From the Principal

Term 3 Events

Term 3 is almost at an end, and we currently have Year 10 and Year 11 completing formal exams. It is important that every student prepares well for the exams, engaging in study and revision, and bringing correct equipment, so that they are able to perform at their best.

I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the hugely successful staging of Bathory Begins, the first large scale production for Camden High School in a number of years.

While the bulk of the credit obviously goes to our amazing Ms Bendeich, ably assisted by Mr Moore and Ms Giacon, it is the effort of everyone in roles big and small that meant we could put on such a successful show. Our staff and community members were involved in a multitude of roles. Whether it was constructing sets, sourcing props, controlling light and sound, running backstage, staffing the canteen, covering classes, assisting with supervision or watching as audience members, it epitomised the Camden motto of ‘together we achieve’. Our students never cease to amaze me, and it was fantastic to watch them grow in skill and confidence from the first rehearsal through to the final performance. There were so many positive comments from parents, families and community members, full of praise for the professional production they enjoyed, and very proud of the way our students performed. I am so proud that our school community can come together to create these opportunities and experiences for our students.

Year 12

Year 12 will complete their formal schooling at the end of this term, and continue to prepare for the HSC exams that commence in term 4. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Graduation and Formal in the last week of this term.

In the lead up to HSC exams, we have had NESA marking teams on site this term to assess Music practical performances and Industrial Technology – Timber major projects. The HSC Music Showcase held in week 6 was a wonderful opportunity for our students to refine their performances in front of a supportive audience consisting of family members and CHS staff. The completed major projects for Industrial Technology – Timber were of high quality. Well done to students and staff for their efforts.

Mobile Phone Ban

A reminder that the NSW Government and Department of Education policy for a mobile phone ban in high schools will commence in term 4. The new policy will apply to all school hours, including break times at recess and lunch, as well as while students are on school-based excursions. To support our students, Camden High School will be implementing a Locked Device Pouch System. Further information regarding this will be communicated throughout the remainder of this term.

Our current procedures are outlined below and remain in place until term 4.

During class time, it is expected that all devices are switched off or left on silent and are stored out of sight in a student’s bag. Headphones and bluetooth devices must also be removed and placed into school bags during class time.
Mobile Digital Devices may be used during recess and lunch breaks as long as it does not impact on the safety and wellbeing of other students.
Students should not record images, videos or sound unless under explicit teacher instructions.

In preparation for the implementation of the new policy, for the remainder of this term there will be a one warning system. The one warning does not have to be individualised, but can take the form of a reminder at the beginning of a lesson to all students to have their phones away and out of sight. If a student is seen to be using the device again during the lesson, then the teacher will ask the student to bring their phone to the office where it will secured until the end of the school day.

We would ask for your support in ensuring that students phones are off and away in compliance with our current procedures. If it is necessary to contact your child during the day, please call the Front Office or send an email, and we will deliver the message at an appropriate time.

Karen Woods - Principal