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MISSING LINK

Term 1 2026

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

I would like to thank and congratulate students, staff, families, partners and the community for an exciting, successful and effective start to 2026.

As principal, I want to note how well students in Years 8-12 returned to the start of the year and how well Year 7 students started their high school studies. I also want to note that we welcomed over 40 students and families into our school community during the term. Our teachers were very well prepared for the demands of 2026 and the high expectations we are holding for students in 2026.

Our core value for 2026 is Excellence - at every check point this year we will askhave we done our best?

We are also working on the 4Rs plus one:

• Respect

• Responsibility

• Restoration

• Resilience

• Plus regulation and routine

Pleasewatchourcommunications,includingournewwebsiteandpleaseviewthislink

- what our students and staff want you to know about this school: Why Rooty Hill? Thanks to the students and Mr Diaz for this powerful message.

As we end the term, I want to thank and acknowledge the many successful events that we did together this term, many of which are reported in the rest of ML:

• The Excellence Assembly - see the separate Missing Link

• The Swimming Carnival, knockout sports and team successes in volleyball, women's AFL and other HPGE sporting activities

• The work of our senior leaders and SRC members at conferences, in promoting the school, in leading programs and especially for their work connecting with students’ leaders from the Learning Neighbourhood schools on 16 March at the leadership conference.

• Our multicultural dance group for their representation at Blacktown City Council.

• The peer support leaders in Year 9 who are working with Year 7 students.

• The team coordinating NAPLAN and the students in Years 7 and 9 who showed resilience and energy when ACARA made an error on the first day and the writingexaminations werepostponed. We had agreat completion rate.

• The team and all the students who took part in Harmony and Diversity dayit was a wonderful way to end the term.

As I conclude this term's report, I want to mention that our schoolishavingitsveryownbabyboominApril,May,June and September. Best wishes to Miguel Mangali, Kate Pozolglou, Jade Miller, Kathrine Delaney, Anna Gundi all of whom are expecting new babies in April and May.

And finally, very best wishes to Svetlana Hunn from HSIE (who resigned in late February) and David Proctor our Librarian who has been transferred to another school. We wish them all the very best.

Ms Christine Cawsey AM Principal

DEPUTY PRINCPAL’S MESSAGE

Ms Melanie Douglas

As we reach the end of Term 1, it is important to recognise the strong start our Year 7 and Year 10 students have made. Both cohorts are in important transition years, Year 7 students are transitioning from primary school into high school and beginning their journey in the junior school, while Year 10 students are transitioning into the senior school, where expectations, responsibility and future pathways become increasingly significant.

What stands out across both groups is not just participation, but the consistency of effort, engagement, and willingness to get involved in all aspects of school life.

For Year 7, this term has been about building foundations, learning routines, developing connections, and establishing themselves as members of the Rooty Hill High School community. As we reach the end of their very first term of high school, it is important to pause and recognise something significant, these students do not just attend this school; they belong here. Not by chance, or simply because their name is on the roll, but because of the way they have shown up, contributed to our community, and grown over the past 10 weeks. In this time, each student has begun to shape their place at Rooty Hill High School.

This is clearly reflected in their achievements, with 998 Merit Awards, 73 Significant Achievement Awards, and 216 Participation Awards already earned. These numbers speak to a cohort that is embracing opportunities and demonstrating our PERSIST values in action.

Their involvement has extended well beyond the classroom. Students have engaged in key transition and learning experiences including Induction Day and Digital Immersion, as well as successfully completing NAPLAN. Many have also represented the school or participated in broader opportunities, including PULSE Choir and Dance, SydneyWestOpenGirls’Football,andtheZoneSwimming Carnival. A significant number of students have also taken on leadership and connection-focused roles through Peer Support and Ambassador Training, helping to shape a positive and inclusive Year 7 culture.

For Year 10, Term 1 marks an important stage as students begin to position themselves for the senior years. This is a time where expectations shift, and students are increasingly

asked to take ownership of their learning, their decisions, and their future pathways. It has been fantastic to see many students step into this space with maturity, focus and purpose.

Their achievements this term reflect this growth, with 695 Merit Awards, 212 Significant Achievement Awards, and 44 Participation Awards. The high number of significant achievementawardsisparticularlynoteworthy,highlighting students who are not only meeting expectations but demonstrating a commitment to excellence.

Beyond the classroom, Year 10 students have continued to excel across a range of fields. Our sporting teams have achieved strong success, including the Wanderers boys, cricket team, and volleyball teams, with outstanding effort shown at trials and in the Volleyball Schools Cup. A special congratulations to our Colebee Schools Cup boys on their impressive win, demonstrating teamwork, commitment and pride in representing our school.

Creativity has also been a standout this term, with Year 10 students regularly recognised as Artists of the Week. Students from Photography and Visual Arts classes have consistently been selected, highlighting both the quality of their work and their commitment to developing their creative skills.

Students have also begun to look forward, engaging in opportunities with UNSW and USYD, and starting to consider what their pathways beyond school may look like. Inaddition,thoseinvolvedintheBEATprogramarealready developing as future leaders in health, showing initiative and a willingness to contribute to something bigger than themselves. These are the kinds of experiences that begin to shape not just academic success, but character, direction, and purpose.

Across both cohorts, students have also positively engaged in whole-school events such as the Swimming Carnival, Photo Day, and Harmony and Diversity Day, contributing to a strong sense of belonging and school pride. These shared experiences are an important part of building a connected and inclusive school culture.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr MobbsGreen, Year 7 Adviser, and Miss Daynah Elford, Year 10 Adviser, for their outstanding work this term. Their dedication, organisation and care for their cohorts have played a significant role in supporting students through these important transition periods and in establishing strong year group cultures.

Across both year groups, the message is clear, when students engage, participate, and take ownership of their learning and opportunities, success follows. We look forward to building on this strong foundation in Term 2.

Ms Melanie Douglas Deputy Principal

DEPUTY PRINCPAL’S MESSAGE

Ms Conny Mattimore

As we come to the end of Term 1, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a very positive, productive and rewarding start to the year for your year group.

The first term of high school can often set the tone for the year ahead, and I want to acknowledge the way you have approached your learning, your responsibilities and your involvement in school life. You have demonstrated a growing sense of maturity and a clear commitment to making the most of the opportunities available to you.

One of the standout achievements this term has been your involvement in the Peer Support program. Many of you stepped into leadership roles, working closely with our Year 7 students to support them in their transition to high school. Starting high school can be challenging, and the guidance, encouragement and positiveexampleyou have providedhas made a real difference. Through this program, you have actively promoted our PERSIST values showing perseverance, empathy, respect and responsibility in meaningful and practical ways. You should be very proud of the impact you have had on our newest students.

Beyond Peer Support, you have also participated in a wide range of whole-school events and activities. The swimming carnivalwasafantasticdisplayofschoolspirit,participation and teamwork. It was great to see so many of you getting involved, whether competing in events, supporting your peers or contributing to the positive atmosphere of the day. Similarly, excursions this term have provided valuable opportunities to extend your learning beyond the classroom, and your behaviour and engagement on these experiences have been commendable.

Academically, you have approached NAPLAN and your assessment tasks with focus and determination. These are important opportunities to demonstrate your learning and to challenge yourselves, and it has been pleasing to see the effort many of you have put into your preparation and performance. Remember, success is not just about results, but about the effort, persistence and improvement you show along the way.

It has also been particularly pleasing to see the number of students receiving merit, significant achievement and participationawardsthisterm.Theseacknowledgementsare not given lightly they reflect consistent effort, positive attitude and a willingness to contribute to our school community. Whether you have been recognised for academic achievement, improvement, leadership or participation, you should take pride in what you have accomplished.Forthosewhoarestillworkingtowardsthese goals, I encourage you to stay focused and continue tostrive for your personal best.

One ofthemost significantand encouragingtrendsthisterm has been the noticeable decrease in the number of negative reports and the substantial increase in positive behaviours across Year 9. This reflects the choices you are making every day in the classroom, in the playground and in the

way you interact with others. It shows that you are taking responsibility for your actions and contributing to a more respectful, inclusive and supportive school environment. This is exactly what we want to see as you move closer to the senior years of your schooling.

I am also very pleased to see that so many of you are becoming increasingly future-focused and aspirational. Many students are already seeking out opportunities to explore potential career pathways, set goals and think about what they want to achieve beyond school. Whether it is through subject selection, conversations with teachers, or engaging in career exploration activities, you are beginning to take important steps towards shaping your future. This is an excellent mindset to develop, and I encourage you to continue asking questions, seeking advice and making informed decisions.

As you reflect on this term, I encourage each of you to think about what you have achieved, what you have learned and whereyoucancontinuetogrow.Set yourselfgoalsforTerm 2 whether they are academic, personal or related to your involvementinschoollife andcommittoworkingtowards them with determination and a positive attitude.

Year 9, you have made an excellent start to 2026. Your efforts, your behaviour and your willingness to engage have setastrongfoundationfortherestoftheyear.Iamconfident that if you continue this path, you will achieve great things.

Congratulations on a very successful Term 1. I hope you enjoy a well-earned break, stay safe, and return ready to continue building on this positive momentum in Term 2.

Thank you.

Ms Conny Mattimore Deputy Principal

YEAR 7

Year Adviser Message

Year 7 have had a wonderful start to their high school journey in Term 1. They have embraced our PERSIST value of the Year - excellence and already begun demonstrating it across all areas of their schooling. It has been a fast-paced term, filled with new friendships, new classes and new experiences. In addition to their academic studies, students from Year 7 have also been involved in Peer Support, NAPLAN, Digital Immersion Workshops, Ambassador Training, SRC Training, Sports Competitions and much more.

We set a new record for the school - the first Year 7 cohort to have a NAPLAN exam cancelled on the commencement day. Our behaviour as a year group was during this time exemplary. We were prepared for NAPLAN, but as it seemed, NAPLAN was not prepared for us. Fortunately, we were able to finish our exams on the following days in a timely manner. A perfect example of the excellence that our year group already upholds.

I know I speak for myself, Mrs Andrews and Ms Douglas when I say that it has been one of the best starts to Year 7 that any year group has had. Congratulations Year 7, keep up the excellent work.

Mr Mobbs-Green Year 7 Adviser

Peer Support

Written by Alorah Garvin

During Term 1, we participated in peer support Mr MobbsGreen helped to organise our groups and posted them on Google Classroom. The next day we all went off tomeet our peer support leaders. They gave us a work booklet that we would complete all our lessons in. Our lessons were about being kind, helping us understand how to be our best and how to settle into high school. Over the following weeks, I really enjoyed working with my mentors and learning more about the school. It was so much fun doing the scavenger hunt, playing games and spending time with my friends!

NAPLAN

Written by Leroy Toth

On the first day of NAPLAN, we were all ready to sit our writing exam. Everyone was prepared to write their story and try to impress the supervising teachers. However, something happened that no one was prepared for. Just as everyone was ready to start, all the servers shut down. Everyone was so surprised by this because it was our first NAPLAN of Year 7.

But unexpectedly, the entire year group behaved during this setback, and they quietly waited until Mr Mobbs-Green decided to postpone it until the next day. I made sure to prepare at home and try again the next day. Luckily, everything worked out and we were all able to complete our NAPLAN exams. Well done to our year group and good luck with our results..

Ambassador Training Day

Written by Alexis Fillery

This year, I became an Ambassador for Year 7. An ambassador is someone who represents our school and the school values.Theyareanamazinggroupofkind,dedicated students, who work together to create events and help in the school.

On the ambassador training day, we participated in many teamwork-based activities to better understand what we do as an ambassador and how we can better communicate with our peers. We found out about each other's birthdays, the different things we like and what we stand for. Even though I was a bit nervous, I am enjoying being a leader in our school. Next term, we will have a special assembly that recognises our commitment to being an Ambassador.

Swimming Carnival

Written by Keanu Subedar

This was my first time at the school swimming carnival for Rooty Hill,it was somuch fun. There wasfoodto buy,races to swim and at the end we got to play in the pool (isn’t that just amazing).

There were many events like butterfly, freestyle and more. I did the 50m freestyle and the 50m breaststroke. I was very proud to make it to the Zone Swimming Carnival to represent our school. I was not the best swimmer there, but I still gave it a try and came fifth in all my races. Next year, I hope to make it to Zone again and go to the next level of competition.

PULSE Alive

Written by Jinky Aquino

PULSE is a creative arts activity that shows friendship and collaboration with different schools from around NSW. It is a way to share our passion for dancing and singing. It was a fun time experiencing it as a Year 7 looking at all the different shows and travelling on the train. I loved the vivid lights that shone on us when we were performing. It was really entertaining and fun to do, I would recommend doing it again. There were students from RHHS that were in Years 7-12, they were outstanding when they were performing. My favourite part was having a 3-hour lunch break and going to McDonalds

CAPA

Written by Shekinah Casuco

This term in Visual Arts, we have been creating artworks of ornamental and artistic backgrounds for our insect-themed lino prints. Visual Arts classes have been a burst of excitement because everyone got to express themselves by choosing their own colours and designs for our lino print.

Visual Arts has also felt very enjoyable and therapeutic, just by watching our canvases fill up with vibrant colours and patterns. My favourite thing about these classes so far must be getting paint on my hands, creating backgrounds with my peers and seeing everyone’s art style and skills. Visual Arts has got to be one of the best classes! And that is thanks to the wonderful teachers who have been instructing the lessons.

LOTE

Written by Joscelyn Ah Lam

In LOTE this year, we are learning to read, write and speak in Mandarin (Chinese). I lived in China for 2 years and I attended school so that I could learn more about the culture. My family is half Chinese, and I am also part Chinese. My favourite event is Chinese New Year, because I can see a lot of Chinese people and I get to spend time with my family celebrating Chinese New Year. My favourite Chinese food is the special noodles that they make for Chinese New Year. I am really enjoying my LOTE lessons this term and can’t work to learn more.

Harmony in Diversity Day

Written by Year 7 Students

This was our first ever Harmony in Diversity Day. Mr Mobbs-Green had told us all about it in the lead up to the end of term. We were excited when we got to watch the trailer for the day. The day started with a lesson in our classrooms about celebrating Harmony and Diversity, followed bythe opening ceremony. Our favourite part of the day was seeing all the dancing, music and the food trucks. We can’t wait to participate in next year's celebration.

Year 7 Engineering Technologies & Systems: Racing into Learning

Written by Ms Conny Mattimore

Year 7 students have made an impressive start to their learning in TAS through their study of Engineering Technologies and Systems. This term, students explored the fundamental concepts of force, energy and motion, developing an understanding of how things work in the world around them.

Aspartoftheirlearning,studentscreatedadetailedportfolio to document their research, investigate existing designs and develop their own innovative ideas for a battery-operated propeller car. This process encouraged critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving as students worked through the engineering design process.

In the workshop, students truly excelled. They confidently and safely used a range of tools and equipment to bring their ideas to life. This included constructing a car base, building an electronic circuit to power their vehicle, designing and producing a wooden mould, and forming a plastic shell for their car. The level of skill, persistence and collaboration demonstrated throughout this process was outstanding.

The project culminated in the highly anticipated Rooty Hill High School Grand Prix, where students proudly showcased their finished cars. Excitement was high as cars raced over a 2-metre track, competing for the title of fastest car. The event was a fantastic celebration of student learning, innovation and effort.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students for their enthusiasm and commitment.Welookforwardtoseeingtheir continued growth in engineering and design in the future.

LOTE

Students from language classes have grasped a lot of learning content in Term 1, students learned how to introduce themselves in Chinese including their names, age and nationalities. Students had the opportunity to re-connect with their own background when introducing themselves.

Congratulations to all Year 7 students during their Term 1 language learning journey.

YEAR 8

Year Adviser Message

Our first Year 8 Deputy Principal’s assembly was held on Friday 27 March and was a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on how far our students have come, not just since the start of the year, but since the start of their high school journey.

Just one year ago, many of our Year 8 students were settling into new classes, forming friendships, and experiencing the excitement (and nerves) of their first high school exams. Since then, they have grown not only academically, but personally - developing confidence, discovering new interests and embracing new opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Some of our Year 8 students have even started working jobs!

This term, one of the most impressive achievements has been the students commitment to attendance and engagement. A total of 137 students have maintained attendance above 90%, with 43 of these students having achieved 100% attendance. This reflects a strong culture of the grade of being present to learn and build lifelong skills at school. Congratulations on this achievement.

However, being ‘present’ extends beyond simply attending school. It means actively engaging in learning, showing up for your friends, and making the most of every opportunity. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or through creative art workshops, our students have demonstrated a willingness to challenge themselves and grow by consistently showing up when it matters. We have also seen this commitment reflected in school events, including the Swimming Carnival and PULSE performances, where students supported one another and participated with enthusiasm.

As we look ahead to upcoming events such as Strength in Numbers and Origin Careers Explorers Day, I’d like to encourage our Year 8 students to focus on being present in all that they do. By being present, students open themselves up to new opportunities, build stronger connections with their peers and teachers, and gain more from every learning experience. It is through these everyday moments that confidence grows, skills develop, and a deeper sense of belonging is formed without our school community.

Miss Valentin Year 8 Adviser

Swimming Carnival

Written by Isha Alcantara

ThistermtheSwimming Carnival was held on Monday, 16 February 2026. In the Swimming Carnival, I was able to compete with other students intheschool. In this event you can have fun with friends and teachers, and you will be able to showcase your athletic skills. In this event, my favourite part was getting first place in my competitions and getting to compete with other schools in the Zone Swimming Carnival.

Ceramic Art Workshop

Written by Paige Davis

This term on the 6th of March, theYear8artworkshopwasheld. During the workshop we made wall hangs in the shape of sea creatures.Imadeaturtleandused a variety of different tools to create texture, for example a straw. This event was held to allow students to use their creativity. My favourite part was being able to use my creative freedom to create a unique piece of art.

TAS Woodwork

Written by Max Ou

In TAS, we have been doing woodwork for 5 weeks of Term 1. We have been working on creating a timber desk organiser. The purpose of this project is to learn timber skills and life skills. The highlight of this subject is when I get to learn how to use different tools such as the hammer.

OzTag

Written by Roman Lapteff

Swimming Carnival

Written by Al Ghasim Balla

During Week 4, RHHS students attended the Swimming Carnival. The Swimming Carnival offers races to represent the school in a series of races against other schools in the area. On the day, the school showed school spirit with high positivity and encouragement during this day. The race showsdeterminationtoracetothefinishlinewithotherhigh school members to represent us. This outlines how positive and energetic our school can really be at whole school events.

Girls Volleyball Team

Written by Empress Matibag

Our first OzTag game is on Tuesday at Kingsway. I trialled for the Year 7-8 OzTag team and made it. I felt proud of myself for trying my best. I am looking forward to competingagainst otherschoolswithmymatesandwinning the trophy!

YEAR 9

Year Adviser Message

As we wrap up the first term of Year 9, it has been fantastic to see students settling into the new opportunities and responsibilities that come with being in the senior years of junior school. Many students have begun developing their leadership skills through the Peer Mentoring program, supporting our Year 7 students and learning what it means to guide others.

These experiences are important steps as Year 9 begins to look toward the future and work towards becoming strong senior leaders within the school. Students have also embraced their new elective subjects, explored different interests and built new skills. Outside the classroom, Year 9 students have shown great enthusiasm in sport, representing the school in volleyball, rugby and OzTag, while others have showcased their creativity and talent through PULSE dance.

It has been a busy and exciting start to the year, and I am proud of the way Year 9 has approached Term 1 with energy, commitment and school spirit. Well done Year 9!

Miss Ratnappuly

Year 9 Adviser

In Week 7 of Term 1, students in Years 8-12 competed against other schools across Sydney for school volleyball. The purpose of the event was to compete against other high level school volleyball students, bringing competition and teamwork to achieve success, placing either 1st or 2nd.

RHHS students showed determination, teamwork and leadership by working together and communicating effectively on the court. As a result Rooty Hill High School Year 9 Girls has placed 1st and 2nd throughout the whole competition.

Boys Volleyball Team

Written by Al Ghasim Balla

In Week 7 of Term 1, students in Years 7-12 travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to show off our hard work in the Volleyball Schools Cup, where we represented our school

against high class teams in all of NSW. Waking up early rather than playing for a full day shows how ambitious our school can be to compete in this cup.

Eachteam showedenergeticpositivityasateam whether we won or lost, showing respect against all teams we played against. These details gave our school a couple of medals like 1st and 2nd place. Overall our positivity and ambitions reflect on our school that shows us how competitive and determined we can be during these events.

New Electives

Written by Lilly Smith

Through Term 1, Year 9 students have been exploring their new electives. We had the chance to pick 2 electives from a range of different subjects, completely up to the person. Some electives included visual arts, commerce, food tech and engineering.

Being able to get away from your core classes and learn about subjects you picked yourself is a really good experience. In Year 7 and 8 I enjoyed visual arts so being able to choose it again for Years 9 and 10 was exciting for me. Electives are also a really good way for students to start thinking about their future and what career path they may want to follow.

Year 9 students also get to look forward to their elective excursions at the end of Term 2, where we get to further explore our subject.

Peer Support

Written by Sienna Champion

From Week 4 to Week 8, students from Year 9 and Year 7 participated in peer support. Peer support is a program that happens every year where a group of Year 9 Peer Mentors were split into groups to teach Year 7 students about RHHS

They get taught how to represent our school, how to follow the PERSIST values, about friendships, and how to be good students.This year,Iwasapeermentor,andIgot thechance to teach Year 7 students all these skills. Being a peer mentor will help me in the future, and it was a great opportunity that helped me gain confidence and I felt what it is like to be a mentor, teacher, and a leader.

The highlight of this program was that I got to connect with younger people and teach them how to be independent, respectful, and responsible people in the future.

Engineering Excursion

On WednesdayWeek 9,Year 9and10 Engineering students were privileged to attend a free excursion to University of Technology Sydney. As a student in Year 9, studying Engineering, I was lucky enough to attend this excursion. On the day, many workshops were established, surrounding technology and engineering fields. This opportunity served as an extremely helpful insight into what students might want to pursue as a career. The highlight of this excursion was meeting other students from different grades and schools, building new friendships and having fun with fellow future engineers.

YEAR 10

Year Adviser Message

I am really proud of the way Year 10 have started their senior school journey. There has been a noticeable shift this term, with students showing greater focus, maturity, and a stronger sense of responsibility for their learning.

It has been great to see so many students getting involved in different opportunities, from sport to programs like BEAT, as well as engaging with university workshops and excursions. A special congratulations to the Colebee Schools Cup boys on their impressive win, and to the volleyball team for their effort and commitment throughout the term.

The move to white shirts has also been embraced positively, with many students stepping up as role models within the school community and setting a strong example for others.

As we move into next term, I encourage students to keep saying yes to new opportunities and to make the most of everything senior school has to offer. I’m excitedto seehow this cohort continues to grow throughout the year.

Miss Elford Year 10 Adviser

First Week of Year 10

The first week of Year 10 has been an exciting and motivating start to the year. Coming back to school with new expectations has encouraged us to step up and take more responsibility for our learning and behaviour. One of

the biggest changes has been our new white shirts, showing we’re now in the senior school, and we’re role models within the school.

As Year 10 students, we are now expected to set a positive example for younger students, both inside and outside the classroom. This includes demonstrating respect, commitment, and a strong work ethic. The beginning of the year has reminded us that this is an important stage of our schooling, where our choices and efforts will shape our future pathways.

USYD Future Focus Excursion

Recently, a group of Year 10 students attended the USYD Future Focus excursion at University of Sydney. This experience gave us the opportunity to explore the campus and learn more about what university life is like.

Throughout the day, we participated in a guided tour of the university, where we saw lecture theatres, study spaces, and the old, cool, architecture. We also learnt about the wide range of courses available, which encouraged us to start thinking about possible career pathways.

The excursion was both informative and inspiring, giving us a clearer picture of the opportunities available after high school. It was a valuable experience that helped us begin to consider our future goals with greater confidence. Thank you to Miss Elford for organising, coming with us, and for bringing snakes!

UNSW In-School Workshop

Year 10 students recently participated in a workshop run by UNSW Sydney, which focused on exploring our personal values and howthey can influence ourfuturecareerchoices.

During the workshop, we completed activities that encouraged us to reflect on what is important to us, such as our interests, strengths, and priorities. This helped us understand how our values can guide us when making decisions about subjects, university pathways, and careers.

The student ambassadors who led the session were friendly and informative. They shared their own experiences and provided helpful insights into university life. Overall, the workshop was a valuable opportunity to think more deeply about our futures and the different pathways available to us.

YEAR 11

Year Adviser Message

Congratulations on such a great start to Year 11 you’ve already overcome a lot of assessment tasks and stayed on top of everything, which is a huge achievement. It’s great to see jackets being organised and everything coming together so smoothly.

The UNSW excursion was a fantastic experience which sparked a lot of chat about the future. HIDD was awesome it was great to see everyone in their cultural clothes and celebratingsuchpassioninourschool. Iam lookingforward to Term 2, and camp is coming up so quickly it should be another exciting highlight.

Mr Hay Year 10 Adviser

Friends, Romans, Countrymen – Lend me your ears!

Written by Ms Davison

On Wednesday 18 March, students from Years 10 and 11 attended the Sydney Opera House to see Bell Shakespeare's performance of Julius Caesar. Seeing Julius Caesar live helped Stage 5 and 6 English and Drama students understand Shakespeare in a much more engaging way. Watching the acting, staging and dramatic tension brought the play to life, deepened their understanding of character and conflict, and supported key outcomes in analysing how meaning is created and responding thoughtfully to texts. The students had a great time, even saying "Shakespeare is actually fun!"

Year 11

Written by Ms Conny Mattimore

As we began Year 11, we reflected on the Year 10 RoSA results and recognised this cohort as one of significant academic strength well prepared to meet the demands of senior study. However, what has stood out most this term is how they have exceeded even those high expectations.

Our Year 11 students have embraced the increased rigour of their courses with maturity, commitment and genuine enthusiasm. Just as importantly, they have demonstrated an impressive ability to maintain balance valuing both academic success and the importance of connection, wellbeing and enjoyment. This is evident in the way they have thrown themselves into a wide range of school activities and, in doing so, have continued to build a strong,

united year group.

One of the personal highlights of my week has been “Morning Tea with the Deputy.” These informal gatherings have provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with students, hear their perspectives and celebrate their achievements. The laughter that often fills my office during these sessions has not gone unnoticed, with curious staff frequently dropping by to see what all the excitement is about. It has been a simple yet powerful way to strengthen relationships and better understand the individuals who make up this exceptional cohort.

A standout moment this term was our Harmony in Diversity Day. In a display of courage, spirit and good humour, a group of students enthusiastically ‘volunteered’ to join me on stage as I performed my rendition of River Deep, Mountain High, made famous by Tina Turner. Their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and support one another was inspiring, and I could not be prouder of the way they embraced the moment.

As we move into Term 2, I look forward to continuing to work alongside this outstanding group of young people. Together, we will build on the strong foundations already established continuing to pursue excellence, deepen connections and create opportunities for growth. This year group is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and the strength of positive relationships.

YEAR 12

Year Adviser Message

The end of Term 1 officially marks the halfway point for Year 12 students. It is an exciting but also daunting time for studentswhoarecurrentlypreparingfortrial examsandpost school options. Again Term 1 has been a busy one with lots of lasts for Year 12 students. This term there have been several visits from Universities to discuss future pathways, career interviews to make plans for work and apprenticeships and assessments and class work in between.

ItisimportantforYear12tostarttakinguptheopportunities offered to them be it support in an assessment, resume writing or University applications.

If parents would like to be added to the Year 12 google classroom for regular announcements on:

• Career information

• University applications

• Weekly reminders

Please contact the year adviser or ask your child to add you.

Ms Short Year 12 Adviser

Excellence Assembly

Congratulations to all the award winners at the Excellence Assembly. Special thanks to the Senior Leadership team who hosted the event.

On one of the hottest days on record, the Fast Forward students travelled to WSU Parramatta Campus. They explored stalls from all the faculties, learnt about scholarships and life in general once they start University.

Swimming Carnival

Year 12 got into the theme of this year’s carnival ‘Sunset Fiesta’. With lots of interesting interpretations of the theme. Student participation was high in swimming events and the inaugural Beach Volleyball competition. The first of many student vs teacher competitions was played where the teachers were victorious in the beach volleyball game.

Jamberoo

Rain seems to be the theme for this year group, but that didn’t stop 120 students enjoying a day at Jamberoo. It poured rain from the moment we left school until we left Jamberoo in the afternoon. Students explored the park, challenged themselves on different rides and overall had a fun day being together as a year group.

Halogen Youth Leadership Conference

Written by Nikhil Kumar

Last Monday, 26 Year 12 senior leaders met at Rooty Hill

Western Sydney University – Fast Forward Program

Train Station at 7:40am, where our Year Adviser saw us off before we began our journey to the Halogen Youth Leadership Conference.Wetravelled bytrainto the cityand arrived at Sydney Town Hall, then walked to the event venue in the rain, with many of us getting a little wet on the way. Despite the weather, we arrived on time at the conference by 8:40am, where we joined many other student leaders from schools across the state.

The event was organised by the Halogen Foundation and began with the host running a short interactive game to get everyone involved and energised for the day. At around 9:15am, welistened to ourfirst guest speaker, Nick Hudson, who spoke about creating his app “Push-Up For Better” and encouraged students to focus on resilience, mental health, and using leadership to make a positive difference. After his presentation, we had our first recess at 10:30am, where we explored the venue and had the opportunity to take photos with Nick Hudson.

At 11:30am, recess ended and we returned for the second speaker, Jacqui Bell, who spoke about her journey trekking acrossfourcontinentsandthechallengesshefacedalongthe way. She spoke about perseverance, courage, and stepping outside of your comfort zone to achieve your goals.

ThethirdspeakerwasactressCatherineLaga'aia,whospoke about her acting journey, her character Moana, and shared a funny story about accidentally punching Dwayne Johnson during filming. She spoke about embracing mistakes, not being afraid of embarrassment, and learning to grow from experiences, even when things don’t go perfectly.

After her presentation, we had our lunch break where we were againable to take photos with the speakers and explore the venue. At 1:25pm, we returned for the final speaker, Maddison O'Grady-Lee, who spoke about leadership, teamwork, and making a positive impact within our school communities. Towards the end of the event, there was a push-up competition, which our school sports captain participatedin, bringinglots of energyand excitement to the room.

At the conclusion of the conference, we took a group photo with the host before beginning our journey home. Overall, the Halogen Youth Leadership Conference was an inspiring and enjoyable experience. It taught us valuable lessons about leadership, resilience, confidence, and teamwork, and encouraged us to become positive role models within our school. The excursion was a memorable experience for all Year 12 senior leaders and will help us in our leadership roles throughout the year.

Year 12 Senior Leadership Team

This term the team have been working hard on various projects. So far this year they have:

• Run school assemblies and the Excellence Assembly

• Member of the partner primary school’s student leader panel

• Attended and assisted at the 7-10 DP assemblies

• Attended the Halogen Conference

• Attended weekly lunch time meetings

• Created an activity for International Women's Day for the whole school

• Assisted year advisers

Term 2 will be another busy term for the team with them implementing their special interest projects.

SRC

Written by Yasmin Almoaiel

Students and staff celebrated Valentine’s Day with a warm and joyful atmosphere that brought everyone together. The celebration was full of laughter, surprises, and shared moments that made us appreciate one another even more. From the beautiful handmade flowers created by the SRC with dedication and effort,to the bake saleoverflowingwith sweet treats, every detail added to the excitement of the day.

The whole school joined in by wearing outfits in shades of pink, red, purple, and more,making this already sweet event feel even sweeter. Overall, Valentine’s Day at Rooty Hill High School was a heartwarming reminder of our strong school spirit and the joy of celebrating together.

Written by Ms Dadger

It has been a very busy and productive term in Hospitality, with students spending plenty of time in the kitchen developing their practical skills and confidence. Throughout the term, students have been hands-on, preparing a variety of meals including sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pizzas made completely from scratch.

From learning how to safely handle equipment to working as part of a team, students have shown great improvement in their organisation, communication, and cooking techniques. Making dough, preparing fresh ingredients, and assembling meals has allowed students to build both independence and pride in their work.

It’s been fantastic to see students grow in confidence and enjoy the process of creating delicious food. We look forward to continuing to build these skills next term!

Sport

Written by Mr Levi Combined High Schools Volleyball

We had 8 students (Khalia, Natasha, Jordan, Alghasim, Alandra, Tala, Jarred, and Sabastian) who represented Sydney West at the NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) Volleyball Championships.

Congratulations to Khalia, Natasha, and Jordan for winning the NSW CHS Championships, defeating Sydney North in the Grand Final, 2 sets to 0.

Special congratulations to Khalia and Natasha for being selected into the NSW CHS Opens Girls Representative Volleyball team.

Term 1 NSW Volleyball Schools Cup

Great results at the Term 1 NSW Volleyball Schools Cup with 10 teams that competed and 6 coming back with medals:

• Year 12 Boys Gold Medal

• Year 9 Girls Gold Medal

• Year 9 Boys Gold Medal

• Year 10/11 Girls Silver Medal

• Year 10 Boys Silver Medal

• Year 9 Girls Silver Medal

Opens Boys & Girls Sydney West Volleyball Knockout Competition

Rooty Hill Opens Boys and Girls Knockout Volleyball teams progressing into the Quarter Finals with strong wins.

Under 16 Girls Colebee Cup

Congratulations to the under 16 girls that participated in the Colebee Cup at the Kingsway. Students were selected to trial at the final trial for Sydney West at another gala day. Two students were successful in making the Sydney West team, Mercy and Lillyarna. Congratulations!

Boys Baseball Team

Congratulations to the Boy's Baseball team who competed against Plumpton High School. With most of the team never playing before, they relied on sheer athleticism to overcome the challenge. It came down to the last bat, the last hit, and the last play at home plate to finish the game with a 6-5 victory.

PULSE Alive 2026

Every year, the NSW Arts Units run an upscale event called Pulse Alive, and being part of it representing Rooty Hill High School is a proud and exciting experience. The program brings dancers together to create a polished routine that reflects teamwork, creativity, and school spirit. Rehearsals build confidence and connection, and performing under the arena lights turns all the hard work into a moment of achievement and pride.

Community Harmony Week Performance

On 17 March, students from RHHS were invited to perform at the 2026 Harmony Week Cultural Fest, hosted by MECA in partnership with Multicultural NSW and Blacktown City Council. The event celebrated Australian multiculturalism, inclusivity, and belonging. This was a memorable experience, allowing students to celebrate diversity and connect with the community. Congratulations to our culture dancers Mataiah Mitchell Meafou and Ruby Tamalemai did school proud again.

ATTENDANCE RECOGNITION

100% Attendance in Term 1 2026

Congratulations to the 57 Year 7 students, 43 Year 8 students, 33 Year 9 students, 47 Year 10 students, 42 Year 11 students and 32 Year 12 students who achieved 100% attendance for Term 1 2026.

LIBRARY

Written by Farhiya Bare, Fatuma Kanneh & Ejeni John Term 1 saw the library full of life as new books and new students flooded the library space. We celebrated special weeks such as Valentine's Day and Library Lovers Day by voting on the most romantic novel: Romeo and Juliet won, of course. We welcomed the Year of the Horse by celebrating Lunar New Year as well.

One event that got a lot of attention was Metrology Week where students played games inspired by mathematics. The library held competitions for mini golf and equal weights

where students cut foods like German pretzels and bananas inexactlyhalf.Byfar themost borrowed bookswereManga during Term 1 and we are wanting more. I hope they find some more shelf space for these types of books!

CAPA

Stage 6 Visual Arts Excursion – Ron Mueck and ARTEXPRESS 2026

On Friday of Week 4, our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students attended an inspiring excursion to view the Ron Mueck exhibition alongside ARTEXPRESS 2026. Students explored powerful contemporary artworks, gaining insight into material practice, scale, realism, and the diverse ways artists communicate ideas and identity through their work.

Experiencing ARTEXPRESS was especially valuable for our senior students, offering authentic examples of outstandingHSCBodiesofWorkandhelpingthemenvision possibilities for their own artmaking journeys.

Drama Club Excursion – OnSTAGE

A group of our Drama Club members had an unforgettable experience at OnSTAGE, the annual HSC Drama showcase

that celebrates the best performances and creative projects. Bywitnessingthesehigh-qualityprojects,ourclubmembers gained invaluable insight into the standards of excellence expected of performances ready for showcase.

Encore Excursion

Earlier in the term, Year 11 and Year 12 music students got to attend the Encore Excursion at the Sydney Opera House. Encore is a showcase of the exceptional talent from the best music performances fromthe HSCCohort of2025.Students got theopportunitytoseethe talent anddedication of the top performances from across the state. Our students left inspiredandreadytotackletheir ownassessmentsandbegin finalising their HSC core performances.

Year 8 HPGE Workshop

A group of Year 8 students participated in a HPGE Visual Arts initiative which encouraged students to expand their repertoire of artmaking skills as they dabbled in the form of ceramics. For most of the participants, this was their first experience with using clay. Students used their imaginative skillstocreateanembellished seacreatureexploringsurface textures using the slab technique.

Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion - Data Dreams: Art and AI at the MCA

In Week 7, Year 10 Visual Arts students explored Data Dreams: Art and AI at the Museum of Contemporary Art, experiencing immersiveartworksthat challengehownature, technology, creativity and imagination intersect. It was an inspiring opportunity to engage with cutting-edge contemporary art and expand their understanding of art in the digital age.

RHHS Art Gallery

Congratulations to our amazing Year 9 and 10 Photography students who are exhibiting their work in the RHHS Art Gallery in A Block. Their creativity, skill, and unique perspectives are proudly on display.

PULSE

Congratulations to our performing arts students who were among the large number NSW public schools that partook in the annual 2026 Pulse Alive. A huge congratulations to our very own School Captain, Mikayla Mantua, for representing our school as part of the core choir. For some, this was their first time experiencing being part of sucha big production full of choreographed singing and dancing with other schools from around the Western Sydney areas.