2018 open night · 2018 de international awards congratulations to year 12 2017 students xinxiang...

www.pennanthil-h.schools.nsw.edu.au @PennantHillsHS Pennant Hills High School

JUMBUNNA

Fortnightly Newsletter of

Pennant Hills High School

Friday 23 February 2018 Term 1 Week 04B

Mr Ross Warren Laurence Street, Pennant Hills NSW 2120 Principal P: 9473 5000 F: 9473 5099 Mr Brendan O’Byrne Deputy Principal E: [email protected] Mr Roger Niccol W: www.pennanthil-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Deputy Principal (Relieving)

PENNANT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

2018 OPEN NIGHT


TERM 1 2018

Week 05A

Monday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

26 February 28 February 28 February 1 March 2 March

Zone Swimming Carnival - Homebush NSWCHS Triathlon - Individuals Meet the Music Excursion NSWCHS Triathlon - Teams Whole School Photo Day

Week 06B

Tuesday Wednesday Friday Friday Friday

6 March 7 March 9 March 9 March 9 March

Open Night 4.00pm-6.30pm Year 7 Positive Relationships Day Year 7 Vaccination Program Year 11 Crossroads Day 1 - RYDA U Turn the Wheel Applications close 2.00pm for the Year 7 2019 HAST Test

Week 07A

Monday Wednesday Wednesday Friday

12 March 14 March 14 March 16 March

Year 9 Welfare Incursion Year 11 and 12 Parent-Teacher Interviews Year 10 Welfare Incursion SLC World’s Greatest Shave Fundraiser and BBQ

Week 08B

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday


Year 7 and 8 Welfare Incursion Whole School Cross-Country Carnival Year 7 2019 Higher Ability Selective Test Whole School Cross-Country Carnival Back-up Date

Week 09A

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday


Year 10 Young Men’s Youth Forum Year 12 Managing Stress Seminar Sydney North Area Swimming Carnival - Homebush GOOD FRIDAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Week 10B Monday Tuesday Sunday

2 April 3 April 8 April

EASTER MONDAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations (2 weeks ending 13 April) NSWCHS Swimming Carnival - Homebush (Sunday to Tuesday)

Week 11A

Monday Monday Monday Friday

9 April 9 April 9 April 13 April

Year 12 Half Yearly Examinations (Monday to Friday) NSWCHS Swimming Carnival - Homebush (Monday & Tuesday) Year 9 Visual Arts Excursion to Circular Quay LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR TERM 1

‘PENNO’ PRAYER MEETING

Mums, Dads and Grandparents, come and

join us as we pray for ‘Penno’

staff and students.

1st, 3rd and 5th Friday of each month during

term from 9.00am to 9.45am. Please meet at

Public Reception.

Enquiries: Kate Colley on 0477 360 389

P&C MEETING DATES FOR 2018

Term 1: 27 February, 27 March

Term 2: 22 May, 26 June

Term 3: 24 July, 28 August, September TBC

Term 4: 23 October, 27 November - followed by AGM

7.30pm in the School Library

All parents and caregivers are most welcome to attend these meetings, which provide the wider school community with a forum for discussion as we work together with staff to sustain and further develop the best possible learning environment for our students.

The discussions are complemented by presentations from staff, focusing on various aspects of education and, in particular, what is on offer at Pennant Hills High School.

If any parents or caregivers would like to receive the agenda and minutes of the meetings, please email [email protected] to arrange.

SCHOOL LOCKER INFORMATION

Forms for locker rentals with all the information and costs are available from Public and Student Reception and also the Print Room window now.

Blue lockers will be reserved for Year 7 students only, until the end of Term 1 and for Years 8-11 from Term 2, 2018.

The other lockers are available for all students. Payment for lockers will be accepted from Week 3.


PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

High Achievers Assembly Responsibility, Integrity and Achievement have certainly been at the forefront of Pennant Hills High School this fortnight.

Last Thursday saw the celebration of the 2017 HSC achievements at our High Achievers Assembly. It was a pleasure to welcome our special guests, the high achieving students, their parents/caregivers, families and friends. It was also wonderful that Year 11 and 12 were there to witness this celebration. To celebrate someone else’s success can be motivational and inspirational.

One of the absolute highlights of the ceremony was the speech delivered by our 2017 Dux of Year 12 Chen Fong. Chen communicated the perfect balance between the relationship he established with his classroom teachers, his work ethic and setting himself achievable goals. The audience and I were very impressed with his speech and consequently I asked if he wouldn’t mind sharing it with the whole extended Penno community. He has generously given his permission and it follows my report. I am sure you will agree that it speaks not only to Achievement but also to Responsibility and Integrity.

Annual Swimming Carnival This was an outstanding day filled with competition, fun and an absolutely fantastic feeling. I would like to acknowledge the huge organisational work that James Boyer, Head Teacher PDHPE and his team did to ensure a very successful day. Thank you also to our staff for the support that they provided to the PDHPE faculty and to each other on the day.

Music Camp We had over 100 students attend the camp which equates to approximately 10% of the school population. Following the camp was a musical evening which was a culmination of all the hard work done on the weekend. The performances on the night were extremely impressive - as expected. As I said to the audience “it is only day 13 of the academic year and we are already hearing performance standard work from five ensembles. Outstanding!” To our conductors; Ms Rachel Kelly, Mr John Buckley and a number of other music tutors who work so closely with our students - my great gratitude. The camp also needed some great stalwart support from our staff as they volunteered to stay overnight with all these ‘creative’ types. Great thanks to Mrs Anne Bassett, Music Ensemble Administrator for the coordination of all

these people. A mammoth job done seemingly with ease. Finally, the glue that binds this all together is Mrs Carol Coomber, whose dedication and commitment to our students continues to amaze me. Thank you so very much.

Year 7 Welcome and Meet the Teacher BBQ Held last week, the afternoon was a great success. The feedback from parents was that it was such a good opportunity to put a face to the names they had been hearing about.

Thank you to Ms Ashleigh Greer, Year 7 adviser and her team of supporters including students from the Student Leadership Council (SLC) for representing Pennant Hills High School in such a positive and professional manner. I would also like to pay tribute to our staff in the office who organised and printed the name tags and fielded phone calls from parents who were uncertain, Mr Mark Randle our General Assistant who ensured the BBQs were where they needed to be, and our magnificent Canteen staff for the way they so effortlessly catered for the event - as they do for all our school events and assemblies. Our students and school are very fortunate to have such dedicated people to rely on for that extra finesse.

2018 DE International Awards Congratulations to Year 12 2017 students Xinxiang (Steven) and Chengkun (Ike) on their nominations for the awards of Academic Achievement and Leadership respectively. The ceremony, which was held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, acknowledged the outstanding achievements of International Students in 2017. Ms Li and I were very proud of our nominees and their contribution to our International Students program at Pennant Hills High School.

Open Night Once again we are opening our doors to the community for our annual Open Night on Tuesday 6 March from 4.00pm - 6.30pm. There will be performances, guided tours, interactive experiences, refreshments and enrolment information for Year 7 2019 students and any other families who are considering attending our school. Everyone is welcome.

Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) for 2019 Applications for the HAST class in Year 7 2019 are now open. Documents can be found on our website under Our School - Enrolment - HAST Test Application. Alternatively applications can be collected from our Enrolments desk on Open Night. All applications must be received together with payment by 2.00pm on Friday 9 March 2018. No late applications will be accepted.

P&C Meeting Finally, I would like to invite you all to our first P&C meeting, scheduled to be held in the Library next Tuesday 27 February commencing at 7.30pm.

Our P&C are an integral part of our school community. They actively contribute to many school initiatives and provide valuable support to our staff and students both inside and outside the classrooms. I encourage all families, especially our new ones, to attend.

Ross Warren, Principal


DUX OF YEAR 12 2017 - HIGH ACHIEVERS SPEECH

Good morning teachers, administrative staff, parents, family, and most importantly the student body of Pennant Hills High School. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be invited to speak today.

I am here today because I did well in my HSC exams. But the HSC is not something that is done in isolation. If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.

It’s important to me therefore that I begin by thanking all the teachers I had throughout high school. When I was in Year 12 I considered teaching as a profession, but I looked to my teachers and it occurred to me that I have nowhere near the immense amount of kindness, patience, and generosity that is required to be a successful teacher. I’d like to give special mention to the teachers who did the HSC with me:

thank you to Mr Williams for being the most passionate educator I’ve had the pleasure to know; thank you to Mr Washer for always being willing to sit down for, however long it took, to explain a math question; thank you to Mrs Frida for your unwavering kindness and care that you show to all your students; thank you to Mr Keegan for believing in the ability of all students to achieve high when they apply themselves; thank you to Mrs Bhave for being an unwavering source of motivation and for believing in us always; and finally thank you to Ms Dennis for encouraging me in art in Year 11 – even though what I produced was just plain awful.

Today is as much a day for the teachers as it is for the students – so I’d like you all please to give a round of applause to the teachers who helped us through it.

A piece of advice I received in high school was to pick Extension 2 Mathematics. The reasoning behind this advice was that the subject scales very well which is true – and why I initially chose the subject. To my surprise, Extension 2 Mathematics became a subject that I enjoyed thoroughly.

Things become really interesting when they become complex – which is why Year 7 Science is less engaging that HSC Chemistry. But as they get increasingly complex they also get increasingly difficult. I remember struggling so hard with 4 unit questions – it was terrible I did maybe two or three questions in the span of hours sometimes. But every now and then maybe every ten or so questions, I’d get a question right without having to check the working out at the back of the book. Whenever this happened I would just feel like an absolute genius – it was a good feeling.

The point I’m trying to illustrate is that it’s worthwhile sticking with things that are difficult. So long as you find it interesting and engaging, the things that are difficult are often the most rewarding.

Enjoying your subjects, is however often lost in the anxiety and stress of the HSC. It’s important to keep in mind that the ATAR is useful for one thing only and that is entry into first year university. It is not a reflection of your worth as an individual, and as such no one worthwhile cares about it in university. It’s common knowledge that you can transfer into any degree once you get into university and your ATAR will at most have little influence in this process. That said my advice to all HSC students would still be to work as hard as you can towards getting into your degree the first time. You’re going to have to put in effort at some point so you may as well just do it now. Some of you will have estimated ATARS, that are already higher than the cut off for your degree. My advice to you is to still work relentlessly hard toward getting the highest ATAR possible. Keeping your options open is a smart move in Year 12.

Success in the HSC is a narrow measurement of success. That said I have three pieces of advice to students who wish to increase their current mark:

firstly, heed the advice of your teachers. They know way more about the HSC than anyone else. If a teacher gives you advice – it’s generally going to be good advice;

secondly, do not underestimate how far simple things will take you. Doing basic things like completing all your homework, starting your exam study early, and actually reading your prescribed texts will take you far; and finally

there are no secret tricks and there are no shortcuts. There is no combination of high scaling subjects that in culmination will turn your pathetic marks into Band 6s. You have to put in work. If you want higher marks, study more. And if you’ve got high marks, do not rest on your laurels.

Your success in Year 12 will not define the rest of your life. In the same way that your life is never defined by any single event. If you are sitting the HSC please take care of your mental and physical health – your marks are not worth sacrificing your wellbeing for. If you ever feel like your obligations and workload are taking a toll on your well-being please reach out to friends and teachers. These are people who care for you and will be able to help.

I certainly didn’t think this when I was in Year 12 but in retrospect, I think the most important thing about it, is that you enjoy your final year at high school, spend time with friends, and enjoy yourself.

To the students of Pennant Hills High School - the world needs now more than ever; intelligent and compassionate individuals. Please work hard, learn things and become aware of the world around you.

I wish you all the best with your future endeavors. Thank you for your time.

Chen Fong DUX Year 12, 2017


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2018 STUDENT EXECUTIVE TEAM

Tabitha Nicholas

SCHOOL VICE CAPTAINS

Timothy Elizabeth

SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Alison

SPORT PREFECTS

Mpumelelo

Qinglin (Simon)

SPORT VICE CAPTAINS

Raz


STUDENT LEADERSHIP 2018 CONTINUED

YEAR 12 PREFECTS

Samuel Phillip

Sirui (Rita) Maegan

Max Louisa

Yishen (Jimmy)

BAND PREFECTS

Samuel Thomas

Alistair Veronica

CHOIR PREFECTS

Rebecca Keean

SUPPORT UNIT PREFECTS

Bailey Zuhair

Aleyscha Raniya

YEAR 11 PREFECTS

David (Treasurer) Oliver

Elinya (Chairperson) Shannon

Benjamin Clyde

Aidan Matthew (Secretary)

Gemma Caitlin

Rebecca Jesse

Huiwei (Glenys)

YEAR 10

Amelia Myathiri

Sachin Danielle

Kayla

YEAR 9

Jack Deanna

Jessica Imogen

Amy Sonia

YEAR 8

Rhianna Aja

Emily Ashlin


PENNANT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM RULES

As proud students of Pennant Hills High School, we expect that you will wear our uniform correctly and completely. The second-hand uniform shop, open each day at recess and lunch or on major enrolment days, has a limited range of used uniform items for sale. Donations of freshly laundered uniform items in good condition are always welcome.

When purchasing school shoes, please be aware that ONLY black leather lace-up shoes are acceptable. Any other advice from shoe stores is incorrect.

PENNANT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL UNIFORM RULES

ACCEPTABLE school shoes:

ALL these styles are UNACCEPTABLE:

From School Uniforms in NSW Government Schools (2004): Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 (WHS Act) the Department of Education must ensure that students are not exposed to risks to their health or safety while they are on Departmental premises. At Pennant Hills High School, this means wearing enclosed leather footwear.

General Uniform Rules Summer Uniform – to be worn during Terms 1 and 4 Winter Uniform – to be worn during Terms 2 and 3

Shoes: ONLY BLACK LACE-UP LEATHER shoes in the traditional school style. NOT ballet flats, Mary Jane style shoes, ‘Rabens’, boots, desert boots or jogging shoes (on sport days jogging shoes with all leather uppers are acceptable in practical classes). This is a requirement in the interest of safety.

Jumper: Navy with one red stripe and one white stripe around cuffs and V neck. A ‘sloppy joe’ with school emblem may be worn instead. Jacket: Navy all weather jacket with school crest, sold by the school. Blazer: Navy with school crest, sold by the school (band, choir and prefects). Jewellery: Wristwatch and/or one flat ring; One pair of small sleepers or small stud earrings. No other jewellery. These restrictions are in the interest of safety. Hat/Cap: Navy with school emblem (sold by school) can be worn in PE also. Scarf: School scarf, sold by the school. Other: Special items of uniform purchased by previous Year 12 groups as commemorative wear are NOT acceptable uniform for students of other Year groups. Leggings may NOT be worn at any time. Long-sleeved undershirts are not to be worn under short-sleeved shirts. Hoodies and/or beanies are not to be worn. Continued next page


BOYS UNIFORM

JUNIOR Shirt: White school shirt with school crest on the pocket. Short sleeves (summer), Long sleeves (winter). ONLY plain white T-shirts may be worn under school shirt (must be short sleeved if worn with short sleeved school shirt). Shorts: ONLY grey polycotton. NOT designer shorts, elasticised, ‘Yakka’, ‘Rugger’ or ‘King Gee’ brands or cord drawn. Trousers: ONLY mid-grey (college grey) worsted. NOT designer trousers. Socks: Short grey, with bands of school colours on top; not short anklets. School tie: Junior navy with red and white stripes (worn in Winter - Terms 2 and 3). PE/Sport: Red PHHS polo shirt, navy PHHS shorts or navy PHHS track pants, navy PHHS sloppy joe, white sports socks (not short anklets), sports shoes eg cross trainers or runners.

SENIOR Shirt: White school shirt with school crest on pocket. Short sleeves (summer), Long sleeves (winter). ONLY plain white T-shirts may be worn under school shirt (must be short-sleeved if worn with short-sleeve school shirt). Shorts: ONLY navy blue polycotton. NOT designer shorts, elasticised, ‘Yakka’, ‘Rugger’ or ‘King Gee’ brand or cord drawn. Trousers: ONLY mid-grey (college grey) worsted. NOT designer trousers. Socks: White; no logos, stripes or other design; not short anklets. School tie: Pale blue with school crest (worn Terms 1,2,3 and 4). PE/Sport: Red PHHS polo shirt, navy PHHS shorts or navy PHHS track pants, navy PHHS sloppy joe, white sports socks (not short anklets), sports shoes eg cross trainers or runners.

GIRLS UNIFORM

JUNIOR Dress: Summer: Blue patterned polycotton dress with dropped waist, pleated skirt, Peter Pan collar with white trim, short sleeves with white trim. Winter: Navy serge tunic, white blouse (white with peaked collar). Plain white T-shirt or skivvy may be worn under white shirt in winter only. Socks: ONLY short white socks (no anklets). Tights: Black stockings are only to be worn with winter uniform. Slacks: ONLY Plain navy (option for winter). No designer or King Gee brands. Blouses must remain tucked in. Hat: School cap, sold by the school. PE/Sport: Red PHHS polo shirt, navy PHHS shorts or navy PHHS track pants, navy PHHS sloppy joe, white sports socks (not short anklets), sports shoes eg cross trainers or runners. Leggings may NOT be worn. Hair ribbons / headbands: ONLY in school colours (navy, sky blue, red or white). Make-up: No make-up, no nail polish.

SENIOR Dress: Summer: Pale blue A-line dress with white and navy collar and tie. Winter: Navy/red check serge tunic, pale blue blouse. Plain white T-shirt or skivvy may be worn under winter shirt only. Socks: ONLY short white socks (no anklets). Tights: Black stockings are only to be worn with winter uniform. Slacks: ONLY plain navy (option for winter). No designer or ‘King Gee’ brands. Blouses must remain tucked in. Hat: School cap, sold by the school. PE/Sport: Red PHHS polo shirt, navy PHHS shorts or navy PHHS track pants, navy PHHS sloppy joe, white sports socks (not short anklets), sports shoes eg cross trainers or runners. Leggings may NOT be worn. Hair ribbons / headbands: ONLY in school colours (navy, sky blue, red or white). Make-up: No make-up, no nail polish.


2018 SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Sunny skies and high temperatures were perfect conditions for our annual Swimming Carnival at Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre last week. With smiles and enthusiasm aplenty, students competed in competitive events ranging from the 50 metres Freestyle to the 200 metres Individual Medley, and novelty events such as classic catches and overs and unders. All participants had a fabulous time, were well behaved and achieved great results which made for a very enjoyable day for staff and students.

A big thank you to: Mr Boyer and Mrs Stewart for their thorough organisation before and during the Carnival; all staff members for their assistance on the day at school and at the venue; Ms Feilen and her team for their outstanding efforts feeding and hydrating staff; Mr Huang and his reliable team of student helpers for entering and processing results; Sport House Captains for their organisation and assistance with novelty events; all student helpers whether they were delivering marshalling slips or food to staff - it was greatly appreciated; and parents/caregivers and grandparents who attended the Carnival and supported their families.

Congratulations to Bellamy who finished on 1,057 points and attained the title of Champion Swimming House for 2018. They were followed by Greenway on 951 points, Redgum on 811 points and Yarrara on 568 points.

Congratulations to the following students who have been crowned Age Champions for 2018:

Girls Boys 12 Years Isabelle Hugo 13 years Mackenzie Jordan 14 years Lucy Zachary 15 years Rebecca Dyalan 16 years Iris Thomas 17 years Alison Zachary


PENNO AT PLAY . . .

WELCOME YEAR 7 FAMILIES

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WELCOME TO 2018 FROM CAPA

The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Faculty had a very positive 2017 with students involved in an extensive range of curricula and extra-curricular activities that showcased their talents and interests.

CAPA HSC Results 2017 Overall, the CAPA Faculty had very good HSC results in 2017. Visual Arts had 65% of the cohort in the top two Bands and three students were preselected for ArtExpress. Music results were also very pleasing, with three Band 6 results in Music 1. That is 60% of the cohort, which is triple the State Average in Band 6s, and all of the Music 2 course students received a Band 5. Drama too had very solid results.

The depth and breadth of our Stage 6 CAPA programming and the support that our students enjoyed from their dedicated Drama, Music and Visual Arts teachers in 2017, must be acknowledged alongside the talent and commitment of our 2017 HSC CAPA candidature. Well done to all.

CAPA 2018 - The Year Ahead We welcome Mr Travis Williams into the Drama Faculty for Term 1 as Ms Hickey has taken leave.

We farewell Junior Stage Band and Big Band Director Mr Jason Isaac, who will be taking on new commitments in 2018. Jason has been part of our exciting Music Ensemble Program at Penno for sixteen years and we thank him for his outstanding musicianship, his commitment to excellence, his rapport with our student musicians and for sharing a love of music. Jason expressed that it was not an easy decision to leave a program that he has been proudly involved in since 2002, acknowledging that there are few Music Ensemble Programs at comprehensive high schools that rival what we have at Pennant Hills and his fondness for the wonderful community of families, and the supportive and professional staff.

We welcome Mr James Loughnan as the new Director of Junior Stage Band and Big Band. James is a professional Jazz musician who has directed the NSW Public Schools Stage Band at The Arts Unit for a number of years and has extensive experience working with elite secondary and tertiary jazz students. We are very excited to begin a new chapter in our ever-evolving Music Ensembles Program.

Throughout 2018 students will have the opportunity to participate in an extensive range of activities offered by the CAPA Faculty.

Excursions and events for Drama in 2018 include an excursion for Year 9/10 and Year 12 Drama students who attended OnStage at the Seymour Centre to view the best of the 2017 HSC Drama Candidates performances and designs. There will be more information on Ensembles and Festivals as the year unfolds.

Year 12 Visual Arts students attended ArtExpress at the Art Gallery of NSW today. They had the opportunity to see exemplar 2017 HSC Body of Works. Year 10 is scheduled to attend the Archibald Exhibition early in Term 3 and Year 9 will make an exciting artwork derived from a mid-year excursion.

The Music Faculty has encouraged their student musicians to subscribe to Meet the Music at the Opera House for the 2018 season, with nearly two dozen students regularly attending these evenings. Senior students attended Encore earlier this week and Year 7 Music students will have an in-school excursion in the near future.

The recent Music Camp held at Galston Crusaders incorporating the Bands (Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2, Junior Stage Band, Big Band and the String Ensemble) and the School Choir, provided a wonderful opportunity for 105 of our talented musicians and singers to rehearse together with intense focus. The Camp was led by our Band Director John Buckley, Choir Director Rachel Kelly and another ten tutors.

Following this, the students performed at the Music Camp Concert Evening last week in the MPC where the audience heard exciting performances by Concert Band 1, Concert Band 2, the Choir and the String Ensemble. Our new Year 7 musicians and singers were a part of this performance. The camp and concert have made for an excellent start to our musical year and I congratulate all who supported and participated in these events. Special thanks to Mrs Coomber, Music Ensemble Coordinator and Mrs Anne Bassett, Music Ensemble Administrator for their dedication and hard work coordinating the Music Camp and Concert.

CAPA 2018 continued next page


HSIE BITS

The year has started with a bang in the Human Society and It’s Environment (HSIE) faculty.

We are excited to welcome two new staff to the team for 2018: Ms Gina Kalisperis, who is joining us to teach Junior and Senior History and Ms Annette Baker, who is teaching Geography, Business Studies, Commerce and Society and Culture.

2018 sees the implementation of the Years 8 and 10 - Geography for the National Curriculum programs, as well as new Stage 6 Ancient and Modern History syllabuses. The HSIE staff have been busy planning exciting lessons with a focus on embedding technology and collaborative learning for all courses. We encourage all students to bring their BYOD devices to class to assist with delivery of new programs.

Liz Ford Head Teacher HSIE (Relieving)

CAPA 2018 continued from previous page

The School Choir with their Director Rachel Kelly, practices each Tuesday morning in Room 321A from 7.30am-8.30am. They had a very successful year in 2017 and look forward to an exciting 2018. Enquiries can be directed to Mrs Coomber or me.

The Music Festival will be held in the MPC on Wednesday 20 June. Pennant Hills High School Bands will perform along with our local Primary School Bands. It is a very entertaining event and one not to be missed.

The Photography Club - The Visual Arts Faculty is will once again run the Pennant Hills High School Photography Club. The Photography Club gives students who are interested in photography the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of taking a photograph. It is a closed online Club formed through the Pennant Hills High School Facebook page called Pennant Hills High School Photography Club. Links to interesting and relevant articles will be posted as well as opportunities for students to post work and get constructive feedback.

The Administrator of the group will once again be Mrs Lauren Erickson, Visual Arts Teacher and both the student’s parent/caregiver and the Visual Arts Faculty need to give approval to join. A theme will be allocated per school term and each student can submit a photograph, or series of photographs, related to the theme.

Using Pennant Hills High School’s Facebook Page, the themed images will be uploaded by Mrs Erickson and people cast their vote by clicking the like on the image voting for. The most likes will win a prize.

After each theme, an enlargement of the winning image will be on display at school and an award will be given to the student at assembly. There will also be an award chosen by the Visual Arts Faculty. Interested parents can join the Photography Club if they wish. Information regarding the commencement of Photography Club 2018 will be announced soon.

Anime Club - A small but dedicated group of students meet each Monday and Wednesday at lunchtime in 4A2 as the Anime Club. All enquiries to me.

Tech Crew - Congratulations and thank you the Technical Support Crew (Light and Sound) for their hard work throughout 2017. They supported all the formal school events including Presentation Night, Festival and Concert Nights, Graduation Assemblies, Year Assemblies and our local primary school end of year Presentation Days. They are: Year 11 - Jack, Max, Matthew and Jessica; Year 10 - Elissa and Myathiri; and Year 8 (not in photograph) - Emma and Isabelle.

We will be recruiting new students to join this busy team in the near future. An announcement will be made via the daily school notices. All enquiries to me in the CAPA staffroom.

CAPA Festival - The CAPA Faculty will hold The CAPA Festival in Term 3 Week 5 from 21-24 August. Mark this week on your calendar as an exciting opportunity to experience Music, Drama and Visual Arts at its best.

We are looking forward to working with our Creative and Performing Arts students throughout 2018 and wish all of our students a positive and inspiring start to the academic year.

Janelle Dennis Head Teacher CAPA


THE YOUNG ENDEAVOUR VOYAGE

From the 15-25 January this year, I was fortunate enough to embark on Voyage 2 of 2018 aboard the STS Young Endeavour, where I learnt a great deal about the intricacies required of sailing a tall ship, developed life-long friendships with my fellow youth crew members (or ‘youthies’ as we were referred to onboard), and learned an invaluable life lesson that I would not have learned under different circumstances. Through my participation on this trip, I realised that in my day-to-day I often lack the self-confidence to state my opinion, and to back myself when I believe a course of action is necessary.

Perhaps it’s necessary that I preface the finer details of this trip with how I was lucky enough to have this opportunity provided to me. Each year the Pennant Hills Rotary Club selects one student from a group of applicants to sponsor for this wonderful opportunity. The process itself consists of writing up an application that asks various questions such as why we feel we should be selected for the scholarship, followed by an interview with Mr John Ellis, who is the representative member of the Rotary Club for this selection process. Based on both the strength of our interviews and the application we provide, Mr Ellis chooses which student he believes the Rotary Club should sponsor. Now I must be frank, when I was applying for the sponsorship I was rather reticent because of the applicants with whom I was competing. For the 2018 voyage there were only three applicants; myself and two Executive members of the Student Leadership Council (SLC). You can imagine that when placed against such involved members of the school community I felt rather insecure about my own achievements in the scheme of what Mr Ellis would be looking for during the interview process. However, these fears were unwarranted, and I was the person selected for the program.

My voyage, V02/18, began in Melbourne and ended in the beautiful Sydney Harbour. It lasted eleven days. To begin, we sailed south and travelled through the Bass Strait and anchored on Deal Island near Tasmania to take in some of the views that the island had to offer and received a navigation brief. Travelling through the Bass Strait was challenging for many reasons, firstly because it was characterised by seasickness for most of the crew. The rocking and swaying of the ship is indescribably foreign and cannot be grasped until you have experienced it for yourself. Through the haze and dysfunction of seasickness we also learnt about how to correctly tie knots and the numerous factors of how to effectively handle the sails of the ship.

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During the first few days of the voyage we focused primarily on sail handling of the fore and aft sails, which are essentially the sails that are not square sails. During the first night of the voyage we spent our time anchored, to allow our stomachs to settle, and allowed each member of the crew to partake in a night climb, where we climbed to the topgallant yard, which is the highest of the three yards (the other two being the topsail yard and the course yard going down). This was particularly spectacular, as even at that height each small bump was compounded to replicate a small wave and was only a taste of what we were to prepare for later in the voyage.

After leaving Deal Island we sailed north, but unfortunately were not able to sail due to persistent northerly winds that worked against us for the majority of the voyage, however on the way up to Jervis Bay as well as Broken Bay where we anchored later on, we practiced sail handling as an entire crew in preparation for Command Day, which is where the crew takes control of the ship for twenty four hours and with a set of tasks to be completed.

For Command Day we elected ‘youthies’ to perform the roles that the Navy crew would typically perform and I was lucky enough to be selected Navigator for the trip. This was challenging because it took me out of my comfort zone in that I had very little understanding of the finer points of navigation, but also because it was my job to navigate the ship safely from Broken Bay to Sydney Harbour.

I had such an amazing time aboard the Young Endeavour. My highlights include climbing up the mast whilst at sea, which is both stressful but also incredibly rewarding, the night watches (12-4) spent with my watch where we were given tasks to complete such as setting a sail and just getting to know one another and being navigator for Command Day as I was able to learn something about myself. There is so much more detail about all the amazing experiences aboard the Young Endeavour I could share here, but in short, I would encourage anyone who is interested, to apply. It is the experience of a lifetime, and I will carry those experiences with me for the rest of my life.

Sam, Year 12 Student

A view from atop the mast.


COLES SCHOOL SPORT PROGRAM

We are excited to announce that Pennant Hills High School is participating in the Coles Sport for Schools Program. We would like your help. Please see below for more details on what you can do:

YEAR 7 ORIENTATION CAMP RECOUNT

The Camp was held on 6 and 7 February 2018. After everyone was put into 10 different groups we were sent to different activities. My group’s first activity was the power fan and the zip line where my group would climb up a giant wooden pole and then jump off the top and fall to the ground. The cool thing is that you are being supported by a cable that uses air resistance to slow your descent. The zip line ran from another giant wooden pole to the power fan’s pole. I personally am terrified of heights.

Written by Elliott, Edited by Jimmy, Year 7 Students


COMMUNITY NOTICES AND CONTACTS COMING EVENTS

Cherrybrook ‘Movie Under the Stars’ Showing Finding Dory: At John Purchse Oval, access behind Cherrybrook Community Centre on Saturday 3 March from 7.30pm. Gold coin donation. Food, drinks and novelties on sale from 4.30pm. Bring a blanket. Fireworks after the movie. Visit cherrybrookmovieunderthestars.com

West Pennant Hills Rotary Club - 2018 Annual Giant Book Sale: At the Uniting Church, 134 New Line Rd, Cherrybrook from Friday 16-Sunday 18 March. Wanting donations of books in good condition, original CD’s, DVD’s, records and sheet music. Ring the hotline on 0468 330 667 for more details and drop-off points.

English Classes at St Marks Anglican Church: At the Corner of Rosemount Ave and Warne St, Pennant Hills on Mondays during school terms from 9.30am-12.00pm. Commenced Monday 5 February cost $2.00 per week. Contact Patricia - English Classes Coordinator on 9880 8012 or email [email protected]. Come and learn English in a friendly and relaxed group. Morning tea is provided. Creche is available for preschool aged children.

STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Rotary Youth Exchange: the opportunity of a lifetime for young Australians currently in Year 9 or 10. Expand your horizons with a year on Rotary Exchange. Discover a different culture - www.rotaryyouthexchange.net.au

Southern Cross Cultural Exchange: Information sessions www.scce.com.au or 1800 500 051.

LATTITUDE AUSTRALIA Volunteering and gap year placements for U/25s - www.lattitude.org.au or (03) 9826 6266

Student Exchange Australia NZ www.studentexchange.org.au or 9997 0700.

World Education Program Australia (WEP) www.wep.org.au or 1300 884 733 or on Facebook (wepaustralia)

Australian Institute of International Understanding (AIIU) www.aiiu.om.au or 1800 174 407 - program costs apply.

Lions Youth Exchange Program for 17-21 year olds - www.lionsclubs.org.au/ye

STS Student Exchange www.sts-education.com.au or 1800 263 964

AFS Intercultural Programs Australia www.afs.org.au or 1800 023 982 RECREATION AND SPORTING GROUPS Oakhill Drive Netball Club Players Wanted: Junior players U7/8/12’s and Senior players U15/16—17/18—21’s. Please contact the registrar Leanne Scowen at [email protected] or 0412 561 114.

Northern District Hockey Association: www.ndhockey.com.au or phone 0419 299 808 (Adrian) or 0438 119 729 (Robert). U5 - U9 ‘Minkey’. U11, U13 and U15 mixed junior comp. Play on a world class artificial turf facility at Pennant Hills Park.

West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Football Club: www.wphcfc.net.au

Rugby Connect - Trytons: is a Rugby Union program developed for boys and girls with special needs between the ages of 5-17 years. The season is run by Sydney Junior Rugby with the assistance of the Australian Rugby Union and NSW Rugby. Contact Matt Kellahan [email protected] or phone 9323 3407.

Hills Hawks Softball: All ages 4-adult welcome - www.hillshawks.softball.org.au or phone Hazel - 0414 474 461

Pennant Hills District Cricket Club: (15 years and over) pennanthillscricket.com.au Registration enquiries: [email protected] or SMS 0450 226 158.

North Sydney Girls Cricket Association: www.nsgca.nsw.cricket.com.au/

Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Rugby League Club: www.pennostags.com. All ages.

Beecroft Cherrybrook Junior Rugby Union Club: www.beecroftjuniors.com.au or phone Nicola 0402 677 180.

Cherrybrook Table Tennis Club: 0412 520 854 - Enjoy social and competition table tennis.

Sydney Zodiacs Youth Dragon Boat Club: www.dbnsw.org.au or [email protected] or 0410 655 764

Epping RSL Golden Kangaroos Marching Band: www.gks.org.au or 9868 3289

Northern Sydney Youth Orchestra: for young musicians. Not-for-profit organisation. http://www.nsyo.org.au Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Strings Orchestra. Weekly rehearsals at Beecroft on Wednesdays.

2nd/3rd Pennant Hills Scout Group: 0408 121 690 (Greg Smithson) - Tuesdays (7-11) and Wednesdays (10-15).

Pennant Hills Girl Guides: Mondays - Guides (10-14) 5.30-7.30pm; Senior Guides (14-18) 7.00-9.00pm. 0438 284 592 (Fiona)

Hornsby District Athletics (children aged 4 - 17): Saturday mornings at Pennant Hills Park www.hdlac.org.au

Cherrybrook Athletics Club (children aged 5 - 16): Friday nights 5.45pm - 8.00pm www.cherrybrookathletics.org.au

Taiko Drumming (a blend of choreography, drumming, movement and music for everyone): www.taikoz.com

St Agatha’s Youth Group: for students from Years 7 to 9 - www.stagatha.org.au or 0409 847 208 (Laura)

West Pennant Hills Netball: www.westpennanthills.netball.asn.au/ or http://www.facebook.com/WPHNC ‘Netta’ 7 - 9 years; Junior 10 - 15 years; Senior 16 years and above.

Thornleigh Softball: All games played at Galston. Contact Sharon - 0407 442 402. www.thornleighsports.org.au/softball

Cherrybrook United Netball Club: Games played at Pennant Hills Park. Modified ‘Net Set Go’ (5 - 9) Friday evenings; Juniors (10 - 15) Saturday mornings; Seniors (16 - open) Saturday afternoons. Phone Keryn on 0412 693 224

Castle Hill BMX Club: Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill. Facebook: facebook.com/castlehillbmx President: Michael 0404 093 303. Email: [email protected]

Hornsby Junior Touch Footy: All games played at Foxglove Oval, Mt Colah. Girls 9s–17s; Boys 9s–15s. Information/Registration: hornsby.mytouchfooty.com

North Rocks Softball: Teeball, Modball, Softball - school terms only - 5 years to adults - social and competitive. Information/Registration: northrockssoftball.org.au or phone: 0406 852 851.

Asquith Netball: All skill levels welcome. Information Linda Wilton 0403 214 410 or [email protected]

Pennant Hills Netball Club: pennanthillsnc.nsw.netball.com.au


DISCLAIMER Advertisements in this newsletter are included as a community service or a source of revenue to offset newsletter production costs. They should not in any way be seen as an endorsement or recommendation by the school.

COMMUNITY NOTICES AND CONTACTS HELPERS NEEDED Foster families needed: Department of Family and Community Services - 8303 7644 Carers can be singles, couples, with or without children, and from any cultural background.

Foster carers needed: Key Assets NSW, a dynamic not-for-profit foster care provider - 8336 5700 Providing high quality and innovative family placements for children and young people with varying needs.

Volunteer with Easy Care Gardening: www.easycaregardening.org.au or 9983 1644 (Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai)

Bilingual Volunteers Needed: City of Sydney Meals on Wheels - For more information, phone 8512 4230.

Lifeline Telephone Volunteers needed: It’s never too late to make a difference … or to learn new skills. Join a team of volunteers on the crisis support line based at Gordon. Training is comprehensive and ongoing support is provided for all volunteer counsellors. More information: 9498 8805 or [email protected]

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND SUPPORT Free adult Literacy and Numeracy classes - Meadowbank TAFE: 9942 3572. Reading, writing and speaking.

Free English courses for adult migrants - www.ames.edu.au: Classes at Hornsby, Chatswood and Eastwood.

English Classes - Wednesday evenings from 7.00pm - 9.00pm during school terms. Cost $3.00 per week. West Pennant Hills Community Church, 41 - 43 Eaton Road, West Pennant Hills. Information and to register: 9872 4200.

The Kids Are All Right Website for parents of Australian teenagers. Go to www.thekidsareallright.com.au.

Tertiary Scholarships for children and grandchildren of Ex-Service Men and Women: Students selected on merit. Information and applications: www.avcat.org.au or phone 9213 7999 or 1800 620 361 (voicemail)

Jack’s Youth Café at Hornsby (run by Fusion Sydney North): 5 Jersey Street Hornsby (a short walk from the station). After school activities for students in a safe environment, Tuesdays - Fridays 3.00pm - 6.00pm. Phone: 9477 1110.

Ability Options: a FREE service helping people with a disability into the job that’s right for them. More information: abilityoptions.org.au or contact Caroline Krix on 8811 1717 or [email protected]

Ability Links: supporting people with a disability, their families and carers to achieve their goals in life. For more information phone 8830 0768 or email [email protected]

Foster Care Association NSW: Advocacy, support and information for foster carers. www.fcansw.org.au or 4987 1847

Healthy Kids FREE Parent e-zine: important nutrition information and great recipes: www.healthy-kids.com.au

Enrol to Vote: If you are an Australian citizen who is 18 years of age or older, you must vote at all elections. Check if you’re enrolled at www.votensw.info, enrol to vote at www.aec.gov.au or phone 1300 135 736

Uniting Care Northmead: 8839 5107 - Workshops and counselling for parents. Phone for more information.

TOUGHLOVE: 1300 856 830 - Parents helping parents to deal with problems of unacceptable adolescent behaviour.

Parenting Education for Mums, Dad and Carers: www.nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au/caparenting Information and education provided by NSW Health - Northern Sydney Central Coast.

Centacare Broken Bay: 9488 2523 - Advice and support for parents.

Depression Support Group: 1300 794 991. Hornsby RSL - first Sunday of each month. Run by Association of Relative and Friends of the Mentally Ill.

Parent Line: www.parentline.org.au or 1300 1300 52 - Free professional service 24 hours every day.

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 - Free confidential service 24 hours every day.

Mission Australia: 9480 2500 - Free case management and counselling support for young people and families.

Single With Children: www.singlewithchildren.com.au or 1300 300 496 Non-profit social group providing exciting activities for single parents and their children.

Sydney Single Parents: www.SydneySingleParents.org.au or 9634 7502 (Hills) or 9411 1858 (Northside)

Hills Family Centre: 8805 7288 - Workshops and courses for parents and families.

Wesley Mission Family/Youth Services (the Hills): www.wesleymission.org.au/centres/wesleydalmar/ or 8805 7288

Community Life Church Cherrybrook Life Centre: 9651 3534 - Counselling and parenting courses available.

Newcomers Club: www.sydneynewcomers.com.au - Social club for women, offering support and friendship.

NSW Health Free Dental Clinic for 12-25 year olds: 9687 2544 - High Street Youth Health Service, Harris Park.

Rotary Club of Thornleigh Farm Markets: Third Sunday of every month - 8.00am - 12.00noon - Phyllis St, Thornleigh

Christ Evangelical Centre of Australia Chinese Language School: 0410 613 814 (Jenny)

Cybersmart website: www.cybersmart.gov.au - Part of the Australian Government’s cybersafety program.

The Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register: www.vifamilynetwork.org.au The Register collects and uses data to improve services for children and to research eye disease and disorders of vision.

Bedford College Play Sessions for children (0 - 5 years) and their parents/carers: Fridays 9.30am - 11.30am at 2 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills. Small fee includes morning tea for children and their carers. Bookings: 1300 174 174

CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay: counselling, parenting and support groups. 9488 2400 or [email protected]

Our Space - Integrated Youth Service Hub, Eastwood: bringing together a variety of services committed to improving the wellbeing of young people aged 11–18 years. Information: www.ourspace.org.au or 9874 7458.

St Vincent de Paul Society: Interest free loans to low income families for essential household items. Phone 9477 5010


Responsibility

Integrity

Achievement