Newsletter email address: mscnewsletter@maffrasc.vic.edu.au

Attendance officer: Attendance@maffrasc.vic.edu.au

DATES TO REMEMBER

October

Monday 5^th - Term 4 commences

November

Thur 26^th - Yr 12 Valedictory

Tues 3^rd - Cup Day School closure

Mon 30^th – Head Start & Mind Week

- Yr 7 and 10 Immunisations

December

Tues 15^th - Presentation Evening

Parents’ Club future meeting dates

· Oct 6^th

· Nov 3^rd

School Council meetings:

· 20^th October

· 17^th November

School Council Dinner date to be notified at a later date.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Parents will have read recently some alarming headlines in newspapers, including such statements as “Brat School - unruly kids are running amok in primary schools with the number of suspensions doubling in the past decade.”

“More than 2000 primary school students were suspended last year as public schools struggle to cope with the surge in violent and unruly students.”

“Public school principals, fed up with a lack of resources to deal with troublesome kids who endanger others and disrupt classes, have called for violent and unruly students to be isolated in special classes to cool off.”

This suggests that in government schools students are uncontrolled and perhaps uncontrollable. We know that good discipline is important to parents - as it is to effective learning and teaching - and these media articles can undermine parents’ confidence in the government system.

The articles arose from a submission by the VPA (the principals association that represents primary principals) asking for additional Student Development Centres where students who are especially disruptive can be sent for a period of time (usually a Term).

I hope that parents of Maffra Secondary College keep all this in perspective. When you walk around our college what you will see are students engaged in learning, with teachers able to work with them positively and effectively. Our discipline procedures are clear and agreed by the school community – we do not tolerate student behaviour which prevents others from learning.

There are difficult students in our system, but at Maffra Secondary College you can be assured that the policies and processes we have in place will mean that your child will continue to receive a high quality education. Your support and involvement helps us to make sure this continues!

STAFFING

We welcome back Karen Milner and David Montague from extended leave, and farewell Susanne Wilson, Judy Latham and Julia Healy on Long Service Leave for the rest of the year. Claire Couling Assistant Principal, Loueen Smith Excel, Angi Thomas Student Welfare Coordinator and Belinda Tricker will take over the role as Year 11 Coordinator. To ensure we have qualified English teachers taking Year 11 classes it has meant that Margaret Higgins will take Julia Healy’s English class, and Helen Lacey will take the Year 11 English class that has been previously taught by Margaret Higgins. It is unfortunate but unavoidable we need to swap teachers so late in the year.

NAPLAN

The Naplan results have arrived in the College. Some have been distributed during Parent Teacher interviews, the rest will be mailed home shortly. Please contact your student’s Maths or English teacher if you have any concerns about the results.

HOLIDAYS

Spare a thought for our Year 12 students and staff who will be working solidly throughout the holiday as the exams are fast approaching.

I encourage all students and staff to have a relaxing and safe holiday. With the warmer weather approaching it may be timely to remind our young people to be careful around our waterways.

Andrew McIntosh

Principal

GOLD PASSES

Effective at the beginning of Term 4 we will be trialling the abolition of gold passes. We have found that we have an OH&S issue because students with gold passes do not sign out (but do not necessarily go home), which means that we have no way of knowing who is at school and who is not during lunchtime should an emergency situation arise. We have also found it creates For the first time public transport will operate a weekly loop service between Maffra, Boisdale, Briagolong, and Stratford before returning to Maffra. The bus will run each Thursday (excluding Public Holidays) starting 17 September and concluding on 30 December.

The bus will be running over the school holidays, so for young people the bus offers the opportunity to visit friends in neighbouring towns.

For a timetable or more information contact Wellington Shire Council on 1300 366 244 or visit the website www.wellington.vic.gov.au

issues about equity because students who live out of town are not being given the same opportunity. Students who need to go home on a particular day from here on in will need a signed note, have it signed by an Assistant Principal and then sign out at the front office. No student in Years 7-10 will be allowed to leave the school at lunchtime without following this procedure.

INTRODUCTION OF THE VICTORIAN STUDENT NUMBER

Our school is working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to allocate a Victorian Student Number (VSN) to each student at the school.

The VSN is a student identification number that is being assigned to all students in government and non-government schools, and students in Vocational Education and Training Institutions. The number, which is unique to each student, will be used as a key identifier on a student’s school records, and will remain with the student throughout his or her education, until reaching the age of 25. The VSN is nine digits long, randomly assigned, and tied to stable information about the student (name, gender, date of birth).

The introduction of the Victorian Student Number will provide the capability to accurately detect patterns of student movement through, and departure from, the Victorian education and training system. It will greatly improve the collection and analysis of timely and accurate data about education in Victoria. The Department collects information to track improvements made to the education system, identify areas that require further improvement, and to analyse trends and identify future needs. The VSN will improve the accuracy, reliability and completeness of this information, providing a better basis for assessing needs and developing policies to meet them.

You will see the VSN appear on student report cards, enrolment confirmations, and exit confirmations.

If you want to know more about the VSN please see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/vsn/overview.htm

CENTREPAY

Maffra Secondary College has been approved by Centrelink to accept payments by Centrepay.

Centrepay is a direct bill-paying service offered free to customers receiving payments from Centrelink. Through Centrepay customers can choose to pay bills by having an amount regularly deducted from their Centrelink payment and paid directly to Maffra Secondary College on their behalf.

The College has set a minimum payment of $20 per fortnight due to the fact that the College will be charged a processing fee for each payment.

If you are interested in paying your College account using your Centrelink payment, we have application forms at the front office of the College.

SCHOOL MAGAZINE

If you intend to purchase a 2009 school magazine please make payment of $15 to the office by 9^th October.

EMA CHEQUES UNCOLLECTED

Education Maintenance cheques have all now been processed and accounts have been mailed out this week.

Cheques that were not collected from the school have now been credited to the families’ accounts. Please contact the office if you would like to use this credit for charges on your account.

CAREER NEWS

EVENTS AND OPEN DAYS:

Ø Remember that if you wish to visit a University during the school holidays, contact the prospective/future students office and arrange a tour!! Most universities are very happy to assist rural students. Take advantage of this time to find out more about where you can study and what support you can arrange!!

YEAR 12 TERTIARY APPLICATIONS UPDATE!!!

Ms Burgess will be available at school during practice exam times on the school holidays to assist with VTAC and SEAS issues. If a student wishes to see Ms Burgess, they need to make/confirm an appointment day and time with her prior to coming in.

SPECIAL ENTRY ACCESS SCHEME – Our students will all apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) administered by VTAC under the category of rural students. Some students may be eligible to apply under other categories (mature age, non-English speaking background, indigenous Australian, family circumstances, socio-economic background, under-represented schools, women/men in under-represented disciplines, disability or medical condition, refugee).

SCHOLARSHIPS – VTAC publishes A Guide to University Scholarships (copies in careers room). There are institutional Access and Equity Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships and Merit Scholarships. Applications for scholarships via VTAC close on 30 October 2009.

VCE REVISION LECTURES AND SUMMER SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!

Students in Year 12 who wish to attend the VATE English lecture in September or the Access Revision lectures in October need to see Mrs Baxter to arrange this. Payment to be made at the front office by the relevant due date.

Any Year 11 student who is interested in attending ‘Summer School’ run by the University of Melbourne from January 11^th til January 22^nd 2009 can see Ms Burgess in the Careers Room. This is a great opportunity for students to get a start on their coursework and live on a university campus. The cost of the program is $470 including residential costs and the academic program. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to mix work and pleasure over the summer break.

SO YOU WANT TO STUDY PSYCHOLOGY? You are invited to a ‘Careers in Psychology’ information session for aspiring psychologists, run by the Student Committee of the Australian Psychological Society. Gain insights into specialist areas and broaden your under-standing of the role of psychologists in the community. When: 6.15-10pm, 16 Sept; Where: Prince Phillip Theatre, Architecture, Building & Planning (Bld 133), Melbourne Uni; No bookings required; Email: melbapsstudents@gmail.com; Map: http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/CampusMaps/Parkville.pdf.

INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRICAL CAREER? 370 degrees group is admin-istering the pre-selection assessment on behalf of NECA. 370 degrees group is an Electrical Registered Training Organisation and Group Training Organisation. The assessment is highly regarded in the industry providing common assessment of candidates from an industry standpoint. A successful result enhances entry prospects for electrical apprenticeships. The assessment is set at about Year 10 level English comprehension and maths. See www.neca.asn.au, click on VIC and go to Apprenticeship Pre-selection to find out more, try a sample test and register on-line.

OFF TO JOIN THE CIRCUS? Swinburne’s National Institute of Circus Arts is holding auditions. It is offering current Year 10 students the chance to combine circus training (Cert III) with their VCE (audition date: Sat 19 Sept). Certificate IV in Circus Arts is a post-secondary one-year intensive program for professional development or for students wishing to prepare for the Bachelor of Circus Arts (audition date: Sun 25 Oct). Info: Liz Louden, 9214 6975, info@nica.com.au, www.nica.com.au.

EXPOS AT VICTORIA UNIVERSITY/TAFE – Coming up (all 10am-3pm): Personal Services (beauty, hairdressing, make-up, modelling, nail tech.), City King Campus (225 King St), Sun 18 Oct; Engineering and Specialist Trades (engineering, electrical, electrotechnology, fitting & turning, painting & decorating, plumbing, signwriting, welding), Sunshine Campus, Sun 24 Oct; Construction Industries (building, boatmaking, bricklaying, cabinetmaking, carpentry, furniture making, joinery, shopfitting), Newport Campus, Sat 7 Nov. Info: www.vu.edu.au/visitvu.

KEEPER FOR A DAY AT HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY – This program is for students who are thinking about a career working with animals. Get a real experience with zookeeper duties and look behind the scenes at zookeeper life. Book: http://www.zoo.org.au/Learning/Programs/Student_Conferences/Careers/Keepers. Dates: 22, 23, 29, & 30 Sept; Cost: $99. Wildlife photography with Steve Parish is a full day photographic workshop. Share the passion of world-renowned wildlife photographer. See: http://www.zoo.org.au/Learning/Programs/Student_Conferences/Steve_Parish.

THE WORKINGS OF THE BRAIN AND HOW IT DRIVES BEHAVIOUR Find out about this, and diseases of the brain, by attending an information session on Monash Uni’s Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience. Find out what Behavioural Neuroscience is, the structure of the course, career pathways and perspectives from students. When: 7pm, Mon 21 Sept; Where: Lecture Theatre MS, Building 13A, Clayton; Registration: rsvp.spppm@med.monash.edu.au.

Karen Burgess

burgess.karen@edumail.vic.gov.au

MUSIC NOTES

Hi all.

Just a reminder to parents that there a number of outstanding instrumental music fees. Please see the office staff as to what amount is owed so that the music department can keep our records in check.

Next term we will have a number of performance opportunities which will involve all music ensembles, so instrumental musicians need to be diligent in their home practice during the holidays (yes you still have to practise in the holidays!).

Have a safe and relaxing holiday and we look forward to some creative music making next term.

Paul Van Eekelen, Music Co-ordinator.

VCAL PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Congratulations to Ben Donahoe, Brenton Pape and Jarred Wellins who have constructed the seat bench (pictured) during their Personal Development class time. The students have completed this not-so easy- design to a fantastic standard and chose the new Middle Years campus to locate it. Peter Ribolli gave guidance to the students throughout the project and assisted in organising the necessary hole digger (very hard ground!). So thank you to Ben, Papey & Jarred and Peter Ribolli. Funding for the timber was available due to the ADVANCE program.

ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH FUNDRAISING

Reminder… Orders and money for the eco friendly shopping bags are to be handed in to the school office during the first week back at school after the holidays.

In November, we are hoping to take two Year 9 teams to compete at the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough event. Currently, Energy Breakthrough is a Year 9 Pursuit. We need to raise some funds for team uniforms, materials and transport, so we are selling eco friendly shopping bags. These bags are not like the ordinary Coles or Safeway variety - they are designer bags. They come in a range of designs and several colours. We would really appreciate your support for Energy Breakthrough so that we can take the students to Maryborough. There is a sample bag available at the main office if you wish to check them out before you make a purchase. More order forms are available from the office if you need them. Thankyou in advance for supporting the Energy Breakthrough team.

MELISSA BACKMAN ATTENDS STATE SHOOTING FINAL.

Melissa Backman represented Maffra Secondary College at the State finals of Clay Target shooting at Bendigo on Monday the 7^th of September. She is the first student to represent the College at state level shooting.

Melissa scored well, but with stiff competition from the others in the Junior Girls Section, placed 8^th. “It was a great experience and I would love to do it again.” She said.

Melissa is part of the Maffra Secondary College Shooting Programme. “The programme has been running for four years and this is the first year we have had girls competing” said Mrs Fraser one of the programme’s coordinators.

“It is fantastic to see girls competing in what is a male dominated sport.” said Mr Riggs, the other programme coordinator from the College. “We have held “girls only days” to encourage the girls and as a result, this year we were able to field a Girls squad at two competitions. Melissa won her section in both competitions.”

The shooting programme aims to promote safe firearm use in a variety of competitions. We currently have over fifty students or 7% of the student population in the programme.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

NEW BUS SERVICE FOR BOISDALE, BRIAGOLONG AND STRATFORDFor the first time a weekly public transport service will connect the communities of Boisdale, Briagolong, Stratford and Maffra. It will also provides a link to Sale via the existing weekly inter-town public transport service between Stratford and Sale each Thursday giving locals the choice of getting to Sale or Maffra.

The loop service is being introduced as a trial through the Wellington Shire Council. The service will operate each Thursday between 17 September 2009 and 30 December 2010 (excluding public holidays). For more information please contact Sheryl McHugh, Transport Project Officer, Wellington Shire Council on 1300 366 244.