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SEFTON NEWS Term 1 2019 Sincerity , Scholarship, Service Welcome to the first edition of the Sefton News for 2019. PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Welcome to Year 7, the class of 2024 On behalf of the staff may I extend a warm welcome to all of our new Year 7 students and their families. It was pleasing to have so many parents join us to celebrate their child’s first day of high school. I am pleased to advise that the overwhelming majority of the 2019 Year 7 students have settled very quickly into the demands of their new routines, including travel, as well as to the very high learning and behaviour expectations that are set before every student who wants to be part of this high functioning high achieving school. A special thanks to Mr Dimopoulos (Deputy Principal Year 7) and Ms Wood (Year 7 Adviser) for their tireless running around in these first few (hot) weeks ensuring a particularly smooth transition. A special thanks also to Mr Dimopoulos, Mr Elley and Ms Khouri for their diligence in administering the Year 7 Best Start Assessment and to our staff who have supported this to enable us to gain valuable data as to the literacy and numeracy capabilities of our incoming Year 7. Combined with Year 5 NAPLAN and Primary School reports we are now well positioned to begin the process of differentiated learning for our entire Year 7 cohort. Should parents of Year 7 have any concerns please email the school or call to speak with Mr Dimopoulos or Ms Wood in the first instance and we shall endeavour to set your mind at ease. Congratulations to the class of 2018 – outstanding HSC results Sefton High School has a rich history of students and staff working in partnership to overcome any obstacle and focus on learning, assessment and ultimately HSC examination success. Success is never taken for granted at Sefton High School. The graduating class of 2018 understood this and due to their diligence, the skill and persistence of their teachers and the commitment of parents to supporting their child and the school, outstanding HSC results were once again achieved. Let me share brief snapshot of these. THIS ISSUE INCLUDES Principal's Message Deputy Principal’s Message Music Department Study Skills Year 10 Commerce Mock Trial Surf Awareness Report Literacy Leaders Mathematics Report Mathematics In Surveying Excursion 2018 Year 12 Extension 1 English Excursion to the Pop-Up Globe Theatre School Swimming Carnival Swim School2018 Introducing the SHS Public Speaking Award Student Welfare News Visual Art News Photography Club Chess Club Premier’s Debating Challenge Years 9 and 10 Year 10 2018 Drama Performance From the SRC Art Express 2019

SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

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Page 1: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

SEFTON NEWS

Term 1 2019

Sincerity , Scholarship, Service

Welcome to the first edition of the Sefton News for 2019.

By Humayra Autoshi Year 10

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Year 7, the class of 2024

On behalf of the staff may I extend a warm welcome to all of our new Year

7 students and their families. It was pleasing to have so many parents join

us to celebrate their child’s first day of high school. I am pleased to advise

that the overwhelming majority of the 2019 Year 7 students have settled very

quickly into the demands of their new routines, including travel, as well as

to the very high learning and behaviour expectations that are set before every

student who wants to be part of this high functioning high achieving school.

A special thanks to Mr Dimopoulos (Deputy Principal Year 7) and Ms Wood

(Year 7 Adviser) for their tireless running around in these first few (hot)

weeks ensuring a particularly smooth transition. A special thanks also to Mr

Dimopoulos, Mr Elley and Ms Khouri for their diligence in administering

the Year 7 Best Start Assessment and to our staff who have supported this to

enable us to gain valuable data as to the literacy and numeracy capabilities

of our incoming Year 7. Combined with Year 5 NAPLAN and Primary

School reports we are now well positioned to begin the process of

differentiated learning for our entire Year 7 cohort.

Should parents of Year 7 have any concerns please email the school or call

to speak with Mr Dimopoulos or Ms Wood in the first instance and we shall

endeavour to set your mind at ease.

Congratulations to the class of 2018 – outstanding HSC results

Sefton High School has a rich history of students and staff working in

partnership to overcome any obstacle and focus on learning, assessment and

ultimately HSC examination success. Success is never taken for granted at

Sefton High School. The graduating class of 2018 understood this and due to

their diligence, the skill and persistence of their teachers and the commitment

of parents to supporting their child and the school, outstanding HSC results

were once again achieved. Let me share brief snapshot of these.

TH I S I S S U E

I N CL U DE S

Principal's Message

Deputy Principal’s Message

Music Department

Study Skills

Year 10 Commerce Mock

Trial

Surf Awareness Report

Literacy Leaders

Mathematics Report

Mathematics In Surveying

Excursion 2018

Year 12 Extension 1 English

Excursion to the Pop-Up

Globe Theatre

School Swimming Carnival

Swim School2018

Introducing the SHS Public

Speaking Award

Student Welfare News

Visual Art News

Photography Club

Chess Club

Premier’s Debating Challenge

Years 9 and 10

Year 10 2018 Drama

Performance

From the SRC

Art Express 2019

Page 2: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of

the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations.

Four students, Ellie Bennetts, Alice Lu, Ji Youn (Jennifer) Shin and Cheryl Su were included in

the state all-rounders list for achieving Band 6 in every subject.

181 Band 6 scores were achieved across 78 different students.

66.2% of all HSC results were Band 5 or 6 scores.

Our top three reported ATAR scores were

David Nguyen 99.50

Tim Huang 99.30

Alice Lu 99.05

What a remarkable achievement!

The HSC is however, is more than raw statistics. Whilst we celebrate and acknowledge the magnificent

achievements listed above, they are but a mere snapshot of each student’s personal journey. What thrills

us most is the joy on graduates’ faces when they realise that they have confronted and tackled this beast

known as the HSC, withstood the pressure, accepted the challenge of the choice they have made to

literally test themselves and come out the other side knowing that they have given it their all.

The constant message Sefton High School students will hear is that success in the HSC is not defined by

a number or a course destination. These are merely outcomes of a process. Success is when the students

accept the challenge and give it their personal best. Personal best is something only the graduating

student can truly assess. We are certain that when a student accepts the challenge to push themselves to

their personal best then the sense of achievement is something that will carry them on toward successful

future pathways beyond our big blue gates.

Congratulations to the HSC class of 2018. We are very proud of what you have achieved.

Special Mention – Presentation Day 2018

Rounding off our recognition of outstanding student achievements, we are pleased to advise you of our

major award winners from 2018. Once again congratulations to the following award recipients.

Carol Organ Award Ellie Bennetts (12)

Deputy Principal’s Award Ji Youn Shin (12)

Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award

for Leadership and Teamwork

Ellie Bennetts (12)

Sheela Bhattarai (10)

Caltex Award for Best All-Round student Kennan Wong (12)

Scarf Foundation Award for Commitment Tingyu Ji (12)

Page 3: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

SHS Award for Service Christopher Thorn Predic (11)

Phu Raymond Mai (10)

Janet Chadi Diba (9)

Edwin Chi Won Luu (8)

Josie Edith Bennetts (7)

SHS Award for Academic Excellence Ji Youn (Jennifer) Shin (12)

Amy Chau (11)

Sheela Bhattarai (10)

Alan Nguyen (9)

William Phan (8)

Sharon Chea (7)

Pierre de Coubertin Award Chan Woo Baek

Celebrating Student Achievement

A hallmark of a great school is that it identifies and celebrates student

achievement. Sefton High School does this regularly and to date we have

enjoyed two splendid assemblies at which student achievement through our

merit system is celebrated.

Also at these assemblies, our 2019 Prefect Body and Student Representative

Council were inducted. To gain such a leadership position at Sefton High

School is a great honour as well as a significant responsibility. What is

remarkable about the student leadership teams of Sefton High School is how

they embrace the element of the school motto ‘Service’. Their desire to serve

others came through in the addresses made to the student body and more

importantly is apparent in their deeds.

Staffing news

2019 has seen several new and returning staff join the Sefton family. A big public welcome to

Ms A Kasady (English) Mr M Ha (English) Ms M Yoon (Mathematics)

Mr S Holt (History) Ms L Li (Languages) Mr G Ma (Social Sciences)

Ms M Omar (Social Sciences) Mr N Strbac (PDHPE) Ms P Rohan (TAS)

Ms G Zadro (Music) Ms H Zafirovska (Learning Support) Ms D Saveski (SASS)

Other staff have assumed Relieving Head Teacher positions to cover for staff on leave. These are Ms

K Holt and Mr M Beggs (for Mr O’Riordan in PDHPE), Mr M Beggs and Mrs I Kacopieros (for Ms Z

Diab in Welfare)

Page 4: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

Finally it was with great difficulty that we farewelled our much loved

and respected teacher Mr F Henriquez (TAS), who after many

faithfull years of quality teaching and service to students of Sefton

High School opted to challenge himself and broaden his professional

expertise in a new school. We thank Mr Henriquez and wish him

well in his future endeavours.

SOME REMINDERS

Extended Leave Travel – These applications must be completed in

full and in advance. Each application will be assessed against

Department of Education expectations. We cannot prevent students

and families from taking time off school for travel however we are

expected to discourage it. We alone determine how the absence will

be recorded.

Email addresses and contact details – Could all parents please

supply a valid, parent only email address. In time, increasing

correspondence from the school will flow through this medium.

Please supply this through the Administration Office. Please ensure

all addresses and phone contact information is current.

Student Lateness – As an executive we are quite beside ourselves

understanding why some students can so often be late to school. More often than not the reason offered

is “slept in”. More often than not the student lives close enough to walk to school. Lateness in life has

consequences. We are now imposing consequences for students who are either repeat offenders or who

fail to return a signed blue Late Arrival to School Form Years 7-12.

Merit Selection Panels –From time to time we are required to form a selection panel for the purposes

of appointing staff under Merit Selection. These panels require a Parent Representative and a

Community Representative from a particular language / nationality background.

If you are interested in participating in this process we would be keen to hear from you. Training is

minimal and is provided. Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement. Please call either

myself, Mr Dimopoulos or Mr Blaker to discuss.

Year 12 – We are almost ready for Mid-Course Assessments. Please ensure you child has a clear to-do

list and a weekly study plan in place. If they appear stressed or in need of support, please ensure that you

contact myself or Mr Blaker to discuss how we can support your student. Jerseys will be distributed in

Week 8.

Page 5: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

TELL THEM FROM ME A Comprehensive Department of Education Survey of School Life and Quality

I am delighted that this term, Sefton High School, like many other

public schools in the state, will participate in a Department of

Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback

survey. The survey measures factors that are known to affect

academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the

NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and

effective teaching practices.

The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with

valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life,

how engaged they are with school and the different ways that

teachers interact with them. More than 6,300 schools in Australia

and around the world have used Tell Them From Me to survey 5.4

million students. Capturing the voices of our students will help

improve how we do things at our school. In 2019 we will be

surveying Years 8, 10 and 11.

I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is

conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during

school hours between 11 March and 12 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.

A consent form and FAQs for parents/carers about the survey is being sent home with students. If you

do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by 28 March 2019

Copies of the form and FAQs are being sent home via students and are available on the school website

per the following link:- https://sefton-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/ Mr K Humphreys

Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Special Religious Education (SRE)

We offer services from 2 approved providers:

The Islamic Charity Project Association (ICPA).

The Sydney Anglican Diocese.

Students who wish to attend these Religious Education classes must have their parent's written

permission. Only students who signed permission may attend SRE instruction. Parents need to be

aware that future withdrawal must be made in writing to the school.

Information on their curriculums can be accessed via the school website https://sefton-

h.schools.nsw.gov.au/learning-at-our-school/religion-and-ethics.html

Student Absences

Students who have been to a doctor for a contagious illness (eg influenza, gastroenteritis, chicken pox,

measles etc) must be off school for the entire period of time covered by the medical certificate. Students

who wish to come to school earlier than the time stated on the medical certificate must get a written

Page 6: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

clearance from their doctor, and present this to the Deputy Principal before recommencing school. If

your child presents at school despite a Doctor’s certificate that states they are unfit for work, please

expect to be called to collect your child.

Mr B Blaker

Deputy Principal

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Drumbeat

Late in Term 2, 2018, Year 8 Music students had the opportunity to participate in a music workshop. It

was clear from the beginning that this would be no ordinary workshop as students approached their seats

to find their own drum awaiting them! Led by the masterful drummers from Drumbeat, what could have

become musical mayhem resulted in Year 8 students responding in unison which resonated throughout

the school.

As well as playing, students had a chance to sing and dance through the morning learning some

traditional African dance moves. By the smiles on their faces there was little doubt students enjoyed

themselves and in the process learned a little more about music from other parts of the world.

Lighting And Sound Course- Year 9 and 10 Music Shine!!!

While some students might dread the first day back at school, a large number of students in the Year 9

and 10 Music Electives enjoyed day 1 of Term 4 by getting ‘down and dirty’ in the school hall learning

about operation and assembly of the school’s lighting and sound equipment.

After spending the morning learning the technical terms related to lighting and sound, the students then

took a tour of places unexplored in the hall (hence the ‘dirty’ part of the day) where lights are hung and

equipment stored. In addition to becoming familiar with the equipment they also were educated about

the Work Health & Safety aspects of Lighting & Sound.

Page 7: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

In the 2nd part of the day, theory became practice. While some students performed others, in small

groups, were expected to assemble and operate the PA systems mixing and balancing the sound while

others experimented with various lighting effects.

Already students are using these skills and are expected to set up and operate the PA system in their

music classroom. They will also have an opportunity to hone their skills at Music Night and Presentation

Day.

Competition Win

After having completed their Mid-Year Exams in 2018, students in 7 Music Fr (Semester 1 class) were

given the opportunity to finish the semester focusing on practical tasks. As part of their Keyboard

Evolution course, students learned a wide range of performance pieces on Keyboard. One of these was

the Coldplay classic ‘Vida La Vida’.

As part of the Musicedu program, students

have an opportunity to enter Australia wide

competitions performing various pieces in

the program. Although a little reluctant to

begin with and, after some active

encouragement from their teacher, students

gave it a go entering the ‘whole of class’

competition. Ably accompanied by Joshua

Tato on drum kit and Lana Oey on violin and

after about 15 attempts at ‘getting it right’,

the final submission was uploaded and

students awaited judging.

Early in Term 3 2018 students 7 Music Fr-

Semester 1 in were informed they had won

a Casio Digital Piano for the school! A huge

congratulation to them for their achievement

and contribution to the school. No doubt it

will be used by many students now and in the years to come.

Ms L Frugtniet

Music Night 2019

A night of melodic brilliance and expression

of our individual mastery of instruments, our

own bodies in dance and our own vocal

chords in singing; it was a truly magical night.

On December 12, the annual music night was

hosted by our very talented Sefton students

and was managed by the very fabulous Ms

Frugtniet with the help of Ms Kacopieros and

Mr Cree. The students’ diligence shone

through on the night; their lunch times taken

by endless practicing. In other words, they

were polished diamonds shining in the

spotlight of the stage.

As the lights dimmed a hush fell over the audience, then three shining figures, Eric Lam, Debbie Vuong

and Jaden Vuong appeared, welcoming one and all. The show got on the road with Sefton’s own Stage

Members of the Stage Band at Year 12 Fair Day 2018

Page 8: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

Band which consisted of a small group of students from Years 7 to 11 along with Mr Atton and Ms

Auzins. They brought us back the soulful 60’s with two classics,

‘I Heard It through the Grapevine’ and ‘My Girl’ with the versatile vocalist, Tiffany Yang.

Later, the audience were captivated by the heartfelt Jazz Ensemble. The

ensemble covered ‘Fly Me to The Moon’ originally performed by one of

the most popular singers of the Swing era, Frank Sinatra. Vocalist, Nathan

Nguyen, charmed the crowd alongside Keefe Vuong on the drums, Sarah

Nguyen on the guitar and Ms Frugtniet on piano. Dance Troupe broke this

charm with their

heart-racing

routines covering

contemporary,

hip-hop and

Bollywood. As a

result of their early

morning and lunch

rehearsals they

showcased their

polished routines

proving that so many dance styles can combine to

create a diverse and interesting piece of

choreography. The end of the night drew to a

close with the final performance by the Year 9 &

10 Vocal Ensemble of Hallelujah. Their harmonies were divine!

We can’t forget about the magnificent individual

performances. With all the amazing performances by

Years 9, 10 and 11, some of the stand-out included

Stand by Me performed by Reuben Seumanutafa

(Voice), Yanick Godinet (Piano/Voice) and Wilson

Huang (Keyboard), Spiderdance performed by Kelly

Yap and Joyce Yang (Piano Duet), Love on the Brain

sung by Tiffany Yang and River Flows in You

performed as a duet by Grace Choi (Violin) and Vivian

Huang (Piano). Shout-out to other individual

performers: Olivia Tran, Runa Moon, Alina Huynh.

Kaitlyn Nguyen, Michael Tram, Michael Tang, Tyson

Huynh. Kenny Nguyen, Teauiti White, William Tran,

Kevin Alim, Elizabeth Nguyen, JM, Joy Guo, Jaden

Vuong, Eric Lam, Brendan Duong, Tony Chau, James

Phan, Jeremy Tran, Keefe Vuong, Debbie Vuong, Anh Minh Nguyen, Kristine Nguyen, Julie Pham, CJ

Pham, Lucinda Ngo and Jade Ho.

Overall, Sefton Music Night of 2018 was a great success with around 250 guests attending to witness

the spectacular show. We are thankful for all those who attended and performed and special thanks to

the Stage, Lighting & Sound Crew. Thanks also to Year 10 Music for their magnificent organisation.

All proceeds were donated to RedKite, helping children affected by cancer and their families. Sefton

looks forward to seeing you for Sefton Music Night 2019! :)

Andy Le, Debbie Vuong & Jaden Vuong Year 11

Page 9: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,
Page 10: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

STUDY SKILLS

Need help getting organised and prepared for 2019?

Our school subscribes to the study skills website www.studyskillshandbook.com.au which means that

all parents and students at the school can access the site at school and at home. Please take some time

this week to log in and have a look.

This is a website with units of work on different study skills topics, looking at how students can improve

their results as well as other resources and planning templates to make dealing with schoolwork easer.

On the THINGS TO PRINT page at the top of the

home page there are many useful handouts. Scroll

to the bottom of the page to see an alphabetical list.

One of these is the ‘Top Tips For Parents’

handout. Some examples of the types of tips on

this handout are as follows:

It is a great idea for students to set up a

folder for each subject that stays at home,

somewhere to file away past tests, assignments,

completed topics and to keep everything together

for that subject.

Each night students should work on

homework first, then assignments or test

preparation. After this, students need to look for other things they can do to enhance their

understanding of their subjects, such as making study notes, doing extra questions, revising earlier

topics.

The best way to deal with distractions is to work in half hour blocks with no distractions during this

time. This means during the half hour blocks allocated to schoolwork, no social media etc. not for

the whole night, just for those half hour blocks.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is leaving their study notes until just before their exams.

One of the best habits students can get into is doing their study notes throughout the year, at the end

of each topic is a good time to do this. Whenever students don’t have much homework, they should

be working on study notes.

Page 11: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

The HELP guides on the Things to Print page are also useful resources. Each is a 10 page booklet that

targets specific areas. There is a great one for students starting Year 7 and another for those starting Year

11.

For students a very useful handout is the term planner. It is a great idea at the start of every term to print

off the term planner (or print out 4 for the year). Simply fill in the due dates for the term as you find out

about them, and place the term planner somewhere visible at home – for example above your desk on a

noticeboard. Highlight tests in one colour and assignments in another colour so they stand out clearly.

Cross off each day as you go, so you have a clear picture of how the work is spread out over the term

and how long until things are due.

Writing these due dates in your diary as well is essential of course, but it does not give you the overall

picture like a term planner does. This is a good thing to do at the start of every term right from the start

of secondary school through to the end (and beyond to university as well!).

Our school’s subscription details to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au are:

User name: seftonhs

Password: 197results

If you have any questions, students can see me in my office in the Library. Parents are free to call and

organise a time to speak over the phone.

Mr T Elley

Head Teacher Teaching and Learning

YEAR 10 COMMERCE MOCK TRIAL

In Term 1, Year 10 Commerce students had the

opportunity to participate in a mock trial as part of their

Law and Society unit of work. Classroom F13 was set up

as a real court, and each student was given a role to play

from judge to jury in the mock trial of Alice in

Wonderland. The students were instructed beforehand as

to the trial procedures which happen in court, and the

roles that each would play in this mock trial. It was a

great experience for students to apply their legal

knowledge in a practical setting.

Mr Ma

Social Science

Page 12: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

SURF AWARENESS REPORT

Surf school was an exciting experience for all students. Despite the slightly gloomy weather, the

teachers, surf school staff and students put effort into all

the activities to ensure that the day was enjoyable.

At Cronulla beach, we were taught to surf, body board and

identify rips in the water. Surfing was by far the highlight

of the day, with each of us trying, mostly unsuccessfully,

to stand up on our boards. The waves were huge and the

water cold, but we all had fun either surfing or just

splashing around in the water.

We participated in a sand mermaid competition while we

were waiting for boards to be available. The competition

was taken seriously by some people, decorating and

covering almost their entire mermaid’ (really just an

unfortunate student ‘lucky’ enough to be covered in sand

by their peers.) There were plenty of group photos thrown

in, with lots of

fun and

laughter going

on, both in the

water and on

the beach. We took on the rough waves of North Cronulla

armed with a body board, just hoping we’d make it out alive.

We were taught how to survive at the beach with an

interactive Surf Awareness and Safety lesson. There were

serious demonstrations about how to save people with

lifeguard equipment. These were hilarious to watch as people

unwillingly participated or embarrassed themselves, in a

confidence boosting and left saving challenge. Throughout

the day, there was an interesting mix of silly fun, friendly

competition and essential safety

advice, which is information that

could one day save our lives.

Sara Rajab and Josie Bennetts

Page 13: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

LITERACY LEADERS

Literacy Leaders is a fun and educational way to promote reading to Sefton High School students.

Meeting up every Monday lunch to discuss the current trends and innovating ways to share the

enjoyment of literature, Literacy Leaders promote reading in a fun way.

Part of what Literacy Leaders are here to do is to find out more about your teachers and peers favourite

books and what they are currently reading. For example, you can check out the Critic’s Corner located

outside the English Faculty. This is all thanks to our Critic’s Corner team that dedicate their lunch time

to going around to the staff rooms and interviewing teachers about the books they are currently reading.

We also provide book reviews, allowing

students to promote their favourite

novels and encourage others to borrow

more from our fantastic and

exceptionally stocked library. Reading

has many advantages and allows you to

gain more knowledge which is why

Literacy Leaders support and promote it

so much. Once again, our library has an

enormous number of books that are

available to all students so get

borrowing!

Literacy Leaders also attend orientation

day, promoting to our Year 7’s the

importance and fun of reading. In

addition to this, we participate in and will

be running book parades and many other

events this year. Sefton students will see

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their favourite book characters come to life this year (be prepared to dress up during Book Week!) all to

promote the fun and benefits of reading to students.

All of this is thanks to Ms Alali, Mr Elley and Ms Khouri who have spent their lunch times supervising,

finalising and helping the students to make Literacy Leaders possible!

By your Literacy Leaders, Anna Lim, Katrina Meng and Sophia Choi

Year 9 Students

MATHEMATICS REPORT

It has been a fantastic start to Term 1. Welcome to our new Year 7 students who are working diligently

in Mathematics and have settled in well. Our Mathematics classes across Years 8-12 have also settled in

well, reflecting the culture at Sefton High School of setting high expectations and displaying excellence

in their education.

Our Year 12 Standard Mathematics students will be the first to sit the new HSC course this year

previously known as the General Mathematics course. Staff have worked diligently in preparation to

ensure that the delivery of the new course has been successful.

The Mathematics staff have recently attended the HSC Markers Feedback and Advice day organised by

the Mathematics Association of New South Wales. Staff attended feedback sessions for the Mathematics

Extension 2, Extension 1, Advanced and General courses (now known as Standard). This professional

learning ensures that we give our students the best opportunities to succeed.

Our overall HSC results in Mathematics were exceptional with all of our Extension 2 Mathematics

students achieving a Band 6. We have been busy analysing the previous HSC results in Mathematics,

focusing on areas of improvements and passing this feedback to our students to achieve optimal results.

Our current Year 12 students are working hard to ensure that they are achieving their personal best.

We hope that we can work together to ensure our students have a study program at home that they adhere

to, ensuring their Mathematics work is always up to date. Moreover, we encourage our students to ask

questions when unsure to their class teacher. Consistency with their studies will ensure success in their

learning.

We have also introduced the Coding Club this year where we have enrolled 23 enthusiastic students.

The chess club is also running on Friday lunchtimes which also has an outstanding turnout. Upcoming

events include the Mathematics competition, CAT competition, Mathematics Enrichment, Mathematics

Challenge and the Choose Maths video competition.

Looking forward to a successful year with exceptional results

Ms Najem

Head Teacher Mathematics

Coding Club

The Mathematics Faculty has started up a Coding Club to give students from years 7 -10 the opportunity

to learn how to code or to further enhance their coding skills. It runs Tuesday afternoons 2:20pm-3:20pm

each week.

We currently have 23 students registered in the club and they have brought with them different levels of

coding experience. At present, they have all been enrolled in a website called Grok Learning. Grok is a

slang term meaning “to understand something intuitively or by empathy”. Sophia Choi and Chanel Cho

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had the opportunity to experience Grok Learning last year and have written an article below to tell you

more about it.

We are pleased to see the enthusiasm displayed by the students and look forward to seeing them develop

their skills as the year progresses.

Ms J Li

Coding Club Co-ordinator

Coding Club on Tuesday afternoons. There is a high level of engagement as they learn.

Grok Learning

Grok Learning is an online interactive platform which offers various coding classes which students can

use to learn more about coding. Coding develops skills such as problem solving and trains our logical

and critical thinking. Coding is also relevant to the subjects which we learn today and is becoming a

relevant skill that is becoming vital to various employment positions in the modern workforce.

Grok Learning offers classes on various coding languages of varying levels, including Python,

Javascript, HTML, etc, catering to the personal skills of individual users, making it an ideal initial step

to develop an interest in coding.

Our personal experience using Grok Learning was very effective as it successfully educated us on

various coding languages, including Python and Javascript.

Grok Learning provided us with activities and information

in a step-by-step format, making the learning process much

easier, making new information easier to grasp. Blockly, a

simplified visual programming language, was

metaphorically, a stepping block which allowed us to

develop and better our understanding of Python as it allowed

us to visualise Python before getting deeper into the

language. The contents of our assigned Python and Blockly

activities were identical which made learning the basics of

Python much easier as we had a completed Blockly activity

for reference.

Sophia Choi and Chanel Cho (Year 9)

Late last year Sophia Choi (right) and Chanel Cho (left)

discovered that they really enjoyed coding!

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MATHEMATICS IN SURVEYING EXCURSION 2018

On the breezy, early morning of Friday, 16th November 2018, twenty Year 10 students eagerly awaited

under the COLA to go on a Mathematics excursion! Ms Li took the students to the ‘Mathematics in

Surveying’ Excursion at Homebush Bay, Bicentennial Park. Travelling from Sefton Station to Birrong

Station then Lidcombe Station and finally Olympic Park Station, we were all very excited to see what

the day held for us.

As we walked to Bicentennial Park, we

were all amazed by large ‘telescope-like’

instruments (theodolites) in front of us. To

our surprise, we were going to use this

instrument, just like how surveyors would,

to measure the height of the Treillage

Tower. After some complex trigonometry

equations, we finally figured out the height

being approximately 24m! Not only this,

but we participated in mapping out the area

of a lawn using the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS, which is more commonly referred to as RTK

GNSS. After this, we went down memory lane to uncover the history of surveying. From mechanical

calculators to slide rules and finally the modern CASIO calculator, it was amazing to see the

transformation in quality (and size!) of calculators from thousands of years ago to our modern society.

We were also exposed to sundials and laser

scanning as well as deformation surveys, which

were both interesting and eye-opening as to how

far we have come in society!

Throughout the day, we were exposed to all whole

new career of surveying and the countless

opportunities it provides. From developing

housing estates and constructing roads and bridges,

to mapping waterways, we were shown the

application of mathematics in the real world and

the importance of surveyors.

It was an amazing learning experience for us and we are forever grateful! Through these activities, our

daily question of “How is Maths ever useful in the real world?” was pleasantly answered and our doubts

in Pythagoras theorem and trigonometry’s practicality in the real world were also cleared! Thank you to

Ms Li for organising this excursion for us!

Sheela Bhattarai (Year 10, 2018)

Thank you to The Institute of Surveyors NSW who

organised the day. The profession of surveying enjoys

a very high employment rate and are always seeking

people with excellent mathematics skills to enter the

profession. Students who have an aptitude for

Mathematics and enjoy working in various

environments, indoors and outdoors, might like to

consider this as a career path or get a taste of the work by organising work experience through The

Institute of Surveyors NSW.

Ms J Li

Mathematics Teacher

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YEAR 12 EXTENSION 1 ENGLISH EXCURSION TO THE POP-UP GLOBE

THEATRE

It’s often hard to ‘get’ Shakespeare when you’re merely following along words on a page (or giving the

impression of doing so) as you read it in class. In situations like this, it’s easy to dismiss Shakespeare as

irrelevant or forget his impact on the way we write and tell stories. However, when his works are being

performed for you and you’re standing mere metres away from actors dressed in their Elizabethan

fineries, there’s no way you can’t come to absolutely love Shakespeare and his plays.

The Pop-Up Globe is a New Zealand based theatre

that NOW is one of the world’s most popular.

Replicating dimensions of long-lost theatre, it

unites a 400 year-old design with full-scale

scaffolding, corrugated iron and the distinctive

onion dome with an open roof. In Term 4 of 2018,

Year 12’s Extension 1 English were lucky enough

to book tickets to the Buckingham Company’s

production of The Merchant of Venice, a play

introduced to us years back when we were bright-

eyed Year 7s. Returning to the play as brighter-

eyed seniors, we were witnesses to a recreated

relic, a living time machine transporting us back to

the 1600s – minus the diseases.

Our excursion started off with a trip to Moore Park where we got to roam around the Entertainment

Quarter before heading inside to theatre grounds. We thought we knew what to expect (after hearing Ms

Gyi had watched all the plays several times) but upon seeing the theatre in person, we were utterly

enthralled. There was something about the night sky ceiling-mural and the jaunty music the cast played

and danced around to, that made the

experience an enchanting one from the

get-go.

Laugh-out-loud jokes, well-

choreographed and performed dance

sequences and expert storytelling were

all reeled into one. ‘Groundlings’,

members of Elizabethan theatre

audiences who couldn’t afford to

purchase seats, were somewhat

considered to be plebs in their time

however, as it ensured the most

interaction, we proudly undertook that

position on the day. We stood in the thick

of the action and in our opinion, got the

best experience.

A feature of the play which particularly stood out was that the actors were not so much performing to us

as they were with us. One highlight was when the arrogant Prince of Morocco kept winking at our one

and only Ms Gyi and extended his hand out towards her, expecting to be treated with the reverence he

deserved – for it to be kissed by the lovely lady. Gracious as ever, she moved forward but as she was

about to do this, he pulled back his hand in the ultimate juke, sending our hearts into a flurry of

disappointed anticipation at the rejection. This and other moments of improvisation and direct address

made for an even more engaging play.

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One of the many elements we appreciated was the attention to detail the crew had put into the

performance, keeping true to Shakespearean theatre. Aside from bringing to life the structure, script and

spirit of the playwright, they achieved a real sense of authenticity overall. The costuming was spot on

with billowy breeches, skin-tight stockings, frilly ruffs – the whole shebang. They even went so far as

to wear one-sided shoes as Elizabethan actors did – as in there is no difference between left and right

shoe. That left us impressed, alright. As was the norm of English Renaissance theatre, the actors were

and all male cast, some of which played female characters (and donned their corsets, petticoats and face

makeup very professionally).

The finale could not have been better

in bringing an end to a fantastic

performance. As if we weren’t treated

to enough of their triple-threat talents,

it was filled with more singing and

dancing as the actors said their

goodbyes. It was truly transformative

and we were left wanting more to the

point where some of us decided to go

back! (What a segue…)

Rest assured, I (Kirsty Nguyen) won’t

go too deeply into detail. Basically, I

found the production of The Merchant

to have been such a clever balance between professional theatre and frivolity that I needed to fall into

another play before the Pop-Up Globe popped back down. I roped my sister along to the comedy A

Midsummer Night’s Dream and it did not fall short of expectations – the harmonies, comedic timing and

actor chemistry were all ON POINT.

Just as the other, there were musical and dance numbers that left me questioning whether I was even

worthy enough to be standing in the pit (once a groundling, always a groundling). Surely, this commoner

did not deserve to watch these amazing

actors tell the bonkers story brimming with

magic pranks, love triangles and a play in a

play (Shakespeare was into meta before it

was cool).

A wonderful twist was the blend of

Shakespeare’s lyrical poetry with Māori

folklore, traditional clothing and language

from the actors of Indigenous descent. I

loved how language barriers (both Māori

and Shakespearean language) did not

hinder understanding or limit audience

engagement. If anything, I think it further

celebrated Shakespeare as the writer whose

stories reached widespread populations. In

saying this, the crude jokes and innuendo

laced throughout were definitely not lost in

translation and I spent a good portion of my time thinking ‘Whoa, Shakespeare did not hold back’. Some

jokes, both verbal and physical, were so outrageous that the actor who played Nick Bottom brilliantly

broke the fourth wall to wish luck to parents who would have to later explain the jokes to their young

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kids. My sister was among the few who got confused but thankfully did not pursue any explanations

from me.

I’ll try to be brief about the highlights, but it’s just so easy to start

rambling. As the story is set in an ancient enchanted forest, the

atmosphere of magic was brought to life by impressive and unexpected

details such as pink petals and bubbles floating down from above. At

one climactic point, the music crescendoed, fog gathered from built-in

fog machines and Oberon, King of the Fairies, emerged from under the

stage to the surprised cheers of the audience. Further on, as a comically-

exaggerated stabbing scene approached, audiences were on the verge

of nervous anticipation, not knowing when exactly the character was to

strike. The suspense was palpable and as thick as the syrupy red ‘blood’

that came splatting out towards the front-row groundlings (us) once the

deed was done.

I truly loved it from Act 1 to the epilogue – even the intermission was

made enjoyable by the actors walking around the theatre ground

towards audience members (including us), singing and playing their harmonicas, horns and accordions.

For me, it was truly one of those experiences words will never be able to recapture and where photos

can only capture so much. I’ve left the experience with a newfound appreciation for Shakespeare and a

cool t-shirt.

Thank you so much to Ms Gyi for organising the excursion for us!

Kirsty Nguyen and Tivonee Kapugama

Year 12 students

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SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Sefton High School again held a successful swimming carnival that saw outstanding individual

performances, house spirit and team comradery. Court was again a force to be reckoned with, taking the

top place on the house point podium for the 5th year in a row. Bradman, Cuthbert and Thorpe are going

to have to train hard and work together in order to end this unbelievable grip that Court currently has on

the swimming carnival.

The carnival saw a number of students willing to participate and try their best in the water, with the

following students being awarded age champions:

Male Female

12 Eddie Thanh Ha Akira Dos Santos

13 Xavier Rosendale Emily Nhan

14 Jayden Quach Lara Tran

15 Luke Huyen Victoria Truong Nguyen

16 Anh Le Arwen Parkinson

17+ Justin Lang AND Brian Ang Victoria Kuznetsov

These students will receive their awards at the Presentation Day at the end of the year.

Photography by Shirley Truong

There were some outstanding individual performances with a handful of records broken by the following

students:

Justin Lang in year 12 broke the 50m butterfly record.

Victoria Truong Nguyen in year 10 successfully broke the 200m individual medley record.

Brian Ang in year 12 broke the 50m breast stroke record.

Congratulations to these individuals and all students who got in the pool, either for a race or inter-house

water activity.

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SWIM SCHOOL 2018

In Term 4 of 2018, Year 7 attended Swim School at Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in Auburn for a fun

four days of learning essential CPR, swimming and survival skills. Organised by the PDHPE faculty,

the program aimed at developing students’ skills in the water while providing a great way to end our

first year of our first year of High School with the water and our friends.

We were first put into different levels, ensuring everyone was in an environment where they could either

learn, improve or refine their swimming skills. With skills ranging from never having touched pool

water, to a seasoned national swimmer, we all learnt at our own pace. This included various swimming

strokes, entries and dives.

A few games of newcomb ball, water stuck in our ears and fun group challenges later, we soon arrived

to the last day. Assessments according to our level were conducted; which for some included swimming

600m in normal clothing such as jumpers and long pants. This pushed us to the limits and broadened our

abilities. Thank you for the teachers who supervised and organised Swim School, and the Year 10

volunteers who devoted full school days to making the learning process smooth. Overall, the experience

was extremely challenging yet very worthwhile.

Vicki Vu Year 7

INTRODUCING THE SHS PUBLIC SPEAKING AWARD

It has arrived!

The English faculty is excited to present The

SHS Public Speaking Award! Due to the

growing demand for more competitive events,

we have decided to introduce a new in-school

competition for our many passionate public

speakers. There will be both a senior

competition for Years 10-12 as well as a junior

competition for Years 7-9 next term.

The senior competition has already kicked off

with many students signing up to compete.

These students recently participated in the first

round of the competition which saw students

preparing impromptu speeches in three minutes

for topics such as ‘Around the Corner’ and

‘Even though things change they stay the same”.

Next up, the students who successfully emerged

as finalists will be competing in a second round

where they will present a 4-minute prepared

speech in front of a panel of judges.

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It has been great to see so many students eagerly participating in the SHS Public Speaking Award. It is

a fantastic opportunity for students to further develop their ability to work under time pressure, think

critically, persuade and of course speak in front of an audience. Information about the junior competition

will be provided in the daily notices soon.

Ms Alali

English Teacher

STUDENT WELFARE NEWS

Term 1 has been busy with many of the programs and annual events organised and implemented by the

Welfare Team already underway.

The Brainstorm Productions Incursions will be commencing shortly, with students in years 7, 8, 9 and

12 being a part of a range of performances about bullying, stress and other important issues that teenagers

face. These performances in the past have always been engaging and thought provoking, and will be a

great help to the students.

Camps for Years 7, 9 and 11 are in the process of being organised for the following dates

Year 7 - Term 1, Week 9.

Year 11 - Term 2, Week 4.

Year 9 - Term 3 Week 4.

The leadership camp will also continue this year, taking our student leaders on a one-night camp, which

will occur during week 8, term 1. The camps are being organised with dynamic programs that challenge

young people to extend their comfort zones, leaving them with a sense of achievement and pride. We

encourage all students to attend these camps. If you are concerned, please contact either your child’s

Year Adviser or the Head Teacher Welfare.

The immunisation program run by NSW Health commenced with visit 1 of 2 for our Year 7 students in

week 3 of this Term. Visit 2 for Year 7 is scheduled for week 4, term 3. Students who did not get the

first vaccine can still return the form and be included in the catch up program, which runs into 2019. In

addition to the Year 7 Immunisation Program, students in Years 10 will also be involved in a free

vaccination program to occur in week 5 term 2. A note and the Vaccination forms will be sent out

shortly for year 10 students.

The Life Ready program has replaced the previously named Crossroads program in 2019. This is a

mandatory NESA course that aims to help prepare senior students to lead, and contribute to, healthy,

safe and meaningful lives which promote respect, responsibility, enjoyment inclusion and social justice

for self and others. This course will run on the 28 and 29 of March. All students in NSW government

schools must engage with the Life Ready content to be eligible to receive a Year 11 Certificate of

Achievement. Thus, students who were absent on either 28 or 29 March must see Mr Beggs to organise

completion of the content that was covered. In addition to these two days, Sefton students will also

participate in the B Street Smart Convention, held at Qudos Arena in Homebush in September. A

permission note for this excursion will be sent home in Term 2. Combined with sessions integrated into

the Year 11 camp, these days will ensure that your child fulfils the mandatory hours for completion of

the Life Ready program. As such, it is important that your child attends the Year 11 camp or attends

school on all three days to engage in the alternative program.

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Student Absences

To end, I would like to remind parents that we expect you to call the school on 9644-4800 when your

child is absent. You will speak with an administration staff member who records the details provided

and passes on this information to the relevant staff members. Remember, if you call the school on the

day your child is absent, you can avoid a phone call from us asking for an explanation. In addition to

making this phone call, you must also send a letter explaining the absence, and attach any available

medical certificates, on the day your child returns to school. It is very important to remind your child to

either;

hand this to their period 1 teacher whilst the roll is being marked.

drop the note off at the front office either to a member of administration, or in the ‘note’ box at

the front office.

Alternatively, you may attach any medical certificates and email the school to explain an absence.

Thank you in advance for supporting the Welfare Team as we strive to implement programs that maintain

your child’s wellbeing.

Welfare Team

PREFECTS INVESTED

On February 21 2019 Prefect Body was invested in a formal assembly, after which they Pledged

I appreciate with pride,

the honour conferred upon me.

I realise its duties and its obligations

and I undertake to carry out these duties and obligations,

Knowing that I am bound

to service before self on every occasion,

And to sincerity in everything I do.

This I pledge.

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The following students are our very capable 2019 school leaders:

Captains Christopher Predic Joy Hanna

Vice Captains Brian Ang Kylie Dang

Senior Prefect Jessi Ta

Prefects Victor Huynh Daena De Luna

Justin Tek Zinmar Swe

Thomas Lam Mai-Linh Dao

James Mai Sharmay Hussein

Divyasha Kumar

Catherine Phung

Congratulations to these young leaders.

Following the assembly the students, their guests and teachers enjoyed a morning tea hosted by the

school.

Mr Beggs

Prefects Co-ordinator

PREFECTS REPORT

While the 2019 Prefects were invested on February 21 this year, they actually commenced their role as

school leaders in the final week of Term 3 in 2018. Since then they have collaborated to coordinate and

host events.

In Term 4 the Prefects hosted a very

successful Triple S, an annual Prefect event

that aims to reflect on the school’s motto of

Sincerity, Scholarship and Service. To end

their first Term of service the Prefects held

their Annual General Meeting, during

which they planned for the Year ahead.

This forward planning allowed the Prefects

to hold another highly successful

fundraiser. On Valentine’s Day, the student

leaders woke early to prepare and deliver

roses, sing-o-grams, teddy bears, many

photos, sweet treats and of course, some

cheer to students, while raising over $1800.

What a result!

The 2019 Prefects are keen to continue this

outstanding achievement in fundraising, as

all money raised this year will be donated to

Youth in Motion. This charity works

towards empowering at risk young people.

With this in mind, we hope 2019 is a year of proactive fundraising driven by our quest

for sincerity, scholarship and service. 2019 Prefects Back row: Justin Tek, Chris Predic, Zinmar Swe, Brian Ang,

Divyasha Kumar, James Mai, Victor Huynh, Thomas Lam, Kylie

Dang

Front row: Jessi Ta, Joy Hanna, Sharmay Hussein, Catherine

Phung, Mai Linh Dao, Daena De Luna

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VISUAL ART NEWS

Year 11 Visual Arts have been working progressively on the topic Identity for Term 1. Students explore

their own identity and what makes them unique, completing various artworks throughout the semester.

For their first project students are required to complete a realistic tonal self-portrait that focusses on

experimenting with various mediums such as progresso, charcoal and various grades of lead pencils.

Students are still working on completing their artworks

and are moving onto experimenting with watercolour

portraits. Images of their completed portraits will be

posted to Sefton High School’s Facebook page so please

keep a look out.

Miss Unwin

Visual Art and Photography Teacher

Year 11 student Donna Le San Mac

completing her tonal portrait.

Year 11 student Hengija Liu completing her tonal portrait.

Year 11 student Nhat Tan Danh

tonal portrait drawing.

Year 11 student Hengjia Liu tonal portrait drawing.

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PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Sefton High School’s photography club has started back for 2019. Students have been actively working

across the school in all different areas of school life. These events include school assemblies, Sefton

High Schools swimming carnival and photography projects.

Students have been able to show their expertise using the camera and experimenting with aesthetically

pleasing angles. Students work in collaboration with each other to discuss the best options for their

images. This term there will be many opportunities for students to partake in events across the school

and we look forward to sharing their incredible images on the Sefton High School’s Facebook page so

keep your eye out.

Photography Club continues on every Wednesday afternoon in room F2 with Miss Unwin.

Miss Unwin

Visual Arts and Photography Teacher

Sefton Photography Club

2019

Sefton High School

Swimming Carnival 2019

Shirley Truong Year 11

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Sefton High School Swimming Carnival 2019 Nhat Tan Year 11

Khaled Dargham Year 7

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Haifa Dargham Year 9 Angeline Kha Year 10

Deborah Sam Year 10 Khanh Pham Year 10

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CHESS CLUB

Sefton High School offers students the opportunity to participate in chess competitions, as well as

provide a space for informal games.

The Chess Club is run on Friday lunchtimes and

students can use this opportunity to learn chess

strategies or have a friendly game against their

friends.

The Chess Club supports student participation in

the Sydney South West Region Chess

Competition in which Sefton has competed in for

a number of years. In Term 2 this year, we plan

to continue our participation in the competition,

filling teams in the Junior, Intermediate and

Senior Divisions, with Mr Richards as the co-ordinator.

Ms J Li

Chess Club Co-ordinator

Jeremy Del Rosario, Adam Nguyen, Khoi Nguyen

and Eddie Ha from Year 7.

Zhen Yan, Kevin Tran, Kristopher Nguyen and

Sunni Vuong, from Year 10, pondering their

next chess moves.

PREMIER’S DEBATING CHALLENGE – YEARS 9 AND 10

After an extremely successful year in 2018, Sefton High School is excited to be participating in the

Premier’s Debating Challenge once again in 2019! Term 1 saw an enthusiastic group of Year 9 and 10

students express their interest in joining the debating teams. However, with spots being limited, the

competition was stronger than ever. The teams were formed after careful consideration of the students’

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breadth of knowledge of key topic areas such as education, politics and sport, as well as their public

speaking skills. Student strengths and weaknesses were considered to ensure a strong team dynamic.

Congratulations to the new Year 9 and 10 debating teams for 2019! I am looking forward to rigorous

training sessions to further strengthen and refine the students’ collaboration and debating skills. The

zone competition will begin in Term 2, 2019.

Ms. Um

YEAR 10 2018 DRAMA PERFORMANCE

On the 5th of December 2018, our Year 10 Drama class performed the play Alice Dreaming by Ned

Manning, which tells the story of Alice as she escapes into her imagination and treks across the

Australian landscape to find out more about herself and feel more comfortable in her own skin.

Our class were assigned specific on and off-stage roles that we had to fulfil. This task required immense

preparation to ensure our performance was successful. This included memorising our lines, blocking out

where we would be on stage and getting any props and costumes we needed. A significant number of

props were handmade by our class, for example the wings for the character Albatross was entirely made

out of foam and paper. We even included a digital backdrop and music to accompany the scenes!

While the preparation for the play was intensive and extensive, it was completely worthwhile.

Performing is always nerve-wracking, but being part of this production was rewarding as we were able

to sense our impact on the audience. Receiving reactions from the audience, such as shock or laughter,

showed us that we were entertaining and engaging. Even when we did experience the occasional stuff-

up, we used our improvisation skills to continue performing!

Overall, the play was a success and will be an enjoyable memory to look back on. It has showed us what

is possible through perseverance, team-work and maintaining a sense of fun. Thank you to our Drama

teacher, Ms Castino, for helping us produce Alice Dreaming.

Students in this photo:

Angela Jihae Choi,

Shantelle De Guzman,

Daphne Ly, Vivian Duyen Nguyen

and Natasha Sydney Tea

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Favour Akuete, Angela Jihae Choi, Shantelle De Guzman, Daphne Ly, Vivian Duyen Nguyen, Natasha

Sydney Tea, Matthew Josiah Togagae, Catherine An Vu, Joyce Yang and Joshua Yoon

Sheela Bhattarai, Angela Jihae Choi, Daphne Ly, Michelle Mai Nguyen, Jessica Oct Tran, Catherine An

Vu and Joyce Yang

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Shantelle De Guzman, Victoria Kuznetsov, Daphne Ly, Linda Tran, Joyce Yang and Joshua Yoon.

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Daphne Ly and Joshua Tung Thien Luu

FROM THE SRC

‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ Although it’s simply a line from a well known comic

series, it’s a phrase that resonates with the newly inducted Student Representative Council. Yes. We are

the SRC of 2019.

We are nothing special, in fact we’re just students, part of the 1050-or-so student community. We attend

classes, study and sleep at healthy times as any other student. But unlike others, we acted upon a voice

in our conscience: to help those in need, to contribute to the wider community, to make our mark. And

with thanks to support of the other students, we were elected to represent our student body, as a voice

and a medium to make our waves in the ocean, that is society.

This year, we focus on unity in our motto, ’For the students, by the students’, drawing importance to the

values of the student body, and to students reading, drawing importance to you. In previous years, our

mottos were always trying to be bigger and better, losing sight of having the benefit of the student body

always in mind, as mentioned in the last line of the SRC pledge.

So this year, we want the students to take action and help the S.R.C, and that doesn’t just mean ‘raising

more money’ for those in need, it means letting us know how you feel and feel free to make suggestions

for how S.R.C could be better. No matter it be a drop of water or a flood because together, we will

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become a tsunami. And in doing so, we will reach our ultimate vision,’To create a strong sense of

community.’

So look forward to our upcoming events and we will S.R.C you soon.

Congratulations to the S.R.C of 2019:

President: Phu Raymond Mai

Vice President: Alice Liang

Treasurer: Henry Yan

Senior Secretary: Janet Chadi Diba

Junior Secretary: Sreypich Trist Wang

Year 11: Sheela Bhattarai

Stephanie Aixim Duong

Year 10: Muhammad Ahsan Ali

Nathan Do

Kaela Emily Goldsmith

Year 9: Susan Le Dao

William Jia Hong Huang

Edwin Chi Won Luu

Olivia Ta

Year 8: Josie Edith Bennetts

Vicki Vu

Year 7: Eaven Nathan

Anora Anh Ngoc Pham

Angeline Phan

Nicky Tran

Stella Tran

ART EXPRESS

On Wednesday 13 March, HSC Visual Arts students

attended an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW to

view the annual Art Express Exhibition and to hear past

HSC students talk about their Bodies of Work.

ARTEXPRESS is one of the most dynamic and

popular exhibitions at the gallery and features a

selection of the most outstanding student artworks

developed for the art making component of the HSC

examination in Visual Arts. The exhibition provides

insight into students’ creativity and the issues important

to them.

It also encompasses a broad range of approaches and expressive forms, including ceramics, collection

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of works, documented forms, drawing, graphic design, painting, photo media, printmaking, sculpture,

textiles and fibre, and time-based forms. ARTEXPRESS is an important high-quality learning resource

for students as it represents best practice in Visual Arts education. Students are able to see the standard

of excellence in material practice and conceptual strength required to achieve a Band 6 result in the HSC.

ARTEXPRESS 2019 was enjoyable but it was also thought provoking, providing inspiration and

motivation for our current HSC Visual Arts students embarking on their own art making practice.

Students came away discussing the potential and possibilities for their own Bodies of Work.

To find out more about ARTEXPRESS visit http://artexpress.artsunit.nsw.edu.au

Page 36: SEFTON NEWS...Staff and students working together produced results significantly above state average in 23 of the 25 subjects sat at the HSC examinations. Four students, Ellie Bennetts,

Ms Simic

Visual Arts Teacher