What's Been Happening!
Principal's Report
Last week we held our first P & C meeting for 2019 and it was very pleasing to welcome back our dedicated parents from 2018 and welcome new members to our group. The P & C provides a vital link between the school and the parent body. I encourage all to join us at our next meeting in April.
This Friday is our annual school swimming carnival. This is an important event on our yearly calendar. It is an important school spirit building event, an opportunity to celebrate our swimmers and most importantly with all the organised activities, a fun day for all students. I ask that you encourage your child to attend and be involved in the carnival.
Tuesday 5 March will see a group of our young STEM students heading off to Young for the Science and Engineering Challenge. It is pleasing to see students enjoying their STEM studies and being challenged while they do it. STEM is a growing focus in education, one we have embraced on a number of levels. Our Engineering elective class continues to be in high demand. I would also like to thank the Cowra Rotary Club for kindly sponsoring the trip by paying the travel costs for students.
Last week we hosted professional learning for teachers in the Cowra area. Teachers including Cowra High teachers were trained in the use of the Department’s STEM kits which schools can share. The kit includes robotics, 3-D printers and virtual reality equipment. It will be exciting when students gain use of these in Term 2.
Year 7 returned from camp last Wednesday. Based on the tired, but excited students getting off the bus on Wednesday night, the camp was a great success. The camp provided many opportunities for students to challenge themselves individually and build a team relationship with peers in Year 7. I congratulate both Year 7 for embracing the challenges put before them and the Year 11 Peer Leaders who guided them. Well done.
Speaking of camps, Year 11 will travel to Burrendong Sports and Recreation Camp where they will complete the Life Ready course that all seniors are required to complete before the HSC. The course will cover mental health & wellbeing, drugs & alcohol, safe travel and respectful relationships. These are important learning experiences for all students before they enter the world of independent adulthood.
Have a wonderful fortnight.
Charles Gauci
Election of House Captains
Recently House meetings were held to elect captains for 2019. Congratulations go to the following students on their election:
Kurrajong:
Captains: Ethan Funnell and Ginger Oliver
Vice Captains: Ryu Akima and Lillee Felton
Myall:
Captains: Jack Tarrant and Lucy Pattingale
Vice Captains: Reagan Newham and Alannah Knight
Brigalow:
Captains: Sam Fraser and Jade Browne
Vice Captains: Emerson Baratto and Maegan Carroll
Wandoo:
Captains: Josh Pokoney and Bella Waqa
Vice Captains: Tom Thuaux and Maisie Thompson
Good luck to everyone at the Swimming Carnival!
Library News
Great news – a FREE online version of the Macquarie Dictionary and Thesaurus is now available on a 3 months free trial for Cowra High School students, staff and families.
Simply drop/type the following internet address the address bar of your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer etc. to access the program. Or use (Control Click).
http://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/login?LoginName=cowrahighschool&Password=dictionary1
Keep Reading!
Phil Roxburgh
Teacher Librarian
Staff Professional Learning
Angela Edwards (School Counsellor) and I were able to participate in The Rock and Water training program held in Dubbo from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 February. This three day professional development training was delivered by Master Instructor Brian Hayes. The workshop attracted over 30 teachers, school counsellors and other professionals from throughout the Central West.
The aim of the program is to train workshop participants to provide experiences in the school setting that assist young people to develop a pathway to self-awareness, and increased self-confidence and social functioning. This is promoted through practical physical activities and discussions that are designed to improve individual self-control, and ultimately self-esteem. The Rock and Water course includes simple body awareness exercises, boundary and communication exercises and some basic self defence. A major focus is that of self reflection and respect for oneself and others.
The aim for Cowra High School will be to implement the Rock and Water training with selected groups of students, starting with the Stage 4 Support Unit students.
For further information on the Rock and Water program please go to https://www.rockandwater.com.au
Di St Clair
Year 11 Advisor
Bronze Medallion Recipients
Recently some Cowra High staff received their Bronze Medallion certificates. Congratulations goes to Alison Buckley, Kate Imrie, Casey Brien, Liz Pattingale, Kerrie Smith and Tim Berry. Thanks goes to Megan Robinson for organizing the course.
Community Luncheon
Recently our Community Liaison Team attended a luncheon in appreciation for the Cowra Bowling Club, Cowra Golf Club and the Cowra Services Club for providing funding to the local community. Cowra High School is very thankful for the support these three clubs provide to the school in the form of scholarships for the students for senior schooling and work experience.
