In this issue
- Principal's Update
- Upcoming Events
- P&C News
- Opportunity News
- Big Picture News
- From the Library
- Parent Information
- Careers News
Principal's Update
Welcome back to our first Newsletter for Term 3!
Enjoy reading this issue to celebrate the many successes of our students.
Class of 2025
On behalf of our SSHS community we wish our Year 12 students every success as they begin their Trial Higher School Examinations, commencing Monday, August 4th and concluding on Friday, August 15th.
Let Us Be Known By Our Deeds
18,518 push-ups. 23 days. $639 raised.
These young men from Year 11 took on the Push For Better Challenge—and smashed it! All in support of Lifeline Sydney.
Proud, strong, and pushing for change!’
Sporting Champs
Huge congrats to Sora from Year 10 for representing NSW at the 15 & Under Volleyball Nationals in Adelaide!
NSW finished 4th, and Sora showed incredible resilience, sportsmanship, and team spirit throughout. A true ambassador for our school, state, and sport.
We’re so proud of you, Sora!
Congratulations James of Year 11.
James won Silver in the 200m Breaststroke at the School Sport Australia Aquatic Games. To top it off, he smashed his personal best!
CHS Cross Country
Special shout-out to Daniel who placed 5th, Felix who placed 8th in the 16 Yr Boys division — outstanding effort!
Here are more fantastic results:
- Violet– 29th (12 Yr Girls)
- Penny– 24th (18 Yr Girls)
- Finlay– 34th (17 Yr Boys)
- Donovan– 26th (18 Yr Boys)
We’re proud of every single one of you for representing South Sydney High School with pride!
Congratulations Jonathan!
Congratulations Jonathan - Table Tennis Champion for the third year in a row, defeating Mr Spencer in the final.
Big Picture Information Night – Personalised Learning in Action
Thank you to all the families who joined us for our recent Big Picture Information Night. It was a fantastic opportunity to share how this innovative approach to learning empowers our students to take ownership of their education, connect with real-world mentors, and follow their passions.
Big Picture Education is grounded in the belief that learning should be personalised, interest-based, and connected to the real world. Families heard from current students, staff, and mentors about how the program works—from advisory groups and Learning Through Internship (LTI) placements to exhibitions and individual learning plans.
Students spoke with confidence and pride about their learning journeys, showcasing not only their academic growth but also the personal development that comes from having their voice truly heard in the learning process.
We are proud to offer this alternative pathway that keeps students engaged, motivated, and future focused. Thank you to our staff, students, and families for making the evening such a success. To those who are considering Big Picture as a pathway, we look forward to welcoming you into this dynamic learning community.
Save the Date!
Is your child currently in Year 8?
Our Stage 5 Subject Information Evening is coming soon!
Join us on August 12 to explore the exciting subject choices available for students entering Year 9 in 2026.
Attention Year 12 students and parents!
The 2025 HSC Study Guide is available and it's full of expert tips to help students smash their HSC goals!
Inside this year's guide students will find study tips for different subjects, myth-busting facts about the HSC and the ATAR, and insights from teachers and past students.
https://www.smh.com.au/.../hsc-study-guide-2025-20250617…
Upgrade News
Presently our gymnasium roof is being replaced and we hope it will be completed by the end of August. A reminder, while the gym is out of operation students who have practical classes are allowed to wear their sports uniform all day.
We still keenly await the upgrade of our Art and TAS blocks to commence.
Attendance Champions
Students with 100% attendance during Term 2 enjoyed Pizza with the Principal this week, a HUGE achievement.
Uniform Heroes
Upcoming Events
- Check in Assessment - Weeks 1-4
- Sydney East Athletics Carnival - 5th & 6th August
- HSC Trial Examinations - 4th August to 15th August
- Year 9 Subject Selection Evening - 12th August
- Trivia Night - Saturday 23rd August
- Showcase at the Juniors - 26th August
- Year 11 Final Examinations - 8th September to 19th September
- Leadership Assembly - 23rd September
- Year 12 Graduation - 25th September
HSC DUE DATES FOR PRACTICAL EXAMS AND PROJECTS
P&C News
Tickets to the South Sydney High School P&C Trivia Night are selling fast, with half the tables already sold and early bird single ticket pricing ending on Tuesday, 5th August. Be sure to get in quick before you miss out on what promises to be a fun night. Remember to order your Rocketboy Pizzas when buying your tickets - or you can order separately closer to the date.
If there are any families with members aged 18+ holding a current RSA licence (and are not a current student or ex-student of SSHS) who are able to help out on the night, please email sshspandc@gmail.com or call Anthony on 0414 522 911.
Please note that this is an adult only event. Unfortunately, no student or recent ex-student are allowed to attend, participate or help with the Trivia Night. Many thanks for your understanding and co-operation.
Opportunity News
From Students to Changemakers: SSHS Alumni Shine Through United Way
For over 16 years, SSHS has proudly partnered with United Way, a not-for-profit community impact organisation dedicated to preparing young people for life success. By uniting community voices, local businesses, government, and philanthropy, United Way supports programs that help shape bright futures.
Their support has been instrumental in initiatives like Mock Interviews, the Empowering Women’s Program, and Men’s Day. Thanks to this ongoing relationship, two SSHS students —Noah M and Lianee C, both former Opportunity Program ambassadors, shared their inspiring experiences with global CEO, Angela F. Williams and Australian CEO, Clayton Noble, speaking with heartfelt eloquence and insight.
Ms Serafina Accetta, now a teacher at SSHS, also shared how these programs impacted her own educational journey, inspiring her to pursue teaching.
The students and school were warmly applauded for their future focused programs that empower young people to achieve their dreams. Living proof that our school motto - "Care, Opportunity, and Success", continues to ring true.
Helen Stell, Opportunity Program Coordinator
SRC Cake Stall
On Monday of Week 2, the SRC hosted a cake stall in honour of the upcoming NSW Public Education Week. The SRC chose to donate all funds raised to Stewart House – an organisation who support public school children across NSW and ACT to gain access to optometric, dental and medical treatment as well as emotional support.
Thanks to the efforts of our enthusiastic SRC members and their families, we managed to raise $281.65 to donate to Stewart House. Thank you again to all of our SRC and all students and teachers who purchased some of our lovely cakes.
Ms Accetta, SRC Coordinator
Big Picture News
Big Picture Academy Information Evening
On Wednesday, 30th July, parents of Year 8 students from various schools, as well as South Sydney High, were invited to an information seminar for our school’s Big Picture Academy. Ms Healy presented a detailed slide show before Big Picture students - Bianca of Year 9 and Kian of Year 10 - expressed their views on the academy and answered numerous questions from many parents and Year 8 students. Once again, Big Picture students demonstrated their strength in communication and presentation skills.
By Bianca Grilli and Isabella Ryan
From the Library
Book Week
Book Week is celebrated in Week 5 - Monday 18th to Friday 22nd August. This year’s theme is Book an Adventure. There will be activities and competitions during the week and a Book Week dress as a book character day (preferably Adventure related) on Friday 22nd August for students and staff. Students are to bring a gold coin donation for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Please find a list of adventure book character suggestions below:
Premier’s Reading Challenge
The Premier’s Reading Challenge is still in full swing. Students from Years 7-9 are encouraged to develop a love of reading for leisure and pleasure and experience quality literature via the choices from the curated Premier’s Reading Challenge booklists. The challenge closes for students on Friday 19 September (Week 9). Students are reminded to update their reading records and keep reading!
New to the Collection Highlights
Good Luck and Other Lies by Catriona McKeown
This is a fast paced read that gives you the chance to dream about what you would do if you won millions. It’s a story of unimaginable wealth, lies, ethics, morals, friendship, family and how difficult life becomes when you don’t trust anyone. Perfect for students aged 15 and up.
Elsewhere by Shelby Matheson
This is a great fantasy novel set around the beginning of WWI. The students are from all different cultures, and this is woven through the story as they all struggle with the impact of the war, and how to deal with each other together at boarding school.
The Deadly Diamond by Mark Greenwood
The Deadly Diamond is a new History Hunter mystery about the Hope Diamond. Ideal for those who love delving into facts and history, with a side of mystery.
Aster’s Next, Good Thing by Kate Gordon
This is the next wonderful instalment in the Aster series. In this story we return to having aster as the main character. She still suffers from anxiety, and this is not helped by her Dad moving his girlfriend, Nella, in with them. This novel deals with young people’s problems, particularly mental health issues, gently and quite beautifully. Maybe the thing Aster fears most could be the thing that brings her the most joy.
Best of All Worlds by Kenneth Oppel
Xavier is on a weekend getaway to their country cottage with his Dad and his pregnant stepmother. But when they wake up, their cottage has seemingly been moved. They soon discover that they are all enclosed in a dome with no outside world connections. With themes of survival, differing religious and political beliefs, human connection, and entrapment by an unseen enemy (or potential saviour), this is a terrific book that lends itself to big question discussions.
The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal
A heart stopping and remarkable WWII story told from the perspective of two teenagers. It is based on the true story of Gurs, a large detention camp that held over 6000 people during the war. It is insightful and easy to read, with themes of war, displacement, friendship and the help that strangers can provide in times of need.
Ms Maddocks, Teacher Librarian
Parent Information
NSW Health School Vaccination Program
Dear Parent/Guardian,
If your child is in Year 7 in 2025, you can provide consent online for school vaccinations.
In Year 7, students are offered free vaccines for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Year 7 vaccinations will take place on Thursday, 18th September 2025.
Catch up vaccinations for Year 7 and Year 10 students (meningococcal ACWY vaccine) will be held on Thursday, 13th November 2025.
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Online consent will only be accepted if provided through the NSW Health School Vaccination Program portal. Consent should not be provided to the school via email or other electronic form submission.
How to provide consent:
- To complete online consent for your child’s school vaccinations, visit: engage.health.nsw.gov.au
- Follow the steps to log in to your existing ServiceNSW account. This is the same account you may already use to renew your driver’s licence. If you do not have a ServiceNSW account, refer to ServiceNSW to create one.
- Update or confirm your personal details as required.
- Complete the School Vaccination Consent Form for your child/ren
- Enter your child’s personal details
- Provide the Medicare card details for you and your child
- Read the linked Parent Information Sheet and privacy statement
- Provide consent
Detailed instructions can be found on the NSW Health website. If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper consent form from the school.
The benefits of providing consent online:
- Easily update your child’s details
- Receive SMS and/or email notifications when vaccinations are given
- Faster upload of vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
For more information on routine school vaccinations, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/schoolvaccination.
If you require information in your language, please visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
Scan the QR code below or click here to provide consent.
Careers News
Year 12
Book a time with Ms Mattock - Careers Adviser. Year 12 students are encouraged to book a time to chat about post school options – via link below.
Please keep an eye on Careers Google Classroom for important information:
- Year 12 - o46wli2
- Year 11 - sr64tws
- Year 10 - mutret6
- Year 9 - jatx4ftf This is a new classroom – please join!
A reminder about the South Sydney High School Careers Website HTTPS://SSHSCAREERS.CAREERTOOLS.COM.AU/
You can subscribe to great weekly careers newsletters.
UOW Early Entry - Closes 8th August
UOW Early Admission is our early entry offer program for students completing Year 12 (Higher School Certificate or other Australian equivalents). When you apply for Early Admission, UOW considers your unique skills and experiences, alongside your Year 11 results, so you can earn an offer to university before you sit your first exam. Getting early entry to UOW means less stress for you at that time and provides you with the certainty that next year you'll be studying at a university who knows you are more than your ATAR. https://www.uow.edu.au/early-admission/
University of Notre Dame Young Achievers Early Offer Program - Round 1 Deadline, 18th August
If you are a Year 12 student, this program could be just what you need to secure a place at a university that values your growth as a person, not just your academic achievements. An early offer can give you the security of knowing you have a place to study at university before the main rounds of offers. The Young Achievers Early Offer Program at Notre Dame is open to students undertaking Year 12 in Australia. It is an excellent opportunity for you to feel confident as you work towards your final exams. https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/applications-and-admissions/pathways/early-offer
Macquarie University Open Day - 16th August
Open Day is a fantastic opportunity to find out more about Macquarie University, get a real feel for the campus and facilities and chat to current students and staff. Students can register to explore what Macquarie University has to offer.
University of Sydney Open Day - 30th August
Join us at the University of Sydney Open Day on Saturday 30th August 2025. There is so much to see and do at Open Day, so register today and start building your personalised timetable:
- 40+ talks – get an overview of our courses, programs and pathways
- Course advice areas – speak directly to your future lecturers and have your questions answered.
- Get personalised advice from our staff – everything from admission, student support, scholarships, to picking your major.
- See our campus come alive – see activations, exhibits, interactive demos and facilities across campus.
- Take a tour – building, facilities, and accommodation tours are running throughout the day. https://openday.sydney.edu.au
UTS Open Day 2025 - 30th August
Explore your course and career options at UTS Open Day! With over 100 info sessions, workshops, campus tours and more on offer, it’s a great opportunity to talk to academics and current students and get your UTS questions answered. https://www.uts.edu.au/events/open-day
Notre Dame - Open Day - 30th August
Notre Dame’s Open Day is your chance to explore what university life is all about! You’ll discover study options, career pathways and our student support services. Plus, you’ll experience an exciting program filled with activities for future students. Whether you are in Year 10, 11 or 12, or a graduate thinking about postgrad study, our Open Day is open to everyone – including pathways and international students, who can chat with our dedicated team. Learn about scholarships and financial assistance to make your journey affordable. https://www.notredame.edu.au/engage/visit-us/openday
UNSW Aviation Open Day - 20th September
Are you passionate about flying or curious about a career in aviation? Join us for an unforgettable experience at the UNSW Aviation Open Day, held at our state-of-the-art Bankstown Airport flight training facility!
- Explore our fleet of Diamond DA-40 and Piper Seminole PA44 aircraft up close
- Experience our cutting-edge flight simulators
- Chat with expert instructors and current students
- Tour our facilities and get a feel for life at UNSW Aviation
- Ask anything—we are here to help you navigate your aviation journey! Whether you are dreaming of becoming a pilot or just want to learn more about aviation, this is your chance to get inspired and informed. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/unsw-aviation-open-day-tickets-1490015569679
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Bidjigal people, the traditional owners and custodians of the land we work on. We also pay respect to Aboriginal elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people.
Contact us:
Telephone | 9349 3868
Email | sthsydney-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
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