Archive for May, 2010
Posted May 28 2010Thought for the week
“There is a seed in each of us that is a mighty oak. Many of us don’t plant it.”
“The person who says it cannot be done
Should not interrupt the person doing it”
Old Chinese proverb
It is hard to believe that we are almost at the midpoint of the year. The Senior School students start their exams next week and the Year 12 mid-year exams commence the following week. Many students are hard at work preparing and I know the parents will be supporting them on this journey.
Many parents will be following the media reports about the new Australian Curriculum with interest. The amount of information that we can share at this stage is fairly small. However, we are developing our courses for English, Mathematics, Science and History so that we are ready for implementation in 2012. Next year we will probably trial the new English course from Prep to Year 10 and sample some of the other new aspects in the other subjects. We are gradually getting more information about the other subjects, many of which will be electives. As I have mentioned before, our main concern is the prescriptive nature of the curriculum which may mean that we have to alter some of our offerings. For example, as you know we have two languages other than English available in Year 7 (Indonesian and French) and then we offer a choice of one or both of these from Year 8 onwards. Under our model, if a student chooses both languages in Year 8 and beyond, they may not do History in Year 8 and perhaps Geography in Year 9. Under the new model History seems to be compulsory from Years 7 to 10 which means that we may not be able to offer the option of a student doing both languages beyond Year 7. We feel this would be very sad and are seeing if we can find a way around it. History is also compulsory in Year 10 where at present it is an elective. The actual content, other than being very lengthy, can be dealt with and some aspects are quite good. We will keep you up to date as we get more information.
I was thrilled to see the performances of the Unit 3/4 drama students this week. They looked very polished and had the audience highly entertained. Congratulations to Mr Borbely and all the students.
We had an amazing response to the 2011 Simunye trip which was announced last week. The information night was attended by about 40 families. This is of course, far too great a number to take and we may have to call for applications to see who is most suited to the trip.
Last week Mrs Sue Swan and I travelled half way across Australia to visit an isolated Aboriginal settlement with a view to setting up a partnership or exchange relationship.
We flew to Alice Springs and then drove North and East for about 7 hours. We arrived at a tiny community with a population of 250. It is at the end of a long sand road. We found a wonderful community who would love to interact with us and it seems that they may send some students to us as early as October this year. We are possibly going to send some upper primary and/or lower Middle school students to visit them next year. The town is called Canteen Creek and if you look on Google Earth you will see that it really is in the middle of nowhere. You will see some pictures and a report on this activity in the next “Huntingtower News”.
I would like to remind everyone that you can now view all notices of excursions and activities on the school web site. This should mean that you are never out of the loop and you will be able to come to many different school activities.
Sholto Bowen
Principal
May 28 2010 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » | 
Posted May 28 2010Diary Dates:
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzle (Saturday 12 June, Nottinghill).
- MasterChef Asian Cooking Class (Tuesday 15 June, 6pm in FoodTech room).
- Chocolate Drive – June. Boxes distributed to students by 7 June.
- Fete – Saturday 6 November 2010.
Cadbury® Chocolate Drive – June
This year we’re delighted to be launching a significant fundraising initiative towards the construction of our Aquatic Sports & Fitness Centre and we’re all hoping it will be a popular fundraiser! We’re currently organising lovely mixed boxes of Cadbury® Fundraising Chocolates/Lollies for each family to sell.
The process will be as follows:
1) A letter will go out to all parents by the end of May advising of the fundraising drive.
2) Boxes will be distributed to each family (via the youngest student) by the 7 June.
3) Money or unopened boxes to be returned by the 16 July.
Any questions regarding the fundraising drive to be directed to Cathie Bradwell at bradwellp@optusnet.com.au.
MasterChef Asian Cooking Class Tuesday 15 June 2010
Kamal Unvala has kindly agreed to use her culinary talents to run a cooking class. Her mouth-watering menu is below.
- Chicken Tikka
- Butter chicken
- Bombay Potatoes with mustard seed and spices
- Daal Masala
- Parathas
- Mango Kulfi
Kamal has also promised to share her simple spice blend powder. Depending on cost of ingredients, ticket prices for the class will be approximately $35. If you would like to attend, please email Kamal at kamal.unvala@gmail.com by Wednesday 9 June. First in best dressed!
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle 12 June 2010
Come and sizzle some sausages! The first Bunnings Sausage Sizzle for this year will be held on 12 June 2010 (Queen’s Birthday Weekend) and we need volunteers to help run this event. Your class representatives will be contacting you shortly, so please keep two hours on this date free. Please contact Sonali on sonali_jayawickrama@whirlpool.com if you have any questions or you want to be an early bird volunteer!
Athletes Foot – School Rewards Program
WANT TO LEARN TO PLAY BASKETBALL FROM THE BEST?
AUSTRALIAN OPAL AND WNBA STAR MICHELE TIMMS COULD BE AT YOUR SCHOOL TO RUN A BASKETBALL CLINIC!
If Huntingtower School friends and family purchase more pairs of shoes during June & July than any other school in The Athlete’s Foot School Rewards program (adjusted for the number of students to make it fair), then Michele will run an exclusive basketball clinic at YOUR school!
Only valid for purchases at Chadstone, Forest Hill, The Glen, Eastland, Knox City and Southland. Conditions Apply.
The Athletes Foot School Basketball Promotion
Basketball Promotion Terms and Conditions
May 28 2010 | All and PTA | No Comments » |
Posted May 28 2010LITTLE SYMPHONY AND LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June – 6pm
This delightful concert includes all the children in Years 1 and 2 as they all sing beautifully in the Little Choir. The concert also involves the children in Years Prep, 1 and 2 who play a string instrument in the Little Symphony. This is always an extremely enjoyable and entertaining evening so please come along! The Little Choir are putting the final touches to the wonderful songs, the Little Symphony will surprise us all and the soloists are dazzling. Don’t miss it!
JUNIOR AND SENIOR ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June – 7pm in the Performing Arts Centre
All choirs and orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and come and enjoy a fantastic evening! This will be a wonderful concert in our Performing Arts Centre and all families and friends are encouraged to come.
The following groups will perform:
Senior Choir
Senior Orchestra
Concert Band
Middle School Orchestra
Junior Choir
Junior Orchestra
Senior, Middle School and Junior Chamber Choirs
Senior and Junior String Orchestras
Brass Ensemble
All the groups have been working extremely hard and there will be a wonderful variety of “easy to listen to” music. DON’T MISS IT!! (Free admission)
A letter to all performers and their parents will be handed out (Junior School) or posted (Senior School) next week and a copy of the letter will be included in the subsequent Bulletin. Please make sure that you receive a copy next week as it gives details of rehearsals over the 2 weeks before the concert and also arrival times at the concert. If you do not receive the letter or have a problem with any rehearsal or the performance please contact Lynley Bramble (BH 9807 8888 or email lbramble@huntingtower.vic.edu.au as soon as possible.)
It will be a marvellous opportunity to see and hear our large groups involving over 300 students. Sincere gratitude for all your support and looking forward to seeing you at the concert!
PS. It would be very much appreciated if parents could remind their children to be punctual for these last couple of vital rehearsals.
SOLO CONCERTS
- Junior Piano Concert – Tuesday 8 June – 6pm in Performing Arts Centre
- Year 3 and 4 Solo Concert – Tuesday 22 June in Orchestral Room
These are wonderful opportunities to hear more of the talented Junior School musicians perform so don’t miss these two enjoyable concerts.
STRING ORCHESTRA TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND – JULY 2010
The members of the Huntingtower String Orchestra are very excited about the prospect of visiting New Zealand on a concert tour in July. We are extremely privileged to have soloists Prudence Davis (Principal Flute MSO) and Jeffrey Crellin (Principal Oboe MSO) performing with the orchestra on the tour and we are extremely grateful to them.
The orchestra will perform in five magnificent concert venues so if you have friends or relations in New Zealand we would love them to come to any of the concerts.
Monday 5 July 7pm – St. Matthew-in-the City, Auckland
Wednesday 7 July 7.30pm – Lawson Field Theatre, Gisborne
Friday 9 July 7pm – St. Andrew’s on the Terrace, Wellington
Sunday 11 July 2pm – Nelson Cathedral, Nelson
Tuesday 13 July 12.45pm – Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch
It will be a wonderful opportunity to perform, to raise money for various charities and also to enjoy the amazing culture which New Zealand has to offer.
SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
1. Junior and Senior Orchestral and Choral Concert
Thursday 17 June at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre. All choirs, orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and enjoy a fantastic evening!
2. Waverley Eisteddfod Ensemble sections which usually involve every player from Years 3 to 12 on Saturday 14 August – please keep this date free also.
3. Huntingtower Camerata Gala Concert
Sunday 10 October at 2.30pm. There will be many more details to come but once again all players (Years Prep to 12) and choristers (Years 3 to 12) are involved in this very important event.
MUSIC DATES – TERM 2 2010
1. LITTLE SYMPHONY and LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June 6pm PAC
2. JUNIOR PIANO CONCERT (Years Prep to 6)
Tuesday 8 June 6pm PAC
3. JUNIOR and SENIOR ORCHESTRAL and CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June 7pm PAC
4. YEAR 3 and 4 SOLO CONCERT
Tuesday 22 June 6pm Orchestral Room
May 28 2010 | All and Music | No Comments » |
Posted May 28 2010Sport Training Sessions
No early morning or after school Basketball training during exam week. Training resumes Monday 7 June.
No hockey training after school on Tuesday 1 June during exam week. Training resumes Tuesday 8 June.
Lost Property
There are many items of unnamed clothing and various items collecting in the lost property boxes. If your student is missing an item, please have them go to look in Lost Property boxes in the Senior Gym and in the Science Maths Building (Lower floor). Please have all students’ clothing named – it helps to be able to return items to rightful owners. Unclaimed items will be recycled.
Wanted: Second-Hand Huntingtower Heat Basketball Uniforms
Several new school basketball players wish to purchase second-hand Huntingtower Heat basketball uniforms. If you are no longer playing with the Heat and have a uniform tucked away somewhere in a draw, please contact Ms Savage at the School asap.
Year 12 Students vs. Staff Netball Match
This epic match will be held Friday 18 June (Lunchtime). There will be a gold coin donation to spectate this match, which will go to charity. For further details please contact Mrs Pocza.
Huntingtower Sports Ladder
The Sports Ladder is now available on Moodle: http://moodle.huntingtower.vic.edu.au/
May 28 2010 | All and Sport | No Comments » |
Posted May 28 2010Saturday October 23 at ETIHAD Stadium
HOSA (the Huntingtower Old Students’ Association) will be holding a dinner dance for 300+ people in the Medallion Room at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening on October 23 ($99 per head, including soft drinks. Additional drinks are at bar prices).
All parents of Huntingtower students are very welcome to attend – parent representatives might like to make up tables for the event.
Get your ‘glad rags’ ready! It will be a great night out!
Contact Jan Tyquin at jtyquin@huntingtower.vic.edu.au or 9807 8888 for more details.
May 28 2010 | All and Events | No Comments » |
Posted May 28 2010Three very important questions
- What’s happening on Tuesday afternoon, June 1?
- Who’s coming?
- And will there be free food?
‘Just for Teens’ bookchat welcomes special guest Mike Shuttleworth, from insideadog, the premier teen book blog of Australia. Come and find out about the Inky Awards, share your favourite book and find out what everyone else is reading.
If you enjoy a good read then this is for you! Check out our blog: monashbookchat.blogspot.com
Where: Mt Waverley Library
When: 4.00pm June 1
Bring: Something to recommend
Enquiries: 9807 5022, joshuas@monlib.vic.gov.au
May 28 2010 | Advertisement and All and Events | No Comments » |
Posted May 14 2010Thought for the week
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
Martin Luther King, Jr
In Psalms we read “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.
All through the Bible we hear that man should “fear” the “Lord God”. This has concerned me because I do not subscribe to the idea that we should “fear” Love. If God is Love then there is nothing to fear. The translator of the original biblical texts had a number of options when he chose “fear” and one of the other options was “awesome respect”. I can have awesome respect for Love. When one realizes the power of Love to heal, to lift people up and to free them from all kinds of limitation one can certainly respect it. The term “the Lord” is translated from Yahweh or Jehovah. Yahweh is the unpronounceable name for an unknowable God, which means “the Present One”, Existence (Life) Itself, the mystery embedded in this present moment in time. So the Psalm above could read “The awesome respect for the ever-presence of Life, Truth and Love right now, is the beginning of wisdom”.
Our journey through life is all about the gaining of wisdom, of understanding and ultimately of the knowledge of who we really are. As we learn more about loving, supporting and respecting everyone with whom we come into contact, we gain wisdom. The wisdom to know when to act, the understanding that everyone is doing the best they can with what they know and the knowledge that as we learn more we will do better.
Educating (teaching) for understanding has been a focus for us for a number of years now and I hope through this we are also gaining wisdom. Confucius said “the love of learning is akin to wisdom”.
Enthusiasm, passion, interest and curiosity equate to a love of learning and this has long been a catch-cry at Huntingtower because if we are not comfortable about showing our love of learning, of life and of participating we may soon allow the opinions of others to decide for us who we are going to be and even who we think we are. We then become followers of popular opinion instead of the formers of opinion; the leaders of society. (Nosce te ipsum)
The high standards we hold at Huntingtower are not a burden to our students but a release; a release from the need to fit into a societal norm that does not serve to lift them up. Any addictive substance, whether it be smoking, drugs or alcohol are prohibited from our students, not because we would hold something back from them that is wonderful and uplifting, but because we know that without these things they are free to be who they really are and not who or what some popular magazine or TV show suggests they should be. I celebrate the fact that our students embrace our expectations and rise to the best that is in each one of them.
This week our Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students have undertaken the NAPLAN tests. So much has been said in the press about these tests and I do not wish to re-hash any of it here. I believe that these tests have the potential to do much good. They are a source of very useful information for the parents on how their child is progressing through school with a national comparison. They provide schools with the information they need to develop appropriate programs to support each child and they give schools an indication of the progress students are making over a number of years.
Where this information becomes harmful, is where unhelpful comparisons are made between schools that have no basis for comparison. If these results become the reason for the success of a school, no school will accept a struggling student again, because they will reflect badly on their NAPLAN results and therefore on the school. Our role in schools is to support EVERY student who comes through our gates to be the best person that THEY CAN BE, not the best compared to a national test, but the best they can be. When we lose sight of the individual, we run the risk of becoming more interested in the organisation than the children who are its reason for being.
Our website now has a new link which includes all forms and notices for upcoming student events and excursions. To view this page please go to http://www.huntingtower.vic.edu.au/, click on “Your School”, “Parents”, and then “Forms & Notices”. We hope that this will be of great assistance to all parents.
Sholto Bowen
Principal
May 14 2010 | All and Principals Message | No Comments » |
Posted May 14 2010Diary Dates:
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzle – Saturday 12 June (Nottinghill)
- MasterChef Indian Cooking Class – Tuesday 15 June
- Fete – Saturday 6 November
“The Athletes Foot” – School Rewards Program
We are delighted to have joined the Athletes Foot School Rewards programme. For every pair of shoes purchased at “The Athletes Foot” at The Glen by a student or their family, $5 will be donated back to the school in the form of sporting goods. Just let the store know that Huntingtower is part of the programme when you purchase your shoes.
Fete Donations
To all those parents who have been sorting out clothes, books, DVDs, toys and trash and treasure items over – you can now get those annoying boxes out of your house! Please drop off any donations in labelled boxes or bags (eg: “Book stall”) to the new green sheds up near the railway line. If you pop them outside the 2nd door from the left, the maintenance team will store them safely for you.
If you think any of these items may have a reasonable sales value, one option could be auctioning them on eBay on behalf of the school, with your permission of course! We haven’t tried this before but it may have potential. Please contact catherine.jenkins@iinet.net.au if you would like to pursue this option.
Silent Auction
Please consider if you or anyone you know is able to support our Silent Auction Stall by donating goods or services which will be used to raise funds to our school. It is much easier to find support among our family and friends. We found out in the past that vouchers for services are very popular and many people are bidding to obtain them. Maybe you are a member of a sport club which can donate sport goods or maybe your uncle runs a restaurant and is happy to offer free dinner for two or maybe your mum works as a hairdresser and wouldn’t mind to offer a free haircut. It may turn out to be beneficial for them as well. Even the smallest donations will be acknowledged and Huntingtower community will hear about them and may support them in the future. If you or someone you know can offer us anything please drop it off at the Huntingtower office labelled “Silent Auction”.
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
The PTA would love your assistance at the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle in June. If you can help please contact Sonali Jayawickrama at sonali_jayawickrama@whirlpool.com. We’re very grateful that Sonali has put her hand up to co-ordinate the sausage sizzles this year.
HOSA ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Suppers
Debbie Davey would like to thank all the volunteers who helped serve supper during the recent HOSA performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream;. We thoroughly enjoyed the musical and the beautiful suppers were very much appreciated by the audience, especially during the chilly evenings.
Mother’s Day Stall
Thank you also to the wonderful mums who came and helped at the Junior School Mother’s Day stall on Wednesday, 5th May in the Junior Science room. We had lots of fun watching the students choose their little gifts and we hope all those deserving mums had a wonderful Mother’s Day.
May 14 2010 | All and PTA | No Comments » |
Posted May 14 2010Drink Bottles and Hydration
A new addition to the range of items available for students and parents are drink bottles with the Huntingtower Crest. It is important that students are well hydrated throughout the day and thus it is vital that all students bring a drink bottle to all sport sessions and PE lessons.
The drink bottles are available for purchase at the HT Shop, the HT Kitchen or from Ms Savage directly. The cost is $6.00.
Huntingtower Sports Ladder
The Sports Ladder is now available on Moodle: http://moodle.huntingtower.vic.edu.au/
Wanted: Second-Hand Huntingtower Heat Basketball Uniforms
Several new school basketball players wish to purchase second-hand Huntingtower Heat basketball uniforms. If you are no longer playing with the Heat and have a uniform tucked away somewhere in a draw, please contact Ms Savage at the School asap.
Students vs. Staff Netball Match
This epic match will be held Friday 18 June (Lunchtime). There will be a gold coin donation to spectate this match, which will go to charity. For further details please contact Mrs Pocza.
Lost Property
An increasing amount of very good quality school clothing and miscellaneous items are being left around the school. Unfortunately, the majority of items bare no label for identity of ownership. Due to the mounting volumes we can only carry such items for a short period of time. To help reduce this problem, please would parents have students’ school clothing and relevant items clearly named. Unclaimed school clothing will be donated to the HT Shop for second-hand sales and unclaimed casual clothing to local charities.
May 14 2010 | All and Sport | No Comments » |
Posted May 14 2010LITTLE SYMPHONY AND LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June – 6pm
This delightful concert includes all the children in Years 1 and 2 as they all sing beautifully in the Little Choir. The concert also involves the children in Years Prep, 1 and 2 who play a string instrument in the Little Symphony. This is always an extremely enjoyable and entertaining evening so please come along! (A notice will be sent home very soon with details for the participants).
JUNIOR AND SENIOR ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June – 7pm in the Performing Arts Centre
All choirs and orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and come and enjoy a fantastic evening! This will be a wonderful concert in our Performing Arts Centre and all families and friends are encouraged to come.
The following groups will perform:
Senior Choir
Senior Orchestra
Concert Band
Middle School Orchestra
Junior Choir
Junior Orchestra
Senior, Middle School and Junior Chamber Choirs
Senior and Junior String Orchestras
Brass Ensemble
All the groups have been working extremely hard and there will be a wonderful variety of “easy to listen to” music. DON’T MISS IT!! (Free admission)
A letter to all performers and their parents will be handed out (Junior School) or posted (Senior School) very soon and a copy of the letter will be included in the subsequent Bulletin. Sincere gratitude for all your support and looking forward to seeing you at the concert!
SOLO CONCERTS
An extremely enjoyable concert was given on Wednesday by students in Years 11 and 12. Some of the students are studying VCE Music Performance as a subject whilst other students are still enjoying the opportunity to perform. Hearty congratulations to all performers and sincere gratitude is extended to the enthusiastic audience.
More Solo Concerts to come!
- Junior Piano Concert – Tuesday 8 June – 6pm in Performing Arts Centre
- Year 3 and 4 Solo Concert – Tuesday 22 June in Orchestral Room
These are wonderful opportunities to hear more of the talented Junior School musicians perform so don’t miss these two enjoyable concerts.
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO……….
Philip Chen (Year 7) who has successfully auditioned for a part as a Prince in the production of “The King and I” to be held at the State Theatre in July. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Philip and enjoy a great musical! Philip also plays the French horn and piano and is involved in nearly every music ensemble at Huntingtower.
STRING ORCHESTRA TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND – JULY 2010
The members of the Huntingtower String Orchestra are very excited about the prospect of visiting New Zealand on a concert tour in July. We are extremely privileged to have soloists Prudence Davis (Principal Flute MSO) and Jeffrey Crellin (Principal Oboe MSO) performing with the orchestra on the tour and we are extremely grateful to them. The orchestra will perform in five magnificent concert venues so if you have friends or relations in New Zealand we would love them to come to any of the concerts.
Monday 5 July 7pm – St. Matthew-in-the City, Auckland
Wednesday 7 July 7.30pm – Lawson Field Theatre, Gisborne
Friday 9 July 7pm – St. Andrew’s on the Terrace, Wellington
Sunday 11 July 2pm – Nelson Cathedral, Nelson
Tuesday 13 July 12.45pm – Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch
It will be a wonderful opportunity to perform but to also enjoy the amazing culture which New Zealand has to offer.
SPECIAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
1. Junior and Senior Orchestral and Choral Concert
Thursday 17 June at 7.00pm in the Performing Arts Centre. All choirs, orchestras and Concert Band (involving students from Years 3 to 12) will perform so please keep the date free and enjoy a fantastic evening!
2. Waverley Eisteddfod Ensemble sections which usually involve every player from Years 3 to 12 on Saturday 14 August – please keep this date free also.
3. Huntingtower Camerata Gala Concert
Sunday 10 October at 2.30pm. There will be many more details to come but once again all players (Years Prep to 12) and choristers (Years 3 to 12) are involved in this very important event.
MUSIC DATES – TERM 2 2010
1. BOROONDARA EISTEDDFOD
Thursday 20 May
10am – Junior Small Ensemble Hawthorn Town Hall
2. LITTLE SYMPHONY and LITTLE CHOIR CONCERT
Thursday 3 June 6pm PAC
3. JUNIOR PIANO CONCERT (Years Prep to 6)
Tuesday 8 June 6pm PAC
4. JUNIOR and SENIOR ORCHESTRAL and CHORAL CONCERT
Thursday 17 June 7pm PAC
5. YEAR 3 and 4 SOLO CONCERT
Tuesday 22 June 6pm Orchestral Room
6. MORDIALLOC EISTEDDFOD (Senior Choir)
Thursday 24 June
May 14 2010 | All and Music | No Comments » |
