COLLEGE NEWS
Welcome
Welcome to the College Newsletter, for the fortnight ending 3 April.
This issue published in the midst of the College's response to COVID-19, provides an opportunity for assurance and encouragement to parents, students, staff and our wider college community during this uncertain time.
In case you missed reading the email from Mr Humble last week, the College released the 'Continuity of Learning Plan' (see attachment below). The plan is a short guide for parents and students outlining the expectations, processes and useful tips as we convert to online learning. As with most businesses, educational institutes and legislation, the goal posts are changing every single day, and in terms of online learning for our students, we do not expect this to be any different. We will endeavour to reflect, adapt and be resilient for however long this situation presents itself.
In the coming weeks and months, may compassion be the virtue that characterises all of our dealings with one another – in our families, within the TRAC community and beyond.
Karen Wilson | Head of Communications | Registrar
Sharing the Learning
This week, I invited the College Leaders to continue their leadership roles through sharing their learning by sending photos of themselves at home in their learning spaces, as well as study tips and ideas for things to do to keep active.
Staying active and focussed during long periods at home can be difficult. We have put together a list of tips that can help you to develop and maintain some healthy habits. You are not limited to this list.
- Get out of bed at your usual school time.
- If you have a step counter on your watch, try to reach the goal of 10000 steps for the day.
- Fill up a 1 litre water bottle and finish it by the end of the school day.
- Eat at the usual eating times of the school day.
- Set yourself a weekly exercise challenge.
- On a day that you would usually have PDHPE devote more time to physical activity.
- Help your parents with household chores, e.g. gardening, cooking dinner.
- Choose fun activities to keep active e.g. run with your dog, throw a frisbee, ride to the park.
- Dig the Nintendo Wii out for some fun screen time or YouTube some Just Dance videos!
- Look for incidental ways to move your body, e.g. push-ups, sit-ups and squats
- Involve the whole family in keeping active, e.g. family hike, handball on the back deck,
- Cook a dish you have never made before.
- Have a designated space for your learning, not your bed.
- Take short breaks at regular intervals. Play cards or board games with your family.
- Invite the natural light into your working space.
- Go to bed at a consistent time each night.
- Don't miss out on homeroom meetings, they are a great way to start the day and feel connected.
I would like to thank the college leaders for their contributions this week and taking the time out of their busy days to share their personal space and tips with our community.
Karen Wilson | Head of Communications | Registrar
Change in dates for Year 10 Work Experience
Work Experience for Year 10 students in Term 2 Week 6 (1-5 June) has been postponed.
New Work Experience Dates for all Year to students (excludes Year 10 Commerce):
Term 3 Week 6 (24-28 August)
Students in Year 10 Commerce Classes will be attending the School Entrepreneur Program: Illuminate NextGen Challenge – 24 - 28 August 2020 (Details will be available early Term 3)
The School Entrepreneur Program: Illuminate NextGen Challenge is a five-day intensive program that enables high school students to experience first-hand what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Students work in teams of 5-8 to develop a business idea for a set core challenge relevant to the Riverina region, providing students with the opportunity to develop skills in communication, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration. Students also learn the fundamentals of design thinking and basic business skills such as business planning, the business model canvass, market research, promotions, financial accounting, and the developing of minimum viable products.
Marie Knight | Careers Coordinator
Important information for HSC Advanced and Standard English - HSC Study Days
The NSW English Teachers Association have moved all training for teachers and students – including HSC Study Days – to online learning due to Covid-19 – all students can register their attendance for free.
Access to register is available here: https://www.englishteacher.com.au/events/event/2020-hsc-modules-student-day-student-and-teacher-registration-2
Corrina Hawke | Head of English Department
NESA
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) last update on 2 April 2020 is provided in the media release attached.
Karen Wilson | Head of Communications | Registrar
2020 Athletic Carnival Winning House
In case you missed it, the big reveal of the winning house for the 2020 Athletics Carnival was announced via the Livestream Chapel podcast last week.
It was a nail-biting decider between Fox and Sheppard, but all was revealed when Nell popped the balloon and the yellow confetti exploded into the atmosphere.
Congratulations Fox on your success this year!
1st Place - Fox
2nd Place - Sheppard
3rd Place - Browning
4th Place - Stanley
Karen Wilson | Head of Communications | Registrar
Information Diet Tip
If you are feeling anxious, which many of us are, try changing your information diet. Listening to bad news all the time is not good for our own mental health.
We need to start thinking about information as food and make our own 'information diet' healthier and from reputable sources.
Karen Wilson | Head of Communications | Registrar
Absence Process
From Monday 30 March 2020 if your child becomes too ill to engage in learning could you please inform the college and we will mark them as ‘absent from school’.
College Photographic & Video Competition 2020
This year's theme is WATER!
As well as submitting ONE photograph per student, you can also submit a 30 second video clip (up to a maximum of 3 students making each clip - no more).
*Think about aspects such as light, focus, composition, interesting subject matter & the setting.
You may start submitting NOW! Take some photographs or start filming over the holiday break.
DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION IS STRICTLY:- TERM 2 Week 8 MONDAY 7th September 2020.
Submit using this link:- https://forms.gle/Qdp4YtQJBvAQRjsY6
Lindie Mannion | Head of Visual Arts
Ilford Photographic Competition
Photographs can be of any subject matter.
*Think about light, focus, composition, interesting subject matter & the setting.
DUE DATE FOR SECOND ROUND OF SUBMISSION IS STRICTLY:- TERM 2 WEEK 6 MONDAY 1ST JUNE 2020.
Submit using this link:- https://forms.gle/iNmsP9HHQJsQMTDz7
Lindie Mannion | Head of Visual Arts
Mental Fitness with the Sydney Swans
Black Dog Institute are pleased to offer our community and school presentations as webinars in an effort to reach those who have trouble attending or accessing face-to-face sessions.
Click here to see the webinar programs and register your attendance.
Karen Wilson | Head of Communications | Registrar
Child protection and support services
Further community information about child protection and support services is also available from the following:
- Child Safety Services:https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/providers/children-families/child-protection-services
- Domestic and family violence support services:https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence
- Family and Child Connect on 13 32 64 or: http://www.familychildconnect.org.au/index.asp
- Headspace: https://headspace.org.au
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or: https://kidshelpline.com.au
- Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
- ParentLine on 1300 30 1300 or: https://www.parentline.com.au
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, or in a life-threatening situation, please call triple zero (000).
Do you need to update your contact details?
Have you moved address or had a change in your family circumstances and need to update your contact details?
If you have changed your contact details recently. We urge you to contact the College office to update your phone numbers and email, so if we need to contact you urgently we can do so.
Please email office@trac.nsw.edu.au
with your current details.
A Message from Busabout - March 30, School Bus Service Changes
The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole posted a media release on Friday 13 March. Specifically the changes include;
· More direct town service routes
· Thursday, Friday and Saturday extended hours some services until 9pm
· Bomen On Demand bus services
· Extension to School bus services and safety improvements at Lutheran school bus stop
Whilst the changes will provide benefits to the entire community I wish to bring to your attention what this means for The Riverina Anglican College’s students and parents.
Attached is Busabout Wagga’s school advice form for The Riverina Anglican College and an information sheet from Transport NSW outlining changes at Lutheran bus stop.
There should be minimal impact for your students arriving and departing The Riverina Anglican College. Students can expect variations in route paths and transfer locations on their journeys to and from school
With only 11 days remaining, and in preparation for the change, could you reference the documents attached and distribute them to the school community please.
Further if you see fit, it would be greatly appreciated, if would consider placing the following message on your schools public facing sign; March 30 School bus service changes!
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Kind Regards
Shaun Williams
Depot Manager, Busabout Wagga Wagga
Medical Action Plans
If your child has a Medical Action Plan please ensure that the College Office has an up-to date copy for the student's file and Sickbay.
If you need more information, please contact Jessica Keatley on 69 331811 or jessica.keatley@trac.nsw.edu.au
Student Absences
If the student will be absent for more than 2 weeks (10 school days), an application to the Principal is required is required via the Application for Extended Leave - Vacation/Travel Form prior to departure. Once this document is completed by the Parent/Guardian, please return to the College Office for processing. You will then receive a Certificate of Extended Leave - Vacation/Travel.
Students who will be absent for shorter periods of time (less than 2 weeks) are also required to supply written notification to the College.
All student absences should be reported to the College via email absences@trac.nsw.edu.au.
Important Dates
Term 1
Thursday 9 April - Term 1 Concludes
Term 2
Thursday 11 June - Year 10 Immunisations
Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June - HSC Study Days online for Advanced English and Standard English Students
Friday 26 June - Term 2 Concludes
Monday 29 June - Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
Term 3
Monday 24 to Friday 28 August - Year 10 Work Experience, and Year 10 Commerce attending the School Entrepreneur Program
Term Dates
Term 1 commences - 29 January 2020 (all students)
Term 1 concludes - 9 April 2020
Term 2 commences - 27 April 2020
Term 2 concludes - 26 June 2020
Term 3 commences - 21 July 2020
Term 3 concludes - 25 September 2020
Term 4 commences - 12 October 2020
Term 4 concludes - 9 December 2020