Support Unit

The Support unit have had a hectic start to the new year. Regular activities like out and about have returned with some modification. The swimming program at UNE is as popular as ever. The return of our construction class has seen some creative problem solving occurring. The "side by side choir" have begun their preparation for their numerous performances throughout the year. One of the most exciting things that is happening in and around the school is the Musical preparation which involves some of our students. All in all it is shaping as a very busy year.

Year 12 Work Studies students are continuing to learn about floral design. On Valentine's Day, they completed a practical lesson where they created jam jar posies. In the spirit of the day, students gave their posies to loved ones. Lovely work, Year 12.

Science

Science Extension is a Year 12 course specifically designed by the Department and Universities to prepare students for research and study at a University. We performed so well in this course that we have had 4 students (now ex-students) published in this years Journal of Science Extension Research (Volume 3). Congrats to Tom Waugh, Sherab Pelmo, Jerrie Tran and Toby Downes!

Our Head Teacher Science Tobie White, who runs the course, was asked to provide the introduction to this volume alongside the Secretary of the Department of Education, Murat Dizdar, due to the high performance of this course.

You can read the reports for yourself through this link

https://issuu.com/doecurriculum/docs/journal_of_science_extension_research_vol_3_2024?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Year 9 and 10 Teal students are attending the Science and Engineering Challenge this term to 'battle it out' against other schools in a series of STEM based activities. It will be a great opportunity to enrich their learning, use their hands-on practical skills and get to know the University ground and staff better for possible future further study. Watch this space to see how we do!

The Science Faculty are committed to helping students learn when they are unable to be in the classroom, be it due to sport or cultural commitments, sickness, excursions, and so on. As such, In Science we are using the online resource Canvas to provide continuous learning in line with what is being taught in class. In Canvas, students can access lessons, videos, links, and activities designed specifically for the subject and student ability.

You can access this resource through the URL:

armidale-s.instructure.com

Then, students simply can click on their subject and work through the modules.

XEL

The start of the new school year has been frantic, but the return of our XEL students has seen them adopt some new skills to reflect their move into Year 8. New programming has included activities and challenges designed to build their skills and reflect the Stage 4 syllabus changes. Under our staff's tutelage and based on their diverse skill set, Monica Smith, Sarah Milne, Claire O’Toole, and Matt Pilkington have begun developing students’ TAS skills through pyrography, food preparation and cooking. We have also integrated music and drumming into the program to expand our students’ access to the creative and performing arts. Some unexpected expertise is developing across all these areas.

Pyrography is becoming increasingly popular as this ancient art of burning patterns and emblems into wood is featured on furnishings and external parts of timber homes. Our students began their first task of creating desk names and will be building on this ancient art form in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

Our students’ cooking skills and understanding of food preparation hygiene are also a focus of this term’s work in XEL. Today’s first cooking effort was an absolute treat for everyone who sampled Ezzakai’s crumbed fish pieces served in bamboo boats. These were non-greasy, bite-sized bass, basted in a homemade batter and rolled in Italian parmesan and Asian bread crumbs. The taste and presentation were amazing. Staff and students scored the presentation at 4.8, 4.9 and 5 out of 5. The XEL team look forward to more amazing creations and presentations as we progress through Term 1.

ASC GYM

Our keen Year 10-12 students who have been inducted into our new gym this week. It has been great to see the student uptake around this opportunity, and many are enjoying being able to work up a sweat during our recess and lunch breaks. Thank you to Mr Cranston for getting this up and running and we look forward to watching you all smash some personal fitness goals over the next few months.

ASC Staff list 2024.

Principal- Sarah Travis (rel)

Deputy Principals

Sarah Mills Years 9, 11 & 12

Nathan Craven -Years 7, 8 & 10

Community