Newsletter Week 1, Term 3
From the Senior Executive
Welcome Back for Term 3.
We have started with high energy in Week 1. Our School Cabaret on Wednesday was an absolute feast of music, drama and art and we congratulate the staff and students who gave up many hours of their time to bring this to fruition.
We also were informed that three students have made it to the final rounds of the Talent Development project. This is known as TDP and is a program run by the Arts Unit in the Education Department designed to identify and supported talented musicians and provide links to industry training and opportunities. Peter Cousins oversees this program which has produced many alumni who are well-known in the Australian performing arts industry. We congratulate Lili, James and Xavier on reaching this level.
All reports were published at the end of term and at the start of the holidays. For Years 8-10 we trialled a new format of comments. We will be surveying parents and students about this change. I encourage you to complete this as we will look a these results carefully to refine our reports.
Parent Teacher Interviews will be taking place via zoom over the next 2 weeks.
Year 9 and 11 will take place on Tuesday 26 July and Years 8 and 10 will be the following Tuesday 2 August.
Year 9 Elective Change of Course
We have had some recent requests for Year 9 students to change electives. As we are over half way through the year, it is not possible to make changes at this time. NESA stipulates each elective course is studied for a total of 200 hours across Years 9 and 10. Any changes in electives at this stage will result in a student not completing their mandatory hours by the end of Year 10 which may impact their ability to successfully achieve a Record of School Acheiement (RoSA). More information can be found online.
‘Where?’ by Jordan Collins
Many years ago, Ms Godby and Ms Buckley held a Year 8 Slam Poetry Competition and discovered a star poet. During their school years, Jordan was a regular at the Woollahra Council’s Poets Picnic, representing Rose Bay Secondary College until graduating in 2018, performing their own poetry and impressing the crowd. It was there that Jordan was discovered by a publisher and began the journey to become an author.
Jordan’s book ‘Where?’ is a story about being asked, “Where are you from?’ It is a cosmic and timeless tale, spanning across the universe, that explores the answer to that question. A copy of the book can be found in our school library.
We are very proud of this highly talented Rose Bay student and privileged to be part of their journey.
School Buses
As reminder that all NSW school students are provided with free school travel. A copy of the bus timetable can be found here.
The data that Opal tap-ons provide enable Transport for NSW to determine how many passengers are utilising the provided bus services. Any decisions to make changes to bus routes and frequency of services are based on this data, therefore it is very important that all students tap on.
RBSC P&C Yr 7&8 social event
RBSC P&C are keen for Yr 7 & 8 parents to get back on track after 2 years of disruption. This event allows Yr 7 & 8 parents to make connections and form strong community bonds that will last throughout your teen’s high school experience. Please buy your tickets to this event ASAP to ensure it can proceed and give everyone the opportunity to connect as part of the RBSC community.
RBSC P&C Secondhand School Uniforms Buy, Sell & Swap
The P&C has set up a Facebook group for Rose Bay Secondary College families to buy, sell or giveaway secondhand uniforms, textbooks, musical instruments, music books or school shoes.Please become a member and use the page to sell or give away your old uniform items, or buy secondhand items.
TO SELL: Post with details of the item you have for sale. It's a good idea to include a photo. When you sell something, please delete it from the group so the page stays up-to-date.
TO BUY: Contact a seller via Direct Message if they have an item listed that you would like to buy.
OR: Create a post with details of the item that you would like to buy. We ask that all items on the page are related to school, and in good reusable condition.
Thanks and please start buying & selling!
RBSC Library News and Reviews
As we continue to honour, celebrate and support our connection to the land and the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have made to this country I would like to continue with the theme of Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! that was discussed in this column at the end of last term.
Next week we will belatedly be celebrating NAIDOC week at Rose Bay Secondary College - and I wanted to inform all that we have books and eBooks available to borrow. The librarians have also compiled a list of useful links that include poetry, prose and some radio links. Please email me and I will happily forward it to you.
A standout story to educate and inspire is Tell Me Why. This book is available to borrow from the RBSC Library. It is a well written and informative memoir of a true Australian legend, who was a stolen child, is a talented writer and a lyrical genius.
Treading an arduous path, he used the healing power of his music to give voice to and overcome all that he suffered, grief and pain from loss of family, belonging and community to joy of survival and now to thrive. He has not only become a voice for his people but has a vast following of fans worldwide. This book gives deep insight into a life that many of us couldn’t imagine and really assists to put NAIDOC week into context.
After including the ClickView link last term, I spent quite a while on it and realised what an amazing resource it actually is. This is another gem the RBSC library has for all staff and students alike. This online learning video platform offers thousands of videos on all subjects and is easily accessed. “So how do I access it?, is a question often asked!
Google ClickView, it will prompt you to log in by entering your email address which is your det address and your regular school password. Simple and easy! You may be asked to select your school and all you need to do is follow the prompts. The Library staff have compiled a playlist of click view material for ease of reference.
A reminder we are running a competition to find the top readers of the term with prizes to be won. You will need to inform a Librarian that you have joined the competition when you return your book. The Premiers Reading Challenge (PRC) has just over a month to go, so continue with your reading for that competition as well.
The Homework Club is once again in full swing on Monday’s and Wednesday’s between 3:30pm and 5:00pm, under the competent guidance of Ms Hawke. Anyone requiring assistance with homework, research, assignments and any studying issue is welcome to attend.
On behalf of all in the library staff welcome to Term 3. Read lots, learn lots and have some fun at the same time!