06 Apr 2022
Dear Parents and Carers,
We always say it, but Term 1 has been another busy, complex and successful term. Despite the ongoing impact of COVID, our school has continued to go from strength to strength with quality teaching and learning happening every day. WBHS is a great school and a great place to be!
Senior Student Executive
It was good to be able to welcome families on site for the Senior Student Executive Induction ceremony and to have all Year 12 students attend. Our senior student executives are an outstanding team of young leaders, already making a difference and representing our school with great distinction including: the Halogen Young Leaders Day (Sydney), World's Greatest Shave, Harmony Day, Biddabah PS leadership forum, NSW Parliament House Secondary Schools Leadership Day, and weekly team meetings with Ms Weston. This week, Ellie (Captain) and Tyler (Prefect) met with Mr Pat Conroy, Federal Member for Shortland and Jodie Harrison, Member for Charlestown. Captains Billy and Ellie will be guest speakers at the ANZAC Day services at Speers Point and Valentine on April 25.
Music Ensembles Incursion
Last Friday I was proud and excited to watch a terrific performance by our choir, rock bands and our new Big Band following a productive day of rehearsals and workshops. So many skills on display - musicianship, teamwork, discipline, positive attitudes - and lots of fun. It was good to see so many parents and supporters attend the concert too. Well done everyone, and a special shout out to the Music staff - brilliant.
Staff Update
Next term we will welcome our new Head Teacher English, Ms Nicola Crossland, to WBHS. Ms Crossland has been leading the English faculty at Hunter Sports HS. I would like to acknowledge and thank Ms Sandra Monk for her management and guidance of the English faculty as the relieving head teacher over an extended period of time. Congratulations to Ms Parkinson (English) and Ms Bissett (English) who have secured permanent positions at other schools. Mr Holmes (Science) will be taking up a temporary position at another school until the end of 2022. Ms Belinda Dalby will be joining the Science faculty in Term 2 as a permanent member of staff. We wish Ms Kim Bath (SASS) all the best in her retirement. Ms Bath has supported students and staff over many years, particularly in TAS. And we say farewell to Mr Phil Thompson (Science), a passionate and inspiring educator - and keen bass player! May you have fair winds and following seas.
Warning Bells
We have reintroduced the 5 min warning bell at 8.55am and also introduced a 2 min warning bell before the end of recess and lunch. Our students have responded well, arriving at class on time and ready to engage with their learning.
Sporting Success
WBHS boasts many talented and elite sportpersons. I have enjoyed watching several of our teams compete against other schools over the past few weeks. Aside from their sporting prowess and many successes, our students - without exception - demonstrated sportsmanship of the highest order both on and off the field. Well done to all competitors and also their teachers for providing these opportunities, even in torrential rain!
Yard Update Stage 2
Work commenced this week and will continue in the holidays. The focus is on upgrading the area near the Science/Social Science block with new retaining walls, synthetic grass and additional seating.
Sentral Replaces Skoolbag
Communication has been sent previously about the move from the Skoolbag app to the Sentral app. Please see here for details.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
It was great to see so many parents and carers at the Year 7 Parent-Teacher Night this week. Next Parent-Teacher interviews: Years 11-12 on Monday 2 May; Years 8, 9, 10 on Wednesday 20 July. Booking details for Year 11-12 Interviews will be published at the start of Term 2. Please contact the school at any time should you wish to discuss your child's progress.
WBHS Achievements 2021
And if you have not already had an opportunity to do so, you might like to wander through WBHS Achievements 2021 - so many good news stories.
Parent Vaping Support
Vaping (e-cigarettes) continues to be a source of concern in many communities. See below for helpful websites to support conversations with young people.
And finally, I hope you have safe and refreshing holiday break. All students return on Wednesday 27 April.
Regards,
Marcus Neale
Principal