School Achievement 2006

The following is a summary of the highlights and achievements by the school and students this year. This has been yet another outstanding year and the successes cover all areas.

Academic:

  • Students from the 2005 Year 12 cohort gained some outstanding results in the HSC. Three students Lisa Elton, Alyssa McEntyre and Annika Sykes achieved U.A.I.'s of over 90. 10 individual students were named in the Distinguished Achievers List for obtaining marks in the Band 6 range. Overall the school's best results, ranked relative to state average were Engineering Studies, General Maths, Information Processing, Agriculture and Legal Studies.

Of the 72 Candidates who sat for the 2005 HSC, 102 Band 5&6 outcomes were achieved.

  • Band 6 results in the HSC were achieved in the following subjects:-

Ancient History 5

English (Extension 2) 1

Geography 1

General Maths 1

Mathematics 1

Visual Arts 1

Music 1

  • The University of New England Recommendation Admission Scheme provides early pathway into University entrance. This year, an outstanding achievement for our 2006 HSC candidates, with 9 students being successful. Also excellent results for our students, with 7 being offered pre-admission into CharlesSturtUniversity.
  • 65 students sat for the 2006 School Certificate. There were 16 Band 6's. The combined Band 5&6 for each subject are: English (21), Mathematics (9), Science (24), Geography (24), History (19). Zoe Stephenson achieved 4 Band 6 outcomes and Ryan Keeble achieved 3. These are very sound results.
  • In the Australian Schools English Competition; 2 students gained High Distinctions, 3 gained

Distinctions and 4 gained Credits.

High Distinctions

James Watson Alexander Lee

Distinctions

Jessica Murphy Geoffrey LeeMatt Noonan

Credits

William FosdickHannah DamenAmy Elton Andrew Davenport

  • In The Regional Shakespeare Festival 6 students represented CoonabarabranHigh School with distinction; Kate Murphy, Zoe Stevenson, Nicholas Adam, Allison Canham, Kate Imrie and Amy Barley
  • Amy Elton won the Zone final of the Rotary Public Speaking competition, and will compete in the Inter Zone round in February 2007.

  • Year 10 competed in the NSW History Teachers Association Competition. This year, 142 students competed against 13,177 students. Our award winners are:

High Distinctions

James GrantDouglas Thompson

Distinctions

Alexander WheelerNicholas AdamRobert JohnstonJoseph Pogson

Nathan Bailey

Credits

Samuel McGlashanEric ButlerAmelia GreenwoodJessica Lucas

Allison CanhamRyan KeebleKeiran EdwardsZoe Stephenson

  • In the Mathematics Competitions, Geoffrey Lee achieved the following outstanding results, with 4 High Destinations in external competitions. Australian Maths Trust (2HD), Westpac Maths (1HD), University of NSW International Mathematics Competition (1HD)
  • The Westpac (Maths) Competition:

Distinction

Ryan Keeble

Credits

James Watson, Allan Enks and Matt Noonan

  • SNAP-Year 7 (2005) all students who were below the National Standard, achieved outcomes above this benchmark in Yr8 this year.
  • Students were involved in 2 Science Competitions. The International and Assessment for Schools Competition and the Australian National Chemistry Quiz. Both events are performed across Australia and within the Asian Pacific Region. These competitions are an excellent independent assessment of the science skills that students need in education, the wider community and in the workplace.

Science Competition - High Distinction

Matt Noonan

Science Competition - Distinction

Geoffrey Lee

Science Competition - Credit

Claire BennellRachael KellyAlexander LeeScott Noonan

Joseph Pogson

Chemistry Competition – High Distinction

Geoffrey Lee

Chemistry Competition – Distinction

Matt Noonan

  • The Coonabarabran High School Science Challenge Team achieved 3rd place overall at Narrabri.
  • The Coonabarabran Showis an agricultural highlight with a strong representation in the parading competition, and 2006 was no exception, with Victoria Kelly achieving Champion Parader.
  • At Tamworth Show, the Cattle Team achieved a Most Successful Exhibitor for the Limousin Feature Show, which was a huge effort for the 14 students who attended.
  • Coonabarabran High took 7 students and 3 prime steers to the Dubbo Steer Show. All cattle reached the finals in the weight class, one Limousin heifer achieved a Highly Commended and 5th in the carcass section.
  • After a 10 year recess, the Coonabarabran High School Ag. Skills Day returned. The day was designed for students to experience many aspects of agriculture that are not normally provided at school. Twenty two different workshops were on offer to students from a wide variety of expertise from our community. The day was a tremendous success.
  • In the Australian Geography Competition 10 students gained High Distinctions, 6 gained Distinctions and 10 gained Credits.

High Distinctions

Claire BennellNicholas AdamEric Butler

James GrantRyan KeebleAlexander Lee

Joseph PogsonAnthony PruggerHazell Johnston

Timothy Lyons

Distinctions

Alicia DaltonPatrick HuntTahlia Kable

Geoffrey LeeJessie BarkleyZoe Stephenson

Credit

Celia CameronMatt OlsenJessie Bateson

Rebecca DowlingSimon FrazerStephen Lyons

Daniel NiesHarry RamageChelsea Rosewarne

Keira Daniels

  • In the NSW Geography Competition 3 students gained High Distinctions, 17 gained Distinctions and 33 gained Credits.

High Distinctions

Ryan Keeble Nicholas Adam Geoffrey Lee

Distinctions

James GrantThomas SmithAmelia Greenwood

Nathan BaileyZoe SephensonDouglas Thompson

Joseph PogsonRidley LeathartAlexander Wheeler

Kate MurphyRicky DugganRebecca Prugger

Maddison QuinlinSimon FrazerJoshua Stafford

Sarah GrahamAlexander LeeKarley-Lee Redfern

Timothy ReeksGrant WilkinRiley Hall

Angela HyndsCasey PatemanDaniel Lowrie

Keira DanielsTom WilliamsBrigid Graham

Daniel ThomasRachael KellyJessica Bateson

Anthony PruggerPatrick HuntScott Noonan

Tahlia KableCassandra CommynsChelsea Rosewarne

Mark DansonStephen LyonsNathan Silk

Credit

Victoria HyndsSharni HarriganKate Imrie

Amy BarleyBruce Crowley-BarrettCassandra Meyers

Kieran EdwardsJustin EvansAshleigh Maynard

Raju JaiswallSam McGlashan

  • Results for the 2006 Computer Skills Competition:-

Distinction

Nicholas Adam

Credit

James GrantDouglas ThompsonGeoffrey LeeJeffrey Woo

  • In the Australian Economics Competition 4 students achieved Distinctions; Andrew Davenport, Joshua McWhirter, Ryan McWhirter and Matt Noonan.
  • In the Australian Business Studies Competition 3 students, Daniel Korff, Bradley Draper and Melanie Pogson gained Credits.
  • A successful internal VET Audit was achieved in the Technology and Applied Studies faculty.
  • An application for total refurbishment ($120,000) of Food Technology rooms was achieved, including one to industry standard. Renovations will occur in 2007.
  • Successful work placement of Year 11 and Year 12 VET students.
  • Two 2006 Year 12 Hospitality students have secured apprenticeships as a result of work placement.
  • An executive chef conducted practical lessons on commercial hospitality for our senior Hospitality students.

Student Leadership

  • The Student Representative Council (24 students) took a very active role in the school again this year. Some of their achievements include: running school socials, catering for major events, fundraising for charity’s (eg.Weastmead Childrens Hospital, Westpac Rescue Helicopter), and they also, in consultation with the P&C, designed our School Beanie. They also sponsored a child in remote Pakistan, purchased major resource items and organised student activities.
  • The following students were awarded the prestigeous “Prefect by Performance”: Mathew Frazer, Lisa McDonald and Joeseph Miller.

Sporting

  • Rebecca Flood had an outstanding year in Golf. She was the C.H.S. Matchplay Champion, C.H.S. Strokeplay Champion and C.H.S. Golf Team Captain. She was also selected as the Australian All Schools Team Captain.
  • The Open Rugby League team continued its great run of successes. The team again reached the quarter finals in the University Shield Competition; North West Finalist in the Arrive Alive Cup and Runners up in Plate Competition of the University Shield. This is the 7th year in a row that the team has achieved outstanding success.

Open Rugby League Knockout Representatives (Plate finalist in University Shield)

Jarvis WattonBenjamin ReeksJustin Evans Paul Stanton

Dustin CrawleyPeter Watton Aaron StantonMatthew Mash

Wesley SuckleyStewart McMichaelDonald DundasJack Ramage

Martin GordonJeremiah HowgateAlex NixonJessie Draper

Michael AntawDylan Halsted Kieran French Jason White

Lee ChambersKent HeadTim Mack

  • The Open Girls Netball also achieved outstanding success. They were North West Regional winners and came 13th in the State Knockout.

Girls Netball Knockout Representatives (North West Champions & 13th in St ate)

Meagan WeatherallKathryn WeatherallJessica McPhersonAlice Edmondstone

Kate ImrieTahlia KableKallee LeesonHannah Purdy

Seona FretwellRebecca Flood

  • 14's Netball - Runner Up in North West Knockout

Alana CainHannah DraperHannah JohnstonMeg Edmondstone

Kate JohnstonTaneya WattonKeira DanielsNikki McWhirter

Corrine Towney

  • North West Representatives : 28 Students were selected to represent the North West Region:-

SwimmingRachel McWhirterTahlia Kable

Rugby LeagueJack RamageWesley SuckleyPeter Watton

Paul StantonMatthew MashMartin Gordon

Dustin Crawley

Rugby Union Dustin Crawley

NetballJessica McPhersonTahlia KableMeagan Weatherall

Kate Imrie

Touch FootballPaul Stanton

AthleticsRachel McWhirterKate Murphy Zoe Stephenson

Zac EstensRyan KeebleSarah Graham

Lisa McDonaldGrant WilkinThomas Britton

Aaron PercivalIsobel Enks

CricketKate Murphy

GolfRebecca Flood

BasketballKurt Pincham

SoccerEmily Johnston

  • Coonabarabran High staff continue to be prominent in the coaching and organsing of sport across the Region and the State. Mr Sharp is the Vice-President of the NSW Combined High Schools Sport; Mrs Cox is the North West Knock Out Convenor: Mr Frazer managed the North West Squash team and Mr Gale managed the NW Open Rugby League Team.

Art

  • Year 10 Visual Arts students participated in a Printmaking Workshop provided by local artist Sandra Alon.
  • Year 11 Visual Arts Excursion - Artexpress Dubbo Regional Gallery.
  • Anna Tenne - Yr 12, 2005 achieved a Band 6 in Visual Arts.
  • Students have won numerous prizes in local Art shows and the volume of entries in these competitions has grown to a very high level.
  • The School utilised the talents of practicing artists for various workshops including, the visual arts and print making.

Music & Dance

  • The music year started with this year’s musical production: “Man of Steel”. All students and staff who were involved in the production are to be congratulated on the high standard of achievement reached by soloists, cast members, crew and support teams. It was a memorable, wonderful musical which was well-received by the audience.
  • Music students were involved in the inaugural Western Schools’ Spectacular. Our musicians - Janita Klein, Ashleigh Coughlan, Sam Stephenson, Nicholas Adam, Wyman Tyne - contributed as soloists and concert band members with a supportive audience from Coona High!
  • Hityde participated in “The Battle of the Bands” and were runners-up in both the Western Region and North-West Region.
  • Immediately following the School Musical, students from the Western Region, including Corrine Towney, participated in the Indigenous Students’ Music Camp. They performed their own compositions (written at the camp) at an amazing concert held at the High School.
  • This Music Camp was sponsored by the Ministry for the Arts, who also sponsored a trip by Year 8 to attend a theatre performance in Coonamble.
  • The School Choir participated in this year’s Celebration Concert with rehearsals held at Armidale and Sydney, with the final, thrilling performance in the SydneyTown Hall.
  • Students attended concerts experiencing music from Ghana, South America and Australia.
  • Musicians were able to attend a weekend workshop led by Mark Walton, concluding with a great concert.
  • The University of Newcastle Wind Orchestra were at the High School for a three day workshop which included students from the schools in the Warrumbungle Shire as well as those from further afield. The excellent standard of playing is a credit to the hard work by students and teachers over a number of years. The public concert and the schools’ concert highlighted their diligence and aptitude.
  • High school members of the Orbital Swing Band continued to have a busy program supporting many of the Shire events: Australia Day celebrations, Agricultural Shows, and Open Day at Siding Spring during the Festival of the Stars to name but a few. The Band also attended a jazz workshop and performed as guest artists in the Dubbo Jazz Festival.
  • Individuals extended their skills with AMEB theory and practical exams. Students are now reaching higher grades in performance and theory.

Practical Exams

Grade 7Nicholas Adam (trumpet)

Alexander Lee (saxophone)

Grade 6Ridley Leathart (saxophone)

Grade 5Amelia Adam (clarinet)

Elise Baker (flute)

Grade 4Grant Wilkin (saxophone)

Alicia Dalton (violin)

Melissa Coughlan (violin)

Grade 3 Bonnie Coulter (clarinet)

Ricky Duggan (saxophone)

Grade 2Rhiannon Bowden (piano)

Grade 1 Ashleigh Lang (piano)

Written Exams

Grade 4Nicholas Adam

Grade 3Amelia Adam

Alexander Lee

Grade 2Elise Baker

Alicia Dalton

Mark Walton Exams

Grade 9Zoe Stephenson

Grade 3Melissa Coughlan (saxophone)

  • Other highlights include: Year 7’s performances on whirlies and chimes; Year 8’s wonderful efforts in guitar and class bands; Year 9/10 Sunset Concert; Year 12’s final concert before the HSC exams.
  • There were many memorable performances at formal assemblies this year. Students involved included Janita Klein, Samantha Niehenker, Alyssa Martin, Melanie Pogson, Wyman Tyne, Nicholas Adam, Ridley Leathart, Joe Pogson, Grant Wilkin, Harry Ramage, Monique Hind and Alexander Lee.
  • Students also performed at concerts at the end of each term, as well as performing at the Woop Woop Café and The Glasshouse Art Gallery. These students include: Alexander Lee, Sam and Zoe Stephenson, Amelia and Nicholas Adam.
  • Janita Klein was accepted in the preliminary workshop for the Talented Development Project, which is held in Sydney. Students audition from the whole state and only a small number are accepted.
  • Melissa Coughlan and James Watson participated in the ‘Festival of the Instrument’ at the Sydney Opera House.
  • Ridley Leathart was accepted as a member of the State Wind Band for their tour and concert performance.
  • The Aboriginal dance group consisting of indigenous students and teachers, performed traditional stories at the formal assembly.

Other

  • The Study Centre provided additional tutorial sessions for our students after hours.
  • The “Study Plus” program continued to support Yr10 students preparation for their School Certificate.
  • NAIDOC week celebrations commenced with a flag raising ceremony with special guests including Aboriginal Elders, Mr Bill Robinson, Myra and Jill Cain. Mr Robinson then addressed our assembly. This was followed by a workshop, march and BBQ.
  • Gamilaraay Language Program was introduced to Year 7 students. This was organised by Mrs S Stafford, Mrs M Sulter, Mrs SE Tighe and Mr P Thomson.
  • The Historical Excursion to Burra Bee Dee and HappyValley sites was attended by local aboriginal elders who shared their knowledge and experiences.
  • The school continues to lease a 25-seater Mitsubishi Rosa bus and this has proved to be very successful. This has enabled numerous local visits to take place. The lease will be extended to 2009 with a new bus.
  • The P&C continues to make a major contribution to the school both financially and in terms of working bees and expertise. The ongoing efforts and initiative of the parent body is a major bonus for the school.
  • The School Council continues to be a major support and advisory body.
  • The level of community support for the school continued at a very high level. This involved parents, local businesses, the rural sector, service clubs and community organisations, and the local media.
  • The school again staged the North West Equestrian Expo in conjunction with several community groups. This is the largest school equestrian event in Australia with 475 entrants. This brings major promotional and financial benefits to the school.
  • The school conducted a large number of excursions and educational visits. Most were subject specific or field studies. There were several cross-curricula major year events. These included the Year 9 excursion to Sydney, the Year 10 Technology visit to Newcastle & the HunterValley and the Year 11 Excursion to the Snowfields.
  • Students in our I/O and I/S classes were successfully transitioned, being provided with whole school and community opportunities.
  • Student Leaders and members of the student body participated in all memorial events conducted in the town.
  • The School Magazine, Orion, was published again. It was produced by the Media Publication class under the direction of Mrs Keppie and continues to be of a very high quality.
  • The school continued to encourage and support training teachers, taking in numerous trainees at different times in the year and participating in the 'Beyond the Line' program to bring new teachers to rural areas.
  • A major activity aimed at girls' independence and development of confidence was again organised and conducted by the school. The special deportment and etiquette day through the "A Matter of Style" agency was again highly successful and a boy's element in this area was also conducted.
  • The school's achievements and students' successes continued to be highlighted in both the local and regional media, particularly the Coonabarabran Times, the Northern Daily Leader, Daily Liberal, NBN and Prime. The achievements of the school were also highlighted in the Daily Telegraph and on ABC Radio.
  • Mungo Ryan in Year 9 participated in the Rotary New Zealand Matched Exchange Program, spending three months in Riverton near Invercargill in the South Island, and hosted Hannah White a student from Riverton for three months.
  • Students were able to participate in the Western Region Circus Art program which was conducted by Mr Paul Woodhead. Student developed new skills, self confidence and peer support.
  • Lucy Pulham, visiting student from AustralianCatholicUniversity, was a practicum student in the Visual Arts department for one month.