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TERM 1
WEEKS
6 February 2015
3, 4 & 5
February Week
3
Issue 1
Published Fortnightly
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
Tue 10th - VCE&VCAL
Information Evening
- Motivational Media Yr 9-12
Wed 11th - Swimming Sports
February Week 4
16th, 17th & 18th VCAL B Camp
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Jeanette McNamara
Thur 19th - Yr 12 OES
Excursion
Welcome to all students, parents, family and staff to the 2015 school year and our
first newsletter.
Fri 20th - Year 9 Bush Walk
We have had a GREAT start to the year due to

the preparation by staff across the college beforehand,
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an excellent professional development day on ‘Growth Mindset and Challenging
Learning’,
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the care by staff to establish clear expectations in their first classes,
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the positive intent of students, and
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the effort made by parents and families to ensure students were in full school uniform,
with the materials required for effective learning and to support student learning at
home.
February Week 5
23rd, 24th & 25th VCAL A Camp
Fri 27th - Interschool
swimming
Important Dates
For Semester 1
February 11- House Swimming
Sports
March 6 - School Photos
March 9 - LABOUR DAY
Holiday
March 26-27 - Parent Teacher
Interviews
June 8 - QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY
Holiday
Next Newsletter
February 20th
Next Meeting:
School Council
February 17th
Parents Club
February 10th
All Welcome
We are very pleased with quality of the six new teachers who have been appointed. They are

Mrs Harrison, who will be teaching year 7 Maths, Year 10 Science and VCAL Numeracy,
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Ms Legge will be teaching Indonesian in years 7 and 8,
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Ms Moloney will be teaching year 12 English, year 11 History, year 8 Humanities and
year 7 English,
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Mr McCallum who will be teaching Year 11 English and VCAL Literacy, as well as year 7
Drama,

Mrs Batt who will be taking year 9 Core, year 8 Maths and year 7 Science,
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Mrs Smith who will be teaching the making of the Modern World in year 10, year 7
Maths and year 8 science,
Chi Xiaoxue (Rebecca), who is arriving soon, will be our Language Assistant, helping in our
Mandarin classes this year and producing more Language resources for our school.
Over the holidays Emily Herbstreit, our teacher and school counsellor married Mr Boyle last
December and thus her name is from now on is Emily Boyle.
Tim Wallace our Chaplain, also married last December. This year he will be working at our
school on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
It is very pleasing that the school has now reached a more stable staffing profile. This is the
result of four years of careful and wise staffing employment decisions by the many school
selection panels to which most current staff have contributed. Staff and students now have the
conditions to make much more developmental learning progress during the year.
If you have any queries or issues you would like Council to discuss, please email the school council
president Hans Simon on [email protected] or speak to a parent representative on school council.
Website:
Newsletter email:
Address:
Phone:
www.maffrasc.vic.edu.au
[email protected]
Bill Cane Court, Maffra, 3860
0351 471 790
Email:
[email protected]
Attendance email: [email protected]
Attendance SMS: 0419 345 857
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
Page 2
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT - Continued
Growth Mindset and Challenging Learning
Our whole staff professional development day last week on ‘Growth Mindset and Challenging Learning’ was very capably led by
George Telford, a current principal, who led us in the theory and how it has been applied in his school, as well as showing us
some useful resources to support our learning in 2015. The presentation, examples, and theory were exactly what our school
needed to kick start our new Strategic Plan for the next four years.
The concept of a Growth Mindset and challenging learning in the classroom builds perfectly on the very good ground work by
the school during the previous Strategic Plan to establish School-wide Positive Behaviour Support for Engagement and Learning
throughout the school; an expanded and effective Wellbeing team; a documented and accessible curriculum; effective
computer and communications systems across the college; exceptional careers and pathways guidance and programs, including
VCAL; a documented set of clear student management guidelines; improved classroom ownership and learning environment;
the use of learning intentions and success criteria, questioning to promote thinking, use of evidence and differentiation to
target learning at the students level, and helps to lead us to the promotion of ‘Activating students as owners of their own
learning.’
An exciting year ahead
2015 is going to be an exciting year because we have a new leadership team for the school and a new school plan for
improvement over the next four years.
The leadership team consists of assistant principals Mrs Evans, Mr Hogan and Mrs Cunningham, Leading Teachers Mr Wallace,
Ms Tricker and Ms McMillan and myself as the leader of the team. The years 7 and 8 sub-school leader is Mr Wallace and he
will be leading the years 7 and 8 teacher team, and oversee the learning for years 7 and 8 students in classes and in activities
outside class. Ms Tricker will lead the years 9 and 10 teacher team and oversee years 9 and 10 student learning, and Ms
McMillan will lead the years 11 and 12 teacher team and oversee years 11 and 12 student learning.
Any concerns that parents or guardians may have regarding staff, please email, ring or visit Mrs McNamara at school so that we
can address the situation early.
Any concerns parents or guardians regarding students, please email, ring or visit the respective year level coordinators at
school so that we can address these situation before they escalate.
Strengthening student learning in and out of the classroom is a partnership of parents, guardians, students, education support
staff and teachers, which we will all be working on together.
So, as you can see, the school leadership team, the teachers, the support staff and families are all helping STUDENT
LEARNING, because at Maffra Secondary College:
“High Levels of Student Learning is at the Centre of Everything we do.”
Underpinning all of this we have 4 areas: Respect, Learning, Environment and Community that we consider very important.
Respect – we value ourselves and we value others which means things like listening to others carefully without interrupting,
following instructions, saying positive things to each other to build each other up and using 6 positives to one negative
Learning – we persist and work hard, we use our initiative, we strive for excellence, we are creative, we are open to new
ideas, with all classes we know what the learning intent for the lesson is and have success criteria to help identify learning progress;
Environment – we respect our school surroundings and personal belongings –teachers are in charge of different classrooms
and are making the room look inviting for learning; students should be ready to learn straight as soon as they walk into each
classroom, look after the furniture and work at least until the bell at the end of the lesson;
Community - we are trustworthy, we trust others, we co-operate, we’re honest, we put in an effort to help hers in the
school and outside school
Respect, Learning, Environment and Community – there are posters in each classroom as reminders to show these important
areas in school and life. We then have regular awards and assemblies to recognize and acknowledge students who are demonstrating these values.
The main idea in our new plan is that we will be helping each one of you to become responsible for your own learning.
There will be a particular emphasis on improving writing, teacher feedback, questioning and positivity; and student effort in
learning.
I am very excited about all the learning we expect to see in 2015.
Jeanette McNamara
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015 Page 3
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Cheryl Evans
Throughout 2015 staff will be working towards developing their understanding of “What is a mindset”
and how we can utilise this within our classrooms in order to motivate and challenge our students.
Building on from a very rewarding professional learning day on the 28th February with George Telford
(visiting Principal from the Latrobe Valley), staff will continue to research and develop different ways to challenge
students with their learning. This will include looking closely at the brain and how it works. I would like to share
an excerpt from an article by Carol Dweck – a Psychologist from Stanford University titled ‘You Can Grow
your Intelligence’ Carol Dweck Winter 2008 as an example of the type of learning that occurred on our
professional learning day.
“Everyone knows that when you lift weights, your muscles get bigger and you get
stronger. A person who can't lift 10 kilos when they start exercising can get
strong enough to lift 50 kilos after working out for a long time. That's because
the muscles become larger and stronger with exercise. And when you stop
exercising, the muscles shrink and you get weaker. That's why people say "Use it or
lose it!”
But most people don't know that when they practice and learn new things, parts
of their brain change and get larger a lot like muscles do when they exercise.
Inside the cortex of the brain are billions of tiny nerve cells, called neurons. The
nerve cells have branches connecting them to other cells in a complicated network. Communication between these brain cells is what allows us to think and
solve problems.
When you learn new things, these tiny connections in the brain actually multiply
and get stronger. The more that you challenge your mind to learn, the more
your brain cells grow. Then, things that you once found very hard or even impossible to do — like speaking a foreign language or doing algebra — seem to become easy. The result is a stronger, smarter brain.”
I look forward to sharing more information throughout the year.
HOUSE SWIMMING SPORTS
The annual House Swimming Sports will take place next Wednesday 11th February at the Maffra Swimming Pool
commencing at 9.30am. All of our Year 7 students have been allocated a House to represent throughout their
schooling at Maffra Secondary College. These are:
MACALISTER
THOMSON
AVON
FREESTONE
RED
YELLOW
BLUE
GREEN
All students are expected to attend this day and are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the day. Points
will be awarded for participation in various swimming and non-swimming events throughout the day. Both this
day and the House Athletics day are great days to dress up in your House colours and to actively support your
team. All students are expected to attend these days and are encourage to have a go.
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015 Page 4
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Continued
YEAR LEVEL CO-ORDINATORS / SUB SCHOOL LEADERS / WELLBEING TEAM
At all times it is important for parents to contact their child’s Year Level Coordinator if they have any concerns
in regards to their child’s wellbeing. At Maffra Secondary College we promote “It’s NOT Okay to stay away”,
for every day a child is away from school they miss out on valuable learning. With this in mind it is crucial that
parents inform the school if their child is absent on 51471790 or via an email to our attendance officer Kath
Shepheard – [email protected]
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Years 7 & 8 - Sub School Leader – Nathan Wallace [email protected]
Year 7 – Felicity Scully – Middle Years Office – [email protected]
Year 8 - Gayle Biddenback - Middle Years Office – [email protected]
Years 9 & 10 - Sub School Leader – Lashay Tricker [email protected]
Year 9 - Kate Hodge – Arts Office - [email protected]
Year 10 – Sue Clancy – Arts Office – [email protected]
Years 11 & 12 - Sub School Leader – Stephanie McMillan – [email protected]
Year 11 – Carol Caffrey - Later Years Office – [email protected]
Year 12 – Belinda Tricker - Later Years Office - [email protected]
VET / VCAL Coordinator – Veronica Hudson - [email protected]
Wellbeing Leader – Tricia Newgreen – [email protected]
Student Welfare / Youth Counsellor – Emily Boyle – [email protected]
School Nurse – Marieta Sears – [email protected]
School Chaplain – Tim Wallace - [email protected]
FIRST AID
Kerry Liddell
Hi and welcome to a new year at MSC. Here at the College we provide immediate first aid treatment for
students in the case of accident or illness. However, we have limited resources and as such do not have
the facilities to care for students for extended periods of time. If the ailment requires medical attention
appropriate treatment should be sought from a health professional.
With this in mind, it is extremely important that we have current contact details for parents and guardians.
It is also very important that you provide the school with a number of emergency contacts in case you are
unavailable or the school cannot reach you if your child becomes ill or is injured.
Parents and carers who collect their child from school for any reason (other than an emergency)
must sign the child out of the school in the register located at the Main Office.
Important Changes: Secondary School Vaccine Program 2015
Three big changes to the vaccine program
This year three major changes to the vaccine program will impact on parents of secondary school students:
1. The Wellington Shire Council’s immunisation service may contact you about the secondary school vaccine program.
Schools have been authorised to provide parent contact details to local councils for this purpose. Contact the
school by phone: 51471790 or email: [email protected] by 28 February 2015 if you do not want your
contact details given to the Wellington Shire Immunisation Team.
2.
In 2015 only, the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough will be offered to all
students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. From 2016, this vaccine will be offered to Year 7 students only. This will provide
earlier protection from these diseases.
3.
The time-limited human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program for Year 9 boys was completed in December
2014.
HPV vaccine will continue to be offered to all students (both male and female) in Year 7 from 2015.
Look out for the vaccine consent form/s coming home from school with your child. You need to read, complete
and return the form/s regardless of whether your child is being immunised at school.
To learn more about the changes, the diseases, the vaccines, or how you can prepare your child for vaccination
go to: immunehero.health.vic.gov.au
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
UNIFORM SHOP
Page 5
Tracey Shelton
NEW Maffra Secondary College Hats are
available from the Uniform Shop. Four
styles all $10: Bucket Hat, Truck Cap,
Army and Cap.
Uniform Shop is open Tuesday and Thursday
lunchtime from 1.15-2pm
NEW SMS FACILITY FOR ABSENCES
Maffra Secondary College has a new facility for families to send a text message straight to the Attendance
Officer advising of any student absences. The number is 0419345857 and is available 24/7. Please do not phone
this number as it is for text messaging only. If you would like to speak to the Attendance Office, please phone
the school on 5147 1790 during school hours.
The school already has the ability to message through emergency information such as floods, days off and unexpected bus information. If you receive a message asking to explain an absence, press and hold for two seconds
on the number displayed on the screen until ‘send message’ is displayed to send a return message.
VOLLEYBALL
Andrew McIntosh
Maffra Secondary College Volleyball Program
Maffra Secondary College has forged a fantastic reputation as a Volleyball school over the last 3 years. We have
had a lot of success over recent years, having 2 teams win State School Sport championships, winning medals at
National and State Schools cups and having representatives play Volleyball for Victoria and train in Australian
squads. In 2014 we had over 60 students represent Maffra Secondary College is Volleyball competitions.
Volleyball will be available for all students in 2015 who wish to play. Presently we have teams in year 11 girls,
year 9 boys and girls and year 8 girls. These are the teams that represented Maffra Secondary College at the
National Schools cup in 2014.
New players are always welcome. See
Mr McIntosh for details of training times.
Year 7 students will be organised for training
as soon as possible, so make sure you listen
for announcements and follow the student
bulletin sports information.
For further information contact Andrew
McIntosh on 0447262621 or via email :
[email protected]
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
SCIENCE
Page 6
Kylie Lambert
Science at Maffra Secondary College in 2015 will be full of great
opportunities for our students, including a free trip to Melbourne to
participate in an exciting talk and dinner by a Nobel Prize winning scientist,
excursions for most all year levels, the second year of our Maffra Science Expo
and a visit by a Marine Biologist and underwater videographer.
This year we have a fantastic opportunity to send a bus load of students for FREE to the Graeme Clark Oration
- a prestigious Science event where Nobel Prize winner and one of the world’s most influential scientists,
Sir Paul Nurse will address up to 1500 secondary students, researchers and scientists.
Sir Paul is the President of the Royal Society and Director of the Francis Crick Institute in London. His Oration,
Controlling how cells reproduce, will discuss experiments his group have conducted on the cell cycle in
particular cancerous cells, for which he won the Nobel Prize in 2001. Students will hear Sir Paul describe what
influenced him to become a scientist, his research interests, what it is like to be a Nobel Laureate and his views
on the value of science and scientists to society.
Sponsored by veski, a Science innovations group, two students will be selected to participate in the Oration
dinner along with a staff member from our College.
The oration will be held on Tuesday 10th March and the format for the day is below:

9am – Depart Maffra SC
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12:00pm-2:30pm - Activity at a Melbourne University (TBC)
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3.30pm-4.30pm – students activity with the Orator

5.40pm-7.00pm – Graeme Clark Oration

7.15pm – Oration Dinner (students depart for Maffra)
This opportunity is open to students in Years 10 - 12. This is a FREE event and is highly recommended to students with an interest in Science.
If you are interested, come and put your name down on the list in the Science office or talk to Mrs Lambert.
The list will close on Mon 16th Feb 2015.
If parents want more information they can email or call Kylie Lambert [email protected]
http://www.veski.org.au/
http://www.graemeclarkoration.org.au/
TERM 1 CORE SCIENCE
Students will be studying a range of topics this term in core Science including:
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Introduction to Science, safety in the laboratory, Bunsen burner license,
Categorising living things and separation science.
Chemical science including the states of matter: solids, liquids and gases,
Chemical reactions and the structure of atoms.
The Scientific Method
Ecosystems studies, including an investigation of the Maffra Swamp;
Chemical reactions, acids and bases, combustion.
Physical science: forces, motion and Newton’s laws
Genetics and evolution
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015 Page 7
SCIENCE - Continued
YR 7
RAINBOW LAB – a study in accuracy and measurement
Harvey Vickers and Zyrone Andrews
Adam Elliot, Blake Roberts and Orlando Davidson
working well as a team.
Jenna Ross, Lily Watson and
Laura Mayne
MSC MUSICAL 2015
“The Nifty Fifties!”
Celebrate the music and the costumes of
the fab fifties. This show has bad guys, good
guys, misunderstandings, great fun music
to tap along to and the necessary romance!
Auditions start the week……come and join in and have a time to remember.
Rehearsals will be before school at 7.30 am and one night per week after
school. There will be some Sunday rehearsals in term 2. Therefore commitment is necessary…….you must attend all rehearsals.
The show will be on in the second week of June, so let’s get our roller skates on
and get started. See Ms. Ray to show interest. The script is fun with lots of fabulous characters.
See you at rehearsals!!!!
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
Page 8
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
YR 7
YR 8
YR 9
Starting next week students in year 7, 8 and 9 will begin a compulsory swimming unit as part of their
H&PE course. The College has a strong belief that each of our students should continued to be taught
acceptable aquatic skills in a safe and friendly environment. Swimming skills, particularly among children
are fundamental to every individual’s safety and overall motor skill development. We find that although
students have participated in a numerous swimming programs and activities their skills still need to be
developed to a competent standard.
In the past few years there has been a rapid increase in drowning in young adults aged 15-24 year olds in Australia,
with research suggests that there is a linked to a fall in the swimming and water safety skills of children in Australia
over the past 10 years. In 2011-12 there was an increase of 25% in drowning in 15-24 year olds. 86% of these
drowning deaths are males, with many drowning whilst swimming, boating or fishing with friends in the nation’s
rivers, dams and at beaches, which highlights the need to develop survival skills in our students.
To participate in the program at Maffra Secondary College students need to pay $36 at the main office prior to the
commencement of the swimming program. Students that have a Wellington Seasons ticket will only need to pay
$15 for the buses.
SNOWY SCHOOL FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Kristen Raine
YR 9
A group of confident and excited Year 9 students have begun this school year with a difference. On Sunday 1 st
March they were dropped off at the Snowy School Campus in Marlo by their slightly nervous and emotional
parents. The students will spend the next 8 weeks on campus developing their leadership skills, teamwork skills, a
Community Learning Project, new friendships and undergoing outdoor expeditions.
We wish these students the very best on their adventure and look forward to hearing about their experiences
when they return to Maffra SC at the beginning of Term 2.
7
2015 Snowy School Students on arrival day: James Stothers, Preston Stephens, Ella Bailey, Indi Keith,
Mollie Huts and Merrick Stanioch
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
YEARS 9 AND 10 SUB SCHOOL
Page 9
Lashay Tricker
Firstly, we would like to welcome our staff and students back to the school year, hopefully everyone
has had an enjoyable break and is ready for a great year. This year the 9/10 sub-school will consist of
Lashay Tricker as the Sub School leader, Katie Hodge who will continue as the Year 9 coordinator and Sue
Clancy who is also continuing as the year 10 coordinator. Sue will be assisted by Fiona Ray for 1 day a week.
During the year you will receive information from the 9/10 sub school in variety of ways, this can be through
the school website (maffrasc.vic.edu.au), by mail, notices given to students, student reports, as well as via some
key events such as information evenings and parent/student/teacher interviews.
Whilst much of our communication will be electronic, we believe that having a conversation is important in
building between parents, students and teachers. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you wish to
discuss any aspect of your child’s learning and wellbeing.
YR 9
Year 9 Camp
As part of the 2015 Year 9 course, students will be participating in a 3 day Year Level Camp at Tidal River,
Wilson’s Promontory on the 11th – 13th of March. It complements many of the topics they are covering at
school this term. The camp is a great opportunity for students to develop some independence and responsibility
as they work in small groups to develop a food menu at school and then use this to buy, supply, prepare and
cook their own food for the camp.
The camp will be a fantastic chance for students to build a rapport with the students and staff and gain some
valuable interpersonal and teamwork skills that they will use during the year. The cost of the camp is $80, this
will need to be paid to the office by the 23rd of February.
If you have any questions or queries concerning the camp please contact Kate Hodge or Lashay Tricker at the
College.
YR 10
Year 10 information night
There will be an information night for all year 10 students on the 2nd of March at 6pm in the Library. At this
information night we will discuss key dates, work experience, TAFE and a range of other activities and programs
that may occur during the year.
Darwin Camp
Another payment of $350 is due on the 20th of February (Total paid will be $600), we understand that
December, January and February often have many financial commitments, if payment is an issue we strongly
encourage you to contact the school to discuss this. Future payments are due on the 20 th of April ($350) and
the 20th of May ($250). It is vital that payments dates are meet as the school also has financial commitments to
make with bookings etc.
At present there is a waiting list, these students will be offered places if other students are unable to meet the
payments. There will be a parent and student information evening on the 2nd of March at 6.30 in the school library.
Kokoda Trip 2016
In 2016 the school will again be offering students the opportunity to walk the Kokoda track. There will be an
information night on the 25th of February in the school library at 6.30 pm presented by No Roads expedition for
interested students and parents. Having done the walk in 2013 it is a fantastic and rewarding opportunity, that
also gives you a greater understanding of the determination of the Australian soldiers and the connection they
had with the Fuzzy Wuzzy’s.
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
Page 10
LATER YEARS
Stephanie McMillan
Welcome back to all our returning Yr 11 and 12 students. This year’s Year Level Coordinators are:
Carol Caffrey – Yr11 Coordinator [email protected]
Belinda Marshall – Yr 12 Coordinator [email protected]
Stephanie McMillan – Later Years Leader [email protected]
Year 12 Melbourne Discovery Camp
2015 has seen a very busy start to the year, with Year 12 students participating in the Melbourne Discovery camp
this week (February 4th to 6th).
Over the three day trip students participate in tours of the State Library and Parliament House where they see
our government in action. Students will visit the Big Issue Magazine where they’ll participate in an education
program about homelessness and are able to hear first hand accounts of people’s experience of being homeless.
Students were also given the opportunity to visit three universities, RMIT, Melbourne and Monash Clayton. This
is a valuable experience as students are able to ask questions, tour each campus and at Monash they can speak to
students about their experiences at Uni. They also visit a VCE specialist resource centre where students can order a variety of study materials to assist them during this year.
It’s not all about VCE and studying, with students exploring the Queen Victoria Night Market, the Eureka Sky
Deck and competing in Laser Tag at Galactic Circus.
We’re all looking forward to a great trip!
Year 11 Deb Training
Year 11 Deb training has commenced with great participation and energy from students and trainers alike. Any
Deb parents who are interested in assisting with this event, please contact Carol Caffrey at
[email protected]
Motivational Media Presentation
On Tuesday 10th Feb, Years 9, 10, 11 & 12 students attended a Motivational Media presentation titled ‘Jigsaw:
Putting our life together one piece at a time’. This visual presentation focuses on the choices, challenges, decisions
and overcoming difficulties that students may experience in their futures.
Year 11&12 Parent/Guardian Information Evening
Both the year 11 and 12 information evenings will be held on Tuesday 10th of February in the VCE Study Centre.
The Yr. 11 meeting will start at 6pm, whilst the Yr.12 meeting will begin at 7:30pm.
With the promotion to year 11&12, students experience an increase in the demands school places on them.
Studies have shown that students are more successful at school when supported by their family. With this in
mind, the evening is aimed at developing parents knowledge of the program students are about to embark on, the
academic, careers and wellbeing support available for students at MSC, and tips for students to maintain a healthy
balance during VCE and VCAL. It is also a chance for parents to meet the Later Years Team and discuss any
questions they had about the year ahead. We strongly encourage all parents and students to attend the evening.
CHANGES TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TAX FILE NUMBER PROGRAM IN 2015
The Secondary School Tax File Number (TFN) Program will not continue beyond 31st December 2014. This
means that School TFN forms will no longer be processed beyond this date.
How students can apply for a TFN from 1st January 2015
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.
For more information or to apply for a TFN, please go to:
www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Ind/Apply-for-a-TFN-on-the-web
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
Page 11
VCAL
Veronica Hudson
Welcome back to the 50 VCAL students who have chosen to return to us this year. I have been involved in
some of the planning with the VCAL staff and even though Term 1 is short, there is a high expectation that
the variety of task will engage our students and motivate them to keep up to date with their submissions.
Firstly though as part of their Personal Development (PD) program, the students are required to participate
in a camp during Term 1. The camp will have a specific focus to foster organisational and interpersonal
skills. The camp will be held at Karoonda Park at Gelantipy where students will participate in a combination
of activities including rafting, abseiling, caving, flying fox and horse riding. Information and paperwork was
sent home in December last year.
Due to the large number of students in the VCAL certificate
this year it was decided to split the camp in their form
groups so :
VCAL A will attend camp on Feb 16-18th and VCAL B
on Feb 23-25th.
If there are any queries, please email or ring me at school.
SHOOTING PROGRAMME
Mark Riggs
New Guns For Shooting Programme.
The Parents’ Club generously donated $1200 to the School’s Shooting Programme for the purchase of three
brand new Shotguns. These were purchased last year, in time for the end of year shoot at Longford. Geoff
Abrahall (Gadget) at H&S Firearms in Sale worked very hard to get a discount from the supplier and then
further discounted the price for the school. Geoff also kindly offered to store the guns on the School’s behalf
as the School does not have the licence or the facilities to store guns.
The guns are Webley and Scott under and over shotguns which are an improvement on the two single barrel
and one side by side, donated by Victoria Police after they were confiscated from people who breached the
Firearms Act. All six guns will be lent to students at no extra charge.
In the past we have had problems on competition days when we haven't had enough guns for all of our
competitors, which we feel has affected our results negatively.
The guns which have been purchased with the donation will allow our team members to concentrate totally on
their shooting instead of worrying about whether there will be a gun available when they need it.
Not all of our team members are able to supply their own gun as not all of them have licensed parents who
are able to purchase and store them on their behalf. This has limited our squad in the past, but now we can
embrace members who have a love of the sport and good skills, regardless of their parents’ license situation.
Here's hoping we can show our thanks by having a successful year!
Abby Tayler. 2013/14 Captain.
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
Page 12
ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH
Carl
2014 Energy Breakthrough Awards!
The 2014 Energy Breakthrough event at Maryborough was a great success of all the students, parents
and teachers who took part. We posted our best ever overall team results and came away feeling very
proud of what we had achieved. Our three teams ‘Back Again’, ‘Matrix’ and ‘Notorious’ finished the event in 10th,
23rd and 34th place respectively.
To celebrate our success, all the students and teachers who participated had the opportunity to vote for class
awards for the 2014 team. The categories for the awards were:
MVP - Selected by the Teaching staff at the event. This award is given to the student who they think was
the most outstanding at the event for their commitment to the team, effort throughout the event, positive approach and team spirit.
Captains Award - All Team Captains are asked to nominate their choice of who they think made the biggest
contribution to their team throughout the event.
The Worker - Awarded to the student who worked hardest during the event and always helped out whenever
needed.
The Rider -
The student who was the best rider during the event. Enough said.
Best Crash - Awarded for the best crash over the course of the event. (*this was the first award of the’ Mitch
Hawkins Crash Trophy’)
The Goofy - Awarded to the goofiest kid / the silliest act over the course of the event.
The Tough Nut - Awarded to the most courageous student at the event; the toughest kid who overcame the
biggest obstacles; the ‘never say die award’.
This years awards went to:
James Ronalds.
James was awarded ‘The Worker’ award. His work
and leadership in the Pits was outstanding.
James also received the ‘Captains Award’ for his
team; ‘Back Again’.
Addi Flett.
Addi received the award for ‘The Rider’
of the event. Proving just how fit and fast
he is in the process.
Maddie Schleifer and Coen O’Connor scored equal
votes from their team mates to share the ‘Tough Nut’
award this year. Both gave their all throughout the event
and each of them in their own way, demonstrated that
they are both tough, determined individuals who were
willing to do their utmost to help their team succeed.
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015 Page 13
ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH continued
Shaymus Jones received the
‘Captains Award’ for his hard work
and positive team spirit in team
‘Notorious’.
Joe Caldow was unanimously voted for to
receive ‘The Goofy’ award from his classmates. Throughout the weekend, Joe kept
everyone laughing at his various antics, but
probably got the award for dropping his
phone into the dirty dish water.
For all his efforts and his great attitude, Jordan
Rodda was given the ‘Captains Award ‘ for
team Matrix. Jordan had a great event and was
always helping out wherever he could.
Mitch Hawkins was this years winner of the Best
Crash award. Mitch got the award for his huge
rollover below our team camp at the bottom of the
down hill S’s. The crash resulted in the buckling of
the rear rim to such a degree that it had to be
replaced and the wheel fully re-spoked on the eave
of the race.
This rim, which Mitch can be seen wearing, will
now become a perpetual trophy for the best crash
in future events; The’ Mitch Hawkins Crash
Trophy’. Future winners will have their photo taken
wearing it and the photo’s displayed in the HPV
shed at the College.
Tanika Smith was voted by the teachers who attended the event as
this year’s MVP - Most Valuable Person.
Tanika had an outstanding event and in the role of Team Captain of
team Matrix, leading from the front throughout. It didn’t matter if it was
unloading the truck, building the Pit area or encouraging her team mates at 3am, Tanika did it all with a smile on her face and a huge dose of
enthusiasm and fun.
Tanika is currently undertaking a year as an exchange student in Finland
during 2015 and we wish her all the best in this new adventure.
Well done to everyone who won an award this year and a huge thank you to all the students, staff and parents
who went to Maryborough in 2014 for making this our most successful event to date.
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015 Page 14
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Former Maffra Secondary College Student - THOMAS CROSBIE
Tom received Heyfield Young Citizen of the Year for his contribution in repairing and renewing old computers
back into working order and then distributing them to families, who may otherwise not be able to afford a
computer. He made no money form this project. Tom has been given old and
non-functional computers to many people throughout the community, as well as
from Maffra Secondary College, to help his cause. Most of this had been done by
‘Word of Mouth’. Tom then uses a website called “Gippy Rivers” to advertise the
refreshed computers and then determines who they should be distributed to.
Last year, Tom was given a grant through the “Propeller Project” to assist him and
he used all of the money to fix up the computers. Tom was also the key person to
start the “Buy, Swap and Sell” website.
(Thank you to the Heyfield News for some of these details).
A great example of initiative and leadership shown by one of our students, in his
contribution to our Community and to Sustainability.
Former Maffra Secondary College Student - RYAN WHEELER
Young Quiet Achiever Ryan Wheeler has been involved with Maffra Fire Brigade
since he was at secondary school and has been recognised for his determination
and dedication.
As an active brigade member, Ryan holds the rank of Second Lieutenant and is
involved with training programs as well as continuing to develop his own skills.
Ryan is also involved in the Maffra Municipal Band.
Congratulations to both Thomas and Ryan.
COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN STUDENT EXCHANGE ORGANISATIONS
Student exchange programs in Australia are regulated by Departments of Education and relevant qualification authorities in all
states and territories. All CASEO members are registered and approved to carry out student exchange programs.
Student exchange programs provide Australian students, typically aged 15-18 years, with the opportunity to live and study
overseas for up to one year. Overseas students come to Australia on similar programs.
Students live with a host family and attend school. They become immersed in the local community and live like a local. The
benefits that flow from the experience are significant and include:



Greater awareness and tolerance of other cultures
Significantly improved language skills
Increased independence and maturity
CASEO members take seriously the duty of care toward their exchange students and provide local and
national level support both in Australia and overseas throughout the program.
Email: [email protected] or phone: 0407 708 401
Student Exchange AU and NZ: studentexchange.org.au
World Education Program Australia Ltd: wep.org.au
Au Institute of International Understanding: aiiu.com.au
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange: scca.com.au
AFS Intercultural Programs Australia: afs.org.au
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015
Page 15
COMMUNITY NEWS
MAFFRA VOLLEYBALL
ASSOCIATION
PO BOX 704
MAFFRA 3860
[email protected]
maffravolleyball.com
Maffra Volleyball season is about to recommence. We have
2 competitions running and new players are always welcome. Below are the times for each competition. This season finishes at the end of term 1. We aim to cater for all
ability levels. We have both males and females playing in all
teams, with our youngest player under 10 and our oldest
over 50.
Monday training MSC Gym 3.30pm till 4.30pm Commencing
Monday 9th
Junior Competition MSC Gym 4.40pm till 6pm Commencing
Monday 9th
Wednesday Social Competition MSC Gym 6.50pm till 9pm
Commencing Wednesday 11th
Please contact Andrew McIntosh on 0447262621 or on
SALE WOMENS BASKETBALL
Want to get fit?
Want to have fun?
Want to meet new friends?
WE NEED YOU!
Wednesday morning games, all ages and
abilities, fun and friendly.
For further information
call Sarah on: 0478227521
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
CANTEEN
Tracey Green
Can you assist in the canteen?
Our canteen operates at recess and lunchtime. We offer a healthy selection of food in accordance with
the Victorian Canteen Association. If you can volunteer your time, just one day a month, we would be
most grateful. Our canteen cannot operate efficiently without the assistance of our canteen volunteers.
If you able to help out please phone the School on 51 471 790 and ask for Tracey in the Canteen. Your
assistance would be greatly appreciated. If you are unable to assist on your rostered day can you please find a
replacement or swap for that day. Alternatively please give Tracey at least a days notice to find a replacement.
Thank you for your assistance , Tracey
The Canteen is open between 8-15am and 9am for lunch orders and student purchases before school.
MAFFRA SECONDARY COLLEGE CANTEEN ROSTER - TERM 1
MONDAY 9TH
TUESDAY 10TH
WEDNESDAY 11TH
THURSDAY 12TH
FRIDAY 13TH
SANDRA DEKKERS
– 0418457143
MICHELLE DELANY
– 0450055521
RHONDA HUNT
RENE DEVISSER
– 0429796372
VICKI NIKOLAJEW
– 51411430
CHRISTINE PENNY
– 0458482152
FRANK DORBER
– 51411236
SHARON BASS
– 0427483004
EMMA WILLIAMSON
– 0407361295
TRACEY RYAN
– 51455341
KATRINA EINSIEDEL
– 51454439
KATRINA GRAVENER
KERRY PEEL
MERRYN STEVENSON
DI SUNDERMAN
MONDAY 16TH
TUESDAY 17TH
WEDNESDAY 18TH
THURSDAY 19TH
FRIDAY 20TH
MAREE LANG
– 51411241
KELLIE LEAR
– 0423235701
DANIELLE CORIDAS
– 0438048101
MELISSA FULTON
– 51471797
JODIE UNDERWOOD
– 51482822
CATH MCDONALD
– 51451795
KYLIE BENNETT
– 51472933
JUSTINE LOWERY
– 51451613
SUE BROWN
– 51480519
KIM MARCHESI
– 51483121
LINDA CAM
– 51472088
HELPER NEEDED
MICHELE BOOKER
– 0407387365
KERRY FLETT
– 0428508886
FIONA PFEIL
– 0418490572
MONDAY 23RD
TUESDAY 24TH
WEDNESDAY 25TH
THURSDAY 26TH
FRIDAY 27TH
KATE NANCAROW
– 0402131754
RHONDA HUNT
VIVIENNE JOHNSTONE
– 51411354
BELINDA BOWTELL
– 51456099
MICHELLE DELANY
– 0450055521
LORRAINE HETHERTON
– 51483021
NICKY MAXFIELD
– 041454893
FIONA GARDINER
– 0429989334
MAREE LANG
– 51411241
LORRAINE HETHETON
– 51483021
LORRAINE HETHERTON – 51483021
CATH MCDONALD
– 51451795
HELPER NEEDED
MARCH
MONDAY 2nd
TUESDAY 3RD
WEDNESDAY 4TH
THURSDAY 5TH
FRIDAY 6TH
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
HELPER NEEDED
Volunteers are required to be at the canteen between 10am until 2:15pm. One volunteer per shift will be required to assist with the counting of the day’s takings so they are required to stay until 2.30pm. If you are new to the canteen please read the protocols and the duties that
are required in the canteen. If you are unsure of anything please ask. If you are unable to do your rostered day, please arrange for another
person to cover that shift. If you are not able to find anybody please call the canteen on 51471790 before 9am on the day and let me know.
Thank you for your time helping in the canteen, without the volunteers the canteen would not be able to operate.
Tracey
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
Calendar of Events
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
WEEK 3, 4, & 5 -TERM 1 2015
February
Tues 10th
Week 3
MOTIVATIONAL MEDIA YEAR 9-12
Year 9-12 students going to the Maffra Memorial Hall
YEAR 11 VCE & VCAL INFORMATION EVENING
6pm in the Senior School Study Area
Wed 11th
HOUSE SWIMMING SPORTS
Maffra Pool - Walking from MSC 9am returning at 3pm
February
Mon 16th
to
Wed 18th
Week 4
VCAL B - PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CAMP
Karoonda Park, Gelantipy
Leaving MSC at 7am - Returning Wednesday 6pm
Thur 19th
YEAR 12 OUTDOOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
INDIGENOUS INVESTIGATION
Stratford, Bairnsdale and Metung - Cost $25
Fri 20th
YEAR 9 SURF AND TURF BUSH WALK
Mt Howitt and Guys Hut - Cost $25
February
Mon 23rd
to
Wed 25th
Fri 27th
Week 5
VCAL A - PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CAMP
Karoonda Park, Gelantipy
Leaving MSC at 7am - Returning Wednesday 6pm
INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING SPORTS
Aqua Energy Complex, Sale
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’
6 February 2015 Page 18
‘HIGH LEVELS OF STUDENT LEARNING IS CENTRAL TO EVERYTHING WE DO’