Rooty Hill High School Missing Link Term 1 2020

MISSING LINK

Term 1 2020

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE As we look back on Term 1 2020, it looks like a term in 2 halves. It was a Term 1 like no other in recent years.

The first 7 weeks we had a fantastic start back, celebrating the many achievements of 2019 at the Excellence Assembly (see the 2019 Achievements Missing Link), participating with Year 7 in lots of orientation activities, planning Harmony Day, playing lots of sports, planning excursions and programs for the year to give our students a genuine expansive education. The Swimming Carnival was a great success and planning for the Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals was well underway. Staff professional learning was working really well with our Professional Learning and Leadership Teams and our faculty teams creating deep and rich learning for students. As we usually do, there were many photos for our historical records. It was looking like another powerful year for #TeamRootyHill.

Through that time we saw what was happening with coronavirus statistics in other countries and, in the beautiful warm weather of February and early March, we thought Australia might avoid any major infections. Students who returned from overseas self-isolated on their return and parents continued to plan international trips to spend time with family members. Employment was at an all-time high in western Sydney and everyone was confident about the progress and achievements of students and the school.

On March 16, the first day of Week 8, principals were told to set up the school timetable, technology and wellbeing programs so that the school could reduce the number of students who had to be on site. By Week 9 (still only 23 March) principals were told to set up the school for remote learning – online and by workbook – that could go until the end of Term 2 (or until September if Australia’s curve followed the patterns of the rest of the world.)

It is now hard to believe that, just 2 weeks later, on Monday 30 March (Week 10) we had 550 students at school and were already prepared to go fully remote. Our staff achieved that with incredible support from our families.

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In 2 weeks our staff: • Created a Google Classroom for each year group and Google Meets each morning where the Year Advisers posted daily messages and where students could book meetings, seek support and ask lots of questions. We realised that the major difference between primary and secondary education is that, when our students learn from home they are the “agents” of their own learning. They need to work directly with their teachers because the ways we “know, do and be” in Years 7 -12 are very complex. All the work we had done in previous years on students assessing their own capabilities meant our students were more ready to learn in new and remote ways.

• Created, printed and distributed 220 “Task of the Day” books for Years 7 and 8 that contained 10 weeks of learning tasks that addressed every subject at Stage 4 level.

These could be done on paper or online. We extend our thanks to Ms Mattimore and the Year 7 and 8 Lead teaching team. (See Ms Mattimore’s report) • Prepared synchronous (live stream) lessons for Year 9 for the rest of Term 1 and then, because Year 9 had the lowest level of home “connectivity” and access to devices prepared subject based workbooks that could be done online or on paper. We thank Ms Andrews, Ms Short and the Year 9 Teaching Team.

• Prepared face to face live stream (synchronous) lessons for Years 10, 11 and 12 and, with further advice on students not having too much screen time (cognitive load) established a pattern of live streamed interactive presentations, online tutorial sessions and independent learning. We thank our teaching teams for their energy and expertise. As Principal, I really valued my time as the “remote learning coach” for Years 11 and 12 Society & Culture.

• Created a remote learning version of our exemplary learning support program where the Learning Support Team could continue to provide individualised support.

• Established a wellbeing contact program where the Year Advisers, assistant year advisers and the school’s enthusiastic administrative staff contacted most of our families to make sure they were ready for remote learning. New relationships formed and the family response was more than we

ever thought could happen. Thanks to our parents and staff.

By Friday 3 April, just 15 days from when we started the school was ready for students to learn from home and for staff to work from home. We stayed open for the children of essential service workers and students who needed extra support so that during Week 11 we had only 20 students needing to be on site each day.

When I was then invited to appear on a special SBS Insight program focused on the impact of remote learning on Year 12 students and their families I was able to talk about the challenges for us and the new ways schools and teachers were already working using technology and good learning design, I was able to say “We Can Do This” because I knew we could.

As a school we felt very honoured when we were asked to share our work with senior officers in the Department of Education because it was of such good quality. All I can say is that our families, students and staff stepped up to meet the challenge to come. Thank you all.

Christine Cawsey

During the April school holidays, Principal Christine Cawsey was invited to appear on SBS Insight to speak on coronavirus and its impact on Year 12.

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Retirements

During Term 1 we said farewell to two very senior members of our staff, Mrs Cheryl Harvey who had been our Senior Administrative Manager since 1998; and Mr Frank Movia who was an ex-student (Class of 1977), teacher (since 1993) and Head Teacher Secondary Studies prior to taking extended leave due to ill health.

Moving On

At the end of term we said goodbye to Basant Sharma who had been a teacher at the school since 2009. He is going to Cecil Hills High School where I am sure his experience with senior mathematics, Maths in Trade and Engineering Studies will be highly valued. He will be missed here by his students and colleagues for his many contributions. He will also be missed during Diwali, Mrs Harvey was farewelled with a series of events that where his generosity with sweets helped everyone concluded with a guard of honour provided by our senior increase their weight!!! leaders. She is moving to Queensland to live nearer to her daughter and family. We wish her a happy and In a sign of the times the Principal and Basant organised healthy retirement with time to enjoy her own interests passing of the “gift cup” (the traditional farewell gift and more time with her family. from the school) from Ms Cawsey to Mr Sharma. Staff were amused that the cup appeared to “travel through the internet” and, of course, the secret was that two cups were needed because, by 9 April we were meeting remotely on Teams.

Mr Movia made a major contribution to our school in a range of roles. Significantly it was his vision in 1998 that enabled the school to be the first public school in western Sydney to be cabled for computers. It was his planning that ensured the school had wi-fi systems before the rollout of computers to all students and it was his attention to keeping the school’s technology network at the forefront of new developments that enabled the school to establish its Google Classroom domain in 2016. Mr Movia’s health had been poor for some years and we hope his decision to retire to Lake Macquarie with his wife Sally will see him enter a new phase of health and happiness.

Next term we will welcome Ms Sherleen Lata, a very experienced teacher who applied to come here from Kellyville High School. We look forward to meeting her remotely and then working face to face.

Year 12 Senior Leaders connect virtually

Having been separated from each other physically for almost 3 weeks the senior leaders worked with their Year Adviser Ms Douglas to create a “We are All in This Together” video in multiple languages that was shown at the online Deputy Principal Assemblies and is now on Facebook and Instagram - with lots of hits and likes. We would like to thank our senior leaders who always have the values of the school in both their leadership and in all the ways they connect with each other and our students.

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Arundhati Roy – celebrated novelist

Harmony In Diversity Workshops

The annual Rooty Hill High School Harmony in Diversity Day celebration has always been a key event on the school calendar. Each year the Rooty Hill High School staff, students and families collaborate, share and celebrate the multicultural facets of our school community.

This year Rooty Hill commissioned Matthew Doyle from Young Australia to choreograph a dance piece that included students from Rooty Hill High School, Rooty Hill Public School, Minchinbury Public School and Eastern Creek Public School. The focus was connecting to our local community, drawing on the strengths and leadership of our young people to build and develop the existing relationships between our primary schools. In total 60 students attended 2 of the 3 workshops in preparation for the opening ceremony of Harmony in Diversity Day. Due to COVID19 Rooty Hill HS has had to postpone the event and will now hold the celebration at a later time during the year. This will allow our students to continue to practice, learn the language of the dances as well as prepare and create gifts that will be used to share the culture with other community members in attendance on the day.

Model U.N.

The Two-Day Model United Nations Workshop that introduced students to Model United Nations debating 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 spoke in three debates, debating the issues of North Korean Refugees, Fake News and the Mexican Drug War. It was a great success, with students and the UN Youth Chapter members all providing positive feedback. Our students learn the art of diplomacy by working collaboratively with others who have different experiences and who hold different perspectives to their own.

Danish Visit

On the 27 February, a group of students had the privilege of speaking to a group of admirable youth members, ranging from 15 to 18, of the Danish Association of Pupils. This is a non-profit organisation governed by young people in order to improve the conditions of students in elementary and lower secondary schools in Denmark. They had flown all the way from Denmark to discuss the topic of ‘student voice’, travelling to many schools in Australia, with the hopes of further developing their services. We sat and discussed our own cultures and customs, and compared our school dynamics. They were impressed by the amount of opportunity that students had in our community as well as our individual involvement in our learning. It was an amazing day full of enlightenment, and we feel honoured to have had the chance to bond with them and immerse ourselves in their culture. We hope the best for them and their organisation, and look forward to the many similar events that we will experience in the future.

Written by Tasha Fuentes (Year 10)

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Learning In COVID 19

coaches were assigned to each subject providing additional support and feedback for students. Teachers Ms Mattimore (DP) provided one-to-one support to students online and faceEarly Term 1, we were alerted to a new virus; ‘Coronavirus’ sweeping the world. As more information to-face. emerged, systems around the world took unprecedented steps to implement border closures, quarantines, social The Learning Support team devised an online form for students to request individual support with their learning. distancing and lockdowns. In Australia, we were The team, often working from home, responded to travelling comparatively well compared to other student requests providing personalised support online countries. When the decision to close schools came in via Google Meets to assist student in the completion of March, Rooty Hill High School was already in a good position to move to remote learning. Some years ago, we their work. implemented our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program where students brought their own computer to Student wellbeing has always been at the heart of everything we do at RHHS. To ensure all students were school and for those who did not have a device, our equity program ensured we could get a device into the ‘known, valued and cared for’ The Wellbeing Team, hands of every student. The school has its own Google including Head Teacher Junior School, Head Teacher Senior School, Year Advisers and Assistant Year Domain which provides us with a safe and secure internet for students and staff. Our intensive professional Advisers started each day with a Google Meet designed to ‘check in’ with students and provide an overview of learning program means teachers in every faculty are the day. This was a great opportunity for the whole year trained as Google Certified Educators and our professional learning and leadership teams provided ICT group to connect and chat. Our Admin team were each assigned to a year group and tasked with the role of training for all staff. Since the introduction of Google Classrooms in 2016 all lessons can be posted online for contacting every family to check on family wellbeing, discuss concerns, provide support or redirect questions students to gain access to classwork 24/7. When the pandemic struck, the school was in an ideal position to to teachers. The feedback from parents has been deliver remote learning quickly, safely and efficiently. overwhelmingly positive.

An audit of technology devices identified students who did not have a device at home or who did not have enough data to engage effectively in online learning. The school issued laptops to students to who needed them and issued internet dongles to students who required additional data.

A team of teacher representatives from each faculty worked together to create a Work from Home resource for students in years 7 & 8 based on capabilities and addressing syllabus outcomes. The Task of the Day booklet included 5 tasks from each faculty and could be completed online or in paper booklets. With the creation of the Work from Home Google Classroom, students were provided with daily updates as well as ongoing support through the chat facility. Students engaged enthusiastically in the activities, actively collaborating to answer questions and setting up their own online study groups. Students continued to work on their booklets in the phased return to school and will submit one task for assessment and reporting purposes.

Ms Andrews and Ms Short led a team of teachers to create a subject specific online program for Year 9. A teacher and a learning coach were allocated to each subject to deliver lessons, respond to student questions and provide individual feedback to students.

For the senior school, teachers collaborated to create Masterclasses and tutorials in order to deliver synchronous and asynchronous lessons to students working at home or attending school. Remote learning

Behind the scenes, the senior executive worked together to develop policies, protocols and practices to adhere to 5

government and departmental guidelines ensuring YEAR 7 students and staff were safe. This included protocols for hygiene, social distancing, safe use of technology and working from home. We have developed new ways of ‘knowing, doing and being’ and have embraced the opportunity to be creative and innovative. As we move forward, we are confident knowing we have systems in place to adapt to this ever-changing situation. We look forward to welcoming our students back full time, knowing that the ‘new normal’ may be completed different.

I would like to thank our teachers for their enormous capacity to adapt, create and think outside the box. To our students for their ability to work us and to our parents who have trusted us to make the right decisions (hopefully!).

Constance Mattimore, Deputy Principal.

Year 7 enjoying their Ambassador training activities.

Year Adviser Message Year 7 had an outstanding start to Term 1, and the beginning of the high school chapter of their lives. It has been amazing to watch them display a level of maturity I could never have expected in these difficult times.

Although not what we could have hoped for their first term of high school, every student in Year 7 has developed their tenacity and independence through their ability to continue learning from home. I am very proud of what we have achieved as a year group so far and am very excited to continue seeing Year 7 grow and continue to persist in Term 2.

Ms Pozoglou Year 7 Adviser 6

Year 7 have had so many challenges and experiences in their first term of high school, but students have been working together and helping each other to learn and have fun.

Year 7 had the opportunity to become ambassadors and complete a training day.

Year 7 also had the end of term achievement assembly which was amazing since more than 130 students received merit awards. Even though Term 1 was very hectic, it all worked out and we have all the school staff and teachers to thank for adapting to the changes.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, our students have still strived to follow the PERSIST values. We still learn, do assessments and communicate throughout everything that is going on in the world right now.

Most of the events scheduled to happen were cancelled unfortunately due to COVID-19. But nevertheless, the whole of Year 7 2020 had a great start to their high school adventure and are doing well to familiarize themselves with a new environment. Some events did make it through, we got to have our Deputy Principal Assembly in Week 10 to recognise our achievements.

The students are enjoying their time in isolation and enjoying working from home. The students are learning lots of IT skills and Enjoying Google Hangouts Meet and Google Hangouts Chat.

participating in school events such as the Swimming Carnival, Friday Grade Sport and also Informal Year Group Assemblies. A select group of Year 8 students also had the opportunity to participate in the 'Leadership!

It's not rocket science' leadership day that was facilitated by the GWS Giants. It was also fantastic to see the representation of Year 8 students receiving awards at the Excellence Assembly early in the term. Looking forward to Term 2, students will be given the opportunity participate and have their voice heard during the Tell Them From Me survey, Origin Explorers Day and also subject selection.

Mr Ross Year 8 Adviser.

YEAR 9

In conclusion, Term 1 2020 has been the ultimate juggle, but ended a valuable memory for the lot of us. Wishing everyone an even better Term 2!

Written by Marwa Amini, Hidayah Amjad, Brionne Vulimaibau, Daniel Ademovic & Zachary Boyd

YEAR 8

Year Adviser Message What a term! With so many interruptions to their learning, from extremely wet days that affected the swimming carnival and general schooling, to a Year 8 students celebrating International Women’s Day. significant shift to online learning! Well done Year 9, on being able to manage yourselves, and demonstrate your Year Adviser Message maturity in the face of this drastically changing world! A 2020 has been an interesting year thus far for the whole gentle reminder to all Year 9 Students, to make it a Rooty Hill High School community. Year 8 have been priority to attend your online Live Google Meets each no exception to this and I commend their maturity in morning for important information! handling of the different circumstances they have had to deal with. It has given me great pleasure watching Year I also want to extend a special congratulations to the 114 8 students welcome new Year 7 students into our school Year 9 students who attended our first ever online community. Year 8 have continued to grow their Deputy Principal Assembly. Your enthusiasm and strengths, tenacity and rigor in classrooms while

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support for each other was fantastic, and it was encouraging to see so many of you participate.

Again Year 9, congratulations on your sustained efforts and application to your schooling during this difficult time. I am immensely proud of your resilience and the tenacity that you have demonstrated, as well as the informed, and responsible digital citizens that you have shown yourselves to be. Remember, during this time, reach out to your peers, check-in, and look after one another!

Hill High School community. Well done and keep up the fantastic effort. As always, you have made me proud to be your Year Adviser, continue to make yourself proud.

Ms Edney Year 10 Adviser.

YEAR 11

Year Adviser Message Year 11 students have made a solid start to 2020 and making the ‘right choices’ has given them the boost they need to stay on track and drive a successful senior year.

Coming up in Term 2, we will be going ahead with the We have certainly been met with new challenges along Tell Them From Me Survey, and I am extremely the way as we moved into the end of term 1. But these interested to see how you have perceived yourself, your challenges have allowed us all to take hold of our schooling habits, and overall wellbeing this term! strengths and embrace the positives. This term we have seen the strengths of our Year 11 students shine through Well done Year 9, within the activities and events that Rooty Hill High Yours in support, School has offered our students to participate in. These Mr Jackson. include our choir Excellence Assembly performers, the Zone swimming carnival, boys and girls touch football, YEAR 10 work experience, Job Quest, Harmony Day rehearsal performers and Sydney West basketball and football trials. Congratulations on a great start to the 2020 year and we look forward to many other opportunities where we will see you showcase your individual and collaborative strengths.

Ms Gatt and Ms Land Year 11 Advisers Visual Arts Excursion

Year 10 Commerce students after completing their HIDD commerce pitches.

Year Adviser Message Year 10, you have had an exceptional term upholding the PERSIST values and adapting to Online Learning.

Many of you demonstrated leadership through the Model UN workshops. You demonstrated participation and enthusiasm through your involvement in the Swimming Carnival, Fitness Program and Harmony In Diversity Day Commerce project and performance rehearsals. The number of Year 10 students recognised at the Excellence Assembly is testament the qualities and values you uphold as a year group.

During Online Learning you have proven to yourselves that you are tenacious, hardworking, and positive under pressure. You have found creative ways to communicate with each other and your teachers to access the support that you need. In the final weeks of Term 1 you consistently inspired me and your teachers, showing us Our Year 11 Visual Arts class combined with the Year your ability to take on new challenges, support one 12 art class, ventured off to the Art Gallery of NSW, to another and contribute as valued members of the Rooty

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gain ideas and inspiration that would guide us in some direction as to the development of our body of work which we will commence in Term 4. As we moved around the ‘Art Express’ exhibition, we viewed the art diaries of the 2019 HSC students and were in awe at the technical feats achieved by these students through the making of their work. We viewed paintings, ceramics, sculptures, photography, drawings and video pieces. We are looking forward to the time of creating and getting a chance to exhibit and showcase our creations to the community.

Science Excursion

Term 1 assessment requirements based on the topic of ‘water testing’. The aim of the expedition was to perform our experiments within a collaborative setting.

Aeron Vicente and Kiera Laidlaw looked at water turbidity, while David Scott explored the PH levels in water.

In this image, Arya is using the water bug detective guide. Tanvir and Arya were able to identify the different species of bugs extracted from each of the distances. In this experiment, the students were able to observe how distance from the storm water runoff affects the number of bugs within the water.

Model U.N. A selection of Year 11 students participated in the Model United Nations workshops over two days. Throughout the workshop, we conducted research on our countries and others to prepare for a debate on a topic. There were three topics debated throughout the two day incursion.

These contemporary topics enlightened us on how the real UN operates and how participation is coordinated.

Work Experience

In Week 7, Year 11 student Cassandra King enjoyed a few days of work experience at the iconic Taronga Zoo. An amazing and enjoyed experience by Cassandra. She is seen pictured with the Galapagos Tortoise which is said to have a lifespan which surpasses over 100 years.

Varsity Jackets Students in Year 11 are looking forward to wearing their senior varsity jackets when we move into the winter months. Several students contributed to creating designs, all creative and individual. Thanks to all of those students that showcased their creative flair and we look forward to finalising a design soon.

Articles collaboratively written by Katie Toogood, Elijah Kaisa Christopher and Tanvir Zaman.

Investigating Science travelled to Nurragingy Reserve on a mini excursion to meet the requirements of our 9

YEAR 12

Written by Sussana Zaman, Delphine Koudakpo, Raizza Miclat, Rumman Memon, Aleeya Balfas, Jaspreet Kaur, Evan Ademovic, Piyatida Jade Ratanasirilak, Aidan Goundar.

it and really remind and appreciate how much the primary school provided and prepared students for high school.

Hosting Deputy Assemblies Hosting Deputy Principal Assemblies are about recognising student achievements as well as honouring Excellence Assembly The Excellence Assembly is an event to recognise and the year group with the effort and dedication they put in to make each semester great. Whether it is for academic congratulate students and teachers for their academic, excellence, creativity or innovation, students can proudly sporting and community achievements. Working together with Ms Christine Cawsey (AM), Ms Munzie end each semester feeling great. Deputy Principal Assemblies are hosted by two senior leader students who and students, the senior leadership team hosted the assembly and warmly welcomed the school community get the opportunity to work alongside their fellow peers. wonderfully. However, this year’s assembly will be the It demonstrates teamwork and connectedness as students last one as students as next year, Year 12 2020 will have work together to congratulate and support each other, resulting in them being encouraged and receiving a boost graduated to chase their dreams in the bigger world. of confidence. Hosting Deputy Principal Assemblies is a Year 11 2019 made significant strides in their student excellence from first in subject, to team of the year, to great opportunity for Year 12 senior leaders to be a role model, fellow student and friend to each year group most improved. All students should be proud of their where they are able to create new and enjoyable achievements and continue to do their best. memories.

Informal Assembly - Wellbeing & Organisation We’d like to extend a very big thank you for everyone Fast Forward staying safe and doing their part to help others and help Fast Forward is a program offered by Western Sydney themselves. For staying home in self isolation, reducing University in partnership with high schools in Western contact and washing their hands correctly. The staff and Sydney. The program is offered to a group of students in Year 9 and continues throughout their schooling. The assistant staff have been nothing less than amazing in program entails students engaging in activities and organising students online, providing equity devices, events organised by Western Sydney that aim to broaden pocket wifi and ensuring students have access to their their understanding of post school educational teachers. Everyone was prompt in adjusting to these opportunities. The program is highly beneficial to never before seen circumstances. Thank you to the students involved as it educates students on the benefits parents for helping students rearrange their schedules and to make sure they are still learning. Things are sure of further education and guides them in evaluating future to return better than before with this new range of skills career options. As Year 12 students approach their last few terms of the Fast Forward program they should look bestowed on us. back and appreciate all that the program, and Western Sydney University has offered them.

Senior Leader Duties Towards the end of last year, certain senior leaders had Bowling Afternoon volunteered to visit their primary schools as special guests for their formal assemblies. In particular, the leaders had visited Rooty Hill Public School, Mount Druitt Public School and Eastern Creek Public school.

Upon arriving at the schools, they were greeted warmly by the school staff. The leaders were originally invited to appear in the assembly and present a certain award for a student. It’s always a great opportunity to visit primary schools, especially if you, yourself graduated there. It’s an opportunity to take the time to stop by and greet teachers and students again. As well as looking at how much the school has changed since the last time you saw 10

During this term, Year 12 were given an opportunity to are allowed to be in touch with their femininity and still go Zone Bowling and engage in fierce battles to compete be equally as powerful as an individual. This event was for the highest score and ultimately, who could take the open to women only to share the idea of a safe space win. It was a nice break from the stress Year 12 brings as where women can coexist peacefully as women. students were able to unwind, let loose and enjoy their time together as a cohort. The entire bowling alley Model U.N echoed with cheers and laughter as students striked, During Week 8, a number of Year 12 Rooty Hill High made weird poses as they bowled or completely missed students took part in the Model U.N training day, the the bowling pins. Year 12 laughed and encouraged those program taught students the importance of diplomacy as who failed to achieve what they wanted and cheered on they took part in a series of debates and discussions those who were bowling experts. As their games came to throughout the day. Each pair was allocated a nationan end, students were left feeling motivated and state to represent, these countries varied from veto energised after their well deserved break. powers such as the United States of America, to smaller countries such as St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Through the program students were taught about the Senior Leader Message to Community United Nations by volunteers from U.N Youth Australia and mock competitions took place with all students involved having an opportunity to take part in the proceedings.

Magellan Investor Evening Year 12 students Sussana, Claire, Tarsha and Divina were officially invited to attend Magellan’s exclusive Investor Evening where they would get all the details on the latest global investor insights, business and economic situations. Magellan’s Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Hamish Douglass presented invaluable information regarding the updates in the global market.This opportunity had stemmed from the ‘Fundies of the Future Program’ in 2019 where these economics students represented the school for a place at the prestigious Sony Bright Hearts and Minds Conference.

The Investor Evening is sure to be helpful for the future as these women now have a tighter grasp on the global economic outlook and some may end up pursuing a career in the finances

What a year we’ve had so far. Now more than ever must we keep in mind what’s really important. COVID19 has brought unprecedented circumstances where students, teachers and the rest of the RHHS community was forced to adapt. We PERSIST through these trying times as we embark on our online classes using Google Meet, Youtube live and Hangouts. Rather than letting this epidemic stifle our learning, the Rooty Hill community has really pushed our creativity and innovation by making sure every student is accounted for. Senior leaders have taken advantage of this change by recording a stay at home video to show just how well we have Meeting Principal Online - Student Voice adjusted to this great change. We send out a big thank Prior to the proposed Term 2 start schedule, senior you to all those essential health workers who are on the leaders and Year 12 collectively met with Principal; Ms front line to make sure we are safe and healthy.

Christine Cawsey AM, to discuss the concerns and ideas the 2020 HSC students may have had. This provided International Women's Day assurance for the year group that was concerned about For International Women’s Day, both the SRC and their education, as the final year of their secondary Senior Leaders decided to collaborate to celebrate the schooling inched closer towards completion. Ms Cawsey occasion and help empower women through arranging gave students the opportunity to raise any specific several activities that are generally seen as typically concerns, and addressed all of these with as much “feminine”. Some of these activities included: colouring information as possible, further showing the importance in, writing positive messages on a mannequin and a of the student body's voice within the school community photo booth. This was to reinstate the fact that women during uncertain times. The unprecedented

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circumstances were effectively met with student-teacher cooperation in order to pinpoint the most effective teaching styles during online learning and also improve the strategies that weren't as effective. This tailored online learning experience has now been implemented, with a near-seamless transition into the senior schools new learning style.

yourself in. If there was ever a group of young people who would be able to take on the challenges of the HSC and a global pandemic at the same time with resilience, tenacity, persistence and a commitment to their school communities core values, it would be you. There is a saying that goes ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. It's about optimism and turning something potentially negative into something positive. Year 12 are 2020 Captains Message - Sussana Zaman & Evan to be commended, this term, some of you took the Ademovic lemons that life has given you and made lemonade, and Hey everyone! It’s Sussana and Evan back at it again! others of you have decided to take a big bite out of the We hope you want to hear from us because we Scooby lemon, eaten it raw and decided to enjoy what you can Dooby Doo! The year so far has been a crazy learn. As always Year 12, you have made me extremely rollercoaster where this darn coronavirus had completely proud to be YOUR Year Adviser, remember to continue butchered the normal way of doing things. Our captaincy to always make yourself proud. has not been like we expected but that’s not a bad thing!

This experience has shown us that Rooty Hill High Miss Douglas School can face any challenge. Together we’ve become Year 12 Adviser more innovative and adaptable as we explore new ways to teach and learn through isolation. This is where the students, staff and community truly shine as we have united to protect and motivate each other in a time of crisis. So we think it’s fair to say that our captaincy isn’t the usual, it’s business in the new normal.

Year Adviser Message Congratulations Year 12, you have reached the halfway mark of your HSC year! In doing so you have continued to surpass my expectations, and raise the bar of what it looks like to be a successful and adaptable young person.

You have been actively involved in all facets of school life, both in person and virtually. From the hosting the Excellence and Year Group Assemblies, representing the school in Basketball, Football, Cricket, Volleyball, being invited to finance industry investor evenings, contributing to the Model U.N, organising International Women's Day events, attending university conferences as well as attending classes, completing course work and submitting high quality assessments, you have been an integral part of our school community. You have modelled the PERSIST values in all that you do, and have set and met your own high expectations of yourself and your peers. I think it is safe to say that this was not what you were expecting when you dreamt about your last year of school. But, this is just another life lesson that you have learnt here at Rooty Hill High School.

There are some things in life that we can control, and some things that we cannot. You may have not chosen to be online learners this term, but you have definitely chosen to make the most of the situation you have found 12

selected for the Mt Druitt Zone team. Among a wide display of talent being showcased Adam Almoail speed down the side line, Tutoa Terekia's enormous tackles, Lachlan Tindall's caries were some of the cups finest.

Although results did not go our way our students did their school proud, setting the standard looking forward to the Panther Trophy later in the year.

Girls Open Softball

Participation and Enthusiasm!

While we didn't come away with the win against Doonside High School (6-10), the Open Girls Softball team can hold their heads high! The girls displayed outstanding resolve and continually worked themselves back in the game. The batting rally in the 3rd innings was a particular highlight, where some key hitting from Victoria, Taira and Manar helped the team to bite into the deficit. Special mention to the Year 12 Girls, Sina, Ane and Tayisha, who really brought the team together and created a buzzing team environment! A wonderful effort by all, especially those playing their very first game of softball ever!

Well done girls!

Boys Baseball

SPORT

Under 15s Mt Druitt Cup Rugby League

On a warm Tuesday, Rooty Hill High School's Under 15’s boys took part in the Mt Druitt Cup in hopes to be 13

The opens boys baseball team play Blacktown Boys.

After a slow start the boys fell behind 8-0 after the second innings. After some solid defence and some tactical batting and base running, the boys won in the last innings 10-9.

Rooty Hill High School progresses through to the round of 16 after defeating Cambridge Park High School 3 sets to 1.

Open Boys Cricket

Boys Touch Football

After the match had to be rescheduled multiple times due to weather, the boys finally got a game against Blacktown Boys High School. Blacktown won the toss and elected to bowl, with Daniel Prescott and our captain Kaleb Clarke going in to face the new ball. After our 40 overs, Rooty Hill made a very respectable 7/124, with Daniel Prescott batting 37 of the 40 overs to score 57 runs! Unfortunately, our bowling attacked faced a very The opens boys touch football team played Blacktown strong batting line up who managed to get the runs, but only after some great bowling efforts from the likes of Boys in a round one clash at Angus Park. The team played hard and worked together to come away with a 5- Cameron Brockway.

3 victory resulting in a progression to round 2 and one Mt Druitt Zone Swimming step closer to the gala day.

Opens Girls Basketball v Plumpton HS Congratulations to the Opens Girls Basketball team who won against Plumpton HS 35-17. The girls were very nervous for their first game of the knockout competition; however they were able to transfer their skills from different sports and use high-level communication to come up on top.

Sydney West Opens Boys Knockout Volleyball

This year saw Rooty Hill High send 39 competitors represent the school at the Mt Druitt Zone swimming carnival. As always, our competitors demonstrated the PERSIST values to an excellent standard, especially the values or participation, success and teamwork. Our outstanding results saw RHHS win the zone swimming carnival again, and a special congratulations to Alexander Perry who broke the U12 boys 50 butterfly zone record that has been held for at least 15 years.

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Year 7 Cidra Akl Haliana Callaghan Brodie Citko Nichola Croft Thomas Darley Naira Fazlani Rebecca Gao Lilley Gotts Kirra Hayward Sidra Jafari Isabella Kauvai Tyarn Lees Savanah Leu Zane Mason Georgia McAndrew Aleisha McKee Ayesha Memon Mason Morris Priya Muduliar Ciara Nadan Apple Nucom Isabella Perkins Levi Pont Elianna Raquedan Monique Robert Divine Sang-Yum Mia Senanayake Emily Stephenson Renekah Streeting Danica Tahana Phoenix Ussher-Jackson Joshua Vella Year 8 Sarah-Louise Abela Chloe Ayre Chelsea Batty Aphril Cabban Rembert Chavez James Collisson Mandy Cottier Yakup Derin Erin Gamsby Mikayla Grosvenor Freshta Hashimi Phoebe Hickson Declan Howson Mikayla Kaisa Alleyah Khan Chelsea Leu Xiu Hui Lim Jazmine Mendoza Rhianna Nallas Emma O'Toole Rubaina Parmar Danaka Pitovao Shaye Ryan Kiara Schroeder Jayden Seaton Taliyah Suitupe Um-E-Farwah Syed Jarrod Thomas Emjay Tuiloma

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS TERM 1 2020

Year 9 Justine Ademovic Maram Al-Jorani Zahra Almoaiel Adam Almoail Lexie Auld Sasipim Aye Gizem Biber Courtney Bryce Jennifer Buckley Rebecca Chau Elyzza Dalusong Raaveeshram Dandamudi Anjelica Delos Reyes Bianca Dodd Thealey Dupaya Dansia Gomes Makayla Hickson Alyssa Hosie Alesha Hussein Daniel Imperial Ariana Iosefo Marissa Kang Shivanjli Lal Lillian Lolomanaia Makaila Marquez Timothy McKechnie Jode Mekuri Jeamhar Mesina Amina Mohammadi Kathleen Moxham Manar Munshid Reynald Narayan Jaykob Ofiu Ucheme Ohiaeri Luisa Paulo Mohammad Asif Razaee Rene Sarraj Shaquarn Siaosi Jazmine Susi Malia Vatikani Mataele Angelina Zamora

Zoe Gower Mitchell Grosvenor Nathaniel Guzman Anchita Hansoongnern Marzia Hashimi Ocearna Haumono Stefano Hingano Chloe Hunt Charlize Iddles Hong Hy Khov Declan Kosta Jason Lansdowne Skye Lepua Tamana Mansory Everleigh Marsters Myracle Matara Alyse McCutcheon Pheobi-Paris McMaster Mikhaela Mendoza Samantha Mendoza Amanda Ngo Nherwin Pangilinan Crystal Patrimonio Chloe Paz Vinuji Polwaththa Gallage Taira Pule Ema Ranitu Kalaya Ryan Celestine Salimbangon Keighla Santiago Feofaaki Sefesi Bilal Shah Nina Shemon Shane Singh Nicayla Storozuk Malakai Suitupe Aemareign Daphne Sunga Aniva Taateo Reueta Tuiafiso Tane Tume Prince Utailogo Joel Zahra

Year 10 Jezeriah Afele Fuimaono Malaika Ali Isabella Arnold Breearna Ayers Jamee Balzan Danielle Becci-Vatavuk Tanequa Bolt-Benedito Moniq Castanares Nivad Charan Hallelujah Crichton Abigail Dave Benjamin Dickson Aron Diwa Andrew Doan Ella Evans Keira Evans Tasha Fuentes

Year 11 Asosi Anae Taikura Andrew Kirsten Barbeau Ro Unaisi Bonawai Isha Bondoc Emma Bowman-Trinh Rowen Cooke Rafaele Delatabua Taiala Fuiono Rosie Gale Michael Gosche Jackson Handley Freya Howson Elijah-Christopher Kaisa Cassandra King Zoe Krabbe Fred Kupu

Keiara Laidlaw Josephine Laurenson Zinshel Leha Joanna Madera Gerard Mantua Devonia Mekuri Erin Mercado Hayden Nobbs Kayecy Pacheco Paris Paraan Ciara Phillips Darcy Rusconi Tanya Singh Genoveva-Constantina Stuparu Mussa Talabani Samira Taouk George Tautuiaki Brooklyn Te Ringa Janey Tekeu Katie Toogood Ilaisaane Tuipulotu Solomon Tuipulotu Oilau Helena Vaoutumala Aeron Vicente Jarrel Vista

Beverly Misionare Thomas Morris Hanna Ngo Eunice Nuahn Shalome Pule Piyatida Jade Ratanasirilak Jade Ridley-King Zeel Shah Inesh Singh Korben Smith Kealoha Tautuiaki Hayze Tauveve Tipeni Tofilau Naoia Vaoutumala Akanisi Vuki Chad Zahra Sussana Zaman Mike Zamora

Year 12 Evan Ademovic Mark Aiatia Heritage Aladegbaye Ali Almoail Divina Ambat Aleeya Balfas Angela Bermudez Jaimelen Camacho Justin Canda Zane Catlett Cyrus Cayton Christiane Convento Tarsha Daly Danielle De Leon Yvonne Delatabua Aiden Fitzgerald Sione Fonua Mauraena Fuimaono Aidan Goundar Maryrose Guerra Samokia Haumono Meletonga-Victoria Johansson Tayisha Kamoe Alexia Khalil Atsupui Delphine Koudakpo Nganeko Luke Lorijocacha Ane Masame Kanyapat Meekoh Rumman Memon Remiel Merlan Lidia Meti Raizza Miclat 15

Follow Rooty Hill High School:

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

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