NEGS Newsletter, Wk8 – 18th March 2015

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