principaL's address
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Term 2 has been a very busy one. As we took off the masks we created a positive welcoming environment through many activities and events. Despite some staffing shortages, events didn’t have to be postponed. Pyjama Day was a memorable day marking the last day before Senior School exams. Staff and student involvement ensured this will become an annual event.
As the number of students testing positive to Covid-19 in the last two weeks has fallen, the number of staff testing positive has increased. We now have more than half our staff having had Covid-19 this term. Students absences during NAPLAN and exam periods have been disruptive. With extra catch up sessions, we managed to get most students through NAPLAN. Students requiring exam catch up was more complex and individualised. Mostly, it depended on if the student was up to sitting exams after being unwell.
The Year 10 exams were a learning opportunity for the students. While the marks are important, it is about the practise. In Semester 2, Year 10, 11 and 12 students will have the same timetable and Year 10 the same options. Year 7, 8 and 9 option subjects will change.
Next semester, we will welcome back Ms Karen Jolly as Student Services Manager for Year 7 and 8. I would like to thank Ms Angela Koios for all her hard work and dedication to Leeming over the last 12 months and wish her all the best at her new school.
Semester 1 reports are now available. I outlined in the last newsletter that these will include grades and attributes but no comments. Staff have been working on more ongoing feedback through parent contact, mainly via Connect. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s class teacher or Head of Learning Area in the first instance.
I would like to wish all the Leeming community a safe and restful term break. The first day of Term 3 is Monday 18 July. The pupil free day for Term 3 will be Monday 22 August (Week 6).
Mr B. Wallwork, Principal
TERM 3 PARENT PLANNER 2022
DATES TO REMEMBER
Hazardous Hills
The hills were alive with the sound of Mr Webb’s Year 11 Geography students seeking natural disasters of the fiery variety, specifically; previous disaster areas now regenerating from the ashes of previous wildfires. Trekking though the Perth Hills with expert Fire Rangers, they learnt that understanding the fire triangle of heat, fuel and oxygen and, how fires ignite and spread can help avert future disasters.
Election Predictions
Who could have predicted our recent election landslide? It turns out that Ms Bunch’s Year 11 Politics and Law students Arian Z. and Yasmina M. could, winning the class election prediction competition in a performance to equal that of election guru Anthony Green. And indeed it was his face that adorned the election expert prize folder that both received in recognition of their acuity.
Career in the city
Heading into the big city to seek one’s fortune is a time honoured tradition and after two years of Covid-19 hiatus, Years 10-12 Career and Enterprise students certainly considered themselves fortunate to attend the Careers and VET Expo at Perth Convention Centre with Ms Bunch, Ms Britton and Ms Murray. Seeking a fulfilling career as much as making a fortune, they enjoyed the unconventional exhibits, winning prizes in educational challenges whilst evaluating career opportunities with the help of a myriad industry of representatives.
MONOPOLY GO!
A pleasant surprise awaited Ms Flynn’s Year 9 Economics students when their lesson on interactions between producers, consumers, government and financial institutions revealed itself to be an interactive group simulation featuring a familiar top hat and handlebar moustache. As each circular flow past “Go” resulted in a crisp $200, students were well equipped to enter the housing and utility markets with the intent to build a monopoly.
law of the street
Street Law entered the Year 8 HASS classroom in the form of Murdoch University Law students Hussain, Alea and Jennifer, who shared their understanding of everything legal with Leeming’s AEP amateur sleuths. From the dark world of criminal law to the lighter side of nuisance neighbours, students agreed that the full force of the law was nothing short of fantastic!
museum of Australian Democracy
Recent world events have convinced many young people that eternal vigilance may actually be necessary to preserve our democracy. With this in mind, Ms Murray’s Year 8 students decided to make a museum style exhibition of Australian Democracy, focusing on the methods of active participation already available for pre-voting students. Direct action on a number of landmark political issues from the Wave Hill Walkoff to the Student Strikes for Climate Action were analysed and evaluated in walkthrough walls of engaging and educational posters, interactive presentations and models of exceptional interest and quality.
Ms R. Murray, HASS Teacher
Media
Year 10 Media students in Mr Williams' class are finishing Film Noir productions they have been working on during Semester 1. The final films will be finished soon. We are looking forward to a viewing afternoon of the finished films. This has been a tremendous activity with a lot of creativity and skills put into some terrific work.
Mr M. Williams, Arts HoLA
Graphic Design
Campaign Logo
The Year 12 Graphic Design students developed a campaign logo design to advertise a good cause throughout Semester 1. Once their design was created, students then screen printed their logo onto a T-shirt as a way to create awareness for their cause.
Headphone Package Designing
Year 9 students experimented with package designs for headphones. Their goal was to create an attractive design that met the desired target audience. Students built a functional package design and then used Adobe Illustrator to design the aesthetic look.
Ms S. Buckland, Graphic Design Teacher
Library News
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE UPDATE
We had the amazing pirate ship and red plane land and park in the Library for a while, displaying a huge range of books . Students have been selecting from the ever-changing display of books and quite a few students are building some very lengthy lists of books they have read!!
There are heaps of prizes to be won and all you have to do is relax and enjoy reading at least 12 books by September!!!
Pyjama Day also attracted quite a few students lounging around in the Kloud Sacs and reading in some very comfortable PJs.
Premier's message on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website:
“Congratulations on taking the first step towards your reading adventure. Books, in all their forms, unlock millions of opportunities and pathways to new worlds and adventures. I encourage you to get involved and unleash your imagination.”
Hon. Mark McGowan MLA, Premier of Western Australia
REGIONAL VIRTUAL CHESS TOURNAMENT
A fantastic effort by the following students who represented Leeming SHS in the Regional Virtual Chess Tournament. They competed against local teams as well as teams from South Australia and Tasmania.
The Year 12 Team placed 5th, being lead very ably by Josh S.
The Middle Team comprised of Year 7-9 students performed really well with every student playing well above their rating. This was the first tournament for some of the students who managed to help achieve a very respectable 5th place.
- Rama L. C.
- Ting W.
- Juheon H.
- Lachlan B.
- William R.
- Elgene H.
- Azka H.
- Hector F.
- Lukas Z.
- Thilina K.
- Aiden E.
Clubs and STEM projects will all be happening next term, so check the “What’s On This Week in the Library” board to keep up to date.
A reminder to select your holiday reading and don’t forget about the eBooks.
Ms C. Steel, Teacher Librarian
.
Year 8 English
The Year 8s have been reading the novel Holes by Louis Sachar this term and are thoroughly enjoying it. One of the characters in the novel, Katherine Barlow, makes a special peach dish called ‘Sploosh’. Stanley and Zero enjoy this pickled peaches dish while climbing the God’s Thumb.
Our class decided to recreate this recipe, based on the recipe in the book. On Tuesday 17 May we went to the Home Economics room and made ‘Sploosh', which all the students took home a jar of.
Students really enjoyed a different kind of challenge in English and dare I say ‘Sploosh’ was a hit!
We’d like to thank our practicum student, Ms Ramsay as well as our Home Economics teacher Ms Hayrebet and Ms D., one of our Education Assistants, for helping us.
Ms U. Kulasekera, English Teacher
Science and Technology Academy
WISE Women Showcase
Murdoch University hosted the WISE Women Showcase on Thursday 9 June. Ms Hansen and Dr Janes took 21 girls on the excursion. The day commenced with a keynote talk from a young female scientist, Lilijana Nicholls, who spoke about her own journey to University and career in Biology, Toxicology and Criminology, after gaining entry with a Certificate. IV at the age of 16.
Following the keynote lecture, the students participated in a Nursing workshop. In this workshop groups of 3 had to use medical diagnostic evidence to break into a secure box. They had to analyse heart ECG traces, chest x-rays and blood analysis data.
In the second workshop, students worked in teams to solve a cold case murder by using charts to estimate time of death, photographic evidence, witness statements and pathology reports.
The day ended with a Q & A session with women in STEM whose careers span Neuroscience and Alzheimer's research, Environmental Conversation, Information Technology and STEM outreach.
The WISE women excursion is an opportunity for students to spend a day within a University setting and explore the vast range of courses offered by Murdoch University and pathways into STEM careers.
Mind Mash
A group of Year 8 and 9 STA student are participating in the Mind Mash Robotics Program. A 6-week program where students will develop their problem solving skills to program an EV3 Lego Mindstorm robot to complete a range of tasks in the First Lego League arena within a set time frame.
There have been some awesome efforts in programming and designing the robots so far, I look forward to seeing the results in the upcoming final session!
Term 2 Challenge - Tank Stand Slam
The 2022 Term 2 challenge is now underway with some excellent designs being produced by the Year 7 students. The aim of the challenge is to design and construct the strongest model paper tank stand. It is to be made from 1 sheet of A4 paper, and needs to support a bucket containing water at least 5cm from the ground. STA points are awarded to the participants for every litre of water the stand is able to support.
Congratulations to the winners; Nate C, Oliver C, Zara S, Sebastian D. and Dylan A. who created towers able to support a bucket with 10 litres of water, earning the maximum amount of STA points.
Mr J. Stubberfield, Science and Technology Academy Coordinator
French
Year 9
To finish a tough Semester 1, 2022, the Year 9s were involved with a very important French event. After having an understanding of Bastille Day on 14 July (Indépendant day in France) they created a French Flag Macaron with white chocolate ganache.
With only 2 hour classes, they produced amazing macarons, with the colour shells blue and red, the colours of the people of France before the French Revolution of 1789, and the white in the middle, representing the King's colour made with white chocolate ganache.
Et Vive la France!
Year 10
To celebrate the end of this semester, the Year 10s tackled a very extended French recipe with a famous French cake called "La Charlotte". The specificity of this cake is that it does not require any cooking time in the oven. It can be made with any type of mousse such as white chocolate mousse or dark chocolate mousse, as well as any fruits, for example, pear, apple, raspberries, blue berries etc. Whatever you fancy! An adult version can be made adding some 'Eau de Vie' with the fruits. The students created this in 2 hours, starting from the biscuit base, to the chocolate mousse. They learnt to assemble the whole cake. What a very fun time we had! We had a little disaster with the biscuits to start with, however, every cake looked superb and were delicious to eat! Well done to my French team. Bon Appétit!
Mme F. Spears, French Teacher
Japanese Language Intern Program
Leeming SHS is seeking to establish a pool of Volunteer Language Interns who will be trained to provide small-group tuition and language support to our Japanese Specialist and ATAR students.
Interns must be current university students with sufficient proficiency in the Japanese Language to support students up to and including Year 12 ATAR Japanese.
For details on Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process, please contact Ms. Joanne Sgro:
Testimonial from Clare (2021 Language Intern):
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a language intern at Leeming Senior High School. I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone with an interest in Japanese or education. Sarah is a highly competent teacher with great insight into maximising student learning. As a teaching student it has been invaluable for me to observe and assist her Japanese lessons. Not only has this given me a better understanding of how Japanese teaching works, but it has equipped me with strategies that I plan to use in my own classroom. This program has been such an enjoyable experience, and I would encourage anyone to apply."
Testimonial from Amy (2020 Language Intern):
"My experience as a language intern at Leeming Senior High School has been unforgettable. Having the opportunity to aid a secondary Japanese teacher in her classroom has given me the hands-on experience that I wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to do. Throughout the last two terms, I have assisted the year 7, 9, 11 and 12 classes every Thursday with their Japanese language learning. I have learnt so much about what it means to be a teacher by observing and assisting Sarah during her classes and this internship has equipped me with the much-needed skills to become a secondary teacher in the future. Sarah has been such an amazing teacher, not only to her students, but to me. I would highly recommend other students learning Japanese or studying education to apply for this internship as it will open many new doors for you and allow you to see what it’s like to be a teacher."
Ms J. Sgro, Japanese Specialist Teacher
Children, Family and the Community
Year 11 Children Family and the Community students have put together a care package for the families in need through the Salvation Army. The packages include one item they have made, food items, hygiene products and items for warmth, to name a few.
More packages are being put together and a representative from the Salvation Army will be picking them up in Week 10.
The Certificate II Community Services students have also been busy making soup for the Salvation Army to provide meals for the homeless.
Thank you to the Year 10 Hospitality students who are selling coffees to staff each week, which provides the funds to be able to make the soup and sandwiches to support the great work of the Salvation Army.
Ms I. Hayrebet, Home Economics Teacher
Metals and Engineering
Rumblings from the Shed
It has been a busy and hectic first semester in the shed.
The nature of the Metals and Engineering course is to equip students with practical hands-on skills that they can use to produce projects that are both functional and challenging.
All the students have worked hard throughout the semester to produce some outstanding work, and I would like to acknowledge our future women engineers who have been pushing the boundaries this semester to produce some excellent projects.
I am looking forward to Semester 2 with this bunch of dedicated and committed students.
Keep up the good work.
Mr S. Heatherly, Design & Technology Teacher
Chaplain's Chat
Who Packs Your Parachute?
Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands.
"...I was a fighter pilot, and he was just a sailor.”
One day, years later, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, “You’re Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!”
“How in the world did you know that?” asked Plumb.
“I packed your parachute,” the man replied.
Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, “I guess it worked!” Plumb assured him, “It sure did. If your chute hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Plumb couldn’t sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, “I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat, a bib in the back and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?’ or anything, because, you see, I was a fighter pilot, and he was just a sailor.”
Plumb thought of the hours the sailor had spent on a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn’t know.
So Who's Packing Your Parachute?
Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. Plumb also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory. He needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety.
Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important.
We may fail to say "hello," "please," or "thank you," congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment or just do something nice for no reason. Make their day!
Mr C. Hough, The Chaplain
Chronic Illness and School Attendance
Health News
Hello Parents/Guardians,
It has been a busy term with students doing exams and staff marking papers and they have all managed well. I wish students all the very best in the exam results and a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday to students and families.
See you next term all rejuvenated and rested.
Colds
Upper respiratory tract infections or colds are everywhere, especially in winter, so it is almost impossible to stop children from catching them. Here are some points which may help:
- Teach your child to cover his/her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and to wash hands straight afterwards.
- Hands should be washed after blowing noses and before eating.
- Use tissues once and then throw them in the bin. (Avoid using handkerchiefs).
- Keep your child home from school if he/she has a cold/cough/fever/pain and do a RAT test before your child returns to school.
- Make sure that your children eat a balanced diet of plenty of healthy foods.
- Keep children away from smoke – it irritates their eyes and nasal passages, making it more likely that they will catch a cold.
What to do if your child gets a cold?
No treatment will cure a cold or make it go away more quickly, but you can help your child feel more comfortable:
- Rest: This need not be in bed.
- Provide extra drinks: If your child doesn’t want to drink much, try giving lots of small sips of water, milk or juice, or ice blocks to suck for older children.
Hand Washing
Washing hands is the easiest way to protect ourselves from contagious diseases, like colds, influenza and gastroenteritis. Hands should be washed before and after eating or preparing food, after going to the toilet and after nose blowing.
Alcohol based sanitisers are useful when soap and water is not available. Use a half a teaspoon of the product and encourage your child to rub the hands together until they’re dry. If you can see dirt on the hands, it is better to use soap and water. Information taken from www.raisingchildren.net.au.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia's peak body for health advice, recommends annual vaccination for anyone six months of age or older who wants to reduce their chances of becoming ill with the flu. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination against flu and protection lasts about a year.
The seasonal flu vaccine is available prior to winter starting and it is free this year until 30 June 2022 from all chemists. For more up to date information is now available on the HealthyWA website, or contact your GP or chemist.
Dental Health Services for School Children
Parents/Guardians of school aged children reminder about the importance of accessing dental services for your child’s teeth annually or as needed.
- The School Dental Service is a free, public, dental health program available to all children of eligible age in Western Australia, whether they are enrolled in a public or private school. The service is funded by the Department of Health.
- Treatment is limited to general care and there are a number of exclusions, for example, specialist services such as orthodontics and oral surgery. Treatment outside the scope of the School Dental Service is referred to other providers and any costs are the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
- Children are eligible for the School Dental Service from the year they turn five until the end of Year 11 or 17 years of age, whichever comes first.
- Community Health Nurses can refer children to the School Dental Services by direct phone call to the clinic or via the parent who will be required to attend the first visit with their child.
- To find out where the local School Dental Service is located, call 9313 0555 or visit http://www.dental.wa.gov.au/ . Community health staff, parents and teachers can visit the website to access dental health resources.
The closest Dental Service to Leeming SHS is:
- Leeming Dental Therapy Clinic, 15 Meharry Rd, Leeming. Tel No: 9332 3194
- South lakes Dental Therapy Centre 62 Mason Crt,South Lake Tel No: 9417 3242
- Willetton Dental Therapy Clinic 14 Woodpecker Ave, Willetton Tel No: 9457 4624
- Students in Year 12 and 17 year olds with a health care card are eligible for general dental care at a Public Dental Clinic.
- To assist children/carers/parents to understand services and dental treatment being provided, Dental Health Services can arrange interpreters at no cost to families. Interpreters are available by appointment and their use must be authorised by Dental Health Services staff.
- An after-hours emergency service operates 7 days a week between the hours of 6.30pm - 8.00am and can be reached on 9325 3452. This service is only to be used for immediate and urgent dental attention.
- The Oral Health Centre at the University of WA is part of the Western Australian public dental system. General dental services are provided to eligible public patients. Public dental services are available from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, by calling 9346 4400.
- The Child Dental Benefits Schedule provide financial support for basic dental services for children aged 2–17years, who receive, (or their family, guardian or carer receives) certain government benefits such as Family Tax Benefit Part A. For further information, visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-dental-benefits-schedule
Dental care over the School Holidays:
Leeming Dental Therapy Centre will be open the first week of the school holidays from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm and will reopen again from 8.15am on Monday 18 July. For emergency cover for the remainder of the holidays, 8am to 4pm, please phone:
- Friday 8 July: Caralee DTC 9337 6818
- Monday 11th - Friday 15th July: Palmyra DTC 9339 4868
- For Afterhours Emergencies please phone 1800 098 818 from 6.30pm to 8am.
Ms D. Kitak, School Nurse
Push-up Challenge for Lifeline
From 1 to 24 June 2022, groups of Year 7 students took part in the Push-up challenge. Over this period of time, each group completed 3139 push-ups/sit-ups which represented the number of people who died by suicide in Australia in 2020.
The Year 7's also took this opportunity to raise some money that will be sent to Lifeline who ensure that critical support services are accessible to anyone who needs them anytime, anywhere, and in the way those who need support feel most comfortable.
Well done Year 7s!
Mr D. Webb, Year 7 Coordinator
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Please note the Uniform Shop has winter clothes available for purchasing. Scarves, tracksuit pants and jackets can be purchased during opening hours : Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:15 am - 1:45 pm.
Hooded jumpers, football jumpers, and jumpers with logo are not acceptable.
course selection and careers expo
Year 10, 11 and 12 students and parents. Please save the date! Wednesday 20 July (Week 1, Term 3) from 5-8 pm we will run Course Selection presentations for Year 10 students and a mini Careers Expo with Universities and Industry to assist our Year 10, 11 and 12 families choose their future pathways. We are very excited to bring this wealth of information to the school, and would love to see you all! More information will go out on Connect very soon.
Our next Newsletter will be published in Term 3, Week 4, 2022
Credits:
Created with images by stokpic - "hands world map" • Africa Studio - "Movie clapper, filmstrip and lenses on wooden background, top view" • projectio - "Books on wooden desk table and abstract background. Education background. Copy Space. Back to school." • padrinan - "green art wood" • oksix - "Laboratory tubes" • BiljaST - "blackboard learn language" • M.studio - "fruit and vegetable on wood background" • andov - "The manufacture of metal products on grinding equipment." • dream_stock - "Back to school. Notebook, apple and colored pencil on school table" • Unknown - "HD wallpaper: Health Care - Healthcare - Cardiology Care ..." • Unknown - "Colour Paint Daubs Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures"