congratulations - Fairfield High School

Transcription

The Horsley Drive
FAIRFIELD 2165
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 9727 2111 Facsimile: 9724 3496
Web Address: www.fairfield-h.school.nsw.edu.au
Principal: Mr. R. Mulas B.A. Dip Ed
Deputy: Mr. M. Sargeant
Relieving Deputy: Mrs. A. Conray
Volume 2 June 2013
CONGRATULATIONS
Housing NSW Youth Scholarship
Bring It On Winners
IEC Graduates
1
Contents
Diary Dates
3
Careers – Try A Trade
31 - 32
Bell Times
4
Welfare Team
33
From the Principals desk
5-6
National Partnerships
34 - 47
Year 7 report
7-9
Wood Fired Oven
48 - 49
24 Hour Parent Counselling
9
Anzac Day
51 - 54
Year 8 report
10 - 12
Earth Hour
54
Year 9 report
13
Rachel Cowmeadow 10 Years On
55
Year 10 report
14 - 15
New Scheme Teacher – Mr Lieu
56
Year 11 report
16 - 17
Student Teachers – UWS
57 - 59
Year 12 report
18
Year 8 2013
60 - 67
Support Unit report
19 - 20
Fun with Science at home
68 - 69
International Students report
21
Year 12 Physics
70
Intensive English Centre report
22 - 23
Luna Park Science Excursion
71 - 73
Kip McGrath
24
Sport Report
74 - 76
Students of Term 2
25 - 29
Athletics Carnival Photos
77 - 80
Water Tanks
28
IEC Sport
81
Blast from the Past
30
Change of Student Details
82
2
DIARY DATES 2013
TERM 2 2013
Last Day of Term 2
28th June
TERM 3 2013
School Development Day
All Students Return
Ramadan
Refugee Celebrations
CHS Cross Country
National Tree Planting Day
Year 12 HSC Trials exams
Regional Athletics Carnival
P & C Meeting
Year 8 & 10 Subject Night
Multicultural Day
Year 10 Work Experience
Year 11 Exams
Year 8 Gala Day
Year 7 Gala Day
Last Day Term 3
Clean up the World
15th July
16th July
15th July – 8th August
18th July
19th July
26th July
29th July - 12th August
30 – 31st July
6th August
13th August
16th August
26th Aug – 6th Sept
9 20th September
11th September
12th September
20th September
21 – 22nd September
TERM 4 2013
Students & Staff return
HSC Exams
Year 10 Exams
Zone Blues Award Day
Years 7 – 11 Report
Assemblies
IEC Graduation
Last Day for students
HSC Results Released
Staff Development Days
8th October
14th October – 8th November
11th – 13th November
22nd November
13th December
17th
18th
18th
19th
December
December
December
& 20th December
3
Change Bell Times and Timetable Organisation ~ 2013
The school timetable is organised around six periods each day in a ten day cycle, with Week A and
Week B. Subjects studied in particular periods may vary each of the two weeks.
A morning assembly is held each Monday at 8:45 with Roll Call taking
place on the assembly.
On Mondays school will finish at 2:40 pm for students with staff attending meetings
and professional learning activities.
PERIOD
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Roll
Call
Assembly/Roll
8:45 – 9:05
8:45 – 9:00
8:45 – 9:00
8:45 – 9:00
8:45 – 9:00
1
9:05 – 9:50
9:00 – 9.50
9:00 – 9.50
9:00 – 9.50
9:00 – 9.50
2
9:50 – 10:35
9:50 – 10:40
9:50 – 10:40
9:50 – 10:40
9:50 – 10:40
Recess
10:35 – 11:00
10:40 – 11:00
10:40 – 11:00
10:40 – 11:00
10:40 – 11:00
3
11:00 – 11:45
11:00 – 11:50
11:00 – 11:50
11:00 – 11:50
11:00 – 11:50
4
11:45 – 12:30
11:50 – 12:40
11:50 – 12:40
11:50 – 12:40
11:50 – 12:40
Lunch 1
12:30 – 12:50
12:40 – 1:00
12:40 – 1:00
12:40 – 1:00
12:40 – 1:00
Lunch 2
12:50 – 1:10
1:00 – 1:20
1:00 – 1:20
1:00 – 1:20
1:00 – 1:20
5
1:10 – 1:55
1:20 – 2:10
1:20 – 2:10
1:20 – 2:10
1:20 – 2:10
6
1:55 – 2:40
2:10 – 3:00
2:10 – 3:00
2:10 – 3:00
2:10 – 3:00
Warning Bells – Evacuation and Lockdown
A continuous bell is the warning bell for evacuations. Students are to proceed under the
direction of the class teacher to the football field (Evacuation Area). You must line up in ROLL
GROUPS.
Ten short bells indicate “Lock Down”. All students are to remain in the classroom or make their
way to a supervised building and remain there until the all clear is given. Following this an assembly
will take place.
4
Welcome to our Term Two, 2013 newsletter.
This term has been particularly busy as we
have worked towards the end of the Semester
with reports being handed out on the evening
of Tuesday 25 June, 2013. We look forward to
having deep conversations with parents and
students at the Parent Teacher evening.
Year 12 in particular have been working hard
as they received their results from the Half
Yearly exams and also expanded their pathway
planning through the Individual Education Plan
as well as the My Exit Planning meeting at
Fairfield RSL held late during the term. This is
a particularly successful program for our Year
12 students.
Our National Partnership Technology agenda
continued with the purchase of a set of iPads
(and trolley) to be used as class sets across
the school.
This particular purchase was
shared with our parents at this terms Parents
and Citizens evening during Week 4. Parents
were able to experience a major presentation
by Sugata Mitra in a special ―TED Talk‖ which
was also used during our Staff Conference
later during the term. Our parents were led
through many of the applications which will be
used by our students and teachers in future
lessons using their iPads. This set of iPads is
currently being used across the school in
various lessons.
Our teachers were led through three sessions
of Professional Learning over Friday evening
and Saturday (May 24 and 25). This Staff
Conference had an IT focus – using different
forms of technology in the classroom. We
were linked through Adobe Captivate with
other presenters across the internet. Saturday
saw two guest speakers lead us through
different ideas of what teaching and learning is
like in the 21st Century. This is a particularly
challenging issue for schools as we prepare to
provide equipment and resources to support
our new methods of teaching and the new
methods of learning by our students.
The final year of Digital Education Revolution
(DER) laptops have been provided to our Year
9 students. As a school we are looking at how
we will respond to the future needs of our
students
with
regards
to
technology
equipment. The new idea of Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) is currently being investigated
by our Technology Team.
Important sporting events such as our annual
Athletics Carnival, Junior Boys Rugby (Buckley
Shield) and Football United Gala Day have
been great opportunities for our students.
Sebastian Acosta has continued to be
successful in his athletic pursuits and we look
forward to his success continuing. Our PE
Faculty has been active in promoting our
students across the school and Zone.
Our refugee students and the many initiatives
that are part of the ESL faculty across our
school were profiled at the Refugee Week
Conference on Tuesday 18 June 2013.
Educational leadership and management across Our School
5
As well our Parents‘ Café was featured as an
example of community engagement. The work
of our ESL teachers and those in the Intensive
English Centre is acknowledged by our Region
and the many successes as our students leave
Fairfield High School is a credit to the work
done by those teachers. Credit especially to
Mr. Cameron Jackson (in his role as Relieving
Head Teacher ESL) and Mrs. Cheryl Weber for
her continued support of our students across
the school. I would like to thank James
Stanley who represented our school through
delivering the ―Welcome to Country‖ at the
Refugee Week Conference. They are great
representatives of our school. As well 4
students presented their refugee stories at the
Conference. Our students have provided much
valuable input to this Regional Conference,
Mena Samoel, Mariam Mathias, Martain
Marookey and Rawaz Tahir. I would like to
thank them for their openness in sharing their
stories.
News of the changes in funding for our current
National Partnerships Program with the federal
government is currently under review after
2013. We are waiting for the new guidelines
that will be part of future funding
arrangements to schools. Our National
Partnerships team continues to drive teacher
learning agendas across the school. In
particular, the Focus on Reading program in
Years 7 and 8 has been studied by Fairvale
High School and Lurnea High School as they
look at this innovative program to be
introduced to their schools. Fairfield High
School is again leading in our Region in this
program with two other high schools.
Term Two also saw an exciting development of
University of Melbourne coming to our school
to research the different changes we have
made to our school. In particular we have
discussed the many pathways we are providing
for our exiting students (Yr.12 in particular
with their plans for University, TAFE or other
academic pathways). This was the original
focus for the University of Melbourne study but
their research will be expanded to include
organisational and systems changes at the
school. The National Partnerships Team is to
be congratulated for their work at making this
a successful program to be studied. I would
like to thank Mrs Rebecca Goldsmith and Ms
Helen Bryce for their demonstration of Focus
on Reading teaching strategies in their lessons
with the research team.
A number of changes have occurred at the
systems level in the Department of Education
and Communities. Our new Executive Director
for our Region is Mr Murat Dizdar. In his
previous role as Regional Director he was a
great supporter of Fairfield High School. As
well, our School Education Director, Mr James
Coleborne is also involved in a realignment of
our system. I look forward to being able to tell
you about his new role in Term Three. I would
like to thank Mr Coleborne for all his support of
our school while in his current position.
I would like to take this opportunity of
reminding all our community that Fairfield High
School strives to present a healthy approach in
all areas of our operation.
Our teachers
encourage a healthy lifestyle – in particular our
PE Faculty not only teaches a curriculum that
features a healthy lifestyle but demonstrates
healthy lifestyles with their wide range of
involvement in sport.
Our canteen also
provides the basis for a healthy eating regime
and offers healthy food. To this end it has
been made obvious that our community is
currently experiencing the influx of ―portable
hookah‖ smoking devices or electronic
cigarettes. I would like to remind all parents
(and students) that use of these devices within
the school is against school policy. Students
have been reminded of this. These devices are
banned from the school at all times. Please
ensure this rule is followed by your children.
The DEC non-smoking policy will be fully
implemented.
I would like to thank all staff for their work
with great teaching this Semester and working
to complete all reports for all our students.
Please use these reports to inform great
discussion in your homes. Have a great holiday
and come back ready for Semester Two.
Educational leadership and management across Our School
6
YEAR 7 REPORT
WITH MR Dominicos
Once again our Year 7 students have been
busy little beavers in Term Two 2013! Just
some of the activities that many (if not all)
have been involved in are:
The NAPLAN examinations
The 2013 Premier‘s Reading Challenge
The Debating Workshops and Challenges
The Focus on Reading Program
Welcoming Parent Visits to our Classrooms
Welcoming Primary School Teachers to our
Classrooms
The POW – 500 Schools Tree Planting Day
Vaccination Day
Year Group Assemblies
The Year 7 Compass University Experience
Day (upcoming)
Naplan Test
Phew! That‘s quite a list! Well, just to give you
a little bit more detail about each of the above
initiatives, allow me to begin with NAPLAN. As
we may all be aware, NAPLAN is an annual
national assessment for all students in Years 3,
5, 7 and 9. All students in these year levels are
expected to participate in tests in Reading,
Writing, Language Conventions (spelling,
grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. This
year the tests took place between the 14th and
16th of May and they were, as they always are,
conducted within our school classrooms. You
may be wondering why students do NAPLAN
tests. NAPLAN is the measure through which
governments, education authorities, schools,
teachers and parents can determine whether
or not younger students are meeting important
educational
outcomes
in
literacy
and
numeracy. The tests provide an understanding
of how individual students are performing at
the time of the tests. They also provide schools
with information about how education
programs are working and which areas need to
be prioritised for improvement. It is important
to note that NAPLAN tests are one aspect of
the school‘s assessment and reporting process,
and do not replace the extensive, ongoing
assessments made by teachers about each
student‘s performance. For more information
on NAPLAN you may like to contact our school
or alternatively visit www.nap.edu.au and click
the link entitled: ‗Information‘. May I add that
all of our students who sat these tests really
put in the effort and did their best. I am sure
that some have exceeded our expectations.
Results will be distributed to students to take
home very soon.
Naplan Test
Supporting Our students through pastoral care
7
Also this term Year 7 and 8 students undertook
the 2013 Premier‘s Reading Challenge, which
aims
to encourage a love of reading for
leisure and pleasure in students, and to
enable them to experience quality literature. It
is not a competition but a challenge to each
student to read, to read more and to read
more widely. Partakers of the challenge
ultimately receive certificates and medals but
really it is not about rewards and awards it is
about fostering and instilling in students the
important activity and skill of reading and its
connection to learning not just during school
years but beyond and throughout students‘
lifetimes as well. Congratulations to all
students that are taking up the challenge this
year and I encourage others to get involved.
On behalf of our own school, our Year 8
Adviser Ms Molina is organising and overseeing
this important initiative – so a big thank-you to
her!
Another
important
Ms Bajic
member of our welfare
team is Ms Bajic, not
just because she is our
Year 7 Assistant Adviser
for this year but also
because she organises
the Debating Workshops
and Challenges at the
school. A great number
of Year 7 students
(40+) have shown interest in and participated
in debating both because of the skill itself but
also because some have been afforded the
opportunity to debate ―big idea‖ issues with
debating teams from other schools. Debating
assists students to reflect on a wide range of
social issues and concepts and to become
actively involved in improving situations
connected to such issues. Well done Ms Bajic
and well done debaters!
I am sure that one aspect that helped our
debaters articulate issues put to them during
debates was the Focus on Reading Program
that continues to be an important initiative at
the school. As I mentioned in my Term One
newsletter report, all Year 7 students are
learning and actively using explicit reading
comprehension strategies across a growing
number of their subjects. Further to this,
parents and Fairfield Primary School staff were
invited into our classrooms to experience
firsthand the difference focus on reading was
making
to
our
students‘
reading
comprehension skills. Both students and staff
involved did the school proud as they directly
showcased the learning taking place in Year 7
and other year group classrooms.
Just the other day I popped into the Social
Science Staffroom to find out about an exciting
little venture teachers had going on there
called: POW – 500 Schools Tree Planting Day.
As I was informed by Ms Elmir and other staff,
this day is always greatly looked forward to by
students and the Social Science teachers alike.
As the name implies, 500 schools (in fact over
500) across NSW visit specific areas within
their own regions to regenerate and make a
Primary School Teachers Visit
Primary School Teachers Visit
contribution to Australia‘s natural environment.
I found out that our students went to
Abbotsbury and had lots of fun getting their
hands dirty and generally ―digging in‖. I
wonder if they will remember which trees they
helped plant 20 years from now? In any case,
they ought to be proud of their efforts.
8
Ouch! I don‘t want to harp on too much about
it but our second round of vaccinations for the
Year 7‘s occurred earlier this term. For those
that ―felt the pinch‖ most would testify that it
is the thought of having the vaccination that is
scarier than having the actual vaccination
itself. Now that I think of it, what may be
even scarier are the diseases that the
vaccinations help guard against. So Year 7
students, I will sign off on the vaccinations
issue with this couplet: ―There may have been
a tear/ but in the end you conquered your
fear!
At last I had the chance to take centre stage
and to speak to my Year 7 students during a
Formal Assembly! (Show off right?). No but on
a serious note, assemblies are dynamic
occasions that demand a wide range of issues
to be discussed and conveyed to students –
often within a limited time period. At times we
have special guests and presentations that
take precedence over other matters. During
the Term Two assembly however, with no
guests booked I took the opportunity to
address students regarding their rights and
responsibilities within the school. I informed
them that you cannot have one without the
other and that if students live up to their
responsibilities then rights and rewards will
surely follow.
An upcoming excursion that could be
considered a reward of sorts is the Compass
University Experience Day that is to occur on
Thursday June 19th. Judging from the
permission slips that are being consistently
returned and by the enthusiasm I can see and
hear in our students faces and voices they are
really looking forward to this day. I must admit
that I too am looking forward to it not just
because I believe that it will be an invaluable
and insightful experience for students to
witness the workings of Australia‘s oldest and
perhaps most renowned university (we are off
to Sydney Uni) but also I myself am an ex
student of Sydney University and thus an
alumni of its wide reaching community. Who
knows, I may perhaps bump into an old
teacher of my own on the day?
Enjoy the Break!
Mr Domenicos - Year 7 Adviser.
FREE 24 HOUR TELEPHONE COUNSELLING FOR PARENTS
Starting the school year can present parents and families with a
multitude of unique challenges to family life and new experiences for
children. Parents face issues such as helping children adapt to new
teachers and class environments and routines, work through issues
with peers as well as help children to manage out of school activities,
homework, chores and spare time. Children are often tired at the
beginning of the school year as they adjust to their new environment.
Behaviour difficulties, irritability and emotional outbursts are just some
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PHONE: 132055
9
YEAR 8 REPORT
WITH Ms Molina
Term 2 has been a pleasant and productive
term for Year 8. This term I have set Year 8 a
challenge, to read for 10 minutes a night. This
challenge is part of the FoR (Focus on
Reading) program that continues to be taught
this year at Fairfield High School. I feel it is
important for our student‘s development to
engage widely with text. This not only helps to
expand their vocabulary but also it helps build
their general knowledge. Overall, I want our
students to feel comfortable with texts in a
variety of contexts.
As Year 8 Advisor, I still have ongoing
concerns with student interaction, bullying an
anti-social behaviour. These are issues we as a
school continue to deal with. I would like to
remind all of Year 8 of our school CARE Code
and each students role to actively follow and
respect this code of conduct.
This term, Year 8 have been invited to
participate in the Premier‘s Reading Challenge.
I hope to see many of our Year 8 students
taking part in this activity.
2013 Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC)
The Challenge aims to encourage a love of
reading for leisure in students, and to enable
them to experience quality literature. It is not a
competition but a challenge to each student to
read, to read more and to read widely.
The Premier‘s Reading Challenge is a NSW
Government initiative. The Challenge runs from
1 March to 1 September 2013.
Please visit the Web site for the list of books
available for students to read.
A Reminder:
Students can read books above their level
but not below.
Each student must read 15 books from the
Premier‘s Reading List (Year 8 level). Students
can select 5 books from their own choosing as
part of the total 20 books they are required to
read to meet the Challenge successfully.
Students can include books they have read
after September 2012 – 2013 as part of their
20 books.
It is a condition of entry that all students
entering and successfully completing the
Premier's Reading Challenge will receive an
official PRC certificate and their names will
appear on the PRC
Honour
Roll.
To
successfully complete
the
Challenge
the
student must have an
online
reading
record
entered and validated by 1 September 2013.
10
2013 A reading log can be used to keep a
personal ongoing record of books read (ID
number, title and author).
On the 7-9 booklist, books marked are for
mature readers or denote books with more
mature themes or language. These books are
"usually read by students in Years 9, 10 or
above".
On the 7-9 list, easier reads are marked .
Students who require special support may
listen to unabridged audio versions of the
books as they read along to them.
Congratulations, to the four SRC students who
participated in the Nursing Home beautification
program with Ms.Medroni.
Luke Lovero
Arta Rufati
Paige Taylor
Raniya Hadi
I would like to acknowledge and give a big
―thanks‖ to Luke Lovero and Paige Taylor for
being our M.C‘s at our formal assembly this
term. I would like to encourage other students
to volunteer at running our assemblies.
I take this opportunity to provide parents with
information about the KIDS HELPLINE. I
have delivered two presentations on this great
organisation to our Year 8 students this year.
But it is important for our parents and
guardians to acknowledge this community
resource.
Online safety
When you meet people on the internet, it‟s not like meeting them in real life. This is
because you can't see them, and you don't know if they really are who they say they are.
You should treat them as strangers, even if you talk to them every day.
Remember, never give away any of these details to someone on the
internet:
* Home Address
* Phone Numbers
* Email Address
* Passwords
If someone keeps asking you for any of these details, tell your parents or a teacher
straight away.
Kids Helpline is a free 24 hour counselling service for Australian
kids and young people aged 5-25 years. You can get help over
the phone, email or web.
Our counsellors talk with more than 6,000 kids each week, and
help with all sorts of problems, big and small.
If you need to talk to someone now, call us on 1800 55 1800, 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are 5-25 years old and need someone to talk to, you can call
us at anytime - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our trained counsellors will:
* listen to you
* believe you
* help you with your problems
* help you to sort things out in your own way
* talk to you about who else might be able to help
You can call about anything - no problem is too big or too small.
11
I am very excited to have taught 8.1A
Technology in the kitchen this term. They have
prepared some very simple but tasty treats this
term. All students have demonstrated
outstanding levels of interest and skill in the
kitchen :) Well done guys!
Emily, Alice, Arjoane and Fatimeh
Meke, Hassan, Sifa, Gershom, Matteo
and Mahmoud
Reading for fun in the sun.
12
YEAR 9 REPORT
WITH Mr Jackson
Year 9 have once again have shown
themselves to be well behaved members of the
school community. After a test run, in which
they sat a mock version of NAPLAN under
exam conditions, they sat for the ‗real McCoy‘
several weeks later and behaved with
admirable levels of concentration and quiet
discipline. This level of academically inclined
behaviour bodes well for the future.
Unfortunately, the behaviour shown under
exam conditions has not been matched by a
proper understanding of plagiarism. When you
copy and paste from the website or copy your
friend‘s assignment, then claim it as your own
work, this is known as plagiarism and results in
a mark of zero for that assignment. Sometimes
when learning how to research information on
the net, you ‗accidently‘ plagiarise rather than
summarise. If you have any doubts, see your
respective subject teachers before submitting
assessments.
At the last Year Adviser meeting it was also
brought to my attention that the uniform
standards of some students are slipping.
Wearing the uniform is part of showing that
you are a proud member of the Fairfield High
School community. This is a school to be very
proud of and our year group has so far been a
fantastic part of the community, so let‘s
continue demonstrating that through the
wearing of full school uniform.
Finally, after chatting to staff around the
school, the common remark was made that
their respective Year 9 classes have been
‗ploughing‘ through the work to the best of
their abilities – so carry on and well done so
far!
13
YEAR 10 REPORT
WITH Ms. Lykourezos
2013 is a year of perseverance, as Edward
Hickson once quoted, ―If at first you don‘t
succeed, try, try again‖. It has been a positive
transition for students moving from Year 9 to
Year 10.
The year has started off steady, with Year 10
being a part of several events. We had our
annual Swimming Carnival held on February
22nd. Our Cross Country held on March 23rd
and our Athletics Carnival held on May 9th and
10th.
All
carnivals
were
successful.
Congratulations to Prospect for winning all
three carnivals!
Also congratulations to Joshua Suli-Ruka who
is representing Sydney Gold Combined High
Schools!
Last year Mr Ferguson and I took a group of
Year 10 students on an excursion to Jamberoo
to reward them for their hard work throughout
the year. It was a great success, everyone had
a wonderful time. This year I plan to take Year
10 on another excursion, though the location is
yet to be finalised. If Year 10 would like to
participate then they are required to continue
following the CARE code and keep up their
good grades. Also students are to come and
see me regarding any ideas for the excursion.
POW is up and running again this year and we
now have Year 10 representatives. POW is an
acronym for ‗Protect Our World‘, and is run by
Ms Elmir in the Social Science faculty. It is a
school group dedicated to looking after our
environment and community. It is very
important for our future generations to uphold,
understand and appreciate our world. I would
like to thank Cassandra Gabrijan, Isabella Kim,
Deveena Kumar and Amy Tran for taking on
these important roles and congratulate them
on their great Earth Hour 2013 video!
This term marks the end of the first semester,
with Year 10 recently completing their half
yearly exams. I would like to thank and
congratulate them on their behaviour during
the examination period and hope they all
receive the marks that they deserve.
Individual Education Plans were held after the
examination period. Year 10 students
discussed which electives they wish to select
for Years 11 and 12 and what career path they
would like to pursue. Students were required
to think about their future and what they hope
to achieve.
14
Debating has also commenced this term, with
our Year 10 team representing the school in
the
Premier‘s
Debating
Challenge.
Congratulations to Deveena Kumar, Christina
Carol, Tara Rowley, Amy Tran and their
debating coach Ms Bajic for their efforts.
This year is a year for students to become
proactive. I expect Year 10 students to
maintain their good grades at a steady pace
and to attend all classes with punctuality. They
should be treating their teachers and fellow
classmates with respect and they should also
be treating their school environment with
respect. This all leads back to the school‘s
CARE
code:
Community,
Achievement,
Respect, and Environment.
I hope you enjoy the upcoming school
holidays, keep up the great work.
Joshua Suli-Ruka
Cassandra Gabrijan
Isabella Kim
Deveena Kumar
Amy Tran
Christina Carol
Tara Rowley
Ms Bajic
15
YEAR 11 REPORT
WITH Mrs Wilkinson
Year 11 has been very busy in various
programs this term and they have been
working hard in school preparing for Year 12
which begins in Term 4. They have also been
working hard towards organising their school
formal, school jackets and starting their
fundraising.
Many students have been participating in a
number of programs and activities which have
been beneficial to the students who have
acquired many new skills which I am certain
will be used additionally in their schooling
years.
Debating is one of those great activities that
provide students with improving their public
speaking skills. The students involved are
Agnes Fifita, Natasa Djukic, Rania Matti and
Adriana Cortellazzi.
Year 11 ESL English students were involved in
the Microsoft program. They paired up with a
mentor from Microsoft and were educated
about technological items and their relationship
to this current business world.
Two students were involved in the Woman‘s
Leadership Seminar held at the State
Parliament House. They were lectured on the
changing role of women in our society. This
seminar focused on persuading women to get
into leadership roles and politics.
A number of Year 11 summer school students
were invited back to UTS for a reunion about
subject selections. They were involved in
various discussions and one of the main
discussions was the difficulties of acquiring a
career after completing a university degree.
The Year 11 English Advanced students went
on an excursion to watch the play ‗Othello‘,
written by William Shakespeare in order to help
them to understand the next topic in English.
The play allowed students to familiarise and
visualise themselves with the plot. This viewing
will have a positive outcome for our English
Advanced students.
Women‟s Leadership Seminar
Natasa
Agnes
Adriana
Rania
16
From the beginning of the year, the Year 11
Physics class worked intensively. They
completed half of their preliminary course and
also achieved great results in their studies. As
a reward they were taken an excursion to Luna
Park to relax after the hard work they have put
into this subject.
As you are approaching the end of the
preliminary course with only one term to go
before the HSC course commences and the
workload increases I would like to offer some
study tips for my Year 11 students:
Listen in class
Take notes in class
Be organised
Complete all assessment tasks on time
Plan your study time and use it well
Communicate with your teachers about any
problems you may be experiencing
If you get into these good habits then Year 12
may not seem so daunting. Remember it is
never too late to implement the above
practices.
Lastly I would like to thank the jacket and
formal committee members for their input and
hard work. They have been actively assisting in
all matters concerning. Your contribution is
invaluable.
Mr Singh will be returning in Term 3 and we all
missed you.
Year 11 planning their study
Year 11 IEP‟s
Year 11 Assembly
17
YEAR 12 REPOrt
WITH Mr. honyak
Well it‘s a busy term. Students have settled
into the term and HSC preparations are well
underway! Students have taken on board the
requirements for all subjects and are working
towards their goal of an HSC.
Students have been utilizing the senior study
room to great effect. Thanks to the National
Partnership Team for assisting the Year 12‘s
with any issues they might have had.
Students are looking very smart in their 2013
jackets. Thanks to Mrs Brown for organising
the final jackets and her incredible patience
with all the last minute additions.
Thanks to the Formal Committee for their
tireless work on school fundraising. Va, Sindy,
Caitlyn and Zorana have done the year proud
with their relentless pursuit of making money
for the year. We had a mufti day in the rain
and made quite a sizable amount of money.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Thanks to Karoline for organising the ‗guess
how many lollies there are in lolly jar‘
competition. Karoline is also organising a cake
day for next term.
Thanks to Jade and the yearbook team for
getting the yearbook started. Make sure you
get your profiles in to her asap.
The school debating team performed at the
Premiers Debating Challenge this term. Well
done to Leanne, Trish, Caitlyn and Zorana for
representing Fairfield High.
During the Term 1 Holidays, the band ‗It‘s Not
A Problem‘ consisting of Caitlyn, Daniel,
Anthony, Andy and Nic represented Fairfield
High in the ‗Bring It On‘ Fairfield City Council
Festival and won! They WON $2000 FOR THE
SCHOOL! A fantastic result all round. With the
money I bought a sensational Fender American
Stratocaster and a five string Cort Bass! I‘m so
impressed with their work ethic over the
semester. They regularly came at lunch time
and rehearsed. Congratulations guys!
Year 12 students attended the Cross Country.
It was a tough day on all involved but we got
through it  Thanks for attending.
It‟s Not A Problem
18
SUPPORT UNIT REPORT
WITH MS San Juan
What a busy time Term Two has been for the
Support Unit! This term, the SEU has crammed
a lot of fun filled, educational activities into our
short nine weeks. From athletics carnivals to
excursions, the Support Unit is really thriving!
The
Life
Skills
Community
Access
program (LSCA) has hit
full swing during Term
two.
The
program
which runs fortnightly
and gives students the
Westfields
opportunity to venture
students had a great time cooking with their
parents, and the SEU would like to extend
thanks to the parents who could make our
event. Parents also enjoyed a day of bowling
with students last term. Later this year,
parents are invited to attend our upcoming
‗Storm Boy‘ theatre excursion in September
and a Parent Café scheduled for later in the
year.
Campbelltown Athletics
Westfields
out into the local area and develop relevant
and necessary life skills has had students
highly engaged and enthusiastic. This term
students have had the experience of organising
their own day out to Westfield Parramatta,
planning their
transportation, preparing
shopping lists and purchasing lunch. Later on
this term students will apply this knowledge on
a broader scale and attend the Sydney
Aquarium, applying knowledge from their
current science topic ―Living Things‖.
The SEU‘s Parent Engagement program also
continues. At the end of Term 1, parents of the
students from S1 came along to ‗P Day‘ and
prepared Pizza and Pancakes together. The
The SEU has been filled with carnivals and
sporting excursions. Earlier this term, Mr
Ozturk and Mrs George attended Secondary
Students with Disabilities Athletics Carnival in
Campbelltown with six of our students. Our
students all participated in 100m and 200m
sprints, and Discus and Long Jump events. The
Support Unit teachers congratulate the
students for putting in their best effort during
these events and would like to acknowledge
their respectful behaviour during travelling and
at the venue. Students also participated in the
Fairfield Athletics carnival over the 9th and
10th May. Participating in a variety of events,
our students tried their best and had an
enjoyable couple of days. Again we would like
to acknowledge their good behaviour and their
enthusiasm in participation.
19
Last term our students from S3 and S4 had the
exciting opportunity to attend Cabramatta
PCYC, attending weekly aerobic classes. This
term, our students from S1 and S2 have their
chance and are enjoying it immensely. The
program, which aims to promote lifelong
physical activity to students in a non-traditional
context, has the SEU students participating in
different routines each week, touching on
elements of boxing or circuit training. Each
week our students rise to the challenge that
our instructor Jeanette sets, and continuously
demonstrate a positive attitude and open mind
to the activities, on which they deserve to be
congratulated. Also, a special mention must be
made to the way the students conduct
themselves in public, as they make their way
to Cabramatta PCYC. Students are displaying
excellent conduct, listening to all instructions
and behaving very courteous towards other
travellers. Well done S1 and S2!
Cabramatta PCYC
Cabramatta PCYC
Students have continued their ‗Focus on
Reading‘ program, spending Monday afternoon
in the library reading books. Students have
drawn from the information they have learnt
during term one on how to use the Dewey
borrowing system and continue to search for
their own books during lessons. Our students
are continuing to demonstrate an interest in
books that they may not normally read and use
their time in roll call to continue reading these
books.
Calling all READERS in
Support
In May, Fairfield High School
launched the NSW Premier‘s
Reading
Challenge.
The
program aims to encourage
young adult‘s interest in
reading. It includes students from Year 7 to
Year 9. Students are challenged to read 15
books in one year, some of which must come
from a special Premier‘s Reading Challenge
List. The Premier‘s Reading Challenge is NOT a
competition! Students are simply encouraged
to try their best and read the number of books
for the target set for their age group. Students
who complete the challenge are rewarded with
a special AWARD from the Premier of NSW.
There are also HEAPS of FUN events scheduled
to help students reach their reading targets,
such as an outdoor reading party and a
‗Reader of the Month Award‘.
If you would like to take the CHALLENGE,
please contact your teacher for further details.
Finally, the SEU staff would like to commend
all students on a great term! We hope that the
positive attitudes and commitment to
homework can move into this next semester.
Cabramatta PCYC
20
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS report
WITH Mr flood
Meet the new International students:
New International Students
Tran Duc Dien (Ben) is a Year 9 student who
comes from Vietnam.
He likes playing
baseball, basketball and singing. His favourite
subjects is Math.
Siengnorar Prum (Norar) is a Year 10 student
from Cambodia. He likes to play soccer, and
his favourite subject is sport.
Mai Nhi Pham (Mai) is a Year 11 student who
comes from Vietnam. She likes reading and
Current International Students
swimming. Her favourite subjects are Maths
and English.
Tanh Nhu Lam (Alice) is a Year 8 student who
comes from Vietnam. She likes playing piano
and drawing. Her favourite subjects are Music
and English.
Thuy Trang Ngo (Jane) is a Year 10 student
from Vietnam. She lives watching English
programs on television. Her favourite subjects
are Maths, English and Photography.
Siyuan He (Shawn) is a Year 10 student who
comes from China. He enjoys playing video
games and cooking. His favourite subjects are
History, Math and English.
Bingyi Su is a Year 10 student who comes from
China. She enjoys listening to music and
travelling. Her favourite subjects are Maths
and Commerce.
With favourite teacher
21
Intensive English Centre
WITH Ms durney
Students come into the IEC (Intensive English
Centre) from many different countries, these
students come with very little English and
sometimes very little formal education.
Students stay in the IEC for up to three terms
before graduating. Once students graduate
from the IEC depending on where they live
they may enroll at Fairfield High or another
High School.
After spending three terms in the IEC the
students have made many new friends and are
beginning to grasp the English language.
Our recent graduation saw 28 students
graduate, with family and friends there to
witness the event.
We welcome those that have stayed here with
us at Fairfield High School.
The following is an address made to the
audience by one of our graduates.
Good morning parents and
guests,
teachers
and
students.
My name is Linh Dang and
today I would like to share
with you some of my
thoughts during my time at
Fairfield IEC after three
terms as a student here. I
am sure many of these thoughts will reflect the
thoughts of the other students who are leaving
the IEC for the high school or TAFE.
On the first day I came to the IEC, through the
office window, I could see many students from
different countries. Little did I know then that
these students were soon to be very good
friends of mine. That first day, I was excited
but also nervous at the same time. However, I
still remember when I first stepped into class,
everybody was so welcoming and joyful. They
asked me to sit next to them. Although I
couldn‘t understand everything in class, the
teachers and my new friends were always
there, ready to help me.
Thanks to them, now I can speak English more
fluently and more confidently and I can do
what I thought I couldn‘t.
Learning a new language is not an easy job to
everyone, especially me. When I was in my
country, I used to think English is the most
difficult subject to do well at. I felt learning
English was very hard and I encountered great
difficulties learning English Grammar. Present
tense, past tense, future tense etc. But since I
came to Fairfield IEC I started to love learning
English and found it much easier ti study as a
subject and to learn things through using
English school.
Also, the teachers at our IEC tried their best to
lay the foundation for further learning at high
school. They have equipped us with the
knowledge that we will need for continued
success at high school. Their inspiring teaching
makes us feel that learning is a wonderful
thing.
In my mind, the most unforgettable memories
are the excursions. We spent time together
chatting, walking, playing, taking photos… and
we formed closer relationships with each other.
Those excursions also showed us beautiful
sights of the city, the culture and the people
here. Excursions are such an enriching
experience.
Today, our journey in the IEC has come to an
end. However, this is just the warming up
before we start high school. Personally, I feel
ready and confident to step into high school
now, when before I would have been nervous.
22
I know it‘s hard to say goodbye but I believe
wherever we go, we will always remember the
good times we have had and get in touch with
each other in the future.
On behalf of the exiting students, I would like
to take this time to thank Miss Durney, all the
teachers, counselors and the office staff for all
their amazing help.
For the students who are staying in the IEC, do
learn as much as you can and enjoy your time
here because you would never find somewhere
else as special as this IEC
Thank you for your attention and we wish you
all the best.
Linh Dang – IEC Student 2013
23
A Brighter Future
When you start with
Kip McGrath Education Centres.
We offer professional tutoring programs for primary through to high school students. We help build
the foundations for academic success.
24
YEAR 7
STUDENT OF TERM
Adrian Correa
I would like to commend Adrian not because he is a high achieving
student who as far as I can tell always does his best to produce
quality work. Not because he excels in Maths having achieved over
85% in the initial class placement Numeracy tests. Not because he
contributed to our first formal assembly in term one, playing the
guitar beautifully and with gusto. And not because he is a gifted
athlete who was one of the top competitors at our recent School
Athletics Carnival – and who as a result will be a part of the
Lansdowne Zone Cross Country team to compete at the Sydney South
West Championships next Thursday 13th June 2013. The reason that
Adrian is Year 7 Student of the Term is because each time I see
Adrian in the corridor, playground or classroom he is always polite,
respectful to everyone and he is encouraging of his peers.
Congratulations Adrian and keep it up!
Mr Dominicos
Year 7 Advisor
YEAR 8
STUDENT OF TERM
Mareta Joseph
Mareta is a beautifully mannered student. She is a hardworking and
diligent student. Mareta has achieved excellent results across all of her
classes. She has consistently demonstrated a keen interest to excel in
her schooling. Her honesty and value for education are a real credit to
her.
Mareta is a well respected and liked member of the Year 8 cohort. She
has consistently provided care and support for members of her peer
group, which have made her a leader not only within her friendship
group but in our cohort.
Mareta is a well rounded student who has engaged in academic,
sporting and creative activities with a high level of enthusiasm.
Congratulations, on the fantastic results and progress you have worked
very hard to achieve this term. You are truly a role model for your
peers.
Ms Molina
Year 8 Advisor
Acknowledging academic success of all Students
25
YEAR 9
STUDENT OF TERM
Suzanne Sultani & Lillian Florian
As we reach the halfway point of the
adventure that is being a Year 9
student, it appears we have a combined
student of the term once again!
Suzanne Sultani and Lillian Florian have
set the examples as outstanding role
models for the year group.
They have been hardworking and
diligent throughout the term. For
behaviour in and outside the classroom,
the word that comes to mind is mature.
They have consistently set an example
of good behaviour for others to follow,
by being responsible members of the
Fairfield High School community.
Both Suzanne and Lillian have shown good aspects of leadership by being helpful to other class
mates and by following teacher directions. On top of this they do it all with a good sense of humour
and great smiles. Well done girls!
Mr Jackson
Year 9 Advisor
YEAR 10
STUDENT OF TERM
Joshua Suli-Ruka
Congratulations to Joshua Suli Ruka for his outstanding efforts this
term. Joshua has displayed true dedication towards his studies and
future goals. He is to be commended for his excellent character and
commitment to his schooling. Well done Joshua keep up the amazing
work.
Ms Lykourezos
Year 10 Advisor
26
YEAR 11
STUDENT OF TERM
Ronya Gilani
Ronya is a pleasant and cooperative student who has actively
participated in various activities within the school community such as
SRC and library monitoring. She has been settling very well into her
senior schooling and has been achieving great results in her courses.
Ronya has also been studying the accelerated Swedish Continuers
course at Saturday school and will proceed to do her HSC this year in
October. She is also a member of the jacket committee and has been
actively designing and liaising with various companies and making a
valuable contribution in the decision making process. Ronya has been
chosen as the student of Term 2 because she is an optimistic student
who helps her peers. She works hard and always works to the best of
her ability in order to achieve great results and she is hoping to
become one of the highest achievers in 2014.
Mr Singh
Year 11 Advisor
YEAR 12
STUDENT OF TERM
Caitlyn Acosta
Caitlyn has a strong work ethic that transfers to all areas of school life.
She is respected by teachers and students and is a natural leader. She
is always willing to push herself to achieve her gaols. Caitlyn always
shows kindness and respect to her fellow students and goes out of her
way to help them in anyway she can. She recently was part of the band
‗It‘s Not A Problem‘ who won the Bring It On Festival and won $2000
for the school.
Mr Honyak
Year 12 Advisor
27
SUPPORT UNIT
STUDENT OF TERM
Matthew Cowley
Matthew deserves to be recognised for his excellent efforts
academically this past term. Matthew has excelled across his classes,
placing first in science. Also, Matthew has played a large role in helping
our new students settle into the Support Unit over Term 1 and 2,
always lending a helping hand to those who need it and always abiding
by Fairfield High School‘s CARE code. A positive start to his year, and
we wish you all the best as you take on the Preliminary HSC.
Excellent work Matthew!
Ms San Juan
Support
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ATHLETE
STUDENT OF TERM
Joshua Suli Ruka
Joshua Suli Ruka is an all-round athlete who has achieved outstanding
results in the field of Rugby League this year. During the Christmas
holidays between 2012 and 2013, Joshua spent time at the University of
New England, Armidale Campus as part of an educational and Rugby
League course for Parramatta Eels Development Programs. At school
Josh has been an integral part of the Opens Rugby League side. Joshua
was also selected as part of the Lansdowne Zone U15s Rugby League
side, where from this he was selected in the Sydney South West U15s
Rugby League side. At the Combined High Schools Championships,
Joshua was selected as part of the Sydney Gold to compete at trials for
NSW CHS side.
Mr Johnson
HT PDHPE
BASKETBALL
STUDENT OF TERM
Hussain Al-Jaber
Hussain has been an active participant in our lunch time basketball
competition since Year 7, now in Year 10 he is leading by example
volunteering to referee games as well as being a regular scorer and
timekeeper for games.
Hussain attends training sessions regularly helping whenever he can and
continues to work hard to improve his ball skills.
Hussain has also been a valued member of both the school‘s under 15
and open basketball teams.
Ms Hudson
Coach
29
Convincing young people to take up a trade,
any trade, I was extremely happy to be asked
to return to my old school to do a trade
experience for younger students.
In my experience in having a trade, more
doors will open for young people when they
hold a trade certificate. Also more money and
a better quality of life is a positive.
I achieved a trade as a boilermaker/
journeyman. I have worked for BHP,
Centrepoint Tower and many other big
companies. I encourage your students to be
positive in taking up a trade if that's their path
in life. Mathematics, English and Science play
a big part.
Thank you once more and I encourage the
students of Fairfield High School to take a
trade in mind when making their career
decisions in Year 10 or 12.
I would like to thank the staff and all who
made it possible for my revisit.
Regards,
Frank Seraglio
Linking our school with past students and teachers
30
Try a Trade happened over three days at
Fairfield High School, with over 800 students
from different schools attending as well as
students and parents from Fairfield High. There
were 35 different trade exhibitions ranging
from childcare, butchers, electrician, ADF, SES,
sign-writing to plumbing just to name a few.
On the carpentry stall students made wooden
candle holders and they decorated them with
tiles on the tiling and pavement stall. There
were makeovers happening on the hair and
beauty stall, pancakes were on the menu at
the hospitality stall. Yamaha brought along a
jet ski and the latest model trailbike and
demonstrated the high level of electronics that
are found in modern motorbikes. On the
horticulture stall students potted plants which
they took home. The ADF was popular dressed
in their camoflage. Many students asked
intelligent questions about what the Australian
military‘s role.
The skills event proved to be an outstanding
success and Fairfield High hopes to have the
honour of hosting this event again.
Developing work based skills in our students
31
Developing work based skills in our students
32
Relieving Deputy
Amanda Conray
Deputy
Mark Sargeant
HT Nat Part
Ekbal Sayed-Rich
HT Welfare
Daniel Brown
Year 7
Year Advisor
Nick Domenicos
Year 8
Assistant
Ajla Bajic
Year Advisor
Lilian Molina
Year 9
Year Advisor
Cameron Jackson
Year Advisor
Ellena Lykourezos
Year
11
Student Support
Mohsen El Drehi
Assistant
Lee Ferguson
sistant
Year 12
Assistant
Aurelia Wilkinson
Counsellor
Simon Tam
Assistant
Eric Lieu
Year 10
Assistant
Stephanie Sullivan
Year Advisor
Ajendra Singh
HT Student Support
Tony Petrakis
Counsellor
Sue Bicanic
Year Advisor
Patrick Honyak
Year 6 Transition
Megan Hayes
Assistant
Raphael Brown
Careers Advisor
Karen Tyler
Careers Advisor
Pam Dunn
Our Welfare team supporting learning for all students
33
Welcome to the Term 2 newsletter. It has been an exciting and highly productive term with much to
share!
Literacy and Numeracy across the school with Focus on Reading is an important program.
The program Focus on Reading continues to be a key whole school
strategy for increasing school literacy levels at Fairfield High School
and strategically targeting improved practice in the teaching of
comprehension strategies across the curriculum. Staff training
continues at three levels:
Phase 1 for teachers beginning their first year of training,
Phase 2 for the those teachers in their second year of training
Facilitator Training for teachers training to teach other staff in
Focus on Reading
My thanks go to Ms Erika Kardasis, Ms Cheryl Weber, Ms Rebecca
Goldsmith, Ms Kathleen Hannigan and Ms Amanda Conray for their
commitment and dedication in training teachers in the next phase of
the Focus on Reading Journey in 2013.
Our core texts for the Focus on Reading training include-:
Guided Comprehension by Maureen Mc Laughlin & Mary Beth Allen
Revisit, Reflect, Retell by Linda Hoyt
As more teachers become trained in the Focus on Reading
Program the greater impact on students‘ comprehension levels.
Our primary partnerships with Fairfield Primary Public school gave
us great insight into how Focus on Reading works at the primary
school level and students commencing Year 7 in 2013 possess a
strong understanding of the Focus on Reading Program which is hugely advantageous to the
continuation of teaching the program in the high school. Year 7 classes in 2013 are benefitting from
the additional support with the teaming structure in place again in 2013. This approach supports
transition in the middle years as students find that having a core teacher in Year 7 provides a settled
learning environment in the first year at high school.
Staff FoR
Training session
The National Partnerships Team – supporting student learning and success
34
During Term 2, the National Partnerships faculty hosted a combined visit by Fairvale HS & Lurnea HS
teachers who are also coming on board the Focus on Reading Journey. The group of 20 teachers
observed a variety of lessons from Key Learning areas across the school including our Special
Education and Intensive English Centre classes. I thank the teachers who shared their Focus on
Reading teaching practice with the visiting teachers. The feedback was extremely positive and a
greater level of professional discussion was had on the day and through the Focus on Reading
Edmodo group recently created for all staff training in the program to professionally engage with
ongoing discussions around the implementation of the Focus on Reading program at their school.
Visiting teachers in IEC class
Visiting teachers in Special Education class
Visiting teachers group
Visiting teachers in mainstream class
Focus on Reading-Action Research project- Flash Mob
As part of the Phase 2 training in the Focus on Reading program the action research project
explores strategies to increase reading volume across the school. Every Tuesday at lunch the school
community is invited to grab a book to read and enjoy reading on the school grass area outside of H
Block. We are not actively advertising the flash mob to the school however, are currently observing
trends where more students and staff are coming on board and joining the flash mob and
demonstrating their love of reading.
Students and staff enjoying a quiet read
35
The teachers trained so far in the Focus on Reading
program continue to showcase to the whole staff Focus on
Reading Comprehension strategies and teaching ideas at
Staff Development Days and this trend will continue at the
next Staff Development Day in Term 3, 2013.
Please see the Focus on Reading Implementation
Flow chart following this report
Staff Conference-Smart Technologies
Our 5th successful staff conference was held at Fairfield
High School and Fairfield RSL on the 24th & 25th May,
2013. The conference was well attended with staff, parents
Staff Conference
and students engaged in professional learning which aimed
to increase their knowledge and skills in new technologies
and engage staff and the community on the best ways to prepare for the changes of the 21st century
classroom and how students today best learn. Our Principal Mr Mulas set the context for 21st Century
Learning with Sugatra Mitra‘s ―school in the cloud‖ concept which led to the deep discussions that
followed throughout the conference.
I would like to congratulate Ms K. Hannigan Head Teacher Technology and the National Partnerships
team for their hard work in organising this important whole school event. I would also like to thank
the student leaders and parents who attended the Bring Your Own Technology discussions on day
two of the conference. Your input was extremely valuable for the next stage of development of the
BYOT strategy at Fairfield High School. I would further like to acknowledge the teachers who lead the
last session of the conference and shared their teaching practice by showcasing the iPad applications
most relevant to their subject areas to the staff and parents. This session was rated as one of the
best of the whole conference and staff and parents indicated they wanted to see more of these
activities in the future.
Thank you to the following teachers-:
Ms R. Goldsmith - Creative and Performing Arts
Ms N. Midroni – Creative and Performing Arts
Mr P. Honyak – Creative and Performing Arts
Mr S. Conlan- Head Teacher Student Engagement
Mr L. Ferguson- Technology and Applied Science
Ms A. Ayoubi- Special Education Unit
Ms K. Hannigan –Head Teacher Technology
Mr Martin Levins
Ms Myf Powell
Mr M. Kusmerieski- Maths Faculty
Thanks to Mr Mark Sargeant, Mr Kon
Kriticos and Ms Sue Smyth for their
delivery of the sessions to SASS
during the conference. Thanks also
to Ms Leah Rix for presenting a
session on the Dell Projector in the
classroom and to Mr Lawrence Derks
for leading a professional learning
session on working with Adobe
connect.
Staff Conference
36
We were extremely lucky to have a high calibre of presenters and we thank the following key note
speakers on their outstanding presentations to staff, parents and students at the conference.
Ms Myf Powell-“Leading a transformative ICT Strategy”
Mr Martin Levins “Bring Your Own Technology” – A community consultation
Staff showcasing educational apps
Staff showcasing educational apps
Parents attending school conference
Students attending school conference
Welcome Dr Teresa Angelic- Melbourne University
On June, 13 Dr Teresa Angelic from Melbourne University visited National
Partnerships to conduct a case study on Fairfield High School and the National
Partnership program at our school. During her visit she will be visiting some of
the Focus on Reading classes, our Parent Café, Community Kitchen and Garden
as well as the great facilities around the school such as the Trade Training Centre
and Senior Learning space.
Dr Teresa Angelic visiting our school
37
Tertiary Partnerships affiliated with Future Directions Network- BIG NEWS!!
Our students attended the Future Directions Information Night at
Revesby Workers Club and heard all about the benefits of going to
University and the surprise appearance by the Hon. Ms Julia Gillard plus
the great news about a $500,000 commitment by the Hon. Julia Gillard
to scholarships for South Western Sydney students aspiring to go to
University. Our student ambassadors were also recognised when they
met the PM last term and shared their stories about their university pathways with her. Well done to
Elaine Yeo and Paulo Greaves. Also Natasa Djukic, Caroline Loka and Hannah Salah in Year 11 for
attending the evening‘s proceedings. More information on how to apply can be found at
www.fdn.net.au See the full article from the FDN website below.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced
$500,000 of assistance by the Federal
Government to Future Direction Network, in
front of five hundred people at the joint FDNUniversity of Sydney information evening at the
Revesby Workers Club last night. In her speech
announcing the funding, the Prime Minister said
she ―was so blown away‖ when she first met
FDN Chairman Corey Payne and first heard
those stories from students like Elaine Yeo and
Paulo Greaves from Fairfield High, that ―…I
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the FDN Board
knew that I wanted to help and I knew I wanted
and supporters
to see him have the resources to take his vision
and his dream even further.‖
Dropping in from a community cabinet meeting in nearby Regents Park, the Prime Minister was
introduced by Revesby Workers Club President and Federal Member for Banks Daryl Melham. In his
speech, Mr Melham on behalf of Revesby Workers Club also announced an $18,000 commitment to
FDN. Mr Melham said ―…she didn‘t hesitate to make herself available to come here tonight. Her
commitment to education is second to none, it‘s well known.‖
In her speech to the audience, the Prime Minister expressed solidarity with the aims of FDN and that
of her Government. ―A big part of what we‘re trying to achieve as a Government is to make it
possible for people to be the first in their family to go to University. Why is that so important? It
literally changes lives.
―If I can leave one message with you tonight —
if you‘re thinking about it (University), then
please strive to do it. It can seem big; it can
seem scary, particularly if there‘s no one in your
family who can show you the path, who can
shine the light for you if you‘re going to be the
first to go. But having the courage to take those
steps is so important, because it will be the
foundation for the rest of your life,‖ Ms Gillard
said.
38
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Experience Day
Sydney University‟s Compass Program- May 29th, 2013
Fifteen of our ATSI students in Year 7 and 8
says Angela Saad, Learning for Life Team
attended this great day at Sydney University.
Leader at The Smith Family.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students
All areas of interest were catered for the year
Experience Day is a partnership between the
seven and eight students in a day of hands-on
University's Compass
Program,
Student
activities, with students able to make their own
Recruitment Unit and The Smith Family.
ice cream using liquid nitrogen, express the
"Through providing a range of interactive and
emotion of pride through poetry, find out more
fun activities with great educational value,
about the man on the $50 note, and compete
students can get a taste for higher education,"
to build the tallest tower out of spaghetti.
39
„Education Matters‟, a lecture by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Compass partner high schools are invited to select thirteen Year 11 or 12 students
with a keen interest in ethics and morality to attend a very special event with His
Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Date: Thursday 13 June 2013
Venue: York Theatre, Seymour Centre
Our Students attended this wonderful event- thanks to Sydney University Compass
program for allowing us the opportunity to learn from a revered international
figure. Thanks to the staff and students who attended this special event.
FHS Student Success!
Congratulations to the FHS winners of the Bring it On
Festival and to Mr Honyak for his support of our
talented students. Thanks to Mr Peter Hope for
encouraging our students to participate!
Congratulations to Paulo Greaves Year 12 who was
awarded the NSW Department of Housing Scholarship
2013
Natasa Djukic and Ronya Giliani
Year 11 attended the Women‘s
Parliament Day at Government
House, Macquarie Street, Sydney
Have a safe and relaxing mid-year break. I look forward to a fantastic Term 3 with more student
success stories to share!
Ms Ekbal Sayed-Rich
Head Teacher National Partnerships
40
Focus on Reading Implementation under National Partnerships 2012/13
•
•
•
Purpose
•
•
•
•
•
Links with primary
school
Transition
Common language of
instruction
Welfare
Discipline mechanism
Teacher mentoring
Team building/cross
faculty
Schools targets
•
•
Whole
school
•
•
•
BOS supervisors employed to
supervise formal examination
periods to free up TPL time
FoR staff timetabled 4
periods/cycle to
liaise/observe/share resources
FoR meeting timetabled
once/fortnight
Home rooms allocated for core
teachers
Folders, texts, support
materials purchased under NP
FoR teachers issued with ipads
to record their class and utilise
in class as a teaching/learning
tool
Collaboration by key personnel
•
•
•
•
Fairfield PS
•
FPS NP teamed spoke of
the successes with FoR
Term 4 2011 all staff
from FHS mainstream
observed FoR in action at
FPS
Term 2 2012 Stage 5
teachers from FPS
observe FoR in action in
our Year 7 classrooms
Term 4 2012 all FoR staff
plus IEC & Support
teachers observe FoR in
action in Stage 3 FPS
classrooms
•
Structure
•
•
NP staff co teach/mentor
Phase 1 Trainees in Year 7/8
classes
Core teachers are also roll call
teachers for Year 7 class,
supplying welfare support
Consultants/outside facilitators
booked as required
Staff Development Day - FoR
teachers deliver sample lesson
to all staff, by way of a taster
•
•
•
OVERVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2012-2013
EOI to all staff to train in FoR
and be a year 7 core teacher
(Term 4)
Trainees include key personnel
such as Year 7 Advisor &
Assistant, librarian, STLA/LST,
ESL staff, HT Mentor, IEC &
Support staff
Expertise in indigenous, ESL &
learning difficulty brought into
the school
Working towards school targets
2012 - 12 staff trained in Phase 1
2013 - 17 staff to be trained in
Phase 1, 10 in Phase 2.
2013- 4 staff undertaking FoR
Facilitator Training.
Employment of FoR/ESL
consultant to join NP team to
build expert knowledge
FoR books record our journey
and provide a staff resource
41
Conference at Fairfield RSL
Teachers, office staff, parents and students
participated in a school conference on Friday
24th and Saturday 25th May, 2013. The entire
conference was focussed around technology.
On Friday, we had two special presenters. The
first was Leah Rix from Dell Australia, who in
serviced the teachers on using the interactive
Dell data projectors as we now have fifty of
those installed in the school.
The second presenter was Laurens Derks, the
Project Officer, Technology for Learning and
the Digital Education Revolution. Laurens in
serviced staff on the use of Adobe Connect
which is a fantastic video conferencing tool.
Through Adobe Connect, Laurens introduced
us to Kerry from Taronga Zoo who was feeding
nectar to two beautiful sugar glider possums.
This was to demonstrate that teachers can
invite outside providers and/or experts into
their classrooms to meet with students and
share knowledge and ideas.
The third presenter was Myf Powell, from
Civica in Melbourne, who discussed learning in
the 21st Century and global patterns of
education and pedagogy. This presentation
opened the way for the last guest presenter:
Martin Levins, Director of Information
Technology, The Armidale School. Martin
explored the huge concept of ‗Bring Your Own
Device‘ (BYOD), which is the name for the
current dilemma facing school for 2014 when
the Digital Education Revolution (DER) ends.
2013 is the last year that students will be
issued DER laptops. The school community
needs to explore the best option to enable
students‘ continued access to technology.
Martin explained the social, economic, political,
technological and pedagogical issues which
effect the BYOD debate.
iPADS
The Learning and Support Team, The
Education
Support
Unit
and
National
Partnerships have all purchased class sets of
iPads for students use. The National
Partnerships iPads have had 88 apps installed
Parents at P&C meeting using iPads
on them for educational use and the use of
these iPads is that they will be a mobile
technology device. Teachers are able to book
the iPads and use with their classes. The
students, prior to use, sign an online
communications device charter, agreeing to
the appropriate use of the iPads at all time.
The students in the attached images are using
iMovie and mydeco apps on the iPads. Before
these iPads went into classrooms and into
student‘s hands, the parents attending the P &
C had the opportunity to use the iPads, and to
experience what a powerful learning tool these
devices can be. The iPad is been trialled as a
device for the BOYD debate. Student‘s families
will need to actually purchase the device their
student uses, so we need to find the most
economical, efficient learning device which
connects easily to the school‘s wifi and network
set up. The iPads are proving to be extremely
successful so far. The BYOD debate will be
continued to be explored through the school
community over the next few months, with as
much consultation with all parts of our school
community as possible.
Students using
iPads
42
Students using
iPads
Students using
iPads
Kathleen Hannigan - Head Teacher Technology
NAPLAN TESTING
Students in Years 7 and 9 sat for the National
Assessment Program - Literacy & Numeracy
(NAPLAN) in May, in line with students
throughout Australia, over a 3 day period. This
testing builds upon results from Years 3 & 5 in
the areas of Language/Grammar, Writing,
Reading & Numeracy. Overall the attendance
was excellent during this week.
Year 9 testing was held in the auditorium,
while Year 7 students were supervised by their
core teachers over the 3 days of testing. The
students were excellent during this period &
are to be commended for their general
demeanour.
Year 9 students were focused and utilised
strategies during the testing, that we had
tackled in the practice session held in Term 1.
The school looks forward to some excellent
results in September when the report to
parents & schools is released. Each parent will
receive a full report from EMSAD (Educational
Measurement and School Accountability
Directorate) reporting on the progress of their
child, in relation to the results of the school,
the region & the state.
When the results are released the school will
be hosting an explanation session to explain
feedback supplied to parents of these students.
Inter-school Debating/Public Speaking
Debating and Public Speaking Competitions
have commenced this term. We have six teams
entered in the Premier‘s Debating Competition,
from Years 7 through to 12. Thanks to Ms Ajla
Bagic in ESL for taking on the mentoring and
organisation of the debating teams from Years
9, 10 & 11; also to Ms Alamira Ayoubi from the
SEU for volunteering to work with Year 7.
Senior teams from Years 11 & 12 have now
completed their debates It is always
challenging for Year 12 to find time to engage
with debating given their busy schedule and
study commitments. Congratualtions to Caitlyn
Acosta, Leanne Trinh, Zorana Alavanja and
Trish Tran.
Year 12 Debating team
I‘m also happy to note that Selma Tursunovic
from Year 12 2012, who debated for 6 years
while a student at Fairfield HS is now an
adjudicator in the Premier‘s Debating
Challenge. She will be adjudicating Belmore
Boys and Beverly Hills Girls High Schools.
Congratulations to Christina Carol for
representing the school in the Senior Public
Speaking Competition – a daunting experience
for a Year 10 student.
43
Recently a debating workshop was held for
students from 8Y and interested Year 7
students, where they learnt the importance of
powerful argument, speaking confidently and
organisational skills. The participants are to be
commended for
their
confidence
and
eagerness to present their arguments. They
are an extremely diligent and involved cohort.
Years 7 & 8 Debating Workshop
Ms Ajla Bagic, Ms Alamira Ayoubi & I heartily
enjoyed facilitating this session with such
interested students.
Mrs Weber
Head Teacher Teaching & Learning
Christina Carol
44
Term Two has seen further progress in the
area of student support. New initiatives and
the strengthening of established programs with
our university partners aim at enriching the
educational experience at Fairfield High School.
Compass
Firstly a big thank you to Ms Elmir for all of her
organisation with the Sydney University visits.
Mr Dominicos and his crew of teachers armed
with panadol are set to visit the uni midway
through this term with Year 7 so they can all
get a good understanding of what it is that you
do at university. Congratulations to Mr Rasko
for volunteering to undertake the coordination
of the Compass program whilst Ms Elimir takes
time to focus on Social Science initiatives.
Through the Compass program our school has
had the opportunity to run two ―Multilit‖
programs. One is a literacy program which has
been facilitated by Ms Bryce and Mr Chau and
the other is a numeracy program facilitated by
Ms Ayoub and Ms Kaklamanis. Both programs
are designed to assist students who need
support in these areas and feedback from
students and staff is suggesting that there is a
great deal of progress being made.
Beacon Program
UWS Fast Forward
This term it was Year 10 to attend UWS
Parramatta to work with students from local
schools on a number of activities in order to
UWS Fast Forward
engage in problem solving and positive
thinking strategies. Fairfield High School
students also listened to methods to study and
feasted on Subway at lunchtime. Food for
thought.
PCYC
As with last term, the SEU have engaged in a
rigorous physical regime with their select dozen
students at the PCYC Cabramatta. More leg
warmers, music that is too loud and the smell
of sweat keep Mr Ozturk alive and well.
Beacon Program
You‘ll be seeing a lot more of Joe Tau, the big
character who runs the Beacon Program. He
has been appointed as a temporary CLO at our
school and will be working with our Islander
students every Monday. Seniors will have the
opportunity to visit Joe during periods 1 and 2,
whilst the juniors will spend time with him
during periods 3 and 4.
PCYC Cabramatta
45
UTS Tutoring
UTS Tutoring
UTS
The UTS tutorials with Year 12 have been a great
success. Thank you to Ms Santangelo for her
organisation in facilitating this initiative. There
are a number of tutorials running in various
KLA‘s where UTS undergraduates come to our
school, during Year 12 study periods, and explain
and revise information and skills related to
subject specific areas.
We are looking at
sustaining this program over the long term, and
have been recognised by the university and other
local schools as a model facilitator.
Remote Lab
Remote Labs
How would you like to control a scientific
experiment using the internet as your interface?
It‘s all about to happen shortly with the
engineering and electronics classes and thanks
to UTS. Take a look at the pictures and then
have a chat with Mr Singh and Mr Sullen.
Wind Turbine
Meetings and plans
are taking place with
UTS to install a wind
turbine near the frog
pond. The concept is
to generate electricity and store this electricity in batteries which can then
power lights, possibly a fountain or waterfall or anything else that you
might be able to suggest. An exciting project to learn about green power.
UTS Tutoring
Wind Turbine
46
Boot Camp
An exciting initiative taking place in the
upcoming holidays is the FHS Boot Camp. Year
12 will have the opportunity to come to school
and be lectured and receive notes from
teachers who are highly experienced in
subjects such as Advanced English, Business
Studies and Advanced Maths. It‘s free of
charge and gives students the opportunity to
hear the same message, but from a different
perspective.
My Exit Plan
What am I going to do after Year 12? A
common question that the speakers at ―My Exit
Plan‖ will try to address. Ranking, ATAR, job
matching, study skills and post HSC options are
some of the areas that were covered by a
panel of experts at a seminar at Fairfield RSL.
My Exit Plan
Engineering Studies
Finally I had the opportunity to speak to Mr
Sullen‘s Engineering Class about aerodynamics.
My cameo appearance included some board
work theory, a model held by string with a fan
in front of it to demonstrate the effects of
control surfaces, and then in just over half an
hour we built a plane and flew it out at the
back oval. Ms Hudson spotted us and took too
many happy snaps. A great double period of
learning indeed. Cheers.
Mr Tony Petrakis – Student Support
Engineering Studies
47
FHS Fundraising Opportunity
AT NEETA CITY
Will donate $10 to Fairfield High School
for every eye test.
If you, a friend, family member, aunt, uncle
have their eyes tested by Specsavers at Neeta City and
mention Fairfield High School,
Specsavers will donate $10.00 back to the school.
Look after your eyesight – have your eyes checked. The cost is bulk billed to Medicare, so it
won’t cost you anything, mention FHS, and the school will be given valuable money towards
sports equipment, computers or other worthwhile necessities for our school.
48
49
50
On the 8th April 2013, Fairfield High School
came together for our ANZAC Day assembly.
Our assembly was held prior to ANZAC Day as
ANZAC Day fell during the term break. The
assembly is run by Year 9 History students with
the help of History teacher Mr Curtis.
Students Read the ANZAC Day Speech as well
as a Poem by Damian (Dib) Morgan 1998.
Guest speaker Mr Paul Bryant from Fairfield
RSL then addressed the assembly with a very
moving and inspirational address.
ANZAC Day speech
We meet here today, not
to glorify war or praise
victors, but to remember
those who have served
our country during times
of conflict and crisis, and to reflect upon their
selfless sacrifice.
To all Australians, ANZAC day is a tradition,
paid for in blood and celebrated in our
freedom. It is a day in which not only do we
salute the ANZACs, but in paying tribute to
them, we also take the opportunity to
invigorate our national spirit and pride.
On this day, in 1915, a group of volunteer
Australian and New Zealand soldiers found
themselves wading ashore before dawn at a
small beach on the Gallipoli peninsula in
Turkey. Many of these men were only
teenagers, some as young as 16. All were
anxious to prove their courage and national
identity.
Over the eight months following the landing,
those young ANZACs underwent a ―trial by
ordeal‖. In total 36,000 Australian and New
Zealand soldiers were killed or wounded at
Gallipoli.
But in those terrible battles, young Australians
earned a reputation for courage, self-reliance
and mateship. The experience drew Australians
together as a nation and established the
national character. The standards that they set
and the ANZAC spirit, have been handed down
ever since to all the Australian soldiers, sailors
and airmen who followed them. From WW2 to
Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, the gulf and
many peacekeeping operations in the middle
east, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
We pause today to acknowledge all current
and former members of our defence forces –
the brave men and women who represent our
country on a daily basis. No Australian is left
untouched when a member of our defence
force is killed in action. It is difficult to
comprehend the grief associated with the loss
at war of a parent, partner, child or sibling, let
us also ensure that we remember the families.
We must not forget today‘s veterans‘, many of
them ex-students of our school – Fairfield
High. Young men and women who are
returning from duty in places like Afghanistan,
Iraq, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. ANZAC
Day is a day to remember all men and women
of the Australian Defence Force, regardless of
the time they served.
On ANZAC Day we pay tribute to all current
and former members of the Australian Defence
Force, those lost in training, on operations, the
wounded, injured and ill.
Celebrating our important historical events
51
The ANZAC spirit forged at Gallipoli will never
be forgotten. This is why Australians come
together every ANZAC Day. We di it to
remember the ANZACs and their achievements;
and we should remember them not as old
soldiers from a distant war, but as the young
Australians they were in 1915.
Our vast country with its harsh beauty and
open
skies, help to shape
healthy,
confident,competitive, innovative and freedom
loving individuals, who with good leadership
and high motivation, can more than match the
best in the world; in whatever they do.
The ANZACs showed us these same qualities.
We have the ability to face challenges together
and overcome them, to put community before
self, to be courageous, determined, self-reliant
and strong. We should be proud of our
heritage. This is the spirit of ANZAC; the spirit
that must be understood by us so that we can
pass it on to the next generation and beyond.
Poem
Sir
Sir – would it help if I shed a tear
I swear it‘s the first time since this time last year
My spine is a tingle – my throat is all dry
As I stand to attention for all those who died
I watch the flag dancing half way down the pole
That damn bugle player sends chills to my soul
I feel the pride and the sorrow – there‘s nothing the same
As standing to attention on ANZAC Day
So sir – on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
To your mates that are lying from Tobruk to the Somme
The legend of your bravery will always live on
I‘ve welcomed Olympians back to oue shore
I‘ve cheered baggy green caps and watched Wallabies score
But when I watch you marching (Sir) in that parade
I know these are the memories that never will fade
So Sir – on behalf of the young and the free
Will you take a message when you finally do leave
It‘s the least we can do (Sir) to repay the debt
We‘ll always remember you – Lest We Forget
by: Damian (Dib) Morgan
52
Mr Paul Bryant‟s address
Principal Mulas, Teachers, Staff and most
importantly you, the young people of Fairfield.
It is with pleasure that I am again the
representative from Fairfield RSL Club to my
old High School, and I wish to thank Tony
Petrakis for that invitation.
I was asked to prepare a short address to
ANZAC for this morning, and I would like to
speak about two main things, namely the
concept of the Spirit of ANZAC and our current
troops serving overseas, and one local Fairfield
resident who, during the Vietnam War, was
awarded a Military Medal for his bravery under
fire.
The Spirit Of ANZAC is summarized by four
words, Mateship, Courage, Sacrifice and
Endurance. These qualities are not unknown in
most Armies around the world, but exemplify
the typical Australian Soldier.
The most common reason given by any
Australian Soldier who has ever received a
Bravery Award is ―…that I didn‘t want to let my
mates down…‖ It was generally not a case of
intentionally doing an extraordinary thing,
rather than helping out your mates because he
was in a better position. Hence, Mateship
throughout the Australian Services is probably
the strongest bond of service men and women,
and is foremost of the ANZAC Spirit held by
Australians.
Courage is something that everyone hopes that
they have. Courage to say ―No‖ to something
that is wrong. Courage to stand by your
convictions when many others are trying to
sway your opinions. Courage to stand up for
people unable to protect themselves. Courage
to face an enemy or foe, and not give an inch.
Soldiers do not know if they have those
particular forms of courage until they are put
into a situation to test their mettle, but
combined with Mateship will generally prevail,
and Aussies demonstrate their courage daily in
Afghanistan and other areas.
Sacrifice is not uncommon in soldiers from any
country. Nor is it ignored in scriptures of
various Faiths. However, Australian service
men and women have demonstrated their
capacity to sacrifice their own liberty, or lives,
for their mates, as well as the people that they
have been protecting. It is a very strong
quality which is reinforced by the concepts of
Mateship and Courage.
Endurance is something that is instilled into
every Australian schoolchild from an early age.
Give it your best, never say die, strive to be
the best that you can be. You are not taught to
give up because something seems to be a bit
hard. So too with Australian Troops. A very
good example is our current troops in
Afghanistan when several soldiers were killed
by ‗friendly fire‖ from an Afghani Soldier they
were training, who was, in fact, a rebel
operative. Our troops may well have been fully
understood to have given up on their role of
training the local soldiers, but no, they have
the Endurance to see their task to the end.
The second part of this address concerns
Private Frank Fitch of D Company, 5th
Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, on 4th
April 1969. His Company had come under
intense fire from the enemy with the lead scout
only ten metres from the enemy position, and
―…Private Fitch, discarding his own personal
weapon and carrying only his medical stores
went forward under heavy fire to assist the
leading scout. He returned to the remainder of
the leading platoon and moved fifty metres to
the flank to assist another critically wounded
soldier. At this time Private Fitch was himself
wounded in the stomach by rocket fire.
53
Throughout the remainder of the action (over
still treating others and refusing any help to
one hour), Fitch, although always under
himself. He displayed a complete disregard for
accurate enemy fire continued to move around
his own safety and despite his own wounds
the platoon treating the other twelve wounded
placed the care of other wounded as his only
soldiers. Over two hours later, during the
concern…‖ (Extract from 5th Battalion The
evacuation of the wounded, Private Fitch was
Royal Australian Association Website).
Private Frank Fitch was a local Fairfield young
comrades, and trying to treat 2 others who had
man, not much older than many of you, who
been Killed In Action, he was awarded a
demonstrated those ANZAC Spirit qualities that
Military Medal, one of the highest awards
I have just mentioned, and for his service as a
immediately below a Victoria Cross.
Stretcher Bearer/Medic, treating 12 wounded
______________________________________________________________________
Hey guys! How are you all doing today? We
are part of the POW
team, which is an
acronym for Protect Our
World. POW is an
environmental program
which is run by Ms Elmir
in the Social Science
faculty. We at POW take
care of the school
environment,
by
volunteering to help
plant
vegetation
around the school!
We
also
help
environmental
groups outside of
school, by planting
trees for our future
generations to live
sustainably. At POW
just like our name,
we aim to protect our world by making the
school a cleaner more sustainable learning
environment. Right now we‘re looking for some
keen Year 10‘s who are willing to help keep our
school eco-friendly, so if you‘re interested then
please see Ms Elmir in R block!
Now, today we are here to talk to you about
Earth Hour 2013. What is Earth Hour you may
ask? Well, Earth Hour is a worldwide event
organized by the WWF, it encourages
households and businesses, in our case schools
to switch off their lights for an hour to raise
awareness and the need to take action on
climate change. It was first introduced in
Sydney, Australia in 2007, with many countries
soon after in 2008. It is now a worldwide hit,
with 152 countries in all 7 continents now
taking part.
Earth Hour has had many celebrity
endorsements in the past, some of which are
very well known to us. There‘s the support of
Nelson Mandela, Miranda Kerr, Sachin
Tendulkar, the band Coldplay and many
others. This year the Earth Hour 2013 global
ambassador is Jessica Alba.
So Earth Hour was originally on Saturday the
23rd of March this year, but Fairfield High
School, participated in Earth Hour on the 26th
March. During period 6, all the classrooms
around the school turned off their lights to
show support for Earth Hour 2013.
Supporting environmental initiatives that benefit our world
54
Have you ever wondered what that big block of
stone is between the English/History and Social
Science blocks? You know, the one with pretty
shrubs and Kangaroo Paws, the one you
sometimes look at when you‘re sitting down on
Monday morning‘s assembly and you‘re trying
desperately to fight the fuzzies. Well ten years
ago, last December, I decided to build, with
the help of a few teachers, a tribute to a very
special teacher. Her name was Rachel
Cowmeadow, and she was a great English
teacher. I met her in my first year at Fairfield
High School when I was also teaching English.
Rachel was a very quiet, but confident teacher
who was well respected by all of the staff, and
loved by the students she taught. She had a
passion for literature and cherished the
opportunity to help students gain a confidence
in their reading, in their writing and in
themselves. It was with a great sadness that
we met the news of Rachel falling victim to
cancer. Fate would have it that Fairfield was
her first and also her last school as a teacher.
She rests in Goondiwindi, Queensland, where
on her headstone there is the Fairfield High
School logo, and the motto, ―To live is to learn‖
is inscribed. It was a humble experience for Ms
Hudson, Ms Butcher, Mr Ali and myself to go to
to the funeral and represent FHS.
Many
students back at school also felt the sorrow
and needed to express their feelings. Students
lit candles and wrote messages for the
memorial service held at school and this gives
you an idea of the sense of loss felt across the
school community.
So the next time you pass by Rachel‘s garden,
have a read of the plaque, and now that we
don‘t have daylight savings, and if you know
your Roman Numerals, check to see if the sun
dial is telling you the truth…
Year 12 formal
The obituary that featured in The Chronicle –
Toowoomba, 2002
COWMEADOW, Rachel Ann, late of Sydney,
and formerly of Goondiwindi, Queensland,
passed away on the 12th December, 2002,
aged 31 years. Dearly loved daughter of Joe
and Joan Cowmeadow Loved sister of Brendan
and Kate. Relatives and friends are respectfully
invited to attend RACHEL'S funeral to be held
at St Mary's Catholic Church, Callandoon
Street,
Goondiwindi,
Requiem
Mass
commencing at 12 noon WEDNESDAY (18th
December, 2002), followed by interment at the
Goondiwindi Lawn Cemetery.
Publication Date: 14/12/02
(Now you know what the Rachel Cowmeadow
Memorial Award from Presentation Day is all
about).
Remembering our past teachers and colleagues
55
From high school to
university and now
coming back to where
I started... in a high
school not as a
student, but as a
passionate facilitator
moulding the minds of
the future generations
of Australians. I am a
New Scheme Teacher
commonly referred to
as Mr. Lieu. I have been blessed to be the
recipient of a permanent position at Fairfield
High School, in the Science faculty where my
passion and interests will be able to inspire the
young minds sitting in front of me or
surrounding me.
As a Science teacher, I am required to assist a
range of students from different years with
differing abilities and interest levels towards
Science.
In Year 8, I have been working with 8 Green.
The students in 8 Green have been learning
and performing experiments in relation to the
different body systems and different chemical
reactions, which are present in our everyday
lives.
In Year 9, students have been learning about
electricity and the importance of general
knowledge in all areas of Science, as they are
applicable to real life. Year 9 have been busily
building electrical circuits and investigating the
effects of placing different components into
these electrical circuits.
In Year 10, students have been challenged to
design their own experiments in order to find
out the answers to their own questions (this
makes my job a lot easier and enjoyable).
Year 11 Physics students have been learning
about the Physics involved in car crashes and
the safety devices and technologies developed
by Scientist to assist in preventing accidents
and saving lives.
Year 11 Physics
Year 11 Access students are learning about
Genetics. They are focusing on the different
parts and processes involved in the
transmission of physical traits and discovering
why we all look unique.
I am so lucky to be surrounded by the
awesome Science staff and colleagues in the
school who have supported me throughout my
journey as a beginning teacher and provided
me with great insight into the profession. I am
definitely looking forward to this year ahead,
working with all the great staff and students at
Fairfield High School.
Developing Quality Teachers through our Teacher Professional learning activities
56
Krishneel Maharaj – UWS University
Eight weeks into my postgraduate degree I
was faced with the opportunity to participate in
my first hands on practical lasting a duration of
4 weeks. I opened up the email sent by my
course tutor to see what school I had received,
adrenalin and excitement causing my hands to
shake
―Your first professional experience school is
Fairfield High School .‖
Having lived all my life in the western Sydney
area I was relieved to hear that it was in a
familiar region of Sydney, however even then I
had never heard of the school.
Year 7 Science
Before the four week teaching block, I was
allowed to attend the school for, five
observation days in which I sat in class and
observed teachers of the Science Department.
After the first observation day I had written
two pages of useful notes on how to manage a
class and how to engage students in the
learning process. I realised that I had tapped
into a wealth of knowledge and I quickly
became eager to start my actual teaching
practical at the school alongside these
teachers.
The first day of my four week journey had
arrived In preparation I had created lesson
plans and worksheets for the students to do.
After my first lesson my supervising teacher Ms
Galagher helped identify my strengths,
weakness and techniques to overcome
challenges faced in the classroom From that
first lesson and performance evaluation I had
learnt more about teaching than what I had
learnt at uni in my postgraduate classes.
Throughout the next few days and lessons I
would try to incorporate the advice Ms
Galagher would give into my teaching and I
found that my classes became more
interactive, easier to manage and in general
the students became more attentive and eager
to learn. Other members of the Science staff
eased the transition to the teaching profession
and in creating lessons and activities to engage
students. In the Science staff room I would
hear teachers collaborate on how students
react to different activities, which activities
work well and which activities don‘t, constantly
building on each other‘s knowledge to better
facilitate student learning.
This desire to better each other is evident in
the entire school, with numerous academic and
non academic pathways being provided to
students to cater for all abilities and interests.
Such school initiative as the Try a Trade for
students held in the school auditorium in which
students had a hands on approach to different
career pathways is an example of the schools
proactive approach with students.
Supporting our future teachers with a practical experience
57
Year 7 Science
During my short four weeks at this school I
have accumulated an immeasurable amount of
knowledge; knowledge which cannot be taught
by books but rather knowledge which you have
to experience. The friendly and experienced
Science teachers I had the pleasure of working
beside have helped me and most importantly
my supervising teacher Mrs Gallagher for
taking me under her wing and introducing me
to a wide array of teaching techniques and
behavioural management issues.
I hope to return to Fairfield High in a few
years‘ time as a fully qualified teacher.
__________________________________
____________________________________
Miss Karim - UWS University
Amazing Race
―On Monday the 27th
of May 2013, Miss
Karim
had
kindly
taken the time to
organise and prepare
an event called ‗The
Amazing Race - Fairfield Edition‘. The amazing
race was a class task that consisted of team
work and strategic thinking from each
individual within my Year 11 community and
family studies class. The main goal of the task
was to observe and distinguish the different
roles played within our allocated groups
(including our own roles) in relation to the
amount of contribution and consideration taken
within the group‘s efficiency/effectiveness. This
task also helped us acknowledge the different
types of characteristics conveyed within each
group member and what influenced these
characteristics.‖ – Marina Nuth
Quotes from the students
―The amazing race was a very good
opportunity for the students to apply and
understand all the concepts of wellbeing that
were studied in the classroom. We learnt how
to communicate, give ideas, respect each
other, accept our peers, express our
personalities and control our reactions when
we were under pressure.‖ - Mena Samoel
―A positive thing about this activity was making
new friends and working as a team to achieve
our goal.‖ – Andrina Shemoon
―The amazing race helped us understand and
recognise the different characteristics of our
group members
which included taskorientated, socio-emotional and destructive.‖ –
Tania Younan
―My group and I were all determined to win.
We needed to get the quickest time possible
which was good because it made us work as
team.‖ – Diana El Zeyat
―The amazing race gave all the teams that
were involved a clear view on how being
organised and having confidence can be the
key to winning.‖ - Strahiuja Dokic
―My group defined the word ‗teamwork‘. We all
worked together and also used each other‘s
strengths and weaknesses.‖ – Rania Matti
―My effect on the group was very positive. I
tried to keep their mood optimistic and I
helped them find many mysteries. I kept telling
them where and how to solve the clues and
that staying together would help us succeed.‖
– Mathias Mathias
Supporting our future teachers with a practical experience
58
―I would like to say a big thank you to my
beautiful year 11 CAFS class. I am glad that
you had a fantastic learning experience,
enjoyed the race and created many memories.
Thank you to all the staff and students
involved in the race. Your help was greatly
appreciated. Lastly, a warm thank you to Ms
Williamson for her on-going support and
encouragement. This race would not have
been the same without you‖. Miss Karim –
Student Teacher UWS
You are to take a group photo at this wall
Remember to smile and stand tall
You are almost half way there
But before you go on I thought I would make
things fair
Find Ms Williamson and grab a treat
She has your next clue and a brand new sheet
There is a hidden secret near the land
Where the kids hide toys and play with sand
Though there is no beach or shells
You are expected to find this yourself
Between O and Q there is a block,
Here is where you will find the clock.
Be sure to take note of the time
Before you make your way to the finishing line
Year 11 Amazing Race
Some clues
You will find him with a metal key,
Teaching a class or building a tree.
Though he can buy but cannot SELL
He is however in the block called L
To get to station three,
It is a short walk from building B
Filled with colours like blue and yellow
It is here where they play the guitar and cello
Miss Karim loves playing sport,
But her favourite by far is AFL.
So at this field you will find a gift
Take with you, this treasure for Miss
I hope you‘ve had fun and you‘ll remember this
for a while
I hope it has brought you memories and a
much needed smile.
It is now time to make your way to the end,
It is then you will realise that you may have
made a new friend.
I will be waiting for a smile and cheer,
Find me outside of block T 
Developing student skills at competitive group work
59
The Self Select class of Year 8 is a great
privilege and a great start on your future
dreams. Our class is going really well and by
the looks of it everyone looks like they really
like this class. Despite the fact that our class is
being pushed a bit more than the other Year
8‘s. All our teachers are nice and very
supportive. Although our class may feel that
there may be a bit of competition, we still go
past that and help each other in need. This
class is a great learning environment and I look
forward to what the rest of the year has to
offer. Good Luck!
By: Luke Lovero - 8 Yellow
Year 8 Group & Year Advisors Ms Molina & Mr Lieu
8 Yellow – German – Mr Waesch
For 8 Yellow, the language that we are
studying is German we all think that it is a
privilege to learn German especially with a
wonderful teacher, Mr Waesch. I think that my
class is really enjoying this, as there is always
something fun to do in class. A few days ago
.
Mr Waesch organized a game called Jeopardy,
it was really fun and enjoyable. My class had a
really good time. Simple things like this can
make a great teacher. Danke (thanks) Mr
Waesch.
By: Luke Lovero
Supporting our students development through pastoral care
60
German - Jeopardy
8 Yellow Science - Mrs Dmitrieff
Pressure and Density-The can experiment
Our topic on density has allowed us to do
many experiments in science. We performed
an experiment on an aluminium can. We
heated the can with a little water in it on a
tripod, until it boiled. Then we grabbed the can
with a pair of tongs and flipped it over and put
it in a trough of cold water. The can imploded
and made a loud crushing sound. People
jumped. The experiment makes science fun
and relevant to everyday life
By: Dennis Dinh
Science – crushing cans
The egg experiment
Another experiment we performed was the egg
in the bottle experiment. We placed a burning
piece of paper inside a conical flask. Then
placed a boiled egg on top of the opening. The
egg was slowly sucked into the flask due to the
low pressure inside and the higher pressure
outside. Science makes impossible things
possible.
By: Andy Lam
This Term 8 Yellow has been learning about
‗Pressure and Density‘ in Science with our
teacher Mrs Dmitrieff. A few weeks ago we did
a crushing a can experimenmt where we boil a
bit of water in an empty can using a Bunsen
burner. When the water is boiled and we can
see a bit of steam coming out of the can, we
then use a tong and hold the can and flip the
can over in a bowl of cold water. The can is
crushed by the force of air on the outside of
the can which is pushing inwards. That is how
the empty can is crushed.
By: Lisa Chan
8 Yellow – Cooking – Ms Karim
On the 16th of May, 8 Yellow in cooking class
made coconut ice. We all got out ingredients
and started making it. When we finished, we
put them into the fridge for it to cool. After it
finished cooling in the fridge we could eat
them. It was so FUN and YUM! Miss Karim
showed us a demonstration the day before so
we know how to do it. Cooking is one of 8
yellow‘s favourite classes.
By: Paige Taylor
Cooking – Coconut Ice
61
In consultation with
Fairfield Nursing Home
On the 17/5/13, Paige Taylor, Mareta Joseph,
Arta Rufati and Luke Lovero went to Fairfield
Nursing home to paint an insect mural. The
nursing home had contacted us and asked if
we could help them out in brightening a wall
that the residents look out on. Before we went,
we as a class 8 Yellow, started to make stencils
of insects and plants. It was a very hard and
long process to go through. We had many
different insects and plants with creative
challenges. Our day at the nursing home was
very pleasant, despite the fact that the
weather was very windy and cold. Despite the
weather we got there in the end and we would
like to thank our teacher Mrs. Midroni for all
the support, the ideas and the transport. We
would also like to thank the nursing home for
the nice lunch and service.
Staff from the Nursing home who looked
after us during our long day of painting
Luke Lovero and Mareta Joseph
placing one of the first stencils onto
the wall, created by one of their
classmates
Fairfield Nursing Home
completed Mural
Supporting our community through special art projects
62
8 Green – Science – Mr Lieu
What do you like about Science?
8 Green Science
It is very important - Ahmed
Practical work – Ane
Doing experiments – Yousif
When we learn about a lot of things – Patrick
Experiments are fun! – Tim
I like Science because our teacher (Mr. Lieu) is
cool and makes us do fun things – Korkis
Doing experiments because you learn
something – Rita
Science is fully sick! – Allen and Kenny
Learning about something we didn‘t know
before – Dunya
Learning about something new, important and
interesting things – Petra
Learning about animals – Fatema
Learning about humans and animals - Hilda
8 Green Science
8 Green English - Miss Bajic
Since the beginning of Term 2, we started the
topic ‗Drama‘. Our teacher Miss Bajic gave us
the opportunity to act out a play called
‗Dracula‘ to give us the courage to perform in
front of the class and to learn how to express
our emotions for Drama acting. Our class is
very special because we have a teacher like
Miss Bajic to teach us about many different
aspects of Drama and English. Our teacher
gives us a spelling test each week which
relates to the topic that we are doing, in order
to improve our spelling and our literacy skills.
Each week everyone in our class improves in
spelling because of the spelling tests, we have
gotten much better at pronouncing words.
8 Green English
In our class everyone is trying their best in
succeeding in acting skills and improving our
performances in front of an audience. We have
done a great deal of practical work on acting.
Our classmates are very helpful and we learn
from each other. Miss Bajic helps us learn lots
of important things, last term we were doing
Poetry. We learnt about all the different poetic
techniques and their effects in different poems.
We learnt how to analyse each poem that we
were given and we also made our own
Onomatopoeia poems! Our first practical work
this term for Drama was ‗The blind Men and
the Elephant‘. Our entire class participated in
this practical work which made it interesting
because everyone showed emotions, it was
really fun.
63
8 Green English
We have also been looking at facts about
Vampires and different kinds of superstitions,
we discussed the different types and whether
we believe them or not. We have done this so
that we can be in character for the play
'Dracula'. We've also been learning about stage
techniques used in a play and other kinds of
dramatic techniques such as lighting, costume
and music. We love our class and teacher
because we help each other in our learning.
By: Perta Mamic and Ane Polutele
8 Blue – PDHPE – Mr Haythornthwaite
This term 8 Blue are learning about
relationships and bullying. Also we have learnt
how to protect yourself and help others when
needed.
This term 8 Blue and 8 Red are playing
Basketball and we are also learning how to
pass and other activities that are like
Basketball.
By: Jennifer Tran
rights and how people abuse other people, as
well as the different kinds of abuse.
In PE we have been doing Basketball and some
other games of Basketball and netball and
other different kinds of throwing balls.
By: Sara Al-Kissa
8 Red – English – Mr Georges
8 Red is a class of more than 20 students.
Basically this term we are learning about
Drama. 8 Red is a great class and are
extremely focused during each English lesson.
All students are focused on work and try their
best to get good results in English.
In this topic we are learning about how drama
and performance is linked on stage and how it
is different to a typical narrative. We also aim
to understand the meaning of the play itself.
We have recently been learning about the
orientation, complication and resolution of the
text and what needs to go into each particular
section. The orientation is the introduction,
complication is the middle part of the story and
the resolution is the ending. Then we moved
on to the script, how to control dialogues and
the importance of stage directions.
8 Red English
8 Blue PDHPE
In health we have been learning about
relationships and how to stand up for your
Our English teacher/sir, Mr Georges, is a great
teacher. Mr Georges is very good at explaining
our work and giving us very useful information.
Mr Georges gets the class attention quickly,
gets them to do work correctly and helps. After
all, Mr Georges is a great teacher and no-one
has trouble with him. Sir is kind hearted and
the whole class loves him.
By: Narjis Najefi
64
Mr Campbell Reading group
Mr Pelka Reading group
Support Unit S2
Year 8 Reading Group – Mr Campbell
Mr. Campbell has been working with Vu, Estephan,
Wesam and Abdulkarim in the boys Reading Group.
The boys have been reading Convict Gold by Daniel J
Ogilvie. The story follows a husband and wife who
have been transported from England to Australia as
indentured workers. The couple works under a kind
and gentle landowner who later grants them
freedom. The boys have learned much about
Australia‘s rich history and have advanced their
reading and writing skills.
Year 8 Reading Group – Mr Pelka
Mr. Pelka has been working with Hajir, Fatema, Rita,
Hilda and Dunya in the girls Reading Group. The
group has studied Dempsey, a novel that highlights
the problems of deforestation and the effects it has
on wild animals. The girls have also read The TreeHouse Money, a crime tale involving a large sack of
money mysteriously appearing in the backyard of two
siblings. Currently, the girls are reading Toy Story via
their new ipads. All five girls have embraced the
focused learning group and have been enjoying
improving their literacy.
Support Unit S2 – Mr Ozturk
In our Math class we are learning about shapes and
3D shapes, we draw them in our books and it‘s a fun
thing to do.
By: Ben Luong S2 Year 10
Hello this is S2 and we are doing about 2D shapes
and 3D shapes.
Some of the shapes are called Cube, Cone and
Sphere.
By: Jonathan Nguyen S2 Year 8
In this lesson I will do the Geometry. I drew the 2D
and 3D shapes. Name some shapes are Circle,
Square and Triangle. 3D shapes are Cone Triangular
and Prism Cylinder.
By: Adrian Leung S2 Year 7
Shapes drawn by Jonathan Nguyen S2
65
8 Blue - Geography
8 Yellow - German
8 Blue - Maths
8 Green - English
8 Yellow - Science
8 Red - English
8 Yellow - Science
8 Yellow - Music
8 Red/Blue - Sewing Science
8 Blue/Red Cooking
66
8 Yellow - Music
8 Green - Science
8 Red - History
8 Red/Blue – Cooking
8 Red/Blue – Sewing
8 Yellow - Music
8 Green - Science
8 Yellow - Maths
8 Yellow - Music
8 Yellow - History
67
Below are a few simple but fun Science tricks which you can dazzle your family and friends with at
home. Be sure to get permission from your parents first. Make sure you know the safety precautions
before you start.
1.Crushing a Can Using Air Pressure
FACT
You will need some empty soft drink cans. ( Don‘t forget to recycle them when
Ocean tides are
you are finished), Tongs or oven mitts. Saucepan or sink.
caused by the
rotation of the
Safety Precautions
Earth and the
1. Don‘t touch the hot can with your fingers. Use tongs, heat gloves, mitts or a
gravitational pull
thick rag.
of the Moon and
2. Turn off the heat before trying to remove the can.
Sun acting on
3. As the can is crushed, it makes a loud noise.
ocean water.
4. Do not drop the can, as hot water may splash out.
Procedure
1. Place 1cm of water in a ‗empty‘ soft drink can. Boil the water until lots of steam is seen.
2. Using tongs, remove the can from the heat and turn it upside down into saucepan or sink of
water. This cools the water vapour, and stops air from getting into the can. There is a shortage of air
inside the can.
The can is crushed by the force of air on the outside of the can, which is pushing inwards. We say
that the can has imploded.
2.Bouncing Egg
FACT – The only thing that has three different
states, liquid, solid and gas is water.
You will need a clear plastic container (at least double
the size of an egg) with an air tight lid. One raw egg. Vinegar to
cover the egg.
Safety Precautions
FACT
Eggs
age
more
in one day at room
1. DO NOT eat the egg.
temperature
than
in one week in the
2. DO NOT drink the vinegar.
refrigerator
Procedure
1. Place the egg in the container.
2. Pour vinegar into the container until the egg is covered.
3. Change the vinegar daily. The shell will dissolve in the following couple of days.
4. Wash the egg, then see how it bounces, NOT in the house and NOT from to high
or you will have a mess to clean up.
FACT
Hens with white feathers and ear lobes
produce white shelled eggs. Hens with
red or brown feathers and red ear
lobes produce brown shelled eggs.
FACT
A pullet is a ‗young‘ hen (like
a heifer is a ‗young‘ cow).
Developing student knowledge and skills through experiences
68
3.Egg in a Bottle
You will need a glass bottle with the opening a little smaller than an egg (like a Conical Flask). One
boiled egg, paper and matches.
Safety Precautions
1. When boiling your egg take care as the water will be extremely hot.
2. When lighting the match, strike the match away from your body.
3. DO NOT wear dangling clothing or jewelry.
4. Tie your hair back.
Procedure
1. Hard boil an egg.
2. Shell egg and leave to cool.
3. Light paper and place in the bottle while still alight.
4. Quickly place boiled egg on top of the bottle sealing the opening.
The oxygen will be removed from the bottle as the paper burns, once there is no oxygen left in the
bottle the egg will be sucked into the bottle like a vacuum.
JOKE
Two eggs walk into a bar.
The first egg says I‘ll have
some H2O the other egg
says that sounds good, I‘ll
have some H2O too (H2O2
= Hydrogen peroxide). The
second egg died.
FACT
Water from a sea or ocean is
known as seawater. On
average, every kilogram of
seawater contains around 35
grams of dissolved salt.
FACT
The eggshell may have as many
as 17,000 tiny pores over its
surface. Through them, the egg
can absorb flavours and odours.
FACT
If an egg is
accidentally
dropped,
sprinkle
heavily with
salt for easy
clean up
Developing student knowledge and skills through experiences
69
In the Year 12 exam block, the HSC Physics
class undertook two examinations; the theory
exam and the practical exam.
Year 12 attacked both papers with gusto and
achieved excellent results.
The practical exam tested a range of skills from
the topics of ‗Space‘, ‗Motors and Generators‘
and from ‗Ideas to Implementation‘.
Students rolled metal marbles down a ramp to
produce projectile motion as the marbles left
the ramp and flew to the floor. Students
calculated the velocity of the ball throughout
its trajectory.
In another part of the exam, students changed
the electrical current passing through a
solenoid and measured the result that force
had on a permanent magnet to investigate the
Motor Effect.
The third part of the exam involved the
identification of metal ions passing through a
mass spectrometer.
The effort made and the skills demonstrated by
the Year 12 Physics class abode well for their
Higher School Certificate.
By: Mrs Galagher
Developing skills in our Senior Science stage 5 through experiments
70
On a very cold and windy day three staff and
fifty students made their way to Luna Park to
put their Physics skills to the test.
Students from 7 Lansdowne, Year 10, Year 11
and Year 12 Physics attended. Students from 7
Lansdowne many of whom have come to the
high school through the IEC had never been
across the Harbour Bridge before, so as the
train crossed the bridge the squeals of
excitement could be heard throughout the
carriage.
After the compulsory group photo at the
mouths entrance the students collected their
wrist bands and were off to discover the joys
of potential and kinetic energy and centripetal
force, or simply have fun on the rides (The
quiz to come back at school).
After going on the Rotor Ride to conduct a
series of experiments a Year 12 Physics
student came to the conclusion that
―Centripetal force gives you a wedgie‖. While
another Year 12 Physics student tested the
giant slides in Coney Island and announced
that ‗We‘ve been fighting Physics‖.
After watching some of our students in the
dodgem cars we sincerely hope not to meet
them anytime soon on our roads.
Year 7 used the mirrors to see what they
would look like in Year 12, taller and hopefully
wiser, while the Physics students explained the
optical properties of the mirrors.
Mr Lieu led by example going on every ride at
least once, some two or three times. By the
end of the day Mr Lieu stated ―He had had
enough forces on his body for one day‖.
Students from Fairfield High School impressed
people both on the train and at Luna Park with
their exemplary behaviour.
A great day had by all!
By: Mrs Galagher, Mr Lieu and Ms Hudson
Developing our student skills and knowledge through excursions
71
72
73
22nd March saw the second major carnival for
the year, the Fairfield High School Cross
Country carnival. The carnival saw some
outstanding results by students from the High
School, Intensive English Centre and in
particular some of the Support Unit students.
Particular mention to Chrysi Vlachou (from the
Intensive English Centre) who was crowned
the 14 Year Old Female Age Champion, but
was the fastest female to complete the course.
Prospect were again crowned Champion
House, winning by over 300 points. The
following students were awarded Age
Champion:
12 Years Female - Paw Paw Soe
12 Year Male – Omari Wakilongo
13 Year Female – Manal Mohammad
13 Year Male – Emmanuel Winpea
14 Year Female – Chrysi Vlachou
14 Year Male – Marvin Danha
15 Year Female – Kyra Donnelly
15 Year Male – Hassan Samaha
16 Year Female – Diana El Zeyat
16 Year Male – Brendan Warda
17 Year Female – Wafa Obeid
17 Year Male – Mouris Biterdawood
18+ Year Female - Sena Aslani
18+ Year Male – Paulo Greaves
Good luck to all students competing at the
Zone Carnival on the 23rd May 2013 at Fairfield
Showground.
Week 2 was a busy week for the PE faculty
with a number of events occurring.
Tuesday 7th May 2013, Joshua Suli- Ruka
competing at the Combined High School
Championships at Cronulla. Joshua competed
well and was fortunate
Joshua Suli-Ruka
enough to be selected in
the Sydney Gold CHS
Rugby League side to
compete at Myuna Bay
Sport and Recreation,
Toronto. Good luck at
this championship.
Thursday 9th and Friday
10th May 2013 saw the
Fairfield High School
Athletics Carnival. Prospect were again
crowned Champion House, winning all three of
the Fairfield high School major carnivals. The
following students were award Age Champions:
12 Years Female - Krystal Oeti
12 Year Male – Omari Wakilongo
13 Year Female – Temukisa Ioane
13 Year Male – Olympius Mose
14 Year Female – Jamie Lee Ladewig
14 Year Male – Pulonga Kavaefiafi
15 Year Female – Dianne Sengmany
15 Year Male – Joshua Suli Ruka
16 Year Female – Simaima Sila
16 Year Male – Al Al Saady
17+ Year Female – Bingyi Su
17+ Year Male – Alfred Mose
Developing Our students sporting skills through competition
74
Good luck to all students competing at the
Zone Carnival on the 18th and 19th June at
Blacktown Athletics Centre.
Thursday 9th May also saw the Buckley Shield
Rugby League compete at the Central Venue
Rugby League Championship. The boys won
both rounds 3 and 4 and will proceed to the 5th
round of the Sydney South West Buckley Shield
U15s competition. The U15s soccer team has
also had a great result to proceed through to
the 3rd round of this competition.
Week 4 saw the Lansdowne Zone Cross
Country carnival. The weather resulted in a
muddy wet track but this did not deter a
number of our students with the following
students to compete at the Sydney South West
Championships on the 13th June at Hurlstone
Agricultural High School.
12 Years Male – Adrian Correa
15 Years Male – Po Da Da
17 Years Male – Ahmed Cehic
18 Years Male – Paulo Greaves
15 Years Female – Dianne Sengmany,
Kyra Donnelly, Reanne El Zeyat
16 Years Female – Diana El Zeyat.
Adrian Correa
Po Da Da
Ahmed Cehic
Paulo Greaves
Dianne Sengmany
Kyra Donnelly
Reanne El Zeyat
Diana El Zeyat
75
BUCKLEY SHIELD
76
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
77
78
79
80
AFL Auskick Program
The AFL has been running a free AFL Auskick
program this term in the IEC. Students have
been learning a variety of skills and
implementing these into a game situation.
The workshops run for 6 weeks and at the
conclusion of the program the students will be
representing Fairfield IEC at the Australia Post
AFL IEC CUP, which will be held on the 25th
June at Blacktown International Sports Park.
They will compete against other IECs and get a
chance to meet some of the GWS Giants AFL
players.
By: Mr O'Connell
Netball Program
Netball NSW have been running a 4 week
program on Friday afternoons for girls in the
IEC. The program is targeting students from
culturally
and
linguistically
diverse
backgrounds, encouraging participation at a
grassroots level. It has been run by elite
netball star Kristy Guthrie, who also works for
Netball NSW. The girls have been learning the
basic skills and rules of netball and have really
enjoyed participating in a new sport. I think
there may be a few netball stars in the making!
By: Mr O'Connell
IEC Netball Program
IEC AFL Program
81
THIS INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO BE ACCURATE
To assist in contacting parents/carers, it is required that student details be updated on a regular
basis. Please complete the following form and return to the front office as soon as possible.
If a student has changed address, they may be entitled to a bus pass. If they currently have a bus
pass and the address has changed, a new bus pass application must be completed (this is free of
charge). The applications are available from the front office.
CHANGE OF STUDENT INFORMATION
STUDENT
Name: _____________________________________
Year/Roll Call: ____________________
Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Student Mobile No: ___________________________
MOTHER/GUARDIAN
Name: _____________________________________
Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Home No: ________________
Mobile No: ________________ Work No: ________________
FATHER/GUARDIAN
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Home Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Home No: ________________
Mobile No: ________________ Work No: ________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT 1.
EMERGENCY CONTACT 2.
Name:
__________________________
________________________
Relationship to student:
__________________________
________________________
Home No:
__________________________
________________________
Mobile No:
__________________________ ______
_______________________________
82

congratulations - Fairfield High School

Transcription

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