Newsletter Term 3 Week 3

Positive Partnerships for Learning

The positive partnership between families and Rose Bay Secondary College underpins the high expectations and inclusive culture expected by our school community. We look forward to working together to provide the best possible outcomes for all students. In the same way as we treat nurses, doctors, front line workers, retail staff with dignity and respect, teachers and support staff also deserve the same behaviour. The Department of Education expects that all parents follow the guidelines and all communication is presented in a positive and constructive manner. The Department has a legal obligation to ensure our school is a safe place for both staff and students. This includes taking measures to ensure that the communication our staff receive is respectful and does not negatively impact on their wellbeing. We expect that communication at all times is:

•       Polite and respectful. 
•       Focusing on relevant facts and possible solutions. 
•      Providing our staff with the information that is needed to resolve the issue or current concern. 

 Thank you for following these simple guidelines to ensure a positive partnership between families and school.

From the Senior Executive

As we finish Week 3 of Term 3, we are buzzing in preparation for our Year 12 Students who will be completing their Trials examinations next week. Our HSC students who have been working on completing their Major Works Projects have been careful guided by the expert senior teachers at Rose Bay Secondary College. We commend the students and their hard-working teachers who give so much of their time and energy to these Projects.  

 College Celebrations 

We would like to congratulate Year 9 Wellbeing Team on their planning and organisation of Year 9 Camp that occurred Monday – Wednesday this week. It was a pleasure to see students unplugged and engaged in learning. They actively participated in team building challenges at Camp Somerset by the Colo River. A bigger review of this excellent experience will be showcased in next Week’s newsletter.  

 Academic Achievement  

Year 7 and 9 NAPLAN results are being sent out to parents currently and it is always important to understand that this is a standardised, online test that looks at 4 proficiency standards and doesn’t show the whole academic snapshot of how a student is achieving academically. The four proficient levels include: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. Further information on the NAPLAN tests is available here: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers 

 Year 10 Minimum Standards Examinations/HSC Minimum Standards  

From 2020, students in NSW are required to demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive their High School Certificate (HSC). The HSC minimum standard is a way of supporting and ensuring students have a functional level of literacy and numeracy. 

Throughout Week 4 and 5 Year 10 Minimum Standards Examinations will occur: 

• Tuesday 8th August P3  
• Thursday 17th August P2  

Students need to check their Year 10 Teams Page and download the locked down browser before the examinations take place. Catch up examinations will be held for any students absent on these dates.  

Link to additional information regarding these examinations: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard/online-tests 

 Trials Examinations Year 12 

Here is a link to the Trials Timetable for Year 12 Students. It is important for students to be balancing their time and energy while away from the structure of School and their usual timetable. Please be working with your child to be planning their time at home and between examinations. If your child is sick or injured on the day of a Trials Examination please call the School Office the morning of the examination and email Ms Buckley so that the illness/misadventure process can be started for your child. Here is a link to the illness misadventure form as required: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14dyy4xGeVQcyY-JRvpEo4ajp8i3KMkG1/view 

 2023 School Musical- Grease is the Word  

 We’ve got chills, they’re multiplyin’ as tech, staging and rehearsal has been moving forward for our 2023 School Musical, Grease. This spectacular event is a true testament to the dedicated Teachers and Students of Rose Bay Secondary College.  

  Mobile Phones and Wellbeing 

In Term 4, there will be zero tolerance for mobile phones at School as this aligns with the NSW Government ban of such devices for students at School. RBSC will not be engaging with a phone pouch or phone locker system. We are going to be working with students to support them in learning self-control throughout Term 3 of this year. Mobile phones cannot be used in classes at Rose Bay Secondary College and we understand that some students have some level of addiction to their device. We are happy to be working with parents and guardians to support students during this time of transition. Further information regarding the implementation of this across the state can be found here:  

https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-government-begins-mobile-phone-ban-public-high-schools#:~:text=NSW%20public%20secondary%20school%20students,students'%20learning%20and%20social%20development. 

 Parent Support and Webinars  

The following link will allow parents and carers to access free safety webinars that are available for Term 3. They are very well reviewed by parents of RBSC: 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

 The MAGNET program commenced last week for High Potential students from our
feeder schools and we express our appreciation to our student mentors who assist this program.

School tours have also recommenced. These tours are fully student led and occur during school
hours so that our student and parent visitors can soak up the rich culture of the College. This could
not occur without the commitment of our tour leaders whose demonstrated knowledge and passion
for our College is the star attraction.

Our Parent Teacher evenings in Hall over the last two weeks have been well received. We will be
sending out a short survey on aspects of the organisation so we can continue to refine this event.

HSC exams commenced with our Dance practical exams taking place in the Hall this Monday. We
wish our Year 12 cohort well in their Trials examinations and for all practical exams and submissions.
The Learning Hub is open to all Senior students for support on Thursdays afternoon from 1:38 – 3:20
pm.

One of the great pleasure of being in a leadership position in the College is celebrating the wonderful
activities that happen daily. On Friday Ms Archer joined IEFR for their weekly Breakfast Club.
Students are learning kitchen safety and skills for breakfast preparation. Ms Archer thanks the class
and Ms Saber for serving her breakfast.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

All schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) each year. The 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). All students who receive additional support at school are included in this process. The data is provided in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. If you have any questions about this process, please contact the school office to talk to Ms Wood.

Year 7 News

CYBERIA

On Tue 5th September Brainstorm Productions will be presenting their student wellbeing performance 'Cyberia' for Year 7. 'Cyberia' is a live theatre experience that addresses mental health, (cyber)bullying and the responsible use of technology. The performance is part of our student wellbeing curriculum and has been developed by education and mental health professionals.

Ruby loses touch with her values and gets caught up in cyberbullying and online drama. Anxious and struggling with impulse control, she is in danger of damaging her digital reputation. For Tim, a lack of sleep and social interaction leads to scams and dangerous online behaviours. He becomes isolated and withdraws into gaming. Students follow Tim and Ruby’s journey as they develop skills for help-seeking, resilience and positive mental health.

Brainstorm Productions is one of Australia’s most experienced and respected theatre in education companies, performing to over 260,000 students every year. They offer a range of programs to help schools nurture healthy and harmonious environments, addressing issues such as mental health, online safety, bullying and resilience, and are endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. Learn more about Brainstorm Productions by visiting their website brainstormproductions.edu.au or following them on Instagram @brainstormproductions_ or Facebook @Brainstorm.Productions

Mobile phone ban in high schools (term 4)

The new Mobile Phone Policy of the NSW Department of Education comes into effect day one next term. From the start of that day, mobile phones will essentially be banned in NSW public schools. Please read our draft policy and FAQS and feel free to email your feedback or suggestions to the school email with the title Draft Mobile Phone Policy Feedback.

Rose Bay Secondary College School Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy Term 4 2023

Following consultation with the school community in 2020 and 2022 adjustments have been made to the Rose Bay Secondary College Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy.

At Rose Bay Secondary College, while the increasing use and importance of mobile phones in our lives is recognised, processes have been well established over a long period of time to assist parents and caregivers to deliver messages to their children, which are of an urgent or important nature, without the need for students to have a mobile phone.

For parents who need to contact their child during class time, a call to the office is appropriate and always welcomed.  Messages are delivered to students in a prompt manner. In general, mobile phones are not necessary for communication to and from students during school hours and we ask that this is respected by all.

At times before and after school, however, mobile phones offer students and their parents many advantages in terms of ease of communication and a sense of personal safety.  For this reason, the school respects the need for students to carry mobile phones, provided students observe the following conditions and courtesies.

• Mobile phones and personal electronic devices are not to be used from the commencement of Roll Call until the end of Period 6. This includes making or receiving calls, sending or receiving text messages, taking photographs or videos, recording conversations, to listen to music or any other unauthorised
  
  
  • Mobile Phones/earbuds/Electronic communication devices will be switched off and placed in the student’s bag prior to the bell at the commencement of Roll Call - Period 6
    
    
  • Headphones need to be stored in student bags throughout the school day.
    
    
  • Smart watchers switched to airplane mode
    
    
• At times, teachers may instruct, or allow students to use mobile phones or electronic devices for specific educational purposes, such as recording an experiment, using music in a dance composition or using an app specific to a subject. At these times students may use their phones but only when instructed to by their teacher. Upon completion of the task teachers will instruct students to switch phones off and return to their bag.
  
  
• As with all valuable items, students are strongly discouraged from bringing mobile phones and electronic devices to school due to the potential for loss, theft or damage of the item. Rose Bay Secondary College cannot accept responsibility for the loss, theft or damage to such items, including mobile These items are brought to school at your own risk.
  
  
• Should a student have a mobile phone or electronic device at school, it must be turned off during lessons and other school activities. It must be kept securely in the student’s bag during lessons or other school activities. This will ensure that there is no disruption to the school’s learning
  
  
  
• Students must not have any material stored on their mobile phones or electronic devices which is offensive, harmful or illegal. It is an offence to possess images of illegal acts, such as fights, to have inappropriate images, to bully or intimidate others through the use of mobile phones (carriage service), or to record and upload images/video of people without their consent, on these devices. In such cases the school is required to confiscate mobile phones and refer the matter to
  
  
• Any student who brings a mobile phone or electronic device to school will be responsible for ensuring the above conditions and courtesies are observed. Incidents involving students failing to adhere to the Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy will result in consequences in accordance with the Rose Bay Secondary College Discipline

In summary:

• Students must:
  • Lock Phones/Electronic communication devices and ear buds/headphones in your bag prior to the bell at the commencement of Roll Call. Keep mobile phones and electronic devices in bags during lessons unless directed by the teacher to use
  • Switch off mobile phones prior to them being placed in your bag.
  • Switch smart watches to airplane mode.
  • Ensure mobile phones are used appropriately at all times
    
    
• Staff will:
  • Ensure the Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy is followed during the school day and at all school events
  • Follow the school’s discipline code should students choose not to adhere to the Mobile Phone and Electronic Device Policy

Frequently Asked Questions -

NESA News - Study Guide

The HSC Study Guide is out now, packed with everything HSC students need to kick their exam goals!

Students can find exam advice from teachers and past students, learn how to nail their study routine, and test their knowledge with the ultimate HSC quiz! Look out for some familiar faces who share their expert advice across a range of HSC subjects.

There’s also plenty of practical information from our partner, ReachOut, on looking after mental health and wellbeing in the lead up to exams.

CHECK OUT THIS YEAR'S GUIDE

Year 12 Trials

Year 12 Trials begin Tuesday 8^th August. Please find the Trial Timetable on our school website

2023 HSC Written Exam Timetable

YEAR 12 HSC - Important Dates

NESA has released the due dates for all major works, both practical and performance.
For all students completing major works, please take note of the date on the attached document. You must start setting weekly goals of completion to ensure you create a quality product.
Hard copies of this timetable are available outside Ms Buckley's door.

IEF News

IEF H have been studying World War I and II in History. Last week, they visited the North Bondi War Memorial. Students researched aspects of the memorial including the four words emblazoned on the black granite: Endurance, Mateship, Courage and Sacrifice. These powerful words acted as a starting point for their research. Students sat on tables by the beach and investigated the lives of Reginald Saunders, and some Victoria Cross Recipients. Back at school, students prepared PowerPoints and presented them at the IEF Assembly, fostering a sense of community and awareness about the significance of WWI and II, and the importance of remembrance, honouring those who served. 

Uniform Policy

Core rules:

Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school's uniform or dress code policy. Rose Bay Secondary College is a "uniform" school and all students are expected to wear the correct school uniform. The Department of Education supports the waering of school uniforms by students and the upholding of high standards of dress by students and staff. A school uniform identifies students as belonging to Rose Bay secondary College. We expect students to wear the uniform with pride during school hours, while travelling to and from school, and when engaged in school activities out of school hours.

Students may wear any item from the Rose Bay Secondary College current uniform selections on any school day. Students will need to be in sports uniform for practical PE lessons and sports days.

Students may choose to mix and match from all items listed in the uniform shop and are expected to be in full Rose Bay Secondary College clothing everyday. 

Uniform shop Opening Hours

Tuesdays and Thursday 8:30am - 2:30pm     Contact : 9301 0349 rbsc@midford.com.au

You are welcome to puchase from the online shop at your convenience, orders are filled the next time the store opens. Download online instructions and use the code RBSC2003 to start an account.

School Tours Term 3

Rose Bay Secondary College is scheduling school tours for interested prospective parents/carers and child/ren.

Tours will be held on Tuesdays at 10am – beginning Tuesday 1 August until Tuesday 29 August 2023.

The tours will run for approx. 1 hour.  Tour numbers are limited, please contact the school on

9301 0300 to book

Online safety seminar

This seminar may be useful for Year 7 Parents

Cyberbullying App

Yoochooz is a mobile app for parents and kids to prevent cyberbullying and teach online safety.

RBSC P&C Return and Earn

You can help us AND help the planet at the same time simply by recycling drink containers!

You can now donate your 10c refund(s) to ROSE BAY SECONDARY COLLEGE P&C from any Return and Earn machines located near you using the Return and Earn app.

Return & Earn will help RBSC P&C provide funding for facilities, events, equipment, activities and technology to enhance learning and other opportunities for students and the College community.

And it's easy as 1,2,3:

1- Download the Return and Earn app (available from your App store or Google Play store)

2- Look us up under the “Charities” menu and press "Set as payout"

3- Scan the app, return containers and press "TRANSFER" on the RVM screen when finished! 100% of the refunds will be transferred to our organisation.

Thanks for your support!

Library News

The Bob Bellear Memorial Library is excited to be celebrating Children’s Book Week this year with a program of fun book related activities. This will be the first official Book Week celebrated at Rose Bay Secondary College since Covid lockdowns, so we plan to make it a memorable one! 

The theme this year is READ, GROW, INSPIRE. 

 Held during Week 6, Book Week 2023 will kick off on Monday 21st August with an official ‘unveiling’ of a selection of the 2023 shortlisted books for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Books of the Year Awards (#CBCA2023). We have a delicious menu of 22 of these brand-new books coming to the library, ready for students to enjoy and borrow at the end of Book Week. 

 In the lead-up to Book Week, from Monday 7th August, students can register for the fun ‘Blind Date with a Book’ activity. This will take place over two days, during breaks 1 & 2 of Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23rd August. Students will select a book, from the Library collection, they have read in the past, wrap the book in brown paper, write a review about the book on the brown paper cover and decorate it if they wish. The following day the students can select one of the other reviewed books to borrow for a blind date! Places are limited so students will need to register their interest via the Library Help Desk, as soon as possible. There will be prizes for the best review and for the best decorated blind books created. 

 A couple of student-led activities such as Book Trivia and Bookmark creating and colouring will also take place - with prizes awarded for these activities too. 

 Look out for further Book Week 2023 details in the Library, around the school with posters, and programs and on Teams or come and ask the Library Ladies at the Help Desk for further info. We are always happy to help! 

 More #CBCA2023 information and the 2023 Shortlist can be found at: 

 https://cbca.org.au/cbca-book-week 

 Library Reminders: 

Premier’s Reading Challenge closes on Friday 18 August. For further information: 

https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html 

Girl Guides Association NSW

The Girl Guides Association would like to invite girls to join them! They have three units (groups) which meet in Bondi and girls from Bellevue Hill, Bondi, Vaucluse, Double Bay, Woollahra and all neighbouring suburbs are welcome.
They cater for girls from the age of 7 to 18 years and also have Leadership Programmes for Adults.