Term 1

2018

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

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

Term 1 this year has been a busy time at Holsworthy High School, in the classroom, around the school and behind the scenes. We have focussed on having students and teachers in class more by minimising disruption which has resulted in a very settled start to the year.

A number of changes that we made for this year have been very effective. Integrated sport for Years 7-10 has significantly increased student participation in physical activity and Wellbeing lessons for Years 7-10 have provided a great opportunity for Year Advisers to get to know each student in their year group on a more individual level. The student toilets have been refurbished and a significant amount of painting around the school has just been completed, as we look to improve our facilities for both students and staff.

On March 21, we held a community information evening in the school hall to provide an opportunity for parents to meet local organisations that offer support services to our community. The evening was well attended, with all the organisations involved indicating that they would like to be part of it again next year. I would like to thank our Defence Transition Mentor, Mrs Carr, who organised the event in conjunction with Defence Transition Aides from local Primary schools.

I would also like to thank Ms Brown and the countless number of students who have been volunteering their time to support the school and community at school events and through a variety of programs. One such program involves recycling drink cans and bottles through the NSW Government’s Return and Earn program to raise money for the school. Such initiatives and contributions from our students and staff not only support worthwhile causes but also contribute to the

sense of community that is special at Holsworthy High School.

The following paragraphs were written by Mitchell Hodgson and Amanda Fayad of Year 10 and explain more about the program:

In Term 1 2018, Ms Brown and a handful of year 11 girls decided to create a can drive which would support our school environment and funding for the schools learning support unit. Although Ms Brown was the manager of this program, the students of Holsworthy High contributed to it by using the designated bins kindly donated by Liverpool City Council. For this program to work every can collected must have a barcode on the rear as well as a ‘10c’ label visible. We also kindly ask students that they do not rip or crush these cans as they become unusable. Ms Brown and Holsworthy have now reached a total of 2800 cans and we are hoping to reach our goal of 10000 by the end of this year.

We would like to thank the students of Holsworthy High School who have kindly contributed towards this program by recycling these cans and helping our learning support students and assisting the environment at the same time.

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  Years 7, 9 and 11  

Students have settled into study routines and completed scheduled tasks across key learning areas this term. Our Year7 cohort has made excellent progress. Teachers have commented on their smooth transition into high school, excellent uniform and good behaviour. They are looking forward to their camp planned for week two next term. Their Year Advisers, Ms Siqueira and Mr AlKhuzai, have been active in supporting them and are also available to parents if they have any concerns about their child’s progress.

Our Parent Teacher Night is also a great opportunity for parents to talk to class teachers about their child’s individual progress. Our Year 8 through to Year 11 Parent Teacher Night takes place on the 14th of May from 4:00-8:00pm in the main hall. Parents can also access the school portal to gain further information about student attendance, homework and coming events.

Six student toilet blocks will be completely refurbished by the end of this term. Students have commented on the improved lighting, bright colours and modern fixtures. SRC student representatives are talking to student groups about maintaining the standard of the toilets and reporting concerns as they arise. Painting and recarpeting has led to further improvements across the school. Ms Brown has developed a strong volunteer group, ‘the green crew’, who have been working on our gardens

with improvements planned for the front area of the school.

The Holsworthy High School Challenge Cup was held this term at our school. It included a ‘Spelling Bee’ and Public Speaking component. Students from Holsworthy, Hammondville and Wattle Grove primary schools competed in all events. The standard of public speaking achieved by students from our feeder primary schools was very impressive, with an interesting array of topics presented. Holsworthy Primary School were the overall winners on the day, however, all participating students should be congratulated on their efforts. Next term students will compete in a numeracy challenge led by Mr Rao. Thank you to our Year 7 leaders who coordinated the event and were excellent role models for the younger students. Our leaders included;

Jasmine Bolger Sharni Denning Sione Felix Daniel Micallef Connor Wells Liv Yeoman

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ENGLISH and

DRAMA NEWS

It has been a busy start to the year in particular with Year 7 who are working on a unit titled Inner Strength. In this unit students have been reading, analysing, dissecting, interpreting and evaluating a set class text that demonstrates this theme.

Several classes are studying Mao’s Last Dancer an autobiography by Li Cunxin. At the age age of 11, Li was plucked from a poor Chinese village by Madame Mao’s cultural delegates and taken to Beijing to study ballet. He managed to defect and stay in America where he became a principal dancer for the Houston Ballet and a principal artist with the Australian ballet. It is a story of courage, determination, hardship, honour and self-worth.

Students are all working on an assessment task on this unit; with the Extension class also the examining supplementary texts related to the topic of Inner Strength. The exposition question is: ‘Inner Strength’ is a concept explored in texts. Discuss the concept of ‘Inner Strength’ with references to the text that you have studied in class. Present your response in the written form of an exposition.

We have followed the SEEL writing process. Statement, Explanation, Example, Link. With this unit students have combined reading, writing, speaking, listening, ICT and Library research along with learning to write an exposition using textual evidence from the text studied in class.

Other topics covered this term include some

Year 8 classes studying crime genre whilst others have commenced the year with an in-depth novel study. Year 9 and Year 10 are studying a novel. All English groups have assessment tasks on the content of these texts. Some text types include essay writing and speaking. Year 11 English Advanced, Standard, Studies and Extension have started the year with the new NESA syllabus. Our Common unit in Year 11 Advanced and Standard is Reading to Write. Students have explored a variety of texts that examine the theme of Loss including, play scripts, film, short stories, poetry, songs, speeches and visual literacy. They have also submitted an assessment task where students could creatively write in a text type nominated on this task. Students have utilised literary devices and techniques to explore and analyse the texts studied in class in preparation for writing their own creative piece. Students were required to evaluate the work submitted examining writing strengths, weaknesses as well as outlining literary devices used in this task.

In May the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be completed by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Tuesday 15th May will be Language Conventions and Writing; Wednesday 16th May Reading and Thursday 17th May Numeracy. A letter outlining this assessment program has been issued to students. Parent/ guardians can access additional information about NAPLAN via -https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support.

In Year 9 English we will continue to focus on wide reading, narrative texts and pre-test practice activities and in Year 7 Exposition texts, wide reading and exposure to pre-test practice in anticipation for the NAPLAN tests.

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HOLSWORTHY HIGH SCHOOL

CHALLENGE CUP 2018

In Week 6 Holsworthy High School hosted a number of very talented students from Holsworthy, Wattle Grove and Hammondville Primary Schools for Round 1 of our Annual Holsworthy High School Challenge Cup.

The level of competition was extremely high with students participating in a Public Speaking and Spelling Bee competition for this round.

We would like to thank all students for their efforts on the day. It was very impressive to see so many capable students working to their potential.

Congratulations to the team from Holsworthy PS who were the Round 1 winners.

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Please ensure Student and Family information

is up to date

HOLSWORTHY HIGH   SCHOOL Dux 2017 

The Holsworthy High School Dux Award for 2017 was awarded to last years Year 12 student Alex Langman at a Formal Assembly in Week 5 this term.

Alex was thoroughly deserving of this prestigious award. His teachers were consistently impressed with the level of sophistication in his writing and overall dedication to his studies.

We would like to wish Alex the best in his future studies and endeavours.

 

C O N G R A  T U L A T I O N 

   S 

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HSIE NEWS

Welcome back to another year. Term 1 is almost at an end and all classes are progressing with their coursework. A reminder to all students that their books should be organised with all worksheets glued in and work completed to their best standard.

There have been some activities in HSIE, which deserve a mention.

Year 12 Geography students and Ms Stephens participated in a fieldwork activity to Minnamurra Rainforest, which is located near Kiama. Fieldwork is a compulsory component of the Stage 6 course and consolidates skills and knowledge learnt in class. An important assessment item for the year is a fieldwork report which the students write using the information gathered during the excursion. Class report on the next page.

Year 11 and 12 Ancient History students conducted an archaeological dig on the school grounds to consolidate their understanding of the first topic, which involves examining historical evidence. Students were required to identify and record artefacts, then draw conclusions relating to what the artefacts could tell them about the past. The students had a great day, completely immersing themselves in the activites and deserve to be congratulated for their effort. Detailed report on pages 11 &12

Year 12 Society and Culture students are making steady progress with the Personal Interest Project. (PIP). The PIP is an individual research project, which is worth 40% of the final HSC mark. Students select a topic which interests them, conduct research and present their findings in a report of approximately 5000 words. The project must combine primary and secondary research methods, which includes surveys, interviews and media research. Students work on the PIP throughout the year and complete it by the beginning of Term 3 for submission to NESA for the marking process. The work is marked by HSC markers outside the school, and the PIP is recognised as an extremely valuable piece of work in preparing students for further studies. The 2017 Society and Culture class found the PIP a real challenge, but very rewarding process for their learning and understanding of the course.

Ms Walker and the HSIE Faculty

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Year 9 have been busy working as detectives attempting to solve the mystery of the "Jack the Ripper" murders. This has been a part of the Industrial Revolution topic, with students examining crime and punishment during the Victorian era.

The students enjoyed the expertise of forensic sketch artist Ms Brown and visited a crime scene in their classroom with Ms Fenech.

Year 12 Geography fieldwork

A day of fun and fieldwork in the rainforest - a great way to start the year! The Year 12 Geography class piled into the Benchmark Real Estate bus and headed south to Minnamurra Rainforest. The purpose of our trip was to conduct an extended geographical investigation on the Minnamurra Rainforest, which is a case study of an ecosystem at risk. We explored its functioning, management and protection of the Minnamurra (photos on the next page). We became true geographers; using instruments and authentic techniques to collect data on soil temperature, humidity, wind speed, light penetration and water turbidity. Our understanding of the interactions that take place in a temperate rainforest ecosystem were extended by the National Park Rangers during a presentation and guided walk through the rainforest. There were plenty of interesting stories about the animals and history of the area too. We worked effectively in groups to record data throughout the day and became confident with using geographical equipment. We measured a range of abiotic (non-living) variables as well as recorded the distribution and abundance of the biotic (living) organisms in the rainforest. A greater appreciation of the interactions between organisms was unpacked as well as an increased understanding of the impact that humans have on this area. If you were to ask Ms. Stephens what she thought about the day, she would tell you how proud she was of our class and that we represented our school with pride and that clearly, we are her favourite class. Year 12 Geography class

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Hands on History at Holsworthy High School

On Friday the 16th of February, Year 11 and 12 Ancient History students had the opportunity to take on the role of archaeologists as they solved the mystery of a how a body came to be buried at their school.

Vital to understanding the writing of history is developing an appreciation for the work of archaeologists.The students painstakingly uncovered a skeleton and numerous historical artefacts whilst documenting their discovery. They took part in soil testing led by Mr Roebuck, where the students learnt about testing the ph levels of soil to determine acidity.

The students also enjoyed the expertise of Mr Papac, as he helped students identify the parts of the skeleton they uncovered, and learnt about the different types of bones, joints and ligaments.

The students utilised the knowledge they had gained and worked together to uncover the identity of the body, discover the time period in which they lived and determined the manner in which they died.

The students also had the opportunity to meet world renowned bones expert and archaeology professor Dr Allison Simmons and an incredibly talented Egyptologist from Macquarie University.

It was an incredible opportunity for the students to break out of the classroom and enjoy a hands on learning experience whilst immersing themselves in the excitement of history and archaeology. The students also had the opportunity to discover potential career pathways when they talked to the Prospective Students’ Team from PTO

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Macquarie University, who were also in attendance.

A special thank you to the teachers who made this day possible: Ms Brown, Ms Stojanovska, Ms Kenneally, Ms Walker, Mr Roebuck, Mr Monte, Mr Papac,

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SCIENCE

It was a very productive 2 day camp where students engaged in field studies such as constructing quadrants and transacts, measuring pH, humidity and temperature. They estimated populations of organisms and even set up traps and successfully caught animals within that ecosystem.

Overall, we would like to congratulate the students on their productive efforts and the excellent behaviour they displayed on camp. We would also like to thank Mrs Clarke for attending. She was in charge of preparing all the meals for our very hungry students.

As part of the new senior Science syllabus the Biology classes went to Wooglemai Education Centre to undertake field work as part of their 15 hour depth study.

Wooglemai

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TAS FACULTY Recipe of the month

Cranberry and

Coconut Muesli Bars

Method: Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease an 18cm x 28cm slice pan. Line base

and sides with baking paper, extending paper 2cm from edge of pan.

Combine oats, cornflakes, flour, cranberries and coconut in a large bowl. Combine but-ter, sugar and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes or until butter has melted. Add butter mixture to oat mixture. Stir until well combined

Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and just firm to touch. Cool completely in pan.

Place chocolate in a heatproof, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium (50%) for 1 minute, stirring with a metal spoon every 30 seconds or until melted and smooth. Cut cooled slice into 15 bars. Spoon chocolate into a snap-lock bag. Snip off one corner.

Pipe melted chocolate onto bars. Allow to set. Serve.

Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup cornflakes 2/3 cup self-raising flour 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup shredded coconut 125g butter, chopped 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup honey 100g white chocolate melts

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PDHPE NEWS 

We are happy to report a successful start to the year in PDHPE. So far this year we have already held our annual Athletics and Swimming Carnival and made a successful transition to an Integrated Sport Model.

The new Integrated Sport Model has seen all students in Year 7-10 take part in a weekly round robin sports competitions with their peers. One of the benefits of Integrated Sport is that it reduces the weekly cost of recreational sport on families. It also aims to provide a safe and enjoyable learning environment for students to develop the competence and confidence required to become active, healthy individuals now and into the future. From what we have seen already, we are confident that these results are already being achieved.

Despite a terrible weather forecast for our annual Swimming Carnival in February, a strong group of dedicated students made their way to Whitlam Leisure for what ended up being a fantastic day. As usual, our senior students dressed up in their house colours and a large proportion of students competed in their age group events. (photos on next pages)

The more recent Athletics carnival was also a success. In almost record temperatures our students turned up in droves to compete in their events and earn house points. We would like to extend our congratulations to all participants but especially our age champions, who will be

formally recognised in the coming weeks. We had a number of long standing records broken on the day including the 2008 Under 13’s 100m sprint record of 12.35 sec. Year 7 student James Vidal ran at lightning speed to complete the 100m sprint in just 11.23 sec. A fantastic effort, well done James! (more carnival photos on the next pages)

Lastly, we would like to remind all parents of our focus this term, for students to arrive at class ready to learn. To be ready to learn students must have their work book and or USB for theory and PE uniform for practical lessons. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter. Your assistance ensures we are able to maximise the time students spend engaged in meaningful teaching and learning activities.

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Wow what a day!

Congratulations to all students who attended the 2018 School Swimming Carnival in Week 5. It was wet, very wet in fact, but it was great!

Thank you to all the staff and students who worked together to make the day such a success!

Congratulations to the students who qualified to compete at the Zone Carnival.

HHS Swimming Carnival 2018

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Swimming Carnival

2018

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HOLSWORTHY HIGH SCHOOL

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2018

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Holsworthy High School had an absolute scorcher of a day for our Annual Athletics Carnival in Week 7 this term. The good news is that the weather didn’t stop our students from turning up in almost record numbers for what turned out to be a very successful and enjoyable day.

We would like to extend our congratulations to all participants but especially our age champions, who will be formally recognized in the coming weeks.

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A big congratulations to the following students who beat their nearest competitors in the Grand Final of the Year 9 Integrated Sport Volleyball competition.

Bryce Vigensor, Jesse Bock, Anish Kumar, Kairos Brooking Mclutchie, Xuan Hiey Lan Pham, Isabel Tymosiewicz, Nongluck Yopho, Charlotte Skinner Claire Johnson

It’s was a great match to watch!

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The Hine boys, Rory and Thomas have done it again! This time representing our school at the NSW All Schools Triathlon. In extremely hot conditions both did very well, with Rory managing to finish in 3rd place.

That same night the family flew the boys to Perth to compete in the Australian Youth and Junior Triathlon Championships at Champion Lakes Regatta Centre. Thomas had an awesome race, especially on the bike leg, with an average pace of more than 37.4km/h. Unfortunately, a cramped foot held him back from achieving his best in the run. He came home strong, finishing 8th in his category and 20th overall.

Well done fellas!

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Another term has nearly ended and the Visual Arts Department is again enjoying a very full programme for all Year groups.

While Ms Boettcher is away on leave Ms O’Keefe is taking her position and is inspiring all those that enter to learn in art.

Art Club has begun again and is held in the Visual Arts Department every Thursday from 3pm till 4pm. At Art Club students are encouraged to work on art projects that they are interested in and willing to invest time into. Students are offered the opportunity to explore and experiment with many different materials and to pursue their own personal goals.

Please be aware that early next term the Annual Art Competition will be on offer again and this will ensure a new inspirational set of art works will be put on display in the Principals office for the following 12 months. The art competition will open in June and closes in September.

Year 12 are currently working hard on their Body of Works and will have the opportunity to spend several days on their art making in the coming school break. Year 12 are encouraged to check their Google classroom for any updates or changes to the days that are on offer.

Just a little reminder for all students to make sure they come to art with their equipment and to finalize any unfinished tasks before the end of term.

Keep being

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Math Lab is a Year 7 initiative to address the following: Introduce students in Year 7 to the many

aspects of Mathematics found in diverse contexts

Make Mathematics more fun and hence engaging

To steer away (for one period) from regular class work and make the students look forward to diverse concepts in the subject

Introduce skills such as ‘Thinking Mathematically’ and ‘Problem Solving’

MATH BOOST The concept here is to provide professional

and free Mathematics tutoring to students at HHS

Target students will be Years 7-10 and at all levels.

It will run for approximately 1 hour between 3.00pm and 4.00pm on Wednesday afternoons in the Mathematics Block and will be staffed by at least two Mathematics teachers.

It is expected that students will come prepared with questions and/or concepts they are having problems with.

 

HOMEWORK CLUB 

Homework Club allows students to access school             

resources and assistance from teachers who they 

would otherwise not have the opportunity to work 

with. A ending Homework Club will allow students 

to develop their skills and knowledge in any areas 

they are requiring assistance with: 

Homework

Assessment tasks

Research Skills

Homework Club is held in the Library every         

Tuesday a ernoon, star ng immediately a er 

school un l 4.00pm. It is supervised by different 

teachers each week, allowing assistance across   

various subject areas. Teachers will provide            

individual support where possible.  

As Homework Club may require students to alter 

their usual travel arrangements a er school, it is 

essen al that you are aware of your son/

daughter’s involvement. We ask that you sign a 

permission note available from the HSIE Faculty 

and return it to Ms. Stephens (HSIE Faculty) so that 

your son/daughter’s name can be added to the roll. 

We hope your son/ daughter finds Homework Club    

beneficial to their studies.  

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The Visual Arts department will be running an

Art Club – Art Extra every Thursday afternoon

from 3pm until 4pm in the art block.

Permission notes can be

collected from the Art department.

For further information please see Ms R Booker

Did you know that you can make

payments to our school online?

We launched a new online payment portal last year 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

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.

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Fx 82AU Casio Scien fic Available from the 

canteen  

Cost:$25.00 

Mr Rad and Mr Osbornes

Gaming Club

Students from Year 7-11 interested in joining to play Magic, Warhammer, Mechs vs Minions and Azul see Mr Rad in English or Mr Osborne in Maths.

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2018 YEAR ADVISORS

Ms Fenech Yr 8 Ms Mikhail Yr9 Mr Judge Yr9

Mr Spyroulias Yr10 Ms Booker Yr10 Mrs Harvey Yr11 Mr Wiles Yr12

Ms Siqueira Yr7 Mr Al Khuzai Yr7 Mr Di Martino Yr8

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Surf Awareness Excursion

Last week a group of keen Year 7 students spent the day at Cronulla Beach learning about how to stay safe in the water.

Some valuable lessons were learnt about how to spot rips and currents and what to do if they find themselves in danger.

The teachers who attended the excursion wanted to thank the Year 7 students for behaving so well.

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Year 8 has had a fantastic year so far. Many year 8 students performed incredibly well at Holsworthy’s School Swimming Carnival. It was a wet and cold day, but it did not dampen the spirits of our talented swimmers. Many of our gifted year 8 students were successful across a number of races and were selected to represent the school at the Hume Zone Swimming Carnival. Congratulations to Tiana Watts, Rayne Hanley, Rose McGrath, Adam Bagnall, Reece Whiting, Matthew Simonsen, Bailey Pirie, Anthony Stellino, Rodion Federenko and Aston Pritchard.

Luckily, Holsworthy’s second carnival, the Athletics carnival took place in much nicer weather. We were very impressed with the large number of students who attended the carnival and participated in a range of track and field activities. The students demonstrated excellent school spirit, and yet again, the athletic capabilities of our students captivated us. As with the swimming carnival, many of our students were selected to represent the school at the Hume Zone Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to Cooper Breen, Kent Fias-Ayon, Azal Gurung, Matt Simonsen, Rory Hine, Logan Smith, Jay Fabian Coleman, Bailey Pirie, Ethan Smith, Anthony Stellino,

Kaitlyn Stanford, Tiana Watts, Rayne Hanley, Sophie Learson, Rose McGrath and Joycelyn Prasad.

This year Holsworthy has integrated Wellbeing lessons into the students’ timetable. These lessons have been very valuable for the year 8 students

and have helped them develop an understanding of the importance of their overall wellbeing at school. These classes focused on building students’ understanding of their support network at school, making choices to improve the wellbeing of themselves and others, and setting SMART goals.

As Year Advisors our greatest measure of a student’s success at school, is their student responsibility average. On each student’s report, teachers indicate the level of commitment the student has made to their studies. Areas that are reported on include interacting respectfully with teachers and peers, being prepared to learn, participating during class and completing all assessments. Year 8 are well on track to achieving excellent SRAs as many of our students have achieved countless merits this term. A large number of students have also achieved a Yellow Award for receiving 50 merits.

We are looking forward to all of Year 8 enjoying a productive and successful year.

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Year 9 has started the 2018 academic term..... taller! It has been wonderful for Mr Judge and myself to catch up with our students after the Dec/Jan summer holidays. The first term of our academic year is almost at a close; always a busy time for students, collating and internalising classwork knowledge of concepts for their assignment submissions.

Our formal assembly this term celebrated two Year 9 students Emma Isaacs and Sanjana Harish, who in 2017 achieved the White Award for achieving 150 merits points; the only students in the school to do so. Well done girls!

In Wk11 of this term, Naplan take home revision papers will be sent home with students, to take the opportunity to practice their Numeracy and Literacy skills. Naplan begins Term 2 Week 3. Whilst Naplan is not a definitive measure of a student's ability, it is a great tool in supporting and targeting area's of learning. Term 2 will also be an opportunity for parents to book via the Sentral Portal with classroom teachers, to discuss your child's academic progress. But that's coming up! For now, Have a fantastic and safe Term 1 break!

coming up in Term 2 Week 5. I would encourage all students to build on what we have been doing in class and to make sure they have the correct equipment for each subject area and to ensure all of their class work and work books are up to date and any class work finalised for this term. It would be a good time over the school holiday break to revisit and review the work done in class in preparation for exams next term.

Congratulations to all Year 10 students who have received a merit certificate this term. Please continue to achieve your best and clock up those points. Thank you also to our Year 10 students who have been involved in the volunteering programme here at Holsworthy and who have been recognised with merit certificates for the many hours they have contributed to the community. Remember to be the best you can be.

I would like to also remind students and reinforce that it is AOK to talk up and access support in particular from your support network. Your support network can be – Family: Parents and Grand Parents; Classroom teachers; any member of Staff; Learning Support team; Year Advisors; Head Teacher of our Year Group; Deputy of our Year group and School Counsellors. I encourage you to talk to those people who are part of your support network and to ask for help as needed in particular at busy times at school where staff can help with assessments or guide students with any concerns. Please continue to work hard and stay focused and have a safe School Holiday break from the 14th of April.

Regards Ms Booker and Mr Spy

After a very busy and full Term 1, I would like to encourage Year 10 to continue with their positive attitude to learning. It was very encouraging to see the strong turnout of Year 10 students who have participated and enjoyed being involved in the Sports Carnivals held this term and participating in Harmony day.

Year 10 have been involved in an ongoing welfare programme once a fortnight with their Year Advisors and have been working through goal setting and how best to prepare for school including how to tackle assessments and exams which will be

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Year 11 have had a busy beginning to the year. It is pleasing to see the positive approach Year 11 have had to the introduction of their HSC. Most students have had their first assessments of the year due, and have many more to work towards in Term 2. It is refreshing to see our students working hard and setting individual goals around their learning.

I would like to congratulate the following students who have achieved 50 merit points, and the Yellow Merit Award in Year 11 already this year:

I hope that all Year 11 students strive towards receiving merit points across all areas of their schooling- including roll call, attendance and uniform.

Year 11 had the opportunity to apply for School Sports Captain this term- a prestigious leadership achievement where they have the opportunity to encourage school spirit across our three sports carnivals. This term we have run our athletics and swimming carnivals and all our Sports Captains have performed outstandingly. We are extremely proud of the efforts of our Captains:

Sauvage- Beth Noble, Brittney Robinson and Melis Salih Kewell- Mary Bautista, Justin Barrie and Lavinia Cumpanas Thorpe- Tahlia Mauala, Rhiannon McGrath and Jessica McLean Freeman- Blake Cavill, Thomas Hine and Contessa Lazaro

Rio Ramsey Melis Salih Contessa Lazaro

Phillip Greaves

Rhiannon McGrath

Jessica McLean Samantha Smith Nishant Narain-Deo

Congratulations to our winners of the Swimming Carnival and Athletics Carnival:

Freeman Sports Captains

FREEMAN

Thomas Hine Contessa Lazaro

Blake Cavill

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Now at the end of Term 1 it has all become serious for Year 12 with Half-Yearly Exams commenced this week. They have now been at school for 49 school terms with only 2 remaining. The pointy end. I wish them well in their remaining assessments.

I would like to congratulate Year 12 on two successful carnivals this year. They participated in events with great character and success for many. The BBQ was excellent. Thanks to all.

School photos were held earlier this term with a great formal photo taken on the day. The other photo … well you can see a preview above. Yes that is a dinosaur and so much more. To help planning for both students and caregivers, I can confirm a few key dates for this year:

Best wishes, Mr S.Wiles

Graduation assembly Thursday 27th September 2018

Commencement of HSC exams Thursday 18th October 2018

Year 12 formal Monday 12th November 2018

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Friday 16 March was the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. To celebrate this we asked students to sign a pledge to end bullying, stating that everybody has the right to be in a community where they feel safe, included, valued and accepted regardless of differences.

A big thank you to Rocky who spoke to the whole school about the anti bullying message. Teachers and students together wore wrist bands stating "Take a Stand Together Bullying No Way" as a visible sign against bullying. Together we can make a difference.

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Defence Transition Mentor Term 1 Update

Well we certainly started term 1, 2018 in a big way.

On Sunday 25th February I had the pleasure of attending the Department of Community Organisation (DCO) Sydney/Liverpool Welcome Day at Concord RSL representing Holsworthy High School. The Welcome Day provides Australian Defence Force members and their families with information about local community services and support organisations that are available to them.

Junction Work’s, Youth Click program met at Holsworthy High School in Term 1 for four Monday afternoons and at that time Charity Bounce did workshops with students from our school. The workshops included (Owning your mistakes, uniting with others, Navigating Challenges and Committing to a plan) along with some fun basketball activities. The participants also enjoyed a free healthy afternoon tea supplied by Junction Works.

Charity Bounce is a not for profit organisation that exists to inspire positive change.

Our 2018 Community Evening was also a great success on 21 March. Community Organisations who support our students and families joined us at Holsworthy High to showcase what they have to offer. I am happy to say that many of our students and their families attended the night (photos on the next page).

There was plenty of entertainment and a free BBQ which was happily cooked by students Andrew and Brendan Hilleary. Thank you also to Ms Brown for her most appreciated contribution to the evening and support to me. I would also like to thank all the students who volunteered on the night. Please remember to let me know if a parent is away so that I can give your child/children extra support.

Tracey Carr – Defence Transition Mentor Tracey.carr5@det.nsw.edu.au or 9825 2888

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H.H.S COMMUNITY EVENING - 2018

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P & C Meeting Dates 2018

The next meeting of the P & C for 2018 will be held on

21 May at 6pm

in the Learning Centre

We would like to encourage all parents to attend our P&C meetings to find out in more detail what happens at our school.

Future planned meeting dates for 2018 are: 25 June 27 August

17 September 5 November 10 December

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Dates to remembER

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

All Students must carry their Library ID Card with them at all times.

Wednesday 4– Friday 13 April  Yr12 Half Yearly exams 

Friday 13 April  End of Term 1 

Tuesday 1 May  First day of Term 2 for students 

Tuesday 8 May  School Cross Country 

Wednesday 9 ‐ Friday 11 May  Year 7 Camp 

Monday 14 May  Parent Teacher Night Years 8 ‐ 11                                           4.00pm ‐8.00pm 

Tuesday 15 ‐ Thursday 17 May  NAPLAN 

Monday 21 May  P & C Mee ng 

Tuesday 22 May  Hume Zone Cross Country 

Monday 28 May ‐ Friday 1 June  Years 7 + 10 Exams 

Monday 4 ‐ Friday 8 June  Years 8 + 9 Exams 

Monday 4 June  Years 10 + 11 Vaccina ons 

Thursday 21—Friday 22   Hume Zone Athle cs Carnival 

Monday 25 June   P & C Mee ng 

Friday 6 July  Last Day of Term 2