Bayala - Term 2 Week 10 2022

'Bayala'

Welcome to our new Newsletter 'Bayala'. 

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

Our Vision

Principal's Update

As we near the end of a very challenging term, I would like to thank all parents and carers for supporting the school’s direction and everything we do to keep our young people safe and focussed on learning and personal growth. It has never been harder being a young person, but it has also never been harder being a teacher, or a parent.  By working together we can ensure that our children have every opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.
I wrote earlier this week to all parents about the teacher strike that will take place on Thursday, 30 June. Unfortunately, this is the second strike this term, and the third since December last year. Many parents have asked me why teachers are going on strike. I will assure you that the decision to strike is not taken lightly, and that teachers see this action as a last resort to ensure that every student has a qualified and quality teacher for every lesson, every day. This year alone, many senior classes could not be covered when teachers were away, and many junior classes were either combined or placed under minimal supervision. The reason for this is not just COVID or the flu season, but a real shortage of teachers and the perception that teaching is no longer an attractive profession due to high workloads, long hours (teachers average 60 hours per week and many, in my experience, even more), pay that is not keeping with inflation, and preparation time that has not changed since the 1950’s. Thursday is also the first time in 26 years that teachers from Catholic schools will join public school teachers in strike action. 
The school will celebrate NAIDOC week during the last week of term (NAIDOC week is during the first week of the school holidays), with the theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! The NAIDOC theme of togetherness, action for improvement and fairness aligns with our school values and the school will take this opportunity to celebrate the many who have driven and led change in our communities over generations. 
Last week the school practised an emergency lockdown drill. Emergency drills, such as evacuations and lockdowns, are a regular part of the school’s emergency management procedures and they take place every term. Last week’s drill ensured that all students and staff are familiar with procedures during lockdowns, should we have one. One key message to parents, in case of an actual lockdown or evacuation, is not to rush to the school or call your children on their mobile phones during an emergency. Calling your children or coming to the school during an emergency could restrict road access to the school by emergency services, or even congest mobile phone service bandwidth, hampering essential communication.
In the coming weeks, Year 10 students will be making choices about subjects they would like to study for their HSC in years 11 and 12. While this may appear to be a daunting and perhaps stressful process, it is important to note that students and parents will be supported when making these choices, ensuring that each student chooses subjects that align with their interests, career aspirations, and individual strengths.
The best way for students to make the right subject choices, and for parents to support their children when making their choices, is to be informed. The subject selection process which started last week is a comprehensive process that helps students each step of the way. Subject selection booklets have been handed out to students last week, detailing the course components and assessments of each subject on offer. Students are encouraged to read through this information carefully and ask questions of their class teachers and faculty Head Teachers to seek expert knowledge and advice. The careers advisor is also available to advise students about their choices, particularly those relating to TAFE and alternate pathways. The Parent/Teacher night early next term will also be an opportunity to discuss your child’s choices with our deputy principals and careers advisor. 
Last week I wrote to all families in relation to the school’s procedures when a student attends school out of uniform. While I acknowledge that there are times when being out of uniform is unavoidable, the school will provide those students with items that meet the school uniform standard. These items are clean and, in most cases, brand new. The Hawkesbury High School uniform upholds school identity and equity for all students, encourages individual pride and a positive image for the school in the community, promotes a sense of belonging, and prepares students for participation in workplaces that have dress codes and uniform requirements. In addition, the school uniform is an important part of managing risks to students as it allows staff to quickly identify any intruders on site and it protects students when using machinery, equipment or chemicals during practical lessons. 
Having a ready supply of items that meet the uniform standard will ensure that all students are safe and warm, and that they meet our school’s high standards. As I stated before, schools are only as good as the collective efforts of students, staff and parents, and I appreciate your support in helping make Hawkesbury High School a great place to learn and grow. 

Mr Igor Maric

Subject Selection for 2023

Early next term, Year 8 and Year 10 students will make their subject choices for their electives in 2023. The 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.

The school will run information sessions for students to facilitate the subject selection process.

All students should have received the Subject Selection Information Booklet for 2023. Students will make their subject choices online using their individual Web-Code and a link to the subject selection form and will have until Friday, 22 July to make their selections.

An opportunity to discuss your child’s subject choices in person will be available during the Parent Teacher night on Tuesday, 26 July. Meetings can be booked through the parent portal. You can book a meeting with either Mrs Martirena, Mrs Shortland or Mrs Hamilton. If you are unable to attend on the night, please phone the school to arrange an alternative meeting time.

Any students or parents who would like additional information regarding any of the subjects or courses can contact the school and ask to speak with the relevant Head Teacher.

Student Achievements

2022 Premier’s Debating Challenge

Congratulations to our Year 8 Debating Team on their win against the Ponds High School on Monday 6 June! This was the 1st round of the challenge and the topic was: “Students should always pick their group members for group work.”Maya was First Speaker, Ava was Second Speaker, Hayley was the Third Speaker and Cleo was the Fourth Speaker. Well done girls for an excellent debate!

Sydney West Cross Country

Congratulations to Amali, Cameron, Rebecca and Noah who participated in Sydney West Cross Country on Wednesday 8 June. Thank you for being great representatives of Hawkesbury HS.

Week 10 Attendance Prize Winners

Congratulations to our attendance prize winners for Week 10. Our next draw will be Week 5, Term 3. Be in it to win it! There are prizes for Attendance over 90% and Most improved attendance. Each winner received a $50.00 gift voucher.

Term 3 Spirit Day

The SRC hosted our Term 2 Spirit Day alongside NAIDOC Week celebrations on Wednesday 29th June (Wednesday, Week 10). The theme was PRIDE with students invited to wear outfits that embrace self-expression. Accordingly, students were encouraged to wear clothes which represent and celebrate their identity, culture, heritage, hobbies, and interests. Students enjoyed games on the oval, NAIDOC Week activities in the Hall, a BBQ lunch including bush tucker and an SRC-led assembly with games and prizes.

Careers Corner

Year 10 JobQuest students have been busy spending the term developing their business and marketing skills. Students have created and raffled off these two beautiful hampers to fundraise for an excursion and charity. Well done on your efforts!

Year 12 Work Studies held a cake stall on Thursday 16 June at recess to raise money to make improvements to the Senior Study planned for next Term. The class made and donated their own cakes for the stall. Students and staff enjoyed a variety of cakes, biscuits and slices. Thank you so much to Ms Harbottle and Year 12 student Jamie Jones for their help and support on this project. 

The students also held a lolly jar guessing competition. Allira's guess was the closest at 210, with the actual count at 207. Congratulations Allira S and enjoy all those lollies.