News

Get #FirstDay2021 ready for the new school year

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 13:59:47 AEDT

Be prepared for the new school year with our back to school tips and tools.

The start of a new school year can be both an exciting and demanding time for parents and students alike.

Our parents and carers Back to school hub can help you prepare for the year ahead with practical articles, tools, activities, calendars and checklists so you and your child can be ready from day 1, term 1.

Find out about what your child will learn in high school, how to support their health and wellbeing, and help them make decisions about their future.

There's also a dedicated section for students starting Year 7 and Year 11 & 12 where you'll find tips for a smooth transition into high school, and pathways for students after school.

Video – #FirstDay2021

Duration – 0:49

Our public school students are top class

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 15:20:40 AEDT

Public school students have again dominated the HSC honours securing 71 of the 126 First in Course awards announced today.

Among the high achievers, Sariena Ye from James Ruse Agricultural High School became only the fourth person since 1991 to secure first place in both Chemistry and Physics – and the first female in 27 years to top both subjects.

NSW Education Secretary Mark Scott congratulated the winners and also paid tribute to every student that had completed their HSC in 2020.

“Those students who received a First in Course – and their families - should be rightly proud of their achievements,” Mr Scott said.

“Considering the particular challenges of 2020, we are extremely proud of every student that has shown the determination and resilience to achieve their best and finish their HSC.

“They now leave school with the skills to embark upon a successful life, no matter what they choose next.”

Public school students secured First in Course across a range of subject areas including, among others, three of the five mathematics and English courses, chemistry and physics, science extension, Aboriginal studies, economics, ancient history, languages and visual arts.

Mr Scott said the diversity of subjects topped by public school students showed NSW Education was committed to quality education across all fields of endeavour.

“Our success in the HSC is also a tribute to the quality of teaching and dedication of staff in supporting our students during their final year of schooling.”

The First in Course winners this year came from a wider selection of schools with James Ruse Agricultural High School the most successful school overall, securing six First in Course positions.

Schools Spectacular remixed for television

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 15:50:54 AEDT

Relive memorable acts and performances from the past four years in a special televised Schools Spectacular event.

The annual Schools Spectacular, cancelled this year due to the pandemic, will entertain audiences with a special television broadcast next week.

The Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will air on Channel 7 on Saturday 5 December at 7pm.

The two-hour broadcast will feature memorable acts and spectacular moments from the past four years.

The show will also feature a surprise digital performance from this year’s graduating Class of 2020 with the Year 12 students sharing their passion and talents while celebrating with NSW Education for one last time.

This technical feat aims to inspire audiences as more than 70 dancers, singers, instrumental musicians and signing performers from across NSW assemble virtually for the performance.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said this event is an opportunity to revisit memories of past performances and celebrate the talents of students in NSW public schools.

“Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will be an extraordinary broadcast and a unique opportunity to look back at some of the many achievements of our talented performing arts students and their hard working and committed teachers from the past four years,” he said.

Audiences can also share their own memories and see highlights from past Schools Spectacular performances on the Schools Spectacular Facebook page.

Schools Spectacular Remixed 2020 is produced by the NSW Department of Education and proudly supported by Presenting Partners, Telstra and the NSW Teachers Federation, and Segment Partner, RØDE Microphones.

Celebrate Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed on Saturday 5 December at 7pm on Channel 7.

Supporting effective learning at school and home with the ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 13:34:01 AEDT

The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines the eight most effective teaching practices and how these can be supported at home.

Parents and carers can support effective student learning at home through the ‘What Works Best’ resource, now updated for 2020.

The What Works Best resource has been very successful helping teachers bring the best teaching practices into their classrooms. The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines eight evidence-based teaching practices that teachers can use in their classrooms to improve student learning.

You can find out more about these practices, how it’s used in schools, our handy guide for parents and carers and conversation tips to help continue student learning at home when you visit the ‘What Works Best’ parents and carers hub.

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 15:45:32 AEDT

Receive notifications of school closures. Opt in to receive timely, accurate notifications about the operational status of your chosen NSW public school(s).

The NSW School Updates App was created to help our parents and carers check on the status of their school during last summer’s bushfire season. And it’s been invaluable during COVID when schools were required to close for deep cleaning.

The app is free and available now for iOS and Android users.

Visit NSW School Updates App to download and for more information

Privacy information

The app doesn't store any personal or identifiable information.

Join in the virtual NAIDOC Week celebrations

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 16:21:28 AEDT

Education celebrates NAIDOC Week 2020 (8 – 15 November 2020) with the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.

It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the First Nation peoples – recognising them as the traditional owners of the land.

Schools were invited to film and submit videos to celebrate history, culture and achievements of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait students.

Secretary, Mark Scott will give an opening address on Monday, 9 November and then Aboriginal students run a Question and Answers session with Mark Scott, Cindy Berwick, President of the NSW AECG; Martin Graham, Deputy Secretary; Michelle Hall, Executive Director, Connecetd Communities and Karen Jones, Executive Director, Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships.

Tuesday will showcase how NSW public schools are embedding Aboriginal cultural practices. Special thanks to; Windale Public School Preschool, Terrigal Public School, Wilcannia Central School and Murrumbidgee Regional High School for participating.

Wednesday will highlight the outstanding achievements of Benson Igua Saulo, In-coming Consul-General to the US based in Houston (2021), as his is interviewed by current students from his former schools, Tamworth High School and Peel High School.

Thursday will see Uncle Michael Jarrett deliver a Gumbaynggirr language lesson.

Friday will close out our virtual celebration with a beautiful virtual choir led by Uncle Archie Roach. Students will join him singing ‘Took the children away’ and ‘Children came back’.

Join the virtual celebration via video streams hosted by Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships , each weekday morning, at 9:30am, during NAIDOC Week 2020.

2021 term dates now available

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:46:05 AEDT

Most students start Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division) in Term 1 2021.

To support a strong start to 2021, school staff will now have two school development days at the beginning of Term 1.

For 2021, students will return to school on Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division), unless otherwise notified by the school. School term dates for 2021 are now available.

Western division schools, also known as ‘late start’ schools, are located in the far western region of NSW. Check if your school is a Late start school.

#MathsTrainsBrains for the future

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:55:08 AEDT

Parents and carers can now explore the importance of mathematical skills with the new Everyday Maths experience, featuring activities, resources and explainers targeted to year groups.

The digital launch is part of the NSW Mathematics Strategy 2025, which aims to strengthen mathematics teaching in NSW public schools, promote understanding of the usefulness of mathematics and build positive perceptions of mathematics.

Tune into Education LIVE to find out how high profile Australians like media guru Kellie Hush, former Olympian Steve Solomon and former Masterchef Alice Zaslavsky use maths in their everyday lives.

Video – #MathsTrainsBrains

Duration – 1:00

New resources to help HSC students stay healthy

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:42:58 AEST

With only a month until the first written HSC exams, Year 12 students have an extra place to look for support.

Year 12 and the HSC can be a stressful time, and this year’s students have already overcome bushfires, floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The department has brought together new and updated tools to help HSC students stay healthy, active and connected as they finish their final weeks of school.

Stay healthy HSC includes:

advice about looking after your own mental health and checking in on friends from ReachOut.com
exam tips from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
on-demand video lessons, written by teachers, to help with study.

Visit Stay healthy HSC to explore the resources.

Let the Game Changer Challenge begin

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 16:30:55 AEST

The semifinalist teams for the virtual Game Changer Challenge 2020 have been announced.

From all corners of NSW 420 students will use their design thinking skills to explore tangible solutions for a real world wicked problem in the 2020 Game Changer Challenge.

Hundreds of applications from NSW public schools were received for the Game Changer Challenge, which this year will be delivered as a colossal virtual event with seven semifinals culminating in a grand final.

The 84 primary and secondary student teams will aim to solve the real world problem: “How might we use technology to bring everyone in our community closer together?”

The student applications covered COVID-19 restrictions, including innovative ways to social distance and sanitise, cutting-edge technology like aerial transport systems, and new ways to ease social isolation, combat racism and build community for people with disability.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said today’s students will solve the great challenges of the future.

“To flourish in this world they will need to be deep thinkers, critical and reflective, empathetic and creative,” he said.

“The Game Changer Challenge aims to highlight and develop these future-focused skills.”

The 84 student teams were judged into the semifinals by a panel of Department of Education executives and design thinking and STEM advisers. The judges were looking for the design thinking trifecta of desirability, feasibility and viability in the students’ applications.

Design thinking is a human-centred approach to solving complex problems, with empathy and collaboration at the heart of the process.

The teams selected for the 2020 Game Changer Challenge will attend an intensive workshop in the semifinals from 27 October to 13 November where they will learn and apply the design thinking process to build on their video application.

They will be guided through the process by expert facilitators and a series of videos produced with thought leaders in technology and innovation.

The winners of the seven semi-finals will be judged in a virtual grand final event for the title of 2020 Game Changer Challenge Champion on 1 December.

Visit the Game Changer Challenge webpage for the full list of semifinalists.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 09:45:38 AEST

Dear parents, guardians and carers

Re: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

· year of schooling

· category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional

· level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

· formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools

· consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools

· develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

Kind regards

Principal

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:11:36 AEST

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

NSW Health has a website to inform you of the actions you should take if you have been in a location where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within NSW. Monitor the site and follow the relevant health advice if you have been at any of the locations at the specified dates and times.

Students and staff who have travelled through or visited Victoria

All students and staff who have visited Victoria must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Except for students and staff who reside in a border town, all students and staff who have visited Victoria in the 14 days before the commencement of school should not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

Students and staff who are unable to return to school due to these self-isolation requirements will be supported to learn and work remotely during the self-isolation period via the online learning hubs until they return to on-campus learning and teaching.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Information for students and staff on new NSW-Victoria border restrictions

The NSW Government has announced further tightening to the restrictions for people travelling across the NSW-Victorian border.

From midnight Tuesday 21 July a border zone, defined along the Murray River, will be established.

Anyone travelling from Victoria to NSW must apply for a new permit through Service NSW.

Victorian residents who have been in one of the restricted areas in Victoria in the last 14 days must not enter NSW.

Attending schools along the border

Current permits will expire at midnight, Tuesday 21 July. We strongly encourage all parents and staff to check they have a permit and if not, apply for one through Service NSW.

Students and staff who reside in Victoria will need to be eligible for a border permit to attend school in person.

Under the new public health order, the border zone has been reduced significantly.

Not all students and staff may be eligible for a border permit under the public health order. If you are not eligible for a border permit you will not be able to cross the border. Students and staff will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

Further information on the new border zone is available from Service NSW.

Border permits can be rescinded at any time if a cluster outbreak in your community occurs. We encourage parents to monitor local circumstances regularly as things may change in the coming days or weeks.

Transport to and from school will run as scheduled. For travel advice to and from school refer to Transport for NSW.

New restrictions affecting boarding schools

Any student returning from Victoria to reside at a boarding school in NSW must now self-isolate for 14 days in a NSW location separate to the boarding school. They must also obtain a negative test swab from day 10 of their isolation before entering school and have written confirmation of the test result and the period spent isolating.

Those who are unable to return to boarding while they are completing the self-isolation period will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

More information

Returning to school in Term 3

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:03:43 AEST

Our school will be open to welcome students back to onsite learning from the beginning of Term 3 – Tuesday 21 July 2020.

As you would be aware the border between NSW and Victoria closed as of 12:01am 8 July 2020.

All staff and students returning from Victoria after this time must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

All students who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days before the commencement of school must not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Students who are unable to return to school due to the border closures or self-isolation will be supported to learn remotely.

We would like to remind our community the most important action you can take is to practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing. Our school will be vigilant in implementing these requirements to minimise the risk at school.

Curriculum reform focuses on deep learning

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 08:45:26 AEST

Changes to the NSW school curriculum will be the biggest education shake-up in 30 years.

The reforms, announced by the NSW Government on Tuesday, will start rolling out in 2021. All Kindergarten to Year 12 students will learn the new curriculum by 2024.

The changes are in response to the NSW Curriculum Review by Professor Geoff Masters and will ensure every student is prepared and ready for their future.

The reforms are based on:

decluttering the curriculum by reducing unnecessary subjects
a ‘back to basics approach’ that will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science
Year 11 and Year 12 prequalification for university and TAFE courses.

Education Week to celebrate learning together

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 11:52:59 AEST

Education Week 2020 will be held from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August.

Education Week is our annual week of celebration to highlight the achievements of our students and staff and the role of public schools as the cornerstone of their communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Learning together’ and it reflects the incredible months of 2020 where NSW public school students have continued to learn and achieve, despite natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our schools have experienced significant disruption but our staff – in partnership with parents and carers – have worked tirelessly to ensure that high quality teaching and learning has continued for all students.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the best learning takes place when there is a partnership of students, teachers, parents, carers and the community.

“Our schools and families benefit from strong, respectful relationships where responsibility for student learning is shared,” Mr Scott said.

“As our lives slowly return to normal, it’s time for us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of our entire school community. We look forward to celebrating Education Week with all of you in August.”

Statewide events for Education Week include:

a live stream launch on Monday, 3 August
activities for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Tuesday, 4 August
a live streamed student film festival on Wednesday, 5 August.

Schools are invited to share photos, videos and stories of local celebrations on social media using the hashtag #EdWeek20 or send an email to educationweek@det.nsw.edu.au.

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Tue, 19 May 2020 10:46:34 AEST

Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.

The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.

Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygiene practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.

“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”

Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practise good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.

Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.

“Our principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.

“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.

“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”

Read the department's latest advice for families.

Keeping our school COVIDSafe

Tue, 12 May 2020 16:35:09 AEST

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community by downloading the app.

Social distancing and washing your hands remain the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The COVIDSafe app, developed by the Australian Government, helps to reduce the spread by allowing health experts to find close contacts faster and more accurately.

The app does not track your location. It uses your phone's Bluetooth to record other users you come into contact with, so if they test positive, NSW Health can let you know.

Find out more:

Students begin return to classrooms

Fri, 08 May 2020 19:01:48 AEST

From Monday 11 May (Week 3) students will begin a phased return to school.

The phased return will maintain distancing in the classroom while supporting students' education and wellbeing.

Most students will continue learning from home and will only attend school 1 day each week.

Our school will continue to provide detailed information about the return to the classroom throughout the rest of Term 2.

Measures to keep schools clean and safe for all students and staff include:

25% more cleaning time focused on high-touch areas
priority deliveries of hygiene supplies including soap and hand sanitiser
local school changes to pick up, drop off, lunch and recess times and processes.

Religion and ethics lessons continue at home

Tue, 05 May 2020 10:25:15 AEST

Students learning from home can continue to access Special religious education (SRE) and Special education in ethics (SEE) classes.

Face-to-face SRE, SEE and Voluntary student activities of a religious nature in schools (VSA) will not be available until schools resume normal operations.

In response to requests from school communities, SRE and SEE approved providers are delivering their authorised curriculum with modifications to allow students to learn from home from the start of Term 2.

The lesson content and the mode of delivery has been reviewed and modified for easy access by students. The approved providers recognise that learning at home will not replicate face-to-face learning at school.

The learning from home SRE and SEE programs are now available:

Phase 1 COVID-19 Return to School

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:31:18 AEST

Tune in at 8.45am to NSW Education LIVE

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:27:43 AEST

To welcome our students back for Term 2, join us at 8.45am from Wednesday 29 April to Friday 8 May for a special live stream.

Musician Guy Sebastian, TV foodies Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel, Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis, Sydney Swans player Ollie Florent, and our very own Eddie Woo, have donated their time to kick start learning from home each morning from 29 April - 8 May.

Tune in each day at 8:45am. We can't wait to see you!

Video – NSW Education LIVE sneak peek

Duration – 0:30

Check out this special sneak peek of NSW Education LIVE – 8:45am weekdays from 29 April.

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 13:27:02 AEST

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.

Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.

“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.

“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.

“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.

“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.

“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”

During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.

Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.

As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.

Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.

“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”

In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.

A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.

“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Keep your family entertained these school holidays

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 19:50:42 AEST

We know it’s been a challenging Term 1. Just as many communities began recovering from fires, droughts and floods, we moved to learning from home to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The school holidays are coming, which means your family is about to have a lot of free time and nowhere to go.

To support you while looking after children we’ve put together a handy guide of activities to stimulate young minds and keep your family busy and engaged.

Check out our parents and carers toolkit for important self-care tips, free parenting podcasts and apps.

If you need a break, the Service NSW before and after school care finder can help locate vacation care programs near you.

No child will be turned away from school

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 12:51:15 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education's advice regarding schools is very clear. No child in NSW will be turned away from school.

Schools will remain open for parents who want their children to attend irrespective of their profession or working arrangements.

The decision to keep schools open has been made based on advice from NSW Health, which has not changed.

The department will provide continuity of learning for all students both on and off campus and the Premier, for practical reasons, has encouraged parents to keep their children at home if they could.

Schools will communicate directly with parents on what learning options are available using their communication methods such as the school website, newsletters, emails and other online tools.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

New COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 20:22:09 AEDT

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state - triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.

Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.

"I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting," Ms Berejiklian said.

"But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.

"If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so."

In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

pubs, registered clubs
gyms, indoor sporting venues
cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.

As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.

But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.

"Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home," Ms Berejiklian said.

"This will ensure there is only one unit of work, whether the student is at home or at school.

"No child will be turned away from school."

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Schools to implement distancing measures

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:55:38 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education is introducing proactive measures to limit the impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our schools.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education, today announced that schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.

Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

"Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally," Mr Scott said.

"From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.

"The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff."

"These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events.

All major arts, sports and initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole-school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

"Local inter-school sport and other activities can proceed, but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken," Mr Scott said.

"I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time."

Schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day to day activities with minimal disruption.

The department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.

Families and students in self-isolation can find useful information to continue learning from home.

For the latest information, check COVID-19 advice for schools.

Parent Portal

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 13:03:48 AEDT

Our school has undertaken a new initiative, the Student and Parent Portal, to provide both parents and students discreet information about each student's progress in our school.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:19:41 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:40:38 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:01:37 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:21:23 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:12:45 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:28:03 AEST

Use our new Digital Citizenship toolkit to empower your child to understand how their online behaviour affects themselves and others.

You and your child can find information on:

how to ‘be positive’ by understanding online behaviour and its effect
'be smart’ by thinking critically and being digitally aware
'be safe’ by protecting your security, privacy and wellbeing.

A toolkit to empower you and your child

You can find articles and videos to equip and empower your child to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities in our digital future.

We’ve partnered with leading researchers to produce a curated toolkit – aligned to the curriculum – which teachers and you can share with the young people in your lives.

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

managing privacy settings in social media
collaborating online
avoiding scams and hoaxes
understanding the law when it comes to online speech
Internet banking, shopping online and much more.

Keep your child safe and happy online

Visit and bookmark the Digital Citizenship website. We’ll continue to add articles and resources to ensure the best possible tools are available to help you guide your child to be positive, smart and safe online.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:26:26 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:54:44 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:28:24 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:42:33 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:58:05 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:12:40 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:24:55 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:31:39 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Notice of Annual General Meeting of Coffs Harbour High School Parents and Citizens Association

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 19:56:38 AEDT

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:22:06 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

END OF YEAR INTEREST ELECTIVES (EOYIE)

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:07:23 AEDT

Please click here for the 2018 EOYIE Information Booklet

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 12:00:45 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

CHHS Swimmers Make a Splash at the Mid North Coast Carnival.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:08 AEST

Congratulations to all students in CHHS Swim team who competed at MNC swimming on the 26th February, not only for their amazing efforts in the pool but for also their team spirit, sportsmanship and morale. Overall we had an outstanding day, placing second overall in the MNC School Tally (only 8.5 points off first place to Woolgoolga High).

Tayah Teale (14 Years girls) and Jordan Devereux (13 Years boys) won the majority of their events and, as a result, were awarded Age Champions for the MNC area.

All of the eight relay teams achieved either first or second place, with the Boys Open Individual Medley relay winning by a massive 20m!

(Above) 12 x 50m Open Relay, 1st place.
This years team blitzed the pool in the 12 x 50m relay, with our fastest 6 girls and fastest 6 boys combined to make a dynamite team. L-R Tayah Teale, Georgia Kuchel, Summer Welch, Tylani Hickman, Benni Maloney, Jorja Welch, Oscar Churchwell, Levi Bannerman, Zac Huls, Jordan Deveruex, Sid Smythe, Ted Donovan (absent)

(Above) Boys 300m Freestyle ALL AGE Relay.
This relay team included one swimmer from each age group. Our team came first place in a time of 3.06.10! Alex Spring, Jordan deveruex, Levi Bannerman, Hunter Churchwell, Zac Huls, Oscar Churchwell.

We wish all students good luck at North Coast Swimming on Tuesday 6th March in Murwillumbah.

Work from the Inside Out - Advice from Ben Pettingill.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:27 AEST

Year 7, 8 and 9 students attended a presentation by the inspiring Ben Pettingill today. Ben lost his sight as a teenager, but that has not stopped him from doing the things he loves and challenging himself.

Ben has completed multiple Spartan Obstacle Course Races, coached a basketball team, water skied the Southern 80, mastered riding a four-wheel motorbike and trekked the Kokoda Track. His positive attitude, resilience and determination were inspirational for our students. Ben, through his own story, showed that while we all have our problems, and there will always be obstacles in our path, we should never give up on living the best life we can.

In his engaging talk with students, Ben encouraged everyone to let go of the things you can't control and only working on the things you can. That means looking inside yourself and working on how you approach your life and your relationships with others. We need to "look from the inside out not the outside in." He encouraged students to close their eyes in front of the mirror at the start of each day to think about what sort of person they want to become - caring, positive, supportive, brave? What can they do each day to achieve that "true vision" of themselves?

Find your tribe - Advice from Rebecca Sparrow.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

Rebecca Sparrow, author and #TeamGirl Ambassador, shared her experiences with Year 9 and 10 girls this afternoon. Her inspirational talk to the group focused around the three things they can do everyday to make life happier - for themselves and those around them:

1. Find your tribe - find your true friends. There are not a lot of things you can control in life but you have complete control over who you choose to be your friend, so choose wisely! Choose those who will support you in both the good and bad times, who won't turn their back on you and who won't feed the drama. As well, make spending time with them in real life a priority.
2. Teach yourself to be emotionally resilient. Don't give people power over you. Don't feed the bully's power and stay strong in the face of criticism and negativity.
3. Develop a Team Girls attitude - look after each other, don't turn on each other - don't gossip, don't attack, don't encourage negativity and criticism (online or face to face). Importantly, choose wisely who you vent with or share secrets with as once you share it cannot be taken back.

Thank you to #Suncorp and #TeamGirls for bringing Rebecca to our school. If you would like more information, you can head to their website. https://www.suncorp.com.au/about-us/community/teamgirls.html

Getting your head around Year 11.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

Our school will be hosting an information session for parents and carers of Year 11 students on Tuesday 20th February. The session will be held from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the lower library of the school. Please park in Edinburgh Street and use the main entrance.

The purpose of the session is to inform parents and students about the different support programs available at our school for Year 11 students. Additionally, we will be outlining the expectation of Year 11 students in terms of attendance and assessment tasks.

Topics include:
• Senior Mentoring Program
• Senior Homework Club
• Year 11 Assessment guidelines and schedules
• Misadventure procedures
• Attendance
• Signing in and out of school
• Courses delivered at schools other than Coffs Harbour High School (eg TAFE)
• Senior scholarships and
• Careers and Welfare support

We look forward to your attendance at the evening. Year 11 students also welcome to attend.

Tara's outstanding results at the Australia Schools Championships

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:25 AEST

Tara Everson, Year 10, represented CHHS at the 2018 Australian Junior (Schools) Slalom and Whitewater Championships held at Eildon Victoria.

Fantastic river conditions with good volume rapids made for a super exciting course for competitors from across Australia. Staying upright, not capsizing and catching all the slalom gates was both challenging and fun. Tara put in a top effort with great results!

Individual 16yr womens K1 Slalom - bronze

Individual 16yr womens C1 Slalom - bronze

Mixed 16yr C2 Slalom - silver

Womens 16yr Team Slalom - gold

Sports Selections for Term One are now open.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:22 AEST

Sport has changed this year with separate sessions for Stage 4 (Yrs 7 and 8) and Stage 5 (Yrs 9 and 10). Stage 4 Sport is on Thursday afternoons while Stage 5 Sport will be on Tuesday afternoons. Sport selections are now open via the school website. To choose your sport, click on the Sports Selection - Term 1 tab at the top of the website or click here: Sport Selection - Term 1.

If you have any questions about sport at Coffs Harbour High School, please contact Mr Ben Cross (Stage 4) and Mr Adam Mason (Stage 5).

Smile - School Photos are happening in Week 3.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:22 AEST

School photography day is coming up very soon - Monday, 12th February with a catch up day on the following Monday, 19th of February. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link above or by using the envelope which will be given to students at school.

ONLINE ORDER CODE
LHA R5B E7P

Important Information:

School photos purchased online DO NOT require envelopes returned to school*
Don't forget to order your sibling photos now
Late fees/additional charges will be applied for purchases after photo day
Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
Past years' photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups available at school's advancedlife & your advancedyou photo sites (follow the link above)

*Sibling photographs must be ordered either online or by order envelope prior to the day of photography. A photograph will not be taken without an order. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at the school.

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to COFFS HARBOUR HIGH SCHOOL for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at:

enquiries@advancedlife.com.au

Congratulations, Year 12!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:12 AEST

At Coffs Harbour High, Captains Hugh Churchwell and Matilda Lugg led the way with wonderful HSC results. Dux, with an ATAR in the high nineties, Hugh intends to study aeronautical engineering, probably in Canada. Matilda had the highest number of mentions on the Distinguished Achievers list: Modern History, Extension History, Society and Culture and General Mathematics.

Students who earnt a place on the NESA Distinguished Acheivers Honour Roll were: Tegan Austin, Hugh Churchwell, Angus Croak (Year 10), Kate Knight, Matilda Lugg, Sarah Parry, Hannah Rose, Brandon Skewes, Robert South, Donovan Taylor, Troy Wallekers and Marcus Woschitzka.

(Kate Knight, Hannah Rose and Tilly Lugg celebrating their results at the breakfast celebration)

At a breakfast celebration at school last Friday there were beaming faces all around, both students and teachers. Brandon Skewes was thrilled to be awarded a University of Newcastle scholarship, the same one awarded to his sister Tiffany two years ago. Kate Knight has already been notified that she has been accepted into her first preference, a double degree of Commerce/Media at the University of NSW, and has been offered a prestigious scholarship from the School of Business.

(Brandon Skewes and Donovan Taylor at the celebration breakfast)

There are many wonderful stories with so many students fulfilling long held dreams. Examples include Kodi Graham who has been accepted into the Royal Military College at Duntroon and Aboriginal student Kiara Bale who is about to embark on a pre-medicine program at UNSW. Kiara was one of seven Aboriginal students to complete Year 12.

Principal Patti Kearns noted that the 2017 cohort were outstanding citizens who worked cooperatively, achieved academically and had high levels of success in sport and the Arts. Their commitment to the school was typified by them returning to school after their HSC exams to work with younger students on a complete makeover, including landscaping and artwork, of one of the schools courtyards.

For many students, 2018 will mean heading off to university or TAFE, while for others it will mean work or perhaps a gap year. Regardless of the path ahead, we wish every student all the best as they step into the future.

Community, Commerce and Creativity - Year 8 Group Challenge 2017.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:07 AEST

Congratulations to the 40 amazing students who took part in this year's Group Challenge. Although many were tired from the "Wet & Wild" reward excursion, Friday 1^st Dec saw them ready to share their work with the school community, family and judges (Mrs Roberts, Mrs Steward and Mrs Taylor).

Students presented their research, products and ideas throughout the day on a wide variety of topics. Some groups raised awareness of ecological and social issues and raised money for charities such as World Wildlife Fund and Coffs Coast Shelter. Others had taken on the challenge to improve our school, with ideas ranging from an App for new students to find their way around the school, to the benefits of solar power for our school or ways to renovate our school hall.

Creativity abounded and the audience were treated to the chance to buy hand-made bags, Panda socks, food, bath products for sensitive skin, student-written newspapers, recipe books, as well as the opportunity to play an original computer game made by one of our teams.

Year 8 Group Challenge Coordinator, Julie Roberts, was thrilled with the teams' efforts. "Throughout the past two terms, it has been a pleasure to work with these students and watch them develop their skills in important areas such as teamwork, critical and creative thinking. I would like to congratulate them all and thank the staff and community for supporting such a worthwhile learning opportunity."

EALD students make a splash!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:12 AEST

EALD Swim School kicked off for 2017 with a very enthusiastic group of students taking up the opportunity to learn to swim or improve their skills. Thanks to Danny and his team at the Aquatic Centre, and to Mr Bullock for organising this important program every year.

Following the two weeks of Intensive Swim School, our EALD students then hit the surf on Friday with the wonderful team from East Coast Surf School. The students had a great time while learning valuable ocean safety skills.

State Sporting Blue for Jacob.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:23 AEST

Congratulations to Jacob Ford on receiving a NSW Sporting Blue award for his performance in School Squash this year. Jacob won the NSW Combined High Schools Championship in June and represented NSW in the annual Trans Tasman Challenge between Queensland, New Zealand and NSW Combined High Schools.

Year 12 Class of 2017 - Dismissed for the final time.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:29 AEST

The Year 12 Farewell Assembly on Thursday, 21st September was a fitting farewell for the class of 2017. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the students: academic, sporting, artistic and social.

All speakers on the day, including Mrs Kearns and Ms Joyce, spoke of the students' passion, commitment and empathy; qualities that will set them up to be valuable citizens in the years to come. The Yr 12 Music class performed and the slide shows reflected the many activities and opportunities the group has been involved in over the past six years.

After the assembly the students, their families and teachers enjoyed an afternoon tea.

The major award winners include:

Ray of Light Award: Jarred Smith

Determination Award: Millie Krix

Quota Fellowship Award: Bronte Flanagan

Reuben F Scarfe Award: Kate Knight

Gary Goodall Shield and ADF Long Tan Award: Matilda Lugg

Best All Rounder: Hugh Churchwell

Principal's Award: Vanessa Eagles

The full list of award winners can be found here 2017 Yr 12 Awards (docx 185 KB).

More photos from the day cam be found in the gallery.

Outstanding results at the CHS State Athletics Carnival.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:21 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School has had an amazingly successful meet at the 2017 CHS State Athletics Championships, with the team coming home with a swag of medals.

The 13 yr girls and boys 100m relay teams both won gold. For the girls, this was their second gold after winning the 12 yrs relay in 2016. The 13yr Girls Relay Team consisted of Jorja Welch, Alyssa Jenkins, Sophie Walsh and Hayley Kitching. The 13yr Boys Relay Team consisted of Jack Sheehan, Ama Mite, Christian Mirindi, and Zaviar Hardes.

Ama Mite continued on from that success to collect gold medals in the 200m and long jump and silver in the high jump.

Jack Sheehan won his second gold with a jump of 173cm in the high jump and collected a bronze in the long jump.

Hayley Kitching won a second medal, a bronze, as a member of the North Coast 4x400 13yr girls relay and placed 5th in the 400m final on Friday - Girls 14 & under.

Jorja Welch came 6th in the 13 yr girls 200m and Reuben George finished 4th in the 14 yr boys high jump.

Cloe Nolan placed 5th in the 3000m and 12th in the 1500m - Girls 14 & under.

Paige Luck placed 7th in the 1500m - Girls 14 & under.

Congratulations to the whole team who went, including their families, for your dedication, determination and team spirit. All students were a credit to their familes and their school, both on and off the track.

North Coast Athletics - Continued success for our athletes!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:20 AEST

We had a hugely successful day at North Coast Athletics, both on the track and on the field. Many students have, as a result, made it through to the NSW CHS Athletics Championships.

The 13 Years Girls Relay Team ran beautifully again this year, winning the event. The team consists of Jorja Welch, Alyssa Jenkins, Sophie Walsh and Hayley Kitching. They missed the NC record by 1 second but had a great time of 54.83 which was faster then their State win last year so they were ecstatic.

The 13 Years Boys Relay Team won by 5 seconds with a time of 50.99. Their team consists of Jack Sheehan, Ama Mite, Christian Mirindi, and Zaviar Hardes.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Other results include:

Rueben George - second in the 14yrs high jump

Ama Mite - firsts in 12 high jump, long jump, shot put, 100, 200 and the relay

Christian Mirindi - placed in top three for 12 high jump, long jump, 100, 200, relay and shot put

Jack Sheehan - 13 high jump, long jump, 100, second in javelin and 100m, first in hurdles, relay).

Jorja Welch - first in 100 and 200m and 2nd in long jump.

Claudia Kelsal - 3rd in shot put.

Cloe Nolan - first in the 3km and second in the 1500m

Paige Luck - 1st in the 1500m and second in the 800m

Good luck to everyone at the CHS Championships in Sydney in September!

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:18 AEST

Giinagay. The school held its NAIDOC Assembly on Monday, 26th June and it was a wonderful celebration of culture, country and language. The SLIK team, with the support of Mr Mackay and Ms Web, did an excellent job of running the assembly. Our special guest, former school captain and Language expert Clarke Webb, talked to the school on the importance of language as a way of connecting to culture and country. The dance and didgeridoo groups also performed for the school including the family and friends that attended.

Later in the week, the dance and didgeridoo groups performed at the Narranga PS celebrations and ran workshops for the students. They were excellent ambassadors for our school.

We are the Mid North Coast Athletics Champions!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:26 AEST

Congratulations to all students who competed at the Mid North Coast Athletics carnival on Wednesday 21^st June, 2017. Our school came up trumps winning the overall point score, MNC Champions against 8 other schools in the Zone.

Highlights of the day included a completive finish in the Under 14 years girls 400m run with Hayley Fischer, Hayley Kitching and Jorja Welch all with .68 of a second for top 3 places. Alyssa Jenkins and Jorja Welch fought it out for 1^st place in the 100m 13 years event, with Jorja coming in 1^st with a time of 13.73 seconds. Cassidy Ronalds performed particularly well placing first in the Long Jump, High Jump, third in the 200m and fourth in Javelin. The Under 12 Years Boys were also very impressive with Ama Mite and Christian Mirindi gaining first and second place respectively in the 100m, 200m, High Jump, Shot Put and Long Jump. Our Under 13 Years competitor, Jack Sheehan, also achieved great results with a first place in the 100m dash, High Jump, Long Jump, Javelin and third place in Discus and Shot Put.

Our 14 years girls relay team and the 13 years boys relay team have made it through to North Coast.

14 Years Girls Relay 13 Years Boys Relay

Aisha Grace Ama Mite

Shae Mitchell Christian Mirindi

Taylor Cassidy Jack Sheehan

Hayley Fischer Zaviar Hardes

Congratulations to Ama Mite, Jorja Welch, Cassidy Ronalds and Jack Sheehan who were named the MNC Age Champions for their efforts. It's fantastic to see so many of our talented athletes achieving at representative level. Well done!

(Left - Right)
Jorja Welch         13 years Female Age Champion
Cassidy Ronalds 16 Years Female Age Champion
Ama Mite            12 Years Male Age Champion
Jack Sheehan        13 Years Male Age Champion

Yr 10 Work Experience a great success.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:31 AEST

Year 10 students spent Week Nine out and about in the local community exploring a range of careers and workplaces. They worked with teachers, mechanics, naturopaths, sales assistants, lawyers, dentists, vets and doctors as well as many others to discover what the world of work was like.

A group of students also worked on gardening projects in and around the school grounds, including improving the bush tucker garden. They all did an excellent job under the supervision of Ms Kristal Bonney, Mrs Nat Hoban and Uncle Merv Bolt.

The feedback from employers, students and supervising teachers was overwhelming positive and everyone had a great week. Some were even offered ongoing work as a result of their work placement!

Thanks to Mrs Dionne Court and Mrs Trina Neville for coordinating this massive program.

Art students' work chosen for the Jetty Foreshore Upgrade.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:04 AEST

As part of the upgrade of the Jetty Foreshores, Coffs Harbour City Council ran 2 workshops for local youth as part of the public art project.

30 students from Coffs Harbour High participated in these workshops. Our students worked alongside local artists, sharing and generating ideas. The brief given was to interpret and represent our coastal environment in designs that could be used to stencil into new concrete walkways & cut into timber panelling in the Jetty Foreshore upgrade.

Over 150 designs were submitted for selection and the Council selection panel were amazed with the standard of work created. 12 designs were selected by the panel, and 11 of these came from Coffs Harbour High School students! The selected designs will be paid a licensing fee of $500. Council were not only amazed by the standard of work created but also by the professionalism and enthusiasm of our students.

A fantastic effort by all students involved and congratulations to the following students who had their designs selected to be used in the project:

Lillian Degens, Tara Donohue, Lucas Navvarette, Joe Vallance, Dionne Burnett, Monessa Williams, Megan Dodd and a special mention to Ruby Bax Yr 10 and Riya Miller-Naidu Yr 9 who both had 2 designs selected!

We look forward to seeing these works come to life when the Jetty Foreshores upgrade is complete.

Tara Everson is our latest state champion.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:24 AEST

Congratulations to Tara Everson, Year 9, for her outstanding results at the NSW Combined High Schools State Canoeing and Kayaking Championships. Students travelled from Sydney, Forster, Armidale, Casino and Murwullimbah to participate in for four days of canoeing/kayaking.

Tara's results in the 15/16yr age category are:

1st Flatwater sprint (Down River Racer)

3rd Slalom individual

2nd Slalom team (open)

1st Whitewater sprint (Down River Racer)

1st Wildwater 3km (Down River Racer)

For the regional events, Tara was awarded the 2017 Regional NCCHSSA Canoeing Junior Champion. Fantastic results and accolades, Tara!

Athletics Carnival Program of Events

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:05 AEST

The school's Athletics Carnival is on this Thursday, 25th May at the Stadium off Hogbin Drive. Students are encouraged to come along in their house colours and get involved in the events - both track and field. Family and friends are also welcome on the day.The canteen will be open for lunches and snacks or students should bring food and drinks with them.

Students can be dropped off and collected from the stadium or they can catch the buses to and from the school.

The Program of Events can be found here - Athletics Program 2017 (doc 152 KB).

Term One Sporting Success

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:25 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School students have continued to shine in Term One, 2017 in a wide variety of sports. The list of achievements have included:

Jacob Ford - Australian Open Junior U17 Squash Champion
Georgia Sellings - Australian Junior Ladies Wakeboarding Champion

Tilly Lugg - Selected in the NSW Combined High School Open Girls Cricket Team

Damien Slaviero - Two Silver Medals at the Combined High Schools State Individual Tennis Titles

Our 13yr Girls Relay Team consisting of Benni Maloney, Georgia Kutchel, Jorja Welch and Tayah Neale won Gold at the State Swimming Championships.

As well, many other students and teams have performed well at school and district level - far too many to mention here.

New Term - New Timetables

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:20 AEST

All students (7-10) will receive an updated timetable during year meetings on Wednesday 26th April (Week 1).

Teachers are aware that some students may not have all of their required equipment for the day and will plan accordingly. This may cause some minor disruption on the first day back, however as this is the Cross Country day and the daily routine will already be modified, we feel this is the most effective way to distribute the new timetable to all students.

As Wednesday is also a flexi day for Years 11 and 12, students can pick up their timetable from the rolls office when signing in on Wednesday morning if at school that day or in year meetings on Thursday.

Mid North Coast Swimming Success

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:16 AEST

Our school had a strong team of swimmers compete at the Mid North Coast Zone Championships recently. We achieved some excellent results that ensured our school will be represented at the North Coast Championships.

Some of the results include:

Tayah Teale : 100m Butterfly. 1st Place

1st Place. 13 Years Girls Relay Team: Benni Maloney, Georgia Kutchel, Jorja Welch and Tayah Teale

1st place by 25m!! 15 Years Girls Relay Team: Tara Everson, Tarryn Arnold, Claudia Kelsall and Katelyn Eagles.

2nd Place. The Boys 6x50m Relay. (comprises of 6 boys, one from each age group): Oscar Churchwell, Zac Huls, Sid Smythe, Hunter Churchwell, Levi Bannerman and Coby Trotman

2nd Place. All age 600m relay (6 boys and 6 girls) Back row: Ted Donovan, Zac Huls, Adon Thompson, Calman Campbell, Isobellle Muller, Georgia Kuchel, Benni Maloney, Addison Tyas, Charlie Geddes, Amelia Hill, Tarryn Arnold and Taylah Teale.

Tilly selected for NSW CHS Open Girls Cricket Team

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:26 AEST

Tilly Lugg, Yr 12, recently attended the Combined High School (CHS) Open Girls Cricket Team Trials after success in the state competition as a key member of the CHS North Coast Team. As well as strong performances on the field, Tilly willingly took on a mentoring role for less experienced players.

As a result of her efforts, both on and off the field, Tilly has been selected in the CHS Open Girls Team. This is a fitting reward all her dedication to the sport over many years. The NSW team will compete in the National Competition in the future. We wish her all the best in the competition!

Records Tumble at the 2017 Swimming Carnival

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:21 AEST

Record after record was broken at the swimming carnival on Friday.

Friday's swimming carnival was a great success. It was a hot day so students were keen to hit the water in both the competitive and non-competitive events. Year 12 started off the day, cooling off the crowd before their traditional swim to open the carnival.

The carnival finished with the staff vs students relay and we were very impressed with Mr Twigg's speed in the water!

A huge thanks to Mrs Jennifer Pearce for all her organisation of the event, the PDHPE staff for helping set up and to all staff for their help in running the carnival. It was also great to see so many friends and family in attendance on the day.

Sapphire House won the carnival with Gallows a close second. Results and age champions can be found below and you will be able to find more photos in the gallery album in coming days.

Records Broken

Girls 13 Year Olds 50 Freestyle, 28.53 T TEALE

Girls 15 Year Olds 50 Freestyle, 30.15 K EAGLES

Boys 15 Year Olds 50 Freestyle, 27.25 Z HULS

Girls 13 Year Olds 50 Butterfly, 32.46 T TEALE

Girls 13 Year Olds 50 Backstroke, 34.11 J WELCH

Girls 15 Year Olds 50 Backstroke, 35.99 T ARNOLD

Boys 13 Year Olds 50 Backstroke, 36.96 L BANNERMAN

Boys 17 & Over 50 Backstroke, 31.50 K ONLEY

Girls 13 Year Olds 100 Freestyle, 1:06.01 T TEALE

Boys 17 & Over 100 Freestyle, 59.15 K ONLEY

Girls 50 IM, 2.47.60 T TEALE

Age Champions

12 Yrs boys TROTMAN, COBY

13 Yrs boys BANNERMAN, LEVI

14 Yrs boys CHURCHWELL, HUNTER

15 Yrs boys HULS, ZAC

16 Yrs boys SMYTHE, SID

17 + Yrs boys ONLEY, KAI

12 Yrs Girls BOURNE, CLOVER

13 Yrs Girls TEALE, TAYAH

14 Yrs Girls HILL, AMELIA

15 Yrs Girls EAGLES, KATELYN

16 Yrs Girls GRACE, BELLA

17+ Yrs Girls BLAY, TAYLOR

Important information for the start of the 2017 school year.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:14 AEST

The Uniform Shop will be open:

Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th January inclusive- 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Thursday, 26th and Friday, 27th January- CLOSED

Monday 30th January onwards will be business as usual - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm daily

Year 7, 11 and 12 students start on Monday, 30th January. The day will start with Year Assemblies; Year 7 will be in the hall, Yr 11 will meet at the top steps and Year 12 will meet in the Lower Library. Students will receive their timetables at the meeting and will commence normal classes from Period 2.

Tuesday, 31st January- ALL students return. Day will start with a full assembly in the quadrangle before heading off to Year Assemblies for roll marking and timetable distribution etc. Normal classes will commence by Period 2.

Swimming Carnival - Friday, 3rd February at the Coffs Harbour Memorial Swimming Pool. All students expected to attend.

School Photos will be taken 13th February with the catch-up day scheduled for 16th February. This year, photos will be taken by Advanced Life Photography. Orders and payments are to be made online, preferably, or via envelope on the day. Students will receive information on ordering and packs on offer in their first week of school. Orders can be made at www.advancedlife.com.au using the code LHA R5B E7P.

Congratulations, Year 12, 2016.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:11 AEST

HSC results arrived this week and many Year 12 students came back to school on Friday to meet once more with their teachers and bask in the rewards for their hard work.

Band 6 results were achieved across multiple subjects including Society and Culture, Earth and Environmental Science, Music and Advanced English. Ella Smith received 97/100 in Music as well as a coveted Encore nomination.

For those embarking on university studies, there is a great variety of roads to the future — Creative Writing, Engineering, Occupational Therapy, Criminology and Law, Veterinary Studies and Nursing. Finn Appleton, whose technical expertise has been such an asset for our school, has been accepted into the coveted Design degree at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Other students have already secured apprenticeships and traineeships. We wish them all success in their chosen fields.

Special congratulations to Darcy Turner, who adds Dux of the School to his long list of achievements for 2016. A well-deserved distinction which seldom comes without consistent effort.

Other students who were named along with Darcy on the official List of Distinguished Achievers were: William Collier, Kalarni English, Maddie Prendergast, Skye Rattenbury and Ella Smith. Well done!

Taj Watson wins Australian title!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:24 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School student Taj Watson, Year 10, has returned victorious after competing against the best junior surfers from around the country on the wave rich shores of Phillip Island in Victoria for the Surf Dive 'N Ski Australian Junior Surfing Titles. He won the Under 16 Boy's title after excellent waves in the final and consistently strong surfing through the heats and semi finals.

Six States are represented at the titles across under-14, 16 and 18 age groups in both boys and girls divisions at the event that is considered the benchmark of junior surfing in the country.

Coffs Harbour High was also represented by former student Lee Winkler who coached Taj's NSW Team.

Taj would like to say thanks for all the support he has received, which helped him get to Phillip Island. Both the Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga Boardriders clubs have done plenty of fundraising to help pay for the costs involved in competing this week. Coffs Harbour High School and the Moonee Beach Tavern have helped with raffles while the Big Banana, Rip Curl and Geoff King Motors have been generous with their donations of prizes.

Taj's Australian Title should help with his selection for the Australian Junior Surf Team for next year's ISA World Junior Surfing Championship. His Australian title is a fitting end to what has been an excellent year for Taj.

Bronte wins Coffs Harbour Young Women in Public Affairs Award

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:07 AEST

Congratulations to Bronte Flanagan who tonight won the Zonta Club of Coffs Harbour Young Women in Public Affairs Award. Bronte competed against female representatives from each secondary school across the district. The participants presented a speech on the night as well as being interviewed by the judging panel.This is fitting recognition for such a passionate and community minded young lady.

All the students spoke well and showed that the future is in fine hands when we have such confident, articulate and socially aware young women coming through our schools.

Bronte is pictured here with Mayor Denise Knight after receiving her award. Well done Bronte!

Our Sporting Success Continues

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:20 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School students continue to excel across a variety of sports in 2016. Here are just a few of our recent successes:

Year 8 student Lily Pade was recently selected in the North Coast Open Girls Tennis Team that competed in the Combined High Schools State Titles held recently in Grafton. After some great battles during the week, the North Coast girls eventually came through as winners while making history in the process as the first North Coast team to win the State Final. The team combined very well to defeat Sydney North 8 sets to 2 sets in a dominating display in the final.'

Picture: Lily Pade with the State Shield & the Gold Medal.

Our girls U15 Basketball Team finished 6th in the state at the U15 NSWCHS Basketball Championships, narrowly missing out on 5th place in their playoff against Karabar High School. The girls played well in all their games and as they are a young team have the potential to improve on this result in 2017. Thanks to Mr Nick Henry for coaching the team this year. (Photo to come)

Congratulations also to Kuyan Laurie who has been named in the NSW U16 Boys Indigenous Football Team. His selection comes after a week long training camp and the team will take on Queensland in early 2017. Kuyan has a great future in the game.More information can be found at NSWRL article

Year 8 Group Challenge

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:30 AEST

Year 8 students showcased their Group Challenge projects to the school community on Monday, 10th October.

The 2016 Year 8 Group Challenge was a great success with 16 groups presenting their projects to the judges. Judges were impressed with the quality of the projects and the confidence of the students to talk about what they have learned from the experience.

The projects were very varied in their focus. Topics included: protecting our native bees, edible plastic, helping teenagers suffering depression, recycled fashion, stop motion animation, Say G'Day Day, new businesses such as Simply Lush and Opulent Cases, websites promoting Coffs Harbour for teens or humans impact leading to extinction, and encouraging students to say no to peer pressure.

The presentations are the culmination of two terms work, both at school and at home. They started with creative and critical thinking activities then formed their groups, chose a project focus and then started working on project process. The 60 students involved in the project were supported by Mrs Paula Madigan, Head Teacher English.

Many students are determined to keep working on their projects. The Indigenous Learning Space design team, for example, received more student input on their designs during the showcase which will be incorporated into their plans ready to present to Mrs Kearns and the SLIK team for final approval.

More photos can be found in the photo gallery.

Tickets now available for our new musical, Miimiga!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:25 AEST

Darcy Turner receives the John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:12 AEST

Darcy Turner, Year 12, was awarded the Order of Australia (NSW Branch) John Lincoln Youth Community Service Award at the recent Year 12 Farewell Assembly. Mr Peter Falk OAM traveled up from Sydney to present Darcy with the award. The award was fitting acknowledgement for Darcy's commitment to the school and the wider Coffs Harbour community over many years. Congratulations, Darcy!

The citation that Mr Peter Falk OAM read out to the assembly is included here:

In January of this year Darcy was chosen as one of eight students from across NS W to represent school students at Premier Baird's celebration luncheon for Australia Day. Darcy was a reading buddy for primary students at Narranga Primary School in the Smith Family's reading program called student2student. This involved Darcy reading over the phone with a primary school student with poor reading skills to help build confidence, fluency and self-esteem. Darcy has been an active elected member of the Coffs Harbour Student Representative Council since starting at the school in Year 7. In this role he has participated in fund-raising for the Cancer Council, Legacy and the Coffs Harbour RSL sub Branch. At the end of Year 8, Darcy travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia where he spent two weeks volunteering. At a school level Darcy has always been a very strong voice for harmony and tolerance - learning side by side with refugee students in drumming workshops, touring to Sydney and performing with Aboriginal students as they presented the school musical Garlambirla which recounts the Aboriginal history of the area and speaking up on assembly about the importance of inclusiveness at school, community and national level. Within the local community Darcy has been volunteering for Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) in Coffs Harbour for seven years and has been a team leader for the last four summers. Darcy is a modest young man with a long find deep commitment to the well-being of others. Darcy Turner is a worthy recipient of the John Lincoln Youth Community Service A ward from the Order of Australia Association.

Sharon Vandenberg receives NSW Public Education Parent of the Year Award

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:22 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School parent Sharon Vandenberg has been recognised for her contribution to her school community with a 2016 Public School Parent of the Year Award at a ceremony held in NSW Parliament House.

Ms Vandenberg was one of ten parents to receive the Award. She was recognised for more than ten years' service to the school, as a valued member of the P&C, driving the canteen and uniform committees, volunteering for countless hours in the canteen and supporting school sports. Ms Vandenberg was the main initiator of the new uniform. Under her leadership, revenue from the canteen and uniform shop have funded many additional programs and resources for students.

Mark Scott, Secretary, Department of Education, said the award recipients came from all over NSW reflecting the high quality of education being delivered in public schools across the State.

"In my first month as Secretary, it's an honour to hear the stories of these remarkable recipients and celebrate their achievements," Mr Scott said.

"I applaud the dedication of this year's award winners - it's testimony to our continued focus on quality teaching and improving learning outcomes."

Sport Choices for Term Four now due!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:22 AEST

Sports Choices are now due for Term Four. Most students will choose their sport during classes in Week 10, Term Three. Sport choices can be found here (pdf 301 KB).

Please return the permission note if your child is selecting a water sport or you wish to exclude particular sport choices. Notes can be handed in at the PE Staffroom. Please contact Mr Ben Cross, Sports Coordinator, if you have any questions.

Women's Cultural Excursion in the Lead Up to Miimiga Musical

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:27 AEST

We travelled to two important and sacred Gumbayngggirr women's cultural sites in the company of Elders and Knowledge Holders. Aunty Bea Ballangarry and Aunty Robyn Duroux welcomed the girls to Miimiga Gawngganba Miirlarl, which is a birthing place where only women are allowed to visit. Surrounded by tall gum trees, with blue skies above, the girls performed their ‘Miimiga' dance for the Elders and Gumbayngggirr ancestors. The dance was made more touching because one of the Elders, Aunty Midge Bancroft, is the daughter of the last baby born at Miimiga Gawngganba Miirlarl, Aunty Elsie Bancroft. The Elders described the dance as ‘a gift' for them.

We had lunch at Sherwood Picnic Area, after which the girls performed their ‘Bunyun Dance' on the grass. After farewelling the Elders we went to Boonyoon Miirlarl, otherwise known as the Quarry, where the girls again performed their ‘Bunyun Dance', dedicated to the little red-browed finch, or bunyun bird.

This Women's Cultural Excursion was a vital part of preparing to perform our new musical, Miimiga, which has the story of the women's birthing pools as a central theme. The other main storylines are Indigenous surfing in our area, and the development and impact of the Railways. We would like to thank all the Elders and community members who have assisted us with advice and cultural knowledge to create the new musical. We also need to thank our choreographers, Tara Gower, Sani Townson and Gloria Mercy for their contributions to the dances.

Although some of the characters from Garlambirla appear again in Miimiga, the new show has a very different vibe. More than 80 students auditioned to be part of the project. Cast, musicians and crew have been busy workshopping scenes and creating original songs and dances. We are very excited about our set, thanks to the imaginative Ms jenny Margetts and her artists.

Miimiga opens at the Jetty Memorial Theatre on Wednesday October 26, and runs until Saturday October 29. Tickets are available from the Front Office. See you there.

Fantastic Results at the CHS Athletics Carnival

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School students continue to excel in the sporting arena. Recently, students competed at the Combined High Schools Athletics Carnival as part of the North Coast team and they achieved some excellent results.

Jorja Welch, Alyssa Jenkins, Sophie Walsh and Macy Donovan placed first in the U12 relay in a time of 55.45 seconds. The girls have had great success in the lead up to the state finals, winning at district and regional levels on the way to becoming state champions. Great work, girls!

Other results known at the time of writing the article are:

Jorja Welch, Yr 7, finished 4th in the high jump and 5th in the long jump.

Kodie Vandenberg, Yr 12, won bronze as part of the North Coast 4 x 400m relay team.

2017 School Captains and Prefects Induction

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:02 AEST

The 2017 School Captains as well as the prefects were inducted at an assembly on Monday, September 5. As well, the outgoing captains and prefects were thanked for their outstanding efforts in 2016.

The School Captains for 2017 are Hugh Churchwell and Matilda (Tilly) Lugg. Vice Captains are Will Paterson and Vanessa Eagles. Prefects are Piper Bourke, Taylor Blay, Skye McRae-Mitchell, Jack Churchwell, Jacob Blay and Owen Partridge. They are an excellent group of students and they are to be congratulated on their leadership roles.

The induction ceremony is always quite special thanks to the longstanding tradition of the parents doing the honours of pinning on their badges. An interesting fact about this group is that there are two sets of twins - Hugh and Jack Churchwell and Jacob and Taylor Blay.

Mrs Neville shaves her hair for a cure.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:17 AEST

Mrs Trina Neville, English teacher and Year 9 Advisor, shaved off her much loved hair on Friday, 19th August to raise money for Alzheimer's Australia. As an added bonus, her hair is being donated to the Cancer Council to make a wig for a cancer patient.

Mrs Neville's initial gaol was to raise $2000 in honour of her father who is suffering from advanced dementia. Thanks to family, friends and the support of the Coffs Harbour High School community she surpassed that total in dramatic fashion - raising close to $7000 by the time she shaved off her hair.

As part of the fundraising activities, Year 9 students and the SRC ran cakes stalls and held a Crazy Accessory Day. Students also gave a donation to watch her head shaved. Ms Kim Andrews did the honours and shaved her head, after her family cut off the plaits that will be sent to the Cancer Council.

Alzheimer's Disease and dementia impact many families around the world so fundraising to help find a cure is vital. If you would like to add to Mrs Neville's fundraising efforts, please click here.

Coffs Harbour HS students excel in the sporting arena.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:10 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School students continue to excel in the sporting arena. In the past month alone, students have had success in athletics, surfing and squash.

Olissa Onley,Year 7, ran in the Secondary 12 year girls 3km at All Schools Cross Country, Eastern Creek. She placed third over all in 'All Schools' and second in Government schools. Olissa adds this wonderful achievement to her medals in State CHS Swimming and State Surf Lifesaving in board, swim and ironwoman events. Well done Olissa!

Congratulations also to Taj Watson, Year 10, for his first place position in the U16 Boys All Stars Surfing competition. Taj will now go on to represent Coffs Harbour High School as part of the NSW Junior team at the Australian Junior titles. As well, Taj Watson and Kai Appleton, Year 9, came 4th in the teams event at the state titles for surfing. Well done boys!

Jacob Ford, Year 10, is the U17 Boys Squash CHS Champion after winning the grand final match in the recent state championships. This tops off a great year for Jacob on the squash court. Well done, Jacob!

State Minister for Education visits to announce Science Upgrade.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:23 AEST

Adrian Piccoli MP, State Minister for Education, and Coffs Harbour MP Andrew Fraser visited the school on Wednesday 20th July to announce that we have been allocated $300,000 in state funding to upgrade the science facilities as part of the increased focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Our special guests were welcomed to the school by members of the Didgeridoo Group, the school captains, Mrs Kearns and other staff. Mr Piccoli was then taken on a tour of the school, including the Confucius Classroom, ending up in one of the school's Science Labs. Here, students shared with Mr Piccoli and Mr Fraser some of the projects and opportunities undertaken in Science including: Hugh Churchwell (Yr 11) who talked about Stage 6 Courses and Rotary Youth Science, Jonny Watson and Kiara Bale Yr 11) who talked about the UNSW Winter School and Transition opportunities, Natasha Newman (Yr 10) who shared her Aurora College experience, Chelsea McIntyre and Hayley Millington (Yr 10) who talked about what they were doing in Self Select Science, and Angus Tedeschi and Thomas Hain (Yr 9) who talked about the ABC Splash Science Competition that they won earlier in the year. Mr Piccoli and Mr Fraser spent about half an hour looking at the exhibits and talking to students and staff.

Their visit finished with afternoon tea which was catered for by the Hospitality students with the support of Mrs Alchin and Mrs South.

Thank you to all staff and students for making Mr Piccoli's and Mr Fraser's visit such a success, particularly Mr Edmonds and the Science staff who organised all the presentations.

NAIDOC Week Assembly

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:17 AEST

Thankyou to our Aboriginal students and community who provided us with a wonderful assembly to celebrate NAIDOC Week this year. We were treated to didge playing, dancing, singing and learning about the significance of Songlines.

The assembly was chaired by students Kasey Dickson and Johnny Watson. Angel Croft, Hannah Rogerson, Jalea Dickson and Faith Hyland-Taylor spoke about this year's theme, 'Songlines' and the importance of NAIDOC Week. Our guest speakers were Mervyn Bolt, Vicki Filewood and Gloria Mercy. All three speeches encouraged all of our school community to value culture and be proud of their heritage. The Didge boys (Josh Pollard, Will Grogan and Ian Mercy, assisted by Mr Cross) accompanied the arrival and departure of the official party.

Photo shows the dance group. Each dance was introduced by their dance teacher and mentor, Gloria Mercy. The assembly was another wonderful celebration of diversity in our school.

Thank you to Kate Pullinger, Merv Bolt and Travis Mackay for working so hard to organise the assembly.

Faith is the 2016 Aboriginal Student of the Year for Coffs Harbour Electorate

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

Congratulations to Faith Hyland-Taylor for being the recipient of the 2016 Aboriginal Student of the Year Award for the Coffs Harbour electorate. The award was presented to her by The Honourable Andrew Fraser MP on a recent visit to our school.

This award is a significant and well-earned recognition of Faith's commitment to her school and community. She is commended for being a positive role model and leader for her peers. Faith is involved in the Aboriginal Dance Group, has been involved in the Garlimbirla Youth Theatre productions as is a member of the SLIK Team.

Faith has been invited to take part in the 2016 Emerging Leaders Forum which brings together the top 20 award winners from across the state to meet Aboriginal, business and government leaders at NSW Parliament House in early August.

The staff and students of Coffs Harbour High School congratulate Faith and wish her every success for the future.

Celebrating Refugee Week

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:07 AEST

A special assembly was held on Monday, 20th June to celebrate the start of Refugee Week. The assembly was chaired by Sadiqa Nadir Hussain, Miriam Ahmadi and Darcy Turner. Darcy opened the assembly with a passionate speech on the the need to welcome refugees into our community and reminded the school community of the lines in the second verse of our national anthem:

"For those who've come across the seas

We've boundless plains to share;

With courage let us all combine

To Advance Australia Fair."

Miriam and Sadiqa then ran the rest of the assembly, introducing the powerful short films made by some of our ESL students with the assistance of Gordon Amman at Coffs Harbour Community College. The films shared with the wider student body the conflicts that forced them to flee their country and leave behind family and friends in search of safety and a better future. A group of Year 9 English students also shared their film where they interviewed some of the ESL students about their experiences and their new life here in Coffs Harbour. The assembly finished with students from the Intensive English Class singing "Count on Me" under the direction of Mr Smith.

The assembly finished with a morning tea catered for by the Year 11 Hospitality students and Mrs Herdegen.

Thank you to Ms Ion and the rest of the team for all the work that went into the assembly.

CHHS students perform at the Innovative Learning Design Conference

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:08 AEST

Our Indigenous Dance Group and four of our talented Music students were invited to perform on Day Two of the Innovative Learning Design Conference held at Opal Cove this week. Teachers from throughout the Newcastle, Tamworth and North Coast regions attended the conference.

The Indigenous Dance Group opened Day Two of the conference and the 300 attendees were spellbound by the girls performance. Faith Hyland-Taylor introduced the group and explained the meaning behind the dance they were going to perform. Here is a small part of their performance:

At morning tea, music students then entertained the teachers, Oliver George, Jasmine and Lucas Navarette and Jack Churchwell performed a variety of songs in their 20 minute performance. They did a fabulous job, providing a melodic background for the 300 teachers getting a coffee and sharing their thoughts on the morning sessions. All were impressed with their harmonies and confident performance. Here is a small sample of their performances.

Helping with the storm clean up.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:14 AEST

Yr 10 students help clean up Jetty Beach after the weekend storms.

Well done to our 'Get your feet wet' elective Year 10 class and their teacher Ms Bonney who spent time today cleaning up debris and rubbish from the Jetty Beach after the weekend storms.

Year 8 Exodus Camp, 2016

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:30 AEST

Over 60 students and their teachers head to the Nymboida and the Exodus Outdoor Adventures Centre for the Year 8 camp. Over the three days of the camp the Exodus team, and their adventure program, fostered team work, respect, work ethic and confidence in our students, all while making sure they were having fun. Some of the activities they engaged in included canoeing and whitewater rafting and the camp finished with a game of laser tag. They were taught how to recycle properly, respect the environment and how to have trust in each other. Thanks to Ms Kristin Vlasto for all the organisation - it is a huge task getting such valuable experiences up and running. Check out the Exodus link for more photos as well as the gallery album.

Year 11 subject selections commence.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:28 AEST

Year 10 students attended a Subject Market on Tuesday, 31st May to find out more about the wide variety of subjects they can choose to take in Year 11, 2017. The Subject Market, a new initiative, was a great success and certainly assisted students in making their choices. Parents and students then attended an information evening where they could find out how to navigate the BOSTES requirements and talk to teachers as well as representatives from TAFE and Southern Cross University.

This year, Year 10 students will make their subject selections via a Google Form. This form can be found in the 2017 Subject Selection tab (top right) on the school website. There you will also find instructions, the Subject Selection handbook and helpful links. Selections are to be made by Friday, 10th June.

Students are encouraged to keep talking to their teachers and Mrs Dionne Court (Careers Advisor) about their choices and concerns.

Our students help release Stewie the Turtle

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:15 AEST

Our students, as part of their Science and Marine Studies, have had the opportunity to work with the team at Dolphin Marine Magic to release the turtle affectionately known as Stewie back into the water. Stewie had spent time at Dolphin Marine Magic recuperating from the life threatening disease known as floating syndrome. These experiences brings their studies to life and help our students realise the importance of looking after our precious natural environment.

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Coffs Coast Careers Expo

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:09 AEST

Year 10 made the most of their time at the Coffs Coast Careers Expo today.

The students explored a wide range of career options - from trades, to the the police and heading off to further studies at TAFE and university. Everyone was very impressed with Tom Juhasz's lightning fast tyre changing skills and Lauren Drew's burgeoning plumbing skills thanks to her confident approach to changing tap washers. Others came back to school with a new hair do including a touch of glitter. The students asked good questions of the presenters and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to be hands on with the exhibits. Lots of good learning and fun times for all.

Girls in Trades Workshop a great success

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

Great day at the Girls in Trade workshop with SALT (Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen). The students from Years 9 and 10 were guided through the process of constructing a wooden tray, which they were then able to take home. Along with some practical skills, the girls learnt about the opportunities for women in trades from the guest presenters.

Tamana awarded a Malala Yousafzai Scholarship

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:24 AEST

Congratulations to Tamana Asadullah who is currently in Sydney with Ms Ion receiving her Highly Commended scholarship for the Public Education Foundation Malala Yousafzai Award. Tamara was presented her award at a ceremony at the Sydney Town Hall.

The Public Education Foundation's Malala Yousafzai Scholarship supports hard working students in the middle years of secondary school who have a strong belief in the power of education to change lives. In particular, the scholarship targets students whose circumstances are such that the scholarship can make a significant contribution to helping them to successfully complete their schooling.

Year 9 Students' Film Makes a Splash.

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:31 AEST

Thomas Hain and Angus Tedeschi win in ABC Splash Science competition

It was great to receive news this week that Year 9 students Thomas Hain and Angus Tedeschi won an ABC Science competition where students were required to make a 30 second video about a scientific concept. Their video will be professionally produced and put up on to the ABC Splash website for students and teachers to use in their studies. On Wednesday, Angus, Thomas, their Science teacher Mr Dave Edmonds and Mrs Patti Kearns were all invited into the Mid North Coast ABC Radio Studios to talk about the video, Science and winning the competition. The boys were great ambassadors for the school. You can hear the full interview here.

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Success at Mid North Coast Regional Surfing Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:23 AEST

Taj Watson, Year 10, successfully defends his U16 Boys Regional Title.

On Thursday the 28^th of April the Coffs Harbour High School Surf Squad attended the Regional School Surfing Titles held at Boomerang Beach, near Forster.

The event was held in fantastic sunny conditions, with offshore winds, warm water and a clean four feet of swell allowing the competitors to demonstrate their skill.

CHHS dominated the U/16 male division with Kai Appleton and Taj Watson progressing to the State Titles for the Mid-North Coast team. Taj Watson was the stand out surfer of the event, successfully defending his U/16 Boys Regional Title for the third year in a row. Kai Appleton was also a standout surfer, winning all of his heats leading up to the final, eventually coming in second to his team mate Taj Watson.

Julian Stocks and Tai Donelan (U/19 Boys) surfed very well but were unlucky, with a few very close results not going their way.

Blake Clarke, Yr 12, helps NSW wins the National Pizzey Cup

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:06 AEST

Congratulations to Blake Clarke, Year 12 who, alongside his NSW team mates, won the National Pizzey Cup Australian Tennis championship against Victoria. Blake has had a busy year juggling the HSC and tennis commitments so it great to see his dedication being rewarded. Congratulations Blake!

Danielle wins regional final of the Plain English Speaking Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:12 AEST

Danielle Polack has won the Local Area Final of the Sydney Morning Herald Plain English Speaking Competition, and will be heading to the semi finals in Sydney for the second year in a row. Danielle and Lisa Macdonald represented the school in the competition held at Macksville High School this week. Both girls did a fantastic job.

The competition required them to present an eight minute prepared speech, followed by a three minute impromptu speech.

Danielle's prepared speech on gun control laws was a timely, passionate and well structured argument. Lisa's prepared speech on the consequences of unchecked population growth was well-written and convincing. Both girls also did a great job in the impromptu part of the competition in which they had just three minutes to prepare a three minute speech on 'The Future of Australia'.

All the best in Sydney, Danielle!

Cross Country Champions 2016

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:10 AEST

Congratulations to our Age Champions for the 2016 Cross Country which was held last week. They are pictured below on assembly this week with Sen Cons Brooker from Coffs Harbour Police who was a guest on assembly:
Boys
12 years Luke Panozzo
13 years Mabior Garang
14 years Cody Polkinghorne
15 years Oscar Churchwell
16 years Jacob Ford
17 years Hugh Churchwell

Girls
12 years Olissa Onley
13 years Hayley Fischer
14 years Tara Everson
15 years Isobelle Muller
16 years Ruby Roddenby

17 years Taylor Blay

Winning Gold at the CHS State Swimming Championships!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:26 AEST

Congratulations to Jorja Welch, Tayah Teale, Jayla Cross and Olissa Onley, our U12 Girls swim relay team who won a GOLD medal at the recent CHS State Swimming Championships, finishing ½ second behind the state record which has stood since 2007, and breaking the record at the Regional Carnival.

Jorja Welch added to her tally with individual GOLDs in the 100m Freestyle, 50 m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke and SILVER in the 100m Breastroke to finish as the State Age Champion. Tayah Teale 12 Years also won Silver in the 50m freestyle, Bronze in the 100m Backstroke and 200m Freestyle.

The U12 Boys relay invitational team of Levi Bannerman, Hunter Churchwell, Addison Tyas and Jekoda Wood, won BRONZE.

The whole school applauded their outstanding efforts at our school assembly this week.

Jorja and Tayah.

Mrs Kearns acknowledging the U12 girls relay team on their gold medal winning performance.

ANZAC Day, 2016

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:03 AEST

Despite the rain, students and teachers from across the Coffs Harbour District supported ANZAC Day commemorations. Coffs Harbour High School had a good turn out for the march, with some proudly wearing the medals of family members. Many other students and their families were in the crowds to support this important day.

On the last day of Term One, the school held their own ANZAC Day ceremony. It was a moving assembly with our cadets, lead by Rebecca McGaw, performing the catafalque ceremony. All speakers, including Darcy Turner and Thomas Hain, highlighted the bravery of our past and present service men and women as well reminding staff, students and parents in attendance of the ongoing importance of finding peaceful resolution to conflict. The ceremony finished with a haunting rendition by Oliver George of 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda'. Well done to Mr Mellalieu and the team for organising a powerful commemoration assembly.

Lest we Forget.

2017 YEAR 7 ENRICHMENT CLASS

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:03 AEST

2017 Yr 7 Enrichment Class (pdf 209 KB)

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:06 AEST

BYOD Information (pdf 343 KB)

Free software Office 365 (pdf 206 KB)

Adobe Creative Suite 6 (pdf 57 KB)

Adobe download Info (pdf 828 KB)

Another successful excursion to China

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:03 AEST

During the April school holidays, thirteen students and four staff travelled to China for the experience of a lifetime! The group visited Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and Nanjing all in the space of seven days! Students were able to visit our new sister school in Nanjing, where they participated in lessons and made lifelong friends. A full explanation of the trip can be found under the Confucius Classroom tab on this website. The next trip is planned for September 2016.

Stage 5 Elective Booklets Available For Viewing

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:22 AEST

You can access the details about the Stage 5 Electives on offer in 2014 here. Don't forget to return your choice form as soon as possible, particularly if the courses which interest you have an enrolment limit!

Stage 5 Elective Booklet (pdf 796 KB)

Yr 10 100-Hour Electives (pdf 591 KB)

Dr Judy Henderson Joins Hall of Fame

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:15 AEST

Judy Isabel Henderson AO, MBBS, FRACP

The Coffs Harbour High School Community was both honoured and delighted to induct

Dr Judy Henderson into their Hall of Fame this week.

Judy Henderson attended Coffs Harbour High School from 1957 to 1961 graduating with honours in mathematics. She studied at Sydney University obtaining her medical degree in 1968.

In 1974 Judy qualified as a paediatrician and worked for 10 years in Nepal and established a training program for village health workers in the remote far west of the country.

On her return to Australia she became involved in international development and was the inaugural Chair of Oxfam International in 1995.

Judy was a Commissioner on the World Commission on Dams in 1997 and a member of the Asian Development Bank's Inspection Panel in 2001.

She was the inaugural Chair in 2002 of the Amsterdam-based Global Reporting Initiative which is setting global standards for sustainability reporting.

Judy was a board member of the NSW Environment Protection Authority and Chair of Australian Ethical Investments Ltd.

From 2004 to 2011 she was the Chair of the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and a member of the Australian Landcare Council from 2010 to 2013.

In 1998 Judy was made an Officer of the General Division of the Order of Australia for her services to developing countries and to the community.

Athletics Carnival information

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:05 AEST

Athletics Carnival Program (doc 154 KB)

Yr 10 Into 11 Subject Booklet

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:31 AEST

Yr10 Into 11 Subject Bookle (pdf 1703 KB)

Senior Studies - Subject Selection Year 11 2014

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:21 AEST

Information about the courses

offered in the Senior School. This area of the website allows students and parents to browse through materials prepared by faculties to assist them in making decisions about which subjects they will choose for Year 11 and 12.

Year 7 Urunga Excursion April 2

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:29 AEST

At this stage, the excursion is ON! Weather forecasts differ slightly depending on where you look; however, they do agree that it is likely to be overcast with a chance of a light shower. Students should bring an anorak, raincoat or umbrella just in case. The UV count is currently high, so a hat and sun-cream are highly recommended. Students must wear school uniform and sturdy shoes (i.e. no thongs or sandals). Participants have also been asked to bring a pen, pencil, rubber and either a clip-board or book on which to write, as well as enough water and snacks for their personal needs. A BBQ lunch will be provided.

Please listen to CHYFM on 104.1 for any messages. Thank you, Mrs Laurens.

International Competitions

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:15 AEST

If you are interested in a challenge, you might consider entering one of these competitions. You'll find the competition information and Permission Note in the attachment.

Any questions, please see Mrs Neville or Mrs Ion.

School ICAS (docx 150 KB)

Check out the photos of the swimming Carnival - you might be in there!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:08 AEST

It was a terrible day but we had a great carnival despite it all!

Success in Titration Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:24 AEST

Congratulations to Matt McAtear and Matt McEwan on their win in the 2012 NSW Titration Competition.

With the recent push to improve Science outcomes nationally, it is gratifying to know that we have the teachers and students who can, by working together, gain such great results. These two outstanding Yr 12 Science students topped the competition for the North Coast, came third in the state and were among the top ten nationally.

Well done to you both and to Mr Scott Hollingsworth for his instruction and support!

1000 Flying Cranes

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:02 AEST

This amazing piece of artwork by William Dan in 7E was made for his Special Interest Project.

It consists of 1000 small pieces of coloured paper, each shaped to resemble a flying crane.

It ook over 50 hours to make!

The project taps into William's Japanese heritage and will be on display in the school foyer

Glass Without Water Exhibition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

This exhibition is a must for everyone who attends or works at Coffs High.

Many of our New Arrival students have contributed writings and art work to this exhibition

and the insight they give us into their experiences is extraordinary.

As Leah Anforth says on the opening page of 'Before today and forever', the brochure pictured below,

" Please open your mind

Read, Look,Understand,

Celebrate the differences"

From left to right in the photo are Lar Say, Say Meh and Lucy Langfield

at the official opening last Friday evening.

Congratulations to them, to Mr Alex Riske and to all the students and teachers who have

made this exhibition possible.

Coffs Students Make Front Cover

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:11 AEST

Yr 9 students from Jetty High join surveyor Michael Lamont (left) and teacher Travis Mackay

(in sunglasses), to check out a Solarscope for the viewing of the transit of Venus.

Photo by Trevor Veale of the Coffs Harbour Advocate

(permission obtained from The Advocate to use Mr Veale's photo)

2013 Prefects

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:02 AEST

Congratulations to our 2013 Prefects!

From left to right, back row:

Vigor Darrington, Harley Norton, Matt McEwan, Matt McAtear, Ryan Vandenburg

From left to right, front row:

Georgia Newell, Josephine Bailey, Stephanie Alchin, Codie McGovern, Billie Bourke, Emma Hayes

Absent: Lachlan Skinner

ON SHOW 2012

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:20 AEST

‘On Show' is on again this year on Friday, 24th and Saturday, 25th August at 7.00pm in the School Hall. ‘On Show' gives our students the opportunity to showcase their many talents to the school community. Our HSC Drama, Music and Dance students will perform their HSC pieces. There will also be a fashion parade from our textile students, and other Music and Dance items. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for Students and Concession. Tickets are on sale at the Administration office or at the door on the night.

Bob Brown Rocks Jetty High

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:06 AEST

Brown drops by and has a whale of a time at Jetty High

Students, staff, parents and friends of Coffs Harbour (Jetty) High School welcomed Dr Bob Brown, former Greens Leader into their Hall of Fame at a special assembly on Monday 30th July. Bob attended Coffs Harbour High from 1957-9 during the time his father, a Police Officer, was stationed in Bellingen.

The school invites into the Hall of Fame ex-students who can provide inspiration to students and Bob was recognised by the school for his many roles, including as a doctor, politician, author, environmental activist, founder of the Greens Party and founder of Bush Heritage.

To prepare for his visit, students learnt in their History lessons about Bob's outstanding contribution to the environment movement, to State and Federal politics and to Australian intellectual debate over a long period of time. English classes used his life as inspiration to make short biofilms and Art classes explored his life through the frame of his many appearances in the Archibald competition.

"Our work as teachers is not just about passing on subject knowledge. It is about inspiring young people to use their personal skills and talents well, to participate fully in their community and live decent lives with respect for other people", says Patti Kearns, Principal.

"Bob Brown has shown conviction, compassion, creativity and courage over many years as a politician and activist. Our students have much to learn from his optimism and were inspired by his achievements and humility", Ms Kearns says.

Brown was treated to student performances and received personal messages from students including Jaymin Hyland-Taylor, a young Gumbayngirr man who thanked Bob for looking out for indigenous people during his time in politics. Brown was generous with his time, meeting with the Student Environment Representative Council and sharing his wisdom and experience from years of activism.

Bob shared morning tea, created by the Year 12 Hospitality class, with parents, students, teachers and community members and recited stories of Coffs Harbour High school in the late 1950s, including his time in English classes looking out of the window to see the whales passing by. Brown is soon to head to North West Western Australia in time to see the Humpback whales and their calves and to highlight the destructive gas mining proposals for the area.

Work Experience - Making A Big Impression

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:27 AEST

Making a Big Impression

This article was published in 'Scuttlebutt', the monthly magazine of Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour.

Alex is one of our Year 10 students and completed her recent Work Experience there.

Congratulations, Alex, on a fine article!

Celebrating NAIDOC week

Traditional Fishing in the Solitary Islands Marine Park By Alex Worshitzka

NAIDOC (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee) Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Its origins can be traced to the em

ergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to increase awareness of these cultures in the wider community.

The sea country of New South Wales has strong significance for Aboriginal people living along the coast. For thousands of years Aboriginal people have relied on the natural resources provided by the sea. The sea country, including islands, beaches, headlands, rocky shores, the ocean and estuaries, holds spiritual significance, and is central to cultural practices and activities. Evidence of Aboriginal peoples use of these coastal and sea environments can be found in many places, and includes large stone fish traps, such as those found at Arrawarra, as well as middens adjacent to beaches and estuaries, and tool-making sites on rocky headlands.

The Gumbaynggirr people have always depended on the ocean for food and other resources.

Traditional knowledge has been passed down through many generations, which are still in use today, about how to catch different fish, when to catch them and which bait types to use.

Traditionally, the stone fish traps at Arrawarra Headland provide an extremely effective and successful way to capture and harvest fresh fish. The way the traps work is that when the tide is high, fish and other species are able to swim over and into the stone trap. When the tide recedes, exposing the rock walls, the fish are trapped in the small area, making it easier for the fisherman to catch. Even though the fish were trapped inside the stone walls, they were still mobile and able to easily dodge thefisherman's hands and spears. The Garby Elders used to crush the leaves of the milky mangrove and spread them in the fish traps, stunning the fish and making them easier to catch. It is thought that this tree was planted between the creek and the traps by ancestors of the Garby Elders for its use in the stone fish traps.

In the past, men would fish using hooks produced from the shells of turban snails, and later, rocks were used to sharpen the broken shell fragments into other useful implements. Fishing line was made from the inner bark of a cottonwood hibiscus, which becomes incredibly strong when twisted tightly. For special occasions, such as gatherings and ceremonies, a greater catch was needed. At these times, the men would go out and fish from canoes carved from the honeysuckle Banksia trees that grow in the area.

Today, the use of these traps at Arrawarra Headland is restricted to special occasions and in

accordance with a management plan. Fishing takes place only after the Elders have give approval, and also need to be present at the time. Trapping, as well as hand collecting, spearing and line fishing have been, and continue to be, an integral part of the Garby Elders' and Garlambirla Guuyu-girrwaa Elders' way of life. For more information visit: www.arawarraculture.com.au

NAIDOC 2012

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:17 AEST

Our Year 11 and 12 Indigenous students did us proud today during their presentation for 2012 NAIDOC Week. The theme for this year was 'The Tent Embassy - 40 Years On'. Students gave their presentations an 'authentic' touch by erecting a tent and re-creating some of the original posters. Photographs of the original embassy were also shown on the large screen during the talks. Congratulations to everyone involved: Matt Parker, Danielle Pearson, Lachlan Skinner, Grace Hoskin, Jaymin Hyland-Taylor, Mrs Latham for the flowers, Mr Mackay for the tent, and Finn, Logan and Mason for helping out with the sound and visuals.

Snow White

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:22 AEST

Sometimes particular stories seem to emerge in the ‘zeitgeist' and resonate for a specific time. This seems to be the case at the moment for the fairytale ‘Snow White', with films like ‘Mirror Mirror' and ‘Snow White and the Huntsman'. Coffs Harbour High School is demonstrating its ability to engage with the concerns of the day with the innovative musical version of ‘Snow White'.

This environmental interpretation of ‘Snow White' features original music written and played by students from Coffs Harbour High School, as well as a few golden oldies including the rousing finale. In the archetypal battle between good and evil, represented by the innocent Snow White and the manipulative Queen, the Hunter has to face a moral choice and risk her life in the process. The choreography in the moving hunting scene is a highlight of the play.

The energetic Dwarves have moved with the times and become ‘Unminers', nightly endeavouring to repair the damage to the planet inflicted by the evil Queen, who just happens to be a mining magnate and the richest woman in the Kingdom. Can the beautiful Snow White and her Charming Prince save the kingdom for the future good of all its inhabitants, human and otherwise? Will the foolish King see the error of his ways?

Find out at The Jetty Memorial Theatre at 7pm on Thursday July 26 or Friday July 27. Tickets are available at the door, or from Coffs Harbour High School on 66523 466.

Be prepared to boo, hiss, cheer and sing along! See you there.

Margaret Hair & Peter Crewe, Co- Directors.

National Geography Competition

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:18 AEST

Congratulations to the following students for their fantastic results in the 2012 National Geography Competition:

Intermediate Level (under 15 years)

Stephanie Hoad - High Distinction

Thomas Capell-Hattam - Distinction

Jessica Simpson, Nina Gordon, Davis Howlett and Austin Burrell - Credit

Senior Level (over 15 years)

James Franklin and Cassandra Midson-Davies - Distinction

Erik Safstrom, Oliver Horspool and Lachlan Brown - Credit

Congratulations as well to all other students who participated!

Current Affairs Quiz

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:12 AEST

Test your knowledge of current affairs by giving this quiz a go - how much do you really know about what's happening out there? The password is . . . yellow

Current Affairs Quiz No 1 (pdf, 431 KB)

Answers will be uploaded tomorrow!

Year 10 Subject Selection Information

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:28 AEST

Don't forget to come along to the Year 10 Subject evening on 19th June 2012. For those who are still confused about how to make their selections please view the video below

If you still have issues sees Ms Court or Mr Borgert.

Yr 8 Percussion Performance

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:32 AEST

Have a look at the YouTube item in 'Confucius Classroom'. Our Yr 8 students did us proud with a very confident performance!

Education Tax Refund

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

Education Tax Refund - Update

The Australian Government is helping you with the costs of educating your kids.

The Government has changed the Education Tax Refund to include school-approved uniforms, purchased from 1 July 2011.

Items of clothing including hats, footwear and sports uniforms approved by a school as its uniform may be claimed from 1 July 2012.

So from 1 July 2011 start keeping receipts for school uniform items so you can claim them next year.

The Education Tax Refund provides up to 50% back on a range of children's education expenses.

For the 2010–11 tax year refunds may be as much as $397 for every child at primary school, and up to $794 for every child at secondary school. The amount of the refund increases each year by the Consumer Price Index.

This site helps you decide if you are eligible and explains what you can claim and how to claim everything you are entitled to.

Keep your receipts. You need them to calculate your refund and you may need to show them as proof of purchase.

Ready to claim? Click here to find out how.

Claim everything you are entitled to. For more information and an electronic copy visit

www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au

Subject Selection Year 10

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:23 AEST

There is now an online "subject market place" that has been created to provide information for Year 10 students on the school Moodle. Also below is a short video on YouTube that explains how to access the information.

News story

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:20 AEST

SENIOR STUDIES INFORMATION EVENING 2012

All parents/guardians are invited with their Year 10 students to attend the Year 10 into Year 11 Information Evening. This will be held in the Coffs Harbour High School Hall on Tuesday 14^th June commencing at 6.00pm. The evening should conclude at about 7.30 pm.

The purpose of this evening is to inform parents/guardians and Year 10 students of the curriculum choices available at Coffs Harbour High School for Year 11, 2012. Information given will explain the Department of Education and Training and Board of Studies requirements in Years 11 and 12, Pathways, Vocational Education and Training Courses (VET) and TAFE options.

Agenda

6.00pm – 6.15pm Welcome by Ms Patti Kearns, introduction of Head Teachers.

6.15pm – 6.30pm Presentation by Mr Nicholas Henry (Board of Studies Requirements)

6.30pm – 6.45pm Presentation by Ms Dionne Court (Super Wednesday and TVET)

6.45pm – 7.00pm Presentation by Mr Simon Borgert (Online Subject Selection Process)

At the completion of the formal part of the evening, parents and students will have an opportunity to consult with Head Teachers about subject choices they offer in their faculties. Tea, coffee and a light supper will be provided.

INFORMATION HANDBOOK AND SUBJECT SELECTIONS

Students will receive access to comprehensive information booklet about course options for senior schooling at Coffs Harbour High School at the above Information Evening. Along with this booklet, an Online Selection Process and Subject Choices Timeline will also be provided.

An opportunity to discuss possible alternative courses of interest and patterns of study is then given to students in Yr 10 on Wednesday 15^th June, from 11.30am at our TAFE Information Seminar.

It is extremely important that you and your son/daughter/ward attend the Information Evening as well as the TAFE Information Seminar as you will have the opportunity to consult with relevant staff and specialists in VET and TAFE to help make more effective subject choices.

National Youth Science Forum

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:18 AEST

Flyer (pdf, 2819 KB)

More Details

ERC Lights Camera Take Action!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:13 AEST

A short film competition being run by the ERC

More details

Maroon Day

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:15 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School participated in Maroon Day on 24th February - one week later that the rest of the state due to school photos. A great participation rate raised money for the Queensland Flood vicitims.

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DER Information Night 2011

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:12 AEST

The DER information Night was held at Coffs Harbour High School on 23rd February 2011

The presentation for the evening is here http://www.slideshare.net/SimonBorgert/der-info-night-2011

Other DERNSW resources are available here http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/highschool/dernsw/

Assessment Guides/Schedule 2011

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:05 AEST

Students studying any Preliminary or HSC courses at Coffs Harbour High School must familiarise themselves withe the Assessment Procedures and Schedules (below)

Prel. Assessment Procedures 2011 (pdf, 489 KB)

HSC Assessment Procedures 2011 (pdf, 519 KB)

HSC Success!

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:14 AEST

Heron Island - At School Program

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:14 AEST

Heron Island Excursion - At Scho (pdf, 162 KB)Information for Parents/Guardians of Year 11 Students

Administration Relocation

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:03 AEST

The Administration Offices have been relocated to the corner of Edinburgh and Nile Streets

Coles Sports for Schools Program

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:11 AEST

Help us Collect Sports Gear (pdf, 202 KB)

We have registered for the Coles Sports for Schools program. Please view attached PDF to see how you can help.

Yr 11 2011 Information Evening

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:32 AEST

All parents/guardians are invited with their Year 10 students to attend the Year 10 into Year 11 Information Evening. This will be held in the Coffs Harbour High School Hall on Wednesday 16th June commencing at 5.30pm. The evening should conclude at about 6.30pm.

The purpose of this evening is to inform parents/guardians and Year 10 students of the curriculum choices available at Coffs Harbour High School for Year 11, 2011. Information given will explain the Department of Education and Training and Board of Studies requirements in Years 11 and 12, Pathways, Vocational Education and Training Courses (VET) and TAFE options.

Take a Closer Look - 22 June

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:24 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School will be holding its annual Open Afternoon on Tuesday 22nd June from 4 pm - 6 pm. There will lots of interactive displays and and opportunities to talk with teaching staff. The programme for the afternoon is currently being finalised and will be available soon!

Mee-Bunn-Bia Excursion Yr 8

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:15 AEST

Mee-Bunn-Bia Letter (pdf, 16 KB)

Mee-Bunn-Bia Reminder Letter (pdf, 16 KB)

Exciting news struck the Year 8 students in week two this term. Information and permission slips were handed out for the major excursion for this year. This being the very exciting and well worth while excursion to Mee-Bunn-Bia (near Rathdowney, QLD). The theme of the Mee-Bunn-Bia excursion is "challenge by choice".

The excursion aims to provide quality outdoor experiences, personal challenges and team development for all participants. Activities are designed to stretch the mental, physical and social skills of both individuals and groups. Along with the schools' motto of the four C's the excursion also helps to develop the participants trust, self-confidence, independence and courage.

It is a four day and three night excursion where students will be supervised by CHHS staff and team leaders from Mee-Bunn-Bia for the entire time. The dates of the excursion are: Tuesday the 19^th to Friday the 22^nd of October, 2010, inclusive, this is the second week of term 4. The total cost of the excursion is $315. A suggested payment schedule is outlined in the table below. Noting that deposits and permissions slips need to be returned to school by Friday the 28^th of May, so the numbers can be organised and our position at Mee-Bunn-Bia can be secured. Please note the deadline date for total payment ($315) to be received by the school at a date no later than .

Date due:	Payment
Friday 28^th May (end Week 6 Term 2)	$50 – non-refundable component
Friday 2^nd July (end Week 11 Term 2)	$150
Friday 20^th August (end Week 5, Term 3)	$115

If payment of this amount could cause financial difficulty, or you have any other questions regarding the excursion, please contact Mr Hundle or the Head Teacher Welfare Mr Smith. We would not want any child to miss out because of financial reasons. Normal Student Assistance application criteria will apply.

There is an in school program organised for those students that are not able to attend.

Annual School Report 2009

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:03 AEST

The annual school report for 2009 is now available on the Annual Report Page

NAPLAN Tests - Letter to Parents

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:18 AEST

Letter to parents regarding the NAPLAN tests 2010

NAPLAN Letter to Parents (pdf, 47 KB)

CHHS Tackles Cyberbullying

Fri, 25 May 2018 20:01:08 AEST

Coffs Harbour High School is pleased to be hosting an Information evening on Cyber-Bullying as part of our "Bullying Sux" Anti Bullying programme - all members of the Coffs Harbour Community welcome. Discover important information about how to deal with the increasing occurrence of cyber-bullying and how to help your children stay safe online.

Wednesday 5 May 2010

6 pm for free sausage sizzle

7pm for Information Session

Presenters include Dr James Donnelly from Southern Cross University and Coffs Harbour Police.

Useful Links - Cyberbullying

Social Networking - ACMA

Cybersmart - ACMA

Let's Fight it Together - Cybersmart

Let's Fight it Together - Video

Useful Links - Web 2.0

Protecting Reputations Online - In Plain English (Common Craft)

The World Wide Web in Plain English