an architecture firm who cooperates with ARUP to have an understanding of the involvements in architecture. On the final day, students were able to participate in a one-to-one interactive session with a staff member. This conversation allowed the students to know more about their mentor’s profession, background and perspectives. With this conversation, all the students created a visual representation of their mentor’s career journey and to discuss their findings with the rest of ARUP’s staff. A club called ‘Engineers Without Borders’ from Melbourne University had also came in to inform the students about water in developing countries. We were able to create a Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 water filter to filter unclean water using various materials. As it reached the end, there was a reflection of the activities that we did during this program and the knowledge that we have gained. Overall, I have gained significant knowledge, advice and insight as to what this field was like. The instructors and mentors created a friendly and approachable atmosphere that allowed us to easily bond with them. Additionally these professionals have provided us with great advice, tips and information about having a career. By: Micah Carganilla 10I HUMANITIES NEWS The Future Leaders Writing Prize is designed to recognise and reward talented young writers. It aims to encourage expressive and creative writing. Year 11 and 12 students in Australian secondary schools are invited to submit a piece of writing (800 to 1,000 words). The writing can be fiction or non-fiction and on any topic. PRIZE In 2015, the award winner will receive $1,000. Where there is more than one winner the prize money will be shared. The winners of the Future Leaders Writing Prize will have their work published. SUBMISSIONS “ The Prize played a large role in the producer of the play entrusting me with the script-writing duties when I had never written a play before. So for me the Prize has gone a lot further than I could ever have imagined. (previous winner of a Future Leaders Writing Prize). “ Please send all submissions electronically in a word document by 1 July 2015 to [email protected] Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 Lyndale MEGA DAY – HOUSE EVENTS Students were spoiled for choice on Friday 24th April. With the rain holding off and the temperature remaining mild, all that was left, was to compete! Students had the opportunity to raise money for school endeavours in the weeks leading up to the Adidas Fun Run. Also on the day was the Cross Country and MOGHAL obstacle course. Compete in one, or compete in all of them. The day started fittingly with the ‘Last Post’, paying homage to the ANZACS and the lives that were either lost or changed forever. The Cross Country was very well represented in the middle school years and proved crucial in the final tally. CROSS COUNTRY 1st Gladstone (1451 points) 2nd Halton (1162 points) 3rd Munro (1105 points) 4th Oakwood (932) The MOGHAL obstacle course caused a few problems for some groups. The ‘Jungle Maze’ proved disastrous for some groups as they realised they had left one (or a few) of their team back in the maze! The ‘Grass skis’ also put teams to the test as they quickly had to establish a chain of command and work in perfect unison. Some groups accomplished this with ease, some struggled. The hay tunnel was plummeted into complete darkness as it needed to be covered from the rain. Throw in a few corners that you couldn’t see and only those with cool nerves were capable of quick navigation. The water tunnel was received with various levels of enthusiasm and the finale is always entertaining as students try to avoid the resistance of the staff armed with foam implements, physio balls and a determined attitude. Funnily enough, when given the opportunity, most students refused to repeat the last station??! Some were nimble and agile enough to get through relatively unscathed, others were unfortunate enough to be completely up ended, whilst others couldn’t find a way out of the ‘bump zone’ and collapsed from exhaustion. The fact that everyone completed it out of breath and sporting a huge smile is an indication of a great day indeed! MOGHAL 1st Gladstone (86 points) 2nd Oakwood (83 points) 3rd Munro (78 points) 4th Halton (75 points) Adidas Fun Run (fundraising) 1st Munro ($478) 2nd Oakwood ($287) 3rd Gladstone ($272) 4th Halton ($143) Incentive prizes are on their way and will be distributed shortly. Well done to all those who took the opportunity to participate. HOUSE POINTS TOTAL 1st Gladstone (350 points) 2nd Munro (275 points) 3rd Oakwood (200 points) 4th Halton (175 points) Daniel Noonan - House Co-ordinator Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 Senior VCAL – Mock Interview Program Our 43 Senior VCAL students undertook a ‘Mock Interview’ process, which involved each student creating a resume and application letter for a chosen job. Students found a job that they wished to apply for either as a parttime job or full-time job via the internet. Students also spent several periods preparing their responses to a number of interview questions. Initially students researched the ‘types’ of interview questions they are likely to encounter during an interview. Out of these, five interview questions were chosen. After much thorough preparation, the students were prepared for the day. Four volunteers from Rotary interviewed the students on the day. We sincerely thank Ken McDonald, John Grennan, Vicki Collier and Graeme from Rotary. Cr Wayne Smith also participated in the day, as did past assistant principal Keith Buckley. The time and effort provided by these six volunteers is very much appreciated. The feedback from both interviewers and interviewees was extremely positive. Our students ‘raved’ about their experience and we also received verbal and written feedback from the people interviewing saying that they were impressed with the VCAL students. One of the main aims of VCAL is to prepare students for employment. Through this activity the Senior VCAL students have developed a set of skills that will empower them in the future. Antonietta Sanfilippo – VCAL teacher Yr 7 - 10 Extra Help In Mathematics Any student wanting extra help in Maths can attend a session every second Thursday When Week 1 Thursday lunchtimes Where C12 Please bring your books, calculators, questions and lunch! Ms Reimers - Maths Teacher Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsle er ● Edi on No.3 ● May 2015 Camp Gallipoli - Centenary of ANZAC On Friday the 24th of April, a select group of Student Leaders and SRC representa ves le Lyndale a er being selected for a once‐in‐a‐ life me opportunity. Our des na on was Camp Gallipoli at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. This camp was to honour and respect not only the ANZAC soldiers, but the families they le behind a hundred years ago. Their legacy is a big part of making Australia what it is today. The night was filled with songs and a feast, as well as a screening of the movie: “The Water Diviner” A er that, it was lights out. We were awoken by a bugle at 5.30 the following morning a er spending the night in our sleeping bags on the concrete in the showgrounds. This gave us an idea of what it may have been like for our soldiers ‘roughing it’ a er recruitment before they departed for Gallipoli. We a ended a dawn service that commenced at 6am, commemora ng the sacrifice our soldiers made. This day would not be forgo en. It was an unforge able experience, especially sleeping outside like our brave soldiers did throughout the war. Lest We Forget Karam Abilmona 9H Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 Acceleration Excursion to Sovereign Hill On Thursday 16 April, Levels 1 and 2 of the Accelerated Learning Program (7C and 8C) headed off to Sovereign Hill for a Gold Rush experience. The program for the day included a mine tour a wonderful session with an education officer and a student trail “A Diggings Dawdle.” There was also time to provide an opportunity for students on this cross age activity to meet informally with each other and their teachers. Student Report On Thursday 16th of April the accelerated students, 7C and 8C went to the most gold-shining place in Victoria. Sovereign Hill, Ballarat. Even though it was a three hour drive into the city and on to Ballarat, we had fun on the bus listening to music, playing games and talking with friends. When we first arrived there, we were taken classes about the gold rush times. It was pretty funny when some people had to dress up in the old-fashioned clothes. Everyone was still laughing when as we exited the classroom. Later we had a break and my friends and I went to the finger-licking lolly shop. I bought raspberry drops and I still have the taste in my tongue. After eating a lot of candy and getting hyperactive, we went underground on a mine tour with Mr Angos. It was pretty cool because we got to see a hologram about the finding of the biggest gold nugget. We came out from the mine and got to do some gold panning. My friend and I went to ask the guide on how to pan for gold. He taught us with great patience and we were lucky enough to find a speck of gold. It was then time to go and we were all exhausted by the time we arrived back at school. Overall, it was a great day with lots of fun and happiness and I’m sure that 7C and 8C would like to thank Ms Martin for giving us a wonderful opportunity. Aishwarya Gayathri 7C Debra Martin – Acceleration/Enrichment Program Coordinator Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 Don’t Dis My Appearance This whole month of May is Don’t Dis My Appearance Month and it is all about promoting Positive Body Image messages. For this month of May you are also encouraged to paint your middle fingernail as a way of taking stand against the disrespectful practice of body shaming but rather to encourage and embrace positive body image. Painting your middle finger is a cheeky and symbolic way of saying, I am more than my appearance, and no-one has a right to judge me based on how I look.” (Christine Morgan CEO Butterfly Foundation) Click link to watch celebrities supporting ‘Paint Your Middle Finger Nail for May’ https://youtu.be/1S_zSoiiwaM In promoting this we encourage everyone to be a Body Image Buddy and spread the word around promoting messages in helping your friends feel good about who they are and to be accepted regardless of their appearance, including yourself. Tips of how you can be a Body Image Buddy: - Let your friends know how much you appreciate them for their qualities other than their appearance - Support diversity in appearance - Support, praise and reinforce the behaviours of others for standing against appearance pressures or in helping their friends feel good about themselves - Don’t encourage appearance related teasing – this is neither okay nor tolerated! - Bystanders can show they do not support teasing by not joining in or laughing providing support to the person being teased - show that you accept everyone regardless of their appearance - do not make comments about appearance of others - do remember that ‘jokes’ or ‘comments’ about appearances can be hurtful - do not encourage or engage in ‘fat talk’ conversation Examples of Fat Talks – ‘Oh I so need to lose weight’; ‘I don’t like my….’’Nah there’s nothing wrong with your. , but mine is huge; ‘It sucks being short, can’t wait till I’m taller’ What you can do instead -talking with friends about things other than appearance - diverting or changing the conversation ‘don’t allow it to continue’ - ignoring fat talk - move attention away from appearance (Ref: ‘HBM’ S.Paxton & S.McLean 2011) Negative body image can be a serious, high risk contributing factor to developing an eating disorder, and that negative body image is often perpetuated by the experience of being judged or shamed about our looks by others as well as ourselves By supporting the Don’t DIS My Appearance campaign, you are taking a stand against appearance-based judgement and shaming, and helping to effect positive change for those living with an eating disorder. Check out thebutterflyfoundation.org.au for further information and resources Cyndee Bautista - Adolescent Health Nurse - (Monday & Friday) Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected] Lyndale Secondary College Newsletter ● Edition No.3 ● May 2015 Tutoring and Homework Support Program The Tutoring and Homework Support Program at Lyndale Secondary College is going well with a large number of enrolments to date this year; In particular, the Year 7 cohort has been quite enthusiastic! The program is designed to provide assistance to students in Years 7-12 in specific subject areas relevant to their learning needs and also to promote a broader positive and active attitude towards learning. Please note that the main aim is to promote active thinking and research skills NOT to specifically answer student's homework and/or test and exam preparation questions. The program operates every Tuesday and Wednesday in the Library from 3.10pm-4pm. There are NO early dismissals from the program unless otherwise determined by parents. The program is staffed by four proficient teachers who rotate through the program on a fortnightly basis. They generally have an English and/or Mathematics expertise. Parents and students are welcome to contact Merrin Girolami at the College to discuss the program and/or obtain an enrolment form. Staff are encouraged to communicate with parent/caregiver(s) via student school diaries or phone if they recommend that a student be referred to the tutoring program as this will promote parent interest and involvement in their child’s study and the College community, as well as increased likelihood of student attendance in the program. Parent/caregivers may either obtain an application form on behalf of their child or direct them to one of the following locations: Library Merrin Girolami’s office in Student Wellbeing - during recess and lunchtimes, and after school. General office, Middle School office and Senior School office – before and after school, and during recess and lunchtime Merrin Girolami - Student Wellbeing Gladstone Road, Dandenong North 3175 | Phone: 9795 2366 | Fax: 9790 1466 | www.lyndale.vic.edu.au | [email protected]
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