Airds Announcer
“A place to learn, lead and achieve your personal best”
Find us at: Airds High School, 2 Briar Road, Airds NSW 2560
airds-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Issue 1– Term 1
February 2013
DIARY DATES
Tues 26th Feb
Thurs 28th Feb
Fri 1st March
Tues 5th Mar
Fri 8th March
Mon 11-13th Mar
Tues 12th March
Mon 18th March
Fri 29th March
Mon 1st April
Wed 3rd-5th April
Mon 8th-11th April
Thurs 11th April
Fri 12th April
Mon 29th-30th April
Wed 1st May
how big or small, can only benefit our children and enhace
their time here at school.
Year 8 School Values Day
Swimming Carnival - Bradbury
School Photos
Year 9 laptop parent information
evening 5.30pm
Year 7 Showcase
Year 7 Camp
Zone Swimming Carnival
Regional Swimming Carnival
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Year 11 Camp
Year 12 Half Yearly Exams
Year 9 School Values Day
End of Term 1
School Development Days
Students return Term 2
P&C REPORT
On behalf of the P&C I would like to welcome everyone
back to what I’m sure will be a very busy and valuable
2013. I would like to extend a special welcome to all the
students and their families who are just beginning their
time at our school. I am sure the years you will spend at
Airds High School will be enjoyable, interesting,
challenging at times, and will prepare you well for your life
ahead.
The P&C is a group of parents and community members
who work hard to support the staff and students at Airds
HS. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at
the school and it was great to see a couple of new faces
at our meeting earlier this month. Each year we must hold
an AGM ( Annual General Meeting) where our official
positions must be filled. These positions are President,
Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer. The AGM this year will be held on Wednesday
6th March at 10:15am in the school common room. All
parents and community members are welcome to attend.
To vote or stand for a position at this year’s AGM you
must be a financial member, the cost is $1.00. Payment
must be made at least one week prior to the AGM to be
eligibile for nomination and voting. Please pay your $1.00
to the front office and they will pass your details on to the
P&C who will issue a receipt as soon as possible.
I would like to encourage all parents and community
members to think seriously about becoming involved with
the P&C at Airds High School. Any contribution, no matter
I am looking forward to working with the P&C again this
year and watching all the wonderful learning experiences
that I’m sure will be happening. I hope all our staff,
students and families have a great year working together
to ensure our children
receive the best education
possible.
Melanie Cutts
P&C President
P & C AGM FOR 2013
WEDNESDAY 6th MARCH
AT 10:15 am
IN THE STAFF COMMON ROOM
WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU
THERE!
SCHOOL PHOTOS Friday the 1st of March
This year school photos will be on Friday the 1st of
March. Students will receive a package during their year
meetings indicating the cost involved for photos. Should
any families want a family photo, please advise your
child/children to approach Mr Rosete in the Maths Staff
room for a copy of the family photo form.
Please be advised that Pixie Photo’s do not give out
change on the day, all payments must be finalised on the
date of the photos so please ensure that all envelopes
have the correct amount indicated on the form. Students
are to return the envelopes to the Pixie Photo Staff on
the day.
Students are also required to be wearing the correct full
school uniform. For any more details please contact Mr
Rosete as he will be coordinating the day’s event.
Mr S Rosete
Maths Faculty
Issue 1 – Term 1
FROM THE PASTORAL CARERS DESK
Wow it’s 2013 and good to be back!
I hope by now everyone is settled into the new school
year. It is always an exciting time when we return after the
holidays; although it can be a little hard, as we all get back
into our routines.
As this is the first Airds Announcer this year I would
especially like to welcome our new students and families
to Airds High School, our best wishes in their future
learning and development. AHS is a caring and supportive
school community we encourage parents and friends to
get involved in our P&C. And with a wonderful staff AHS
provides great opportunities for our students, we want it to
be an enjoyable experience for all.
A tip in making your life a little less stressful at this time is
to establish routines. Having predictable patterns and
routines in your day; or over a week, can be very calming
and reassuring. It’s also important for your health and
wellbeing.
Routines can include…
 Regular bedtimes
 Regular waking
 Regular mealtimes
 Regular times for work, exercise and relaxation
 And planning and preparing ahead to do routine
jobs or activities
Establishing routines will also help to develop good
organisation skills.
This term I will be at AHS on Wednesday. If I can be of
any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a great year and until next time, cheers.
Rob Hodgson, JP
PI CLO REPORT
Kia Orana, Greetings to all staff, students and their
families, welcome back to what is going to be a great year
at AHS, so many wonderful programs and events are
planned for this year and we are looking forward to
making it all happen with you and your students.
Polyfest 2013
There have been some changes to the Polyfest 2013, the
date has been changed to Saturday 20th April 2013
during school holidays and the venue is yet to be
announced.
Pacific students are well into practising mode and so
many students have already learnt so much about other
Pacific cultures. Many are learning new songs and dance
moves and it’s great to see the dedication and
commitment from the students who continue to come to
practice every day. The Tongan section will not be going
ahead and the Samoan practise has been extended to
Saturday mornings from 9-1pm at ABCentral there is only
10 more weeks to go before the event.
February 2013
Pacific Parents Committee
The first meeting of the year for Pacific parents will take
place on Wednesday 20th Feb 2013 at 1pm in the school
meeting room, all Pacific parents are invited to come and
be a part of this great committee whose mission is to
Promote Provide and Pursue for our Pacific students,
school and community.
Pacific Mentoring course
Come and learn to be a mentor for Pacific students from
Airds HS, a great way to be involved in the school and be
a positive influence in a young person’s life. The course
runs for 6 weeks and covers a whole range of topics
including - What is Mentoring? How to talk to young
people, Exploring our Community and more and at the
end of it you get a certificate which will look great in your
resume and more importantly you get to help our Pacific
students. This starts on Wednesday 27th February 2013
in the library at 1:30-2:30pm. If you are thinking about
doing Community Services at TAFE this is a great way to
start.
University of Western Sydney (UWS) Pasifika
Achievement to Higher Education (PATHE) workshop
On Wednesday 13th March at AHS, UWS PATHE will be
doing a presentation on the importance of further
education and attending University for Pacific students,
this initiative was brought about by Dr JioJi Ravulo and
Moera Sakimi who have run this successful program since
last year. The students will have a better understanding of
what is expected from them when they enter into
university life.
Multicultural Garden
The garden is looking great and we have already started
harvesting some vegetables,
tomatoes, cucumbers,
beetroot, and silverbeet, if you would like to sample our
fresh vegies leave your name at the front office and a
package can be made up for you. Thank you to Carolynn
Peagham and Eleanor Lilomaiava for the great work you
are doing in the garden.
Kia Manuia
Mrs M. Varu
PICLO
TEACHING AND LEARNING REPORT
The beginning to 2013 has
been very active for our
faculty. We have retained
most of our staff but have lost
Ms Atlagic for a year as she
takes a secondment as Head
Teacher Welfare at another
high school. Her absence is sorely felt by staff and the
many students who were assisted by her transition
programs and career support. Mr Miranda has moved to
England and Mr Latilipe will be working with our senior
Aboriginal students. Mr Tyler who has been our numeracy
support teacher will now be the Careers Adviser. Mr
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Issue 1 – Term 1
Dehaan will continue his work with numeracy in the maths
faculty and will also spend Wednesday and Thursday in a
local primary school. Mr Reynolds joins our Learning
Support Team as our behaviour specialist and will support
new teachers and students who are experiencing issues
with their behaviour management. Ms Zalewski and Ms
Green will continue to deliver MULTILIT (Making up lost
time in literacy) to Year 7 & 8 and Gifted and Talented
programs.
CAREERS
This is a very busy time for our students, many of whom
are enrolling in and beginning new TAFE courses, Hands
On programs, SBAT, TVET and other external programs.
This year Airds High School will be running a TAFE
Certificate II in Floristry, with the TAFE staff visiting our
school every Tuesday for a session from 9.30 until 2 pm.
Year 10, 11 and 12 students really enjoyed their first
session and returned home with beautiful bouquets of
orchids! Well done girls!
This year our Year 10 students will do work experience
earlier in the year, hopefully in Term 2. They are all keen
to find placements, please offer ideas to them if they
cannot think of what they may like to do. Of course we will
assist in this process.
MULTILIT
During this year we are once
again implementing the Multi
Lit Reading Tutor Program to
selected Year 7 and 8
students. The Reading Tutor
Program caters for students
who have not acquired the
basic skills needed to become
functional readers and covers
Word Attack Skills, Sight
Words,
and
Reinforced
Reading.
The aim of the program is
improved reading accuracy,
fluency, comprehension and
spelling. The reading programs have been specifically
researched and designed for students who are reading at
a level considerably lower than their peers. The program
delivers high-level one-to-one instruction over two
sessions per cycle, with at least one day in between
sessions. Regular monitoring is conducted and the
program adjusted to maximize the student’s progress.
We look forward to implementing this program again this
year and hope that we can incorporate it into higher year
levels in the future.
Parents are always welcome to contact us – Ms Zalewski
or Ms Green - and discuss their children and their
progress and the extra support they are receiving. All new
students beginning at Airds High School undertake a PAT
maths and a TORCH literacy test so that we can identify
their needs as soon as possible and ensure they are able
to access any assistance they may require.
February 2013
LIBRARY
A big welcome to Year 7 students and welcome back to
everyone else. The Library is still one of the most popular
places in the school during recess and lunch, and it’s
good to see people borrowing books and using the other
resources we have available.
All Year 7 have had an orientation lesson in the library
and it’s encouraging to see how many availed themselves
of the opportunity to borrow books. Just a reminder – book
loans are only for 2 weeks. If you need longer then come
and see us and renew your book .
It was exciting to receive so many applications from Year
7 students for the position of Library Monitor. It’s great to
come across a group of people who are willing to embrace
a new experience and offer to assist to their peers. It is
also exciting to announce that the Library has received an
increased number of new computers. They should be
operational Week 4 for all those students who have
assessment tasks to complete. It should also make class
research easier for teachers.
Just a reminder to Years 8-12 to check for overdue books.
Please bring them back as quickly as possible so that
other students may borrow them. Remember, you can
renew them if you’re still reading them.
Remember – support your school Library.
Mrs Jones and Mrs Burgess
GIFTED AND TALENTED
The gifted and talented program at Airds High School
aims to support the school’s motto ‘Strive to Achieve’ by
providing opportunities for
students who have the
potential
to
achieve
beyond the norm. The
whole school has been
professionally developed
in the understanding and
implementation
of
differentiated
learning
within the curriculum.
However, the school also aims to provide experiences /
challenges / opportunities for each discrete year group.
This year the program will target students in Years 7, 9
and 10 which is an extension from last year’s sole focus
on Year 9.
The identified students will operate within a “cluster”
arrangement within main KLA classes and in Years 9 and
10 also be withdrawn 1 class / cycle for extra stimulus.
The withdrawal classes are run by the G&T coordinators.
The program taps into externally provided opportunities
specifically designed for high achievers such as Fast
Forward (UWS) and LEAPS (Lawyers Encouraging and
Assisting Promising Students) is a workplace learning
mentoring program in which young people are each
provided with a mentor from a law firm.
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Issue 1 – Term 1
It also promotes a large number of external competitions
to the targeted students, and encourages participation
particularly in areas of student personal interest / skill eg
Tournament of Minds
Currently, our Year 9 Gifted and Talented students are
beginning to plan a year-long Tournament involving Year
5/6 gifted students from our
feeder primary school.
The Tournament consists of four
challenge days – one per term –
in which school teams interact,
have fun learning as they move
through a variety of workshops
and compete for points. Our
Year 9 students are responsible
for the entire Tournament. They
devise the workshops, organise
materials and collaborate to
ensure there is variety across each day. On the day, they
organise the primary students and deliver the workshops.
We look forward to working with all GAT students this year
and collaboratively working with all staff to ensure
increased results for all students.
SLSO’s
Our new Year 7 students have adjusted to high school
very quickly and are enthusiastic and willing to learn in
every class. They are happy to meet new students from
different primary schools and expand their friendship
groups. If you would like any support booklets for literacy
and numeracy, comprehension, problem solving and
handwriting skills, please get in touch with the office and
we can arrange for easy to use modules to go home. Even
half an hour a night can make such a difference. We are
able to give support to you or your child if you find things a
little tough.
We aim to get into every class and ensure that students
who may be struggling with content, focus, engagement
and other issues, have some extra support and know that
success is possible. Please contact our school office or
come along to Wednesday activity centre if you would like
advice or resources to support your child at home.
February 2013
students last week and we had a very positive response
for our first week. We supply a lovely afternoon tea and
activities include Traditional Arts and Crafts, Film Club,
Homework Centre, Chess, fitness and other activities will
be coming on board over the next weeks. Teachers
supervise all activities and are available to support
students with their assignments and classwork generally.
Most faculties have representatives at the library, but if
your child would like a particular teacher to support them,
then please get your child to contact us in the library.
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
Aboriginal education has gotten off to a flying start. This
year there are many programs and strategies being
utilised to support Aboriginal students and community
engagement in the school. The Norta Norta provides
literacy and numeracy support for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander students. Leon Latulipe has been a
wonderful addition to the Norta Norta program and will
support students in Years 11 and 12 and Lisa Chesterfield
will continue to support students in Years 7 – 10.
Personalised Learning Plans (PLP’s) are integral to
ensuring that the individual needs of students are catered
for. In the coming weeks parents/carers will be invited to
attend a PLP meeting with your child’s Year adviser. We
strongly encourage parents/carers to be involved in this
process.
Specific women’s and men’s business programs will begin
in Week 5 Term 1. Bobby Ann Trindall and Lisa
Chesterfield have partnered with local primary schools
and community members to coordinate and deliver the
Sista Speak program each Tuesday. We look forward to
hearing of the program’s success.
We are pleased to welcome Jason Sampson to the Airds
High School Aboriginal Education team. He has been
employed as an Aboriginal Community Development
Coordinator across the Airds CoS and has begun the Bro
Speak program with boys and local community members
and elders. We thank the community members and the
Dharawal Men’s Corporation for their support of the
program.
After a very successful year last year, mainstream SLSO’s
are again targeting year groups across the school. Ms
Marie Addamo is now responsible for supporting Years 8,
10 and 12 and Ms Julie Hopwood being responsible for
supporting Years 7, 9 and 11. During the first few days at
school the Year 7 students have been welcomed and
assisted wherever possible to ensure a smooth transition
into High School. Both Ms Addamo and Ms Hopwood are
looking forward to working within the classroom, offering
assistance to both the student and the teacher. The goal
of the SLSO’s this year is to assist all targeted students to
achieve their personal best.
Developing and ensuring students have access to career
opportunities continues to be a priority for our school. The
University of Western Sydney Mentoring Program has
assisted us to provide unique opportunities for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander students in the senior years.
The program will continue for years 10 and 11 in 2013.
On Friday 1st March there is a father’s engagement
activity planned for fathers, grandfathers or carers of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the
school. The day will conclude with a spot of fishing at La
Perouse. Information will be sent home in the following
days. Please contact Jason Sampson should you have
any queries.
WEDNESDAY ACTIVITY CENTRE
Every Wednesday in the library, we are offering a variety
of activities for all students. Notes went home with all
Aboriginal Education Team 2013
 Cath Angel – HT Teaching and Learning and
Aboriginal Education
4
Issue 1 – Term 1





Tammy Anderson – Deputy Principal Airds CoS
(Thursday’s)
Bobby Ann Trindall – Aboriginal Education Officer
Lisa Chesterfield – Norta Norta Tutor Years 7 - 10
Leon Latulipe – Norta Norta Tutor Years 11 – 12
Jason
Sampson
–
Aboriginal
education
Community
Development
Coordinator
(Thursday’s)
February 2013
Park to take a close look at the beautiful Grey Mangrove
Wetlands Ecosystem. All students braved difficult weather
conditions and insect invasions with resilience and poise,
making them excellent ambassadors for Airds High
School. Thank you for making us so proud Year 11!
Community engagement is important to us and we look to
continuing to work with our community to build strong and
positive partnerships in 2013.
We are:
Safe
Respectful
Learners
SCIENCE REPORT
Science has welcomed two new staff members this year.
Mrs Sally Stoddart is a very knowledgeable Science
teacher who is covering Mrs Dunn's Maternity leave. She
has proven to be a fabulous asset to our faculty in the
short time she has been with us at Airds High School.
Mrs Nardine McCabe is the new Science Assistant. She is
new to the role, yet has already become indispensable to
the running of the faculty. Welcome Ladies!
Year 11 Biology and Senior Science at Sydney Olympic Park.
Excellent ambassadors in full school uniform.
Finally, a welcome to Year 7 students who have settled
into the learning of Science with ease. As Science has not
been explicitly taught in Primary School, it is often a new
and exciting experience for the Year 7's to be in the
Science laboratories with the specific equipment and
safety rules. We ask parents to please send all students to
school in black leather shoes to maintain their child's
safety in all areas of the school, but particularly in practical
subjects such as Science.
Mrs M Holmes
Science Teacher
Year 11 Chemistry demonstrating safety during practical Science
lessons.
Mrs
Stoddart
Mrs Holmes and Miss Radford proudly took Year 11
Biology and Senior Science classes on the first Science
excursion of 2013 on Friday 15/2/13. The group visited the
Bicentennial Field Study Centre within Sydney Olympic
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Issue 1 – Term 1
February 2013
SRC REPORT
The SRC has had quite a busy and successful start to
2013. On February the 14th, the SRC held their annual
Valentine’s Day fundraiser. To help raise funds for the
Leukaemia Foundation, over the last couple of weeks the
SRC has been busy wrapping and preparing roses for
Valentine’s Day. On the 14th, these roses were delivered
by our very own Cupid (Tonga Fukofuka ). The day was a
huge success as the SRC was able to raise $359 which
will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation. I would like
to congratulate everyone on the effort they put into this
event, and thank the students of Airds High School for
supporting this cause.
Ms McCabe Science Assistant
PEER SUPPORT
Peer Support has successfully begun for 2013. The
program involves all Year 7 Students and the selected
Year 10 Peer Support Leaders performing a variety of
activities to build self confidence, resilience and positive
relationships within the school community. So far the
reports from the students are positive, yet these will
further improve as the groups establish themselves with
familiarity and trust as they undertake increasingly fun
activities. Peer Support occurs during Period 5 on
Tuesdays.
Mrs M Holmes
Peer Support Coordinator
Coming up soon, the SRC will also be organising a School
Disco. Unlike previous years, the Disco will now be free of
charge. Students will, however, need to make sure that
they follow our School Values of being a safe, respectful
learner if they wish to be invited. Anyone who is interested
in helping out with the organisation of music, decorations,
themes etc for the Disco needs to see their SRC
representative or Mr Wallace. We would like as many
students as possible to get involved with organisation so
that the night is fun for everyone.
Finally, on Monday 11th March, AB Central is running a
clean-up Australia day event. Anyone from the community
who wishes to get involved should meet at AB Central at
9.30am. The event will finish at 2pm, and a free BBQ
lunch will be provided. For more information, feel free to
contact Natalee Bonnell on 46293245.
I look forward to having a very successful and positive
year working with the SRC.
Mr Wallace
SRC Co-ordinator
SUPPORT REPORT
2013 Peer Support Leaders
We are very pleased to welcome our new Support
Teacher, Miss Desplat to our faculty. Students from all
classes have been actively engaged and highly motivated
to complete their own Relationship Journals and Family
Crests as part of the Relationships Unit. Most recently
several of our Yr 10,11 and 12 students have been out of
school attending work experience and have indicated that
they are enjoying their experience.
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Issue 1 – Term 1
This term we start our fortnightly Community Access
Program. Blundstone and Prada will be bowling at
Campbelltown Bowl and Gucci , Cooper and Manolo will
be bowling at Macarthur Square Bowling Centre. Parents
need to check student diaries daily as all communication
about students and upcoming events in the Support
Faculty will be communicated through these diaries.
February 2013
Abseiling
Mrs N Robinson
HT Support
YEAR 12 REPORT
Welcome back Year 12 Class of 2013!! I hope that you
had a fantastic holiday and are re-energised for this final
year at Airds High School.
A Study Camp to Wisemans Ferry, ran at the end of 2012,
was not only fun but of great benefit to students. Students
were involved in study sessions that taught them how to
relax, set goals, prepare, plan, organise, study effectively
and how to reward yourself.
Students were also involved in many outdoor activities…
Canoeing
Team Initiative Games
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Issue 1 – Term 1
February 2013
Raft building and races
Rock Climbing and Rock Wall
Aqua Park ‘Rock it’
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Issue 1 – Term 1
February 2013



4th March – MacDonalds Campbelltown
Fundraiser
8th April – 11th April – Year 12 Half Yearly Exams
12th April – Staff Car Wash and Slave for a Day
Fundraiser
Best of Luck Year 12 for this fast and exciting year to
come. Knuckle down, study hard and prepare for success.
“Success is a journey not a destination” – Ralph Arbitelle
Ms Green
Year 12 Adviser
A big Thank You to Mrs Ingram and Mrs Addamo for
catering and additional support; Mr Wallace, Mr Latulipe
and Miss Zalewski for running the study sessions, helping
with activities and organisation; Mr Lightfoot and Mr
Hodgson for driving the bus.
This year will involve many more activities for the Year 12
cohort. Be prepared Year 12 for Formal and Graduation
preparations, a variety of fundraising events, excursions to
Penrith Ice Skating and Jamberoo, assessment tasks and
exams. All this in less than 30 weeks!
On the 4th of March, Year 12 will be holding a Family Fun
Night Fundraiser at Campbelltown McDonalds between
5pm – 7pm. Come and support Year 12 by making
purchases from the Front Counter or McCafe.
MacDonalds will donate 15% of all purchases made in
store to go towards the Year 12’s and their fundraising
committee. So please remember to come inside and
enjoy the fun – you might even be served by me (Ms
Green).
Important Dates for Year 12 Term One:
 21st Feb – Team Building activities and Ice
Skating excursion
 28th Feb – Swimming Carnival including a
Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
YEAR 11 REPORT
Wow I can’t believe it’s already half way through Term 1
2013. This term there are many exciting events to look
forward to for Year 11. I would like to take this opportunity
to comment on how fantastic our Year 11 uniform looks, it
is becoming ever so clear now that your young children
are now entering adulthood and it is fantastic to see our
students wearing their uniform with pride.
Along with their academic commitments, fundraising is
going to be a large focus for our cohort in Term 1. This
year with fundraising I have decided to change it up a little
for our students. There will be a cash incentive of $15 per
chocolate box sold which will be given to each
participating student. This money will be deducted directly
off the total price of this year’s values camp. So basically
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Issue 1 – Term 1
sell 2 boxes and you will receive a $30 discount off the
camp. Chocolates will be arriving on Monday Week 5 and
will be ready for sale thereafter.
Hopefully by now you have received the Year 11 camp
note that went out in Week 3 and are putting away the
needed funds or have already begun to pay instalments
down at the front office. The camp will be at Deer Park –
Youthworks Port Hacking, Chaldercot site Thursday 4th
and Friday 5th of April Week 10. The final payment date for
the excursion is Week 9 Thursday 28th March 2013 and
instalments can be made at the front office from the start
of Week 3 Friday 15th February 2013. The permission
notes will be due by Week 8 Friday 22nd March 2013.
This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to develop the
much needed teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and
social competencies which are essential for them to lead a
successful and fulfilling life. The camp will be fully catered
for and the students will be tucked away safe at night in
beautiful water front cabins. This establishment offers
great opportunities for our students with raft building,
archery, high ropes just to name a few. A full itinerary will
be provided later in the term.
We will also be participating in ‘Slave for a Day’ at the
swimming carnival, which is Week 5 Thursday. We have
many willing and able participants to give their time and
efforts to assist staff and students throughout the day. All
proceeds will be going into the Year 11 fundraising
account.
So as you can see we have a very action packed first
term, but I know our students are more than equal to the
challenge. I want to wish all of our kids the best of luck this
year and I look forward to working with you all as the year
progresses.
Mr Lightfoot
Year 11 Adviser
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YR 8, 10 & 12
Firstly welcome back to all the families and friends of Airds
High School. I hope your holidays were both relaxing and
rewarding. There is nothing like spending quality time with
the family. Hopefully, Santa was kind to you all and you
received everything that you desired. I know the staff fully
February 2013
enjoyed their Christmas break and now are looking
forward to the challenges of the 2013 school year.
It has been fantastic to see so many of our students return
to school in their correct uniform and display obvious pride
in the school and the community. It has been a wondrous
sight during assemblies to look out and see the entire
student body dressed in the school colours. I urge you to
continue to support our school uniform policy. Wearing a
school uniform allows students to demonstrate pride in
their school and helps to develop a sense of unity in our
learning community.
Our school day commences at 8.30 am each day. This is
when the rolls are marked and important information is
given to our students. If your child arrives after this time
they may be recorded as absent; this can affect Centrelink
payments, lead to a Home School Liaison Officer (HSLO)
referral and even affect their ability to meet mandatory
course requirements and Higher School Certificate
accreditation. Arriving late to school, results in your child
losing valuable learning time, they fall behind the rest of
their classmates and as a result have gaps in their
education. This can critically affect their future.
Recently a number of parents have contacted me in
regard to Cyber Bullying (facebook) issues. This hideous
misuse of today’s technology has caused significant
disruption to the learning of our students. In some cases
this has been the direct cause of aggressive behavior in
our school. The school and community must work together
if we are to prevent this type of harassment and remove
unnecessary stress and anxiety for our students. Please
monitor your child’s social media usage. I have a number
of pamphlets that deal with Cyber Bullying, feel free to
contact me if you would like one. I would like to remind
parents that mobile phones are not to be used during
school hours; this is clearly outlined in your child’s school
diary. Please support us, so that we can maximise
learning within our school.
Most of our students have started the year on a very
positive note and it is crucial that we work together to
encourage our students to take opportunity of all available
learning opportunities. One example of this is the activity
centre, this is the perfect place for any student to build
upon what they have learnt in class and it is in operation
every Wednesday from 3.00 pm till 4.00 pm.
This year I will be overseeing the following year groups; 8,
10 & 12. I will have the pleasure of working with Mr
O’Neill, Ms Taylor, and Ms Green, three very talented
Year Advisers. If you have any concerns relating to your
child’s education at our school contact us immediately.
Simply call the school to arrange an appropriate meeting
time, this will ensure that your concerns are addressed as
quickly as possible. I look forward to seeing you at our
upcoming school events.
Mr S McGuire
Deputy Principal
10
Issue 1 – Term 1
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YR 7, 9 & 11
To all of our new students and families, I would like to
extend a warm welcome to Airds High School. To our
returning students and families, I welcome you back. I
look forward to working with you as we all work together to
be safe, respectful learners.
The year has certainly started off quickly, the holidays are
a distant memory! I would like to congratulate and
acknowledge the hard work of all of the Year Advisers in
ensuring the year was off to a smooth start for their
respective year groups. I would particularly like to thank
Ms Kate Kennedy, Year 7 Adviser, who has done a
phenomenal job in ensuring that Year 7 had a settled and
productive start to the year. I know that she has also done
a lot of work in the lead up to their camp in Week 7, which
I am sure will be another wonderful success. I would also
like to take this opportunity to welcome parents and carers
to our Year 7 Relationships Showcase on March 8, 9 –
10:30am. There will be more information to come on this.
Likewise, I know that Mr Lightfoot has been organising
fundraising, the study camp and the study skills seminar
(Week 4) for Year 11. I would encourage all students and
families to support all of these causes as Mr Lightfoot
works tirelessly for the students and it is disheartening
when his efforts are not supported by the student body.
The fundraising will certainly ease the financial burden in
2014 if all of the events are fully supported. Likewise, the
study camp and seminar are to motivate, inspire and
educate students early on so that they can “strive to
achieve” their personal best from the beginning of their
Preliminary studies. I thank Mr Lightfoot for all of his
amazing work so far this year.
Year 11 parents and carers should find 2 other documents
with this edition of our newsletter. You should have a
copy of your child’s timetable and a copy of our
expectations for senior students. I would ask that you
read and discuss the expectations with your child and both
sign the form. This form needs to be returned to Mr
Lightfoot by the end of week 5. On your child’s timetable,
you will notice that period 5 on Tuesday (both Week A &
B) they have a free period. This means that they are
allowed to leave the school at lunch (12:40pm) on these
days only. There are no other free periods for Year 11, so
they are expected to be at school, on time (8:30am) every
February 2013
day. If you do not wish for your child to have early leave,
please send a note stating this and your child will remain
at school and be supervised in the Senior Study until 2pm
(normal Tuesday finishing time).
All Year 11 students were issued with their Assessment
Booklet last week. We have tried very hard to stagger our
assessments this year so that students are not overburdened some weeks and have no assessments on other
weeks. The booklet also contains valuable information
regarding the assessment process. The main point that
we need to impress on our students is that assessments
are important and compulsory; however, classwork is as
well. Students can still be N-Determined when classwork
is incomplete or not attempted. When students are
absent, they MUST catch up on missed classwork and
homework. They only disadvantage themselves if they
don’t catch up. If your child has not brought their copy of
the Assessment Booklet home, please contact the office
and I will arrange for one to be sent home with your child.
Some Year 11 students changed subjects at the start of
the year. Please have a look at the timetable with their
current subjects – if there is a problem, please feel free to
call me and discuss the issues. Any future subject
changes will only be made with our official change of
subject form which requires parent / guardian consent for
any change to be made.
This same ruling applies to Year 9 students. While there
were only a few changes to subjects in Year 9, no more
changes will be processed without parental consent. If
you are concerned about your child’s subjects, please feel
free to contact either Mr Buckley (Year 9 Adviser) or
myself.
At this point, I would like to commend Year 9 for the care
and compassion they have shown for one of their fellow
students. All students signed a get well card for the
student and 4 of her friends made a visit to the hospital
which cheered her up immensely. I would like to thank Mr
Buckley who made the generous gesture of taking her
friends to visit her and to Dounia Bakalaje, Nikita Ah-Lam,
Rhiannon Cuthbert and Angela Franks – well done!! You
were exemplary role models for our school and wonderful
friends.
This year I supervise the Wellbeing Team. It is comprised
of the following staff:
Year Advisers
Attendance Co-ord
Counsellors
Ms Kennedy, Mr O’Neill,
Mr Buckley, Ms Taylor, Mr
Lightfoot, Ms Green
Careers / Transition Adviser
Superviser of Girls
SRC Co-ord
Mr Rosete
Mrs McClure & Mr
Giltrow
Mr Tyler
Ms Simms
Mr Wallace
LST Rep
Mr Deehan
11
Issue 1 – Term 1
We all meet once a fortnight to discuss the wellbeing
needs of our students. Any of these staff are available to
discuss any concerns that you might have in regards to
your child. Please feel free to contact the relevant
personnel should the need arise.
I look forward to meeting many of you and working
together as the year progresses. Please do not hesitate
to contact the school if you have any concerns about your
child.
Mrs J Fuller
Deputy Principal
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
TEACHING & LEARNING
February 2013
Airds Community of Schools – What we are doing?
Student Activities

Airds High School science faculty will develop
lessons/activities with the primary schools. Airds HS staff
visit Primary School and students visit High School to
have the opportunity to explore the use of scientific
methods in the science labs.

Year 5, 6 & 7 gifted and talented challenge
involving students selected from the Primary School. 6
students are nominated from each school.The challenge
will take place one day each term at AHS & will be run
by the Yr. 9 G & T students under the supervision of
AHS G & T teachers.
These students will participate in set challenges rotating
their way through KLA based quiz questions, problem
solving activities & team building experiences. Each
school group will be given points for each challenge &
these will be collated after each day. At the end of the
year, the school group who has the most number of
points will win the annual G & T Middle School
Challenge. A cross school blog will also be established
for this group to communicate & set challenges during
the year.

Stage 3 numeracy program targeting Gifted &
Talented students from the Primary School and
mentored by a high school maths teacher.
I would like to welcome all students, parents and staff to
the start of an exciting 2013. I am excited about working
with a great team in developing and implementing
strategies to enhance the Teaching and Learning at Airds
High School. My main role will be to oversee and
implement whole school teaching and learning in the
following areas:
a) Literacy & Numeracy
b) Technology
c) Middle Schooling
d) Gender Equity
e) Enrichment & Engagement
It has been a busy start to the year with a lot happening
already. I have been impressed with the way Year 7 have
settled into life at Airds High School they have taken on
board the new structures to their schooling. Ms Kennedy
has been instrumental in this occurring making sure all of
her Year 7 students are happy.
It is also with great pleasure that I introduce Ms Holmes
who will be the Year 6 Transition Coordinator for 2013 &
Year 7 Coordinator in 2014 and therefore will be working
closely with the Year 6 students in 2013. We are in the
process of visiting all of our feeder primary schools to
discuss with Year 5 & 6 students their local high school
and provide information for Year 6 students as to what it
will be like next year.

Aboriginal Numeracy Challenge Gala Days each
term. Stage 3 focus with the inclusion of Year 10
mentors to assist on the day.

Year 10 selected students are trained as mentors
to deliver the Boys Own & Girl Zone program currently
run at Airds HS.

A Peer Support program will be delivered to Yr 5
with Yr 8 as mentors, so they already have relationship
with peer support leaders when they attend Yr 7 (i.e. Yr
7 and Yr 10 peer support program).

Transition visits to high school, this would involve
the primary school students attending Airds High school
for “taster lessons” and other activities. Use of video
conference for some activities.

A basketball program is being developed which
involves training HS students as coaches for PS
students after school clinics, basketball competition held
between primary schools hosted at AHS.
School Visits

Airds HS to coordinate a 2014 Yr 7 YA to start to
work with Year 6 (2013) & 2015 YA to work with Year 5
(2013) students/parents.
12
Issue 1 – Term 1

Year 5 & 6 transition advisers visit primary
schools on a regular basis which allows the building of
rapport necessary for the smooth transition process as
well as establishing a relationship between the student
and YA’s.

DP T & L and Year 5 & 6 transition advisers visit
feeder primary schools early in Term 1 to discuss Airds
HS and starting high school.

High school staff visit PS to observe lessons and
PS teachers observe lessons in the high school.
Teacher exchange to enhance a professional
relationship between the communities of schools there
could be team teaching and classroom visits across
KLA’s in Year 7 & 6. Professional dialogue as well as
discussions of teaching and behavioural strategies.

Year 7 showcase evening which allows the Year 7
students to demonstrate their achievements to date.
Every faculty displays students work as well as work
samples and performances. Year 5 & 6 students from
the primary schools are invited to contribute displays by
providing work samples and displays.

Orientation Day 4th December – What to expect
and getting to know High School.
Involve Parents & Community

High School Expo where each KLA will present
material to the parents & students of Yr. 7, Yr. 6 & Yr. 5
& show case what happens in that KLA at High School.
These activities will provide information to parents
about the nature of secondary education and the
options available. There will also be tours of
classrooms & facilities. A
Parent and Carer
Information Session will also be conducted to provide
you with more thorough information on topics
pertaining to the transition of your child into Year 7,
such as: the curriculum offered, programs and
resources of the school as well as an opportunity for
you to ask any questions you might have regarding
your child’s education with us at Airds High School.
February 2013
Year 9 Digital Education Revolution (DER) laptops
As part of the process in your child receiving their laptop
we are required to hold a Parent Information Session. This
will be held on Wednesday 6th March from 5.30pm to
6.30pm in the Library at Airds High School.
This session will include information about:
 Key specifications & software on the
laptop
 How the laptops will be issued
 The policy and protocol in using the
laptops
 Question & Answer time
The Technical Support Officer (TSO) will also be
introduced. The TSO provides support to students and
teachers who use the laptop
.
The Laptop User Charter will be issued. This charter
outlines the responsibilities regarding the use of the laptop
and the internet. A Laptop User Charter must be signed
and returned before the laptop will be issued.
It is important that all parents/carers and students attend
this session as a laptop will not be issued until the Laptop
User Charter has been signed and returned. If you are
unable to attend we will arrange other alternatives.
Mr J Miezio
Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning
School starts at 8:30am EVERY day. Please
ensure your child arrives to school at this time
EVERY day. If they are late, they MUST bring a
note from you explaining the lateness. Thank
you for your co-operation.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
 Airds High School staff conducts generic “parent
meetings” to inform parents of starting high school,
high school curriculum & how high schools cater for the
needs of students.
Parent meetings linked into
Primary School meet the teacher sessions/parent
teacher, P & C meetings.

Airds High School staff to conduct “parent
meetings” to inform parents of use of ICT, being
safe(e.g. cyber bullying)

Produce CD to inform parents of starting high
school, high school curriculum & how high schools
cater for the needs of students.

Continuation of the COS Koori Newsletter each
term.
Welcome Back
I would like to welcome back all students and staff and I
hope that you have had a very enjoyable and relaxing
Christmas break. I’d also like to bestow a special welcome
to our new Year 7 students, and to those who have joined
us from other high schools. I’m sure your time at Airds will
be both enjoyable and educationally rewarding.
13
Issue 1 – Term 1
New Staff
2013 has seen a consolidation of staff with only a small
number of changes. We would like to welcome Ms
Bethany Desplat replacing Mrs June Bokody who has
gained promotion to HT Support at Ingleburn HS. We wish
Mrs Bokody all the best at her new school. Also we would
like to welcome Mrs Sally Stoddart to science. Mrs
Stoddart comes to us from Ambarvale HS. Mrs Jacquai
Drakefield replaces Ms Melissa Kane. Mr Andrew Ryder
(an ex-student) relieves as HT English with Mr Adams
promotion to DP at Forster HS. On behalf of the school
community I would like to welcome you and thank you in
advance for the contribution I know you will make to the
positive learning outcomes of our students in the years to
come.
Staff Training and Development
Many staff spent considerable time either at school or
home during the holidays preparing for 2013. Our
committed staff spent the first Training and Development
day completing modules from the DEC directorate. The
staff will continue to undertake training and development
outside student learning time, this year the focus will be on
gifted and talented education, supplementing the skills in
literacy, numeracy and quality teaching and learning
acquired in previous years. We believe that the skills
developed and or refined in this training will have a great
impact on the learning outcomes of our students at Airds
HS
February 2013
have been adjusted and thus will not impact on learning
time in 2013.
Mobile phones are not to be seen, heard or used during
the school day as they impact on the learning environment
and social interaction of students and staff. It is requested
that if parents wish to contact their child during the school
day, they do so through the front office.
Appropriate use of Social Networks sites
Social networks have been designed to enable people to
communicate with friends, have fun and share positive
experiences. The misuse of this site through posting
inappropriate and unacceptable comments and pictures
has a negative impact on those that are targeted. In fact,
harassment on-line is known as cyber bullying and is a
criminal offence. It is extremely important that those who
use such sites do so in a respectful and appropriate way.
If you believe you are unable to be responsible in your
use, maybe it is best that you deactivate your account.
I wish everyone a successful and fantastic year at Airds
High School.
Mr M Foord
Principal
BER
The school year has begun well despite a small number of
improvements still in progress and in particular the effort
required by students and staff to negotiate the impact of
the BER (Building Education Revolution) works around the
school. The school was successful in Round 4 of the
government’s Trade Training Centre initiative and as a
result will have a $980,000 construction facility built in half
of the old school hall. This project is on time for
completion by the end of term 2.
Uniform
It has been extremely pleasing to see so many students
wearing the new school uniform. I must thank parents for
their support in this matter and students who showed the
initiative way back in 2011 and wanted the uniform to
become more formal. Seniors have also impressed
through wearing the school tie with their cotton shirt and
this looks fantastic. Thank you from the school community
for wearing your uniform with pride and making a positive
contribution to the good image of our school.
A reminder that it is a work place requirement that
students and staff who access Science labs and Home
Economics and Industrial Technology rooms are required
to wear leather shoes. All students are required to now
wear black shoes and ones made of leather allows
students to access all parts of the curriculum..
Changes to school Policies and Procedures – in brief
The school day now concludes at 2:50pm each day,
except Tuesdays, which conclude at 2:00pm. Bus times
14
Issue 1 – Term 1
February 2013
COMMUNITY NOTICES
MG My Gateway Current
Traineeship & Apprenticeship
For
information
on
apprenticeships or traineeships or to apply please
visit their website: www.mygateway.org.au and
click on Job Seekers
15
Issue 1 – Term 1
February 2013
Year 12 AHS
Fundraiser
What: Year 12 will be holding a Family Fun Night
Fundraiser . Come and support Year 12 by making
purchases from the Front Counter or McCafe.
McDonalds will donate 15% of all purchases made in
store to the Year 12’s fundraising.
When: 4th of March, 2013 between
5pm – 7pm.
Where: Campbelltown McDonalds
Come down and support your local school , every
cent counts!
16