Cootamundra High School Newsletter

Term 2 ‐ Week 6, 2023

REL. PRINCIPAL: Mr Christopher Payne  

REL. DEPUTY PRINCIPAL: Mr Alasdair Sides

Principal's Report


Dear Cootamundra High School community, 

In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, it is essential for educational institutions like ours to keep pace with the advancements that shape our world. One of the most significant developments in recent years is the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, including education. In this newsletter, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of AI for Cootamundra High School, as we navigate the path toward integrating this powerful technology into our academic environment. 

Advantages of AI at Cootamundra High School:

  • Personalized Learning: AI can enhance the learning experience by providing personalized content and adaptive learning platforms. Through AI algorithms, students can receive tailored instruction, resources, and assessments based on their individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This personalized approach can significantly improve student engagement and academic outcomes.


  • Enhanced Efficiency: AI-powered tools can automate administrative tasks, such as grading and record-keeping, saving valuable time for teachers and staff. This efficiency allows educators to focus more on instructional planning, personalized instruction, and building meaningful relationships with students.

  • Intelligent Tutoring Systems: AI can provide intelligent tutoring systems that offer immediate feedback and support to students. These systems can identify areas where students are struggling and provide targeted interventions, helping them overcome challenges and improve their understanding of complex concepts.

  • Access to Information: AI can provide students with access to vast amounts of information and resources, expanding their learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Intelligent search engines and recommendation systems can assist students in finding relevant and reliable information, promoting independent research and critical thinking skills.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: AI can analyze large datasets and provide valuable insights to inform decision-making processes at our school. This data analysis can help identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement in student performance, curriculum design, and overall school operations. 

Disadvantages of AI at Cootamundra High School:

  • Equity and Access: The integration of AI requires access to the necessary infrastructure and resources. Not all students may have equal access to technology and the internet, which can exacerbate existing disparities and create a digital divide. Ensuring equitable access to AI tools and resources is crucial to prevent further marginalization of certain student groups.

  • Ethical Considerations: AI systems rely on data collection and analysis, which raises ethical concerns regarding privacy, security, and the use of personal information. It is vital for our school to establish robust protocols and policies to protect student data and ensure responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.

  • Overreliance on Technology: While AI can be a powerful tool, an overreliance on technology may hinder students' development of essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. Balancing the use of AI with traditional teaching methods is crucial to foster holistic learning experiences.

  • Lack of Human Interaction: AI-powered systems may lack the human touch and emotional intelligence that human teachers provide. Building meaningful connections with educators and peers is a vital aspect of a well-rounded education. We must ensure that AI integration does not undermine the importance of human interaction and personalized support.

  • Teacher Professional Development: Integrating AI into the classroom requires ongoing professional development for our teachers. It is essential to provide comprehensive training programs to help educators effectively use AI tools and navigate its integration into the curriculum. Support and resources must be available to ensure our teachers feel confident and prepared to embrace this technology. 

As we consider the advantages and disadvantages of AI at Cootamundra High School, it is crucial to approach its integration with careful thought and planning. The benefits are clear, but we must also address the potential challenges and concerns that arise.

A Little More about Artificial Intelligence (AI)...

I recently attended a meeting of Principals from across the Riverina where the capacity of AI was demonstrated by academics from CSU Wagga. The potential is both exciting and concerning so far as teaching and learning in schools is concerned, particularly in the area of assessment. As a simple example of what AI can create I generated the Principals Report in this edition of the Newsletter in an AI program with the prompt “Write a principal’s report for the Cootamundra High School newsletter on the advantages and disadvantages of AI. Write 1000 words”. And it did. In less than 10 seconds. It took me longer to type in the prompt! Have a read, if you have not already. Although to me it is not my “style” of writing, I wonder how it looks to others? I promise I will personally write the following newsletter reports!

Chris Payne

Rel. Principal



Dates for your Diary...

Jun 1stVET Work Readiness Day - Yr 11
Jun 5thZone Athletics Carnival - Temora
Jun 17thP & C Bingo Night
Jun 27thYear 12 Life Ready

SENTRAL FOR PARENTS APP

Attention Parents and Carers ...

At Cootamundra High School we are utilising the Sentral for Parents App as an effective and efficient mode of communication including adding absences for your child/ren.

If you are new to the Sentral for Parents app and have not yet installed it on your mobile device, please click on the following link for step by step instructions on how to download the app and how to set it up.

https://youtu.be/JPi6X4Gm5Mg

ALL SCHOOLS SOUTHERN TOUCH FOOTBALL CARNIVAL

Touch Football

The following students represented Cootamundra High School at the All Schools Southern Touch Carnival  on the  3rd & 4th May 2023, Jubilee Park, Wagga Wagga. The Boys played really well and displayed great determination to defeat the following schools, Riverina Anglican College, Junee High School, Hennessy Catholic College and Young High School. They went onto play Kildare Catholic College in the final. Unfortunately they were defeated in this game. The boys were runner up on the day and will progress to the state championships in Penrith in August.

FEATURED WORK: EXPLORING FORM AND IDEAS IN LITERATURE

I am delighted to showcase the work of Amelia Clack, who embarked on an exciting journey of exploration through literature. Amelia's latest endeavour involved delving into the captivating worlds of Margaret Atwood's "Hag Seed" and Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and responding with a thought-provoking discursive article.
Writing in a discursive style can be quite challenging, as it requires students to navigate and present a range of ideas or topics without seeking to persuade the reader towards a specific viewpoint. Amelia fearlessly embraced this form, demonstrating her analytical prowess and intellectual curiosity.We invite you to immerse yourself in Amelia's article, which promises to spark intrigue and inspire further exploration of these captivating literary works. 
Amelia's article reminds us all of the power of literature to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of the human experience. Happy reading, and may Amelia's work ignite your own literary adventures!
Mrs Elliott 

Happy reading, and may Amelia's work ignite your own literary adventures!

Take a moment to appreciate this poem composed by Hannah O'Loughlin, a student in year 11. Enjoy reading her featured work.


The Butterfly Effect

The shift in the wind

The flicker of a flame

The change in the seasons

The halt of a wave

A moment passed

A moment never again

The turn of an eye

The difference of a life

The silence descends 

The madness impends

A second too soon

A second too late

The Butterfly Effect

YEAR 9 / 10 FOOD TECHNOLOGY

Year 9/10 Food Technology are learning about food in Australia including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices. On Friday the 12th of May students used our yarning circle, learning about its significance to Indigenous people. They shared prior knowledge of Indigenous culture and tradition and recorded what they would like to learn to improve their understanding. 

Ms Willoughby 

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2023

The athletics carnival was held on Thursday 18th of May. Despite the cold and overcast weather, our students still showed up with spirit and determination.

Congratulations to Baldry who won the The Allan Sides Memorial Shield for Athletics with 718 points. In third place was McConaghy (587 points), 4th place went to Pinkstone  (476 points) and last place to Anderson (303 points).

A big well done to the following students who received aged champions and good luck to all our students competing at Zone on Monday 5th of June in Temora. 

 

Girls

Points

Boys

Points

12 years

Vicky Helling

    48

John Cropper

54

13 years

Sophie Boxsell

64

Jack Miller &

Collin Hinds

34

 14 years

Emily Tanks

56

William Helling &

Callum Wisz

24

  15 years

Hallie Kelly

52

Harry Boxsell

40

  16 years

Macei Nicka

44

Toby Tanks

62

  Open

Andie McTavish

64

Jack Finch

54

Age Champions

CHS YARNING CIRCLE

Students enjoying the sunshine whilst learning at the Yarning Circle
Students enjoying the sunshine whilst learning at the Yarning Circle
Students enjoying the sunshine whilst learning at the Yarning Circle
Students enjoying the sunshine whilst learning at the Yarning Circle
Students enjoying the sunshine whilst learning at the Yarning Circle

CROSS COUNTRY

Well done to all our students who participated in the school cross country on Friday the 28th of April. It was a fierce competition in the competitive race with Liam Rees (Year 9) who placed first overall. Well done to all of our students who ran competitively on the day. House champions went to Baldry on 55 points. 

In the recent Zone Cross-country event held at Tumbarumba, thirteen students from Cootamundra High School, accompanied by their families, participated enthusiastically. Despite the wet conditions underfoot and the initial morning chill, the weather brightened, and our representatives showed remarkable determination. As a result, 12 students successfully qualified for the upcoming Riverina Cross Country, scheduled for Friday, 16th June in Gundagai. We congratulate our age champions, Kristian Miller, Liam Rees and John Cropper, who secured first place in their respective events. We would also like to thank the parents, families, and friends who braved the winding road to Tumbarumba, supporting our group of enthusiastic runners. Your presence and encouragement were greatly appreciated.

Mrs Elliott & Miss Fritsch

MELBOURNE PLAYBACK THEATRE

Melbourne Playback Theatre were on tour this week and performed for our Years 10 and 11 students. The theme was Respectful and Healthy Relationships, performed through the narratives of both students and actors. The actors were extremely talented and very engaging. Whilst the 'message' was delivered in a very contemporary way, the stories were fabulously reenacted to connect with the students.

YEAR 8 TECHNOLOGY

Ms Willoughby's Year 8 Technology Mandatory class have been studying engineered systems. Students have learnt about potential (stored) vs kinetic (motion) energy and how this transfers to rubber bands. They have been working in teams to design and build a rubber band race car made from everyday items.

During the process teams had to test and refine their designs and used numeracy strategies to work out distance, force and velocity. The final stage involved evaulating their designs to determine if they met the criteria for success.

YEAR 8 PDHPE

Year 8 practicing for their Dance Assessment

YEAR 12 SLR

Playing Finska

YEAR 11 PDHPE

Completing the Beep Test

PDHPE HAPPENINGS

Year 7 have just submitted a personal profile, as part of their ‘What’s Happening to Me’ unit. Court Sports are the theme for practical lessons this term.


Year 8 and Year 10 have been ‘boogying’ away in their practical Dance units. Year 8 have just completed their Dance Composition Assessment Task.


Year 9 have been eagerly learning about protecting themselves and making informed decisions about safe behaviours.


PASS students have been studying nutrition in theory lessons and are undertaking orienteering in their practical lessons. Students are currently working on their assessment task, which involves athlete training, and formulating a nutritional plan.


Year 11 CAFS students have been learning about individuals and groups and their interactions with each other in the community.


Year 12 CAFS have been looking at youth and people with disabilities and are currently completing a depth study on either rural and remote, or LGBTIQA+ groups.


Exploring Early Childhood will be commencing their observational visits to our local Pre-Schools. Year 12 have just completed a study on young children and the media and are visiting the library for their new topic on Childrens’ Literature.


Year 11 PDHPE are completing the practical activities related to the health and skill related components of fitness.


Years 11 and 12 SLR are undertaking a unit in Sports Administration, where they are learning how to set up and manage sporting and galah days. 

FROM THE CAREERS DESK

Work Experience

Applications for Work Experience this term are now closed.  Year 10 students will have the opportunity to apply for Work Experience again in early Term 4.

For some students in Year 10 Work Experience has already commenced.

Last week Isabella Carr enjoyed a few days work experience at Walsh and Blair.

Pictured is Rebecca Twyford and Isabella Carr.

WAGGA WAGGA TERTIARY EDUCATION EXPO

Year 11 and 12 students are invited to attend this Expo on Thursday 15th June 2023.  For students considering further study after the HSC (including University, TAFE and the Defence Forces), this Expo is highly recommended.

Notes and further details can be collected from Mrs Alderman in the Careers Office.

YEAR 10 FUTUREMOVES

Last week Year 10 had a visit from the Charles Sturt University Futuremoves team.  Presenter, Jessica Ljubojevic conducted a workshop on subject selection for Year 11 and 12.  This will be followed up in Careers lessons over the coming weeks with these main points to consider:

  • Understand your end goal
  • Consider your interests, passions and abilities
  • Consider the workload
  • Do research on compatible careers and courses
  • Remember - it's your decision.

VET WORK READINESS SEMINAR

Last Thursday students in Years 11 and 12 undertaking a TAFE or VET course attended a mandatory seminar conducted by Courtney Johnson (Workplace supervisor for COMPACT). 

Topics covered in the seminar included; school expectations, NESA requirements, WHS, communication in the workplace and personal presentation.  Students also completed an online Work Readiness Certificate.

SCHOOL BASED TRAINEESHIP - OPPORTUNITY!

The Leisure and Recreation Group, managing Cootamundra's Pool and Stadium facilities are offering interested students a unique opportunity to undertake a SBAT in Sport and Recreation
The successful applicant would be working with the Group one day per week, studying online for their qualification and preferably in Year 10.  It is also possible for study to contribute towards a students HSC pattern of study. 
For further enquiries, please contact Mrs Alderman at the Careers Office

SES INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY




Logan Collins, local Commander for the Cootamundra SES spoke with Years 9 and 10 earlier this week, to offer students the opportunity to access some training through the SES, in a 10 Week Course set to commence in Term 3.

Cootamundra High School has been chosen as one of the schools to run this Pilot Program. Interested students are encouraged to register outside the Careers Office or call in and see Mrs Alderman for further details.

Should parents require further information on this opportunity, please contact Mrs Alderman at the school.

TAFE INFORMATION SESSION

TAFE Virtual Subject Selection Info Session for Students & Parents/Carers

TAFE have just rolled out a few Virtual Subject Selection Info Sessions for students & parents/caregivers. If you click the link below you will be taken to the Facebook event with all details of how to attend.

https://fb.me/e/PkoUuAn3

CAREER EXPLORATION - 'MYFUTURE'

Free myfuture webinar | Managing career uncertainty and anxiety: the power of career conversations:

Wednesday 7 June, 5:30pm (AEST)

myfuture invites you to register for a free upcoming webinar, ‘Managing career uncertainty and anxiety: the power of career conversations’, based on the term 2 insights paper of the same name. The lead author Dr Jo Gleeson (Monash University will talk about the findings of her research in this area, and share a questionnaire that can help you to facilitate career conversations with your child. Register now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1242191283650524247

SWIMMING



Well done to Grace Derrick & Kristian Miller who both represented the school and Riverina at the NSW Combined High Schools Sport Association’s  Swimming Championship in Sydney in week 2 this term.

A big effort from both students who’s training efforts have paid off. 

NSW CHSSA STATE KNOCKOUT – OPEN GIRLS FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

A round 2 forfeit by our opposition, catapulted our girls straight to Round 3 of the NSW CHSSA State Knockout against Wagga Wagga High School at 1 pm on Monday 1 May. After a wet weekend, the field conditions at Rawlings Park were not ideal, but fortunately the rain held off for the duration of the game. 

Wagga HS showed their dominance early in the game, with the majority of play in our half of the field.  An early run-away ball through our mid-field saw an early chance on goal by Rylee Blackney, who was unlucky not to score. Strong defence from our two centre backs, Niketa and Heidi, combined with pressure from Brooke, Emily, Hannah and Andie, and brilliant goal keeping by Hallie Kelly, kept the score line to 0-1 at HT.

Wagga HS lifted their game in the second half, putting pressure on our midfielders, Haileigh, Emily, Grace and Katie, who had to work hard to maintain possession. A couple of corners kept our hopes alive, giving our forwards Jesse, Bella and Velettah a chance to find the back of the net. Unfortunately we could not break through their backline.  Final score at FT was 0-5.

Congratulations to the girls who never gave up and displayed excellent sportsmanship during the game which was also commented on by the opposition coach. 

Best on field for the day was Hallie Kelly, who was incredible in goals, and helped us keep the score to 0-5. Goodluck to Wagga Wagga HS as they progress to the next round of the competition.

Our amazing team!
Hallie Kelly practicing her goal-keeping skills
Girls warming up prior to kick-off

GREATER SOUTHERN NSW TRIALS

Alex Brown and Harry Boxsell both represented Riverina at the Riverina & South Coast trials. The selecters on the day commented that both boys are a credit to the school and are to be proud of their efforts.

Congratulations to Harry who was successful in gaining selection to the next level where he will represent at the NSW CHS Rugby League Championships in Term 3 at Wollongong. 


Harry Boxsell – Raiders Squad

A big congratulations to Harry Boxsell who has been named in the Harold Matthew Squad for the Raiders. Harry will train with the squad in hopes to be selected in the final team for 2024. 

WHERE ARE THEY NOW...



Pictured is Ashlee D'Aran (from the Class of 2022) who is studying Nursing at CSU full time.  In this picture Ashlee is working alongside a fellow classmate as they practice taking manual OBS. 

Ashlee was also a successful recipient of our local Country Education Foundation scholarship which is designed to assist our local students with further study including University, TAFE and Apprenticeships. 

Further information about how students  can access the Cootamundra CEF can be found at:

https://cef.org.au/foundations/cootamundra/

WELLBEING

Lots has been happening in the school wellbeing sector. This term we will be taking ten lucky senior students to Wagga for the ‘Youth Mental Health Forum’ hosted by headspace. After a day of fun and learning with students from across the Murrumbidgee, they will be challenged to bring a ‘Take it back’ project to the school that will benefit student wellbeing.

Years 8 and 10 will be completing their ‘Teen Mental Health First Aid’ with me in the coming weeks. This course which aims to give them helpful tips and better confidence in how to better support friends who may be having mental health problems.

The Resilience Project continues across all years. Last week, I visited some Year 9 students to give a visual demonstration of how our “Fight, Flight and Freeze” response works under stress https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens/issues/your-brain-when-youre-anxious

Pictured below is a student volunteering to use a ‘Galvanic Skin Response’ (GSR) senor. The sweating of hands is triggered by emotional stimulation and the GSR sensor allows us to physically hear a reaction that we can’t see. This device is used worldwide to teach people how to recognise and control their emotions.

Accessing individual support

A reminder that all students can access free and confidential support within the school through our Youth Outreach Worker (Alex) or our Remote Counsellor (Julie). Please contact your Year Advisor or simply contact Alex directly through the school for a private chat about accessing these services.

Other places for student and/or parents to find lots of fun and helpful tips:

www.reachout.com

www.kidshelpline.com.au

Kidshelpline phone: 1800 55 1800

13YARN (13 92 76)- For Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT

TRP

Gratitude 

Working on gratitude helps us to be thankful and appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we want. When we practise being grateful, we start to scan the world to look for positives – this only takes 21 days! Practising gratitude every day increases our levels of energy, helps us to feel happier and more focused, determined and optimistic. It even helps us have a better sleep, lowers levels of anxiety and depression and we are less likely to get sick. So many benefits – let’s all try to be grateful for the things and people in our lives every day! 

 

Whole Family Activity: 

Gratitude Scavenger Hunt 

  • As a family create a scavenger hunt list of things that make you happy or you are grateful for, you can make your own list or use the examples below: 

  • Something that makes you happy 

  • Something you love to smell 

  • Something you enjoy looking at 

  • Something that is your favourite colour 

  • Something you like in nature 

  • Something that is useful for you 

• Each member of the family uses the list, and has to find as many things as they can. 

• You can hunt for things inside or outside, or both. You can hunt for real things, or you can also do this using magazines or pictures from the internet. 

• After a set amount of time hunting, come back together, have a look at what each person collected and let them explain why they are grateful for each item. 

 

Family Habit Builder: 

Every night at dinner, have each person talk about their favourite thing about that day. 

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL MATTERS

Compulsory School Attendance - Information for parents / carers

Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options.

When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children

Download

NCCD FACT SHEET FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND CARERS

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Please click on the link below to gain further understanding on what the NCCD is, why it occurs, who is involved, what are the benefits of the NCCD and the importance of the NCCD for accessing education.
Download

COMMUNITY NEWS, EVENTS & INFORMATION

School Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) are excited to be moving into a new Facilities Maintenance Contract (FMC) from 1st July 2023.

For the Southern NSW Asset Management Unit we are partnering with Joss Facility Management in a new way of maintaining schools.

Download

Download

School students interested in working in the Retail/Hospitality areas are encouraged to register!

Women's Self Defence Seminar

Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System Harden are excited to bring this seminar to the Hilltops & surrounding Districts to empower women with self protection strategies, raise awareness of domestic abuse & the help and support available in our local area. 

This 3hr seminar will include interactive personal protection strategies with Sensei Steve Rowan and presentations from guest speakers.  Sensei Steve is a current 2nd Degree Black Belt and accredited Instructor with Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System, who has a strong passion for sharing his self defence knowledge.

Our guest speakers are two amazing local women, who have extensive knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and the support networks available.  Brigid Holder is the International best selling Publisher of "Hear Her Roar- Successful Women who experienced Domestic Abuse" and Ros Stewart is the co-founder of Zac's Place Harden, a not for profit organisation that supports people with crisis accommodation and many other wonderful programs. 

Morning Tea & light Lunch is included in the cost of the seminar, so please advise of any dietary requirements when booking so that we can cater accordingly.

All profits from the day will be donated to Zac's Place.

CONTACT US...

Cootamundra High School

Respect, Responsibility, Excellence