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Castle Hill High

Telephone: 96344199  Facsimile: 9899 6527  Email: [email protected]
 Website: www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
Volume 17 14 November 2014
Principal’s Message
Special points of
interest:
 2015 technology
BYOD
 Remembrance Day
 Literacy in 2015
 Whooping Cough
 NSW PS Millennium
Marching Band
2015 technology – BYOD
Next year, all students will be expected to bring a computerised device
to school to aid their learning as part
of the
Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD) program that most secondary
schools across the state have implemented. With the demise of the government’s Digital Education Revolution(DER) that gave students, statewide, in Year 9 – 12 access to their
own laptop at no cost to families,
schools have had to develop other
strategies to keep pace with 21st century learning requirements to ensure
that students have immediate and
1
personalised access to technology in
classrooms.
Our BYOD committee has completed
their research, including surveying families and students, to develop a policy
which we believe is clear and fair, one
which has emerged from significant consultation and inclusivity. The committee is
now ready to speak with the community
and students about what will happen in
2015.
On Tuesday November 18 a parent/
student forum will be held for Year 7 - 9
families.
Castle Hill High School
As advised in the email on November 4, two sessions
will be run to accommodate an expected large audience. Could you please ensure that you attend the
session allocated to you so that we are able to seat
everyone, as follows:
All Year 7 and those students in Year 8 with
surnames beginning A – M = 6.00pm – 6.45pm
All Year 9 and those students in Year 8 with
surnames beginning with N – Z = 7.00pm –
7.45pm
We hope to see you there on the evening.
Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Forum
– a success
It was with pleasure that the school hosted internationally and locally recognised speakers on electromagnetic radiation issues last week as part of the P
and C’s drive to keep the community abreast of important information to protect our school’s health and
well - being.
It is true that “we don’t know what we don’t know” so
an address from eminent experts on the potential
health risks arising from exposure to mobile and electromagnetic radiation that is part and parcel of everyday life for most Australians was important. Invited
speakers were Prof Ray Kearney (OAM), Dr Mary
Redmayne, Prof Darius Leszcynski (all the way from
Finland) and our very own Dr Priyanka Bindara.
Scheduled for two hours, the forum finished after four
hours, so engaging were the speakers and so interested was the audience.
I think it is fair to say that technology and all of its
manifestations is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean
we can’t “work around it” or minimise any potential
danger. As a school we will certainly be flagging with
students and staff the importance of employing strategies to avoid health risks. I am personally ensuring,
for example, that my mobile phone is at a distance
from me on a nearby bench rather than close to me
on my desk. And I certainly won’t have the phone in a
pocket next to my body.
In the coming weeks I will be asking advice from experts to develop a poster for all classrooms and office
spaces that gives strategies to proactively minimise
risk, to ensure our health.
Literacy in 2015
We are still in the early stages of evaluation of the
numeracy program started this year from the
2
University of New England, but the signs
are enormously encouraging that this program
is making a difference. Students who once
were lacking in confidence or skill with times
tables and elementary addition and subtraction, for example, are now more confident,
quicker and more engaged with some fundamental mathematical processes. It really has
been awe-inspiring to see the difference.
The literacy equivalent will also be pursued at
Castle Hill High School next year as part of our
long range plan to “bridge the gap” for students
whose literacy and numeracy skills are undeveloped. At significant costs, both financially
and time to the school, it is important that we
see measurable and substantial improvement
for students. Ms Clarissa Greenhalgh will lead
the literacy program next year and will follow
from Mr Peter Minne who has done an outstanding job in leading the numeracy program
this year.
Remembrance Day Service
Our Remembrance Day service on November
11 was particularly poignant and close to
home. Ms Glenda Morrissey, a mathematics
teacher here for many years, gave the keynote
address using the very personal experiences
of her father and family. It was heart - felt,
warm and funny, revealing a tenacity and pragmatism that so many post - war families endured. Students were mesmerised. David Kim,
a student in Year 8, also read the famous poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae, again
to a very captivated audience
Can I thank Ms Susan Caldis, Head Teacher
HSIE who organised this moving ceremony.
Taking risks
It’s understandable that young people take
risks. It’s happened throughout many generations. But currently some serious accidents
have occurred because young people have not
worn helmets while riding bikes. These risks
are not worth it. Parents, please, can you remind your sons and daughters that wearing a
helmet is an important aspect of bike safety.
We will certainly do this as well.
Vicki Brewer
Volume 17 14 November 2014
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS
RE: Whooping Cough – Public Health alert
There has been an increase of whooping cough (Pertussis) notifications in the Western Sydney area since June 2014, particularly in the 2155 postcode area.
In order to prevent further cases of whooping cough Western Sydney Public Health Unit advises the following:
If your child (or any member of your family) has any of the symptoms of whooping cough,
such as a dry or persistent cough, which may be especially bad at night, please see your
doctor and take this notice with you. A nose and throat swab test can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
If your child has whooping cough, your doctor will arrange a course of antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics given early in the illness are effective in stopping the cough and in preventing
spread to other people. If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough please advise the school
and keep your child at home until s/he has taken 5 days of antibiotics.
More information on whooping cough is available on the NSW Health website:
http://www.health. Nsw.gov.au/Infectious/whoopingcough/Pages/default.aspx
or please call Western Sydney Public health unit on 9840 3603 if you have any queries.
Congratulations Annabelle Roux
Congratulations to Annabelle Roux who was selected to participate in the
NSW Schools Constitutional Convention recently at the NSW Parliament
on the topic of “Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians”.
Annabelle is a motivated Legal Studies student who has a keen interest
in Native Title and Indigenous Affairs in relation to Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders. A report from Annabelle regarding the Convention will
be published in the next newsletter.
Year 11 – Assessment Tasks
The Year 11 students are now at the start of their first assessment tasks for the 2015 HSC. There are assessment tasks in most of their subject areas which will count towards the students assessed marks for their HSC. All
the students need to be actively preparing for these tasks so as to give themselves the best opportunity to receive good marks and to start their HSC studies on a positive note.
The following is a list of all HSC assessment tasks in Term 4.
13/11 – Biology/Music 1
14/11 – Biology
17/11 – Legal Studies
19/11 – Engineering Studies, French Continuers, Japanese Continuers and English Studies
20/11 – Modern History, French Continuers, Japanese Continuers and Construction
24/11 – English Advanced, English Standard, English ESL and Biology
25/11 – Music 2
26/11 – Food Technology, Ancient History, Japanese Beginners and Drama
27/11 – Design & Technology, Industrial Technology and Drama
28/11 – Visual Arts and Japanese Beginners
02/12 – Mathematics and Mathematics General
03/12 & 4/12 – Business Studies
05/12 – Mathematics Extension 1, PD/H/PE, English Extension 2
09/12 – Chemistry
10/12 – Senior Science
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Volume 17 14 November 2014
NSW PS Millennium Marching Band
at Primary Principals Conference (Sydney, October)
and Santa Parade (Westfield Liverpool, November) 2014
The MMB is certainly having a full and varied year
for performances. At the Primary Principals Conference in October, the MMB performed as part of
the opening ceremony in combined pieces with
students from both public and private schools.
This was followed by the Santa Parade complete
with elves, Santa’s helpers, a gingerbread man,
Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa + Mrs
Claus on 8 November, 2014.
Look out for the MMB in the Aussie Icons segment
at Schools Spectacular in November (MMB plays
Vegemite, Cottee’s cordial and does something
with a Sea of Flags). The band is playing outside
the Entertainment Centre before each of the matinee shows. After all shows, see the MMB march
back from the Entertainment Centre and play outdoors near Paddy’s Markets. Preparations for the
band's major tour to the USA (Los Angeles, San
Francisco and Seattle) in September, 2015 are
continuing – MMB is playing at Disneyland!
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The MMB will welcome instrumentalists (e.g.
trombone, tuba/sousaphone, flute, trumpet, clarinet, sax, euphonium, drummers/percussion) and
colourguard (anyone who likes to dance/move)
for 2015 and the 2015 USA tour.
Join Year 9 students Lachlan Anderson, David
Clark and Angus Bevan with Cameron Anderson
(now ex Castle Hill High School) to represent
CHHS as part of the MMB in Australia and in the
USA for fantastic music and performance opportunities. The band has an enthusiastic, exciting,
fun but professional atmosphere that appeals to
all high school musicians around NSW and is a
worthwhile experience for all to enjoy. Playing
together at performances like these is great for
building strong musical skills, friendships and
memories. Google “Millennium Marching Band
Apply 2015” to join or talk to Lachlan, David or
Angus.
Castle Hill High School
Castle Hill High School
P & C News Stand
Uniform Shop Update
...where Parets and Community
stay informed
UNIFORM SHOP NEWS
As a school we are very lucky
to have a uniform shop run by
the P&C and volunteers. By
purchasing items from the uniform shop, parents and students ensure the profits go
back into the school and its
facilities.
Students Entering Year 11
An important reminder from the
Uniform Shop to all students
commencing Year 11 soon.
The Senior uniforms are available for purchase now, and if you
are quick there may be reasonably priced second-hand stock
available.
Girls will need to purchase the
checked skirt, and boys the
blue shorts and trousers.
Girls:
$65
Sizes 2-22
Boys:
Blue shorts
Junior Uniform Prices
Girls
Summer Dresses
$65
Sizes 2—22
Boys
Shorts
$30
Sizes 12—2XL
$40
Sizes 76-107
Blue long trousers
SPECIAL REMINDER: Parents
with children entering Year 7 in
2015, our lovely Uniform Shop
Manager, Mrs Pritchard, and
her team of volunteers will be
happy to help with fitting your
son or daughter in the correct
clothing.
now of
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Senior Uniform Price List
Check skirts
UNIFORM SHOP TERM 4
OPENING HOURS:
8:15—11:30 Mondays and Fridays
$50
Sizes 76– 102
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Volume 17 14 November 2014
What’s Happening in the
Canteen?
Castle Hill High School
P & C News Stand
...where Parets and Community
stay informed
FLEXISCHOOLS Online
Ordering has Arrived!
Prepared Fresh is Best
The school canteen is constantly asking
for comments on existing menu items –
both good and bad – so we can monitor
and improve what is sold.
Chicken (used for sandwiches, wraps
and salads) is our latest target for improvement.
Cooked, diced chicken is now made in
the canteen, dramatically cutting down
the salt content and the amount of
chemical additives included. Initial responses have been very positive. The
chicken is delicious and much healthier
than the commercially bought item we
once used.
CANTEEN NEWS
After many inquiries and requests, the
Castle Hill High School Canteen has
organized the introduction of online ordering through Flexischools.
Many parents with primary aged children
will be familiar with this convenient, easy
to use system and soon, everyone will
have the opportunity to order and pay
for school lunches over the internet.
Full details on how to access the system, how the system works and what it
costs will be given to all parents in the
very near future. Stay tuned!!
Canteen Garden update
More good news, the canteen garden
has expanded. Five new planter
boxes have been constructed ready
for summer planting. Already the
canteen uses fresh grown spinach,
rocket, fancy lettuce and a variety of
herbs for sandwiches, wraps, sauces
and quiche. With this extra space,
the possibilities are endless!
The Canteen crew are a fun and enthusiastic
bunch and are always looking for new faces.
If you are interested in lending a hand just
give the canteen a call on 9634 1188.
*All photos are of actual food prepared in the Castle Hill
High School Canteen, or grown in the Canteen Garden.
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Castle Hill High School
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Volume 17 14 November 2014
CALENDAR
Week 7B
Monday 17 November
Tuesday 18 November
Wednesday 19 November Celebration Assembly Years 7 – 10
P & C Meeting - 7.30pm
Week 8A
Thursday 20 November
Scripture Seminar – Year 9
Year 9 PASS Wheelchair Basketball - 10.45am
Friday 21 November
International Student Excursion
Year 10 PASS Surfing – 11.05am
Monday 24 November
Year 12 (2015) Vet Hospitality Work Placement
Year 10 ‘All my own work’
Tuesday 25 November
Year 12 (2015) Vet Hospitality Work Placement
Year 10 ‘All my own work’
Wednesday 26 November Year 12 (2015) Vet Hospitality Work Placement
Year 10 ‘All my own work’
Celebration Assembly Years 7 -11
Year 10 YMCA Camp Yarramundi and Deeimba
Week 9 B
Thursday 27 November
Year 12 (2015) Vet Hospitality Work Placement
Year 10 ‘All my own work’
Scripture Seminar – Year 8
Year 10 YMCA Camp Yarramundi and Deeimba
Year 9 PASS Wheelchair Basketball
Friday 28 November
Year 12 (2015) Vet Hospitality Work Placement
Year 10 YMCA Camp Yarramundi and Deeimba
Year 10 ‘All my own work’
Monday 1 December
Year 10 History Excursion - Canberra
Tuesday 2 December
Year 10 History Excursion - Canberra
Wednesday 3 December Orientation Day
Celebration Assembly Years 7 -10
Year 11 Geography Excursion
Thursday 4 December
Scripture Seminar – Year 7
Friday 5 December
Year 10 PASS Surfing Z line
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Castle Hill High School
CASTLE HILL COMMUNITY NEWS
AND ADVERTISING
Disclaimer: Advertisements placed in the school’s Fortnightly Newsletter do not reflect an
endorsement or otherwise by Castle Hill High School of that product or service.
17 Mulheron Ave Baulkham Hills 2153
For discount prices see
www.brennandrivingschool.net.au
40 Year Reunion
Castle Hill High School class of 74 is having a
reunion, also School Certificate class of 72 is
invited to join.
This reunion will be held:
On: Sunday 30 November 2014
Time: 12noon to 8pm
At: Governor Phillip Park Palm Beach – BBQ area
just past the Boathouse – Pittwater side
BYO everything
Please pass this invite onto anyone who may be
interested in attending this reunion.
Ros Marsh and Robyn Fyfe (nee lachere)
Contact Ros on 0407 932 066
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Volume 17 14 November 2014
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Drawbridge
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Drawbridge
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Volume 17 14 November 2014
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Drawbridge
If you are interested, MacKillop is holding a no obligation, free Foster Care Information Session in the James Cusack
Room of the Vinegar Hill Memorial Community Centre at Rouse Hill Town Centre (above the Library) on
Thursday, 27 November from 6.15pm – 8.00pm.
The session will cover information about the different types of foster care, steps to becoming a foster carer, and how carers
are supported by agencies like MacKillop. The event will also provide an opportunity for you to meet current carers.
If you are interested in attending please let us know by contacting Louise on (02) 8881 4800 or email
[email protected].
Louise Carson
Media & Communications Co-ordinator
Community Relations
MacKillop Family Services
12-14 Second Ave, Blacktown, NSW 2148
Ph: 02 8881 4841
Email: [email protected]
www.mackillop.org.au
JUSTICE HOPE COLLABORATION
COMPASSION RESPECT
MacKillop Family Services acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and
their Elders in each of the Communities where we work
Carols by Candlelight
Old Government House, Parramatta (Parramatta Park)
Saturday 6 December 2014
Time: 7.00pm to 9.00pm Gates open 6.00pm
Start the festive season with a night of carols played by
NSW Police Band
Enjoy Model Farms High School students
as they sing favourite contemporary Christmas songs and
enjoy a visit from Santa Claus.
Entry is via a gold coin and all funds raised go to support
Old Government House and Experiment Farm Cottage
(two of our most precious heritage properties).
There will be a sausage sizzle, candles, drinks
and several Christmas Hampers as a raffle.
Please bring rugs or low chairs for seating
at the front of Old Government House.
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