Education In The Valley, July 2021 by Clarence Valley Independent

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EDUCATION IN THE VALLEY ABC

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Good education a feature component EMMA PRITCHARD The importance of a good education, and access to educational facilities, are essential components to ensuring an individual’s employability, financial independence, independent living and future progression. Providing students with a good education in a supportive and professional learning environment enables them to gain and develop the necessarily skills to excel in their chosen careers and future pathways. The Clarence Valley is home to many quality infants, primary and high schools with dedicated staff members who are firmly committed to passing on their knowledge to the next generation. Clarence Valley schools offer their students engaging and extensively developed curriculums to allow pupils to successfully pursue numerous academic and vocational pathways, while their

individuality and creativity under the guidance of proactive teaching personnel who have been recognised at state and regional levels for their professionalism and dedication, is allowed to thrive. In this feature production, we also identify the pros and cons of social media and its place in education, tips for helping parents to help their children complete their homework, and successful strategies to help students adapt to changing schools during the middle of the year and/or term. With an increasing population in the Clarence Valley, our local educators play a vital role in our community moving forward. The Clarence Valley is also home to several highly regarded educational facilities. If you have recently been welcomed to the Clarence Valley, or are considering bringing your family to live in the region, please take a moment to browse through our pages and identify the best local school for your child or children.

U-design Uniforms, Grafton We have full stock and supply to: • • • •

McAuley Catholic College St Mary’s Primary, Grafton St Joseph’s Primary, Grafton Westlawn Public School

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Suppliers of: • School sports uniforms • School staff uniforms We are also servicing the area with corporate wear, workwear and sportswear

Fytexptyltf@bigpond.com Udesign sports wear and school uniforms Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021

Enitere Ad Finem - Strive to the End The SRC at Grafton High School is very active, with many initiatives driven and funded through SRC student participation. Some recent events include a Bunnings sausage sizzle, Bake Sale and school Social/Disco. From individual and team sporting success, to extracurricular activities, to traineeships and apprenticeships, and to some wonderful outcomes being achieved in classes, Grafton High School has many positive facets and areas of student success.

The Hospitality rooms at Grafton High School provide professional level function facilities for students to learn and refine their skills. As part of s their training students have provided excellent catering services for community functions such as c Principal conferences. Teachers and students participate in community events such as the World’s Greatest Shave. Prince St Barbers regularly donate their time to this worthwhile cause and ex-student Michael Rigg is pictured shaving Year 12 student Hayden Watkins, while our English teacher Ms Hubbard is being shaved by our own qualified barber and TAS teacher, Mr Litchfield.

Grafton High School Enitere Ad Finem - Strive to the End From individual and team sporting success, to extracurricular activities, to traineeships and apprenticeships, and to some wonderful outcomes being achieved in classes, Grafton High School has many positive facets and areas of student success.

Principal Mr Scott Dinham pictured with 2021 School Captains Oliver Westman and Bridget Walters with Vice Captains Kyle Dehnert and Britney Cole.

02 6642 3355 Email: grafton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au 97 Mary Street, Grafton

Sporting events and musical performances, both team events and individual pursuits, are popular at Grafton High School. The swimming age champions from the recent swimming carnival are pictured (left). Music students (right) regularly entertain the students at whole school assemblies

CHOOSING THE BEST SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD Choosing the best school for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Word of mouth is often a major factor in deciding which school best suits the needs of your child, but there should be caution in accepting unreservedly the opinions of others. Your child is unique and may have specific needs and taking a measured approach to this important decision can mean a successful experience for your child. In NSW we have choice in options of schooling. The public system, the Catholic system and the Independent system. The curriculum is followed according to the NSW Education Standards Authority. Their brief is “making sure all children and young people in NSW leave school ready to take advantage of life’s opportunities, as well as to rise to its inevitable challenges.” How do you choose what’s best for your child? Make an appointment to view some schools. If you are not welcome to visit, you may never be welcome. Is there rubbish in the playground? Are play spaces there for children? Are children playing nicely? Do they look you in the eye and greet you? Do staff, walking past? If school is in progress, are children

Clarence Valley Anglican School Principal, Karin Lisle

wandering around the school or sitting outside classrooms? Is there evidence of student work in classrooms or around the school? Is it old and faded or more recent? Having a good look around the school will give you an idea of how you child will fit. Does this school and the environment look like a place where your child is nurtured, challenged and inspired? The answers will help you guide your choice.

OPEN dAY thur 12 august REGISTER FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR* CALL 6642 2011 www.cvas.nsw.edu.au *Limited virtual tours available. On-campus tours also offered by registering. COVID restrictions apply.

Cathedral Campus: PK - Yr 4 | Clarenza Campus: Yrs 5 - 12

July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent

A few tips to help with homework EMMA PRITCHARD Helping your child with their homework can sometimes be challenging for parents, especially if your child does not like doing their homework or struggles with particular subjects. As a parent, it is important that you always encourage, support and reassure them, and also teach them and show them how much fun learning can be. It is also important that while helping your child with their homework, allow them to do the work themselves. Don’t jump in and give them the answers because its important they learn independently and recognise when to ask for help. Here are a few helpful hints to help make homework less stressful and more rewarding for everyone, including mums and dads. • Openly discuss homework with your child in a positive and engaging manner. Encourage your child to talk to you about any concerns they may have or any apprehensions they may be experiencing. Remember to listen carefully and allow your child to express themselves freely and always reassure them where necessary. • Do not put any expectations on your child. Allow them to individually identify subjects they like and subjects which they find harder to study.

• Identify creative ways of making harder subjects more interesting and approachable, especially for younger children. • Establish a study zone in your house away from noisy areas so your child can complete their homework without any distractions and encourage them to use the space as their own. Make the allocated space an inviting place for your child. • Get tech savvy and utilise available tools including the internet, iPads, physical games and books to help and encourage your child to learn through fun filled activities. This is a great way to teach them about problem solving and how to identify solutions.

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• Reward your child for their efforts and make them feel a sense of accomplishment after they have completed their homework. • Always make yourself available to your child during their study time if they require help or need reassurance.

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• If your child is struggling with a subject, speak to their teacher and arrange for additional resources including a tutor to help them learn. • Don’t discipline your child if they make a mistake. Remember, mistakes are a part of life and a learning curve. Talk to your child and tell them why a mistake needs to be corrected in an engaging way and always praise them when they get a right answer.

HSC: WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK!

OPEN: Mon – Thurs 12pm – 6:30pm

THE EDUCATION CENTRE IS GRAFTON’S TUITION HUB FOR LEARNING

Stressing over your HSC? Is it still worthwhile having tuition beforehand? The answer is YES, it is still beneficial to do tutoring for the last term. Some of you will need two lessons per week and some will only require one lesson per week. This is the time that you can really clarify your information, sort out any uncertainties and go to your exam with a lot more confidence. Some students become very anxious at this stage before their final exam, however, the teachers and tutors at The Education Centre can help calm you and help organise you so that you can study effectively in the time remaining. We can do face to face, or, better still at this time,

we can call in any of our competent tutors from our other Centres to work on line with you where you don’t have to pack up all your work and bring it in. A lot of the fine tuning will be in discussion of topics in many subjects, just to get clarification. For HSC students only: you can mix and match your tuition at this time and tweak most subjects by the time you do your exam. Just buy a ten-lesson plan and negotiate times with our available tutors. You may want 2 History, 3 English and 5 maths lessons. Just let us know and we will make the bookings to suit. These are available up to the end of the HSC. Call Geoff or Liz now to discuss the options on 02 6643 5610 or 0420 982 981.

PRIMARY TUITION SECONDARY TUITION YEAR 6 PREPARATION FOR HIGH SCHOOL HSC TUITION LANGUAGE COURSES - FRENCH & ARABIC ART CLASSES CONTACT THE EDUCATION CENTRE

Level 2/9 Duke Street, Grafton, NSW 2460 Phone: (02) 66435610 Mobile: 0420 982 981 Email: grafton@theeducationcentre.com.au

Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021

Growing independent and responsible learners By sending your child to Cowper Public School you can be assured that you have chosen a wonderful school with excellent teaching and learning programs supported by the most dedicated, professional and caring teachers. We offer a broad range of educational opportunities in a safe and picturesque environment. Our integrated Kitchen-Garden program is just one of our specialised programs that inspires our students to make the most of their outdoor spaces and promote a lifelong connection with the natural environment. It fosters student learning, health and wellbeing. Linking our Kids in the Kitchen program to the school garden means students can see and taste the ‘fruits’ of their labours. The school garden consists of two large garden beds growing produce at any one-time including lettuce, corn, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, snow peas, beetroot, sweet potato and rocket. The benefit of having an abundance

of fresh produce is that our students can get creative in the kitchen. Our students love harvesting the produce, bringing it to the canteen and finding out what it will be used for. Each week, different students are chosen to help prepare a healthy meal to share with the entire school – free of charge. The maintenance, harvesting and use of the school garden produce can be used to support learning in many Key Learning Areas. Our program encourages healthy, safe and active lifestyles, including food choices, food groups and nutrition. It also provides opportunities for our students to read and compose procedural texts and work mathematically when following a recipe. Our welcoming and friendly school community is based on strong cooperative relationships between staff, students and parents. Let us grow your child’s potential at Cowper Public School!

ENROLLING NOW COWPER PUBLIC SCHOOL Offering engaging and individualised learning in a small and inclusive environment 74 Clarence Street, Cowper • 02 6647 6339 • Email: cowper-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au 13 22

July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent

EVERY CHILD HAS A PASSION… EVERY CHILD HAS A DREAM Here at Grafton Public School we encourage all of our students, from Kindergarten to Year 6, to follow their dreams and support them as much as possible with their particular interest or talent. If the student thrives academically, we have various additional options to extend them in their skilled subject. This includes various computer clubs at lunchtimes and a new furnished and equipped STEM room for those scientifically minded to enjoy. For those who enjoy public speaking we offer debating and public speaking competitions. We offer a gifted and talented program for our students who have a passion for creative arts

and have had some outstanding artwork produced. The Performing Arts program at Grafton Public School is bigger than ever and we have received much acclaim for our band, choir and dance performances, including contemporary Aboriginal dance. Sport is not forgotten and for those who excel physically, we fully support them in their training and at a representative level. We also have six fabulous Support Unit classes to assist students with special needs to reach their full potential. We encourage all of our students, as citizens of the future, to aim high, reach for the stars, and to become lifelong learners.

South Grafton HS striving for excellence South Grafton High School is an innovative, comprehensive co-educational high school. We offer a challenging and diverse curriculum and have been recognised for our contribution to academic excellence. Our school wide technology initiatives, extensive sporting programs and involvement in Career Link and VET courses also provide students with unique opportunities to develop their aptitudes and grow as learners of the future. We boast a Trade Training Centre which provides students with the unique opportunity to study VET courses at a Certificate II level. These courses provide pathways to entry level employment in the construction industry. Students develop their skills and understanding of carpentry, concreting, levelling, mathematics and Work Health and Safety. South Grafton High School values participation,

Maths in Kinder is so much fun. Image: Contributed

Chase and Declan from Support Unit class K-2TA enjoying a fine motor activity. Image: Contributed

striving for excellence and working to achieve a personal best on every occasion. We aim to promote opportunities for every student and to support each one so that they achieve their personal best.

GRAFTON PUBLIC SCHOOL “A Tradition of Excellence in a Caring and Supportive Environment”

We look forward to welcoming our new students in 2022

Inspiring & nurturing students to embrace academic challenges & explore new opportunities to achieve their personal best & become life long learners.

www.sthgrafton-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

86 Queen Street, Grafton Ph: 6642 1000

14 Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021

We believe a Christ-centred education should be available to as many children as possible, which is why we are offering a limited number of fee scholarships this year. If you would like your child to be part of a caring Christian community with Christian values, we invite you to contact us today. Conditions apply.

6645 5691 office@pacificvalley.nsw.edu.au www.pacificvalley.nsw.edu.au Edinburgh Drive, Townsend

PVCS - being “School Ready” Is my young child ready to start schooling? Is my primary school child ready to make the leap into high school? Parents across the Clarence Valley have been asking themselves these questions for years and Pacific Valley Christian School at Townsend has simple solutions. Firstly, we are hosting Kindergarten School Readiness Discovery Days which provide pre-schoolers with a real world in-class experience. They take part in activities, interact with other children and discover the teacher-student dynamic. Meanwhile, the parents and carers meet members of staff, are shown around the school and enjoy a refreshing morning tea. These events are free and will be held on August 5th and September 9th. For some students, the transition from primary to high school is quite daunting. They move from one dedicated teacher and one class with the same students every day to

July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent

multiple teachers and classrooms. Pacific Valley has made life a lot easier for students making this change with our unique Middle School which runs from Years 5-8. Middle School features a tailored environment in which each student is guided and supported through adolescence. They have a Home Room and a Home Room teacher. They start off together just like primary school and each year the change to different classes is gradually phased in. On August 13 and October 22, Pacific Valley is hosting Year 7 Discovery Days. These are opportunities for current Year 6 students to experience a day in the life of Year 7 at Pacific Valley… whilst parents and carers are able to tour the campus and ask staff any number of questions. All of these events are free. Registration is a simple process of clicking on the event banner at the top of the home page at www. pacificvalley.nsw.edu.au

Integrated learning at Valley Hope The dictionary definition for integration includes combining and amalgamating different groups and that is precisely what occurs each day at Valley Hope School. Valley Hope is designed specifically for children with a mild to moderate level of intellectual delay or who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. What makes it different from other special needs schools is that it sits on the same campus as Pacific Valley Christian School at Townsend. This allows Valley Hope students to learn and interact with Pacific Valley students each day. The reason why Valley Hope is so unique can be traced back to humble beginnings in 1979. “Our parent school was launched in Sydney with one teacher and eight students. It was

unlike other schools because special needs students worked alongside mainstream students. From these simple beginnings was birthed the Pacific Group of Schools which has mainstream and special needs schools' side by side across New South Wales. We are one of three Hope Schools”, said the Director, Nathan Murray. “We are able to make use of Pacific Valley teachers and resources for the running of Valley Hope. Pacific Valley students come over and play with our students during their breaks.” Mr Murray said the school develops an individual education plan for each student based on their strengths and challenges. “We prepare a profile for each student based on information and diagnostic reports provided by specialists, parents and teaching staff. We believe that God has gifted every child with different talents and abilities. We help our

students to identify their individual skillsets and to develop them, so that through those talents they can bring glory to God and serve their community.” Valley Hope has seen a growth this year in student enrolments & staff. We have also been getting positive feedback from our parents about the support they have received from Valley Hope & the improvement they have seen in their children since joining our school community. Over the last year, our student body, has thrived in their individual learning environment because of the dedication of our teaching staff & collaboration with the students, parents & carers. Due to the positive increase in numbers, we have been able to employ Mr. Joshua Jones as our Valley Hope Assistant Director to work alongside Mr. Murray to grow & improve our Valley Hope school for our future.

Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021

EVERY PERSON IS ENCOURAGED AND RESPECTED

YEAR 7 2022 APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN Submit your child's application Enrolment Interviews being held in Week 3 and Week 7 See our website for details www.grafslism.catholic.edu.au or contact the College Office on 66 431434

enrolments closing soon

(Kindergarten to Year 6) St James Primary School, Yamba &JXIV WMKRMǻGERX TVSJIWWMSREP ;I SǺIV EKI ETTVSTVMEXI MRUYMV] PIEVRMRK VIRSZEXMSR ERH SVKERMWEXMSR PIEVRMRK TPE] FEWIH PIEVRMRK [LIVI [I LEZI VIIRZMWEKIH PIEVRMRK MR SYV GLMPHVIR LEZI ZSMGI ERH GLSMGI IEVP] ]IEVW EX EMRX /EQIW 8S LIPT GLMPHVIR ƸEGLMIZI XLI 4YV GSRXMRYIH EKIRHE XLMW ]IEV MW XS JYPPRIWW SJ PMJIƹ [I FIPMIZI PIEVRMRK IRKEKI GLMPHVIR MR PIEVRMRK [LMGL WLSYPH FI NS]JYP ERH VMKSVSYW FYMPHW SR XLIMV TVMSV I\TIVMIRGIW ERH 8LI HIPMFIVEXI ERH GEVIJYPP] TPERRIH XLI WOMPPW XLI] LEZI HIZIPSTIH MR PIEVRMRK I\TIVMIRGIW SǺIVIH EX XLI UYEPMX] TVIWGLSSP ERH TPE]KVSYT EMRX /EQIW WYTTSVX XLI PIEVRIVW TVSKVEQW XLEX XLI] LEZI EXXIRHIH XS ƸYRPSGO XLIMV TSXIRXMEP ƹ

McAuley Catholic College is a systemic coeducational Catholic Secondary College, servicing the Clarence Valley and beyond, founded on the traditions of the Sisters of Mercy and Marist Brothers. We value our Catholic commitment which focuses on the development of the whole person through strong religious, academic, sporting, wellbeing and cultural programs and opportunities. We support each student to realise their own individual goals and achieve the potential for excellence that rests within them. As a college community we are committed to equality, justice, and an open learning environment where every person is encouraged and respected. With our modern facilities, highly qualified teaching staff we offer a comprehensive curriculum across a broad range of subject area, catering for all students,

in a supportive learning environment that is designed to encourage your child and prepare them for life after school. At McAuley the Mercy values of Respect, Justice, Compassion, Excellence and Hospitality underpin everything we do in our daily work with our students. We aim to integrate Catholic values and quality educational practices in order to prepare students to become confident, intelligent and compassionate people with a positive, productive and successful future. McAuley Catholic College enrolments for 2022 are still open. Have you submitted your child’s application? See our website for more information - www.grafslism.catholic.edu.au or call the College office on 6643 1434. McAuley Catholic College - The School with Spirit

Music in the air!

The wonderful sounds of instruments and student voices can be heard echoing around the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School as students actively engage in the school’s new High Potential Learners (HPL) program. The program was introduced at St Mary’s in Term 2 2021 to support the school’s mission of enabling all students to achieve the ‘fullness of life’ (John 10:10) and covers the curriculum areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Music and Drama. The program provides opportunities for identified students to participate in enrichment groups led by specialist teachers and stands alone from the student’s class-based activities. The success of the HPL program will be celebrated by the whole school community at the end of semester ‘HPL Showcase’. This exhibition will feature the fantastic STEM based designs and creative

arts performances that have been planned and performed by the talented students of St Mary’s Primary.

ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL GRAFTON A Catholic school that engages students in programs that enrich learning.

&WO YW EFSYX XLI GSWX SJ E (EXLSPMG IHYGEXMSR .XƶW QSVI EǺSVHEFPI XLER ]SY XLMRO Ann Dawson - Principal St James Primary School 5 ȰȰȏȰ ȴȶȰȰ [[[ ]EQTPMWQ GEXLSPMG IHY EY

Opportunities for Success! 171 Turf Street, Grafton • 02 6642 2262 grafp@lism.catholic.edu.au • www.grafplism.catholic.edu.au

July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent

A nurturing environment where learners grow Last Friday was a special day at St James Yamba. It was the day we celebrated the Feast of Saint James. While this is a celebration of the historical figure we are named after, what struck me was how children and staff can work collaboratively to grow as learners. Teams of staff developed stations around the school site, which tell the story of Saint James (a Camino de Yamba if you will). My highlight of the walk was the participation of every child in the process and the assured nature in which the children in Stage 3 took charge of each stop on the journey, telling the story of the life of James and helping the children to understand why this matters. When the morning walk (Camino de Yamba), was finished I entered the staffroom to the staff raving about the presentation of every Stage 3 student. Growing in confidence and engagement as the groups came and went; presenting in front of a large group of students and adults; asking questions of their audience and responding with confidence and grace. Every student in Stage 3 completed a speaking role which enhanced the presentation. I have watched this cohort of children grow from Kindergarten and today I am content that the rigorous curriculum that is fostered in the school nurtures the children as learners.

LEARNING BEGINS WITH ME... HEAD, HEART & HANDS

ST JOSEPH'S MACLEAN maclplism.catholic.edu.au

A community that celebrates and values the unique dignity of each child. A quality education that is purposeful, personalised and flexible. A school that encourages collaboration, critical thinking & creativity.

SUPPORTING LIFELONG LEARNERS Digital technologies Contemporary learning Programs for well-being Quality support programs Lunchtime Clubs Like us on Facebook Follow us on instagram #stjosephsmaclean Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021

We Love Where We Learn CHATSWORTH ISLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL Enrolling Now for 2022

‘The Little school by the river’

2022 Kindergarten students are invited to attend the orientation days on the following dates. 9:00 am – 1 pm TERM 3 Thursday 5th August Thursday 19th August 9:00 am – 1 pm Thursday 2nd September 9:00 am – 1 pm Thursday 16th September 9:00 am – 1 pm At Chatsworth Island Public School, we provide carefully planned programs across each of the six key learning areas of Mathematics, English, Science & Technology, History, Creative & Practical Arts and Personal Development/ Health/ Physical Education. This, combined with an emphasis on a caring and supportive approach to welfare, we believe provides a positive, stimulating, and high-quality learning

environment for your child/children. Our school future strategic directions focus on Student Engagement, Sustainability and Citizenship. Chatsworth Island Public School holds a special place in our local community and we value parent and community participation.

6646 4346 www.chatsworth-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent

Palmers Island is a great place for all students to undertake studies from pre-kinder and through their Primary years. All our learning spaces have been fitted out to be Future-Focused learning environments, we have upgraded our multipurpose courts and constructed a new playground. We use our rainforests and sustainable gardens as opportunities for outdoor learning and extracurricular activities. Our dynamic staff support and care for every student at Palmers Island. We are a small school doing big things. How we learn is reflected in the spaces we create. Transformative new learning spaces have been crafted for each classroom at Palmers Island. We’ve catered to the learning needs of each class and each individual student. From collaborative learning spaces where students share their knowledge and workshop challenges together on whiteboard tables to our numeracy zones, and activity tables, brand new interactive whiteboards and group reading spaces. We are fostering every student’s capacity for success. We’ve implemented state of the art literacy and numeracy programs, so you know your child is accessing up-to date teaching practices which have

resulted in high impact learning outcomes. From small school competitions to representing our school at state level, students are given a variety of sporting opportunities by highly accredited staff and professional coaches. The value of physical activities is encouraged by our devoted team of teacher and community members. Our students are engaged everyday preparing them for a lifelong connection to learning.

MORE TIME TO PREPARE FOR HSC EXAMS The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) COVID-19 Response Committee has announced additional changes to the 2021 HSC timetable to give students additional time to prepare for upcoming HSC exams. In recognition of the evolving COVID-19 situation and in line with health advice, NESA will: • Extend the hand in date for all major projects by two weeks. The hand-in date for Industrial Technology has been extended by four weeks • Reschedule Drama performance exams to run from 6 to 17 September • Music performance exam continue as scheduled, running from 30 August to 10 September • Reschedule the written exams to begin one week later on 19 October with HSC results out on 17 December. Chair of the Committee Professor Peter Shergold said students could still receive their results, ATAR and university offers this year despite written exams being delayed

by a week. “We know students want certainty about their exams, our priority is to limit disruption to HSC students. “Our aim is to give students as much clarity as possible so they can focus on their studies, their goals and their personal wellbeing. “We recognise that students and schools across the state are operating under a variety of different circumstances. We will outline a special illness and misadventure process and any other contingency arrangements needed to ensure equity and fairness for all students,” Professor Shergold said. CEO of NESA Paul Martin said the priority for NESA and the school sectors, is providing considered advice to students that aligns with the health advice and is fair to the whole cohort. “The changes to the exam timetables mean all students have some additional time to prepare for exams or complete their project.

“We learnt a lot about our processes in the HSC last year and I am confident that we can apply those lessons this year,” Mr Martin said. Earlier last week, oral language exams were rescheduled to start on 14 August. COVID safe exam practices, including minimising school groups mixing, mandatory masks for everyone except the student during the exam, and Perspex screens will be in place at the oral language exams. “Markers, many of whom are teachers, have an enormous undertaking ahead of them. I want to thank the teaching profession for all that they have done this year to support students. “I can assure markers and exam supervisors that their safety, as well as the students, is our priority,” Mr Martin said. For regularly updated advice about the HSC see NESA’s COVID advice. Teachers, students and parents can also contact the NESA COVID-19 support team on 1300 138 323 or covid19support@nesa.nsw.edu.au.

ABC

Moving to a new school EMMA PRITCHARD Moving to a new place can be an exciting and challenging experience for everyone, especially for children. As you all familiarise yourselves with your new home, new community and new lifestyle, it can be difficult for children to establish themselves in a new school environment, especially if the relocation has taken place during the middle of the year. Making new friends, becoming

accustomed to a new routine, academic expectations, and working with new teachers can be intimidating for some children. But with careful planning and preparation, introducing your child to a new school environment can become an easier process by implementing a few successful strategies. • Arrange for your child to meet their school principal and teacher prior to starting at a new school, and have your child go

ACCEPTING ENROLMENTS FOR 2022, INCLUDING STUDENTS FOR THE ‘READY, SET, KIND KINDER’ PROGRAM.

A small school providing BIG opportunities! 11 MORPETH ST, HARWOOD ISLAND 02 6646 4213 harwood-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

1+1=2

on a school tour so they can familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.

• Ask the school to provide additional information regarding their curriculum so your child is not left behind once classes begin. • Talk to your child about how they feel and encourage them to speak with you about any feelings of nervousness. • Ensure your child is familiar with their timetable before starting new classes.

• Don’t place too many expectations on your child and allow them to adapt at their own pace. • Positivity is the key. Remind your child to relax and focus on enjoying themselves. • Make sure your child is familiar with travel routes if catching a bus to and from school. • Always ensure your child has a good support network around them.

Maclean High School Celebrating our Creative and Performing Arts Faculty

Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent July 28, 2021

Bringing degrees closer to Clarence Valley

The Country Universities Centre network is a not-for-profit organisation, established with the aim of making higher education more accessible for regional, rural and remote communities in NSW. Any student enrolled at any Australian university can use the facilities free of charge. Registered students have access to technology, fast internet and a network of like-minded students from 6am to midnight, 7 days a week. Our Learning Skills Advisor provides additional academic support with regular workshops and one-on-one sessions available. With RRES scholarships, up to $18,000 available, to support your learning costs, what are you waiting for? Come and talk to our friendly Centre Manager, Melanie Jay. Your dreams start here!

In line with the theme of education week we have created our own Lifelong Learning Pledge By making a decision to encourage lifelong learning, we are planting the seeds of optimism for the future of all Australians regardless of where they choose to live. In doing so, we begin to develop a culture of positivity, success and opportunity amongst our youth and older generations. We continue to grow and evolve and continue to learn, expanding our individual capacities of knowledge and wisdom. As a community we begin to thrive and flourish as the impact of education and lifelong learning is everlasting. If you feel as passionate as I do about the

importance of lifelong learning please join and repeat these words after me. I pledge to encourage lifelong learning : for myself and my family : for my friends and my community. To Lifelong Learning

Have you heard about our new Discover Degrees Open Night Series? The Clarence Valley community, high school students and parents are invited to come along and hear all about the Country Universities Centre Clarence Valley, and discover what we can do to support you in your higher education journey. Enjoy a tour of our wonderful facility. Hear from our student forum about their university experiences, studying online in a regional community. We have students from the faculties of Law, Creative Arts, Psychology, Sport Science, Education, Nursing. Enquire about various degrees, short courses, scholarships available for regional students. Be part of our Q and A forum. Limited spots are available due to COVID restrictions; there are 15 places available for Thursday July 29. If we have oversubscribed attendance response we will re-run the session on the following Thursday evening, August 5. Participants will be notified if this is the case. If you would like to come along please RSVP name of attendees and number of participants to melanie.jay@cucclarencevalley.edu.au For enquiries please contact Melanie on 0457 059 064.

BRINGING DEGREES CLOSER TO CLARENCE VALLEY! YOUR DREAMS START HERE!

DISCOVER DEGREES Open night at CUC Clarence Valley, for local high school students and parents. Register your interest melanie.jay@cucclarencevalley.edu.au 0457 059 064 Let’s focus on well-being. Join us for a Wellness Walk on Mon, Wed, Fri @ 8.30am. Depart CUC Clarence Valley

ʶˈʶ ʶ˟˔˥˘ˡ˖˘ ˉ˔˟˟˘ˬ ʹ˔˖˧ ˆ˛˘˘˧ 356 students supported since opening

158

students supported in 2021

53% are first in their family to study

different universities

ʪʬʘ ʩʧʘ

female e

students are over ver the age of 25 5

ʥʤʘ male ma

ʨʬʘ study full time

ʤʤʘ Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage

ʧʤʘ study part time

Top Areas of Study

Health ʦʤʘ H

Education ʤʩʘ Ed

Psychology, Social Work & Community Service ʤʪʘ

July 28, 2021 Clarence Valley Independent