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NEWSLETTER Gooden Drive, Baulkham Hills,

Telephone: (02) 9624 3133 Facsimile: (02) 9838 8407) Email: modelfarms-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Student Success Congratulations to Timotius Teh for winning a prestigious STEM award from the University of Wollongong. The major work that Timotius produced for his HSC was superior in design and when entered in the competiton, caught the eyes of the judges. Timotius is pictured below with his Engineering teacher, Mr Singh.

Congratulations also to Jayden Bruce who has successfully defended his 48Kg Australian Boxing Title. Jayden travelled to Brisbane to compete over 3 days and won through to the final with an impressive run of wins.

Congratulations to the team of Year 10 girls who this year, pushed themselves to the limits and completed the Helmsman Project, an outward bound leadership program that challenges and seeks to develop leadership skills in young people. Moji

Korkerdsantisu, Brigitte Ganter, Jesse Hamiltion, Liz Henderson-Leong, Amber Mertens, Imogen Parker-Hull and Pavani Subramaniam spent the last year participating in a week of outdoor camping and orienteering as well as designing and implementing a community project which was so successful it was nominated for a community award. Please read the report further in the newsletter. I congratulate the girls and their wonderful mentor Claudia Rawat

9 December 2016 Term 4 - Week 9

CONTENTS From the Deputy Principal Mr Grady P5 From the Deputy Principle Ms Pledger P8 Upcoming Calendar Weeks 10 P10 From the PNC P10 English Faculty P11 Maths Faculty P13 PDHPE Faculty P15 Helmsman Project P16 SRC Announcement P19 Careers P20 Academy Access Award P21 Support Camp 2016 – Port Stephens P22 Community Ads P25

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who accompanied them on every wet day in the wild and every hot day on their community activities. Well done everyone.

Congratulations also to some of our senior students who were either finalists or scholarship winners in the recent Castle Hill RSL Shine Awards for Excellence. Charlie Oliver was recognised in the Arts category, Abbey Sim and Corrine Kennedy in the Leadership category, and Brentin Azzopardi and Jacqueline Smith in the Sport category. Model Farms students are always represented in these awards and having 5 more this year is testament to the wonderful work

they continue to do in their respective areas of interest.

Multicultural Day and the Ultimate Aboriginal Experience We were very fortunate to have had these two amazing school spirit days happen in the same week. Nearly 600 students participated in the Aboriginal Experience and engaged with Aboriginal artists in a number of activities. This is the first time we have held this day and it was wonderful to see how much everyone enjoyed it. All participants were treated to a Kangaroo burger at lunchtime and the staff had a treat of lemon myrtle cookies at recess. Multicultural Day was 3 days later and the whole school got into the swing of things with lots of different food stalls, costumes, games and dancing to give the day a ‘festival’ feel. There were American, Greek, Japanese, Indigenous, Mexican, Chilean, Chinese, Indian, Latvian and Austrian food stalls. We had dances from the USA, Africa, Ireland and Spain as well as Touch Footie and Sumo Suits. It is such a wonderful day on the calendar and I need to thank everyone involved for their huge efforts.

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Orientation Day Last Thursday we welcomed over 200 Year 6 students to our Orientation Day where they enjoyed having a tour of the school, a scavenger hunt, some lessons and an all-important sausage sizzle and a can of drink on the front lawn. This is another very large year group for 2017 and a good sign that the school looks like it will continue to grow as the area develops. It was great to see the excitement on each of the faces of the Year 6 students, hear them having fun and see them look with wonder at what ‘big school’ looks like. Before the day started I saw Year 6 students greet each other warmly when they arrived and then saw parents acknowledge others with the same warmth and excitement. This was really pleasing to see as hopefully it means that our future students and parents are already feeling comfortable with their new surroundings. I wish every Year 6 student a happy holiday and an exciting wait for January 30th. Changes for 2017 Earlier this year, when we lost our Scripture teacher, we were left with a timetable problem where we needed to hire a casual to cover these periods to run an alternative program. This cost the school a considerable amount of money in 2016 and forced us to re-structure our timetable to remove those periods. As a result, we will now have a new timetable structure for 2017, one which still allows for provision of scripture but not in the usual timetabled slots. It also means that there will be changes to the start and finish times each day and we need parents to be aware of these changes. Please read Ms Pledger’s report later in the newsletter for more details.

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Staff farewells It is always sad when staff leave the school but we take comfort in knowing that they leave for very good reasons. Ms Aldabbas has been with us for many years and has been successful in receiving a transfer to Wyong High School where she has wanted to move to for some time. She has been a dedicated Maths teacher and Year Adviser and has done some truly amazing things with and for her students. Her Year 11 cohort will certainly miss her, as will the rest of us. Ms Parker in HSIE has been a temporary teacher at the Farms for 4 years and has been fortunate enough to secure on merit, a permanent position at Castle Hill High School. She has always been willing to get involved in whole school events and her enthusiasm will be an asset to Castle Hill.

Ms Ellen Hoy has been with us for the last 12 months and has been fortunate enough to secure a permanent position at Concord High School in the English faculty. Ellen has been someone who was always willing to be involved in all aspects of school life so Concord is lucky to pick up such an energetic and passionate teacher.

Mr Hodgson has only been with us for a year as a temporary teacher in Drama and has continued the tradition of helping to produce some outstanding performances over the year with our students. His professionalism, enthusiasm and hard work will be missed but we know his new school closer to his home will benefit.

Mr Hansen has been a temporary PDHPE teacher with us this year and has been a fairly regular casual for a few years before that. He has secured a full-time temporary position at The Ponds High School for 2017 and while we wish him well, we know the absence of his jovial nature will be notable at the Farms. We wish all of them well with their teaching careers.

Building works These will continue over the summer break and it is hoped that everything will be finished before we return in January. However, we do anticipate that the front office will continue to operate out of the common room just while we get the start of the year sorted out rather than risk not having phones or printers or the ability to take cash. When complete, the front office area will now have a new entry door and a public reception while the students will have a student foyer and a designated window counter for all their transactions.

The car park off Redmond Avenue should be fully finished and the new arrangements will make the dropping off and picking up of our students from the Support Unit a much safer option. Please understand however, that this area is for disabled pick up and drop off and deliveries only. There will be a limited number of parking spaces that can be used between the hours of 9 and 2 but this area is not to be used by the general public except when visiting the school. This is for the safety of our children.

End of Year Thanks This is the last major newsletter for this year and I would like to thank everyone for allowing the staff to continue the journey with you in the education of your children. It is an honour and a privilege to be given this responsibility and as many staff would tell you, so rewarding as well. We hope you enjoy the summer break and return in 2017 for another great year at the Farms.

Christina Bennet Principal

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FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – MR GRADY

Girls Cricket Gala Day

On Monday 5 December, 137 Year 7 and 8 girls participated in a free Cricket Gala Day, run by Cricket NSW and the Sydney Thunder BBL franchise.

The day focused on participation, skill development, music and fun and the participants did a magnificent job, considering the temperature was well into the thirties for most of the day.

Along with the Sydney Thunder representatives, we were fortunate to have expert advice and tuition from a former and current Australian cricketers, Michelle Goszko and Naomi Stalenberg.

Michelle Goszko played 4 Test matches for Australia between 2001 and 2006, including a double-century on her Test debut against England in June 2001. Michelle has also played 34 One Day Internationals for Australia.

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Naomi Stalenberg is a member of the NSW Breakers WNCL squad, making her debut against Tasmania in the 2013/14 season.

The 21-year-old all-rounder has since become a regular in the Breakers team in the past two seasons, and was part of the team that won both the WNCL and WT20 titles in the 2014-15 season.

Having been a Thunder fan before the WBBL was established, Naomi was pleased to join the club for WBBL|01, and her performances in the team's title win saw her selected to make her T20 debut for Australia.

I would like to thank Cricket NSW, the Sydney Thunder and our wonderful team of MFHS helpers, who made the day the success it was.

Orientation Day

On Tuesday 6 December, MFHS held the Orientation for incoming Year 7 2017 students and parents. The day provided a valuable insight into “life at the Farms” for the students and parents and allowed students to meet their cohort in a friendly way through a range of activities and experiences. Thank you also to our wonderful Peer Support leaders for their contribution on the day.

We look forward to welcoming all of our new Year 7 students on 30 January.

2017. Student Performance

Congratulations to Mr Gardner and a group of Model Farms High School students, who performed at Jazz @ the Pines at Dural several weeks ago. The students did a wonderful job and are to be congratulated on their enthusiasm, skill and contribution to the Art.

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Student Excellence

Congratulations to Kate Klass from Year 9 on her efforts in the AASCF Cheer and Dance National Championships, held on the Gold Coast on 25-27 November.

Kate competed on the first day of competition in the partner stunt and managed to come first in Australia. Backing this up on the final day of competition, Kate competed in the Senior Level 4 cheerleading team event and also came first. What a magnificent effort. Well done Kate!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the MFHS community, a safe enjoyable and relaxing festive season, and look forward to seeing you back in 2017.

Have a wonderful week,

Mark Grady Deputy Principal

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FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – MS PLEDGER

New School Times

Due to a rearrangement of the school curriculum and the way in which scripture is delivered at Model Farms there has been slight change to the bell times for 2017 and onwards. These changes will accommodate a Tuesday afternoon meeting each week for staff to improve school communication and allow for increased teacher professional development.

The The changes include:

• Each day starting at 8:30 instead of 8:35. The bus company has been informed of this change. If any changes to the bus timetable are required, we will inform students and parents as we are notified by the bus company.

• school will finish at 2.15pm on Tuesdays. Supervision in the playground will be provided until 3pm when the school buses will arrive.

Assessment Policy During 2016 students, parents and teaching staff were consulted regarding the assessment procedures at Model Farms. As a result, the assessment procedures were reviewed and some significant changes will commence in 2017. These include:

• all years 7 to 12 will be issued with a formal assessment handbook that

outlines assessment procedures and assessment dates. • all years 7 to 12 will need to submit an appeals form to either a class

teacher, head teacher or deputy principal when absent for a formal assessment task.

In the first few weeks on Term 1 2017, these changes will be communicated in detail to students. Copies of all assessment handbooks will be published on our school website.

Monday Thursday

Friday Tuesday

AssemblyTuesday

No Assembly

WednesdayRoll Call 8:30 8:30 8:30 8:30 Period 1 8:42 8:39 8:39 8:39 Period 2 9:35 9:28 9:34 9:28 Recess 10:28 10:17 10:29 10:17 Period 3 10:48 10:37 10:49 10:37 Period 4 11:41 11:26 11:44 11:26 Assembly 12:15 Lunch 1 12:34 12:45 12:39 12:15 Lunch 2 12:54 13:05 12:59 12:40 Period 5 13:14 13:25 13:19 12:46 Period 6 14:07 14:15 14:15 13:43 End of Day 15:00 14:40

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Scripture Arrangements for 2017 Scripture will continue to operate in 2017 using the model that was introduced during Term 4 of this year. Scripture at this stage will only be taught to Years 7 and 8. They will continue to have lessons once a fortnight. Scripture will continue to be delivered by the Northmead Anglican Churches. In week 1 of next term a letter will be sent home outlining these scripture arrangements. If parents do not want their child to attend scripture they will need to send in a new letter requesting their withdrawal from these lessons for 2017. Shine Awards On Tuesday I was fortunate enough to attend the Hills Shire Shine Award Presentations. These awards recognise the achievements of our youth across academic, sport, music and arts, leadership and community service. In the highly competitive sporting category both Brentin Azzopardi and Jaqueline Smith were finalists. Charlie Oliver was a scholarship winner in the Music and Arts category. And in the Leadership and Community category Abbey Sim was a finalist while Corrine Kennedy was a scholarship winner. These students are to be congratulated on their dedication and commitment in their chosen area.

Have a good week, Jennifer Pledger Deputy Principal

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TERM 4

Week 10 Monday 12th December Year 9 Commerce Market Day (Lunch) Tuesday 13th December Recognition Assemblies year 7 and 9 (p1

and p2) year 8 and 10 (p5 and p6) Year 11 English (Extension1) Speaking Listening Task

Wednesday 14th December Presentation Evening at 7:00pm Thursday 15th December Year 11 English (Extension 1)

Speaking/Listening Task Support Term 4 Rewards Excursion – Manly Beach

Extension History Excursion Friday 16th December Last Day of Term for Students

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January 30 Years 7, 11 and 12 return January 31 Years 8, 9 and 10 return

FROM THE P&C Thank You At the end of this school year, I would like to thank everyone who has helped at P&C this year. I would especially like to thank our wonderful uniform shop volunteers and the lovely Roz Noel who works in the uniform shop. Our uniform shop not only provides a fantastic service to our school so students have easy access to our school uniform, but it also provides funds to the P&C so we can provide our school with resources. Have a happy and safe Christmas, see you in 2017. Belinda Schuster P&C President bdschuster@optusnet.com.au

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FROM ENGLISH FACULTY Faculty Merits: Year 7: Jade Lee, Phoebe Hendricks, Maddison Brown Year 8: Tiffany Lai, Maddison Eager, Zoe Ross, Murray Billet Year 9: Paige Brown Classroom snapshot: As the year comes to a close, here is one last look at what has been going on in English and Drama classrooms across the school: Year 7: In their last unit of their first year of high school English, students have been immersed in a world of non-fiction, reading the weird and wacky tales in ‘Tough Stuff’. Hopefully Year 7 can reflect on their first year of high school and dispel any of the myths with the facts they now have about what high school is really like. Year 8: The last unit of work for Year 8 has seen some classes working on a film unit and others on a drama unit. The tales of young teens in these texts - Hugo, Edward Scissorhands, Lockie Leonard – and the challenges they face come to life through these visual mediums. Year 9: As Year 9 has watched a selection of films in the Coming of Age unit, they have been encouraged to reflect on their own coming of age experience. Whilst the gang from ‘The Breakfast Club’, Ferris himself or the boys from ‘Dead Poets’ all have a Hollywood inspired narrative to tell, let’s not forget the human elements that bring all of these texts together: the trials and tribulations of being a teenager. Year 10: In their last weeks before entering senior school, Year 10 has been enjoying worlds beyond our own through a genre study of Science Fiction. From short stories, to poems, to films “What if?” questions have been asked and stories told. In these worlds the possibilities seem limitless as the escape from reality through these texts brings an exciting finish to a rigourous pattern of study for Year 10. Year 11: Who can believe we have almost finished the first HSC module for the 2017 cohort? Year 11 have been frantically fine tuning their creative pieces for submission before the end of the year and tidying up their annotations on Frost’s poems. Over the break students will be working on their Discovery essay and reading the next text set for study to position themselves for a smooth start to their final year of English at The Farms. Extension English: The early morning starts have been made more inviting because of the warmer weather but also as the study of ‘Waiting for Godot’ has evolved into something challenging and exciting. A platform has been laid for After the Bomb study as students get their critical and creative hats working with this new set of ideas. Year 10 Drama: On Monday night Year 10 Drama showcased their best pieces from the year to an enthusiastic crowd. Well done to all involved!

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Year 11 Drama: Students have been working tirelessly towards finding and preparing their individual monologues and move into the holiday period with much to do to bring their pieces to life. A final message: ‘Tis the season…to start looking under your beds, in the bottom of your bags, at the back of your lockers for any books that you have been issued in class. Return them and set your conscience free!! Enjoy the Christmas holidays without the books of lessons past haunting your dreams… or nightmares. But seriously, it is difficult for us as teachers to cater for students in the following year when we have books missing; it prevents us from teaching a great novel to a class when we don’t have a class set. And it’s disappointing when we have to send an invoice home asking for a book to be replaced. Save money, be responsible, return your books! From everyone in the English Faculty we wish all Model Farms families the very best for the holiday season and look forward to what lays ahead in 2017.

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FROM THE MATHEMATICS FACULTY FROM THE FACULTY THAT COUNTS!

Congratulations to the following Maths merit recipients: Year 7 Deni B x 2, Kayla H, Samantha K, Maya L, Maia S. Year 8 Annalise F We have almost reached the end of another busy year. Students are reminded that the work they are currently doing in their Mathematics classes is important preparation for their studies in 2017. Textbook Round-Up It is in the last few weeks of school that we need to collect all of the textbooks

that we have issued during the year. Please look around your home to see if you have any Model Farms Mathematics textbooks

and return them this week. If your student has not returned the textbook that was allocated to them this year and it is not returned, you will be asked to pay for its replacement.

Ideas for Christmas Stocking Fillers: School stationery and equipment can make really practical stocking fillers. Examples are: good quality geometry sets (can cost up to $14 at Big W, Officeworks or at newsagents) or items as simple as pens and pencils, rulers, textas and colouring pencils.

Calculators: Please make sure that all students have their own calculator. The Casio fx-82AU PLUS II is sold at the uniform shop for $35. Students need this calculator from Year 7. It is vital for their progress that students are familiar with their calculator and know how to use the different functions.

Have a Mathematical week, From Jackie Dalton and the Maths Faculty Staff

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Fun with Maths at Christmas

We would like to wish all of our students and their families happy and safe school holidays. Don’t forget to look for the mathematics in the ‘real world’ situations that you are engaging in as a family at this time:

Travel times, petrol usage and distances for trips in the car.

Time differences if you are travelling across time zones.

Estimating how much wrapping paper that you will need to

wrap different sized presents (and how much sticky tape you will need!).

Calculating how much your Christmas cards and parcels will cost to post.

When cooking with your family, remember to engage them in measuring, estimating, capacity and volume. Also scheduling of cooking so that everything is ready to serve at the same time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Jackie Dalton and the Maths Faculty Staff

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FROM THE PDHPE FACULTY SPORT REPORT TERM 4, WEEK 9

Year 7 Gala Day: Well done to all students who participated in the Year 7 Gala Day on Tuesday 29th November. It was a great day! Our students should be proud of their efforts and sportsmanship on the day.

Grade Sport: Term 4 Grade Sport are playing their finals on Wednesday 7th December. Good luck to the following teams:

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Baseball Softball

Cricket Open Netball B

Open Touch 15s Netball A & B 15s Touch A Open Oztag A & B

Ultimate Frisbee Champions…. AGAIN! Congratulations to the Yr 11 boys who blitzed the NSW Snr Boys Frisbee Competition run at Hurlstone Ag HS on Monday November 21. In stinking hot conditions, the boys went through the competition undefeated, but came up against some good competition in the final against Fort St HS. Well done to the boys below for winning their 2nd competition this year: Matt Hannah, Ben Woodward, Matt Donohoo, Peter Henry, Andreas Obermeir, Jacob Hererra, Luke Zaccariah, Dom Lawless & Lachlan Schuster.

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The Helmsman Project Graduation: Girls

A very big CONGRATULATIONS for graduation from The Helmsman Project to:

• Moji Korkerdsantisu • Brigitte Ganter • Jesse Hamiltion • Liz Henderson-Leong • Amber Mertens • Imogen Parker-Hull o Pavani Subramani

These seven girls have undertaken a life changing challenge when they signed-up for The Helmsman Project.

And their story goes as follows:

In the beginning, there were seven girls. They all were hanging-out in different social groups with limited connections between them. Until, they were brought together by the Helmsman Project. Hope, self-determination and resilience would become the connecting factors for these seven girls, and with that, new friendships were formulated and a common goal was set. Setting out on a quest to fight the invisible dragon, (in the form of a 5 day survival hike), in order to unleash the psychological skills and broadened perspective necessary to set meaningful goals, to overcome setbacks and persevere in the pursuit of their dreams. Which they certainly did! The battle wounds were a many: collapsed bivies in a thunderstorm, rain, and then some more rain, rained-out dinners, learning to tie knots in the rain with wet ropes, abseiling,

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snakes, sore feet, bush toileting, no showers nor deodorant either. Yup, the sufferings were great, but the rewards were greater!

The girls returned. Exhausted. Matured. Determined. And then, the girls decided to rejuvenate a run-down garden for a local Nursing Home as their community project.

This project started-off with some birthing complications. However, the girls once again conquered the invisible dragon. They gave-up time, coming together for two days during the July holidays in order to build the garden. The result was incredible. Staff and residents alike were thrilled to be gifted with a garden glowing now with colour and ornaments.

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This garden was just recently nominated to receive a prize by Vista Gardens. Interviews are arranged. So watch this spot! Moji, Brigitte, Jesse, Liz, Amber, Imogen and Pavani - I am so very proud of what you girls have achieved. I feel privileged and humbled to have been part of your journey of self-discovery, self-determination, setting goals and striving to achieve it. Congratulations! Ms Rawat (Cohort Teacher, The Helmsman Project, Girls)

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SRC Newsletter Announcement

As an effort to lend a helping hand to those in our community who need it this holiday season, the SRC will be running a food drive for a local charity.

In the spirit of giving, we are asking the students at Model Farms to donate in whichever way that they can, whether that be by giving money or through the types of non-perishable food listed below:

- Tinned ham - Custard - Pudding - Lollies - Chips - Chocolate - Nuts - Coffee - Tea - Long life milk/ juice - Pasta - Pasta sauce

If money is donated, it will go to the purchasing of food to donate to charity. There will be SRC representatives going to classrooms in period 2 of each day between 6th of December and 13th of December to collect these donations. On Tuesday the 13th the SRC will also be running a Christmas themed photo-booth… with a Santa and all! We encourage everyone to be a part of the Christmas spirit of giving as we celebrate the winding down of another great year at Model Farms. Sincerely, Wazir Ali and Corinne Kennedy (SRC presidents)

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CAREERS Hello to all Year 10, 11 and Year 12 students. 2016 started with a rush in the Careers office. Many students have been to see me regarding University career options and the process of applying to UAC. Year 10 students organised their work experience and made appointments to discuss traineeships and apprenticeships. I have been talking to year 9 students about apprenticeships, work experience and making appointments to talk about university in 2017.

Year 12 To all the parents and year 12 students we wish you all the best in the future with whatever career path you have chosen.

Year 11 2017 should be the year that you start making a career plan with me. I will talk to you about TAFE, university and apprenticeships. Please come and see me in the careers office in 2017.

Year 10 Congratulations year 10 for all the work you have completed in the careers course. This includes work experience, careers expo and survival skills day.

Year 9 See you in 2017 for University, TAFE, excursions apprenticeships and work experience. This will be a great year for you to make a Career Plan.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I’ll see you in 2017. Regards, Ms Katrina Von Tiedemann

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The Academy Access Award The Academy of Western Sydney University offers the Academy Access Award every year to the most outstanding Year 11 student. The Academy Access Award provides a way for the University to continue to support local community by recognising and supporting exceptional students from Greater Western Sydney. The recipient of this award will receive: • A $20,000 conditional Academic Excellence Scholarship; • A guaranteed place in The Academy of Western Sydney University; • A guaranteed course offer to study at Western Sydney University; • Exclusive VIP on campus experiences focused on their discipline of interest; • Western Sydney University Library access; and, • A $500 study grant to assist with the costs of study in 2017.

Abbey Sim was offered the award this year and received it on Wednesday 30 November at the Western Sydney Parramatta South Campus during the Presentation Ceremony. Well done Abbey.

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Support camp 2016 – Port Stephens Wednesday 16th of November, the Support Unit headed off to Port Stephens Retreat for two days of amazement!

Activities included: Dolphin Cruise, Sand dunes 4WD and sandboarding, Tomaree Headland guided tour, Campfire and movie night.

Drew having a drink break outside the bunker!

Guided Tour at Tomaree Headland.

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From all the Support Staff, wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and safe holidays!

Robert: “My favourite part was sandboarding- it was awesome!”

Tom: “I enjoyed the museum at Newcastle.” Blake: “Newcastle Museum. It is full of electronics, human body functions and old clothes.”

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Beautiful Nelson Bay

The Spider Swing

I loved everything -Domenica

Totally Awesome

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