asquith anecdotes - Asquith Girls High School

Asquith Girls High School Newsletter
ASQUITH ANECDOTES
‘developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners’
May 2014
Year 12 Field Study to Cabramatta
Our senior geographers visited Cabramatta, a suburb to the southwest
of Sydney, to study an urban village. They felt like visitors in their own
country as the whole atmosphere transformed Cabramatta into a
miniature
Vietnam.
This
suburb
was
ver y
much
demographically Vietnamese - the population, food, retail outlets, florist,
green grocers, activities in the mall and even the sculptures and the
Gateway representing its ethnicity.
Though the train ride was less than an hour away from Hornsby and
Asquith the whole suburb was culturally so different and fascinating to
these students who benefitted by seeing first hand the characteristics
that make this place an Urban Village.
Pictures speak louder than words:
Dr Ganeson
Deputy Principal (Relieving)
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
Principal’s Message
Welcome back everyone to Term 2. I trust after a two week break we feel re-energised
and ready to challenge this busy term.
Community Forum ‘2020 Vision’
May 20th is a very important date for our learning community. On this date students,
parents, caregivers, teachers and community members will meet in a round table
discussion to share views, propose ideas and collectively define and chart the future
academic roadmap of Asquith Girls High school.
To date we have had a wonderful response from our parent body. Thank you for sharing our dream. The next
stage of the Community Forum ‘Vision 2020’ planning is the completion of the Parent/Caregiver survey. The survey
was emailed on May 7, 2014. I encourage our parent community to actively participate in the survey. The survey
closes May 16, 2014.
School Development Day
Term 2 started with our School Development Day that was devoted to Technology which has become an integral
part of our teaching methodology.
As I walk around the school corridors I see classrooms that are equipped with media rich technologies.
The chalk board has been replaced with an interactive white board. There are interactive projectors that are
connected to computers and convert the traditional white board into an interactive white board.
I see students working together to create a presentation or a video on a particular topic. You see them participating
in online discussions through a blog, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media. They are using the whiteboard,
posting Edmodo, creating music and making Prezis.
Technology is a tool and needs to be utilised in raising awareness about issues, collaborating with others, used for
finding answers to questions, changing minds and making a difference. AGHS has a strong commitment to equip
all students to be outstanding today, tomorrow and beyond. Because of this vision we invest in the technology as a
tool to help prepare our students to be outstanding in today’s global presence.
Staff Changes
Ms Di Stefano and Ms Vieusseux accepted a Deputy Principal and Head English Teacher positions at other
schools as at the start of Term 2. I thank them both for their leadership and commitment.
Best wishes to Ms Wade, Head Teacher Visual Arts on her retirement.
Welcome to our leadership team; Dr Ganeson, Relieving Deputy, Ms R Smith is Relieving Head Teacher English,
Ms Jelfs is Relieving Head Teacher HSIE and Mr Andrews continues as Relieving Head Teacher Visual Arts until
the position is filled.
School Reports
Year 12 and Year 11 reports are being finalised. It is important for students to reflect upon their performance, seek
support from their teachers and set realistic goals for the remainder of their HSC and Preliminary year respectively.
To support students with managing their studies and achieving their best, our school runs the After School Study
Centre. Teachers are available on designated afternoons to assist students with their learning. It is a wonderful
opportunity to catch up on work or to seek help on a one-to-one basis.
Annual School Report 2013
The Annual School Report was presented at our last P&C meeting. The Annual School Report is also available on
our school website. If parents/caregivers wish to receive a printed copy please contact me. Should you wish to
discuss any aspect of our Annual School Report you may do so via the P&C forum. The P&C meets every second
Wednesday of the month. I encourage you to attend and be an active participant in your child’s education and in
whole school decision-making process.
NAPLAN May 13 to May 15.
Parents/Caregivers and students have received written notification in relation to NAPLAN 2014. Best wishes to all
Year 7 and Year 9 students.
School Attendance
School attendance is compulsory until the age of 17. Students who have completed Year 10 may leave the school
if they wish to proceed with further study at TAFE or other educational institutions or accept full time employment. It
is the responsibility of the parent to ensure their child is attending school every day. Unresolved attendance
issues will be referred to the Home School Liaison Officer and will be dealt with according to the Department of
Education and Community services (DEC) policy. Parents are encouraged to communicate to the school any
attendance concerns and work with school personnel in order to address such concerns assuring the best
educational and welfare outcomes for their child.
Cont...
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
Exemption from Attending School
This is a specific leave that may be granted by the Principal for extraordinary family circumstances. Going on a
family holiday is not considered an extraordinary circumstance and the application may be declined. Parents/
caregivers must communicate their circumstances to the school before making any arrangements affecting their
child’s school attendance.
Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your daughter’s education do not hesitate to contact us; it is imperative
that you do.
Best wishes for Term 2
Elizabeth Amvrazis, Principal
CHS Sailing
Lauren Galloway in Year 10 came second
in the recent Australian Combined High
Schools Sailing Regatta held at Belmont
16ft Sailing Club during the April holidays.
In an eight race series, Lauren, alongside
her partner Claire Byrne (Galston High
School) won four races and did not slip
outside the top five all week.
The
girls
placed
second overall in the
NSW State Schools
and second overall in
the Australian CHS for
their
medium
monohulls division.
They also placed fourth
in the All Girls Division.
Year 10 Commerce Excursion
to Hornsby Local Court
Year 10 Commerce classes visited Hornsby Local
Court in March. This was part of a unit on Law in
Society. They sat in the public gallery to view the
morning court sessions. The students watched as a
number of relatively short cases were dealt with.
These cases involved a number of crimes including
drug possession, driving under the influence of
alcohol, speeding, theft of mobile phones and
tampering with a concession pass. The students
found that it wasn’t anything like you see on television.
They were surprised that there was no jury, the court
room was much smaller than they imagined and that
the accused people sat in the main part of the court,
sometimes next to the students, instead of in a
separate area. Overall, the classes enjoyed the
experience and gained a better understanding of how
the legal system works.
Invitation
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
P & C News
Not a lot has happened since last month apart from school holidays, and some lovely weather over the
break. Welcome back to term 2, and a burst of cool weather.
I am sure you share my sadness following the news that our Deputy Principal Karen Di Stefano moved
on from Asquith Girls High School at the end of last term. Karen preceded my family’s arrival at this
great school, and she has been a tremendous support to me in my role in the P&C. She provided great
inspiration to the school, and expected a standard of behaviour and presentation of the girls that
contributed significantly to the girls achieving their personal best. She has left the role in very good
hands, with Veni Ganeson stepping in to the acting role seamlessly. I wish Karen all the very best in her
new school.
Our next meeting is Wednesday May 14th at 7:30pm in the staff common room. We will be discussing
upcoming events for the P&C, and catching up on the goings on of the school, and we would value your
contribution to these discussions. Please visit the meetings tab on our web site to find a map to the
common room. We look forward to seeing you there.
Michael Ficker P&C President
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.AGHSPandC.org.au
Dates for the Diary:
P&C Meeting 7.30pm
Wednesday 14 May 2014
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday 14 may
P & C Meeting
Wednesday 14 May
Blitzing the HSC Night
Wednesday 14-15 May
NAPLAN
Thurs-Friday 29 & 30 May Year 12 Careers Expo
Maths On THursday
A quiet place to complete your Maths HW
Get free help from a Maths teacher
Available to Years 7-10
In the Library every Thursday 3:10-4:15pm
See you there … Bring a friend!!
Anti-Racism Contact Officer
The NSW Department of Education and Communities (DEC) rejects racism in all its forms and is committed to the
elimination of racial discrimination.
It is our aim to work with all of our school community and ensure Asquith Girls High School is free of racism and is
a productive, safe and enjoyable experience for all students.
Any concerns in relation to racism must be directed to the school's Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO) Ms
Valladares. All complaints will be dealt in accordance with DEC procedures.
Information about the role of the ARCO and parent access to them is available on the DEC website.
Visit: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/languagesupport/documents/anti_racism.php
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
HSIE News
Term 1 was a busy time for the HSIE faculty and the start of Term 2 looks to be following a similar trend. Firstly,
we welcome Ms Taran Sahdeva in a temporary position and also acknowledge the additional classes that Miss
Carly Jones has taken on this term.
In Week 11 of Term 1, Year 7 History classes went on an excursion to the Big Dig Archaeological Centre at The
Rocks. Also, Year 10 Commerce had the opportunity to visit Hornsby Local Court. There are some upcoming
excursions to look forward to for Year 10 HSIE classes who will be heading to Pyrmont on Friday May 16th and
also Year 8 History classes who will be heading to the Big Dig Archaeological Centre at The Rocks on either
Thursday 29th or Friday 30th May.
First day back at school this term was the ANZAC Day Assembly, which was organised by
Mrs Phillipa Somerville, Miss Carly Jones and Mrs Lynda Clarkson. There is no doubt that
the students, parents, staff and special guests appreciated the effort put into coordinating
such a well organised service.
ANZAC Day Celebrations 2014 by Mrs Phillipa Somerville
The theme for the celebration of ANZAC Day in schools in 2014 was ‘Honouring,
Remembering, Thanking and Renewing’. This theme was well demonstrated in Asquith
Girls High School’s celebration of ANZAC Day in 2014. School Captain Emma Fenech
and SRC leaders Millie Ambrose and Michelle Carroll were outstanding ambassadors for
the school at the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day in Hornsby. The girls woke at 4.00am and
donned their school uniforms (during the holidays) to join the march and lay a wreath on
behalf of Asquith Girls High School at the Cenotaph.
ANZAC Day was also celebrated in our school assembly on the first day back in
Term 2. The responsibility for this ceremony was taken by 11 Year 9 students: Libby
Wilson, Rachel Maree Taylor, Laura Cook, Tiegan Gleave, Tarna Rosentreter,
Nherrie Pillay, Sarah Hampson, Rachel Paige Taylor, Shayde Savin and Tanaz
Toossi Ardakany. These girls read a series of readings about the experiences of
soldiers in World Wars 1 and 2 and showed photos to accompany the readings. We
were also lucky to hear from an invited guest, Captain Karlie Battese from the
Australian Defence Force, to speak about her experiences in Afghanistan. Captain
Battese is an intelligence officer with a history in signals. She graduated from the
Australian Defence Force Academy in 2007 and the Royal Military College Duntroon in 2008. Captain Battese was sent to Afghanistan twice and served there
for a total period of 16 months. Captain Battese told the students about her
experience of living and serving with the ADF in Afghanistan and about the
importance of remembering ANZAC Day.
Peta Taverner of Year 11 played the Last Post and the Rouse standing in silhouette
against an image of a sunrise. The Vocal Group conducted by Miss Dale sang
‘When Peace Shall Come’ and
Naomi Dodd of Year 11 played
beautiful piano accompaniment
throughout the service. Our school Vice captains Kristine
Gonzaga and Cici Gu introduced the service and School
Captain Emma Fenech read the Ode.
We were very grateful to be joined in our celebration by two
representatives from the Hornsby RSL Sub Branch, Mr James
and Mr Davis. We were also pleased to see some parents and
grandparents attend. The behaviour of the whole school
throughout the service was outstanding. It showed that every
student at Asquith honours, respects and is thankful for the
sacrifices made by members of our defence forces throughout
history and up to the present day.
Big Dig Archaeological Centre (Cesspits and Old Rubbish) History Excursion – Darcey Hiscock (7F)
At the end of Term 1, Year 7 went on an excursion. As we were studying different archaeological sites around
the world. We were taken to the The Big Dig Archaeological Centre at The Rocks where we could look at
different historical artefacts, formulate ideas of the finished product, build a timeline of the Rocks history and visit
an excavation site of the home of the Cribbs family from the early 1800’s. This site is very educational and gave
us a good insight into past life at The Rocks, for example how big their homes were and what they had to
contend with on a daily basis. We had a lot of fun there and I would like to thank the HSIE Department for
organising this excursion.
Cont...
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
Basketball
On 18th February, I trialled and was selected to be a representative for North Sydney in the Open (Yr 7-12)
Combined High Schools Basketball State Carnival. On 25th-27th March I attended the State Carnival, representing
Asquith Girls and North Sydney, which was held at Illawarra Sports Stadium in Berkeley.
The Carnival was a blast! I was able to verse other representative basketball players and above from all across
NSW. On the first day, Tuesday, we versed the North Coast team then later that day we versed the Sydney West
team. Our team had not had any trainings before this day and barely even knew each other’s names, However we
managed to come out of the day with a win. 0n the second day we versed Western and Sydney East. We won both
of these games convincingly and were put up to first place. On the final day, we played the semi-final against the
team who came second in the other pool and won leaving us to play the top team, from the other pool, Hunter in
the Grand Final later that day. We were just leading on the scoreboard the entire game and managed to pull away
more in the last quarter winning 59-50. After the game we went straight to the presentation ceremony where we
received our gold medallions! I had a great time meeting new people and catching up with some old friends.
On 5th May I was fortunate to be selected for the CHS State Basketball Team and the next competition will be held
in Melbourne later this year.
Nicole Hutchins
OPEN NETBALL KNOCKOUT – ADCOCK PARK, GOSFORD
The State trials and Round 2 of Open Netball was held on 28 th March, 2014. Tiana Hazlewood, Sammy
Hopkinson, Annabelle Rogers and Rebecca Rogers trialled for the State team which was very well attended by a
lot of girls over 6ft tall, some of which were National Level players. The girls demonstrated tenacity and talent but
were not successful in making the team this year.
The girls played their Round 2 game v Northern Beaches Secondary College (Combined) team which featured
many of the State Team selected players. A very big
congratulations to the following girls who played their
hardest and best and didn’t give up at any stage of the
game:
Tiana Hazlewood, Rose Koellner, Sammy Hopkinson,
Annabelle Rogers, Rebecca Rogers, Emma Brady,
Gabrielle Brown, Emma Liddelow, Linnea StevensJones, Charlie Clements.
Thank you to Mrs Rogers for helping drive the girls to
the Central Coast and also Megan Beneke for her
excellent umpiring on the day. Well done girls !
Mrs Carter
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
New York CAPA Tour Sponsorship
In September, 49 Asquith Girls students will be travelling to New York as part of an outstanding Creative and
Performing Arts educational opportunity. In New York the girls will be participating in workshops and
mentoring sessions with industry professionals. We are hoping to raise extra funds to help alleviate some of
the cost to parents and are asking local companies and small businesses for their assistance in achieving
this goal. In return we are offering valuable, local advertising through our school newsletter which is
published monthly, with a further opportunity to advertise on our school website.
Below are the details concerning the sponsorship levels.
$1000 Platinum Sponsorship: Your company name and logo on the school newsletter (Published
monthly) and in an article on the AGHS school website with hyperlink to company website – From
April to December 2014
$750 Gold Sponsorship: Your company name and logo on the school newsletter (Published monthly)
and in an article on the AGHS school website with hyperlink to company website – From April to
September 2014
$500 Silver Sponsorship: Your company name and logo on the school newsletter - Published monthly
from April to December 2014
$250 Bronze Sponsorship: Your company name and logo on the school newsletter – Published
monthly from April to September 2014
If your organization would like to participate in this sponsorship opportunity, please contact Ms Alana Lewis
(CAPA Tour Sponsorship organiser) on 9477 6411 or via email at [email protected]
Many Thanks to Chris Scaife and the team at Coolibah Building & Design
Pty Ltd for becoming our first Sponsor.
Coolibah Building & Design Pty Ltd
Unit 6, 22 Leighton Place, Hornsby NSW 2077
www.coolibahbuilding.com.au
Coolibah Building & Design are a professional North Shore building company, offering premium services
within the construction industry. We specialise in home additions and alterations, building and renovations,
decks and pergolas, extensions and home improvements in the North Shore area. We have been recently
named one of the best North Shore builders.
Thanks also to Paul Kingston (General Manager Schoolwear) and the team at Lowes Hornsby for
their continuing support of our School, becoming our second sponsor for the New York CAPA Tour.
Asquith Girls High School uniforms can be purchased at our local Hornsby outlet, and their friendly staff is
there to help cater to all our schooling needs.
Lowes Hornsby
Shop 1063, Westfield Hornsby, 35 Hunter Street,
Hornsby, NSW 2077
Phone: (02) 9477 5169
https://www.lowes.com.au/default.aspx
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
CONTACT DETAILS
Have you changed jobs, moved house or changed phone numbers (including work and mobile) or have
a new email address?
Please make sure your details are up to date so we can contact you when your child needs you.
Changes must be advised in writing. Change of Details forms are available from reception.
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
ARE YOU A SINGLE
PARENT?
Every week Single with Children provides fun and
exciting activities especially for single parents and their
children (many activities are subsidised or even free)
It’s a great way to meet and get to know people in your area
To find out more and get a FREE copy of
our social calendar, contact us today.
Call 1300 300 496
Or visit our website:
www.singlewithchildren.com.au
Form no. 03 Rev c
Go 4 Fun is a free healthy living program for children above a healthy weight.
It is a fun and interactive program that helps children aged between 7 & 13
and their families adopt a long-lasting healthy lifestyle.
The program focuses on improving:
Eating habits
Fitness
Teamwork
Overall health
Programs are led by qualified health professionals & take place after school
running parallel with school terms. Children & their families become fitter,
healthier & happier as they have fun, meet new friends & learn new skills
Phone 1800 780 900 or SMS back 0409 745645 or visit https://go4fun.com.au/
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing
achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
Visithigh
http://www.asquithgir-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
Fire and Rescue NSW Open Day 2014
Fire & Rescue NSW is hosting its annual Open Day on Saturday 17 May 2014 between
10:00am and 2:00pm.
You are invited to watch fire safety demonstrations, extrication techniques for road
crashes (cutting up vehicles) hop aboard a fire truck, learn about becoming a fire fighter
and get an information bag while chatting with fire fighters about fire safety and what
they do.
Winter is just around the corner and it’s the worst time of the year for house fires, so
come along and learn as much as you can.
This is a fantastic opportunity for young people and their parents to meet their local fire
fighters and learn as much as you can about home fire safety.
Don’t leave fire safety to chance this winter – go to - 2014 Open Day Participating
Stations to find your local Fire Station and join us on Saturday 17 May 2014.
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners
2014 - Asquith Girls HS - developing high achieving young women who are responsible and independent leaders and learners