______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 1
The fortnightly newsletter of Castle Hill High School
EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
Volume 14 10 September 2010 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Student leadership for 2011 It is my pleasure once again to announce the Year 11 and 12 Prefects for 2011. These students were elected by their peers and the staff of Castle Hill High School. They represent the student body and, as such, will undertake the responsibility of setting the highest of standards in behaviour, work ethic and loyalty to the school. I am delighted that these young students have stepped forward to work for their school, work in a team and give service. The Year 12 Prefects for 2011 are: Tristan Blackett, Jhovey Breva, Renae Burke, Marco Capobianco, David Cleary, Belinda Craig, Louis Cummings, Gabrielle Evangelidis, Matthew Heinecke, Stephanie Howell, Kevin Kim, Ashleigh Maihi, Lachlan Quarmby, Dominique Singh, Tiernan Vanecek, Rebecca Wardle, Elizabeth Williams. The Year 11 Prefects for 2011 are: Anil Bhakri, Kaylyn Burgess, Madeleine Chan, Kay Downie, Elisse Kinley, Matthew Knight, Gloria Park, Sofie Parle, Dena Ross, Julie Sandholt, Lachlan Schacht, Ovini Sellapperuma, Kieran Verma, Grant Walker, Tom Woodman. Interviews for the Year 12 Executive Leadership Team – the Captains, Vice Captains and Junior and Senior SRC Coordinators - will take place in the coming weeks. The panel overseeing these interviews will comprise the Principal, the Deputy Principal assigned to Year 12, 2011, the Head Teacher Welfare and the two captains from 2010. The announcement of Sports Captains will also occur very shortly. Year 12 2010 The coming days are very busy for Year 12. While students are close to finalising their schooling days in preparation for HSC exams, there is still much for them to do. As I write, they are preparing for a celebration assembly that will have Year 12 as the focus. On Wednesday September 22, they will have their final Farewell Assembly with all of the school present and on Thursday September 23, in front of parents, invited guests, staff and Year 11, they will graduate from this school. And finally, in the evening of September 23, they will have their formal. The last days are exciting for Year 12. But it needs to be made clear that there can be no thought of a “muck up” a tradition once, many years ago, for students leaving school. We will be expecting the highest standards of behaviour all through the final weeks. While we are not going to indulge in the negative at this important time of year, it needs to be clear that there will be significant and uncompromising consequences for any students wanting to deviate from the stated expectations of Year 12.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 2
Staffing and financial flexibility I have written before about the trial program that we at Castle Hill High School were asked to participate in at the beginning of the year, known as the “47 Schools Trial”. You will recall that this pilot allowed the school to experiment with its staffing and financial arrangements in order to tailor programs to explicitly meet the needs of its students, staff and community. The program continues – and I must say with much enthusiasm. To re-cap, the following programs are a result of the flexibility and creativity that the trial offers the school:
1. Appointment of a Head Teacher to mentor Year 12 boys.
Mr Peter Kerrigan has been working very closely with 25 Year 12 boys, their parents and teachers to find solutions to age-old problems: how to motivate students, how to assist them to study and organise themselves, how to set goals and deliver on them, how to cope under pressure, how to have a meaningful school life. While one important measure of the program’s effect will be in improved HSC results for boys, the real measure of the success of the program comes from what the boys say about themselves and how they have managed a difficult year. Evaluations so far are extraordinarily positive. Peter Kerrigan is a god!
2. Appointment of two teachers’ aides to support students encountering learning or emotional issues. This service provides extra support for a number of students who need more personalised and individualised assistance from time to time. Early evaluations are very encouraging.
3. Appointment of an Attendance Coordinator Having successfully improved lateness as an issue in the school, the school then appointed an Attendance Coordinator. Mr Peter Jeptha has been working at improving attendance, in particular the attendance of those students who are partially away. The use of SMS technology and Peter’s diligent follow-up have resulted in reductions in the truancy rate.
4. Appointment of an additional gardener for 4 days a week Adam Wozniak has been tending to our gardens since the beginning of the Trial and it is fair to say that he has done a magnificent job in improving them. He takes a great pride in his work and this certainly tells.
Laptops Since I wrote to Year 10 parents about the sixty laptops with manufacturing issues in August, there has been plenty of action. Some very enterprising parents contacted Lenovo in Japan creating an enormous ripple effect down under. I hosted a meeting of a Lenovo representative, and three DET representatives who have carriage of the Digital Education Revolution on Tuesday September 7. They were here to see if “all was well”. I’m so pleased to report that all laptops have been repaired or spares have been distributed to students. Prior to this, the Computing Staffroom was awash with spare parts and technicians laid on – such that the computing staff couldn’t get to their staffrooms. Can I thank parents for their support and their direct action! In memoriam Ann Blythe, a long-standing, highly respected member of Castle Hill High School’s staff
died last week, after a fight with cancer. Her death was untimely and, of course, very sad.
Ann was only 55 – young by anyone’s standard in this day and age. She leaves us with
so many fond memories: her humour, colour, wit and energy will stay with many of us and
is her enduring legacy of a life lived well and happily, despite the personal tragedies of her
life. She will be very much missed. The funeral is on Friday September 10.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 3
P & C TRIVIA NIGHT Saturday 4th September Congratulations to the 250 people who turned up to the Trivia night. A great night was had by all on the night with the eventual winners coming from the HSIE faculty. Children, your education is in safe hands with this knowledgeable bunch of teachers and their partners. Congratulations to Mrs Bardakos, Mr Jolly, Mrs O’Brien and Mrs Branagh. Congratulations must also go to the table of Mr & Mrs Lees who performed most admirably too. A very well done to Ms Jones who prevailed to become the “Who Am I” champion of Castle Hill High School. Notable mentions to Mr Meller and Lachlan Armstrong-Sue who both won a game of Heads & Tails. Many thanks to all the organisations and people who donated prizes towards the night. In particular, Vision Personal Training, The Hills Lodge, C2K gym and Jamberoo Fun Park. It was marvellous to see so many students, ex-students, teachers and parents there on the night.
Well done to the P & C, Mr Tudman, Mrs Tudman, Mrs Kerrigan and Mr Kerrigan for a most successful night.
CHANGES TO BUS ZONE We recently put in an application to The Hills Shire Council to have the front of the school rezoned. The issue of amending the current bus zone on Castle Street was considered at the council’s local traffic committee meeting on 16 August, 2010. The application was successful. “The section of bus zone on Castle Street on the eastern kerb line south of the staff car park to the roundabout at Castle Hill High School be amended to “No Parking 8:00-9:30am School Days”. Council has issued works requests for the amendment of the signage. These works are anticipated to be undertaken as a matter of course. If you require further information please contact the school. Anna Girginis – Deputy Principal
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 4
SCIENCE WEEK 2010 “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.
We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.” – Albert Einstein Lots of “science-ey” fun was had during Week 5 to celebrate National Science Week and engage the intuitive mind.
On Tuesday we had Science Demonstrations with exploding tins, bubbling rainbows and elephant toothpaste.
Year 9 had the pleasure of hearing from the underwater filmmaker George Evatt on Tuesday afternoon. Some beautiful, some a little less than beautiful and some completely hideous creatures were shown and discussed.
A leafy Seadragon (right)
Wednesday lunch time brought along the main event – BALLOON DRAG RACES in the quad. Larger mass provides more power but what’s the balance? Which straw would provide the least friction? What angle would allow the quickest balloon? How can a balloon rocket be launched while eating a delicious BBQ?? The lanes were set and some tough competition ensued. The winners gained movie tickets (provided by Event cinemas) as well as a fun science prize.
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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 6
HILLS FOOTBALL CHALLENGE Castle Hill High School 15’s Boys Football team played the inaugural Hills Football Challenge against Baulkham Hills High School recently. The match was hard fought with Castle Hill High School defeating Baulkham Hills High School 3-1 with Kaan Demir, Rumtin Nouzat and Mitchell Seager each scoring a goal. The Castle Hill High School 15’s Football team included the following players : Jack Arthur, Adil Baccus, Jordan Coleman, Kaan Demir, Firas Jarrouge, Mathew Knight, Thomas Lemon, Damien Mulvanah, Rumtin Nouzat, Mitchell Seager, Martin Sheridan ( Captain ), Haytham Shokry, Zachary Speth, James Werner and Thomas Woodman.
SPIRIT WEEK During the week of Spirit Week many events occurred. On Monday we had a Spirit Week quiz for PC and then there was an interesting netball game between the Sports Council and the PE teachers. Then on Tuesday the SRC and Year 11 Prefects ran a cake stall to raise money for charity. After that there was live entertainment in the quad. Wednesday was a very amusing day, as this was when the guy auction took place, which was a huge success as over $200 was raised for charity. Then on Thursday, the Talent Show was held. Students from Years 7-11 participated and showed off their various talents. Overall Spirit Week for 2010 proved to be a successful week, as money was raised, students got to show off their talents, guys were paid to take off their shirts and it was a chance to have fun and show off your school spirit!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 7
AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION 2010 294 students participated in the AMC this year, producing our best ever set of results. Two Prize Awards: Brad Liu (Year 9) and Jesse Xu (Year 10). Four High Distinctions: Lucas Yeo (Year 8), Damien Mulvanah (Year 10), Robert Luo and Eric Chung (Year 11).
FORTY THREE DISTINCTIONS YEAR 7 YEAR 8 YEAR 10
Melissa Eades Dakota Harkins Brayden Griffiths Yiheng Qi Maria Carol Villavedra Edward Shen Daniel Green Molly Wang Junwoo Cheon Adele Fattoretto YEAR 9 Meiyi Pan Alice Chang Constant Liu Samran Sheriff Brian Ling Tamir Sladojevic Sofie Parle Neda Klissourov Matthew Hall Langning Hu Roland Huang Esac Kim Sei Young Kim Demi McFarlane Nikita Sharma Julia Johnson Hiba Azwar Tammy Ong YEAR 11 Kimberley Prasertthavorn Amy O’Neill Stefanie Du Cuan McLeman Jaqueline Nguyen Jiameng Dong Jackson Zhu Min-Gu Kang Adam Yuan Richard Zhu James Gardiner Pamela Papa Zachary Speth Ethan Cross Emma Peake
We also achieved 103 credit awards. Congratulations to everyone who participated! Certificates and prizes will be handed out as soon as they arrive in the school. Mr Gainey - Maths Head Teacher
2 0 1 0 D r o u g h t A p p e a l
F A I R F A X P U B L I C S C H O O L
C H H S P A R E N T S - H o w y o u c a n h e l p :
1. Donate toys, writing materials, clothing for the little sisters and brothers of the school pupils (our PC classes will provide gifts for the school-age kids) OR
2. Give a donation towards transportation and delivery of the gifts. OR
3. Donate non-perishable food items, Christmas goodies or luxury items like soap, talc, shampoo etc for the Mums and Dads, other family members and staff at the school.
• Fairfax Public School is a one-teacher school near Narrabri with only 10 pupils – a poor community at the best of times, but suffering under the effects of the drought right now. Help make THIS Christmas special for this community!
• Bring all donations to Ms Morrissey in Room B4 or Maths Staffroom – money to Room 1.
• Appeal closes December 3 2010
• ONLY new items are acceptable.
Please contact Ms Morrissey if you have suggestions or queries by email: [email protected] or by telephone: 96344199.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 8
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER Published and distributed by email to parents each
Friday fortnight during school term.
CALENDAR 2010
TERM 3
PLEASE NOTE THAT SCHOOL RESUMES FOR TERM 4 ON
MONDAY11 OCTOBER 2010 FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS
DATE
CALENDAR EVENT
TERM 3, WEEK 9B 2010
DATE
CALENDAR EVENT TERM 3 WEEK 10A 2010
Monday
13 September 2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations Monday
20 September 2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations
Tuesday
14 September 2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations
Tuesday 21 September
2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations
Wednesday
15 September 2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations • Years 7-10 Celebration Assembly • Year 9 Peer Support Camp • P & C Meeting 7.30pm Common Room
Wednesday 22 September
2010
• Year 12 Farewell Assembly – 9:35am • Japanese Study Tour
Thursday
16 September 2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations • Year 9 Peer Support Camp • Sydney West Girls Rugby League Gala Day
Thursday 23 September
2010
• Year 12 Graduation Day • Year 12 Formal - PM • Japanese Study Tour
Friday
17 September 2010
• Year 11 Yearly Examinations • Year 9 Peer Support Camp • Sydney West 15’s Girls Basketball Gala Day
Friday 24 September
2010
• Last Day of Term 3 • Japanese Study Tour
UPCOMING EXAMINATIONS Year 10 Trial School Certificate
11/10 – 15/10 Year 10 School Certificate
8/11 – 12/11
P & C MEETING Wednesday 15 September 2010 7.30pm Common Room
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 9
P&C NEWSLETTER Hello and welcome again to the P&C page. Our last meeting was held 18th August and at this meeting it was agreed not to hold a sausage sizzle at the school on Saturday, 21st August for the Election Day. Not as many members were available to assist as we had hoped and it was felt that it would be too great an effort for too few, with a limited amount of fundraising likely. Much of general business was spent going over details for the Trivia Night to be held 4th September. Those P&C members assisting with the planning and obtaining prize donations were very successful, and the event came together with little angst. Many thanks must go to the fantastic efforts of Mr Peter Kerrigan and his trusty sidekick, Mr Brad Tudman. They both assisted in our promotion of the Trivia Night and coordinated ticketing at the school leading up to the event. On the night they ran the Trivia side of things, with able assistance from their wives who worked hard all night scrutineering and tallying. We were grateful for the assistance that was given by a number of senior students who assisted with the selling of answer tickets throughout the event and helped with the clean up at the end of the evening. The night seems to have been a great success, with lots of great feedback from those that enjoyed it. We hope to repeat the fun again next year. At this stage it looks like we have made a profit of about $3,000.00. Watch this space to see what we plan to spend the money on at school. On Friday, 10th September, I represented the P&C in attendance at the service held to celebrate the life of Mrs Ann Blythe. Mrs Blythe was a much loved teacher here at Castle Hill High for 20 years and will be sadly missed by students and staff. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Don’t forget, anyone wishing to nominate for an executive position on the P&C at our AGM in December is required to attend at least two meetings in the year. Our next meeting will be held in the staff common room, Wednesday 15th September, at 7.30pm. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Cheers for now Jennie Thompson President
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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 10
UNIFORM SHOP NEWS
Term 3 2010 DATE OPENING TIMES Weeks 2 – 10 Monday and Friday 8.15am – 11.30am Year 10 Students – Boys and Girls are able to purchase SENIOR UNIFORM for the beginning of Term 4. Long Blue Trousers will be $50.00 Present stock is $45.00 – sizes 77-107 waist measurement All other items of uniform are the same as Year 10. Check Skirts are $60.00 - Sizes 6 – 22. Size 4 will be available from Monday 13 September BLAZERS – Boys - $160.00 Girls - $130.00 Margaret Pritchard -Uniform Shop Manager
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 11
CASTLE HILL COMMUNITY NEWS and ADVERTISING
Thank you to The Hills Lodge Hotel for their generous donation in support of the school’s fundraising Trivia Night, held 4 September 2010 SOLID GOLD – CELEBRATING 20 GREAT YEARS We are pleased to advise that tickets are now available for the Golden Kangaroos 40th Anniversary Concert on the www.goldenkangaroos.net website. Date: Saturday 25th September 2010 Where: Pymble Ladies College (PLC) Gillian Moore
Centre for the Performing Arts, Avon Rd, Pymble
Time: Concert starts at 7:00pm Cost: $20 per adult $15 for pensioners/seniors card
holders/students 16 and under (free for under 3 when seated on the lap of a carer) Tickets also available on The Pymble Ladies’ College website http://www.pymblelc.nsw.edu.au/en/Life‐at‐Pymble/Performing ‐Arts/GMCPA‐Box‐Office.aspx
Castle Hill Softball Club is still taking registrations for Summer Tee-Ball and Softball. Come and play and with a friendly locally-based club this summer. We need a few more girls and boys for tee-ball aged 6-10 years old and girls aged 10 to 12 for softball. All games are played at the same time, same location every week commencing 9th October. For more information contact Natalie Blanning on 0411 286 308, [email protected]
ORANGE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL BILLY CART DERBY
Run by the 1st Kellyville Scout Group Sunday 12th September 10:00am – 3:00pm At HomeWorld (off Samantha Riley Drive, Kellyville) Categories for all ages from 5 to adult. Prizes for racing and construction Registration 10:00‐11:00am, racing from 11:30am Entry is only a gold coin donation so go along for an enjoyable family day of fun! Food and drinks available Further details: email to [email protected]
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