Nhill College Newsletter

Our School Values:

• Respect
• Honesty
• Teamwork
• Confidence
• Excellence
• Endeavour
  

The School Wide Positive Behaviour Support program is designed to bring together school communities to develop positive, safe and supportive learning cultures by helping to foster an environment that assists schools to improve social, emotional, behavioural and academic outcomes for children.  As part of the SWPBS program, a rewards system has been developed to encourage students to always:

• Be Safe
• Be Respectful
• Be a Learner

Our Year 12 students commenced their external exams this week, with the English exam kicking things off on Wednesday.  It has been encouraging to see so many students dropping in throughout the week to make use of the available time to catch up with staff and get help with their exam preparations.

We also heard from our four College Captain candidates on Monday of this week, as they delivered speeches that were streamed to the student body via webex.  They then followed up with an interview with Mrs Magrath, Mrs Coughlan, Mrs Cole and myself on Wednesday.  Congratulations to each of Zara, Shae, Matthew and Kyle for the fantastic way they have packaged themselves throughout College Captain application/interview process.  Once again we will be extremely well-served next year no matter the outcome.  Voting has occurred and an announcement on our 2022 student leaders will be made prior to the last day for our Year 11 students on November 25. 

And finally this week, we received notice of the newest COVID-19 restrictions that will come into effect on Monday 1st November.  There has been a slight easing of some of the restrictions in place, with the main development being that it will no longer be mandatory for staff and students to wear masks outdoors at school.  There has also been a slight relaxation in terms of the school's ability to hold assemblies and host transition visits.  A brief summary of some of the key guidelines is listed below:  

• Stay home when unwell and get tested
• School staff and school students in Year 3 and above must always wear a face mask indoors at school, unless a lawful exception applies. 
• Face masks are mandatory for all students aged 12 or older when travelling to and from school on the school bus.  
• Parents/carers are asked to observe physical distancing measures before and after school by not congregating in areas inside or around the school – including the school car park and at the school gate.
  
• All access to the school must be directed through the Office.

• All visitors/parents must also observe face mask requirements, fill out the visitor register situated at the office and use QR Code check-in facilities provided.  (Anyone unable to use a smartphone will be required to use the Kiosk check-in service available at the office).
• All visitors/parents must also provide evidence of their vaccination status at the office.  Anyone unable to provide evidence of vaccination will be asked to leave the school.

Just a reminder that the Hindmarsh Shire has announced that Tuesday 2nd November (Melbourne Cup Day) will be a public holiday in lieu of the Nhill Show day that was cancelled due to COVID-19. 

A Year 6 into Year 7 Information Evening was held via Webex on Monday night with an extremely good turn out of students and parents.  Miss King did a wonderful job in explaining the key features of our Year 7 program, especially the week-long Headstart Transition Program that will be taking in place from December 6-10.  Thank you to all those families who tuned in on the night, and to Miss King for her organisation.  Any families who still have questions regarding Year 7 or the upcoming Headstart program are encouraged to contact Miss King at the school.

This group will be going on a walk around town for their activity on Monday 1st November.

Mr Jokantas

With the recent updates to our school website, parents are now able to submit Bus Notes in two ways:

• via Compass under the Star (School Favourites) icon - Bus Notes
• via the Nhill College website (https://www.nhillcollege.vic.edu.au/), under Parent Info - Bus Notes

Both options will direct parents to an online template that will inform the school of any changes to regular bus travel arrangements.  Please ensure that any Bus requests are submitted before 3.00pm.

After several discussions with families, unfortunately we have decided to postpone the 2021 Presentation Ball. We will look at holding this event early next year. If you have any questions in regards to the Presentation Ball please do not hesitate to contact Nhill College on 53912111 and speak to Mrs Kim Magrath.

Students in Year 7 will receive their second dose of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) as part of the Secondary School Vaccine Program on Monday the 8th November. Year 10 students who missed their Meningococcal vaccine back in March, will also be able to be vaccinated on Monday the 8th November. 

To learn more about the Secondary School Vaccine Program, the vaccines, the diseases they protect against, or how you can prepare your child for vaccination, go to betterhealth.vic.gov.au

A letter has gone home to students and their families who had registered to complete the White Card Training earlier this year.  Unfortunately the training day had to be postponed twice due to Covid restrictions, and we are unable to reschedule for this year.  We will look at rescheduling early next year, but if you would like to arrange a refund of your $50 payment you may do so by contacting Mrs Natalie Farmers at the office by calling 5391 2111 or emailing her at natalie.farmers@education.vic.gov.au.

VCE Unit 3/4 Information….

For all VCE and VCAL students (and teachers) it is currently a very busy time undertaking assessments, submitting tertiary applications and of course preparing for the end of year exams! Year 12 students will have just three weeks of school left at the start of Term 4!! This busy time will continue during the term break with many students taking up the opportunity to complete practice exams and engage in exam revision lectures.

This morning all Year 12 VCE students have sat a practice English exam for 3 hours. We thank the students for their efforts and thank Mrs. Clark for organising this and coming into school on her day off to supervise!

All Unit 3/4 VCE students have also been given a Care Bag to acknowledge their efforts during this term and to help prepare them for what is to come. The College would like to thank the Nhill Pharmacy for their discount on the hand sanitiser and also thank our local small businesses for helping us to organise vouchers – Nhill Dine Inn, Wimmera Bakery and Mr. Le. These Care Bags will also contain practice exams for students to complete during Week 1 of the term break.

We encourage students to keep working hard – the rewards will come!

Vocational Education Training in Schools gives students from Year 10 the opportunity to gain Nationally Recognised certificates in certain trades or fields of work. It usually takes a minimum of two years to complete. Students travel to Horsham or Longerenong College on Wednesdays through the school term to complete their studies.

 What VETiS courses are available?

There are 20 different courses that are available. But courses only run if there are enough numbers to run. If you would like more information https://vet.llen.com.au/courses/

 What do students need to do to apply for VETiS course?

We ask students to first look at the course available and talk to their parents about it. Students will then talk to either Mrs Hedt or Mrs Sampson about completing a VETiS course during their subject selection meeting. Once that is completed, a meeting will be arranged with both the student and parents regarding the commitment of completing a VETiS course. Students will need to complete an online application that is due on the 17th of September 2021. It is not a first in best dressed system. Year 12 students get first preference, then Year 11 students and then Year 10 students.

 Is there a cost for students to complete VETiS?

Yes, the bus costs $9.40 return to Horsham and an extra $3.40 if attending Longerenong. Certain subjects have a material fee that students and family pay. The school pays for the course fees and have the right to withdraw a student if they are not attending or misbehaving.

The Foundation makes available annual awards to Year 12 students who gain entry to courses at Victorian universities/TAFE institutes.

The scheme aims to assist young people who have had to struggle to overcome adversity, who have shown commitment to their goals and those of the community, and who, with some help, have had the opportunity to succeed in their studies and future life.

Under the scheme each award-winner receives about $5000 each year to the cost of his/her course, as well as support from mentors.

 

The application for this scholarship is made using a secure online process. To apply, please copy the following link into your browser http://equitytrustees.smartygrants.com.au/Burgess

Applications are now open and will close on 30th October, 2021. Further details on the criteria and process for applying can all be found on the SmartyGrants website.

 

If students need assist with the application please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Cole or Mrs. Hedt.

Cricket season is fast approaching, and the West Wimmera Warriors are seeking new junior players.

The club is aiming to have junior sides for -12s, -14s and -16s this season.

This means there will be teams for kids to play in for ages 8-16.

If you are interested, or after more information, please feel free to contact either Mitch Dahlenburg, Tarrah Dodds or Ash Dickinson. 

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families.

Payment amounts this year are $125 for eligible primary school students and $225 for eligible secondary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

If you would like to apply for the first time, please contact the school office on 5391 2111 and ask for an application form.

You can also download the form, and find out more about the program and eligibility, on the Department of Education and Training’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund web page.

Check with the school office if you are unsure, and please return completed forms to the school office as soon as possible.

It is a Department of Education requirement that each enrolled student who has an action plan updates this each year.  Please see below the forms required, those students who currently have an action plan in place will be sent out a form to be completed by your Doctor or specialist.  If your child has recently been diagnosed with an Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Allergy or new medical condition please advise the general office.