FROM THE PRINCIPAL

 Despite the year being only several weeks old, the many activities of New Town High School are underway.  Last Saturday the Senior Concert Band played at the City Hall, entertaining guests at the City Bicentennial Celebrations.  Having had so little lead in time, the standard of musicianship and the quality of performance was very impressive.  The Prefect Board spent Tuesday undertaking leadership training and spoke highly of both Mrs Davidson and Mr David Bartlett who spoke to them about different aspects of leadership.  Many sporting activities are starting.  Information and contact details are appearing on the news sheet daily.  Debating will start in several weeks, with teams already being formed.

 The Grade Seven students have made a very positive start and have impressed their teachers with the confident and assured way they have adapted to high school life.  Mr Clifford and Ms Guerzoni are looking forward to four very productive years ahead.

The scholastic side of school is also well underway.  Classes are settled and learning is very evident as I wander the School.  It is also pleasing to see the short courses in full swing.  The Surfing short course had a perfect day for their first practical session last Wednesday.

 Parents and Friends had their first meeting last Tuesday night and it was terrific to see new parents in attendance.  The Parents and Friends Association are an important group within the School.  Under Frank McCann, the President of the Association, they have been a powerful lobby group as well as undertaking the traditional roles of supporting policy development and fund raising.  The upgrade of the School ovals is a direct result of both the lobbying of the Parents and Friends Association as well as their fund raising.  I urge all parents to support this group, even if only in a small way.

 The standard of the boys’ uniform is excellent.  In particular, grade supervisors have been following up boys who are not combining black shoes with their formal uniform.  This is not a new aspect of our uniform but it had slipped and the School is supporting parents by insisting boys uphold this part of their uniform requirement.  Over 90% of boys are complying and I have been assured by grade supervisors and parents that the remaining boys will be doing so shortly.  I thank parents for this support.

 I would remind parents of the New Town High School website.  Parents from last year will be aware that it has a different look.  It contains valuable material as well as shots of the boys at work and play.  Newsletters are always available through the website.

 Finally, a reminder of the key areas the School will focus upon during 2004.  We continue as a project school for the Essential Learnings, having a particular focus upon the being literate strand. Information, Communication, Technology, the Related Arts and the provision of alternative programs, will be other areas of curriculum development in 2004.  The environment continues to be important and we will be lobbying hard to get some definitive answer to our request for major works in the gymnasium and related arts areas. 

Finally can I remind parents that if they have any concerns please contact the school.  Subject teachers, grade supervisors, subject head of departments, assistant principals or myself welcome the opportunity to work closely with parents or carers.

                                                                     Ian Morgan

PARENT HELP ROSTER

Our canteen provides an excellent service to our students but we need your help.  Volunteers are needed whether you can come once a week or once a month.  Please contact Allison Le Bis (Canteen Manager) for details on 62280 257.

                                                                      Alison Le Bis

                                                                     CANTEEN MANAGER

Our aim for Related Arts in 2004 is to expand the opportunities for students in the arts areas, and to encourage participation in the wide range of activities that we currently offer.  During this year we plan to have a number of related arts presentations.  Our major focus is a Theatre Restaurant involving Drama, Music, Foods and Art.  We are also in the process of developing partnership with primary schools through visiting performances.  Our first project will be in the ANZAC assembly.  We welcome your attendance at all our performances.

                                                         Mrs T Bailey & Mr A Sweeney

                                                         RELATED ARTS CO-ORDIANTORS

We wish to congratulate Grade 7 students on the very fine start they have made to their High School careers.  Uniform has been worn very well and it is pleasing to see that diaries are kept correctly and signed at the end of the week.  The competition for the first Pizza Hut award is certainly keen!

 PEER SUPPORT

The first Peer Support session was conducted on Friday 20 February and there were many positive reports and comments.  We thank the Peer Support leaders for the fine impression they made on their group.  Naturally everyone is now looking forward to the Peer Support Camps which begin on Monday 15 March for 7D1 and 7D2.

 SWIMMING TRIALS

There are many events to look forward to in the next few weeks.  Swimming trials will take place on 11 March for all Grade 7 students in preparation for the Swimming Carnival.  There is an event to cater for every ability and we wish to see Grade 7’s make a real splash in terms of involvement.  It is great to see House spirit emerging within the Home Groups and a healthy degree of rivalry.  This spirit breathes life into the inter-house competition and encourages strong participation.

 DEBATING

The Debating season begins soon and it is encouraging to see the number of boys register for teams.  A workshop for Grade 7 will take place in the next fortnight to prepare them for the season.

 We have asked Grade 7’s to begin thinking about leadership and prepare for voting in the Grade Council at Easter.  The Grade 7 Council will comprise of 16 students, two from each Home Group and elected by the Home Group.  Nominating students will be expected to give a talk to the Grade during an assembly outlining what they will be able to offer the Grade during the course of the year.  The Grade Council will undertake a number of projects within the school community and liaise with the Prefects on key matters.

 We encourage Grade 7 students and parents to keep us informed of achievements deserving of celebration in our regular news section.  We like to share success!

 We thank the parents who attended the Parents & Friends meeting on Tuesday evening.  It was great to meet you and we look forward to making more acquaintances at the up-coming Grade 7 Parent Evening.

                                                             Ms G Guerzoni & Mr P Clifford

                                                             GRADE 7 SUPERVISORS

Grade 8’s have made a great start to the year with boys settling well to work.  We have been hearing some good things from class teachers.  We have also been particularly impressed with uniform.

 Now that everyone has settled in to work so well, it is time to look at some extra-curricular activities.  There is an excellent range of sporting, musical and cultural clubs on offer at New Town High and we encourage you all to participate in something this term.  See the Daily News or noticeboards for information regarding these activities.

 SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Our first house event is the School Swimming Carnival which will be held at the Glenorchy Pool on Monday 22 March.

ROWING

Congratulations to Louis Mathews, 8E2 who won the U13 Single Skulls at Lake Barrington.  Best of luck for the rest of the rowing season.

                                                          Mrs M Daun & Mr W Bounds

                                                         GRADE 8 SUPERVISORS

STATE REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to Adam McKeown, 9H2 who has been selected in the Southern Regional U14 cricket team.  We wish Adam and his team the best of luck for their 1 March game.

 Ben Brockman, 9H3  has been selected in the Tasmanian U17 Badminton Team to compete in the Australasian U17 Badminton Championships being held in Auckland, New Zealand over the Easter period in April 2004.

 PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHOOL LIFE

It is terrific to see so many of our Grade 9 boys participating in the extra-curricular life of the school.  We ask all parents to encourage their sons to join in the whole school program.  This additional effort and or service to the grade and school will be reflected in their Grade 10 Leavers References next year.

 Some of the programs which are currently being advertised are:

• Geography Competition
• Swimming Carnival (22 March 2004)
• Science Competition
• School Basketball Competition
• Rockclimbing Competition held at the Climbing Edge
• ‘Blokes Vokes’ Choir
• The various NTHS bands e.g. Senior Concert Band, Ensemble

                                                             Ms J Alexander & Mr M James

                                                             GRADE 9 SUPERVISORS

We have been pleased to receive favourable reports from staff re the mature and positive way Grade 10 have commenced the school year.

 THANKYOU TO:

·                Chris Coleman, 10D2, Lachlan Hardy, 10J1, David Cox, 10J2 and Jesse Nelson, 10D2 who assisted Mr Gayton with diary allocation on the first day.

·                The Prefects for assisting Grade 7 settle in.

 ·                Mr Trousselot and Mrs Hendy for organising the WRL placements.

 ·                Jack McCann, 10J1, Zac Paterson, 10D2 and Julian Quarrell, 10D1 who stepped in at very short notice to work in the canteen.

·                Ms Neville for stepping in to take care of 10H2.

 ·                The first Peer Support session last week was a success for both Peer Support leaders and Grade 7.  Peer Mentoring and Peer Tutoring will be commencing soon. 

·                Prefects undertook a Leadership Training Program last Tuesday which will be reported in the next newsletter. 

·                The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania has been booked for our Leavers’ Dinner on Thursday 27 November.

 ·                We encourage boys to take advantage of the many sporting opportunities offered to them at present, and for those interested in the theatre; to check out the ‘Kulture Vulture’ offer.

 ·                We are always keen to get our Year 10 boys involved in wider aspects of school life.  If your son is reluctant to put his hand up and you believe he would benefit from this opportunity please give us a call.

 ·                There are a few vacancies left for the Central Australian Tour in the June holidays.  This thirteen day holiday is a bargain at $1800.00.  Please see Ms Self ASAP if you are interested.

                                                               Ms S Self & Mr J Penman

                                                               GRADE 10 SUPERVISORS

The initial P & F meeting was held on Tuesday.  The main purpose of the meeting was to introduce Grade 7 parents to the school, and I thank those parents who attended.

 Paul Clifford, one of the two Grade 7 Supervisors, gave a presentation on what to expect from the boys and what faces the boys in these first important months of their secondary education.  He then answered many questions addressing issues such as homework, use of Diaries, uniform and expectations of the school.  Ian Morgan also addressed the group, and I gave a brief summary of how the P & F operate, and what we hope to achieve this year.  The parents took full advantage of the opportunity, and were all very involved with the discussion with Paul and Ian Morgan.  Unfortunately Grace Guerzoni (Grade 7 Supervisor) was not available, but Paul and Ian emphasised that if parents have any concerns or issues then Paul and Grace are the first points of contact for them, and that either Paul or Grace will respond quickly to your requests.  

 I must apologise for misleading those present when I said that the P & F meets on the first Tuesday of each month! We actually meet on the last Tuesday of the Month. The next meeting is on Tuesday 30 March at 7.30 in the Staff Room on the Ground Floor – opposite the school office.

 The P & F meetings are more information and discussion forums than formal business meetings.  We must of course observe the formal requirements of an incorporated body, but we try to make the meetings informative and give parents an opportunity to ask questions and to also suggest topics which they would like to hear about.  Ian Morgan has suggested that as well as a forum of specialist teachers making a presentation to the parents, we might ask Tamara Bailey (Drama) and Andrew Sweeney (Music) to make a special presentation in Term 1 about the related arts program.  We welcome suggestions for guest speakers and special topics.  Maybe you have heard a speaker who would be ideal to make a presentation on a topic of interest to the school community.  Maybe you have an issue which you would like further information on.  Please let the P & F know of your suggestions and requests by leaving your ideas with the school office, or by contacting me on e-mail at: frankmccann@ozemail.com.au.

 We try to have three or four information evenings each year.  There are only 9 more P & F meetings in 2004, so we need your suggested topics and speakers now!

 P & F Second Hand Uniform Service – Bernadette Bell will be operating this service from 8.15 to 9.30 on the First Thursday of the month.  The next opening will be on Thursday 4 March.  We have lots of uniform items in stock, some of it in excellent condition, and all at reasonable prices.  Bernadette is looking for assistance with the operation of the service.  If you are able to help, please contact the school and leave your details and your available times.  We also want to hear from parents about whether they will use the service, and what opening hours they would prefer.  Once we have an idea of the demand for the service, and a number of operators, then we will provide more opening hours if required.

                                                     Frank McCann

                                                     PRESIDENT-PARENTS & FRIENDS

The second hand uniform shop will open on the first Thursday of the month in Term One.  It will open next Thursday 4 March, 8.15 – 9.15am.

 Items on sale include:

Windcheaters     -    $10.00

Blue Shirts       -    $2.00 - $5.00

Gold Polo Shirts  -    $2.00 - $5.00

Shorts            -    $5.00

Grey Trousers    -    $10.00

Jumpers          -    $20.00 - $50.00

 The second hand uniform shop also contains a variety of other uniform pieces including a small blazer and black shoes size 9.  If you have any clothing you would like sold on a 15% commission, or donations, you are welcome to send them along to school marked clearly for P & F with your name and address. 

 Money has been sent out for uniform sold at the start of the school year. 

 Helpers are also needed to run the shop.  If anyone is interested please call Bernadette Bell on 6247 8544.

                                         Bernadette Bell

                                         SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP CO-ORDINATOR

This year a new short course has been offered to students in Grades 9 & 10 called Public Companies and the Sharemarket.  We welcomed our first guest speaker, Mr Andrew Inglis from Shadforths on Wednesday 25 February.  This proved to be a most informative session and could be very helpful if we want to go out later in life and invest in shares.

 Alex Moores

PUBLIC COMPANIES & SHAREMARKET STUDENT

On Wednesday 25 February, Grade 10 students were issued with an information and consent form for the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Immunisations Program.  These forms should be read carefully and then returned to the student’s Home Group Teacher by Monday 8 March at the latest, if consent is given for involvement in the immunisation program run by the Hobart City Council.

 No late forms will be accepted either by the School or the Hobart City Council after Monday 8 March.

                                                                    Ian Cordwell

                                                                    ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

During 2003 the Hobart City Council visited the school offering free meningococcal vaccine to all students (from kinder to year 12). 

The Council will continue to offer free meningococcal vaccines to all students in 2004.

 However the vaccines will only be available at the Council’s monthly immunisation clinic at the Town Hall on the second Thursday of every month. 

Bookings are not necessary.  If you have any queries please phone the Council on 6238 21715.

                                                                    Ian Cordwell

                                                                    ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Parents are reminded that our school photographs will be taken on Wednesday 10 March and that envelopes should be returned for all students whether they are purchasing photographs or not.

The order envelopes must be at school by Tuesday 9 March at the latest.

 A late fee of $10.00 applies to late orders which must be submitted directly to Argyle Studios, not the school.

 A reminder that students must wear formal uniform on Wednesday 10 March, including a school tie if they have one.

                                                                    Ian Cordwell

                                                                    ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

 The Australian Schools Competitions, co-ordinated through the University of New South Wales, provide an opportunity for all students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation.  In addition, individual progress in a range of subject – related skills can be monitored and an important aspect is the recognition and reward for achievement at all levels.  Each student will receive a certificate and a detailed results letter.

 The table below shows the important dates for the competitions in 2004. The entry fee for the existing competitions is $6.00. The entry fee for Writing is $11.00 but will be subsidised by the school to set it at $6.00, the same as the other competitions. The Mathematics competition is run by Westpac and costs $4.00 to enter.

 Entries are being taken now and we encourage as many students as possible to enter the competitions.  Those students who have further questions or believe financial hardship may prevent them from entering the competitions should contact the following members of staff:

                                                                    Mr P Gayton

                                                                    ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Welcome to the 2004 Australasian Schools Competition which now include Computer skills, Science, English, Writing and Mathematics.

 The Competition takes place each year in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region and your child is invited to participate.

 The Competition is an initiative of the Educational Testing Centre (ETC) of the University of New South Wales and will be held on Wednesday 19 May.

 The Competition provides an opportunity for all students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation.  It provides schools and teachers with comprehensive reporting of results and also gives parents helpful information regarding their child’s performance in English.

 All students receive a certificate and an individual student result letter indicating which questions they answered correctly, as well as the average mark for their state.  The student results letter is also useful for highlighting student strengths and weaknesses in the skills and processes of English.  The documents are suitable for inclusion in a portfolio.

 Certificates are awarded for each year level as follows:  High Distinction to the top 1% of entrants in each year level in the state; Distinction to the next 10% of entrants in each year level in the state; Credit to the next 20% of entrants in each year level in each state; Achievement to students who were placed within the top 20% of the year group in their school, but who have not qualified for a higher certificate; Participation to all other participating students.

 Medals are awarded to the top student(s) in each year level in each state.  Medals and certificates are awarded at the discretion of ETC.

 The entry fee is $6.00 per student.

 Please return the tear off permission slip entry fee by Wednesday 21 April.

----"---------------------------------------------"---------------------------------------------"-----

PLEASE RETURN THIS SECTION TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL

 I would like _______________________________ (students name) to participate in the 2004 Australasian Schools English Competition.

 Please find enclosed $6.00 entry fee.

Signed: __________________________

              Parent/Guardian

                                                                      Ms C Chinn

                                                                      TIC - ENGLISH

The school staff, who attended the shop during ‘Back to School’ week, wish to thank all parents and students for their tolerance and understanding.  It is always a very busy time and waiting time can often seem excessive but with good grace and humour everyone survived.  Sales of certain items exceeded expectations and when new stocks arrive, we will make the appropriate announcement.

 The school ties were originally rejected as wrongly manufactured.  We are pleased to report that the correct ties have now been received and are available to all who needed one at the cost of $18.00. 

                                                                     Tim Knight

                                                                     BURSAR

Recently there has been a number of students bringing mobile phones to School and causing disturbances in class as a result.  This is another reminder to students and parents that mobile phones ARE NOT PERMITTED at School.  If, however, there is an extenuating circumstance (eg sickness of close family member or a work placement after school) then the phones should be left at the Main Office during the day.  Students who continue to bring mobile phones to School should be aware that they will be confiscated and only returned to a parent or guardian.

                                                            Mr I Cordwell

                                                           ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

TIME:   7.30pm                                                           VENUE:  Staffroom at School