Science News:
As always, exciting things are happening in the Science Department! Late last Term, 2 students attended a 3 day science program at ANU. Thomas reports below:
Year 10 scientists attend the ANU & ConocoPhillips 3 Day Science Experience
"On September 21 - 23, Nicholas Dale and I attended the ConocoPhillips Science Experience at the Australian National University. The Science Experience is a great opportunity to all students, especially those with an interest in science. The 3 day event consisted of a variety of exciting activities from many different fields of science and we joined a group of a Year 10 students from schools around the ACT.
On Day 1, we had an introduction session at Questacon, from there we moved to the Biology laboratories at ANU to do a Forensics Murder Mystery activity where we had to sift through evidence and determine the culprit in a murder case. Our final activity of Day 1 was Science Communications, where we practiced communicating science to the public in understandable ways.
On Day 2, our group walked to the other side of ANU campus where we toured the Nuclear Physics laboratory and Particle Accelerator, the Plasma Physics Labs and then the Positron laboratories. We then set out camera traps across the campus near the Fenner School; these traps are designed to take photos of any animals that walk under them. Later on Day 2 we went to the Geology laboratories where we looked at some Ph.D. projects on coral and water and then visited a Specialist Analysis laboratory. The rest of the day was spent at the Mount Stromlo Observatory. We toured the facility, watched a 3D movie about Space, and star gazed that evening using the telescopes at the Observatory.
On Day 3, RoboGals, ran a workshop in which we programmed Lego Mindstorms Robots to utilise sensors to navigate a course. After the robotics workshop we returned to our camera traps to review the data, but unfortunately our camera did not get any images. A laser light show was next on the agenda, where we learnt about lasers and how they work as well as getting to see some powerful lasers in operation. The final activity of the 3 days was to make Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream!
This is an experience the both Nick and I thoroughly recommend to any future Year 9’s and Year 10’s as it is really interesting, and we were able to experience science in action at university and in industry, as well as meet some other students who are interested in science."
by Thomas Mugridge, Year 10 Science
ASX Competition News:
Our ASX Competition Investors wrapped up their portfolios last week and (whilst we are not retiring at 20!), the experience and business acumen developed will be invaluable to ensuring a secure financial future for these students. We hope to expand next year and enter all the ASX competitions, which are held throughout 2017.
Approval for Assignment Extensions – the process:
Submitting assignments on time is sometimes difficult for all sorts of reasons and we understand that students may need to request an extension of due date. We ask that all students follow the same procedure in any subject by doing the following at least 2 days before the due date (where possible):
1. Complete a “Request for Approval for Assignment Extension” form, which can be found on Moodle in the Parent Information page, or ask your teacher for one.
2. Speak to your Parents or Carers about the reasons for the extension and ask them to sign the form.
3. Obtain signatures on the form from your Teacher, a Parent, and the Faculty Coordinator, who will give the final approval for the extension.
4. Submit a copy of the signed form WITH your assignment.
Extensions will obviously be given if students are absent due to illness or other unforseen circumstances. Extensions will not be given on or before the due date for a lack of organisation on the student’s part. This process is especially important in Year 11 & 12 courses where we are accountable to the expectations of the BSSS for assessment procedures, and late submissions incur a penalty.
The teacher will pass a copy of the form to the student’s House Coordinator to identify if your child is requesting extensions across multiple subjects and would benefit from some organisational intervention or support.
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact your Coordinator.
School Uniform on excursions:
Students are always expected to wear full school uniform and this is especially important when on excursions as not only do we need to present ourselves in the community as representatives of JPC, but we need also to comply with WHS legislation on sun and footwear safety.
Therefore, this means that students who do not present themselves in the manner indicated on the excursion permission note, either full JPC Day Uniform or Sport Uniform (hats included for both), will be required to remain at school or be collected by parents and taken home if the excursion is out of school hours.
Please go to our website for clarification of the uniform requirements of our school.
Mrs Jennifer Tually
Ferre House, Science and Languages Coordinator