March 2023 Newsletter

We've had a wonderful start to the year with so many activities enabling social connections, extra-curricular opportunities, study, and leadership opportunities.

The importance of both taking care of each other and the environment has been highlighted by school events such as Clean Up Australia Day, Harmony Week/UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, UN World Water Day and National Ride2School Day. We celebrate having such a caring, inclusive and wonderful student group. 

We also welcome our new parents/carers to the school community with events such as ‘Welcome to College’ and ‘Partners in Learning’ - opportunities to learn more about college life, wellbeing and academic supports and activities for students.

Staff news

We wish a happy retirement to Roger Amey Executive Teacher Science, Mathematics, and UC Affiliated Schools, and Chemistry/Science teacher extraordinaire.

Roger has taught in NSW, high schools in the ACT and Canberra College, Dickson College and Lake Ginninderra College.  Roger has also been very involved in Sustainability and Environmental Education initiatives including SEE Change Canberra and a wonderful promoter of science to our high and primary school students. Thank you so much for your dedication and inspiration to your students and the school community – we wish you all the very best  for the future.

Chris Cutting, Acting Executive Teacher STEM has won an Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL) ‘Growing in Leadership award’ in recognition of his excellent contribution to education. Congratulations, Chris.

Many teachers across the college take an active and important role in senior secondary quality assurance, and curriculum and assessment programs. This includes Moderation Day as Subject Group Leaders, course writing and review, and work on Quality Assessment Tasks for the Board of Senior Secondary Studies. 

Narisha Deonarain Mathematics Teacher and Certification Officer also recently presented at an Education Directorate 21^st Century Numeracy conference on Initiative and Risk as Numeracy Dispositions. It's great to have so many of our staff involved and we thank them for their commitment. 

Connect | Innovate | Impact

The AIS ACT breakfast was held at Gandell Hall, National Gallery of Australia on Thursday 9 March.  Zahra, Sonia and Ray, year 11 students, really appreciated the opportunity to hear from the guest speaker Liz Gillies, CEO of the Menzies Foundation.  Liz talked about future challenges, making a social impact, philanthropy, and leadership development.

Sonia, Zahra and Ray, who are part of our Academic Excellence Program, are pictured here with the Deputy Director-General ACT Education Directorate, Jane Simmons, Melissa Planten, Principal, Rachel Reagan Executive Teacher, Humanities and Outdoor Education and Kirk Zwangobani, Deputy Principal.

Student achievement

Country Women's Association Award

The Country Women’s Association of NSW, Canberra Branch (CWA), offers an annual scholarship program to support several college students to continue their education in the ACT. 

Suzanne Orr, Member for Yerrabi and graduate of UC SSC Lake Ginninderra presented the certificates to Ryan Fawke and Mollie Morris Year 12.

Capital Chemist College Scholarships 2023

Congratulations to our Capital Chemist Award winners for 2023, Isobel Hemming, Daniel Gray and Chisomaga Nnajide. The prestigious Capital Chemist College Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students entering Year 12. The monetary scholarship is to be used for the educational benefit and to enhance their educational experiences.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Scholarship

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secondary Scholarship 2023 scholarship financially supports students to complete their Year 12 studies.

Cognratulations to Julia Villaflor, who is studying Dance, Maths Methods, English Literature, Exercise Science, Sports Development and Outdoor Recreation.

Breaking the 4 minute mile, student running success

Cameron Myer, Year 11, has recently beaten a 43-year-old Australian Under 20 record. Myer’s record makes him the fastest 16 year old ever and the second youngest person to break the magical 4 minute time for the mile. Meanwhile back at college Cameron is engaged in a T package including English, Economics, Mathematical Methods, Global Studies and Sociology.

2023 BSSS Student Forum

Caitlin Weaver and Chisomaga Nnajide Year 12 have been selected to be a part of the 2023 BSSS Student Forum. This is a valuable opportunity for students to share their points of view and ideas across a range of relevant topics.

2023 ACT Youth Week Grant program

The College was successful in gaining a $1500 grant to assist with Dungeons and Dragons and other games for student groups. Thanks to Shellee our librarian.

ACT Instrumental Music Program’s Extension Ensembles

Joshua Linmore, Hannah Robertson (Year 11), Misha van Schippingen (Year 12), Senior Concert Band, have been selected by audition for the ACT Instrumental Music Program’s Extension Ensembles in 2023 – congratulations!

Emergence of AI

Given the emergence of AI and ChatGPT education institutions, ACT Education Directorate, the Board of Senior Secondary Studies, and schools currently exploring the opportunities and challenges it presents.  Teachers are discussing and unpacking this in whole school staff meetings, executive and faculty forums.  For our school community we have shared information with students and parents/carers and included in our Partners in Learning event. 

Wishing all students and staff participating in extension and excursion activities all the very best over the rest of the Semester with Outdoor Education trip to Lady Musgrave Island, Beach Volleyball teams, Ethics Olympiads, Writers Camp, Global Classroom, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo…and so much more!

Have a wonderful remainder of the term and a happy and safe Easter break.

The College site has been selected to host an ACT Policing counter terrorism exercise. The exercise will take place on Friday 14 April 2023, during term 1 standdown, and is closed to the public.

This exercise is part of the ACT Policing annual readiness exercise program and involves other agencies such as the ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Fire and Rescue.

Our school will not be available from Thursday 13 April 2023 and Saturday 15 April 2023 for set up and clean up. Please remain clear of the area over this period to ensure ACT Policing have the access they need to undertake their exercise.

ACT Police and the Education Directorate would like to thank Lake Ginninderra College for their assistance in facilitating this activity.

This year we’re celebrating the 50^th Anniversary since our unique ACT school system was created.

On 11 September 1973, the federal government formally declared our public school system would operate under a new independent statutory ACT Schools Authority and separate from the NSW Education Department.

The new system would be radically different in structure, governance and curriculum to any other school system in Australia. We’re proud of its democratic and participatory beginnings!

Throughout this year, we will mark key milestones and tell the stories of our system’s rich history and achievements.

To get involved in the celebrations on social media use the hashtag #50yearsACTPublicSchools

For more information and to join in our celebrations visit our Education website.

UC SSC Lake Ginninderra staff and the principal entered the spirt and action of ride to school day on Friday 24 March.

Many students are riding to school every day. This is encouraging to see at a time when the ACT Government is encouraging active travel. Some care is needed when docking a bike at the school bike racks. There are frequent examples of bikes not being secured.

There are also some examples of secured bikes being taken. Everyone who rides should also bring with them a secure locking device.

For more valuable bikes which may be of interest to people other than the owner, there is a bike rack available inside the school quad outside the science staffroom (red line on photo below). To take advantage of this facility, bikes should be brought into the quad via the technology entry door (red arrow on photo below).

The Country Women’s Association (CWA) offers an annual scholarship program to assist a number of College students to continue their further education in the ACT.  Congratulations to recipients Ryan and Mollie on being awarded their scholarships by Yerrabi MLA Suzanne Orr, a graduate of UC SSC Lake Ginninderra.

AISACT Leadership Breakfast reflection by Sophie Hall (Year 11)

On Thursday 9 March, Rachel Regan, Melissa Planten, Kirk Zwangobani and 3 students from the Academic Excellence Program woke at the crack of dawn to attend the first AISACT Leadership Breakfast of 2023 funded by the Menzies Foundation. I was one of those students. Now, I don’t mean to make this experience sound haunting, but entering the National Art Gallery of Australia at 7am was quite surreal.

When I first heard about the leadership breakfast I was instantly intrigued. Not only for the free breakfast, but because I would be in the same room as politicians. Now, for most 16-year-olds, going to a breakfast where you are about to be talked to about leadership by a woman you’ve never heard of probably wouldn’t be first choice ahead of a nice sleep in. But for some reason, Zahra, Sonia, and I all woke early on a Thursday morning to willingly learn about Australia’s interesting impact and views on leadership in the 21st century. Why? Well, because it’s interesting.

Liz Gilles is the CEO of the Menzies Foundation and her words about leadership were interesting for students. She spoke about the impact of Covid, and how the leaders of the world struggled to actually lead. She talked about the enormous productivity that arises from discomfort, and how schools led the way in leaning into that discomfort to support our learning.

It was fascinating to hear about those people that were responsible for taking care of us all and reflecting on what could be done better as we continue to make our way into a post Covid future. I think the politicians may have felt a little uncomfortable. She also spoke about the leadership challenges and successes of schools. All of it linked back to Covid and how we can contribute to  leading society safely out the other side of a pandemic.

Overall, the event was interesting, fulfilling and the breakfast was yummy. I am glad I went.

Year 12 Tertiary Students

AST will be held on the 5 & 6 September 2023.

Please ensure that your student will be here on the dates above to sit the AST. Exemptions are not given by BSSS for family holidays. Applications for second sitting require special provisions application on medical grounds (due to college 20^th March).

AST Classes Term 2

AST classes will commence in Term 2 H Line Wednesdays (2:40-3:40pm). All Year 12 students doing a Tertiary package are expected to attend these classes.

Please contact Emily Clarke emily.clarke@ed.act.edu.au if you have any questions.

AST Google Classroom code is: fuon6ec

Trial feedback was given to students in Week 4 and is also available on the Google Classroom. Practice tests / questions can also be found there.

ATAR Estimates are also available from Emily Clarke.

Congratulations to all English students who have completed their first major assessment for the semester. In particular, we’ve been so proud of every one of our Year Eleven students in Essential English who has participated in their individual interview assessment – the experience has been invaluable and we have learned so much from, and about, you all.

Year Eleven English T students sat their first major exam in week six (pictured below), and whilst the task was challenging we really appreciated your perseverance and efforts.

The Global Classroom Partnership team has been working since late 2022 toward the Conference, hosted by the Czech Team. They have written a Christmas carol and a quiz so far. They have produced a video to address the theme of the Conference – Peace Begins with Us – by interviewing staff and students about peace at UC SSC Lake Ginninderra.

The Conference began on 22 March and will run through to the evening of Saturday 25 March. During that time the team will be working with schools from around the world, collaborating and making connections.

Do you love to write? Do you hope to be published one day? Do you enjoy sharing ideas with other emerging and established writers?

USSSC Lake Ginninderra is once again involved with the ACT Writers' Camp, where students will hear talks from and workshop their writing with published authors and people within the publishing industry. It is a great way to improve and to make contacts to help you pursue your future aspirations as an author.

In collaboration with Gungahlin College, the camp will be held on 15-17 May 2023 at Birrigai.

Permission notes and further information are available from Louise in the English staffroom. 

The two Ancient History classes recently had the opportunity recently to visit the ANU Classics Museum, where curator Dr Georgia Pike-Rowney and Latin Studies lecturer Dr Tom Geue spoke to the groups about the history of significant Roman monuments. This included a discussion of Augustus’ extensive rebuilding and the political nature of these structures – a topic directly related to their case study of Rome.

Students toured the museum with Dr Pike-Rowney, seeing a range of everyday artefacts like the oil lamps from Roman times, and spoke about the provenance of artefacts, including ethical inclusion of them in the museum.

After, students had the opportunity to hold artefacts that were over 2000 years old, including a hand moulded jug with an ancient fingerprint still on it.

Kasia: My experience at the HMAS Creswell Tour in Jarvis Bay on Thursday the 23d of February really helped me determine what I wanted to do once I graduate from year 12. I was already quite interested in joining the Australian Defence Force although I was extremely unsure about what Service and which job. On the trip down to Jarvis Bay, I heavily considered joining as a Chef/cook, however I never honestly considered joining the Navy.  In spite of that, when I stepped off the bus and onto Creswell turf, I fell in love. Everybody there seemed to really enjoy what they were doing and were close with who they were with. As we toured around the base, I was able to see the kitchens and cooks there (the food was also delicious). As we watched the arms-weapons training, and the boat safety training, I became more and more attached to the Navy. I knew then that that’s what I wanted to do. Exactly 6 days later, I applied for Navy Chef and Navy Submariner Chef. The HMAS Creswell tour changed my life, it opened my eyes to a possibility that I hadn’t previously recognised.

To learn more about the Navy as a career start with the video below.

Roger Amey, the long-time head of Science, Mathematics, and IT in the college, retired officially on Friday 17 March. Roger has had a long, varied and successful career in education, teaching at many schools over several decades.

Roger has worked with students ranging from behaviourally challenged young people to students achieving 99+ ATARs, always seeking a positive outcome for whoever is in his class. He modelled the value of teachers forging strong relationships with their students to obtain their best achievement.

The quality of Roger’s leadership of his staff is exemplified in their regard for him and their willingness to collaborate with him on advancing teaching in every class for the benefit of students.

The University of Canberra also owes a considerable debt to Roger.

He has managed the allocation of pre-service teachers from the university, given them a comprehensive induction to the teaching profession as well as to the school and helped through any problems they may have experienced during their placement.

Roger’s influence has been wide and his absence will be noted. We will not lose Roger to teaching just yet however as he will continue as a relief teacher to guide his Chemistry students to the end of the term.

It has been a productive start to the year in the Arts and Technology faculty. Students are currently working on a range of practical projects, creative pursuits and extracurricular activities. 

The Arts

This semester in music, students have been busy preparing and executing performances in a wide genre of musical styles and instrumentation. Students have gained confidence in musical performance by performing in supportive class settings with a focus on extending current skills and talents.  The music units being studied this semester are Entrepreneurship in Music, Creativity in Music and Music in Context. Students have been developing their ear, training to recognise the flavour of chords, the melody and the rhythm. This enables them to write their own ideas in a composition format.  Later this term students will have also have the opportunity to enhance their performance skills beyond the classroom in activities such as lunchtime ‘busking’ & the college musical production of Strictly Ballroom. The first 'lunchtime busking' for 2023 will be Muhammad Yunus (guitar) in Week 9.

In the performing arts we are preparing this year’s musical, Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom.  The talented dance, drama, and music students have been engaged in auditions, reading the script and have started the rehearsal process. A limited season will be performed at Belconnen Theatre in July.  

Media students have just completed their first assessment item, after spending the beginning of Term 1 developing and solidifying their knowledge and understanding of filmmaking techniques. Our focus has been on music videos and creativity in media; looking at specific elements of camera and editing techniques, semiotics and style, as well as, of course, mise-en-scene. Currently students are being creative in the edit suite, by professionally creating a music video mash-up with two of their favourite songs. The aim is to seamlessly fit together two completely opposite songs as if they were made for each other, and to produce something that is just oddly perfect.

In fashion and textiles, the students are busy working on their assessment and Wool4School competition entries, reimagining wool's previous role in the fashion industry for a contemporary market. The students are designing with consideration for the theme of the unit, Design for Purpose, thinking about how best to meet the demands of cutting edge, fashion-forward designs while ensuring current social pressures such as sustainability and closing the loop on slow fashion remain present in their design solutions.     

The year 11 photography students have been asked to choose one small object to photograph. They have been extending their photography skills by experimenting with lighting, the background of the object, and the composition. Having the one object to focus on has enabled them to explore the other elements of photography. The year 12 students have been learning about portraiture; learning about how the location of a portrait can give deeper meaning to the subject. 

Our graphic design students have been learning about branding, colour use and impact. The students have been excited about their first assessment task; designing a cereal box for grocery stores. Using American and Australian cereal boxes as inspiration, students have been able to analyse and discuss what cereal companies have done in the past and currently to create well-branded products. The students have enjoyed the experimentation and requirements of this task and we are excited to share some of their designs in the next school newsletter. 

Technology

The students in the year 11 and 12 furniture making class have been busy with their semester one projects. In year 11, students have been making a ‘raised’ cheeseboard, learning how to use a range of power tools and machines that most of them have never used before. The year 12 students are well underway with their folding Gateleg Stool. This project took previous students the whole semester to produce; however, this year's cohort are so keen and managing their time so incredibly well that the teacher will need to come up with another project for them next term!

Year 11 Metal students have been busy learning about hand tools and developing the practical skills to create their own bottle openers. Year 12 students are consolidating their understanding of power tools and TIG welding through the development of their Folding BBQ project and aim to use their skills on their Major Projects in the coming months. Year 11 Industrial Design students are setting the foundation for their design journey by learning the basics of design elements and design process whilst the year 12’s are delving into the connection between design and manufacturing by designing and making operational lamps through their development of both CAD modelling and CNC machining techniques

This term, year 11 and 12 food studies students have been focusing on food and health in their classes. They have explored the importance of nutrition and the impact it has on the body. As part of this topic, students are also learning about cooking different food products and experimenting with different recipes. This hands-on approach to learning about food and health has given students a greater understanding of the link between diet and health and equipped them with practical skills for healthy meal preparation. 

Our year 11 hospitality students are hard at work honing their culinary skills and preparing to take on new challenges including a busking and cafe event in week 9. The students are learning all about food safety, presentation, and preparing simple dishes as they experiment with different recipes and perfect their cooking techniques. 

Year 12 hospitality students have been exploring a range of flavours and plating techniques, whilst learning about various non-alcoholic beverages and methods of cookery.

Year 11 hospitality students have been learning all about hygiene and safety industry standards and how this is applied in the kitchen environment. They have also been refining their knife skills and precision cuts whilst creating a range of simple dishes.

Visual Arts students have made a great start to the year.  Congratulations to the students who won awards at the Canberra Show for their Ceramics work in the schools’ sculpture division, Katie Jakab-van Dooren 1^st place, Sophie Cahill 3^rd place and Buffy Budd highly commended.

This year we are returning to our previously annual Art and Photography Camp.  On this camp we extend our school learning program, offering workshops in techniques not usually covered during regular class.  This is a great opportunity for students who are considering further education in the Arts and want to develop their portfolio of work.  After a few years of disruption to this enrichment activity it is wonderful to be able to offer it again.  We will spend four days at the beautiful Mountain Trail facilities near Wee Jasper.  Student interest has been high with expressions of interest filling all spots quickly.  Notes and further information will be made available through our Visual Arts and Photography google classrooms.

The Narratives in Visual Arts classes have been exploring how artists tell stories through their art.  We have been looking for inspiration at the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and how she used symbolism.  The Communicating in Visual Arts classes have been looking at elements of the visual language to convey their subject and meaning.  They have been looking to the art movement Fauvism and its use of colours.  The ceramics class has produced a range of pieces inspired by Athenian tableware - red and black figure technique. Key artist – Epiktetos, Eduardo Sarabia: History of the World and Judy Chicago: The dinner party.

In these classes students have been completing their major art project for this term.  It has been exciting to see the willingness of students to take creative risks and try new mediums and techniques.  The recent addition of water-soluble oil paints is proving very popular this term.  In Ceramics, students have been experimenting with different glazes and even melting marbles into their work.  The results are looking great.

Cognratulations to Alexandra Levi: gem cutting overall champion!

Katie Jakab-van Dooren and Linda Jakab demonstrating in the pottery section:

Third prize pottery sculpture was awarded to Sophie Cahill in year 12:

Roles have been cast, materials hired and we are go for Musical 2023! However, we could use some community support with this one. Can you help us? We’re after:

• Ballroom gowns and male costumes for waltz and latin ballroom styles;
• Ballroom community donations of time (any tutors out there?), excess costumes and sponsorship; and
• Funding from any organisation to assist with costs this year.

We can pay you back with advertising in our musical programme/ at our event as well as exclusive VIP tickets.

Please get in contact with Dale Thain (dale.thain@ed.act.edu.au) or Lane Moore (lane.moore@ed.act.edu.au) if you think you can assist us.

Congratulations to Joshua Linmore (Year 11), Hannah Robertson (Year 11) and Misha van Scheppingen (Year 12) who have been selected by audition for the Senior Concert Band, part of the ACT Instrumental Music Program’s Extension Ensembles in 2023.

This is equivalent of ACT representation in Music.

These ensembles are directed and administered by the Instrumental Music Program and rehearse each school week at the Instrumental Music Program's Centre in Kaleen. The ensemble performs at school, community and directorate events throughout the year.

Robotics Students: Years 11 & 12

Students are currently focussed on the design and development of a car and its prototype as part of their application of Robotics & Mechatronics. They are designing and constructing a robotics application that will use different types of sensors to receive input and provide a meaningful output. Students are focussed on answering a ‘BIG’ Question as part of the task:

‘How can I construct a prototype of a car that I have designed to effectively implement different types of sensors as part of its operation during motion?’

Students have subsequently come up with their own designs and constructed a robotics application. Following their design and thinking of their robotics application, students are currently in the process of constructing a prototype by programming in LEGO Spike OR Arduino or a combination of both and are applying necessary programming strategies to demonstrate the functionalities of their prototype with respect to the application of sensors. The practical applications include identifying obstructions based on distance or sound, identifying numerous pathways based on change of colours especially when a car is remotely driven or operated remotely.

Examples with images include the implementation of different types of sensors. Students are still in the intermediate stages of their respective projects and will be testing these for the types of operations mentioned above in the lab in the coming weeks.

Outdoor Recreation C Course:

Year 11 classes have been attending ‘Oceans’ trips. They chose between Snorkelling in Jervis Bay, SCUBA diving in Bawley Point or Surfing at Broulee.

Year 12 classes have been running Leadership sessions in a range of activities including: snorkelling, canoeing, climbing and abseiling with the year 11 classes and local High School groups.

Offline trip:

The Reef trip students are keen and excited to participate in the Reef trip in Term 2. They are busy completing tasks to contribute towards the smooth running of the trip in May.

Outdoor and Environmental Education T courses:

Year 11 are gearing up to complete the Main Range Kosciuszko National Park hike. Students will be carrying all their gear in hiking packs and cooking on lightweight stoves. They will be looking at how nature benefits their wellbeing.

Year 12 have just participated in a 3 night, 4 day hike in Kosciuszko National Park during week 6. Students persevered through strong winds, low temperatures and rain to hike up Mt Gungartan. They then hiked across the Main Range summiting Mt Townsend and Mt Kosciuszko. They are studying leadership theory, human/nature relationships, and fauna of the alpine/sub-alpine environments during class time.

Welcome back to sport in 2023! We have continued sign ups online or via a QR code which can be used at any time throughout the term.

INTERCOLLEGE SPORT

Intercollege Sport is on Thursday afternoons including basketball and oztag in term one. Three (3) teams have been entered in each competition. It has been wonderful to see so many year 11 students put themselves out there to build new friendships and showcase their skills.

In oztag LGC1 (White) progressed through to the finals at Erindale during week 7. They won their semi final against Erindale 7-5 backing up to play Gungahlin in the grand final where they lost 9-4. Congratulations are due to the students on becoming runners up in the intercollege mixed oztag for 2023

ACT SECONDARY TENNIS - BOYS & GIRLS

Congratulations to Marqaylar Tere for her Tennis success which has resulted in her being selected for the Pizzey Cup team! The Pizzey Cup is a national competition with all eight states and territories competing. The team based competition has a long and proud tradition with many of Australia finest players beginning their international careers at this event. Best of luck Marqaylar!

VACT COLLEGE BEACH VBALL CUP

Week 5 ended with the College Beach Volleyball Day which saw 72 participants across the pairs and four divisions. The Sport, Leadership and Recreation class coordinate the day as part of their course requirements demonstrating confidence scoring, coordinating the draw, timing, and communicating with players throughout the day.  Congratulations to the winners of each division:

Girls Pairs – Tandia Briggs and Amanda Uren

Boys Pairs – Charlie Beard and Jay Tregeagle

Mixed Fours – Mayah Amosa, Imojean Vea, Lebron Alofipo and Nicholas Carswell

MIXED CRICKET

Cricket has made a return to the college sporting schedule post pandemic. The 12 students had an absolute blast, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and enthusiasm throughout the day. They got a win against Canberra College and went down to Erindale finishing the competition as runners up.

COLLEGE 9’S + OUR NEW RUGBY JERSEYS

Towards the end of 2023 the PE faculty along with Team Spirit worked together to design new Boys and Girls Rugby League/Union Jerseys. We will happily be retiring our old, out of shape and faded jerseys for these new professional and high-performance ones. These jerseys were worn for the first time at the Alan Tongue Cup (College 9’s) tournament in week 7. The boys got a win against Gungahlin College and lost against Erindale College who went on to win the tournament.

SCHOOL SPORT ACT TEAM SELECTIONS

Congratulations to these students on their selection into ACT state representative team selection:

Timothy Yeomans - 18&U Baseball	Erin Boardman – 18&U Softball Girls	Ben Slater – 18&U Softball Boys	Marqaylar Tere - 18&U Tennis Girls and Boys

May will be as busy month for these students travelling to compete in their prospective sports. Goodluck and have a blast!

REMAINING EVENTS TERM 1

While the College is seeking a School Psychologist Student Services is here to assist with student support as required. It is bestto first contact the Support Group teacher (SG) or Year Coordinator as they can help to advise. The Executive Teacher Student Services is Gary Rolfe.

Year 11 Coordinators

• Laura De Falco A-K
• Linda Jakab L-Z

Year 12 Coordinators

• Kate Beattie A-K
• Chris Jones L-Z

The following services are also available:

Central Telehealth Service

Offers short-term intervention and/or consultation. The school can refer the family, with their permission, or the family or student can make contact themselves. Information on this service: https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/wellbeing-support-resources-for-students-and-families

The student/family can book in by calling 02 6205 1559 between the hours of 9am and 430 pm. There is also an online referral form located on the website above.

Mind Map Youth Portal

This program is an ACT Government resource assisting families with finding the appropriate support service and provides counselling/support directly to families. Students/family can find further information, and access the service via this link https://www.mindmap.act.gov.au/s/

Headspace ACT - https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/headspace-canberra/

CAMHS

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Information on this service: https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-service-camhs-community-teams

Further information is available on the ACT Education Directorate website https://www.education.act.gov....

Being COVID Smart remains a priority for all ACT public schools in 2023.

Students, staff and visitors are reminded to:

• Stay home if unwell and get tested for COVID-19
• Stay up to date with your vaccinations
• Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene
• Physically distance from others when in public places

Individual schools may implement additional measures to manage COVID-19 if deemed necessary in a particular setting. Any changes will be communicated to parents and carers.

If your child has COVID-19, you must let the school know. We recommend keeping your child home for at least five days.

RATs are again available from the school for students in term 1 from the front office.

You can read more about how we are being COVID Smart in ACT public schools at https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/covid-school-arrangements

The start of the school year is a particularly busy time in our school carparks and surrounding streets. It’s important that we park safely and legally to support the safety of students.

Parking on a footpath, nature strip or roadside verge can:

• Cause safety risks for pedestrians as they are less visible to oncoming cars 
• Increase the risk for vulnerable members of our community like children, people who are visually impaired, and those using a wheelchair or pram
• Restrict the line of sight for other road users
• Restrict access for emergency services vehicles.

Parking on nature strips can also damage trees, footpaths, gutters and underground pipes and cables. Please also remember not to park across driveways or block neighbouring residents’ properties.

As students return to school remember to also slow down and stick to the 40km/h limit around our schools between 8am and 4pm.

Parking inspectors regularly patrol school zones to support safe parking and keep students safe.

If you cannot find a car park in our school car parks, we suggest parking a little further away and walking or riding the rest of the way – it’s a quick and easy was to get in some exercise too.

Let’s all work together to keep our kids and community safe!

More information about travelling safely to school is available on the Transport ACT website.