Principal's Report
With Term 2 soon drawing to a close, our Year 12 students are working closely with their Year Adviser, Mr Druce and our Careers Adviser, Ms Blewitt to discuss and plan their further study or work options.
The Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) excursion departs this Sunday and they have a full schedule of interesting and educational activities planned, including the Brisbane Museum, the Planetarium and Queensland Maritime Museum. A great deal of thought and care has gone into planning what is sure to be a great experience for all.
Recently we had six students participating in drama, music and dance segments at the Narrabri Shire Arts Eisteddfod. Music teacher Mr Vella, together with Mrs Schwager assisted the students in their preparation and commended the students on the quality of their performances.
Last week students from Years 9 and 10 participated in the annual North West Science and Engineering Challenge in Narrabri. Now in its 19th year, the Challenge is an initiative of the University of Newcastle and sees them partnering with Rotary Clubs across the country to deliver the program in local communities.
Our new Drama Club, under the guidance of Ms McCluskey, has proved a big hit with students. It’s terrific to have a drama club offering for our students and we look forward to their involvement in this year’s Showcase event.
Our newsletter will now contain a regular Careers Corner. Eager to ensure parents and carers are kept up to date with information and opportunities, our Careers Adviser, Ms Blewitt will be bringing you timely information that we encourage you to discuss with your children.
The Department of Education has introduced a minimum standards assessment. Reading, writing and math skills are essential for everyday life after school and for this reason, from 2020 the Department will require students to demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive the Higher School Certificate (HSC) from 2020.
To make sure students have the basics right, and can show they meet the minimum standard, they will need to pass short online tests of everyday literacy and numeracy skills. The tests will be available to take at school up to twice a year in Year 10, Year 11 or Year 12, and even after the HSC. More detail about minimum standards can be found in this newsletter.
The Narrabri Shire Council is in the process of forming a Youth Council in Wee Waa that will assist in communicating young people’s thoughts and aspirations to Council on behalf of the Wee Waa community. The Youth Council network across Australia offers tremendous development opportunities for young people and we encourage you to read the information in this newsletter and encourage your child’s involvement.
Lastly, it’s terrific to one again be offering our Girls Group Program. Led by Kylie Mullens of ReConnect and the assistance of Mrs Wenner and Ms Pocock, the group meets every Friday afternoon. Students in the program participate in a range of community engagement activities such a spending time with the residents of Weeronga along with a range of fun activities that focus on building self-esteem, confidence and life skills.
Yours sincerely,
Jacqueline Neil
Relieving Principal