News From Around The School
WWHS Welcomes Rural Exchange Teacher
We're delighted to welcome Mr Scott Hogden to WWHS this year. Mr Hogden has joined us for one year as part of the Department of Education's Rural Experience exchange program. 'On loan' from Ballina Coast High School, Mr Hogden and his family were attracted by the opportunity to experience rural life, a small school and to have an enriching career and life experience. Mr Hogden will be teaching our Multi Category class and Science (Yrs 7, 8, 10).
Practicum Teacher - Cameron Cripps-Kennedy
We are really delighted to have had another practicum student with us this term in Cameron Cripps-Kennedy. Cameron hails from Sydney and is soon to complete a Masters of Teaching. Her practicum with WWHS was the final step in completing her Masters. Cameron will be staying on with us as a temporary teacher for Term 2.
A Teach Rural scholar, Cameron said a rural placement has always held great appeal. ‘Going where I knew I could really make a difference was my driving force, and rural schools have the greatest teacher shortage. So here I am’. Please join us in welcoming Cameron to Wee Waa High School.
Farewell Mr Riley
As term one draws to a close we bid farewell to Mr Jason Riley who, after teaching at Wee Waa High School for several years in our HSIE department and relieving as the head teacher, has accepted a transfer to Brisbane Water Secondary College to continue his teaching career. We wish Jason and his family all the best.
10 Week Placement Became 20 Years of Service
In 1994, as a young teaching graduate, Mrs Jo Horne accepted a 10 week casual assignment at Wee Waa High School and quickly made herself indispensable. This week Mrs Horne was acknowledged by the Department of Education for 20 years of service.
‘I’ve actually now been in Wee Waa for 29 years, but during this time I have had a couple of breaks and at other times worked part-time. All up, it amounts to 20 years of service.’ explained Mrs Horne.
‘I recall arriving in Wee Waa on Mothers Day 1994. I quickly settled in and found there was plenty I could help with at Wee Waa High. I started in the classroom teaching, then I combined that with working part-time in administration, then as the Quick Smart learning support assistant, and in more recent years as the school’s IT support officer.’
Relieving Principal, Mrs Neil said, ‘Mrs Horne has also been an invaluable support to our BushBots robotics team as a mentor, travelling with them to Houston when they were in the FIRST International Robotics world finals.’
‘An accomplished musician, Mrs Horne used to play in the school band and over the years has supported our gala nights playing various musical instruments.’
Stage 6 Industrial Technology – Timber
Students have been busily researching and compiling their Industry Study for their first assessment task. The class have been lucky to work with Built, contractors for the new school build, giving them unprecedented access to a multinational construction company. They are toured the site and met with several of the key personnel on site to understand their area of responsibility in the project.
Students are required to report on the impact of the business on the social and physical environment, as well as the structure of the Company's operations and Work Health and Safety considerations.
Stage 5 Science
Students will again have the opportunity to compete in the North West Science and Engineering Challenge, hosted by the University of Newcastle and the Rotary Club of Narrabri. This year’s Challenge will take place in May at the Crossing Theatre, Narrabri. Further information and expressions of interest will be distributed closer to the date.
$500 Flood Hardship Grant For WWHS Students
Information For Parents / Carers Wishing To Use The Grant As A Canteen Credit
Recently, the NSW Government allocated $500 to each student in flood affected communities. We have now received these funds and have allocated it to your child’s student account.
If you would like to use some or all of your child’s grant as a credit for food and beverage at the school canteen, we require you to return the $500 Flood Affected Community Grant form indicating your instructions. You will need to indicate the total amount you agree to allocate for canteen spending, including a daily spending limit. Please return the completed $500 grant form to the Wee Waa High School front office. A link to the Flood Hardship Grant Letter to parents can be found here.
Parents and carers wishing to use the grant to purchase school uniform items will need to visit our front office on these days and times;
- Monday from 8.00am till 9.30am
- Tuesday 2.00pm to 3.00pm
- Thursdays 12noon to 2.00pm
WWHS Changes Payment Portal Service Provider
Our school has recently changed the service provider we use for accepting online payments. What this means for you is that you will need to sign up to the new provider, School Bytes before you will be able to make any further online payments.
Please use this link to create your School Bytes account
This link will take you to a user guide
For anyone not wanting to use an online payment system, our front office staff are still able to take cash payments over the counter. An EFTPOS facility will be available once we have settled into our new school.
If you are having difficulty linking your child/children to the app, please contact our front office team and they can provide you with a linking code.