MISSING LINK Term 1 2019
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT What a wonderful start to the year we have had...really busy as usual and filled with settling in for new students; setting the tone for Year 12; setting the scene for the year at the Excellence Assembly; and setting the pace. We welcomed 10 new teachers to the school - all of whom were excited to join such a great staff team. I hope all students and families will make them very welcome here. At the start of the year we recognise outstanding achievements from 2018 at the Excellence Assembly and the report on those achievements will be published with the 2018 annual report in Term 2. We then went on to have a wonderful day at the Swimming Carnival; a very successful series of events for each year group; fun with our academic work; and many opportunities to perform, debate, compete, learn, challenge and aim for a personal best. Among the achievers was Evan Ademovic who was chosen as 2019 Blacktown Youth Ambassador. These stories appear in the rest of ML this term and they were celebrated at the DP assemblies in the last week of the term. I would like to mention three highlights of the term: 1. Ms Yasodai Selvakumaran was recognised as one of the top ten teachers for 2019 in the Global Teacher Prize, a $1million prize that recognises amazing teachers from across the world. There is an article about her success later in this edition. 2. Our Harmony and Diversity Day was made even more special when our students and staff stood together with family, cousins and friends in New Zealand after the tragedy in Christchurch. The sense of care, compassion and belonging in the school was matched by the courage of students and staff who dressed in costume to recognise the fact that our students and families come from everywhere. We now have a world map in the foyer and we are adding our "origins" to it. If you visit the school, please add to it. 3. Our strategic partnering with Origin Foundation, ACARA and other organisations resulted in the publication of a number of videos and case studies about the school. We were recognised for innovation, achievement and for the ways our students are living their lives and representing our school. In Term 2 I hope to speak more about this in the principal report assemblies. If you would like to view the case studies please follow the links in the table below. 1
We have had a great start to the year and we are looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in 2019. Have a safe and happy holiday. Christine
Cawsey AM
12 April 2019
Case Studies featuring our school in 2018 – 2019.
Title Creating a culture of excellence: Rooty Hill High School Building critical skills at Rooty Hill High School Growth to Achievement: ondemand resources for teachers
Why PISA is moving toward creativity Two Australians in Global Teacher Prize top 50 Thinking skills in an AI world: preparing students to shape their future ACARA Illustration of Professional Practice: Careers Education ACARA Illustration of Professional Practice: Creative and Critical Thinking ACARA Illustration of Professional Practice: My Learning Hub ACARA Illustration of Professional Practice: Young Entrepreneur Program Showcase: Virtual reality immersion experiences Nurturing the entrepreneurial skills of students
Researched and published by: Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation - NSW Department of Education
Link https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au//images/stories/PDF /Creating_Culture_Excellence_Rooty_Hill_AA.pdf
Australian Learning Lecture
http://www.all-learning.org.au/programs/buildingcritical-skills-rooty-hill-high-school
Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools
https://docs.education.gov.au/system/files/doc/ot her/growth_to_achievement_ondemand_resources_for_teachers_.pdf
Australian Government Department of Education and Training Professor Bill Lucas Winchester University UK Teacher Magazine, ACER
http://musictrust.com.au/loudmouth/why-pisa-ismoving-toward-creativity/ https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/tw o-australians-in-global-teacher-prize-top-50
Thinking skills in an AI world: preparing students to shape their future - NSW Department of Education and the UNSW Sydney Grand Challenges Program ACARA
https://education.nsw.gov.au/ourpriorities/innovate-for-the-future/education-for-achangingworld/events?fbclid=IwAR1RIo6dUmHsO1gxwCPyf ddiafroW8WGcUMxA34sEOiM5SsXWY-3vOZmfEM To be published in 2019
ACARA
To be published in 2019
ACARA
To be published in 2019
ACARA
To be published in 2019
NSW Department of Education
https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-andlearning/curriculum/learning-for-thefuture/virtual-reality-immersionexperiences/secondary/rooty-hill-high-school https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/li fematters/nurturing-the-entrepreneurial-skills-ofstudents/9909966
The Mitchell Institute at Victoria University , ABC Radio
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REPRESENTING OUR COMMUNITY
Peer Mentoring Students also participated in a highly successful Peer Blacktown Youth Ambassador Mentoring program run and facilitated by Year 9 Congratulations to Year 11 student Evan Ademovic was students. The program is designed to help Year 7 successful in being selected as one of two 2019-2020 transition from primary school to high school smoothly Blacktown Youth Ambassadors. Evan delivered an and confidently. outstanding speech centered around strategies to engage youth in Blacktown City through local services at Council Chambers on the 12th of April. This was the final part of the selection process to be one of two Blacktown Youth Ambassadors, and he was commended on the positivity, pride, and enthusiasm he showed for the empowerment of himself and his peers in his local area. He will be representing Blacktown Council's Youth at local events, including citizenship ceremonies, festivals and community gatherings. As well as representing Blacktown Councils Youth within the local area, Evan will be travelling to one of Blacktown’s sister cities, Daegu City in the Republic of Korea. We wish every success during his term as a Blacktown Youth Ambassador. Swim Carnival As always, Rooty Hill High School's swimming carnival was a fantastic day and it was awesome to see so many Year 7 students participating in the events on the day.
YEAR 7
Year 7 Camp The Year 7 camp finished the term on a positive note Year Adviser Message with students travelling to the Great Aussie Bush Camp Starting high school is a new and exciting part of in Tea Gardens. Students were challenged in activities growing up. This year’s Year 7 cohort have started at Rooty Hill High School with enthusiasm and excellence that put them outside of their comfort zone while embracing their new environment and participating in all building new friendships. And yes, there were tents! aspects of the school community. In Week 3 of the term, students had the privilege of being in the audience for the schools Excellence Assembly, allowing them to witness all areas of the school they can excel in and begin their journey to join our culture. I look forward to seeing what is in store for Year 7 moving forward into Term 2. Mr Ross Year 7 Adviser 3
YEAR 8 Year Adviser Message It has been another busy term for Year 8 to start 2019. This term, students have been familiarising themselves with the variety of classes they have, and new peers in each subject they attend. Year 8 have also been introduced to fortnightly school sport, where they undertake specialised coaching sessions aimed at developing confidence, skill and understanding across a range of sporting contexts. As usual, Year 8 has demonstrated enthusiasm in everything they have been Science involved in, and this is reflected in their outstanding In Science we are learning about the body and how achievements as a cohort. different parts of our anatomy work. We have also investigated the benefits of being hydrated, and we are Well done to all on another fantastic and successful sure this will inspire many Year 8 students to bring term! water bottles to class. Mr Jackson Year 8 Adviser Articles written by Belinda Tahana & Madison Butler (Year 8) In the classroom English This year in English we have been learning about friendship, courage, racism and justice in a book we read called Holes. The book has been a great read, and many of us are now wanting to see the movie!
TAS As usual, in TAS many of us are working on different projects across Timber, Metal, Cooking and Textiles to name a few. Specifically, my class is working on engineering and we are learning about transportation and the future of trains and busses. We are also learning how to make a rubber band power car. Art In Visual Arts, we are learning about M.C Escher and all of his accomplishments. We have also been learning about symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance and radical art works. It has been an engaging and challenging experience to try and replicate his work!
YEAR 9 Year Adviser Message Year 9 have had a fantastic start to the year and a term full of new and exciting experiences. These include Peer Mentoring, Year 9 Electives, Year 9 Sport, Fast Forward, LEAPS, Year 6 comes to High School, Swimming Carnival and Harmony In Diversity Day.
PDHPE We have been exploring the school’s Raising Responsibility system by producing collaborative The focus of the Informal Assembly in Week 5 was videos. In our practical lessons we have done a variety of building on Strengths and encouraging Student Voice. different sports every week including oz-tag, basketball With this in mind several students throughout the cohort and hockey. These have helped to develop our tactical have volunteered for and created groups and clubs awareness and personal and social attributes. throughout the school. Specific to Year 9 the following teams have been established: • Assemblies Team Maths • Tell Them From Me Analyst Team In Maths we are learning about ratios and GST. We are • DVD/Photography Team also learning about percentages and decimals in the lead • Missing Link Team up to our Maths exam. • D&D Club
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Any students interested in creating further opportunities, The Year 9 students contributed to the memorable day in joining any of the above or need help to find a club are many ways. EMC were busy snapping photos, the Leadership elective students performed an assortment of invited to visit Ms Edney in the Maths Staffroom. jobs including timekeeping, marshalling, and assisting Congratulations Year 9 on an amazing term, have a safe teachers in running the novelty events. Our grade was and happy holiday, and I look forward to the adventures very encouraging of others who competed in races, even if they weren’t a part of their clique. Year 9 were that await in Term 2. cheering each other on, making people feel comfortable, congratulating them, and recognising their strong efforts. Ms Edney Year 9 Adviser It was an unforgettable experience, which really explicated the way that Rooty Hill High School students continue to make our school community a more inclusive, enjoyable environment that encourages perseverance and success. We are proud to be a part of Year 9! WSU Fast Forward Program written by Abigail Dave & Kaiceryn Cantre On Monday 1 April, the Year 9 students selected for the Western Sydney University Fast Forward program along with their parents, Miss Edney and Mr Prestridge, attended the Welcome to Western evening. Being part of Peer Mentoring written by Tasha Fuentes and Vinuji this program will give us the opportunity to learn about and prepare for university and our future studies. Many Gallage of us have already started to think about the possibility 88 Year 9 students volunteered to be a part of peer support this year. They dedicated their time and energy of not only continuing to Year 12 but also that further into ensuring that Year 7 feel excited and welcomed as education after high school is a possibility for us. We are keen for the University Day as we will get to explore the they transition into high school. High school is a campus, learn new things and have the chance to daunting milestone for many to overcome, but the undertake workshops. The open night was very leadership displayed by the Year 9 peer mentors has informative, it gave us further information about the made such a positive impact. Together, mentors and program, past recipients shared their experience of Fast mentees completed many lessons covering the Forward program and informed us about the benefits as importance of relationships and positive self-talk, well. Every student received a book as a welcome gift. It topping it off with fun games and activities. These lessons gave an opportunity for the students to make new was a great night and I can’t wait for what’s coming friends and feel more confident in their new high school next. It’s such a great opportunity to be part is this environment. This was clearly showcased in the Year 7 program, we are all proud and honoured to have been selected. students’ smiles each week. The efforts of all Year 9 peer mentors are greatly appreciated. Year 6 Comes to High School Visits written by Celestine Salimbangon & Keighla Santiago Swimming Carnival written by Jamee lee Balzan and Amanda Ngo On Monday 26 February, Year 9 attended a Swimming Carnival. We were thrilled and excited. Accompanied by teachers and other students, we walked to the venue. Everyone looked terrific in their creative Hawaiian themed clothing; it was splendid witnessing our school community come together as one. The atmosphere was vibrant and enthusiastic. Teachers were laughing, students were socialising, the parents who attended were cheerful, and the new Year 7s were experiencing their first Rooty Hill swimming carnival.
Year 6 students from Eastern Creek and Rooty Hill Public Schools came to visit during the term. A few Year 9 students assisted by guiding tours around the school, and providing tips and advice to the Year 6 students on what to expect during their transition to high school next year. The Year 9 students enjoyed giving the tour and getting to know the Year 6’s. The Year 6 students were described as friendly, inquisitive and very interested, which helped everyone get along well and have a lot fun. Although a few students had difficulties understanding some aspects of the experience, they remained motivated to learn all about their future school. 5
YEAR 10
100% attendance were also recognised and congratulated by all.
Year Adviser Message The Year 10 cohort have made a positive kick-start to their first senior school year at Rooty Hill High. Students have had the opportunity to engage in school life inside and outside of the classroom. Students got into the Hawaiian spirit at the 2019 swimming carnival and had an active presence at the Harmony in Diversity Festival. A range of targeted programs have engaged student interests, talents as well as offering post school initiatives thus far, and Year 10 have a lot more opportunities coming their way. It has been an exciting, yet challenging term as students become accustomed to senior school expectations at RHHS. It is positive and rewarding to see year group members continue to excel Year 10 articles written by Elijah-Christopher Kaiser as they strive to be creative, disciplined, persistent and and Aeron Vicente collaborative in their approach to all aspects of school HIDD life. This term, Year 10 Commerce students put what they have learned into practise by working closely with Ms Gatt & Ms Land hospitality students to assist in the coordination of the Year 10 Advisers food stalls at the 2019 Harmony in Diversity Festival. Students were involved in creating advertising, generating a pitch to Ms Cawsey, making stall decorations, assisting with the set up and participating in the selling and collecting of tokens. Student efforts were rewarded as they learned many lessons for their ‘Running a Business’ topic and they calculated their total profits to be $796.60. A top effort by all involved and a big thanks to Ms Kennerson for giving them this opportunity.
Informal Assemblies: In our first assembly for 2019, students were introduced to all things senior as they prepare for their RoSA certificate year. Students were introduced to the senior expectations and we revisited goal setting which addressed the programs they aim to be involved in and subject based goals students will strive for. In our second assembly, the focus was on student wellbeing, working towards your strengths which then carried into an introduction to subject selections for Year 11. Students who have achieved
Year 10 Leadership students also played a supportive role in the HID Festival. The team worked closely with 6
PDHPE staff in regards to organising and shaping the layout for the handball tournament courts. Students played a hand at refereeing the handball competition which was a huge hit with students across all years. This term, they have also assisted with the running of both Eastern Creek Public and Rooty Hill Public’s 2019 swimming carnival event by lending a hand with novelty games and time keeper duties. Year 10 Events Media Crew members, Phoebe Birett Photographic and Digital media Year 10 Photographic and Digital media classes have Zoe Millan, Zoe Krabbe, Amena Salameh, Nadine been learning to use the basic tools of Adobe Photoshop Bauty, Emma Bowman-Trinh, Aeron Vicente, Alyssa Aquipel, Tanya Singh, Natalie Gill and Dana Bonifacio in order to manipulate images in creative ways. They are among the inaugural Board Of Directors. From this, have created their own ‘fantastic beasts’ - realistic the crew intend to lead the EMC towards a new path of hybrid creatures that are a combination of humans, taking responsibility in their own work and enterprise, in animals, sea creatures and insects. hopes of having to CREATE, MODERNIZE and EVOLVE in further improving their business. In doing so, they paved the way in organizing more implications and events such as themed photo booths, which would contribute to fundraising for the purpose of developing students’ entrepreneurial and photographic skills through more effective resources. Recently, the EMC’s Board of Directors introduced open positions for our newest recruits. Students had the opportunity to become a member of the EMC to help out in events and extracurricular activities with their experiences in photography, videography and editing. In Term 2, the EMC will be holding a training day to provide the EMC newcomers with a better understanding of equipment use and duty expectations.
History In History, Year 10 students have been studying the changing rights and freedoms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (policies and Stolen Generation). Students have also examined the Civil Rights movement in America and examined how the movement influenced Australia.
EMC members on duty at HIDFEST.
Talented year 10 Music students performed at the HID Festival.
Time Travellers Throughout Term 1 in Time Travellers, we looked into the ideology of contestability and perspectives within history, in which we were assessed on our knowledge with applying the big idea towards our chosen topic through a website. Taken into consideration about the impacts of sources upon the constructed notions of history, we had to explore and demonstrate the relevance of a particular area in history, with the support of our ideas that is proved truthful with evidence. This is also accompanied with our case study investigation, revolving around the various aspects of museums’ significance towards the nature of history, ranging from the difference between traditional and virtual museums 7
to the certain roles of a curator and archivist within museums. Blacktown Show Year 10 students Cassandra King, Phoebe Birett, Zoe Millan, Emma Bowman-Trinh and Aeron Vicente were selected to represent the school at the 96th Annual Blacktown Show. Phoebe Birett (pictured) was awarded 1st place for her painting and Aeron Vicente was awarded highly commended. Choir Elijah-Christopher Kaisa, Paris Paraan, Zoe Millan, Solomon Tuipuloto and Aeron Vicente are our Year 10 choir representatives. This term, choir members have been committed to practising regularly during lunch sessions as they continue to improve and prepare to perform at key RHHS events. We were able to get a taste of their talents at the Excellence Assembly early this term, and more recently, the 2019 HID Festival. Popular repertoire includes, ‘This is Me’, True Colours’ and ‘Lean On Me’.
Food Technology In Food Technology, we have learnt about how to style food to industry standard, through the use of accessories, artificial materials and a variety of photography tips. Activities included designing a recipe card using these techniques, presenting a colourful collage that includes a variety of dishes, identifying tools for food styling and presenting examples of foods which were styled to industry standard. Visual Arts In Visual Arts, students have been set with the task of creating a portrait of their Year Adviser, Ms Land. The images feature preliminary work taken from the process diaries of Emma Bowman-Trinh, Freya Howson, Phoebe Birett and Dana Bonifacio. We look forward to seeing their finished pieces mid-term 2.
Job Club Approximately 25 students from Year 10 have signed up for the Tuesday Job Club sessions. This program aims to get students job ready and assist them in finding employment by providing them with essential tips and skills through a range of activities and additional support developed in conjunction with MTC Recruitment. SALSA (Students As LifeStyle Activists) In Week 10, 40 Year 10 students participated in a SALSA Peer Leader Training. In Term 2 these Year 10 students will lead peer educational lessons for Year 8 PDHPE classes based the skills and knowledge needed for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
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YEAR 11 Year 11 Term 1 Year Adviser Message: WOW! Year 11 you have already finished your first term as Stage 6 students. The excitement and nervousness of starting a new part of your journey through high school, was soon taken over by the reality of what this meant day to day. But, just as you always have, you have risen to the challenges before you and have demonstrated and upheld the PERSIST values. Your commitment to doing your best at all times is represented in your application to achieve academically, contribute to your school community and engage in opportunities presented to you. Congratulations on another outstanding term. As always you have made me proud to be your Year Adviser. Remember - Make Yourself Proud.
were taught essay writing skills to help with assessment and examinations. And in the last session students were informed about options for future planning after Year 12 graduation such as university, scholarships and volunteering. This helped students better prepare for the challenges that come with HSC.
Year 12 2020 Jackets In preparation for our senior year in 2020, we have spent Term 1 working on finalising the design of our senior jackets. We have undergone the process of voting and designing our Year 12 jackets. Throughout Term 1, Year 11 has participated in various year group votes to decide Miss Douglas on the designs of their Year 12 Jacket. These jackets are Year 11 Adviser double sided, one is fleeced and the other being Articles written by Evan Ademovic, Keila Barbeau, sublimated. Each student was given the ability to choose Ethan Fuatavai, Thomas Morris, Claire Paler, Aaron the names that will be printed on the back and front on each side of their Year 12 jacket. By week 8, the design Reyes, Campbell Terekia and Francis Tinei. of the Rooty Hill High School Year 12 Jacket for the class of 2020 was finalised, as the students will receive The Beginning - Year 11 Term 1 their Year 12 jackets in Term 2. We started our first day of Year 11 on Friday 1
February, officially entering our first day of our first year of Stage 6. With English being the only compulsory Othello English Excursion On the 11th of April, Year 11 went on an excursion to subject, this meant that we were given a lot of choice and freedom, being able to choose the other 5 subjects see a play named Othello. Located at the Giant Dwarf, the grade witnessed a modernised version of Othellothat we study. This enabled us to try new things and elements of Shakespeare integrated into the play, making focus on topics we are interested in through subject choice. With new beginnings, comes new challenges, not it a comical yet dramatic play to experience. Watching only has the bar risen with the expectations of writing, Othello have benefited Year 11 as for English, Othello is content understanding and knowledge, but Year 11 have a text that will be studied for the next unit. It was an informative experience and will greatly help in also had to get used to attending 7:30am classes. understanding Shakespearean language as watching However with this challenge, we also have new Othello has given students contextual knowledge. privileges, such as being able to leave early when finished all classes for the day, and having lunch outside of school. With our increased workload, we have had to adapt to changes and meet expectations in the amount of work we produce as stage 6 students. However in the end, when we reflect on our first term of Year 11, we don't want to say we survived, we prefer to say we thrived. Year 11 Future Friday @ Sydney University Year 11 Future Friday was held at Sydney University on the Friday of Week 9. 63 Year 11 students attended workshops based on improving our skills for the senior years as well as for after Year 12. They participated in 3 sessions in preparation for the Higher School Certificate at the end of Year 12. In the first session students learnt about critical thinking to develop skills for solving problems and effective arguing. In session 2 students
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Economics Connected Classroom In Week 9 the Year 11 Economic class was involved in a Representing Our Community: connected classroom with Professor (Joe) Zhangyue • Soccer In Portugal Zhou a professor from James Cook University. The In the Term 1 holidays, Year 11 student Ali professor is the Director of AusAsia Business Research Almoail will be attending the Vila Franca Group. We took part in a university type lecture where Rosario Tournament soccer competition in he talked about the Economic problem, Australia’s and Portugal for 12 days. Ali was chosen to attend China’s economy. This was great allowing us to this tournament to develop his knowledge and understand our content in Economics, helping us wrap enhance his understanding and skill of European our heads around the new subject. The professor gave Soccer Football and compare his ability to top plenty of references, good points, and facts. This was a level European athletes of the same age. Ali will tremendous help hearing from a professor on the topic be participating in upto 7 soccer matches with the and being able to ask questions also having the notes to potential to progress through to final rounds. On look back to help us throughout our next 2 years in behalf of Year 11 we would like to wish him Economics. This gave us insight on how an Economics luck. lecture would be like and giving us the experience needed to understand also interpret the subject and metalanguage used. Opens Rugby League Gala Day In Week 9 of Term 1, the Rooty Hill HS Opens Rugby League Team participated in the Panthers Trophy Cup. In a very successful and action packed day filled with tears, sweat and passion the boys won 3 out of 4 games and earnt the right to advance to the next gala day and partake in the University shield. This is advertised to be another difficult day out for the team but come the morning of game day the team will be ready to face the challenge head on with victory on their minds and with pride of representing the golden lamp we wear on our chests. Opens Basketball Game In Week 9, the Rooty Hill HS Opens Basketball Team went up against our local rivals Plumpton HS. This game took part at the Rooty Hill outdoor basketball courts and was exciting to watch. RHHS started the game off slow going down in the first quarter. This then changed at the beginning of the second quarter when RHHS started to pick it up and take a lead which they held for the rest of the game. RHHS ended up winning by a staggering 4430.
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Miss Teen Earth Australia More congratulations are in order for another Year 11 student, Thea Angelica Gonzales, who was crowned the inaugural Miss Teen Earth Australia 2019. Thea successfully secured her crown in the grand finals for the national level of Miss Teen Earth Australia on the 25th April, and now has the opportunity to travel to Ecuador. Candidates of Miss Teen Earth Australia advocate on helping save planet Earth.
"My advocacy is to have a voice for our Earth. Because nowadays, people are so focused on their lives and our consideration of the life of Mother Earth, wild life and marine life is just as important. We wouldn't be here today if it wasn't of the functions of our Earth and the resources it's providing us today." Thea Angelica Gonzales. 10
YEAR 12
performing their musical talents, running stalls, setting up stages, hosting stages, participating in sporting events and even just eating the range of food that was on offer.
Year Advisers Address Year 12 have settled in exceptionally well in Term 1, 2019. They were geared up and ready for their assessment tasks and examinations, during the assessment period. Year 12 held it all together successfully, a great sign for their HSC. Year 12 have been a part of many events this term including University visits, Harmony In Diversity Day, Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Survey, the swimming carnival and other various sporting events. Year 12 student attendance has been outstanding this term with a significant increase in overall attendance, well done!
“The Harmony In Diversity Day was the best I’ve experienced at Rooty Hill High. The performances this year were outside instead of in the hall which I feel made the day very exciting. I got the chance to be a flag bearer of the Samoan Flag, I felt proud representing my country during the ceremony. The activities like the photo booth and henna tattooing were fun experiences to be a part of to make it a memorable day for all. There was an amazing variety of food available in the food stalls, it was great to be a part of so many different cultures in our school.” - Amanda Fuiono
What’s happening in Term 2: Report Assembly - Tuesday 7 May (Week 2) Careers Market - Thursday 23 May (Week 4) HSC Trial Exams - Weeks 9 and 10 Mr Hay Year 12 Adviser
University Chat – Kyla Fischer As time progresses and the inevitable future of life after school looms around the corner, Year 12 is feeling quite uncertain about their goals and plans when their high school careers have ended. However, after the university chat held in week 8, Year 12 have discovered numerous pathways that would assist them with achieving their career objectives. Throughout the university chat, Year 12 was attuned, asking several questions to ensure and make decisions on what they can do to achieve success after school. Overall, the anxiety and pressure to attain a great ATAR is no longer weighing down Year 12, and are now one step closer to having security in regards to making their aspirations to reality. Harmony In Diversity Day Year 12 were heavily involved in the preparation, participation and running of Harmony In Diversity Day. There were students in the opening flag ceremony,
Tea with the Deputy Ms Mattimore introduced Morning Tea with a Deputy this term to spend some quality time with Year 12 students. Students were invited in groups of 4 to join Ms Mattimore in her office to ask questions, share stories and discuss plans for the future whilst enjoying a delicious morning tea. Ms Mattimore thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Year 12 and getting to know students better. She encourages all students to visit her office for an informal chat anytime.
Swimming Carnival – Emma Ayre On Monday 25 February all RHHS students attended the swimming carnival at Mount Druitt pools. For Year 12, this was the last one they would attend, and the majority year group were there and dressed up in their Hawaiian themed outfits. Throughout the day many Year 12 students participated in both the racing and novelty events. Year 12 also spent their time supporting those who were racing, spending time as a year group and enjoying their last swimming carnival with the rest of the school. Overall, the day was successful, with multiple Year 12 students making it into Sydney West and the year group as a whole enjoying their day, making the most of their last carnival. 11
HARMONY IN DIVERSITY DAY
Excellence Assembly On Friday 8 February various students across the entire school attended the Excellence Assembly. Here, Year 12 students were recognised for their hard work and presented with their certificates of achievement. It was outstanding to see the quality of work being completed by our students and them being recognised for their tenacity.
Tell Them From Me (TTFM) The majority of year 12 students completed the TTFM Survey at the end of Term 1. This survey asked questions to help identify the views and needs of our students. A group of Year 12 students volunteered to assist in analysing the data from the survey. This data will allow us to assess the current views and needs of the Written by Jael TAREKEGN As a second generation Eritrean-Australian, there are year group and determined areas of focus that would aspects of my culture that I hold so dear to my heart, help year 12 throughout their final terms of 2019. aspects like the coffee ceremony. Filling my home with familiar fumes, brings me closer to my family and ancestors. Sounds of jazz and drums weaved together make us move our shoulders, traditional garments our mum folds away, keeping them for the most special of occasions. Harmony in Diversity day is about sharing the 12
highlights of all of our cultures, coming together despite adversarial trials and wars. Harmony in Diversity day is warm, deep and enriched with history. This day, my favourite of the year, gives me the slightest taste into what equality might look like if we were ever so lucky to have it,- like the art of the stars in a midnight sky out cultures make up a beautiful portrait of God. All bringing unique hues to the canvas but all retrospectively the same. Written by Sarah ABBOT Harmony in Diversity day is a celebration of the variation of cultures we have living in our community, a day where we unite together despite our differences as people. As a person from an Indian background, this day brings me so much joy as I know that family members from generations before me, would have been overjoyed to see all cultures from our nation uniting and celebrating together. Harmony in Diversity day praises our individuality and gives others an opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture that they’ve never encountered before, an experience that we are so privileged to have. In light of events that have been occurring around the world this year, this day is of utmost importance. This year, Harmony in Diversity day is not only about celebration but also about supporting each other through difficult times and being there to support those affected. Harmony in Diversity day is something I deeply connect with, the importance of celebrating such a day is immense and everyone should be given the opportunity.
RHHS Art Studio Creative Arts is offering an exciting new extra-curricular initiative that engages students in self-directed artmaking projects. Our program enables participants to immerse themselves in a variety of expressive forms such as printmaking, textiles, painting, drawing, ceramics, photography and sculpture. They are also encouraged participate in internal / external exhibitions and competitions that showcase their talents, and allow for opportunities to connect with industry professionals. RHHS Art Studio sessions run on Friday mornings in F013, from 7:45 - 8:45 am. Interested students are encouraged to collect a permission note from Mrs Hebblewhite in the CAPA staffroom.
Written by Atsupui Delphine KOUDAKPO Harmony in Diversity Day at school is awesome. It may sound cheesy of me but it really is. I look forward to it because I understand it to be a day where we contribute a bit of our own culture in the big cultural spectrum of our school community. It allows us to share our culture without coming out as ‘weird or antithetic. I see people wearing all sorts of outfits such as traditional saris and Ankara without it being a somewhat selective event. Another part of Harmony in Diversity Day I really enjoy is the performances. For the past two years, I have been leading a group to perform a dance and it has been incredible. I get the chance to work with people who share a similar cultural background as me that I don’t usually work with. I also experience watching other 2019 Blacktown Show cultures singing and dancing. I really value Harmony in Diversity Day as it is an important experience to me and Congratulations to the RHHS creative arts students for everyone to really understand the true meaning of selected to represent the school at the 2019 Blacktown being in multicultural harmony. To coexist with each Show on the 23 and 24 March. Joshua MacDonald, other without prejudice or fear and to celebrate our Blake Langford, Lawrence Gao and Jeremy Kelly from differences and similarities. Year 7 showcased their printmaking based on insects. Cassandra King, Emma Bowman-Trinh, Aeron 13
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Vincente, Zoe Millan and Phoebe Birett were selected from Year 10 to showcase work from Visual Arts. Phoebe won first prize in the junior art section and Aeron was highly commended for his painting. Well done to all students involved.
incredible passion, love and determination to sing and share their voices in multicultural harmony to the world. This is who we are - Rooty Hill Choir. “Choir is fun. It allows students to express their inner voice and share it with the world.” - Solomon Tuipulotu, Year 11.
MODEL U.N.
Model UN Workshops The Two-Day Model United Nations Workshop introduced students to Model United Nations debating, and was a great success. Mr O'Shea, with the assistance of the United Nations Youth Chapter, delivered a mock assembly debate for 38 of our students in which they represented the 15 nations from the United Nations Security Council. Students underwent three debates, debating the issues of Child Labour Laws, Natural Disaster Mitigation & Land Development in PNG in relation to Indigenous Rights with a focus on Bougainville. It was a great success, with students and the UN Youth all providing positive feedback. Our Choir students learnt the art of diplomacy by working Our Rooty Hill Choir has kicked off the beginning of this year with a powerful voice - singing about who we collaboratively with others who have different are - our true colours. As a choir based in Rooty Hill, we experiences and who hold different perspectives to achieve a common goal. In addition, Rooty Hill is now are incredibly blessed to be representing the beautiful in a position to field stronger and more confident teams multicultural community and cultures residing in the in the competitions Greater Western Sydney. Our first performance was at next term. our annual Excellence Assembly where we were given the opportunity to sing the Australian National Anthem in Dharug to all award winners, parents, teachers and Year 7 students. Following this event, the Rooty Hill Choir gained momentum and had many successful rehearsals, including a Choir Day Incursion where students learnt and practised a number of pieces throughout the day. The day ended with an wonderful impromptu performance to the Deputy Principal, Ms Mattimore, and to a Year 8 class. And for our first school-wide event, we were incredibly pleased to sing in the annual Harmony in Diversity Day event during its flag ceremony. We made our debut on stage singing an arrangement of “This Is Me & True Colours, and Lean On Me.” The entire Rooty Hill Choir displayed 16
SPORT
Sport Term 1 Opens Boys Cricket The Opens boys cricket team, lead by Captain Zane Catlett and Vice Captain Dylan Piggot, took on Richmond HS in the first round of the Davidson Shield tournament. RHHS had Richmond on the ropes early, taking 5/40 in the first session but some strong batting from the Richmond number three, scoring 47 runs, helped them achieve a total of 7/129. Unfortunately RHHS did not get the total and Richmond HS were the victors on the day. Congratulations to the MVP Daniel Prescott who took two wickets and was second top scorer for the team, with a special mention to Cameron Brockway (2 wickets) and Caleb Perberdy (3 wickets).
Girls Baseball Round 1 of the girls baseball knockouts started with a game against Wyndham College, even in the rain! A team with mixed experience, all girls went out with true Rooty Hill spirit. This spirit helped when one of our players got a pitch to the face and was even stronger with a home run on loaded bases. The coach of the Wyndham team commended our team saying "the game was filled with a positive energy that permeates into my students' & their respective mentalities". Bring on round 2!
Boys Baseball
The boys baseball team played Glenmore Park High School in a 2018 round 1 rematch. It was a very close game with some excellent pitching and aggressive hitting. It went down to the wire in the last innings, however the end result did not go our way. A great effort by all involved. Basketball The Open Boys Basketball team played their first game against The Ponds High School. The first half was close as both teams were hitting their shots. In the 2nd half, Rooty Hill played better defense and allowed The Ponds to only score 6 points. The team qualified for the Sydney West Top 8 Gala Day. On the day the boys had 1 win, 1 loss and 1 draw. The result was a four way draw in their pool. Unfortunately the team missed out when it came to for and against.
Opens Girls Basketball The Open Girls Basketball team were triumphant in their first round game against Merrylands High School. They showed great teamwork and communication in a welldeserved victory. Despite great leadership from senior students Beverly and Yvonne, the girls were defeated by a more experienced Blacktown Girls High in the second round of the knockout. All team members represented the school with pride and enthusiasm and should be extremely proud of themselves.
Girls Volleyball 17
The girls were victorious in their first 2 matches against Cranebrook HS and Model Farms HS. We look forward to bolstering our team for round 3 and beyond with the return of Australian representative Emily Stirk.
Opens Boys Soccer The team got off to a great start, scoring 3 goals (Diego, Ali and Simon) in the first 5 minutes and maintaining possession for the majority of the match. Colo High made a game of it in the second half with the majority of Congratulations to Emily Stirk and Amanda Fuiono for the match being played at 3-2. Some excellent saves gaining selection into the Sydney West Volleyball team. from the goal keeper Riley Blake, along with some great scrambling defence from the team saw RHHS finish The girls placed 2nd at the NSWCHS regional championships. Both girls performed outstandingly and victorious and through to the third round. subsequently were selected into the NSWCHS team. Emily Stirk was also awarded MVP of the tournament. Swimming Carnival This year the weather came to the party for the school Hawaiian swimming carnival, which also saw some great shirts, skirts, lays and most importantly some excellent swimming. All in all it was a fun day had by everyone, congratulations to all the students and staff that made the great day that was. Mt Druitt Zone swimming carnival saw 42 competitors represent from Rooty Hill High School. The team dominated the event, with Rooty Hill winning the junior, senior and champion school awards. Congratulations to Chontal Robert, Vinuji Gallage, Mitchell Grosvenor and Remiel Merlan who all won age champions for their age group. Of the 42 competitors that went to zone swimming, Rooty Hill had a massive 31 students qualify for the Sydney West swimming carnival. All students represented their school and zone to a high standard and all competitors should be proud of their efforts.
Rugby League The Rooty Hill opens boys rugby league team played well throughout the pool stages finishing equal first and qualifying through to the semi finals. However, they were unlucky to fall short in qualifying for the M.G final by losing in the semi finals. The boys have managed to qualify into the stage of the University Shield by being able to finish in the top 5. A great achievement as most of the team are playing as much as 3 years above their actual age group. Standout players for the tournament were Robert Tuifua, Tipeni Tofilau and Furat Almoail.
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Open Girls Soccer The Open Girls Soccer team played their first game against Doonside High School winning 2-0 and progressing to the third round of the competition.
Boys Volleyball The boys have continued their success from the previous year after finishing 5th in the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. They have displayed excellence by winning the Under 15's gold medal without dropping a set at the Volleyball Schools Cup. Ucheme Ohiarei was the standout player for the tournament.
Open Girls Netball The open girls netball team displayed excellence and enthusiasm from warm up to match play. Stand out moments included the strength in the defence circle from Tiarna (C) as well as Emily with Ane in support. This filtered smoothly down the court with the safe hands of Lidia, Staycee, Maeva and Lyrical. The shooting circle was remarkable with the accuracy of Lyberty and Samokia with support from Evangeline and Tahlesia. The PERSIST values were on display with a 29 - 8 win over Jamison High School.
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SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS TERM 1 2019 Year 7
Mustafa Al Khazaaly Hermenegildo Ill Alejo Haneya Ali Madiha Ali Liza Anwar Atem Atuich Lania Badinan Chelsea Batty Jazmin Birett Dan Nicholas Bonifacio Beau Bryant Lucas Budgen Zion Burgess Ethan Clarke James Collisson Gabriel Corderoy Charlize Dela Torre Taitoe Falemoe Lawrence Gao Cameron Gatt Marwa Girma Mikayla Grosvenor Phoebe Hickson Declan Howson Zena Jalil Hazel Kaya Jeremy Kelly Blake Langford Kasilita Lanumata Garth Jnr Le Roux Chelsea Leu Eddie Lopeti Joshua MacDonald Ryan Manansala Henna Mansory Kelvin Naicker Rhianna Nallas Noah Oto Ammar Rahimi Shaye Ryan Kiara Schroeder Jayden Seaton Sahiba Shiekh Farah Sideq Ryzell Soria Jacob Stirk Ghazala Tariq Ariki Teariki Jarrod Thomas Ola Tofilau Ana Tufunga Emjay Tuiloma Marian Unay Michael Williams
Year 8
Naba Alhameed
Zahra Almoaiel Adam Almoail John Atienza Max Bagust Gizem Biber Courtney Bryce Jennifer Buckley Rebecca Chau Bailey Cottier Danni Cowgill Elyzza Dalusong Vishreta Datt Anjelica Delos Reyes Reign Dimayuga Bianca Dodd Paula Gevero Dean Gower Bryce Green Makayla Hickson Mahek Janif Elijah Jennings Marissa Kang Priyashna Krishna Edwin Liberty Lillian Lolomanaia Amina Mohammadi Kathleen Moxham Reynald Narayan Ucheme Ohiaeri Luisa Paulo Samuel Perkins Daniel Prescott Zane Pritchard Mohammad Asif Razaee Savannah Sanders Catherine Schofield Maison Simmonds-Roberts Logan Steward Tupou Taeiloa Belinda Tahana Tuitaleva Taufa Isabella Thakur Dean Tuifua Jeremiah Tuipulotu Malia Vatikani Mataele
Year 9
Jamee Balzan Danielle Becci-Vatavuk Danielle Byron Koralee Catlett Deepali Chand Nivad Charan Sheridan Cordingley Vishilta Datt Amrita Dayal Benjamin Dickson Andrew Doan
Ella Evans Keira Evans Jay-Mee Florentino Tasha Fuentes Zoe Gower Mitchell Grosvenor Stefano Hingano Chloe Hunt Riley Jones Declan Kosta Jason Lansdowne Ajah Luke Everleigh Marsters Jessica McGrath Dylan McNee Mikhaela Mendoza Avishant Narayan Amanda Ngo Tayla Norton Crystal Patrimonio Vinuji Polwaththa Gallage Jason Prasad Taira Pule Kalaya Ryan Sheridan Rylewski Celestine Salimbangon Feofaaki Sefesi Nicayla Storozuk Ebony Stuart Connor Syrls Reueta Tuiafiso Tane Tume Joel Zahra
Year 10
Josiah Acosta Zahraa Ali Faizan Amjad Taikura Andrew Alyssa Aquipel Kirsten Barbeau Nadine Bauty Phoebe Birett Ro Uniasi Bonawai Isha Bondoc Dana Bonifacio Emma Bowman-Trinh Tayah Bryant Kristy Chetty Azalech Collins Zoe Croft Paris Curmi Samantha Domingo Maregitu Duriso Tahlya Elton Zaheda Faiz Breeanna Foster Taiala Fuiono
Ysabel Garcia Lorrye Genobili Ramish Haidary Jackson Handley Achita Hansoongnern Sarah Johns Ann Rose Joseph Elijah-Christopher Kaisa Cassandra King Tapaaumatulafalealii Komiti Zoe Krabbe Hannah Labuson Keiara Laidlaw Shivkeshwar Lal Daniel Ma Kaimana Mahe Keakea Matini Avarn McCallister Mikhayla McCann Tyrone McGuiggan Zoe Millan Jessica Miller Jonathan Moxham Arya Nooralizadeh Asl Liam O’Dwyer Nwazuruka Ohiaeri Danelle Orucoglu Paris Paraan Chantelle Parkes Ciara Phillips Hamza Rajayee Raydel Rativo Darcy Rusconi Amena Salameh Atalana Simi Tanya Singh Kandace Singleton Tori Ann Smith Jason Suarez Mussa Talabani Sophia Taylor Brooklyn Te Ringa Janey Tekeu Ishir Thakur Katie Toogood Solomon Tuipulotu Asha Tukuitonga Oilau Helena Vaoutumala Aeron Vicente Rhys Walker Paige Williams
Year 11
Evan Ademovic Mark Aiatia Divina Ambat Keila Barbeau Zane Catlett 20
Cyrus Cayton Casey Cowell Tarsha Daly Yvonne Delatabua Marega Duriso Pitiesi Faokula Aiden Fitzgerald Mauraena Fuimaono Maryrose Guerra Courtney Hagan James Herning Meletonga –Victoria Johansson Tayisha Kamoe Jaspreet Kaur Alexia Khalil Katie Klumper Atsupui Delphine Koudakpo Carrie Laurenson Chen Li Nganeko Luke Lorijocacha Ane Masame Lidia Meti Beverly Misionare Thomas Morris Claire Paler Abbey Parnham Shalome Pule Piyatida Jade Ratanasirilak Jade Ridley-King
Zeel Shah Korben Smith Ryan Stagljar Oceana Talaia Kealoha Tautuiaki Hayze Tauveve Jackson Taylor Campbell Terekia Francis Tinei Tipeni Tofilau Shayla Tran Robert Tuifua Vince Tumbaga Naoia Vaoutumala Akanisi Vuki Chad Zahra Sussana Zaman
Year 12
Sarah Abbot Suvadh Acharya Casey Adams Tony Aiata Furat Almoail Emma Ayre Sohorhab Azizdel Skylar Bairstow Rosalie Bankler Jasmine Bayliss
Aidan Beath Julia Becci-Vatavuk John Bishop-Kolk Emin-Mustafa Bitiktas Emily Bolan April Bryce Alec Cayabyab Dipasha Chand Nansita Charan Jayden Cleary Samara Colwell Ethan Coombes Jonathan Delos Santos Russell Dimayuga Jack Drennan Le Vinh Tuong Duong Ellen Fa’okula Shania Fenech Lyrical Filisi-Tone Kyla Fischer Amanda Fuiono Connor Griffiths Vaughn Holyoak Aiden Kisbee Jason Kramarczyk Rhea Kumar Aaran Lakhan Carlene Lever Kaea McDonald Lisia Mafi
John Marcos Jeremy Millar Mavneel Newaj Reihana Nikau Aliana Norris Chloe Norton Hadrien Quesada Nikkash Raj Tanisha Roach Andrew Sacca Navshal Samy Venessa Siaosi Rahul Singh Emily Stirk Nicholas Stratikopoulos Yousha Taqi Jael Tarekegn Cedric Tilo Maria Vilca Valencia Latrel Vista Liam Walker Staycee Waters Ashleigh Watkin Lousia Wigmore Maeva-Mary Wigmore
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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 Follow Rooty Hill High School:
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