Falcon Bulletin - Issue 02 - 2025

M ar 25

F a l c o n

B u l l e t i n

IS S UE 2 Year Adv is er s

VINC IT Q UI S E VINC IT

Table of Contents

Year 7

04

Year 8

08

Year 9

10

Year 10

12

Year 11

14

Year 12

22

YEAR 7

BY DAISY DU The start of high school is a huge transition, and our new Year 7 students have embraced it with enthusiasm and determination. From the moment we welcomed the Class of 2030 to North Sydney Boys, they have thrown themselves into school life—balancing academics, co-curricular activities, and new friendships. It’s been fantastic to see them embracing our school’s Falcon Code.

This Falcon Code isn’t just words—it’s a mindset. It reminds us to take pride in our own efforts, support those around us, and push ourselves to improve.

Finding Their Feet The journey began with transition week, where students were introduced to school expectations, Falcon values, and the many opportunities available to them. They worked in peer support groups, learning not just about rules and routines but about respect—for themselves, their peers, and the wider school community. These early lessons set the tone for the year ahead, reinforcing the importance of self-discipline and positive relationships.

Attunga Canyonleigh : A Challenge and a Triumph The Week 2 camp at Attunga Canyonleigh provided the first real test of resilience. Rain and cold didn’t deter our Year 7s as they tackled the giant swing, the flying fox, and a Corroboree led by local First Nations representatives. With Year 10 peer support leaders guiding them, the boys quickly realised that growth happens outside their comfort zones.

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

As one Year 7 student, Joo Sung, put it:

A Well-Rounded Approach to School Life

“ If Year 7 did not go to camp, the sparks of long lasting friendships would not have kindled. Supporting each other throughout hardships was an exceptional standard of camaraderie. Our fates were entwined from the moment we stepped foot into camp and even now, we reminisce on the moments of joy we shared together.”

Success at North Sydney Boys isn’t just measured in grades. We encourage every student to develop a well-rounded approach to school life, which means getting involved in co-curricular activities and sports.

•

Growth happens together—and camp was a perfect example of this.

Sporting opportunities: From Wednesday grade sport to rec sport and Falcon sport, there’s something for everyone. The swimming, athletics, and cross-country carnivals have already seen Year 7s stepping up to the challenge. Respecting others means cheering for teammates, showing sportsmanship, and

Back to Class

embracing competition.

Returning to school meant shifting gears. Adjusting to a six-period

•

Clubs and societies: With options like Chess Club, Debating,

day, new subjects, and different teachers can be overwhelming, but

History Club, Anime Club, and Robotics Club, there are endless

Year 7 has met this challenge with focus and commitment. In the

ways to discover new passions and meet like-minded people.

classroom, they’ve demonstrated what respect in the classroom

Finding your place in a community is part of growing together.

looks like —taking responsibility for their learning, staying organised, and engaging actively in lessons.

Wellbeing and Character

For those who need guidance, teachers, peer support leaders, and

Personal development is just as important as academic success.

our wellbeing team are always here to help. Seeking assistance is not

This term, Year 7 has engaged in workshops focusing on social skills,

a sign of struggle; it’s a sign of growth.

and respect—key life skills that will serve them well beyond school.

They’ve shown politeness, kindness, and a willingness to support

Beyond the Classroom: Rising to New Challenges

one another.

Outside of lessons and camp, Year 7 has already experienced two

A culture of respect is what makes a school strong. Respect for

major school-wide events that tested their resilience, teamwork, and

yourself means putting in effort and setting high expectations.

Falcon spirit.

Respect for others means listening, cooperating, and treating peers and teachers with kindness.

The first was NAPLAN, marking an important milestone in their academic journey. While results will provide insight into individual

Looking Ahead

progress, the true achievement was in developing exam readiness and the ability to perform under pressure—skills that will serve them

As we move into the next part of the year, I encourage every Year

well in the years to come.

7 student to think about the kind of person they want to become.

What habits are they building? What values are they demonstrating?

Adding a splash of excitement to the term was the whole school

Every day is a chance to develop skills, form meaningful friendships,

Swimming Carnival, where Year 7 had their first real taste of Falcon

and create a strong foundation for the years ahead.

House spirit. Whether diving into races, competing in novelty events, or cheering from the stands, our newest students played an active

By continuing to live and work by the Falcon Code, I have no doubt

role in making the day a success. House pride was on full display, and

that Year 7 will make the most of their journey at North Sydney Boys.

it was fantastic to see so many Year 7s getting involved, stepping up

I look forward to seeing their progress in the months ahead!

for their teams, and embracing the fun of the day.

PAGE 5

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

PAGE 7

YEAR 8

BY JACOB PARKER Year 8s have had a great start to the 2025 school year, jumping straight into the rising academic and behavioural expectations of the year as they move on up through high school. Students this year have had the option to have choice in their subject selection, choosing CAPA and/or language subjects to match their interests.

Students are reminded to consistently apply themselves in all subjects, listening to teacher instructions and completing all work to the best of their ability. As this Year 8 cohort progresses through high school, our goal as teachers is to develop that love of learning and so students are reminded to embrace the process over just focusing on assessments.

Congratulations to all of our students who are actively involved and participating in co-curricular activities outside of school. It was particularly rewarding to see the SRC’s work in preparation for International Women’s Day, honouring the strong and inspirational mothers who are consistently supporting them. I would like to thank all parents for their continued support of their students and the school in shaping this cohort to be the next generation of young leaders and citizens of the world.

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

As stress and pressure rises throughout the year, I encourage all students to be proactive in their efforts to be organised. This may look like study timetables, calendars of assessments and clear plans to approach homework and study.

Students need to be taking ownership of their own learning and staying diligent. During these times of stress and pressure it is also important students foster their own wellbeing, prioritising physical and mental health. Often students de-prioritise fundamental needs like sleep, rest and leisure time due to disorganisation. If students are struggling with building up these skills they are highly encouraged to engage with our school’s wellbeing and learning support programs.

This year as a priority for Year 8 we are focusing on the development of their social and personal skills. On Friday of Week 5, the cohort engaged in a Falcon Workshop focused on ‘How to tell a joke’, targeting their social awareness skills.

We considered what is appropriate to joke about, the importance of knowing your audience, and the difference between banter and bullying. I was impressed with the majority of students’ maturity at dealing with these complex issues.

Throughout the year, within these workshops and day to day life, students will develop in areas of self-awareness, self-control, social awareness and social communication. These are the fundamental ‘soft-skills’ which students need to actively be focusing on.

Ultimately, I am excited and consistently inspired by Year 8’s care for each other.

I encourage all students to keep on living their life in accordance to the Falcon values, be leaders not followers, and upstanders. I look forward to another great year.

PAGE 9

YEAR 9

BY PATRICK RENFORD Welcome back to another exciting school year at NSB! Year 9 marks a pivotal time for both academic and personal development, where students have the chance to dive into new subjects, take on increased responsibilities, and strengthen friendships and skills that will influence their futures.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students - Adit Mehta, Jackie Li, and Hayden Luke, who have joined our school community, no doubt you will fit right in here with the rest of the Year 9 cohort. academic This year presents a host of new and exciting challenges, especially with Stage 5 elective subjects such as Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS), Engineering, History, Languages, Commerce, and more. I encourage all students to embrace these opportunities, explore their interests, and develop the essential skills they will need for the future.

Additionally, last week students in Year 9 participated in NAPLAN testing. This will offer valuable insights into our students’ progress in literacy and numeracy, complementing the various formal and informal assessments conducted throughout the school year.

Congratulations are in order for Jake Lee, who received commendation for his outstanding essay on Australian legal history in the Junior Secondary category of the Francis Forbes Society’s 2024 essay competition. Well done, Jake!

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

Wellbeing and Community This semester, we will continue to prioritise student wellbeing through a series of engaging workshops focused on the school Falcon Code and resilience. These sessions are designed to support students in developing a positive mindset, strengthening their ability to navigate challenges, and fostering emotional resilience. By participating, students will gain valuable strategies to manage stress, build confidence, and enhance their problem-solving skills. Additionally, these workshops will reinforce the importance of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility, helping to create a supportive and inclusive school community where all students can thrive.

Later this year, the boys will attend a revamped camp program at Somerset, set along the stunning Colo River. This adventure-filled experience features unique tent camping, exciting outdoor activities, and team-building challenges. In a supportive environment, students will develop leadership skills, strengthen friendships, and build confidence as they push their limits. This camp promises to be both a memorable and rewarding experience for all.

Sport This week marks the kick off of the school winter grade sport trials, providing students the chance to showcase their skills and represent NSB in a range of racquet sports, soccer and lawn bowls. Good luck to all students trialling!

Wrapping up the summer season in basketball, our U15s team that consisted of Andrew Yuze Li, Adwyn Kang, Jayden Wang, Allen Ji, Oscar Chen, Mason Brown, Hayden Kong, and Leslie Chen secured a thrilling victory in the Grand Final against Epping! A special mention to Jayden Wang for hitting three consecutive 3-point shots, solidifying our win.

Our U14s team led by the captain Ethan Van Domselaar, Max Cheng, Rex Bu, Kiren Pillay, Marcus Tan, and Alexander Song, put up a valiant fight against Normanhurst, coming up just short in the Grand final.

A quick congratulations goes to Manny Keith, our Swimming Carnival Age Champion Runner-up, for his fantastic performance in the pool.

Also, a special recognition goes to Jonti Evers, who will represent the U15s Sydney North Region AFL team at the Combined High Schools Championships.

Best of luck, Jonti!

I encourage everyone to tackle all challenges head-on and fully embrace the journey this year offers.

PAGE 11

YEAR 10

BY MATT TRAN

As we begin another school year, Year 10 students are stepping up to new academic challenges and personal development opportunities. This term marks an important stage in their journey, with significant events and decisions ahead. I am continually impressed by their dedication and commitment to the Falcon values. Below are key highlights and upcoming events for the year.

Assessments The end-of-term assessments in Weeks 10 and 11 will be a crucial focus for students. These assessments will evaluate their understanding across all subjects and provide insight into their progress. I encourage students to create effective study plans, seek support from their teachers, and make use of all available resources. Developing consistent study habits now will build a strong foundation for their senior years.

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

Wellbeing Workshops This term, we have already conducted a Wellbeing Workshop on subject selections, helping students navigate their academic choices with confidence. Our next workshop, scheduled for Week 10 on Monday during Period 5, will address study perfectionism. Many students struggle with setting high expectations for themselves, sometimes to the point of stress and burnout. This workshop will focus on maintaining a healthy balance between ambition and wellbeing, ensuring students develop sustainable study habits.

Year 10 Interviews Looking ahead, Year 10 interviews will take place in Week 4 of Term 2. These one-onone meetings will provide students with an opportunity to discuss their academic progress, subject selections, and future aspirations with their teachers. Preparing for these discussions by reflecting on their strengths, goals, and challenges will help students make the most of this experience.

Parent-Teacher Night Following the interviews, Parent-Teacher Night is scheduled for Week 2 of Term 3. This event is a valuable opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with teachers, gain insights into their child’s academic performance, and explore strategies for continued success. Open communication between school and home plays a vital role in supporting student growth.

Subject Selections and Academic Growth As students begin considering their subject selections, many are aiming to enter higher levels of Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. While challenging courses can be rewarding, it is essential to ensure that subject choices align with individual strengths and interests. Success in these subjects requires consistent effort, and students should focus on developing structured study routines to enhance their skills over time. Striking a balance between academic rigor and personal wellbeing is crucial to long-term success.

I am proud of the dedication and enthusiasm Year 10 students have demonstrated so far. With careful planning, hard work, and a balanced approach, they will continue to achieve great things this year.

PAGE 13

YEAR 11

BY EMMA DELL

Welcome to 2025! As always, I sincerely hope that the students enjoyed their well-deserved summer holidays and felt motivated to begin senior school (daunting though it may have been). It is also my pleasure to welcome an impressive EIGHT new students to our cohort; Sabeeh Chowdhury, Phillip Ding, Andrew Kang, Aaron Li, Jason Liang, Jonathan Tse, Ethan Wong and Daniel Yun. I sincerely hope that these students have acclimatised to the NSB culture and begun to develop some friendships.

Transitioning into Year 11 can be a challenging process; the difficulty of the coursework often increases, exam blocks become more intensive, and students are expected to really self-regulate their study outside of the classroom. It is very important that the boys set a good precedent now, in order to set themselves up for success in Year 12! With that in mind, I asked for volunteers from among the Year 12 prefects to help deliver a workshop in Week 6 where they reflected on their own experiences of senior school. These students spoke about specific study strategies and revision tips that they’ve found effective, how to apply teacher feedback, the need to create and maintain a work/life balance, and they even offered some subject-specific advice. One of the biggest things that was emphasised was the need for collaboration; the success that our past two cohorts experienced in the HSC was largely due to the support they offered each other, and I hope that the Year 11 students take this on board moving forward. This might involve sharing resources, working in study groups, or helping individuals who might be struggling. Solidarity is key!

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

While we always endeavour to tailor these workshops to the immediate needs of students, it is important for students to remember that they can seek support with academic stress or emotional wellbeing at any time. They can use the QR codes posted around the school and on the digital noticeboard, or self-refer to myself or other members of the Wellbeing team.

This term there has also been an opportunity for the Year 11s to sign up for the Falcon Mentoring program. This is a peer mentoring program that supports the learning and wellbeing outcomes for students in the junior years by connecting them in one-on-one mentoring relationships with positive role models in Year 11. It offers these older students an opportunity to share their expertise, whether that comes in the form of subject-specific tutoring, study strategies, advice for building friendships or navigating interpersonal conflict, and general mental health support. Thank you so much to those individuals who’ve put their names forward and demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice their time to help our younger Falcons!

In Week 6, students participated in the annual Swimming Carnival, held once again at Auburn Aquatic Centre. As always, every individual who swam on the day and earned points for their house is to be commended. Thanks must also be extended to our wonderful House Captains, who not only looked very striking in their house colours (special mention to those very chic wigs), but also helped to encourage student participation and organise the relays.

At the end of Week 8, a number of students from our cohort flew to Melbourne and to represent NSB in the Crawford Shield, the annual inter-school competition with Melbourne High School! We had Year 11s competing in basketball, chess, debating, futsal, music, volleyball, and water polo. WHilst we weren’t successful in retaining the Shield, the experience is a memorable one that sees new friendships formed.

Thank you, as ever, to the parents and caregivers who support our students. A reminder to please get in touch and let me know about any of their extracurricular accomplishments so that I can acknowledge them as they deserve!

Good luck to all students with their upcoming exam block, and remember to prioritise your mental health and look out for one another.

PAGE 15

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

PAGE 17

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

PAGE 19

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

PAGE 21

YEAR 12

BY STEFANIA ROSS

Welcome to 2025 – you are all parents of the Class of ‘25! It was great to welcome everyone back to school and see the boys engaging in their final year of high school – how time flies.

Firstly, Careers & ATARs. Mr Miller is a familiar face to all students, and I encourage you to ask your sons to have a chat with him if they would like some inspiration on career paths and/ or university courses that they could aspire to. It can be very helpful to work out options that might appeal so that there is a sense of purpose and a goal to work towards throughout this very busy year. Knowing the ATAR required for a desired course, for instance, can help to focus the mind. It will also be helpful for students to attend open days for Universities to help them to visualise their exciting futures which can be a great motivator. Mr Miller provides excellent resources and updates to the year group regularly through our Google Noticeboard.

We are very pleased to be able to embrace a range of extracurricular activities and whole school events this year. The Prefects helped to organise the Swimming Carnival at Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre in Auburn. Despite the challenges of rain early on, the students enjoyed a competitive but celebratory carnival. We have also welcomed back our Class of ‘24 in their Celebration Assembly where it was great for our year to be inspired by the excellent results of their older peers.

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

To support the boys in their study, they have recently attended a Wellbeing workshop focused on the importance of HSC stress management. Additionally, I encourage students to join and maintain subject specific study groups to help to build their knowledge. The concept behind the study group is that students, usually from different classes, share their knowledge about topics to enable a deeper level of understanding. The group takes it in turns to run seminars on the topics that the group wish to revise and work towards assessments together.

The degree of subject specific mastery that teaching a topic conveys is very effective in embedding understanding. The study groups should run all the way through to the HSC once they commence, and provide an invaluable forum for supporting study, building knowledge and maintaining connections with peers.

Students have also been participating in Year 12 Mentor groups with their chosen teacher mentor. Meeting a few times a term, small groups discuss and share their study skills and concerns and receive research based advice and support. All boys are encouraged to attend their mentor group regularly and can speak with me, if they would like to join a group – it is never too late to join!

The most recent major event for Year 12 was the Assessment Block in Weeks 7 and 8. The boys completed their first assessment block in Term 4 2024. I hope the boys have taken the feedback given to them and used it to improve their overall understanding of assessments and to make the necessary adjustments to their approach to study. They should be regularly talking to their teachers to ensure understanding.

However, it is also important that leading up to and during the assessment block, the students maintain a balanced lifestyle as well as have a quality sleep routine to ensure that they are ready and refreshed for each school day and especially before their exams. We have often seen that tired students who study late into the night do not perform well in examinations.

As ever, please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any concerns regarding the health and wellbeing of your son. It is important that we are all working together to ensure the best outcome for them.

PAGE 23

V I NCIT QUI SE VINCIT

Falcon Bulletin

PAGE 25

I SSU E 2

north sydney boys High School 127 Falcon Street North Sydney, NSW, 2060 P: +61 (02) 9955 4748 - E: northsydbo-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au https://northsydbo-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

VINC IT Q UI S E VINC IT