principal's message
I am so incredibly proud of our school community and the way we have worked together to combat the obstacles that have come our way throughout 2021. Reflecting on the year that was I know how much we are all looking forward to spending quality time with our families and friends over the coming weeks. On behalf of my staff, I thank you most sincerely for your ongoing support of West Wallsend High School.
Despite the challenges of remote learning and responding to ever-changing health guidelines, as a school we have risen to every test and have continued to achieve and thrive. We’ve had a number of students receive prestigious recognition, receiving awards and scholarships at state and national level. Our Year 9 reading results show record growth (as measured through NAPLAN) and 100% of our HSC students have achieved their HSC, our largest cohort ever to do so. Many have already accepted early entry pathways to university or exciting job offers. The Inquisitive Projects that Year 10 engaged with in Week 10 were highly successful and we look forward to extending this fabulous program in 2022.
Next year we look forward to enhancing our middle school program with our Horizon classes in Years 7 and 8 as well as launching our new Spark high potential class in Year 7. We introduce an exciting new numeracy program, Integr8 and extend our whole school ObLITerate literacy program from Stage 4 into Stage 5. We also look forward to four new classrooms being built for our SAIL classes. Consultation will continue with our community to refresh our school branding and uniform as well as the implementation of beautification projects to revamp our school environment.
Staff acknowledgement
There are a number of staff who have been with us all year that I would like to extend my warmest gratitude and best wishes to: Anita Reynolds, Bruce O’Donnell, Daynah Ots, Miguel Gayoso, Kurt Chambers, Gabi Clarke, Kayla Schleinzer, Maddy Davidson and Sue Fall.
Warmest wishes also to Julie Meyers, Roy Turner and Kim Skyrm on their official retirement from WWHS. Each of these teachers have left a wonderful legacy as committed and passionate educators.
I look forward to introducing our school community to our new staff members in early Term 1.
Senior executive update
It is my pleasure to share that Mr Michael Chandler and Mr Paul Gauci have been made permanent members of our senior executive in recent weeks. These outstanding educators offer deep knowledge and extensive educational leadership experience to our team.
I’ve also been recently advised that in Term 1 I will be recruiting for a new position, Deputy Principal Inclusion and Support. Sixty-four schools across the state have been given this new position to offer extensive support to support classes as well as to lead whole school initiatives in relation to inclusive education.
COVID-19 guidelines in 2022
We will continue to adhere to current health guidelines to ensure we operate in the safest way possible when we return. I will update our community prior to students returning for Term 1 once I am briefed by the Department of Education and NSW Health in late January.
Term 1 dates for your diary
- Staff return for professional learning on Friday 28 January (Week 1)
- Staff continue professional learning on Monday 31 January (Week 2)
- Years 7, 11 and 12 return on Tuesday 1 February (Week 2 on Week A timetable)
- Years 8, 9, 10 return on Wednesday 2 February (Week 2 on Week A timetable)
Our school website, Facebook page and Sentral parent app (and portal) remain our key modes of communication. Keep an eye on our school’s Facebook page for further updates in late January in regard to the start of the term.
School reports for all year groups have now been published to the parent portal and instructions have been sent out to families this week.
Wrap up
On a personal note, this past year has been the most rewarding experience in my career. I am so honoured to be the principal of the vibrant, innovative and caring West Wallsend High School community. It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated team, supporting and shaping brilliant young people every day.
I hope that the coming holiday season is full of positivity, rest and relaxation with your loved ones. May we bring the new year with optimism and possibility. I look forward to working with you in partnership as we welcome in 2022.
Take good care,
Krystal Bevin | Principal.
2022 school leaders
As soon as we were back on-site in Week 5, a priority was the investiture of our new school leadership team for 2022. Our leaders will be working with Ms Parker, Year Advisor and supported by Ms Meares, Learning and Support Teacher and SHOUT Coordinator. We are excited to see what this team will accomplish in the coming months.
Year 12 Graduation
Mrs Bevin shared some reflections of 2021 with Year 12 and their guests in this excerpt from her speech.
"53…..Throughout my life this number has kept popping up in very special ways. So earlier this year, as we settled into Term 1, and I asked Mrs Somner to stick your faces on my office wall I remember standing back and counting them – 53.
53 started this year and from that point, I was determined that 53 would finish it – together.
Since March this has been my mantra – that in 2021, 53 students would achieve their HSC at West Wallsend High School. We would get you there. And I’m so incredibly proud that we did.
Year 12 - you are a group of special young adults forever etched in history and forever etched in our hearts. Because despite the historic hurdles you’ve encountered – if there is one thing I will take away from you as a group - it is the beautiful relationships you have created – with each other, with your teachers – an extended Westy family who, for months, beamed into each other’s lives every morning at 9am like clockwork... We had a glimpse into each others’ worlds like no other time we’ve experienced.
These relationships are what kept us going. And I say “us” very purposefully – because we did this together. Students, teachers, parents, friends, and yes, even your pets! Year 12 – you became the epitome of community. Of what Westy is all about. You learned to adapt, to face unexpected change. You learned the importance of good humour and true resilience and patience, flexibility, understanding and kindness.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the squad of home supporters that rallied around you, around us, to get you here today. To our parents, carers, grandparents, cherished friends and extended family here today or sending their love from home. My recognition today extends to you too. Thank you, for the probing and the prodding and the reminders and the love and the guidance. What a bunch of rock stars you are. You have created some fabulous young adults. And this day belongs to you too".
Mrs Bevin | Principal.
Academic Excellence Awards
Presented to students who achieved first or second place in their course.
Major awards
Presented to students who have been recognised for their commitment to excellence, leadership and teamwork.
Birabahn Award
Awarded to one Aboriginal student from each Year group who, throughout the year, has demonstrated excellence in their learning and pride in their culture. The name of the award comes from a very important leader of the Awabakal people whose name, Birabahn translates to ‘Eagle-Hawk’ – which is the traditional name of the Awabakal totem. This prestigious award honours the legacy of Birabahn and recognises the academic and cultural achievements of the recipient.
– Malcolm Quinlan
HSIE FACULTY
Term 4 has certainly been a busy one, as the HSIE teachers have provided outstanding support to our Year 12 students in the lead-up to their Higher School Certificate (HSC) and have enjoyed reconnecting with our classes now that we have returned to site for teaching and learning.
Our junior classes have rounded off the year with their studies of the human geographies of Place and Liveability, Interconnections, Changing Places and Human Wellbeing. The fine spring weather shortly after our return saw many classes taking advantage of the sunshine to work on geographical skills such as field sketching. Meanwhile, some Year 8 classes participated in a Zoom call with Ms. Jessica Crowe, Education Coordinator from Hunter Water to learn about some of the real-life applications of Geography in the sustainable management of water in our region.
Our new Year 12 students have commenced their HSC courses. Our Society and Culture class has been investigating a wide range of topics for their Personal Interest Projects (PIPs). The group is refining their project focus and preparing to undertake their secondary research for their projects over the break. In Legal Studies, students have examined global human rights and are learning about the criminal investigation process. The class is hoping that the current restrictions will relax next year to allow for an excursion to the NSW Supreme Court and the Police and Justice Museum in Sydney. In Ancient History, students have worked with Sydney Living Museums on a virtual incursion focusing on ancient treasures and artefacts from Ancient Greece and Rome. Our Business Studies students have commenced an immersive exploration of the operations of household brand names including the iPhone, McDonalds and Qantas, while in Modern History, a key focus this term has been on Civil Rights in the USA between 1945–1968.
2021 has been a really busy year and our team of teachers has really enjoyed getting to know and inspire our young people through their study of the humanities.
We wish all of our students and their families a safe and happy holiday!
Mrs Jo-Anne Bailey | Head Teacher HSIE
Special Education
SAIL 1
During Term 4, SAIL 1 students have been busy ensuring the gardens are well kept and ready to harvest a range of vegetables. Students have enjoyed being back together, especially during their social skills lessons where they are challenged to make specific objects using lego. We have been very busy getting the classroom ready for Christmas and creating a range of gifts and crafts, including baking doughnuts, mars bar slices and pancakes.
SAIL 2
It has been a pleasure to work with SAIL 2 and see their growth and confidence develop throughout the year. With new teachers and new students joining the class this year, a significant focus has been on developing respect and a sense of belonging within the class. Some other things that students have engaged in have been individual passion projects, Rock and Water, integration into mainstream classes and involvement in whole school activities such as the Yidaki group and the Peer Support program.
We are looking forward to welcoming some new students into the class next year and building on our achievements this year.
SAIL 3
SAIL 3 have settled back into school routines after learning from home. Term 4 has been fun getting involved in wellbeing and group work tasks such as board games, puzzles, interactive STEM activities, community access, physical activity and Christmas crafts.
SAIL 4
It has been a very busy year in the SAIL 4 class with students taking part in TAFE courses, work experience and external programs. We are very proud to say some of the students in SAIL 4 are leaving us for full-time employment. A huge congratulations to Ben and Malcolm for finishing their HSC this year. The boys should be very proud of their accomplishments whilst at West Wallsend High School. They will be missed and we wish them lots of luck in the future.
2022 is looking very exciting for the SAIL classes. We will have 14 Stage 6 students, heading towards their HSC!
Students under the spotlight
Saxon
- What I like about school: My friends.
- Favourite subject: Cooking.
- What has been hard about this year? Doing schoolwork at home.
- What has been good about this year? Coming back to school.
- What are you looking forward to next year? New classrooms.
Kaleb
- What I like about school: The teachers are good and I like hanging out with my mates.
- Favourite subject: I’m looking forward to doing Metalwork next year.
- What has been hard about this year? Not being able to leave home.
- What has been good about this year? I got a car.
- What are you looking forward to next year? Getting my licence.
Harley
- What I like about school: I enjoy building things in Woodwork and Metalwork.
- Favourite subject: Woodwork.
- What has been hard about this year? That we haven’t been able to do school properly because of COVID.
- What has been good about this year? I enjoyed being with my friends and enjoyed building my woodwork projects.
- What are you looking forward to next year? Working
Wellbeing
Year 7 2022 Orientation Week Program
WWHS is looking forward to welcoming our Year 7 students to high school on Tuesday, 1 February 2022. The Wellbeing Team has put together a range of activities to support the smooth transition of every student to high school despite the impact of COVID-19 on the transition program in 2021.
Year 7 students will participate in the Orientation Week Program during the first few weeks at High School in 2022. Students will participate in a range of activities, including a relationship program called ‘Got Your Back’, Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) lessons and Reach Out activities such as:
- Organisation and time management
- Overcoming challenges
- Setting goals
- Building resilience
- Optimism and gratitude.
It was wonderful to be able to welcome incoming Year 7 students on-site for an orientation day in Week 10 - with students coming from over 20 different primary schools the day featured lots of activities to enable students to get to know each other and was a great success.
2022 Wellbeing Presentations
The Wellbeing Team has booked the following presentations for Term 1, 2022:
- Bright Girl Health Presentation – Australia’s leading women’s health education presentation for teens. It empowers students to embrace their hormones and have a better period. These fun and relatable presentations go above and beyond PDHPE and science content. The research-based seminars address some of the top concerns of female teens, as reported by the Mission Australia youth survey. The aim is to take the fear out of having a period, elevate body image and self-confidence, and equip young women to navigate health challenges, manage stress and have greater lifelong health.
- Bully Zero Presentation – Year 7 will participate in the New Beginnings Workshop, which supports Year 7 students through the uncertainty and challenges such as bullying that may arise during the transition from primary school to high school. Year 8-10 will participate in Understanding Bullying – young people are provided with evidence-based information on bullying, the different types of bullying and its impact. Participants are taught a variety of strategies to help them assess and respond to bullying situations whilst also identifying and understanding the role of bystanders.
- Headspace workshops for students and caregivers- Headspace will be delivering a range of student workshops and a workshop for parents. Each workshop aims to increase mental health literacy, reduce stigma and build the capacity of young people to understand their own wellbeing needs, support their peers and explore pathways for help-seeking.
Uniform and Communication Survey – Feedback
Our Uniform Survey received a fantastic response from parents, students and staff with over 400 responses – thank you to everyone who took part. The key takeaways from the responses include:
- Overwhelming support from our school community that we remain a uniform wearing school
- Majority support from our school community that we make minimal changes to the current school logo
- Majority of community utilises Facebook and Sentral parent portal app as main source of communication
- Parents and students identified comfort/fit, cost and quality as the three most important uniform considerations
- The majority of community members surveyed indicated they would like to see changes to the following uniform items:
- multiple shorts options (specific to male/female students)
- introduce quality tights / tracksuit pants
- introduce round neck hoodie or jumper
- option for senior jumper purchased at end of Year 10 through uniform provider
- updated skirt
- improved quality hoodie/jumper
- improved material of current polos (possibility of just one polo colour for everyday/sport)
- modernise the uniform
- redesign colour/style of white senior polo.
We will now move to the next step of speaking with potential uniform providers to see who can work with us to meet the needs of our community. We will explore options for the possible changes outlined above as part of this.
It’s important to note that all current uniform items can still be worn even after new items are introduced. There is no expectation that new uniforms are purchased until an item needs to be replaced; older siblings can continue to pass down uniform items as needed.
Most schools find it takes about three years for new uniform items to be fully introduced.
We will continue to provide updates concerning uniforms in Term 1 as we move through the process. We hope to engage a new provider by April, with the new provider taking over by July 2022.
Mrs Jenness | Heat Teacher Wellbeing
Premier's Reading Challenge
Congratulations to our two students who successfully completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2021. A massive congratulations to Jacqui M. in Year 7 and Ella L. in Year 8, who both worked so hard during the year to achieve this incredible milestone!
high achieving targeted students (HATS)
A massive congratulations to all the students and staff who participated in the HATS whole school reading competition – the students absolutely smashed it! We are so proud of your efforts! Well done, Westy.
Happy reading and keep kicking goals!
- 1st - Amelia S from Year 11 - 23 books and 11, 540 pages
- 2nd - Jacqui M from Year 7 - 36 books and 11, 262 pages
- 3rd - Zoe E from Year 10 - 22 books and 9,764 pages
- 4th - Jessica L from Year 8 - 26 books and 9,065 pages
- 5th - Angus M from Year 12 - 24 books and 8,495 pages
- 6th - Mrs Grace - 17 books and 8, 481 pages
- 7th - Ms Holding - 17 books and 7, 434 pages
- 8th - Mia B from Year 7 - 33 books and 7, 249 pages
- 9th - Miss Meares - 17 books and 5, 764
- 10th - Emily B from Year 9 - 8 books and 3, 786
In 12 weeks, Westy read 149, 132 pages. Students read 96, 846 of these, with staff reading 52, 586 pages.
As a celebration, our top winners were rewarded with a pizza lunch and some fabulous book vouchers from Harry Hartog.
Year 10 Stage Six Workshops and Inquisitive Projects
Our Year 10 students have been busy completing workshops that will prepare them for life as senior students, such as wellbeing workshops, study skills and 'All My Own Work'. Students have developed active study skills, an understanding of how to know when to ask for help and the requirements around not plagiarizing in senior school.
In the second part of this program, Year 10 got to pick a workshop for Week 10 and participate in project-based learning. These projects included beautification of the school, a café course, drama workshops, skateboard design, active outdoors and a forensic madness crime scene. Students engaged in critical thinking skills in their chosen project and all worked together to create some high-quality projects.
Students in the Skateboard Design group had a wonderful 2-hour online tutorial by Amy from Mitch Revs Gallery on how best to design their boards – invaluable!
Sugarloaf Hub
Our Sugarloaf Hub has been busy all year finding out what books students want to read and then buying them. This year we have borrowed over 1100 books. This includes 506 hardcopy books and 630 e-books or audiobooks. Students can continue to borrow from our online library during the holidays using their school log on credentials.
Our most popular audio book was Wonder by R J Palacio.
Our most popular e-book was The Martian by Andy Weir.
Our most popular physical book was One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M McManus closely followed by Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman.
Come and check out some of the great titles we have on offer!
Senior Hub
Our Year 12, 2021 students were such a resilient cohort, so it is exciting to announce that they are already starting to see the reward from their hard work.
Over 50% of the cohort applied to university and 50% of those applicants were successful through the School’s Recommendation Scheme in achieving early entry to university before sitting their HSC examinations.
We also have some exciting career pathways happening as well including apprenticeships, traineeships and full-time work which some of our students have already started. It is always sad to see a year group leave us, but knowing that they are leaving for such incredible opportunities is rewarding!
Please see below for some of our student's exciting university offers, with no doubt, more to come.
- Kalleb – Biodiversity and Conservation
- Verrity – Archeology
- Rowan - Electrical Engineering
- Hayley W – Surveying
- Rebekah – Mechatronics
- Colby – Mathematics (Advanced)
- Logan – Mechanical Engineering
- Jasmine – Psychological Science/Social Science
- Matthew – Software Engineering
- Ava – Teaching
- Angus – Ancient History
- Josiah – Computer Science
- Mikayla - Psychological Science/Social Science
Mrs Somner | Head Teacher English, Teacher Librarian, Senior Hub Coordinator.
Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA)
This year has again posed challenges for the Creative and Performing Arts department with continuing restrictions on performance and the impact of the extended at-home learning period. However, we are very optimistic for 2022 and the opportunity to reengage with what CAPA is all about – performing and creating!
This year, our creative and talented students maintained their enthusiasm and commitment to visual arts, photography, and music. Whilst we could not showcase our students work as much as we would have liked, we still recognised their consistent improvement and diverse creative skills, which they have demonstrated during this challenging year.
Congratulations to our Year 12 Visual Arts class on completing their 'Bodies of Work' and HSC Examinations – well done to you all. All your hard work paid off in Year 12. The 'Bodies of Work' below showcase commitment and dedication to their learning and creativity.
Year 8 Visual Arts students have been busy making ceramic animals and ceramic Pop Art food inspired by their studies this semester. Students were eager to get stuck into practical tasks after learning from home and thoroughly enjoyed the process of sculpting and painting their works!
Students in Year 7 Music classes hit the ground running and have not slowed down since returning to school this term. In the music setting, Covid-19 restrictions provided some challenging guidelines for students and teachers when engaging in the performance component of the course. This however, did not hinder the opportunity for students to engage and immerse themselves in a variety of real-world musical activities.
With access to computers and laptops, students have been using digital audio workstations (DAW’s), creating various loop-based compositions and developing a ‘mock’ world tour for a band or artist of their choice. Within the ‘world tour’ organisation, students needed to devise and create a budget, allocating monetary funds for ticket costs, accommodation, flights and other various expenses.
We look forward to exciting new programs, opportunities and initiatives in 2022 and wish our students a restful break.
Miss Turner | Head Teacher CAPA
Aboriginal Engagement Team
The last half of this year has dampened our ability to continue our cultural programs and events. However, we are incredibly proud of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students for all their efforts and resilience during the at-home learning period.
The Yidaki group will be back in 2022 – with any new Year 7 Aboriginal boys invited to join the group in Term 1. This group of boys have demonstrated leadership, responsibility and commitment throughout the year. They are to be congratulated on their many performances in the first half of this year, showcasing their consistent improvement and growing confidence.
We had planned to offer various opportunities for our Aboriginal girls, however we were unable to do so this term. In 2022 we will be launching our SistaSpeak program to support and engage our Aboriginal girls across all year groups.
The Aboriginal Engagement team will hit the ground running next year and can’t wait to share some exciting new initiatives with our community, so keep your ears peeled! We look forward to meeting our Aboriginal families joining us next year at the Year 7 meet and greet!
Wishing our community a wonderful summer break!
Miss Turner, Debbie Shute and the Aboriginal Engagement Team.
TAS Year 12 Major Works
Year 12 Industrial Technology Timber students produced a variety of well-crafted pieces for their major work:
- Jacob Dundas - golf bag cabinet
- Jesse Ford - architectural drawing board
- Jayden Macey - gaming table
- Jacob Watts - outdoor bench
- Malcolm Quinlan and Ben O'Dea- dog kennels
scholarship success
We are so very proud to announce that Emma D and Hannah R of Year 8 are the successful recipients of the prestigious Harding Miller Scholarship from more than 500 applicants across the country! This is wonderful recognition for these two outstanding students.
Also achieving success: Ella F (Year 10) has been awarded an Acacia Program Scholarship, Ryan W, (Year 10) has been awarded an Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship and Kyan S.R. (Year 11) has been awarded an Una May Smith Scholarship. All three scholarships will provide valuable support for these students during their next two years of study. Massive thanks to Mr Parker and Ms Ingram for supporting these students with their applications during lockdown.
semester 2 award ceremonies
Our celebration award ceremonies, to recognise student achievements, were held under the COLA this year due to COVID restrictions.
Excerpt from Mrs Bevin's speech
"This year your lessons have extended far beyond the classroom and zoom rooms. Resilience. patience. persistence. understanding. kindness. determination. These have been your lessons and I know from these lessons you have developed characteristics that will stay with you always.
This year, you and your families are all a part of our success. The commitment and diligence you have shown towards your learning is why our school continues to grow and evolve. You are why we show up every day. You are West Wallsend High School.
We don’t know what 2022 will bring us in terms of COVID and restrictions – no doubt there will bumps in the road. But we have absolutely risen to every challenge so far and I know that as a school community we will continue to do so. We will continue to strive to be the best version of ourselves in the classroom, at home and in our community. Because at Westy – that’s what we do. It’s what you do.
These celebrations are a reminder that you have worked hard and are recognised for your individual successes. But it is our collective success I am most proud of".
Krystal Bevin | Principal.
Year 7, 8 and 9 Award Presentation
Year 11 Award Presentation
thank to our Sponsors
We would like to recognise and thank the local businesses and community members who sponsor our awards ceremonies for their generosity and support, and celebrating the achievements of our students. This has been a very difficult year for many in our community and we greatly appreciate your generous donations which makes a real difference to our students.
2021 Sponsors
- Australian Defence Force
- Reuben F Scarf
- West Wallsend High School P&C
- University of Newcastle
- Lodge Lake Macquarie
- Thompsons Pies
- Clayton Barr State Member for Cessnock
- Joel Fitzgibbon Federal Member for Hunter
- Barnsley Takeaway & Café
- West Wallsend Workers Club
- Donaldson Coal
- Sugarloaf Accounting and Taxation
- Edgeworth Sport and Recreational Club
- Simply Pharmacy West Wallsend
- No Bull Real Estate
- Ampol
- Bunnings Cameron Park Trade Centre
- Woolworths Cameron Park
- Body Beyond Limits.
Year 10 had a celebration ceremony scheduled in Week 11 to celebrate their year and showcase their Inquisitive Projects. This is now rescheduled for Term 1 2022.
year 12 formal
A fabulous finish to the longest Year 12 in history. The Year 12 Formal was held at Noah's on the Beach in Newcastle. Even the weather cooperated with a beautiful sunny day enabling our students and their families to commemorate the event with family photos on the boardwalk.
