Welcome!
Welcome!
Acknowledgement of Country
I would like to Acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are based, the land of the Awabakal and Worimi people. I would like to pay my respects to Aboriginal people past, present and emerging and to country itself. I would like to extend that respect to all Indigenous people reading this issue of TGIF.
-Acknowledgement by Ripley
Editor's Welcome
Hello and welcome back to TGIF, where the only news we can't report is real world events! We've a lot in store this issue: introductions to the newest members of CHC, a feature on a Social Action Project Group (SAPG), a new section by Hope and lots of surveys for you to complete.
As was the case last week, and as will be the case in the future - we at TGIF wish to bring you the best possible CHC based newsletter. While our competition is non-existent, we still strive to do our best for our community. From all of us here in the TGIF team, enjoy, and always remember school WH&S rules: if a fire starts blazing, calmly walk out of the building in single file. -Marley Che
This fortnight we are starting a new section for TGIF to highlight a Social Action Group (SAPG) and all the great work they are doing!
SAPG name? - Breakfast Club (cooking).
Who runs it? - Cate and Felicity.
What is the focus of your SAPG? - To help people/ give back to the community.
Favourite part? - Working in teams, helping the community and getting free food.
Community impact? - Feed the Cooks Hill community, fill tummies and be ready to learn.
Upcoming events for the group/ announcements? - The next four Friday's, free breakfasts.
Why did you choose this SAPG? - Enjoys cooking, joining friends.
If they could expand their SAPG group what would they do? - They would cook pancakes and ice cream for breakfast, cook Spaghetti Bolognese and give to the homeless and broader community. They would also want to have a larger variety of foods to cook.
Four groups- Two groups making muffins and two groups making cheese toasties (swaps around each week).
We as humans are naturally social creatures; we crave love and attention, community, companionship. It’s a hard realisation that the most important love comes from ourselves.
Everyone is always talking about self-care and self-love. But there’s no guide, and nobody talks about what it actually means. It’s extremely natural to feel lonely, or isolated especially in your teenage years, or to feel like you constantly crave affection from a person who doesn’t exist. But how are you supposed to love someone else if you haven’t found love for yourself yet?
Your love language is also a tool to love yourself.
Here’s how:
Self-love and acceptance are learned practices. It can take years to understand and unlearn the concepts of love we have been taught; that we will only find it in someone else. And in part we do - we can find love and comfort through family, friends and community.
But it’s equally important to note that the foundation of love itself comes from us.
Now its your turn! Using this poster as your inspiration, create your own poster for a journal entry that highlights things you can do for yourself. This is great evidence for the Learning Goal - Communication and Personal Qualities!
Section by Hope.
Zentangle Art
Purpose of the group:
This group aims to improve focus, creativity, self-confidence, increase wellbeing and empower EVERYONE to create art!
What day/time does it run:
Wednesdays Session 5.
Who runs the group? Why did you start up the group and what link do you have with the focus?
I do! (My name is Margot) I started the group to encourage everyone to feel supported to try an art practice even though they might not consider themselves an 'artist'. I also wanted to create a calming space for people to relax.
I am linked to this focus because when I create art I often get stuck on drawing 'the image in my head' and I wanted to try and let go of that and learn a new skill!
What learning goals can your wellbeing group help with?
Personal Qualities (increases wellbeing), Communication (it's an artform) and Knowing How To Learn (learning a new art practice).
What is zentangle art?
Zentangle is a form of meditative art that involves creating intricate designs using repetitive patterns. It’s easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images. Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not worry about the result!
How does it make for a calming experience?
As Zentangle art doesn't have a clear 'end goal' you don't have to worry about creating a specific image. You just focus on making patterns which helps you relax, block out other thoughts and feel calm.
Fun facts about yourself and your art that you’d be happy to share with others?
I really like drawing with lead pencils and fine-liners and I often end up doing 'cartoon style' imagery. I also love working with Photoshop and creating posters for music events & album art. At TAFE and Uni I majored in Photography and Painting, yet my major piece was an A1 sized 5 layer landscape cut out of Japanese paper. The art movements I like the most are Surrealism and Dada.
Black and white by Ali and coloured by Mil. Section by Lincoln.
Name: Jayden
Pronouns: he/him
Year: 9
Advisory: 8
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
Tuesday because of Peer Support.
What is your dream job?
My dream job would be a pro soccer player.
Three words to describe yourself?
Nice, athletic and smart.
What's the worst song in your opinion?
The worst artist is Taylor Swift.
Would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Yes.
Name: Felix
Pronouns: he/him
Year: 9
Advisory: 6
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
Peer support.
What are your interests? And what are you looking forward to doing?
I like trade, carpentry and fishing.
What is your dream job?
Creating a Building business.
What's the worst song in your opinion?
Thick of it by KSI.
Would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Yes I'm a walking dead fan.
Name: Summer
Pronouns: any
Year: 10
Advisory: 5
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
Cooks Hill has a very inclusive and positive environment.
What are your interests? And what are you looking forward to doing?
My interests are art, nature and writing. maybe marine science specifically orcas.
What is your dream job?
A Monarch or Marine Biologist.
Three words to describe yourself?
Quiet, nice and friendly.
What's the worst song in your opinion?
Anything by Taylor swift.
Would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
Yes.
Name: Teo
Pronouns: he/him
Year: 8
Advisory: 4
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
My favourite thing about Cooks Hill is the autonomy and being able to do what you want.
What are your interests? And what are you looking forward to doing?
I'm looking forward to doing a project on WW2 and maybe writing a book.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is a job doing creative writing.
Three words to describe yourself?
Tired, creative, quiet.
Name: Albie
Pronouns: he/him
Year: 8
Advisory: 2
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
It's a lot quieter and has less students.
What are your interests? And what are you looking forward to doing?
Reading and gaming.
What is your dream job?
I would love to work on a movie set.
Three words to describe yourself?
Quiet, nice and funny.
What's the worst song in your opinion?
Anything Jojo Siwa.
Name: Ruby
Pronouns: she/her
Year: 9
Advisory: 8
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
The workstyle is less structured so there's more freedom.
What are your interests? And what are you looking forward to doing?
I am interested in human biology.
What is your dream job?
I would like to pursue a career in sports medicine.
Three words to describe yourself?
Respectful, kind and honest.
What's the worst song in your opinion?
Thick of it by KSI.
Name: Milly
Pronouns: she/her
Year: 9
Advisory: 8
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
I like that I can be more independent and that I have more freedom.
interest/project
I like English, Art and Marine Biology.
Marine life, as well as famous authors.
Dream job?
Stay at home author or working at sea world.
Three words
Creative, smart, introverted.
Worst song
Kids bop.
Name: Bella
Pronouns: She/Her
Year: 10
Advisory: 8
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
I like that we are able to go out into the community through LTI and SAPG.
intrest/project
I'm interested in childcare or zoology.
Dream job?
Something in the childcare or zoology industry.
Three words
Bubbly, extroverted and trustworthy.
Worst song
Karna by Jojo Siwa or anythng by Taylor Swift.
Name: Lily
Pronouns: she/her
Year: 10
Advisory: 2
What has been your favourite thing about CHC so far?
Its a lot more laidback and less stressful then mainstream schooling.
interest/project
I like to crochet and would like to try selling clothing that I make at markets.
Dream job?
I have no idea yet.
Three words
Persistent, creative and fair.
Worst song
Dance Monkey by Tones.
Below are some student surveys we encourage all to complete. Surveys are a great way for students to collect data and incorporate Quantitative Reasoning into projects.
National Ride2School day.
Next Friday [Friday 21st of March] is national Ride To School Day! The bikes SAPG are giving prize bags, doing services and free bike washes for riders. Happy riding!
Wanted: Can Tabs!
If you drink coke, pepsi, sprite, or any other drink in a can, once you’re finished with it, if you could pull the tab off and give it to me (Emiel), I’d really appreciate it!
However! I cannot use can tabs from most energy drinks (which kinda suck in my humble opinion).
Announcement by Emiel
Newcastle Writers Festival
April 4th to 6th
Partake in one of the largest regional literary festivals of the country. There will be workshops, talks and performances you can engage with. Some ticketed and others free! In the lead up to this great event, you could add your zines to the Newcastle Libraries new zine collection. Along with hosting a table at the mini zine market!
Email library@ncc.nsw.gov.au to get involved.
Plant Swap & Garden Tool Repair
Saturday 15 March at Lambton Library!
Featuring: Garden tool repair with Newcastle Mens Shed Inc Learn about street gardens and planting to encourage pollinators.
Plant Swap hosted by Green Thumb Social and Newcastle Seed Library volunteers.
Thanks for reading!