Newman Senior High School

Newsletter: Term 2 Issue 3

Term 2

We are almost at the halfway point of the term already; and it has been a very busy 5 weeks. Staff and students have been working tirelessly across the board. This edition of the newsletter showcases some of the fantastic opportunities and work that our students have been involved in throughout the term.

Thank you to those parents and families who attended our Parent Teacher interviews last week – it is always a great way to share your students’ learning experiences with you.

Next week sees our Year 11 and 12 students starting their Semester One exams.  I hope that all students have been using their time wisely and have been preparing well. It is important to remember that eating well, sleeping well and exercising are all very important parts of making sure you are as prepared as you can be. I wish all students the very best.   

All students across Years 7 to 12 are currently working hard to complete their Semester 1 work, which will allow the reporting process to be finalised, reports will be going home towards the end of this term. I look forward to being able to read the Semester 1 reports to see the progress that students have made throughout the semester.

Thank you to our community for your ongoing support.

Kind regards

Charmaine Ford

Principal

Upper School Ball

Saturday 20 April NSHS hosted the Senior School Ball with the theme of an awards evening. Some highlights from the students included dancing, the buffet food and photobooths. Shoutout to the students, parents and staff that were involved on the School Ball committee that put on a fantastic event for our senior school students. It also would not have been possible without the amazing support from our wider community. A big thanks to Woolworths, Miss Janes Catering, DJ Pistol Pete, Serene Bedlam photography, Steph from Heart and Home and Onsite - we appreciate all of your support. 

Upper School Ball

Year 7-10 Volleyball Competition

In the last two weeks of Term 1, all lower school Physical Education (PE) classes have been running a SEPEP volleyball competition. SEPEP stands for Sports Education in Physical Education Program. It is constructed around a student-centred approach to PE meaning students are responsible for running the entire competition down to the umpiring, scoring, timing and equipment set up. Students are able to develop their leadership and teamwork skills over the duration of the competition whilst displaying respect and ethical fair play.

Left is a photo of our Year 9 Grand Final. Congratulations to John’s team (John, Max, Rudra, Madison, Blessing and Miya) who won in a nail-biting finish 23-21. 

Maths at Work

Puzzle

If Bill takes 3 hours to paint a room and James takes 5 hours, calculate how long it will take them to paint a room if they work together.

Check your answer in the following newsletter.

Science Happenings

Year 7

Year 7s have started their Biology Unit and are learning about the characteristics of life and how we classify organisms. There was a lot of excitement in the labs this week as students examined pond water under the microscope! 

Year 8

Year 8s have started Term 2 diving into the weird and wonderful world of cells. We have learnt about cell structure, the history of microscopes and built models of cells in the classroom, some of which were very delicious indeed! 

Year 9

This term, Year 9s are learning all about how organisms maintain balance within their bodies. Students have investigated how materials are transported across membranes within the body and are diving into the body's internal systems for communication and regulation. The brain dissection has been a clear standout so far, with osmosis eggs coming in a close second! 

Year 10 

Year 10 students are studying genetics in Term 2. Students have investigated the history of the genome, performed a DNA extraction and built 3D DNA models as part of their exploration of the science of heredity. 

Year 11

Year 11 ATAR Human Biology students are deep in study mode as they prepare for their first ATAR exams. Students are revising cells, metabolism and body systems and getting ready to show us what they know! 

Exploring the Literary Landscape - A Snaphot of English @ NSHS

Year 7: Crafting Narratives & Australian Cinema

In Year 7 English, our students have embarked on a journey into the realm of storytelling. With a keen focus on narrative structure and elements, they have diligently crafted personal narratives that capture the essence of a memorable event from their own lives. Through this process, they have honed their ability to write narratives that use figurative language and create imagery.

Furthermore, our Year 7 cohort has delved into the world of film studies. Engaging with the acclaimed Australian film Satellite Boy, they have explored the intricate codes and conventions of cinema, dissected characters, and delved into the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture as portrayed on screen. Drawing upon their insights, students are writing insightful film reviews that showcase their analytical prowess and appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

Mr. Isaac Ramshaw-Attard

Head of Learning Area - English/HaSS/Languages

Year 9: Persuasive Prose & Poetic Reflections

In Year 9 English, our students have embraced the power of persuasion through the art of writing. Armed with a repertoire of persuasive techniques, they have crafted compelling essays that advocate for their chosen viewpoints on a range of topical issues. Through research and argument, they have demonstrated their ability to sway hearts and minds with their persuasive prose.

Continuing their English course, students are exploring Australian identity. Year 9 students have delved into the rich tapestry of Indigenous and non-Indigenous poetry and song lyrics. Drawing inspiration from their studies, they are currently engaged in the creation of their own poems, using poetic structure and techniques to communicate their unique perspectives on the essence of Australia. Through this creative endeavour, they are weaving together threads of history, culture, and personal reflection to craft poems that resonate with depth and insight.

Year 9

Year 11 ATAR English: Academic Rigour and Intellectual Inquiry

For our Year 11 ATAR English students, the journey has commenced with intellectual rigour and academic challenge. With the transition to senior studies, they have encountered a significant step up in the demands of their coursework. From sitting rigorous assessments in timed conditions to grappling with complex texts and concepts, they have demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of academic challenge.

Currently, our Year 11 cohort is immersed in a multifaceted exploration of literature and language. From developing a multimodal interpretive text that communicated their views on the potential future impact of artificial intelligence on the global landscape, to engaging with Viktor E. Frankl's seminal work Man's Search for Meaning, students are navigating a diversity of texts and ideas with insight and intellectual curiosity. With Semester 1 exams looming on the horizon, they are diligently preparing and doing Newman Senior High School proud.

Year 11

NAPLAN & OLNA Standardised Testing: Shaping Future Learning Experiences

I would like to acknowledge the recent completion of NAPLAN Reading, Writing, and Language Conventions standardised testing by our Year 7 and 9 students, and OLNA Reading and Writing testing in Senior School. As we eagerly await the results in the coming weeks, we anticipate valuable insights that will inform our teaching practices and enable us to tailor learning experiences to best support the development of our student’s literacy and language skills.

Premier’s Reading Challenge, 2024!!! [Are you up for the challenge?]

Calling all avid readers and literary enthusiasts! It is with great excitement that I announce the commencement of the Premier's Reading Challenge for 2024. As Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia stated, "The Premier’s Reading Challenge runs from the 6th of May to the 6th of September, and the idea is that you try to read as many books as you can. It’s a competition right across the state, and there’s some great prizes – including a Nintendo Switch. So, everyone get on board with the Premier’s Reading Challenge for 2024. Get to your books!" Starting this Monday, students can find more information and register for the challenge in the school library.

‘Scribblers on the Road’ – Creative Workshop for ALL Year 7 students!!!

Newman Senior High School is thrilled to announce the upcoming 'Scribblers on the Road' creative writing and illustrating workshop, set to captivate all Year 7 students on Wednesday, June 12th. This immersive experience promises to ignite the imaginations of our budding writers and artists as they embark on a journey of creative exploration. During Periods 1 and 2, students will have the unique opportunity to engage with esteemed professionals in the field, including Brenton E. McKenna and Shane McCarthy.

Brenton E. McKenna, known affectionately as "Eszra," is a revered Yawuru artist hailing from Broome, WA, whose passion for comic books has propelled him to international acclaim as one of the foremost First Nations graphic novelists.

Joining him is Shane McCarthy, a versatile freelance writer with over two decades of experience in crafting compelling narratives for renowned publications such as Detective Comics, Star Wars, and Transformers.

With their expertise and guidance, our Year 7 students will delve into the magic of storytelling and illustration, unlocking their creative potential and forging lasting memories. Get ready to embark on a journey of inspiration and discovery with 'Scribblers on the Road'.

‘Fremantle Round House John Gavin Writing Competition 2024’ – Year 8 English

Congratulations to the talented students of Year 8 whose exceptional short story assessments have earned them the honour of being entered into the Fremantle Round House John Gavin Writing Competition 2024. A round of applause goes to Emily Bates, Carmen Mammino, Jake Riddett, Sepp Walravens, Caleb Vanstan, and Andrei Barbato for their outstanding contributions. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Tierney for her support and guidance, empowering these students to craft narratives that are of such a high standard and meet the requirements for this competition. Best of luck to all participants – your creativity and dedication are truly commendable!

English and HaSS Help – Afterschool, Tuesdays

Attention all students seeking assistance with English and Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) coursework, homework, or assessment preparation: help is at hand! Join us in the school library every Tuesday afternoon between 2:30 and 3:15pm for English & HaSS Help sessions.

NSHS Book Club – Calling Year 7 and 8 bookworms

NSHS Book Club is open to all Year 7 and 8 students who love to read and chat. Join us every Friday at lunchtime in room T12 for a literary adventure like no other. Immerse yourself in captivating short stories and novels, engage in lively discussions, participate in quizzes, and even have the chance to win exciting prizes. Plus, don't miss out on our end-of-term-treat to celebrate our shared love of reading. Whether you're an avid reader or just starting to explore the world of literature, the NSHS Book Club is the perfect place to make friends, improve your reading skills, and share your passion for books. We can't wait to see you there! – Ms. Tierney

Follow the Dream

Up-Coming Important Dates and Events

13 - 17 May Year 9 Career Taster Camp

20 - 24 May Exams

27 May Reconciliation Week

31 May Student Development Day (Students not required to attend)

3 June Public Holiday

Last Day of Term 2

Term 2 finishes on Friday 28th June 2024.

Students return for Term 3 on Tuesday 16 July 2024