Dispatch May 2016 - Davidson High School

Davidson
A community school, Davidson High School is committed to providing an inclusive
educational environment that is supportive, innovative and engaging. We believe that
by working strategically and collaboratively we will inspire and develop future focused
students who are active and connected learners and critical and creative thinkers.
May 2016
Brain Training
Diary Dates
Ms Jann Pattinson, Principal
MAY
Friday 20
School cross country carnival
Opens water polo
Tuesday 24
P&C meeting
Wednesday 25
Y7 anti-bullying day
Y12 physics Kickstart
Thursday 26
Zone cross country
League opens
Friday 27
Meet the Principal Q&A
Opens water polo (weekly to
24.6)
Y9 science excursion to zoo
Monday 30
Y9 Marine studies excursion
Tuesday 31
Science competition
Ylead altitude leadership day
On Staff Development Day this term the staff
focused on two major things – Literacy in our
classrooms and research around Growth Mindset.
Mindset is a simple idea discovered by worldrenowned Stanford University psychologist Carol
Dweck in decades of research on achievement and
success—a simple idea that makes all the difference.
In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic
qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply
fixed traits. They spend their time documenting
their intelligence or talent instead of developing
them. They also believe that talent alone creates
success—without effort. They’re wrong.
In a growth mindset, people believe that their most
basic abilities can be developed through dedication
and hard work—brains and talent are just the
starting point. This view creates a love of learning
and a resilience that is essential for great
accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.
The Growth Mindset gets us to see that we can be more and do more – that we’re not stuck
with what we’ve got.
JUNE
Wednesday 1
CB1 to Sydney Eisteddfod
Y11 textiles Whitehouse
incursion
12 Ideas on How to Get Into the Growth Mindset
Friday 3
Y10 PASS golf (& 10.6. & 1.7)
1.
Acknowledge and embrace imperfections. Hiding from your weaknesses means you’ll
never overcome them. Don’t say “I can’t”. Say “I can with help”.
Monday 6 & Tuesday 7
Y9 Y10 half yearly exams
2.
View challenges as opportunities. Having a growth mindset means taking the time and
opportunity for self-improvement.
3.
Try different learning tactics. There’s no one-size-fits-all model for learning. What works
for one person may not work for you. Try different approaches. Ask someone else how
they did it.
4.
Replace the word “failing” with the word “learning.” When you make a mistake or fall
short of a goal, you haven’t failed; you’ve learned from your mistake.
5.
Value the process over the end result. Enjoy the learning process, and understand that it
is an important part of learning.
6.
Emphasise growth over speed. Learning fast isn’t the same as learning well, and learning
well sometimes requires allowing time to develop work and make mistakes.
7.
Provide regular opportunities for reflection – that’s how you learn.
8.
Place effort before talent. Hard work should always be rewarded.
Monday 6
CB2 to Sydney Eisteddfod
Y9 Marine studies to Long Reef
Athletics carnival
Tuesday 7
Stage band to Sydney
Eisteddfod
Monday 13
Queen’s birthday holiday
Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15
SOPA rehearsals
Thursday 16 & Friday 17
SOPA at Glen Street Theatre
SOPA tickets
on sale
30 May
Mimosa Street, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086. Tel: 9451 0022, 9451 0199. Fax: 9975 3560
Email: [email protected] Webpage: www.davidson-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
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9.
Learning and “brain training.” The brain is like a muscle that needs to be worked out, just like the body.
10.
Make a new goal for every goal accomplished. You’ll never be done learning. Just because your test or assessment is
over doesn’t mean you should stop being interested in a subject.
11.
Think realistically about time and effort. It takes time to learn. Don’t expect to master every topic under the sun in
one sitting.
12.
Take ownership over your attitude. Once you develop a growth mindset, own it. Acknowledge yourself as someone
who possesses a growth mentality and be proud about it.
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
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CAPA
Ms Renee Lane, Head Teacher, CAPA
Season of Performing Arts
Auditions are over, but rehearsals are running hot in preparation for this year’s Season of Performing Arts. We look forward
to seeing everyone at Glen Street Theatre on the 16th and 17th June this year for another set of amazing shows.
All ensembles are rehearsing their pieces, and very serious discussions surrounding costuming, hair and make-up and props
are taking place. Although it is a busy time, we love just how dedicated our students are in preparing their entracts and
ensuring that lines are down, dance steps are learned and notes are perfect. Our valued stage crew will be attending a
short training morning to ensure that their pace matches the performers!
Of course SOPA could not go ahead in the scale that it is without the parent and audience support. We look forward to
seeing you all at SOPA, and like the past few years, participating students in the cast and crew will be charged a nominal fee
to help keep SOPA alive. A cake stall will be occurring later in the term also, so look out on student news for this.
We always need parent helpers to move the props back and forward from school to Glen Street. Please contact Mrs Dobson
as the P &C Arts parent contact or myself if you are able to provide this assistance.
See you there!
Tickets go on sale for the evening performances on the Monday 30 th May through the Glen Street theatre box office. Tickets
cost $35 adults, $25 concession. Phone 9775 1455 or go to the website www.glenstreet.com.au
Photos of SOPA
Photos will be taken again this year by our fantastic photographers, Paul Lemlin and Chris Kang, and will be available for
ordering from the following website: http://www.paullemlinphotography.com/sopaprints. Ask the school office or a
CAPA staff member for the password.
Band Report
Our students performed extremely well and were supported enthusiastically by parents and friends at the Davidson High
School round of the North Shore Schools Spectacular, held at Chatswood RSL late last term. Our Concert Band, Stage Band
and Vocal Ensemble performed at a high level, along with a selection of outstanding Year 11 elective Music students.
Congratulations in particular to Stage Band and Kirrily Butler who will be going through to the final of the competition, to be
held at Killara High School on Saturday 21st May, 2016. Good luck!
We are also preparing both bands for our very first Sydney Eisteddfod competition, to be held at Chatswood Concourse on
Wednesday 1st June for Concert Band, and Tuesday 7th June for Stage Band. Notes have been sent home regarding both
events. We wish our students the best of luck, and know that their hard work and rehearsals will influence the quality of
their performances.
If at any time your child would like to join the Band program, please contact me for further details.
Introducing... Michael Votano
Mr Michael Votano joined us in Term 3 last year as the conductor
of Concert Band, and this year he is also conducting Stage Band.
Michael has had vast experience in the music industry, and after
touring extensively overseas for the past few years, he has decided to return to conducting in schools. Since he has been back, he
has been commissioned by local public and private schools to
compose music for various celebrations and events.
As well as being a conductor, Michael plays saxophone, piano
and sings both Big Band and pop music. Originally from the Hills
area, Michael has lived abroad in the US, and toured South-East
Asia extensively. Last year, Michael spent time in the US composing a new song for Disney, which was certainly a highlight of his
career so far.
We are very pleased to have Michael on board in our Band program. His passion and experience has already rubbed off on our
Concert and Stage Bands, and they are continuing to sound bigger and better every time they play under his expert guidance.
We are very excited to see what the future holds!
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P&C Performing Arts
Cake Stall & Sausage Sizzle Friday 3rd June
Please could the parents of all the students involved in Performing Arts supply cakes for the
stall? Notes and email reminders will be sent nearer the events.
Entertainment Books
Entertainment Books are available to purchase. They will be available to purchase online, see
link below or through the school’s Account Office. Delivery options will include postage (extra)
or pick up from school (free)
www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/200010m
SOPA – 16th & 17th June 2016
Moving Music Stands, Props & Costumes
Help is needed on the morning of Tuesday 14th June to move props and costumes for the drama ensembles, and in the
afternoon to move chairs and music stands etc for the bands. We also need help “bumping out” and returning all the SOPA
stuff to school after the evening show on Friday 17th June.
Program Sellers
We are looking for a couple of volunteers each night to sell programs before the shows.
Friday Night Supper
After the last performance on Friday 16th June there will be a light supper. Please bring along a plate and leave it in the
Boardroom of the Glen Street Theatre.
Looking forward to SOPA 2016. See you all there! If you can help in anyway please contact me:
Anna Dobson 0400 270 368 / [email protected]
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Visual Art with Ms Sears
Year 7 have painted beautiful self portraits pop art style. They concentrated on colour mixing with a limited palette and
pattern.
Year 9 Potter About have created beautiful
candle holders in a simple white clay. Some
students have also tried using the potters wheel.
Congratulations to Lachlan
Sarv, whose work Perplexity
was highly commended in the
Manly Art Gallery express
yourself 2016 exhibition.
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Visual Art with Ms Mangassarian
Mrs Mangassarian’s year 7 class have also been painting pop art portraits.
During the course of this semester, year 8 students were encouraged to paint like an Impressionist. They learned to
include relatively small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition, and how to place emphasis on the accurate
depiction of light in its changing qualities. They studied the works of Claude Monet, and gained an understanding of the
Impressionistic movement in art.
One of the first techniques taught in the year 9 Visual Arts elective program is drawing with charcoal. The year 9 students
have enjoyed working with charcoal as it has a unique look and texture when applied to paper. It allows the beginning
artists to perfect their technique and practice their art making. The students worked vertically on easels. This allowed the
charcoal dust to fall away and let students to see the whole drawing without any distortion or foreshortening like you might
see if working on a flat surface. Well done year 9.
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Young Inventors workshop
Ms Claudia Pantschenko, Head Teacher, HSIE
This term, students from the year 9 Young Inventors class had the opportunity to work
with industry professionals in a 2 hour workshop. Sacha and Richard from the Strike
Innovation Workshops team generously gave up their time to work with our students to
come up with a solution to the problem of driver safety for young people. Students had
to work through a fast paced process to explore the problem, define the specific issue
they were going to focus on, create some solutions and refine their ideas to present their
final solutions to the class.
Thanks to the team at Strike Innovations for giving up their time and expertise and
working with the students of Davidson High School.
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HSIE
Ms Claudia Pantschenko, Head Teacher, HSIE
The Forestville RSL Sub-Branch hosts a special Sunday Service to commemorate ANZAC Day
and every year students from local high schools in the area have an opportunity to deliver
an address at the event. On the 17th April 2016, Georgia Gemell of Year 11 represented
Davidson High School with great skill and poise, paying her respects for the fallen in front of
a large gathering, including guests such as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the
Warringah Mayor Michael Regan, the Member for Davidson Jonathan O’Dea and several
other esteemed guests.
Georgia captured the key qualities of our ANZAC servicemen and women in her address by
focussing on the patriotism, strength and determination, quick thinking and gracious
humour displayed by so many under such difficult circumstances.
Tony Mooney, the Secretary of the Forestville RSL Sub-Branch took the time to praise
Georgia’s efforts, commenting on her “excellent presentation of which her parents and
teachers should have been very proud.”
Lest we forget.
ANZAC Commemoration Speech by Georgia Gemell (year 11)
Today I would like to share an excerpt of Percy Smythe’s diary, written during the First World War. I decided to
focus on the Western Front today specifically as we approach the 100 year anniversary of the Battle of the
Somme, one of the most significant battles that took place this time, 100 years ago. The following is part of
what he wrote on Friday the 19th of May 1916:
‘A few shells landed in the firing line today, and one of them killed Jack Hilton’s brother, Joe... After tea I was
sent up to the Rouge de Bout to guide the relieving platoon into Bee post… I was just standing against the wall
when the inevitable came. We knew by the sound of the swish that they were coming at us, and instinctively
crouched against the wall… Some of the chaps left the building and took to the fields. Soon the next two shells
came over, this time going over the house and falling in the paddock just across the road. A colonel gave the
order to go to the bomb-proof shelter, and the crowd bolted there. In spite of the circumstances I couldn’t help
laughing at the way they ran full tear across the green to the shelter. I thought of going too, but decided it
would be safer to wait in the shelter of the wall and risk falling bricks, until the next salvo had come, as they
might catch one while getting across the open. The next two came… Then the few of us remaining there made
for the bomb-proof shelter… Word soon came that a Captain and a Lieutenant had been killed, besides others.
The Medical Officer could not be found, and there was a shortage of bandages, so the stretcher-bearers took
our field dressings for the wounded men. More shells came over, and it was not until after dark that we
reckoned it safe to leave our place of shelter.’
It is interesting to see how the traits of soldier Percy Symthe can be seen mirrored through time into the lives
of young people today. At only 23 years of age, Smythe proved himself as a worthy soldier in the eyes of fellow
ANZACs. He showed strength, bravery, determination, quick thinking and the ability to keep a level and
sometimes humorous mind even in the most devastating situations. His, and the many other lives that had
been given in WW1 has enabled and inspired today’s generation to look with pride upon their country and to
make the most of the future that has been provided for them. Smythe served in both France and Gallipoli and
was awarded the Military Cross.
These traits and characteristics shown by Smythe are great examples of the morals and values that should be
shown by today’s younger generation. We can learn from the bravery and courageous actions of the soldiers
and use that to shape the world of tomorrow. We will be forever grateful for the lessons we can learn from the
heroic ANZACs. For the bravery shown that has taught us to challenge the limits of society and technology and
allowed us to be different and go beyond. The patriotism that inspires us to protect our future and has
instilled a passion for preserving our Australian culture. The strength that has enabled young people to fight
for what they believe in and continue the inclusive nature of our society. The determination that has given us
the willingness to strive to reach the unreachable and achieve the unimaginable. The ability to see the lighter
side of any dire situation that allows us to achieve what we need to achieve. And the quick thinking that
means our youth can stay on their feet through any rough patches.
Percy’s legacy of strength and bravery, and that of every ANZAC that fought for freedom during the First World
War, lives on in the Australian youth today. We will remember them. We do remember them.
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TAS
Preliminary HSC Multimedia (Year 11)
Ms Jess Peade, Multimedia teacher
Thirty year 11 students undertook their first project brief in Multimedia throughout Term 1. The brief was based on a popular industry assignment; to create an “Animated Logo” for a demo reel. The results of these projects were extremely professional and impressive. Along with the production of this logo in Adobe Illustrator and After Effects, students documented
the process in the form of a portfolio. Students created mock company names. For example, “Radio Rebels,” “Deminus
Sound,” “Red Tree Co,” “Black and White Studios” and “Alienate” have been founded as Production companies.
I would like to congratulate these students on their work and encourage them to continue building a foundation for their
HSC Major Project in year 12 next year.
Images copyright of Hannah Holden,
Matt Irving, Boran Wang, Dan Watts,
Finlay Chapman
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Year 11 Industrial Technology – Timber
Products and Furniture Technologies
Mr Gavin Sheargold, IT Timber teacher
With their ‘Industry Study’ assessment task in hand, the Year 11 Timber class recently visited Artarmon Joinery to gain
further knowledge of a business within the timber industry. The students were walked through the manufacturing process
of custom door and window manufacture and saw many aspects of production, in particular automation in the form of a
SCM CNC Flatbed Router.
On behalf of the class, I would like to thank Mr David Cutler of Artarmon Joinery for taking the time to allow our students
this great opportunity to see industry in action.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on school students with disability – 2016
Ms Julie Lendrum, Learning Support Techer
Our school is participating in the National Collection of Data this year that collects data on students who require Learning
Support or who have a disability. The process is the same as last year.
Information will be collected about the support that is being provided to students within the school. Better data will help
the Government plan for student learning.
Please note, the data collection will have no direct impact on your child and they will not be involved in any testing process.
The NSW Department of Education and Communities will provide data to the Australian Government from all NSW public
schools in such a way that no individual student or school will be able to be identified. In this way, privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured.
All information is protected by privacy laws which regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information.
Information about the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy can be found here: http://education.gov.au/condensedprivacy-policy. Information about the NSW Government’s privacy policies can be found here: http://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/
If you do not want your child to be counted in the data collection, would you please contact Julie Lendrum (Learning Support Teacher) via phone or email, by Thursday 30th June (end of term). If you have any questions, please contact Julie at the
school. A decision to exclude your child will not affect the support they currently receive.
Further information about the data collection can be found on the Australian Government Department of Education website: http://education.gov.au/nationally-consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability
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Fun run
Mrs Jayne Everingham, Head Teacher Welfare
On Wednesday May 11th the year 12 prefects organised a fun run at Lionel Watts. The aim of the fun run
was to build school spirit and the theme for the day was Colour. Students in years 7- 10 dressed in
colourful outfits during the day and ran, walked and danced their way around the oval. It was great to
see students and staff getting active and participating in a great sports afternoon. The boy and girl in
each year group who completed the most laps was awarded a prize as was the most creative and
colourfully dressed student in each year.
Well done year 12 and thank you to all the staff and students for their support.
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Endure for a Cure
Mr Tom Wilson
On Thursday 5th May, 18 students from years 10, 11 and 12 left
school at 7am to head out to Eastern Creek motorway to ride
their bikes for 5 hours in a charity fundraising event. All of our
students volunteered to help out the Children’s Cancer Institute
of Australia by raising money that goes towards their vital
research. The institute believes that it is “when not if” we will
find a cure for childhood cancers and hopefully our efforts
helped to make the “when” sooner rather than later.
All of our students conducted themselves in an exemplary
manner and pushed themselves to endure the gruelling task of
such an event in compassion with the young children that need
to endure the gruelling treatment of chemotherapy. In all my years at Davidson High I have never been so proud of a group
of students that I have taken outside of school.
I have included parts of an email below that I received from Anne Johnston after the event which gives a great indication of
what the community has seen from these wonderful students.
“...I want to thank you and your fantastic school for participating in the Children’s Cancer Institute Endure for a Cure Schools
Challenge last Thursday, we had the most amazing day and the energy brought to the event by the students participating
was really a great contributor to helping all cyclists to achieve their personal best."
“…the Davidson School students performance was really fantastic - not only did your team cycle 364 laps or 1,456kms they
also raised over $6,440 which is the equivalent of funding life-saving tests for 3 children with aggressive leukaemia. The
students behaviour was without exception exemplary – every student contributed with a maturity and enthusiasm that
would have made you and their parents proud – it was so wonderful for us to see these healthy kids doing all they can to
help kids with cancer.”
The school is now considered a partner with the Children’s Cancer Institute and as a result they would be delighted to
welcome our senior students to tour our labs and learn more about how research works and how they are moving closer to
curing every child of cancer. Who knows, maybe this new found partnership may inspire a student from Davidson to follow
a career in this field and maybe they will be the one to make a breakthrough in finding a cure.
A special mention must go to Emma Humphrey, Ethan Koch and Caitlin McKern who all reached their personal fundraising
targets of $500. A big thank you also goes out to all of the staff, students and parents who have donated. If you would like
to make a donation to the school team and this cause you can donate online at
http://endureforacure2016.gofundraise.com.au/page/DavidsonHighSchool2016
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Celebrating our students ...
Our sports people have performed well in the past month.
Zac Power (right, year 9) completed in six events at the state athletics championships
winning gold in the long Jump (5.89m), silver in the Triple Jump (12.27m) and a PB in the
High Jump of 1.72m.
Corey Rae (left, year 12) competed in and won the 2016
Sydney North Boys Matchplay Championships, played at
Wyong Golf Course. He won his semi-final 8 & 6 (8 strokes
up with 6 holes to play) and went on to win the grand-final 6
& 5 (6 strokes up with 5 holes to play).
Corey then represented Sydney North at the High
Schools State Championships in Tuncurry .
Liam Patterson (year 10) plays baseball for the Manly Warringah rep team.
His team, along with 2 others from NSW, will be going to Lismore to play in
the National competition (2016 Australian Senior League Championships).
The winner of this competition will go to the 2016 Senior League Asia Pacific –
Middle East Championships.
Liam in action at the State Championships
Austin Follett (year 8) pictured left in the Manly
Daily, has been nominated as a Junior Sports
Star.
He has been selected into the NSW Gymnastics
State Team to represent NSW at the Australian
Gymnastics Nationals Championships in Melbourne. All the best, Austin!
… and celebrating with our staff
Congratulations to
our school counsellor,
Sarah Jackson (nee
Peterson), on her
marriage to Nathan,
on 9th April at Tocal
Homestead
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ICET student stories
Mr Brett Manning, ICET Coordinator
I went to the Mogo zoo with ICET students. The day that we went there was hot but I really
enjoyed Mogo zoo. I saw a lot of kind of animals such as birds, monkeys and giraffes. It
was good I could see animals that I couldn't see usually. I walked around to see so cute
baby monkeys, they had a big eyes and long arms. I wanted to see baby monkey more
closer. l saw a meerkat also and they will stand up, they were so lovely. At last I was lucky
to meet so cool white tigers. But I couldn't meet koala and kangaroo so I want to go to
another zoo next time. I had a nice day.
Sakiko Koshima
Hello! My name is Haruka. I came Australia as a member of ICET. About 3 months have passed since we came here.
I had many different kinds of experiences during this 3 months. Today, I'll write about our Canberra trip. We went
to Canberra and Mogo from 1st to 5th of April. We visited a lot of places. For example,
New & Old Parliament House, National Museum, Australian War Museum and Mogo Zoo.
My best memory is cooking with my friends. Before the trip, we were separated into 3
boys groups and 3 girls groups, and during the trip, we actioned with each member. My
group cooked curry, pasta, tempura, Udon noodles and many other kinds of dishes. I was
very glad because I could experience a share house with my friends. Second is Australian
War Museum. We studied about World War 2 and ANZAC day there. A tour guide explained it for us. We had study about it in school so I had felt that I could understand. In
fact however, I hadn't understand about it. There were a lot of things that I had never
known. I want to know more. In September, we'll go to Cowra, so I want to improve mis- Haruka Koike
take of Canberra trip until then and I want to enjoy trip!
20/20 Cricket
Mr Graham Geddes, Cricket coach
Mention 20/20 cricket and you think the Big Bash, the West Indies
winning the World Cup and Davidson High School’s Under 15 cricket
team.
In its 32nd year, the Manly Shield has been won by 12 different north of
the Harbour schools. In 2016 Davidson won the trophy for the 6th time.
This is more than any other school.
After defeating St Paul’s in the semi, we played another all boys school,
Balgowlah Boys, in the final. Although underdogs and only scoring 84
runs from our 20 overs, Davidson displayed incredible teamwork and
enthusiasm to make Balgowlah work for every run. In a thrilling finish
they could only score 67, to give Davidson a well deserved victory.
Congratulations to a team where every player contributed with the bat,
ball and in the field. An outstanding team effort from a talented group
of cricketers.
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Rotary corner
Mr Kos Psaltis, Youth Service Director, Rotary Club of Belrose
On 19 April, the Rotary club of Belrose held its
annual Youth Awards evening. There were
two awardees from Davidson High School,
Holly Hanshaw and Ryan Sutton. As it fell in
the middle of the school holidays, Ryan
wasn’t available but will receive his certificate
at our meeting on 10 May. Davidson High
School is always well represented at our
Youth Awards nights.
Many of you will know our inbound exchange
student from France, Lucie Buyse. We are
looking for a suitable year 9 or 10 student to
undergo a 12-month Rotary Youth exchange
program during 2017. If you would like to
know more, please contact me immediately
as the selection process is almost underway.
Finally, we are in the process of setting up a
Rotaract Club. This is Rotary for young people
aged 18 to 29. The driving force in this
endeavour is former Davidson student,
Christopher Lew. If you know anyone who
may be interested, please let me know on
0402 205 628.
Holly Hanshaw receiving her Belrose Rotary Youth Award, pictured with
club president Chris Brownleee and Youth Service Director, Kos Psaltis
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Athletics Carnival
2016
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