The Principal’s Report

After four weeks as the Principal at Warrandyte High School, I would like to thank each and every member of the school community who has so warmly welcomed me. It has been such a wonderful experience meeting our students, staff and parents over the past few weeks as I have settled in to my new role. I bring to our school community a strong commitment to government education in Victoria, a vision for teaching and learning excellence and high expectations. I have observed and leant many things about our school community over the past month and I am most impressed by the enthusiasm of our students and staff. Coming into a new school is always a challenging and extremely busy time but it also brings a sense of excitement and curiosity for the future. I am looking forward to working with all members of our school community over the coming months and years to harness and celebrate the successes of our school, to listen and learn about the needs of staff, students and parents and to develop a clear vision and pathway for continued improvement and stability for the future.

I have been most impressed with our students sense of pride about Warrandyte – seen most recently in the renewed approach to ensuring our school production ‘The Show Must Go On!’ indeed does ‘Go On!’ I am pleased to announce that this will happen in Term 4 – dates will be released in the coming weeks. Pride in our school has also been seen with students who consistently come to school in full school uniform, ready for learning.

One exciting change that we are implementing from 2023 is an expansion of our elective program at Year 9 and 10. Students in these year levels will have access to a wider range of electives than ever before through our newly developed ‘Year 9/10 combined elective program’. The change to our structure will be explained to students in Year 8 and 9 during our assemblies so that they are well informed prior to entering their subject selections for next year. Our subject handbook will be available on Compass to assist students in making their elective choices. Students entering Year 11 in 2023 will also see a significant change to our structure next year with the introduction of two streams of VCE. Students will be able to select a course which will provide them with the Victorian Certificate of Education at the completion of Year 12, or the Victorian Certificate of Education – Vocational Major. These two streams both provide students with the Victorian Certificate of Education, but the VCE-Vocational Major is a program designed to provide greater opportunities for students who wish to undertake a VET subject and each week undertake a day of Structured Workplace Learning (SWL). These options will be clearly explained to students and parents – again, ensuring students are well informed prior to course counselling day.

The modernisation and refurbishment of our Arts Buildings is set to commence during the September school holidays and we are about to begin the tender-stage of the project. It is a very exciting time and, having seen the architectural plans, the students will greatly benefit once this has been completed mid-way through next year.

Enjoy the rest of the newsletter – its contents are a testament to the hard work of all our staff and students to make sure the learning experience at Warrandyte High School (both in and outside of the classroom) meets the needs of all of our students.

Rachel Lynch
Principal

Pyjama Day at Warrandyte High School

Recently students and staff acknowledged Pyjama Day. The day was an enormous success.

The Warrandyte High School Student Voice Council invited students and staff, for a gold coin donation, to come to school in their pyjamas! The money raised is in support of the Pyjama Foundation – this is an awesome organisation that provides children in foster care the opportunity to change the direction of their lives with learning, life skills and confidence.
The Student Voice Council is very active at Warrandyte High School, with fortnightly meetings with the Principal/Assistant Principal. What will the next exciting initiative be?
Check out some photos from the day!

J. Caruana
Assistant Principal

Accelerated Learning (LEAP)

Careers

Where are they now?

Continuing our interview series with past students. This month Georgia Westgarth, who studied journalism and is currently a TV news reporter for Channel Nine in Adelaide.

1. What years did you attend Warrandyte High: 
2006- 2011

2. Do you have any enduring/favourite or funny memory/memories of your time at Warrandyte High?
All of it, the musicals (and the after parties), the muck up days and the friendships. Everyone getting their driver’s license in Year 12 was pretty fun. The naughty stuff is what I remember the most… and I won’t be documenting that here!

 3. Do you recall some of your favourite subjects, and why you enjoyed them?
Drama/Theatre Studies because it was unlike any other subject. You interacted with your peers on a different level, you worked more collaboratively and could be creative in all areas. From playing with accents and makeup to building sets, there was also a real sense of peer support because we would be helping each other bring crazy characters to life. Doing those subjects has no doubt helped me in my job today. Live theatre isn’t easy, remembering your lines and looking and sounding the part takes guts, and in a way that’s what I do every day as a TV news reporter, I’ve just swapped my peers for my cameramen! Doing drama throughout school and using that creative part of my brain, sometimes at the drop of a hat, was very good grounding for my current job, and many people in my industry were either theatre nerds or wanted to be actors!

4. What did you do after finishing school? Gap year? University/Apprenticeship…? Which uni/college?
I went straight to university. I was very much desperate to get a start in news. I attended Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn. Great location! You might have heard RMIT is the only place to go for journalism. You’ll hear that a lot and that certain universities are the best for certain courses and that might be the case for law or medicine, but if you want something and work hard enough you’ll get it no matter where you go (or went to high school) and everyone ends up working at the same places anyway. The university experience was so fun, but I learnt how to be a journo on the job, not at uni. I believe journo’s would be better off getting apprenticeships in local newspapers or radio or TV newsrooms rather than getting degrees. So if you’re keen on being a journo try and work in a newsroom while studying or go for a cadetship and skip the study.

5. Did you know what you wanted to do after leaving school? Was there a defining moment during your time at school when you realised what you wanted to do with your life?
I think around about Year 10 I definitely knew I wanted to be a journalist. I’d watch the news every night and realised I wanted that more than being an actress and going to NIDA. I was lucky in that I knew. But it can be embarrassing telling people what you hope you’ll be, especially if it’s not a run of the mill job that people see as being attainable and achievable and that can be because there’s so many obstacles in getting there, but don’t let that stop you. The harder it is, the better it feels once you make it- and you will.

6. And what are you doing now? What was the journey?
I am now a journalist at Nine News. During my last year at university I started interning wherever I could, then the wedding magazine I was helping out offered me a job as the office manager. I quit after my first few training days because I knew it wasn’t where I needed to be. I remember crying under a palm tree at Albert Park Lake on the phone to my Mum because I felt so bad leaving them in the lurch to go work for free at a local newspaper in Pakenham. It sounded silly turning down a paid job to work for free. But it was the best risk I ever took. I worked for free at the paper and before I knew it I was getting paid. After two years, I took two weeks annual leave from that job and did a week of work experience at WIN News Hobart and a week at WIN News Ballarat. By the end I was offered a job and moved to Hobart. I now work at Nine News Adelaide as a general news reporter. The journey hasn’t been easy, I spent a lot of money getting here, I’ve moved around a lot and missed my family.., a lot. I’ve had to have really hard discussions with male bosses about opportunity and fairness. but after every hard conversation it got better. All of this wouldn’t have been achievable had I not had my parents to fall back on in the early years before I could afford to pay rent, so I’m very lucky.

7. What has/have been the highlights of your career to date?
Meeting my partner Mike in the newsroom.. What a love story! Apart from that, it’s the stories you tell and the people that help you tell them. Covering the bushfires in the Adelaide Hills over the Christmas of 2019-20 would be a career highlight, as fires also burned across Australia. I followed the Prime Minister around flattened wineries and held people’s hands as they walked through their destroyed homes for the first time after fleeing in the most terrifying of circumstances. People let us in on their darkest of days to tell their stories and it was an honour.

8. Was there any one thing or person that put you on the path to your success?
Not really. I wanted this job and I got it. But my family never said no, all they did was support me and I can’t thank them enough. Sometimes all you need is someone who believes in you and that’s enough.

9. Were there things that your education/training did not prepare you for, and/or what would you recommend students look out for as they prepare to enter the world of work?
I can only speak for the world of journalism but university certainly didn’t prepare me for the crusty old sub-editor who was sick to death of teaching kids fresh out of uni how to write. But I really liked those crusty old sub-editors by the time I left. You’ll be terrified when you start your dream job, but remember everyone is and everyone was. All I can say is try and work in the industry before you get a job in it, even if you’re mopping the floor or serving sandwiches. Just get in there, that’s what will prepare you the best.

10. Interests/achievements outside of work?
As a cameraman recently said to me, “you journos are all too career minded, it’s all about your career, but you won’t find the best things in life at work”. He’s right. Try and have a balance, friends, family, travel and love. I’m working on having a balance after being so obsessed with my career for so long.
I also enjoy long walks along the beach, yoga, vintage shopping and hiking. Living in Tassie taught me to love a hike!

11. If you could impart a word of wisdom, what would be your message to current students at Warrandyte High School?
You’ll be 30 before you know it! Pack it all in and never give up on a dream because you think it’s too big for a kid from Warrandyte. I reckon the world needs more kids from Warrandyte making waves.

Georgia at work

Year 9’s visit TAFE

After 2 years of lockdown, it was a pleasure to meet the Year 9s at Box Hill, where they had a chance to experience some of the many things offered at TAFE. Congratulations to those that attended. Thanks to Ms Cook, Ms Gazeas and Mr Poole for supporting this experience.

Work Experience

Congratulations to the large number of Year 10s and a few Year 11’s who did work experience last term, or may be undertaking it this term.

Harry Hoghlund in Year 11, was lucky enough to snag a rare opportunity with Victoria Police. Harry worked at Diamond Valley police station, where he observed many of the things happening, and participated in helping take phone calls and referring people to the help they needed, amongst other things.

Just a snapshot of the range and flexibility of work placements:

Coco was in the drafting office of a property developer, Harry in the warehouse of a wine wholesaler, Erin and Sarah worked at their primary school, Ethan was at a medical imaging training facility, Isis was helping in a hair salon.

Aiden worked in the kitchen of a busy café, whilst Kim and Heidi were front of house and behind the scenes in different cafes. Kaleb won the prize for the most diverse work experiences, undertaking 4 different placements in a week.

Karolina achieved her boat licence and Cambell had an amazing experience as he spent time in the snow at Mount Hotham (as his second placement!). Lavinia, too will be undertaking training in the snow very soon. Michael chose to work 5 separate Fridays with a PE specialist at a primary school. Leigh had an intensive online experience in the world of theatre. Charlie G, Kyan and Amber R’s work in primary schools was greatly appreciated.

Kane was in a home maintenance job, Stephanie was making custom guitars, Teha was impressively working with kinder kids and Will was busy in the finance area. Mackenzie was working with a naturopath. Emma was in logistics-warehousing and deliveries. Ned looked the part in a hardware store, Nye-Ann was completing training in cooking, as well as serving customers and Cam was in the book publishing and design areas.

Teagan was in lighting décor supplies, Tanny and Bob put in the hours at different restaurants, and Lexander was with an engineering company. Nimo and Dani were in different areas of the automotive industry and Evan was landscaping. Anaya had a wide ranging experience with an events management company. Georgia, Mark and Thompson were in major stores, and Jordan was gaining experience in direct marketing sales.

Jacob had an interesting building/construction experience, as did Raf.

All the visiting teachers and I were so pleased with the excellent feedback from all the employers we spoke to. Well done everyone!

Subject Selections and Pathways for 2023

Various meetings and information sessions have been scheduled to get subject planning for 2023 off to a great start. There are a number of exciting changes, so please keep an eye on Compass notices and the school calendar!

Open Days

As previously mentioned, its Open Day season and all families in year 10-12 are urged to venture out and explore some tertiary educational facilities such as universities, TAFE and private organisations. Here’s a list that you might like to follow up:

Careers Website

Don’t forget to visit our Careers website – a one stop shop for all the latest news, links to careers info and tools for students to eg develop resumes and so on

Claire Bloom
Careers

Sporting and Coaching Opportunities

Recently several handpicked students from the Year 12 VET Sport and Recreation class were offered the opportunity to help Warrandyte Primary School with Hooptime. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students, building on the Term 2 experience which involved our awesome VCE students completing a unit of coaching foundation level (prep students) at Warrandyte Primary School. Hooptime provided our senior students the opportunity to further enhance their coaching skills.

The students who participated (which included Tom Wherrett, Josh Evans, Billy Smith and Lily Hellier) did a tremendous job.

The feedback from the Warrandyte Primary School Physical Education teacher was:

‘I just want to thank you for allowing Tom, Josh, Billy and Lily for coming to help at Hooptime, they were brilliant. We wouldn’t have coped on the day without them and the way they conducted themselves was exemplary. They were happy to do whatever I asked. They developed a great rapport with our students. Josh and Tom coached a Rookies team and the coaching instructions they gave were very helpful. Billy was a scorer and filled in at any game that didn’t have one. Lily also scored and did a great job of scoring the grand final for us. They got their teams to their courts and matches on time.’

The Warrandyte High School community are extremely proud of the efforts and the professionalism of these students and look forward to being able to offer more students these great opportunities.

Katie Cook
Sports Coordinator/PE and Health Teacher

MATHS WEEK (August 7 – 13) at Warrandyte High School

National Maths Week is huge here at Warrandyte High School. The maths team have a range of maths problems/games for our awesome students.
Each day during Maths Week there will be a new activity with edible prizes to be won!!!

A snapshot of the week:

Monday – Chess Club launch and Samari Sudoku – we start maths week with the premiere of Chess Club in the library. Students were encouraged to along to see if the teachers or students are victorious. Also, students were asked if they like sudoku? What about five sudokus attached together? Copies of the sudoku activity were available. Students were invited to complete and return the sudoku activity to the maths office by the end of Maths Week to receive an edible prize.

Tuesday – Snakes in a jar – guess how many snakes there are in the jar. What mathematical estimation, scale and ratio skills will you use?

Wednesday – Pupil Free Day/Professional Practice Day

Thursday – Who’s Guilty? Do you like true crime? Here students are given a series of clues to put a set of criminals in a line-up. They are invited to use their answer to determine who’s guilty.

Friday – Bingo. Come join us in the DLC to play a game of fun filled Bingo

MUSIC – THE END OF TERM CONCERT

Members of the school community are warmly invited to join us for the END of TERM CONCERT on Thursday, September 8 at 7 – 8.30 pm in the School Theatre.

This is an opportunity for parents, teachers and students to celebrate the musical abilities of our students. The program will run for approximately 90 minutes and will include Band pieces, clarinet duets, a guitar ensemble, singers and some special CALL and RESPONSE performances by Year 8 students.

And don’t be too surprised if there will also be some surprise performances!

We do request that you let us know that you are coming.  This will help with the catering for supper. Please contact the General Office or send an email to Barry Carozzi, coordinator of the Music program.

STUDENTS involved in the Concert – and their parents – PLEASE NOTE:
On Thursday, September 1, from 2 pm – 8.30 pm, there will be a REHEARSAL SESSION for the concert. More details will be provided in the coming days. 

Year 11 Programs

Fit to Drive Foundation

Partnering with leading road safety authorities, including TAC, Department of Transport, Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria.

Road crashes are the second leading cause of death for young Australians. Young people are tragically overrepresented in road trauma, accounting for one-quarter of driver fatalities yet only 13 per cent of all licensed drivers. 

The most significant challenges that young drivers face include:

• Inexperience
• Distractions – mobile phones & multiple passengers
• Speeding
• Fatigue
• Drugs/Alcohol

On Thursday 21st July, the Fit to Drive program offered our Year 11s a unique opportunity to examine the complexities of decision-making and risk assessment as a young road user. Guided by a dedicated team of facilitators, students were taken through both large and small group activities, assessing what practical tools and strategies are needed to effectively keep themselves and their mates’ safe on the roads. At each stage, students were encouraged to discuss and share with each other their thinking about different road safety issues. The expertise of local Victoria Police and Fire Rescue Victoria officers were utilised as students were taken through the non-negotiable facts surrounding road laws and a relevant real-life case study.

Year 9 & 10 “Be Wise” Session

A Coward Punch is a strike that is unprovoked and delivered without warning

While out with his mates in 2016, 19-year-old Pat was Coward Punched in the back of the head while assisting a friend in danger, resulting in a skull fracture. Two days later, his family had to make the decision to turn off his life support.

Year 9 and 10 students attended a Pat Cronin, Be Wise Education presentation and learnt about the impacts that social violence and coward punches have on people. The presentation used Pat’s story to show students the dangers of even one impulsive or reactive punch can do to all involved. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own attitudes and beliefs about violence, how to make wise, safe decisions, and how they could help be part of a change in culture, to ‘End the Coward Punch’.

Information covered in the session included:

• Respectful behaviours
• Strategies to be a proactive positive bystander.
• Ways to react less impulsively.
• The influence that drugs and alcohol have on impulsive behaviours.
• Personal safety

The One Punch Law Australia
The one punch law is that “A person who unlawfully strikes another person to the head or neck and causes the death of the other person is guilty of a crime” (section 314A of the Criminal Code).
To bring the charge the police need to establish:
there was a “striking”.
it was unlawful.
it was to the head or neck; and
it causes death

Perpetrators of one-punch deaths can face up to 10 years in jail. The sentence will apply whether the death is caused by the punch, or by the victim striking his or her head in the fall. Being under the influence of alcohol and or drugs IS NOT an excuse or a defence.

Fiona Keech – Adolescent Health Nurse @ WHS

SLEEP & WELLBEING

Improving your sleep is one of the most positive and easiest things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing. Teenagers need between 9 & 10 hours of sleep most nights. A constant lack of sleep can result in, concentration difficulties, shortened attention span, memory problems, poor decision making, lack of energy and changes in mood.

Even 20 – 30 minutes of extra sleep each night on a regular basis will make a big difference to your wellbeing

With small, practical, daily changes sleep patterns can improve.

Do the same bedtime behaviour each night for 4 weeks to make your brain connect this routine with going to sleep.

• Make a relaxing bedtime routine; have a bath/shower before bedtime, read, listen to soothing music etc.
• Avoid loud music, homework, computer games, phone scrolling 30 minute before bedtime.
• Put Aeroplane Mode on phone 30 min before bedtime and overnight: your alarm will still work!
• The brain’s sleep–wake cycle is largely set by light absorbed through our eyes.
• Limit all screen activity right before bed & keep your room dark at night (wear an eye mask)
• In the morning, expose your eyes to lots of natural light to help wake up your brain.

Technology to help you sleep well.

The iPhone’s “Bedtime” function
This is within the alarm clock app and works on the basis that being consistent with the amount of sleep you get, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, promotes healthy sleep and positive wellbeing.

Smiling Mind free app-based program
Developed by psychologists to help manage stress and anxiety to improve wellbeing. Mindfulness meditation is about mental health and looking after the mind.
Easy to follow sleep meditations for all ages and abilities.
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/

www.reachout.com – How to get a good night sleep

Fiona Keech – Adolescent Health Nurse

Technology

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY
During semester 1, students at different year levels were engaged in various projects. The highlight of the semester was seeing students with their completed projects.
Students at the following year levels worked on the following projects.

YEAR 8 – WOODWORK
Students constructed a box with a lid, which included a corner rebate joint that was used to attach the sides. Students had the option of painting, wood burning designs and staining their projects.

YEAR 9 – MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY
Students had to design and construct a mechanical toy of their choice. They had to use different types of joints, materials and processes to complete their projects.

YEAR 10 – MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY
Students constructed a side table using different processes and techniques. They had an option of designing the top of the side table to their own choice. Some students created a chess top while some decided to wood burn designs and one student decoupage her side table top with pictures of dogs. Some of the students also designed and manufactured clocks and key racks with storage compartments.

YEAR 11 – DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
Students had to redesign the existing desktop organizer following given criteria. They came up with very creative and interesting designs. (images below)

Year 10 Programs

Metec Driver Training

Dedicated to improving road safety, METEC works towards achieving the goal of “Towards Zero”. (meaning zero road deaths in Australia)

As a not-for profit organisation and an industry leader specialising in driver education and training for over 40 years, our year 10 students were given the opportunity to participate in the program on Friday 15th July.

Facing their fears and testing their nerve, our students, under the guidance of METEC’s accredited professional instructors, navigated real world traffic features in dual controlled vehicles. Manoeuvring round the 5km ‘closed road’ facility students experienced a range of traffic obstacles ranging from intersections, crossings, traffic lights, roundabouts, hairpin bends, paved and gravel surfaces, parking bays etc.

Not requiring a Learner Permit to drive, the facility provided our students with the best informative and supportive environment for their introduction to the life skill of driving. By learning with their peers, students observed and learned in an environment that was fun and challenging. As the day progressed, their confidence and sense of independence grew.

The day emphasized:

• Correct attitude to the driving task
• Recognition of various road conditions and situations
• Awareness of road safety
• Correct vehicle handling under different conditions
• Recognition of hazards and necessary response
• Road Laws
• Preparedness
• Patience

Student’s Quotes:

• What!…I can drive a manual!
• Being a passenger, Is Scary!
• So Worth It!
• MIH…(Mirrors, Indicator, Head Check.)
• Instructors made it really fun…so chilled!
• 1 banana, 2 banana, 3 banana…..glide like a bird!
• Definitely Recommend the Day!

Sports Academy

Chess Tournament

CHESS and CHINESE CHEQUERS CLUB

Every lunchtime the library at Warrandyte High School is a hive of activity with a plethora of clubs and tournaments coming to life! A huge thank you is extended to Ms Ball for organising the Chess Tournament. So many students are enjoying the many opportunities available to them at lunchtime – let the pictures speak for the themselves:

Child Safety

Child safety and wellbeing at Warrandyte High School: information for families and the school community

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.

Warrandyte High School is currently reviewing and updating our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new Child Safe Standards. Three of these that are being presented to the August School Council Meeting are attached to this newsletter to view and will also be available on our school website once the consultation process has taken place.

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing and welcome feedback from families and members of our school community on ways we can further strengthen our child safety policies, procedures and practices.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions, please contact Rachel Lynch (Principal)

Download WHS Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy

Download WHS Child Safety Code of Conduct

Download Child Safety Responding & Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures