term 4 week 4 SOUTH SYDNEY HIGH SCHOOL

Year 12 Sign Out Day - Monday 10 November

‘Let Us Be Known By Our Deeds’

Good deeds of the week go to Jonathan F in Year 8, Nazar K in Year 8 & Tyson S in Year 11:

Year 7 2026 - Orientation Day

On Tuesday 2nd December, we welcome a record number of Year 6 students to SSHS. If you have any family or friends that would like to join us in 2026, please ask them to contact the school asap.

Schools Spectacular

Seven of our dance students have been rehearsing hard in preparation for their big performance at Schools Spectacular in 3 weeks! We can’t wait to see all their hard work pay off at Qudos Bank Arena. Wish them luck! 🪩 💖 💃

National Dance Championships

Dancing Queen! Jess T in Year 9 has placed in the top 5 for her audition for the National Dance Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in January. Good Luck Jess. What a great achievment.

Uniform Warriors

Attendance Heroes

Upcoming Events

• Female Fitness Sessions: Every Wednesday Morning
• Junior SSCIM Camp: 26th November - 28th November
• Remembrance Day: 11th November
• Year 9 Assessment Period: 10th -14th November
• Orientation Day: 2nd December
• Australian Volleyball Schools Cup Gold Coast: 8th -12th December
• CAPA Showcase: Monday 8th December
• Presentation Day Assembly: Friday 12th December
• Last Day of school: Friday 19th December

From the Library

Chess Tournament

Term 4’s chess tournament is well underway. From novices to seasoned players, students and staff are showcasing their critical thinking, patience, and sportsmanship in a thrilling competition. With each move carefully considered, matches are intense, demonstrating sharp minds and strategic mastery.

Who will be the victor in Term 4?

New to the Collection Highlights

Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1

If you love Star Wars and graphic novels, then this is the book for you. It is packed with all the characters you love, who are fighting the empire and saving the good guys. With fourteen short stories in full graphic colour, it’s full of action and has all the best parts of Star Wars packed in.

Summer, in Between by Holly Cardamone

A well written, terrific edgy romance which asks the age-old question of what defines love. These two come from opposite lives, with one a gorgeous but sometimes misogynistic surfer dude and the other a high achieving private school girl. Their worlds truly collide and neither one is ready for the fallout. Best read by those aged 14 and older.

The Wycherleys by Annaliese Avery

This book is a lot of fun, and it grabs you from the beginning. It is full of glamourous balls and ballgowns, forbidden romance, magic, believing in yourself and having others share in that belief, that lifts this book out of the ordinary realm of witchy stories. Perfect for readers aged 14 and up.

This Season’s Draft by Jason Gent

This novel goes through the year leading up to and including the AFL draft through the eyes of five hopefuls, and one girlfriend. We see varying stress levels of the different players, with some doing quite well at school and others really relying on getting picked for their future to pan out. An important book that looks at a pivotal time in the life of many teenagers, taking us on five very different individual journeys.

When we were Monsters by Jennifer Niven

Eight students from the prestigious Brighton and Hove College are selected to take part in writing workshop with a famous author and movie director. One winner will take away a life changing prize. A gripping murder mystery with issues of trust, forgiveness, grief, control and the need to be seen and succeed. Best suited to readers aged 15 and older.

Wildcats: A Graphic Novel by Crystal Velasquez & Illustrated by Eva Cabrera

Mina is sent to a boarding school where she is trying to hide her recent discovery – that she can turn into a puma. A mysterious teacher, who turns out to be a goddess, tells Mina and three other girls they all have the power to transform into four large cats. These cats were each revered by different ancient civilisations and the girls must use their newfound powers to prevent evil gods from overtaking the world. A terrific and fast-paced graphic tale with powerful female characters defending the universe and ancient civilisations.

Ms Maddocks, Teacher Librarian

p&C News

Don't forget to put in your cookie dough order by 21st November!!!

duke of ed News

Duke of Edinburgh Award Silver and Gold Qualifying Hike – Six Foot Track Adventure.

Last week, our Duke of Edinburgh Award participants took on the stunning yet challenging Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains. Beginning at Black Range Campground near Jenolan Caves, students hiked through a variety of landscapes- from eucalyptus forests and open farmland to lush rainforest gullies and mountain views.

Seventeen Year 10 students successfully completed the three-day, two-night Silver Qualifying Hike, while seven Year 11 students undertook the four-day, three-night Gold Qualifying Hike. Despite the cold, wet and misty conditions, spirits remained high, and the cool weather made for ideal walking conditions! Some bonus freshly baked scones from the Megalong Valley Tea rooms lifted our spirits in the wet weather!

The third day saw a steep ascent into Katoomba, where weary but proud hikers celebrated their achievement. The Year 11 students completed their 4th day descending into the Jamison Valley down the Furber steps, then up to Narrow Neck via the Golden Staircase. It was a great effort from all involved - a true test of endurance, teamwork, and resilience in the great outdoors! Congrats to the hikers! Thanks to the teachers for coordinating and running the hike! (Mr Vinson, Mr Tipple, Ms MacKenzie, Mr Wardrop and Ms Mifsud)

hsie News

On Monday, students from Year 10 International Studies, went down to Maroubra Beach to film a video for our cross-cultural project. This project aims to connect students from SSHS to a charity in Cambodia called AusCam Freedom Project. The aim of the charity is to empower and equip young women to protect them from exploitation. Our video will be shown to the AusCam students in Phnom Penh in January, by Ms Ansoul, to serve as encouragement and inspiration to stay in school and stay safe. Students are also writing messages of hope and optimism that will be shared with the young women personally. Congratulations to our students for being brave enough to speak up on camera and for showing such empathy and care for other young people in our world.

Ms Ansoul - HSIE Head Teacher

vet news

Hospitality Students Gaining Real-World Experience

It’s an exciting few weeks ahead for our Year 12 Hospitality students as they embark on completing their final industry work placements in the Food and Beverage elective stream.

Work placement is a mandatory component of all VET (Vocational Education and Training) courses and is an essential requirement for both the HSC and TAFE certificates. Our students are working towards completing 12 service periods and the required 70 hours of industry experience.

The photos below feature our 12HVT2 class in action. It has been wonderful to hear such positive feedback from host employers—particularly about Jett, Harry, and Sophia—who were praised for their strong contributions and teamwork during their placements.

Watch this space for more images to come in the following weeks.

Mrs M Stephenson - VET Hospitality Teacher & TAS Teacher

Careers News

Spotlight - Career Ideas

Soft Skills: The Secret Superpower Employers Want

Grades matter, but it’s your soft skills - like teamwork, communication and adaptability, that can really set you apart. You’re building these skills all the time, often without noticing it; group assignments and sport strengthen teamwork, class debates or even making TikToks boost communication, and dealing with last-minute changes at school develops your adaptability. Employers see these qualities as just as valuable as technical know-how because they show you’re dependable, creative and great to collaborate with.

How to Build Soft Skills at School - Without Even Realising It:

• Volunteer to be the group spokesperson in class = boosts confidence and communication.
• Join a sports team or music group = sharpens teamwork and collaboration.
• Take on a casual job or school leadership role = develops reliability and responsibility.
• Try something new (like coding, debating or drama) = builds adaptability and resilience.

Guide to Psychology Careers

Click the here for more information on Psychology Careers:

What is a Speech Pathologist?

Speech pathologists work with people of all ages who have trouble understanding and talking with others. They might work with patients to improve their reading and spelling, as well as teach them how to use technology or other ways to improve their communication skills. Speech pathologists also help people who have trouble swallowing, which can make eating and drinking difficult.

What skills and strengths are needed?

• Good listening and interpersonal skills
• Enjoy language and communication
• Able to inspire confidence and cooperation
• Enjoy working with people
• A patient and tactful approach to people's problems

What are the pathways? Speech pathologists must be university educated either through an accredited Bachelor or Master’s degree.

Job Opportunities

Pier One Sydney Harbour – Purchasing & Intake (Receiving Officer) – Summer Role (15+)

A fantastic part-time seasonal position for students aged 15+ to gain hands-on experience in a five-star hotel. This role is ideal for students interested in finance, warehousing, or logistics, offering practical exposure to inventory and stock management in a hotel setting.

Students will:

• Receive and check deliveries
• Organise and label stock using the FIFO system
• Assist with monthly stocktakes and simple paperwork
• Keep storerooms and loading areas clean and safe
• Support hotel departments with supplies as needed

Key Details:

• Pay rate: $26–$33 per hour (casual)
• 2–4 days per week | 7:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Now–9 January 2026
• No prior experience required
• Applications close: 30 November 2025
• Apply via My First Job - https://myfirstjob.au/

Marriott Culinary Academy – Full-Time Chef Apprenticeship (Starting Feb 2026)

A paid full-time apprenticeship for students finishing school in 2025 who are passionate about food and want to launch a culinary career.

Available in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Port Douglas, and Hobart.

Key Details:

• Pay rate: From $23 per hour — well above standard apprenticeship rates
• Learn directly from Marriott’s award-winning chefs
• Receive professional tools and uniforms
• Participate in an annual culinary workshop
• Apply via My First Job - https://myfirstjob.au/

Google Classrooms

Please keep an eye on Careers Google Classroom for important information

• Year 11 - sr64tws
• Year 10 - mutret6
• Year 9 - jatx4ftf - this is a new classroom – please join!

A reminder about the South Sydney HS Careers Website - https://sshscareers.careertools.com.au/ You can subscribe to great weekly careers newsletters.

For the latest weekly news, check out the Careers News Bulletin: 6 November Careers Bulletin

Return & Earn

Keep the return and earn coming in!

If you have any cans, bottles and/or 10c items, please bring to school to Ms Mattock’s office. Your donations are very much appreciated.

Meredith Mattock - Careers Adviser

parent information

NSWEdu Chat Information

Who to Contact at SSHS