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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 1

The fortnightly newsletter of Castle Hill High School

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

Volume 11 27 July 2012

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome back Our return to school for Term 3 has been seamless but as always busy. For example, Year 12 students are preparing for their Trial HSC examinations starting on Monday July 30 and HSC Drama students will present their pieces on Wednesday July 25 for parents and friends as a rehearsal for the HSC performance exam. Again, we wish Year 12 students the best for their upcoming exams and assessment tasks, knowing this is a stressful and demanding time of year for them.

Diversity Week We take great pride in this school in celebrating the things that bind us – our common bonds, values and interests - but we also celebrate diversity. A small group of students meets regularly with Mr Matt Benton from the English faculty to discuss issues and ideas, to hold forums on topics of mutual benefit and discuss ways to make everyone feel included in the school. This week we will be celebrating Diversity Week with some low key but important activities to recognise difference amongst students in our school, and in the wider community. Throughout the week, students were invited to wear rainbow coloured ties or bands, share delicious food from a range of cultures in PC lessons and win lucky door prizes in order to raise awareness of the importance that in a truly ethical, moral and fair society all of us, no matter his/her race, sexuality, gender, political persuasion or religion are equal. Who would want anything different?

Gonski No doubt you have been following with interest, media reporting of the Gonski Review, a wide and searching review of education funding in Australia. There are few who do not embrace the essence of the Gonski findings: that for Australia to a be a world leader in education we not only must spend more money (about $5 billion for a start) but that the money must be redistributed so that the weakest, most vulnerable and the most disadvantaged in society gain more in order to improve their lot. While Australia does commendably in international comparisons at the top end, we lag because the gap between our highest and lowest performers is growing. A society is only as strong as its weakest link and if we want to shape ourselves for an ethical, sophisticated and innovative future we must start with our young. I await with interest to see if the federal government will have the courage to commit to the Gonski findings. They will need to be brave because it is a commitment of some very large sums of money. We do know that the opposition will not commit to the funding as advised by Gonski. That’s a great pity. Oh for some government with real courage, passion and commitment to our young Mr David Gonski people and their futures.

Empowering Local Schools You will recall that we were part of a small group of schools to do things differently with staffing and finances. This was a huge success for us, one that generated some wonderful ideas and energy. This program, known as the 47 Pilot, is in a transition phase and will finish at the end of the year. So, of course the programs associated with this pilot such as the girls mentoring program, the attendance coordinator and the teachers’

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 2

aides who assist vulnerable students, will not function the way they do now. But we are definitely looking at other ways of meeting these important needs. Currently, we are part of another program Empowering Local Schools along with 228 other secondary and primary schools in the state. This is similar to the 47 pilot although with some different mandates and directions. The school will be funded on a very new model – some of which was recommended by the Gonski Review – and so this will be our first challenge. For the first time teacher salaries will be part of the school’s budget – and this of course means millions of dollars to manage. All 229 participating ELS schools have been given $50,000 to use creatively on one of the following aspects:

Governance

Infrastructure and finance

Workforce management

As always, my first priority is for teaching and learning so any new program will have to pass a test on the following questions:

How will students benefit?

How will any new program assist teachers to learn more about their pedagogy?

How can teachers work together to share ideas and learn from the best so that students can benefit?

Vicki Brewer

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

Remember: School Blazers can be worn by All STUDENTS not only seniors,

prefects and SRC. A great investment and can be worn nine months of the year by ALL students for the six years of schooling at CHHS.

Reduced price when trading in a blazer for a larger size.

Good News: We now have all sizes in the:

Wool/Nylon Jumpers. Sizes 12 – 26 Cost $70.00 Poly/Cotton Jumpers Sizes 14 – 22 Cost $70.00 Wool/Nylon Vests Sizes 14 – 18 Cost $40.00

OPENING HOURS FOR TERM 3 2012

Monday and Friday 8.15am – 11.30am

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 3

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 4

Important Information from The Hills Shire Council

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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 8

AUSTRALIAN MATHS COMPETITION 2012

The Australian Maths Competition will be held on Thursday 2 August (Week 3), during sessions 1 and 2.

Due to the Trial HSC also being held in the hall this week, we need to run the competition during the staff development period and period two (75 minutes).

We ask all Gifted & Talented Mathematics students (as well as those who have paid their entry fee) to assemble outside the school hall at 8:45am on Thursday morning, so we can be finished before pastoral care.

This is a non-calculator competition, so please bring a lead pencil, ruler and eraser to compete the competition

See your Maths Teacher for a practice paper.

Mr Gainey / Mrs Sharma.

Chess News As we enter Term 3 we progress into the final half of the Autumn/ Winter competition in the royal game of chess. The competitors have reached a crucial stage in their games and the next few weeks will determine which of the players should enter the semi finals.

Players such as Rafael Echeveria, Roland Huang, Allen Qi, Tom Robinson, Kevinly Santaso, Gary Sung and Sunny Wang have little points between them and their ability as to who would reach the finals is tentative at this moment in time.

The battle lines are yet to be drawn. By week three they players should know who are to qualify to play in the next stage of this quality game, which develops the mind, and teaches the individual to use their strengths, develop means to exploit weakness and how to use strategies and tactics.

It is only fair to wish all players good luck and enjoyment in the game. D. Singer Chess Coordinator.

SPORTS COUNCIL FUTSAL/INDOOR SOCCER COMPETITION

During last term a keenly contested lunchtime Futsal Competition was completed. The sixteen teams involved were competing in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions.

The following teams were successful in winning their competitions:

Junior Competition Spastic Fish – Taylor Cambaz, Lachlan Campbell, Matthew Cottam, Joshua Cramer, Damian Cupac and Connor Holmes

Intermediate Competition Black Magic – Rich Amevor, Atahan Erdogan, Oliver Harling, Divan Laubscher, Jacob Llamas, Quentin Quach and Zachary Speth

Senior Competition Matty Powell – Adil Baccus, Kaan Demir, Erhan Erdogan, Mitchell Seager and Martin Sheridan Thanks to the following who were involved in the running of this competition – Mr Williams, Adrian Choy,

Stuart Gardner and Niclas Richter.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 9

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Jake Kay Rugby What does the sport of rugby involve? To play at a high level it requires extreme dedication and self-discipline as well as having natural talent and physical attributes. What level of representation have you achieved in rugby? This year I have represented and played for Sydney West, NSWCHS 1st XV, NSW All Schools, and Australian School Boys. Last year, I made the NSWCHS team and was looking good for higher representative honours, but in the second game I suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle ending my season. After three months without baring any weight on my leg and a further two months of rehab, plus a shortened off season, I began playing Under 20’s at Northern Suburbs. The School rugby pathway was a long drawn out process starting with trialling for the Sydney West Zone Team, which I captained in the CHS tournament in Dubbo. From there I was selected for the NSWCHS Team for the second year in a row, our team struggled this year only winning 2 from 4 games. Out of that I was then selected into the NSW All Schools 2nd XV. We then went straight into an all week training camp followed by going into camp for the National championships, where we successfully beat WA and Combined states, narrowly losing to QLD 1sts and then beating QLD 2nds in the playoff for third. I was then selected to play for AUSTRALIA A against TONGA only four days later. We defeated the Tongans 29-5 in a wet muddy game. Playing and international game was a great experience as well as seeing the Tongans do the war dance. An Australian Schools Touring squad is reselected in August to go to NZ and Fiji in September, which I am hoping to be selected. What training do you do for Rugby? Representative teams not included I would typically, over the course of a week, train twice a week with my club team, have four weights sessions, two or three boxing sessions, a fitness session and a speed/agility session just done on my own. Training time is around fourteen hours a week not including games. What do you enjoy about rugby? Rugby has just been a part of my life since I was little due to my dad being pretty successful himself. If I wasn’t playing rugby it just wouldn’t feel right for me. I just enjoy everything about it, but mainly developing friendships and being able to physically dominate on the field. What other Sports do you participate? I am also a Boxer and I am in preparation for my first amateur fight in a few months. But I also race my go-kart when I can and play cricket over summer. Thanks for the interview Sports Council

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 10

HSC Survival Guide – for parents This article is designed to give parents some survival tips and strategies for supporting young people during exam time.

maintain perspective: success in exams is wonderful and can lead to further success and confidence in young people. At the same time, success in exams, at the expense of a young person’s mental health or their relationship with their parents may not be worthwhile.

tune into what your child wants to achieve. This may be completely different to the goals that you hold for them.

help your child to think about goal setting – knowing what goals they want to achieve is an important first step in planning for the future. Then they can research what is needed to reach their goals.

support your child to find a level of balance of study, socialising and recreation that is appropriate to their goals.

notice and praise your child’s efforts at developing and maintaining a study plan. If necessary and appropriate, help them to develop the plan, manage their time and to avoid other distractions (eg phone calls, Facebook, part-time jobs etc)

ensure your child has an appropriate environment for study – a dedicated, quiet space that is comfortable, has adequate lighting and is free of clutter.

provide emotional support. Acknowledge the challenges and perseverance it takes to stay focused and studying. Be there for them, be supportive and encouraging. Praise them for all of their achievements.

be supportive by giving your child space and leeway as they go through a very stressful time in their life. Try to have realistic expectations about what you can expect in terms of helping around the house and try to avoid nagging them about minor issues.

if your child feels unprepared and anxious, don’t panic with them or make things worse with “I told you so’s”. Reassure them that they can only do their best and help them to develop and apply relaxation and time management strategies.

lastly and most importantly, prepare yourself for the exam results. This can be a very emotional time for families either in celebration of a great achievement or problem solving after a disappointing result. Either way it is good to allow your child to have the feelings that come with the result. If it is a disappointing one, it is good to name the feelings (eg disappointment, shame, jealousy) and to help them manage this intense new feeling and to eventually move on to look at other options available, as well as what they can learn about themselves in the process.

The final word belongs to well-known adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg:

"I'm urging those parents that can, to take a week off and be around the house.

The parents' role is to be encouraging and supportive, to come upstairs with a cup of tea and a Tim Tam every now and then and just make encouraging noises.

The worst thing they can do is what I call the vulture syndrome, where they swoop down on the kids the moment they move away from their books.

We should be encouraging them to take breaks, and we should be saying that sleep is the most important study tool going around."

If you need to talk about managing parenting, call counsellors on 1300 130 052

or visit www.parentline.org.au

G Morrissey and P Kerrigan

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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 11

School Sports & Extra Curricular photos Friday 17 August with THE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER

Castle Hill High School will be having photos taken for sporting & extra curricular activities on Friday 17 August. How to purchase: 1. Every student who wishes to order must collect an envelope from the library &

bring the completed envelope with the correct payment on the day and hand to the photographers.

2. Photos will cost $14.00 for 1 photo, 2 for $26.00, 3 for $36.00, 4 for $44 & 5 for $50.00. Any additional photos are $10

3. The following payment methods can be used CASH: Please enclose correct money as no change can be given CHEQUE/MONEY ORDER: Please make payable to THE SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHER. Please record the child’s name & address on the back of the cheque – please note cheques may not be processed immediately Online payments, eg paypal or Credit cards: We only process these orders online at www.theschoolphotographer.com.au. When you have made your payment you will be issued with an ORDER NUMBER, this must be recorded on an order envelope. If paying for more than one child you can pay the total amount owing in a single online transaction and record the same order number on each of the separate children’s order envelope. Please note that a $1 surcharge will apply to the transaction.

4. Please seal the order envelope and bring to school to hand to the photographers on photo day, Friday 17 August 2012. Guarantee. if for any reason you are not happy with your photos, please call our office and we will endeavor to fix any problem or if you are not satisfied we offer a money back guarantee. ALTERNATIVELY After these photos have been taken, The School Photographer will put the photos on their website for you to view prior to purchasing. To view & order online please go to our website and -

Select “Online Payments & Online Ordering”

Select “Event Photography” Then select - “Castle Hill HS Sports”

enter Password – chhs406 Submit

You can now view images & place your order following the instructions on

screen.

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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 12

FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER

Published and distributed by email to parents each Friday fortnight during school term

CALENDAR 2012 - TERM 3

2012 TERM DATES

Term 3 Friday 21 September Last day Term 3

Term 4 Monday 8 October Teachers, Staff and Students Resume Wednesday 19 December Last day Term 4 for Students Friday 21 December Last day Term 4 for Teachers and Staff

DATE CALENDAR EVENT TERM 3 WEEK 3A

DATE CALENDAR EVENT TERM 3 WEEK 4B

Monday 30 July

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Monday 6 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Tuesday 31 July

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

ICAS Competition English

Tuesday 7 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Wednesday 1 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Assembly Years 7-12

Wednesday 8 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Assembly Years 7, 9, &10

Year 8 Year Meeting - Library

Sea World Resort Excursion

Thursday 2 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Westpac Maths Competition

Thursday 9 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Sea World Resort Excursion

Friday 3 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Jeans for Genes Day

Year 11 Ancient History Excursion – Macquarie University

Friday 10 August

2012

Year 12 Trial Examinations

Sea World Resort Excursion

Upcoming Examinations Year 12 Trial HSC Exams 13.8.2012

Next P & C Meeting Wednesday 15 August 2012 7.30pm Common Room

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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 13

CASTLE HILL COMMUNITY NEWS and ADVERTISING

17 Mulheron Ave Baulkham Hills 2153

For discount prices see www.brennandrivingschool.com.au

Mention Castle Hill High School and for every referral, $2.00 will be given to the school from Taylored Physiotherapy

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 14

AFL Blacktown Magic’s Inaugural Fund Raiser @ Event Cinema Castle Towers

Our first social event for the Magic has been organised!

DETAILS.... Private V-MAX Movie

DATE: Saturday 25th August

WHERE: EVENT CINEMAS CASTLE TOWERS, CASTLE HILL TIME: 6.00pm

FILM: The Bourne Legacy on V-MAX PRICE: $25.00 Per Person which includes a Midi Popcorn & Soft drink

BAR: Set up in foyer from 6pm

Raffles to be drawn on the night including lucky door prize.

All welcome.

Where can you buy tickets? Contact one of the Magic players as they all have tickets for the night to sell to you via the

facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/391084957611198/ .

Tickets need to be purchased prior to arriving at the event and presented on the night for entry into the movie.

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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 15

Castle Hill Softball Club is registering now for the Summer

Season.

Come and play Blast Ball (3 – 5 year olds), Teeball or Softball and with a

friendly locally-based club this summer. Softball competitions for girls & boys,

ladies, mixed and men’s teams and Teeball for girls & boys under11. For more information come to our

registration day on Sunday 22nd

July 2012 at Stanhope Gardens Softball Park or contact Natalie Blanning on

0411 286 308 or email castlehillsoftball@yahoo.com.au

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School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 16