Term 1 Newsletter, 2024

Excursions and Events

There are a number of School Events planned for Term 1.
Parents/Carers will be emailed with details of each event. Where permission is required, we ask that you give permission through the Compass Portal as instructed. This will ensure that your response goes directly to the staff member who is responsible for that event.
Students without parent/carer consent provided 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 those bookings are open.

Year 12 Student Elevation Incursion

When: Wednesday 13th March
Where: ETASC

To help Year 12 students start the year with a positive mindset, a workshop run by Elevate has been booked. This seminar will help students to set goals and learn techniques for self-motivation. They will be taught the valuable skill of breaking goals into manageable tasks and examine the role of self-efficacy in performance.

Year 11 Student Elevation Incursion

When: Wednesday 13th March
Where: ETASC

 To help Year 11 transition into Stage 6, a workshop run by Elevate has been booked. This seminar will equip students with the skills to be independent learners. They will assist students to learn how to use their subject syllabuses to frame their study and will be taught how to write, organise and review study notes.

Key Dates for Term 1 2024

The first day of Term for students in Years 7, 8, 11 & 12 is Thursday 1st February 2024.
The first day of Term for students in Years 9 & 10 is Friday 2nd February 2024.
The last day of Term for all students is Friday, 12th April 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 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:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

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 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 be 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.

Opal Cards

The Department of Transport issues OPAL cards and schools are not involved in the issue and re-issue of this free service for school children. Parents/Carers are now responsible to follow up with errors or lost and stolen cards. Students are advised not to put OPAL cards near phones or other disabled cards.

For more information on OPAL cards, please refer to the College Handbook relevant to you:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

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 and 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 which is required 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:

• Years 7 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

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
• Year 12

Places are currently unavailable 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 – Chips and gravy

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 to 10 College Handbook
• Years 11 and 12 College Handbook

NAPLAN 

In March 2024, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be completed by students in Year 7 and Year 9. NAPLAN has the support of all State and Territory Education Ministers and will assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students across Australian schools.

The results of the tests will provide valuable information to schools about what each student can do and will be used to support teaching and learning programs. Parents & Carers will receive a report indicating their child’s level of achievement. Each student’s level of achievement will be reported against the national minimum standard.

The online format allows for ‘tailored testing,’ where the test adapts to a student’s performance and asks questions that match their achievement level.

Students in each year level start with the same set of questions, which can then branch into a different set of questions based on their responses. The online test will direct students to questions that are appropriate to their ability. This test design will allow students to demonstrate their literacy and numeracy skills. Students may find online assessment more engaging, encouraging them to persevere with the tests.

Students will complete their online tests on the following dates:

Wednesday 13th March                 Writing
Thursday 14th March                     Reading
Friday 15th  March                          Conventions of Language
Monday 18th March                       Numeracy
Tuesday 19th March                       Catch up
Wednesday 20th March                 Catch up
Monday 25th March                       Testing window closes

More information about adjustments and support will be sent home via Compass.

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. Please let the school know if your child needs to leave early for transport.

 Elevate your writing prowess this term! Join our Term 1 Literacy Tutoring Program for a transformative dive into the art of sentences. Explore the magic of simple, compound, and complex 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.

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.

We focus on basic skills but allow the opportunity and time to discuss classwork if required. It is a fun, safe learning space where students can ask questions and work independently or within a small group with a teacher.

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 are made up with a variety of different maths skills eg; division, BIDMAS, time, how to read a bus/train time- table, and worded numerical problems. Each booklet is tailored to each student’s needs.

If students want help with class topics, we encourage the students to bring their class booklets, so we can help go through topics they require support with.

We end each tutoring session with a quick maths game as a group.

Stage 4 Spelling and DEAR

Year 7 will be participating in a spelling program twice a week – reviewing the fundamental spelling rules and words.

Year 8 will be participating in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) twice a week. Students will read a text of their choice and we encourage students to bring in appropriate reading material to read during this time. We also have an abundance of books in the Knowledge Hub that students can borrow.

HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standard Online Test

Year 10 will be participating in the Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standard online test this year. Students are given multiple chances throughout the year to complete these tests and obtain their Level 3.

More information about the tests and adjustments will be sent home via Compass.

Stage 5 DEAR

Years 9 and 10 will be participating in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) twice a week. Students will read a text of their choice and we encourage students to bring in appropriate reading material to read during this time. We also have an abundance of books in the Knowledge Hub that students can borrow.

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.

• Year 9 Student Assessment Handbook
• Year 10 Student Assessment Handbook

Stage 6 Curriculum 2024

The staff and students at the Years 11 & 12 campus are looking forward to welcoming the new Year 11 students starting this year. It will be a big change for them with longer hours at school, an increased workload and the expectation to complete homework. To assist with this transition ETASC offers after-school study sessions from 3pm to 4pm, where teachers are available to help students with their homework and study.

Both Year 11 and Year 12 enjoy participating in a variety of programs to assist them with their studies for 15 minutes after lunch. They include;

Study Skills
Throughout the year students complete various study skills activities. It assists them to set goals and create study timetables. They learn effective ways to study and write summary notes. They are also taught time management tips and methods to get organised.

Wellbeing Session
In Term 1 this program is about building community and teamwork. By having a sense of belonging and connection, it is hoped that the student’s internal resilience should increase and help them face the year ahead.

Roadmap
These sessions assist students in understanding the meaning of key HSC verb directives such as outline, explain, analyse and evaluate. They then practise writing short answers ensuring they are using the correct structure and terminology.

HSC Minimum Standards-Intervention

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. Any student in Year 11 who has not received a level 3 yet will be given the opportunity to sit these exams in Term 1.

Year 12 Practice HSC – Weeks 9 & 10

To help Year 12 prepare for their Trial HSC exams in Term 3, students will have the opportunity to sit shorter mini-style exams at the end of Term 1. They will be able to use their summary notes and get feedback. This will give students a taste of what the HSC exams will be like in a way that builds confidence in achieving them.

Student Development

HSC disability provision applications

Disability provisions are one way that NESA ensures there are reasonable adjustments available to students with disability so that they can access and participate in the HSC on the same basis as students without disability.

ETASC is in the process of applying to NESA for HSC disability provisions for eligible students. The due date for these applications is 12th April 2024 (the last day of Term 1).

If you feel your child is eligible for HSC disability provisions and you have not heard from the school, please contact Elissa Cosentino as soon as possible. (Phone: 4323 1233 or email: Elissa.Cosentino@etaustralia.com).

Careers

Years 11 and 12 Pathway Plans

Initial Years 11 and 12 pathway plans will be conducted by the Student Development Coordinator with all students. This meeting will focus on identifying any support the school can provide to help students achieve their study and employment goals.

Implementation of a New Career Platform – The Careers Department

Years 10, 11 and 12 students
The Careers Department is a digital platform that allows students to explore their strengths and weaknesses as well as career preferences. With access to more than 800 pieces of content, the platform allows students to quickly find interviews, podcasts, virtual tours and articles on a wide range of industries.

Further information for parents/carers and students will be distributed throughout Term 1, 2024.

Stage 6 Student Assessment Handbook

The Stage 6 Student Assessment Handbook is an important document for Stage 6 students to read to 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.

Click here to read the handbook

ET Australia Secondary College Term Dates

• Years 7 to 10 Student Handbook 
• Years 11 and 12 Student Handbook