Falcon Bulletin - Issue 08

Nov 24

F a l c o n

B u l l e t i n

IS S UE 8 Year Adv is er s

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Table of Contents

Year 7

04

Year 8

06

Year 9

10

Year 10

16

Year 11

18

Year 12

26

YEAR 7

BY JACOB PARKER Term 4 marks a year of tremendous change, growth and challenges for the Year 7 cohort. Within the past three and a bit terms students have formed new friendship groups, immersed themselves in the opportunities which North Sydney Boys offers and become a deeply ingrained part of the school community. Myself and Assistant Year Advisor Helen Lu, have been impressed with the maturity which most Year 7s readily apply in their day to day lives.

Academically the Year 7’s final exam block is fast approaching.

During this time it is perfectly normal for students to feel stressed or nervous about the expectations of these assessments. It is recommended for students to prioritise sleeping well, eating right and drinking enough water during this block and to come and talk to the wellbeing team if they are having difficulties managing this stress. Exams and assessments are oftentimes filled with anxiety due to the high demands that students place on themselves and a want to succeed to the best of their ability is an admirable trait.

However, students should be reminded that it is about the effort not the mark and ensuring they are deeply learning and engaging with the different curriculums they have been exposed to.

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Within Wednesday Sport we have restarted our summer sport season. Watching the camaraderie, dedication and ‘give-it-a-go’ attitude which Year 7 has brought to grade sport has been an absolute pleasure as students challenge themselves to learn new skills and to try their hardest. School sport, whether grade or recreational, is fundamental in developing students’ abilities to work in a team, improve their mental health and showing them that they can accomplish things that they didn’t realise they could.

In our wellbeing workshops we have been tackling issues that are prevalent for students as they grow and mature into young men. Our latest workshop on the importance of sleep is fundamental for students to apply to their daily lives as they grow.

I encourage all Year 7s to continue putting their best foot forward through this last term. To support their classmates and themselves as they navigate the world of high school. They are now proudly a part of the North Sydney Boys’ community and their behaviour, dedication and upholding of the falcon values should reflect this. I hold these students to a high standard of maturity and I am proud of how the vast majority of students have continually met this throughout the year. A particular shout out to two students, Layton Ho and Charlie Green, who are just one example of the compassionate and diligent attitudes Year 7s have been upholding all year.

As we reach the end of the year I encourage all Year 7s to take some time and reflect on where they’ve been and how far they’ve come. This has been a year of upheaval for a lot of them and it is important to reflect on the positives and to also think how they can be doing better next year, to uphold themselves to the same standards that we expect of them. Well done Year 7 on making it through your first year!

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YEAR 8

BY ANA-MARIA DUMITRESCU As Term 4 continues to shape up as a busy yet productive term for the boys in Year 8, it is important to stop and reflect on all of the wonderful things that happen inside and outside of the school and to celebrate the many successes of our cohort.

Walkathon This semester was the Year 8 boys’ second ever walkathon at NSB. This school-wide event is a fun and rewarding experience where the boys from each cohort participate in a 7km charity walk looping from NSB to Milsons Point and back. This year the funds raised went to the National Heart Foundation and for the purchase of new uniforms for students at Clareville Primary School in Durban, South Africa.

With numerous photos capturing the moments, all Year 8 students enjoyed spending time with friends and sought out chances to build new connections with peers and other cohorts. As a Year Advisor, it is both rewarding and humbling to witness the formation of lifelong friendships during special events like the Walkathon.

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Student Story - Languages Day “Languages Day provided language students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of activities related to the cultures and languages they were studying. For my German class we began by watching a movie about a German witch, which was both engaging and insightful, offering a glimpse into German pop culture and how the language is spoken in a natural context. The day continued with a hands-on cooking incursion led by a visiting chef who taught us to prepare a special type of pasta. Everyone took turns cooking onions and making dough, which was both fun and educational. To wrap up, we participated in a trivia session filled with laughter and accompanied by snacks and treats, making the day truly memorable”. - Jeshua Liang Music & the CAPA Expo Students studying Music, Visual Arts, and Drama participated in the school’s annual CAPA Exposition, where musical performances were showcased, Drama workshops were conducted and artworks were displayed in the library.

Music students had the opportunity to perform with their class and display their musical abilities to peers and Year 8 Drama classes assisted in delivering workshops to Year 7 students. It was a fun, exciting, and memorable experience that challenged students to practise and commit themselves to the arts.

Year 8 Support Unit Additionally, this semester, the boys in the Year 8 support unit have been engaged in a range of creative and skill-building activities. Their art projects included innovative lego printing and experimenting with spray paint, drawing inspiration from the famous street artist Banksy to create unique and stylish tote bags. Additionally, Jude Rice from Black Kites took part in a Barista and Coffee Art course, where he gained hands-on experience and learned the intricacies of coffee-making and latte art. These activities have provided the students with opportunities to express their creativity, develop practical skills, and enjoy new experiences.

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YEAR 9

BY MATT TRAN As we approach the end of 2024, I feel deeply grateful reflecting on what an incredible year it’s been. This year has been full of challenges, triumphs, laughter, growth, and, most importantly, learning. I continue to be inspired by the resilience and determination the boys show every day. highlights This year has been filled with numerous events and activities, each of which could be explored in great depth. Here, I’d like to highlight the School Swimming & Athletics Carnivals, the Crawford Shield, So You Think You Can Do Stuff performances, YAM workshops, a memorable camp at Coolendel, an impressive Geography presentation, a finals placing at the Metro Minds competition, and the many other awards won this year. Year 9 has had an incredibly rewarding year.

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Food Technology This term, our Year 9 Food Technology students embraced their creativity and culinary skills by immersing themselves in the art of baking. As part of their coursework, they learned to make icing sugar from scratch, which they then used to decorate an impressive array of Halloween-themed cookies. With a focus on food science, measurement, and ratios, students carefully crafted their icing, experimenting with colours and flavours to bring their spooky designs to life. From ghostly white to pumpkin orange, each cookie became a canvas for their artistic expression.

This hands-on project not only deepened their understanding of food preparation techniques but also fostered teamwork and innovation. Students enjoyed sharing their delicious creations with peers and family, making this a memorable and rewarding learning experience. We look forward to more exciting culinary adventures in the future!

Year 9 Camp Year 9 camp was a transformative experience, filled with highs and lows. I commend the year group for their resilience and determination in facing the camp’s challenges. Hugo Zheng shares his experience of the Year 9 Camp below: “Camp is something I look forward to every year. It’s one of the most bonding and team-building experiences, allowing us to form strong connections with our friends that last a lifetime. This year’s camp was certainly unique. On the first day, our instructor, Scotty, taught us an essential skill: how to use the bathroom outdoors.

On the second day, we climbed to a mountaintop. Although we had been there before, this time was different—it was symbolic. We descended the steep slope as a metaphor for our journey from boyhood to manhood. The path was challenging, with many of us slipping and nearly sliding down the mountain, but we all managed to reach the bottom safely.

One of the most anticipated activities was rock climbing. It was exciting yet challenging, and while most of us were eager to try it, nearly everyone got stuck at some point. Our instructors even had to assist a few of us, but it was one of the most rewarding parts of camp.

On the last day, we were exhausted as we returned to base camp for lunch, followed by the trip home. Despite the challenges, this camp was an experience we’ll all remember for years to come.” - Hugo Zheng, Year 9

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End of Year Examinations In Week 6, Year 9 students will begin their end-of-year exams across Mathematics, Science, English, and their electives. To achieve results that reflect their hard work, a well-organised study plan will be essential. Exam time can be demanding and may impact wellbeing, so maintaining a healthy balance between study, hobbies, sports, and time with friends and family is especially important. I encourage everyone to support one another and to reach out if they need assistance. The wellbeing team is also available for added support. Best of luck to all the boys as they prepare for their final exams this year!

Year 9 Market Day In Week 8, the Year 9 Commerce students will hold the annual Market Day, featuring delicious food and drinks, along with fun challenges and contests. This event will have them applying critical thinking to market and advertise their goods and services, budget effectively, and focus on customer satisfaction.

It’s always fantastic to see students engaged in real-world problem-solving through hands-on learning. I would also like to commend the HSIE faculty for organising such a meaningful, school-wide experience for the Year 9 cohort.

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of 2024 for the Year 9 cohort, I am encouraged by their growth throughout the year.

I look forward to an exciting 2025, as we prepare for subject selections and embrace further challenges, activities, and camps together.

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YEAR 10

BY EMMA DELL

What a semester it’s been!

Potentially the biggest thing on the school calendar of late, at least in the eyes of the students, was subject selection for Year 11. This is always a difficult process, as students must reflect upon their academic strengths, personal interests, and postschool aspirations in order to make the best decision possible. In preparation for this, myself, the Principal and Deputy Principals, Careers Adviser and the Head Teacher Teaching and Learning, ran one-on-one interviews with students to discuss their career goals and get them to start thinking long-term about the implications of what and how they study. We chatted about the specific skills they possessed that could guide their career choices, what their ideal work environment looked like, and the importance of setting a strong precedent for themselves now in terms of work ethic and taking personal accountability for learning.

Much like last year, we were treated with pristine weather for our annual Walkathon. While navigating traffic and having to maintain a cracking pace with 150 students at my heels is always tricky, I personally love this opportunity to have a relaxed chat with the Year 10 boys while enjoying the sun and fresh air around our beautiful Sydney Harbour! The charity we supported this year is The National Heart Foundation of Australia, in memory of George Rezcallah (a previous Deputy Principal & Head Teacher Maths at NSBHS) who sadly passed away in May this year from a heart-related illness.

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In early Term 3 we held the Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park, with Austin Tang as our 16’s Age Champion and Benjamin Boutkaska coming Runner-Up. A special mention also to Rhys Mitchell who was Runner-Up in the 15’s age division. These sports carnivals are always a great day out and a break from the routine of lessons, and it’s amazing to see the number of kids who get involved, whether they are participating competitively or just doing it for fun (and shout-out to those who do it while wearing a novelty costume!).

I would also like to acknowledge some individuals within the cohort for their extracurricular accomplishments. In late July, there were two world premiere performances of Andrew Dharma’s musical compositions, in Helsinki and Vienna. He won a President Choice Award in the JW Pepper Composition Competition, as well as the Golden Key International Piano Composition Competition. Andrew was also recently awarded a Licentiate Diploma in Music Theory by the Trinity College in London. What a truly outstanding achievement!

Arjun Tomar must also be congratulated on his selection as part of the Northern Sydney representative team in the Junior State Debating Championships. This is a squad of the very best Year 9 and 10 debaters in the region, who will go on to compete against nine other regional teams at a debating camp in early December. A reminder to parents to please share your son’s successes with the school so that we can celebrate them!

In Term 4, the Year 10 students get the privilege of participating in Work Experience, which gives them a valuable insight into the roles and responsibilities unique to certain vocations and immerses them in the day-to-day operations of a workplace. Students have secured placements in fields such as ophthalmology, orthodontistry, dentistry, law, marketing, finance and engineering, and I’d like to express my gratitude to our Careers Advisor Mr Miller and to the parents and members of the school community who made this possible. This is always a highlight of the junior school years and helps students to step outside of their comfort zone and get some real-world experience under their belts!

Finally, as the year comes to a close, it is important to recognise our wonderful SRC representatives for 2024, Ian Cho, Larry Shen, Aron Ji, Benjamin Boutkaska, Linus Wang, and Arjun Tomar. They were valuable spokespeople for the Year 10 cohort, and their leadership and commitment to the betterment of the school culture is greatly appreciated. There were so many more individuals who contributed to NSBHS committees this year, including SWAT, SJC, Visions, Environment, and Charities. While there are too many names to list here, I want to commend these students on their dedication and extend my praise to those who achieved executive positions within these committees in our recent Leadership Investiture Ceremony.

I hope that Year 10 has overall been an enjoyable year for this cohort. I’m sure they are feeling the pressure of senior school looming, so I’d like to remind them of the importance of the following: •

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Strive to maintain a work-life balance. Year 11 and 12 can put a significant strain on mental health for individuals whose life revolves entirely around schoolwork and tutoring. Studying is important, but you cannot do this effectively without also carving out some time in the day to eat, exercise, socialise and rest!

Keep on top of your coursework and start preparing for assessments early. Senior assessments are organised in blocks (rather than being spread out over the term like they are in the junior years), so you genuinely cannot afford to leave things until the last minute. Developing a homework and revision schedule for yourself will help to minimise stress!

Use the supports available to you. Work with your classmates in study groups and seek guidance from your Year Advisor and the Wellbeing team if you need it!

Get your teachers on your side! Their time and expertise is the most valuable resource you have available to you, so don’t alienate them by being disrespectful, lazy, or uncommunicative.

Be sensitive and empathetic to the feelings of others, especially at times when stress-levels are heightened. The success of your cohort is dependent upon the camaraderie and support you offer one another.

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YEAR 11

BY STEFANIA ROSS

Term 3 marked the final term of Year 11 for our students as they began to embark on their final year at North Sydney Boys in Term 4. This term, they have been deeply engaged in their studies while balancing an array of extracurricular activities, sports, charity events, and preparation to become the next leaders of our school.

A highlight this term was the Year 11 Walkathon, where students enjoyed a scenic route through Kirribilli to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. During the walk, discussions ranged from current events and politics to the upcoming ski camp’s excitement and anticipation. Some students even took the opportunity to practice their German. The day provided a valuable chance for students and teachers to connect outside the classroom and raise funds for a worthy cause.

Year 11 SRC members played a pivotal role in organising and facilitating the successful Crossroads event. They coordinated panels of NSB alumni who returned to share insights about their experiences beyond high school, offering valuable guidance to students as they make subject selections for Year 12.

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Year 11 students enjoyed the much-anticipated Ski Camp in the Snowy Mountains.

The students took full advantage of the ski and snowboarding lessons offered by the expert instructors at Blue Cow, showing remarkable improvement from their early challenges on the slopes. Beyond skiing, the camp was a great success with students enjoying karaoke, team games, trivia, and excellent food. Notably, Polar Xiong demonstrated his dedication to academics by participating in the Australian Mathematical Olympiad while at the camp. Students also forged new friendships with peers from Burwood Girls, enhancing the social aspect of the experience. This trip was a unique learning opportunity, allowing students to bond, relax, and reflect on their school journey.

Looking ahead in Term 4, our Year 11 students will transition into leadership roles within the school. The Prefects have been active in organising various initiatives, including the Senior Jackets, Senior Challenge against North Sydney Girls, Prefect vs Teachers Dodgeball, Prefect Afternoon Tea, and planned for the Study Skills Camp held in Week 2 of Term 4.

In Term 3, students also participated in an important presentation on HSC Stress Management. The session was engaging and informative, with many students reporting that they gained valuable insights. Additionally, the Year 12 mentoring program has been launched, running bi-termly until graduation. This voluntary program, led by both students and staff, offers Year 12 students an opportunity to connect with mentors in small group or one-on-one sessions. Topics discussed include goal setting, stress management, exam preparation, study skills, and well-being. Students can join the program at any time by reaching out to me.

All Year 12 students attended the Study Skills Camp, where they engaged in outdoor activities, participated in presentations from the wellbeing team on motivation and stress management, and benefited from faculty-led workshops on study skills. Alumni speakers also provided insights on pursuing careers in Medicine, Law, and Finance, among other fields. This camp was an excellent opportunity for students to form study groups and mentally prepare for the demands of the HSC. Finally, I am aware that many students are feeling anxious about the challenges ahead in Year 12. I encourage parents to engage in open discussions with their children about any concerns they may have and to help them create a balanced study schedule that includes time for social, sporting, and recreational activities.

This balance will be crucial for both their academic success and overall wellbeing over the next three terms.

Thank you to all parents and community members for your ongoing support. I wish you all a safe and joyful Christmas break.

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STUDY CAMP

BY MARCUS CHU - 2025 CAPTAIN The serene waters of Milson’s Island provided the idyllic backdrop for the 2025 Year 12 cohort’s final school camp. As the ferry glided across the Hawkesbury River, a sense of anticipation and nostalgia filled the air. This retreat, a poignant interlude before the rigours of the HSC, offered a unique opportunity for personal reflection, camaraderie, and intellectual stimulation—in essence, a way for the boys to “lock in.” The island’s ambience fostered a sense of peace and tranquillity.

During activity sessions, many of us went bushwalking, kayaking, and fishing (some of us were fortunate enough to catch a few fish), playing archery tag (our closest experience to ancient warfare), and testing our mental strength as we navigated the obstacle course. When the boys finished dinner and the sun dipped below the horizon, the campfires crackled and cast a warm glow over the gathering students. Together, we also shared the communal experience of roasting marshmallows, promising to finish a whole bag but ultimately unable to due to its incredibly sugary content.

Beyond the recreational pursuits, the camp provided a platform for academic enrichment. A series of insightful presentations delivered by esteemed faculty and distinguished alumni broadened our horizons and ignited our intellectual curiosity. Ms. Willma’s exploration of wellbeing underscored the importance of mental health and the inevitable storms we will encounter during this next year of achievement and tribulation, while Mr. Iverach’s inspection of the nature of learning inspired us to embrace lifelong curiosity and approach our learning in new ways. Mr. Dopierala’s motivational talk ignited our passion and determination, propelling us towards our academic and personal goals to conquer twice.

The Old Falconians, a group of accomplished alumni, shared their experiences and offered invaluable advice. Their insights into the challenges and rewards of higher education and their approaches to studies and professional life were both inspiring and practical. Mr. Lin’s mathematical brilliance and insight, coupled with Ms. Recny’s exploration of the English syllabus and strategies, enriched our understanding of these respective subjects.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the staff for organising our final camp, the alumni for their invaluable presence, and the parents for their support. Most importantly, I’m grateful to my wonderful cohort for the unforgettable memories we created together.

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YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ROUND TABLE

BY ETAN HUANG - 2025 VICE CAPTAIN The youth mental health roundtable with Right Honourable Felicity Wilson MP (Liberal Member for North Shore) was an invaluable experience, providing a unique setting for Marcus and I as your student leaders to tackle mental health issues within not only North Sydney Boys, but also more broadly, the North Shore educational community. Attending the North Shore Youth Mental Health Forum, Marcus and I had the opportunity to engage with peers who shared our passion for mental health advocacy, fostering a strong sense of connection with like-minded young leaders. This sense of community proved essential as we explored our shared challenges, ideas, and goals for mental health support in schools.

One of the highlights was the roundtable discussions, where we took a proactive approach to mental health. Marcus and I recognized the social stigma as a major obstacle to progress in mental health awareness here at NSB. Additionally, Mrs Ann Johnstone, principal of Ravenswood School for Girls, presented the concept of ‘positive education’, emphasising the importance of positivity and teamwork within the school environment - which coupled with the assistance from other schools present, we brainstormed solutions that we may be implementing in the near future.

We would like to thank Ms Wilson, Ms Willma, and those at BurnBright for giving us the invaluable opportunity to extend our knowledge about youth mental health, and thus in extension the opportunity to better our school community.

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YEAR 12

BY VINCY LAI

On Tuesday 24th September (Week 10, Term 3), the school farewelled the class of 2024. Year 12 students, parents and teachers also gathered at Norths Cammeray for a lovely graduation dinner. We reflected on our high school journey and celebrated successes.

As I am writing this Falcon Bulletin entry, students are currently completing their HSC exams. I would like to recognise the year group for their mature approach to their studies and also for looking after each other during this stressful time.

Special mention to Bowen Wu who has solved one of the most challenging questions in the Extension 2 Mathematics HSC exam and has kindly demonstrated his approach in solving question 16 of the paper via the Sydney Morning Herald.

The newspaper article is available at: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/more-than-3500students-faced-the-toughest-hsc-maths-question-bowensolved-it-20241021-p5kjwt.html

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I am sure the boys are looking forward to the next chapter of their lives at part-time jobs, university and beyond. I hope the students look back and cherish the important moments that have shaped their high school years. I also hope they continue to motivate those around them to be the best they can at whatever they set out to do, be resilient and empathetic. I’m excited to see where life takes you and hope you will keep in touch. It is important to stay connected with your passions whether in writing, art, science, or any field you choose. Pursue what makes you happy and fulfilled, and don’t be afraid to seek help or guidance along the way. Fly Falcon Fly! Thank you for the wonderful past 6 years filled with learning, laughter, and love. You have made my role as the Year Advisor a true joy, and I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Go forth with confidence and courage, and embrace the adventures that await you.

To the students, thank you for your energy and creativity. To the staff, thank you for your unwavering guidance to students in the class of 2024. To the parents, thank you for your ongoing support to the school.

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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

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