ACKNOWLEGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We recognise the Dharrug and Kuringai people, the owners and custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.
WEEK 9, TERM 2, 28 JUNE 2024
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
We have been fortunate towards the end of this term to have visits from graduates of our school. We enjoy hearing about post school life including university, travel, social connections and work in the community. Please see our latest photographs of graduate visitors below.
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS' MESSAGE
Deputy Principal Conference - Last week our two Deputy Principals Ms Gilmore and Ms Wallwork attended the Deputy Principal Induction Conference. Among the many Keynote speakers was the Deputy Secretary Deb Summerhayes, Dr Ben Palmer from Genos International who spoke about Emotional intelligence, Empathy, Leadership and Resilience in education. Claudia Owad delivered a very interesting session on Growth Coaching. We also heard from the School Leadership Institute on school improvement and on Inclusive and Aboriginal Education. It was a wonderful learning opportunity and highlighted a consistent sentiment where all in attendance were committed to the consistent improvement of NSW Public Education.
Tertiary Education Expo - On Wednesday 3 July, students and their parents are invited to attend our Tertiary Education Expo. This event has been organised by our Careers Advisor, Dr Turner to showcase opportunities in higher education for students. The event will commence at 2.30pm and finish at 5.30pm. The event will comprise of UAC presentations and displays by universities. Information for Year 10 on subject selection will be provided in the hall from 2.45pm - 3.45pm. Information for Year 12 on applying for university will be provided in the hall from 5 pm. Coffee and snacks can be purchased from the School Common Room where our Cafe Gratitude students will be making coffee on the day.
Thank you Dr. Turner for planning this event for our students and parents to access current and accurate information about tertiary education.
Examinations - Congratulations to all year 12 students for successfully completing your examinations over the last few weeks you should all be very proud of your efforts. Trial timetables have now been emailed to all students to give adequate preparation time for the upcoming trials starting on August 5th.
Year 9 and 10 Parent Teacher Interviews - Year 9 and 10 Parent Teacher Interview Evening will take place at Hornsby Girls High School from 3.30pm - 7.00pm on Tuesday 23 July. Bookings will open on Monday 1st July at 9 am and can be made via the Sentral Parent Portal. An email has been sent to parents with further instructions on how to make a booking.
Year 7 and 8 Parent Teacher Interviews - Year 7 and 8 Parent Teacher Interview Evening will take place at Hornsby Girls High School from 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm on Wednesday 31 July. Bookings will open on Tuesday 23 July at 9am and can be made via the Sentral Parent Portal. Information regarding this will be sent to parents via email in Week 10.
Rise of Illnesses in the community - As we reach mid-winter we are seeing a rise in the number of students who are unwell with infectious diseases. Recent media reports and data from NSW Health shows an increase in their prevalence as well. It is important that if your child is unwell that they do not come to school. While we always encourage high levels of attendance, student should not attend if unwell. This helps us reduce the spread of disease for both students and staff. It is also unlikely that students can engage well with lessons if they are unwell. We have seen an increase in students attending school unwell and then needing to make arrangements to return home due to illness. Staying at home will help reduce this.
Movie night - Thank you to the HGHS Student Representative Council and Ms Carroll for their organisation of a combined Movie Night with NBHS Student Representative Council on Friday 21 June. Students enjoyed watching a movie, playing games and eating pizza. It is always enjoyable for students from both schools to make new friends on these occasions. Thank you to the SRC and Ms Carroll for organising an event which builds stronger links between our two schools.
Trivia Night - This week our Prefects will hold their HGHS Trivia Night tonight from 4pm - 6pm. With the theme of ‘I’m a Hornsbie get me out of here’ it will be a fun filled night of trivia, games and pizza. Thank you to the Prefects and Mr Blake for organising events like this which contribute to positive school spirit at Hornsby Girls High School.
Reports distribution - Year 7,8,9 and 10 reports will be distributed on 3 July, these can be accessed via the parent portal. It is a timely reminder however that consistent student improvement and working to one’s personal best is the focus for our junior reports. Thank you to all the teachers who have worked hard to provide this individualised feedback for our students.
TTFM survey - Thank you to all students from years 7-12 who completed the TTFM survey this Monday. The data collected provides the school with valuable insights that can inform future school planning and decision making. If you were unable to complete the survey it’s not too late you have till Monday 1 July.
Year 7 Transition Day - Tuesday 23 July - As part of our school’s positive education focus, Year 7 will have their Semester 2 Wellbeing and Transition Day on the first day of Term 3. Students will attend an Elephant Ed Workshop on respectful relationships, set Personal Best Goals for Semester 2, engage in activities on study skills, and participate in games aimed at broadening their peer relationships. The day has been constructed around student voice with Ms Redpath surveying students as to what areas they would like to focus on. Students may wear their PE uniform on the 23 July and should swipe in their attendance before making their way to the hall for an 8.45 am start.
Have you changed your details? Make sure you update our office staff - Have you recently moved house or changed your phone number or email address? Please make sure you are up to date so that we can contact you with important information or when your child needs you. Please email the school reception on hornsbygir-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au and help us stay in touch.
Have a fabulous and relaxing holiday! - Congratulations on an excellent term full of wonderful achievements and opportunities. We hope all our students and families have a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to seeing you all for the commencement of Term 3 on Tuesday 23 July.
Ms Gilmore and Ms Wallwork
YEAR 12 CHEMISTRY
On June 6th Year 12 Chemistry, Ms Chaikin and Mr Li visited Sydney University to attend a Spectroscopy Workshop. This is part of the Depth Study which is a compulsory part of the course. The students learnt about Mass Spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Infrared and UV-visible spectrophotometry. By using the machines, they identified organic molecules and learnt about how the machines work in the Chemistry Department.
They also had a tour from current University Students and learnt about university life and the various courses the University of Sydney have on offer. The students found the experience valuable and rewarding
SYDNEY NORTH CROSS COUNTRY
Eleven students competed at Sydney North Cross Country last week at the Wyong Race Track - Lauren Shinfield, Sophia Lau, Zoey Jiang, Elise Reynolds, Tanvi Marathe, Aniela Knight, Tara Gilkeson, Susie Lau, Ella Wang, Charity Yan and Erica Liu.
Lauren Shinfield, Sophia Lau and Aniela Knight all finished in the top 10. Aniela placed 1st, Lauren 2nd and Sophia 9th. These three athletes will now compete at CHS Cross Country to be held in July at Horsley Park. Good luck!
Mrs J Hall - PDHPE Teacher
angelina CHEN - VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Last week, Rebecca Ardern (St Brigid's Catholic College, Lake Munmorah) and I had the pleasure of coaching and managing Angelina Chen at the School Sport Australia 15 and Under Volleyball National Championships as part of the NSW All Schools Team from the 2-7 June. We would like to recognise the exceptional manner in which she represented herself for both school and state. She demonstrated a positive and resilient attitude, especially when facing difficult opponents and displayed positive sportsmanship at all times. Angelina was a fantastic ambassador for her school, state and sport at all times, achieving 3rd place with her team at this year’s national championships. Rebecca and I would like to commend you, your staff and the school community for developing this fine young student.
Mr L Kwan - Cumberland High School
SCHOOL CAPTAIN'S DINNER
Success in the ASI Big Science Competition
Recently a number of students attempted the Big Science Competition, a multiple-choice online competition testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable… and interesting.
The following students performed to a high level, attaining certificates of High Distinction or Distinction:
Year 7 - High Distinctions - Jessica Lu, Olivia Lu and Dhiya Ranjith Kumar - Distinction - Xin Yu Mao D
Year 8 - High Distinction - Alisa Zeng - Distinctions - Zinat Abdullah, Aarna Mayooran and Divya Varathan
Year 9 - High Distinction - Zifei Chen
Congratulations to all students who participated in this competition.
YOUNG CURATORS PROGRAM
On Saturday 22nd June, Year 11 students who are part of the Young Curators program attended the Chalk Horse Gallery in Darlinghurst to view the group show “THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE AROUND ME, SOMETIMES THERE ARE NONE” in which Oliver Watts had a work included. It was a rainy day but inside the gallery it was warm and cozy. Samantha Ferris From 333 Art Projects and Elle who is the Gallery Manager were generous enough to give the students a full tour of each room and work.
Oliver Watts is the artist students have been curating an exhibition for which will be opening at the Grace Cossington Smith Gallery later in the year. This excursion was a great opportunity to see how group shows are hung and the meaning behind some of the gallery’s choices in displaying certain works. It also allowed students to get an understanding on how rooms were used, as well as lighting and signage which they will need to consider for their own exhibition.
We look forward to updating you with our progress in the near future!
Ms Farnon - Visual Art Teacher
Civics Education, Engagement and Participation in Australia
The Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is currently conducting an inquiry into civics education, engagement, and participation in Australia. https://www.aph.gov.au/civicseducation
As part of the inquiry, the Committee is conducting a survey of school students, recent school leavers, and educators to capture views on and experiences of civics and citizenship education. This is intended to allow the Committee to deepen its understanding of the nature and quality of civics education and attitudes towards civics and citizenship among key cohorts, and to encourage greater engagement with the Committee’s inquiry.
There will be one survey each for school students, recent school leavers, and educators. Respondents will be able to choose the group to which they belong via the survey landing page. The survey will be open until the end of August.
The Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters is conducting a survey about civics and citizenship education in Australian schools. If you are a school student, an educator, or a recent school leaver, the Committee wants to hear from you! The survey will be open until the end of August.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8GYWV5C
Reserve Bank Survey on subject selection
Link to the information from the RBA on students studying economics: https://www.rba.gov.au/speeches/2024/sp-so-2024-05-28.html
HGHS has been selected to participate in a survey of our Year 10, 11 and 12 students on subject choice in regards to the decline in female participation in the study of Economics across Australia as highlighted in the above Reserve Bank research paper.
Economics remains a very popular subject choice at Hornsby.
Students will take no longer than 15 minutes to complete this survey either at the end of the term or the beginning of term 3.
More information will be supplied closer to when we can timetable the survey.
Mrs A Wallwork Deputy Principal Years 10 and 12
Staedtler Art Competition
Year 9 students Kirsty Kang, Merrian Liu and Mia Chen have submitted their outstanding and expressive artworks to the Staedtler Art Competition!
Kirsty’s work is titled “Where Did All the Time Go?”. Merrian’s work is titled “Fox”. Mia has submitted two works titled “Seclusion” and “Nostalgia” under the name Xiyao if you were to search for it.
Show your support by clicking the link below to vote for their works to win!
Good luck Kirsty, Merrian and Mia!
ZONE ATHLETICS
Congratulations to all students who competed at the Zone Athletics Carnival. A special mention to Aniela Knight who broke two records, one in the 1500m and the other in the 800m and to Tara Gilkeson for being named 14 years Age Champion.
Results are as follows:
12 Years - Aarika Bhatia 3rd Shot Put,1st Discus, 2nd High Jump - Summer Zou 2nd 200m, 2nd 100m - Chloe Chan 3rd Discus - Charity Yan 1st 800m
13 Years - Sophia Zhou 3rd Shot put - Rose Liu 3rd High Jump - Naduli Kariyawasam 1st 200m, 2nd 400, 2nd 100m, 1st Shot Put
14 Years - Susanna Lau 2nd 800m - Tara Gilkeson Age Champion, 3rd High Jump, 3rd Hurdles, 1st 400m, 1st Long Jump, 1st Shot Put - Sally Wu 3rd Discus
15 Years - Summer Choi 3rd 200m 2nd 100m 3rd Long Jump - Thinolee Guasinghe 3rd Shot Put - Aniela Knight 1st 800m, 1st 1500m, 1st 400m
16 Years - Evie Choudhary 3rd Discus
17 Years - Danielle Yu 3rd High Jump - Maya Okada 3rd Hurdles - Rita Lin 2nd Triple Jump
Relays - 4 x 100m Relay 15 Years 2nd Place Aniela Knight, Annalise Low, Summer Choi & Alaysha Garg
4 x 100m Relay 12 Years 2nd Place Summer Zou, Jinna Lee, Jasmine Liu & Charity Yan
4 x 100m Relay 14 Years 2nd Place Tara Gilkeson, Roselina Zheng, Cassie Jian & Susanna Lau
CCMP Success
The Co-Curricular Music Program has had a vibrant and eventful month with numerous eisteddfods and performances showcasing our talented ensembles. Recently, our String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Senior Choir, and Hornsby Chorale participated in the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod at the Chatswood Concourse.
Both the String Orchestra and Symphonic Band excelled in the Premium High School events, with the Symphony Orchestra achieving an impressive 2nd place. This achievement comes with a cash prize that will be instrumental in expanding our repertoire for upcoming performances. The Senior Choir was recognized with a Highly Commended award, highlighting their exceptional musicality and dedication. Similarly, the Hornsby Chorale achieved a commendable 3rd place, showcasing their talent and commitment to excellence.
Additionally, our Minerva Orchestra represented our school with grace and skill at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival, where they served as outstanding ambassadors for our music program.
These achievements not only reflect the hard work and talent of our students but also underscore the supportive community and dedicated teaching within our music program. Congratulations to all participants and thank you to everyone who supports our musical endeavors!
Year 9 Commerce Sydney Zoo Excursion
On the 13th of June, Week 7, all year 9 Commerce students had the opportunity and pleasure of visiting Sydney Zoo to enrich their knowledge about the operation of large scale businesses, such as the zoo itself.
At the beginning of the day, we were warmly greeted by the educators of the zoo who guided us through the diverse range of exhibits and activities that Sydney Zoo facilitates. In the morning session, as a cohort, we conducted a SWOT analysis and explored the strengths of the zoo, such as the very intuitive ticketing and member system, as well as the shocking weaknesses of the zoo, such as the cost of food that is required to be purchased for the various animal species, where we discovered that the entire zoo costs $60,000 a month to feed!! The educators then led us through various facilities of the zoo, such as the exhibits and enclosures in addition to exclusive interactions such as a terrifying snake encounter as well as backstage entrance to the giraffe feeding areas. We made our way through the enthusiastic primates domain of the zoo, the very adorable red panda and capybara exhibits, and the koala exhibits where we learned more about conservation efforts and prevention from extinction of their species. However, the best aspect of the first session would be the interactive Australiana section, where everyone was dying for an opportunity to take extreme close ups of and selfies with the emus and kangaroos which were within touching distance, posing for all the shots we wanted to take with them and granting our wishes to touch and pat them, which was an absolute squeal moment!
Post the morning session full of intriguing fun facts about the zoo and animal encounters to enhance our knowledge about the operation of businesses, all students were dismissed for a lunch break as well as free-time individual discovery of various parts of the zoo where we all traversed through the broad variety of species we could meet, suitable to our individual preferences, from the cute kangaroos and wallabies in the Australiana section, lethargic apes and baboons in the primates section, to even terrifying lizards, snakes, and not-so-scary frogs in the reptilian section.
Overall, this zoo experience was a fantastic and enriching opportunity for all year 9 commerce students, where not only did we find out more about the animals themselves and their individual unique behaviours but also more about how such large-scale businesses operate on a daily basis and some subtle but important factors that play a role in the maintenance of these businesses in the market. Thank you so much to Mr Blake, Ms Brennan, and Ms Ioannou who all led and supervised us through the excursion as well as to all HSIE staff involved for making this experience possible and for giving students such an awesome opportunity. Furthermore, thank you to all the educators who provided such insightful knowledge about their zoo. I am sure that all students who attended this excursion are so thankful for the opportunity and will remember all the fun we had for years to come!
Sriya Danda Year 9
WELLBEING NEWS
Term 2 is winding down and the holidays are around the corner. This can be a time for students to regroup, catchup or get ahead with school work. It can also be a great time to spend some down time reconnecting with family.
Here are a few ideas to try together:
Star gaze - Look for apps to help identify what’s out there - Learn/ teach how to change a light bulb - Learn a card trick each to impress - Create a vision board - Try a new recipe - Start a herb garden
Minerva Magazine Editing Day
On the 21st May, students who are part of the Hornsby Girls Minerva Magazine Committee attended a full day editing workshop to finalise the 2023 Minerva Magazine for printing. It was a very productive day, and students were provided with a pizza lunch.
We cannot wait to share the committee’s hard work and your achievements with you next term! Thank you to all of the staff and students who contributed to the magazine. We couldn’t do it without you!
Stage 6 Geography Fieldwork- Barangaroo
On Wednesday 22nd May, Year 11 and 12 Geography students went to Barangaroo, for a fieldwork excursion. Austin Brooks, from the Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre guided us through Barangaroo and Millers Point, showing us different elements of urban dynamics and sustainable outcomes in play throughout the suburbs. We stopped by one of the 3 International Towers (ITS), and toured the PWC levels, led by Mr Shinfield (Lauren's Dad), who showed us the different amenities within the complex. We stopped by the cafeteria of one of the ITS buildings for a quick, and delicious lunch, before going to our final stop in Millers Point, in Barangaroo Reserve to finish off our day.
Thank you to Ms Viner for organising this fieldwork for us.
Audrey Park - Year 9
MEDIEVAL DAY
Year 8 students participated in Medieval Day on Tuesday, run by Living History Australia. They had an engaging day with sword fighting, dancing and lots of fun costumes. Thank you to Mr Truong, Ms Harkin, and Mr Atkin for organising and running this event for year 8.