Secondary News

Neila Darrough

Week 10 has lived up to the many expectations of the year. With the added bonus of a flooding of the secondary staff room, again our teachers managed to keep on going under challenging circumstances. The students of course pitched in as they so often do without asking, to help get the secondary school back up and running.

Year 10, on Wednesday participated in a wonderful Reflection Day facilitated by Chris Smyth, Director of Armidale Catholic Schools Office held at the Parish Centre. Our students were asked to consider their relationships with self, others and their God. They completed many activities during the day to enhance their understanding of how relationships are built and maintained. They were a credit to our school and their families for the mature way they entered into the day. Our thanks to Mr Chris Smyth for travelling to St Philomena’s to make such a worthwhile contribution to the students of our school. He left expressing his appreciation for how wonderful our students are and their genuine friendship and openness to his contribution. He was also very happy with his St Philomena’s hat.

Year seven to nine students have been persevering with their learning and assisting in the planning for a significant day in the life of St Philomenas, our School Graduation and Presentation Day on Friday. I know they will again do us all proud with their commitment and enthusiasm.

It is my second last week at St Philomena’s and I am most certainly beginning to realise how much I will miss the wonderful community of students, parents and teachers, who make this very special place what it is today.

In this time of year when the pace is very hectic, please take time to be kind to one another and enjoy the simple pleasures in life

Take care and God Bless

Year 10 students and parents

dates to remember

10th December - Dinner Dance

11th December - Awards Assembly

VALID 10 Science Test

Year 10 students are to be congratulated on the terrific results that they have all achieved in the VALID 10 Science Test conducted during late Term 3.  Year 10 students will receive a record of their achievement for the VALID 10 Test within their Year 10 Graduation portfolios.  The preliminary results for this test were recently received by our school, and a more detailed report is expected early next year, along with the VALID 8 Science Test results.  The results have shown that, on average, our students have a very sound understanding of the Stage 5 Science syllabus.  Two students achieved the highest possible score for this test; nine students received the second highest possible score; and, eleven students achieved the third highest possible score.  Well done, Year 10!!!

VALID is a diagnostic test, with tasks framed on Stage 5 outcomes and essential content in the NSW Science Years K–10 Syllabus.  Students were tested on their:  knowledge and understanding of science; understanding and skills in the process of scientific investigation; ability to evaluate evidence, make judgements and think critically; and, ability to access information and communicate scientific ideas. 

The VALID tests are marked using the SOLO Taxonomy.  SOLO stands for Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes and was developed by J.B. Biggs and K.F. Collis in 1982.  According to the creators of the SOLO Taxonomy, “it provides a simple and robust way of describing how learning outcomes grow in complexity from surface to deep to conceptual understanding” (Biggs and Collis, 1982).  The VALID 10 Test, applied a score from 1-6 (with 1 being the lowest score and 6 being the highest score) to the following areas:  Extended Response; Knowing and Understanding; Working Scientifically; Communicating Scientifically; and, Overall Achievement.

Alana Goldman.

Science in the Bush Excursion

As reported earlier in the term thirty-one Year 7-10 students attended the Science in the Bush Excursion at the University of New England (UNE), Armidale.  Everyone who attended had a tremendous time and was able to experience an array of hands-on Science activities.  Students participated in:  Chemistry experiments: where students made slime, nylon, hot and cold packs; and watched a rocket being launched.  Psychology department: where students watched two of our students participate in brain training using computer simulations.  Physiology department: where students were able to measure their own muscle contraction while clenching a hand pole and then releasing it.  Surveying: where students used surveying equipment to accurately measure distance.  As promised here are some photos and student testimonials of the Science in the Bush excursion:

“Great excursion to go to.  Next time there is an opportunity, make sure you   go.”  (Brooke Muller, Yr 7).

“The whole day was fun and thrilling.”  (Oscar Davis, Yr 7).

“It was a very fun day filled with Science.”  (Piper Bartlett, Yr 7).

“Awesome day, learnt lots.”  (Gabrielle Burrow, Yr 7).

“The day was fun and it increased my interest in Science.”  (Clancy Carroll, Yr 7).

“The day was awesome and I learnt a lot.  Time well spent.”  (Joshua Elbourne, Yr 7).

“A really fun and interesting experience.”  (Jacinta Webb, Yr 7).

“It was a great day of hands on activities.  Time well spent.”  (Harriet O’Neill, Yr 8)

“The day was well spent and enjoyable.  I learnt a lot about Science and would love to attend again.”  (Tianna Bettens, Yr 9).

“An absolute blast and a great experience.”  (Joshua Chisholm, Yr 9).

“Absolutely fantastic and educationally fun.”  (Heath Whibley, Yr 9).

“Very interesting, amazingly informative.”  (Bernadette Quirk, Yr 10).

Elevate Education

On Friday 13th November (Week 6) all students participated in a presentation on developing their Study Skills from the company Elevate Education. The motto of Elevate Education company is to utilise young presenters who they believe are able to ‘connect’ with teenagers more effectively. The sessions were informative, fun and light-hearted in tone, with our presenter (Gus) being on a first name basis with the students.  The Year 7 and 8 session was entitled ‘Study Skills Kick Start’.  This session looked at dynamic reading, taking efficient notes and building memory.  The Years 9 and 10 session was entitled ‘Study Sensei’.  This session looked at the three important steps to achieve your best - to learn, to master, to create.  Each of the three important steps were broken down into the component parts so that students could improve their learning process, achieve mastery of their learning and finally create individualised study notes to enhance success.  Teachers have been utilising some of the tips and techniques presented at the Elevate Education presentations to assist students with the review of assessment work, especially the topic tests, semester and yearly examinations held during Weeks 4-6 this term. This presentation by Elevate Education is just the beginning of the implementation of explicitly taught study skills into the Secondary curriculum.   Next year, early in Term Two, Elevate Education will return to consolidate the 2015 sessions and present the next step in the development of study skills.  During this visit, Elevate Education will also present a Teacher session and even more importantly a Parent session on study skills. So look out for this invaluable opportunity on the 2016 calendar.  

Alana Goldman.

Chromebooks 2016

The portal for Chromebook purchase is now live. Information has been sent home with secondary students regarding the purchase of Chromebooks for 2016. If your child did not receive this note or requires a new one, please contact the school. All information has been uploaded on to the school website under the ‘secondary’ tab.