Bayala - Term 2 Week 10 2024

'Bayala'

Welcome to our Newsletter 'Bayala'. 

'Bayala' is a Darug word meaning yarning or conversation. 

Our Vision

Principal's Update

Earlier this term I asked the school community, including students, staff and parents, to complete a survey in relation to proposed changes to the school crest. The survey also sought feedback on whether the school community preferred the current school motto – Sharing our Heritage – or the catch phrase used more recently in our school branding – Caring, Learning, Connecting – which aligns closely to the school’s values of caring for our children, focussing on learning and growth, and connecting with each other and the world around us.

The survey was open for three weeks, and we had 161 responses from students (35% response rate), 99 responses from parents (20% response rate), and 46 responses from staff (90% response rate).

Sixty percent (60%) of parents preferred the current school crest design, while the remaining 40% of parent responders preferred a combination of the two other proposed designs. Parent views on the school motto were much closer, with 51% preferring Caring, Learning, Connecting, and 49% preferring the current motto. Thirty-four (34) parents also provided a comment with their responses, ranging from feedback about the survey to a number of common sense suggestions that a change, although timely and appropriate, does not have to be radical. The most common suggestion was to keep the current design, but to change one of the crest panels.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of students preferred to keep the current crest design, and the remaining 24% were evenly split between the two proposals. Similarly, 78% of students preferred the current motto, while 22% preferred Caring, Learning, Connecting. However, similar to the parent survey, student comments ranged from keeping the current crest design but changing the motto, to keeping the current design but changing one of the panels to acknowledge that our cultural heritage includes pre-colonial times.

Finally, 9% of staff preferred to keep the current crest design, while 60% preferred the turtle and ferry design, and 31% preferred the turtle design. Additionally, 63% of school staff preferred Caring, Learning, Connecting to the current motto of Sharing our Heritage.

The survey indicates that there is overall preference for the current design, but also a broad agreement that the current crest should include some changes to acknowledge that our shared heritage includes Aboriginal histories and cultures. The survey also indicates that there is broad support for a change to our motto from Sharing our Heritage to Caring, Learning, Connecting, aligning the motto to our school’s values.

All parents and community members will have an opportunity to attend a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting on Tuesday, 6 August where I will seek additional feedback on proposed changes to the school crest. The PAC meeting is scheduled for the same evening as our next Parent/Teacher night, starting at 7 pm, just as parent/teacher interviews conclude. I hope that you will make the time to attend this PAC meeting and make a meaningful contribution to the discussion about this important initiative.

In the meantime, I would like you to consider the draft crest below, in which the tall ship is replaced by a long-neck turtle. This change keeps the current crest design, aligns with suggestions in the student, parent and staff surveys, but it also acknowledges Aboriginal histories and cultures.

At the PAC meeting on 6 August, I will also share what this crest might look like with the motto of Caring, Learning, Connecting.

Please note that if the school introduces a new crest, the introduction would be gradual, and there would be no requirement to replace uniforms students already own.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Brady on receiving the Executive Director’s Excellence Award. Mr Brady is an outstanding teacher who embodies the key values of public education of excellence, integrity, equity, accountability, trust and service. Mr Brady has made a significant contribution to the significant growth in the school’s results, including HSC results. Mr Brady has also worked tirelessly with the school’s SRC, helping students develop their leadership skills and engagement with the broader school community. Mr Brady is also a collegial teacher who is well-liked and respected by students and his colleagues.

Mr Igor Maric

Principal

From The Deputies

Year 10 Formal Information

A note has been issued to students with all the information about the Year 10 Formal on Thursday, 12 December 2024.

The note includes a permission slip that students will need signed before they can pay the deposit. Attendance at the Year 10 formal is conditional on students upholding the STAR expectations and a satisfactory attendance.

Uniform

I would like to thank parents and students for maintaining the school’s STAR values by wearing the correct school uniform. Correct uniform is an important safety consideration that allows the school to manage risks around unauthorised people on the school grounds.

The following are important reminders of the HHS school uniform procedures:

UNIFORM TO BE WORN IN COOLER WEATHER

• The striped school jacket, HHS school hoodie or school jumper (maroon) with the school emblem.
• The HHS track pants are the only track pants allowed as school uniform.
• A plain navy or black crew neck sweatshirt may be worn under the school uniform jacket if an extra warm layer is needed.
• Non HHS hooded tops (hoodies), non HHS tracksuit pants, jeans, leggings and non-HHS sport shorts are non-uniform items and cannot be worn to school.
• If a student is out of uniform, they may be provided with appropriate clothing and be expected to change.
• Students who are out of uniform and without a note from parents, will be issued a recess detention. Parents will be notified if a student does not attend that detention.

If you have any queries about uniform or require assistance, please contact the school on 4579 6800.    

Positive Paws Program

Each term, a small group of HHS students attends the Glossodia site of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to participate in a program with Guide Dog puppies. The students attend once a week for approximately two hours and participate in activities that increase the socialisation of young puppies before they leave Guide Dogs for their puppy raisers.  

The Positive Paws Program is an amazing collaboration between the school and members of the local community, that benefits both the Guide Dog puppies and our students.

If students are interested in participating in the program, they are to see Mrs Shortland and will be placed on the waiting list.

Positive Paws Photos

Reward and Recognition Procedures

The school’s Reward and Recognition procedures aim to:

• Increase student connection with the school community
• Encourage staff to recognise student strengths and achievements
• Promote a positive school culture as there is an emphasis on positive behaviour.

Students will be issued STAR Merit Certificates by teachers for displaying behaviours based on the STAR expectations either inside or outside the classroom.

Students will keep the merit certificates and have them officially recorded on Sentral and in their Mentor Booklets by their mentor teacher.

The merits will be converted into points on Sentral which will contribute towards House points.

The core values and expectations of Hawkesbury High School that will be recognised are that students will:

Be SAFE- wear school uniform, go to class on time, follow instructions, act responsibly online.

Be a TEAM PLAYER- work with and support others, positive response to feedback, accept diversity and difference.

Be an ACHIEVER- be prepared for class, do your best, participate in learning.

Be RESPECTFUL- use appropriate and respectful language, look after the school environment.

Higher levels of the merit system are Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates. Please see the Flow chart below.

School service encompasses actions or activities the student has participated in within the school, eg Library monitor, taking part in a school assembly, “buddy” to a new student on enrolment.

Community service encompasses actions or activities the student has participated in that involve representing the school to the wider community, eg sporting representation, taking part in ANZAC services, being involved in Open Night.

If a student has any queries about the Reward and Recognition procedure, please see Mrs Shortland.

Mrs Kerrie Shortland 

Deputy Principal

Our annual Subject selection evening was completed on Tuesday 25^th June and thank you for all the parents and students who attended. Students have been supplied with a subject selection booklet containing all the relevant information for their subject choices. If you have missed getting a copy and would like one, please see one of the Deputies for a copy. Students will receive an email on Monday 1 July 2024 with their personal link to the subject choice program to complete their selections by Monday 12 August 2024.

Year 10 Senior Subject Selection information

The Senior School curriculum at Hawkesbury High School offers a wide variety of subjects and courses, from which each student may select to suit his/her individual needs.

Year 10 are embarking on the very important process of selecting subjects for their senior years. 

There are several stages involved in this process, as outlined in the table below.

Year 8 elective subject selection for 2025

The Middle School curriculum at Hawkesbury High School offers a wide variety of elective subjects, from which each student may select to suit his/her individual interests.

The process of choosing the right course is a personal one. Students are encouraged to be responsible and realistic when they use this freedom to choose.

 They are advised to select subjects that tap into their aspirations and interests, where they can utilise their enthusiasm and strengths to achieve to their potential and become self-motivated, life-long learners.

Junior Subject Selection 2024 Timeline of Events

Mr Benn McEvoy

Deputy Principal

ANU Maths Day

Hawkesbury High School students Avril, Elissa , Arie, Catherine and Jeremy attended the ANU Maths Day in Canberra on Wednesday 29th of May. They competed against schools from NSW/ACT in four mathematical challenges.

• a group of story problems
• a swiss 'find the rule' problem
• a cross number puzzle
• and the day’s highlight, the relay – a test of brainpower and physical stamina.

The team placed 6^th amongst regional schools

Try out one of the questions they were faced with on the day below:

 Jacinta is packing mangoes. Each box must have the same number of mangoes. She can do this by filling exactly 28 boxes, but she realises that she can reduce this to 24 boxes if she puts 4 more mangoes in each box.

 How many mangoes does Jacinta have?”””

Zone Athletics Carnival

DAY 1: ZONE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 

On Wednesday 6 June, our students attended day 1 of the Macquarie Zone Athletics Carnival. The weather held off for most of the day, and all of our students represented our school with pride. Some result highlights included:

• Amy Brice: 1st 3000m, 2nd 800m
• Noah Bew: 2nd Javelin, 2nd 800m
• Pippa Roberts: 3rd Discus
• Tamara Davies: 2nd 100m, 2nd High Jump
• Leeroy Barber: 1st Discus, 1st Shot Put
• Blake Harwood: 1st 100m
• Rebecca Coyte: 2nd Discus
• Sienna Hinder: 2nd Shot Put
• Allira Svenson: 2nd Shot Put

DAY 2: ZONE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 

On Friday 11 June, Hawkesbury High students attended Day 2 of the Zone Athletics Carnival. Students showed great effort and determination despite the rainy weather. Well done to everyone that competed!

STUDENTS TO REPRESENT HAWKESBURY HIGH SCHOOL AT CHS CARNIVAL

After 2 great days of competition at the Macquarie Zone Athletics Championships, we are thrilled to officially announce that the following students will represent Hawkesbury High School and the Macquarie Zone at the CHS Athletics Carnival to be held in August.

• Tamara Davies - 100m, 200m, 400m, High Jump, Long Jump and Triple Jump
• Amy Brice - 800, 1500m, 3000m, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump
• Sienna Hinder - Discus
• Allira Svensson - Shot Put
• Rebecca Coyte - Discus, Javelin
• Blake Harwood - 100m, 200m, High Jump, Long Jump, Discus
• Noah Bew - 800m, Javelin, Long Jump (res)
• Tane Arnold-Warne - Shot Put
• Lolesio Sio - Shot Put (res)
• Leeroy Barber - Shot Put, Discus.

We also had a number of Age Champions from the Macquarie Zone Carnival. Congratulations to Blake (12-year boys Age Champion), Tamara (14-year girls Age Champion), Noah (2nd 15 years boys overall), Amy (2nd 16 years girls overall), Sienna (3rd 13 year girls overall). Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the carnival, and best of luck to everyone competing at CHS.

WSU Stage 6 Chemistry Excursion

Chemistry was at the forefront of Science on June 20 at Western Sydney University Parramatta. Analytical computation and experimentation of drink salts, dyes and fertilizer sulphates were at the precipice of the practicals, providing insight into university life for future Science majors. A deeper appreciation of the expectation of practice and over arching commitment to Science in university life was understood and the enjoyment was palpable! Congratulations to Hawkesbury High School Chemistry students who absolutely blitzed the activities!

Student Awards - Silver Certificates

SILVER AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to all students who received a silver award at the school assembly on Monday 17 June 2024! Well done everyone for all of your hard work and effort 

Student Success - Mountain Wake Games

On Monday 24 June, Year 7 student Seth Cowpar, competed in the mountain wake games in Alabama. A huge congratulations to Seth who placed  1st on the podium for his category class.

Science at Hawkesbury High

Our amazing students are always investigating a wide variety of topics in Science. This week, Year 11 Biology were exploring transport systems in animals by performing a rat dissection, whilst Year 8 have been investigating electric circuits. 8C were able to design their own circuit to produce a range of light up cards!

Chess Tournaments

Hawkesbury High School's chess tournament, which will be occuring thoughout Term 2 is having a huge turnout, with students from all years battling it out! Chess is proven to improve cognitive skills such as problem solving, critical thinking and memory. It also teaches patience and planning, which can benefit your mental health and academic performance.

English at Hawkesbury High

Year 8 students had a great time learning about inferences today by becoming detectives to solve the hypothetical mystery of who stole Mr Maric's tie! Students were able to draw great conclusions by comparing statements and following clues to solve the mystery. Great work guys!

Year 10 Hospitality TAFE Course

It was great to visit our Year 10 students doing a Stage 5 Hospitality course at Mt Druitt TAFE. The course is completed 1 day a week for 2 terms. Well done guys!

Food Tech at Hawkesbury High

During Week 8, Year 11 students were tasked with making caramel pretzels, and they delivered! Great work ladies!

Year 10 Coffee Club

Year 10 Coffee Club students are learning how to froth milk, grind coffee and make lattes and hot chocolate. Thank you to Ms Harbottle for our training on our coffee machine!

Community Events

Macquarie Towns Arts Society’s

School Holiday Art & Craft Workshop Program

July Holidays, 2024

Monday 8th July

• 10am - 12noon Draw Cartoons
• 1pm - 3pm  Make Animal Puppets                              

Tuesday 9th July

• 10 am - 12noon Make Your Own Dragon                                                                                    
• 1pm - 3pm Make Magic Lanterns
  

Wednesday 10th July

• 10 am - 12noon Watercolour Painting
• 1pm - 3pm Make Pottery

Thursday 11th July

• 10am - 12noon -  Make Friendship Bracelets
• 1pm - 3pm - Paint Rocks

Friday 12th July

• 10am-12noon Draw Fantasy Creatures
• 1pm-3pm Decorate Treasure Boxes

Monday 15th July

• 10am-12noon Make Polyclay Fridge Magnets
• 1-3pm Acrylic Pouring                                                             

Tuesday 16th July

• 10am-12noon  Make Mini Fun Food                                           
• 1pm -3pm  Make Polyclay Dinosaurs                                                                                 

Wednesday 17th July

• 10am-12noon Draw Fairies & Mermaids
• 1pm-3pm Make  Polyclay Ocean Creatures

Thursday 18th July

• 10am-12noon  Make a Creative Journal
• 1-3pm  Make Fairy Garden Ornaments

Friday 19th July

• 10am-12noon    Make Jewellery
• 1-3pm  Tie Dye a T-Shirt (BYO shirt)

Cost: $15 per 2hr workshop; everything supplied.

Venue: Richmond Art Supplies,

Shop 1, 328 Windsor St, Richmond

Bookings Essential: phone Deidre 0412 979731

MTAS After School Art Classes for Term 3, 2024 also Now Enrolling.

For more information go to www.mtas.com.au