Back-to-school can be a very emotional time for children.  For first-time students, being away from parents, adjusting to a new environment with new people, and adapting to a new routine can be overwhelming. You can help by talking about the positive aspect of school. Tell stories about your happy, funny and enjoyable experiences at school.  Talk to older siblings about the ways they can help so they don’t tell scary stories.

• Establish regular bedtime and wake-up routines. Children, including teenagers, need plenty of sleep. They may be more tired than usual and need time to relax. You may find that rather than becoming more grown up, young children might regress or become more difficult or defiant, in response to the stress of the new routines.
• Celebrate the start of school with a special meal or outing. Make the experience as happy and positive as you can.
• Children normally shed a few tears when they part from their parents.  Try not to extend your stay because it can prolong and intensify the child’s reaction. This behaviour may last a few days or weeks.  Teachers are prepared to handle the situation and if alerted that a child may react badly to separation, they can give the student a special job or a partner in the class to help with the adjustment period.  Even if children have been to school previously, they might still find their initial weeks a period of change and stress.

Miles Cole-Clark (Year 10) finished with a bronze medal at the National Athletics Meet in Hobart late last year. Miles jumped 1.96m. A great achievement – the winner jumped 1.99m.

This year we look forward to our biannual trip to Japan. Mrs Chantler and Mrs Cashen will accompany ten students on a 10 day tour of Japan, from 29 March, 2010.  Also this year we will begin to plan our biannual trip to our sister school in Germany in 2011. This experience is open to all students from Years 8-11. This trip has always been very popular and I encourage you to start saving now. The trip is for 3 weeks at the end of Term 1. This is spring in Germany and the weather is superb.

This year the Music Department will be running a Gifted and Talented Music camp for Year 5 and 6 students in the region on Friday 5-7 March. The camp is geared towards those students who already learn an instrument/voice with the ability to read music. The students will choose an elective of Percussion, Concert Band or Musical Theatre and will work intensely with HVGS and Conservatorium staff to further develop their skills whilst work towards a performance. All three ensembles will perform individually and will combine for a mass item to perform at the closing concert on the Sunday.

Nominations are called for students interested in representing HVGS in the HICES Debating Competition in 2010. There will be a Middle Division (Years 7-8), a Senior Division (Years 9-10) and an Opens Division (Years 10-12) with each containing a squad of six nominated speakers. Could any interested students please register their names with Mr Jolliffe (joliffen@hvgs.nsw.edu.au) by Tuesday 9 February.

School Camp notes will be mailed out in Week 3. Please take time to read and sign the camp information (where appropriate) and check medical details are current and correct. This information should be returned to Middle and Senior School Offices by Monday 15 February.

Your cooperation with regards to this will be greatly appreciated.

Loodia Woods-TIC Outdoor Education

Cessnock Council has on offer 16 scholarships for students from the Cessnock Local Government Area to gain $2,500 for one year to assist them with their finances during their studies. Closing date for applications is 26 February 2010.  Scholarships are on offer for students from Year 10 through to TAFE and University and there are a diverse range of scholarships which should appeal to students studying. More information is available on the council's website http://www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/council/mayor/scholarships.

The Australian Government is providing an Education Tax Refund (ETR) which allows families to claim a range of education
related expenses. The Australian Taxation Office has advised that, to date, only half of all eligible Australian families have
lodged a claim. The ETR provides parents with refunds of up to $375 per primary school student and $750 per secondary school student.  

Claims can be made as part of the normal tax return process or through family support allowance processes for those not
required to lodge a tax return. Taxpayers have until March-April 2010 to claim out-of-pocket expenses for the 2009 school
year if they lodge their individual returns through a tax agent. For more information about the ETR visit www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au

An order has been placed for a changed Sports Uniform.  The new sports uniform retains the School’s traditional colours with a more modern fabric and contemporary style.  I wanted parents to be aware of the arrangements for the introduction of the new sports uniform.  At this stage, the changes apply to just the sport shorts and sport polo.  A new track suit and lightweight rugby jumper is also planned. 

Students may continue to wear the current sports uniform for all of 2010 and 2011, with all students expected to be in the new uniform for the commencement of 2012.

From Tuesday 9 February the current stock of sports uniform will sell for Cost (to the School) price.  When the new stock becomes available for sale in the Uniform Shop the current sports uniform (call it the old uniform from this point) will sell for Cost less 25%.    From 2011, the old uniform will sell for Cost less 50%.  In 2012, any remaining old stock will be donated to an appropriate charity.   Please refer any questions to Janine Richards, uniformshop@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.

On Monday 8 February 2010 at 6:30pm there will be an information/recruitment night at Scobie Barracks, Harvey Rd, Rutherford.  The Australian Army Cadets offer our young citizens aged 12½ to 18 years guidance and skills that are rarely seen in the youth of today and as such are important in building qualities and leadership in our future community.  For further information, please contact a member of the unit on 0438 241213.

Please note that all Port Stephens Coaches School Bus Passes are still available for collection at the Port Stephens Coaches office and will be until Friday 12 February 2010, after this date they all will be sent out to the appropriate schools.

Paul Teys
Principal

A quick note to thank everyone for the warm and friendly welcome I have received from all members of the School community since arriving at Hunter Valley Grammar School. After just one week I cannot help but be impressed by the positive, friendly atmosphere around the school grounds and in each classroom and the level of respect and regard that students at Hunter valley Grammar School have for their peers and the staff. I have also been impressed at how quickly students across the school have focused on their academic work and we are all now into full swing in the classroom.

A few words by way of introduction. I have been a teacher of Mathematics for thirty years. During that time I have taught at a number of independent schools throughout Australia, mostly in Western Australia, but for my sins have also taught in Victoria for three years and England for two. I have also had a number of administrative roles during that time as Head of Mathematics, Acting Dean of Curriculum at Melbourne Grammar and most recently as Director of Studies at Christ Church Grammar School in Perth. I now find myself in the Hunter Valley and early indications are that this was clearly the smartest move I have made!

The School has received two EFT payments without an identifiable reference.  The details on the School bank statements are as follows:

• 07/01/2010        Reference is a series of numbers $496.80
• 27/01/2010        Reference is a series of numbers $496.80

Please contact the Bursar’s office on 4931 0715 if you made these transfers. You may need to supply evidence of the transfer.

• Academic Scholarships  Years 5-11
• Music Scholarships        Years 5-11
• Art Scholarships              Years 9-11
  
  

All Applications close Friday 9 April, 2010.   Academic Scholarship Exams are held on Saturday 8 May 2010.  Please apply online at www.hvgs.nsw.edu.au or please contact Jenny Fisher direct on 4931 0771 or email fisherj@hvgs.nsw.edu.au for further information.

Jenny Fisher
Registrar

On Friday March 19, 2010 HVGS will host an afternoon of memories and fun to mark our 20th Anniversary. All parents and friends are welcome to join their children in the Cameron Centre from 11:40am for an enjoyable look at our first twenty years. This will be followed by a sausage sizzle for lunch and a rock concert in the afternoon featuring our talented music students. The afternoon concludes at 3:00pm.  For further information, please contact Susan Boyd on 4934 2444 or email boyds@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.

Susan Boyd
Archivist

It was pleasing to see so many enthusiastic students on our return to school this week.  I am sure that families have had a most relaxing and revitalising time and like myself look forward to a productive year.

I extend to all new families the warmest of welcomes.  I, along with staff and the parent community look forward to getting to know you better and working closely with you to provide the best possible education for your children. As students settle into classes we are reassuring them of their class rules, procedures and organisation to keep them safe and happy. Please become familiar with the Junior School Diary and don’t hesitate to contact staff should you need further assistance or clarification.

I am thrilled to have Mrs Jan Burgess join us in the Junior School for this year.  She is an experienced teacher who brings a diverse range of skills to the School. Many of you would recognise Jan who has been teaching in our Preschool throughout the past two years.  Along with some of our other staff Jan has both Early Childhood and Primary qualifications. 

Throughout last year Jan did some casual teaching in the Junior School on days when she was not in the preschool.  It is wonderful to have been able to capture a teacher who has such intimate knowledge of the operation of our school, our specific curriculum approaches and an understanding of the development path that young children take. Again I consider us lucky to have recruited another highly dedicated and professional teacher.

It is with warmth that we welcome back some of our established staff who have been on leave.  Mrs Hassett will be taking a Year 2 class throughout this year and Mr Devorsine will be sharing a year 5 class with Mrs Dodge after Mrs Youman takes maternity leave later this Term. Mr Devorsine will be in sharing early Term 1 experiences with both Mrs Dodge and Mrs Youman.

As we seem to have recently had some of the hottest weather of the summer we would ask that all students are cautious, bring a water bottle to carry into the classroom and to other specialist lessons and ensure that they have their hat with them every day.  At school we are encouraging students not to run around too much in the middle of the day and to pursue more restful activities. 

A friendly reminder to all families that all equipment should be labelled before bringing it to school. At the end of last year we had an enormous amount of unclaimed property left at school.  After spending a great deal of time sorting through the items Mrs Kephart has sent all labelled items to classrooms to be taken home.  Please regularly take the time to check that labels are still able to be read on all items before students bring them to school.

As it is often difficult for many parents to attend “Meet the Teacher” afternoon due to timing, clashes etc, we have once again decided to use written communication to introduce our staff and routines for 2010.  All class information including routines, camps, timetables, requirements, coming events etc will be sent out in a circular produced by staff on each grade.  Included in this newsletter will be a personal introduction to the teachers on the grade.  Should you have any questions after you receive this circular please do not hesitate to contact the class teacher.  Meet the Teacher circulars will be sent home soon.

Each morning students should arrive at school, hang up their bags and proceed to the Covered Outdoor Area.  Particularly Kindergarten students should ensure that they do not loiter around their classrooms with the current building traffic.  If there are concerns about leaving children please hand over to the teacher on duty before leaving.

Currently we have a huge number of students who of an afternoon are waiting to be collected by parents. To this end in order to facilitate their easy and speedy departure we have moved waiters (1-6) to the covered outdoor area.  As we have very little accessible grass available at the moment we ask that parents wait on the seats at the Administration Building end of the facility and wait for students to be dismissed.  When teachers have established student presence they will allow them to move to their parents.

In light of the current building  program Kindergarten students will continue to be collected from the grass area outside the ELC, however we do ask families to move off as soon as possible when the children are handed over. As the term unfolds and more students start to catch buses we envisage that there will be a need for us to reassess this arrangement.  We will ensure parents are informed of any changes to this arrangement.  All parents are asked to please not go to classroom doors and collect students or to take students from lines as this compromises our routines and could place students at risk.

After School Care is again running from 2:55pm till 6:00pm daily in the Junior School DTE room.  Parents are reminded that they should make any bookings or cancellations by contacting Mrs Kephart direct on 4931 0735 or by email kephartr@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.  Early contact is essential for casual bookings as we will need to check our ability to cater for the student numbers (maintaining appropriate student / staff ratio is essential).  All inquiries re ASC should be made through Mrs Kephart.

It is essential that we maintain security within our preschool.  To this end we ask that no junior school age students enter the Preschool grounds to collect siblings without a parent.

Once again we say thank you to the P & F who have generously assisted our Pre-school to enhance their outdoor environment by providing plants for the planter boxes, hanging potted baskets and pots and shrubs for around the storage shed.  The physical environment not only provokes thought and ideas, but heightens the child’s aesthetic awareness.

Once again can I invite parents at any time when they are concerned to first make contact with the Class Teacher, then the Head of Stage and then myself . We look forward to yet another wonderful year.

Next Monday 8 February will see the swimming carnival held at Maitland Pool.  Parents are invited to attend this carnival and lend their support to the day.  All details have been sent home from Mr Burgess.

Liz Thompson
Head of Junior School

Welcome back to another very busy and productive year at Hunter Valley Grammar School.  A very special welcome is extended to all of our new families.  We hope your journey with us is an exciting and fulfilling adventure for you all.

It is important that the Heads of House be well known to all members of the School community.  Together with your child’s Tutor Group Teacher, they are your initial point of contact into the School and can be contacted via the Middle School Office, leaving a message with the Middle School Assistant, Jennifer Long, phone 4931 0760 or email longj@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.

It is also important that all students know their Middle School Leaders for 2010. Both Llewellyn Thomas and Max Moore are the students’ representatives and voice on all issues and are approachable, at all times, to assist their fellow students.

Communication is the key to the effective operation of any establishment; albeit a school or a business.  If everyone is aware of the policies, processes and expectations, then it is easy to notice when something is not ‘quite right’ or not a ‘good fit’.

On Friday, 29 January 2010, a Middle School (Years 7, 8, 9) Information Session was held to allow all parents to meet with their Head of House, discuss any immediate issues, as well as gaining an overview of the curriculum offered throughout Stage 4 and into Stage 5, by our Director of Studies.  If you were unable to attend, a PowerPoint Presentation is available for you to gain an overview of the discussion generated, please contact Jennifer Long on 4931 0760 or email longj@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.

Every student across the secondary school needs their own secure space to maintain their personal items, including books, mobile phones, sporting equipment etc.   At the commencement of their time in Middle School, every student will be allocated a locker, with a School combination lock. 

Every locker must be locked at all times.  If locks/keys go missing, then the student will be responsible for buying a new School lock ($12). If implemented successfully and used appropriately, then we can guarantee the safety of all students’ equipment at all times.   

Students should not purchase their own locks without discussing it with their Head of House.

Please note: 

• Only HVGS Students with HVGS email addresses are able to access the HVGS Moodle website. Parents therefore need to ask their children to login using the username and password issued at School.
  
• Most documents are in PDF format so you need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer at home to view these documents. (Can be downloaded from the Adobe website FREE).

Your child must first enrol into Middle School Admin on Moodle.  The enrolment key is MSADMIN.
Go to http://moodle.hvgs.nsw.edu.au

• Enter your child’s username and password
• Click on SCHOOLS ADMIN
• Click on Middle School Admin
• Click on Information Booklets
• Click on the relevant booklet you wish to access

• Thursday, February 4 - Sport Registration, 2:30pm – 4:00pm
• Wednesday February 10 - Secondary Swimming Carnival, Maitland Pool
• Thursday March 11 - Pastoral Care Day
• Friday, March 12 - HVGS Open Morning
• Week 9 (29/3 to 1/4)
• Monday – Thursday - Middle School CAMPS
• Friday April 2 - Autumn Holidays Commence

Please contact us immediately if there is an issue/problem, no matter how small.  If we don’t know about it, then we are unable to act on it.

Enjoy your week.
Liz Baird
Head of Middle School

The year has started very well from my perspective, although it was rather different starting the year with no professional development day. As with all years, much will occur throughout 2010 and I would urge you to maintain contact with anyone on the team if you have questions. A special welcome to the new families in the Senior School – I hope that the settling in period is short and that things go smoothly for you.

Thanks to those who came to the Information Session we had at the end of Week 1. It was lovely to meet people and to have the chance to highlight some of the things which distinguish the Senior School from the Middle School.

Consistency of approach to their study will continue to be a theme of mine this year, as I believe that the best way to achieve well in whatever year level in the Senior School. Research to back this up is clear in its findings, and it also points to the fact that a student who consistently and diligently approaches their work also has less risk of developing high levels of stress and feels less like “panicking” when the work builds up.

Tuesday 2 February saw us congratulate the Distinguished Achievers from the 2009 HSC – it was great to see that many were able to attend despite the fact that they, too, are gearing up for their own new year and their commitments are significant.

Year 12, 2010 – please note in your diary – your special formal evening has been confirmed as Thursday, 18 November at the Newcastle City Hall.

A great resource to help you understand the ATAR (replacement for the UAI) and what it’s all about is the Universities Admission Centre website – www.uac.edu.au. Choose “Undergraduate”, then “ATAR”, then “All about ATAR”. It is a simple, concise PDF document which will go a long way to answering some of your questions.

Care of their still quite new centre is high on the agenda for this group as they learn to take full advantage of what it offers. Over the holidays, our IT Department prepared 6 new Dell computers for students to borrow within the centre to add to the 5 desktops already in place. Their Wednesday morning Briefings resume this week, and already there is much information to impart – Ross Mayall our new Careers Adviser has much about which he needs to inform them.

We can’t open a newspaper today with reading about alcohol-related harm. This trend is not unique to Australia.  Alcohol harm is so serious in France that the drinking age was recently raised to 21.  The August 2009 release of the Australian Government’s Preventative Health Taskforce recommendations provide a roadmap for alcohol reform, but do they place sufficient importance on the need for education?

Drinkwise is a not-for-profit research and social change organisation funded by the Australian alcohol industry to build a safer drinking culture in Australia.  We are committed to innovation, evidence-based reform and cultural change through education and community engagement.  While our critics argue that alcohol reform should be managed via the same strict regulatory model utilised in tobacco control, Drinkwise notes that new brain science demonstrates the importance of education as a tool for social change.

There have been some changes to the parking regime on the School grounds this year, with a consultancy firm looking at ways to improve the traffic flow around the campus. As part of this review, students are now asked to park off site in the surrounding streets. No student parking is available on the campus. Please support us in ensuring that students are reminded to park legally and sensibly as fines could result, especially if they park in the No Stopping zones in South Seas Drive.

In keeping with the sentiments expressed in the Principal’s letter at the beginning of the New Year, uniform will be closely monitored across the whole school. I seek your support in ensuring that students are well presented in the Senior School.

The diary clearly details the requirements regarding dress and presentation, and students need to adhere to these requirements at all times. This will also mean that, in the Senior School, and in conjunction with the Director of Sport, students will need to have their House Shirt to wear for sport each Thursday. This is an important hygiene requirement, especially important in the humid weather we are experiencing. So that there is ample warning of any issues related to uniform, Tutor Teachers will now contact parents if a problem has arisen in the first instance. A Thursday lunchtime detention has also been instigated as the first step in the process. Wednesday afternoons and Saturday morning detentions will be used for more significant uniform infringements as well as other matters requiring stern consequences.

• 10 February - Secondary Swimming carnival
• 8 March/10 March - First Parent/Teacher interviews for 2010.
• 11 March - Senior School Pastoral Care Day - [BBQ for the Class of ‘09 students]
• 24 March - Assessment Period for Years 11 and 12
• 29 March - Year 10 camp commences
• 2 April - Good Friday
  

Kind regards
Greg Robinson
Head of Senior School
robinsong@hvgs.nsw.edu.au

The Faculty would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and existing members of the School family.  2009 HSC results have set some benchmarks for the faculty.  The result in one subject, Studies of Religion, requires special mention as the results ranked Hunter Valley Grammar School 4th in the State! This result can not be understated and Mrs Green and her diligent class need to be applauded for this. In this class all students received a Band 5 or 6.  Other subjects have also set some targets including Business Studies, which saw 18% of the HVGS candidates receiving a Band 6 compared to only 8% of candidates across the State receiving a Band 6.

Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Mrs Kelly Ackers, a member of the Communication Faculty in 2009, who delivered a healthy baby boy, named Tavish, in December.   The Faculty also welcomes a new member to the team in Mr Michael Fiddian from Bishop Tyrell Anglican College. Mr Fiddian is an experienced English and History teacher with particular interests in dramatic arts and production.

A number of students in each year group find oral assessment tasks daunting and struggle to convey their understanding of texts and concepts effectively due to the anxiety or discomfort they may experience. The Communication Faculty is looking to provide some assistance to students who feel they would benefit from tips and strategies to manage their anxiety and communicate with articulation, engagement and developing confidence. If you are interested in joining a speech task enhancement programme, please see Mr Jolliffe. Sessions are likely to run either during lunchtimes or after school on particular days, starting in Term 1.

Welcome back to what I’m sure will be another great school year in 2010. A special welcome to all our new students and their families, I’m sure you will find a wonderful learning environment here.

Below is an outline of each year group and the languages on offer.

• Years K-2: French
• Year 3 & 4: German
• Years 5 & 6: French, German & Japanese (students’ choice)
• Years 7 & 8: French, German & Japanese (students’ choice)
• Year 9: French & German
• Year 10: French, German & Japanese
• Year 11: Continuers German
• Year 12: Continuers French & Japanese

Again this year we will welcome a group of students from our sister school in Germany, Erasmus Gymnasium. On 14 August, sixteen students from our sister school will arrive at our school. Therefore we are looking for sixteen families who would like to host a student for two weeks. More information will be available closer to the date.

As well as the group visit we also have a number of longer term students which we need to place. These students tend to arrive just before the start of Term 3 and stay either for 3 months or until the end of the school year. If you are interested in more information on hosting long term students please contact Mr Schlaeger schlaegerm@hvgs.nsw.edu.au.

Some advanced warning, in July 2011 a student from Erasmus would like to come for twelve months. We would therefore be seeking a family who could host a teenage girl for a twelve month period or two families who could host for six months each. 

Sharon Cashen
Head of Languages

The members of the Weeks Library team look forward to working with the HVGS community in 2010. The team consists of two teacher librarians - Mrs Barker and Mrs Pritchard and two library technicians - Mrs Anderson and Mrs Pinnock and we endeavour to provide resources and services that meet the requirements of the School community. Some information for library patrons regarding the library in 2010:

Library Hours

The library is open from 8.00am and closes at 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8.00am until 4.00pm each Friday.  Students may visit before school, at recess and at lunchtime.  Students in Years 5-12 are welcome to do independent work in the library after school.  Students in K-4 may be in the library after school only if they are supervised by their parent or guardian.  Those students visiting the library after school should ensure they do quiet reading and research.

Library Information

The Weeks Library’s section of the school’s Moodle site offers links to many fantastic resources with K-6 Links and 7-12 Links continuing to be updated.  In future weeks we will be promoting the new library management system, Softlink Oliver and the electronic journal services to which we now subscribe through EBSCO host. 

The Mathematics Department are pleased to welcome our School's new Deputy Principal, Bruce Ruthven to the Faculty. Bruce will be teaching Mathematics in both the Middle and Senior schools.  The Department will also be welcoming back Bianca Way who will resume teaching in week 3, having returned from her honeymoon in Europe. Bianca will now be known as Mrs Miller.  

The Department would also like to thank James Saultry who has taught Bianca's classes during the first two weeks of Term.

The AIC is a one hour problem solving competition using mathematical skills. The AIC seeks to identify computer programming potential; something which students might not normally have an opportunity to demonstrate.  The AIC is not a programming competition and no programming experience is required. It seeks to identify the skills needed for programming by testing mathematical and logic skills.  There are 3 separate papers, for students in Years 7 and 8 (Junior), Years 9 and 10 (Intermediate) and in Years 11 and 12 (Senior). The competition will take place on 6 May. To apply to take part in the competition, see Ms Louise Austin in the Maths staffroom before the end of Week 5.   This could be the introduction to a profitable career in computing.

Consider the integers from 1 to 100. What is the difference between the sum of all of the even numbers and the sum of all of the odd numbers?

The Music staff wishes to welcome everyone back to another huge year of music making at Hunter Valley Grammar School. It is with great enthusiasm that we congratulate our first performers of the year, Jasmine Stephens and Corey Wilton, who were sensational at our first whole school assembly on Day 1! Now that we are off to a flying start it is time for our Ensembles to begin. Below is a run down of new rehearsal times for 2010 beginning in Week 3. We strongly urge any young instrumentalists to join these wonderful ensembles.

This year the Music Department will be running a Gifted and Talented Music camp for Year 5 and 6 students in the region on Friday 5-7 March. The camp is geared towards those students who already learn an instrument/voice with the ability to read music. The students will choose an elective of Percussion, Concert Band or Musical Theatre and will work intensely with HVGS and Conservatorium staff to further develop their skills whist work towards a performance. All three ensembles will perform individually and will combine for a mass item to perform at the closing concert on the Sunday. During the course of the weekend, the students will also get a taste of Music Technology and will make their own dance track and burn it onto a CD. They will experience classroom Music lessons and attend a Rock workshop presented by the famous Gillian Eastoe and Terry Murray. If your child is interested in this camp, please fill in the forms attached and return them ASAP to Mrs McLean in the Music Department. There are only 60 places available so be sure to get in quick.

Students are well into the year with majority of classes commencing 2010 with Fitness Testing. Below is an outline of the topics being studied throughout Term 1.

The PDHPE Faculty would like welcome Miss Anna Urbano and Miss Abbey Lindner. Miss Urbano comes from Victoria and is covering Miss Osmond’s maternity leave. Miss Lindner is a recent graduate of the University of Newcastle and is here on a permanent part-time position.

Feb Fast is a charity organisation with monies raised going towards the Australian Drug Foundation. Feb Fast requires participants to go without alcohol for the entire month of February (time outs are available for special occasions). Those who participate lose weight, save money, find more time, energy and productivity in their day and also slept better.

Alcohol is a major issue throughout Australia in both young people and adults. If you are interested or want more information go to www.febfast.com.au  or simply participate without signing up.

The Technological and Applied Studies Department would like to welcome Mrs Kim Monahan, who replaced has Mrs Janelle Howell for 2010.  She joins us with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm in the Hospitality, Textiles and Graphics areas.  Previously teaching in the Catholic System in Sydney and the Central Coast, we look forward the School family getting to know her.

This year in the wood and metal workshops, we are issuing eye ear protection to each student.  These are expected to be brought to every lesson and if looked after should last for many years to come.  In future years they will be issued to Year 7 or new students only.  If your child loses or damages this equipment they will have to replace the item with the cost added to their account.  A note will be sent home if this has to occur. 

In 2010 there is a Teacher-in-Charge position for the following Sports....

Parents can direct any questions to the relevant (Teacher-In-Charge) [TIC], or Mr Tony Burgess (Director of Sport).

Our Annual School Swimming Carnivals will occur in Week 3 Term 1. Please see dates of all carnivals - click below......

A copy of the School Carnival Programs can be viewed on the School's Website (front page NEWS).

Winter Sport Registration Day was held on Thursday 4 February.

Coaches needed: HVGS will field approx 40 winter sport teams in 2010. Team coaches are made up from staff, parents and friends and therefore we would like to invited interested people to nominate as coach for our Netball and Football teams. Coaching support and accreditation will be available.  Please direct enquiries to:

• Mr Ralph Maier maier@hvgs.nsw.edu.au    (Football)
• Mrs Anne Fullick fullicka@hvgs.nsw.edu.au  (Netball)

During Term 4 students in Year 7 completed a Royal Life Saving Course. Well done to all students for their enthusiasm and commitment in attaining this important credential that may one day save lives.

HVGS finished the year as one of the top 12 Co-Educational Independent Schools and Colleges in NSW in terms of the number of students achieving Life Saving accreditation. Students will receive their awards in the next two weeks.

HVGS had its first sport day on Thursday and we had 17 keen golfers practising and improving their skills. The students participated in a putting and chipping competition. The competition winners were Zac Sykes winning Heat 1 of the medium putt competition - only 20cm away from the hole and Brayden Duignan-Teys won the second heat of the medium putt also finishing only 20cm away.

Chris McMellon won the long distance putt being only 30cm away and Ryan Jeans won the short distance putt putting it in the hole.  Elliot Peck won the chipping competition hitting the hole with his chip.

Welcome to the 2010 season. The 1st XV will commence training on the 4 February. Other teams will commence training in Term 1. The competitions that the School will enter in 2010 are listed below. Attached are the relevant year groups.

• Digby Rayward Shield September Years 5-6
• Alumni Shield June-August Years 7-8
• Vince Fester Shield: commences May Years 7-8
• McKendry Shield June-August Years 9-10
• Wiburd Shield: commences May Years 9-10
• Hawthorne Shield June 1st XV
• Waratah Shield: commences May 1st XV
• Yeates Shield: commences May 1st XV

Representative Trial dates for your Diary

• HRIS Trials at HVGS for U16s and Opens 4 May
• Hunter All Schools Trials at Merewether High for Opens 6 May
• AICES Trials for U16s and Opens 25 May
• NSW Country Schools Championships for Opens 11-14 June
• NSW All Schools Trials for U16s and Opens 20 June and 25 June

Medowie Rugby Union Club is aiming to field 4 junior teams this upcoming 2010 season. Under 8’s, 10’s, 12’s and 14’s. Registration days will be held during January - February.

• 26 January - G’Day Medowie Day - Ferodale Sport Oval (am)
• 6 February - Outside Video Ezy Medowie (08:30-11:00)
• 13 February - Medowie Markets (am) or at seniors pre-season training – all Tuesday or Thursday nights after 6:00pm at Boyd Rugby Oval, Medowie

All players, boys and girls, of any ability and fitness level are invited to come and play at our friendly, family orientated club.  The club is also seeking junior Coaches, Managers and Referees for 2010 season – training is provided.  For further information, contact: Paul Fray (Juniors Representative) – 0407 930196.

Maitland Junior Rugby Club
Welcome to 2010 and a new and exciting year of rugby for the Blacks. We would like to take this opportunity to invite all existing and new players to join the Blacks for the 2010 rugby season. Please see below our registration dates for the upcoming season.  Junior Registration Days held at Marcelling Park Club Rooms.

• February 7 - 10:00am -12 noon
• February 9 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
• February 11 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm 

Canterbury (CCC) as a part sponsorship this season are offering all registered players up to 50 % off boots, head gear, shoulder pads and compression garments. We will have samples for sizing and will take orders on registration days.  Enquiries to:

• Alison Mahony on 4938 5814
• Emma Barry on 4995 6059 / 0428 580372

Any student interested in trialling for a Combined Independent Schools (CIS) team this year should log on to the CIS website. This site contains dates of trials, competitions etc. The web address is www.aisnsw.edu.au/cis/ . Information on AICES representative sport can be located at www.aices.com.au.

Sports in which HVGS does not have teams but CIS does include are Triathlon, Primary and U15 AFL and Diving. Students that are at a high representative level in these sports outside school should see Mr Tony Burgess as soon as possible.

A week before the finish of school last year, our full racing squad attended the CDRA Sprint Championships on Throsby Creek at Carrington. In previous years, the program has consisted of Championship events for experienced competitors plus Intermediate and Novice events for less experienced rowers. This season, Newcastle Rowing Club held an opening ceremony for their new boat shed and eliminated all of the Intermediate and Novice events to make time for the ceremony. Because of this, our less experienced rowers had to compete in Championship events, reducing our potential number of wins. Despite this limitation, our crews won 7 of the 20 events in which they were entered. From 61 starts, our results were 7 Championship wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds. Holly Lawrence excelled, winning all 3 Championship events in which she was entered.

Click below for more detailed information......

• 6/7 February 2010 - NSW Championships SIRC
• 14 February 2010 - Endeavour (CDRA) Berry Park
• 20/21 February 2010 - ISRA Championships Canberra                              
• 28 February 2010 - Brisbane Waters (CDRA) Gosford
• 1-7 March 2010 - National Championships Victoria
• 13/14 March 2010  - CDRA Championships Taree
• 20 March 2010 - Schoolgirl Head SIRC
• 21 March 2010 - Schoolboy Head SIRC
• 10/11 April 2010 - NSW Grade Championships SIRC

Our School Running group will continue in Term 1. The group is open to students, parents and staff. Those interested are to meet at the Cameron Centre at 7:15am on Wednesday mornings. Miss Beahan and Mr Ivey will oversee the program.

Hi, my name is Mr David Taylor and I will be taking over the roll of Head Teacher Equestrian from Mr John Guy. I would like to thank Mr Guy for the assistance he has given me over the past year in preparation.  Coming up on 5 -7 March is the NSW Interschool Championships which is to be held in Sydney. Entries close on 16 February and entries must be made online.  Alice Arnott was awarded the prestigious E B Lodge Trophy for Most Improved Junior in 2009 by Paterson River Pony Club at our recent presentation night. Well Done Alice.

Courtney' Smith’s new horse Primadonna won Supreme Newcomer Hack and Champion Hack at Sydney Hack Assoc. Show, Reserve Champion Hack at Salt Ash Twilight Show and Supreme Newcomer Hack at Morriset Hack Show. Peninsula Park Flaunt won Champion Hack at Salt Ash Twilight Show. Also Courtney has received a sponsorship from Nature Vet in the Young Riders, she was picked out of 150 applicants under 21 so this was a big achievement for her. 

Happy New Year to everyone!

The next P & F meeting is on Tuesday 16 Feb at 1:30pm in the Boardroom.  There will also be a meeting on Wednesday 17 March at 1:30 in the Boardroom.   Everyone is very welcome at the meetings.

• President: Kathy Willmott - Ph.0413331489   kathryn_willmott@hotmail.com
• Vice President: Graham O'Rourke - Ph.0437314256   graham.orourke@bigpond.com
• Treasurer: Anne O'Rourke - Ph.0419481291  graham.orourke@bigpond.com
• Secretary: Anne & Graham O'Rourke - Phone and Email above
• Committee: Rachel Lynn - Ph.0439320567   rachellynn@westnet.com.au
• Committee: Michelle Kell - Ph.0402359271   dkconcrete@bigpond.com
• Committee: Josie Gabites - Ph. 49307045   josie_gabites@optusnet.com.au

Thank to those who have said they will be a Class / Year Rep for 2010.

• Kindergarten:          TBC
• Year 1:                    TBC
• Year 2:                    Stacey Pethers (2H)
• Year 3:                    TBC
• Year 4:                    TBC
• Year 5:                    TBC
• Year 6:                    Kate Stainton (S3I), Emma Badgery (6D)
• Year 7:                    Deb Moore, Pip Teys, Kathy Willmott
• Year 8                     TBC:
• Year 9:                    TBC
• Year 10:                  Deb Moore
• Year 11:                  Kathy Willmott
• Year 12:                  TBC

Please note that some parents have verbally told me that they would like to be a Class Rep but I cannot add your name to the list until I have it in writing.  If you have any questions please ring me, Kathy Willmott on 0413 331489.

The P & F would like to organise a First Aid course for Parents and Friends. If you are interested in either updating your first aid qualifications or gaining a first aid certificate, there is a note being sent home shortly that will contain all the details. Your early response to that letter would be very much appreciated.

The P & F will be supporting the School on Friday 19 March with the activities that have been set down for that day. Volunteers are needed to help with a BBQ that will feed the whole school. A note is being prepared that will contain all the necessary details. Come along and help and also share the day’s activities with your children.

In previous years the P & F have represented HVGS by providing canteen facilities at the HRIS Cross Country at the Walka Water Works grounds near Oakhampton (10 minutes from school). We decided at this week’s meeting that we would again provide the canteen for the benefit of the parents and students that attend. It is set down for Monday 24 May. For it to be successful we need your support and help on the day. Please put this date in your calendar and if you can give even an hour that would be of enormous help.

Are there any parents who can volunteer to assist with the painting of a mural board to go on the end of P1 block? Junior School would like this completed ASAP so your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Further information can be obtained from Mrs Thompson (Head of Junior School) or Mrs Fisher (Kindergarten).

The winners of the Hunter palate raffle for 2009 were:

• 1st Angela Mackenzie (parent)
• 2nd Jane Smith (Music Department)
• 3rd Jacinta Dockrill (student)
  

Congratulations to these lucky people.

The P & F recently provided some funds to the ELC for them to establish a garden to provide both shade and fun for the children. I know they will enjoy the garden over the coming years.

Thank you for supporting the Parent & Friends Association.

Kathy Willmott – President