SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS 2007
The following is a summary of the highlights by the school and students this year. This
has been another outstanding year and successes cover all areas.
ACADEMIC:
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Students from the 2006 Year 12 cohort gained some outstanding results in the HSC.
Four students, Julian Larnach, Sam Stephenson, Janita Klein and Kristen Amiet
achieved UAI's over 90. 8 individual students were named in the Distinguished
Achievers list for obtaining marks in the Band 6 range. Overall, the school's best
results, ranked relative to the state average were Engineering Studies, Agriculture,
English (Extension 1 and 2), Business Studies, Community & Family Studies,
Hospitality and Legal Studies.
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Band 6 results in the 2006 HSC were achieved in the following subjects:
English Extension 1(E4)
Ancient History
Entertainment Industry
Engineering Studies
General Mathematics
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-1
-4
-1
-2
-1
English Extension 2(E4)
Music
Business Studies
Industrial Technology
-1
-1
-1
-1
The subjects with the highest percentage of combined Band 5 and 6 outcomes (top
bands) in the 2006 HSC were:
Agriculture
40%
Music
50%
Visual Arts
60%
Entertainment Industry 50%
English Extension 1 (E3/4)
Extension 2 (E 3/4)
100%
Legal Studies
33%
Chemistry
25%
Design & Technology
43%
Engineering Studies
100%
Ancient History
Mathematics (Extension 1)
Physics
Hospitality
100%
33%
67%
40%
50%
English
Biology
30%
Business Studies
60%
Community & Family Studies 67%
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The University of New England and Charles Sturt University both provide a
Recommendation Admission Scheme, which is an early pathway into University
entrance. This year was an outstanding achievement for our 2007 HSC candidates
with 16 students being successful.
*
72 students sat for the 2007 School Certificate. There were 11 band 6's. The
combined band 5 and 6 for each subject are: English (18), Mathematics (5), Science
(13), Geography (22), History (18), Computing (31% achieved Highly Competent).
*
In the Australian Schools English competition: 4 students gained Distinctions:
Alexander Lee, Jessica Murphy, James Watson and Victoria Lee and 7 achieved
Credits: Geoffrey Lee, Scott Noonan, Zoe Stephenson, Ryan Keeble, Lachlan
MacIntosh and Jonathon Pogson.
*
In the Regional Shakespeare Festival, Celia Cameron, Isabella Herrmann, Claire
Bennell and Amelia Adam were placed 3rd.
*
Amy Elton achieved outstanding success in the Rotary Youth Public Speaking
Competition held at Port Macquarie where she won the District Final and will be
representing NSW with a trip to New Zealand. Amy was also named Rotary Youth of
the Year.
*
4 students in Year 9/10, Jessica Staniforth, Isabel Enks, Claire Bennell and Amelia
Adam came 2nd in the Handebo Cup debating competition and achieved 2nd overall
in the zone.
*
4 students in Years 7 and 8 achieved creditable performances in the Premiers
Debating Challenge: Ruby Bouwsema, Alyssa Verrender, Brooke Thomas and Jodie
Murphy.
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In the Westpac Mathematics competition, a High Distinction was awarded to Geoffrey
Lee, Distinction to Ryan Keeble and Credits to Raju Jaiswal and Brooke Thomas.
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Geoffrey Lee, Douglas Thompson and Ryan Keeble also participated in an Advanced
Mathematics Competition and achieved creditable performances.
*
In the Australian National Chemistry Competition, Geoffrey Lee and Ryan Keeble
achieved High Distinctions, Eric Butler a Distinction and Douglas Thompson and
Nicholas Adam gained Credits.
*
In the Rio Tinto Big Science Competition, which involves 493 schools world wide,
Geoffrey Lee achieved a High Distinction, Eric Butler a Distinction and Credits by the
following students: Victoria Lee, Jessica Murphy, Alyssa Verrender, Alexander Lee,
Samuel Murphy, Scott Noonan, Nicholas Adam, Ryan Keeble, John Korff and
Douglas Thompson.
*
In the Australian Economics Competition, Andrew Davenport and Matt Noonan
gained Credits.
*
In the Australian Business Studies Competition, Stewart McMichael achieved a
Distinction and Eva Rickert a Credit.
*
Australian Geography Competition results:
High Distinctions
Nicola Murphy
Alexander Lee
Allan Enks
Lachlan Smith
Matt Olsen
Joseph Pogson
Celia Cameron
Nicholas Adam
Distinctions
Rhiannon Bowden
Geoffrey Lee
Claire Bennell
James Watson
Scott Noonan
Credit
Bradley Kable
Elise Baker
Hannah Draper
Lachlan Macintosh
Samuel Rawlinson
Joshua Stafford
Jarrod Michael
Kiera Daniels
Chloe Grant
Jodie Murphy
Gabrielle Teale-McEvoy
Raju Jaiswal
Amelia Adam
Joshua Douglas
Jessica Halsted
Aaron Percival
Daniel Thomas
Tahlia Kable
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NSW Junior History Competition:
Distinction
Jeffrey Woo
Hannah Draper
Maddison Quinlin
Credit
Matthew Hotchkiss
Patrick Hunt
Scott Noonan
Aaron Percival
Samuel Murphy
Alexander Lee
Geoffrey Lee
Tiona Davidson
Keira Daniels
Rachael Kelly
Sarah Graham
Mungo Ryan
Jessica Bateson
Brigid Graham
Monique Hind
Rebecca Dowling
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
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The Student Representative Council (24 students) took a very active role in the
school again this year. Some of their achievements include: running school socials,
catering for major events, fundraising for charities (eg Stewart House, Volunteer
Rescue Association and the Cooinda Dementia Unit). They also sponsored a child in
remote Pakistan, purchased major resource items and organised student activities.
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The following students were awarded the prestigious “Prefect by Performance”,
Alison Row and Timothy Lyons.
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14 students were elected Prefects for 2007/8. Our Captains are Zoe Stephenson and
Richard Duggan & Vice-Captains are Kate Imrie and John Korff. Their responsibilities
are varied and include chairing SRC meetings, running PEER Support groups and
morning assemblies and service in the canteen.
SPORTING
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The Girls Open Netball team achieved considerable success becoming the North
West Winners and ranked 13th in the State.
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The 14's Girl's Netball team demonstrated potential reaching the North West Region
semi-final.
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Both Open Boy's and Girl's Basketball teams played in North West semi-finals.
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Years 7 and 8 Boy's Touch Football teams qualified for State Finals.
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27 students were selected in various North West teams.
*
Zoe Stephenson was selected to represent North West in Tennis, Athletics and Cross
Country.
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Alex Nixon and Kyle Turner were selected to represent North West in both Rugby
League and Athletics.
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Wesley Suckley was selected in the NSW Combined High Schools Rugby League
Team which was successful in becoming the Australian Champions.
Wesley Suckley also toured New Zealand with the Australian Schoolboys Rugby
League Team.
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Students were selected to represent North West Region in a variety of sports:
Swimming
Rachel McWhirter
Amee Wrench
Meghan Silk
Lucy Dowling
Madeleine Baker
Rugby League
Wesley Suckley
Alex Nixon
Jack Ramage
Kyle Turner
Justin Evans
Netball
Alice Edmondstone
Tahlia Kable
Kate Imrie
Basketball
Jarvis Watton
Richard Duggan
Cross Country
Zoe Stephenson
Tennis
Zoe Stephenson
Lawn Bowls
Timothy Wilkinson
Athletics
Zoe Stephenson
Kate Murphy
John Korff
Alex Nixon
Nicola Murphy
Netball Knockout Kate Imrie
Tahlia Kable
Jade Templeman
Sarah Graham
Kyle Turner
Jasmine Bragg
Isabel Enks
Laura McLean
Meghan Silk
Dylan McBeath
Madeleine Storer
Alice Edmondstone
Hannah Purdy
Samantha Munns
Jessica McPherson
Kallee Leeson
Seona Fretwell
Kate Murphy and Zoe Stephenson were both selected in the NW Girls Cricket team. Kate
as Opening bowler and Zoe as Opening Batsman.
ART/MUSIC/DANCE
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Music students Nicholas Adam and Alexander Lee were selected for the Beijing
Olympic Marching Band. These groups also performed in this year's School
Spectacular and the Darling Harbour Christmas Parade.
*
Hugh Ryan was selected to be part of the State Junior Band. Nicholas Adam and
Alexander Lee were selected for the State Senior Band. All of these students
performed at the Sydney Opera House.
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The School Choir participated in this year's Celebration Concert. Rehearsals were
held in Armidale and Sydney, culminating in an exciting, amazing performance in the
Sydney Town Hall. Money raised by this concert contributed to the purchase of
insulin pumps and equipment for the Westmead Children's Hospital.
*
Mark Walton returned to Coonabarabran to give lessons and to encourage our wind
students to excel at their technique and learn new repertoire.
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Music students travelled to Mungindi to participate in the Mungindi Music Festival.
The Festival patron, Mr Don Burrows, encouraged our musicians with his comments
and appreciation of their performances. Our students played in their own ensemble
and other mixed ensembles. Alexander Lee joined the University Students with the
advanced music group. Bonnie Coulter-Buckley and Victoria Lee joined the mixed
ensemble "Café Latte".
*
The University of the Third Age Choir (based in Sydney) presented two of our
musicians, Bonnie Coulter-Buckley and Alexander Lee, with scholarships to help
them with their music studies.
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The University of Newcastle Wind Orchestra toured to Coonabarabran High School
for a three day workshop. Students who participated came from Dunedoo,
Gilgandra, Baradine and the three schools in Coonabarabran. The evening concert
and school's concert enabled many to enjoy the fruits of their hard work.
*
High School members of the Orbital Swing Band have had a busy annual program
supporting our community in many Warrumbungle Shire events: Australia Day,
Anzac Day, PAI&H Show and Relay for Life to name but a few performances.
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The Band attended a jazz workshop with the Sydney Metro Big Band before
performing at the Dubbo Jazz Festival.
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Two music students achieved the highest grade in the AMEB practical exams
Nicholas Adam received the Grade 8 certificate in trumpet and Alexander Lee gained
a distinction (the highest award) for his performance in Grade 8 saxophone music.
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Individual musicians participate each year in external exams. Students who sat for
Australian Music Education Board certificates:
Practical Exams
Grade 8
Grade 3
Grade 1
Written Exams
Grade 5
Mark Walton Exams
Grade 10
Nicholas Adam
Alexander Lee
Victoria Lee
Rhiannon Bowden
Madeline Storer
Monique Hind
Jessica Staniforth
Rachel Storer
(trumpet)
(saxophone)
(clarinet)
(piano)
(piano)
(piano)
(piano)
(piano)
Nicholas Adam
Alexander Lee
(Theory of Music)
(Musicianship)
Zoe Stephenson
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Other highlights include: Year 7's compositions using graphic notation, Year 8's
performances on acoustic guitar and in-class band; Technology and Creative Arts
concert performed by Years 9 and 10; Year 12's Concert before completing HSC
Performance Exams.
*
There were some wonderful performances at formal assemblies this year. Students
performed as soloists and in small ensembles. They included: Claire Bennell, Isabel
Enks, Joseph Pogson, Alexander Lee, Nicholas Adam, Melanie Pogson, Wyman
Tyne, Harry Ramage, Simone Hodge and Monique Hind.
*
Nicholas Adam was the bugler at Coonabarabran's Anzac Day and Rememberance
Day services.
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Nicholas Adam and Wyman Tyne played the trumpet part for the school Anzac Day
service.
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Students also performed at concerts during the year and at venues such as the
Woop Woop Café and the Glasshouse Art Gallery. These musicians include:
Alexander Lee, Zoe Stephenson, Amelia Adam and Nicholas Adam.
*
School students Jenna-Lee Broeksema, Melissa Coughlan and James Watson
supported young violinists by playing with them at their recitals, concerts and
rehearsals.
*
James Watson accompanied the Coonabarabran Strings to the Sydney Opera House
to play with the violinists in the Festival of Instruments.
*
Year 9/10 students performed for the DET Regional Management Conference held in
Coonabarabran. Students were: Isabel Enks, Claire Bennell, Jessica Staniforth and
Alexander Lee.
*
David Goldsworthy from the Music Department of the University of New England,
Armidale travelled to Coonabarabran to give workshops on African Music and the
Indonesian Gamelan Orchestra.
*
Practicum teacher, Miss Danielle Francis, joined the Music Department for seven
weeks.
*
Four students: Amy Coombes, Corrine Towney, Debbie-Lee Gray and Jasmine
Bragg choreographed a popular song and performed it during the Creative Arts
Concert and at the Sunset Concert.
AGRICULTURE
It was a busy 2007 for the Agriculture Department, with the Show Team attending 6 major
events throughout the year showing and parading with Timor Limousin Stud heifers and
the school’s own Poll Dorset Stud sheep. Some of the highlights are as follows:
*
Baradine Show - was very successful with one of the heifers achieving Junior
Champion in the European Breeds section. Plus the sheep team came away with 2
firsts, 2 seconds and a third.
*
Coonabarabran Show - saw good participation by many novice paraders as well as
the more experienced ones. Parading results were as follows:
Under 13’s
- Cody Meyers was 3rd in his heat.
Finals - the following students achieved these placings:
- Zoie Fowke 4th, Maddison Quinlin 2nd in the Under 14’s
- Rebecca Prugger 3rd, Kyle Pullen 1st in the Under 16’s
- Randall Ruttley 3rd, Simone Inder 2nd in the Under 18’s
*
The Sheep team had their most successful show yet, with a total of 10 ribbons
achieved, with entries including the six Poll Dorset and novice sheep presenters.
*
Coonabarabran High also exhibited at the Gunnedah Show, Maddison Quinlin
achieved 2nd place in the 12 years and under 16, and Simone Inder took out the
overall Champion Parader for the Show. Stephen Lyons and Matt Frith reached the
finals in the Junior Judging
*
Two Hoof & Hook competitions were attended. At the Dubbo National Steer & Heifer
Show the school’s Limousin Shorthorn cross steer achieved 3 rd in his class and had
the 5th highest point score in the whole competition, no small achievement in a field of
90 prime steers and heifers. In the parading competition, Alisha Rutland-Threadgate
reached the finals in her age group, Rebecca Prugger gained 5 th place and Simone
Inder was awarded a Highly Commended. Simone Inder also reached the finals in
the Junior Judging.
*
Other events included the World Skills Competition which was attended for the first
time by Coonabarabran High. Three Year 11 Primary Industries students, Simone
Inder, Timothy Reeks and Jesse Smith, travelled to Red Bend College in Forbes
where they were judged on their skills in fencing, drenching and driving tractors. In a
field of 30 other Primary Industries students, all three students performed all skills to
a high level, however, it was Simone Inder who finished in first place, with Timothy
Reeks finishing in third place and Jesse Smith in 5th place.
OTHER
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The Study Centre provided additional tutorial sessions for our students after hours.
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The “Study Plus” program continued to support Yr10 students’ preparation for their
School Certificate.
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The Mentor Program which links a Yr12 student with a staff member provided
additional support with study skills and management.
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NAIDOC Week celebrations commenced with a flag raising ceremony with special
guests including Aboriginal Elders, Mr Bill Robinson, Myra and Jill Cain. Jarvis
Watton then addressed the assembly. This was followed by a workshop, march and
BBQ.
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Gamilaraay Language Program was introduced to Year 7 students. This was
organised and presented by Community members Mrs Maureen Sulter and Mrs Sue
Ellen Tighe whose expertise in this field is highly valued by our school.
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The Historical Excursion to Burra Bee Dee was attended by local Aboriginal Elders
who shared their knowledge and experiences.
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The Aboriginal Dance Group performed traditional stories set to dance for the visiting
Beverley Hills Intensive English School. This group also performed at the Relay for
Life opening Ceremony.
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Students from Beverly Hills Intensive English School enhanced multicultural
understanding and enjoyed life at Coonabarabran for a week, attending numerous
activities both within the school and community. This highly successful visit will now
become an annual event.
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The school continues to lease a 25-seater Mitsubishi Rosa bus and this has proved
to be very successful, enabling numerous local visits to take place. The lease will be
extended to 2009 and will involve receiving a new bus.
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The P&C continues to make a significant contribution to the school both financially
and in terms of working bees and expertise. The ongoing efforts and initiative of the
parent body is a major bonus for the school and delivers genuine educational support
to our student body.
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The School Council continues to be a major support and advisory body.
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The level of community support for the school continued at a very high level. This
involved parents, local businesses, the rural sector, service clubs and community
organisations, and the local media.
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In conjunction with several community groups, the school again staged a very
successful North West Equestrian Expo. This brings major promotional and financial
benefits to the school. This is the largest school equestrian event in Australia with
511 competitors participating from 97 public and private schools throughout Australia.
Many ribbons were won by Coonabarabran High School students, with the following
students receiving major individual awards:
Equal, Runner up Highest Individual Point Score
2nd "C" Grade, One-Day Event
4th "C" Grade, One-Day Event
2nd "D" Grade, One-Day Event
Champion Sporter 12 Years & Under
Champion Sporter 14 Years
1st Stock Horse Challenge 14 & 15 years
Jessica Cormie
Jessica Cormie
Melissa Coughlan
Laura Enks
Jessica Cormie
Jessica Halsted
Jessica Halsted
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The first overseas excursion to Rome and Pompeii was organised by Mrs Davis to
support School Certificate and HSC studies in Geography and Ancient History &
Archaeology. There were 27 participants, including community members and
teaching staff. A visit to England and the Western Front is planned for 2009.
*
Yr 11 students attended Faraway Films Workshop in Narrabri at the Crossing
Theatre where a Hollywood level director workshopped the skills, techniques and
expertise required to direct a film.
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The school conducted a large number of excursions and educational visits. Most
were subject specific or field studies. There were several cross-curricula major year
events. These included the Year 9 excursion to the Central Coast and the Year 11
Excursion to the Snowfields.
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Students in our I/O and I/S classes were successfully transitioned, being provided
with whole school and community opportunities.
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Student leaders and members of the student body participated in ANZAC and other
memorial events conducted in the town.
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The School Magazine, ‘Orion’, was produced by the Media Publication class under
the direction of Mrs Keppie and continues to be of a very high quality.
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The school continued to encourage and support training teachers, taking in
numerous trainees at different times in the year.
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A major activity aimed at girls' independence and development of confidence was
again organised and conducted by the school. The special deportment and etiquette
day through the "A Matter of Style" agency was again highly successful.
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The school's achievements and student successes continued to be highlighted in
both the local and regional media, particularly The Coonabarabran Times, The
Northern Daily Leader, Daily Liberal, NBN and Prime Television.
*
Georgia Hunt participated in the Rotary New Zealand Matched Exchange Program,
spending three months in Waihi, about 2 hours drive from Aukland and was an
excellent ambassador for her school and community. Sarah Kilford (Georgia’s host)
enjoyed 3 months attending our school. Jordan Aitcheson (New Zealand exchange
student) had a productive stay with the Ryan family enjoying life on the farm.
*
The English Department secured the expertise of a visiting Illustrator, Mr Tohby
Riddle, for 2 days of student workshops. This addressed the student’s visual literacy
at all levels 7-12.
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Two Archaeologists from Macquarie University visited for 2 days to conduct hands-on
workshops. Topics included archaeological methods, analysing artefacts and lectures
on topics such as Agripinna & Vesuvious.
*
Ancient History & Archaeology students travelled to Sydney to visit the Nicholson
Museum, National Maritime Museum and the The Rocks.
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The Mathematics department introduced the Counting On program during Term 3.
This program provided additional motivation to students by linking basic skills with
enjoyable activities.
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The Secondary Numeracy Assessment Program returned informative and detailed
results, allowing the faculty to specifically target areas for development with Yr 7 & 8
students. With the advent of the National Test in Numeracy from 2008 onwards, the
SNAP test will no longer occur in its current format.
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The English Literacy & Language Assessment provided valuable information to
inform the teaching and learning of students.
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Vocational Education & Training students participated in a successful work
placement program in Hospitality, Information Technology, Metals & Engineering and
Primary Industries.
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New Industrial standard kitchens have been installed to provide a valuable resource
for our senior students. In addition, the purchase of an espresso coffee machine has
enabled students to enhance their breadth of skills in the Hospitality vocation.
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The Special Education Support Unit continued with successful work placement
programs for all students, experiencing life skills at Cooinda Nursing Home, Coles,
CTC Centre and Cardians Coffee Lounge.
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The establishment of the Sensory Garden outside the Disability classroom has
provided a positive school environment for students with special needs.
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Alison Rowe achieved success in the Riding for the Disabled at the North West
Equestrian Expo, achieving the champion Girl Rider. This wonderful activity has been
of great benefit for our students and would not happen without much valedvoluntary
community support.
*
Senior Science students completed several field trips to the Warrumbungle National
Park to study natural ecosystems and introduced species.
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Year 7 learnt about local geology, mineral and rock formations at Crystal Kingdom’s
new museum.
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Year 9 and 10 students competed in the Science and Engineering Challenge solving
practical problems utilising team work and Science skills.
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Dr Fred Watson presented two talks to Yr 9 and Yr 11 Astronomy students covering
topics including structures of the universe and astronomers and their issues.
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The Forensic Science Presentation enlightened students from Years 7 to 11 on the
techniques used in crime scene investigation through hands-on activities.
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Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 used a 2-metre class telescope through the ASISTM
Astronomy project to investigate the population and age of stars in a variety of
different galaxy classifications.
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Year 9 were involved in a Peer Reading Program, tutoring Year 2 boys at
Coonabarabran Primary School.
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Year 8 boys and their fathers participated in a Father & Son Learning together pilot
program which commenced with a Boys & Blokes BBQ Breakfast.
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Year 11 students were involved in Peer Tutoring Certificate11 course through TAFE
which involves tutoring students in Years 7&8 during personal reading time.
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Year 7 students were again successfully supported as they commenced their first
year of high school. The transition program commenced in Term 4 Year 6 and
continued with orientation programs and support activities including a study camp in
Term One.
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Year 8 Geography students enjoyed the wonders of a "Zoo Snooz" excursion at
Western Plains Zoo, giving a dynamic platform to their classroom learning.
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Under the watchful and experienced eye of our Careers Advisor Mrs Nancy Doolan,
Year 10 students successfully completed a diverse array of work experience
placements ranging from electronic journalism in the Channel 9 National Newsroom
through to working in barristers chambers, with beauty therapists and for
veterinarians.