WSSC News feed

School Vandalism

19 Apr 2009 23:54:31 GMT +1100

You may have read or heard the media reports of vandalism to the College at the end of last week. We had a number of portables graffitied, damage to many lockers and locks and student work damaged. Any major damage is relatively rare for our College – the targeting of student lockers on mass is almost unheard of. I did not witness the damage due to attendance at a meeting in Melbourne, however I appreciate Noel Flavell and staff’s efforts in managing the situation as well as the prompt efforts of our handyman Paul Prentice (and his team) to quickly remove most of the damage

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Staffing

20 Apr 2009 00:04:23 GMT +1100

Ms Di Coonan has successfully gained a position at Tallangatta Secondary College. This position will start from the beginning of next term. After a long career at Wodonga Senior Secondary College and prior to this Wodonga High School, Di will be missed by her colleagues and the students. Whilst it is always difficult to replace someone like Di, I am pleased to say that we have been fortunate to appoint Ms Liz Thompson who is a very experienced teacher who worked positively with us last year on a short term basis in the second half of the year.
We have two changes occurring in English, such that we are about to commence interviews for two new English teachers. Nadia Edwards will commence family leave from early next term. A terrific young staff member, we wish Nadia well with her coming new arrival. Josie Miller (currently on long service leave) will likely not return next term for personal family reasons. Jose was a positive appointment to the college, the Coordinator of English and inspiration to the English learning area

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Eastern-Zone Swimming

20 Apr 2009 02:43:20 GMT +1100

The Zone swimming was held at Albury on Wednesday 18th March. The College was represented by a strong group of swimmers. Congratulations to the 17 & Under Age-Group Champion Joel Lake. Joel won 5 individual events and broke records in 4 of these events. He won the 100m Breaststroke (1:12.73min - NR), 50m Breaststroke (33.39sec - NR), 100m Backstroke (1:07.58min - NR), 50m Backstroke (29.92sec) and the 200m Individual Medley (2:30.25min - NR). Joel will now participate in the VSSSA State Finals in Melbourne on Thursday 2nd April. Josh Clements won a silver medal in the 16 & Under 50m Breaststroke. Thank you to Mary Toney for her outstanding help with medal presentations throughout the carnival. Team: J. Casley, J. Clements, K. Crowther, P. Haarman, J. Lake, Z. Lloyd, A. McKenna, C. Quinn, B. Rickard, S. Scheuner, J. Scott, E.

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GENERATION Y

20 Apr 2009 03:03:45 GMT +1100

Presented by the Local Community Partnership at NELLEN, Michael McQueen is founder and Director of The Nexgen Group Pty Ltd and is a Sydney-based speaker, social researcher and bestselling author. As a leading authority on how to connect generations and engage with Generation Y, Michael is a sought-after presenter across Australia and South East Asia.

You can see Michael at LaTrobe University for two separate sessions:
Tuesday, 31st March 2009 - ‘Future Trends & Skills Shortage’
Wednesday 1st April 2009 - ‘Understanding Gen Y’
Both sessions are 12.00noon to 1.00pm

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FILM SHOOT

20 Apr 2009 03:09:02 GMT +1100

Murray Arts are currently seeking extras to take part in a film shoot for the dance piece ‘6’. We’ll be filming a crowd scene at ‘The Gardens Medical Centre’ in Albury with the dancers taking part in the project and we’re looking for some people to be involved.

As extras in the film shoot – you won’t be required to
dance. We are looking for a wide range of people –
old, young, short, tall - all shapes and sizes.
Film Shoot details:
DATE: Sunday 29th March 2009
CALL TIME: 2:00pm
WHERE: The Gardens Medical Centre – Cnr
Smollet St & Wodonga Place, Albury
WHAT TO WEAR: Wear your own clothes in dark/neutral
colours – grey, black, dark blue. No
bright colours please .

Please indicate your interest in the film shoot by contacting Murray Arts on 02 6021 5034 or email radp@murrayarts.org.au

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ENGLISH SKILLS SESSIONS

20 Apr 2009 03:17:58 GMT +1100

Do you need help with your writing? Are you trying to improve your written expression?
Effective language use is an essential part of every subject, not just English and Literature.
The English staff will be running weekly workshops each with a particular skill focus.
Day: Every Wednesday
Time: 3.30pm – 4.00pm
Venue: Room 403
A schedule of the weekly focus can be found on LMS on the English home page or in the VCE Centre.
Sessions begin Term 1 Week 2.
Week 1 will be a Year 12 English study session in preparation for SAC 2. For more information see your English or Literature teacher.

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PEPPER IS BACK…

20 Apr 2009 03:59:29 GMT +1100

In term 2 and 3 hospitality students will be running a Restaurant (Pepper) from 6.00pm in the Seminar Room. Pepper will offer a three course dinner with four choices in each course. BYO alcohol available to person over the age of 18. Non alcoholic drinks, tea and espresso coffee will be available for a minimal price. PEPPER will operate on: Thursday 28th May, Wednesday 17th June, Wednesday 29th July, Wednesday 12th August Thursday 27th August Wodonga TAFE

The hospitality students invite bookings from staff, parents students and friends. For catering purposes bookings are required by the Friday of the previous week. Numbers are limited so to secure a reservation a request of $20.00pp deposit is required at the school office on application of booking.

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Careers Report

20 Apr 2009 04:07:44 GMT +1100

Job Vacancies

Painting Apprentice – Albury – ATEL
Apprentice Technician – Albury – 02 6041 6286
(Commercial Vehicle Dealership)
Floor and Wall Tilling Apprentice – Albury – ATEL
Plasterer Apprentice – Wodonga – 02 6041 6838

School Activities Monash University
This university offers a range of programs to Year 10 -12 students throughout the year. A series of seminars related to their courses such as:

Education, Sport and Outdoor Recreation - Tuesday 5th May

Peninsula Campus.

Medicine, Biomedical Science, Nutrition and Dietetics - Wednesday 17th June Clayton.

Subscribe to e-news were you can receive regular updates via email about courses, careers, admissions, scholarships and events at Monash. Visit www.monash.edu/study/enews to register.

School Access to LaTrobe (SALT) - An Early Notice
This allows students from our Year 12 to gain entry into a range of degree programs at LaTrobe University based on the recommendation from the school, rather than on their ENTER score. In July I will be giving further information to Year 12 students about this program.

Visual and Performing Arts Forum - Wednesday 6th May
The Albury/Wodonga Career Teachers Association have organised a day of workshops related the performing arts field that include photography, theatre, dance, radio broadcasting, TV production, journalism, music recorder and others. Places are limited, so students in Year 11 or 12 must complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ form obtained from their Visual and Performing Arts teachers or Sue Bell. These forms must be returned by this Friday 20th March. The cost for the day will be $10.00.

Year 12 – Ordering your VTAC Guides
All Year 12 students considering a Victorian University or TAFE course for 2009 will require a VTAC Guide for their use. The guide cost $12.95. In order for me to complete the purchase of these guides students need to pay $ 12.95 to the General Office.
The closing date for payment must be completed by Friday 1st May

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Parent teacher Interviews

20 Apr 2009 04:14:20 GMT +1100

A very successful evening was held on Wednesday 18th March to provide information to parents on student progress via the new Grade Point Average system of reporting. The feedback from students on the actual grading system has been extremely positive, many of them already setting themselves goals and identifying how to improve their GPA for the next cycle which will be in week 3 Term 2. Although there will be no interview to follow this cycle the report will give clear indication of student progress towards their final assessment in their subjects and their engagement with their studies.

The feedback from parents on the new system and interview process as responded to in the survey on the evening was overwhelmingly positive and it seems we have initiated a successful process. Given the new nature of both the reports and the interview system we anticipated there might be some bedding in problems as both parents and staff became familiar with it. Whilst there were some cases of parents waiting beyond their interview time, they displayed considerable patience for which we are grateful.

The student reports were mailed to all families on Thursday 12th March and it is of concern that some families had not received them by the Interview night. We are pursuing the matter with Australia Post to ensure this does not occur again.

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Research and Development

20 Apr 2009 04:16:24 GMT +1100

Stephen Fox (Leading Teacher) and Pam Oakes (Assistant Principal) are currently completing their report on a research project for which they were funded under the Research Grants to Schools Program. Their area of research was based around the processes for introducing the International Students Program into the College and the Community. Their final survey results are another positive reflection on the positive responses of students and staff to the internationalisation of the college and its programs.

The support for the International program by all parties was overwhelming. The International Students themselves were also very happy with how they have been received and provided for by the students and staff, their host families and the community.

Matt Moylan and Derek Bowey (Leading Teachers) have also been successful in a submission for a grant to conduct action research in the application of computer gaming technology and learning strategy for educational purposes. They were one of only two successful applications in the Hume region.

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Top Arts and Top Designs

20 Apr 2009 04:23:34 GMT +1100

Our congratulations are extended to both the students and the teachers of Art, Studio Art and Visual Communication and Design for their recognition and selection in the State Exhibitions of their work.

Whilst further details are included in a later article in relation to the students, I would like to give recognition to teachers Jean Olley, Eric Saros, Jill Davidson and Jenny King for their excellent ongoing work in the Visual Arts area and the consistently high achievements of their students each year. Students of all four teachers have been selected for exhibition which is a credit to them all.

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS

20 Apr 2009 04:30:34 GMT +1100

When you think of people affected by the bushfires, you think the best thing you can do is donate some money, but you rarely think about the animals. Miss Bar-Tor’s Excellence in Maths and Science have decided to think of the animals. As a result, we decided to do an Animal Care Drive. Our group collected around 250 kilos of dry dog food, 100 tins of dog food, 50 tins of cat food, bird seed, pet treats, collars and leads, food and water bowls and even a horse halter.
We would like to give special thanks to:

Border Express Couriers
Family Vet Centre
Hume Vet Clinic
Melrose Vet Clinic
Dr Jana’s Vet Clinic
Pet Stock, Wodonga

We would also like to thank all the people who donated and transported food, and Mr Whitehead for use of the shed and his Tetris-like packing skills.

Tamara McQuilton and Peri Halsall.

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Anzac Ceremony

05 May 2009 21:56:02 GMT +1100

The Anzac service was conducted in Woodland Grove, Wodonga and great respect was shown by our student representatives to this significant commemoration. School Captains, Holly Burr, Hannah Salisbury-Carter, Nick Steain and Jeffery Sun laid a wreath at the Memorial.

The service was a credit to organisers, presenters and audience and I am proud of the manner in which the College has recognised this national day of remembrance.
Thank you to our other students who represented the College by participating in various Albury and Wodonga city bands for Anzac Ceremonies.

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Lawn Bowls Champions

05 May 2009 21:57:21 GMT +1100

Josh Rudd, Jason King and Adam Hickey won the State Finals in Lawn Bowls. The boys travelled to the Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor. The first of 3 pool matches was played against Footscray. In a close encounter, Wodonga won 9-6 after their 10 ends. The second game was against Mt Eliza and they were represented by an Australian Junior Team member as their skip. However, our boys proved too strong over the 10 ends and won 7-5. The final round robin match was essentially a prac-tice round with the team unable to be displaced from first place in their pool. The match was played against Weeroona and the final score was 8-all.

The cross-over semi-finals pitted the team against Melbourne High School who had finished 2nd in their pool. In a solid performance by all members of the team the Wodonga boys advanced to the final after an accomplished 9-4 win.

The final was a re-match against Mt Eliza after they had a come from behind win against Bellarine. The final was played over 10 ends. The scores were locked at 1-all after two ends. Wodonga played well to set up a 8-1 lead at the completion of the sixth end. The Wodonga boys maintained their concentration despite having travelled to Melbourne in the early hours. In a gripping final 4 ends, Jason King as skip took to the mat with his final bowl of the competition and managed to ‘kiss’ the jack and hold shot.

Mt Eliza’s only option was to try and kill the end but to no avail. Wodonga Senior Secondary College proudly accepted the winning pennant with a 10-5 win in the final.

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Job Vacancies

05 May 2009 22:10:41 GMT +1100

Job Vacancies:
Trainee kitchen hand – Albury – The Personnel Group, Hospitality Apprentice – Albury – Granata’s, Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeships – Albury – ATEL, Business Administration Trainee – Albury – AIGTS, Alpine Technician ( Tuner) – Wodonga – Workways, Retail Assistant – Wodonga – Workways, Traineeship – Wodonga - ATEL

UMAT – Registration:
The Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) is a compulsory step in the selection process for students wishing to apply for an undergraduate degree in a range of Australian universities that offer medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy.

Students need to register on-line by Friday 5th June and pay $160 by credit card. There is a concession rate of $60 for those who hold a ‘Health Care Card’
Prior to sitting for the test students must provide a certified letter of identification from here at school. The test date is Wednesday 29th July at a range of centres including Melbourne and Shepparton.

The application for registration is using the on-line secure site of http://umat.acer.edu.au and follow the instructions on the screen. You must provide an email address, and ACER advise students not to use Hotmail or Yahoo as your email provider.

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Free Money

05 May 2009 22:15:42 GMT +1100

We’re The WSSC Enviro group, aiming to make our school a more environmentally friendly place. We’ll be putting in weekly facts and tips to keep you up to date with our activities and inspire you to be more environmentally friendly at home. If you want to join us, come to room TN4 1pm Friday lunchtimes.

Hope to see you there!

FACT OF THE WEEK
The average Australian household uses
2108 gigalitres of water per year.
Tip: Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth to save water!

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Upcoming Competitions

06 May 2009 00:18:29 GMT +1100

Australian National Chemistry Competition – entry closes 1st May. Competition costs $4.30pp.

UNSW Science Competition–entry closes 8th May. Competition costs $6.60pp.

There is a Free Engineering Expo at the Melbourne Town Hall on the 29th April between 1.00pm -7.00pm. All students interested in finding out more information or studying Engineering are able to attend.

Miss Mason
Science Coordinator

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Hallam College Visit

07 May 2009 23:21:39 GMT +1100

70 Hallam College students and staff visited the College for a variety of clinics and sporting events held over Tuesday and Wednesday. The College camped in our Music Dance Centre and a great time was had by all. Students held football and soccer clinics for 400 Grade 3 and 4 students from Wodonga West PS, Wodonga South PS and Wodonga PS. Yesterday the students competed in Soccer and Football games and I wish to congratulate the spectators and players for the spirit of friendly rivalry in which the games were played. I also wish to acknowledge and congratulate Matt Moylan and Nathan Thomas for their excellent organisation, Steve Garro and Ira Robinson for their wonderful catering and in particular the local Soccer Association, the Bushrangers and AFL Victoria and lastly the Umpires for their contribution to making it such a successful venture.

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Parents Online Conference

07 May 2009 23:23:09 GMT +1100

Monday 18th – 24th May 2009 - Parents of primary and secondary students, in all locations, are warmly invited to take part in the third online conference to be held by Parents Victoria. The conference will be held non-stop on the internet from 6.00am Monday 18th May to midnight Sunday 24th May. No special software is needed, other than an internet-connected computer and a browser. The online discussions will be very easy to join in, and guidelines about how to participate will be provided. You don’t need to be a member of Parents Victoria to take part. Join in for all days, just some days, or even a few hours, depending on your lifestyle and other commitments. The conference will feature seven “live” daily online discussions, each of them hosted, for several hours each day, by a member of Parents Victoria or expert staff from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the VSCA. Each 24-hour period will focus on a topic that is currently of concern to parents. An online “resource bundle of information and opinions will also be provided as an optional extra to give you a kick-start on each days topic.
Register online at no cost – http://www.cybertext.net.au/pv09.htm . The Parents Victoria Online Conference 2009 website is open from 6am Monday 18th May at http://www.cybertext.net.au/pv1_09/

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Attendance Reminder

07 May 2009 23:24:04 GMT +1100

Please note that the assessing body for VCE, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), stipulates that a minimum attendance of 80% is required in order for students to be able to pass their individual Units. Where attendance is less than 80% students may fail the subject. Any authorised absences i.e. those with a medical certificate or parental note, are considered as approved for the purpose of this calculation. Please check the attendance for your student for each subject and if there are any concerns contact the class teacher or Year Level Coordinator to discuss. The school has an Attendance Officer who will assist with student attendance. It is a legal requirement that all students must bring a signed note for any absences. We still offer the service of email or phoning in your student absence, but this must be followed up with a note. Please ensure the student’s Christian name and surname along with the date of the absence is included on the note. This is very important to ensure the attendance records are correct. As part of this process we are keen to engage the community and local businesses. We will be circulating contact information
for reporting student absentees, to them so that the college can follow them up.

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Rotary Youth Exchange - 2010

07 May 2009 23:25:38 GMT +1100

Students interested in studying overseas for 12 months should consider an excellent program offered by our local Rotary Clubs. This organisation provides considerable support and guidance to the selected students over the exchange year. Countries available include Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Japan. Departure date is in January 2010. Students should be 15 or 16 years of age as of January 2010. Approximate cost for the 12 month exchange is $8,000 to $13,000 depending on the country of placement.
Applications close Friday 15th May 2009. Please see Sue Bell for an application and further information.

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Fact of the Week

08 May 2009 00:23:15 GMT +1100

Every ton of recycled office paper saves 380 gallons of oil. Recycled paper also uses up to 90% less water and half the energy required to make paper from virgin timber.
Tip: Help save paper, oil, water and energy by: recycling and buying recycled paper, send and e-card instead of a paper card

By doing these simple things you can help conserve forests, lower carbon emissions and lower energy and water use.
For more information or to get involved, come to the Enviro meetings in room TN4 at 1.00pm every Friday, hope to see you there!

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Parent Teacher Night

25 May 2009 21:54:55 GMT +1100

During the parent teacher night interviews earlier this semester we conducted a survey based on the Education Department’s Parent Opinion Survey. The results have been collated and over the next few weeks we will publish a snapshot of how parents feel about the school. Last week we commenced on questions asked under the sections School Improvement, Parent Input, Reporting and General Satisfaction. This week we will comment on questions asked under the sections Approachability, Behaviour Management, Classroom Behaviour and extra-Curricular.

In the section on Approachability, parents were asked to comment on:

I feel comfortable about approaching this school with any concerns I might have: 95% agreed, 0% neither agreed nor disagreed, 56% disagreed.
There is always good two-way communication between the staff and parents at this school: 74% agreed, 9% neither agreed nor disagreed, 17% disagreed.
This school takes parents concerns seriously: 78% agreed, 10% neither agreed nor disagreed, 14% agreed.

In the section on Behaviour Management parents were asked to comment on:

The teachers at my child’s school manage student behaviour fairly and in a consistent way: 79% agreed, 13% neither agreed nor disagreed, 8% disagreed.
The teachers at my child’s school manage student behaviour sensibly: 77% agreed, 8% neither agreed nor disagreed, 15% disagreed.

In the section on Classroom Behaviour, parents were asked to comment on:

Some students are disruptive in class making it hard for my child to learn: 65% agreed, 19% neither agreed nor disagreed, 16% disagreed.

In the section on Extra-Curricular, parents were asked to comment on:

This school provides an appropriate range of extra-curricular activities: 82% agreed, 15% neither agreed nor disagreed, 3% disagreed.

Next week we will comment on questions asked under the sections Transitions, Student Safety, Connectedness to Peers and School Connectedness.

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Night Out, Nightmare

25 May 2009 22:01:31 GMT +1100

Andrew Pearce has been selected as one of the final 6 for the 'Don't Turn a Night Out into a Nightmare' film competition. The competition warns young people about the dangers of binge drinking and was open to everyone across Australia.
The winner receives $10,000 and their film on TV, and this is determined by online votes. It would be much appreciated if the school could assist in getting a few votes together. Andrew Pearce’s film is titled 'Smashed' and you can view & vote at www.drinkingnightmarefilms.com.au

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Job Vacancies

25 May 2009 22:04:33 GMT +1100

1st. Year Apprentice Chef – Albury – SS&A (email: rmkinna@ssaclub.com.au), Shop Assistant – Albury – The Personnel Group, Engineering – Mechanical Apprentice – Albury – ATEL, Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship – Albury – ATEL, Apprentice Vehicle Technical Position (2) (email: service@blacklocks.com.au), Hospitality Traineeship – Wodonga – ATEL

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Environmental Group

25 May 2009 22:08:28 GMT +1100

Last Friday the enviro group had guest speaker, Erin, come to talk to the group about Power Shift. Power Shift is a national youth climate summit held in Sydney on July 11th – 13th July . The conference will bring together 3,000 young people from all around Australia for 3 days of decisive action on climate change. Participants will learn about being an environmental leader through training on things such as public speaking, leadership development, campaign strategy etc. There will also be a range of public speakers and well known Australia bands and artists to energise and help celebrate the movement to solve climate change. To register for Power Shift or find out more you can visit the website: www.powershift.org.au. The enviro drawing competition is running till the 5th June. The drawing has to be on an environmental issue. All entries to be handed into the library, awesome prizes to be won!

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Sport Report

25 May 2009 22:10:44 GMT +1100

VSSSA State Tennis – Monday 18th May,

Congratulations to Emma Cardwell, Madison Davis, Margaret Pridmore and Alice Derwentsmith on reaching the State Tennis Finals at Bulleen. The girls completed a warm-up in Melbourne on Sunday with some retail therapy and a tour of Etihad Stadium watching the Essendon versus St Kilda match. The first match against Essendon-Keilor Secondary College was a friendly encounter and the second match was against another quality team in Mentone Girls Secondary College. The final match was played against Maryborough Secondary College. The girls proved to be much more competitive in this match winning 2 sets. Congratulations girls on your outstanding sporting behaviour and effort to reach the final eight teams in the State.

VSSSA State Year 11/12 Baseball,

The Boys baseball team travelled to Melbourne to contest the State Finals. Thank you to Mrs Chadwick and Mrs Finlay for supporting the team. Congratulations on a tireless effort from the team to depart in the early hours of the morning and play 3 games of baseball. The team defeated Williamson Secondary College 7-0 and Lyndale Secondary College 8-4. The final round robin match was against Bendigo Senior Secondary College. The pitch count for our team was high and a change on the pitching mound was required. The back-up pitchers performed well with their new roles. Our batters were able to get on base but unfortunately Bendigo was able to score heavily and won 23-5. Bendigo went on to defeat Camberwell in the State Final 8-7. Thank you to the last minute replacement players for their efforts. Team: C. Barter, F. Chadwick, J. Dudley, D. Finlay, L. Gatt, H. Hibberson, J. King, J. McCudden, S. McLean and J. Spencer.

VSSSA State Year 11/12 Girls Softball – Wednesday 20th May,

The Girls Softball team competed in the State finals at Jells Park on Wednesday. A match report will feature in next weeks’ newsletter.

Herald Sun Shield Football – Wednesday 20th May,

The boys’ football team travelled to Barooga to contest the Herald Sun Shield. A match report will be published in next weeks’ newsletter.

Coming Events:
NEDSSSA Girls Netball – Tuesday 26th May
NEDSSSA Year 10 Boys Football – Tuesday 26th May
NEDSSSA Year 10 Badminton – Tuesday 26th May
NEDSSSA Year 10 Soccer – Thursday 28th May

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Careers Report

25 May 2009 22:15:11 GMT +1100

Independent Youth Allowance – 2010

In the Federal Budget announcement last week changes were made to the eligibility for this allowance. Unfortunately it has been difficult to access the new changes, but thanks to Leo Whyte from La Trobe University – Wodonga who provided the following website:

‘The Government is tightening the definition of independence to ensure that only students who have demonstrated genuine self support can qualify for Youth Allowance through workforce participation independence rules prior to turning 22 years of age. From 1 January 2010, the workforce participation criteria will be limited to having worked full-time for at least 30 hours a week, for at least 18 months in the last 2 years. Students who have already met the workforce participation criteria, prior to 1 January 2010, will be unaffected. Other independence rules based on personal circumstances will not change.”

As further information regarding these changes, which I will publish in a future Parents Newsletter.

Nursing / Social Work Experience – LaTrobe University 10th June 2009

Owing to the difficulty in placing students in work experience in the nursing field once again the Wodonga campus of LaTrobe is offering a day of interactive workshops on the various fields of nursing in conjunction with Albury and Wodonga hospitals, Wodonga Institute of TAFE and the Army Medical Unit. There are limited places available to all senior students within the Albury/Wodonga region. The day is free of charge, which includes lunch.
Interested students should see me promptly to reserve their place no later than Friday 29th May.

Tax File Numbers

Students can still apply for this number by simply filling out a form which I will process and send off to the Taxation Office late this term. Please collect, complete and return the form to Sue Bell. Please make sure you fill out the form correctly, if you make a correction you must sign the form beside the correction. I will process these forms only at the end of this term. If you are thinking of applying for a casual job, plan ahead and gain a tax file number through this system.

Performing Arts Workshops Reports

The Albury Wodonga Careers Advisors Association initiated this day for senior students to participate in a range of performing arts activities that have been difficult to access through work experience/ placement. 150 regional students participated in the workshops on Wednesday 6th May which included: Careers in Dancing, Event Management, Radio Broadcasting and nine other activities. Seven students attended from our college and thanks to Jane Pridmore and Melissa Lawrence for providing their impressions below.

Jane Pridmore

The Performing Arts Forum consisted of two different workshops for the whole day. I had a Singing and Song writing workshop first. During the workshop we were to write a song about Chocolate. However we found this topic a bit difficult, so we got to choose another topic. We learnt about the main structure for a song, and talking about the rules of song writing. After lunch I had the textiles workshop. The lady who was doing the workshop told us about what she did and showed us a few of her creations. We got to use recycled clothing to create a new outfit, then we put our drawing skills to the test and sketched our final creation. It was a great day to learn new skills and about the different pathways in different industries. It's also a great day to meet new people and enjoy yourself.

Melissa Lawrence

I attended two workshops which were Hair & Makeup at James Fallon High School and Textiles at Wodonga Civic Centre. Both workshops were fantastic and I benefited greatly from gaining the opportunity to meet new people who have similar interests as I do. The skills I learnt through the day were valuable in gaining experience for my chosen career. Overall I would strongly recommend that if you have the interest in the performing arts field to attend next year’s event.

Experience LaTrobe – 2009

This University is offering an opportunity for students and their families to attend a day at one of their campuses during the coming school vacation.
Melbourne (Bundoora) - Tuesday 30th June
Albury- Wodonga – Friday 3rd July
Bendigo – Tuesday 7th July
Register now at www.latrobe.edu.au/expereince .
Book early to ensure your first choice workshops, as many fill up quickly.

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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY!

29 May 2009 04:16:50 GMT +1100

June 5th 2009 is world environment day, and the enviro group has organised a drawing competition for all year levels. The drawing has to be on an enviro issue or tips to help save the environment.
Each entry will be judged on relation to topic, strength of message, creativity and effort. Awesome prizes to be won. All entries to be handed into library.

FACT OF THE WEEK!

A quarter of average household water use goes on the garden; more then 90% of that is poured on the lawn.

TIP

Help save water in the garden by:

Using grey water from the washing machine to water lawn and garden
Have a bucket in the shower
Only water garden in cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation

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SolarCo Presentation

29 May 2009 04:28:57 GMT +1100

Solar Rebate ends 30 June, 2009. The Australian Greenhouse Office has confirmed that the $8,000.00 rebate to be applied against the purchase of Solar Power Grid-Feed Systems will cease at the end of this financial year. SolarCo will be presenting at the school to parents & interested parties on how to take advantage of this rebate and have offered special pricing to those who attend on the evening and wish to purchase a Solar Power System or Solar Hot Water System. When : 3rd of June at 6:30pm, Where : Wodonga Senior Secondary College, Music Dance Centre, next to the Performing Arts Centre.

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Examination Week

03 Jun 2009 00:54:38 GMT +1100

Monday 1st June - Friday 5th June

Wodonga Senior Secondary College is conducting end of Semester examinations in Week 7 of this term for all students enrolled in Year 10 and 11 subjects. These are compulsory. Students are expected to attend all timetabled examinations.
Guidelines and timetables have been posted home. Please contact the office if you have not received your copy or you may access the school’s website. Please discuss these examinations with your son/daughter and if there are any concerns contact your child’s Coordinator prior to the examination. Students MUST check their exam timetables carefully for dates, times and venues due to exams being held at various locations around the school.

No classes will run during exam week for Year 10 and 11 students. Year 12 classes will run as normal.

Year 12 General Achievement Test (GAT)

For all students studying a Year 12 subject there will be a GAT Exam on Thursday 11th June at the College and the Civic Centre, Wodonga. Due to a large number of Year 11 and 12 students sitting the GAT there will be NO SCHOOL for Year 10 and 11 students who are not sitting the exam.
Classes for all year levels will run as normal on the Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 8. The only exceptions are listed below.

Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th June:

Any Year 11 or 12 students who have a morning exam are expected to attend school in the afternoon.
Any Year 11 or 12 students who have an afternoon exam are not required to attend school on that day.

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Subject Change

03 Jun 2009 00:55:55 GMT +1100

Any Year 10 or 11 student who would like to make changes to their subject choices for Semester 2 should collect a "Subject Change - Request Form" from inside the VCE Centre Foyer.
Students will need to discuss any possible changes with a parent/guardian who must also sign this form as well as the student's Pathways Teacher. Changes will only be made to a student's program that will improve educational opportunities.
The form must be submitted to your Coordinator by Friday 5th June (Exam week). There will be NO exceptions to this deadline.

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Job Vacancies

03 Jun 2009 00:57:29 GMT +1100

Trainee Medical Receptionist - Albury - MP Personnel and Training - admin@mppersonnel.com.au, Business Trainee - Albury - www.aigts.com.au, Apprentice Roof Plumber - Albury - Telephone GED O411 407 300, Administration Assistant - Albury - The Personnel Group, Apprentice Engineering - Mechanical - Albury - ATEL, Retail Assistant (Hardware) - Wodonga - The Personnel Group, Light Vehicle Motor Mechanic Apprenticeship - Wodonga - ATEL, Baking Apprenticeship - Wodonga - ATEL

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VSSSA State Softball

03 Jun 2009 00:59:58 GMT +1100

The college softball team travelled to Melbourne to contest the State finals at Knox. The first game against Pascoe Vale saw them surrender defeat after 3 innings courtesy of the mercy rule. Wodonga held a 16-0 lead. Claire Ayton hit a home run and her pitching efforts only conceded two safe hits. The second game was against our rivals Hallam who had recently defeated us in soccer on our home turf. Again fielding first the match was 0-0 at the top of the second innings. Toney and Berto scored runs in the second to take the lead 2-1. Fyfield took a brilliant catch at right field and Berto held a fly ball at short stop. The pressure was on Hallam and when we batted in the third innings Ayton, Toney, Brown, Price and Brewer all scored for the team. Holding a 7-5 lead the fielding again lifted with a 3 up 3 down when Hallam batted. Consolidating our slender lead in the final innings O’Leary as lead off batter got on base after an excellent hit through short stop to the outfield. Followed by the reliable Claire Ayton and Mary Toney the team extended the lead to 12-5. Two wins from two games put us into the best four in the State.

The final round robin game was against Mildura. This time we batted first with Caitlin Quinn running well and sliding her way around the diamond to score our first run. Mildura with two State players scored 3 runs to take the lead 3-1. Our second innings was awesome with lots of great hits and 7 runs scored after disciplined batting and holding Mildura to no runs. A lead of 8-3 gave us confidence that we could mix it with the best. The pressure was on Mildura and they responded with a change in the pitching line-up to keep us scoreless in the third dig and scored 4 runs at their turn at bat. Still we lead 8-7 with 30 minutes left to play. Kirsty Brewer got us off to a great start in the 4th innings and the team were again running well to score 6 runs. Unfortunately, the umpire disallowed a 7th run after confusion with the 9th batter. Mildura with time on the clock needed 8 runs to win. The Wodonga girls began this fielding well with two outs with a catch at 2nd base by Mary Toney and a superb centre field catch to Loretta O’Leary.

Mildura really had nothing to lose and with their best batters now in the batting box levelled the scores 14-all with one innings to play. Wodonga feeling a bit dispirited were held scoreless in the last innings. Mildura scored the winning run with only minutes left to play. Our girls need to feel very proud of their effort to reach the State Finals and being so competitive throughout the day. Thank you to Liz Ayton and Keith Quinn for their coaching efforts on the day.

Well done girls we know you are one of the best teams in the State.

Team: Alex Price, Kirsty Brewer, Caitlin Brown, Gemma Berto, Mary Toney, Claire Ayton, Loretta O’Leary, Gina Fyfield, Caitlin Quinn and Desarae Sampson.

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ENGLISH MATTERS

03 Jun 2009 01:05:32 GMT +1100

Getting students to read is a dilemma that nearly every teacher and parent has faced at some point.

Tips for parents:

Take your daughters and sons to the library
Buy them books as gifts
Support any book they choose to read and don't force "the classics"
Discuss your own reading and what you are learning and enjoying from the experience
Set aside time for reading at home (for everyone!)
Continue to read aloud to them long after they can read on their ownGet caught reading often!

Wednesday is English Study Night

An English teacher will be available every Wednesday from 3.30pm – 5.00pm in Room 403 to help students with English work. Bring homework, class work or SAC planning. Teachers can offer help with understanding texts and writing improvement. Generally sessions will focus on the current Year 12 English unit topic, but students from every year level English and Literature are welcome to attend.

ICAS English Competition

Competition entries must be in by June. Any student interested in entering should ask their English or Literature teacher for information..

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Year 12 General Achievement Test (GAT)

10 Jun 2009 00:48:00 GMT +1100

For all students studying a Year 12 subject there will be a GAT Exam on Thursday 11th June at the College and the Civic Centre, Wodonga. Due to a large number of Year 11 and 12 students sitting the GAT there will be NO SCHOOL for Year 10 and 11 students who are not sitting the exam.

Classes for all year levels will run as normal tomorrow. The only exceptions are listed below.

Wednesday 10th June:

Any Year 11 or 12 students who have a morning exam are expected to attend school in the afternoon.
Any Year 11 or 12 students who have an afternoon exam are not required to attend school on that day.
Any clothing that exposes midriffs, has torn or frayed edges, motifs of an offensive nature etc. is not considered to be appropriate. Sandals, thongs without ankle strapping and scuffs are not permitted at WSSC due to Occupational Health & Safety issues. Students breaking this code will not be admitted to the Examination Room and will be required to resit the Examination (appropriately attired) at a later date.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he/she only brings approved materials, ID cards and equipment for any given examination into the examination room.
Mobile phone and electronic communication devices such as organisers, dictionaries and computerised watches, which are capable of storing, receiving or transmitting information or electronic signals are not permitted in an examination room under any circumstances.

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Job Vacancies

10 Jun 2009 00:53:09 GMT +1100

Retail Traineeship ( Bicycles) – Albury – ATEL, Kitchen Hand – Wodonga – Workways, Trainee Finance Office – Wodonga – CVGT, Baker Apprentice – Wodonga – 02 60 565455, Motor Mechanic Apprentice –Wodonga – ATEL, Baking Apprentice—Wodonga—ATEL

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Careers Report

10 Jun 2009 00:57:27 GMT +1100

Monash University – The GAT and Tertiary Selection

All applicants in Year 12 applying for courses at Monash University in 2010 will be asked to authorise VTAC to forward their GAT results to Monash. The university will use these results in selection for 2010 courses to award a modest middle – band bonus (5 points) to applicants whose GAT percentile ranking is higher than the 2009 clearly – in ENTER threshold for the course in question. The use of the GAT will be trialled over the next two years at Monash University.
Current Year 12’s who have the GAT next Thursday 4th June should take this assessment quite seriously as their efforts can impact on their School Assessed Coursework results for each of their Unit 3/4 studies this year.

University of NSW- Scholarships

This university offers scholarships into the Faculty of Engineering, Science, Built Environment and Business. Scholarship holders can receive from $60,000 - $75,000 over the duration of their degree. Interested students should go to www.co-op.unsw.edu.au

Defence Technical Scholarships

As reported last week two of our Year 11 students received their first semester payment of $1,000 from the Australian Defence Force – Technical Scholarship Program. Applications are now open for students in Year 10 and 11 to apply for the 2010 allocation. All the information can be found on www.defencejobs.gov.au/DTS. The scholarships are valued at $2,000 – Year 11and $3,000 for Year 12.

Rotary Youth Exchange- Congratulations

Kirra-May Zanner was selected by the Rotary Club of North Albury as their exchange student for 2010. This is an exciting time for Kirra-May who has indicated her preference to spend 12 months in Canada, Germany or Denmark. Congratulations on being selected to this program.

Fall’s Creek Lift Tickets- 2009 Season

The company is offering student rates for any Wodonga Senior Secondary College Student during the 2009 season. The price is $60.00 per day throughout the year. To access this offer you need to ensure your name is listed with Sue Bell who will fax the list to the fall’s Creek Lift Company. I have extended this offer until Monday 15th June. Students can use these tickets on any private visit they may undertake.

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Presentation For Y11

10 Jun 2009 00:59:51 GMT +1100

On Tuesday 23rd June, during Drug Action Week, the parents of Anna Wood (from the book Anna’s Story) will be in our region talking to young people and the wider community about the effects of losing a child to ecstasy and the impact of drugs on families.
All Year 11 students will be attending a presentation by Anna’s parents on this date during Period 3 (11.06am to 11.53am) at Galvin Hall and we are inviting any interested parents, guardians and carers to attend.

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Y10 Sydney Camp

10 Jun 2009 01:01:25 GMT +1100

5 PLACES HAVE BECOME AVAILABLE PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE IF INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THIS GREAT CAMP

All is going well regarding camp organisation. Venues have been booked and deposits paid. We will be leaving at 5.45am sharp on Monday 22nd June from the front of the College (Woodland Street) and returning at approximately 10.30pm on Thursday 25th June.
Reminder that the full amount of $370.00 should have been paid to the General Office by Friday 29th May. All medical and consent forms should also have been returned. Room allocations and bus groups will be sorted out over the next few days. If you require a copy of the items needed on camp please collect a list from the office.

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FAREWELL

19 Jun 2009 00:32:03 GMT +1100

After a long and distinguished teaching career, Mr Noel Flavell has decided to retire.

At the end of term 2 Noel will finish his teaching career at WSSC (Wodonga Senior Secondary College). He will then take long service leave prior to his actual retirement (at Christmas). Noel trained as an Engineer, and then completed his Diploma of Education in 1977. He commenced teaching in Melbourne (8 years) before moving up to Wodonga for a position at Wodonga Technical School where he taught for 7 years then another 13 years at Mitchell Secondary College.

Noel taught in the areas of Mathematics, Science and Information Technology. He held a range of positions, but had particular skills as ‘Daily Organiser’ and ‘Time Tabler’. Noel was appointed as Assistant Principal at Mitchell College in 2000 and joined the Senior College leadership team with the formation of the Wodonga Senior College in 2006. Noel will finish his career at the Senior College as Acting Principal (until the end of term 2).

Noel was a critical asset to the new leadership team of Wodonga Senior Secondary College. He played a key role in bringing staff (and students) together from 3 schools to form the new College.

We will miss him and wish him and Denise well as they begin the next phase of their lives. Some of us have heard the trials and tribulations as Noel has bought the new ‘all terrain’ caravan (and then a new vehicle to tow it). We now look forward to hearing the many tales of adventure as Noel and Denise join the grey nomads and travel the country.

Good-luck and thank you on behalf of current and past parents, students and staff of WSSC.

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EXAMS

19 Jun 2009 00:32:50 GMT +1100

The last couple of weeks have been very busy for both staff and students as we entered our exam period. All Year 10 and 11 students completed Exams. In addition all students in Years 11 or 12 who complete a Unit 3/4, completed the GAT last Thursday with a number of Unit 3/4 subjects (but far from all) having their formal exams prior to this. Feedback on the exams is generally very positive with no major hiccups.

It is very busy time for staff with preparation of exams, marking and then report writing (reports will be posted home next Friday 26th June. I appreciate the efforts of Coordinators who completed exam time tables and ensured the exams ran smoothly and the staff who have worked hard completing end of semester tasks, whilst at the same time been ready to commence the new semesters work.

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TRADE TRAINING CENTRE

19 Jun 2009 00:33:35 GMT +1100

We have at last signed the contracts with DEEWR for our Trade Training Centre. This is a major achievement as it now formally sets in place the process for building milestone achievements importantly the funding process. This should see Federal Funds released to the state mid June and then to us by the end of June or early July. Our Architect continues to work with the school to finalise the layout, prior to moving to ‘Document’ the Project prior to going to tender. I acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of David Whitehead and the Technology staff in regards this project.

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VicSRC Forum

19 Jun 2009 00:35:13 GMT +1100

On Tuesday 16th June the WSSC (Wodonga Senior Secondary College) Student Leadership Team hosted this year’s VicSRC Youth Forum. The VicSRC is a Statewide organisation to support and connect leadership groups in secondary schools throughout the state. The annual regional forums bring together student reps from several local schools to brainstorm common challenges and ideas. This year our own Leadership Team organised and hosted the day, catering for 50 guests. We shared a variety of ideas ranging from bullying to school pride. We made many constructive proposals to help within our school. It was helpful to get some different ideas from not just around Wodonga but around the region as well. We enjoyed the day and encourage people getting involved with the student leadership team.

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Job Vacancies

19 Jun 2009 00:36:51 GMT +1100

Junior Takeaway Food Casual - Albury – Apply directly to Fallon Street Takeaway, Apprentice Chef - Albury – Sureway, Hospitality Staff - Albury – ATEL, Customer Service Casual/Part- Time – Wodonga – Workways, Baking Apprentice - Wodonga – ATEL, Floristry Apprentice - Wodonga- Manager Janoel Florist, Trainee Administration Assistant - Wodonga www.wodongatafe.edu.au

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Careers Report

19 Jun 2009 00:39:08 GMT +1100

Experience Monash:

If you are a student in Year 10, 11 or 12 and want to get a better understanding of what it is like to study at a metropolitan campus go to ‘Experience Monash’ at Clayton. This is a day of interesting workshops on Tuesday 7th July 2009. Further details can be found and bookings made online at www.monash.edu/study/events/experience

TIS Day - Tertiary Information Service:

On Wednesday 24th June all Year 12 students will attend this event at the Wodonga Civic Centre. This service provides personnel from Universities, TAFE’s and Private universities in Victoria, NSW and the ACT advising on their courses, scholarships and accommodation details. This event assists Year 12 students to identify and refine their options for 2008 as well as prepare them for the process of completing their tertiary selection which occurs in Term 3- 2010. An entry fee of $2.00 will be collected from students, who will make their own way to the Civic Centre and walk back unsupervised to school.

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FINAL WEEK OF TERM TWO

19 Jun 2009 00:43:37 GMT +1100

Year 10 students in the last week of Term (June 22nd to 26th) will be doing one of the following:

Work Experience: Students doing Work Experience will have already had an arrangement form to be signed by the student, a parent or guardian and the employer before returning it to school.

Sydney Camp: Students need to be at the main school entrance on Woodland Street by 5.30am Monday.

Continuing Year 10 classes: Classes will operate through the whole of the week for students not involved in the camp or Work Experience. Rolls will be taken and the normal attendance rules will apply.

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Soccer Trip to China

17 Jun 2009 01:03:58 GMT +1100

The Soccer Trip to China has been delayed in China due to having travelled on the flight over with persons suspected to have Swine Flu. The students and teachers are currently quarantined in a hotel in Beijing – and have been required by Chinese medical authorities to stay there until Saturday 27th June. They have to wear masks outside their rooms and around other people. Even with this setback they are all in high spirits. Teacher Nathan Thomas has devised a program of activities and the kids are in groups planning performances and can be fined for various silly things.

The students have also been given a notebook and free internet so they are using Facebook and communicating with parents via email - friendly emails are welcome. There have been some problems with Chinese sim cards which needs to be sorted, so the school phone is currently getting a workout. Local agents (China) and Chinese Airline have been contacted regarding the tour rearrangement and positive feedback has been received from all the parties. The local agents can postpone all the activities and Air China have agreed to change the tickets (domestic and international) though subject to available seats. The Group are currently due back on the same day.

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WSSC Computers For Students Program

15 Jul 2009 01:14:57 GMT +1100

Wodonga Senior Secondary College has started a computer for students program to enable students that do not have computer access at home, a free computer. We have a number of second hand computers that are setup ready to use with Windows XP and the latest versions of Microsoft Office. To take advantage of this offer, please email your contact details and your students name to freecomputer@wssc.vic.edu.au, or phone, 0458075660. (Please Note; during the school holiday period the phone number will not always be answered).

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The Photography Competition

15 Jul 2009 01:19:55 GMT +1100

The Pixel Prize Photography Competition

Australian Catholic University is committed to fostering and empowering young people to engage in the arts and use it as a powerful tool to communicate valuable messages to         society. For this reason, the University is introducing The Pixel Prize, a photography competition for high school         students.

The competition provides students with an opportunity to    develop their skills as photographers, have their work          displayed in a public gallery, attend an awards night with     industry professionals and of course win over $2000 in cash prizes.

The Pixel Prize Photography Competition
Open to all high school students
$1000 first prize (as well as runners up prizes)
Gallery Exhibition and Awards Night for shortlisted entries
For more information or to enter visit:
www.thepixelprize.com.au

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Eastern Zone Cross Country

15 Jul 2009 01:23:21 GMT +1100

A glorious morning in Albury/Wodonga on Thursday 16th June saw 3 of the Senior Colleges most superior athletes battle the harsh conditions of Broadford’s Eastern Zone Cross Country. The youngest member of the Toney Team raced first and the expectations were high. After 3kms of calf burning incline Mary Toney completed the race placing 11th. With a loud pop of the starters gun Emilya Toney’s race was underway next. Following in her sisters footprints, literally, Emilya snatched a well fought 11th place. Next up, was the race we’d all been waiting for, the 20 and under boys. As the 5km race began the boys sprinted off hard in order to secure a promising position. Dominating his lactic acid accumulation Chris Ryan successfully hung onto 3rd position as the boys faced some fierce hills. Cruising into the finish line Chris finished in a convincing 3rd place. Well done to all our competitors who all advance to VSSSA Cross Country on 24th July in Bundoora. Thanks very much to Liz Thompson for driving the students down and assisting on the day. Much appreciated.

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Eastern Zone Boys Football

15 Jul 2009 01:24:56 GMT +1100

On Wednesday 17th June the Senior Boys Footballers (James Banister, Luke Baude Braydon Cole, James Greenwood, Hayden Hibberson, Blake Holmes, Brett Lefoe, Chris Lieschke, Jeremy Madden, Josh McCudden, Trevor Mclean, Jarrod Palmer, Thomas Russell, James Sammon, Nathaniel Sariman, Jack Veenbaas, Jarrod Williams, Simon Williams, Jarrod Woodall and Nathan Woods) headed down to Wangaratta for the Eastern Zone Football. Due to unforeseen circumstances the boys only played the one game against Tallangatta Secondary College.

Tallangatta proved too strong in the first quarter getting up by a few goals, but the boys fought back and finished the game with a convincing 6 goal lead. The boys advance to the VSSSA Final in Melbourne on 21st July. Well Done Boys. Best On Ground went to Josh McCudden. Thanks to Coach Matt Moylan and thanks to Kris Crowther for running the boundary. Special thanks to our bus driver Ed, for goal umpiring.

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PERSONAL PROPERTY

15 Jul 2009 01:44:44 GMT +1100

Personal property is often brought to school by students and visitors. This can include mobile phones, ipods, sporting equipment and cars parked on school premises. Please note the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage to such property. Students should be discouraged from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school.

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WSSC Soccer Tour

19 Jul 2009 23:30:52 GMT +1100

I was very lucky indeed to accompany the Soccer Tour to China incorporating a visit to our Sister School, Weihai No 1 Middle School at the end of Term 2 for 12 days. Whilst there has been much media attention given to our time in quarantine it has perhaps overshadowed the greater benefits and experiences of the visit which was nothing other than successful. All 15 students involved in the tour represented our College, Community and Country in an impressive manner and I believe all the students? families should be very proud of their children.

The soccer matches arranged for us in Beijing and Shanghai were beyond expectation in terms of the calibre of the opposition and their standing in Chinese football. Both teams were from training institutions for their respective Chinese Super League teams and our students played their hearts out against them in very hot conditions. The Beijing team won 14-1 with our goal scored by Wes Clarke. Shanghai Shenhua youth team won 5-0 which was a tremendous defensive game on our part. In Weihai we played our sister school of 5,000 students and won 3-1. Apart from the soccer matches the tour included visits to the Great Wall of China, the Birdsnest Stadium, the Beijing Silk Market, the Shanghai Acrobat Circus and hosting with families in Weihai. At our sister school students participated in English classes and were taught martial arts as well as participating in a wonderful concert. Tour participants will be presenting reports to their year level assemblies over the next week including photographs of their trip. Principal Lee from Weihai has also sent us a CD of photographs and a video taken during our tour which includes footage of the teams patriotic renditions of Advance Australia Fair and Waltzing Matilda at the school concert.

On behalf of the students I would like to extend our thanks to Karen Zhou who accompanied us as interpreter and did a wonderful job liaising with official departments when we were in quarantine and to Nathan Thomas tour organiser and coach whose initiative kept the tour together in quarantine and guidance and advice assisted the students in gaining so much from the tour.

Next week we have the opportunity to reciprocate the wonderful hospitality shown to our group in Weihai and hope as many of our students as possible take up the opportunity to gain greater international and intercultural under-standings.

Pam Oakes
Assistant Principal

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Welcome Back

19 Jul 2009 23:32:42 GMT +1100

Following the end of Term 2 break, I trust that all staff and students have returned enthusiastically to commence Term 3. As all students would be aware, the semester changeover occurred 3 weeks prior to the end of Term 2, so students are well over the half year mark. For Year 12 students, they should be aiming to finish all of their new theory component by the end of Term 3. This allows the maximum time for revision prior to formal exams commencing for most students around Week 3 of Term 4.

We have two new Program staff who commenced this term. Bradley Clough has been appointed as the Defence Transition Mentor staff member who will support young students from Australian Defence Force Families with the development of strategies and opportunities to be successfully integrated in the school community. Jesse Gordes has commenced as the Koorie Educator. The program specifically targets Koorie students in Years 10 to 12 and promotes retention, Year 12 completion and successful transitions. The program will highlight their local area to increase their knowledge of access to services, employment and training opportunities including further education within their communities and beyond.

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Library News

19 Jul 2009 23:38:53 GMT +1100

Write and win

Write an email / IM Short Story and win 2 hours writing advice and feedback from “It?s Yr Life” authors Tempany Deckert and Tristan Bancks. Here?s the challenge;
Tell a story. In your story, two characters must email or Instant Message one another. There must be 8 emails / messages - four from each character. Each message should be no longer than 4 sentences.
You can either write the story alone or you and a friend can write a character each. For more information go to http://www.tristanbancks.com/itsyr_life_Competition.html

Email your stories to contact@tristanbancks.com or send your entry as a Myspace message to www.myspace.com/tristanbancks.

Please include your NAME, AGE AND PREFERRED EMAIL ADDRESS. You must be 18 years or under to enter! The competition commences on 11 June, 2009 at 15.00 EST and concludes on 30 August, 2009 at 17:00 EST. The winner will be chosen on September 10 2009 at 14:00 (EST). The winner will be notified by email. You are welcome to enter as many times as you like.

Overdue books

Please check under the bed, in your bags, behind the couch and in your locker for any WSSC Library books and return them to the Library before we send out individual overdue notices next week.

Children's Book of the Year

For lists of nominated and recommended books for all age levels go to the CBCA website http://cbca.org.au/

Book of the Year: Older Readers

CORNISH, D.M. Monster Blood Tattoo Book Two: Lamplighter Omnibus Books, Scholastic Australia
EATON, Anthony Into White Silence Woolshed Press, Random House Australia
FRENCH, Jackie A Rose for the Anzac Boys Harper Collins Publishers
MARCHETTA, Melina Finnikin of the Rock Viking, Penguin Group Australia
MOLONEY, James Kill the Possum Penguin Group Australia
TAN, Shaun Tales from Outer Suburbia Allen & Unwin

These books are available in the Library now. For reviews and more information go to the WSSC Library LMS homepage

Book Week 2009 August 22nd – 28th Theme: Book Safari

Keep checking the Library LMS page for news and competitions

VCE Resources

The VCE help website provides regular updates to free VCE resources that will help you and the people around you get through the maze that is the VCE. You can download a free copy of the 7 deadly mistakes live seminar podcast and PDF document. Includes tips on goal setting, study skills, subject resources, exam tips and more. Click on VCE Resources to download a study planner and goal sheets. http://www.vcehelp.com.au/

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Job Vacancies

19 Jul 2009 23:40:35 GMT +1100

Business/Reception Traineeship – Albury- AIGTS (A position that emphasises the suitability for an early school leaver), Roof Tiling Apprentice – Albury – ATEL, Bricklaying Apprentice – Albury – ATEL, Painting Apprentice – Albury – ATEL, Computer Technical Traineeship – Wodonga – ATEL, Asset Maintenance Traineeship – Wodonga – ATEL, Retail Traineeship – Wodonga – ATEL, Retail Traineeship Part Time - Wodonga – ATEL

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Careers Report

19 Jul 2009 23:47:30 GMT +1100

Tertiary Course Selection – 2009

Students in Year 12 who placed their order for their VTAC guide should be able to collect them from the General Office. In the next two weeks. Workshops will be run during „Re-Focus Day? this Friday 17th July 2009 explaining how to use the guide and a little on the application process. Parents of Year 12 students are welcome to attend one of these two sessions at either 9.00am or 11.10am in the P.A.C. Although I have booked a VTAC parent briefing on the 10th August 2009.

Important Dates:

Applications for preferences open on the VTAC site from 3rd August 2009
Applications close by the 30th September without late fee.
SEAS Applications close – 9th October 2009

Change of preference periods:

8th.- 16th October 2009
1st - 21st December 2009
Results issued – 14th December 2009
First round offers of places – 19th January 2009

These dates apply to the Victorian Tertiary Course selection. Students wishing to apply to other states will have a similar timeline. In the current VTAC Guide only CSU – Albury campus courses are listed, the other campuses of CSU are located in the UAC guide (NSW), together with course details of ACT?s universities. The NSW TAFE?s are by direct application. Students may borrow a UAC Guide from me. Students applying to any CSU course receive a 5 point bonus on their ENTER score, while a 3 point bonus is offered by La Trobe – Wodonga Campus.

Basic Car Maintenance

Blacklocks Wodonga is offering this program to young drivers both male and female. This is a great opportunity to gain some basic knowledge and skills to assist our students. We congratulate them on this community project. See more details on the attached flyer.

AgriVenture Programme

This program gives young people (18-30 years) the opportunity to travel, have fun and gain work and life experiences. The program can run from 4-12 months and AgriVenture organises virtually every aspect of the trip.
Contact: Sally McKay, 40 Rosengren Lane Stanley – 03 5728 6665.

Cultural Care – Au Pair

Students interested in this particular program can attend an information evening at the Quest Hotel, 550 Kiewa Street, Albury at 1.00pm on Sunday 2nd August 2009.

Youth Allowance Forum

I would encourage current and ex students to attend this forum on the 5th August 2009 to voice their concern re the proposed changes to the Independent Youth Allowance as announced in the last Federal Budget. The consequence of these changes could have a most significant effect on any of students seeking to complete tertiary studies, and particularly those students whose course is not available locally. Click here for Flyer

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Scholarship

This scholarship is valued up to $15,000 per year to undertake a tertiary health course in 2010. Interested students can collect further information from Sue Bell or Jesse Egan.

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Sport Report

19 Jul 2009 23:49:30 GMT +1100

VSSSA State Boys Football – Tuesday 21st July

The Senior Boys Football team have qualified for the State semi-finals on Tuesday 21th July. The team will leave on Monday 20th July at 1.15pm and travel to Melbourne and stay overnight. Matches will be played at Casey Fields in Cranbourne. Good luck to the team in each of their 3 matches. The winning school will play in the State Final held at the MCG.

Eastern-Zone Soccer – Tuesday 21st July

The college will be represented by 4 teams at the Eastern-Zone finals next week. The Year 10 Girls and Year 11/12 Girls will play at Latrobe University in Wodonga and the Year 10 Boys and Year 11/12 Boys will play at the Savoy Club in Myrtleford. The bus to Myrtleford will depart at 8.30am and return by 5.00pm. Matches will commence at 10.30am at each venue.

Coming Events:

Eastern-Zone Boys Netball Thursday 23rd July - Wodonga
VSSSA Cross-Country Friday 24th July - Melbourne
Eastern-Zone Badminton, Squash, Table Tennis Monday 27th July - Wangaratta
Eastern-Zone Year 11/12 Boys Basketball Tuesday 28th- Shepparton
Eastern-Zone Year 11/12 Boys/ Girls Hockey Wednesday 29th July - Albury

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Work Experience

19 Jul 2009 23:53:48 GMT +1100

The last week of term two resulted in 166 student placements. This was a wonderful result with the Employers Evaluation Form indicating an extremely positive response, with comments such as"very reliable", "hard working" and "a pleasure to have". Congratulations to each student on representing the school in a vast array of work settings. We as a school are very proud of your efforts.

Work Experience Placements will be offered to students during the last week of term three, September 14th – 18th. This is aimed at students who attended "Sydney Camp" and for students who were not placed in June. Students who were placed in June can and are encouraged to apply to complete a second placement but preference will be given to first time placements.

Again we encourage parents to assist their children in gaining a placement. Mrs Joan Toner and Jim Morris will again be assisting students in finding a placement.

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China Sister School Visit

23 Jul 2009 23:09:42 GMT +1100

Our Chinese Sister School, Weihai Middle School Number One, visited WSSC from Friday evening, July 17th to Thursday 23rd July. The trip last year was so successful for the Weihai Middle School Number One, largely due to the reputation for hospitality created by our billet families and the students here at school, that this year the group size had doubled to 28 students and two staff. For the Chinese students this was a Study Tour opportunity of a lifetime. After two days in Melbourne and a week in Wodonga they are now on their way to Canberra, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Brisbane before flying home.

The difference from the China learning environment they entered into was immediately apparent as every detail of their stay in their new homes was absorbed. The natural environment was “beautiful”. The homes observed “big and wonderful”. The whole trip like “being in a movie”.

The itinerary, specially prepared for them, was designed to offer educational opportunities as well as fun activities to share with their new found school friends and to see the beautiful region in which we live. During the weekend they took part in the normal activities of their host families, including for some watching the Bulldogs and Raiders, visits to Beechworth, Mt. Buffalo and the area, meals in local restaurants and just watching TV with their hosts. The students have been studying English since age four, but there is always more to learn and for our Weihai friends this was a wonderful way to improve their language skills. We just hope they liked our Aussie accents!

In the week spent at school they attended a Year level assembly, joined in normal classes, went to Ettamogah Sanctuary and the Hume Resort for a special Aussie BBQ around a camp fire as well as touring the Wodonga TAFE and Latrobe University campuses. An evening buffet meal at the Commercial Club was so popular that they returned the following night!

An activity such as this is only possible through the kindness and hospitality of our School Community parents, students and staff. My thanks to all who directly assisted and to those who offered their support to the Weihai students during the week.

My particular thanks to Cass Walters, Andrew Box and Pam Oakes for all their efforts to successfully implement this addition to our school program.

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Education Maintenance Allowance

23 Jul 2009 23:12:07 GMT +1100

The second EMA instalment application closes on Friday 7th August. The eligibility criteria must be met as at Monday 13th July 2009 i.e. you must be:
(a) an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit or
(b) a Veteran Affairs Pensioner or
(c) a foster parent
and
(d) submit your application by the due date

Applications forms are available at the College Office.

Parent who applied in the first half year don't need to apply again this half year.

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Music News

23 Jul 2009 23:15:42 GMT +1100

The Music students are extremely busy preparing for the Albury/ Wodonga Eisteddfod and Music exams. The Choir Day is Thursday 4th August and the Band Day is Friday 5th August.

The Choirs, Concert Band and VCE Group Performance Bands will perform at the Albury Performing Arts Centre. Parents and friends are welcome to attend. A small entry fee is payable at the door.
Many students have performed at Lunch Time concerts and our Chinese visitors enjoyed a very interesting array of excellent performances last Monday. We wish all the Eisteddfod competitors every success and hope they gain valuable feedback from the adjudicator to increase performance skills and techniques.

A number of students attended the Border Music Camp last week and Sam Jones also attended the State Wide Music camp during the holidays. This experience is invaluable for young musicians and students are recommended to apply for a position, next year.

Matt Mann - Year 12 has been selected to perform at the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association World Championships in Scotland, from 1st-18thAugust.
Matt has spent most weekends this year travelling to Sydney to rehearse. He flies up to Sydney early Saturday mornings, rehearses from 10am -8pm on Saturday and 10am -4pm on Sundays and then flies home to a week at school. Matt has received some financial assistance from Belvoir Rotary and was awarded a Wodonga City Council Young Achievers Award to assist with travel costs. We wish Matt a wonderful adventure and hope the Pipe Band of Australia is successful in the Championships.

Music students will be performing and running the Sound system at the North East Arts Festival in early September and the VCE students are preparing for Parents and Friends Concerts and final VCE Performance exams.
We welcome ex-student, Susan Ellis as a student teacher. Susan has had extensive experience in performance after training as an opera singer. She has delighted the music classes with vocal performances and encouraged the voice students to persevere.
Thanks to all the Music tutors and accompanists and teachers for their guidance and efforts in assisting our students to reach a high caliber of performance.

Janet Turewicz
Music Coordinator

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Job Vacancies

23 Jul 2009 23:18:59 GMT +1100

Club Cashier Traineeship - Albury- See Sue Bell for details, Retail Traineeship (MYER) - Albury - ATEL, Chef Apprenticeship - Albury - ATEL, Roof Tiling Apprentice - Albury - ATEL, Bricklaying Apprentice - Albury - ATEL, Painting Apprentice - Albury - ATEL, Casual Waitpersons - Wodonga - Workways, Computer Technician Traineeship - Wodonga - ATEL

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Sports Report

23 Jul 2009 23:22:52 GMT +1100

VSSSA State Boys Football – Tuesday 21st July

The Senior Boys Football team travelled to Melbourne to contest the VSSSA State semi-finals. The incentive was there for the winning school to contest the State Final on the MCG.

The first game was against Wonthaggi Senior College (SC). Unfortunately our boys did not bring their A game and went down 10.11-71 to 2.2-14. Our goal scorers were Josh McCudden and Chris Lieschke. The second match was against Frankston High School with a similar score line going down 9.3- 57 to 3.1-19. Our goal scorers were Chris Lieschke with 2 and Kori Stevenson with 1.

The final match was against the reigning champions and the boys rose from their seemingly deep slumber and put in a huge effort to achieve a much more satisfactory result. Though still losing, the result was indicative of the effort they put in 9.6- 60 to 6.2- 38. There were 6 individual goal scorers. They were Nat Sariman, James Bannister, Josh McCudden, Hayden Hibberson, Jarrod Palmer and Kris Crowther. The best players on the day were Jay Berry, Tom and Bob Russell, Brett Lefoe, Nat Sariman and Chris Lieschke. Play of the day was Brett Lefoe’ booming torpedo kick in that eventually bounced all the way to the half forward flank. Thanks to Brad Clough for taking the time out to drive one of the bus’s and goal umpire.

Thank you to Matt Moylan for coaching the team.

Team members:
J. Bannister, C. Barter, L. Baude, J. Berry, B. Cole, K. Crowther, H. Hibberson, A. Hickey, J. Larkin, B. Lefoe, C. Lieschke, J. Madden, J. McCudden, J. Palmer, B. Russell, T. Russell, N. Sariman, K. Stevenson, J. Styles, J. Veenbaas and S. Williams.

Eastern-Zone Soccer – Tuesday 21st July
Having advanced past the NEDSSSA level purely by force of reputation (all other teams withdrew from competition), our senior girls arrived at LaTrobe University on a warm winter’s day for the Eastern Zone Competition. Due to old age, career change and injury, only six of last year’s State Champion, or rather STATE CHAMPION team, remained. Gemma Berto (Captain), Simone    Altass, Sam Burgess-Hillier, Jess Manzie, Emilya Toney and Rachael Williams had returned to see whether the school team could go back-to-back in 2009.
Match 1: WSSC vs. Alexandra Secondary College

Alexandra SC is the new home of Mr. John Rose, a former Maths teacher from Wodonga Senior Secondary College (WSSC). A dominant performance from WSSC meant that a win was never in doubt. One of the opposition was heard to remark in frustration, “I hate this game.” Goals to Dunphy (2; the first an easy finish after a brilliant Toney run down the left wing and crossed ball into the box), Lannen (2; the second a stunning strike following a perfect cross from Morris) and Berto resulted in a 5-0 lead at half time. The second half saw a further six goals scored: Day (2), Manzie (2), Harrison and   Williams the scorers. Final result: 11-0 to WSSC.
Match 2: WSSC vs Cobram Secondary College

Cobram is always a danger side, being the team we have had to beat to progress to the state final in past years. The Cobram team caused   trouble with their high, penetrating kicks from the backline, but Berto scored from a good centring kick by Dunphy. Almost immediately, a Cobram player kicked a high ball from just forward of the centre line and the ball floated above our keeper’s outstretched arms into the top left corner of the goal, just scraping past the cross bar. At half time, the score was thus 1-1. The second half was a hard, scrappy affair, with chances from both teams being repelled by determined defensive efforts. At the conclusion, two exhausted teams had not advanced the score in either direction. A yellow card to Davis for inappropriately metallic ears was the only blight on this excellent match. Final score: 1-1.
Match 3: WSSC vs Mt. Beauty Secondary College

Having drawn with Cobram, and Cobram having beaten Mt. Beauty  2-1, we needed to win this match and score enough goals to be ahead of Cobram on goal difference. Since Cobram was likely to trounce Alexandra, being 4-0 up when our match against Mt. Beauty was due to start, we figured that a 6-0 or similar score line would be desirable. The first half saw a determined Mt. Beauty mount several forays into their half, but Berto and then Day scored to make the half time score   2-0. Day’s goal was a spectacular effort and involved taking the ball from just forward of the centre line, past three defenders and into the net. After half time, another goal to Berto after a blistering run around several defenders before others could support the keeper put WSSC   3-0 up. The Cobram game being complete, and having done the maths, we needed another goal (we thought) to keep ahead of Cobram. The Cobram team were by now screaming from the sidelines and   applauding every save by the Mt. Beauty keeper. In the last quarter of the match, a number of chances went begging. One attempt which failed by the barest of margins is another moment for the highlights reel of WSSC soccer. A seemingly casual, yet supremely confident no-look backwards pass by Berto almost beat the keeper, who had to

perform a full-stretch diving save to nudge the ball onto the front of the post.

Countback!! Because WSSC and Cobram both finished the day on two wins and a draw, the countback system was invoked. The result of the head-to-head match was a 1-1 draw, so goal difference became the next discriminator. Both teams had a 14+ goal difference for the day! The convenor had to consult the rule book to determine what the next discriminator should be. It turns out to be “goals for”, the total number of goals scored by each team on the day. Unfortunately for WSSC, we lost 16 to 15, Cobram having scored just the one measly goal more than us for the day. WSSC conceded one less goal also, but it was that one goal that we didn’t score that did us in. So close, yet so far… Cobram now go through to compete in the State Final round in August and WSSC will have to live with the heartburn until we mount our comeback in 2010. Stay tuned! Thanks, and commiserations, to Gemma Berto (Captain), Simone Altass, Sam Burgess-Hillier, Madison Davis, Laura Day, Michaela Dunphy, Nicole Harrison, Claire Lannen, Jess Manzie, Cassandra Morris, Emilya Toney, Hayley Wilhelm and Rachael Williams.

Year 10 Boys

The WSSC team began the day against My Beauty. The score line of 9-0 did not truly reflect the quality of the opposition. However, our boys were on fire in the first game banging in the goals by making the most of their chances when they came. A special mention to striker Chris O’Leary, who scored his first ever goal in this game. Even more impressive was the lazy 6 for the match, a far cry from the wayward attempts in the previous rounds.
The final game was against McGuire College. A draw would be enough to go through tho the next round. The first half was dominated by the opposition and deservedly they went ahead 1-0 into the half-time break. After half time the WSSC boys came out firing. It wasn’t long before a free kick around goal was awarded and Jedd Gvozdenovic made no mistake to level the scores. McGuire College threw everything at the boys in the final minutes in search of a winner, but the WSSC defence stood tall and hung on for a draw.

Senior Boys

Yea was the first team on the agenda for the team and the more superior WSSC team made light work of the opening game. 8-0 capped off a great start to the day. The team only had the bare 11 to play with so getting results and conserving energy was necessary if the WSSC team were to win the day. Beechworth proved to be some stubborn opposition with no score at halftime. Some great running teamwork and link up play, the WSSC team overrun the opposition for a 4-0 win. The Year 10 Boys and the Year 11/12 Boys team will now contest the VSSSA State Finals on Tuesday 25 August at Darebin.

Again a draw was enough for the boys to go on to the next stage. However the WSSC team wanted to do it the right way jumping out to a 2-0 lead. Cobram hit back with a goal and pushed hard for an equaliser. The WSSC stood tall in defence and managed to secure the victory by slotting a third goal to put the team through to the next stage.

Congratulations to both teams for making the state finals for the second year straight. This is the third year in a row the Year 10 boys have made it to State also. Special thanks go to Peter Gvozdenovic for taking the senior boys and helping out on the day. We could not have done it without you. Also, thankyou to David Williams for his tireless effort in running the line all day. Well done boys for representing your College in the proud manner in which you do both in results and the way you conducted yourself.

Year 10 Girls Soccer
The girls played Tallangatta in the first match and won convincingly 7-0. Goals were scored by Michele Bent (3), Naomi Sammut (2), Lucy Veenbaas (1) and Jess Porter (1). The final was a match up against the undefeated Cobram. The team tried hard but the Cobram girls were a bit too strong on the day and went down 2-0. Well done to Jess Porter who attacked the ball tirelessly throughout the match. Thanks to Chelsea Price for coaching the team and to Kristy Hogg for her awesome half-time team address.

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Y10 SYDNEY CAMP

23 Jul 2009 23:26:38 GMT +1100

A great time was had by all. Congratulations to the 86 students who attended. Their behaviour was excellent. We felt it was possibly the best we have had. Staff at the YWCA, where we stayed, were most impressed with our students.

Students enjoyed all the attractions we visited, in particular Luna Park, the Aquatic Centre, Taronga Zoo, Ice Skating, Bondi, Manly and of course “shopping” were the favourites. Nathan Jones, Fletcher Nicholson and Brock Knights proved to be “surfies” at Bondi whilst Sarah Fraser, Mary Toney, Paul-Eric Kovacs, Marcus Huber and Laura Damm “starred” at the ice rink and stayed on until the very end. Many of the girls, in particular, enjoyed the shopping opportunities and no doubt parents have received their presents by now!

Thanks to Sue Bell, Jill Davidson, Chris Moscher, Laura Treptow, Rod Pritchard for all their help. The success of the camp is obviously due to the efforts of these staff members.

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School Council Dinner

31 Jul 2009 04:59:23 GMT +1100

Combined School Council Dinner

A successful Combined School Councils Dinner for Wodonga Schools was held at the College in the Fishbowl on Thursday 30th July. Over 90 School Councillors attended and the Hume Regional Director Stephen Brown spoke to the Councillors on his vision for education in the Region and in particular of his passion for State Education where every child is entitled to receive the best schooling. The meal was catered for by the Peppers Restaurant and congratulations go to the students, Steve Garro, Ira Robinson and Jo Collins on a wonderful meal.

Congratulations to Current and Past Students on their Achievements

Scott Jewell came 2nd in the Regional Rotary Poetry Competition. Scott wrote a beautiful piece about BMX riding. Scott wins $100 and will be presented and also give a reading of his piece at the „Write Around The Murray? writers festival in early August.
An amazing win, for student Jessica Z Goodvin in a Music Composing Competition. Jessica has been selected with 19 other students to attend composing Workshops. The competition was run by 3MBS Melbourne.
Andrew Pearce (Year 12 2008) has won the prestigious Susan Moorehead Emerging Artist Award from the Albury Regional Gallery. Andrew won $2,000 and the opportunity to have a solo Exhibition at the Gallery. This is an exceptional achievement for a 19 year old. Andrew is a photographer and film maker who has had amazing success over the past 12 months.

Jess McGuire was awarded Second Prize from the State Wide Year 12 Student Exhibition: Top Arts. The prize was for the People?s Choice Award. She went to Melbourne recently to be awarded the prestigious prize which included a $1000 cheque for the school. Jess presented the Cheque at the Year 12 assembly and told students about her collection of artworks titled “A Midnight Grotesque”, a mixed media piece which expresses a turbulent world. The Arts staff congratulate Jess on her award.
James Elliott and Natasha Borschmann have been awarded a 2008 Australian Vocational Student Prize. The prize recognises high-achieving students who completed their Year 12 studies in 2008 whilst undertaking vocational education and training in schools or an Australian School-based Apprenticeship.

The Staff and students of Wodonga Senior College acknowledge and congratulate the students on their wonderful successes.

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Careers Report

31 Jul 2009 05:01:46 GMT +1100

Ordered VTAC Guides:

These guides can be collected from the General Office at school. Students who did not complete an order can purchase a guide from the General Office (a limited number are available) or any newsagency, although the forms included must not be used by current Year 12 students as part of the application process. As yet I am waiting for the UAC guides (NSW) to be delivered. Year 12 students can borrow these guides from me.

Assistance with VTAC applications:

I will be offering workshops on Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes over the next weeks to assist Year 12 students to complete this process. Students will need to have researched and prioritised their possible 12 choices as well as come with their correct VCAA student number. Payment for this application to VTAC is either by credit card or an invoice will be posted directly to the student for the amount of $22 - $25

University of Tasmania:

This university requires an application to their courses to be made directly and on-line to www.utas.edu.au at no cost. The UTAS Scholarship application enables students to request several scholarship options
Students who secure an ENTER score of 90 or above will be guaranteed an entry into the following courses: Law, Environmental Design, Architecture, Marine Science, Engineering and Psychology.
I have booklets and brochures regarding UTAS, please see me.

YOUTH ALLOWANCE FORUM- CANCELLED:

Owing to the lack of support from local personnel this forum scheduled for Wednesday 5th August has been cancelled.

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Eastern Zone Basketball

31 Jul 2009 05:06:36 GMT +1100

On Tuesday 28th August the senior girls and boys basketball teams travelled down to Shepparton to compete in the Eastern Zone finals. The girls unfortunately only played in the one game against Broadford and played like stars scoring a whopping 54 points to Broadford?s 10 points. Kate Gordes was on fire scoring unstoppable 3 pointers and Jorja Duncan smashed in a massive 5 dunks, proving her nickname Jorja “Dunkin” Duncan true! The team: Mikaela Merrilees, Kate Gordes, Jorja Duncan, Emily Taylor, Alice Derwent-Smith, Emily Bannan, Georgia Morris, Lauren Ostle and Sophie Wilkinson (out on injury).

The boys first game was against Broadford and a few unfortunate air balls and fumbles the boys scraped through with a win with a final score of 19-10. Adam Hickeys? return to basketball after a year and a half proved well worth it in the second match against Wanganui. A tight match for both halves and a frantic final 2 minutes saw the boys snatch the victory with a 1 point lead. Final score 29-28. The third and final match against Myrtleford was a walk in the park for the tired boys. Smashing a few 3 pointers here and there and pulling some flukey moves the boys finished on top with a 36-15 win. The team: Lachy Lui, Josh McKay, Sean Stacey, Todd Klein, Adam Hickey, Trevor McLean, Matt Kowalczyk, Dylan Webb and Jason King (out on injury, assistant coach).

Well done to both teams who advance to the VSSSA Final in Melbourne on Monday 24 August.
Thanks to Miss Horan for coaching the teams, Larks for driving the bus, Soph for scoring, Todd, Mikaela and Kate for refereeing and Hoggy for bringing oranges.

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E Zone Squash and Badminton

31 Jul 2009 05:07:33 GMT +1100

On Monday 27th July the Senior Boys Badminton team, Year 10 Girls Badminton team and the Senior Boys Squash team headed down to Wangaratta to compete in the eastern zone finals.
The squash team, made up of Brenton Konig, Jeremy Currie, William O”Connell and James Konig were defeated by a very experienced Alexandra Secondary College (SC) in their first match. Determined to go home with a solid runners up they outclassed Mooroopna SC in their second game.

The year 10 girls badminton team consisted of Georgina Fyfield, Desarae Sampson, Caitlin Quinn and Karlee Robin. The girls had some tough competition, going down to Wangaratta and Shepparton HS. However we triumphed over Euroa SC. A fantastic effort by all of the girls finishing overall 3rd for the day. The senior boy's badminton team consisted of Ben Boyd, James Trotman, Josh Rudd and Matt Clemson. Some outstanding performances from each of the players saw them secure their first game against Euroa. They then went up against a very skilled Wan-ganui Park SC, after 6 tough sets they came away with a well eserved win. The final game was sure to be a challenge against the reigning premiers of Tallangatta SC.

The suspense was immense as the games were counted up and congratulations to our boys who came away with the win. Off to VSSSA State Finals on Friday 21st August. Thanks to coach Derek Bowey for all the hard work and commitment he has put into his Badminton sides this year.

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Job Vacancies

31 Jul 2009 05:16:12 GMT +1100

Apprentice Motor Mechanic- Albury- Workways, Administration Trainee Part Time- Albury – ATEL, Dental Assistant Traineeship – Albury – ATEL, Chef Assistant Trainee- Albury – ATEL, Bricklaying Apprentice – Albury – ATEL, Painting Apprentice – Albury – ATEL, Junior Survey Assistant – Wodonga – ATEL, Pest Control Trainee – Wodonga- shellyanddre@yahoo.com.au, Shed Building Apprentice- Wodonga – See Sue Bell, Hospitality Traineeship – Wodonga – ATEL, Retail Traineeship Part Time – Wodonga - ATEL

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Principal Class Report

06 Aug 2009 22:15:21 GMT +1100

2010 VCE/VCAL/VET Information Night – Wednesday 12th August

As part of the College focus on the career and academic pathways of students in Year 10-12 there will be a VCE/VCAL/VET Information Night held to assist Year 10 students and their parents. At this night we will explore options relating to future study, the structure of the Victorian Certificate of Education and the possibilities for students undertaking this path.

Interim Reports and Parent Interviews

It was wonderful to see so many parents and students at the Parent Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 5th August. Interim reports which were not collected have been mailed out. Should you need to speak to a teacher regarding your students report please contact the school on 6043 7500 to make an appointment.

Eisteddfod

Congratulations to the students from our Music Program on their recent performances at the Albury Wodonga Festival of Sight and Sound (Eisteddfod). The various groups and solos were well rehearsed and performed wonderfully.

Parents and friends are welcome to attend the Festival and support our students in the coming week as they continue to perform. Thank you to the staff for the time and support given to the students. The Festival will run until Friday 14th August. Further information regarding results will be in future newsletters.

User Comments: 4

Cupcake Day!

06 Aug 2009 22:17:11 GMT +1100

It's back! The biggest bake off in the Southern Hemisphere! Cupcake Day for the RSPCA 2009!

Business Management Students (Unit 1/2) are organising a our Cup Cake Drive, posters and order forms will be located around the school.

For further information please go to the Website
http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au
or contact Haley Currie or Liz Thompson

User Comments: 0

Job Vacancies

06 Aug 2009 22:18:54 GMT +1100

Apprentice Motor Mechanic – Albury – Email: Michaels@bakermotors.com.au, Chef Apprenticeship – Albury – ATEL, Casual Shop Assistant – Yackandandah – Sureway, Trainee Parts Interpreter – Wodonga – Workways, Process Worker – Wodonga – CVGT, Shed Building Apprentice – Wodonga – Office Manager PO Box 264 Wodonga 3690, Painting Apprentice – Wodonga – ATEL, Hospitality Traineeship – Wodonga – ATEL

User Comments: 1

Careers Report

06 Aug 2009 22:21:25 GMT +1100

SP Ausnet recruitment of Apprentices& Trainees for 2010:

This power company has a range of positions available in Melbourne and North East Victoria for 2010. Apprentice roles are both the transmission and distribution networks, while the Traineeships are in many parts of the organisation: Electrical tester, Technical Trainee Distribution, Communication, Surveyor, Trainee Controller, Gas Trainee and Technical Services. Apprenticeship positions require a pass in Year 11 with one mathematics study or be involved in a trade based course. Trainee positions require a pass at Year 12, with passes in mathematics and physics highly desirable. Applications close Monday 17th August 2009.

La Trobe Guaranteed Entry Scheme (SALT):

This scheme can take pressure of students about getting into university. Students who gain particular ENTER score and meet the course prerequisites and any other special requirements will receive an offer. This scheme is applicable at all La Trobe campuses. SALT is a category of the VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS), and comes under Category 7 – Under represented Schools I have brochures of this scheme.

2010 Defence Force Technical Scholarships:

This program provides support to those interested in pursuing a technical trade career in the ADF at the conclusion of their secondary schooling The Scholarship are worth $2,000 for Year 11 and $3,000 for Year 12, there is no obligation on scholarship recipients to join the ADF. The application period has been extended until the 25th September 2009. All information about 2010 DTS can be downloaded from DTS website: www.defencejobs.gov.au/DTS . Students must apply each year.

University of Tasmania (UTAS) & Scholarships:

This university accepts direct online applications for admission to course, scholarships and accommodation. Scholarships and admission applications opened on the 3rd August 2009. Go to www.utas.edu.au/apply. See Sue Bell for a UTAS booklet.

2010 Access Melbourne and Scholarships:

The University of Melbourne offers this opportunity to enhance your selection to a course even if your ENTER is below the clearly in rank of a course. To apply you need to go through VTAC website using SEAS program. All of our students comply with Category 7- Under represented school and Category 6- Rural or isolated, while some may also meet other categories. Please see Sue Bell for a brochure.

YOUTH ALLOWANCE FORUM- CANCELLED:

Owing to the lack of interest in this forum scheduled for Wednesday 5th August has been cancelled.

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Eastern Zone Boys Netball

06 Aug 2009 22:25:50 GMT +1100

On Thursday 23rd July the Year 10 boys’ netball and senior boys’ netball team headed down to Kelly Park to compete in the Eastern Zone finals. The year 10 boys were up against Wodonga Middle Years College first. After a tight first half the boys were determined not to be beaten and took off in the second half to triumph over the middle year’s team. The second game was against a very tall and experienced Yea Secondary College. The boys fought hard and managed to keep the goal difference to 2 goals at the beginning of the second half. But Yea outclassed the boys in the last quarter taking off and eventually winning by 8 goals. The last game against Corryong Secondary College was in good spirit, the boys experimenting with some new combinations and went away with another win. Solid defence all day by Berto and Ryan, outstanding accuracy by goal shooters Lempa and McLean, and strong centre court work from Peircey, Dale, Crowther and Knights. Bests – Knights, McLean & Peircey. The boys finished overall as runners up. Well done.

The team: L. Dale (c), R. Lempa, B. Knights, B. Peirce, B. Ryan, S. McLean, J.Berto & K. Crowther.
Thanks to coaches, assistants and water crew on the day Naomi Sammut, Jessica Porter, Cassie Parker, Emily Taylor and Dylan Hamilton.

The senior boy’s team was made up of brick wall defence by T. Klein and an outstanding new member to the defensive team M. Kowalczyk. A dream team forward line of S. McLean and D. Webb who popped a total of 70 goals for the day between them. An unexpected last minute recruit N. Sariman who did not disappoint in the centre court with teammates J. Greenwood, T. Russell (Self elected captain) and N. Steain. The boys played a total of 4 games, defeating Seymour 14-5, Rutherglen 16-2, Corryong 25-1 and Broadford 15-5.

Finishing undefeated for the day and clear winners, the senior team advances to VSSSA finals on Thursday 20th August in Melbourne. Well done boys. Bests – TK, McLean, Sariman.
Thanks to coaches Mikaela Merrilees and Emma Cardwell and to Jess Richardson and Mrs O’Shannessy for umpiring the teams on the day.

User Comments: 4

Eastern Zone Hockey

06 Aug 2009 22:28:31 GMT +1100

On Wednesday 29th July the Senior boys and girls hockey teams headed to the Albury Hockey Centre to compete in the Eastern Zone finals. The girls team, consisting of S. Babbington, S. Beazley, G. Berto, L. Day, A. Derwentsmith, S. Flack, E. Georgiou, A. Hibberson, S. Kitsoukilias, T. Knoth, C. Lannen, R. Oates, L.O’Leary and E. Toney. Played Euroa in the first match. Fantastic goal keeping by Emilya Toney held the final score of to a 0-3 loss. A fantastic effort from the girls considering only a few had played hockey before that day.

The second match was against Shepparton. Fantastic play by Sarah Babbington and Steph Flack held the loss this time to an improving 0-2. The final match for the day saw the girls go up against a very tough Rutherglen High School. With Clare Lannen having her first run in the enormous goal keeping suit she had an outstanding stack in the goals. Great to see. The final score for the game was 0-9.

The boys team, made up of B. Boyd, S. Cavini, J. Dudley, L. Ellison, N. Harris, B. Newell, J. Palmer, D. Perri, K. Schubert, Z. Solari, J. Worley and last minute recruit N. Sariman outclassed Shepparton in their first match. Winning victoriously with a score of 3-0.Goals to Ben Boyd (1), Brad Newell (1) and Nat Sariman (1).

The second match was a fight for first place against last years champions Tallangatta Secondary College. The boys managed to hold the score at 2-0 at half time Tallangatta’s way. But the final half was hectic with some amazing saves by goalie J. Palmer the final score was 6-2. Goals went to Nat Sariman (1) and Brad Newell (1). Good luck to Brad Newell at the National Schools Hockey Championships in Rockhampton next week. Brad will represent Victoria. Well done to both teams, Thanks to Trish for coaching the girls and assisting on the day and Larks for driving the bus!

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Music Industry Workshop

06 Aug 2009 22:34:43 GMT +1100

Want to work in the music industy? Come along to the Workshop @ the Civic Centre on wednesday 19th of august

Click here for more information

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Principal Class Report

16 Aug 2009 22:09:16 GMT +1100

Expo Night –Wednesday 19th August

On Wednesday 19th August at 7.00pm the Wodonga Senior Secondary College Course Expo and Open Night will be held in Galvin Hall. All staff will be present and it is an opportunity for current and prospective parents and students to visit the school and talk to teachers about individual classes that will run in 2010. This is of particular interest to Year 9 and 10 students.

Jeans for Genes Day Fundraiser

On behalf of the Jeans for Genes Day Committee I would like to thank everyone for their support and generous donations towards the Jeans for Genes Day organisation on the casual wear day. With your support we managed to raise over $500 for the Children’s Medical Re-search Institute which will go towards helping them unlock the mysteries of various child-hood diseases.

Year 10 into Year 11 Parent Information Night

The information provided parents and students at the Year 10 Information Night last Wednesday night covered specific areas of interest for parents and students as they decide their Pathway for the last two years of school. VCE, VCAL or VET? If you would like advice on this please ring Robyn O’Shannessy for VCE, Jim Moylan for VET or Derek Bowey for VCAL.

Pepper Restaurant

Another successful evening was held on Wednesday 12th August. The restaurant was fully booked and our hospitality students ran it beautifully. Many positive comments were made by the customers and an enjoyable evening was had by all. Congratulations once again to Steve Garro, Ira Robinson and the Hospitality students.

Interim Reports

Interim reports which were not collected have been mailed out. Should you need to speak to a teacher regarding your students report please contact the school on 6043 7500 to make an appointment.

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ARMY CAREERS DAY

16 Aug 2009 22:12:16 GMT +1100

WSSC Students display their colours on maneuvers.

Students involved in the Army Careers Day at Latchford Barracks and the Bandiana Army Logistics base last week clearly illustrated their determination and willingness to give things a go by showing the new recruits a thing or two about getting ‘down and dirty’!

Students had the opportunity to learn about and try out first hand some of the trades, lifestyles and career options on offer as an enlisted person in the Australian Army. The 30 or so students in attendance had opportunities to try driving Unimog trucks, practice their first aid skills on ‘virtual’ patients, inspect the latest artillery and check out the latest in parachute action. All students in attendance proved to be excellent ambassadors for the College and should be congratulated for their involvement and general interest on the day.

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Careers Report

16 Aug 2009 22:16:38 GMT +1100

UAC (NSW) Guide:

Multiple copies of these guides are not available until September. The one copy I have will be lent to students for a brief period to enable all students to have access over the application period for tertiary places-

Charles Sturt ‘Early Entry ‘requires students to complete a UAC application as part of the process. These ‘Early Entry’ applications must be completed by the 31st August, to enable sufficient time for the principal’s section to be completed on 40 applicants so far.

Students can enter up to 9 preferences, but for CSU PREP the course must be listed first.

VTAC Applications:

Year 12 students are reminded that applications are open, which includes a step by step process:
Log onto www.vtac.edu.au

First register your details at no cost. These details will be stored for all other uses eg. Special Access and Equity (SEAS) and scholarships
Go to ‘MyInfo” on same site and list up to 12 preferences by 30th September. Pay for this by credit card or Visa debit card – cost $22, once this payment is completed you can access all other processes immediately. Or indicate payment by invoice – cost $25 and this will take up to 10 days to process. Students should tick yes to the box regarding ‘Supplementary Offers’.
Next step is to go to SEAS and submit an application under Category 6: ‘Applicants from rural or isolated schools’ were you indicate your postcode. Other categories could be relevant to individual student’s circumstances. Your submission should outline clearly the IMPACT on your studies in the recent years. Any documentary evidence should also state the impact. Note we are considered an under-represented school at the University of Melbourne. Also in SEAS students can apply to the La Trobe access scheme ‘SALT’ as mentioned on last weeks parents newsletter. In this section students can save the information and submit when they have finalised the details.

All students should then go to ‘Scholarships’ and apply for all scholarships of which they meet the criteria and submit. Students do not need to enter basic details as this material will be transferred from their SEAS application Note: Many of these scholarships on offer have not been taken up in the past, so you should apply. Also some scholarships may become available, although they are not currently listed.

University of Adelaide – Bonus Points:

This university is offering a six point bonus to an ENTER score to all students in interstate country schools who apply to an undergraduate course. In addition to this scheme the university offers to bonus points to students who have passed Specialist Mathematics and/ or a LOTE study. This program is open to all courses at the University of Adelaide. Students who applying to this university can collect information explaining this scheme from Sue Bell

Access Melbourne – Special entry and access scholarship scheme:

Students intending to list a University of Melbourne course in their preferences through VTAC should also complete a SEAS application to be considered for a scholarship.

University of Tasmania Scholarships for Interstate Students:

The following degrees in Agricultural Science, Applied Science in Agriculture and Engineering have available these scholarships which provide:

Payment of HECS fees for the duration of the course
One return airfare per year
Help with relocation expenses.

Go to www.scholarships.utas.edu.au for more details.

Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Scheme:

The Australian Government is funding these undergraduate scholarships to students who are interested in undertaking a course that leads to a qualification as a Registered/Division 1 Nurse. Some preference is given to applicants living in regional, rural and remote areas. The scholarship is valued up to $30,000 to assist in meeting costs incurred while studying undergraduate nursing. Applications close Friday 25th August 2009. See Sue Bell for a brochure.

Tax File Numbers:

All students who require a number should collect complete and return the application form to me prior to the end of this term. I will complete the identification requirements and send off to the Australian Taxation Department towards the end of Term 3.

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Math & Science

16 Aug 2009 22:18:26 GMT +1100

Mathematics Competition

UNSW Mathematics Competition takes place during Periods 3 & 4 on Wednesday 19th August 2009 for those students who have entered. There are still a couple of places available for students from Years 11 and 12 if they pay their $6.60 to the office before then.

Chemistry with a Bang!

Students in the Excellence in Maths and Science program and students studying years 11 and 12 Chemistry have been invited to attend the 2009 Hartnung Youth Lecture run by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. This year’s lecturer is Dr John Reid, an explosives expert from Thales, Australia. The presentation promises to be a spectacular, high energy experience and we are very lucky to have him present at La Trobe University Wodonga. Can all students attending please remember to bring your permission slips and $2.00 to cover the bus trip.

After school Mathematics Assistance

Mathematics assistance takes place after school every Monday to Thursday of term and is open to any student in Years 10– 12.
Bring your maths books, work through problems, ask for assis-tance, catch up on missed class work. Stay for as long or as short a time as you need. Most staff are able to help with Sci-ence questions also. Come along to 306 and bring a friend!

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Library News

16 Aug 2009 22:20:30 GMT +1100

Book Week 2009: 22nd – 28th August Competitions

To celebrate Book Week 2009 we’re running the following competitions: Short Story Competition (maximum about 2500 words)

Poetry Competition
Literary Quiz
Creepy Creatures Quiz

Entry forms available at the Library or online at LMS/ Library/ Book Week 2009 Book Safari’
All work must be original

Closing date Friday 4th September

Put your entries in the box at the front desk in the
Library or email them to crp@wssc.vic.edu.au

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Congratulations

16 Aug 2009 22:22:54 GMT +1100

Congratulation to Jake Harris from Year 11 on being accepted as a School Based Apprentice.

Jake will be working for Jason Lucas Pty Ltd in the building industry and is working towards a ‘Certificate III in General Construction – Carpentry’.

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Sports Report

16 Aug 2009 22:30:14 GMT +1100

VSSSA Girls Table tennis – Tuesday 18th August

The Year 11/12 Girls Tabletennis team will travel to Melbourne to contest the VSSSA State finals at MSAC. The team will depart the school at 5.30am. The girls will play 3 matches in the round-robin section. Good luck. The draw can be found at www.vsssa.org.au – Tabletennis.

VSSSA Boys Netball – Thursday 20th August

The Year 11/12 Boys netball team will travel to Melbourne to contest the VSSSA State Finals at Jells Park. The bus will depart the school at 5.30am. The boys will be coached by Kristy Hogg and Emma Cardwell. Thanks in advance to Mrs O’Shannessy for driving the bus and supporting the team as umpire throughout their carnivals. The team will play 3 matches and hopefully will advance to the final after the round-robin section. Good luck. The draw can be found at www.vsssa.org.au - Netball

VSSSA Boys Badminton – Friday 21st August

The Year 11/12 Boys badminton team will travel to Melbourne to contest the VSSSA State Finals at MSAC. The car will depart the school at 5.30am. The boys will be coached by Derek Bowey. The team will play 3 matches and hopefully will advance to the final after the round-robin section. Good luck. The draw can be found at www.vsssa.org.au - Badminton.

VSSSA Boys/ Girls Basketball – Sunday 23rd August to Monday 24th August

The Year 11/12 Boys and Girls Basketball teams will travel to MSAC in Melbourne to contest the VSSSA State finals. The bus will depart at 3pm on Sunday 23rd August from the school. The team will stay overnight in Melbourne. The girls will start their matches at 9.30am and the boys matches will follow. Each team will play 3 matches in the round-robin section and hopefully a final after that depending on results. Thanks in advance to Michael Hickey/Belinda Horan for coaching the team. Thank you also, to Kristy Hogg for her amazing organization. The draw can be found at www.vsssa.org.au - Basketball. The team will return to Wodonga via train/bus and arrive at
WODONGA RAILWAY STATION at 10pm. Good Luck.

VSSSA Boys Soccer – Monday 24th August to Tuesday 25th August

The Year 11/12 boys’ soccer team will kick off their matches in the VSSSA State finals at 9.30am at Darebin on Tuesday 25th August. The team will travel to Melbourne on Monday 24th August departing from WODONGA RAILWAY STATION at 12.20pm. Please meet at the station by 12.00noon. The team will stay overnight in Melbourne. The Year 10 boys’ team will meet at the school for a 6am departure on Tuesday 25th August and will kick off their first match at 10.50am. Note: Some Year 10 team members will travel with the Senior Team. Please check with Nathan Thomas - Coach. Both teams will return to the school by bus arriving at approximately 8.00pm. Good Luck.

Coming Events:

BORDER-SHIELD Rugby – Thursday 3rd September at Albury NEDSSSA Year 10 Basketball – Tuesday 8th September at Wodonga NEDSSSA Year 10 Hockey – Tuesday 8th September at Wodonga

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Expo Night & Support Staff

20 Aug 2009 22:17:44 GMT +1100

Expo Night - Wednesday 19th August

Congratulations to Cassandra Walters and the many staff involved in the organisation and running of the Expo Night. Thank you also for the extra hours everyone put in to make the evening a great success. Feedback from those in attendance was positive and many found the information and displays very useful in aiding students to choose the appropriate subjects for future pathways.

Education Support Staff

This week State Education is recognising and celebrating the significant role school support staff plays in our education system. These staff (often behind the scenes) make significant contributions to enriching the educational environment for staff, students and College community. Their roles cover all facets of the college that without their support would not function well.

WSSC Support Team

Alicia August - Administration
Ben Baker - Computer Technician
Shaun Baude - Computer Technician
Tim Bennetts - Computer Technician
Janet Butt - Science Assistant/First Aid
Brad Clough - Defence Force Mentor
Jo Collins - Food Technology Assistant
Carolyn Corcoran - Integration/Administration
Trish Croome - Librarian
Lorraine Daly - Bursar
Matt Dawson - Maintenance/Grounds
Jesse Gordes - Koorie Tutor
Chad Gutsche - Computer Technician
Noelene Holmes - Administration
Kristy Hogg - Health & PE Assistant
Nick McGrath - Computer Technician
Tracey McInnes - Library Technician
Adrienne Merrick - Integration/Administration
Scott Nugent - Computer Technician
Michele Pertzel - Administration
Adam Pierce - Computer Technician
Jan Pitt - Library Technician
Paul Prentice - Maintenance/Grounds
Sheryl Pursehouse - Administration
Judy Sanderson - Administration
Annette Waring - Chaplain

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Job Vacancies

20 Aug 2009 22:21:37 GMT +1100

Apprentice Automotive Electrician - Albury - See Sue Bell for contact details, Christmas Casuals at Myer - Albury - Myer Albury website, Apprentice Chef - Albury - SS&A Albury, Apprenticeships Electrical & Instrumental/Fitter Machinist Albury melanie.fennel@norskeskog.com, Apprentice motor mechanic - Albury Michaels@bakermotors.com.au, Part Time Agricultural Trainee - Thurgoona - ATEL, Retail Traineeship - Albury - ATEL, Trainee Parts Interpreter - Wodonga - Workways, Administration Trainee - Wodonga - ATEL, Tyre Fitter Traineeship - Wodonga - ATEL

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Careers Report

20 Aug 2009 22:23:18 GMT +1100

Reminders to Year 12 – VTAC/UAC/PREP (CSU):

Applications close for VTAC and UAC on the 30th September 2009. PREP applications must be completed and submitted to Sue Bell by the 31st August. All VTAC applicants should also complete a SEAS application under the rural category and other categories if applicable, together with scholarship applications. SEAS and scholarships are completed through the VTAC website – www.vtac.edu.au. I am available to assist students each Monday and Tuesday at lunchtime in 403 computer room.

Trainee Accountancy Positions:

Two of our local accountancy branches are seeking applicants for trainee positions to commence early January and at the same time start first Semester at CSU Albury in Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Support is offered by the companies in undertaking these university studies and at the same time gaining practical experience. See Sue Bell for further detail. WHK has organised an information session for interested students on Thursday 3rd September from 6.00- 7.30pm. at 491 Smollett Street, Albury.

Charles Sturt University - Marketing Scholarships:

Students applying for PREP in the Bachelor of Business (Marketing) are eligible for a $3,000 scholarship provided they receive an ENTER of 77.1. Please see Sue Bell for a flyer.

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Sports Report

20 Aug 2009 22:28:18 GMT +1100

VSSSA Girls Tabletennis – Tuesday 18th August

The Year 11/12 Girls Tabletennis team departed Wodonga at 5.30am to travel to MSAC to participate in the State Finals. After the long drive to Melbourne and negotiating the peak-hour traffic the team arrived safely for the warm-up session. The team sorted out their seedings and played Williamstown Senior College (SC). Lining up at number one was Madison Evans, Jiaxin Zhu at number two, Lucy Klepiak at number three and Alex Price at number four. Williamstown proved too strong and won 6-0. The second round was played against Heatherhill SC. After a good hit out we were much better prepared in this match and were able to stay in the rallies for longer and construct some terrific points. The final score did not fall our way despite the improved performance. The last match saw us pitted against Matthew Flinders SC. This turned out to be the battle for 5th and 6th place in the State. Madi Evans and the corresponding number one played out some advantage games with Madi holding strong to take the match 3-2 in a cliff-hangar. Matthew Flinders won the remaining rubbers but not before an exciting comeback in the final doubles match featuring Jiaxin and Alex. Trailing 2-0 on games, the girls levelled the scores at 2-2 before going in the final game of the finals. Congratulations to the girls on their effort to commit to playing in the State finals and the friendly manner in which they conducted themselves throughout the day.

VSSSA Boys Netball – Thursday 20th August

The Senior Boys team participated in the State finals at Jells Park, Melbourne. A match report will be published next week. Thank you to Robyn & Pat O’Shannessy for driving the team to Melbourne. Also thanks to Kristy Hogg for her organization of the team.

VSSSA Boys Badminton – Friday 21st August

The Senior Boys team participated in the State Finals at MSAC, Melbourne. Thank you to Derek Bowey for transporting the students and for his coaching of the team. A match report will be published next week.

VSSSA Boys/ Girls Basketball – Sunday 23rd August to Monday 24th August

The Year 11/12 Boys and Girls Basketball teams will travel to MSAC in Melbourne to contest the VSSSA State finals. The bus will depart at 3pm on Sunday 23rd August from the school. The team will stay overnight in Melbourne. The girls will start their matches at 9.30am and the boys matches will follow. Each team will play 3 matches in the round-robin section and hopefully a final after that depending on results. Thanks in advance to Michael Hickey/ Belinda Horan for coaching the team. Thank you also, to Kristy Hogg for her amazing organization. The draw can be found at www.vsssa.org.au Basketball. The team will return to Wodonga via train/ bus and arrive at WODONGA RAILWAY STATION at 10pm. Good Luck.

VSSSA Boys Soccer – Monday 24th August to Tuesday 25th August

The Year 11/12 boys’ soccer team will kick off their matches in the VSSSA State finals at 9.30am at Darebin on Tuesday 25 August. The team will travel to Melbourne on Monday 24th August departing from WODONGA RAILWAY STATION at 12.20pm. Please meet at the station by 12.00noon. The team will stay overnight in Melbourne. The Year 10 boys’ team will meet at the school for a 6am departure on Tuesday 25th August and will kick off their first match at 10.50am. Note: Some Year 10 team members will travel with the Senior Team. Please check with Nathan Thomas - Coach. Both teams will return to the school by bus arriving at approximately 8.00pm. Good Luck.

Coming Events:

BORDER-SHIELD Rugby – Thursday 3rd September at Albury
NEDSSSA Year 10 Basketball – Tuesday 8th September at Wodonga
NEDSSSA Year 10 Hockey – Tuesday 8th September at Wodonga

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Music News

20 Aug 2009 22:35:06 GMT +1100

Congratulations

to Nichaud Munday our WSSC Music Captain for her swag of successes in various music competitions. Nichaud won the Wodonga RED CARPET EMERGING MUSICIAN award. She received 3rd place in the prestigious Victorian Music Society Competition for Brass and Woodwind, which attracts competitors from around the state, to Melbourne. Nichaud capped off her A/W Eisteddfod successes by winning the Senior Woodwind Championship and the Outstanding Instrumentalist 17/18 years award.

Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod

The Albury Wodonga Eisteddfod has been a long stretch of rehearsals and performances for music students and staff. There were many fine performances and an array of awards given to our students during the festival.

High marks were awarded in various sections to;
Jeremy Kerr Year 10-Classical Guitar 1st,2nd, 3rd
Kai Johnson –Peady-Year 12 Bass Guitar 1st
Scott Wilson-Year 12 Bass Guitar 1st 2nd
Max Alduca-Year 11 Bass Guitar two 1st placings
Brent Lacey-Year 12 Contemporary Guitar 2nd
Luke Stabb-Year 12 –Contemporary Guitar 2nd
Matt Harper –Year 12 –Alto Saxophone 1st,2nd,3rd
Nichaud Munday –Year 12- Flute-two 1st placings,two 2nd placings
Stephanie Flack –Year 12-Classical Voice 2nd,3rd,H.C
Kayla van der Weyde -Year 12-Classical Voice H.C.
Rachel Cooper-Year 12 –Contemporary Piano- 2nd
Bryony Blake-Year 12-Classical Piano-3rd
Hannah Salisbury-Carter -Year 12 –Classical Piano H.C.
Caldwell Jones –Year 11 and Kayla van der Weyde—Year 12-Vocal Duet-2nd
VCE Music Performance GROUP- Georgia Morris , Caldwell Jones, Scott Wilson, Keith Miles 2nd
Choir- Year 10-12students.HC and 3rd
Concert Band HC
Swing Band 3rd

Music Captains

Thank you to Music Captains Nichaud Munday, Jeremy Currie, Stephanie Flack, Kayla van der Weyde, Scott Wilson and Luke Stab for their organisational assistance their passion for performance.

Music Performance

A concert for the Music Performance Solo students will be held on Tuesday Sept 15th-7pm in PAC Auditorium. Parents and friends are cordially invited.

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Principal Class Report

27 Aug 2009 21:56:20 GMT +1100

Wodonga Senior Secondary College Choir

Congratulations to the WSSC Choir who performed with an outstanding level of musical excellence at the St. John’s Choral Festival. They were awarded 1st placing and the St. John’s Festival Shield which will be displayed in the PAC. The adjudicator, Karen Robin spoke in glowing term’s regarding the Ensemble singing, Sensitive musicality and Interpretation of the Choral works. Further details are available from Janet Turewicz or Trevor Cooper.

My thanks to all hard-working choir members; Choir Captain Kayla Van der Weyde and to Lisa Bektash and Matt Harper who accompanied the choir with great expertise. The Choir Swing Band and Year 10 Band will perform at the N.E Arts Festival on September 4th at the 11.90am concert. Parents and friends are invited to the final Concerts given by the Music Solo and Group VCE Music classes. Please contact Janet Turewicz and Adam Pica for further information regarding the VCE Concerts -Swing Band, Concert Band and Choral performances will be enjoyed. All are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Concerts

Group Concert – Thursday 17th September at 7.00pm in the PAC
The END of YEAR BAND and CHOIR Concert - Monday 26th October at 7.00pm in MCD
Solo Concert - Tuesday 15th September at 7.00pm in the PAC

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Students Exhibition

27 Aug 2009 21:57:40 GMT +1100

Year 10 Art students Exhibition project with Benalla Art Gallery

Over last term Year 10 Art students participated in a project with Benalla Art Gallery and the Hume Region Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The project involved students responding to the splendid Roman mosaic 'Le Marriage d'Admete' which dates from the Second Half of the II Century and is 5.94 x 8.80m.

This extraordinary glass tile mosaic was discovered in the 1800’s and is situated on the floor within the Musee Des Beaux Arts Nimes, France. Our students will now have their artworks exhibited at the Benalla Art gallery from September 1st – 30th and also digitally projected onto a wall at the Musee Des Beaux Arts in Nimes. Congratulations to the students involved for their fabulous artworks and the dedication they showed to the project.

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WSSC Student Radio - Shout Idol

27 Aug 2009 22:08:12 GMT +1100

HEY!

Shout Radio is turning into Shout Idol! What we need for this to work is anyone (including staff!) that enjoys singing and would like to sing to the school (with the lyrics of course) on Shout Radio! Just like karaoke at a party, there will be prizes involved for the best. Simo and myself are still in the planning stages of this however ideas and feedback off you guys would be awesome.

Karaoke yay or nay? Let us know!

Cheers,

Hughesy & Simoradio

Shout Radio
studentradio@wssc.vic.edu.au

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Job Vacancies

27 Aug 2009 22:10:46 GMT +1100

Current Job Vacancies:

We did not receive the details of job vacancies for this week, but those advertised in last Saturday’s Border Mail include:

Norske Skog – Apprenticeships
NSW RTA – Traineeships
ATEL – Traineeships
SS&A Club- Apprentice Chef
CFA - Seasonal Fire Fighters

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Careers Report

27 Aug 2009 22:13:15 GMT +1100

Degree Cadetships for 2010:

Blue Scope are offering a cadetship in studies as well as providing on-the-job training in a range of engineering degrees in 2010. A cadetship supports you in your university. The cadetships are available in Materials Engineering (Metallurgy), Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechatronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Environmental Science. Applications close by Monday 31st August 2009. Go to the website www.bluescopesteel.com. Click on ‘Careers’, Current Vacancies, Engineering Degree Cadetship. See page 90 of Saturday 22nd August Border Mail for more details.

Early Entry – CSU PREP and La Trobe SALT:

As both these schemes require us to make recommendations on each applicant we need to receive the applications in sufficient time to complete our report. Students intending to make an application to either scheme must submit their application to Sue Bell by:

CSU PREP – Monday 31st August
La Trobe SALT- Friday 11th September

University of Ballarat – Regional Education Entry:

This is a similar program to CSU’s PREP program, where successful students would be given a provisional offer in early December. To apply students need to go to the university’s website: www.ballarat.eduy.au/reep, as well as completing a VTAC application which includes a University of Ballarat course in the list of preferences. Applications open on the 30th August and we need to complete our recommendation, this receiving the application by the 10th October. See Sue Bell for a brochure.

WHK has organised an information session for interested students on Thursday 3rd September from 6.00-7.30pm. at 491 Smollet Street, Albury.

Discovery Day Wollongong University -2010:

This is an early notice for current Year 11 students who would like to investigate the opportunities at this university. This trip is planned in the first week of Term 1 in 2010 over two days. This year the bus was paid by the university and accommodation cost of the 15 participating students $45 each. I assume it will be a similar offer this year. Please look out for further details as I gain the fine details from the university.

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Sports Report

27 Aug 2009 22:16:49 GMT +1100

VSSSA Boys Netball – Thursday 20th August

The Senior Boys team participated in the State finals at Jells Park, Melbourne. Thank you to Pat O’Shannessy for driving the bus. Many thanks to Emma Cardwell (Coach), Kristy Hogg and Robyn O’Shannessy for their organisation and support of the boys. The team played Melton SC in the first game. The boys starred in this match winning 20-14. Game two saw us playing Cheltenham SC. Again the boys played great team netball winning 21-15. The final pool match was against Kyneton SC. We were destined to finish in the top two in our pool whatever the result. However, a win in this match would see us play second in the other pool. Despite the tremendous incentive the boys were outplayed by a determined Kyneton to go down 19-11. The semi-final match was now against the Box Hill team. Box Hill advanced to the final after they defeated us 27-12. They proved to be the champion team in the State after going on to win the final. Well done to our team on reaching the final four in the State. Team members: Nick Dugan, James Greenwood, Taylor Hartwig, Todd Klein, Matt Kowalyczk, Trevor McLean, Tom Russell and Dylan Webb.

VSSSA Boys Badminton – Friday 21st August

The Senior Boys team participated in the State Finals at MSAC, Melbourne. Thank you to Derek Bowey for transporting the students and for his coaching of the team. The team consisted of: Ben Boyd, Joshua Rudd, Larry Murison, & James Trotman. (Thanks also to Matt Clemson who participated as the emergency at Eastern Zone level). Ben got our team off to a very good start with a win over the Bayside number 1 player. While we took a healthy share of points against Bayside, we fell short in the number of sets won (2 v 4). Josh Rudd set a very high standard with an outstanding effort in each of his doubles matches throughout the day. Larry Murison was our only winner of a set against Noble Park, while James Trotman continued to improve throughout the day and all members of the team benefited from playing and witnessing such a high standard of badminton. Swan Hill were a particularly strong team and while we pushed them in a one set beyond 21 points, were unable to take a set from them (they finished top in our pool). Melbourne High ran out eventual winners at the end of the day.
Each member of the WSSC team are to be congratulated for their effort and the excellent manner in which they conducted themselves and represented the school.

VSSSA Boys/ Girls Basketball – Sunday 23rd August to Monday 24th August

The Year 11/12 Boys and Girls Basketball teams will travelled to Melbourne to contest the State Finals. Thank you to Belinda Horan, Kristy Hogg and Mick Hickey for their coaching and assistance with teams. The girls played competitive basketball despite going down to Maribyrnong 62-34, Frankston 54-14 and Mildura 76-17. As a team they were prepared to share the ball around and work hard for the coach to execute the plays. Team: Emily Bannan, Alice Derwentsmith, Jorja Duncan, Kate Gordes, Mikaela Merrilees, Georgia Morris, Lauren Ostle, Emily Taylor and Sophie Wilkinson. The boys’ team impressively defeated Bayside in their first game 46-36. The next game was against Hallam and we lead narrowly at half-time in this match. Dylan Webb was forced from the court with an injury and we missed his rebounding. However, the boys continued to create opportunities. Hallam had a star 3-point shooter who proved too efficient and the Wodonga team lost 42-33. The final game was against another country school in Mildura. Trevor McLean with only a few seconds on the clock slotted a 3-pointer to win the game. This was after great play from the team to set up the chance for Trevor to execute the opportunity. Wodonga won 46-43. Thank you to Mick Hickey for organizing the train travel. Team: Adam Hickey, Jason King, Todd Klein, Matt Kowalcyzk, Jin Lui, Josh McKay, Trevor McLean, Sean Stacey and Dylan Webb.

VSSSA Boys Soccer – Monday 24th August to Tuesday 25th August

Thank you to Nathan Thomas and Peter Gvodenovic for coaching the Year 11/12 and Year 10 Soccer teams respectively. Also, many thanks to Rohan Barry for driving the Year 10 team to Darebin on the morning of competition. Sam Bushnell and David Williams worked tirelessly on the lines throughout the day. Kristy Hogg again managed the equipment and led the cheer squad of support.

The Year 11/12 boys’ soccer team played Bayside in their first match in very gusty conditions at Darebin. The first game against Sunbury had us kicking into the wind. Sunbury capitalised quickly and lead 3-0 at half-time. Wodonga worked hard with the wind to score 2 goals and keep the loss to 2-3. The next game against Lyndale was also a loss 0-2 despite our strong defensive efforts. The final game was against Bendigo. The boys played with much more freedom and won 2-0. Well done to the team on their efforts. Team: Matt Clemson, Jayson Ferguson, Dalton Gilbee, Taylor Hartwig, Jarrod Herzina, Joel Lake, Lochie Liu, Damien Morrison, James Nichols, Chris Ryan, Jack Veenbaas, Adam Waters and Cayne Wilhelm.

The Year 10 team were amazing with their defensive effort to not concede a goal all day. There were three 0-0 draws against Sunbury, Gleneagles and Bendigo. Team effort was certainly 100% culminating with some great saves from Sam Bulowski.Thank you to the parents who helped coach – Peter Gvozdenovic. Team: Sam Bulowski, Steven Colombera, Jedd Gvozdenovic, Jordan Hewatt, Zac Hirt, Micah Jensen, Chris O’Leary, Ben Sebastian, Aaron Sewell, Jesse Stephens, Callum Sutter and Michael Williams.

Coming Events:

BORDER-SHIELD Rugby – Thursday 3rd September at Albury
NEDSSSA Year 10 Basketball – Tuesday 8th September at Wodonga
NEDSSSA Year 10 Hockey – Tuesday 8th September at Wodonga

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SOLAR CAR CHALLENGE VISIT

27 Aug 2009 22:19:43 GMT +1100

Students involved in the 2009 Solar Car Challenge were treated to an inspection of the production facilities of Shorko (Aust) this week in order to become more acquainted with the company’s products and core business activities. In a flying visit, students were introduced to the processes involved in the production of polymer films and innovative snack and food packaging solutions. All involved were very impressed with the company’s commitment to quality product development and worker safety procedures. Many thanks to this year’s industry mentor Mr Bob Johnstone for his careful planning and organisation skills. All looks set for a competitive and rewarding race season for 2009.

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Year 12 Trial Examination Timetable

11 Sep 2009 00:26:47 GMT +1100

Year 12 Trial Examination Timetable:

All examinations on Monday-Thursday take place in the Galvin Hall unless otherwise indicated.
All examinations on Friday 18th September take place in the VCE Centre.
Please check the timings of examinations carefully. There are some day to day variations.
All Maths subjects comprise of two examinations. These exams are indicated in green.
Certain subjects have examinations in locations other than the Galvin Hall. These locations are indicated in red. They are the Music and Dance Centre (MDC), TN2, P1, VA6 and 203.

Click Here for The Timetable

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WSSC Scholarships 2010

11 Sep 2009 04:01:21 GMT +1100

Wodonga Senior Secondary College provides outstanding facilities, academic and co-curricula programs, experienced staff and innovative approaches in a senior school setting developed to meet the specific needs of students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

The College offers specialized areas of study that recognize and promote excellence in student achievement across academic and performance based areas.

In partnership with several community organisations, the College Council offers a number of scholarships to current and prospective students entering Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2010.

Scholarships Information and Selection Criteria (PDF)
Scholarships Application Form (PDF)

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Year 12 Graduation Ticket Sale

05 Oct 2009 23:04:31 GMT +1100

Parents/guardians are invited to attend Wodonga Senior Secondary College’s Formal Graduation for their son or daughter who will complete their VCE/ VCAL studies this year. The program will include the formal presentation to all graduates in the Albury Performing Arts Centre followed by finger food and drinks at the adjacent Convention Centre. There is a limit of three tickets per family (including graduating student).

Location: Albury Performing Arts Centre

WSSC Contact:
Sue Bell - Graduation Coordinator
seniorcollege@wssc.vic.edu.au
ph. 0260 437 500

Purchase Instructions - please read carefully:

You will need to purchase 1 ticket per graduating student. All students need to purchase a ticket although seating allocation will be completed by the college.

Once you reach the shopping cart page, you must select 'Continue Shopping' at the bottom of the screen to purchase seats for guests.
Once back at the Event Booking page, guests can choose to sit in either the gallery or stalls and then proceed to the shopping cart and select 'Checkout'. There is a limit of 2 guest tickets per family.

Click here to book your tickets

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NE Leadership Wilderness Program

15 Nov 2009 21:57:10 GMT +1100

Congratulations to Tyrren Barlow and Daniel Mackie who have been selected to represent the College on the North East Leadership Wilderness Program trip. Tyrren and Daniel have been selected to participate in a ten day leadership camp at Howman’s Gap.
They were selected by a panel that included representatives from Youth Albury/Wodonga and the NELLEN. The camp will involve hiking and camping in the Victorian High Plains and will assist our students in developing their leadership skills. The camp takes place between Friday 23rd November
and Thursday 3rd December.

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Victorian Student Number

15 Nov 2009 21:58:28 GMT +1100

Our school is working with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to allocate a Victorian Student Number (VSN) to each student at the school. The VSN is a student identification number that is being assigned to all students in government and non-government
schools, and students in Vocational Education and Training Institutions. The number, which is unique to each student, will be used as a key identifier on a student’s school records, and will remain with the student throughout his or her education, until reaching the age of 25. The VSN is nine digits
long, randomly assigned, and tied to stable information about the student (name, gender, date of birth).

The introduction of the Victorian Student Number will provide the capability to accurately detect patterns of student movement through, and departure from, the Victorian education and training system. It will greatly improve the collection and analysis of timely and accurate data about education in Victoria. The Department collects information to track improvements made to the education system, identify areas that require further improvement, and to analyse trends and identify future needs. The VSN will improve the accuracy, reliability and completeness of this information, providing a better basis for assessing needs and developing policies to meet them. You will see the VSN appear on student report cards, enrolment confirmations, and exit confirmations. If you want to know more about the VSN please see http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/governance/vsn/overview.htm

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