term 1 week 4 SOUTH SYDNEY HIGH SCHOOL

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all students, and in particular, our Year 7 students who have settled in so well to high school life. Most Year 7 students have been at camp last week getting to know their teachers, making new friends and experiencing the exciting activities at the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens.

I would also like to welcome the new families who have joined the South Sydney High School community from different parts of New South Wales, interstate and overseas.

Class of 2024 HSC Results

South Sydney High School congratulates Year 12 on their achievements in 2024. Wonderful results from a small resilient group of young people in very challenging times. With 63% of all bands awarded being either Band 4, 5 or 6 resulting in most students receiving their first choice at University. Our HSC results were recognised by the SMH as one of the biggest improvers by surging up the HSC ranking by over a 100 places see the graphic below. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding commitment of staff and the support of parents during the final two years of their Secondary school journey. We are proud of the diversity of our student body and the achievement of all our students.

ATAR’s

Congratulations to David Sitnikoski the Dux for 2024 with an ATAR of 95.7. A well-deserved result from a hardworking, diligent young man.

HSC Honour Roll Distinguished Achievers

12 Students were named in the HSC Honour Roll for achieving a Band 6 or E4 in one or more courses.

Congratulations to Ava, Alex, Rebecca, Lachlan, Bethany, Caedan, Millia, Riley, Elliot, Spyder, David and Henry.

Subjects above the State Mean

• Community and Family Studies
• English EaLD
• English Extension 1
• English Extension 2
• Entertainment
• Hospitality
• Mathematics Extension 1
• Mathematics Standard 1
• Mathematics Standard 2
• English Studies

Open Day

Uniform

Remember we are a uniform school and expect students to be in full school uniform including black leather shoes every day.

It is great to see students wearing their South Sydney High School uniform with pride.

Sporting Warriors

Congratulations to SSHS girls Football Team and to Lyra and Annabel for their selection in the Zone Football Team.

We welcome the following new staff to the South Sydney High School Community

• Kodi Barnes - TAS
• Poppy Geldart - Maths/PDHPE
• Gemma Haughey - Science
• Julie Ryan - School Counsellor
• Kate Nutley- CAPA/English

Communication

School Positions

• Deputy Principal - Years 8, 10 and 12 - Ms Miller
• Deputy Principal - Years 7, 9 and 11 - Mr Patmore
• Head Teacher Administration: Ms O’Callaghan (Relieving)
• Head Teacher PDHPE: Mr Wood
• Head Teacher English: Mr Kassab
• Head Teacher HSIE: Ms Ansoul
• Head Teacher Mathematics: Mr Askounis
• Head Teacher Science: Ms Mifsud
• Head Teacher TAS: Mr Tipple
• Head Teacher CAPA: Ms Mulheron
• Head Teacher Student Services/Wellbeing: Mr Benischke
• Head Teacher Big Picture Academy: Mr Wiseman (Acting)
• Learning Support: Mr Gialouris
• School Sport Organiser - Ms Gooch
• Careers Advisor: Ms Mattock
• School Counsellor: Ms Shine/Ms Ryan
• School Administration Manager: Ms Deeks (Acting)
• Aboriginal Student Support Officer: Ms Cooley
• Supervisor of Girls: Ms Maddocks

If you have any questions regarding your child, please contact their Year Adviser and they will be able to assist:

• Year 7: Mr Dartchia
• Year 8: Mr Callaghan
• Year 9: Ms Woodbridge
• Year 10: Mr Warrington
• Year 11: Ms Mackenzie
• Year 12: Ms Khouri

Homework Club

The Homework Club began this week. It is on every Tuesday afternoon in the School Library, starting at 2:45 pm and concluding at 4:45 pm.

It is available for all students from Year 7 to 12. It is run by school staff with University students as tutors.

A reminder, but in particular for our Year 7 students, we ask that you all have a plan on what you want to achieve while at Homework Club. It can be finishing off homework; planning for and working on future assessment tasks.

See you next Tuesday afternoon.

Premier Chris Minns, Deputy Premier Prue Car and Secretary of Education Murat Dizdar visit

Respect, Inclusion, and Our Shared Values

At South Sydney High School, we are proud of our diverse and inclusive community, where respect, kindness, and understanding are at the heart of everything we do.

There may be times where some in our school community—both students and families—may be feeling vulnerable, concerned, or uncertain. I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, valued, and supported at school.

We encourage open conversations and urge any student who experiences or witnesses inappropriate behavior to report it immediately so we can take appropriate action. Our staff are here to listen, support, and educate, fostering an environment where differences are embraced and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Our school motto, “Let us be known by our deeds,” reminds us that our actions define who we are. Let us be known for our kindness and for creating a culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing these values at home, encouraging conversations about acceptance and understanding, and standing together as a community that upholds inclusion and kindness.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making our school a safe and welcoming space for all.

Upcoming Events

• School Swimming Carnival - Monday 3rd March
• Open Day - Tuesday 4th March 4pm till 6pm
• School Photos - Thursday 3rd April
• Parent Teacher Night Yr 7, 11 and 12 - Tuesday 8th April

From the Library

Year of the Snake 2025

Welcome to 2025 and a special welcome to Year 7 students and students new to the school. Our school year began with the Lunar New Year - 2025 being the Year of the Snake. Check out our Library display with snakes in literature.

Love Your Library Month

February is Love your Library month. Come and show your love for the Library and fall in love with a good book.

New to the Collection Highlights

Please click on the link to take you to the library catalogue to find further information about the titles below.

Into the Wild by Hayley Lawrence

There are places in the world so remote, that if you get lost, you may never be found. Olive, Ted, Knox, Birdie and Silas enter a challenge to survive in the wild, without technology. Their stage? The majestic Blue Mountains. An intense survival story readers will love.

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure. This book poses an intriguing and complex dilemma about the world that we live in and the one that we might choose if it was possible. It is an ideal read for teenage students and as an opener for class discussions. The content places it at an age range of 14 and older.

The Ballad of Darcy and Russell by Morgan Matson

This is a terrific love at first sight romance novel that occurs over the course of 24 hours. Best suited to readers aged 15 and older.

A Really Short History of Words by Bill Bryson

Have you ever wondered why the English language turned out like it did? From the first words ever spoken to the earliest dictionaries, this book will take you on a journey through the history of the English language. It will also answer some very important questions... Why did the Vikings bring 'glitter' and 'sky' as well as 'war' and 'invasion'? Why is 'being awful' not necessarily a bad thing? Why do we have Shakespeare to thank for 'getting in a pickle'? Get ready, because the story of words is an extraordinary one.

The History of Information written and illustrated by Chris Haughton ; additional text and research by Loonie Park

This book is about how the ways we share information have shaped history and transformed our world. Travel through time from the earliest cave drawings and first written words to the invention of the printing press, the rise of newspapers, and the digital revolution. This book takes readers on an immersive journey, revealing how the exchange of information has driven human progress.

Ms Maddocks, Teacher Librarian

English News

WRITING COMPETITION NEWS

WHAT MATTERS? WRITING COMPETITION 2025

The Whitlam Institute’s WHAT MATTERS? writing competition is currently open to school students in Years 5 to 12 from Australia. Students respond to a simple question ‘what matters?’ Part writing exercise, part citizenship activity this competition is the perfect opportunity to empower students to raise their voices on issues that are important to them and know that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or viewpoint. Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of up to 600 words.

Entries close 16th May, 2025. Entries are submitted online. Prizes!!! South Sydney High has had considerable success in the past.

Competition details can be found at: https:www.whitlam.org/what matters

Ms Tilby - English Faculty Writing Competition Coordinator

wellbeing News

Walk the Talk: Empowering Students with Life-Changing Lessons

Year 9 students recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Walk the Talk event, an engaging and thought-provoking program that explored the importance of healthy relationships and personal boundaries. The event was an eye-opening experience, with students deeply moved by the powerful stories shared. They walked away with invaluable insights that will stay with them for years to come.

A highlight of the day was our exceptional facilitator, Dannielle Miller, CEO of Enlighten Education and Director of Education for Women’s Community Shelter. Dannielle, who was recently featured on ABC Conversations (listen here), brought a wealth of experience and wisdom to the session. Her personal journey, resilience, and commitment to supporting young people made a lasting impact on our students.

Inspired by this experience, our Year 9 students will now be working towards fundraising events to support Bayside Women’s Shelter. Through these initiatives, they aim to raise money and gather essential items to assist women and children in need. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to take action and make a real difference in their community.

We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing this important cause and look forward to seeing their efforts come to life. Stay tuned for updates on their fundraising activities and how you can get involved!

Ms (Woodbridge) Melani

Careers Hub

On Friday 14 February, five students – Abbygail, Lianne, Talia, Millaine and Christina had the opportunity to attend the Geodis Conference. Here are their thoughts on the experience:

An unforgettable experience at the GEODIS International Sales Conference! 🌍✨ Lianne and Abby had the incredible opportunity to deliver a speech, representing our school alongside Millane, Talia, and Christina. It was so insightful to see the big conversations shaping the future of global business. Grateful for this experience and excited for what’s ahead! 🚀💼 #GEODIS #FutureOfBusiness #InspiringChange @geodisgroup

GEODIS: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Future in Global Logistics

As the world increasingly turns its attention toward sustainability, it’s companies like GEODIS that are leading the charge in creating a greener, more efficient future for global trade. With their extensive expertise in transportation, warehousing, and supply chain solutions, GEODIS isn’t just moving goods; they’re shaping the way industries think about sustainability on a global scale.

We were granted the privileged opportunity to open their sales conference with an innovative way to represent the future of GEODIS. Both me and Lianne learned so much from this experience and the prosperities not only that we took away from being able to present, but the conversations we held with different people who were already experienced in the field. It was also amazing to be able to share this with Millane, Talia and Christina.

We learned so many valuable takeaways from this experience and the day as a whole, including learning about one of the key areas where GEODIS is making a significant impact in optimizing transportation networks. By leveraging advanced technologies, data analytics, and sustainable fuel options, they’re helping to reduce emissions while still ensuring goods are delivered on time. This shift toward smarter, more eco-friendly logistics is vital in the battle against climate change, proving that efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Beyond the cube itself, our talk was about what trading and global business could look like with future technologies. The integration of AI, sustainable energy solutions, and innovative concepts like osmotic energy will play a pivotal role in shaping the global marketplace of tomorrow. We highlighted how AI could streamline supply chains, make data-driven decisions for sustainability, and optimize trade routes to reduce environmental impact and had the opportunity to sit in on debates where groups would split off and bring up key points for and against the topics given.

Upcoming events:

University of Sydney HSC Preparation Courses Years 10-12 - Enrolment Open for April Classes - Every successful HSC begins with preparation. UNSW's experienced educators have got you covered, with a comprehensive program of HSC preparation courses. Led by highly experienced team of educators, each intensive course is tailored around a critical aspect of the HSC curriculum and offers up-to-date subject knowledge and skills. These intensive holiday courses are perfect for consolidating your school studies and developing key subject knowledge that’ll give you an edge when it comes time to sit your exams. Plus, expert tutors will teach you examination skills designed to invigorate and challenge your approach to the test material.

Classes available for:

• Essay Writing (Yrs 10-12)
• Study Methods (Yrs 10-12)
• HSC Business Studies
• HSC Chemistry
• HSC Physics
• HSC Economics
• HSC English Advanced
• HSC Biology
• HSC Mathematics - Standard 2

Click HERE for more information.

University of Sydney Webinar - Your Passport to an International Career: Bachelor of International Studies 5th March 2025 - Ever dreamt of making a global impact? In Sydney's Bachelor of International Studies you will dive into the world's most challenging issues and gear up for a career that knows no borders - be it in business, diplomacy, policy-making, or advocating in a global civil society. Join our webinar and discover how our degree can help you navigate the global arena. Don't just watch the world change - be the change! Click HERE to register!

University of Sydney Webinar - Pathways to studying Law at Sydney - 19th March 2025. There are many pathways to studying law at the University of Sydney. Hear from a panel of current students who have joined the law community at Sydney through alternate pathways, transferring or studying graduate entry law. Click HERE to register.

University of Sydney Webinar - Study Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at Sydney - 12th March 2025. The Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience at Sydney offers the opportunity to acquire an industry-oriented science-based education that leads to a career in a wide variety of veterinary and animal science industries. Whether you wish to become an animal welfare champion or an expert consultant in animal behaviour and management, the future holds endless possibilities. Click HERE to register.

University of Sydney HSC Shakespeare Seminars - 30th April - The Tempest / Hag-Seed, 1st May - Henry IV, Part 1, 2nd May - Richard III / Looking for Richard. In these annual Shakespeare seminars, Professor Liam Semler and Associate Professor Huw Griffiths from the Discipline of English at the University of Sydney collaborate with James Evans, Associate Director of Bell Shakespeare, to discuss and explore each play. Each session includes in-depth analysis by one of our academics, covering close reading, literary techniques, different interpretations, themes, and character analysis. The Players from Bell Shakespeare also perform key scenes and soliloquies. Part performance, part interactive seminar, these sessions are designed to directly link to HSC modules and give students the edge in their upcoming HSC exams. Click HERE to register.

Apply for the International Science School 2025 - Applications Close 4th April - The Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) will be held at the University of Sydney from Monday 7 to Friday 18 July 2025. This is a fully funded two-week program bringing together top science students in Year 11 and 12 from across Australia and around the world, featuring inspiring talks by leading scientists, tours of cutting-edge research facilities, and a range of other amazing activities. Click HERE to register.

Get Ready for the ANU Tuckwell Scholarship - Opens 5th March (TBC) - This program has a focus on giving back to Australia and is the only one of its kind that nurtures Scholars to fulfil their broader community ambitions over and above the pursuit of an undergraduate degree. Each year we award 25 Scholarships and offer talented and motivated students the opportunity to realise their potential by providing financial support, personal enrichment and development opportunities. Click HERE for more information.

ANU Open Day - 29th March - What to expect - Dive deeper into degrees at information sessions, connect with experts and students at the Study Options Expo, take a campus tour, explore student accommodation, and wander around the campus and discover our welcoming community. Click HERE to register.

Southern Cross University Early Offer - Closes 30th September. Take the stress out of Year 12 with an Early Offer The Early Offer program allows you to secure your place in a Southern Cross University degree before your Year 12 results are even released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and give you a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on your Year 12 results. Click HERE to register.

UNSW Aviation Information Session - 6th March. As air traffic continues to increase, the industry needs more airline pilots and aviation professionals to meet demand. Hear from UNSW Aviation staff and students and find out how you can kick start your career in this important industry. Discover the exciting world of aviation at UNSW as our speakers delve into their personal experiences and share their insights into the broad range of career opportunities in the aviation sector. Connect with our staff and students during the Q&A to discover the diverse range of student experience opportunities on offer at UNSW and get all your questions answered. Fr more information click HERE.

AIE Industry Experience Day - 16th April. AIE's Industry Experience Day is a great opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to learn about the local and international game development, 3D animation and visual effects industries. Students will get the opportunity to learn about the different pathways to get into the industry, what should be in a portfolio and will be able to get creative in practical workshops using industry-standard 3D animation and game development tools. The sessions are run by industry professionals who have worked on some blockbuster games and films. Everything is provided for you to participate in the hands-on workshops and you will be using the same software that is used in the industry. If you are thinking about a career in the games or film industry then we highly recommend registering for this free event. Click HERE to register.

Love Animals? Taronga Talks - The podcast from Taronga. Working at Taronga Zoo is more than just a job – for us Taronga means family. The deep connections our staff develop with wildlife and the natural world affects the lives of others, near and far. From Sydney to Dubbo, Taronga’s people all have amazing untold Zoo stories that will touch your heart and open your eyes. Click HERE to listen to the latest podcast.

The Hour of Code - The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. Click HERE to register.

Careers in Maths - See how different people in a wide range of careers use maths as part of their daily routine at work. The site increases Australia’s mathematically capable workforce through hundreds profiles, videos, jobs. Delivering maths careers materials to students and is committed to working towards increasing Australia’s mathematically capable workforce through hundreds of profiles, videos and jobs. Click HERE for your Maths Career guide.

Medical Work Experience for Year 10 and 11 Students - We offer young people from secondary and senior secondary school a safe, guided experience into the world of medicine through our High School Special Projects. Our medical internships abroad for high school students focus on experiential education, so you learn by doing. You can expect to: Shadow doctors and other medical professionals in busy hospitals and clinics. Attend medical workshops and seminars. Get first-hand insight into the healthcare challenges people face everyday. Participate in community healthcare outreaches that serve people in need Learn essential medical skills like measuring blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Click HERE for more information.

Australian History Competition - Registration Closes 31st March - Competition Date: 27th May. Not only is the Australian History Competition an opportunity to showcase that history is as important as maths, english and science, our delivery in hardcopy gets students away from screens in a fun and engaging way and helps them develop crucial skills in seeing different points of view. With a focus on testing interpretation and analysis rather than prior knowledge, the competition is accessible to year 7-10 students of all levels, giving every student the chance to excel! Click HERE to register.

Quiz - Which health science course is for you? - Considering a health science course? Imagine a career where you’re helping people to have a happier and healthier life. This is what health science careers are all about and there are a lot to choose from! Use our quiz to work out which health science course is best based on your interests. Click HERE to take the quiz.

Return and Earn

To date, we have raised $697.30. This is fantastic and I would like to continue this. If you have any cans, bottles and/or 10c items, please bring to school to Ms Mattock’s office.

Ms Mattock - Careers Advisor

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