AUGUST

2014

OUR SCHOOL - COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND EXPECTING THE BEST FROM EVERY STUDENT

HOLSWORTHY HIGH SCHOOL Website: http://www.holsworthy-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

One of the common questions parents face is when you have to deliver a consequence for misbehaviour whether or not it is better to be feared or loved? Not surprisingly the answer is to project both warmth and competence; you deliver the appropriate consequence while maintaining a strong emotional bond. But that doesn’t come naturally to many people.

The secret is in our non-verbal communication of the consequences. More than 90% of the emotional content of any interaction is conveyed through the tone of our voice, how we hold ourselves and our facial expressions. These factors indicate to the child what are our intentions? At times when we are delivering consequences there is a natural inclination to emphasise strength. This is probably to stress the importance of correcting the behaviour but in some cases it could be to cover any discomfort of having to deliver that consequence. Not many emotionally healthy people enjoy interactions that may distress children. We enjoy getting a warm response from our children and this is what we may lose and so they put on a brave face when we correct their behaviour.

So the question is – how do we deliver the necessary negative consequences without damaging our warm relationships? The following tips may help:

* Speak in a lower, quieter tone. Talking at a lower pitch conveys the feeling of confiding and trust-ing. It’s also helpful to share an appropriate personal story that shows your warmth rather than your strength.

* Before people decide what they think of your message, they decide what they think of you.

* Smile – make sure this does not convey a sense of pleasure in what is going on. People can see through a false smile so think of positive things and focus on one person in the group rather than flashing a practised smirk. Genuine smiles are self-reinforcing, both for you and for others.

* Feel in command. Warmth is hard to fake, but confidence is harder to talk yourself into. If you feel like an imposter, others will feel it. Face directly toward people you’re talking to, and avoid sharp gestures, frowning or an elevated chin.

* Check your body language:

Balance your weight primarily on one hip to avoid appearing rigid or tense.

Tilt your head slightly and keep your hands open and welcoming.

Stand up straight. It is hard to overstate the importance of good posture in projecting authority and an intention to be taken seriously. This doesn’t mean standing rigidly at attention, military style. It just means reaching your full height and using your muscles to straighten your spine rather than slouching.

* Be poised. When you move, move deliberately and precisely to a specific spot rather than shambling round aimlessly. When you have finished moving, be still. Twitching, fidgeting, repetitive mannerisms, fussing with your hair or clothes all send the signal that you’re not in control.

* Stillness demonstrates calm and confidence.

Just remember be 100% hard on inappropriate behaviour and 100% accepting of the student. Unfortunately this is easier said than done but it is really worth the effort.

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High school

Helping with homework You can: help your child with assignments, but don’t do the work for them as this doesn’t help your child to learn let the school know of any family situation that may interfere with home work chat to your child’s teacher if your child is finding homework too hard help your child to have a regular time each day to do their homework help your child manage their time when they have lots of assignments at the same time help your child research information on the internet by directing them to useful sites, such as www.tale.edu.au encourage children to re-read their writing to check for spelling and punctuation.

Sometimes it’s easier to find ways to improve writing when it’s read aloud. Encourage and praise all of your child’s efforts.

More information at: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/gotoschool/ttsy7.pdf

‐ Years 7, 9 and 11 Once again the Community of Schools concert was a great success. It is excellent to see the quality of performances not only from our school but also from our partner primary schools. The Community of Schools Dance Group were terrific. Congratulations should go to all the students and teachers involved especially Ms Forbes and Ms Grant. The Year 11 and Year 12 hospitality classes did a fantastic job of catering to the Christmas in July P&C dinner. The guests were delighted with the quality of the food and the service. All those attending had a great night. It is an event looked forward to each year. Thanks should go to the P&C for supporting it. Our Extension Class tests for Year 7 in 2015 will be held on Thursday the 4th September. The tests take about two hours and are on mathematics, writing and comprehension. If you know of students who may be a valuable addition to the class their parents can still contact the school to sit the tests. Year 11 are rapidly approaching their Yearly exams at the end of this term. They should be doing an at least two hours a week study for each of their subjects. So when it comes time to revise for their exams they have a good grasp of the subject matter. It is also important for them to manage their assessment tasks to avoid zero marks for the task or possible N Award warnings. They must complete all their 2 unit subjects to qualify for their preliminary. The Year 11’s are awarded a grade for their Preliminary which will appear on their ROSA Certificates as well as their Year 10 grades. Year 7 are adjusting well to high school. Their report results were very good. Ms Sproats and I got the opportunity to go over their reports with them individually and help them set goals for their yearly results. We look forward to seeing their progress.

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Believe in yourself, be strong, never give up no matter what

the circumstances are. You are a champion and will overcome the dreaded obstacles. Champions

take failure as a learning opportunity, so take in all you can, and run with it. Be your best and don't ever ever give

up."

- Brad Gerrard

ENGLISH and

DRAMA NEWS

Parent/ Teacher Interviews We have had three successful Parent/ Teacher interviews this year and they have proved to be a productive event for both teachers and students. These opportunities are important as they enable staff to discuss specific aspects of a students learning with their parents. We thank the English Faculty for organising these Parent/Teacher interviews. Year 12 Trial Exams The English Faculty wish Year 12 well for the upcoming Trial exams. We encourage all students to revise all set texts, practice past questions, visit and navigate through the Board of Studies website for past papers, marking criteria’s and marker comments. Students need to go through all notes and check the notes are up to date. They are to review teacher summaries, understand the format of the questions and practise questions. New Australian Curriculum The English Faculty are busy writing new units of work for Stage 4: Year8 and Stage 5: Year 10 which will be implemented next year. English is the mandatory subject from Kindergarten to Year 12 in the NSW Curriculum. Knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes acquired in English are central to the learning and development

of students in NSW. In the study of English from Kindergarten to Year 10, students should develop a love of literature and learning that can be challenging and enjoyable. The aim of the K-10 Syllabus is: The aim of English K-10 is to enable students to understand and use language effectively, appreciate, reflect on and enjoy the English language and to make meaning in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive, critical and powerful. Futures Night This was an informative evening for Year 8 and 10 students and families. We encourage Year 10 students and parents to visit the Board of Studies website and go to Answers to frequently asked questions about Stage 6. It examines all courses in English in Stage 6. Year 10 War Poetry Unit There are a few more War Poems from 10A English on the following pages. They not only wrote a poem but created a poster which included visual symbols.

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Parent tips

Starting high school

Here are some resources to help you and your child adapt to high school. The information includes articles and videos on homework

planning, dealing with maths and helping kids who are struggling with reading. http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/wellbeing/development/starting-high-school-soon

Student conduct when travelling

When travelling on the bus or train between

home and school your child must obey certain rules, such as giving up their seat to adults

and disabled passengers. Find out more: http://

www.transport.nsw.gov.au/content/student-conduct-when-travelling

P&C Christmas in July

On the 22nd July, Year 12 Commercial Cookery and Year 11 Food and Beverage students put on the annual Christmas in July function for the P&C. An exciting evening themed of silver and white, filled with lots of food, wonderful guests and outstanding student participation. Christmas in July demonstrated our hospitality student’s skills to the P&C and special guests in a three course degustation. On arrival our guests were provided with a choice of three canapés, cranberry stuffing balls, festive tomato and goat’s cheese tart and lamb and honey meatballs as well as a range of complementary non-alcoholic beverages. During this time both our local MP Melanie Gibbons and our educational director Maria Serafim came to inspect our new stainless steel kitchen as well as chatting to all of our hospitality students.

First course was served at 6.30pm by our Food and Beverage wait staff with an alternate course of Turkey Involtini with Baby Spinach and a Roast Tomato Soup with Prawns and Basil oil. All plates came back clean with positive feedback about the dishes and the deliciousness of each meal. Mickey Vunakece and Elise Bull were our entrée chefs and their presentation was fantastic.

Main course was served at 7.15pm, prepared by Kirra Bancroft-Walters and Ellyssa Forbutt. A huge course served alternate of either Roast Beef with White Parsley Sauce or a Roast Pork Rack with Apple Sauce. Both dishes were served with classic garlic and rosemary vegetables. The meat was cooked to perfection and the whole team worked together to make sure that the main meal was able to be brought out on time, and looking perfect.

TAS FACULTY

Our final course was dessert. The way to end a perfect evening filled with plenty of food. Again, the alternate course was served with either Bread and Butter Croissants with Raspberry and Chocolate Sauce, or a Gooey White Chocolate and Coconut Pudding with Toffee (recipes on the following pages). Similarly with the entrée, all plates came back clean, with plentiful positive comments about the wonderful tasty meal. The meal was finished off with tea and coffee with after-dinner mint truffles, and all guests were sent home with a thankyou gift of white chocolate.

The evening was a huge success, and Mrs O’Neill and I are so proud of all the students who participated in the evening as well as during the day to ensure that this event ran smoothly. A huge thank you for the P&C and special guests for their attendance, patience and positive feedback.

Miss Sproats

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Recipes of the Month Gooey White chocolate and Coconut pudding with toffee

(Serves 6) Prep: 20 mins Cook: 30 mins

Ingredients

100g macadamias, coarsely chopped 100g (1/2 C) caster sugar 60ml (1/4 C) water 150g butter 100g white chocolate, finely chopped 80ml (1/2 C) milk 215g (1 C) caster sugar, extra 1 egg, lightly whisked 150g (1 C) plain flour 75g (1/2 C) self-raising flour 20g (1/4 C) desiccated coconut 1 tsp. vanilla extract 12 Lindt Lindor White Chocolate Balls

Method

* Preheat oven to 180°C/ 160°C fan forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Scatter with the macadamia. Place sugar and water in a saucepan over low heal. Stir for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to boil. Cook, without stirring, brushing down side of pan with a wet pastry brush for 5-7 minutes or until golden. Pour over macadamia. Set aside to cool. Cover the top of the toffee with baking paper. Break into shards.

* Grease six 185ml (3/4 Cup) pudding moulds with melted butter. Line bases with baking paper.

* Combine the butter, chocolate, milk and extra sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Transfer to a heatproof bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool slightly.

* Use a balloon whisk to gently whisk in the egg. Whisk in the combined flours, coconut and vanilla until just combined.

* Pour half the mixture among the moulds. Place 2 Lindt chocolate balls in the centre of each pudding. Spoon remaining mixture on top. Use a spoon to smooth the surface and enclose the balls. Place on a baking tray and bake for 25 minutes or until moist crumbs cling to a skewer inserted into the centre. Turn onto plates. Top with toffee.

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Recipes of the Month Bread and Butter Croissants with raspberry and chocolate

(Makes 4) Prep and cook 35 mins (+ 10 mins standing time)

Ingredients 1 cup pouring cream 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 tbsp. raw caster sugar 2 eggs 6 mini croissants 100g Toblerone Milk Chocolate, broken into pieces 16 frozen raspberries Icing sugar, to dust (optional) Method * Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C Fan forced. Grease four 250ml (1 cup) ovenproof

dishes * Whisk the cream, caster sugar, vanilla and eggs in a large jug. Cut each croissant

in the prepared dishes. Pour over eff mixture and set aside for 10 minutes to soak. Place the chocolate and raspberries on top of and between the slices of croissant. * Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and set. Dust with icing sugar, if desired.

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DEFENCE MENTOR AUGUST UPDATE:

As we approach the half way mark of term 3, you have had time to reflect over your half yearly report achievements. If your grades were disappointing, now is the time to act. You could consider ‘Maths Boost’ if you require assistance with maths and or private tutoring for other subjects. Remember that Defence funded tutoring has a designated time limit from the time of posting to a new location – so don’t miss out. Please contact me for further advice.

Defence Community Organisation (DCO) have organised future events such as; Resilience Training for Spouses, a Family Picnic Day and Carols at SME. Please see separate flyer.

Legacy Week is between 31 Aug 14 and 06 Sep 14. This annual National appeal is to raise awareness and funds for families of our incapacitated and deceased veterans. Please support this campaign where possible.

Monica Lane (Vice Captain 2013) has commenced a ‘learn a skill’ program to assist students with completing their Bronze and Silver Awards. She has offered to conduct a skills lesson once a week after school in order

Defence Transition Mentor Term 2 Update

for all Duke Of Edinburgh participants have the ability to gain their awards in a more timely fashion. If you would like to know more about the school’s D of E program please see Mr Fernandez or me.

The Australian Veteran’s Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is a national charity administering tertiary scholarships for children and grandchildren of ex-service men and women. Please see separate flyer for further information or visit www.avcat.org.au

Until next time, please continue with your studies and if you get stuck or need assistance with assessments tasks etc., visit me in the Learning Centre. I look forward to seeing you then. Warm regards, Ms Maria Leetham - Defence Transition Mentor

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VOLUNTEER TEAM MEETINGS

When: Tuesday B – lunch time Where: Learning Centre

ALL WELCOME See Ms Brown and Leetham for

further information

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BREAKFAST CLUB

EVERY FRIDAY

MORNING

(FROM 08AM UNTIL 8.30AM ON THE LEARNING CENTRE BALCONY)

FREE!!!!!!ALL WELCOME

SPONSORED BY JUNCTION WORKS

SEE MS LEETHAM OR MS BROWN FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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YEAR ADVISORS

Ms Sproats Yr7 Mr Wiles Yr8 Mr Fernandez Yr9

Ms Condell Yr 10 Mr Lukins Yr 10 Mr Spyroulias Yr 11

Mr Amerikanos Yr 12 Ms Brown Yr 12

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Year 12, the time is nigh! Not long to go. The days of canteen lines, uniforms and screaming teenagers are nearly done. Over the next few months Sir and I would like to remind you to eat and sleep well, exercise and relax, but all on moderation.

Information on trial exams is available in the learning centre or from Mr Tan.

Sir and I would like to remind you that all payments for the Year 12 formal and end of year events are due to the front office. The picnic day is on Wednesday the 17th of September. We will be traveling by bus and you are not permitted to travel by car. Please bring a fold up seat or picnic blanket. The graduation ceremony is on Thursday the 18th of September here at Holsworthy High School hall with a morning tea to follow. Most students have told me the numbers of guest they expect to attend ( for catering purposes). For those that have not told me the numbers I will be reserving two seats per students only. Students must be in full school uniform for the ceremony. This includes 100% black shoes. Students will not be permitted to go up on stage for the ceremony if they do not turn up in full school uniform, non-negotiable.

Finally the formal is on Wednesday the 12th of November at The Star room Darling Harbour 6pm-11pm. Tickets will be issued when they arrive from the printers and when full payment has been received.

All school fees need to be paid to the front office in order to attend the formal.

Sir and I would like to personally thank the ‘happy little elves’ (students that have helped me do the formal and Year 12 events preparation). You have been a very mature, thoughtful and visionary group to work with. I have really appreciated your assistance.

As always Yr 12 it is a pleasure to be your Year Advisers. You are all good eggs!

Ms Brown and Lady GagaAmerikanos

Year 8 reports have only just been handed out. Both myself and Deputy Grew interviewed all students at this time. The link between Grade and Student Responsibilities was evident in reports. Those students who were reported as “Always” or “Usually “ meeting their responsibilities (such as “Listens carefully in class, and Works to the best of my ability”) were found to achieve the highest grades in respective subjects. It was valuable to identify those responsibilities that were reported to be “Rarely” or “Sometimes” met in order to consider how students could improve this semester. It was pleasing to find an exceptional number of students who achieved very high Student Responsibility Averages (SRA’s). Although concerning that many students said on reflection that they attributed some low grades to non-submission or late submission of assessment tasks, it was good that students identified this as an area they could improve. As a follow up from Futures Night I would like to direct students and caregivers to the 2015 Year 9 Prospectus. Visit the following address for details. http://www.holsworthy-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/years/year-8/help-your-child-learn/year-9-prospectus-2015 If still unsure about subject selection, students are encouraged to visit individual faculties to find out more about subjects that are on offer. Finally I would like to compliment Year 8 on their conduct during the Italian excursion last week. I was pleased to attend and found that it was an excellent cultural experience. Students participated well and had a great day. Mr S.Wiles Year 8 Advisor

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3.30pm-5.30pm

What you need to bring: eye protection (sun glasses, safety glasses, goggles) Nerf blaster Appropriate clothing and footwear

(enclosed shoes) Soft drinks available for purchase

Year 7 and 8 Only!

Thursday 4th September

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Can your Students Climb Sydney’s Tallest Building? We would love to invite your students to be part of the ‘School’s Challenge’ at this year’s Sydney Tower Stair Challenge on August 24. This is a great chance for teams of 4 to take on the 1504 stairs from Pitt Street Mall to the Observation

Deck at the Sydney Tower Eye. Participants have to be 12 years or older. Each stair climbed will assist Giant Steps who operate a school and intervention service for children and young people (2-20) who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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ATTENTION PARENTS

If you have outdated uniforms you are planning to discard you are

most welcome to bring them in to our Second Hand

Uniform Shop. These uniforms are finding homes with other students and are very much appreciated by

the parents.

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fx 82AU Casio Scien fic 

 Cost:$25.00 

PLEASE NOTE

The next meeting of

the P & C for 2014 is at 5.15pm on September

8 in the Learning Centre

We would like to encourage all parents to

attend and find out in more detail what happens at our

school.

Below is a list of P & C meetings scheduled for

the rest of 2014

October 13

November 10 December 8

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Dates to remembER - 2014

Reminder: Students need to arrive at school by 8:40am for roll call each day.

Monday 11—Friday 22 August  Yr12 Exams 

Wednesday 13—Friday 15 August  Yr9 Camp Morriset 

Friday 29 August  MADD Night concert 

Monday 8 September   P & C Mee ng 

Thursday 11 ‐ Friday 19 Sept  Year 11 Exams 

Thursday 18 September  Year 12 Formal Assembly 

Friday 19 September  End of Term 3 

Monday 6 October  Labour Day P/H 

Tuesday 7 October  Term 4 commences 

Monday 13 October  HSC exams commence 

Monday 13 October  P & C Mee ng