Mackellar Girls Campus Newsletter 20 SEPTEMBER 2019

Term 3, Week 9 Meeting the educational needs of girls

P&C Meeting Wednesday 6 NOVEMBER 2019

Director General’s Award for Turning Potential into Performance Director General’s Award for Excellence in Girls Education

Director General’s Award for Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education Director General’s Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Programs

Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Pacific Islander Programs

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Attendance of students All students, excepting Year 12, will be required to attend school up until the last day of teaching, Wednesday 18 December 2019. It has become concerning how many families take their daughters out of school to have a holiday in school time. Each day at school, the girls learn new skills that are required for their learning that year and every year that follows, as well as learning knowledge. When a student misses work, it is lost; it is not repeated, and they will likely miss gaining these important skills. Your daughter’s education demands that she is at school. Our average student attendance is 90%. A student whose attendance at school is 90% will miss one and a half years of schooling over their time at school. As I said initially, this is very concerning, and I ask parents to reconsider the importance of their child’s attendance. Book Week Mackellar has many events that bring the school together with a real community feel. Our Book Week Parade is one of these very special days. The program highlighted students’ love of reading, with students and staff parading in their favourite book characters, prefects singing about the joys of reading, and students being fully engaged in a gamut of reading genre. On National Indigenous Literacy Day, Mackellar certainly joined in the celebration of reading and supported Indigenous literacy endeavours. Year 12’s last days Year 12 students are in their last moments of formal schooling. It is a sad time for them and yet an exciting time to be finishing school. It is very easy to become distracted in this time because of the activities, functions and emotions involved. The need to maintain a focus is important. Students should organise a plan for study that is systematic. They should ensure they eat properly, take regular exercise, have regular sleep and engage in some enjoyable activities. They should practice those things that reduce stress for them. This should avert the need for high stress, panic-driven study during the HSC. The teachers of the school have enjoyed the opportunity to teach this wonderful group of students over the last six years. They are fine people and we will miss them and their contribution to the school. I wish them all well in their future. Yearly Examinations The Yearly Examinations are an important event in the academic progress for each student. They provide a measure of each student’s learning for the year, and provide valuable information for the teaching and learning in the following year. It is therefore important that all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 sit their Yearly Examinations. Unless students will be absent from the examinations due to school commitments, all students must sit their examinations at the specified time. It is inappropriate for students to take leave during their examination period, and examinations will not be rescheduled for absent students.

EMAILING THE SCHOOL - Please use ONLY the nbscmgirls-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au email address for correspondence. DEDICATED SMS NUMBER—Please text 0427 459 133 before 9am to advise late or absent students

Freshwater Community Bank is the proud Community Sponsor

of Mackellar Girls Campus Manly Vale

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Our examination schedule for the year is Year 12: HSC Half -Yearly examinations and Trial HSC examination Year 11: Yearly examinations Year 10: Half-Yearly (in some subjects) and Yearly examinations 28 October – 1 November Year 9: Yearly examinations 11-15 November Years 7 and 8: Yearly examinations: 4-8 November School Visitors As a school we have a duty of care of our students. As such, all visitors to the school must firstly go the office, and if their visit is appropriate beyond the foyer area, sign in as a visitor and be given a visitor’s badge to wear for the duration of their stay in the school. This applies to parents who come to the school to see a teacher or student. It is not appropriate for parents to email any staff directly. Staff will not respond to any email they receive directly from a parent. Parents are welcome to either write a letter or send an email to the school email address, where it will then be forwarded to the teacher, Deputy Principal or Principal. Change of family details If you change address, telephone numbers (including mobiles), email address or name it is important to notify the school office, either directly or by sending the information with your daughter to hand in to the office. Congratulations for high achievement to: Charlotte (Y12) for her results in the Australian All Schools National Swimming Championships – 1st

place in 7 events, one 2nd place and one 3rd, and was awarded Female Swimmer of the Meet, and her 11th in the 400m IM at the Junior World Championships

Bianca and Sacha (Y12) for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards the Junior Nitro Athletics team for winning the NSW Championships Madeline (Y12) for her 6th place in the NSW Irish Dancing Championships Heidi (Y10) for her selection as a featured dancer in Schools Spectacular Mali (Y9) for her 1st place in the Interschools Alpine GS Multiclass Division 2 Isabel (Y8) for her selection for the International Tour of the Australian Girls Choir Millie (Y7) for her 1st place in Regional Gymnastics U15 Bars and Mia (Y7) for 3rd in Floor Isabella (Y11) and Sophie (Y9) for being selected as finalists in the Northern Beaches Young

Writers’ Competition the Science Techno Museum Outstanding Achievement Award team members for Recycling Plastics –

Romy, Jemma, Isabel, Jasmine, Alexia (Y8)

Christine Del Gallo, Principal 

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W@M Report

Year 7 - Our Year 7 students have had a busy Term 3. Apart from the usual assessment tasks to complete, the girls were also involved in our charity cake stall. We had an overwhelming amount of cakes to sell, which shows the generosity of spirit of the girls. Congratulations to all those who helped out on the day by bringing food, helping sell or purchasing and donating. We are so proud of the girls for their participation and involvement. We hope the growth mindset they all displayed is carried through to their classwork and also in their preparation for the Yearly Examinations which will be in Week 4 next term. Year 7 also experienced their first Mackellar Book Parade and are to be congratulated for their level of participation. We were all impressed with their creativity and courage to join in. Year 7 participated in our Literacy Day in Week 8 which provided them with a revision of Literacy skills that they should be using across all of their subjects. The girls also recently attended the InRhythm incursion. This group drumming workshop was an enjoyable experience and a fun diversion for the students. Group drumming brings people together in a non-competitive space and fosters teamwork. Much research also shows it to have therapeutic benefits in helping to regulate our nervous system as well as calming the fight-flight response. In W@M this term the students have been discussing Emotional Intelligence (EI) and the importance of self-regulation and self-awareness. Students were taught that we all have responsibility - the ability to choose our response to any situation. Managing our emotions will allow us to make the appropriate choices on how to respond to a given situation. Recognising and understanding emotions in ourselves and others, as well as the ability to use this awareness allows one to have greater control of their behaviour and relationships. Importantly EI is a skill that can be developed, which will have a positive effect on one’s life – a high EI is a much greater indicator of success and satisfaction than IQ. Ms Goykovic, Ms Maxwell & Ms Adams—Year 7 Advisers

Year 8 – Earlier this term Year 8 participated in a full day of workshops run by KYDS Youth Development Services. The workshops focused on mental health, bullying and cyber-safety as well as communication skills, and were very well received by the students. In our W@M sessions students have been continuing to explore character strengths. The girls were asked to choose a strength they value (but is not one of their signature strengths) and consider examples of how to use it in various situations. For example, they may value the strength of self-regulation and could show they were using it by limiting their own screen time or making sure all their homework was completed before watching their favourite TV show. They also spent time in W@M discussing positive self-talk and how to challenge their negative thinking. Remind your daughter(s) of the strategies they have discussed in these sessions to help change harmful thoughts into more helpful thoughts. These include: reality testing, looking for alternate explanations, ’putting it in perspective’ and making use of goal–directed thinking. These strategies are especially important as Term 4, and Yearly Examinations, approach in helping to change any anxious thoughts about exams into realistic thoughts to stay focused and do their personal best. A reminder that when the girls return in Term 4 they are to be wearing their summer uniform. As they are at an age of frequent growth spirts, make sure to check the length during the holidays and make appropriate adjustments. Mrs Karandonis, Mrs Maconachie & Mr Beeby—Year 8 Advisers

Year 9 - The students have been discussing confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favour, and recall information in a way that confirms one's pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses.

It is a type of cognitive bias and a systematic error of inductive reasoning. People display this bias when they gather or remember information selectively, or when they interpret it in a biased way. The effect is stronger for desired outcomes, emotionally charged issues, and for deeply entrenched-beliefs.

What evidence shows is that our brain goes through the world looking for confirmation not information. Confirmation bias causes us to:

• notice and remember evidence that supports our thoughts and beliefs. (Velcro effect what sticks) • not notice and not remember evidence that does NOT support out thoughts and beliefs. (Teflon effect what slides off)

Students watched a You tube clip on confirmation bias which helped them identify that it:

• could be at work if you use the words ‘yeah, but…’ • is not intentional • is not in our awareness • is stronger when our beliefs are stronger • can be positive (e.g. I’m awesome) or negative (e.g. I’m a loser)

You tube clip link - What is confirmation bias? (3:31ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOjIAiJCNIk

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Students were then required to draw up a table of how to fight confirmation bias. This includes Distancing yourself your thought/belief- write it down. Asking fair questions to find evidence for and against your belief and Consulting with others-another perspective will help you see if you have missed anything.

Example of Confirmation bias:

The take home lesson for students is to look for “confirmation bias” and remember that we are all prone to believe what we want to believe. Seeking to confirm our beliefs comes naturally, while it feels strong and counterintuitive to look for evidence that contradicts our beliefs. This explains why opinions survive and spread. Disconfirming instances are far more powerful in establishing the truth. Disconfirmation would require looking for evidence to disprove it.

Looking for “confirmation bias” and instances to prove when we are wrong is perhaps a true definition of self-confidence: the ability to look at the world without the need to look for instances that please your ego. Ms Biswell & Ms Joldzic—Year 9 Advisers Year 10—Last week, Year 10 attended BStreetsmart. This incredible excursion has been designed to teach young people about ways to prevent collisions and crashes on the road. Our students learnt about the dangers of texting whilst driving, as well as the influence of alcohol and distraction. We expect that our girls will be responsible on the road and the day was invaluable in making sure they understand how to stay safe once they’re drivers. Our students also participated in High Resolves, where they learnt about the importance of collective responsibility. The girls took part in a role play where they pretended to be the countries of the world responding to various crises and negotiating deals to better society. It was a great experience where they were able to learn about the importance of working together, rather than individually, for the greater good. We were very impressed with the maturity and compassion with which they completed the tasks. Coming up early next term is Yearly Examinations. Year 10 is reminded that they must study well, and students can begin this process now by making detailed notes and revising content they have learnt this year. Year 10 should be working to their personal best and applying themselves diligently, as the habits they establish now will be the foundations of their study habits for Year 11 and ultimately their HSC. Ms Hawes & Ms Coles—Year 10 Advisers

Year 11—As we approach the end of Term 3 we are also approaching the end of Year 11. The students are now half way through their Yearly Examination period. We have encouraged the girls to prepare thoroughly by constructing a study timetable, refining their study notes and using their syllabus and exam notifications for guidance. Having a quiet study space is also essential for success. Students should be reminded that our local libraries offer excellent spaces and resources for study outside of school times. This term’s W@M session was a great success as the girls enjoyed a dance session that should have released endorphins and is a great example of a quick way to boost energy. The students also prepared a hugely successful skit and dance performance for the Book Parade in Week 8. They looked fabulous dressed as characters from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The entire year group was involved and we have been very impressed to see them working together and demonstrating such great school spirit. Ms Peachy and Mrs Reed—Year 11 Advisers Year 12—It is hard to believe that after 23 terms of high school since the start of January 2014, the days are now in single digits before Year 12s complete their schooling. At our final W@M session the girls had a fantastic and fun time participating in Just Dance. The memorable Year 12 dance-off performance in the school’s annual Book Parade has been the highlight of the term and has brought the cohort together. Whether it be the commitment the girls have shown throughout rehearsals or seeing Leilahni living up to her dream of being a villain against Captain Mackellar, this would be one of the many happy memories the girls will treasure in the years to come.

Example: Having the belief “I’m a loser”-VELCRO –what sticks

TELFON-what slides

Everyone got up when I sat down at lunch

A class mate didn’t invite me to her party

Two girls were laughing in the hallway

Three girls invited her to sit with them

Only 4 people in a class of 20 were invited to the party

The two girls were laughing at a joke a third girl just told them

Have I missed anything? Example: “ I really have quite a few really good friends and I guess if I actually was a loser they wouldn’t be hanging around with me”.

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The girls have planned a series of exciting activities during the final week of term, however it is important for them to not lose the sight of the HSC Examinations that are happening after the holiday break. The teachers are spending an incredible amount of time preparing a range of revision activities for the girls during the last weeks of term. We encourage the girls to take the wisdom offered by the teachers and maintain this momentum throughout the holiday break in preparation for the HSC exams. The Year 12 Graduation will be held in the School Hall on Thursday 26th September at 6pm. The girls will need to be in the Performance Space before 5.30pm as they will need to be dressed in their graduation robes. On the following morning at 8.00am, the girls are invited to breakfast in A Block courtyard to celebrate their completion of high school with teachers and staff. This will be followed by a Year 12 Formal Assembly at 9.30am in the School Hall. If you have not RSVP’d your invite, please notify the Front Office as soon as possible to ensure adequate seating is available for both events. As Year Advisers, it has been an incredible six years witnessing the growth and journey that each girl has taken throughout her time in Mackellar. On behalf of the girls, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the teachers and staff as well as you, the parents and carers, in supporting the girls throughout their high school years. Whilst this is a sad time to see the girls leave, we cannot wait to hear the amazing adventures they will embark on in the next chapter of their lives. Year 12, all the best for your HSC exams and the future. Our last piece of advice to you is to do your best and believe in yourself because, Mackellar girls can do anything! Miss Reeves & Miss Leung—Year 12 Advisers

WELFARE REPORT Manly Fun Run On Sunday September 1st a number of our Mackellar Girls Prefects and Year 11 students gave their time to volunteer at the annual Manly Rotary Fun Run. The girls and their teachers, Ms Coles and Mrs Lombardo, arrived at Manly at 6:30am to help Manly Rotary organisers set up for the event. The girls worked tirelessly to help ensure the day was a great success. They set up barricades, assisted people with their registrations and the marshalling of runners. However, the girls said that the highlight of the day was handing out medals to all participants. The organisers of the day were very appreciative of the help from the Mackellar Girls and praised the girls for their hard work and professionalism. Manly Rotary support local charities and organisations such as Stewart House and Royal Far West. They also support Stand Tall, which many of our girls at Mackellar have benefited from through youth leadership programs and camps. It was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful community organisation. CanTeen The Welfare team at Mackellar are working with CanTeen to help support our students whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Through CanTeen young people learn to explore and deal with their feelings about cancer and connect with other young people. This way, young people know they are not alone. By feeling supported, young people will develop resilience as cancer can turn a young person’s world upside down. In week 6, Term 4 2019 we will be running a group session for students at Mackellar impacted by cancer. The session will be one hour in length and run by counsellors from CanTeen with expertise in this area. Ongoing support will also be provided to our students following this session. If your daughter has been impacted by cancer, whether it is a family member, friend or they have been diagnosed with cancer and you would like her to take part in this session please contact Mrs Kerrie Lombardo, Relieving Head Teacher Welfare, for further information via the school email.

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Year 10 Yearly Examination Timetable 2019 In Week 3, Term 4, Year 10 will be sitting their Yearly Examinations. Students have been asked to advise the HT Welfare if they will be absent due to School Business, such as the School Spectacular rehearsals, so that exams can be rescheduled. Students will be emailed the timetable and the school’s exam policy document early next term. Please note that there will be no scheduled exam during 4c on Wednesday so the students will be allowed to leave school at 2.35pm in order to utilise this time for home study. Please see the timetable below for your information. Week 3: 28 October – 1 November 2019 English, Maths, Science – 2 hrs Geography, History, PDHPE and Electives – 1 hr

Week 3  Monday

28/10 Tuesday

29/10 Wednesday

30/10 Thursday

31/10 Friday 1/11 

 1A 

 PDHPE 

 History 

  Visual Arts 

  Digital Media   

Child Studies 

IST 

Tex les   

1B   PDHPE 

 History 

 Visual Arts   

       Digital Media   

Child Studies 

IST 

Tex les      DEAR  ASSEMBLY  DEAR  W@M 

RECESS 

2A  Study  Study  Study   

Study  History Elec ve Music 

2B  English  Science  Geography  Maths  History Elec ve Music 

3A  English  Science  Geography  Maths  German 

Drama 

Japanese 

3B  English  Science   

Maths  German 

Drama Japanese 

LUNCH 

 4A 

Commerce  Food Technology   4A        PASS   Design & 

Tech 

 Dance French 

 4B 

Commerce  Food Technology    4B        PASS   4C    Dismissed to go home to study 

 Design & 

Tech 

Dance French 

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LIBRARY UPDATE - It is coming up to the end of the term and we have been busy bees over the past few weeks! Term 3 is arguably the best term of the year with our wonderful Great Book Swap and Book Parade taking place. This year was no different with amazing costumes, music and fun taking in Weeks 7 and 8. The Indigenous Literacy Foundation has a fundraiser, the Great Book Swap, each year and Mackellar has participated over the past several years. It is a great time for students and staff to get involved in their own literacy and help a phenomenal cause at the same time. A huge thank you to the Year 10 Accelerated Aboriginal Studies class and Ms Saunders for their help on the day and delicious cake stall they ran. Together, Mackellar raised over $400 which is a wonderful effort. This will be donated and put towards buying books for children in remote communities. And as always, the highlight of the Mackellar year, the Book Parade, rolled around in Week 8. This year the theme was “stories have power” and boy, did we see some power on show! Thank you to all the students who dressed up, our amazing Year 11 and 12 students who had some entertaining medley performances, and all teachers who were involved. It really makes the day such a fun and cheerful event. Highlights of the day include: Mr Fisher’s wardrobe; the year 10 group of girls dressed as trees and the Lorax, and some fantastic superheroes from the SASS staff. We cannot wait to start preparing for next year! Ms Reed and Ms Langford

DUKE OF EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL AWARD Congratulations to Bianca and Sacha who were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at a special award ceremony last week. The girls were presented their certificates at a National Gold ceremony as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Award in Australia. More than 200 students from across Australia were presented to His Royal Highness, The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex at Sydney Town Hall. The girls were also in the company of some great Australian celebrities including Dawn Fraser AC, Layne Beachley AO, Eddie Woo, Indira Naidoo and Jack Thompson AM. The Earl of Wessex told awardees to leave Sydney's Town Hall walking "a few inches taller" and be proud of their personal achievement, and the impact they made on their communities. "As you know, there are lots of other young people out there who say 'Oh, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, I could do that!'. The difference is, you know you can," he said. Bianca and Sacha have devoted at least one hour a week for a year to physical activity, the development of a skill and community service, as well as completing an expedition and residential project. Both girls have completed bronze and silver awards as well, which require the same commitments for three and six month periods.

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MUSIC NEWS - Farewell Year 12 Musicians It is the time of the year that we say farewell to our wonderful Year 12 Musicians. Ishbel, Bianca, Sacha, Katerina, Aleta, Georgia, Brianna, Danae, Lydia have all dedicated 6 years to instrumental music ensembles at Mackellar Girls. They have been unwavering in attending rehearsals and performances, managing their time with their other studies to become valued, well respected and fantastic role models for younger students. We wish them success in life after school and know that the instrumental program has contributed to their well-rounded education. Farewell and thank you to Year 12 parents Rhonda Williams and Bronwyn Wassell who have been absolutely wonderful in helping run the kiosk for Music Nights for 6 years. We are forever grateful to you for constantly putting your hands up to help and seeing your friendly faces. Congratulations to the Big Band for helping provide a fun atmosphere at Book Parade. Big Band at Manly International Jazz Festival Please bring family and friends to listen to the Big Band perform for the 8th year in a row at the Manly Jazz Festival on Saturday 5th October at 4pm on the “Stars of the Future Stage” in front of the Manly Council Chambers on Manly Corso. Students who are performing are to arrive at 3pm in performance blacks. Gigs - Please mark Calendars

Vanessa Patterson, Band Director

Saturday 5th October Manly Jazz Festival Big Band 4pm Performance “Stars of the Future Stage” (Arrive 3pm)

Term 4

Sunday 3rd Novem-ber

“Jump Into Spring” Festival Mona Vale

Big Band, Vocal Ensemble

Between 2pm- 4pm

Tuesday 19th No-vember

Volunteers Night (TBC)

Stage Band, Jazz Impro, Big Band

TBC from 5:45pm

Friday 29th Novem-ber 29th

CAPA Assembly Big Band, Vocal Ensemble plus more

Morning

Tuesday 3rd Decem-ber

Orientation Day Concert Band Morning

Wednesday 4th De-cember

Zonta Breakfast Long Reef Golf Club

Mackellar Singers 7am

Wednesday 9th De-cember

Multicultural Day Stage Band, Big Band

During Day

Thursday 12th De-cember

Year 10 Assembly Big Band 9:30am

Friday 13th Decem-ber

Presentation Day Performance Band, Orchestra, Vocal Ensemble

10am performance

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P&C NEWS - Dear Parents and Carers, The next P&C meeting will be held early next term on Wednesday 6th November at 7.30pm in the Staff common room in A block, just through the front office. This is our last meeting for the year so please come along. For all P&C enquiries, please contact Sally Gee pandcmackellar@yahoo.com.au Cristina Anderson, P&C Regional Representative

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS -  A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE HELPED IN OUR UNIFORM SHOP THIS TERM.  Please see below dates I require help and email myself if you can assist:  Monday 23 September 9.00—11.30am and 1.15—2.15pm Wednesday 25 September 12.00—2.00pm Term 4 Monday 14 October 9.00—11.30am and 1.15—2.15pm Wednesday 16 October 12.00—2.00pm Monday 21 October 9.00—11.30am and 1.15—2.15pm Wednesday 23 October 12.00—2.00pm TERM 4—GIRLS RETURN TO SCHOOL IN SUMMER UNIFORM. Enjoy the School Holidays

Leigh McPherson — Uniform Shop Coordinator Email: uniformshop@mackellarpandc.com

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