Hawkesbury High School eNewsletter

'Bayala'

Welcome to our Newsletter 'Bayala'.

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

Our Vision

"Building a caring and safe learning environment where great teaching supports and inspires all students to grow, develop and succeed."

Upcoming Events

Term 1 2025

Staff Development Days - Friday 31 January, Monday 3, Tuesday 4, Wednesday 5 February 2025
All Students Start - Thursday 6 February 2025
School Photos - Friday 21 February 2025
Year 7 Great Aussie Bush Camp - Monday 24 - Wednesday 26 February 2025
HSC Legal Studies Court Excursion - Tuesday 25 2025
School Swimming Carnival - Thursday 27 2025
School Photos Catch Up - Friday 28 2025
Year 7 Vaccinations - Friday 28 2025

Principal's Update

As we approach the end of another incredible school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the growth, achievements, and memories we've made together. It has been a year filled with hard work, excitement, and resilience, and we are so proud of all our students for their dedication and perseverance.

This year, we’ve seen our students tackle new challenges, celebrate milestones, and demonstrate remarkable progress. Whether it was through classroom learning, extracurricular activities, or building new friendships, every student has contributed to making this school year special. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our families and the hard work of our staff, all of whom have made this year a success.

As we head into the well-deserved Christmas break, we want to thank you for your continued partnership and involvement in our school community. Your support makes all the difference in creating a positive, nurturing environment for our students to thrive.

We wish all of our families a peaceful and joyous Christmas break filled with laughter, love, and rest. May you enjoy this time with your loved ones, recharge for the year ahead, and return to school refreshed and ready for new adventures in the New Year!

Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Hawkesbury High School.

Warmly,
Nicole Martirena

From The Deputies

Dear Families

We have some very exciting news for 2025, Hawkesbury High School will have a Guide Dog Puppy attending with Mrs Marlin 3 days a week. He is a black labrador called Drew. He will be at the school to be socialised and to become comfortable in a range of environments and situations. Drew will join the school as a 12 week old puppy and will be supervised by a staff member at all times. We look forward to sharing Drew's journey with you over 2025 and beyond as he trains to become a Guide Dog.

We wish you all a safe and relaxing break filled with joy and rejuvenation.

For the upcoming year, please note that students will receive their timetables on Day 1. Additionally, timetables will be available on the student portal via SENTRAL during the last week of the holiday break.

Thank you once again for being an integral part of our school community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year!

Warm regards

Mrs Shortland (Year 7 and Year 11 Deputy)
Mrs Marlin (Year 9 and Year 12 Deputy)
Mr McEvoy (Year 8 and Year 10 Deputy)

HSC Results

🎉 Congratulations to all HSC students on your outstanding results! 🎉

Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off, and we are so proud of each and every one of you. This achievement is a testament to your commitment and resilience, especially during such challenging times.

As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, remember that this is just the beginning. Embrace new opportunities, chase your dreams, and continue to strive for excellence.

Well done, Class of 2024! The future is bright, and we can't wait to see all the amazing things you will accomplish! 🌟📚✨

Year 12 Formal

Our recent Year 12 graduates are currently celebrating the end of their high-school journey at their Formal! Everyone looks fantastic and the venue Lakeside at Redbank was beautiful.

Year 10 had a wonderful evening at the Hawkesbury Valley Crowne Plaza.

Star Students

At our assembly on 25 November 2024, a number of students were awarded for their efforts and commitment towards in-school and extracurricular activities.
A massive congratulations to all students who were recognised!

Year 12 Jackets

Year 12 looking great in their New Jerseys and jackets. Thanks to Miss Cullen for all of her hard work to get these organised.

Star Class Guide Dogs Training

Star Class are very fortunate to be participating in the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Positive Paws Project for term 4. They have been very eager to learn all that they can in how to train Guide Dog pups by completing set activities that assist in socialising and developing the confidence of the Guide Dog puppies. Pawesome effort Star Class!

Year 8 Integrated classes have been completing an agricultural product study on milk as part of their studies this term. They have been producing some amazing presentations to present their research. Last week, 8C completed a taste and palatability study on different types of milk available in supermarkets - whilst the full cream 'gold' milk was the clear winner, most students were surprised by the unique flavour of goats milk.

Year 8 Integrated classes have been completing an agricultural product study on milk as part of their studies this term. They have been producing some amazing presentations to present their research. Last week, 8C completed a taste and palatability study on different types of milk available in supermarkets - whilst the full cream 'gold' milk was the clear winner, most students were surprised by the unique flavour of goats milk.

International Men's Day

Hawkesbury High School celebrated International Men's Day 2024 with a BBQ lunch, and an opportunity for male students to reflect on and commit to the qualities and attributed embodied by positive male role models.

Congratulations to Jason - Year 10 for completing Productivity Bootcamp a week long trade taster course. He was selected with 15 students in Western Sydney. Special mention and thank you to Kate Mackenzie for making the arrangements to conduct this course twice this year. Our students are very fortunate to have worked with you on this project. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Year 10 Coffee Club

A giant THANK YOU to Huhtamaki-South Windsor for your very generous donation of coffee cups. What this means is our students will be able to make industry standard beverages and safely serve them to staff and students in our school. With your support these programs are a highlight in our school community. Cheers to Huhtamaki South Windsor!

Annual Christmas Photoshoot

Students showed off their Christmas spirit by participating in our Annual Christmas Photoshoot! A special thanks to Peter Haynes Perspectives for taking the beautiful photos, and Benchmark Canteens for organising the amazing set-up!

School Holidays Art and Craft Workshop Program Summer Holidays 2025

Monday 20 January

10am - 12noon Draw Cartoons

1pm - 3pm Make Animal Puppets

Tuesday 21 January

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

Wednesday 22 January
10 am - 12noon Watercolour Painting
1pm - 3pm Make Pottery

Thursday 23 January
10am - 12noon - Make Fairy Garden Ornaments
1pm - 3pm - Paint Rocks

Friday 24 January
10am-12noon Paint Beautiful Butterflies

1pm-3pm Draw Insects & Spiders

Tuesday 28 January
10am-12noon Make Mini Fun Food
1pm -3pm Make Little Dinosaurs

Wednesday 29 January
10am-12noon Make Jewellery
1pm-3pm Make Tie Dye a T-Shirt (BYO Shirt)

Thursday 30 January
10am-12noon Make Friendship Bracelets

1-3pm Make a Creative Journal

Friday 31 January
10am-12noon Make Polyclay Ocean Creatures
1-3pm Acrylic Pouring

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 1, 2025 also Now Enrolling.

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

Australian Red Cross at Richmond Park

Time to give blood and change lives? 1 in 3 people in Richmond will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. We’re rolling into town 13 to 16 January. Don’t forget to pre-book your spot at Lifeblood.com.au, on our app or on 13 14 95.

Bayala - Term 4 Week 10 2024