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NORTHCOTE HIGH SCHOOL Newsletter Volume 86 Issue 5

WHAT’S COMING UP 2012

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16 April First day Term 2

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23 April: Maths Challenge Competition 23 April: Production rehearsal (all day)

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26 April: Sister School Event 1.30 - 2.30 27 April: School Athletics Carnival, (Compulsory Yrs 7-9) 30 April - 4 May: Rose's Gap Grampians Camp (Yr 9s) 1 May: Yr 10 High Resolves 4 May: Jazz Music Camp (to 6 May) 5 May: ACE program testing (Yr 7, 2013) 9 May: Intermediate Music Camp (to 12 May)

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22 May: Duke of Ed Camp 1 departs (details TBC)

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22 May: Yr 7/10 Girls Immunisation

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Picnic in the park senior concert

25 April: ANZAC DAY, public holiday

15-17 May: NAPLAN Yrs 7,9

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17 April 2012

18 April: 9-12 noon. OPEN MORNING (Primary parents and students)

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Celebrating 86 years of education in 2012

14-18 May: Yr 8 Toolangi day visits (Geography field trips)

22-24 May: Yr 8 High Resolves 29 May: Sem 1 Music Concert Hall, 7 pm 30 May: Sem 1 Music Concert Clocktower Ivanhoe. 7 pm 31 May: Yr 9 Maths Exam (details TBC)

School Contacts General Office 9488 2300 Student Absence Parents please log on to Compass School Email [email protected]

As many of you will know,o n Sunday (25th March) the Senior Concert Band and Stage Band, had a concert. What you may not know is that this was a concert like no other, for the first time in human history, school bands played in the band rotunda at the Edinburgh Gardens. It was an extraordinary feat; music was arranged, heads were rolled and percussionists were forced to be organized all in a matter of weeks (Well, except for the bit about the heads rolling; but anybody who attended the last few Senior band rehearsals will know that things got pretty close.) After much perseverance and resolve from the Music Department the day finally arrived. Things didn’t look great at first, Senior Concert Band didn’t start performance until ten minutes after the planned time and there were a suspicious number of disappearing musicians. Things got off to a slow start; we had to cut some of our best pieces from the first performance repertoire. We managed to attract a large audience and sounded pleasant enough. Luckily for everybody, Senior Stage Band was next, (for the few people unfamiliar with Senior Stage, they are AMAZING!!!) They played wonderfully, even though they were playing some of the pieces for the first time at the concert. They had a great line-

up, including Louie, Louie, Billie’s Bounce and Lady Madonna, just to name a few. There were some fantastic solos, with particular note to the guitar solos, which were spectacular, and they didn’t hesitate to just keep adding more. After this it was time for Senior Concert Band’s second performance. This time we managed to fit the percussionists into the rotunda with the wind instruments (beforehand they were on the ground, facing the conductor, but with their backs to the audience.) We started with Wein Bliebt Wien (Vienna Remains Vienna, an Austrian Oom-pah song.) We followed this up with an excellent performance of Instant Concert (a medley of over 20 famous pieces) which was greatly enjoyed by the audience. After a few more popular compositions (like Puttin’ on the Ritz and The Magnificent Seven theme), we finished with a splendid performance of The Doors in Concert, a medley of some of The Doors’ best-loved pieces. All in all it was a fantastic performance and a great end to what turned out to be a wonderful concert and a great start to what I’m sure will be a spectacular year. For everybody who was unable to attend the concert, there are going to be two coming up in Term Two. Louis Becker, Junior Music Captain

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NAPLAN Tests 2012 The national tests in literacy and numeracy will be conducted from Tuesday 15 May to Thursday 17 May. The national assessment program – literacy and numeracy (NAPLAN) will involve students in years 3,5,7 and 9 from all states and territories. In Victoria approximately 290,000 students from all government, catholic and independent schools will participate in the program. The results of the tests provide diagnostic information can be used to support teaching and learning programs and improve student achievement. For students, teachers and schools there will be little change from the arrangements in place for last years NAPLAN tests, apart from students across Australia sitting identical tests on the same three days. The NAPLAN tests will assess:

Year 7 and Year 9 students will each undertake two numeracy tests on Thursday 12 May 2011. One test will require the use of a calculator. Please ensure your child brings a calculator. The format of the NAPLAN test will be similar to previous years. For further information contact the VCAA NAPLAN help desk on freecall 1800 648 637 Alternatively, you may find the answers to any queries on the http://www.nap.edu.au/ See below for timetable Ms Effie Sgardelis Teaching and Learning leader

•Reading •Writing •Language conventions (spelling, grammar & punctuation) •Numeracy (includes a calculator and a non calculator test for Year 7 and Year 9 students) Year Level Year 7

Tuesday 15 May

Wednesday 16 May

Language conventions

Reading

Numeracy

45 minutes

65 minutes

40 minutes x 2 (80 minutes total)

Writing

Calculator test to be scheduled first, followed by non Calculator-allowed test

40 minutes

Year 9

Thursday 17 May

Language conventions

Reading

Numeracy

45 minutes

65 minutes

40 minutes x 2 (80 minutes total)

Writing

Calculator test to be scheduled first, followed by non Calculator-allowed test

40 minutes

OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY APRIL 18, 9-12 noon Students are needed to take tour groups of parents etc. If interested you should see Mr Murphy

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Sing like a Bloke

On Tuesday the 27th of March, Northcote High School resonated to the sound of collective grunting from around 100 boys learning to “Sing Like a Bloke”. Stephen Taberner of Australia’s own ‘Spooky Men’s Chorale’ came to impart his vocal wisdom on the motley crew of adolescent lads. Who would have thought we could sound so powerful. Over the course of the morning we were instructed in rhythm and split into groups ac-

cording to the pitch of our voices. The event culminated in an earth-rumbling ACapella interpretation of “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, starring rants by Mr Murray and Liam Kelly. Overall, everyone present had a great time and we all departed feeling vocally empowered. Singing in the shower has since improved tenfold. By Alexander Tomisich & Michael Stapmanns, Yr 11

1:1 Computing at NHS There was great excitement at the end of last term when laptops were distributed to all students in Years 9 and 10 as part of the National Secondary School Computer Fund. Students should now have completed the first use initialization procedure and be ready to start the term with this new learning tool which will empower students with ‘any time and anywhere’ learning.

attend the Information and Distribution Sessions at the end of Term 1, with details to arrange for receiving their laptop. Ms Lisa Saillard Ul-

NHS is pleased to provide students and families with the latest technology, software and support to give our students the opportunity to enter a new world of curriculum possibilities, allowing engagement and involvement in their learning. Please assist in making the best use of this resource by ensuring that your child brings their laptop to school each day fully charged (leaving their charger at home), backs up their data regularly and takes appropriate care of this device. We will contact families shortly, who were unable to

2013 Year 7 ACE Program Entry Our ACE program enters its 17th year of operation in 2013. Testing for Year 7 entry will be held on Saturday May 5th . In 2013, entry at Year 7 is only available for students who live locally to the school or who will have a sibling in the school at the same time. You need to register your Grade 6 child to sit the HAST test by Tuesday April 30th. There is information about the program available from our website or the General Office. The registration charge is $65, which covers the cost of assessment of the testing by external providers. Please note a change this year—the program is only available to students a) for whom the school is closest or b) who are siblings of current students.

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2012 NORTHCOTE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM Friday 27/4/12 George Knott - (Collingwood) Athletic Track Heidelberg Rd. Clifton Hill

Time Track 10.00 10.10 10.20 10.30

10-12 Boys/Girls 100m 9 Boys/Girls 100m 8 Boys/Girls 100m 7 Boys/Girls 100m

10.40 10.50 11.00 11.10 11.20

Field

Novelty

10.00

Year 9 GB High Jump

10.20 10.20 10.20 10.20 10.20

Year 7 GB Long Jump Year 8 GB Triple Jump Year 10-12 Discus Year 10-12 Javelin Year 10-12 Shot

10-12 Boys/Girls 800m 9 Boys/Girls 800m 8 Boys/Girls 800m 7 Boys/Girls 800m

10.50 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00 11.00

Year 8 High Jump Year 10-12 GB Long Jump Year 7 GB Triple Jump Year 9 Discus Year 7 Javelin Year 8 Shot

11.30 11.35 11.40 11.45

10-12 Boys/Girls 200m 9 Boys/Girls 200m 8 Boys/Girls 200m 7 Boys/Girls 200m

11.30

12.00 12.05 12.10 12.20

10-12 Boys/Girls 400m 9 Boys/Girls 400m 8 Boys/Girls 400m 7 Boys/Girls 400m

12.30 12.40 12.50

9 -12 Boys/Girls 1500m 8 Boys/Girls 1500m 7 Boys/Girls 1500m

1.00 1.10 1.20 1.30 1.40 1.50

RELAYS – Organization MERRI Lane 1/5, PLENTY 2/6, BATMAN 3/7, SUMNER 4/8 Year 10-12 BG Relay Year 9 BG Year 8 BG Year 7 BG Rohan Griffiths Annual Staff Handicap 400m Staff v Student Relay CLEAN UP - ANNOUNCE RESULTS BOARD BUSES RETURN TO SCHOOL

2.10 2.20

10.20

Vortex throwing Year 7 Boys/Girls Year 8 Boys/Girls Year 9 Boys/Girls Year 10-12 Boys/Girls

11.00

Hoop Race Year 7 Boys/Girls Year 8 Boys/Girls Year 9 Boys/Girls Year 10-12 Boys/Girls

Year 7 High Jump

11.30

11.40 11.40 11.40 11.40 11.40

Year 8 GB Long Jump Year 9 GB Triple Jump Year 8 Discus Year 9 Javelin Year 7 Shot

Sack race Year 7 Boys/Girls Year 8 Boys/Girls Year 9 Boys/Girls Year 10-12 Boys/Girls

12.00

12.20 12.20 12.20 12.20 12.20 12.20

Year 10-12 High Jump Year 9 GB Long Jump Year 10-12 GB Triple Jump Year 7 Discus Year 8 Javelin Year 9 Shot

Tug of war Year 7 Boys/Girls Year 8 Boys/Girls Year 9 Boys/Girls Year 10-12 Boys/Girls

Note: All senior (Years 10-12) classes will run as normal on this day. Year 7-9 students must attend the Athletics carnival.

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Da Shan’s Sports Update Some great results were achieved in the last 2 weeks with 3 of our swimmers winning through to the State Swimming titles. Reaching the State finals is a great achievement. Tori Rusciano of Year 10 and Sports Captain Maggie Gilder of Year 9 both won through in 3 Individual events . Nick Kreiger of Year 8 won through in the 14 Boys Butterfly. At the State finals Tori finished second in the 50m freestyle and 3rd in the 50M fly. Maggie and Nick weren’t placed but swam personal best times.

FAMILY and CARERS SCHOOL ATHLETICS Friday 27th April – George Knott – Collingwood Athletics – Heidelberg Road - (Clifton Hill) – We invite all of our school and local community and families to at-

In Cricket our Year 8 Boys were defeated in the Regional Grand final by St Helena SC. Despite the loss they showed outstanding ability and potential and with greater application could easily have made the state finals. Two of our Year 8 boys have been selected to tour overseas in Cricket. Our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students had some great success in their Divisional matches in Softball where we won at all levels. In Baseball we won at Years 8, 9 and 10. In Tennis our Year 7 and 9/10 Girls and 7 and 8 Boys were successful. Our Year 7 Boys and 8 Girls were winners in Volleyball. This was a reward for all the training most of these students have attended. A special thanks to State Volleyballer Bill Dennaoui who has been training our Year 7 Volleyballers and all the other teachers, Sport Captains and other students who have run training sessions and coached teams. The winning Divisional teams now play at Regional finals in early Term 2. Regional Volleyball finals for our juniors will be held in Term 4.

tend this wonderful day. The program runs from 10 am to 2.20pm with all the traditional Track and Field events plus many Novelty events. If any parents or guardians would like to run with or against our staff in the 100m Handicap event at 2.00pm please email your interest to [email protected] School tutors will be handing out information and permission forms in early term 2. They will also be monitoring each student to nominate events they will compete in. This day is compulsory for all Year 7, 8 and 9 students and should be viewed by the whole school community as such. Athletics is a great sport where all skills are well catered for in the wide range of traditional Track and Field and novelty events on offer.

In other news 12 students attended an AFL Boundary umpire meeting. They will be tested for fitness and if Da Shan successful will earn $65 per match on Saturdays in local matches in the Amateur Football league. Any other students interested should ring Terry Logozzo on 0414848179 or 94899164.

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8B goes to Boho Every year our Year 8s travel to Boho for an intensive 4 day camp. Here are some thoughts from 8B who returned in the second last week of Term 1.

The waterfall experience helped us form a great bond as a class. Horonuku Reihana

For me, the best thing about Boho was getting to know the other girls in my class, because I didn’t know them as well as I did the other girls I usually hang out with. Gillian Kiriakidis

I last went to Boho in November 1989. It’s great to see it has only improved in the intervening 23 years. Mr Murphy It was great getting closer to everyone in our class. Natalie Cappelletti. The best part of Boho was probably the waterfall, Mt Wombat and horse riding. The sunset on Mt Wombat was one of the prettiest sunsets ever. The sky was pink! That was also the first time I went riding too—and it was a good experience. Alison Huynh

Going hiking on the first day and night was actually kind of awesome , especially when I cut my leg because now I have an interesting story to tell everyone… I thought it was great. We all got along really well. The campfires were heaps of fun and Nathan’s jokes were hilarious!. Katie Simmons Getting away from the city, having quality time with my classmates, rather than just being in cliques Yukina Otsuka– Bignell

Above: Jess Hill with Roger the lizard

Walking under the waterfall was amazing…. And the hike was great! These are things you can’t really do in Melbourne. Mackay Woodruff

Going horse riding and canoeing was the best . It was an experience to ride and animal with a mind of its own. Canoeing was good because Nathan tipped his canoe over on purpose. The camp also brought our class together. Andre Spain. Gooram Falls and the natural waterslide was the best - its something you can’t do in the city. David Mercuri

The best thing about Boho was getting close to the class. Its good we’re all friends. Also the activities were an experience of a lifetime and teach us things that we can’t learn anywhere else. Beatriz De Freitas

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What parents should know about social networking Many of our students use social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and Formspring. However, some parents have little knowledge of what these are and how they work. Here are some basics:

Social networking sites try to stay secure but in a number of famous cases have not been.

1. Facebook Incorporated is a privately owned US company employing 3,000 people and generating $US 3.7 billion in 2011. Myspace is a US company owned until June 2011 by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation. It’s now owned by Justin Timberlake, the singer. It now has only 200 employees, after a downturn in its business. The head office of both companies is in California, USA.

Facebook limits membership to 13 years +, but apparently does not police this. There are continual cases reported in Australia of cyberbullying on social networking sites. In late 2009 a British court sent a teenager to a custodial sentence for cyberbullying on a US social network site. Anonymous pages dedicated to bullying a person have been set up, and there have been pages set up to advocate topics some would find unacceptable (Holocaust denial, neo-Nazi, pro-Mafia groups, 9/11 didn’t happen etc )

2. Although free to join, these social networking sites are NOT charities, government or community moderated websites. Facebook Inc. and Myspace exist as businesses to make money. The companies make their money from advertising and investment. The ads appearing on Facebook Inc are targeted according to the user profile (age/gender/country etc) that you provide. This is called “behavioral targeting” in advertising. You don’t take any notice of them? Maybe not – but this is regarded as one of the most effective methods of advertising! 3. Being US companies, they both tend to model their site rules around US ideas of freedom of expression, as found in the US constitution. They also don’t actively moderate behaviour like bullying—they rely on the social network “community” to do this! On the other hand—at different times Facebook and Myspace have caused controversy by deleting user photos of women breastfeeding babies because these breach their rules about showing uncovered female breasts. Keep in mind, US websites don’t necessarily have to comply with Australian privacy laws. 4. Formspring, a US based social networking game, where ANY anonymous person can ask ANY questions of ANY sort to a young person, has been so stung by accusations that it exists only as a playground for bullies that it now contributes to US anti-bullying forums. But the design of its “game” hasn’t changed. 5. The advantages of a social networking site are strongly advocated by the companies. For older users, keeping in touch with family and friends interstate and overseas is its obvious use. However – there are also: • Security issues Both Facebook and Myspace have been compromised by hackers on a number of well documented occasions. This is because they are seen as “fair game” by some criminal scammers and anti- social hackers. These criminals see you as foolish and in some warped way, “deserving” of hacking or having your identity stolen, because you have given away your privacy.

• Cyberbullying issues

• Changes to your settings by the companies Although Facebook Inc assures users of control and privacy, it has recently changed its privacy settings. In late 2009, these were set to “share with everyone” as default, in some cases without any user choice. Some people have suggested that Facbook Inc wants you to share more information, so that its pages turn up in a Google search more often – thus generating more internet traffic, for which it will earn more advertising revenue. This school’s advice. • We recommend students and parents do not use social networking sites that require you to provide personal details on line. If you are already using such a site, we strongly recommend you do not provide photos on such sites. • If you still want to use a social networking site based in the USA, keep in mind that may be little a school can do if something “goes wrong,” even if you think the other person involved is known to you. • In the event of cyberbullying, theft from your account, unwanted attention from unknown people etc, try to contact the company. Victoria Police should also be informed if continued harassment or stalking occurs. • The golden rules are

*Never respond to abuse. *Never abuse others. *On the internet -if in doubt, don’t. *Always keep evidence of worrying behaviour and encourage your son/daughter to report upsetting behaviour to you and or the school. Some advice from a Civil Liberties group The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a US based Civil Liberties group, recommends you should not accept Facebook Inc’s default privacy settings as adequate. The group added this about Facebook Inc: “if you don't want to share your personal data with hundreds or even thousands of nameless, faceless Facebook …[users] — some of whom are obviouslyfar from honest — then you shouldn't use Facebook” Our website has instructions on how to set Facebook settings to maximum privacy level

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Hot August Night – Calling all Performers To celebrate the diverse talents of the Northcote High community, the Community Engagement Committee will be holding a soiree on the night of Saturday August 25. It will be in the main hall and will be an adultsonly event hosted by the supremely gifted comedian and NHS parent George McEncroe. If you are a NHS parent, friend or staff member and would like to register your interest in performing on the night, (maybe you’re a musician, flamenco dancer, or flame swallower) please contact Brenda Walker at [email protected] or call 0438 196 522. The adult singing group will also be starting again this term, and this will be run by musician and teacher Stephen Sharpe, with a view to performing at the soiree, and if you would like to be a part of this (whether to perform on the night or just to be part of a singing group and meeting other members of the NHS community), contact Brenda Walker for details. Also, if you are interested in being a part of a group of musicians that will also be getting together this term (all levels welcome), contact Brenda as well.

VET REPORT 2012 V.E.T. is now up and running for the year. This year N.H.S. has 49 students doing a V.E.T. subject as part of their Year 10 or V.C.E. program. 35 students are enrolled at N.C.A.T., 10 students are enrolled at Santa Maria, 3 students are enrolled at Eltham High School and 1 student is enrolled at Thornbury High School. For those of you who are unsure, V.E.T. stands for Vocational Education and Training. V.E.T.:

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Is an accredited vocational education and training program (usually over two years).

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It enables students to complete a nationally recognised vocational qualification and a senior secondary certificate such as VCE and/or VCAL at the same time.

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It allows students to go directly into employment or receive credit towards further study.

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It focuses on students developing industry specific and workplace skills.

V.E.T. offers students the opportunity to:

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Explore career options and pathways

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Undertake learning in the workplace (through work placements/experience)

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Gain a nationally recognised qualification or credit towards a qualification that contributes to satisfactory completion of the VCE or VCAL

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Develop skills that will equip them for the workforce.

N.H.S. students are enrolled in a variety of courses such as Automotive, Plumbing, Electrotechnology, Carpentry, Hospitality, Business and Creative Industries (Media). Most first year students do their V.E.T. off campus on Wednesday afternoons (1.30 – 5.30) and most second year strudents do their study off campus on Thursday afternoons (1.30 – 5.30). V.E.T. allows N.H.S. students to experience more ‘hands on’ learning and some students may explore alternative pathways through V.C.A.L. and pre-apprenticeship courses that are offered at N.C.A.T. or else N.M.I.T. and Heidleberg T.A.F.E.. Many students, however, choose a VET as part of their V.C.E. pathway at N.H.S. Mr Martin Ramsay

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Tutoring for Maths Methods An outstanding ex-Northcote High School student, with - 46 study score for maths methods - 44 study score for specialist maths - 93.75 ATAR score - Experienced in tutoring year 11 and 12's - Easy going and friendly Call Adoni on 0430 926 825 or email: [email protected]

Fitness Training for Teenage Girls Why Should You Consider This Fantastic Opportunity - Make new friends - Get Out In the Fresh Air - Improve Your Fitness - Feel Great About Yourself - Supportive Environment - All Levels of Fitness - Small Personal Group - Combination of trail runs, circuit training, games and agility exercises - Lots of Fun When: Commencing Term 2, Wednesday April 18 (weekly) Where Yarra Bend Park (Yarra Bend Road off Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield) Time 4.30pm – 5.30pm Cost $165 for Term 2 Come and join Alex Ryan, runner and personal trainer for a fun fitness session after school To book a place please call Alex on 0488 446 695 Your Instructor - Alex Ryan Alex is a keen runner having completed 3 marathons, many half marathons and lots of fun runs over the years. Exercise has always played a big part in her life and she fully understands the physical and mental benefits that come as a result of incorporating regular exercise into your life. As a qualified personal trainer Alex specialises in improving functional movement to reduce injury and ensure you get the most out of each training session. The most important aspect of the session is to have fun !

Over $1700 raised for Good Friday Appeal School nurse Bec Grimes (shown at right in NHS summer uniform ) with peer leaders Jesse Jones and Elie Hayes helped coordinate our 2012 Good Friday Appeal. Year 10 Peer Support Leaders ran a

fundraising day, managing to raise over $1700 for the charity. Activities included an out of uniform day, a monster bake sale and a comedy event with Floyd Taylor-Morrison and Ben McDonald (also of Year 10).

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Community Notices Want to be a AFL boundary umpire? The VAFA is willing to pay junior male and/or females a MINIMUM of $65 to be boundary umpires for U18 VAFA games (4 by 25 mins) played on Saturdays at 9:20, 11:40, or 2:00, YOU choose the time. Footballers preferred.

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Must be fit (ie run 4km at a SLOW jog , rest 12 mins, run another slow 4km-initially 3km by 3km is acceptable).

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Season starts mid-April, and running fitness trials occurring NOW (usually a Saturday or Sunday evening for 45 mins, with breaks when needed).

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Allocated games will usually be a 15 minute drive from your home to the VAFA ground for B.U's who live in the inner suburbs ( on most occasions)

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No alcohol is permitted to be brought by spectators, or sold, at games.

Please ring Terry Logozzo on 0414848179 or 94899164 ( after 7 pm) if interested.