There’s no There’s no place place like NEGS like NEGS T: +61 02 6774 8700 F: +61 02 6772 7057 E: [email protected] W: www.negs.nsw.edu.au FB: NEGSarmidale Twitter: NEGSarmidale From The Principal NEGS Newsletter Term 1 Week 8 - Wednesday 18th March 2015 Mr Clive Logan We need to use wisdom. Wisdom says wait a little while until the emotions settle down, then check to see if you really believe it's the right thing to do. The Bible says in Colossians 3:15 to be led by peace in making decisions. Don't let your emotions make your decisions. A good statement to remember is this: "Wisdom says wait; emotions say hurry." Toxic Emotions: How to Handle Them We all have emotions, and they’re here to stay. I believe one of the main goals of every one of us should be emotional stability. We should seek to learn how to manage our emotions and not allow them to manage us. An excerpt from the definition I found in the dictionary states that emotions are "to excite and to move out." Think about this: You're out shopping for a specific item you're in need of. You've made a commitment to get out of debt. You've agreed to really watch your spending and not purchase things you don't need. But while shopping, you discover that the stores are having a big sale of 50% off the already marked down merchandise. What do you do? You get excited. The more you look around, the more excited you get. Emotions are rising higher and higher. They begin to move out, and part of the marketing plan is for you to follow your emotions. An emotional person is defined as: "One easily affected with or stirred by emotion; one who displays emotion; one with a tendency to rely on or place too much value on emotion; one whose conduct is ruled by emotion rather than reason." Be honest with yourself! If you believe that you’re not managing your emotions, we have to begin to seek emotional maturity. We all experience a lot of ups and downs, or what we call mood swings. This kind of behaviour is often hard for many people. You felt bad about yourself. People who are out of control always feel unhappy with themselves. But we operate with a free will. We choose what we will do and what we won't do. There is a God-given desire inside every one of us to do the right thing. When we allow our human nature to rule, we know we’re out of control; however, we’re created to operate with the fruit of self-control. Self-control is a freedom, not a bondage. You’re free to use wisdom. You’re free not to be pushed around by your feelings. You don't have to do what you feel like doing. You’re free to do what you know is wise. Self-control will help you feel better about yourself. When many of us experience so many ups and downs, it also makes us physically tired. It takes a lot of energy to go through all kinds of emotional changes. But we have to learn to manage our emotions and when you do, we also have more energy. Maybe we should stop and ask ourselves if that's why we have been so tired lately. Do you let your emotions manage you? Moods are hard on families too. When people are well on their way to emotional stability, sometimes a secret is revealed. During the times when people are not as emotionally stable, while others in the family are driving down the highway after work at night, they would ponder the thought, I wonder what he/she will be like tonight? It’s really very sad to imagine a person in that kind of situation. Some people are always very stable, and it’s very comforting to live with someone you can depend on to be steady and in control all the time. Children also need a stable atmosphere to grow up in. Stability is really an important issue for all of us. Jeremiah 17:8 and Psalm 1:3 both instruct us to be like trees firmly planted. This teaches us to be well-balanced and temperate (selfcontrolled). It says that we all need to be rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined, to give us power to stay calm in adversity. All of these are referring to stability. I'm going to close with these statements for your consideration: 1. He who lives by emotions lives without principle. 2. We cannot be spiritual (walk in the spirit) and be led by emotions. 3. Emotions won't go away, but you can learn to manage them. 4. You can have emotions, but you can't always rely on them. Let’s make emotional maturity a primary goal in our lives! Old Girls’ News New England Girls’ School alumni Claire Fenwicke, 23, has been selected as the winner of the prestigious seventh annual JB Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism valued at $10,000. Originally from a sheep and cattle farm at Walcha, Claire started at St John’s when she was in Year 6 in 2003 and completed her studies at NEGS in 2009. Now in her final year of Journalism at the University of Wollongong, Claire submitted two articles for the selection process but it was her paper on ‘Is Youth Suicide in Regional and Rural Areas Preventable?, that impressed the judges. The illustrious panel included Mr John Fairfax AO, Professor Stephan Tanner (Head of Journalism and Creative Writing University of Wollongong), Mr Vernon Graham( Group Editor, Fairfax Agricultural Media), Johanna Featherstone (Artistic director, The Red Room Company) and Kate Ross( Executive Officer, The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation). “Rural problems are rarely shown in city papers. I would love to come back home to Armidale or work in another regional centre and make a difference to the way rural news is communicated.” Claire’s parents have been invited to attend the formal presentation on Sunday 29th March where Claire will be presented with her award at Sydney’s Royal Agricultural Show. Part of the award includes an internship with Fairfax Rural Press later in the year. The talented budding journalist has also been hand-picked by the ABC to complete an internship with ABC TV’s 7.30 Report. The national competition drew dozens of entries from aspiring rural journalists around the country but, “Claire was selected as the winner for a number of reasons. She had a clearly articulated passion for rural journalism, as well as a commitment to exploring issues that impacted on people who live in regional and rural Australia”, said award judge and Professor of Journalism in the Faculty of Creative Arts at Wollongong University. After graduation, Claire intends to help put rural news on the radar of national media outlets. Careers Advisor Mrs Terri Swartz Private Vehicle Conveyancing Changes to the Secondary Schools Tax File Number Program in 2015 Attention: New families to NEGS/St John’s Junior School The Secondary Schools Tax File Number (TFN) Program will not continue beyond 31 December 2014. This means that School TFN forms will no longer be processed beyond this date. Private Vehicle Conveyancing (PVC) applications – day and boarding students How can students apply for a TFN from 1 January 2015? The Australian Taxation Office, in partnership with Australia Post, is making it easier for individuals to apply for a TFN. Students can now apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office. Applying online is the fastest and most convenient way for students to get a TFN. More information on applying online can be found at ato. gov.au by searching for 'QC27248' Students who are unable to visit a participating Australia Post office will need to complete the application form Tax file number - application or enquiry for individuals form (NAT 1432). More information about lodging this form can be found at ato.gov.au by searching for 'QC22604' PVC subsidy is available for eligible NSW school students, where there is no public transport available for all or part of the journey. An example of this is if families live more than 1.6km from the nearest transport pick up point. For further information re eligibility please telephone the Ministry of Transport on 1800 010 123. Please note: for families who are not registered, to be subsidised for Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2) the cut off date for applications is the 12th June. It is now possible to apply online at the following address: https://appln.transport.nsw.gov.au/stms-parent/application/download If you are unable to apply online or have any questions, please contact me. Helen Smith ([email protected]). 6774 8700 Student Wellbeing@NEGS Mrs Angela Sole Dear Parents & Families, At NEGS and St John’s we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone. If your child talks to you about bullying: 1. Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child. 2. Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’. 3. Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation. 4. Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident. 5. Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher and, if you need to, ask to talk with the principal. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety. 6. Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important. Don't forget, our school is taking part in the 2015 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday 20 March. If you are looking for support for yourself to deal with a bullying situation, you will find ideas on the Bullying. No Way! website for parents. As well, please contact the school if you would like to discuss any aspect of our approach to preventing bullying. Thanks for your support to make our school a great school for everyone. If you like drawing, singing or making films this may be just the creative stimulus you need! below are the details for entering the competitions- more information at http://harmonyday-everyday.org/movingforward/ Harmony Day (21 March) celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Close the Gap day is this Thursday. On Tuesday at Assembly, Thelma gave the following welcome: We respectfully acknowledge the past and present traditional owners of this land and pay our respects to the leaders of the traditional custodians of this land. Together we acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal Australians and non-Aboriginal Australians to the education of all children and people in this country we all live in and share together. Why is closing the gap so important? Most Australians enjoy one of the highest life expectancies of any country in the world — but this is not true for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Indigenous Australians can expect to live 10–17 years less than other Australians. Babies born to Aboriginal mothers die at more than twice the rate of other Australian babies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes. The mortality rates for Indigenous Australians is on par with some of the world’s most impoverished nations. In the United Nations Report (2009) it says that Australia and Nepal have the world’s worst life expectancy gaps between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people. Is this the Australia you want? With your help we aim to close this health gap and achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality within a generation. The girls pledged their support for the 30 by 2030 campaign which aims to make a change for positive health for Indigenous people. For more information on this initiative: https://www.oxfam. org.au/explore/indigenous-australia/close-the-gap/ coming events SPROUTS To all our budding scientists in the community. We welcome you to join Science staff from New England Girls' School for a fun day of Science activities designed to ignite and inspire a love of Science. What: SPROUTS Where: New England Girls' School When: Friday 10th April 2015 Time: 9am - 3pm Cost: $30 (includes morning tea, lunch and four activities) Grades 4- 6 Hurry!! Limited places available. For more information or to make a booking, please email Belinda Stone: [email protected] Claire Schaeffer Claire Schaeffer, world-renowned couture sewing expert, will be visiting our shores in April 2015! If you’re a keen sewing aficionado, you will no doubt have heard of Claire and probably have read/watched her wonderfully detailed books and videos. Now there’s an opportunity to meet Claire in person and spend time learning about the couture techniques she is famous for teaching as well as hear about her wonderful research trips to the top couture houses of the world! Claire will be visiting NEGS for two one week workshops in the April 2015 holidays. At the conclusion of the workshops she has offered to provide a day with Senior students interested in Textiles. When: Saturday 18th April 2015 - 9am Where: NEGS Assembly Hall Cost: $60 per student Who: Years 10 - 12 What to bring: morning tea, lunch, notebook & pens. RSVP: Monday 30th March 2015 Please make payment via direct credit to: Community Mutual Ref: your surname with the word Sew BSB: 932 000 Account No: 697265 Account Name: NEGS Limited For more information or to make a booking, please email Stephanie Thomas: [email protected] Term One and Term Two Calendar Dates TERM 1 10 weeks TERM 2 9 weeks Monday 26 January Australia Day Tuesday 27 January 2pm - Orientation Afternoon for New Students 5pm - Welcome BBQ Dinner for all current and new families - Library Lawns Monday 20 April Year 11 Parent/Teacher Interviews 2pm – Milburn Room Boarders Return 8:30pm Year 11 & 12 Design / Art Excursion P&F Meeting, 7pm – WH Lee Room P&F Meeting, 7pm – WH Lee Room Tuesday 21 April Term Two Classes commence Wednesday 28 January Term One Classes Commence Thursday 29 January Combined Line Classes Commence Saturday 25 April ANZAC Day Friday 30 January Boarders Getaway Wednesday 29 April School Photos Wednesday 11 February Year 7 Camp departs Saturday 2 May Scholarship Day Friday 13 February St John’s Swimming Carnival Sunday 3 May Year 9 Camp departs Year 7 Camp returns Tuesday 5 May ‘Narnia - The Musical’ matinee performance Saturday 14 February ODE Equestrian Centre Thursday 7 May ‘Narnia - The Musical’ Thursday 19 February PSSA Swimming Carnival Friday 8 May ‘Narnia - The Musical’ Year 7, 11 & 12 School Vaccinations Saturday 9 May ‘Narnia - The Musical’ Friday 20 February Senior Swimming Carnival Thursday 7 May Year 7, 11 & 12 School Vaccinations Sunday 22 February ‘The Idea of North’ in concert - 5:00pm Friday 8 May Year 9 Camp returns Friday 27 February NEGS Wellbeing Day Tuesday 12 May NAPLAN Year 12 Parent / Teacher Interviews 3:30pm – Upstairs in Library Wednesday 13 May NAPLAN Year 6 - 9 Socials - TBC Thursday 14 May NAPLAN Saturday 28 February Year 12 Formal Friday 15 May IGSSA Cross Country Wednesday 4 March Year 10 Music Workshop, NECOM Tuesday 19 May Armidale Eisteddfod commences Thursday 5 March HSC Music Workshop, NECOM Wednesday 20 May Big Science Competition Week Friday 6 March HSC Music Workshop, NECOM Friday 29 May North West Equestrian Expo (Coona) Armidale Music Foundation – weekend Thursday 4 June St John’s Athletics Carnival Monday 9 March Encore Performances - Sydney Friday 5 June Buses depart from 7:30am Friday 13 March IGSSA Swimming Carnival Monday 8 June Public Holiday Wednesday 18 March St John’s Camp – Week Tuesday 9 June Confirmation Service Tildesley Shield Competition Thursday 11 June Armidale Eisteddfod concludes Friday 20 March ‘Bullying No Way’ Day Friday 12 June Senior School Athletics Carnival Saturday 21 March Harmony Day Year 9 Parent/Teacher interviews 3:30pm Milburn Room Monday 23 March St John’s Interview week Sunday 14 June Armidale Eisteddfod Gala Concert Wednesday 25 March Year 12 Half Yearly Exams Thursday 18 June Year 8 Information Session 2pm Wednesday 1 April Senior School Cross Country Year 7 Parent/Teacher Interviews 3:30pm – Milburn Room Year 8 Parent/Teacher Interviews 3:30pm – Milburn Room End Term Two End Term One Friday 19 June Staff Day, no students Thursday 2 April Staff Day, no students Friday 3 April Good Friday Monday 13 April NSW Interschools High Performance Clinic at NEGS Friday 17 April TAS Rugby Camp KYCK @ Mt Vic - Christian Studies Camp Saturday 18 April Claire Schaeffer workshop Future Problem Solving Competition Dear Parents and Students, Expressions of Interest are being called for participation in the FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING COMPETITION This year, NEGS and St John’s will be offering the Future Problem Solving Competition as an after school activity for Years 5-9. Future Problem Solving (FPS) is an international academic program and competition that brings together students from different countries to think creatively and solve critical issues the world may face in the future. FPS opens doors to creativity, teamwork, persuasion and presentation and is particularly suited to challenging and answering the needs of high ability students. The FPS program is designed to stimulate, challenge and teach about thinking. Students learn to think creatively, work cooperatively and come up with solutions to problems the world may face tomorrow. Concession Cards All girls aged 16 and over will receive a concession card that must be carried at all times when using NSW public transport, including Countrylink trains. As girls turn 16 throughout the year, a card will be issued to them. Please contact me if you have any queries. Helen Smith ([email protected]) Parent Liaison 2015 - Senior School Year 7: Michelle Bookallil: [email protected] Trudy Hancock: [email protected] Cindy Clonan: [email protected] Year 8: Kate Blackmore - [email protected] Etoline Gailbraith – [email protected] Year 9: Sally Strelitz - [email protected] Susie Redhead - [email protected] Sarah Edmonds - [email protected] Year 10: Lisa Haynes - [email protected] Jenny Swan – [email protected] Year 11: Tina Watson - [email protected] 2nd Person – TBA (anyone interested please contact Tina) Year 12: Janet Carter - [email protected] Mrs Donella Tutt By promoting thinking and working collaboratively, the FPS program helps build more active students. FPS encourages a better understanding of our world and generates optimism and commitment towards solving our common future problems. Please take a look at the FPS website for more information www.fpsp.org.au and email Mrs Tutt if you are interested in being part of a team at [email protected] Sport News Miss Laura Cambridge INVERELL TOUGHEN UP CHALLENGE Four students in Year 11, Alys Marshall, Rachel Jones, April Larsen and Emily Farrar competed in the Inverell Toughen Up Challenge on Saturday 7th March. Arriving in 30 degree heat and to a much harder course than expected the girls persevered and gamely took their places at the start line eager to prove to themselves and the onlooking TAS boys that they were definitely tough enough. The girls were the only all female high school team and after completing the course we understood why most younger teams ensured they had two males on their teams to assist in the challenges. The girls completed the following course on the day in 2 hours 7 minutes and 10 seconds. Although difficult they thoroughly enjoyed themselves and demonstrated the true grit of a NEGS team. Course: 500m each on the rowing machines Tractor tyre flip down and back along a football field. Metal pole carry down and back on the football field including 20 burpees and 20 push ups. Monkey bar swing Climb the hay bails Mud pit followed by a run around the paddock before hopping back into the mud pit. Under-over the cattle fences Over a shipping container In and out of a skip bin filled with water A leisurely 10 km run up a rather steep hill with challenges along the way including a team tire carry and a sand bag course. 100m swim 20 more burpees A repeat of the monkey bars, hay bails, mud pit, cattle yard, shipping container and skip bins Pushing of the scrum machine with no wheels the length of a football field 4 times! Tyre pull up and back along a football field. The filling up off a container with water from a bucket at the other end of the field 100m sprint to the end. Well done girls! Senior School Cross Country The Senior School will be holding their Cross Country on Wednesday the 1st of April. It starts at 11.30am and will conclude by 1pm. We hope to see you all there, and hopefully we will have a fine day to run around the grounds of NEGS. IGSSA Swimming Report The NEGS Swim Team travelled to Sydney to compete in the annual IGSSA Swimming Competition on Friday 13th of March. The team consisted of 15 competitors: Kate Bailey Alicia Ball Charlotte Chapman Lucy Fenwicke Olivia Fenwicke Sarah Hamparsum Georgia Hiscox Abbey Jackson Rhianna Malone Claudia Meehan Daisy Meehan Tahlia Paull Charlotte Raleigh Amber Strelitz Sarah Wyatt The students swam hard and the team was successful in progressing through to 8 finals. A great achievement for such a small team. We currently have two possible CIS qualifiers and will have confirmation in the following weeks. Well done to all the competitors! IGSSA Swimming Results NEGS 2015 NAME RACE TIME/PLACE Abbey Jackson Open 200m IM 3.05.35 18th Charlotte Chapman 12yrs 50m Freestyle 39.45 21st 12yrs 50m Backstroke 51.44 21st 12yrs 50m Breaststroke 1.08.64 21st Georgia Hiscox 13yrs 50m Freestyle 34.77 22nd 13yrs 50m Backstroke 41.51 21st FINALS TIME/PLACE 13yrs 50m Breaststroke 43.27 16th Daisy Meehan 14yrs 50m Freestyle 34.93 23rd Amber Strelitz 15yrs 50m Freestyle 33.64 23rd 15yrs 50m Butterfly 38.38 7th 16yrs 50m Freestyle 31.31 20th B Final 31.88 5th 16yrs 50m Backstroke 34.03 9th Final 34.25 7th 17yrs 50m Freestyle 33.61 20th B Final 34.75 9th 17yrs 50m Backstroke 39.99 18th Olivia Fenwicke Tahlia Paull 17yrs 50m Breaststroke 44.91 18th Claudia Meehan 15yrs 50m Backstroke 42.99 21st Lucy Fenwicke 14yrs 50m Backstroke 34.80 9th Final 34.15 8th 14yrs 50m Breaststroke 36.94 2nd Final 36.73 2nd Final 32.29 8th 14yrs 50m Butterfly 31.97 9th Sarah Wyatt 15yrs 50m Breaststroke 45.53 19th Charlotte Raleigh 16yrs 50m Breaststroke 37.15 4th Final 47.44 4th 16yrs 50m Butterfly 31.88 8th Final 31.10 8th Intermediate 100m Freestyle 1.03.50 11th Possible CIS Qualifier Possible CIS Qualifier Alicia Ball Junior 100m Freestyle 1.21.92 23rd Kate Bailey 17yrs 50m Butterfly 41.26 21st Junior Medley Relay Daisy Meehan, Alicia Ball, 2.33.01 20th Georgia Hiscox, Lucy Fenwicke Intermediate Medley Relay Olivia Fenwicke, Charlotte Raleigh, Abbey Jackson, Sarah Wyatt 2.26.40 18th Senior Medley Relay Sarah Hamparsum, Kate Bailey, Tahlia Paull, Rhianna Malone 2.49.52 21st Junior Freestyle Relay Daisy Meehan, Alicia Ball, 1.47.56 21st Georgia Hiscox, Lucy Fenwicke Intermediate Freestyle Relay Olivia Fenwicke, Charlotte Raleigh, Abbey Jackson, Amber Strelitz 2.06.62 13th Senior Freestyle Relay Sarah Hamparsum, Kate Bailey, Tahlia Paull, Rhianna Malone 2.27.81 21st All Age Relay Charlotte Chapman, Amber Strelitz, Claudia Meehan, Kate Bailey, Sarah Wyatt, Abbey Jackson 21st FIJI SERVICE TRIP 2015 Fiji Service Trip Friday 18 - Monday 28 September, 2015 ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION St Christopher’s is a Home run by an Anglican Order of nuns – Open to Year 8 in 2015. Please complete the online application form located on the TAS website to express your interest in the Fiji Service Trip. You will be notified if your application is successful. Community of the Sacred Name. The majority of the children at the Home are orphans and the other children are there because they have been abused, neglected or abandoned by their families. The Sisters are amazing women who are constantly giving and caring for these children. The staff from TAS, PLC and NEGS fully support the efforts of the students as they seek to make possible their involvement in this trip by raising funds towards their work at the Home. Our intention is to offer ourselves in service to St Christopher’s in any way we can while we are at the Home. Thus, we will participate in the upkeep and daily maintenance of the Home and offer friendship to the children. We hope to extend some love and kindness, through our presence. For ourselves, apart from this voluntary service, we look forward to experiencing a different cultural environment, gaining a better understanding of ourselves, and learning to consider the needs of others. The aims of this service opportunity are: • To give voluntary service • To experience and participate in a culture different to our own • To gain a better understanding of ourselves • To live and work together, learning how to consider one another’s needs • To experience overseas travel Cost $2750 (Approx) – Includes airfares, ten nights accommodation and all meals at St Christopher’s Home, travel insurance and departure tax, all activities and day trips. Deposit A deposit of $500 is required following acceptance of your application. Dates Friday 18 September to Monday 28 September, 2015. Information Evening An information evening will be scheduled after all successful applicants have been notified. For more information about this service project please contact: Service Coordinator Ms Fiona Taber Tel: 02 6776 5800 Email: [email protected] Web: www.as.edu.au NEGS Agriculture NEGS AGRICULTURE A busy and exciting term has started the year for Agriculture here at NEGS. A number of local excursions have made for practical, interesting, industry focussed learning and our Livestock Team has had success in the show ring at our local shows. Preparations are now well under way for the Sydney Royal Show with a very strong team heading to Sydney next week. Blush Tomatoes Guyra A big thank you again to the inspiring Mrs Bryony Hackett (Manager) Blush Tomatoes at Guyra for giving up her valuable time to talk to our keen HSC Agriculture students about the benefits of protected cropping and managing factors affecting plant production to sustainably maximise the production of tomatoes. Our girls came away from the excursion excited and enthused about the syllabus dot points practically covered and more importantly about their possible futures in the Agricultural industry. Knowledge gained from the excursion contributes perfectly to maximising marks in HSC examination responses. Farm Case Study - 'Deeargee' Our preliminary HSC Agriculture students had a very informative day thanks to Mr Hugh Sutherland (NEGS parent). Our class visited 'Deeargee' a local fine wool, prime lamb and beef cattle operation on the outskirts of Uralla. Students are required for their assessment task to submit a comprehensive report on all aspects of a working farming business. Everything from basic units of production, natural and physical resources, management, the role of the farmer, factors affecting production, marketing, technologies and work health and safety is to be covered. Mr Mark Fisher Students learnt a great deal from the day trip and are now unpacking what was learnt, completing further research and working on their reports. A valuable experience! A big thank you to the Sutherland family. Sweet Corn Trial HSC students are required to complete a plant trial with the incorporation of sound experimental design. Corn was sown towards the end of last year at 3 different spacings – the recommended spacing, half of this and double. The cobs where harvested recently with great results. The close plantings produced more cobs but smaller per row, with double spacings producing larger, fewer cobs. This trial was valuable for implementing standardisation, replication, randomisation and a control as well as closely looking at plant interference. The added bonus was fresh corn to eat! LIVESTOCK TEAM Our Livestock Team this term was represented at the three local New England shows – Guyra, Armidale and Walcha. Guyra was a good introductory show for this year's new team. Five steers were entered in the competition with minor placings achieved. Our students displayed tremendous work ethic, team work and manner for which we should all be proud. A number of students received minor placings in both junior cattle paraders and judging competitions as well as sheep judging. Isobel Robertson was awarded 3rd place in the junior paraders competition. Armidale show was a fantastic outing for all involved. With twenty two Livestock Team members representing our school, we certainly made a stance. Students were impeccably presented, well mannered and hard working - an absolute credit to our school. The day brought much success in a number of areas. Results included - Best overall school – First prize - Herds person award. - Jaimie McLoughlin – 1st jnr horse judging, overall champion horse judge, 3rd Merino jnr judging - Abbey McLoughlin – 2nd jnr horse judging - Zahra Franklin – 1st Merino jnr judging - Cilla Clonan – 1st jnr fleece judging, 5th jnr cattle judging - Maggie Halliday – 1st jnr cattle paraders, 2nd jnr cattle judging, 4th jnr fleece judging - Lilli-Cate McMillan – 3rd jnr fleece judging Guyra Show - Anna Jarvis – 2nd jnr cattle paraders, 3rd jnr horse judging - Matilda Rice – 2nd Merino jnr judging - Sophie Watson – 3rd intermediate Merino and fleece judging - Katie Cannington – Qualifier for New England district Sydney Royal F002 cattle paraders. Emily Barton and Isobel Robertson both selected as reserves. Cattle – 2nd Heavy weight steer and 3rd Lightweight steer. In terms of fat specifications, our steers are destined for both the Sydney Royal and Manning Valley Beef Week in May. Thanks to a group of our very supportive parents, students were able to compete at the Walcha Show again this year with our 2 best steers. In two competitions at Walcha, our pure bred Limousin steers from 'King Creek' took out 1st and 2nd place. A big thank you to Katrina Campbell, Sophie Sutherland, Phoebe Uren, Isobel Robertson and Maggie Halliday (who also won the junior paraders competition – well done!) for their efforts in well representing our school at Walcha. In addition to the 3 local shows mentioned above, keen Livestock Team member Isobel Robertson has competed with her families Red Angus stud at other local shows with the following pleasing successes. Congratulations Isobel! - Hereford youth camp - 1st junior judging and invited to associate judge at the next Hereford youth camp in Pitsworth QLD and was also a finalist for the paraders competition - Bundarra show - 1st junior judging and 1st intermediate paraders - Glen Innes show - finals for both junior judging and paraders - Inverell show - 5th junior judging and finals for paraders Our Sydney Royal Show team this year is made up of Katie Cannington, Olivia Fenwicke, Isobel Robertson, Emily Barton and Chelsea Devenish. The team will be led by Mr Lyall Cameron and kindly supported by Mrs Wendy Robertson. Four quality steers will be exhibited this year. We wish our team all the very best for their time in Sydney. Walcha Show Armidale Show
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