LMHS Smooth Sailing Newsletter - Term 3 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, and Students,

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Term Three Principal's Report for Lake Munmorah High School. A busy term as always but I wanted to highlight our focus on school uniform moving forward.

Traditionally we have a big improvement over the warmer months of Term’s Four and One.

I’m always grateful for the fantastic support I receive from our learning community and value the strong partnerships we have, as a school, built with our parents and carers in the seven plus years I’ve been here. I’m therefore asking for your help and support in improving the uniform of our students starting Term 4.

Firstly the “WHY” - why is it important to wear uniform? A couple of things to keep in mind are…..

1. Equality: Uniforms create a level playing field by reducing visible socio-economic differences among students. This helps diminish peer pressure related to fashion and brand-name clothing, fostering a more inclusive environment where students are judged by their character and abilities rather than their attire.

2. Focus on Education: With uniforms in place, students are less likely to be distracted by what their peers are wearing. This shift allows them to concentrate more on their academic work and classroom activities, rather than being preoccupied with fashion trends or their own appearance.

3. School Identity and Spirit: Uniforms contribute to a unified school identity and help build a strong sense of school spirit. When students wear the same attire, it enhances their connection to the school community and promotes collective pride and loyalty towards their school.

4. Safety and Security: Uniforms make it easier to identify students as belonging to a specific school, which enhances site safety. This visibility helps staff and security quickly recognise and address any unauthorized individuals or potential security issues within the school grounds.

To that end, if we can help you in any way, be that financially or via supportive conversations with your children, please let us know.

Wishing all our students and families a very safe and restful Spring Holiday break.

Kind regards,

Tony Keevill - Principal, Lake Munmorah High School

English - Faculty Report

This term, we celebrated Book Week with a special morning tea, where students and teachers came together to discuss their favourite books and share reading recommendations. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect over their love of literature and discover new stories to enjoy.

Stage 4 and 5 students have been equally busy, delving into Shakespearean plays, novel studies, and advertising units. These explorations have deepened their understanding of classic and contemporary texts while developing their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Our Year 7 students have thoroughly enjoyed reading Once by Morris Gleitzman, engaging with its powerful story and unforgettable characters. The novel sparked meaningful discussions in class, with students eagerly sharing their insights and reflections. We were also fortunate to have our principal, Mr. Tony Keevil, join several lessons to read alongside the students, making the experience even more memorable for everyone!

Year 9 students have been hard at work in their advertising unit, where they designed their own creative ads for a range of products. This task allowed them to apply their understanding of persuasive and visual techniques. Below are some of the innovative and engaging advertisements they created.

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CAPA - Faculty Report

We are beyond thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) students this term! Here's a shoutout to the hard work, dedication, and talent that has been shining through:

🎉 Congratulations to Our HSC Music & Visual Arts Students!

A huge congratulations to our Year 12 Music students for completing their HSC! Your hard work, dedication, and passion truly came to life in your amazing Open Day performances, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve achieved. A special thank you to Mrs Patterson for her tireless efforts and commitment to guiding these talented students throughout their HSC journey.

A big round of applause also goes to our HSC Visual Arts students for completing their Body of Work, which accounts for 50% of their HSC mark. Your creativity and perseverance have paid off, and we look forward to seeing your impressive work displayed. A heartfelt thank you to Miss Stephens and Mr Davis for their outstanding support and guidance in helping these students bring their visions to life. Best of luck to all our Visual Arts students in the remainder of your HSC journey!

🎶 Farewell to Mrs Harris

After 15 wonderful years of teaching Music at Lake Munmorah High School, we say a heartfelt farewell to Mrs Harris. Her impact on the CAPA faculty and our students has been immeasurable, and we thank her for her dedication and inspiration over the years. We will miss you, Mrs Harris!

🎶 Welcome Mrs Gillard

We are excited to welcome Mrs Gillard, who will be joining our CAPA team in Week 5 of Term 4 as the new music teacher. We are looking forward to her fresh ideas and passion as she steps into this exciting role!

🌟 SHINE Camp

Mark your calendars for the 11th and 12th of November—our much-anticipated SHINE Camp is just around the corner! This is a fantastic opportunity for our performing arts students to refine their skills and bond with peers. Please check School Bytes for permission notes and details.

🎤 Big Gig Concert

We are also excited to announce our Big Gig concert in Term 4! This concert will showcase the incredible musical and performing talent of our students and promises to be an event to remember. Stay tuned for further details as the date approaches—this is one you won’t want to miss!

🎨 Year 7 Pet Portraits

Our Year 7 Visual Arts students have impressed us with their incredible Pet Portraits this term. Your attention to detail and creativity have been wonderful to see, and we are so proud of your progress!

🎹 Year 7U and 7N Concert

A huge congratulations to our Year 7U and 7N students for delivering a spectacular Term 3 concert. Your performances showcased your growing skills and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing what you achieve next!

🌟 SHINE Students

Thank you to our SHINE students for bringing joy to our local nursing homes and preschools with your amazing performances. Your talent and kindness have touched many hearts in the community, and we couldn't be prouder of your efforts.

Looking Ahead

We are excited for all that’s to come in Term 4, with SHINE Camp, the Big Gig concert, and more incredible student achievements on the horizon. Keep shining bright, everyone—your creativity and hard work make our CAPA program truly exceptional!

Warm regards,

The CAPA Faculty 🎨🎭🎶

Mathematics - Faculty Report

🎓 Celebrating the Mathematics Faculty at Lake Munmorah High School! 🎓

As the term comes to a close, we'd like to reflect on the success of our Early Morning Maths Sessions, which ran daily from 7:30 AM in classroom E206. These sessions provided a fantastic opportunity for students to get extra help, revise key concepts, and start their day with focused learning. Thank you to all who participated!

A special reminder for next term: all students will need to come prepared with a calculator. The Casio brand is highly recommended and can be purchased from the school’s front office.

Here’s to finishing the term strong, and we look forward to seeing everyone ready for more maths challenges next term! 📚

TAS - Faculty Report

Stage 6 – IT Timber

A massive congratulations to our HSC Industrial Technology Timber cohort who created some wonderful major projects. A lot of hard work was put into the projects and folios, setting a very high standard for years to come. A special mention to Hamish Brown, winning the inaugural Excellence in Technology award for his outstanding dedication and achievement in Industrial Technology Timber.

Stage 6 – From Ms Stephens

Congratulations Year 12 EEC and Year 12 Hospitality students on the fantastic efforts in completing your course and wish you all well in your HSC exams.

You have all grown into lovely young people. Teaching you all over the years has been a privilege. I will miss your smiling faces.

Yr 11 Hospitality have been working towards completing their online modules and practicing their coffee making skills ready for hosting coffee shop next term. They worked on preparing for the graduation assembly making caramel slice and apple slice and helping with all the jobs associated with hosting an event. Thank you for all your help.

Stage 5 – Food Technology

Yr 10 Food Technology have been busy creating a new food product and packaging for their assessment task and the results were nothing short of fantastic. Well done year 10 you are all food product designers in the making. A fantastic career pathway.

Stage 6 – Industrial Technology Timber

Year 11 Industrial Technology Timber students completed some wonderful Jewellery Box Projects.

This project was challenging, and our students demonstrated outstanding hands-on skills to complete the projects. Mr Watson and Mr Pastourmoglou are very proud of the efforts shown by students in the course!

Stage 5 – Textiles

Yr 9 Fashion produced a tote bag with their own designer brand that will be printed using photo transfer technique. They are building skills on the sewing machine and utilising textile technology. They studied a designer and created a logo using their chosen designer as inspiration.

Stage 5 – Industrial Technology Metal

This semester, Stage 5 metalwork students have proudly completed and tested their rocket stoves and their portable fire pit BBQ’s. They mastered essential skills in metal fabrication.

PDHPE - Faculty Report

As Term 3 comes to a close, I’m excited to reflect on the incredible achievements within the PDHPE faculty. It has been another dynamic term with students excelling both in the classroom and in various sporting arenas. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished:

This term saw some extraordinary milestones for our students:

The Run Beyond Project: We are so proud of the eight students who completed their journey as part of The Run Beyond Project. On September 15th, every student successfully crushed the Sydney Marathon 10km race, showcasing their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth. Congratulations to all participants!

Curriculum Highlights

Our students have been working hard across all year levels, finishing off engaging and important units in both theory and practical lessons:

Year 7: Students have been finalizing their theory unit, Come Together – Relationships and Power, which explores the dynamics of healthy relationships. In practical lessons, they’ve been dancing and mastering skills in Striking Games.

Year 8: This term, Year 8 students completed two significant theory units: Let’s Talk About – focusing on sex and drugs education, equipping them with vital knowledge for informed decisions. On the practical side, students finished their Invasion Games unit, developing teamwork and strategic skills.

Year 9: Students have wrapped up their theory unit, Keep on Moving – centered on lifelong physical activity, encouraging students to adopt healthy, active lifestyles. In practical lessons, they have enjoyed playing a range of Team Games.

Year 10: Year 10 students completed their SEPEP (Sport Education in Physical Education Program) assessment, and we saw some exceptional coaching and leadership skills on display. In theory, they’ve been working through their White Ribbon unit, learning about respect and preventing violence in relationships.

Year 11: Having completed their preliminary courses, Year 11 students sat their end-of-course exams and are now gearing up for the challenges of their HSC courses, which begin next term.

Year 12: Year 12 students in CAFS and PDHPE have completed their trial HSC exams and are entering the final stretch as they prepare for their HSC exams next term. We are confident they’ll perform exceptionally well after all their hard work and dedication.

Faculty Updates

Talented Sports Program (TSP): The new TSP uniforms have arrived, and the students look fantastic in them! If any students have yet to receive their uniform, please come and see your TSP coach to collect it. We’re excited to see our TSP athletes continue to represent the school with pride.

Looking Ahead

Next term brings new opportunities, events, and challenges. As we continue to focus on student well-being and physical education, we’re looking forward to more success stories, strong performances, and personal growth across all year groups.

Thank you to our students, staff, and parents for their continued support this term. Let’s continue to build on these achievements and finish the year on a high note.

Warm regards,

Erin Boake

Head Teacher of PDHPE

Lake Munmorah High School

Aboriginal Education

A huge term full of events and programs for our students at Lake Munmorah High School! We began with whole school NAIDOC celebrations, followed by our Semester 2 Yarn Up with staff and community members.

This term we have facilitated two transitions days for our incoming identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students from our partner primary schools. Junior AECG students spent the days mentoring and coaching cultural games, exploring different domains of the high potential and gifted education frameworks, and welcoming these students to our school.

Students have participated in a range of programs, including on country days with Jono from Dhinewan mentoring, school-based apprenticeship and traineeships days, guest artist workshops and Central Coast Women’s Conference. Our faculty also celebrated the graduation of our Year 12 students, marking this milestone by adding their handprints to the large mural opposite our Yarning Circle.

In Term 4 Mr Quigg returns from leave to lead Kat Ogden and Rory Davis in the AL&EC space. We look forward to more exciting opportunities for our students moving towards the end of a busy year!

Wellbeing - Faculty Report

Year Advisor Reports

Exciting Adventure for Years 8, 9, and 10: Raging Waters Sydney!

We are thrilled to announce an exciting trip for our Year 8, 9, and 10 students! This December, we’ll be heading to Sydney for an unforgettable day at Raging Waters, one of Australia’s premier water parks. With thrilling rides, stunning attractions, and plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, this adventure promises to be a highlight of the school year!

Get ready to dive into an exhilarating experience as we hit the rapids and ride the tubes. Raging Waters is home to some of the most exciting water attractions, including twisting slides, lazy rivers, and the iconic wave pool. Whether you’re looking for a heart-pounding thrill or a more relaxed ride, there’s something for everyone. The park's diverse range of attractions ensures that every student can find their perfect adventure.

As we prepare for this fun-filled day, it's essential to remember that the weather in December can be warm, making it the perfect time to enjoy the cool waters of Raging Waters. With sunny skies and refreshing water, the conditions will be ideal for a day of excitement and laughter. Students will have the chance to bond with friends, create lasting memories, and enjoy the joy of being together outside of the classroom.

Safety is our top priority, so please ensure that all students come prepared. We recommend applying sunscreen before arriving at the park and bringing extra for reapplication throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to wear water-safe shoes and bring a hat for sun protection. Hydration is key, so students should pack a reusable water bottle to stay refreshed during the day.

We encourage everyone to check the weather forecast leading up to the trip and to dress accordingly. Swimsuits, towels, and comfortable clothing are a must! It’s also a good idea to bring a change of clothes for the journey home. This way, students can feel comfortable and dry after an action-packed day.

In addition to the thrilling rides, Raging Waters offers a variety of dining options, so students will have the chance to refuel with delicious meals and snacks. We suggest students bring some pocket money to enjoy the food and any souvenirs they might want to pick up to remember the day.

This trip is not just about the rides; it’s also an opportunity for students to connect with their peers, make new friends, and experience the thrill of teamwork as they take on challenges together. The spirit of camaraderie and adventure will make this day even more special.

In summary, our trip to Raging Waters Sydney promises a day filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. We can’t wait to see everyone there, ready to splash, slide, and enjoy all the fun that the park has to offer. So, gear up for a fantastic day of adventure, and let’s make some amazing memories together!

Year 9 - Mr Aaron Bolte

Year 9 has had a busy Term 3 at Lake Munmorah High School. Students have been working hard in their course subjects, completing assessment tasks, and working towards revising for their Yearly Examinations in Term 4. Students are reminded to be in class on time, have phones and air pod devices away in their bags to maximise their learning outcomes.

Thanks Mr Bolte - Year 9 Advisor

Year 11 - Miss Emily Davis

As we approach the end of Year 11, it’s time to reflect on your journey and gear up for the challenges of Year 12 HSC. This year has laid the foundation for your future studies, and the preliminary exams are a vital tool to guide your preparations.

To make the most of this transition, it is important to have a list of strategies that are suited to your style of learning. Below are some essential tips to help you stay on top of your study:

Review and Reflect: After your preliminary exams, take time to analyze your results. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement in each subject. This will help you focus your efforts where they matter most.

Create a Study Schedule: As the workload increases in Year 12, having a structured study plan will be your best ally. Allocate time for each subject and stick to it! Put in your calendar when your assessments are due for each subject!!

Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals will keep you motivated and on track. Break your study into manageable tasks and celebrate small victories along the way.

Utilize Resources: Don’t hesitate to seek help! Utilize your teachers, study groups, and online resources. Collaboration can enhance your understanding and retention of material.

Stay Balanced: While study is crucial, remember to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Regular breaks, exercise, and downtime will keep you refreshed and focused.

As you step into Year 12, remember that your hard work and dedication will pave the way for your success. Let’s finish Year 11 strong and embrace the exciting challenges that await in Year 12 HSC!

Gosford Aqua Park Excursion!!

As some of you may already be aware, in Term 4 we have a year group excursion to the Aqua Park! Here's to hoping the weather is kind to us and we can have a great day having fun in the water! For all parents the online permission note is accessible via School Bytes and payment can also be made online! There is a maximum of 50 spots with almost half of those spots already being taken!! Don't forget to complete the Waiver Form also which can be emailed to the school.

Miss Davis

Important Dates for Term 4, 2024

Due to the uncertain nature of future events - please refer to the Sentral Parent Portal for important dates, as these are currently subject to frequent changes.