School camp is one of the highlights of childhood. Chances are you can still remember some of the campfire songs, the smell of damper cooking and the names of the kids you bunked with. However, it's also true that for some children (and their parents) the thought of staying away overnight can create a little anxiety. It's not uncommon for kids to worry about who they'll room with, ‘being left out' of things, whether something might go wrong, feeling homesick and other understandable concerns. Even the most outgoing and confident child may have... Read more

Research into cyberbullying is still in its infancy but the one thing we do know is the online environment is really just a new setting for age-old issues. Cyberbullying is an extension of face-to-face bullying. It's all about relationships. When are kids most vulnerable to bullying? Bullying – online or offline – peaks for kids (and this is worldwide) at about Year 5, and again at about Year 7 or 8. The first peak coincides with children discovering the power of the peer group, and creating their own social pecking order. The second peak... Read more

Protecting the privacy of personal information is increasingly important at a time when we are sharing more details about ourselves online than ever before. While interacting online can be great for kids, it also makes them more vulnerable. To help reduce the risk of cyberbullying, unwanted attention or breaches of their privacy, you can: encourage them to keep their usernames and passwords safe and not share them with anyone take them through the privacy settings of sites they join to ensure they are careful about what information they share... Read more

2013 has been a difficult one for the Library. After suffering significant damage during the floods at the beginning of the year the Library has recently re-opened with a completely new look. In an effort to improve the resources and access for students 24 new computers and furniture have been installed in the lower level with the entire catalogue of books arranged to allow a more efficient use of space. The Learning Loft continues to operate for senior students and 8 computers have been installed to give those students immediate access to... Read more

Work has commenced on the High Performance Sports Centre at Grafton High. This building has been a long time in the planning and through the support of the P&C, School and NSW DEC we should see a great new facility opening later this year.... Read more

Kids and families tend to run more smoothly when there is a clear plan. So the online parent resource School A to Z has created printable homework and study calendars for each month of the year. The School A to Z website and mobile app can also help with common assignment and homework questions. In the Homework and study section you'll find links to useful websites, maths and English glossaries, and help sheets to make homework time easier in your house. Print your homework and study calendar pages for the rest of 2013. If you have ideas for... Read more

Help create the right study conditions for your child in the lead-up to exams and know the warning signs if it's all getting too much. Kids who manage best in exams: maintain positive relationships with family and friends continue to allow some time for exercise and leisure get plenty of sleep eat sensibly have planned time for study are organised learn and practise simple techniques for relaxation. Read more on the School A to Z website.... Read more

A reminder to parents about the operation of school speed zones around the Easter holidays. School zones exist for the safety of children and families; they will operate on Thursday 28 March, then resume on Tuesday 2 April. Forty-kilometres-an-hour school speed zones operate across New South Wales at all school sites on gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even pupil-free days. Find out more... Read more

Writing essays is a skill many of us have forgotten. But don't worry – here are a few tips to help you and your child, even if you're not familiar with the essay topic. Key points: Determine 'what is the question asking?' Essays follow a specific formula Introduction – state your response to the question and mention the points to be made in the body of the essay. Body – expand on the points introduced in the introduction. Don't introduce new thoughts at this stage. Conclusion – summarise the points discussed in the body. One idea per... Read more

Unfortunately the Year 7 Camp to the Great Aussie Bush Camp has been postponed due to road closures as a result of the recent flooding. Year 7 classes will operate as normal on Monday 25th February. Daniel Moar Deputy Principal Grafton High School 24th February 2013... Read more

A panel of experts answers the most common questions parents have about how they can best support their kids' school life, study, wellbeing and development. In five brief segments, the experts share their tips on how parents can: help their kids reach their full potential at school and motivate them for learning support their child's social development and handle schoolyard conflict support kids through the teenage years. keep up with the technology their kids are using and how to keep them safe online. Watch the Great start videos... Read more

The safety and wellbeing of your child is of paramount importance to us, including where your child is diagnosed at risk of a severe allergic reaction.. It is important that parents notify the school if their child has an allergy. Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes sudden allergic reaction that is potentially life-threatening and always requires an emergency response. As with other serious health conditions, schools put in place strategies to support students at risk of anaphylaxis at school or while they are engaged in school related... Read more

Body image is the number one personal concern for young people aged 12 to 24, with research showing they feel under more pressure than ever to look a certain way. Butterfly Foundation's education manager, Danni Rowlands, goes into schools every week to talk to students about body image. In a revealing podcast, she explains to Rachel Friend what she finds when she talks to girls and young women, what's healthy behaviour and what parents should be concerned about. Listen to the podcast on the School A to Z website.... Read more

Parties are part and parcel of teenage social life and help mark the move from childhood to adulthood. While most parties go off without a hitch, celebrations can go wrong and get out of hand – particularly if the party is unplanned. If you are hosting a party here are some tips to help to ensure your teenager and their friends have fun but remain safe. Communication and careful planning are the keys to hosting a successful party. While the internet and social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter are great tools which can be used to... Read more

The 2012 edition of the Graftonian Magazine is now available from the front office. At $15 it is great value as a record of events of the past year at Grafton High School. The Graftonian has been published since 1914, when the fledgling high school moved into the first permanent building on the school site.... Read more

Growing up can be tough. Things don't always go to plan. So how can you help your child to develop resilience? Research shows children with good resilience perform better at school and are less likely to take part in risky behaviour, particularly as they enter the teenage years. The education department's principal psychologist, Ron Balderston, describes resilience as a shock absorber for the potholes of life. "Resilient children know how to cope and have developed skills that enable them to flex so they can manage life's blows when they... Read more

While the statistics around cyberbullying are sketchy, we do know that the likelihood of children being bullied online or over the phone increases as they get older and use technology more frequently. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has created tips for parents to help keep their kids safe online and to give some direction for those who think their child may already be experiencing online bullying. They include: Talk to your child about cyberbullying before it happens. Work out strategies to address cyberbullying that both... Read more

The period leading up to the HSC can be a difficult time for parents as they try to help their teen manage the study load and stress. The parent website School A to Z has spoken to teachers about the challenges parents and students face. Here are some of the key points: You don't need to be a subject expert to help your child prepare for the HSC. Make sure your teen is getting enough sleep. Good nutrition is vital. They can reduce stress by balancing study with physical activity, social life and other interests. Part-time work shouldn't be... Read more

School A to Z has just released an exciting, new maths game app, taking kid-friendly learning to the next level. Maths Monkey's Quest was created by the NSW Department of Education and Communities and designed for kids from Year 3 to Year 8. This new release engages children (and adults) with addition, subtraction, ratios and percentages, as they unlock new levels and strengthen their mathematical skills. At each level the Maths Monkey enters a new world of mathematical challenges, starting at the Jungle level (aimed at Years 3 and 4 students)... Read more

Should Year 10 subject selections be an opportunity for your child to get a head start on their career, or to simply to choose the electives they most enjoy? This month, School A to Z features two articles with expert advice on how to help your child choose subjects that will give them the most options later on, regardless of whether they want to go to university, or they see themselves pursuing a trade or apprenticeship . Year 10 subject selection looks at what subjects your child is most likely to succeed in, and how to help them choose the... Read more