Care | Opportunity | Success

S O U T H SY D N E Y

Principal’s Report

HIGH SCHOOL

Newsletter | Term 2 Week 8 | 21 June 2019

Congratulations to:

Ernie from Year 11 one of only 25 students selected by the Arts Unit to participate

in the A O Lang Pho Circus Masterclass to be held at the Opera House.

Subject Selection Evening

On Tuesday night we started our planning for next year with our Annual

Subject Selection evening for Year 10 students. On a chilly evening it was

great to see so many students with their families present, absorbing all the

information about the most appropriate subjects to select for stage six.

Year 8 and 10 Parent Teacher Night Tuesday the 25th of June. 4pm-7.30pm

We hope to see as many parents/guardians present in the hall for Parent Teacher night, it is a great

opportunity to meet your child’s teachers and work together with the school to ensure your child thrives in

semester two.

Junior CAPA Showcase on Tuesday 2nd July

Please find more details about this annual event in this newsletter. Don’t forget to order your tickets online to

secure your seat at this free event. This performing arts night is always a wonderful collaboration between

students and their dedicated teachers.

NAIDOC Assembly

Our assembly will be held on Thursday 4th July at 9.15 am in the

School Hall. Ms Wilson and Ms Cooley are busy working with students

and parents which will acknowledge this important week in the

nation’s calendar.

Kind Regards

Janice Neilsen

Principal

Catalyst Lab Success

Congratulations to Mr Chadwick who has been successful in the Catalyst Lab

Innovation Program. The program supports the generation of new ideas that

address specific challenges for education in the future. It will enable stu-

dents to be fully equipped to navigate a future world where artificial intelli-

gence plays an increasing part in education and the wider world. Mr Chad-

wick has been invited to a three day bootcamp to further refine his ideas

and concept with industry experts to innovate for the future of education.

Multicultural Flag Day on Friday 2nd August

I would like to encourage as many parents as possible to put this date

into your diary.

This day reminds us about the wonderful cultural richness which exists

within our school and the wider community. I would encourage as many

students to participate in this great celebration of cultural diversity.

Please see the HSIE faculty to register your interest.

On Wednesday 12th June Year 12 Sports Coaching students assisted at Maroubra Bay Public Schools athletics

carnival. The sports coaching students coached and assisted with the various track, field and novelty events

that took place.

Sports Coaching

Behaviour Expectation Over the next two terms we will be sharing our updated Behaviour Expectations with students. We thank you

for your support in reinforcing the high expectations that make South Sydney High School such a dynamic, safe

learning environment for all students.

Gifted, Talented & Enrichment, Term 2

SSCIM Club

As the term draws to a close SSCIM Club is as busy as ever. We now have a giant checkers board that students

are enjoying. While our junior public speaking finalists are completing and polishing their speeches for the

final showdown on Thursday 27th June when we will decide who will represent our school at the Legacy Public

Speaking event in Term 3. Because the interest in public speaking has been strong this term there will be a

number of our keen public speakers attending the finals of the State’s Plain Speaking event on Friday 28th

June.

GERRIC School Holiday Workshops

The following workshops will be offered by the University of New South Wales, Gifted Education department

in July. The workshops will be run from Matraville High School from the 9th to the 11th of July.

Year 7-10

The Brain in Health and Disease - UNSW Professor Ken Ashwell

Robots by EMU - Yvonne Perry

Poetry + Stage: Poetry & Spoken Word - David Stavanger

The link to book workshops is as follows: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gerric-student-programs-tickets-

60238571188?mc_cid=bf591de7a6&mc_eid=b3b7122bf7

ENRICHMENT STAGE 4 PROJECT BASED LEARNING : Videos for Social Change, Project Based Learning

Presentation Afternoon, 3.45 – 5.45pm, Thursday 27 June 2019

The organisation ‘High Resolves’ are very focused on empowering young people to raise awareness of societal

issues and to develop young advocates for change promoting a just society that nurtures and encourages us all

to be our best selves. To this end they run a competition called ‘Videos for Social Change’. Preparation for this

competition by creating their own videos for social change has been the project based learning required of

Stage 4 (year 7 & 8) students this term. We hope to show these videos to parents and members of our school

community on Thursday 27 June from 3.45 – 5.45pm. On Tuesday 18th June students were offered a double

period workshop during which they completed or planned the completion of their videos.

Aine de Paor, Gifted & Enrichment Co-ordinator

HSC & Careers Expo

Students in Years 10 & 12 attended the Annual Careers Expo at the Horden Pavilion Moore Park. The students

had the opportunity to ‘ask the experts’ about courses and careers and for Year 10 it was a valuable time to

gather information from Tertiary Institutions regarding the appropriate subjects to choose for Year 11 & 12.

There were approximately 150 tertiary exhibitors on hand to talk to students and answer their questions.

These included TAFE NSW, UNSW, Macquarie University, The University of Sydney, University of Technology

Sydney, Australian National University, Notre Dame University, Western Sydney University, Universities of

Wollongong and Newcastle just to include a few. Other tertiary and private institutions included Macleay

College, Defence Force Recruiting, Basair Australia, Kenvale College of Hospitality and Cookery, Raffles College

of Design, The Academy of Interactive Entertainment & The National Art School as a small example.

Year 12 was able to find out about courses and careers available for 2020 and talk to UAC and TAFE about the

application process and closing dates. The expo also held seminars on Applying to UAC, Resume preparation,

job interview advice and gap year options for 2020.

I would like to compliment our students on their behaviour, preparation, and genuine enthusiasm throughout

the event, to use the time effectively to find out information about their post school options. I would also like

to thank the staff who assisted on the Day/s, Ms Mattock, Ms Graham, Ms Lopez, Ms Khouri, Ms Rivett and to

Ms Douglas for providing the necessary timetable adjustments to release those members of staff, which was

much appreciated.

Ms Brookes

Careers Adviser

HSC Minimum Standard for Year 10 Students

What is the HSC minimum standard?

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has implemented the HSC minimum standard to help ensure that

students have the key literacy and numeracy skills for life after school. Students in New South Wales will need

to demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive the HSC credential from 2020. The

HSC minimum standard is set at level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). These skills are

essential for everyday tasks and learning after school such as writing a letter for a job application or

understanding a mobile phone plan. The standard is assessed through online tests across three areas: reading,

writing and numeracy. The minimum standard online tests are 45 minutes long and include a multiple choice

reading test, a multiple choice numeracy test and a short writing test based on a choice between a visual or

written prompt. Examples of the tests are available on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

website. Students who do not meet the HSC minimum standard can still

Sit the HSC exams.

Receive an ATAR for University applications

Receive a ROSA

Receive a HSC minimum standard report.

At South Sydney High School we will start the process of students going through the testing procedures.

Students will be doing practice online tests over the next week, with an eye to doing the actual tests after this.

Students will be supported through these sessions, until they reach the minimum standard required. We

anticipate a large number of students will be able to achieve the minimum standard within the first testing

cycle. More information is available at: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-

minimum-standard

Royal Australian Navy Visit

On Thursday 13th June, Tyler and Nathan from Year 11 and Yajneshwar from Year 10 visited HMAS Kuttabul to

experience a day in the Royal Australian Navy.

Warrant Officer Maritime Logistics Chef Simon Allanson gave a guided tour of the Navy Base where students

had the opportunity to view the internal workings of the Garden Island Defence Precinct, including the fleet

gymnasium (complete with an indoor rock-climbing wall) and the HMAS Kuttabul graving dock.

Students learned about the employment opportunities after school, and spoke to many experienced people,

including young people in the Navy Gap Year Program.

It was a most outstanding day. Special thanks to HMAS Kuttabul’s Warrant Officer Maritime Logistics Chef

Allanson for making the day possible!

Yajneshwar has now received a work experience opportunity which he is thrilled about!

M Mattock and K Allanson

Opportunity Team

Kellogg’s Industry Visit

On Tuesday 4th June, 25 Year 9 and 10 students participated in an industry visit to the iconic Kellogg’s.

Students visited the Kellogg’s Botany Plant where they got hands-on experience in how a variety of cereals are

manufactured. Students also visited the Kellogg’s Australia’s Head Office in Pagewood, where they engaged in

a career mentoring session with a range of HR specialists. Both of these visits were highly valued and were a

great opportunity for our students to learn about career possibilities and pathways. Year 10 will soon be

selecting subjects for Year 11 and such industry visits really support our students in making decisions that are

right for them.

We would like to thank Kellogg’s and United Way for providing South Sydney High School this excellent

experience.

Ms Allanson

Opportunity Team, South Sydney High School.

Some information about…... Lateness

Thank you for ensuring that your child attends school on time every day. We ask that you phone or text our

office staff if your child is running late. Students with unexplained lateness will be followed up by the Year

Adviser and Deputy Principals in line with our updated 2019 policy.

Absence

You will receive a text message if your child is late or absent from school, usually after 11 o’clock each day. It is

vital that we have accurate contact details so that our systems work effectively; updates can be provided via

the forms on the Skoolbag App.

If we have technical issues and are unable to send these messages, we will advise you and ask you to contact

the school office if you have any concerns. If you are sure your child is at school and you feel you have received

a message in error please contact us on 93493868.

Science News

In the Science double lesson on Friday 14th June, 8 Yellow constructed scientific posters to model the

mammalian digestive system. Students used materials such as balloons, sponges, playdough, aluminium foil,

pipe cleaners and string to make their posters. They worked collaboratively in groups to design and make their

posters and worked beautifully together. Their hard work definitely shows – their posters are amazing!

Year 12 Biology students visited the Museum of Human Disease in Week 7 as part of the diseases topic. They

were able to learn about the cause and effects of various infectious and non-infectious diseases on the human

body. It was a very eye opening and informative excursion. The Year 12 Biology students are currently

performing research on methods to control the spread of disease as a part of their upcoming research

assessment task.

Please text us or send a note explaining absence (with a medical certificate if required) when your child

returns to school.

Uniform

Thank you for ensuring that your child/ward attends school every day in full school uniform. Please write a

note if your child is not in uniform, we can then issue a uniform slip valid for the day (or the whole week in

extenuating circumstances). Students either see their Year Adviser before school or the faculty monitoring

uniform for that year group. If you have any concerns, please contact the Year Adviser on the school number.

Sports Report Zone Athletics

An impressive 65 students attended the Zone Athletics Carnival, the majority being competitors but also a

number of volunteers who did an excellent job of assisting staff in running the carnival on the day. Of the

competitors 32 students have been successful in progressing on to the Regional Athletics carnival which will be

held on Tuesday 6th and Wednesday 7th August at Sylvania Athletics Field.

Congratulations to all of these students

In particular, a big congratulations and well done to Tahyla (Year 7) and Rose (Year 12) who were Age

Champions at the Carnival.

Eden - Year 7 Tahlya - Year 7 Keilani - Year 7 Rose - Year 12 Luti - Year 10 Ruby - Year 7 Zoe - Year 7 Harmani - Year 9 Kodie - Year 12 Alexandra - Year 8 Zak - Year 10 Ryan - Year 9 Marley - Year 8 Rick - Year 8 Easton - Year 11

Ihi - Year 11 Frederick - Year 7 Antonio - Year 11 Aaron - Year 8 Toban - Year 7 Caedan - Year 7 Sam - Year 8 Aaron - Year 9 Eddie - Year 9 Izaiah - Year 11 Hasan - Year 9 Niyaaz - Year 12 Lachlan - Year 10

AFL

We have two good news stories in AFL. Firstly our school knockout team have pro-

gressed into the Final 4 teams across the Sydney East region after a comprehensive

win over Caringbah HS in week 7. This means that the boys are just one good win away

from progressing to the state draw for this competition. Well done and good luck to

these boys. Secondly, some individual success for Liam (Year 10, pictured) who recent-

ly represented NSW CHS Greater Sydney at the NSW All-Schools U15’s state Champi-

onships. Liam has already been identified as a talented athlete in this sport; he recent-

ly represent the Sydney East region for the third consecutive year, captaining the team

in 2019.

Cross Country

In week 7, four students (Rick Year 8, Jake Year 10, Marley Year 8 and Rose Year 12) competed at the Regional

Cross Country Championships held at Miranda park. The course is a challenging 2km loop, including many hills,

which tests both the stamina and muscular endurance of each student. Both Jake (7th) and Rose (3rd) have

been successful in qualifying for the NSW CHS Championships which will be held in Term 3 at Eastern Creek.

A Day at Clayton Utz

On Thursday the 13th of June, 22 outstanding students from Years 9-10 travelled to the Sydney CBD and

attended the Polish Program at the Clayton Utz law firm. Students were greeted by cooperate professionals

and were asked to share their skills, interests and aspirations for the next few years. The morning session

allowed students to experiment with ‘soft skills’, perfecting their handshakes and learning about the keys to

an effective first impression. After a generous morning tea, students engaged in various group activities,

working through scenarios and interview techniques.

Just before Lunch, students were introduced to 13 mentors, who were all corporate professionals employed

at Clayton Utz and National Broadband Network. The mentors varies in their roles, ranging from barristers,

solicitors, to ICT specialists and in varying sectors of the companies. Students led a Q & A with the mentors,

posing questions about their experiences, education and responsibilities. For Lunch, students enjoyed a buffet

and rotated between groups, where they lead social and professional conversations with various mentors on

different tables. To conclude the day, students engaged in mock job interviews with their mentors and were

presented with their awards. All students left the program with valuable experiences and have gained life-long

skills that they will use in their professional careers. Students thanked their mentors, the Beacon facilitators

and even aimed to network and establish potential connections and opportunities to get a headstart on their

career goals.

Ms Khouri

We are proud of you Mitchell Driver! A 19-year-old pitcher from Matraville has secured a US college scholarship he hopes will put him on the path

to play Major League Baseball. Mitch Driver will move to the USA in August to begin playing and studying at

McCook Community College in the state of Nebraska.

Mitch can expect to be playing or training almost every day of the season as part of the National Collegiate

Athletic Association (NCAA) competition. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience,” Driver said of the two-year

scholarship. “The baseball is a lot better there in terms of competitiveness and talent. “I’m keen to play

against better batters, which can show how good you are.”

A 16-year-old Mitch Driver pitched for the CHS NSW school team. He received four offers from colleges while

playing in the US in March as part of an Australian team. A right-arm pitcher, he can throw at 86mph. His rep-

ertoire includes a four seam fastball, sinker, changeup, curveball, and he is working on a slider. The former

South Sydney High School student has been playing for the Cronulla Sharks and University of NSW (winter).

While there has been plenty of praise for his talents, Mitch expects American coaches might be more circum-

spect about a foreign player. “They’ll definitely be hard to impress because obviously I’m not homegrown. I’m

coming to prove myself,” he said. He then hopes to gain a contract with a minor league club, which is the usual

route to the Major League.

Courtesy of the Southern Courier 18th June.