Rooty Hill High School Missing Link Term 3 2020

MISSING LINK

Term 3 2020

Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Achievement

A highlight of Term 3 was the recognition of the school’s Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative as an outstanding program. We want to thank coordinators Kate Kennerson and Kate Short; the Entrepreneurial Learning Professional Learning and Leadership team members; and our partners – Dr Michelle Anderson, The Origin Foundation and WSBC (Western Sydney Business Connection). Their collaborative work is the reason for this recognition.

Principal’s Message It is interesting at the end of this term to look back on a term that was very different for teachers, students and parents compared to the previous Term 3 experiences.

In one word (and for a lot of different reasons) the term could be described as “busy”.

Our school is always busy but there is no doubt the ongoing rules and reminders about the risks of “COVID-19” and “pandemic planning” dominated our work. In Term 3, most students returned to school; some students continued to work from home; we reorganised our work into two week (fortnightly) cycles based on our Week A and Week B timetables; we changed the start of the day to 8.40am so we could finish earlier; we moved assemblies online; we continued to have all lessons available either at school or for students working from home; and we kept as many events as we could as schools were allowed to do more.

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Perhaps the greatest impact on our events was the changes made to the Year 12 graduation which was live- That conversation was one of a number of case studies, streamed for the first time, allowing many more family podcasts and vodcasts in which students and staff members to see it. participated in Term 3.

Let me see if I can capture all the things we did and all the ways we tried to reconnect students with school.

Case Study: Senior Pathways Report Case Study – The Rooty Hill High School Learning Portfolio https://uploadstorage.blob.core.windows.net/pu blic-assets/education-au/pathways/Final%20report%20%2018%20June.pdf

The staff started the term with a deep professional learning day focused on program writing for each subject and understanding the complex elements of a strong secondary teaching and learning program that can With so many countries and Victoria in lockdown, our be delivered face to face or online. school was called upon to find new ways of presenting and connecting with partners in and out of the school; in I want to thank the staff for their outstanding and out of the state; in and out of the country. You will commitment to ensuring “every student does his or her see examples all through ML. best” by working together to create the best programs possible.

Senior Leaders In Term 3 we elected our new senior leadership team for At the end of Term 2 we postponed the principal 2021 and farewelled the outgoing team. academic achievement assemblies and the parent/teacher conversations. We held the assemblies for each year I would like to thank the Year 12 team for their group in Week 1B and we celebrated academic progress leadership in a year where many of the traditional and achievement with students. leadership activities did not happen. By leading other events and being much more closely connected to We then ran our Parent-Teacher- Student conferences students in each year group online, they were still able to using “Zoom” and, as a result parents were able to speak demonstrate their leadership. with teachers from their own homes –on a very cold Thanks to: August night. Thank you to parents who participated. · School Captains Evan Ademovic and Sussana We appreciated the advice and feedback you gave us.

Zaman; · Principal’s Representatives Zane Catlett and Thank you to teachers and administrative staff who Raizza Miclat; organised the technology and the meeting times. · Sports Captain Chad Zahra; · SRC Chairs Jaspreet Kaur and Jade We ended Week 1B with Winterfest and had fun on a Ratanasirilak; warm day pretending we were dressed for the cold. · Senior leaders Claire Paler and Emily Rough (Year 6 2021), Ali Almoail and Aleeya Balfa Winterfest was organised by Ms Dowling and the Year (Year 7), Kanyapat Meekoh and Thomas Morris 12 senior student leaders; and was a great way to (Year 8), Tarsha Daly and Rumman Memon celebrate being together and being able to recognise the (Year 9), Aidan Goundar and Rachel Viemero importance of celebrating our culture and values. Please (Year 10) and Atsupui Delphine Koudakpo see the report later in Missing Link.

(Diversity).

Case Studies The Year 11 students who were successful in joining the I was very excited when Mark Scott, the Secretary of senior leadership team for 2021 completed an Education in NSW asked to interview me with Tarsha application, undertook leadership training, were Daly, Rumman Memon and Chad Zahra for a video to be interviewed by Ms Mattimore, Ms Gatt and Ms Land used with all schools. Rooty Hill was featured as a case and gave their speeches (in another first) to students in study of ‘What Works Best’ (published by the NSW Years 10 and 11 via “Teams” online.

Department of Education).

I would like to thank Ms Dowling for her coordination We talked about assessment; student self-assessment and of the program and thank all staff who helped with the #MyLearningHub. The 3 students spoke very well about technology – including the voting technology – we used their school and what we are doing. this year. https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publicationsfilter/assessment-with-rooty-hill-high-school-whatI would like to congratulate: works-best-podcast 2

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School Captains Jay Lopez and Genoveva Constantina Stuparu; Principal’s Representatives Haris Abawi, Lorrye Genobili and Paris Paraan; Sports Captains Shannon Saipaia and Rhys Walker; SRC Chairs Phoebe Birrett and Joanna Madera; Senior leaders Taikura Andrew, Candice Cowgill, Rosie Gale, Ramish Haidary, Cassandra King, Kaiara Laidlaw, Aksel McCormack, Timuray Mentesh, Arya Noorilizadeh Asl, Tahlia Rademaker, Kandace Singleton, Aaron Vicente.

Please see the photos later in ML. Once the elections were completed we were able to complete the Induction for our Year 7 Ambassadors, Student Representative Council members and 2021 senior leaders.

We were thrilled to have guest Speaker Catherine Matthews join us via Zoom. Catherine is a board director for Netball NSW; was previously a member of the Giants board; and leads a major unit at Woolworths connecting businesses with local retailers. She has a significant background in diversity programs and a Masters degree from Melbourne University. She is 30 years old (much closer to the age of our students than some previous speakers) and she had some very powerful advice for the students about taking up opportunity and being prepared to change direction to be an effective leader. She reminded them that the legacy they leave will be based on the things they do as leaders.

Please see later in ML. Boarding House I would also like to mention that, in July the school appeared before Blacktown City Council’s planning appeal committee. The new boarding house on the corner of Perkins Street and North Parade was approved with more parking and less residents than the original plans. Building was due to commence but has been delayed by COVID and should commence towards the end of this year.

Access and Refurbishment Unfortunately, one of the biggest changes for us in Term 3 was the government’s decision to limit parent access to the school. I would like to thank all parents for their cooperation.

As a result of the guidelines, the school now has access during school hours only to foot traffic through an electronic gate. We also have had significant refurbishment of staff offices, including the Front Office and Student Services to meet physical distancing requirements.

So, how did we work together to keep our school’s values and culture strong?

We became creative and particular student highlights include: ·

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Year 7 and 8 students participated in dance sport during Term 3….it was wonderful to see students (and lots of teachers) dancing though all the old and new favourites for an hour. From Gangnam style, to Nutbush, to YMCA, students had lots of fun and used lots of energy to balance the high level of academic work they were doing in other classes.

Year 9 continued to progress well towards Semester 2 outcomes. They have had high levels of engagement in online learning and their year Meets as well as participating in a variety of cocurricular activities.

Year 10 students found the transition to and from lock down harder than most years. In their first year of the senior school they have the pressure of ROSA grades, attempting the HSC minimum standards tests and selecting subjects for study in Year 11. Many of the students who would normally seek apprenticeships or traineeships at the end of Year 10 will still have opportunities and I want to thank the Careers team for their intensive support to those students.

Year 11 students have perhaps, faced the greatest challenges because, unlike Year 12 students, many of them received little extra notice in government guidelines although they were valued by the school. I want to congratulate Year 11 students for their efforts in class and in the Preliminary examinations in Term 3. They also completed their Cross Roads program – no camp this year; it was all done at school. I want to thank their year advisers and say a special thanks to Ms Land who will be taking 12 months maternity leave in Term 4. Ms Gatt and Ms Corpuz will now be working with Year 12 2021 from the start of Term 4.

Year 12 students had a very busy Term 3 – they completed major works under changed conditions due to COVID. They completed performances; they completed required assessment tasks; and they continued to participate in classes using both online and face to face learning. By the end of Term 3 all students in Year 12 had met schoolbased HSC requirements. I would like to call out the four students who completed Extension 2 English for the quality of their projects and also the Year 12 Music class (21 students) for their performances. The HSC markers asked me to congratulate them and their teacher, Mr Diaz for the high quality of those performances.

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Year 12 Graduation The final event of Term 3 was, of course the Year 12 graduation which we were still able to hold on Friday 25 September using a very different approach. The students were in the school with their teachers; the families watched online via live streaming. With physical distancing the maximum number allowed in our hall during 2020 is 300 and it is possible we will never go back to the times when 800 people watched the graduation in the hall.

What we do know is that 250 devices accessed the live stream and that the confidence, collective support and capacity of Year 12 students was to be commended.

Farewell to Ms Selva.

It was a very poignant ceremony with the Music class performing together backed by photos of every family of New Senior Leaders every student.

As I have so often said, we have learned so much this year about remaining connected with our community and our families; and we have watched as our students have walked and worked though this journey together.

I am extremely proud of our students and grateful to our community and parents who have continued to support the school during this term.

Challenges We have had some challenges and, in particular we have had some students and parents who, under the pressures they have faced outside the school, have not been able to keep their frustrations under control. This is a very rare event at RHHS and, while we do our best to provide support to every student and family through a personalised learning approach, I do need to remind families that we expect everyone to uphold the school values #PERSIST in their dealings with us. I have included the NSW Department of Education School The 2019-20 senior leaders have officially retired their Community Charter in this ML for reference. (page 5) positions and have handed them to the newly inducted 2020-21 senior leader team. As former senior leaders, Thanks and farewell we have a little advice we hope will be helpful for the Having written such a long message, I would like to conclude by wishing our Top 10 Global Teacher Prize new leaders in the coming year. Firstly, hold a high level recipient, Yasodai Selvakumaran (Ms Selva) all the very of responsibility for your words and actions. You are best. Ms Selva will be leaving the school on 30 October role models and represent the school so remember to to travel to Canada, where she and her husband will start walk the talk.. Secondly, lend an ear. You are the support system for those who are in need. Therefore, a new chapter of their lives. From her work as a classroom teacher; her connection with the Aboriginal work hard to help your peers in any way you can. And students and their families; her leadership and mentoring finally, time management! Being a senior leader is another role that you have shown you are capable of of younger teachers and, of course her influence in fulfilling. There will be many situations where you may global education networks she has had a significant impact on students and educational policy. We wish her have to sacrifice classwork for attending and organising events. Hence, you must organise your time well and every success. inquire with teachers about missed lessons or those you Again, my thanks to all and we look forward to a very are unsure about. Once again, a final congratulations.

Build your legacy and be exemplary role models! busy, productive and, above all, fun Term 4.

- School Captains, Sussana and Evan.

Christine Cawsey AM Principal 4

School Community Charter Collaborative. Respectful. Communication.

The following School Community Charter outlines the responsibilities of parents, carers, educators and school staff in NSW public schools to ensure our learning environments are collaborative, supportive and cohesive.

What our schools provide

Positive environments

NSW public schools work to create positive environments for students, staff and the entire school community that support student learning. We strive to ensure that every student is known, valued and cared for.

It is important that our NSW public schools are positive environments and that parents and carers are kept informed of students’ progress and school announcements.

The best education happens when parents and schools work together.

The School Community Charter aligns with the NSW Department of Education Strategic Plan 2018 – 2022.

Parents and carers can expect: • To be welcomed into our schools to work in partnership to promote student learning.

• Communication from school staff will be timely, polite and informative.

• Professional relationships with school staff are based on transparency, honesty and mutual respect.

• To be treated fairly. Tolerance and understanding are promoted as we respect diversity.

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respect

We prioritise the wellbeing of all students and staff Unsafe behaviour

is not acceptable in our schools

We work together with the school

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We treat each other with

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Ensuring respectful learning environments for all members of NSW Public Schools communities.

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We create collaborative learning environments

We all play our part

We work in partnership to promote student learning

Communicating with our schools Our staff will find a time to talk to you when they can give you their full attention.

Please remember that while our staff are in class or dealing with other matters, they may not be available to answer your questions immediately.

Our schools and communities will make sure that written communication is appropriate, fair and easy to read. We encourage you to use email and social media appropriately to connect with your school and stay up-to-date with up-coming events in the school community.

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Our guide for parents, carers and students provides useful information about the complaints process: education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/rights-and-accountability/complaints-complimentsand-suggestions/guide-for-parents-carers-and-students RE

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Respectful communication is a right

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In all workplaces people have the right to feel respected. Unacceptable and offensive behaviour has no place in our school communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of students, staff and the community in our schools, steps will be taken to address unacceptable behaviour. This may include restricting contact with the school community or, in more serious cases, referral to NSW Police.

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Unacceptable behaviour may include but is not limited to:

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• Aggressive or intimidating actions, such as violence, threatening gestures or physical proximity.

• Aggressive or intimidating language, including the use of obscenities, making sexist, racist or derogatory comments or using a rude tone.

• Treating members of the school community differently due to aspects such as their religion or disability.

• Inappropriate and time wasting communication.

Collaborative.

Respectful.

Communication.

School Community Charter education.nsw.gov.au

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Year 7

Year 8

Like much of 2020, Term 3 for Year 8 students has been an unusual time. However, all students should be commended on their maturity in the way they have approached the COVID-19 situation. Term 3 began on a really positive note with the Year 8 Principals Report Assembly. This allowed students to be recognised for their achievements in Term 3 and to set some goals for the upcoming term. Year grade sport was able to continue in Term 3, with students returning to sports they chose to build skills and teamwork. In Week 6, all of Year 8 participated in a 'boys and girls' talk focusing In Term 3, 2020, Year 7 were able to return to full time on values and attitudes towards themselves and each face to face learning and ultimately get back into a other. Also in Week 8, students participated in the routine and settle into their high school lives. Year 7 'Never Rest' challenge charity event where the donated were able to again participate in COVID safe sport, push ups towards raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. small year group activities and get back to enjoying their This was a highlight as all students gave this their best Wednesday grade sport. In Week 8, Year 7 participated effort even if they weren't great at the push ups. Finally, in assemblies run by the welfare team which were to finish off the term, students participated in the Deputy catered to the boys and girls of the year group separately.

Principal's Assembly where they were recognised with This was a great opportunity to do some year group Significant Achievement awards and PERSIST awards. bonding and focus on our strengths and what makes us All Year 8 students should be congratulated on their unique. We ended the term with a recognition assembly, efforts in Term 3 and we look forward to seeing and where students were able to celebrate each other’s working with them in Term 4. achievements for the term with merit awards, significant achievement awards and PERSIST awards. I look forward to an exciting Term 4 with Year 7 returning to more normality and finishing their first year of high school on a positive note.

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Year 9

Year 10

Term 3 has continued to show that Year 9 are a group of impressive young people who consistently strive to be successful learners, confident and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens. While extra-curricular opportunities have been limited, we have observed key year groups strengths such as tenacity, resilience and teamwork exhibited on a daily basis. I want to personally commend Year 9 on their ability to advocate for one another, their ability to maintain positive interactions and connections with their peers, and for holding themselves accountable to their own personal high expectations.

As we move into the last term of 2020, I want to challenge Year 9 to reflect on their achievements so far this year. I ask that you take time to recognise the successes you have had in this unconventional year of learning, to celebrate your achievements, and continue to establish goals as we head towards the end of Term 4. In Term 4, you have many engaging and growth focused opportunities waiting for you, including; Motivate Me workshops, Personalised Learning Student Conference Week, and the Year 9 Activity day. I urge all of you, to make the most of this term, take calculated risks with your learning, and think about what you want from yourself, as you begin to transition into the Senior School.

Again, well done, Year 9, on your committed and mature approach to your learning in Term 3.

Mr Jackson - Year 9 Adviser 8

Reflecting on Term 3, it was a journey filled with many firsts, triumphs and challenges. As we learn to navigate our way in a changed world, Year 10 have added skills to their tool kits and developed new ways of working in the Senior School.

During NAIDOC week they relished the opportunity to create a photo-collage to symbolically represent their identity. These were used to create a whole school mural. Several showcased their musical and creative talents during Winterfest and the Debate Team were highly successful, taking win after win against some very fierce competition.

Several students completed the SALSA Peer Leadership workshop and look forward to putting their hard work into action teaching Year 8 classes in term 4.

Year 10 attended the B Street Smart incursion, delivered virtually, and observed a series of performances outlining what happens at a serious traffic incident. I was incredibly proud of their maturity throughout and commend them on their patience and engagement with the often-confronting material.

As always, I admire the way in which Year 10 have faced the challenges and done their best to when presented with new opportunities this term. I look forward to what awaits us in Term 4.

Elise Edney, Year 10 Adviser.

Year 11

As Year 11 draws to a close, we can certainly be appreciative of the many events Rooty Hill High had on offer to stimulate our mind and get us excited in Term 3.

Year 11 students were given the opportunity to step up for the 2021 Leadership team and reflect on the participation and success that has encompassed them in their years at RHHS. Selected leaders can expect a 2021 journey that will drive their leadership skills to new levels. Congratulations to you all and thankyou in advance for the RHHS events you have and will support and promote as you continue to progress in this new role.

Another exciting event that was highly anticipated by the majority of year 11 students, was the arrival of their senior jackets. They look super snazzy and it's great to see students wearing them with delight.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ms Alyce Land for her commitment and dedication to supporting this cohort as year advisor. We thank her for her guidance, compassion, encouragement, time and kindness. We wish her all the best as she is soon to welcome her second bubs into the world. We look forward to seeing her in term 4, 2021. We welcome Ms 9

Bernadette Corpuz to accompany Ms Tracy Gatt in the role of Year Advisor from Term 4, 2020.

Ms Tracy Gatt Year 11 Advisor Senior Jackets

I had the exciting opportunity to be a part of the “In Conversation with Mark Scott� interview on Demand. It was really fulfilling that I was able to be a part of a panel with students, voicing our opinions and representing other students, sharing our views and experiences of home schooling during the pandemic lockdown. It was really interesting to see how education has changed from when Mr Scott was in school compared to now.

Something we are fortunate about during the lockdowns, was that we had the convenience of technology to stay in touch with teachers, students and continue with our classes through a screen. The interview was also a really good insight into the experiences of other students from the different schools and being able to voice our opinions to the public.

Written by Genoveva-Constantina Stuparu Congratulations Kandace

Senior Jackets have arrived! Year 11 had no idea what was about to be brought upon them. More anticipated and hyped than the drop of the PS5, the senior jackets had finally arrived! A year meeting was called, behind the teachers and year advisers large boxes were sighted.

Could it be? The fresh Senior Jackets, yes! They had arrived, travelling hundreds of miles to get to our legendary high school. Felt like the fulfilment you gain when you open that large box you are gifted on your birthday. The amount of joy generated as we got to show off our clever name choices was greater than anything imaginable.

Written by Arya Nooralizadeh Asl In Conversation with Mark Scott

A huge congratulations goes out to Year 11 student Kandace Singleton who has been recognised by a number of local platforms for her long term and ongoing success in sport. In the past year, Kandace was awarded Giants recruit of the week and was also the recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports Foundation Junior Sports Star Award. Well done Kandace!

Senior Leadership Excellence Program

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Following this year's outstanding Senior Leaders, two dozen year eleven students signed up and took part in a 2021 Senior Leadership Excellence Program (SLEP) and training day. This process involved group activities, individual reflections, an interview and a speech. This process has awarded our school its next School Captains, Principal Representatives, SRC Chairs, Sport Captains (including a brand-new role of E-Sports Captain), Diversity Leader and Year Group Leaders. A big congratulations to all 2021 Senior Leaders!

Written by Phoebe Birett

Focus on Ability During my time spent at Rooty Hill High, I have been asked to participate in multiple films including Explorer’s day and Recognition Week. In 2020, my drama class was given the opportunity to act in a Focus on Ability film all about one of my closest friends NAIDOC Week Thomas Tufunga. The majority of the class was happy to participate, and over the course of a few weeks, we shot dozens of scenes within the school. The film highlights the struggles Thomas may face with having Autism as a high school student. It can impact on how he interacts with others as well as his studies. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to help tell Thomas’s story through this documentary film ‘Our Mountain’ and I am glad to be his friend! I wish him every success as he pursues a career in landscaping after graduating.

Written by Aksel McCormack.

To see the film, follow the link https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/1991.htm This term, Year 11 students contributed their creative skillset to developing a collaborative pictorial mural that l incorporated student portraits embellished with symbolic ABCN Focus Program signs and symbols. Students embraced the activity by exploring their identity in correlation with the students' connection with traditional country. The NAIDOC Week Project was valuable in encouraging communication between peers as they discovered more about each other.

At the end of Term 3, a group of female Year 11 students were invited to participate in the ABCN Focus program which aims to empower young women and encourage leadership. The program, which spanned over 3 days, was filled with activities and discussions with mentors over zoom conferences. It aimed to encourage girls to find and use their strengths, to properly designate and schedule time within their lives to determine the goals that they want to achieve both during and after 11

high school. A special thanks to the program facilitators for giving us greater insight into how we can shape our future.

Written by Lorrye Genobili Year 11 Geography Excursion

Winterfest Year 11 students enjoyed the festivities at Winterfest, which was organised by the SRC and Senior Leadership team as a fundraiser for the student trust, as well as a great opportunity to raise school spirit and have fun after many events were cancelled in Term 2 due to COVID.

During this unpredictable time, the Year 11 Geography class was lucky enough to venture on a field trip to the Minnamurra Rainforest and the Kiama Blowholes, to conduct fieldwork for our topic on the biophysical world. We were able to observe how the biophysical components interact with each other by completing a booklet which allowed us to identify the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere in the Minnamurra Rainforest and at the Kiama Blowholes. This field trip has enabled us to achieve a deeper understanding about the biophysical world, as we were lucky enough to see the interactions with our own eyes.

Written by Bonnie Hall Trade Readiness Program

Year 11 students participating in the Trade Readiness Program.

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Year 12

many students were ready to tackle the field and compete against teachers, other students cheered on their fellow peers and celebrated for every score. With the combination of emotional support, excellent sport skills and expertise as well as the strong desire to win, the students successfully beat teachers and took first place for volleyball and basketball. Scoring more wins than past Year 12s resulted in this year’s teacher vs student competition becoming a historical moment and great achievement.

Finalising Major Works Throughout 2020 year twelve students were assigned to complete a major work as a part of their HSC studies.

Visual Arts, Industrial Technology Timber, Design & Technology, Extension 2 English and Society & Culture students successfully completed their projects through the course of 4 terms and submitted in term 3 2020. The major works act as a in depth study of a field of interest within the subject course, many students conduct hours of research to effectively guide the conceptualisation of Winterfest the final accumulation of work.

Last Assessment Tasks Year 12 used their last surge of energy to finalize their last assessment tasks and prepare to study for the upcoming HSC exams during October and November.

Although there were several challenges such as finding balance between social, work and school life, completing assignments to the best of their ability and managing time effectively, Year 12 successfully completed their final assessment tasks. Congratulations to every Year 12!

Teacher vs Student

The Teacher vs Student sport competitions provided the opportunity for both students and teachers to unleash their competitiveness and aim for first place. Whilst

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Uni / Early offers Despite the university open days being cancelled incampus, Year 12 were still able to discover tertiary paths through online open days. These events involved live presentations and talks as well as Q&A sessions to ease our transitions beyond high school. Universities have also generously offered our year group more opportunities through early offers based on merits from Year 11 and 12. Congratulations to all the students who have received their early offers!

Year 12 BBQ

Winterfest: Let it snow! - coordinated by the 2020 senior leaders was held as a tribute to the events unable to be held this year due to COVID19, and as a celebration to the winter season. There were multiple stalls and festivities available throughout the school such as the winter themed photobooth, cakes and milkshakes, karaoke and snowflake crafting that staff and students alike had the pleasure of experiencing. Everyone participating wore their best winter coats and winter themed costumes to get into the spirit of Winterfest!

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specially catered COVID safe event. Students had the opportunity to sign each other’s shirts, take photos and videos with staff and students, enjoy the BBQ hot dogs and more notably, connect with their fellow peers and several RHHS staff members for one of the last times.

The Year 12 BBQ became one of the most memorable events and an unforgettable moment for class of 2020.

Graduation

We are the first year group to graduate under such exceptionally different circumstances. Year 12 Graduation in 2020, although was very unique, students had an amazing time. With parents attending via Youtube, and teachers cheering us on in the hall, graduation was a big success. The ceremony with speeches from our Principal, Deputy Principal, Year Advisers, School Captains and Principals Representatives helped us reminisce on the amazing journey we have had as a cohort, from our time starting together in 2015. We also were able to watch a magnificent and very emotional musical performance by the 2020 Music class that will be remembered forever, that honoured not only our time here, but those who supported us and helped us along the way including our peers, school community, parents and family, teachers and our Year Adviser Miss Douglas. For the first time, To continue our week-long celebration during our final the graduation was filmed by a professional term, Year 12 celebrated by having a barbecue event in videographer, allowing the graduates to forever be able the senior quad. Students shouted our hardworking to look back at the ceremony. We would like to thank teachers a sausage sizzle and an icy can of soft drink at a every staff member who worked tirelessly to make our 15

graduation a day we will never forget and will always be looked upon fondly by all of us. A big congratulations to Year 12 making it through a challenging year and ending it off with one last hurrah with their very special graduation day. In the words of Miss Douglas, we know we have ‘made ourselves proud’.

Year Adviser Message: Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! You did it, and not only were you able to finish your last term of your last year with grace, and poise, you also did it in style and went out with a bang! You have competed in teachers vs students, submitted your final works and completed your last assessment tasks …. EVER. You did all of this whilst making sure you are engaged, respectful, thoughtful and enthusiastic members of the school community that you will always be a part of.

One of the key characteristics of this year group, is that you are ambitious, motivated and resilient and these characteristics have been evident this term. You have put your head down and got the work done, but you have also supported each other, sought feedback on your tasks, studied tirelessly and also had fun and celebrated with each other the successes you have all shared. You have lived up to our year group motto and expectations throughout this term but also throughout your high school journey. As I always say, you have made me extremely proud to be the Year Adviser of this exceptional group of young people, I ask that you that you, more importantly, continue to make yourself proud and make it count, no matter what path in life you now choose to travel.

Ms Melanie Douglas, Year 12 Adviser

A final word In Term 3 the Governor of NSW wrote to all Year 12 students. Please see her letter on the next page.

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Sport Hoops for Hope This year saw over 240 participants from Year 7 through to 10 compete in the 2020 edition of Hoops 4 Hope. The 3v3 basketball competition run on the school basketball courts was another successful event this year, with special congratulations to the winning teams from the Division 1 and Division 2 competitions, along with the Year 9 leadership students who were responsible for the organisation, set up and the running of the event on the day. We look forward to the 2021 edition in Term 3 next year.

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SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS TERM 3 2020 Year 7 Henrietta Ah Lam Cidra Akl Hidayah Amjad Sabaa Boram Victoria Brockway Leah Brooke Kayla Bustamante Cuadrado Avantika Chand Jayden Chua Tori Croft Avnith Datt Gabriel Dizon Paige Doble-Austin Naira Fazlani Alyssa Flanagan-Rogers Caitlin Flood Rebecca Gao Harlem Grant-Cairns Reniel Guzman Tavania Hanslow Jahkaya Horo-Kiriwera Bianca-Rose HunukiBiasutti Zaida Hussein Elisha Ieremia Sidra Jafari Cyrus Knott Tyarn Lees Mitchell Lind Layla Macatangay Georgia McAndrew Mia Melgar Ayesha Memon Celena Merched Mason Morris Priya Muduliar Ciara Nadan Heela Oriakhell Wynter Paluch Isabella Perkins Madeline Phillips Levi Pont Ali Qaddoura Zahra Rajayee Dhwani Ramwani Elianna Raquedan Kishley Rivera Divine Sang-Yum Natasha Schofield Mia Senanayake Reeha Shrinivasan Danica Tahana Tepaeruariki Teariki Anna-Lei Teiho-Meteka Nafetalai Tuipulotu Phoenix Ussher-Jackson Mason Villanueva Angelique Vinensig Brionne Vulimaibau Sasha Welfare Emily Xian

Year 8 Mustafa Al Khazaaly Liza Anwar Chloe Ayre Dan Nicolas Bonifacio Nandika Charan Rembert Chavez Charlize Dela Torre John Derramas Erin Gamsby Cameron Gatt Zena Jalil Ryan Manansala Henna Mansory Trish Ortiz Brent Pelayo Ryzell Soria Marian Unay Michael Williams Year 9 Noor Al Kanem Naba Alhameed Zahra Almoaeil Adam Almoail Fatima Baaruud Jennifer Buckley Paige Cassar Nicole Chua Leilani Cross-Taateo Elyzza Dalusong Anjelica Delos Reyes Reign Dimayuga Dararitu Duriso Dansia Gomes Dean Gower Corey Hargreaves Veronica Ieremia Ariana Iosefo Mahek Janif Elijah Jennings Priyansah Krishna Lillian Lolomanaia Makaila Marquez Brock McDonald Jode Mekuri Kathleen Moxham Owen Munday Reynauld Narayan Rene Sarraj Jordan Schofield Bethany Too Angelina Zamora Year 10 Stefan Adamovic Malaika Ali Isabella Arnold Breearna Ayers Jamee Balzan Aiden Bartholemew Danielle Becci-Vatavuk Danielle Byron Jezelle Camacho Kaiceryn Cantre Koralee Catlett

Nivad Charan Abigail Dave Aron Diwa Anam Diwan Andrew Doan Keira Evans Tasha Fuentes Aryan Gounder Zoe Gower Mitchell Grosvenor Nathaniel Guzman Anchita Hansoongnern Marzia Hashimi Ocearna Haumono Hong Hy Khov Jason Lansdowne Skye Lepua Nicole Li Tamana Mansory Alyse McCutcheon Jessica McGrath Pheobi-Paris McMaster Mikhaela Mendoza Samantha Mendoza Amanda Ngo Nicholas Pakas Crystal Patrimonio Chloe Paz Vinuji Polwaththa Gallage Taira Pule Kalaya Ryan Sheridan Rylewski Nael Salacsacan Celestine Salimbangon Keighla Santiago Bilal Shah Shane Singh Nicayla Storozuk Daphne Sunga Connor Syrls Madison Tindall Gracie Williams Tayla Woodward Joel Zahra Year 11 Nadine Bauty Phoebe Birett Jovana Borovicanin Julia Buckley Nivad Charan Kristy Chetty Candice Cowgill Hailey Ellick Andre Fesseha Kiarne Fitzgerald Breeanna Foster Aidan Fox Rosie Gale Lorrye Genobili Shara-Lee Green Achita Hansoongnern Mia Iaulualo Cassandra King Zoe Krabbe

Ten Hang Lee Joanna Madera Aksel McCormack Zoe Millan Jessica Miller Arya Nooralizadeh Asl Paris Paraan Kandace Singleton Genoveva-Constantina Stuparu Jason Suarez Katie Toogood Thomas Tunfunga Aeron Vicente Year 12 Danah Al-Jorani Ali Almoail Sara Anwar Aleeya Balfas Angela Bermudez Justin Canda Zane Catlett Isabella Croft Tarsha Daly Aryan Datt Bianca Fuller Alison Gamsby Aidan Goundar Maryrose Guerra Courtney Hagan Samokia Haumono Jaspreet Kaur Atsupui Delphine Koudakpo Rumman Memon Remiel Merlan Raizza Miclat Marvin Muller Hanna Ngo Patricia Pagalanan Claire Paler Piyatida Jade Ratanasirilak Jade Ridley-King Emily Rough Ryan Stagljar Vince Tumbaga Rachel Viemero Chad Zahra Sussana Zaman Mike Zamora

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Rooty Hill High School Learning, Leadership & Achievement North Parade, Rooty Hill NSW 2766 P.O. Box 70, Rooty Hill NSW 2766 Phone: 02 9625 8104 Fax: 02 9625 4208 20