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From the Principal’s Desk

Mac Chat Newsletter

Respect, Responsibility, Pride

August 2019

Issue 5

38 Waterworth Drive, EMAIL: [email protected]

NARELLAN VALE NSW 2567 WEB: www.elizabeth-h.schools.gov.edu.au

PH: 4646 1899 FAX: 4647 1569

"Shaping the future, by pursuing excellence and creating boundless opportunities."

Last term I was seconded to State Office to lead the State Implementation of the HSC Minimum Standard policy. This would not have been possible without the support of our relieving Principals Mr Taoetolu and Mrs Morrissey. I can’t thank them enough for the wonderful job they did keeping the school on this incredible journey. It was a wonderful experience for me to visit schools across the state and see what amazing programs they are delivering to our students. It reaffirmed for me two things.

1) Public schools do an amazing job for the children of NSW and

2) Elizabeth Macarthur High School is one of the most amazing public schools.

I visited several schools that were singled out for the great programs they ran. They were all great programs and great schools, but every time I went there I realised that each school runs one great program where Elizabeth Macarthur runs 100 great programs and does them well. We live our values platform of ‘Pursuing excellence and creating boundless opportunities’. To this end please follow us on Facebook as we have been trying to showcase some of the great programs that we run. Programs such as the inquiry learning, maths extension, drama, dance, COS Showcase, literacy classes, knitting club, chess club, robotics club, Clontarf, sporting teams etc.

To affirm what an outstanding school Elizabeth Macarthur High School is, on Tuesday 27 August, we were invited to the Sydney Town Hall to receive a Secretary and Ministers Award for School Excellence. This is a highly prestigious state award and while I have the honour of receiving this special award, it goes to all the staff who have worked so hard to achieve our incredible valued added success. The main winners though are the students who benefit from these results and continue to thrive and succeed at EMHS.

Congratulations also to our Macarthur Network Award winners - Mr Velasquez who received Executive Member of the Year for Macarthur. Mr Wiggins, Mr Ellis and Ms McClatchey also received awards in their respective categories.

I also want to recognise Ms Thomas and Ms Morrissey who have forged a relationship with NASA Space Camp to allow 3 students to attend Space Camp. Two boys Jake and Zak from Year 8 attended Space Camp in America last holidays and next holidays Chelsea from Year 10 will be attending the Vision Impaired Space Camp. I will be very excited in a decade or two if I hear an Australian astronaut is part of the Space Program and it happens to be one of these of students.

We had a very successful COS2567 Showcase that saw Narellan Vale Public, Narellan Public, Yandelora

Mac Chat Newsletter Volume 1, I ssue 5

From the Principal cont…..

AUGUST— SEPTEMBER 2019 M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I

Jul 26

Deadly Homework club

27 28

Dance Competition

29

AEEP Farm Club

30

Sept 2

P & C Meeting

Deadly Homework

club

3 4 5

AEEP Farm Club

6

9


10

ICAS Mathematics

competition

11

Maths Olympiad

UTS Faculty Work-

shops Yrs 10 & 11

12

R U Ok Day

AEEP Farm Club

ICAS Science com-

13

UTS Faculty Work-

shops Yrs 10 & 11

16

Year 11 Exams

Deadly Homework

club

17

Year 11 Exams

Leadership thank you

Afternoon Tea

18

Year 11 Exams

19

Year 11 Exams

AEEP Farm Club

20

Year 11 Exams

23

Year 11 Exams

Year 12 Graduation

rehearsal


24

Year 11 Exams

25

Year 12 Graduation/

Presentation Day

Year 11 Exams

26

Year 11 Exams

Year 12 Picnic Day

AEEP Farm Club

27

Year 11 Exams

Term 3 ends

SSP and Elizabeth Macarthur High students perform a wonderful showcase. Thank you to the P&C who supported parents with a BBQ and thank you to all the parents who attended to make the event a really special night for the students.

Thank you also to Ms Nightscales, Mr Clements, Ms Cox, Ms Brooks and Ms Maharaj-Sciberras for their presentations of their inquiry research at Project EPIC 2019 Showcase on the 9 August. Their presentations were about Growth Mindset, High Order Learning and Formative Assessment where they presented their research to a room of 150 educators.

As we approach the end of term, I would like to wish Year 11 good luck with their final exams in weeks 9 & 10.

Mr Toaetolu has also been seconded until the end of the year to relieve as Principal at Bass High School. Mr Ellis will continue on in his role of relieving Deputy Principal.

Ms Kylie Hedger Principal


Deadly Homework Centre

Monday afternoons

Location: Elizabeth Macarthur High

School Library.

Time: 3.15pm-4.45pm

Permission note on website in

Parent Portal

Up Coming Events

Ella Batterham—Arts Unit State Choir

Year 10 Choir and Music student Ella Batterham was successful in gaining a

position in the Arts unit 2019 State Choir program. This program provides an

opportunity for 80 dedicated and talented choristers from across New South

Wales to sing challenging repertoire with some of Australia’s leading choral

directors. Performances will be on the 2nd and 3rd of September at the

Sydney Opera House.


English Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Can you believe we are already halfway through the year? I feel as though the year is flying by. Year 7 are currently learning all about speeches that change our world – it’s all about ‘raising our voice’ to stand up for what we believe in and create change. Year 8 are looking at speculative fiction, while Year 9 are loving crime fiction. We have some budding detectives in our midst! Year 10 are immersed in the world of Shakespearean tragedy, looking at plays such as Othello, Antony and Cleopatra and Macbeth, and learning about how they connect to ancient Greek tragic traditions.

Our Year 11 students are also looking at text closely. Advanced are studying another Shakespearean tragedy, King Lear, and Standard are looking at war-time poet, Wilfred Owen. All courses are getting ready for their end of course exams, so make sure you’re studying and clarifying with teachers anything you don’t understand.

The Year 12 Extension 2 English candidates are finalising their major projects as this goes to print. There are some wonderful submission this year; two collections of poetry, two critical responses, a short film and a collection of short stories. I’m extremely proud of their efforts and can’t wait to see how they’ve gone, come HSC results day.

The English faculty have also been fortunate to host the Japanese exchange program again this year. A big shout out to the host families who looked after our guests, and to the teachers who taught the students English lessons based around Aussie animals, Aussie foods, going to the beach, Aussie sports, and other interesting aspects of Australian culture that the Japanese students may not otherwise be exposed to.

I’d like to take the opportunity to now wish Year 12 the very best for their upcoming HSC exams. Again, consult your teachers if you need to, make sure you’re studying (and taking appropriate rest breaks) and really consolidating all that you’ve learnt this past year so you can do you absolute best on the day of the exams. No question is a silly question, and we’re happy to help where we can.

Mrs Nightscales Head Teacher

Library News Hello everyone, My name is Ms Bowring and I am the new librarian. I invite all students to come and check out the clean, safe relaxing new spaces I have created with the help of my wonderful Library Prefects. Special thanks to Katherine Moore, Chloe Jeans, Giorgia Simms, Hayley Halfpenny and Jaiden McCann, who have worked tirelessly with me to shake things up a little. We have been very busy sorting and organising books and doing our best to make use of all available work areas. So please, come and spend some time in the new and improved library. Ms Bowring


Careers Senior Learning and Careers Mac Chat August 2nd

We will be holding a variety of information sessions for Year 12 this term. We will focus on Universities

Admissions Centre processes and have organised for a Scholarship Masterclass. Guest speakers will

include representatives from WSU and MyGateway and TAFENSW. Students will also be invited to attend

a Teach.NSW video conference to find out more about scholarships and the application process.

Students are encouraged to attend University Open Days to explore their options for further study. It’s

very important that students attend the campuses they are looking to apply for as it plays a huge factor in

the decision making process. Please have a look at the EMHS Careers Website for information on events

coming up that your child may wish to attend. There are so many events happening ranging from Defence

Information Sessions, University Days, Vocational Education and Training events and GAP year programs!

https://www.elizabethmacarthurcareers.com/?page=calendar-of-events

A White Card course has been confirmed for Friday 23rd August. The cost is $100 and numbers are limited

to 20. Students must have their USI number to register for the course. Please see us in Careers for a

permission note and more information.

We will be attending the University of Technology Sydney on Wednesday September 11th for a series of

Faculty workshops. This day will also give Year 10 and 11 students a taste of university life, as well as an

opportunity to participate in workshops suited to their interests and abilities. Places will be limited to 30

students.

The University of Technology will be sending a group of engineering students to our school to run a series

of practical (and free) workshops on Friday September 13th. Students who are creative, enjoy problem

solving and enjoy coming up with innovative solutions through design are invited to participate. Please

see us in Careers for more details.

There are several events coming up for students looking to transition into full-time Apprenticeships and

Traineeships. My Gateway are hosting a Bulk Recruitment drive, a Women in Trades Night and a School-

Based Apprentice and Trainee (SBAT) Recruitment Days. Interested students must register their interest

directly with My Gateway to secure their spot.

TVET applications for 2020 close on Friday 6th September. There is no opportunity past this date.

Ms Jackson-Lee & Ms Whitfield

Careers Advisers

https://www.elizabethmacarthurcareers.com/?page=calendar-of-events


Careers cont ….


Careers cont….


The latest from Life Technology

Another busy term for Life Technology students with the 2nd trimester of the Technology Mandatory

rotation in full swing.

Our year 8 students recently completed their Perfect Pitch Practical assessment task where their culinary

skills and capabilities were definitely on show. The revamping of a chicken skewer recipe allowed them to

develop and create an original recipe of their choosing. Some shining stars explored their creative side

developing marinades that tantalised the tastebuds.


Our senior students have been working hard to finalise their studies upon the completion of their Trial

Examinations.

Year 12 Food Technology have completed all assessment tasks and are finishing off theory lessons about Contemporary Nutrition Issues. They have been learning, sharing knowledge and discussing issue such as Cardio Vascular Disease, Diabetes, Anorexia and how to develop positive healthy eating habits for a longer lifespan. Year 12 Hospitality are continuing the study of their Prepare and Serve Espresso Coffees competencies through the running of our school café each fortnight. Thank you to all staff who have supported students with their service periods. They appreciate your feedback and the compliments you all have given them. Year 12 Community and Family Studies have been gaining a deep understanding of the challenges faced by specific groups within society, in their study of Groups in Context core unit. They have been discussing potential solutions for Australia’s Homeless crisis and developing strategies for ways they as future leaders can make a difference within society. Year 11 Hospitality have completed their second Cluster assessment task and are doing the unit Prepare and Present Simple dishes and Interact with customers. 8 students will have the opportunity to complete part of their workplacement with MWLP at Camden Civic Centre in September working front of house at a function for CRET (Camden Region Economic Taskforce). Great experience for those students. Well Done!

A further reminder to all parents, carers and students to pay fees for all subjects. If experiencing any difficulty please don’t hesitate to discuss this with classroom teachers.

The latest from Life Technology cont….


Social Sciences

Year 8 and 10 Geography – Mock UN Security Council

As part of education week – ‘Every Student, Every Voice’ challenge, year 8 and 10 geography students

participated in a model United Nations security council debate on the issue of climate change. Each

group of students were assigned a UN member state to represent and were given an allocated time to

form persuasive argument points, with the aim to challenge climate change issues to the benefit of their

state. This activity allowed students to broaden their understanding of diplomacy, international

relations and world issues and develop skills such as, leadership, teamwork, communication and

negotiation.

Year 8 Geography – Water in the World Experiment

Year 8 conducted investigations into water quality (pH level and alkalinity) from several places. This

enabled them to compare differences and similarities across various water sources and determine

possible uses. Students learnt how to read the coloured pH chart and were able to make informed

judgements on the quality of the water. They were then required to devise appropriate strategies to

treat poor quality water and inconsistencies found.


Social Sciences cont….


Welfare

We have had an extremely busy start to the term with Parent Teacher interviews and lots of new programs up and running. We would firstly like to congratulate Peter Gleeson in Year 11 who won the Quota Macarthur Student of the Year competition late last term. He had to participate in a panel interview and present a speech. Peter backed this up by being selected from more than 120 applications to participate in the Secretary for a Day program during Education Week. Congratulations to Peter on all his recent achievements. We have had a number of new programs starting this term with important partnerships we have formed with external agencies such as Anglicare, Uniting and Big Yellow Umbrella. These programs provide our students with valuable learning experiences and opportunities to develop themselves as a person. We encourage your child to take up the challenge if they are offered to participate in one of these worthwhile programs. The SRC and Prefects held a highly successful Jeans for Genes day fundraiser. It started with Welfare Matters session in the morning where students learnt about the important organisation, wearing of jeans for a gold coin donation as well as a cake stall at lunch time. Overall just over $800 was raised. Thank you to all involved in this event.

Breakfast Club is running Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the Library from 8:10am – 8:40am. If you are feeling a bit hungry before roll call or would like to have a chat with fellow staff and students, head up to the library. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Del Funnell from Quota who has been coming in on a Tuesday and teaching some of our students how to knit and crochet. If you are interested in this, please see Ms Houghton or Ms Tagg. Year 12 are nearing the completion of their school life and they

were given an information pack that included permission notes for upcoming events, payment details for formal and yearbook as well as a calendar of key dates at a recent year meeting. We encourage you to ensure you return all the relevant paper work to Mr Binney and make payments to the office by the deadlines. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Binney or Mr Velasquez. Keep up the hard work Year 12, you are almost at the end of your schooling journey! As always if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing at school, please do not hesitate to contact the Year Adviser of their respective year group. Please see below year group reports. Mrs Simms and Ms Houghton Head Teachers Welfare


Welfare cont….

Determination and perseverance is key if

we want change in our society to occur.

Radhika Warrier

Year 11 Report

The countdown is on until the end of Year 11. With this in mind there are a few things happening

currently to get ready for Year 12. The selection process for the prefect and captains has begun with many

students applying to be part of the 2020 senior leadership team. The senior leadership team will be

required to provide leadership to the school body, represent and speak publicly on behalf of the student

body at school functions and represent the school at community functions.

In addition to this, students will be given the opportunity to purchase a Year 12 jacket for 2020. Students

will be able to create a custom name for their jacket. This will require Year Adviser and Principal Approval

before the order is submitted. Could parents and guardians please ensure they check the custom name

before being submitted to the year adviser. Students and guardians will be notified of any issues regarding

custom names in advance of the orders being placed.

Year 12 camp is on the 16/10, 17/10 and the 18/10, before classes commence week 2. By now all deposits

should have been paid with final payment due on the 19/09/19 for online payments and 20/09/19 for

office payments. If you have any inquiries about this camp please call the school and ask to speak to Ms

Murphy or Ms Tagg.

Ms Murphy and Ms Tagg.

Year 10 Report On Monday, July 29th we were lucky enough to spend the day at the Parliament of NSW and take part in

‘Make a Difference Day’ which was a wonderful opportunity and experience. This day combined schools

across NSW to discuss a range of relevant topics and how to combat certain issues.

The day began with a keynote address given by Dr Lilon Bandler, who works as a lecturer at the University

of Melbourne, and provides medical assistance and checkups for rural Aboriginal communities. Dr Bandler

addressed many critical issues such as indigenous health, social justice, racism, referendums, government

influence and the ability to push for change by relating to a key moment in her life or her mother’s life

(Indigenous Rights activist, Faith Bandler). Dr Bandler’s inspiring story talked about how her parents

fought for the 1967 referendum, and how their activism moulded her to speak about issues affecting

minorities throughout Australia.

It was Dr Bandler’s story that opened ours and our peers’

minds to discussion and critical thinking, as we moved off

into small groups to initiate conversations. The “gold

group” (as we were named) had roughly 20 kids attend-

ing from a variety of public and private schools in NSW.

We discussed our opinions on Dr Bandler’s presentation,

and what we took away from it.

Initially, the ideas of referendums and plebiscites were discussed to create a foundation for the following


Welfare cont….

exchange of opinions and ideas relating to prevalent issues in our society that we feel strongly about.

We discussed what we, as individuals, can do and what steps could be taken at state and federal levels

of government to lead the change relating to the issue. Our group’s main interest was climate change;

we talked about the empty activism of society and the impact of the industry on the rapid increase of

the climate change emergency as well as what we can change to improve the climate change status.

Discussing these issues brought to light how capable our generation is of creating change, and

movements that build awareness in our community if we are supported and encouraged by the rest of

society. Change and progression is very important and steps can be taken – even in such a minor area as

our school to support this progression and improvement.

Overall, the ‘Make a Difference Day’ was insightful and very helpful as it has provided us as students and

the youth of society with ideas on how to express our opinions and stand up for what we believe in. We

thoroughly discussed our opinions and values we have and how we, as the next generation, can take

steps to eliminate certain issues. We all came to a consensus that we can’t just demand change, but we

have to fight for it. This event has given us more faith in our generation.

Written by Radhika Warrier and Natalie Allen Year 9 Report Year 9 has had a running start to Term 3 through their engagement in a range of Welfare and

extracurricular programs we have running this term. Education Week was a particularly active week for

Year 9 students, as some engaged in ‘Lawyers for a Day’ where they completed a mock trial event,

proving their excellent debating skills. Welfare programs such as Rage and Feeling FANTAstic have begun

this term, already positively impacting some Year 9 students involved with these programs.

The Boys Program elective are underway with their next project this term, beautifying the school in a

Landscaping project, providing them with trade experience. Additionally, selected Year 9 students will be

participating a Write a Book in a Day competition during Week 5.

Ms Cox Year 8 Report We ended Term 2 with a celebration of achievement during the Principal's morning tea. Congratulations to Jake Hines and Emily Rain, who were our year 8 students of the semester. Jake also had an opportunity of a lifetime, where he attended NASA space camp in the USA. It was very enjoyable to hear about his exciting adventures. A reminder to students that there are many clubs and programs running around the school. Students can join clubs to engage in Minecraft, tinkering club, knitting, as well as other lunchtime activities that are set up for students to enjoy in the library. Clubs are an excellent opportunity for students to meet new friends and to develop new passions. R. Cuervo and A. Flintoft


Welfare cont…. Year 7 Its been a big couple of weeks for Year 7 since the start of term. We have seen some amazing success in

our year group with students achieving highly in areas of sport, dance, drama, academics and technology.

The 2019 Year 7 cohort are an incredibly diverse and talented bunch of young adults who strive to achieve

excellence in a variety of formats.

We heard some wonderful things come through parent teacher evening. We appreciate the parents that

take time out of their incredibly busy schedules to receive this one-on-one feedback about their students’

progress. The insights you give into your child’s learning are often hugely useful to their teachers.

We have seen a positive change in the approach to uniform throughout the cohort. We would say we

have the best year in the school (but then again, we are biased!). Your continued support in the process is

much appreciated, and it helps to build a culture of pride and equality when everyone is wearing their

uniforms with such self-respect.

Hope you all have a great term 3.

Mr Wiggins and Ms Butler

Year 7 – 10 School Voluntary Fees $52.00

Year 7 – 10 Site Contribution Fees $50.00

P & C Levy $20 per Student (3 or more siblings $50 per Family)

Fees


SUBJECT FEE

7 Agriculture English History Industrial Arts Languages Life Technology – Mandatory Mathematics Music PD/H/PE Science Visual Arts

$15.00 $20.00 $20.00 $30.00 $15.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $15.00 $25.00 $40.00

8 Agriculture English Geography Mathematics Music PDHPE Science Industrial Arts – Technology Mandatory Life Technology – Technology Mandatory Visual Arts

$30.00 $20.00 $20.00 $30.00 $30.00 $15.00 $25.00 $30.00 $30.00 $45.00

9 Physical Activities and Sports Studies (PASS) Agriculture 100 Hr & 200 Hr Child Studies Commerce English Food Technology History History Elective200HR Industrial Technology Metal 100HR (min fee + design project materials) Industrial Technology Multi Media 200HR Industrial Technology Timber 200HR Information Software & Tech 100HR Investigating Science Mathematics Ext 2 100HR Mathematics Music PD/H/PE Photographic and Digital Media Photography Soc Med Visual Arts Science Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR)

$50.00 $60.00 $40.00 $40.00 $20.00 $80.00 $20.00 $20.00 $50.00 $30.00 $50.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $40.00 $15.00 $60.00 $60.00 $50.00 $25.00 $50.00


Fees cont….

10 Physical Activities and Sports Studies (PASS) Agriculture

Building & Construction 100HR (min fee + design project materials) Commerce

Dance 200HR

Duke Of Ed

English

French

Food Tech

Geography

History Elective 100HR

Industrial Tech Multi Med 200HR

Industrial Tech Timber 200HR (min fee + design project materials) Information Software Technology 100HR

Mathematics

Mathematics Extension

Music 100HR

PD/H/PE

Photography Dig Med 200HR

Science

Sport Studies

Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) Visual Arts 200HR

$50.00

$60.00

$50.00

$40.00

$55.00

$30.00

$20.00

$15.00

$80.00

$20.00

$10.00

$30.00

$60.00

$50.00

$30.00

$30.00

$40.00

$15.00

$60.00

$25.00

$50.00

$50.00

$50.00

SUBJECT FEE

Year 7 – 10 School Voluntary Fees $52.00

Year 7 – 10 Site Contribution Fees $50.00


Fees cont….


SUBJECT FEE

11 Agriculture

Ancient History

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Community & Family Studies

Dance

Design & Tech (min fee + design project materials) Drama

Economics

English Standard

English Advanced

English Studies

Food Tech

French

Geography

Hospitality Food & Bev

Hospitality Tool Kit Hire (2yrs 11-12) Hospitality Uniform Hire (2yrs 11-12) Industrial Tech Multi Med

Industrial Tech Timber (min fee + design project materials) Info, Process & Tech

Investigating Science

Languages

Legal Studies

Maths Extension

Mathematics

Mathematics Standard

Modern History

Music 1

PD/H/PE

Physics

Primary Industries

Society & Culture

Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) Studies of Religion

VET Construction – Elderslie

Video Photography & Digital Media

Visual Arts

$50.00

$20.00

$60.00

$20.00

$60.00

$30.00

$45.00

$50.00

$45.00

$20.00

$35.00

$35.00

$35.00

$80.00

$20.00

$20.00

$80.00

$20.00

$20.00

$50.00

$100.00

$50.00

$60.00

$15.00

$20.00

$40.00

$40.00

$40.00

$20.00

$50.00

$30.00

$60.00

$50.00

$20.00

$50.00

$10.00

$100.00

$80.00

$80.00

Year 11-12 School Voluntary Fees $85.00

Year 11-12 Site Contribution Fees $50.00


Year 11-12 School Voluntary Fees $85.00

Year 11-12 Site Contribution Fees $50.00


12 Agriculture Ancient History Biology Business Studies Chemistry Community & Family Studies Dance Drama Economics English Standard English Advanced English Studies Food Tech Geography History Extension Hospitality Food & Bev Industrial Tech Multi Media Industrial Tech – Timber Information, Process & Tech Legal Studies Math Ext 2 Maths Advanced Maths Std 1 Maths Std 2 Maths Ext 1 Mathematics Modern History PDHPE Physics Society & Culture Sport & Rec Studies of Religion Video, Photo & Digital Med Visual Arts

$50.00 $30.00 $60.00 $25.00 $60.00 $30.00 $45.00 $45.00 $25.00 $35.00 $35.00 $35.00 $60.00 $25.00 $15.00 $80.00 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $25.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 $30.00 $35.00 $60.00 $25.00 $50.00 $15.00 $80.00 $80.00

SUBJECT

FEE


Fees cont….

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