Term 3 Newsletter, 2023

Excursions and Events

There are a number of School Events planned for Term 3.
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 10 HSIE (Geography) Excursion – Wamberal Beach Field Survey

When: Wednesday 6th September 2023
Where: Wamberal Beach

Year 10 students will visit Wamberal Beach as part of the study of Geography this term. This excursion links directly to the assessment and will provide students the opportunity to use the skills taught in class to collect data samples and conduct fieldwork. Students will focus on completing a field survey of the beach. Students will examine the beach ecosystem, effects of erosion caused by previous storms, coastal processes, and management strategies to restore or protect beach ecology.

Information for this event has already been emailed to parents/carers, please check your Compass Portal or contact the school for any assistance.

Years 11 & 12 Business Studies Excursion

When: Date to be confirmed
Where: Construction site – venue to be confirmed

Years 11 and 12 Business Studies students will visit a construction site and see the operations of North Construction and Building in action. Students will listen to a presentation to learn about the operational issues faced with construction tasks in today’s environment. Students will then travel to Norths Constructions and Building head office for a tour. Students will have a chance to listen to staff share information on the tasks involved in marketing Norths and managing the human resources and finances to make their business successful.

More information for this event will be sent to parents/carers via the Compass Portal closer to the date.

Key Dates for Term 3 2023

The first day of Term for all students is Tuesday, 18th July 2023.
The last day of Term for all students is Thursday, 21st September 2023*

*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 8:40 am, 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 Principal or Deputy Principal every day for a period of 10 weeks.

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 an 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 Student 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.

The 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.

The Possession of Gel Blasters and their Presence in Schools

New South Wales Police and the Department of Education have requested ETASC circulate the following important information about the possession of gel blasters and their presence in schools.

Gel Guns or Gel Blasters are lifelike ‘toy’ guns that closely resemble firearms. They fire gel balls and can be very difficult to differentiate from a real firearm. They are classified as air guns under NSW law and gel balls are classified as ammunition.

It is a crime to possess a Gel Gun in NSW unless you have a firearms licence, even if it was purchased online or legally in another state. It is also a crime to bring a Gel Blaster or Gel Gun to school.

There is a potential for injury if a person is struck by gel pellet ammunition and understandably students and staff may become frightened and distressed if they believe a firearm has been brought into a school.

If a student is found to have a Gel Gun at school, the firearm will be confiscated, and the Police contacted immediately. The student could be arrested and charged with possession of a firearm. Parents/Carers may also be held liable as per section 82 of the Firearms Act.

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 2023:

• 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 2023

Students in Years 7 and 8 will have the following lunch order options in 2023:

• Monday – McDonald’s
• Tuesday – Subway
• Wednesday – Sushi
• Thursday – Subway
• Friday – Chips and gravy

Noodles are no longer available for purchase from the school during breaktimes.

Year 9, Year 10, Year 11, and Year 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 & 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

Years 7-10 Parent/Carer, Student & Teacher Interviews

When: Tuesday 25th July & Thursday 27th July 2023
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, 25th and Thursday, 27th July.

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 time that is mutually convenient by emailing or phoning the college.

Please contact the school office on 4323 1233 if you require assistance to book an interview.

Year 11, 2024 Parent/Carer Information Sessions

When: Thursday 27th July 2023 (5.30pm – 6.30pm)
Where: Years 11 & 12 Campus

 Parents/Carers of Year 10 students are invited to attend an evening information session being held on Thursday, 27th July 2023.

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 will attend the same information session earlier on the same day, but are welcome to accompany parents/carers again for the evening session.

Information for this event has already been emailed to Year 10 parents/carers about this night and how to confirm a place, please check your Compass Portal.

Please contact the school office on 4323 1233 if you would like more information or if you would like to confirm your attendance.

HSC Literacy & Numeracy Minimum Standards Testing

Year 10 will be given another opportunity to complete their HSC Numeracy and Literacy Minimum Standards tests. These tests are used to show the level of 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 acquire a level 3 in each of the standards tests have reached the state level of achievement and do not need to continue the testing process. Students are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to acquire a Level 3. For more information, please see the website https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard. If you have any questions, please contact the Curriculum Coordinator, Kimberley Wheeler.

VALID Testing

Years 8 and 10 students will be participating in the Science VALID testing in Terms 3 and 4. 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.

Major Changes to NAPLAN 2023 Reporting & Results Process

From 2023, NAPLAN results will be reported against 4 proficiency standards rather than the numerical bands used previously. Students’ results are measured against 4 levels of proficiency; Exceeding, Strong, Developing, and Needs additional support. Proficiency standards provide clearer information about students’ NAPLAN achievement. They are a more accurate guide for what students should be achieving at the time of testing, based mainly on skills learnt from previous years of schooling.

It is now quicker for teachers to clearly identify students’ strengths and areas where additional support is required.

More information will be emailed to parents and carers of Years 7 and 9 students at the start of Term 3.

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.

English and Science classes will be run on alternate Tuesday afternoons starting from the 1st of August and Mathematics will be run on Thursday afternoons commencing on the 3rd of August 2023.

Sessions will start at 2:30pm and conclude at 3:30pm.

All Year 10 students who intend 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.

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 English tutoring and consolidation of classwork.

Years 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.

Positive Behaviour Management and Rewards

ETASC’s Positive Student Behaviour Reward system includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term rewards. Reward days once a 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 accumulation of positive behaviour reports over the term will earn students’ rewards.

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
• 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.

Stage 4 Spelling and DEAR (Drop Everything & Read)

Year 7 will be participating in DEAR enjoying a novel chosen by their teacher with their class.

Year 8 will be participating in a spelling program reviewing the fundamental spelling rules and words.

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;
• Independences Days – car maintenance, practical living skills, 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.

Click here to read the Year 9 Assessment Handbook
Click here to read the Year 10 Assessment Handbook

Years 9 & 10 DEAR (Drop Everything & Read)

Years 9 & 10 students participate in DEAR twice a week, reading topical new articles selected by the teachers to encourage them to read mindfully and to be engaged in current issues.

Stage 6 Curriculum Update

Term 3 is going to be a busy and very important term for all our students. On completion of the term there will be many celebrations for students.

Year 12 HSC Elevate Revision Workshops

A variety of revision workshops are planned:

31st July – English
28th August – Business Studies
5th September – Mathematics
6th September – Biology
12th September – PDHPE

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 (Weeks 4 & 5)

In Term 2, Year 12 students toured the facilities of Henry Kendal High School where students will sit both their HSC and Trial HSC exams. Trial HSC exams commence on Monday, 7th August for the duration of weeks 4 & 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 the student can be assisted in knowing 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 the exam, please ensure the illness misadventure form is completed, with documentary evidence and emailed to christina.clark@etaustralia.com within 24 hours.

Year 11 Yearly Exams (Weeks 8 & 9)

In Term 3, Year 11 students need to begin studying and revising for their yearly exams. These exams will take place in weeks 8 & 9 (starting 4th September) and will 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 demonstrate 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 practise questions. Teachers will continue to be available in the study sessions after school between 3:00-4:00pm 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 christina.clark@etaustralia.com within 24 hours.

Elevate is the name of the company who run the study seminar workshops. Students have access to online resources to help them study at www.elevateeducation.com  They also offer free parent/carer webinars which are held fortnightly on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in attending please click on the following to register: https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/register

HSC Minimum Standards Testing

In order to receive the HSC, all students need to receive a Level 3 in the HSC Minimum Standards tests. 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 tests.

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 students will receive their yearly report in the first week of Term 4 and Year 12 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.

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 skills 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

ET Australia Secondary College Years 7 to 10 Handbook
ET Australia Secondary College Years 11 and 12 Handbook
ET Australia Training College Upcoming Courses