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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 1
The fortnightly newsletter of Castle Hill High School
EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS
Volume 8 3 June 2011
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Cyber safety and girls forum Last week we held two very successful forums for the community addressing contemporary issues that affect us all. Cyber safety and issues affecting girls are current areas that we need to understand more, develop strategies to overcome our own ignorance and discover ways to assist young people in protecting themselves. There were certainly some provocative and thought provoking issues raised from all speakers at the forums. Below is my opening for the cyber safety forum. I hope it places the issues in context.
“Technology, in particular the internet and social media through PC’s and hand held tools, has significantly altered our lives – irreversibly. We are beyond: “Is it good or is it bad?” It just is. Of the many consequences and issues associated with this alteration of the way we do things, the way we are and the way we live, three things to me are evident: 1. The notion of privacy has changed. In years to come, in the not too distant future, I don’t believe there will be such a notion as privacy. 2. We may eventually lose the capacity to read in the way we do now – that is quietly, uninterrupted, sustained as a singular activity – because the new technology is the antithesis of this. New technology is loud, interactive, rapid fire, part of a suite of things (texting, searching, reading, listening all at once). This is the thesis of a recommended book “The Shallows” by Nicolas Carr which contends that our brains will change to accommodate short, visually different, sharp bursts of information done sporadically as opposed to long, quiet, sustained periods required to read at the moment. 3. Social media like twitter and face book are just like the old fashioned village green or a small tight knit country community – except of course that it’s global. It’s gossipy, can be trivial, can be libellous – but no different in intent, just more pervasive. Tonight is an attempt to help us understand, to educate ourselves, to find the strategies to give students capacity to build resilience and safety in the context of this emerging and dominant technology. It’s not about rejecting the new way or complaining about it or wishing for the good old days. They’ve gone. Remember: It just is.” On another note, I’d recommend anything written by Professor Susan Greenfield (a preeminent neuro-scientist) whose works are very engaging and future oriented. Greenfield suggests that prolonged computer use, particularly rapid fire computer games which drive the brain synapses into a frenzied state, may make people better at answering IQ tests. But it may also lead to an underuse of the area of the brain known as the pre frontal cortex, the centre of higher executive functions, where judgment, planning, personality, goal setting and social moderation occur. It is the last part of the brain to develop, in the teenage years, and was the most recent to develop in evolutionary terms. We live in interesting times. Professor Susan Greenfield Annie Once again we had a wonderful opening night to our musical “Annie”. It’s a musical we all know and love, so the familiar script, songs and story was a comfort zone. The lead singers were exceptional, as were the sets, dancers and ensemble band. Such talent for those so young! Many thanks must go to the dedicated staff who inject hours of work on weekends and nights to realize these shows. They are a wonderful inspiration for students. And the show couldn’t happen without them. Particular thanks must go to Ms Clarissa Greenhalgh, Ms Jen Merryweather, Ms Alex Kenworthy, Mr John Walker ,Ms Kate Riley, Ms Cara Drewitt Smith and Mrs Amy Danckert. There of course are many others. I hope you shared my enthusiasm for this major event in our creative and performing arts calendar.
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 2
2011 Defence Technical Scholarship I’m delighted to inform you that Fabian Bellstedt has been awarded a Defence Technical Scholarship for 2011. A certificate acknowledging the scholarship award together with the first scholarship cheque of $1000 was given to Fabian last Wednesday at assembly. Fabian was very pleased to have been successful with his application. An important component of his scholarship is the Defence Experience visit where scholarship recipients attend a five day tour of defence establishments in either Wagga Wagga or Albury Wadonga. This is a wonderful opportunity. Some upcoming events Next week, Year 8 and 10 reports will be distributed in time for a parent teacher evening for Years 8 and 10 parents on Wednesday June 8 from 4pm – 7pm. This is an opportunity for parents to discuss matters with teachers, so I urge you to book an appointment with your son or daughter’s teachers. The following week on Thursday June 16 the school will hold a subject information night for Year 8 parents and Year 10 parents. The Year 8 parent evening will commence at 6.00pm and the Year 10 parent evening will follow at 7.30 pm. These evenings are very informative, designed to give critical information to parents who can assist students in the delicate operation of elective selection for Year 9 and HSC subject selection for Year 11 and 12. I urge you to book this in your diaries. Au revoir I’m off to France at the end of this week for a four week sojourn. Mrs Anna Girginis will be in my place for that time. I’m will try to find the sights, sounds and smells of Paris, Nice, Nimbs, Salaat and Bordeaux tolerable. I will see you all next term. Good wishes. Vicki Brewer
Volunteer Book Keeper
The P&C's book keeper is retiring. We are seeking a volunteer book keeper preferably with knowledge of MYOB and preparing a BAS, to assist the P&C Treasurer in keeping the P&C's accounts. Once the new book keeper is confident, an estimated 2 hours a week during school terms is the approximate time required to complete the book keeping tasks. Outsourcing the book keeping function diminishes profits we derive from the Canteen and Uniform Shop which go directly to resources and amenities for our students. We would appreciate you considering this role. Please contact either Allan or Anne-Maree on the contact details below to discuss this position further.
Allan - [email protected] Anne-Maree - [email protected] or phone 0417 228 534
Thankyou,
Castle Hill High School P&C Committee
Parents
Please be aware that aerosol sprays (deodorants, hairspray, perfume etc) are banned from the school.
With the rise in allergies, we need to have this policy for the sake of the health of students and staff.
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 3
LANGUAGES ALIVE
The Languages Department has been very busy lately with a number of exciting projects.
CIV Exchange Visit Following the highly successful visit of our twenty-nine students to France last year, we welcomed eight students from our French sister school, Centre International, Valbonne. (CIV.) Milena Akhmadova, Valentine Amalric, Manon Buis Mélodie Felix, Ellen Kastennson, Maureen Kayser, Chloe Lignani and Léa Pasquet are enjoying the warm hospitality of Castle Hill High School families.
During their stay they will experience our wonderful school musical “Annie.” On the weekends they are enjoying a number of tourist attractions with their host families. They will also participate in a school excursion to Taronga Zoo (with Year 11) and will be our guests at the annual visit to the “Little Snail” restaurant.
We extend our gratitude to the families of Camilla Bellstedt, Aurora Chick, Kayla Douglas, Juane Joubert, Maxine Lenehan, Sandra Liu, Meredith Maihi, Jacqueline Nguyen, Ella Paramore, Anna Relyea, Robyn Ritter, Grace Vella, Rebecca Wardle, James Werner, Lydia Xu and Teresa Yuan. We would never be able to offer these wonderful exchange programs without the co-operation of the CHHS community. I would also like to thank Mrs Wallis and Mrs Pritchard for their organisation of the school uniforms for our visiting students
Osaka Gakugei Visit
On 23 and 24 May, a total of one hundred and ninety students from Osaka Gakugei, arrived to be partnered with a cross-section of students from Year 7 to Year 12. After welcome gifts were exchanged, partners took their Japanese guests on a tour of the school. A formal assembly was held during which there were welcome speeches from the leaders of both schools. After the formal exchange of school gifts and reciprocal student addresses in Japanese and English, there were some very enjoyable items of entertainment. Kira Leiva delighted the audience with her rendition of “Out there on my own.” Students were impressed by the demonstration of karate from Osaka and several were invited to participate. Our visitors were very moved by the presentation of an arrangement of strands of paper cranes as a token of our solidarity with Japan during their difficult time.
Afterwards, the students gathered in the gym for inter-country games of bin ball, ably organised by PE teachers, Mr Tudman, Mr Watson and Mr Jephtha. This proved to be a major highlight of both days. A delicious Aussie barbecue lunch followed. Our visiting students were quite reluctant to leave and we were surprised to see tears from some of our students as the buses departed.
These visits are always highly valued by our Japanese friends and provide our students with the opportunity to experience at first- hand the differences and similarities shared by teenagers of another culture.
All staff-members (particularly the Languages Staff) are to be commended for their co-operation, participation and help in the organisation of a highly successful day.
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 4
Fund-raising Initiative for Japan Ms Caroline Quee, one of our Japanese teachers, has initiated a project to raise funds for the victims of the recent devastating Japanese earthquake and tsunami. On 11 March 2011, an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 on the Richter scale struck the coast of northern Japan, the most powerful earthquake to hit the country and the 7th largest in the world. This triggered a tsunami with waves up to ten metres high to sweep across cities and farmland, destroying all that was in its path. To date, the official death toll is 14133, with more than 13346 listed as missing. More than 130,000 people remain housed in temporary shelters. As the nation struggled with a rescue effort, it also faced the second worst nuclear emergency in the world since Chernobyl. There were explosions and leaks of radioactive gas in four out of the six reactors at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Traces of radiation were found in Tokyo‟s water, some two hundred and fifty kilometres away from Fukushima. The situation in Japan is dire, heart-breaking, and a grim reminder of the danger of nuclear power. Janelle Nguyen, a Year 7 Student was so affected by recent events in Japan that she was inspired to write the following poem.
Tears of Japan
Janelle Nguyen No turning back, we face what we must face It is the future we dread in this our only place. Tomorrow may never come but we can‟t let ourselves go We pray, we won‟t give up, we give our gods all that we show. Hereafter may be nothing, but to survive we must stand We hold hands together, a united Japan. If others won‟t help us, we will but help ourselves To stop the foreboding terror that in our spirit dwells. I stand and watch their tears and they watch mine This is the last chance for us to share our time. Time together, fighting a battle to be won To then lead a war that has just begun.
The Japanese language classes would like to help Japan in their hour of need, and so they are conducting various fund-raising activities in Weeks 7 and 8. There will be:-
a Crane [Tsuru] Challenge - Make as many cranes as you can in 15 minutes. Students are asking friends and families to sponsor them per crane.
Presentations of Japanese anime at lunchtime in E11, E16 and E18. A gold coin would be appreciated. Animations include Bleach, Totoro and FHM
A lolly jar guessing competition [50c per guess, $1 for 3 guesses]
Calligraphy [Have your name written in Japanese]
Manga drawing The Term 2 SRC Mufti Day will also support the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal. You are encouraged to give generously.
Donna Wood Head Teacher Languages
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 5
SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
JAKE KAY
1. What does the sport of Rugby involve?
It involves many skills such as passing, running, tackling, plus each position has its own specific set of skills eg a Hooker must be able to hold and control a scrum and throw the ball into the lineout. Playing at a high level requires a lot of dedication.
2. What level of representation have you achieved in Rugby?
Currently I am in the NSW Combined High Schools team and I also represent Eastwood in the U/17s. In the past I have represented Sydney West School Rugby, Western Zone, Parramatta and I have also been in the NSW Talent Identification Program and the National Talent Squad which is run by the Australian Rugby Union.
3. What training do you do for Rugby?
During the representative season I could have specific training on four nights a week with three different teams. The training involves skill work, contact work and team play. But I also do three sessions of Boxing per week, Gym work three times a week and do my own running and sprinting sessions.
4. What do you enjoy about Rugby?
I enjoy the feeling of physically dominating my opponents, whether that is through tactics or in a tackle. But I mainly enjoy being with a great bunch of mates who all share the same passion for the game and helping each other out on the field.
5. What other sports do you participate in?
Boxing, Cricket, Golf and Go Karting. Thanks for the interview Sports Council
Sports Council Castle Hill High School
Sports Merit System The Sports Council has implemented a rewards system for those who participate in sport at Castle Hill High School. We would like to take the top 50 point scorers to a day's entertainment at Jamberoo Fun Park. You accrue points according to the following guidelines.
Events Points
Three events at - Swimming Carnival/Athletics Carnival 10 each Representing C.H.H.S at a Zone Carnival or Zone Team 20 Participating with a good run at School Cross Country Carnival 10 Regional Representative in a Carnival or Sports Team 30 School Knockout Team - Rounds 1-3 10 School Knockout Team - Rounds 4+. 20 Regional Sports Team Winners. 30 CHS (i.e. N.S.W) Representation. 40 Australian Representative. 50 RLSS- Bronze Star/ Bronze Medallion/ Bronze Cross/ Junior Instructor's Certificate 10/15/20/20 St John Senior First Aid/ Sports Council 20 each School Sports service (organising/ refereeing competitions, etc)/Team Manager Zone Carnival 10 each Dance Representative 5 Playing in a Lunchtime Competition 5 Bootcamp. ( per term ) 5 Points Cards can be obtained from Mr Williams. All completed points cards need to be returned to the Merit Box in the P.E Staffroom.
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 6
SPORTS REPORT
Castle Hill High School Athletics Carnival
On Thursday 19 May Castle Hill High School held their annual Athletics Carnival at Blacktown Olympic Park. On a bright sunny day we had a very hotly contested Carnival with a great level of participation and effort shown by all the students attending the Carnival. The Carnival ran smoothly, courtesy of the efficient work of all the teachers in their official duties. The following students were successful in winning their Age Championships for 2011 12 years Boys Ryan Jones 12 years Girls Khayne Gray 13 years Boys Joel Flude 13 years Girls Brontie Geist 14 years Boys Jordan Coleman 14 years Girls Danielle Wilkinson 15 years Boys Arshdeep Sidhu 15 years Girls Hayley Unsworth 16 years Boys Rhett Stubbs 16 years Girls Bronte Simpson 17 years Boys Matthew Weal 17 years Girls Jennifer Festejo
The final House points were as follows 1. Edinburgh 825 points 2. Windsor 727 points 3. Durham 632 points 4. Caernarvon 607 points
The successful students from this Carnival will now go onto represent Castle Hill High School at the Hills Zone Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 14 June and Wednesday 15 June 2011, at Homebush Olympic Athletics Centre. Mr Williams Sports Organiser
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 7
UNIFORM SHOP NEWS Junior Girls Winter Uniform Available now in all sizes Royal Blue Skirts sizes 1-22 $60.00 Blouses sizes6G-14G $40.00 Blouses sizes 6-22 $40.00 Tab Tie $ 3.00
Jumpers Boys and Girls Poly/Wool or Nylon/Cotton Sizes 12-26 $70.00
Junior Boys Uniform Long grey Trousers Sizes 12-XXL $35.00 Senior Boys Uniform Long Blue Trousers Sizes 78-107 $50.00
Term 2 2011 Opening Hours
Weeks 2 – 10 Monday and Friday 8.15am – 11.30am
ATTENTION Payment of School Fees Are you aware that the school accepts credit card (Mastercard or Visa) payments for school fees, excursions etc by calling 9634 4199 and asking for Room 1? Correct money would be appreciated when making any payments by cash at Room 1, as the school is unable to change large denominations, especially prior to 9.00am
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 8
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER
Published and distributed by email to parents each Friday fortnight during school term.
CALENDAR 2011 TERM 2
2011 TERM DATES
Term 2 Friday 1 July Last day Term 2 for Teachers, Staff and Students
Term 3 Monday 18 July Teachers and Staff resume Tuesday 19 July Students resume Friday 23 September Last day Term 3 for Teachers, Staff and Students
Term 4 Monday 10 October Teachers, Staff and Students Resume Friday 16 December Last day Term 4 for Students Tuesday 20 December Last day Term 4 for Teachers and Staff
DATE
CALENDAR EVENT TERM 2 WEEK 7A 2011
DATE
CALENDAR EVENT TERM 2 WEEK 8B 2011
Monday 6 June 2011
Years 8 and 10 Subject Information Week
Monday 13 June
2011
Queen‟s Birthday Public Holiday
Tuesday 7 June 2011
Year 12 Biology Excursion – Museum of Human Diseases
Arts North Festival Choir Rehearsal – 8.30am
Tuesday 14 June
2011
Zone Athletics Carnival
Year 11 VET Construction Work Placement
Wednesday
8 June 2011
Year Meetings
ICAS Science
Year 8 and 10 Parent Teacher Night – 4pm – In Auditorium
Wednesday
15 June 2011
Year 11 VET Construction Work Placement
Zone Athletics Carnival
Mufti Day – Multi-Cultural Day
P & C Meeting 7.30pm - Common Room
Thursday
9 June 2011
Year 12 Economics Excursion – Wesley City Centre
Year 8 Science Incursion - 1pm
Thursday 16 June
2011
Year 11 VET Construction Work Placement
Sydney West Cross Country Carnival
Year 9 Scripture Seminar – 11.15am
Year 8 into 9 Parent Subject Info Night – 6pm – in Auditorium
Year 10 into 11 Parent Subject Night 7.30pm – in Auditorium
Friday
10 June 2011
Business Breakfast – 7.15am
Year 7 Scripture Seminar – 11.15am
Year 9 HSIE excursion – 11.30am
Friday
17 June 2011
Year 11 VET Construction Work Placement
Year 10 Vaccinations
Macquarie Uni Careers Info Talk – 12.30pm
UPCOMING EXAMINATIONS 1.8.2011 – 15.8.2011 Year 12 Trial HSC
NEXT P & C General Meeting Wednesday 20 July 2011
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 9
CASTLE HILLCOMMUNITY NEWS and ADVERTISING
BRENNAN
DRIVING
SCHOOL CLASS 1A
LIC. 006937
9624 3545 Discount off first lesson for new
students only
Valid to 31.12.2011
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.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 10
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 11
WRAPS OF LOVE
I am collecting wool or knitted squares for a charity called „Wraps of Love‟. This charity makes blankets for an orphanage in East Timor. If you have any wool (8 ply) to donate or you would like to knit squares, it would be greatly appreciated.
25cm X 25cm 8 ply yarn 4mm (metric) needles
Approximately 50 stitches per row for loose knitters, more stitches for tighter knitters.
Please leave donations with Mrs Branagh at the HSIE faculty staffroom. Thank you
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 12
What are our teenagers thinking?
All behaviour, whether it be that of children, adolescents or adults is influenced
by the way they think. We all have values, viewpoints and morals that shape
our thinking. It is hard to change the way we act, if the way we think about our
behaviour doesn’t change.
As parents of adolescents we often wonder “What were they thinking?!” when
we hear about the kinds of choices that they have made. In many families this
is likely to be a fleeting question uttered in frustration, followed by a lot of
advice or an instruction about how they should behave.
“You shouldn’t be angry about not getting a good mark for that, it’s your fault
you didn’t study hard enough!” is a typical statement parents say when their
teenager shows disappointment about their grades. While the parent’s statement in this situation might
be true, the comment is often taken as a criticism and can lead to a defensive response. No one wins in
this scenario.
Parents can help shift the way teenagers view situations, so that they see it from a different perspective
and have a better understanding of their choices and the potential outcomes. Young people tend to
respond better when we show curiosity, ask questions and try to understand their point of view rather
than asserting our parental authority or offering advice immediately.
At Parent Line we have professional counsellors on hand to talk through the concerns you have about
how your teenager is thinking and thus behaving. There is no magic wand that helps change
perspectives but there are some things we can do that assist.
One of the best things you can do to influence your son or daughter is modelling the behaviour you
would like them to develop. Some of the ways you can encourage them to think differently and consider
other perspectives is to:
- behave in a way that invites feedback from others
- try to look at a range of perspectives when considering a situation
- ask good questions (e.g. open questions that invite a genuine response from the, “What do you
think about that? How did you feel when that happened? What was that like for you?”
- listen to understand, rather than listening to respond (listen intently to what is being said, and
not being said, to the content and the feeling and then repeat back what you have heard)
- create an environment where teenagers can safely express alternate view points.
Changing the way we think about a situation changes how we respond to it and in turn changes how
others respond to us. Thoughts are also the stepping stones to behaviour change, they are the
foundation of habits and help mould the person who we are and who we want to be.
Sow a thought, reap an action;
Sow an action; reap a habit;
Sow a habit, reap a character;
Sow a character, reap a destiny.
Samuel Smiles
You can discuss any issues related to raising children with one of our professional counsellors, by calling
1300 1300 52 or visiting our website www.parentline.org.au for tips, information and stories about other
parents’ experiences. S Covey, 2005, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” FranklinCovey USA
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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 13
