BIRRONG BULLETIN

The Newsletter of Birrong Girls High School Cooper Road, Birrong 2143 Telephone: 9644 5057 Fax: 9644 8157

Issue No. 1 February 2020

‘Ad astra’ – Reaching for the Stars

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents,

It has been an exciting start to the term. It is always heartening to see all our students returning fresh faced from their summer break, many of them having enjoyed wonderful times with their families and friends. And with the commencement of Term 1, 2020, I welcome all our community members back and extend an extra special welcome to all our Year 7 and new enrolments.

Much care has been taken to ensure that our school is a safe learning environment. Our partnerships with parents enhances our efforts. Our school rules and policies are implemented with the intention of ensuring the highest quality learning and teaching environment for every member of our community, including our teaching staff and guests.

One of the areas of focus for this year is to intensify student engagement and address attendance rates of students who have unnecessary absences. This is an area where parental commitment and involvement is vital. Each student should be aiming for 100% attendance and achieving at least 95%. Parents can assist by adjusting their mindset about what constitutes appropriate and just cause for absences. Most personal appointments, holidays and day-absences can be avoided and as a result, so can damaging disruption to student learning. We encourage students who are unwell and contagious to seek medical attention and rest at home. However, swimming, athletics and gala carnivals in addition to field trips, incursions and normal school days should be attended unless it is impossible for the student to physically attend. A positive way to support student engagement in school is to set the same goals at home about personal responsibility and commitment to learning. Absence and lateness to school should never be about personal convenience or preference. Attending school should be prioritised over most other things.

During the first two weeks of term, I have met and communicated with all students across stages in the school to deliver some key and core messages about our school values and expectations. The two areas included:

Commitment to excellence in learning and growth

Personal interactions with others

Commitment to excellence in learning and growth requires an understanding that being a student is a full time job, involving an explicit study routine in and out of school. It also requires complete compliance with school rules and expectations. Students at Birrong Girls High School must be productive at all times, respond to teacher feedback and apply themselves to achieve their personal best.

Personal interactions with others at Birrong Girls High School must be underpinned by a genuine respect for teachers and peers. All students deserve to feel happy and safe at school. Treating everyone with kindness and inclusivity is the key to securing this amongst peers. It is vital that all members of the school community treat teachers with trust and respect.

Uniform Update The rollout of our new uniform has been fantastic.

The samples for school caps are currently in

production and for junior students, a custom

ordered skirt in the tunic fabric is the modest option

for students who require it. The navy skirt is the

senior skirt and this is not negotiable. The school’s

sports uniform is to be worn during PDHPE and

Sport only. The tracksuit jacket is part of the sports

uniform. It cannot be used as a jacket for the day

uniform. All students are expected to comply with

this.

Inside this issue: Page/s

Principal’s Report 1-2

Report from the Deputy Principals 2-3

Introducing the New Teachers 3-6

Welfare Matters 6-7

Careers News 7-9

Library News 9

Peppercorns Poems 10

Next P&C Meeting 10

School Calendar 10

Driving safely in and around school zones 11

School Zones – parking, traffic rules and penalties 12

Transdev school bus timetable 13

Transdev school bus information guide 14

The School Sport Unit Code of Conduct 15

School Attendance 15

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Our school jumpers and blazers are available for

purchase at the uniform shop if required. Students

are permitted to wear a plain white thermal top

beneath their shirt if required. The sleeves for the

undergarment cannot be longer than the sleeves of

the school blouse. If a student requires a modest

option in the school blouse they must wear the long

sleeved blouse. Wearing a short sleeved blouse

with a long sleeved under garment is not permitted.

Socks must be long enough to comfortably cover

the ankles. They must cover up and over the ankle

and sit on the shin in plain white. Samples for the

school hat are in production and will be available

soon.

All students with back orders for jumpers and

PDHPE uniform require the receipt and receipt

number to pick up their order.

Year 7 Welcome BBQ We look forward to meeting our Year 7

parents at the Welcome BBQ on Monday

17 February at 5pm. This is a fantastic

opportunity for parents to meet their

child’s teachers and get a sense of how

they have settled into high school.

P and C Meeting For all our parents, we encourage you to attend our

P and C Meetings held once a term on Wednesday

in Week 6.

All parents are reminded that any concerns or

queries are best addressed in a timely manner by

making an appointment with the relevant staff

member through the office booking system.

We look forward to our ongoing partnership with

our community in 2020.

Zena Dabaja Principal

REPORT FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPALS As we begin 2020, the Deputies wish every student from Year 7 to Year 12 success in meeting all the challenges which await you this year. Now is the time to set your short and long term goals so that each of you can achieve your personal best! We trust that this will be a year during which each student can take pride in her academic growth and in the personal excellence she is able to apply to all areas of her life. This year we will be continuing our focus on student self-reflection. Students are required to reflect on their learning at the end of every week during the Friday roll call period and formally address the following questions in their school diaries:

‘What went well this week and why?’ and ‘What do I need to improve / work on next week?’ The aims of self-reflection are for students to increase their self-awareness and self-regulation surrounding their own learning. Reflection on school work enhances its meaning and clarifies learning. Self-reflection will also provide an opportunity for students to evaluate their own personal driving force towards their learning - a recognition or affirmation of personal core beliefs and values. There are many opportunities available at Birrong Girls High School for your daughter to be involved in and develop her own personal skills along the way. Year 11 students are working hard as Peer Support leaders supporting the Year 7 students and developing communication, organisational and leadership skills of their own. It is important that your daughter attend school and is in the correct uniform at all times. Our uniform consists of black lace up hard leather traditional school shoes, navy blue hijab and white bond, school tunic, skirt or pants and the school blouse must be worn at all times especially under the school jumper. Finger nails must be kept short in order to meet work, health and safety requirements at school and of a clear colour only. Acrylic nails and eyelash applications are not permissible. The school swimming carnival will be held on Monday 24 February at Birrong Leisure Centre. It is a day for fun and participation. All students are expected to attend the carnival as they would any other school day. More information and permission notes have been distributed to students and should be returned as soon as possible.

The safety of our students travelling to and from school is important to us. You will often see us at the railway station and the school crossing supervising students as they enter and leave

our school. We ask you to partner with us to ensure your daughters are safe by abiding by the school zone road rules before and after school each day. At the start of the new school year it is an important time to remind everyone about the Transport Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) introduction of new school zone offences aimed at improving pedestrian safety around schools. Please see page 12 of this bulletin for penalties that apply in school zones.

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Our school website is updated regularly with information, photos and videos that showcase student success. The school calendar provides details of events and excursions. New information will be added as the school year progresses. We hope to see all the Year 7 parents at the Welcome BBQ on Monday 17 February. To the stars - Ad Astra! Ms George and Ms Andrews Deputy Principal and Relieving Deputy Principal

INTRODUCING THE NEW TEACHERS

Cassie Bartels

TAS

In 2017 I completed a double bachelor degree, Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts – Technology: Secondary at the Australian Catholic University. My high school teaching career began as soon as my university journey ended and I found myself working temporarily at Auburn Girls for 2018. I then moved to the Sutherland Shire in 2019 and filled a temporary position at Port Hacking High School, before becoming a permanent staff member with the Department at Birrong Girls in 2020. Although my high school teaching career is still in the early stages, I was awarded my proficient teacher status at the end of 2019. Being a TAS teacher is one of the most rewarding subject areas because I can teach my students skills they will use throughout their life (your daughters will be able to re-attach blouse buttons and cook you some amazing meals). But what I truly enjoy, is watching my students’ skills and knowledge grow with each lesson. Helping them achieve things they thought were impossible in the beginning and seeing their smiles at the end of the year with a fantastic project to be proud of. Watching them produce work that they are proud of. I sincerely thank the staff at BGHS for welcoming me with open arms into the school and TAS faculty and I look forward to working with your daughters to create some amazing projects.

Griffin Ellem-Honeywill Languages and Social Sciences

My name is Griffin Ellem-Honeywill and I am at Birrong Girls teaching Languages and Geography. I have completed a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science, majoring in Geography and Japanese, and a Masters of Teaching at the University of Sydney. I had trouble choosing which subjects I wanted to study and ended up also taking a number of Chemistry, Mathematics, Linguistics, Politics and Italian units over the course of my studies. To me learning is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in your life, followed second by reading. In my free time you will usually find me in the warmest place I can find reading a book with a cup of tea nearby. I am usually reading something about the environment or educational psychology, though I also enjoy magical fantasy teenage fiction preferably with dramatically sarcastic villains. Terrible puns and useless trivia facts are also a passion of mine. If you see me out on playground duty feel free to wander by and tell me your worst dad joke or a random fact. I am looking forward to this year of learning and fun at Birrong Girls High School!

Kellie Ellis PDHPE

My name is Kellie Ellis and I am very excited to be working at BGHS Monday to Wednesday as a PDHPE teacher in 2020. I have a Bachelor of PDHPE and have been teaching and/or working in the Health, Sport and Fitness industry for the past 25 years.

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For the past 3 years I have been self employed as a Personal Trainer in the Inner West. I decided to return to teaching after 12 months away from the classroom, in order to spend more time running around my 3 children, as being a Personal Trainer took me away from them early in the morning and evenings. During this time, I realised I truly missed being in the classroom / sports field working with young people and making a difference. Over my 25-year career some of my previous employment has included UTS as part of the Exercise and Sport Science Internship / Practicum team, Santa Sabina College as a PDHPE teacher / Sport Coordinator, Hills Zone Sport Administrator, MLC Melbourne PDHPE teacher, Alexandria Park Community School Sport Coordinator. I am passionate about health, exercise and wellbeing as integral parts of our everyday life. I love running, ocean swimming and being an active member of South Maroubra Surf Lifesaving Club. I was once asked in an interview where I would be in 10 years’ time – the answer I gave then remains the same today “I am not sure where I will be, but I know I will be teaching / working with children.” I would like to thank the staff and students at BGHS for making me feel very welcome. I look forward to the year ahead.

Zeina Farhat TAS

My name is Zeina Farhat and I am excited and happy to join the TAS department at Birrong Girls High School this term. I have completed my Bachelor of Arts Language at UWS Sydney in 1998. I have also completed my Teaching Secondary degree at UWS in 2000 majoring in Languages/ ESL. I was lucky enough to be employed as a casual teacher at Menai High School and remained there for 3 years. I have had the opportunity to work as a relief teacher at various high schools, and have also been employed as a temporary staff member at Picnic Point High School teaching a wide range of subjects such as Visual Arts, Food Tech, ESL, Science, History and Languages.

Before I became a teacher, my job was a mother to 3 children and running a Driving School business. I have always had a passion for inspiring students and being part of their education and was determined to continue my education to fulfil and achieve my goals that I set for myself in life. I love my teaching career and I pride myself in engaging and furthering my students' passion for a high standard of education in all areas I teach. I would like to thank the staff, especially the TAS department and the students at Birrong Girls High School for the warm welcome.

Paul Jauregui Music

I am pleased to introduce myself to you as a new music teacher at Birrong Girls High. I have had the privilege of working in various other schools on a casual basis, however, I am very excited to begin a new chapter not only in my own teaching career, but to be a part of the new chapter in the girls having only started high school in Years 7-8 this year. I completed my double bachelor’s degree in music and education at the University of New South Wales in 2019 and have been privileged to have learned from other renowned Australian music educators along the way. Having their full support and input going into my first full-time ongoing role at Birrong puts me in good stead, and I believe would put the girls at Birrong in good stead as well. I have had a love of music ever since I was a young boy and had my first piano lesson as a 6-year-old. Ever since then, I knew if I was going to live life, I was going to be involved with music. To that end, I have developed a passion and a love for music throughout my adolescent years and now, I am very much looking forward to imparting my knowledge, passion and love for music to Birrong girls. In 2020, my goal is to keep our school moto in focus – Ad Astra. For me, this goal means to equip Birrong girls over and above with music learning skills in both the classroom and in the rehearsal space. If you have a daughter in Year 7 or 8 at Birrong Girls, I would like you to know that I am very much looking forward to instilling my passion for

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music and equipping your daughter with high music learning skills through singing, keyboard skills and movement. If you have a daughter in Years 9-12, I also in the same way look forward to helping instil a community of musicians where we all can express ourselves to the fullest and to encourage all girls to reach their full musical potential. “Ad Astra” – To the Stars.

Evelyn Lal

Social Sciences

My name is Evelyn Lal and I am excited to join the Social Sciences faculty at Birrong Girls High School this year. I may look familiar as I completed my first practicum teaching at Birrong Girls High School in 2015.

I completed a Masters of Teaching (Secondary) at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) in 2016 and also have a Bachelor of Commerce. I have taught at various schools and for the past two years I was at Strathfield Girls High School as a Social Sciences teacher.

I have always loved business and geography, and never thought I would become a high school teacher. I learnt one thing after leaving school ‘If you can dream it, you can definitely achieve it’. I absolutely love and have a passion for teaching. Being able to play an active role in students’ educational journey is definitely rewarding. Commerce and Geography is everywhere, educating the students enables them to make better choices whilst becoming a wiser consumer.

I would like to thank all of the staff and students for the warm welcome I have received when I came to Birrong Girls High School. I am looking forward to working at Birrong Girls in 2020.

Angela Mezzino

Learning Support

My name is Angela Mezzino and I have recently joined the Learning and Support Team at Birrong Girls High.

My first degree was in Business, however I changed careers and retrained as a teacher 5 years ago after completing a Masters in Teaching (Primary) at WSU. After initially teaching in primary schools, I am now using my knowledge of literacy education to support students in high schools.

My support role in high schools has involved running literacy programs for a range of abilities and supporting students with an EAL/D background. I am convinced that strong literacy skills are the foundation of learning success in all subject areas and that improving those skills is the best way to prepare for the increasing academic demands of high school.

In my previous school, I was also the Refugee Transition Support Teacher. The resilience and determination of students with a refugee background has always inspired me. I look forward to supporting our refugee students here at Birrong Girls as they adjust to learning with a new language in a new environment.

I am also a trained fitness instructor and hope to offer an after school boxing training session with interested staff and students.

I believe school plays a formative role in assisting each of us in discovering the best way we can contribute to our community. I like to encourage students to appreciate that while we are all different, with different skills and abilities, we are the same in that we can all continue to learn and play a part in making the world we want to live in.

I have had a wonderful welcome to the school so far and have appreciated both the helpfulness and respectfulness of staff and students alike as I have tried to settle in. Birrong GHS has a lovely feel to it. I can tell I will be happy here.

Deborah Ritchie

TAS and Learning Support I believe school is not only a place for academic achievement, but a place for self-enrichment, for learning new skills and building lifetime friendships. It is a pleasure to be a member of the school community here at Birrong Girls High School. I have always enjoyed learning, and come to you with experience and passion for teaching a range of subjects across TAS, Special Education, as well

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as Creative and Performing Arts. I have a Bachelor of Education in Visual Arts, a Masters of Special Education, and am accredited to teach Technology Mandatory, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Textiles Technology, Computing and Digital Technology. I am currently working across two faculties; TAS and Learning Support, so you will see me team teaching in Mathematics and History, as well as teaching my own Technology classes. You can find me in the TAS staffroom.

WELFARE MATTERS Welcome to 2020, may it be an extremely successful and joyful year for all our students and families. We look forward to working with families in our school community to support and nurture the academic and personal growth and wellbeing of our students so that they can succeed and thrive. The Welfare Team includes the School Counsellors, Ms Athena Tselepi, Ms Susan Leigh and Ms Patty Kalavritinos, the Year Advisers and Assistant Year Advisers, as listed below, and the Head Teacher Female Students, Ms Cathy Salvagio. Parents and guardians can make an appointment to see our school Counsellors, the Head Teacher or the relevant Year Adviser if there are issues or concerns that you wish to discuss. Below is a list of the Year Advisers and Assistant Year Advisers: YEAR 7 ADVISER- Ms Diana Graham Assistant – Ms Emma Barry YEAR 8 ADVISER- Ms Morgan Legg Assistant – Ms Mona Baddah YEAR9 ADVISER – Ms Anastasia Morozov Assistant – Ms Gaye Temizyuz YEAR 10 ADVISER - Ms Nicky Shinas Assistant - Ms Lisa Walker YEAR 11 ADVISER - Ms Cathy McDonald Assistant – Ms Chrystle Moxon Term 1 and Ms Maria Parmaxidis YEAR 12 ADVISER - Ms Christie Rothwell Assistant – Mr Phillip Farrugia Student Assistance Scheme Families experiencing financial difficulties due to unemployment or being on a pension can be assisted via school funds to purchase school uniform items and make payments for excursions and subject fees. The payment of General Contributions can be negotiated to be paid in instalments over the year. Parents of Year 7 to Year 10 students can telephone the school to speak to Ms Salvagio or make an appointment to see her. Parents of Year 11 and Year 12 will need to speak to Ms Dabaja

about their financial difficulties. Parents must be able to show that there is financial need by having their Pensioner Concession card or Centrelink card. School Uniform Policy Our school uniform policy outlines and clearly demonstrates the uniform items that our students are expected to wear on a daily basis. Uniform items can be purchased at our school on Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 1.00pm. Our uniform includes enclosed black hard leather school shoes for safety, especially when working in the Science laboratories, art studios and kitchens. For students who wear long sleeves the school has a long sleeved blouse. Wearing a short sleeved blouse with a long sleeved undergarment is not considered to be part of the uniform and is not acceptable. It is expected that students have more than one school outfit and that their uniform items are washed and ironed regularly so that they are in a clean uniform at all times. The hems on school trousers and skirts should be neatly sewn. For safety the hems of pants should not drag on the floor and should not be ragged or torn. Being in full school uniform demonstrates a student’s respect for her school community, commitment to being a positive member of it and enhances the good image of our school. Elevate Education Study Skills Program Elevate Education will be delivering customised study skills seminars to all our students in Term 1. Years 10, 11 and 12 will have 2 seminar topics presented at a school subsidised cost of $10 per student and Years 7, 8 and 9 will have one seminar topic at a school subsidised cost of $6 per student. Students will be provided with access to the Elevate Education website and online resources to assist students with HSC resources, study, assignments and exams throughout the year. Year 12 students will participate in HSC preparation seminars on 5 March during periods 2 and 3, which will focus on study strategies for the preparation of assessments and examinations and on techniques to assist students to be effective learners and to cope better with examinations. Year 11 students will participate in HSC preparation seminars on 13 March during periods 2 and 3, which will focus on effective learning strategies and study techniques to enhance students’ performance as a senior student. Year 10 students will participate in seminars on 26 March during periods 2 and 3 which will focus on time management and study strategies. Years 7, 8 and 9 students will participate in a Study Skills Kick Start program to build positive study habits and enhance motivation in students. All students must attend these very beneficial seminars, which are of a minimum cost to families as the school pays for a substantial part of the cost.

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A note with details about the seminars will be issued to students closer to the time. Year 7 Vaccinations Our school is participating in the NSW Adolescent Vaccination Program for Year 7 and Year 10 students. The following vaccinations will be provided over 3 visits: Year 7 will be offered a 2 dose course of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for cervical cancer prevention at visits 1 and 3, and a single dose of Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) vaccine (Boostrix) at Visit 1. Year 10 will be offered a single dose of Meningococcal vaccine at visit 2. The vaccinations will take place on the following dates: Visit 1 on 20 February for Year 7 students (Single dose of Boostrix and Dose 1 of HPV) Visit 2 on 18 June for Year 10 students (single dose of Meningococcal vaccine) Visit 3 on 2 September for Year 7 students (Dose 2 of HPV). The students will be issued the Parent Information Kit which includes the vaccination consent form closer to the time. Parents/guardians should read the information provided with the consent form to understand the facts about the vaccines that will be offered. Information in languages other than English is available at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx No student will be vaccinated without the signed original consent form. After the vaccination students will be given a Record of Vaccination card to take home to keep their immunisation/vaccination records up to date. Please keep vaccination records in a safe place as they may be required for future work or travel. Student of the Month – November 2019

Congratulations to Fatima Abbas of Year 12 who was awarded the Student of the Month Award for November 2019. She has demonstrated dedication, commitment and citizenship to the school community. She has a mature and positive attitude toward all

aspects of her schooling and is an excellent role model for her peers. Fatima has carried out valuable school service through her commitment and active involvement in various programs and teams. She has demonstrated responsibility and dedication as an SRC member, she has been an enthusiastic school debater, and a valued member of the Environmental team. Fatima has also

actively participated in the UTS STEM programs and the UTS summer school in Engineering and IT. She shows responsible citizenship through her efforts and dedication to fundraising, in particular as a member of the Amnesty Team. Fatima has also represented the school in an engineering project for the Department of Education Chatbot Program. Fatima is passionate about social justice and equality and gives her time to fund raise and assist the Muslim Aid Australia organisation and the Human Appeal International Charity. Her future goal is to attend university to attain a degree in science, specialising in vision. She hopes to travel to various countries around the world to provide aid in disadvantaged communities, in particular to assist children that have been abandoned. Ms Salvagio Head Teacher Female Students

CAREERS NEWS Welcome back to 2020, Ms Shinas and myself are very excited for the year ahead and the wonderful career opportunities that will be available to our students. Year 12 With only 3 terms left of school, all Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to book an appointment with the Careers Advisers to sit down and start discussing/mapping out post school destinations. Students are to use the booking sheet on the Careers office door to make appointments and if parents/carers wish to speak with a Careers Adviser please don't hesitate to call the school to make an appointment. Ms Wailes will run a UAC information session closer to the time of UAC applications opening so students know exactly what they need to do when applying for uni/TAFE/private colleges. Tertiary institutions will start visiting the school this term to present at lunch time to any interested students. Year 12 need to attend these lunch presentations to learn information, collect resources, establish contacts and support them in making informed career decisions. Dates of the presentations will be communicated via student messages with reminders on the day. All of Year 12 will attend the Western Sydney Careers Expo in Term 2. This important event will enable students to attend seminars, talk with a range of institutions under the one roof, collect valuable resources and ask any questions they may have regarding their futures. Year 10 The year ahead for Year 10 is a very busy and extremely important one for Careers. Students will be completing 2 blocks of work experience, going

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through the exciting Subject Selection process, as well as attending the Western Sydney Careers Expo in Term 2. This year will give our students the opportunities to experience the world of work, test out different career interests, learn about tertiary education, establish links/connections with the wider community and prepare students for their HSC study. U@Uni Academy Program 2020 was a special year for U@Uni Summer School. The students who attended are part of an exciting new pilot program which, upon completion, will see them guaranteed a place at UTS. Beginning at the end of Year 10, the U@Uni Academy is a two-year intensive program that introduces students to university life through on-campus activities, workshops, mentoring and tutoring. “We are deliberately looking at a student’s potential based on their 21st century skills; collaboration, creativity and leadership. It’s about giving them an opportunity to come to university and to really shine,” said Verity Firth, Executive Director of the UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion. This marks the beginning of the journey for this first cohort of students. From 6-17 January, students visited the UTS campus and participated in a range of workshops in their field of choice: Science, Media, Design, Engineering and IT, Business and Health. Using the skills they learned, students created their own projects including computers games, documentaries, clothing design and more. These projects were displayed at an exhibition on the last day of Summer School. Parents, teachers and the wider community were invited to celebrate the success of these students and congratulate them as they embark on this exciting new adventure. Students even received some words of wisdom from Mark Scott AO, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, who gave a keynote address at the event. “The cohort of students this year was bigger and more enthusiastic than ever,” said Emlyn Dodd, Program Manager, UTS U@Uni Academy. “The students really valued working with UTS staff and mentors, and said the experience has either reinforced or reshaped what they want to do after high school.” When asked what her favourite part of Summer School was, Year 11 student Zaynab Fahda said, “I don’t really have a favourite part because I enjoyed everything. I really loved the new skills that we learnt that will help us in the future. It’s also helped me gain resilience and learn to not rely on anyone, for example, travelling to UTS for Summer School.” “They are an amazing group of students and we are so excited to have them,” said Ms Firth. “We

strongly believe in their potential and can’t wait to see all the incredible things they achieve not only during the Academy program, but at university and beyond.”

Students at the UTS campus

Resources for Parents/Carers There are a number of Careers resources that Birrong Girls subscribes to each year and are available for families to utilise to support students' career decision making. Please feel free to sign up to the following: http://www.jobjump.com.au - click on 'I'm New' in the top right hand corner and register. The school password = puppies. https://studyworkgrow.com.au/ - click on the 'Find Your School' link. Our school code is: BGHS19.

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http://www.skillsroad.com.au - click on the 'Parents' link. Ms Wailes/Ms Shinas Careers Advisers

LIBRARY NEWS

Welcome to 2020! This is the beginning of a new decade and our library will be the hub of an exciting universe for reading, learning and creative activities. Come and spend some time with us! We guarantee you will be both entertained and well informed! The Library runs the Scholastic Book Club where you can always get a bargain on books. At lunchtime, we also have games, cards, and puzzles. Lego and Mine Craft are available on request. You can enjoy learning how to knit or crochet, colour-in or simply relax with a good book! February 14th is Library Lovers’ Day where we celebrate everything we love about books and reading. We encourage requests to purchase books and we are grateful for feedback from students so that we can respond to needs and keep up to date with trends in literature.

Do you love the Library? If so, why not apply to be a Library Monitor. Learn how the Library runs, how we process borrowing at the circulation desk, and how to cover books. Helping other students find resources is a good learning experience for you too! The Kids Own Australian Literature Awards (K.O.A.L.A), Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC), HOT BOX, and the Children’s Book Council of Australia all play important roles in our library. In May junior students will have the opportunity to attend the Sydney Writers’ Festival Secondary

Schools day at Parramatta. We are taking expressions of interest now so let us know if you would like to meet some of Australia’s best YA authors. In August, we celebrate Book Week with competitions and prizes. Maybe you can even meet an author or illustrator! Library hours are 8am to 2:50pm daily, also recess and lunchtime (except Friday recess). Junior students may borrow 4 fiction and 4 non-fiction items for 2 weeks. Senior students may borrow 6 fiction and 6 non-fiction items for 2 weeks. Library cards are free, however, replacement cards are $2.00 each. Students are responsible for books borrowed under their name. Lost books must be paid for and there are fines for overdue books. Remember; NEVER loan your card to anyone else. Mr Davidson Teacher Librarian

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PEPPERCORNS POEMS

The White Submarine by Muntaha Barud

The sea calls me,

The light it emits glows so radiantly.

I stand paralysed by beauty,

My fiery, brown eyes reflect the tangerine

coloured horizon.

Honey skin dripping in melanin surrounds me.

A sweet song the birds sing to the acacia trees,

The rich lands our nomad fathers have seen,

The kings of our land and seas,

We are Somalis.

The Restaurant by Mya Ghamrawi

I open the door and step inside,

I look around and take in all the culture around

me,

The architecture, the tables,

The decoration and the people.

The people talking in different languages,

The people laughing and

The people eating foreign but tasty looking food.

A waitress comes and sits my family down.

We open the menu and absorb all the different

choices of food.

We each chose a different meal that is new to us.

And we talk and laugh as we wait for our

delicious food.

Day and Night by Zara Jalloul

Sun

And light

Not a fear insight

Smiles

And greetings

Love filling the sky

Then

A cloud emerges from the depths

Darkness covers the light with

Feelings of worry

And fright

The monsters come out

The devils come out.

Figures come around

Taking the children

Without a sound.

BIRRONG GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

PARENTS & CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Parents are invited to attend the P & C MEETING

on Wednesday 4 March 2020 at 5pm in the Common Room

BIRRONG GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL CALENDAR For your diary / noticeboard

February: Monday, 17th Year 7 (and new enrolments)

Welcome BBQ, 5-7pm Thursday, 20th Year 7 Vaccinations

Monday, 24th School Swimming Carnival at Birrong Leisure Centre, 8:30am –

2:15pm Friday, 28th Zone Swimming Carnival at Birrong Leisure Centre March: Wednesday, 4th P&C Meeting, Common Room,

5pm Thursday, 5th Year 5/6 Open Morning, 10:30am – 12:30pm Wednesday, 11th School Photo Day

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SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

EVERY DAY COUNTS…

A DAY MISSED HERE OR THERE DOESN’T SEEM LIKE MUCH, BUT…

GIVE YOUR CHILD EVERY CHANCE TO SUCCEED.