News From Around The School
Infinite Recharge - Robot Launch
Our robotics team proudly unveiled their latest robot to an appreciative gathering of sponsors, family and community members recently. Taken from the Star Wars series, this year’s competition theme is Infinite Recharge. The robot must be able to climb, chase and collect basketball sized balls and shoot them through a hoop from a distance, something that requires great accuracy both mechanically and in terms of coding, not to mention the controller’s skill.
Now in their fifth year of competing in the FIRST International Robotics Competition, our Bush Bots have welcomed several new and younger members to the team this year. A key objective with the program is to bring in younger members each year so that they can be mentored and enjoy several years in the team before they finish Year 12.
Coronavirus has meant that the competition date has been pushed back, allowing students around the world to continue to work on and refine their robot. ‘Given this extra time, it’s anticipated this year’s robots and their respective team members’ skills will be at an even higher level, but we love a challenge.’ explained team mentor and science teacher Mrs Grellman.
Year 11 & 12 Study Skills Get A Boost
To help our senior students develop advanced reading skills, habits that maximise study time, improve essay writing skills and develop relaxation techniques, Dr Kate Bricknell of Crossroads Education in Tamworth recently delivered a one day workshop that has already proved very beneficial.
On the back of great feedback from previous years senior students, Dr Bricknell’s workshop has become an annual fixture early in term one for Years 11 and 12.
New Sports Coordinator
Mrs Currey has taken over the baton as our Sports Coordinator after Mr Legge’s great contribution in this role the last few years.
Wee Waa High School enjoys a broad range of sports participation and representation and Mrs Currey said she looks forward fostering our students' love of sport and active participation
WWHS Performs Well At Fast 5 Netball Gala Day
Recently, Year 11 & 12 students travelled to Inverell to participate in a Netball NSW Fast 5 gala day where they played seven group games against schools from Armidale (OCC), Inverell HS & McIntyre HS, Bingara & Bundarra. Winning five of those matches meant our team qualified for the 3rd place play-off match against Inverell HS, which we won 10-7.
With only two substitutes for the day, everyone gave their best and contributed to some excellent team performances. Accompanying teacher, Mr Legge said ‘Our team played with great spirit and sportsmanship, and was a really enjoyable day for everyone.’
Thanks to accompanying parent, Lorraine Leonard for her assistance throughout the day.
A Lesson In Archaeology
Apart from structures that are still standing, most everyday items of past lives have all but disappeared; the exceptions are items that somehow became buried in the ground and preserved. Before digging, you must be mindful of the potential to cause damage to things embedded in the earth. Ancient artefacts are often extremely fragile. Mr Malcolm demonstrated just how difficult it is to excavate fragile items by having his Year 8 history class excavate the choc chips out of choc chip biscuits without damaging the choc chips themselves.
Conclusion – excavating is a painstaking and difficult process and you must be mindful of the fragility of what lays beneath. Oh, and choc chip biscuits are delicious!
WWHS Farewells Gary Stewart
Multi-skilled is the word that comes to mind when you think about Gary Stuart. Over the past seven years Gary has served variously as the High School’s Chaplain, General Assistant and Farm Assistant, not to mention a friend to many.
Gary’s broad skills, including; operating farm machinery, mending fences, working with stock, coupled with his interest in education and the welfare of students have earned him many friends during time at Wee Waa High School.
Gary and his wife, Virginia will shortly be moving to Bendemeer. At his recent farewell morning tea principal, Ms Doust thanked Gary for the many roles he has served in during his time with the school and for the care he has displayed for the wellbeing of students and his colleagues. ‘You will be missed and your service has been greatly appreciated.’ Ms Doust said ahead of great applause from staff.
Gary responded saying, ‘I’ve enjoyed being here. Seeing the students grow and develop as they have progressed through the school has been really rewarding.’
Exploring Planets And Our Solar System
Ms Bunner and Ms Pocock always make lessons interesting and fun. Students in our multi-category class have been exploring the order of planets in our solar system and each planet’s distance from the sun. Students created a scale model of the planets and their relative distance from the sun.
Studiosity - Free online study help for our Year 10, 11 and 12 students
Thanks to the University of New England, our senior students now have free access to
Australia’s favourite online, on-demand study help service, Studiosity.
What is it?
There are two ways students get study help:
Connect Live
Ask a question and get connected in real-time to an online Subject Specialist who helps
them figure it out on their own (available 24/7, for all core subject areas including English,
maths, science subjects, business studies and more).
Writing Feedback
Students can upload their draft written work, like essays, and in less than 24 hours they’ll
receive their document back with really useful, actionable feedback on how to improve it.
How do students log in?
Students will receive an email with a link to activate their free account. They simply follow
the prompts to set their password.
Then, they can log in anytime by finding their school at une.edu.au/homeworkhelp and
entering their email and password.
Why?
Every student gets stuck sometimes when they’re studying or doing homework. With
Studiosity, that never has to mean giving up, but can always mean persevering, figuring it
out and building confidence and resilience. Learning doesn’t have to stop when the bell
goes. With 24/7 access to support, every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Encourage your child to make use of this great service. Go to https://www.studiosity.com/une-schools or download this information sheet.