LMHS Smooth Sailing Newsletter - Term 2 2022

Our SHINE Performing Art and Dance Co also amazed our local primary schools travelling to perform their Semester 1 performance achievements. This was monumental as we have not had opportunities to visit our partner primary schools since the pandemic started. Fingers crossed this will become a regular event, linking our primary students into Lake Munmorah High School.

Our SHINE Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Dance Co and newly established Dramatic Arts students travelled to the partner primary school to deliver high quality High Potential Gifted Education taster lessons. This opportunity was amazing for the primary students and high school students in teaching younger students their craft and inspire the future students of Lake Munmorah High School.

Ending the term with “A Night at the Doylo” showcasing some of the amazing talents at Lake Munmorah High School. Students are to be proud of their achievements performing in our local community celebrating achievements of Semester 1. A big thank you to Mr Bariner and the CAPA team for making this event such a success.

Art Adventure '22 to Hobart (TAS)

Senior Creative Arts students have spent the last three days in Tasmania exploring the galleries and cultural activities. Friday we caught the ferry up the river Derwent to MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art) followed by street eat markets by the harbour. Saturady we explored the Salamanca markets and visited TMAG (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery). An amazing experience for our fantastic CAPA students! A big thank you to Mr Davis, Mrs Hillier and Mrs Harris for making this excursion possible.

Next term we will be focusing on our HSC students as practical exams and major work submissions are due throughout the term. I friendly reminder to keep on top of study, practise, art making and health as we head into a crazy, fun yet exciting term. Keep your eyes on canvas and the Facebook pages for up and coming HSC performance evenings, concerts and examinations. Best of luck next term year 12.

Mrs Harris

Rel Head Teacher CAPA

Science - Faculty Report

Students in science were working hard all term and developing their science skills.

Year 7 – Learnt about the Earth’s structure and layers

Year 8 – Were developing their biological and ecological knowledge. From tiny microbes to whole ecosystems

Year 9 – learnt all about how their bodies protect them from diseases and how their immune system works

Year 10 – Were learning all about chemistry and chemical reactions.

Year 11 Biology students attended a Field Trip to the Norah Heads rock platform. The Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre assisted students with identification and conducting surveys of flora and fauna. It was a beautiful day and our students were praised for their conduct and engagement by the Rumbalara staff!

STEM

Year 7 STEM have been building their cardboard model planes. Next term they can look forward to building their planes from balsa wood and doing some flight testing of their models!

Year 8 STEM have covered either technology or construction this Semester.

Construction classes –The major project this semester has been the construction of the carbon dioxide cars. Where they have worked to design, construct and race their designs against their peers

Technology classes – They have completed challenges by using the LEGO Mindstorm kits to build a robot and then programming it to fulfill the in class challenges. This has taught them valuable skills in programming. They will also have developed their drone flying skills. Learning how to pilot a drone from connection to devices to flying through an obstacle course!

English - Faculty Report

D.E.A.R Reading

This year in English our focus is to encourage our students to engage in independent reading for pleasure through D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read). With the introduction of 100’s of brand-new books, spanning all categories of literature, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Each of our classes from stages 4 – 6 engage in this program for at least one period a fortnight, and more frequently for juniors.

Here are some of our students in 8K enjoying some of our new books.

From left to right: Rayah K, Bella B, and Kaiden L

Year 7 Term 2: Visual Literacy

Our year 7 students studied visual literacy this term. They demonstrated a keen interest in the study of visual texts such as picture books, art and photographs. Throughout this term they developed deep understanding of the ways visual techniques are used to create meaning. Many of our students even dabbled in the creation of their own visual texts such as picture books and posters to advertise movies and video games. Below are some examples from our talented students.

Well done to our year 7 students for all their hard work this term!

Year 8 English

Last term Year 8 students engaged in the study of poetry. While doing so they expanded their minds to the joys of rhyme and played with the endless possibilities that come with creating poems. Students have developed proficiency in learning the rules and history of some of the more complex poems, such as Shakespearean Sonnets, while also delving into contemporary free verse such as black-out poetry and shape poems.

In Term 2, Year 8 studied non-fiction, with a focus on the text Black Snake, a biography of Ned Kelly. Their assessment task saw them create an extended piece of writing, in response to the question "Was Ned Kelly a hero or a villain?". This question brought about many passionate opinions and saw our young learners source evidence and examples to justify their ideas. Great job Year 8! The English faculty is very proud of all our budding bards.

Year 9 English

Last term Year 9 took part in a study of genre. Classes focused on either horror or comedy as their respective units – analysing and breaking down key texts relative to each topic. Ranging from the likes of ‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allen Poe to ‘The Three Stooges’ directed by the Farrelly Brothers, all students have gained an in depth understanding of the creative process. Year 9 should be proud of their efforts!

Year 10 English

Last term year 10 read a range of novels, each dealing with themes surrounding homelessness, youth, friendship, culture, and acceptance. Year 10 have participated in several analytical and creative activities, producing some very insightful work in response to these themes.

Here are some of our students in 10K studying for their exam. From left to right: Jack T, Tennesyn H, Nellie C, Nevaeh W, Charli S, Haylie M.

Year 11 Standard English

This term Year 11 have engaged in a unit called Contemporary Possibilities. Many students were delighted to find out that they were studying the BBC text of Sherlock. They investigated and analysed how the original text was adapted for the modern audience, also including the use of digitally interactive websites. The students produced interesting multimodals that asked them to analyse aspects of the film, verbally and visually. This will prepare them for the HSC Common Module in Term 4.

Year 12 English Standard

Year 12 Standard students are counting down to their HSC. They have recently finished the Craft of Writing module and created interesting narrative and discursive texts inspired by authors such as Ray Bradbury, Helen Garner, J.K. Rowling and Luka Lesson. Students are currently studying their very last unit, Eckermann. Trials next. Keep working hard Year 12, you are almost there!

Year 11 Advanced English

The Reading to Write module was the first unit that Year 11 Standard studied this year. Students read a variety of texts from authors such as Ray Bradbury, Margaret Atwood and James Herbert and critically evaluated on their textual qualities. Students created fantastic writing portfolios that reflected their creatively and also completed the ‘nerve-wracking’ Viva Voces. Well done Year 11 Advanced!

This term students started their comparative study of Handmaids Tale and V for Vendetta.

Year 12 Advanced English

Students studied Module A: Textual Conversations last term. Deeply engaging with two texts: The Tempest by Shakespeare and Hag Seed by Margaret Atwood students explored the connections between texts and context. Year 12 Advanced English also practiced numerous timed essay writing which will benefit them for their assessment task and HSC papers. Students also spent time crafting study timetables and access the resources for revision on Edrolo to be better prepared for the upcoming HSC examinations. https://edrolo.com.au/account/login/?next=/account/

Sport Report

Term 2 has been a busy term for sport at LMHS. We have had some great success in both our team sports and our individual sports.

Zone Cross Country

It began with the Eastlakes Zone Cross Country which was held at Gwandalan and students from LMHS competed against students from Swansea, Belmont, Whitebridge and Warners Bay to be selected to represent the Eastlakes Zone at the Regional Championships. Great running by all involved! Congratulations to Heidi S, Kaley B, Kaylee N, Phoebe W, Blake K, Kye N, Kallen M and Tyler M who were selected to compete at the Regional Championships.

Regional Cross Country

After qualifying through the Zone Championships, we had a great team compete at the Hunter Championships against the best runners in the Hunter Region which spans from Lake Munmorah in the South, up to Taree in the North and out to Merriwa in the West. Congratulations to Heidi S, Kaley B, Phoebe W, Blake K and Kallen M who represented our school at this level. Special congratulations to Phoebe W who has qualified to represent our School at the NSW All Schools Championships against the best runners in the state early next term. Congratulations also to Blake K who has been selected as the first reserve after just narrowly missing selection.

Zone Athletics

Unfortunately our School Athletics carnival had to be cancelled due to the ongoing rain, however we still had a great team nominate to compete at the Eastlakes Zone Athletics Championships. Congratulations to the following students who placed in the top 2 in their events and have qualified for the Hunter Regional Championships on Wednesday 27th July:

Addison B –1st U13 100m, 1st 200m, 2nd 400m

Phoebe W- 2nd 17+ 200m, 1st High Jump, 2nd Shot Put, 2nd Discus, 2nd Javelin,

Kallen M – 2nd U16 800m, 2nd 1500m, 2nd Discus,

Heidi S – 2nd U15 Discus,

Georgie H – 2nd U14 100m

Kye H – 17+ Discus

Special mention to the following students who placed well in the overall age championships which involves points from places in all their events combined:

Addison B – overall runner up U13 age champion

Heidi S – overall 3rd U15 age champion

Kallen M – overall 2nd U16 age champion

Phoebe W overall 2nd 17+ age champion

Netball NSW Schools Cup

Our TSP Netball girls had a great day at the Netball NSW Schools Cup held in Gosford at the beginning of the term. Congratulations to our Year 8 Team who went through the day undefeated and qualified for the Regional Championships which will be held on Wednesday 3rd August (Week 3 next term).

Our Year 9 Team and Year 10 Team both played some brilliant Netball to finish 3rd in their pools and just missed out on qualifying for Regional.

Our 7 Team did a great job representing our school against older teams.

Overall, it was a great day with the girls all demonstrating great sportsmanship and many thanks to Angelina B in Year 12 who helped with a full day of umpiring and Phoebe W for assisting with coaching and mentoring the younger students.

Eastlakes Open Girls Netball

Our second Netball carnival for the term saw our senior girls compete in the Eastlakes Championships. The girls had a great day, mixed in with some sadness as it was the last opportunity for a number of our Year 12 girls for School Netball. The girls had some great wins and once again were exemplary in their attitude and sportsmanship.

Tennis

This year we had a team head compete in the CHS Tennis Knockout. This was a great day where we competed against Merewether HS for a chance in the Regional Finals. Unfortunately, we did not progress, however the boys learnt a lot from the day and once again represented our school proudly.

Girls Rugby League

Our U14's and U16's girls Rugby League teams competed in the Katrina Fanning Cup competitions. Both teams were extremely competitive in their round robin games. There were a number of girls that experienced Rugby League for the first time and had a great day.

We would also like to congratulate Kiara K and Brooklyn L on their selection into the U16's Northern Girls Rugby League side to compete at the NSWCHS carnival Week 4 next term. Good Luck girls.

U14's

• Summer T
• Kira W
• Chelsea B
• Tara A
• Shae H
• Kalarnie H
• Chloe D-P
• Allyra M
• Rubee C
• Taylah J
• Tiana E

U16's

• Maddy D
• Milly K
• Kiara K
• Sharni P
• Summer T
• Shaleah W
• Shayla W
• Emily H
• Brooklyn L
• Bella-R P

Boys Futsal

Our Under 14's Boys Futsal team competed in the NSW Futsal competition on Tuesday the 21st of June. The boys were placed in a very competitive pool with a number of sports schools being in that pool. Our team showed incredible resilience on the day and started to show the fundamentals of team work, spatial awareness and fitness that they have been working on during the TSP training sessions. Well done boys! And a massive thank you to Mr Bolte and Prac Student Mr Blain for taking the team on the day.

Aboriginal Education

Yaama Everyone,

There has been plenty of activities and programs happening in Aboriginal Education this term. Students have had the opportunity to participate in the Dhinewan Mentoring program, Literacy & Numeracy groups, NRL S2W program, Maquarie University CLS Walanga Muru program, Ngura program, Muru Bulbi & UoN PVC numeracy gala days, University of Newcastle emerging days and a cultural leadership excursion with the Cronulla Sharks. Well done to the following students who received attendance awards throughout term two:

- Week 1 – Jarred W

- Week 2 – Lolli W

- Week 3 – Lucy F

- Week4 – Charlotte F

- Week 5 – Jarod P

- Week 6 – Nicholas O

- Week 7 – Kalarnie H

- Week 8 – Mylee P

- Week 9 – Cooper M

- Week 10 – Kael P

Each of these students received a $30 gift voucher. A special mention to Beau M who maintained 100% attendance for the term!

Next term we will hold our NADOC celebrations and this year's NAIDOC theme is 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!'. Whether it’s seeking proper environmental, cultural and heritage protections, Constitutional change, a comprehensive process of truth-telling, working towards treaties, or calling out racism—we must do it together. We all must continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change and keep rallying around our mob, our Elders, our communities.

We had 2 executive staff who attended the Connecting to Country workshops in Term 2. Staff enjoyed the 3 days out on Country and we are looking forward to upcoming PL in 2022, which includes Turning Policy into Action and Personal Learning Pathways (PLP).

Staff mentors have started the process of completing PLPs for 2022. We held our first Yarn Up on Monday 20th June (Term 2 Week 9), with students presenting a weaving workshop and cooking up some bush tucker and making coffee for our families and community. A special mention to Charlotte F who did a live performance. We look forward to seeing our students achieve their PLP goals and will host another Yarn Up late in Term 4 to celebrate our student successes for 2022.

A huge congratulations must go to Tennesyn H, Trey O, Emily H and Ethan A who all accepted scholarships for the Central Coast Academy of Sport. These 4 students were selected from over 100 nominations to participate in the CCAS Talent ID program.

We have also had several senior students who have been accepted into university programs that will take place during these school holidays. Dylan M has been selected as one of 20 students in NSW to participate in the Indigenous Australian Engineering School (IAES) at the University of Sydney. Shai, Latonia and Kahlia have also been accepted into the Macquarie University Camp Aspire program in their chosen fields. Connor C has accepted his place in the RAAF Indigenous Youth program that will take place in September at the RAAF base in Williamtown. Congratulations to all of our students and their achievements.

We look forward to more exciting opportunities in Term 3. I hope you all have a relaxed and refreshing break and look forward to seeing you all next term!

Mr Brendan Quigg

Head Teacher Aboriginal Education & Transitional Pathways

Wellbeing

There has been a lot happening this term, in addition to the Wellbeing Programs outlined below. Our 'Wellbeing Hub' has continued running 'Breakfast Club' each morning from 7:30am to 8:00 am, been open periods 1-5 for student support and also been open both breaks for student to socialise as well as access wellbeing support and food.

I would like to congratulate and welcome to the Wellbeing Team Mrs. Georgina Ward, who was successful in becoming the 2023 Yr. 7 Year Advisor and Mr. Luke Barnier who was successful in becoming the 2023 Yr. 7 Assistant Year Advisor. They have already begun the process of meeting and guiding the current Year 6 students from our partner primary schools and will continue to do so throughout this year and into the future.

RAGE PROGRAM

During Term 2 Oasis Staff facilitated the RAGE program which is an emotional regulation program that introduces the topics of: reflecting on anger, recognizing anger symptoms & identifying the different faces of anger.

RAGE is a strengths-based anger management program.

It is a solution focused program that is hands on, practical and also fun for participants.

YMCA – LAKE HAVEN

Over the duration of the Term some of our LMHS Students have been succesful in obtaining their First Aid Certificates and White Cards through the YMCA Y-Space. This coming September we will be taking a group of interested students to the Employment Now Youth Career Expo.

LIFECHANGER

LifeChanger’s vision is to build more resilient teenagers by... Empowering teenagers through positive self-identity Identifying and developing inspiring community mentors Supporting, sustainable, connected communities

Life Changer have facilitated Mentoring and Leadership Workshops for Year 10.

Year 8 – Activation, Health, Skills, Self & Purpose Workshops

Year 7 – Immersion Program

RYSS

During Term two the team from Regional Youth Support Services visited our school to facilitate Anti Bullying and De-Escalate Programs. We thank RYSS for their ongoing support and services.

RYSS Regional Youth Support Services (‘RYSS’) is a leading, locally based child and youth registered charity and Not For Profit agency, delivering frontline youth support services and innovative engagement strategies to vulnerable young people between the ages of 12 and 25, and their families in communities throughout the NSW Central Coast.

FOR RYSS SUPPORT EMAIL: reachout@ryss.com.au

LOVE BiTES

Year 10 Engaged in the Love Bites Program facilitated by Coast Shelter

• Rights and responsibilities in a relationships
• Abuse in a relationship
• Attitudes and beliefs
• Sexual violence and the law
• My ideal relationship
• Consent
• Active bystander
• Seeking help
• Creative Session

POLICE TALKS

School Liaison Police are officers who work with high schools to reduce youth crime, violence and anti-social behaviour through educational programs, which model respect and responsibility. This Term we have had Senior Constable Kim Smith attend our school and work with all our students through current trending issues – “Do you know what you are vaping?”, violence, assault, anger and mental health. A big shout out to Silus from Headspace who also assisted in the Mental Health and Wellbeing workshops.

Informing and promoting the risks associated with vaping is the key strategy we have collectively, and it is effective if collaboratively as a community we are sending out the same messaging when the opportunity arises. Greater child safety risks are currently attached to anti-vaping technology and is not supported by both the DoE Safety and Security and Legal Services Units.

The Health NSW Vaping Toolkit is found at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/vaping

The Vaping toolkit is a collection of resources and creative assets designed to raise awareness of the health risks of using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes). These resources can be used by us as parents to embed the messaging when appropriate if the message gets through to one child, it’s working.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN - NATIONS OF ORIGIN

https://youtu.be/aYm7mrZHuoM

GOOD LUCK to our Students participating in the Nations of Origin during the holidays

TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL

This term we invited Yr. 5 and 6 students and their parents and carers to our 'Information afternoon and faculty showcase'. This was an opportunity to discuss the upcoming transition process, take a tour of Lake Munmorah High School and gain insight into the subjects offered at High School.

We also invited Feeder Primary School Year 6 students to our 'Taster Lesson' days where students had the opportunity to experience Science, Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) lesson, a Science lesson and a Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) lesson.

In addition to this our staff and students have been visiting each of our Feeder Primary Schools. Mrs. Georgina Ward (2023 Yr. 7. Year Advisor) & Mr Luke Barnier (2023 Yr. 7 Assistant Year Advisor) presented and to run 'Targeted Sports Program' (TSP) and 'Shine' (Performing Arts, Creative Arts, Dramatic Arts and Dance) workshops with Yr. 5 and 6 students.

MEET OUR CHAPLAIN!

Introduction time…

Hi all, my name is Laurinda Lawrence, and I am LMHS school Chaplain. I can be found on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays within the Wellbeing Hub as a part of the Student Wellbeing team.

Before I tell you more about my role, a little about me…

I grew up on an oyster farm on the Central Coast and now live in Newcastle with my husband and three children, daughters 20 and 18, and a son, 15. My interests include camping, music, and true crime podcasts. I am also a published author of two novels with one soon to be published. I’ve worked extensively with youth and children for over twenty years, and in the role of a school chaplain for the past seven.

A chaplain’s role is to provide non-judgmental love and support to the whole school community including any person of any faith or of no faith. They are not there to push or endorse their particular spirituality on students; this is in fact illegal. School chaplains are not only available for students but the entire school community, including staff and families. We are here to provide guidance to anyone who would like to access our services.

Chaplains journey with people. They sit with a person in their pain. They celebrate in their joys. They work within the individual structures of the school to further support each child in their well-being. A chaplain is present for whatever they are needed to be available for, whether it be a person’s physical, emotional, social, mental, or spiritual wellbeing. A school chaplain is another cheerleader in the lives of students.

School chaplaincy is like chaplaincy in other areas of society—a caring presence in institutions like hospitals, emergency services, police, the armed services, industry, professional sporting teams, colleges, and universities. A chaplain provides pastoral care and support for members of school communities as requested by the school and sought by school community members. Chaplains provide a trusted, caring, and affirming presence in school with time and training to listen and support appropriately, as well as running programs to develop self-esteem, grow peer support, deal with grief and loss, and build personal resilience.

A chaplain does not offer professional counseling. Their role is to refer students to counseling services in consultation with the learning support team, other welfare staff, and the school executive. Welfare staff can refer students to Chaplains for general support. The role of the Chaplain is to complement, collaborate with and support the work of the learning support team.

The National School Chaplaincy Program is a Commonwealth-funded initiative. and comes to no cost to the school or school community.

The Wellbeing Team

Year Advisor Reports

Year 7 - Mrs Anna Martin

Its been a big term for LMHS Year 7. This term they will receive their first ever High School Reports and they are the first Year 7 cohort EVER to be able to choose a Passion Project as an elective subject. Passion Projects are being delivered by specialist Teachers who have expert skills in areas beyond the regular NSW curriculum.

Outside of the classroom Year 7 have been participating in a range of wonderful programs facilitated by the Wellbeing Team. Most recently they participated in Life Changer Immersion Program. Life Changers mission is to empower teenagers through positive self-identity, identifying and developing inspiring community mentors, supporting sustainable and connected communities. The response and participation from Year 7 was very positive and as a result they will get to participate in this program again in the future.

I wish all Year 7 a safe and happy holiday. See you all in Term Three.

Mrs Martin

(Marto)

Year 9 - Miss Emily Davis

Wow Term 2 has flown by!!

Our Year 9 students started off the Term with our annual wellbeing excursion and this year it was to Treetops on the Central Coast! It was an incredibly fun day with some students even conquering their fear of heights! A number of students tested themselves with their mental and physical resilence in smashing the black runs! It was a great team bonding experience and I really enjoyed working with the Year 9's to complete the course!

Some of our Year 9 students have been engaging with a number of wellbeing programs LMHS has to offer including Drumbeat and Rage with plenty more on offer Term 3. I would encourage any Year 9 student to get involved in as many wellbeing programs as possible as it is a great opportunity to meet new people and develop both social and mental resileince.

I hope our Year 9 students hace great holiday and I look forward to seeing them ready to start Term 3!

Miss Davis

Year 10 - Mrs Sarah Patterson

Year 10 have had another productive Term. In Week 5 Students participated in a Legal Aid presentation called Police Powers: Young People & Public Space. Students watched a short film and role-played scenarios to explore police powers and their responsibilities, especially in public spaces. The workshop also provided strategies that can improve interactions between young people and police in public spaces.

As we continue throughout the year it is important that Year 10 students continue to complete all their Assessment Tasks to obtain their ROSA (Record of Student Achievement). A positive approach, attendance and continued application within class are vital to the wellbeing of all Year 10 students. Don’t forget you can always come check in with me if you need any help, assistance or support.

Hope you have a lovely winter holiday and look forward to Term 3.

Mrs Patterson (Patto)

Year 11 - Mr Malcolm Van Drempt

Congratulations Year 11, you have now completed the first half of your preliminary courses as a senior! A quick and friendly reminder to keep checking Canvas for updates regarding wellbeing notices, along with news for planning and events related to our year group.

Our Senior Jacket design has now been finalised and jackets are ready for you to order. All sizing, payment and personalisation can be done through the website. It’s one of the rites of passage of being a senior and is a great design, so please get in and order yours. You have until the 24th of July to get your order in. Please go to https://www.reformclothing.com/au/order/168280750

This term Year 11 attended a Ryda safe driving course at school. The course included a driving demonstration in the car park, explored goals, plans and strategies for driving safely, along with talks from ex-police officers and victims of car accidents. The students were also given a booklet to work through which includes a free driving lesson (see the back of the booklet). The course was unable to be run last year due to covid precautions, and a big thank you to the Ryda team for taking time out to come back and do it with year 11 this year.