Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Noodles !
Just a little note about all those noodles you're eating for lunch.
Have a look at the ingredients, all that salt and flavour enhancers can't be good.
You need to learn about Ingredient Numbers and their effects, especially 621 & 635.
A not very stylish but helpful website about food additives click here
Noodles are a great quick meal - just not every day.
(especially if your having learning or behavioural issues)
Environmental Sculpture 'in progress' - 'Bird Nest' by Year 7
Where's big bird ?
An environmental sculpture by Year 7 students inspired by British artist Andy Goldsworthy.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Trafficking in Human Beings
The statistics regarding Human Trafficking are staggering - 1.4 million people (56% of world-wide total) are in Asia and the Pacific area; which includes Australia and New Zealand.
The meeting was tightly chaired with many stake holders eager to present their work to Ms Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. Time was limited and opportunities were few. Representatives from many organisations were present, all wanting to present their concerns and outline the work they are doing. Significant time was given to the Salvation Army, World Vision, ACRATH, Scarlet Alliance and the Australian Red Cross. Unfortunately there was not an opportunity for me, and many others, to speak or even greet Ms Joy Ngozi Ezeilo. It was recommended to those of us who were unable to speak to write to the organisations present and to the Special Rapporteur directly, which I will do on behalf of the TSSF.
Some background, major themes and issues raised at the meeting are outlined below.
In Australia, it has long been a crime to bond a slave and recently to engage in forced labour, yet such practices continue in our country.
Australia's current political climate is seeing the blurring of boundaries surrounding refugees and trafficked people. It is politically expedient for distinctions between smuggling and trafficking to be blurred yet the distinctions need to be upheld. The two issues must be seen as distinct as trafficked persons will find themselves not as 'victims' but as an 'illegal' person ending up in Federal Police custody and Immigration Detention. One of the major problems with modern slavery is a lack of documentation. Trafficked people without documentation have limited access to legal representation, linguistic services, housing and health care. Advocacy and representation for trafficked people must be increased through Government funding and social awareness. Anti-Slavery Australia have produced a range of online resources in an attempt to raise social awareness of the plight of people trafficked to Australia (see below for details).
The Salvation Army currently funds, entirely through donations, accommodation and representation for ten women who have been trafficked to Australia. This work is at a grassroots level and treats each person according to their needs. This work is vital but it was recognised as a drop in the ocean in dealing with the victims of trafficking.
World Vision called for the need to continue to hold corporations accountable for creating goods using trafficked people. Corporations must disclose the full nature of their production from the sourcing of raw materials to the production of final product. Consumers understand the supply chain model and the power of boycotting products. Many current campaigns have been successful in raising consumer awareness, for example the production of chocolate.
Corporations need to be continually reminded that there is a direct link between business and human rights. It is critical that NGOs and Governments continue to engage with business to scrutinize their supply chains and to respond domestically to international issues.
The major issue covered at the meeting was the trafficking and exploitation of migrant workers, trafficked people and students in Australia's sex industry. As you can imagine there were a huge range of views represented and emotions were at their peak. Prostitution is currently prohibited in many parts of Australia and where it has been legalized it is inconsistently regulated. Granting visas to sex workers will have a large effect on the trafficking of people from Southeast Asia. The point was made by the Rapporteur that prohibition of prostitution only produces a restructured industry rather than the destruction of that industry. Prohibition will only continue the trafficking of people into Australia for this industry. The legalization of the sex industry does not morally legitimise the industry but rather enables it to be regulated, studied and for people to be held accountable and monitored. The granting of a working visa to sex workers is a political anathema yet may be what is required to care for those caught in the industry and to curb the trafficking of people into Australia.
What you can do about it?
- Be a knowledgable consumer and demand that organisations disclose production processes.
- Support organisations who are actively working to end slavery.
- Engage in public debate and call for greater regulation of the Australian sex industry.
- Pray for those trapped in slavery in our country.
For further information
Anti-Slavery Australia
UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons Ms Joy Ngozi Ezeilo
a recent article on ABC PM
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
CYCLE FOR SMILE
ADELAIDE TO MELBOURNE 7-11 September 2011
Photo's click here
- DAY 1
- DAY 1
We have arrived safely at camp at Salt Creek after a fast first day on the road. What surprised me was that the core riders are just every day guys, no elite cyclists here. Even after 200km every day for 70 days they all get pains, get tired and puff and pant away. We are also joined by a small cycling team from SthAfrica, sponsored by NOBLE ENERGY, who don't seem to need to breath at all - cycling machines! The setup is simply impressive, complete with a chef, massage therapist and support crew who pitch and pack up our tents. The food is amazing! The ride out of Adelaide was over the undulating hills through little towns with little stand stone cottages. We stopped in Strathalbyn for a meal after the first 100 and were served a full cooked breakfast. I had thought that breakfast was the Wheetbix I eat at 6am. The last 100 was riding into a headwind across a salt flat. So far the SMILE riders have raised over $1.4m for research into rare childhood diseases. For the tech-heads Average speed 33km/hr - No graphs sorry.
- DAY 2
After 245km I'm in Mt Gambier sitting warm and contented in front of my empty dinner plate. I spent the day with one of the Sth African riders hearing about how he became a professional cyclist. Anton started riding at 17 to get work at a bicycle repair shop, 80km away from his home. A year later he won his first race - chasing down a break away on his own and then won the sprint to the line. In his own words he is one of the only coloured pro-riders he races against. With NOBLE ENERGY's support of Sth African cycling, he has a great future on the bike. He has been ride for NOBLE now for 3 years. He is also about to get married when he gets home. We've just had word that tomorrow is going to wet and cold with the head wind picking up.
Today we broke the ride into 110/80/55km into an increasing head and cross wind.
After 245km I'm in Mt Gambier sitting warm and contented in front of my empty dinner plate. I spent the day with one of the Sth African riders hearing about how he became a professional cyclist. Anton started riding at 17 to get work at a bicycle repair shop, 80km away from his home. A year later he won his first race - chasing down a break away on his own and then won the sprint to the line. In his own words he is one of the only coloured pro-riders he races against. With NOBLE ENERGY's support of Sth African cycling, he has a great future on the bike. He has been ride for NOBLE now for 3 years. He is also about to get married when he gets home. We've just had word that tomorrow is going to wet and cold with the head wind picking up.
Today we broke the ride into 110/80/55km into an increasing head and cross wind.
Average speed: 31km
- DAY 3
Today was a day of attrition. The severe winds and rain battered us and saw a number pull out and sit one of the legs in the support van. Two of the SMILE riders arrived in Warrnambool nearly two hours later than the main group. Some of them are feeling the now 72 days and are starting to worry about making it on time to some of the functions planned in Mel/Can/Syd. And google is predicting more of the same weather. Today's cross winds meant that it was hard to find shelter. I had a good first 100km but the last 80 was the most I've suffered on a bike. I was hoping to make it to Melbourne without treating the SMILE riders as Sherpa's but during the last leg I didn't have to ride on the front taking brunt of the wind. My bike has been excellent and was well prepared for my journey by my good friends at BIKEMINDED. Many thanks.Average speed- who cares!
- DAY 3
Today was a day of attrition. The severe winds and rain battered us and saw a number pull out and sit one of the legs in the support van. Two of the SMILE riders arrived in Warrnambool nearly two hours later than the main group. Some of them are feeling the now 72 days and are starting to worry about making it on time to some of the functions planned in Mel/Can/Syd. And google is predicting more of the same weather. Today's cross winds meant that it was hard to find shelter. I had a good first 100km but the last 80 was the most I've suffered on a bike. I was hoping to make it to Melbourne without treating the SMILE riders as Sherpa's but during the last leg I didn't have to ride on the front taking brunt of the wind. My bike has been excellent and was well prepared for my journey by my good friends at BIKEMINDED. Many thanks.Average speed- who cares!- DAY 4
It's all about perspective.
As we rode along, without argument, the most picturesque road in Australia and facing the predicted weather conditions, I called out to two brave elderly Mountain bikers who had abandoned a climb and were walking their bikes "Where would you rather be?"
I heard one of the SMILE riders behind answer "Long Bay gaol!"
I was having my greatest day on a bike. I felt I was on my own epic odyssey, I was not feeling the cold the wet or the 130000km!
I was pleased that over dinner the boys said that was the most spectacular days ride of the trip.
I hope those two old men made it up that hill. I'm sure they're telling the world about it. Distance - 240km Average - 27kmph
Tomorrow we ride from Aireys Inlet to the Melbourne ferry. On the other side we pick up a pelaton of local riders who will accompany us to a function in the city. The end of the road for me.
- DAY 5
I'm packed and about to grab some breaky before my flight back to real life.
Here are some practical, philosophical and spiritual things I've learnt on this trip.
- Aloe vera gel works a treat for all minor and major skin irritations.
- Wool is the best base layer.
- Except in NSW, people love cyclists.
- Roads in NSW are the worst in Australia (and we know the roads in the Blue Mts the worst in NSW!).
- yes, tire punctures are uncommon! The SMILE riders hardly had any on their entire trip. We only had one in 1000ks and it was because a tire wore through.
- Tall heavy cyclists do exist. 3/6 of the SMILE riders were bigger than me!
- When you think your on the last hill there will be another round the corner (you'll always find the strength to get up it - 'dig deep')
- When you're pushing hard to keep up with the rider in front there is little time to stop for photographs.
- Cyclists universally have no shame and will stop to 'go' anywhere - it's the 'Lycra license'
- If you are just not coping, we were told to take a 'tactical'. Get the roll of toilet paper find a bush and lie down for ten minutes. No one will ever know.
- No body can do anything on their own, support each other in small ways, taking small turns in the wind, to make it through life's long journey.
- When you see a double rainbow over the ocean after climbing out of a rainforest valley you can only give praise to God.
May God Bless you all - thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Ian Randall
It's all about perspective.
As we rode along, without argument, the most picturesque road in Australia and facing the predicted weather conditions, I called out to two brave elderly Mountain bikers who had abandoned a climb and were walking their bikes "Where would you rather be?"I heard one of the SMILE riders behind answer "Long Bay gaol!"
I was having my greatest day on a bike. I felt I was on my own epic odyssey, I was not feeling the cold the wet or the 130000km!
I was pleased that over dinner the boys said that was the most spectacular days ride of the trip.
I hope those two old men made it up that hill. I'm sure they're telling the world about it. Distance - 240km Average - 27kmph
Tomorrow we ride from Aireys Inlet to the Melbourne ferry. On the other side we pick up a pelaton of local riders who will accompany us to a function in the city. The end of the road for me.
- DAY 5
I'm packed and about to grab some breaky before my flight back to real life.
Here are some practical, philosophical and spiritual things I've learnt on this trip.
- Aloe vera gel works a treat for all minor and major skin irritations.
- Wool is the best base layer.
- Except in NSW, people love cyclists.
- Roads in NSW are the worst in Australia (and we know the roads in the Blue Mts the worst in NSW!).
- yes, tire punctures are uncommon! The SMILE riders hardly had any on their entire trip. We only had one in 1000ks and it was because a tire wore through.
- Tall heavy cyclists do exist. 3/6 of the SMILE riders were bigger than me!
- When you think your on the last hill there will be another round the corner (you'll always find the strength to get up it - 'dig deep')
- When you're pushing hard to keep up with the rider in front there is little time to stop for photographs.
- Cyclists universally have no shame and will stop to 'go' anywhere - it's the 'Lycra license'
- If you are just not coping, we were told to take a 'tactical'. Get the roll of toilet paper find a bush and lie down for ten minutes. No one will ever know.
- No body can do anything on their own, support each other in small ways, taking small turns in the wind, to make it through life's long journey.
- When you see a double rainbow over the ocean after climbing out of a rainforest valley you can only give praise to God.
May God Bless you all - thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
Ian Randall
 |
| 17th September - WAITING IN SYDNEY FOR THE HOME COMING |
 |
| THREE CHEERS ! ! ! |
Monday, September 5, 2011
Where is Mr. Randall?
 |
. . . . riding his bike from Adelaide to Melbourne
The SMILE (Supporting Medical Innovation for Life Enhancement) Foundation provides financial assistance to families whose children suffer from rare diseases as well as much needed funding into medical research.
You can follow Mr Randall by clicking the here
Sunday, September 4, 2011
HSC Visual Arts - New Case Study
 |
| Frames Work Sheet |
Local Art Gallery Case Study
Visit a local Art Gallery and write an exhibition review.
Length – 500 words
- The role of a gallery in a local community.
- How the artist became associated with the Gallery.
- How the Gallery supports the Artist.
- Review an artwork in the exhibition using the Frames Work Sheet
- Submit with your work some published material, information sheet, flier or business card - proof that you visited the gallery.
Local Galleries to Visit
- Hat Hill Gallery - 3 Hat Hill Road, Blackheath -
Before you go - call them to check opening hour.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Christian Education - Orphans in the classroom
Hosea 14:3 .. in you alone do the orphans find mercy. Matthew 19:14 ... Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
From Wiki -
In the common use, an orphan does not have any surviving parent to care for him or her. However, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), and other groups label any child that has lost one parent as an orphan.
In affluent Australia there are school children who are in many ways orphans. Although they are not suffering the same plight as those in developing countries, nevertheless, they are abandoned and in alone in the world. Our orphans come from broken or multiple homes, living with Grandparents or careers, or with parents who have lost patience with an 'out of control' teenager. These are the children who are accountable only to themselves; they put themselves to bed, launder their own clothes, find their own money, prepare their own meals, care for their siblings and even are responsible for nursing other family members. Their lives are troubled and out of their control, they come to school without adequate food, without the basic school equipment, unwashed and out of uniform.
I wonder whether we need to care for these students as the orphans that they are.
Christian Education must emphasis the Christ in Education. If Jesus was at our school what would he be most concerned about? I see Jesus ensuring that our orphans were fed, warm, washed, clothed, rested, listen to and understood, well before the bell rang for the start the school day. Jesus would give them the care and security all children deserve, see that their physical and emotional needs were met and then "off to class."
Within our schools we need to consider how we can provide the facilities that our orphans need; breakfast clubs, fresh lunches, clean bathrooms and washrooms, counselling, medical and health assistance, spare clean uniforms and casual cloths . . . (?)
I think that Jesus would be one of those teachers who would always be late to class.
Oh, and Jesus would teach Design and Technology.
Just a teacher thought,
Ian Randall
Sunday, August 14, 2011
90% of Success
"90% of Success is just showing up" Woody Allen
Good education provides students the confidence to get involved in life.
Participating in an enriched school experience is essential for students to develop confidence within themselves, so that they will not shy away from opportunities which come their way.
When students leave school there are so many ways they can participate in their community; joining an acting society, volunteering, participating in sport or a music group. It is often through 'showing up' that you make new friends, establish contacts and encounter further opportunities.
As teachers let us continue to encourage our students to get involved and provide opportunities for them to do so.
Just a teacher thought,
Ian Randall
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| an unrelated image showing 90%!? |
Good education provides students the confidence to get involved in life.
Participating in an enriched school experience is essential for students to develop confidence within themselves, so that they will not shy away from opportunities which come their way.
When students leave school there are so many ways they can participate in their community; joining an acting society, volunteering, participating in sport or a music group. It is often through 'showing up' that you make new friends, establish contacts and encounter further opportunities.
As teachers let us continue to encourage our students to get involved and provide opportunities for them to do so.
Just a teacher thought,
Ian Randall
Friday, August 12, 2011
Leadership Development Day
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| click to view more photographs from the day |
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Megalong Valley Film Festival
Saturday 23rd July
Megalong Valley Community Hall
7pm
Mr Randall's own film is now online - click here
Good luck to all our students - I hope the judges will love our work!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
New Films
We're getting ready for the Megalong Film Festival
Some films for you to preview.
The Monster
The Sucking Horror
Lost
End of the World
Taken
Run School Girl Run
The Megalong Horror
The Kidnapping
enjoy,
Some films for you to preview.
The Monster
The Sucking Horror
Lost
End of the World
Taken
Run School Girl Run
The Megalong Horror
The Kidnapping
enjoy,
Friday, June 10, 2011
HSC Visual Arts Student - Cassia Trist
Showcasing some completed paintings by Cassia Trist
"My Pokemon are sad"
These artworks express Cassia's sadness about the death of Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokemon, who died in the Japanese earthquake - click here to view her paintings.
"My Pokemon are sad"
These artworks express Cassia's sadness about the death of Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokemon, who died in the Japanese earthquake - click here to view her paintings.
My pokemon are sad:
Why the tears?
There are tears in all the paintings because the creator of pokemon
(Satoshi Tajiri) has died so they show their sadness by crying for the
pokemon creator Satoshi (Tajiri) as also my sadness since I grew up
with pokemon had had adored the work from Satoshi Tajiri.
The puddles in the paintings show how long they have been crying for.
They have been created in their own habitats.
The types i have created are water, physic, air (normal) and grass.
Each painting expresses also what they are doing. Some pokemon catch
and eat prey due to their teeth and claws.
The names of these pokemon are pythion, batorn, merog, meruse, snagon,
keape and floam.
Each of my pokemon have been created based on two different
animals,objects and other things.
by Cassia
Friday, June 3, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Yummmm
9/10 Design & Technology
Our first practical lesson designing Handmade Chocolates was a great success!
Our first practical lesson designing Handmade Chocolates was a great success!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
HSC ArtExpress
Students are to go to 'Inside ARTEXPRESS' Art Gallery of NSW website.
View each of the students artworks selected for exhibition and view the videos.
Select 5 artworks and (using Notes) write out the following;
Artist:
Title:
Theme of the work:
How does the work reflect the Subjective Frame?
How does the work reflect the Structural Frame?
How does the work reflect the Cultural Frame?
How does the work reflect the Postmodern Frame?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
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