Gifted and Talented Students (GaTS) Showcases
Family, friends and staff that attended the GaTS showcases this year were impressed by the standard of work produced by students in our GaTS classes. This year students in Years 7 and 8 were asked to reflect on their learning and discuss their projects with guests. Mrs Jenness and a team of Year 7 and 8 students created some delicious 'cafe creations' dishes that were enjoyed by all.
Students in Years 9 and 10 and those students who took First-Year University courses presented their work at our senior showcase on Monday 2 December. Students presented a wide variety of projects encompassing music, art, business, dress design and medicine.
This year 3 students took First-Year University courses through the University of Newcastle's High Performing Students Program:
- Verrity Bevan studied Globalisation and International Management
- Rebekah Humphreys studied Object Oriented Programming
- Arabella Sewell studied Introduction to 2D Studies
The GaTS Coordinators awards were awarded to:
- Sarsha Barlow and Baylee McIntosh for their business project 'K9 Treats'
- Rebekah Humphreys for her work in her university course 'Object Oriented Programming'
Ms Blakemore is currently asking students to see her as soon as possible if they would like to submit an application to undertake a First-Year University course in 2020.
Courses on offer in 2020 are:
- Globalisation and International Management (BUSN1001)
- Introduction to 2D Studies (AART1500)
- Object Oriented Programming (SENG1110)
- Foundations of Health and Disease (HUBS1417)
- Introductory Chemistry (CHEM1010)
Sports Excellence Awards
This year our Sports Excellence Awards presentation returned to our school. Mrs Jenness and Year 10 hospitality students catered the event, with guests enjoying delicious gourmet burgers and fruit platters before the official presentation. Our special guest Mitchell Pearce was a great sport during his interview with Mr Watts. We would like to thank Mitchell for donating a signed jersey for our lucky door prize.
Celebratory Morning Tea
Dr Walsh hosted a celebratory morning tea for staff to recognise their hard work that has resulted in our school receiving 3 awards this year:
- Executive Directors Award for school improvement and innovation
- Secretaries Award for outstanding school initiatives
- Winner of the NSW Premiers Award for commitment to providing high quality education.
Year 10 Strive Interviews
Year 10 students took part in 'Strive interviews' an essential part of their careers program. The panel interview is held with a community member and or local business person and a teacher. Students had the opportunity to discuss their future goals and transition to further education or employment. We want to thank the nineteen community members and business people who volunteered their time to take part in the interviews.
Year 10 Formal
After two days of interviews, Year 10 dressed up for their formal at Brownsugar, Warners Bay. Year Adviser Mr Watts described the evening as a great success, as students celebrated the end of their junior school years.
Out and About
Our students have been busy in the second half of Term 4, attending a number of events and excursions including:
Billy Elliott
Year 12 traveled to Sydney to view the musical, 'Billy Elliot'. It was an outstanding performance and an excellent chance for students to see one of their HSC English texts live on stage!
Walk a Mile Koori Style
A group of our students made their way to King Edward Park for the annual Walk a Mile Koori Style event. The male students walked a mile and made a pledge against domestic violence. The event is for a great cause that is important to our Aboriginal community.
White Ribbon Breakfast
Our school leaders Jake, Henry, Ethan and Tylor attended the White Ribbon Breakfast in Newcastle with Deputy Principal Mr Chandler. They heard author Rebecca Poulson share her experience of domestic violence.
All the men that attended the breakfast pledged an oath against domestic violence.
Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival
Our students took part in the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival - a great day even though our battery did not last the distance.
High Achiever's Day
Senior students attended the third and final ‘High Achiever’s Day’ at the University of Newcastle’s NeW Space campus. They participated in a workshop on stress management, heard from university students about their experience with their Psychology and Law degrees and participated in an escape room challenge.
Work Experience
Hayley Wheeldon, Year 10
I really enjoyed my time completing surveying work experience with Parker Scanlon Surveyors. I visited many different jobs, including house set outs and marking out boundaries. Throughout the week, I was encouraged to engage with the equipment and even complete tasks the surveying assistant would usually do. This was an excellent opportunity for me and allowed me to really understand what surveying is about. I had a ball!
New Mural
Local artist Quinn Squires has been commissioned to work with our students on a beautiful Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) mural for our school. Several students have been working alongside Quinn on this project. The finished painting will be installed in our playground in the quadrangle!
Year 9 Picture Book Project
In the second week of Term 4, Year 9 students visited one of our partner primary schools, West Wallsend Public School. Year 9 were paired with buddies in Year 1 and 2. After some lively discussions about interests and themes for the picture books, Year 9 returned to school to brainstorm and consolidate their ideas.
Katrina McKelvey - children's author and Kirrili Lonergan Illustrator were brought in to run workshops passing on techniques and advice students could use in the design of their books. After 8 weeks of work, Year 9 returned to WWPS to deliver the finished books to their buddies. There were lots of happy faces. What a great way to finish the year!
Semester Two Excellence Ceremony
Congratulations to all the students who received awards at the Semester Two Excellence Ceremony and thank you to all the family and community members who attended; your support is invaluable. A special thank you to Cooper Richards and to our vocal group for their superb performance of 'The Reason' and our student leaders for their contribution to the ceremony.
We would like to recognise the contribution of staff members who worked behind the scenes to make this event a success. Special mention to Mr Bubb, Mrs Cox, Mrs Klein and Mrs Lalor. Thank you to our student photographer, Jordan Proctor Jones and Ms Turner, for capturing the images that follow.
Academic Award Recipients
Year 7
First in course:
- Izaiah Webber - personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- Mikayla O'Shea - English
- Dekota Kelb - technology mandatory (Gifted and Talented Students (GaTS))
- Rory Dorse - technology mandatory
- Thomas Aldridge - history, mathematics, science and Japanese
- Jaylyn Gebethner - music
Year 8
First in course:
- Sukontha Vaenkwaen - personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- MacKenzie Lovett - drama (equal 1st)
- Max Harvey - English
- Ryan Dundas - physical activity and sports studies
- Alisha McGinty - technology mandatory
- Willem Periaho - industrial technology (timber)
- Johanna Jenkins - food technology
- Rebecca Hardy - music
- Ella Findlay - dance and drama (equal 1st)
- Riley Farmer - geography and science
- Ashlee Dawson - technology mandatory (GaTS) and visual arts elective
- Jarred Lyle - crazy contraptionsand animation and film design (equal 1st)
- Niloufar Gul - animation and film design (equal 1st).
Year 9
First in course:
- Ella Stashinsky - child studies
- Rory-Leigh Spicer - visual arts (elective)
- Ryan Mott - mathematics, commerce/business in action
- Logan Bennett - industrial technology (metal)
- Braydi Gebethner - personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) (equal 1st)
- Ella Bagnall - personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE) (equal 1st)
- Sam Turley - industrial technology (timber)
- Abby Szerszyn - dance
- Kourtney Ryan - physical activity and sports studies
- Baylee McIntosh - iSTEM
- Aimee Lyle - English
- Brenden Hardy - science and information and software technology
- Sarsha Barlow - geography, history and music
- Madeline Harper - photography and digital media
Year 10
First in course:
- Cooper Richards - music
- Oilvia O'Connell - dance
- Logan Hodge - information and software technology
- Jye Clayton - SAIL
- Colby Myers - history, photography and digital media, equal 1st in mathematics and geography
- Sophie Walmsley - personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- Mitchell Parker - aboriginal studies
- Cody O'Neill - science
- Ava Meyers - visual arts (elective)
- Sofia Lawrence - child studies
- Rebekah Humphreys - iSTEM, future focused inquiry, equal 1st in geography and mathematics
- Caitland Hill - commerce/business in action
- Verrity Bevan - English
- Damon Green - industrial technology (timber)
- Lillia Price - food technology.
Year 11
First in course:
- Sienna Sin - music
- Hunter Moore - sport, lifestyle and recreation
- Jack McGinniskin - ancient history
- George Macey - industrial technology (timber)
- Henry Cooper - mathematics and physics
- Zahnee Bridge - biology, investigating science and English (standard)
- Danica Taylor - visual arts, business studies, industrial technology (multimedia) and English (advanced)
- Arabella Sewell - English (extension)
- Maddison Reichert - food technology and personal development, health and physical education (PDHPE)
- Sophie-Anne Read - society and culture
- Rosemarie Oubridge - legal studies and modern history
- Jake Muller - chemistry and mathematics (standard)
Exemplary attendance
Diamond Awards
Students who have exceeded 125 points through our commendation system from GOTCHA’s, Excellence Awards and Faculty Excellence Awards. Recipients are recognised for honouring the PBL values – respect, responsibility and excellence in their daily school life.
Diamond Awards, presented by Mr Peter Demspey, President, West Wallsend Worker’s Club (Sponsor).
Excellence in Visual Arts award
Danica Taylor
Each year the Visual Arts Faculty nominate a student to receive the Excellence in Visual Arts award. This student has demonstrated exceptional skills in the arts and has been an inspiration for other students across the school. The recipient for 2019 is a talented artist and an all-around achiever.
Presenter: Mr Troy Duncan, Director, First National Real Estate Lake Macquarie.
The Fin Building Products award for the best performance in VET Construction
Kieran McDonald and Jasper Shipley
Sponsored by Fin Building Products, a local business who are wonderful supporters of our school.
Presented by: Mayor Kay Fraser, Lake Macquarie City Council.
Caltex Best All Rounder Award
Aiden Halpin
The Caltex Best All Rounder Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated participation and excellence in academic, leadership, sporting and community service activities.
Aiden has been an exceptional school citizen, being a member of the leadership team for 2019. Also, Aiden has excelled on the sporting field, and he has shown outstanding commitment to his studies.
Presented by: Mr Clayton Barr, MP, State Member for Cessnock.
2019 ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award.
Colby Myers, Year 10 recipient
This award recognises student abilities in transformational leadership, an essential skill for the 21st Century.
Presented by: Lieutenant Commander David Reay of HMAS Kuttabul.
2019 ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award
Angus Bennett, Year 12 recipient
Presented by: Lieutenant Commander David Reay of HMAS Kuttabul.
The Reuben F Scarf Award
Hayley Watts
This award recognises and honours consistent effort and the desire to improve. Hayley receives this award for her continued persistence and dedication to her studies, and her desire to improve her results over the last twelve months as a Year 12 student.
Presented by: Mr David Bullock, Media Adviser for Mr Joel Fitzgibbon, Federal Member for Hunter.
Phillip Dederer Perpetual Award
Samantha Johnson
This award recognises a student’s determination and willingness to succeed in education. It is an award which identifies the importance of perseverance. Samantha has worked tirelessly this year. Despite her adversity, Samantha's perseverance and commitment to education and the learning community of West Wallsend High School is recognised through this award.
Presented by: Mr Peter Dempsey, President of the West Wallsend Workers Club.
Senior Performing Artist of the Year Award
Flick Cody
Awarded for personal best and overall excellence.
Presented by: Mrs Klein and Miss Rebecca Berni.
Faculty of Business & Law, University of Newcastle Award
- HSC Business Studies – Shawn Towler
- Year 11 Business Studies – Danica Taylor
- Year 11 Legal Studies – Rosemarie Oubridge
- HSC Legal Studies – Hayley Watts
These awards are sponsored by the Faculty of Business and Law, UoN. Presented by: Dr Doowon Lee, Assistant Dean, International – Strategy and Programs, Faculty of Business and Law, UoN.
Excellence in Aboriginal Education award
Awarded to a senior and junior Aboriginal student who are excelling in their academic pursuits, demonstrate pride for learning, and exhibit immense cultural pride to our learning community.
Maddison Reichart Year 11
Presented by Mr Ian West, on behalf of Mr Gareth West, Associate, Doyle Partners.
Excellence in Aboriginal Education award
Blayke Avery, Year 9
Recognition in Aboriginal Education Award
Awarded a student who works to promote cultural pride in our school and assists in the running of cultural activities and programs.
Kyla Eggins
Library donation
Each year West Wallsend Workers Club donate a variety of books to our library in honour of members passed. This year’s generous gift to the school was presented by Mr Nelson Allen, OAM, JP, Director of West Wallsend Workers Club and his wife Mrs Marlene Allen, JP, to school captains Jake Muller and Maddison Reichert.
Year 10 DUX for 2019
Colby Myers
This award is for overall academic excellence and recognises a student’s ability to achieve high scores throughout school-based assessments.
Presented by Dr Fiona Walsh PhD, Principal, West Wallsend High School.
Lodge Lake Macquarie Scholarship
Tyreece Sampson
The Lodge Lake Macquarie have again sponsored a scholarship for a student this year.
Presented by Worshipful Brother Graham Ward, Lodge Lake Macquarie.
P and C Visual Art award
Makenzi Milton
Each year our P&C sponsor a Visual Art award. Presented by Mrs Jennie Middlemas, President of West Wallsend High School P&C.
The Premier's Sporting Challenge Medal
Sophie Walmsley
The Premier's Sporting Challenge Medal, recognises excellence in overall sporting ability.
Presented by Mr Bob Broadfoot, OAM, JP, Team Leader Plan-It Youth Mentoring Program.
No Bull Real Estate Achievement Awards
Lachlan Eldridge, Year 7 recipient
No Bull Real Estate supports our school each year and provides shields for junior students who have made the most improvement in each year group.
Presented by: Mrs Lesley Callaghan from No Bull Real Estate.
No Bull Real Estate Achievement Awards
Sukontha Vaenkwaen, Year 8 recipient
No Bull Real Estate Achievement Awards
Rory-Leigh Spicer, Year 9 recipient
No Bull Real Estate Achievement Awards
Ava Meyers, Year 10 recipient
Ann Campbell Award for Excellence in the Junior School
Rebekah Humphreys
This award has been sponsored by Samaritans. Presented by: Mr Dylan Hudson from Samaritans.
University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor’s Award
Heidi Sullivan, Year 12 2019
Heidi received a scholarship from the University of Newcastle. Presented by: Associate Professor Peter Howley, Faculty of Science, UoN.
University of Newcastle Award for Academic Excellence
- Jonathan Fogarty – Physics
- Zahnee Bridge – Biology
- Henry Cooper – Mathematics
- Jake Muller – Chemistry
Presented by: Associate Professor Peter Howley, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle.
We would like to express our gratitude to all our sponsors, your support is invaluable and great appreciated.
Sponsors:
- West Wallsend Workers Club
- No Bull Real Estate
- Doyle Partners
- Lake Lodge Macquarie
- fin Building Products Pty Ltd
- Sugarloaf Accounting
- Lake Macquarie First National
- Donaldson Coal
- Samaritans
- West Wallsend High School P&C
- University of Newcastle
- Clayton Barr, State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock
- Joel Fitzgibbon, Federal Member for Hunter
- Donaldson Coal
- Reuben F Scarf Memorial Foundation
- ADF LongTan & Leadership Awards
WWHS Community Survey
We are asking for your feedback, please complete our short 4 question community survey and help us to improve in 2020.
Sentral for Parents App
To ensure you receive essential information, news, updates and opportunities available to your children, we regularly review the tools we use to communicate to parents, carers and our school community. In 2020 we will continue to use electronic methods of communication as we seek to decrease our carbon footprint.
In Term 4 2019 we have upgraded the Sentral Parent Portal and Sentral for Parents smartphone App. These platforms offer a more secure and flexible means of communication with parents and carers. Our current Skoolbag App will no longer be available from 20 December 2019.
All families with an email address registered with the school have been sent an email containing a new family access key to access both the parent portal and the new App. If you did not receive an email please contact the school to update your details.
Communication platforms in 2020:
- School website – in-depth news articles; newsletters; links for the school calendar and the parent portal; general information provided by the NSW Department of Education and the school
- Sentral Parent Portal – view your child’s timetable; student daily notices; update your contact details; student reports coming in 2020
- Sentral for Parents smartphone App – notifications and reminders; access the parent portal
- Facebook page – daily news and updates
- Twitter – news
We would encourage parents/carers to engage with all the communication platforms available for a complete picture of our school and the opportunities available to your children.
A letter was sent home with all student reports, if you are unable to access electronic communication and require a paper copy of essential information, please the return section on the letter and send to school in Term 1.
Key Dates in Term 1, 2020
- Tuesday 28 January - School staff return to school, staff development training
- Wednesday 29 January - Year 7, start school (orientation week)
- Wednesday 29 January - Year 11 and 12 return to school
- Thursday 30 January - Years 8-10 return to school
- Monday 3 - Tuesday 4 February - Year 7 Best Start testing
- Tuesday 4 February - Elevate Education session 1 for students in Years 11 and 12
- Wednesday 5 February - whole school swimming carnival at Wallsend Pool
- Friday 7 February - Year 7 Best Start catch-up
- Wednesday 12 February - 2019 High Achievers assembly
Fundraiser at Grill'd Kotara
Our P & C has organised a fundraiser for our school at Grill'd Kotara on the rooftop at Westfield Shopping Centre during the month of December. If you are dining at Grill'd, please choose to support our school by putting your token in our jar. The organisation with the most tokens at the end of the month will receive $300.