Bayala - Term 4 Week 4 2022

'Bayala'

Welcome to our Newsletter 'Bayala'. 

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

Our Vision

Principal's Update

HSC Results Growth

As the Higher School Certificate ends on 4 November, we can reflect on the successes of our HSC cohorts over the last 6 years. Back in 2018, when I started in my role as Principal at Hawkesbury High School, I occasionally heard the phrases “Hawkesbury penalty” and “Hawkesbury effect” when it came to the HSC – an assumption that, for some reason, students who completed the HSC at Hawkesbury High School would not do as well as if they had completed the HSC at another school.  

I am happy to say that this perception could not be any further from the truth. In fact, students completing the HSC at our school do significantly better than students in other, similar schools. A lot of work has happened at our school in the last five years to ensure that best teaching and learning practice takes place in the classroom, with passionate and dedicated teachers working hard to ensure that every student is given every opportunity to do the best they can.

In the graph below, you can see the growth in the school’s value-added from years 9-12. This graph refers to the overall student growth between years 9 and 12, based on external data such as NAPLAN results when compared to HSC results.

The large black circle represents the mean, while the two horizontal lines above and below the black circle represent the “confidence gap”, or the statistical range of results. Anything above the long horizontal line, whether it’s the mean or the upper end of the confidence gap, is considered to be outstanding. Apart from the positive growth trend since 2016, in the last two years of the HSC (this year’s results are not out yet) our school’s growth results have exceeded all expectations.

Even more impressive is how Hawkesbury High School compares to other schools across the State. In the 2021 HSC, our school was in the top third of the State in value-added. This result is even more impressive when we consider that this comparison includes ALL high schools and not just similar schools.

In addition, our school is in the bottom half on the index of socio-economic disadvantage (FOEI), yet our students are in the top third in value-added. Finally, back in 2015, our school was in the bottom 10% for value-added in the State. In 6 years – three of which were significantly impacted by bushfires and floods, our students’ results have seen outstanding growth, dispelling once and for all that there is a penalty if students complete their HSC at Hawkesbury High. In fact, all evidence indicates that students at our school do better than students in other, similar schools, and that our students’ growth is well above average compared to ALL schools in the State. Our teachers should be congratulated on the amazing job they do every day in extremely challenging circumstances.

New School Leadership Team

I would like to congratulate our incoming Year 12 2023 leaders. All students who applied for leadership roles went through a rigorous selection process to get to the final stage, including a written application, a selection panel interview, speeches to the entire student body at assembly and, finally, a student and staff vote. It is with much pleasure that I welcome the 2023 senior leadership team:

Cyber safety

I have written to families on a number of occasions in the past about the the risks of cyberbullying, the negative impact of cyberbullying, and concerns about how some young people are using social media to place themselves at risk and to intimidate and harass others.

While the school’s mobile devices policy permits students to bring phones to school, they can only be used for educational purposes, with a teacher’s permission. However, the use of mobile phones can and does continue at home, after school, and over weekends and school holidays.

Parents play a key role in monitoring their children’s use of mobile devices and their activity on social media.

I would urge parents to be informed and to reinforce with their children the appropriate use of mobile phones, including the safe and appropriate use of social media such as Instagram, Tik Tok and Snapchat. This includes regularly checking their children’s phones for any inappropriate content they may have received, shared, or created.

Unfortunately, there have been a number of incidents where students recently used social media in general, and Tik Tok, Snapchat and Instagram in particular, to create posts that have the purpose of harassing and humiliating others. In many cases, these posts use an account whose owner cannot be identified, allowing bullies to hide behind anonymity.

While I am confident that most students are doing the right thing, it’s important that you, as a parent, are aware that some students’ activity on social media is inappropriate and that your child could easily get caught up in these activities. A very useful tool to assist parents to help their children deal with online safety issues is the eSafety Commissioner Website at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues

Information about the school’s expectations on the use of mobile devices can be found at

https://hawkesbury-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies.html

Recent data shows that 44% of young people in Australia report having a negative online experience in the last 6 months, including 15% who received threats or abuse online. This is a truly worrying statistic. The school will continue educating students about the appropriate and safe use of social media and applying the school’s discipline policy and anti-bullying plan in the event of cyberbullying by students. However, parents can make a difference by regularly monitoring their children’s online presence and staying informed about the risks of online abuse.

Engaging and Respectful Schools (IER) Reforms

The NSW Department of Education has started the implementation of its Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools (IER) reforms from the beginning of Term 4.

The first change, with the implementation date from the start of Term 4, 2022, is the Student Behaviour Policy and Inclusive Education for Students with Disability Policy. This means that Hawkesbury High School will be reviewing its current Student Discipline Policy (2019) and aligning it to the Student Behaviour Policy (2022). The deadline for this review is the end of Term 1, 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to invite any parents or carers who would like to participate in this review to contact me on 02 4579 6800. Parent and community voice is critical in ensuring that all perspectives are considered when developing school procedures in response to Department policies.

More information about behaviour and engagement and engaging with the school can be found on the Departments website on Parents and carers (nsw.gov.au)

In most circumstances, I anticipate that there will be very little change to the way Hawkesbury High School supports students to mange inappropriate behaviours. The school’s existing practices align closely to IER reforms. However, some of the changes will include:

• A formal caution to suspend is now valid for up to 50 school days from the date the caution is issued. This timeframe allows the principal, school learning and support team, student, parents and carers, and any other support persons and services to meet to discuss the behaviour/s of concern, the interventions already in place and further actions to support the student.
• Principals may use suspension as a behaviour management response. Principals must consider whether possible and appropriate alternative behaviour support measures have been implemented or attempted, and believe that a student’s behaviour/s of concern causes actual harm to any person; or poses an unacceptable risk to health and safety, learning, and/or the wellbeing of any person, including where such a risk is posed by a student’s continuing, consistent, unproductive and disruptive behaviour that results in a detrimental impact on the educational interests of other students; or a student’s behaviour causes damage to or the destruction or loss of property.

Behaviours of concern could include physical violence, verbal abuse or psychological abuse. Other examples may include:

• bullying
• drugs in schools
• weapons and knives
• assault
• racism or discrimination, including that based on sex, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity
• misuse of technology

We have already started with the implementation of additional preventative behaviour support strategies that include explicit teaching of school values and expectations to students who have been identified as requiring additional support. While school values have been, and continue being explicitly taught to students, an additional measure – designed to minimise formal cautions and suspensions – is the introduction of STAR values reflection booklets that will be completed at school and home. These reflection booklets are:

• I am safe when I…
• I am a team player when I ….
• I am an achiever when I …
• I am respectful when I …

These booklets require students to reflect on their inappropriate behaviours and complete writing exercises that help them to reflect on the school’s values and expectations for each category. Once students are ready, they will be asked to re-commit to STAR values by signing a contract that indicates their readiness to follow the school’s behaviour expectations.

If your child brings home one of the reflection booklets, I would appreciate your support in reinforcing the school’s STAR values which were developed in collaboration with the school community and which reflect community standards of positive behaviour.

Mr Igor Maric

From the Deputies

Applications for 8C, 9S and 10S 

I will be distributing application forms for 8C, 9S and 10S in Week 4 (beginning of November).

8C, 9S and 10S are extension classes based on the 6Cs, which are the future- focused skills of:

· Communication (listening and sharing ideas clearly and concisely)

· Collaboration (working with others)

· Creativity (expressing, thinking and doing things in new ways)

· Critical thinking (problem solving)

· Citizenship (becoming more globally aware and proactive in the community)

· Character (being a responsible and caring individual)

Students in 8C, 9S and 10S will be offered a differentiated curriculum that incorporates enrichment options to best meet the needs of motivated students and independent learners, inspiring students to be leaders of their own learning.

Applications will need to be submitted by 3pm on Monday 28 November 2022.

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:

• Hooded tops (hoodies), jeans, leggings and non HHS sport shorts are non-uniform items and cannot be worn to school.
• The tracksuit pants bought through the School Locker (HHS track pants) are the only track pants allowed as school uniform.
• The HHS striped jacket is expected to be worn if there is cooler weather.
• A plain navy or black crew neck sweatshirt may be worn under the school uniform jacket if an extra warm layer is needed.
• Representative tops may be worn on a Wednesday.
• If a student is out of uniform, they will be provided with appropriate uniform and be expected to change. If the student does not have a note from parents, they will also be issued a recess detention.

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

Mrs Kerrie Shortland

Tell Them From Me - Student Survey

I am delighted that this term, our school, like many other public schools in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey 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.

The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us 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.

I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes.

Tell Them From Me– Parent Survey

This Term, our school will be participating in the Partners in Learning parent survey, another part of the Tell Them From Me suite of surveys (student, teacher and parent surveys) on student engagement. The survey asks parents and carers questions about different factors that are known to impact on student wellbeing and engagement.

Running this survey will help our school understand parents’ and carers’ perspectives on their child’s experience at school. These include: communication between parents/carers and staff, activities and practices at home and parent/carer views on the school's support of learning and behaviour. This valuable feedback will help our school make practical improvements.

Check in Assessments for Years 7,8 and 9

During term 4 students will participate in the Check-in assessment.

The Check-in assessment is a NSW Department of Education online literacy and numeracy assessment available to support schools to assess and monitor student learning.

The assessment supplements existing school practices to identify how students are performing in literacy and numeracy and aims to help teachers tailor their teaching more specifically to student needs. The assessment will be scheduled for our Year 7-9 students during Weeks 4 and 5. All students complete a reading assessment and a numeracy assessment.

Mrs Nicole Martirena

Mr McEvoy's Yr 11 construction classes along with Mr Rymans Building Basics class and Mr Hayne and have been working on constructing some more projects in our Agriculture area to improve the facilities for our animals and students. These projects include remodelling the chicken coop doors, designing and building raised garden beds for plant production. These projects provide real skills and expertise for the construction students as well as greater facilities for our animals and agriculture students.

Great effort and well done.

The school has had many other facility improvements including a new kitchen remodel, 2 new science labs, ceilings improved in the art spaces and the hall internal linings. These improvements look great and make a nice learning environment for our staff and students.

Mr Benn McEvoy

Student Achievements

Annalise Xerri in year 12 has been offered to play Under 19s in the NRLW for Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers and North Sydney Bears. Annalise accepted a contract for North Sydney Bears which she will start next year and aims to advance into the NRLW.

Annalise also received an early entry offer for Western Syndey University to study Social Work. Congratulations Annalise!

National Gymnastics Competition 

During the last week of term Nicholas A and Reece R competed in the National Gymnastics Competition in Queensland. The boys were very successful, bringing home medals and ribbons each.

Nicholas received:

4th Senior Intermediate freestyle

5th 11-16 speed run

Reece received:

6th Senior Advanced Freestyle

3rd 11-16 speed run.

Well done to both students!

NSW All Schools Championships 

Cameron D and Tamara D competed at the NSW All Schools Championships at SOPAC from the 24th - 27th September and Cameron progresses through to the Australian All Schools Championships in Adelaide in December. Their individual results are:

Cameron

1st 16yrs 110m Hurdles

10th 16yrs 200m

12th 16yrs 100m

Tamara

3rd 12yrs Triple Jump

5th 12yrs 80m Hurdles

7th 12 yrs Long Jump

Congratulations to both competitors and we wish Cameron all the best in Adelaide!

NSW CHS Athletics Championships 

A big shout out to Cameron D, Tamara D, Amy B and Rebecca C for competing in the NSW CHS Athletics Championships in the beginning of September. Cameron, Tamara, and Rebecca competed in the Hurdles events in their age group. Amy competed in the High Jump. A big congratulations to Cameron who won the 110m hurdles and will represent NSW at the Australian championships later this year.

Hawkesbury Performing Arts Festival

Congratulations to students who performed at the Hawkesbury Performing Arts Festival at Windsor High School on September 6 . They are to be commended on their professionalism and dedication to achieving performances of the highest standard.

Year 12 Graduation & 2023 Student Leaders

Our Year 12 Graduation was held on Friday 23rd September 2022 to celebrate the achievements of our graduating students. 

We would also like to thank our outgoing senior student leadership team of 2022 for being wonderful role models and great ambassadors for our school and community.

Congratulations to our incoming senior student leadership team for 2023. We know you will do a fantastic job. 

HSC Industrial Technology Timber Major Works

Well done to our talented and creative HSC students who showcased their Industrial Technology Timber major works this morning. A huge thank you to the dedicated Hawkesbury High TAS staff who continue to strive for success and ensure our students have the best opportunities to succeed.

HSC Major Works

HSC Major Works

Mullets For Mental Health

We are over the halfway point of Mr Plummer's journey to mullet glory! If you are thinking of donating to a great cause, today would be a good day to do so. His mullet journey has started up some great conversations around mental health and is reminding everyone that a conversation can save a life.

Student Absences

On occasion, your child/ren may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include:

• being sick or having an infectious disease
• having an unavoidable medical appointment
• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday
• exceptional or urgent family circumstances e.g. attending a funeral.

If your child is absent from school you can inform us of the absence using one of the methods
below:

• Call the Administration Office during office hours with date of absence, child's name and reason for absence
• Responding to the absence SMS from the school
• Sending an email to the school with date of absence, child's name and reason for
  absence
• Sending a hand written note into the office on the day your child returns to school.
  Please include your name, you child's name, date of absence and reason for absence
• Completing an 'Absentee Form' in the SZapp App

If your child will be absent for more than one day, you will receive an SMS each day unless you specify the date range of their absence in your response.  

If your child will be absent for more than 5 school days, please complete an application for extended leave - travel and return the application to school. This form is located on our website under About our School - Notes

Parents must provide a verbal or written explanation for absences to the school within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence.

Where an explanation has not been received within the 7-day timeframe, the school will record the absence as unjustified on the student's record.

7C Excursion

Students in 7C applied their knowledge and critical thinking skills from their Integrated English/ HSIE and Science/ Geography classes during a visit to Madame Tussauds and WILD LIFE Zoo Sydney in Darling Harbour today. Through learning activities, a specialist talk and plenty of happy snaps, students developed their understanding of key course concepts including the ‘Hero’s Journey’, historical significance, adaptations and sustainability.

Year 9 Fast Forward Program

Year 9 Fast Forward Western Sydney University student group and their Year Adviser Ms Cullen went to the campus in Richmond on Friday 14th October. They completed activities in a treasure hunt around campus to familiarize the group with their local university campus and the courses they offer there.  Students were wonderful ambassadors for the school. 

PSSA Football Gala Day

On Thursday 13th Ocotber, a small group of students attended the PSSA Football Gala Day. Our students were there to assist with refereeing matches throughout the day. This select group of exceptional individuals did a fantastic job, referring all day and representing our school and community with pride. Thank you Arie, Noah, Nic, Dawson, Kiera, Kaija, and Cameron for your hard work and for giving back to our wonderful Primary School community.

Premier Sporting Challenge - Leadership Program

Selected Year 9 Pass and 10 Pass students participated in the Premier Sporting Challenge- Leadership Program- Phase 1. This is the Leading with Action phase where students are trained and coached to become sport leaders. They will use these skills to progress into phase 2. Well done to all students involved. 

Macquarie Cup Futsal Tournament

Selected students competed in the boys U/14s Macquarie Cup Futsal Tournament on Tuesday 25th October.  The team ejoyed a great day.

Jobquest - Halloween Event

Yr 10 Joquest group ran a Halloween event at Freemans Reach Public School on Wednesday 19^th October. With the kindergarten class they ran activities including cookie decorating, spiders with ice-cream and soft drink, craft time making mummies and ghosts, and playing musical statues. The students planned each activity and made their own signs and decorations for the classroom. It was a great day and the students were excellent role models and had lots of fun with the primary children. Thank you to the staff at Freemans Reach Public for welcoming us into the school and Jordon Rose from Jobquest for overseeing such a wonderful experience for all the students involved.

Premier’s Debating Competition 2022

It was another good year for our debating team.

Our Year 7 & 8 debating team acquitted themselves well. They competed in the zone finals against Riverstone High but were narrowly defeated.

The girls have developed confidence in public speaking. They are learning how to structure an argument, deliver a sophisticated speech and listen to opposing ideas. They are motivated and enthusiastic participants.

Congratulations to Maya W, Cleo F, Ava T, Hayley A and Abigail M.