Term 3 Newsletter, 2024
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Principal's News
So far, 2024 has been a great success. ETASC is on target to reach its 2024 student enrolment target. We still have vacancies in Year 7 and Year 11 for 2024, and enrolments are open for 2025 for all year levels.
We are pleased with the progress that students in all year groups are making in their academic studies. Parent/Carer and Teacher Interviews for Years 11 and 12 were held at the end of last term. Parent/Carer and Teacher Interviews for Years 7 to 10 will be held on Tuesday, 30th July, and Thursday, 1st August. These interviews are a great communication point about student progress between school and home.
At this time of the year, we are focused on assisting our Year 10 students in deciding whether to continue their studies at ETASC. If our current Year 10 students intend to continue into Year 11 at ETASC, they must complete an enrolment form for Year 11. Progress to Year 11 is not automatic; it is conditional on students meeting the enrolment criteria for Year 11. The time for Year 10 students to plan this next step in their education and career planning has arrived, and this term we will be undertaking the second round of Pathway Plans with Year 10 students, this time with parents/carers present and involved. We are here to support and guide students all the way along their career and learning path.
The Pivot Wellbeing for Learning check-in survey is one of the positive supports provided for ETASC students. This check-in helps us support student wellbeing and provides students the chance to speak up about their experiences at school. The Pivot Wellbeing for Learning framework measures student wellbeing in safety, belonging, and resilience, and participation is open to all students.
Our academic focus on literacy and numeracy skills, our school philosophy designed to create a safe and nurturing environment, and our commitment to fostering each student’s work ethic appear to be a successful combination.
If anyone has suggestions on how to improve our success, we are open to opportunities and feedback.
I hope that every student enrolled at ETASC fully utilises the opportunities available to them.
Tony Mylan
ET Australia Secondary College Principal
Upcoming Events
Excursions and Events
There are a number of School Events planned for Term 3. Parents/Carers will be emailed details of each event. Where permission is required, we ask that you provide permission through the Compass Portal as instructed. This will ensure that your response goes directly to the staff member responsible for that event. Students without parent/carer consent cannot be included in the event. Phone calls, handwritten notes, and texts are not acceptable unless a prior agreement has been made with the Assistant or Deputy Principal. Some events will be limited due to transport or other considerations, so getting in early will be important once you are notified that bookings are open.
NAIDOC Week
When: Week 1 of Term 3
Where: On Campus
To celebrate NAIDOC Week at the College this year, students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities designed to connect them with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
On Wednesday, 24th July, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, there will be a 1-hour weaving workshop and a tentative didgeridoo workshop for our Aboriginal students.
On Friday, 26th July, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, we will host a Conversation Café for all students and staff, which will feature guest speakers who will deliver a 45-minute presentation and a 15-minute Q&A session to small groups.
Throughout the week, there will be a “Loud, Blak, and Proud Aboriginal People” wall display at both campuses.
Year 11 Ruby Business Studies – Borg Manufacturing Visit
Date: Tuesday, 23rd July
Location: Borg Manufacturing, Somersby
Year 11 Ruby Business Studies students will visit Borg Manufacturing’s facilities in Somersby. This visit aims to demonstrate the real-life application of operational theories taught in class. Students will observe the production process, focusing on technology and automation. They will also learn about Borg’s waste management practices and its compliance with local government environmental initiatives.
Jeans for Genes Day 2024
Date: Friday, 2nd August 2024
Location: On campus
ET Australia will participate in Jeans for Genes Day 2024, the iconic fundraising campaign of The Children’s Medical Research Institute. Funds raised will support research into birth defects and genetic diseases affecting 1 in 20 children, such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and life-threatening metabolic disorders.
Please wear your favourite jeans or denim ensemble and bring a gold coin donation to contribute to the Jeans for Genes fundraiser.
More information about this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.
Year 11 – Rock Platform Excursion
Date: Friday, 2nd August
Location: Bateau Bay rock platforms
This excursion offers students the opportunity to collect data using various scientific equipment to investigate the distribution, abundance, and adaptations of organisms on local rock platforms. They will measure physical ecosystem factors and conduct transect and quadrat surveys to assess the distribution and abundance of biota present. Students will then investigate adaptations of living things to their environment and discuss human impacts on the environment.
More information about this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.
Year 9 – Taronga Zoo Visit
Dates: Thursday, 8th & Friday, 9th August
Location: Taronga Park Zoo, Sydney
Year 9 students will have the opportunity to participate in an overnight stay at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. This excursion will help to consolidate the content being taught in Science and English this term. Students will participate in workshops at the zoo related to sustainability and ecosystems, which will help them further explore and understand Science and English units.
Book Week Celebrations
Dates: Week 5 of Term 3 – Monday, 19th to Friday, 23rd August
Location: On campus
ETASC will celebrate Book Week this term during Week 5. We will host a book parade for students who wish to come dressed up, with prizes for the best-dressed participants and for students nominated by the mystery book fairy for demonstrating their love of reading throughout the year. The theme this year is “Reading is Magic.” We will also host a book swap to inspire our students to grow through reading. Leading up to Book Week, students are encouraged to donate books they no longer wish to keep, earning one voucher per book donated. These vouchers can then be used to “purchase” books from the swap pile. This environmentally friendly approach promotes sustainability through reusing preloved books. Any remaining books will be donated to the school’s Knowledge Hub library or other suitable locations. Students interested in participating in the book swap but lacking books to donate, please see Kimberley Wheeler, our Years 7-10 Curriculum Coordinator.
More information about this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.
Years 11 & 12 – B Street Smart
When: Tuesday, 20th August
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
Years 11 & 12 students have the opportunity to attend a road safety program called B Street Smart held at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. This program is designed to help promote safe behaviours for drivers, riders, and passengers and is linked to the PDHPE curriculum. Students will witness a live crash scenario, where they will see how a crash site is managed and the extensive support services required to assist everyone involved. There will be a range of guest speakers who will share personal experiences regarding motor vehicle accidents and how they have been impacted by the decisions road users make. Students will also watch a demonstration about safe stopping distances. This is an interactive day that our students will value, and they will take home road safety messages that they can apply once they attain their driver’s licences.
More information about this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.
Year 10 – Geography Excursion
When: Wednesday, 4th September
Where: Wamberal Beach
Year 10 students will visit Wamberal Beach as part of their Geography studies this term. This excursion links directly to their assessment and will provide students the opportunity to use the skills taught in class to collect data samples and conduct fieldwork. Students will complete a field survey of the beach, examining the beach ecosystem, the effects of erosion caused by previous storms, coastal processes, and management strategies to restore or protect the beach ecology.
More information about this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.
Year 12 Business Studies – East Coast Beverages
When: Wednesday, 18th September
Where: 993 George Downes Drive, Kulnura
Year 12 Business Studies students will have a tour of both the orchards and the factory. They will learn about the operational processes involved in producing East Coast Beverages. Students will see the inputs and observe the transformation process.
More information about this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.
Whole School News
Key Dates for Term 3 2024
The first day of Term for all students is Tuesday 23rd July 2024.
The last day of Term for all students is Thursday 26th September 2024*
*This will be a half day for Years 7-10 students.
Parents and carers are requested to review and update their contact details in Compass. If you need help accessing your Compass account, please contact the school on 4323 1233.
School Starting Times and First Day of Term Arrangements
- Years 7 and 8 students are required to be on campus at 8:55am for a 9:00am start time every school day. Students enter our Years 7 to 10 campus via the school reception area located on Level 1, Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Accessing the Imperial Centre via the Erina Street entrance is the most direct entry point for the school. The school hall is open for students and supervised by staff every morning from 8:30am.
- Years 9 and 10 students are required to be at school at 9:05am for a 9:10am start time every school day. Students enter our Years 7 to 10 campus via the school reception area located on Level 1, Imperial Shopping Centre, Gosford. Accessing the Imperial Centre via the Erina Street entrance is the most direct entry point for the school. The school hall is open for students and supervised by staff every morning from 8:30am.
- Years 11 and 12 students are required to be on campus at 8:40am for an 8:45am start time every school day. Students enter via the school reception located in the driveway of 125 Donnison Street, Gosford. For those students who arrive before 8:40am, students are welcome to use the student common area from 8:30am.
- If a student arrives late to school without a valid reason, they are required to surrender their mobile phone to reception for the day. Failure to do so will result in the student having to surrender their phone to the Assistant or Deputy Principal every day for a period of 10 weeks.
School Fees
ET Australia has maintained annual school fees at $1,600 for the past 2 years. Due to the increasing costs to deliver quality education, we have made the difficult decision to increase annual school fees to $1,700 for 2025.
A reminder to parents and carers that ETASC is a fee-paying college and the contributions made provide opportunities to students to participate in a variety of different learning experiences.
It is a requirement of a student’s enrolment that school fees are paid by parents/carers and failure to pay fees will result in the student’s enrolment being withdrawn.
Scholarships are available to families who are experiencing financial hardship and we encourage all parents/carers to apply for scholarships if they are struggling to pay school fees. Information regarding school fees, payment plans, and scholarships are available on the College website.
For more information on school fees please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:
School Management System – Compass
Compass is our web-based school management system that is accessible on any modern web browser or by using the ‘Compass School Manager’ app available on iOS or Android. To access our Parent/Carer Portal, go to: https://etaustralia-nsw.compass.education
Compass user ID’s and passwords have been sent to all Parents/Carers, if you have any questions about Compass, please contact the College.
From the Compass App, you can:
- Access your child’s semester reports
- Book your Parent/Carer/Student and Teacher conferences
- View up-to-date class and school attendance information
- Approve or enter upcoming or past absences for your child
- Download, print details and provide permission to attend upcoming excursions/events
- Update your registered email and mobile number details
- Access information regarding upcoming events and news
Regular Pattern of School Attendance Required by Students
A reminder to parents/carers that for their child to continue their enrolment at the College, students need to maintain a consistent pattern of attendance.
The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires all students to have a minimum attendance percentage of 85% throughout the year. This means the College expects every student to attend school every day unless they are too sick to attend. In the event of absence caused by illness, the College requires an explanation of the absence within 24 hours of the student’s absence. Notification can be provided via the Compass Portal, email, or phone call. In the event of three or more consecutive days off, the College can request a medical certificate to support the provided reasons. If you have other reasons for a student being absent for the day (family emergency for example) please provide the College office with an explanation so we can account for the student’s absence.
For more information on school attendance please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:
Reporting a Student’s Absence
It is a government requirement for parents/carers to notify and provide a reason for their child’s absence from school on every occasion. To ensure notifications are always received and recorded by the appropriate staff members, a generic email address can be used for absentee notifications. We request this email address be used rather than emailing individual staff members. This will ensure the notification is received by the Reception staff regardless of who is working on the day. Where an explanation has not been received within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence, the school will record this as unexplained on the student’s record.
Methods for notifying the school of absences are:
Email: attendance@etaustralia.com
Phone: 02 4323 1233 after 8:30am
Via the Compass App
When your child is absent from school and we have not been notified, an email and push notification via Compass will be sent to inform you of their absence which you are able to reply to. Parents/Carers can sign into the Compass Portal and enter an attendance note for their child for future and past absences.
COVID-19, Plus Any Illness and School Attendance
ET Australia follows NSW Health guidelines to minimise COVID-19 transmission, keeping schools open and the community safe.
NSW Health advice is that if a student is unwell and has any symptoms, they should always test for COVID-19. If the test comes back negative for COVID-19, the student should still not return to school until the student no longer has any symptoms. NSW Health advises that it is important that students do not attend school if they are unwell. COVID-19, other viruses, influenza, common colds, and stomach bugs can all be contagious. Health advice is that students who are sick should always stay home to rest and recover and avoid putting other students and staff at risk of getting sick. Students who present with symptoms at school will be sent home immediately and will not be able to return to school until they no longer have symptoms.
Request for Student Leave
The Department of Education’s requirement for school attendance also affects opportunities for families to take holidays during school terms. Some schools are withdrawing the option of families taking students out of school for holidays. ETASC is flexible, but the Minister for Education requires us to ensure all student leave during term time is approved by the College Principal in advance. A Student Leave Request form is available from reception and needs to be completed 4 weeks prior to the planned absence from school.
Please contact the College office on 02 4323 1233 if you have any further queries about holidays during school terms.
ET Australia Secondary College – A non-smoking High School
ETASC is a non-smoking Secondary College for ALL students and staff – this includes the use of vape pens and e-cigarettes.
Students who are caught smoking cigarettes or using vape pens or e-cigarettes during school hours will have their cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigarettes confiscated and destroyed. Parents/Carers will be contacted to inform them of this behaviour.
Advice from NSW Health clearly outlines that it is illegal to sell cigarettes, vape pens and e-cigarettes or accessories to, or buy these products on behalf of, a person under 18 years of age.
Please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/e-cigarettes.aspx for more information from NSW Health.
Any student smoking during school hours will be in breach of school rules and will be treated the same way as any other breach of school rules. Repeat offenders will be placed on a school contract that will stipulate the behaviour required to maintain their enrolment at the College. The school contract with the student will include the provision of access to quit smoking programs and access to the College psychologist to develop strategies to use instead of smoking during the school day. Breaching the school contract will result in the student’s expulsion from the College.
Contacting Students in Class Time
Please do not phone your child during class time, they will be tempted to answer which is very disruptive to the class. Their phone should be off and out of sight. Parents/Carers who need to contact their child during school hours are asked to do so by calling the College office on 4323 1233 or wait until break times.
Banned items – Reminder
Students are prohibited from bringing certain items to school:
- Chewing gum
- Aerosol cans – deodorant etc.
- Knives
- Liquid paper
- Permanent markers
- Laser devices
- Metal or opaque drink bottles
- Cigarettes
- e-cigarettes or vapes
- Cigarette lighters or matches
- Gel Blaster/Gel Gun
If students bring these items to school, they will be confiscated.
If students continue to bring these items to school appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the consequences for breaches of the expected behaviours outlined at enrolment and in the Years 7 to 10 College Handbook and Years 11 to 12 College Handbook.
Medication Taken at School
In accordance with our First Aid and Medications Policy, parents/carers are required to complete an Authorisation for Administration of Student Medication form for any medication that needs to be dispensed during school hours.
Parents/Carers will also be required to provide the medication in its original packaging which has the Doctor’s instructions on the label.
Please contact the school office if you would like any further information or require a form to be sent home.
For more information on medication taken at school please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:
Buddy Update
Our school support and wellbeing dog is a much loved and important member of our community. We encourage anyone who would like to know more about this program to visit the Dogs Connect website: https://dogsconnect.net.au
As always, we assure the community that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved.
We celebrated Buddy’s 3rd birthday in style with a series of small parties in Week 8 of Term 2. Every student was invited and given the opportunity to participate in fun, Buddy-centred games and competitions.
Congratulations to the winners of the “Pawtrait” prize:
Stage 4 Winner: Leo
Stage 4 Highly Commended: Heidi
Stage 5 Winner: Zali
Stage 5 Highly Commended: Tahlia
Stage 6 Winner: Anais
Stage 6 Highly Commended: Art
School Lockers
Lockers are provided at no cost for students to store their school bags to improve security, and work, health and safety. Students are asked to clean out their lockers at the end of every term. Items left in lockers at the end of each term will be discarded. If you value the contents of your locker, please take it with you.
Students are encouraged to keep lockers always locked, even when empty. We are keen to prevent unauthorised access to lockers and/or to have other people placing objects in lockers that do not belong there.
Enrolments
Enrolment places are still available for the current year groups in 2024:
- Year 7
- Year 11
Places are not available in our other year groups, and a waiting list is in place.
Please contact the school office if you would like to make an enrolment enquiry or would like more information.
Lunch Orders – Lunch Options for 2024
Students in Years 7 and 8 will have the following lunch order options in 2024:
Monday – McDonald’s
Tuesday – Subway
Wednesday – Sushi
Thursday – Subway
Friday – Hot chips
Years 9, 10, 11, and 12 students have permission to buy food from the food court in the Imperial Centre for the first 15 minutes of each break every day. The school staff provide student supervision in the food court during breaks.
As soon as students have received their food and drinks, they must make their way directly to Kibble Park. During breaks in Kibble Park, students are always supervised by school staff.
Students will only be permitted to enter the food court if they are purchasing food or drinks. If students go to the food court and do not purchase food or drinks, they will be banned from accessing this privilege.
Years 11 and 12 students are also permitted to go to Shop 3 Café unsupervised to buy food and drinks during breaks. As soon as students have received their food and drinks, they must make their way directly to Kibble Park. During breaks in Kibble Park, students are always supervised by school staff.
Teaching Staff
Contact details for all members of school staff are in the College Handbook relevant to you:
Years 7-10 News
Years 7-10 Parent/Carer, Student & Teacher Interviews
When: Tuesday, 30th July & Thursday, 1st August 2024
Where: Years 7-10 campus
Parent/Carer, Student, and Teacher interviews for Years 7 to 10 will be held at the beginning of Term 3 on Tuesday, 30th July and Thursday, 1st August.
Interviews will be held onsite, providing many parents/carers the opportunity to visit their child’s classroom.
Parents/Carers have already been sent an email advising them of the session times and how to access the booking page on the Compass Portal.
If you miss out on booking one of the scheduled sessions or would prefer a phone or Zoom interview, you can request an interview with your child’s teachers at a mutually convenient time by emailing or phoning the college.
Please contact the school office on 4323 1233 if you require assistance with booking an interview.
The Push Up Challenge and R U OK Day
This term, during practical PDHPE lessons, students will participate in an in-house push up challenge during the month prior to R U OK Day (Thursday, 12th September). Students wishing to participate will be challenged to complete as many push ups as they can in a set time limit as part of their practical warm-up, and their teacher will keep count. The class with the most push ups will be announced as the winners on R U OK Day. Students will be reminded of the importance physical movement has for their mental health and wellbeing.
Year 7 – 10 Meditation and Mindful Colouring
Once a week, students will be given the choice to participate in meditation or mindful colouring to give them the opportunity to slow down and be present before tackling their busy schoolwork.
Free After School Tutoring
Any student who wants help after school in any subject should ask the subject teacher and arrangements will be made to provide free tutoring on most afternoons.
All extra-curricular or tutoring classes are free of charge.
Literacy Tutoring:
Every Tuesday Melanie and Sophie run literacy tutoring for students in Years 7-10 from 2:30pm-3:30pm.
Elevate your writing prowess this term! Join our Term 3 Literacy Tutoring Program for a transformative dive into the art of sentences. This term, our focus is on compound sentence structures, unlocking the keys to clear and concise writing. Melanie and Sophie will guide you through interactive sessions, providing personalised support to enhance your academic excellence. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to boost your writing skills.
Please let the school know if your child needs to leave early for transport.
Numeracy Tutoring:
Every Thursday Matt & Suzanne run numeracy tutoring for students in Years 7-10 from 2:30pm-3:30pm.
Please let the school know if your child needs to leave early for transport.
During Maths tutoring we will be working on a diverse range of basic skills stemming from Numeracy Ninjas and a multiplication focus which will lend itself to Division and repeated Addition.
We start each session with 5 minutes of mental maths, then move on to our tutoring booklets. These booklets contain a variety of different maths skills, such as division, BIDMAS, time, how to read a bus/train timetable, and worded numerical problems. Each booklet is tailored to each student’s needs.
If students want help with class topics, we encourage them to bring their class booklets so we can help go through topics they need support with.
We end each tutoring session with a quick maths game as a group.
Learning Enrichment Opportunities
ETASC offers free tutoring for all students.
For students who are identified as needing extra assistance with:
- Reading – ETASC offers the MacqLit reading program.
- Mathematics – ETASC offers the QuickSmart program. We also offer consolidation of classwork and after school tutoring.
- Writing – ETASC offers consolidation of classwork and after school English tutoring.
Gifted and Talented Program 2024
This year at ET Secondary College, the Gifted and Talented (GAT) program will continue to offer critical and creative learning opportunities for our students. Our aim is to provide educational opportunities that enrich and extend gifted and talented students, fostering a lifelong love of learning. Our curriculum for gifted students is specifically designed to challenge advanced learners and provide experiences that require critical thinking, problem-solving, independent study skills, communication, and persistence in the face of challenges. When engaged in high-quality gifted services, students will develop their unique abilities and maintain their passion for learning. These activities provide opportunities for students to engage in tasks that require higher-order thinking.
Typically, students that fall into the category of gifted and talented following assessment, teacher recommendation and observation at the school are presented with the opportunity to extend their thinking beyond regular classes. As well as GATs withdrawal lessons, competitions including Maths Olympiad, The Big Science Competition, CSIRO computational thinking, creative writing and art competitions are offered at ET Secondary College to extend our students academically. These competitions provide access to enrichment opportunities, particularly in the student’s area of strength and interest.
ETASC’s GAT Program does not substitute or replace the excellent classroom instruction and enrichment already provided in class. Instead, it provides options compatible with the needs, abilities, and interests of gifted learners.
Positive Behaviour Management and Rewards
ETASC’s Positive Student Behaviour Reward system includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term rewards. Reward days which occur once each semester are the pinnacle reward of this system.
Short-Term Rewards – Fortnightly Basis
Short-term rewards will occur on a fortnightly basis and be awarded to one student from each class based on their behaviour in the previous two weeks. Teachers will consider the number of positive behaviour reports or in-class points awarded, the student’s attendance during this time and any noticeable changes in a student’s behaviour. Students will be informed of their positive award in a manner that is comfortable to them – during the whole school assembly, stage assembly, class time or on an individual basis.
Short-term rewards include, but are not limited to:
- Chocolates
- Free lunch – pizza etc.
- Books
- Trinkets, toys, stationery etc.
Medium-Term Rewards – Term Basis
The accumulation of positive behaviour reports over a term will earn students medium-term rewards. A schedule of rewards will be provided to the students at the beginning of each term.
The number of positive behaviour reports required to achieve specific medium-term rewards includes:
# Of Positive Behaviour Reports Reward:
- 25 – Qualifies student to attend semester reward day
- 30 – Listen to music during class time for one week
- 40 – 5-minute early mark at the end of the school day for one week
- 50 – Free lunch order to the value of $10
Long-Term Rewards – Semester Basis
The long-term reward for sustained positive student behaviour is an invitation to attend the reward days held at the end of each semester. Students will be invited to attend our reward day if they have accumulated at least 25 positive behaviour reports during the semester. If a student is invited to a rewards day and engages in negative behaviour before the event, their invitation can be revoked. Reward day activities are intended to be fun days with activities that students want to participate in.
Our reward days so far have included:
- Go-karting
- Jet boats
- Clip & Climb
- Laser tag
- Mini golf
In determining whether students are entitled to attend a reward day the following will be considered:
- The number of positive and negative behaviour reports a student has received.
- School attendance – students need to maintain a regular pattern of attendance.
- Outstanding school fees – a student’s school fees need to be no more than 1 month in arrears to be eligible to attend reward days.
- School Contract – if a student has been placed on a school contract, they are deemed ineligible to attend reward days. Exceptions on a case-by-case basis may be considered by the Assistant Principal but this is not negotiable.
If parents/carers have questions regarding the positive behaviour system, we welcome feedback and questions so please contact the Assistant Principal.
Years 9-10 News
Entering Year 11 in 2025 — Parent/Carer Information Sessions for Current Year 10 ETASC Students
When: Thursday 1st August (5:30pm – 6:30pm)
Where: Years 11 & 12 campus
Parents/Carers of current Year 10 students are invited to attend an evening information session being held on Thursday, 1st August 2024.
The event will be held at the Years 11 & 12 campus, 125 Donnison Street, Gosford and run from 5:30pm to approximately 6:30pm.
Parents/Carers and students will be provided with an overview of what ETASC offers Years 11 & 12 students including:
- A chance to meet the classroom teachers
- An overview of the ATAR focused curriculum offered in Years 11 & 12
- Distance education subjects and application process
- Outline of the levels of support available
- Feedback from current students
- A tour of the Years 11 & 12 campus
The information session is being held on the same night as the Years 7-10 Parent/Carer, Student & Teacher interviews. Parents/Carers are encouraged to attend the information session at the Years 11 & 12 campus during the dinner break at the Years 7-10 campus.
All Year 10 students have already attended the same information session but are welcome to accompany parents/carers again to the evening session.
Please contact the school office on 4323 1233 if you would like more information or if you would like to confirm your attendance.
Year 10 Extension Tutorials – English, Mathematics & Science:
ETASC is providing Year 10 students with the opportunity to participate in after school extension classes in Term 3 and Term 4.
These classes are designed to provide our Year 10 students with extra-curricular opportunities in English, Mathematics and Science, to prepare students for Years 11 and 12.
Sessions will start at 2:30pm and conclude at 3:30pm.
All Year 10 students who intend on continuing to Year 11 next year are strongly encouraged to attend.
More information will be made available to Year 10 parents and carers at the beginning of Term 3.
Year 9 Rock & Water Program (PDHPE)
During Term 3, Year 9 students will have the opportunity to learn the principles of Rock and Water through physical exercises and games, many of which have origins in martial arts. The training will be delivered by professional martial artists from Black Belt Martial Arts. Students will participate in 5 sessions across the term.
Students will learn to work with the different Rock & Water principles developing self-confidence and communication skills.
They learn to find balance between empathy and living together with loved ones without losing their own individuality and personal path in life.
This training supports participants on their journey to becoming powerful individuals. Working with these themes teaches them to connect with their body, inner feelings, and strength, and from there, connect with the environment.
The Rock aspect supports young people in believing in their own strength and increasing their self-confidence. The Water aspect provides the tools to translate this newfound strength into communication with others.
HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests
Year 10 students will be participating in their third round of HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests. These tests assess the numeracy and literacy achievements of students before they exit the school system, whether it be in Year 10, Year 11, or Year 12. Students who achieve a level 3 in each of the standard tests have reached the state level of achievement and do not need to continue the testing process. Students are provided multiple opportunities throughout the year to reach a level 3. ETASC students will participate in the third round of testing in Week 10 of Term 3.
For more information, please see the website: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard
Any questions please contact the Curriculum Coordinator Kimberley Wheeler.
VALID testing
Year 10 students will be participating in the Science VALID testing in Term 3. The Validation of Assessment for Learning and Individual Development (VALID) program provides online end-of-stage assessments for the science key learning area. These assessments can be used as a diagnostic tool to assist in improving student outcomes in science and as a tool for program evaluation. The test is linked to the science syllabuses and assesses what students know and can do in science. It also provides useful information about student attitudes towards science. A letter will be sent home with the dates for these online tests. Any questions please contact Kimberley Wheeler 7 -10 Curriculum Coordinator.
Stage 5 DEAR
Years 9 and 10 are still participating in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) twice a week, reading topical new articles selected by the teachers to encourage them to read mindfully and to be engaged in current issues.
SYNC – Skills You Need Consolidating
This year ETASC will continue with SYNC for Years 9 and 10 students. Each lesson aims to help students establish and practise the fundamental skills necessary for further education and work. These practical skills enable students to practise problem-solving, critical thinking and group work.
Classes include:
- Nutrition – properly reading food labels, budgeting, planning, food wastage and cooking skills;
- Computer Skills – desktop usage, using Microsoft Office, typing skills, film editing and website building;
- Careers – resume writing, cover letters, how to research jobs, skills selection and how to apply for jobs;
- Independence Days – car maintenance, practical living skills and household upkeep.
These units will help to round out the students’ employability skills.
Years 9 & 10 Student Assessment Handbooks
Student Assessment Handbooks are available on the school website and are important documents for Years 9 & 10 students to read to be informed about their Record of School Achievement (RoSA) requirements.
Within the handbook there is information on how to successfully complete Year 10, the grading scale for each subject, what an ‘N’ Determination Award (N Award) is and how to avoid one, study skills and who to talk to if you need help.
We encourage all Years 9 & 10 students and parents/carers to read these documents thoroughly to ensure they are informed of the expectations for Years 9 & 10 students.
Years 11-12 News
Year 12 Graduation
To celebrate the achievement of completing 13 years of schooling, a graduation ceremony is planned. It will be held at Crowne Plaza Terrigal on Thursday, 26th of September. Tickets cost $120. It will be a wonderful night acknowledging the efforts of our students and the support given by parents/carers.
Year 12 students with outstanding school fees will not be permitted to attend the event. Please contact Lachlan Scott if you would like to discuss this further.
Stage 6 Curriculum Update
Term 3 is going to be a busy and very important term for all our students.
Year 11 Student Incursion – Ace your Exams and Mnemonics Elevate Workshops
24th July 2024
To help students prepare for their yearly exams, two workshops have been organised. The first workshop is designed to assist students in acing their exams by outlining how to prepare for exams and the techniques to use during exams. The second workshop focuses on memory and mnemonics. It will give students an understanding of how memory works and the techniques to use to help them recall information. It also looks at how to regulate distractions to help students stay focused.
Year 12 HSC Elevate Revision Workshops
A variety of revision workshops are planned for
- English 05.08.24
- Business Studies 04.09.24
- PDHPE 05.09.24
- Biology 11.09.24
- Maths Standard 2 12.09.24
These workshops are run by Elevate and are personalised to the subject specific needs of our students. Students will receive a course guide summarising the entire course.
Year 12 Trial HSC Week 3, 4 & 5 (8th August to 21st August)
In Term 2, students toured the facilities of Henry Kendall High School where they will sit both their HSC and Trial HSC exams.
Trial HSC exams commence on 8th August and will run through Weeks 3, 4, and 5 of Term 3. Students are encouraged to make summary notes, memorise the syllabus/quotes/formulas, and complete practice HSC questions. The key is to get feedback from teachers so students can know how to improve their answers.
During the Trial HSC, students are expected to be at school when they do not have exams. On the days students have exams, they can either study at school or at home. If a student is absent on the day of an exam, please ensure the illness/misadventure form is completed, with documentary evidence, and emailed to christina.clark@etaustralia.com within 24 hours.
Year 12 Henry Kendall High School Exam Centre Catch up Visit 30th July
Year 12 students will be completing their HSC and Trial HSC examinations at Henry Kendall High School. This excursion is an opportunity for any Year 12 students who missed the excursion last term to explore the facilities that they will be using when at Henry Kendall High School. It is also a chance to ensure students know how to locate the appropriate rooms at the school.
Year 11 Yearly Exams – Week 6 & 7 (Friday 30th August to Friday 6th September)
In Term 3 students need to begin studying and revising for their yearly exams. These exams will take place in Weeks 6 & 7 (30th August to 6th September) and cover the content of everything taught since the beginning of the year.
This will be the first time some of our students have experienced being tested on such a large volume of content. At the start of Term 3 students will participate in two seminars that teach tips on how to ace their exams and memorise content. Students will benefit from applying the tools learnt at these seminars. The presenter will encourage students to make summary notes, memorise the content and complete practice questions. Teachers will continue to be available in the study sessions after school between 3-4pm to assist students with their revision.
If a student is absent on the day of the exam, please ensure the illness misadventure form is completed, with documentary evidence and emailed to chrisitna.clark@etaustralia.com within 24 hours.Here’s the checked and fixed version with changes shown:
Elevate is the name of the company that runs the study seminar workshops. Students have access to online resources to help them study at www.elevateeducation.com They also provide free parent resources at https://elevatecoaching.info/parent-resources/
HSC Minimum Standards
In order to receive the HSC all students need to receive a level 3 in the HSC Minimum Standards Test. There are three tests, reading, writing and numeracy. Last term, students were given the chance to complete these tests. Any students who did not receive a level 3 will be given another opportunity towards the end of Term 3 to sit the HSC Minimum Standards Test. These students are also provided with additional support and intervention to help increase their literacy and numeracy skills.
Reports
Student reports will be emailed out through our school administration platform Compass. Students will receive comments on their achievements and how to improve their academic progress. Year 11 and 12 students will receive their yearly reports at the end of Term 3.
Year 12 Mentorship Program
Each Year 12 student has been assigned a staff member to be their mentor. Students receive a booklet to record their academic goals for the term and meet with their mentor to plan steps to help them achieve it. Mentors meet with the students to encourage them to keep working on those steps. They also help students to reflect on what strategies are helping them and what things need to change to ensure they meet their academic goals. These meetings will be crucial in the last term of their schooling.
Year 11 Pathway Plans
Year 11 student Pathway Plans will continue throughout Term 3. These meetings focus on identifying any support the school can provide to help students transition into Year 12 and achieve their study and employment goals.
Year 11 parent/carer meetings with the Student Learning Support Coordinator and Principal will be on a targeted, individual basis. Parents/carers who feel this meeting would be beneficial are encouraged to email Elissa at Elissa.Cosentino@etaustralia.com to discuss booking a meeting.
University Admissions Centre (UAC)
Helpful links:
How to apply to university:
https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/how-to-apply-for-uni.
Steps to university for Years 11 & 12:
https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/year-11-and-12/steps-to-uni-year-11-12.pdf.
Scholarships and schemes
https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes
Stage 6 Student Assessment Handbook
The Stage 6 Student Assessment Handbook is an important document for Stage 6 students to read and be informed about the HSC course requirements.
Within the handbook, there is information on how to successfully complete Stage 6, what an ‘N’ Determination Award (N Award) is and how to avoid one, study skill tips and who to talk to if you need help.
We encourage all Stage 6 students and parents/carers to read this document thoroughly to ensure they are informed of the expectations for Stage 6.
If you have any questions regarding the above content, please contact me.
Christina Clark
Stage 6 Curriculum Coordinator