October 2016 OUR SCHOOL - COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND EXPECTING THE BEST FROM EVERY STUDENT HOLSWORTHY HIGH SCHOOL Website: http://www.holsworthy- h.schools.nsw.edu.au As I come to the end of my career I reflect on the change in society’s expectations of schools and I must say the rate of change and the increased workload on all staff members has never been more intense. The issues facing schools now are the increasing emphasis on school’s accountability through close evaluation of a school’s performance based on external testing, particularly the NAPLAN test, in an environment where external departmental support is being reduced. Coupled with this is the emphasis placed on students to succeed in a narrow range of all the skills they need to acquire. Literacy and numeracy are just two elements in a child’s education but our whole worth is based on these factors that are at the heart of the NAPLAN test. Not only does this put pressure on the teachers I am well aware the students are also pressured. Further, when the media focuses on a social problem there is a perceived assumption that schools need to ‘solve’ the problem. A most recent example is the results of an investigation into the fitness of our youth. I was listening to the radio going home from school where this ‘problem’ was being discussed and the majority of the calls taken by the presenter, and I should say the presenter’s position was to criticise the schools. Of course I was silently defending our school making the case that it is not our schools’ fault! Then I realised I was acting in an adversarial manner which is typical of our society. If I’m doing that then it is obvious the people listening are also prone to take one side or the other. So I understand that many parents agree with the position ‘it’s the school’s fault’. This invariably leads to tension and stress conditions that are not conducive to collaborative solutions to our problems. This got me thinking; of course things are not perfect and today’s students can do better. It is also true that schools are part of our community and do have a part to play. I was reminded that Holsworthy High has always sought to have the whole school community working together to make sure our students get the best education. As principal of your school I am aware ofthe stress levels some parents feel in regards to what is happening with their child. I am also aware some students are over-anxious about their schooling. And to make the school community all on the same page, I know teachers are becoming more and more stressed. Now you should know that I always want you to contact us when you are concerned, we are far from being perfect and we will make mistakes. But sometimes children do not divulge the whole story when they talk about what has happened at school but it’s the only version you hear. To help you get a clearer picture and more importantly help you minimise the stress you and your child may be experiencing I have outlined some steps you might take that could help you get a better idea of what is really
Transcript
October
2016
OUR SCHOOL - COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND
EXPECTING THE BEST FROM EVERY STUDENT
HOLSWORTHY HIGH SCHOOL Website: http://www.holsworthy-
h.schools.nsw.edu.au
As I come to the end of my career I reflect on the change in society’s expectations of schools and I must say the rate of change and the increased workload on all staff members has never been more intense. The issues facing schools now are the increasing emphasis on school’s accountability through close evaluation of a school’s performance based on external testing, particularly the NAPLAN test, in an environment where external departmental support is being reduced.
Coupled with this is the emphasis placed on students to succeed in a narrow range of all the skills they need to acquire. Literacy and numeracy are just two elements in a child’s education but our whole worth is based on these factors that are at the heart of the NAPLAN test. Not only does this put pressure on the teachers I am well aware the students are also pressured.
Further, when the media focuses on a social problem there is a perceived assumption that schools need to ‘solve’ the problem. A most recent example is the results of an investigation into the fitness of our youth. I was listening to the radio going home from school where this ‘problem’ was being discussed and the majority of the calls taken by the presenter, and I should say the presenter’s position was to criticise the schools. Of course I was silently defending our school making the case that it is not our schools’ fault! Then I realised I was acting in an adversarial manner which is typical of our society. If I’m doing that then it is obvious the people listening are also prone to take one side
or the other. So I understand that many parents agree with the position ‘it’s the school’s fault’. This invariably leads to tension and stress conditions that are not conducive to collaborative solutions to our problems.
This got me thinking; of course things are not perfect and today’s students can do better. It is also true that schools are part of our community and do have a part to play. I was reminded that Holsworthy High has always sought to have the whole school community working together to make sure our students get the best education.
As principal of your school I am aware ofthe stress levels some parents feel in regards to what is happening with their child. I am also aware some students are over-anxious about their schooling. And to make the school community all on the same page, I know teachers are becoming more and more stressed.
Now you should know that I always want you to contact us when you are concerned, we are far from being perfect and we will make mistakes. But sometimes children do not divulge the whole story when they talk about what has happened at school but it’s the only version you hear.
To help you get a clearer picture and more importantly help you minimise the stress you and your child may be experiencing I have outlined some steps you might take that could help you get a better idea of what is really
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going on at school and how to help them Develop personal skills and resilience. I have summarised below:
Sharing too much When your child comes home from school
with tales about being bullied either by ‘mean’ girls, ‘aggressive’ boys and ‘insensitive’ teachers, keep in mind that your children feed off your emotions and can get more distressed when they see you distressed. Try to keep our own anxiety in check while sympathising with theirs. You should be the emotional rock; the person who understands and supports your child. Then get the facts and if need be you should contact the school.
Advocating too hard We all want to stand up for our children, but
our eagerness to advocate can sometimes actually raise everyone’s anxiety levels. If your child shares a school problem with you, your first instinct is often to march into the school and try to resolve it. This tells your children that you don’t have faith in us or in your child to fix their problems. Your first priority should be to help them find a solution they can implement without your help, every time. Again, if it is serious contact us.
Compensating for weaknesses It is truly an unusual child who is great at
everything. So it follows that generally there will be areas at school in which they struggle. We want our kids to have healthy self-confidence and instead of focusing on and compensating for weaknesses, remind them to play to their strengths. Children can’t always avoid their weak areas, but by focusing on strengths we build self-efficacy and confidence.
Overplaying strengths Linked closely with the previous point is the
risk that too much positive affirmation can easily turn to pressure. Compliment children when they excel, but don’t make their excellence a reason you love them or to expect even more from them.
Having great values Sometimes children make poor choices and
I know they fret about their family finding out – it can seem like a fate worse than death. Let your children know that while values are important, you understand the realities and temptations they face. Disapprove of the behaviour but never of them. Don’t create a culture where your children are too anxious to come to you and admit they messed up.
Hiding your troubles If your family is struggling financially or
fighting with each other, don’t make the mistake of thinking your children are better off not knowing. They are very good at sensing problems and if they suspect something and if don’t know the whole story they can blow it out of all proportion. Should we pile our own troubles on our child’s shoulders - no, but it doesn’t hurt to be honest about what your concerns are and more importantly what you’re doing about it. By sharing what makes us anxious and how we deal with it we’re modelling practical ways to resolve anxiety.
At the end of last Term we had the 2016 Year 12 Graduation. At that ceremony I saw the whole school community at its best. The students made the school proud as student after student presented themselves as mature and dignified young men and women I could see what great members of the community they will make. The staff could rightly feel a sense of achievement looking at these young graduates and knowing what they have achieved. Most inspiring for me was the number of parents and friends who filled the hall to such an extent no junior student group could attend. This is a tribute to our community, a real testament to the healthy relationships we have in this great school.
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Years 7, 9 and 11
Did you know that
you can make
payments to our
school online?
We have launched a new online payment portal linked to our school’s website to make it easier for you to pay for school related payments. This is a secure payment page hosted by Westpac.
What expenses can be paid
online?
Voluntary School Contributions Subject Contributions Excursions Sport Creative and Practical Arts Sales to Students Other
When? This payment method went live on 19 February 2016.
How? Log onto the school website on www.holsworthy-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Click on “Make a Payment” and follow the prompts to make a payment via Visa or MasterCard.
The term has begun smoothly for our Year 7 and Year 9 students. Their exams are scheduled for mid-term and there are a few excursions and sporting events organised for a range of students. We are currently focusing as a school on creating a clean classroom and playground environment. Students and staff will be involved in a number of ‘clean up’ activities and encouraged to appreciate our school environment. Mr Ponton is driving this initiative across the school community. Our new cohort of Year 12 students have started on their path towards the HSC, with the Preliminary course now completed. We are going to speak to students about the demands of senior study, the importance of time management and Board of Studies requirements next week. Students will have an opportunity to drop a 2 Unit Course from their pattern of study over the coming weeks. They will need to think carefully about their choices and complete paperwork to finalise their decisions. Assessment task schedules and course outlines will be discussed within individual faculties. Signing in through the office will streamline attendance procedures for them as senior students. The term ahead will hold its own challenges and rewards. We hope all students will put in their best effort as they begin their final year of schooling.
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I M P O R T A N T
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Year 10 Geography Fieldwork excursion to Cronulla
On the 11th of September, the three Geography classes had to be at school at 7:30 to catch a train to Cronulla for their field work assessment. The fieldwork was organised as part of the syllabus topic “Geographical Issues”. When the students arrived at Cronulla, the instructors from the Botany Environmental Education Centre explained the outcomes of the day and organised us into small groups. Each group was given a small bag of equipment, which included, a Thermometer, a Clinometer, a UV Meter a Wind Speed Meter. The groups preformed their first hands on investigation by measuring wind speed and direction, and the daily temperature.
Following the first activity the groups recreated sand dunes representing different stages in time and it was explained to us how the various human activities can impact the dunes. Also, it was explained how the dunes were structured and their significance for the coastal environment. We also learned how the native flora help stabilize the dunes.
During the fieldwork the groups completed a number of worksheets to consolidate their learning and help them enhance their understanding of the topic.
It was a brilliant day which I'm sure all of us enjoyed. The field work helped the students to appreciate the role of sand dunes in the coastal environments. We also gained a better understanding of the different strategies in place to protect the dunes and the coastal environments which made us realise how humans and animals can have an impact on the coastal environments.
I want to thank all the teachers who took their own time to take us which were Mr Al-Khuzai, Mr Dasic and Ms Baxter. We would like to add that we missed you, Mr Amerikanos.
Thankyou Jeremy and Katelyn
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Fantastic Alumni News!
A huge congratulations to Brock Cohen, one of our ex students from the Class of 2014, who today took out second place at the H2O Nations Cup Match Race
held in Shanghai China representing Australia in powerboat racing on the International stage! Team Australia - Nations Cup
Brock was racing H20 power boats while he was still at Holsworthy High and today his dream of competing and winning at an International regatta came true and he is only 19!
We are very proud of you Brock! An outstanding achievement! Team Australia - Nations Cup.
What a fantastic achievement for our very own Jordan Richardson
playing with the Emeralds at the WBSC Women's
Baseball World Cup 2016 in Gijang City, South
Korea.
A dominant victory over Korea in the Super Round kept the Emeralds in medal conten-
tion, but back to back defeats at the hands of eventual champions Japan and bronze
medalists Venezuela saw Australia finish fifth.
We are very proud of you Jordan!
A huge congratulations to
Ryley Price who came 8th at the
NSW CHS Athletics Carnival for walking.
Well done Ryley!
We are very proud of you! ...
STOP
THE
PRESS !
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SCIENCE FACULTY
WANTED The Science Faculty are seeking donations of Lego or Lego
compatible base boards to construct a Lego wall in Science. We are happy with any size or colour. If you can help please leave donations at the office or send with your child to Science faculty.
If you have any other Lego you no longer have a use for we would be happy to accept that also.
1. Combine mince, onion, garlic, tomato paste, parsley and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Divide extra mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Shape into 1cm-thick patties. Place onto a baking paper-lined plate. Cover. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil on a barbecue hotplate or large frying pan over medium heat. Cook patties for 4 to 5 minutes each side or until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil. Stand for 5 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, heat remaining oil on hotplate. Cook pineapple for 1 to 2 minutes each side or until golden and caramelised. Cook eggs on hotplate, for 2 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. 4. Arrange the lettuce, patties, beetroot relish, tomato, pineapple and eggs on roll bases. Top with roll tops. Serve with barbecue sauce and extra beetroot relish on the side.
TAS FACULTY
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REMEMBRANCE DAY
SCHOOL CEREMONY
When: Friday 11th Nov 16
Where: Holsworthy High School
(main quadrangle)
Time: 10.45am
All parents, caregivers are welcome to attend.
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YEAR ADVISORS
Mrs Harvey Yr9 Mr Wiles Yr10
Mr Fernandez Yr11 Ms Condell Yr 12 Mr Amerikanos Yr 12
Ms Mikhail Yr7 Ms Booker Yr8
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
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PLEASE NOTE
The next meeting of the P & C will be held
on 17 October at 6.00pm
in the Learning Centre
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the
new parents at H.H.S and encourage them to attend our P&C meetings to find out in more detail what happens at our school.
Below is a list of the further scheduled meetings for 2016
14 November 12 December
Parent Information
Every year we are asked to update our records. Part of
this update is to register each child’s parent’s level of
education and their employment status.
This information is used to determine part of our financial
allocation for the year.
I understand that some of this information is sensitive and I
can assure you that any details are held in confidence.
If your circumstances have changed since you enrolled
your child at Holsworthy High could you please contact the
school as soon as possible so we can adjust our records.
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fx 82AU Casio Scientific
Cost:$25.00
TAFE NSW Courses in Computer Skills and
Administration Skills – UPSKILL and gain EMPLOYMENT.
We help our students become computer literate to achieve their goal of
employment - or to function in today’s technical age. Our qualified caring
teachers work with students every step of the way. We offer flexible programs
individually suited to student’s needs, with options of both day and night
courses. We currently have openings in Computer Skills; Business Administration Medical; Finance and Customer Service.
YOUR learning needs are our objective; Please call our friendly team on 9780 5585; or email Lyn the Head Teacher
