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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 1

The fortnightly newsletter of Castle Hill High School

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

Volume 14 9 September 2011

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Promotions – good news I have great pleasure in announcing that Mr Brad Tudman has been successful in gaining the new Head Teacher PDHPE position at Castle Hill High School. Interviews for the merit selection process took place in late August with a very strong field of applicants. Brad was exceptional in the interview and when relieving for six months prior to his appointment. He offers the school great commitment and enthusiasm, a passion for designing and delivering new programs to improve learning for students and terrific communication skills to build a faculty team who want to make a difference. As well, Ms Rosie Westland has also been successful in scoring a head teacher position – at Hawkesbury High School as Head Teacher HSIE. Rosie has been with us for only three years but in that time has carved out a reputation for excellence, rigour and dynamic teaching. She has been influential in leading professional learning in boys’ education, girls’ education, technology and welfare programs. She is an exceptional teacher who will be missed by the school. We know that students at Hawkesbury High School will benefit greatly from her expertise and desire to improve learning through quality teaching. Spirit Week Judging by the number of positive emails from parents, ex teachers, members of the wider community and comments from students regarding the “teacher shuffle” performed on assembly during Spirit Week, our decision to take a risk, practise a dance move and show students that we were very much into the spirit of working together and valuing our school, paid off. We did have fun. But it was such a surprise to us that students were overwhelmingly so positive about it. If you haven’t heard about it, you will find some clips on You Tube.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 2

ACTIVITIES OF SPIRIT WEEK

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 3

Robotics success Robotics is a fascinating area of computing and very much enjoyed by a small but totally committed band of students and teachers. We enter the University of NSW Robotics Competition every year. This year, once again, we were successful, gaining 3rd place in the dance section. For those who haven’t seen a robotics display, you’re missing out on a treat: lego robots which have been computerized, move around a flat surface “dancing” to music (in the dance section) or “playing soccer” (in the sports section). Cyril Shilansky has been passionate about this activity for years and for this, the school is very thankful. Students love it – and so do audiences. Congratulations. Success again Imogen and Freya Wadlow, two students in Year 11, have recently been selected for a most prestigious placement in the Australian Youth Science Forum. Out of thousands of students from across Australia who apply, 420 were selected with 25 coming from the Sydney region. With places accepted by the likes of James Ruse students for example, Imogen and Freya are in some very fine company. Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent knowledge of, and interest in, Science, broad academic achievement and very good communication skills. As I write, both students are with Marie Bashir as part of an induction into this very select group of young and interested scientists. Art and Music performances The breadth and depth of talent in this school continues to amaze me. Last week saw the annual Art Show and HSC music performance evenings. The art was exceptional and the music, equally so. I hope you were able to get a taste of the wonderful work being done in classrooms and enjoy the creative expressions of so many exceptional students. Of course, as always, the work of teachers in designing and coordinating these events simply cannot be underestimated. They have been so dedicated in ensuring that student work is maximized to its best. Congratulations to all who were involved in these events.

Vicki Brewer

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 4

The Castle Hill High School uniform is a very important part of our school culture and contributes to our excellent reputation in the local community. It is important that all of our community are committed to the correct wearing of the Uniform so that our reputation is maintained. We would appreciate parental support in ensuring the correct uniform is worn to school teachers will be scrutinizing uniform carefully.

UNIFORM POLICY

All male and female students should be wearing: 1. Black hard leather shoes cut below the ankle to conform with Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. 2. Plain white socks showing above the ankle OR Black or Navy tights (only in winter for girls) 4. School wool blend jumper with school crest AND/OR Wool blend vest with school crest AND/OR school blazer JUNIOR BOYS Shorts: Grey Skags elastic. NO cords, jeans, logos or external cargo/battle pockets. Trousers: Grey Skags elastic NO cords, jeans, logos or track suit pants Shirts: Poly/Cotton button through – School logo pocket. JUNIOR GIRLS Summer: Blue and white drop waist dress - Terms 1 and 4. Plain white ankle socks Winter: Royal Blue pleated skirt – Terms 2 and 3. White Tab Tie blouse – school logo Navy/black tights or plain white ankle socks. SENIOR BOYS Trousers: Navy blue belt loop trousers with belt or navy blue shorts - belt loops. No elastic waists. No cords, jeans, logos, track pants, cargo battle pants. Shirts: Poly/Cotton button through – School logo pocket. School tie SENIOR GIRLS Skirt: Pleated check design skirt

Plain white ankle socks in Terms 1 & 4); Navy/black tights or plain white ankle socks in Terms 2 & 3. No jeans, shorts, Capri, leggings, track pants or cargo styles. Shirt: White blouse – school logo SPORTS CLOTHES BOYS and GIRLS: Castle Hill High School sports shirt. CHHS PE Shorts Sandshoes with white socks. Navy cap/Bucket hat BACKPACK (optional) Designed and endorsed by Chiropractic’s Association of Australia ITEMS NOT TO BE INCLUDED IN UNIFORM 1. NO plain white shirts, skivvies, T-Shirts, polo shirts, turtle necked shirts 2. NO sandals, joggers, thongs, desert boots, sandshoes, track shoes, boots, fancy shoelaces, suede shoes or ballet shoes 3. NO socks with logos, decoration or colour 4. NO cord jeans, logos or external cargo / battle pockets 5. No ski pants, leggings and tracksuits. NOTES ON WEARING THE UNIFORM

1. The uniform is to be worn neatly and appropriately 2. Jewellery should be restricted to watches and plain silver or gold chains, one plain ring. 3. Students with pierced ears may wear small plain sleepers or stud earrings. Long dangling earrings are considered

dangerous for school purposes. 4. Make-up or coloured nail polish is inappropriate with the school uniform. 5. Students wearing thongs, open type sandals, or canvas type shoes and/or gym boots are to be excluded from practical

lessons where there is the possibility of injury through spillage of liquids, metal, or the dropping of heavy or sharp instruments, tools etc.

Wearing a uniform helps teachers identify those who should or should not be in the school grounds.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 5

Student Responsibilities

If a student is out of uniform, they must bring a parental note to the Deputy Principal who will issue a uniform pass. It will be recorded in SIM.

Difficulties in meeting uniform requirements should be discussed with parents or caregivers and the Deputy Principal. Teacher Responsibilities

PC Teachers will check uniform daily and send students for a uniform pass. PC Teacher will contact parent if student is consistently out of uniform.

Classroom teachers will not admit students who are out of uniform into class without a uniform pass. Parent Responsibilities

Purchase the correct uniform for their children

Explain to their children the importance of wearing the uniform and

Insist that their children wear the uniform each day.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 6

ATTENTION PARENTS AND STUDENTS

HILLSBUS CHANGE OF BUS NUMBER CASTLE TOWERS TO CASTLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Route number 635 will be Route 3037 which departs from Castle Towers at 8.30am. This route number change will be effective from 12 September 2011. There are some other subtle changes to other Hillsbus routes. For details check the website: wwwcdcbus.com.au

Multicultural Health Week is on again for 2011 and is to be celebrated from Monday 5 to 12 September.

This year’s theme is “Health Information in Your Language.”

Multicultural Health Week (MHW) is a week which celebrates diversity and the health of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

It reminds NSW Health Services, CALD groups and media the importance of providing equitable access to information and resources to Australians whose first language may not be English. For more information about Multicultural Health Week and upcoming activities or to register your MHW 2011 events visit: www.multiculturalhealthweek.com or call 02 9816 0347

Parents Please be aware that aerosol sprays (deodorants, hairspray, perfume etc) are banned from the school. With the rise in allergies, we need to have this policy for the sake of the health of students and staff.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 7

LANGUAGES ALIVE

Term 3 has also been an eventful time for the Languages Department.

HSC Speaking Examinations Our HSC French and Japanese students completed their HSC Speaking examinations in August. These are held on a Saturday and students are expected to maintain a conversation about their personal world for ten minutes. Although this can be quite stressful for most candidates, we are confident that our students were well-prepared for the exam and many reported that the experience was ultimately quite enjoyable.

Visit of Onojo City Schools During August our school hosted a visit from fourteen students and two teachers from five schools from Onojo City in Japan. The students were billeted in the homes of their Castle Hill partners for six nights.

Upon arrival the Onojo students enjoyed a tour of the school, a welcome party and then they entertained their partners with games and musical performances in English and Japanese.

During their stay, the Japanese students and their partners had the opportunity to participate in a variety of excursions and activities. They enjoyed a movie and pizza party in the Common room at school on Friday evening. A wonderful visit to the Australian Reptile Park at Somersby provided our visitors with a chance to view and interact with Australian fauna at close range. As part of our Linkages program, Onojo students also visited Castle Hill Public School and taught the younger students origami and Japanese songs.

They also attended classes with their partners in order to experience at first hand an Australian high school. The delicious morning tea and farewell party, together with final speeches and the exchange of gifts, provided a fitting conclusion to a highly successful visit.

I would particularly like to commend Mrs Kris Baker for her energy, patience and organizational skills and Ms Caroline Quee for accompanying the students on the Reptile Park excursion.

Such visits enable students to appreciate and accept the differences and similarities shared by both cultures. They are the results of months of planning and preparation. All members of the Languages staff worked hard to make this visit a success and are to be congratulated for their efforts. We are also particularly grateful to the families of Caillin Allison, Lachlan Campbell, Samantha Carey, Leona Crawley, Amy de Hon, Sophie Didlick, Hannah Inshaw, Selena Lee, Yvonne Nguyen, Emily Powell, Dylen Powell, Tanja Reynolds, Erin Rowland, Lachlan Schacht and Tessa Wyllie who welcomed their Japanese guests into their homes. Without the ongoing support of the CHHS community, these visits would not be able to continue. We look forward to reciprocal hospitality when our students visit Japan next year. DONNA WOOD Head Teacher Languages.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 8

SPORTS COUNCIL SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

ADRIAN CHOY

What level does the sport of hip hop dancing involve?

An awesome feel for dance and keeping in rhythm with the beat is involved in

this sport. You throw yourself out there to try new tricks and accomplish new

moves. Having your own technique and style helps a lot. It is a sort of street

style dance that is mostly applied to hip hop music. It can incorporate

gymnastics and break dancing to accomplish a routine.

What level of representation have you achieved in hip hop dancing?

I travelled to Orlando, Florida with my team to compete at the 2011

International Cheer Union Dance Worlds. I represented Australia in the team

cheer hip hop doubles and team cheer hip hop. In the doubles, my partner

and I received second place, first place went to the Koreans and in the team

hip hop we received sixth place.

What training do you do for hip hop dancing?

Before the 2011 Dance Worlds, the team and I rehearsed 13 hours a week. We choreographed new routines

and established new tricks and ran through the routines a lot, making everything precise.

What do you enjoy about hip hop dancing?

The positive energy throughout a dance, the new things I learn, the strength involved, the great mood it puts

me in, and the fact that hip hop dancing hardly ever fails to impress anybody.

What other sports do you play?

I have played Baseball and Football competitively in the past. I now concentrate solely on hip hop dancing.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 9

Christmas Appeal for Murphys Creek PS I know Christmas seems a long way off for many of us, but between the HSC and other end of year exams and activities, the next few months will be very busy and time will fly. The village of Murphys Creek was decimated when the January torrential “tsunami” swept through Queensland. Whole houses were swept away, as were cars, equipment, animals and people – some have never been found. The recovery operation is now well under way, but for many, lives have been changed for ever. Murphys Creek developed as a railway town on the line between the regional city of Toowoomba and settlements to the west, including Helidon, Ipswich and Brisbane. A railway station in the town was opened in 1867, as a part of the Ipswich-Toowoomba segment of the Southern and Western Railway. Based at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, the station and water tank were intended to provide water and services for steam locomotives about to embark on the difficult journey up the steep slopes of the Toowoomba range. The station was named after a creek that ran through the area, which was in turn named after a shepherd, who had built a hut in the area around 1864. At the 2006 census, the town was recorded as having a population of 449 persons, living in 150 occupied dwellings. The median age of the population was 38 years, all of whom reported speaking English primarily at home. 65% of the population of the town were born in Australia.(source:Wikipedia) We are collecting gifts and toys for the sixty-four children who attend Murphys Creek Public School. We hope to deliver the gifts in December, before school finishes for the year. Each Pastoral Care class will be “adopting” one child, and collecting for that child’s gift. If any families would like to “adopt” a child, they should contact me at CHHS. Please do not wrap the gifts, simply place them in a large Christmas gift bag. G Morrissey

glenda.morrissey@det.nsw.edu.au

We are collecting Coles SPORTS FOR SCHOOLS vouchers on behalf of Murphys Creek Public School. Please bring in the Coles vouchers from your family, your neighbours, your aunts, your grannies to Reception. Closing date 18th October.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 10

As I have informed you in previous Drawbridge publications of 2011, Castle Hill High School is working with Cartridges 4 Planet Ark to divert inkjet, toner cartridges, toner bottles and other consumables from printers, fax machines and photocopiers from becoming landfill. Castle Hill High School and the school community have diverted another 23.8kgs from landfill taking the total for 2011 to 43.69kgs. We are slowly increasing each term so let’s keep the good work going. I encourage families to bring in their cartridges from home and work, to the print room located at the top of A block, for recycling, as every little bit helps. The Cartridges 4 Planet Art program collects and returns inkjet, toner cartridges, toner bottles and other consumables from printers, fax machines and photocopiers for reprocessing and recycling. Some of the cartridges are returned to the original producers to be remanufactured while the remainder will be dismantled and used to make products as varied as pens, rulers, outdoor furniture and white goods. To find out more visit the website http://Cartridges.PlanetArk.org or call the Cartridges Hotline 1800 24 24 73. Jo Perkins Print Room

Invitation to Come on Board! Australia's national sail training ship Young Endeavour is now accepting applications for youth to join eleven day voyages departing between January and June 2012. Young Australians aged 16 to 23 can apply for the ballot at www.youngendeavour.gov.au until 30 September 2011. No sailing experience is required. A voyage in Young Endeavour is an amazing experience and a unique opportunity for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills through a world recognised organisation. The current ballot includes voyages along the eastern coast of Australia, which will be crewed by youth from around the country. During each voyage youth crew learn the skills to successfully sail a square rigged ship. They

climb the 30 metre mast, set and furl sails, and maintain a 24 hour watch on the bridge. They also learn to navigate, take the helm, keep lookout and help the chef in the ship’s galley. Once they have learned these skills, each youth crew will take command of Young Endeavour for 24 hours, and on their last day at sea will host a local group of youth with special needs, sharing their new found knowledge and experiences. 18 year old Hannah Richards of Blackburn, Victoria completed a voyage from Hobart to Sydney in February, and says it was one of the best things she has ever done. "Young Endeavour pushes you outside your comfort zone. It challenges your expectations and teaches you about your own strengths," says Hannah. "I met new friends from all around Australia and now constantly recommend a voyage in Young Endeavour." 17 year old Errol Zanos travelled all the way from Wagait Beach in the Northern Territory to join the youth crew and sail Young Endeavour into Sydney in July. He applied after hearing about a mate's amazing adventure, and says, "I will always remember climbing aloft at night and furling the sails. As well as learning how to sail a tall ship, my time aboard Young Endeavour has improved my teamwork skills and my self esteem." Since 1988 the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, has provided challenging training voyages for over 11,000 young Australians in the tall ship Young Endeavour. The specially designed program delivered aboard the ship increases the youth crew’s self awareness, develops teamwork and leadership skills, and fosters a strong sense of community spirit. For more information please visit www.youngendeavour.gov.au. or 1800 020 444 or

email mail@youngendeavour.gov.au or contact G Morrissey at CHHS.

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 11

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

Dressing in Uniform for the Winter months

Upper Garments - Girls & Boys:

To stay warm and be in uniform, start with a white or flesh coloured only singlet, spencer, plain T shirt

or thermal singlet. School blouse or school shirt over the singlet topped with a school navy vest and / or

jumper. Finally wear a blazer. The wool blend blazers are designed to wear over the jumpers for

protection from cold and winds. Your own white or navy scarf may be worn if needed.

Lower garments:

Girls:

The uniform is the wool blend navy skirt for Juniors and the tartan skirt for Seniors worn at the

recommended length, (on the knee), with black tights/hoisery and black leather shoes. Thicker

tights/hosiery has a higher denier. The higher the denier, the thicker, stronger, WARMER and longer

lasting the hosiery is. Choose 70 denier up to the opaque 150 denier depending on how susceptible to

the cold your student is. You can choose nylon, or for added warmth the long lasting woollen or wool

blend black tights. Nylon tights are available at the uniform shop while all tights - woollen, blend etc are

available at multiple retail outlets. If your student does not need to wear tights for warmth, white socks

with black leather shoes are to be worn.

Boys:

The uniform is a grey trouser for junior boys and a navy trouser for seniors. If your student is

susceptible to being cold, thermal long pants can be worn under the trousers and not be visible. White

socks and black leather shoes are to be worn.

Remember: School Blazers can be worn by ALL STUDENTS not only seniors, prefects and SRC. A great investment and can be worn nine months of the year by ALL students for the six years of

schooling at CHHS.

Prices: Girls $130, Boys $150. Reduced price when trading in a school blazer for a larger size. Available

at the Uniform Shop.

YEAR 10 STUDENTS Boy and Girls are able to purchase SENIOR UNIFORM for the beginning of Term 4 2011. Boys Long Blue Trousers Sizes 76-107 $50.00 Boys Long Leg Blue Shorts Sizes 78-102 $40.00 Girls Check Skirts Sizes 4-22 $60.00 (New stock will be $65.00) Blazers – Boys $160.00 Girls $130.00

Term 3 2011 Opening Hours Monday and Friday 8.15am – 11.30am

Term 4 – 2011 Opening Hours

Friday 7.10.2011 (last day of school holidays)

11.00am – 12.30pm

Monday and Friday

8.15am – 11.30am

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 12

FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER

Published and distributed by email to parents each Friday fortnight during school term.

CALENDAR 2011 TERM 3

2011 TERM DATES

Term 3 Friday 23 September Last day Term 3 for Teachers, Staff and Students

Term 4 Monday 10 October Teachers, Staff and Students Resume Friday 16 December Last day Term 4 for Students Tuesday 20 December Last day Term 4 for Teachers and Staff

DATE

CALENDAR EVENT TERM 3 WEEK 9A 2011

DATE

CALENDAR EVENT TERM 3 WEEK 10B 2011

Monday

12 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Monday

19 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Tuesday

13 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Tuesday

20 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Wednesday

14 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Celebration Assembly Years 7-12careers Info Session – ABL Apprenticeships

Wednesday

21 September

2011

P & C General Meeting – 7.30pm Common Room

Year 12 Farewell Assembly Session 1

Thursday

15 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Year 9 Peer Support Camp

Thursday

22 September

2011

Year 12 Graduation

Year 12 Formal

Friday

16 September

2011

Year 11 Yearly Examination

Year 9 Peer Support Camp

Friday

23 September

2011

Last Day of Term 3

UPCOMING EXAMINATIONS

Year 10 Trial SC 10.10.2011 – 15.1.2011

NEXT P & C General Meeting Wednesday 21 September 2011

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 13

CASTLE HILL COMMUNITY NEWS and ADVERTISING

BRENNAN

DRIVING

SCHOOL

CLASS 1A

LIC. 006937

9624 3545

Discount off first lesson

for new students only

Valid to 31.12.2011

Mention Castle Hill High School and for every referral, $2.00 will be given to the school from Taylored Physiotherapy

Cherrybrook Table Tennis Club. Enjoy social and competition table tennis Wed & Thur 7:30 pm at Cherrybrook Community Centre. 10 week improvement coaching course starts 15/9/2011. Contact 0412 520 854."

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EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au Page 14

FREE family fun day event for

History Week at Parramatta Park

Colonial Kids Down at the Dairy

When: Sunday 11 September

Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Where: Parramatta Park, Salter’s Field (Salter’s Field is in the centre of the park)

Refreshments available

Join in this FREE family day where you can get right into the fun of colonial times. This year there will be a Colonial

Market and The Garrison re-enactment group will be onsite to provide living history demonstrations including camp

fire cooking, butter churning, wood turning with a pole lathe, music and dance and much, much, more.

There are fun activities for kids such as traditional colonial and aboriginal games. They can train to be a Macquarie era

soldier with The Garrison or find out about life as a convict and may earn a “ticket of leave” through a treasure hunt.

There will be sowing and planting demonstrations using colonial food crops that can be taken home and enjoyed once

they mature, scarecrow making and even a fairy dell.

Media Contact: Chris Levins 8833 5002 www.parrapark.com.au

Photographs available on request

HILLS SMILE CARE

We are an established dental practice situated opposite to Castle Towers, attending to the needs of both adults and children. Introductory price for check up and clean for new patients on presentation of this ad: $120 for adults $90 for children under 15 years old. Check ups and extractions of baby teeth for children up to 15 year old – No Gap if a member of a health fund. Medicare ten plan vouchers accepted. We do Hicaps payments to all Health Funds Hills Smile Care 2/6 Old Castle Hill Road, Castle Hill 2154 9899 3030