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Term 1 2022
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT – 2022 IS OUR DIAMOND JUBILEE ROOTY HIGH SCHOOL TURNS 60 Want to be involved – please contact the school WATCH FOR NEWS VIA SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIRECT CONTACT REPORT PRESENTATION ADDRESS
I want to start by thanking staff, students and the community for the enormous efforts made this term. We started the term with “cohorting”, masks, mandatory RATs and a steady increase in COVID+ cases – first among our students and their families, and then among our staff. New terms like “COVID iso” entered our vocabulary and we were directed to put many restrictions in place. And then it started to rain, and rain, and rain. Many homes in our part of western Sydney were affected by storms and flooding. Luckily, many of our students could learn from home on the worst 3 days and we remained connected through our online learning tools. As we finish this term, we have only had a few fine days and have had to postpone a lot of events or find other ways to do them. First, we had to cancel the Excellence Assembly but with great creativity, led by Ben Diaz we were able to video the key parts of the assembly and use it as a showcase of the school for our 60th anniversary. We will watch it together next term. The next big event to be postponed was the 60th Anniversary celebration/Harmony Day. We did enjoy a wonderful Harmony Day Assembly on Monday 21 March and planned to move our Anniversary Celebration Day to Term 2. Then it rained again so we will now be celebrating with rides, performances and food on 5 August (Term 3). We have been able to complete assessment tasks, have year assemblies and keep as much “learning continuity” as possible. We have done our best. There is no doubt this term has felt very long, and students have said that it has “not felt the same” as most first terms. That is true. We have been asked to meet new challenges and do things differently, just as we did in 2020 and 2021. What have we learnt? We have learnt that “recovery” really matters. We cannot change what has happened, but we can recover and find the next phase. We may not be able to do everything the traditional way, but we are able to focus on new practices and 1
new ideas. Term 2 looks exciting, and we hope we will all be back together after a safe (and hopefully healthy) holidays. Thank you to everyone.
Visit by the Class of 1971
Christine Cawsey AM Principal Rooty Hill High School Badanami, Merana, Ngioba – on Darug lands
Farewells and Celebrations •
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Sadly, we heard that one of our former staff members who was well known in the local community, Rowshan Begam, passed away after a battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with her family. At the start of the term, Seema Rola, who taught many of our best physics students over the years moved to The Ponds High School and we wish her well in her new job. We also wished Aaron Prestridge every success as he moved to a job with the Department of Education in setting the VALID Science examinations that students do in Years 6, 8 and 10. Farewell to Mohshin Ali, Ashleigh Seeeny and Matthew Rota who are moving on to other schools in Term 2. Congratulations to Clare King whose daughter Penelope was born in March. Congratulations to Emily who worked with our students during COVID-19 in 2022. #TeamRootyHill.
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RAT Distribution
Ambassador Training
This year 115 Year 7 students participated in Ambassador Training. It was excellent to see students taking on the responsibility of being leaders of the school.
YEAR 7
Year Adviser Message
It has been an excellent start to the year for this Year 7. The cohort have started their journey at Rooty Hill High School embracing the PERSIST values and participating in all aspects of school life. Mr Crosilla Year 7 Adviser
Year 6 and 7 BBQ
Peer Support
Students participated in the Peer Support program run and facilitated by Year 9 leaders. The program is designed to support Year 7 in their transition from primary school to high school. Students enjoyed their time with their peer support leaders, in particular the scavenger hunt activity.
Swimming Carnival
Rooty Hill High School’s swimming carnival was run a little different this year with only competitive swimmers attending. 7 students attended to provide support to the athletes cheering them on from the grandstands. It was excellent to see so many students participating showing school spirit, both in competitive and providing support to competitors.
Harmony in Diversity Day Assembly
LOTE
Written by Ecrin Diler
We all know different celebrations, fun and amazing traditions. Chinese New Year known as spring festival which in Chinese it is chunjie ‘春节’. Chinese people do fireworks, dragon dances, light lanterns and much more during the festival. This year I learnt that tiger is the animal that represents this year, which is hu ‘虎’. In class, we made paper cutting for traditional window decoration.
It was excellent to see Year 7 students enjoying themselves during the Harmony in Diversity Day performances. Students watched in several cultural performances in the Harmony in Diversity Day assembly.
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YEAR 8
Peer Support Leaders
Year Adviser Message
Year 8 have had a positive start to 2022. Although we have not been able to participate in many of our regular festivities, students have been achieving great things both in and out of the classroom. It was excellent to see students in their cultural garb for Harmony Day and to see them getting into the swing of class activities. I’d like to highlight the achievements of students who have participated in the Full STEAM Ahead workshops and Year 8 students who were in the U15s Rugby League team. Congratulations to all Year 8 students. I'm looking forward to seeing what you achieve throughout the year. Miss Tracy Year 8 Adviser
Full Steam Ahead
Written by Taylor Cassar Full STEAM Ahead took place this term over 3 periods. A few students were picked to participate in the learning experience, there was about 20 students and there were people from the city teaching us how to program and use codes. I learnt how to make a light switch using the power board tool and we used buttons to turn the light on. We also learnt about what people do for their job with light and power and engineering.
Year 9 had the opportunity to be Peer Support Mentors to the new Year 7 cohort of 2022. They participated in a full day of training and assigned to their new groups to help Year 7 feel welcomed and introduce them to the high school experience and school PERSIST values. The Year 9 leaders were outstanding in their leadership skills, and showed that they are responsible, kind, and trustworthy. It was a great experience for both the new Year 7 students and the Year 9 leaders.
Fast Forward Scholars
YEAR 9
Year Adviser Message
Year 9 have continued to exhibit the school values of PERSIST during Term 1 of their last year of junior school. I am very proud of what we have achieved as a year group so far and am very excited to continue seeing Year 9 grow in 2022. Miss Pozoglou Year 9 Adviser
Deputy Principal’s Recognition Assembly
We were excited to finish the term on a high with the Deputy Principal’s Recognition assembly on Wednesday in Week 11. In the assembly, we were able to recognise the excellence award winners of 2021 and the achievements of Year 9 in Term 1. A special congratulations to our PERSIST award winners this term: Rosaleah Paulo, Nabaa Boram, Prince Sta Maria, Scott Lever and Abigail Camat.
Harmony in Diversity Day Assembly
Harmony in Diversity Day was celebrated this year with a whole school assembly. The usual festivities of harmony day will be combined with the 60th anniversary celebration in Term 2 which we are really looking forward to as a highlight of the year. In the assembly, we saw special performances from Pacific Islander dance students, singing performances from senior students and acknowledgement of country done by our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
YEAR 10
Year Adviser Message
Year 10 has had a great start to Term 1 in 2022. Students competed in volleyball, football and swimming with our rugby players performing excellently in the Panthers Trophy. Many students are developing a mature approach to their academics organising after school study groups and supporting each other’s progress in class. Congratulations to our PERSIST winners this term, Halle, Kiara, Aphril, Mohit and Zach, who have already been recognised by all of their teachers are going above and 4
beyond to achieve a personal best. Year 10 has started strong and has a bright year ahead! Mr Hewitt Year 10 Adviser
Laws are influenced by societal values, beliefs, ethics, and morals. Over time, the legal system has become more representative and consistent with the changing society, and we have seen this by the integration of ATSI customary laws.
Music
Written by Lillian Lolomanaia In music this term, I was tasked with completing research toward a Viva Voce, based on a topic that I was passionate about. I enjoyed learning about different aspects of Music, which made this task pleasant to complete. I had also been given the opportunity to perform for the Harmony in Diversity Day Assembly, accompanying the main singers whilst playing guitar. This was such a great opportunity and I look forward to performing more often!
YEAR 11
Year Adviser Message
This term students have been busy with settling into Year 11, becoming comfortable with their subject choices for the final years of school and most excitedly - designing the Year 12 varsity jackets. After the rollercoaster ride of a year, we had in 2021, it has been a joy to be able to be on site and see everyone this term. It has been a strange start to the year with the slow release of COVID restrictions, but Year 11 has made the most of it, persevered and gotten involved in as many things as possible including Harmony in Diversity Day dances and musical performances, sporting groups and leadership opportunities. Students have managed to balance the workload and engage with their new teachers and subjects. It has been wonderful seeing Year 11 display such positivity amongst their peers as well as demonstrating discipline, engagement, and excellence in academic areas of schooling. I am excited to see what else Year 11 can achieve as the year progresses. Miss Balman Year 11 Adviser
Debating Year 11 and 12
Year 11 and 12 students competed in the Premiers Debating Challenge, winning some debates against impressive teams from Girraween and Coonabarabran. Students debated on if school captains should be picked based on diversity, should women and men be paid equal starting salaries in sports and if we should change our English texts to be more reflective of today’s society. Students also participated in after school workshops welcoming some new Year 10 debaters to senior debating and discussing philosophy and geopolitics!
Harmony in Diversity Day
Legal Studies
Written by Reign Dimayuga During this term of Legal Studies, we have explored the basis of the Australian legal system. We have investigated in-depth the topics of basic legal concepts, classification of laws, contemporary laws of Australia, and law reform.
This term students celebrated Harmony in Diversity Day, a day which celebrates different cultural backgrounds and allows students to express their cultural identities. An assembly was held in which Year 11 students performed the National Anthem, a musical item, and a cultural dance item. The students who participated are Litia Tofilau, Janiqua Siloi, Ariana Iosefo, Luisa Paulo, Elijah Jennings and Lillian Lolomanaia.
Ancient History
Written by Dansia Gomes This term in Ancient History, we got the opportunity to learn about the Punic wars, through the perspective of Ancient Rome and Carthage. This was interesting to learn about, and 5
as a result, I was able to have an insight into the life of a Roman soldier. Throughout Term 1, Ancient history allowed me to learn about different societies which peaked my interest, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
English
Written by Saanvi Sharma During English this week (Week 10), we have started our new unit, ‘Narratives that shape our world.’ We are analysing excerpts from two comparative texts, Shakespeare’s ‘Julius Caesar’ and Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ and learning about powerful narratives that reflect the era, culture, beliefs of the society of which they were created to connect the audience and share collective experiences. So far, we’ve just finished reading the first scene and discussed & summarised the events that occurred. I personally really enjoy Shakespeare, so this unit fits to my taste. I’m looking forward to what texts we will indulge in, later in the unit.
Visual Arts
Written by Serina Scopelliti In Visual Arts, we have been discussing and analysing artworks. In theory lessons, we discuss and analyse what techniques were used and for what purpose. In the practical part of Visual Arts, we have been experimenting constantly with non-traditional and traditional art materials to create deep and expressive artworks. Our assessment focuses on evaluating the meaning and techniques within artworks from chosen artists such as Fiona Hall, alongside our own artmaking.
YEAR 12
Year Adviser Message Congratulations Year 12. You have successfully made it to the halfway mark. As we step into Term 2, we leave behind an abundance of assessment tasks and projects that has made for a busy Term 1.
LIBRARY
My name is Ms Shauna Pollard, and I am now the librarian for RHHS [after 12 years as Head of English]. A lot of books have been taken out of the collection - old information, battered books and second copies have been removed. The fiction section has been organised into genres to make it easier for readers to find what they like and, next term, I will launch The Library Club [TLC] through a Google classroom; with groups and places to share reading, writing, film and tv. I look forward to seeing you in our space.
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS Artist of the Week
Artist of the Week is up and running again. The initiative showcases a wide range of artworks from high achieving students in Year 7 to 12 Visual Arts and Photography. This term, the following students were selected to showcase their art making talents for the RHHS community to experience; Jemuel Nallas, Munazza Soomro, Myah Nguyen, Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage, Tahlesha Davis, Isabella Brooke, Chris Baluyot, Ella Munday, Raiyan Huda, Darrel Nucom, Justyn Raquedan, Jasmine Santiago, Christopher Norton and Gizem Biber.
A Block Exhibition Space
A new round of artworks is currently being installed in the A Block exhibition space. The exhibition features artwork by Year 10 Photographic and Digital Media students. The showcase highlights work created during workshop sessions based on the theme ‘contrasts’. These photographs are by Tahlesha Davis, Brock Delaney and Zachariah Edwards.
Year 12 and the 2022 Senior Leadership Team have both participated in and contributed to a variety of events running in Term 1, 2022. This included a competitor only Swimming Carnival, Harmony in Diversity Day Assembly, Year 12 Future Focus excursion to Sydney University and a Year 12 University and beyond presentation. Year 12 also took the first steps in the creation of their student portfolios this included highlighting their strengths, skills, future goals and involvement in extracurricular activities. Miss Edney Year 12 Adviser
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SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS TERM 1 2022 Year 7 Chris Baluyot Isabella Brooke Jasmine Browne Justin Delos Reyes Ecrin Diler Chloe Gamsby Evan Gao Raiyan Huda Humzah Hussain Michael Khalil Jenna Ler Jamielle Lopez Cameryn Madigan Alarna Matatia Peyton Maybury Joshua Moyse Matthew Ner Bushra Saad Duaa Saeed Wesley Sang-yum Jasmine Santiago Shemariah Tautari Alyssa Urfano Jordan Vella Year 8 Petra Adamovic Mahutariki Bose Taylor Cassar Mali Coombes Daniel Khalil Kye Klumper Riley Marshall Eli Mascarenas Ethan Mascarenas Cooper Micallef Ella Munday Jemuel Nallas Myah Nguyen Ashmeet Parmar Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage Yonalee Polwaththa Gallage Munazza Soomro Kevin Vinoya
Samuel Vista Eltaf Hussain Yawari Matilda Roberts Charli Russell Year 9 Phoenix Ah San Blake Allen-Pagett Christian Alsamaan Marwa Amini Jayden Bailey Kirsty Battye Madisson Battye Graham Douglas Sautualasi Heron Cruz Iese Princetontinei Lopeti Dylan Loughton Zane Mason Brock Neich Isabella Pakas Ali Qaddoura Consaij Siloi Harris Temory Phoenix Ussher-Jackson Jazmine Xuereb Year 10 Sarah-Louise Abela Chloe Ayre Chelsea Batty Jazmin Birett Gabriel Convento Montana Creswell Tahlesha Davis Taitoe Falemoe Declan Howson Garth Jnr Le Roux Tristan Lolo Ryan Manansala Jacob Martin Trish Ortiz Emma O'Toole Rubaina Parmar Danaka Pitovao
Sahiba Sheikh Farah Sideq Tiresa Stanley Taliyah Suitupe Um-e-Farwah Syed Ola Tofilau Ikenasio Tuitupou Kutu Jassmine Urfano Year 11 Zahra Almoaiel Japheth Arona Dejan Baldacchino Gizem Biber Reign Dimayuga Bianca Dodd Dansia Gomes Veronica Ieremia Tyler Johns Lillian Lolomanaia Jada Pitovao Madison Puckeridge Meily Roberts Logan Swan Year 12 Stefan Adamovic Denzel Autor Jamee Balzan Kaiceryn Cantre Benjamin Dickson Aaron Foster Zoe Gower Ocearna Haumono Skye Lepua Nicole Li Myracle Matara Amanda Ngo Chloe Paz Nael Salacsacan Shane Singh Sophia Stratikopoulos Cherish Tseros Faith Tseros Kenneth Villalon
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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
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