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PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Thankfully the colder weather has started to arrive and we have finally had some rain. As the seasons are now changing could I please ask that you help us by planning ahead for next term with your son’s uniform. If you have not already done so it is a good idea to buy school jumpers, jackets and long pants now to avoid the rush at the start of next term. It is the expectation of our school community that the boys will be in full school uniform. Our standard of uniform is extremely high and this will continue into winter. It is not acceptable for the boys to wear jumpers or jackets that are not the proper school uniform. If you are experiencing financial hardship and are finding it difficult to buy the winter uniform please contact one of the Deputy Principals as we may be able to help you.

The issue of the uniform shop was raised at this week’s P and C meeting. Could you please let us know what you think of current arrangements by completing the survey below. We are interested in knowing what you think of the current arrangement at the commercially operated uniform shop and any suggestions you have for how this can be improved. As always, your feedback and support are really appreciated and help us make the school better for your son. If you could take few minutes it will help us with our forward planning.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V337M57

Dwayne Hopwood Principal

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 9

21—25 Mar

Harmony Day

Bushcare Period 3– 4 Year 11 Maths Assessment

Year 11/12 debating

Good Friday

Week 10

28 Mar

1 Apr

Easter Monday

Year 11 ESL Assessment Tell Them From Me Survey

Neighbour Aid Shopping Tell Them From Me Survey

Tell Them From Me Survey

Year 7 Social Skills Program ABHS and Canterbury Girls 1—3pm Tell Them From Me Survey

Week 11

4—8 Apr

Bushcare Period 3– 4 Year 11/12 Parent teacher night

The next three weeks for your diary

TERM 1 WEEK 8 2016

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FLIP AND MOVE

Mr Kobeissi Mathematics Teacher

Arrange 30 cards numbered from 1 to 30, in ascending or descending order using the factors of 30.

An activity like ‘Flip and Move’ assists in the development of cooperative learning and students communicate with each to complete the activity.

Year 7 HAWKING Numeracy Activity: Flip and Move

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YEAR 7 CHECK-IN TO WORDFLYERS

Year 7 English students enthusiastically embarked on their WordFlyers journey this week with the online literacy program WordFlyers. Students learn and practise vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, reading comprehension, writing and grammar skills within an interactive online environment. The students explore high-interest real-world texts with the motivational theme of international travel earning points after completing activities in order to travel to new places. We encourage students to access the program at home with their individual log in details to regularly practise their literacy skills.

Ms Pool English Teacher

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LET’S LEARN SCIENCE

In Science, students have been engaged in various activities which involve questioning and seeking solutions to problems that develop their understanding of the relationships between science and technology, and the significance of their contribution on society as students. Below is a short overview of student achievements thus far this term: 7 Plato has successfully completed the unit "working scientifically". They studied various safety and experimental techniques. They have investigated questions, made predictions, gathered data and made conclusions. Lessons were contextualized to assist students in making connections with the content. Furthermore, students enjoyed activities such as word matching competitions, using the Bunsen burner, and identifying equipment in the Science Laboratory. Our current focus is identifying the different states of matter, gases, liquids, solids and plasma with a focus on the water cycle. Students will also learn how to differentiate between density and mass through experimentation.

Year 8, has been provided with the opportunity to study the body systems. Students have explored the use and history of the microscope, dissected a heart and looked at animal and plant cells as well as the physical impact of exercise on their vitals. Students identified ways to calculate their heart rate by counting their pulse. Experimental procedure and safety has played an integral part in the success of their investigations. At the conclusion of term one students will have a deep understanding of cells and body systems as well as the impact of the environment on their wellbeing.

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Manal Nasour Science Teacher

Year 9 examined the properties of transverse and compression waves by outlining the use of communication in our society. They have planned and conducted experiments by investigating sound waves, light reflection and refraction. They have enjoyed the experience of team work and collaboratively analysing results to form conclusions. They have successfully completed their first assessment task which required the analysis of given data and the use of experimental design. Students are currently revisiting the use of circuits to produce electricity. They will be engaged in constructing series and parallel circuits that will lead the way in calculating the relationship between voltage, resistance and current.

Year 10 students have studied how reproduction is involved in transmitting hereditary characteristics from one generation to the next by constructing a family tree which included the similarities and difference in their phenotypes. In teams students discussed the advantages and disadvantages of biotechnology, including social and ethical considerations.

In Biology, students have been self-motivated with a positive attitude towards their learning. Students have enjoyed conducting laboratory experiments which involved the use of the Light microscope, assessing premade animal and plant cell samples, calculating the field of view and making a wet mount of celery and onion cells. Students are encouraged to apply strategies such extracting and reorganising information in the form of flow charts, tables, graphs and diagrams to enhance their learning experience and build their study skills.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS

Understanding concepts in Mathematics is a key component to Mathematical understanding. Students need to understand which ideas are key and grasp the value of these ideas so that they can apply them more strategically to solve many types of problems, both in real life situations and to solve further mathematical conundrums. With conceptual understanding they are able to flexibly adapt their Mathematical skills.

In our Mathematics classes, we use different strategies for different classes according to the needs of our students. For example, to reinforce the concepts of area and surface area for a Year 8 or 9 class, we might use games, drawings, software and concrete materials or for our Mathematics or Extension 1 classes, we might use software such as Geogebra to investigate the effect of the parameter k on the graphs of functions .

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LEARNING CHINESE IS FUN

Chinese is a difficult language, but learning Chinese can be fun! Students are using a variety of

online learning tools, such as; Kahoot, Quizlet and My Language Learning Space in class. In

addition, students are learning about Chinese culture. Year 8 recently made paper lanterns to

celebrate Chinese New Year and practised the art of calligraphy. Our teachers are starting to

learn Chinese too!

Sharon Zhang Chinese Teacher

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YEAR 11 ENGINEERING

Year 11 Engineering students are having an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities

that will give them a good understanding of two stroke and four stroke engines. They are also

learning about different parts of engines.

Joshua and Anderson are testing Two stroke and Four stroke Engines.

Mr Mahmud TAS Teacher

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Our TheatreSports teams are back in training and we are excited!!

After an extremely successful first season last year for both our Junior and Intermediate teams we are happy to announce we have a team in each of the three divisions for 2016.

This sport of skill, creativity, energy and extreme focus has now become a Wednesday afternoon sport choice. This wonderful new addition to the selection list allows our students to train for two hours a week with our coach.

We are happy to have been able to employ our amazing mentor from last year to continue working with our students. David Callan is a worldwide TheatreSports Champion, working actor and a gifted tutor.

Wednesday afternoons are eagerly anticipated by all involved; two hours of training where egos are left at the door, friendships are formed, enormous fun is had and skills that involve literacy, numeracy, problem solving and creativity are developed and extended!

Bring on the 2016 Competitions and Go Ashfield Boys!

BACK IN TRAINING

Alex Whitting CAPA

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ASHFIELD BOYS HIGH SCHOOL 117 Liverpool Road Ashfield NSW Phone: 9798 620 Fax: 9716 8004

2016 Competitions for Digital Technologies and Mathematics

Dear Parent/Caregiver, The International Competitions and Assessments for schools (ICAS) takes place each year in schools throughout Australia. Ashfield Boys High School will host competitions in Digital Technologies and Mathematics to which your child is invited to participate.

The competitions provide an excellent opportunity for all students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation. It provides schools and teachers with comprehensive reporting and also gives you helpful information regarding your child’s strengths and weaknesses.

ALL students receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly and their score compared with the rest of the students tested. The certificate and individual student report are also suitable for your child to include in a portfolio.

Entry Fee (per student)

Competition Date POP Code

ICAS Digital Technologies Competition

$8.80 (incl. GST) Tuesday 17th May 2016 065-003

ICAS Mathematics Competition

$8.80 (incl. GST) Tuesday 16th August 2016 065-004

Please give the ENTRY FEE(S) by Thursday, 31st March, 2016 to Ms Jane or pay online using the POP code. Entry fees must be paid by this date in order to REGISTER for the competition (s).

Yours sincerely, Ms M Thomas Mr D Chu Head Teacher Mathematics/Computing Competition Co-Ordinator

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ABHS YU-GI-OH AND POKEMON CARD ARENA

To all students attending the Card Tournaments, just a reminder Pokemon Card tournament has been changed to Tuesday 22nd instead of Friday 25th.

Schedule follows below:

Date Tournament Time/Location

Friday 18th March Yi-Gi-Oh tournament Library 3:30-6:00pm

Tuesday 22nd March Pokemon/Finals of Yu-Gi-Oh Library 3:30-6:00pm

Tuesday 29th March Finals Pokemon Library 3:30-6:00pm

Tournament Prizes have been sponsored by Good Games Sydney.

Please contact Mr Chu in the Maths staffroom for any further enquiries.

Help Wanted

The P&C will be holding its first fundraiser for the year on Friday April 22nd. (This is in the school holidays). The money raised will go to fund the prizes for the Year 7 Reading programme. We will be holding a BBQ at Bunning's Ashfield from 7.30 am- 5 pm. Volunteers are required to help set up, man the BBQ, sell food & drink. Generally we have shifts for 1 hour -2 hours but feel free to come for as long as you are able. I will be coordinating the volunteer roster. Please note students are welcome but must be over 16 to cook on the BBQ. If you can't help on the day people will be needed to source meat and onions as well as buy drinks. Please contact me on abhs_pandc@hotmail.com or nurseclarke@yahoo.com if you are available to help. Looking forward to a fun day.

P AND C

Louise Brooks Vice President P&C

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THE TELL THEM FROM ME STUDENT FEEDBACK SURVEY

Once again this year, our school, like many others in the state, will participate in a Department of

Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey aims to help

improve student learning outcomes and 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.

More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide our school 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. Schools in Australia and around the world have

used the Tell Them From Me survey to help improve how they do things at school.

You are assured that the survey is confidential and school staff will not be able to identify

individual students from their responses. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less

than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 26th March and

1st April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.

A consent form has being sent home with students and another copy has been included in this

edition of Ashtag. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the

consent form to school by Thursday 24th March. The FAQs and copies of the consent form,

including translated consent forms, are available from the website above.

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Tell Them From Me Student Feedback Survey non-consent form

If you do not want your children to participate in the student feedback survey, please sign this form and return it to your school by Thursday 24th March 2016.

I DO NOT give consent for my child to participate in the Tell Them From Me student

feedback survey.

Name of student…………………………………………………………………………….. Year ……………………………………………………………………………………. Name of parent/carer ………………………………………………………………………... Signature of parent/carer…………………………………………………………………….. Date …………………………………..

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Start Finish

Z

Sick or

Injured With Note

F5 Reid Assemble at 12:30 12:30 2:30

23rd March– Grade Sport Organisation – Week 4- Practice

Assembly

Point

Sport Venue Opposition Coach Leave

class

at:

Assemble

and Sit at:

:

Game

Time

A Badminton

2nd ABHS Gym

BYE Dobrowolski

12:30 N/A

A Badminton

U15’s ABHS Gym

BYE Dobrowolski

12:30 N/A

B Football

1st Hammond

BYE McCusker

Belle-Page

12:30 N/A

C Football

2nd Hammond

BYE McCusker

Belle-Page

12:30 N/A

D Football

U15’s A

Centenary

Park

BYE Pool

12:30 N/A

E Football

U14’s A

Centenary

Park

BYE Lam

12:30 N/A

F Football

U13’s A

Centenary

Park

BYE Phillips

12:30 N/A

G Football

U13’s B

Centenary

Park

BYE Markou

12:30 N/A

H Football

U13’s C

Centenary

Park

BYE Mahmud

12:30 N/A

I Rugby 1st Ashfield Park BYE

Tyler 12:30 N/A

K Rugby

U15’s

Ashfield Park BYE Chatwin

12:30 N/A

L Rugby

U14’s

Ashfield Park BYE McKenzie

12:30 N/A

M Rugby

U13’s

Ashfield Park BYE

Chu

12:30 N/A

N

Table

Tennis

2nd

ABHS Hall BYE

Sharma

12:30 N/A

O

Table

Tennis

U15’s &

U14’s

ABHS Hall BYE

Yoon

12:30 N/A

P

Tennis

U15’s &

U14’s

Pratten Park BYE

Hathi

12:30 N/A

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RECREATIONAL SPORT - WEEK 4

Assembly

Point Sport Venue Coach

Assemble and Sit

in Year 7 quad at:

Start

Time

Finish

Time

1 Futsal Olympic Park

Sports Centre Mitchell 12:05 12:30 2:30

2 Table Tennis Year 7 Quad Beretin

12:30

12:30 2:30

3 Volleyball ABHS Canteen

Area TBA

12:30 12:30 2:30

4 Badminton

NSW

ABHS Oval

(Gym side) Smit

12:30 12:30 2:30

14 Basketball

Years 7-8 Centenary Park

Tenefrancia

Zimaras

12:30 12:30 2:30

5 Basketball

Years 9-10

ABHS Outdoor

Court Zhang Curran

12:30 12:30 2:30

8 Frisbee

Football Hammond Park Fasan

12:30 12:30 2:30

10 Karate Music Room Jones 12:30

12:30 2:30

15 Multi-Sport ABHS Oval Nasour Jovicic 12:30 12:30 2:30

13 Swimming Ashfield Pool Museth Burns

Wei

12:30 12:30 2:30

7 Power Yoga F2/F3 Marks 12:30

12:30 2:30

12 Theatre Sport D3 Whitting 12:30 12:30 2:30

6 Outdoor Fitness Ashfield Park TBA 12:30

12:30 2:30

Z Sick or injured

With Note F5 Reid

12:30 12:30 2:30

Futsal – Olympic Park Sports Centre

booking times:

2, 9, 23, 30 March

27 April

4, 11, 25 May

1, 22, 29 June

Volleyball - Olympic Park Sports Hall

booking times:

27 April

4, 11, 18, 25 May

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 June

Table Tennis- Olympic Park Sports Hall

booking times:

27 April

4,11,18,25 May

1, 15,22, 29 June

Badminton - Olympic Park NSW Netball

Available from 27 April