MISSING LINK
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Thank you to everyone who made Term 2 so successful. There are many highlights in this ML and we hope you will enjoy reading them.
External Validation
Fromawholeschoolperspective,ourbiggesthighlightwasExternal Validation.Every four years the Department of Education requires each school to have an “external validation” of its work.
The school writes its own report and provides evidence against 14 “elements”. The school rates itself in each element and can be rated as “delivering”, “sustaining and growing” or “excelling” and then senior officers of the Department of Education look at all the evidence and “validate” the school’s own ratings. This is our school’s third external validation and the third time we have been rated as “excelling on at least 13 of the 14 elements”. This makes us one of the best government schools in NSW. I would like to thank the staff on the external validation panel, all the staff and students who contributedtotheevidenceandpresentationoftheevidence,andthefamilieswho have continued to support the school
The school was rated as excelling at: Learning Culture, Wellbeing, Curriculum, Assessment, Reporting, Effective Classroom Practice, Data skills and Use, Professional Standards, learning and Development, Educational Leadership, School Planning, implementation and reporting, School resources and Management Practice. The school was rated at sustaining and growing on Student Performance Measures.
The full submission and report is available from the school if you would like a copy.
Principal Presentation Address
I hope you will enjoy reading the address I gave to the Presentation Assemblies recognising the achievements of the students and the school. I also spoke about the emerging challenge of artificial intelligence for schools and students.
Congratulations on receiving your reports and other documents this semester. As you reviewed your goals and wrote your report comments, I hope you had the chance to reflect on what you had done, what you have achieved and what you still need to do. Think about how many semesters you have already done and how many you have left until you finish school. If you can divide your school career into semesters and just focus on doing well each semester you will make the most of your time and be able to focus on “getting it done in the present”.
Adults often talk about the future and you will hear those adults talk about how important it is to go to school to “prepare” for the future. Do you think that is true?
I am not sure that I do. I think that increasingly we must prepare for the present. We must have the skills and competencies to live the lives we have, not the ones we hope to have in the future.
For our ANZAC day commemoration on the last Wednesdayoftheterm,andintheYearwhentheAboriginal Voice to Parliament referendum will be held, we recognised the service and sacrifice of the Aboriginal community in times of war.
A decade ago, all the talk was about robots doing the physicaljobsthat peopleusedtodoandyoumighthaveseen recentlythatalaserprinterhasbeenusedtobuild200homes in Dubbo and for the Dubbo Zoo. Instead of taking weeks to buildtheprinter producesalltheparts ofeachhouseinafew days and the houses are finished in 2 weeks. That is what engineering using robotics can do.
In recent months, starting with a big fuss at the beginning of the year, there were more and more news stories about ChatGPT and other forms of AI (artificial intelligence). In a “knee-jerk reaction” Education Departments across Australia banned the use of AI in schools because AI software like ChatGPT takes another step forward because it will make changes to work that uses the human mind.
Experts predict that AI will change the nature of work for 80% of workers and 20% of tasks done at work will be altered from the way they are done now.
Experts also seem to have a range of ideas about how AI will affect us. At one end, scientists and programmers are predicting that AI will make all our lives easier and that the algorithms will always beableto beprogrammedto dowhat they are instructed. At the other end, other scientists are predicting that AI will eventually “think for itself” and will make decisions for humans that could drastically alter human lives and futures.
In June, governments across Australia announced that AI can be used in schools, although it is still banned for assessment tasks. They now think teachers and students need to know how to use AI and use it well. In the coming months (not years) your learning will be affected by the use of AI, just as it has been impacted by online learning on Google Classroom, online NAPLAN and the use of social media in recent years.
What do you need to know to be ethical users of AI?
You need to know that generative AI:
1. Is not human.
2. Is capable of tasks previously only done byhumans.
3. Will have more than $63billion invested in its development in 2023.
4. Draws on data searches using massive internet databases (like the Microsoft database) for information which it can use to generate new information. At present this data is mostly male and mostly American because that is where the biggest data sets in the world are generated. That will change in the coming months.
5. Will be used by over 1 billion students in the USA and China in 2023 and those numbers will grow each year.
You need to know that a recent analysis of legal documents prepared by AI for big law companies rated in the top 20% intermsofqualityandusability.Doesthatmeanthat wewill not need lawyers in the future?
You need to know that the “digital divide” is increasing because 25% of students in Australia still have limited access to educational technology for learning. That is why this school is determined that all students will have access to a device andacademicsoftware at schooland beexpected to use the device in smart and ethical ways.
You need to know AI will be able to “think” and, on some tasks it will think faster than you do.
Using this new technology, you need to know that you must develop your own skills if you are to be successful in this world, a world that is here now not somewhere off in the future.
Experts say that students need to be literate (good speakers, readers and writers). Students need to expand their vocabularies, especially in secondary subjects and academic language.
Students need to be numerate (good financial managers, able to understand mathematics and statistics).
StudentsneedtobeAIsmart,especiallyasyouwill bedoing almost all your learning using digital tools to both research and then produce evidence of our learning.
And students need to be critical and creative thinkers, to know when AI is working for you, when it is helping you and when it is hurting you.
AI will be a very important part of learning. It will diagnose areas where you are havingdifficulty. It will adaptivelyplan tasks to help you with learning problems and it will provide examples of what a good answer could look like.
What it cannot do is be human. That is up to us.
To be human is to be able to show humanity, sometimes to benefit ourselves and others, sometimes not.
As humans we have choices and options about how we think, how we speak and how we behave. We have the capacity to choose to belong, to share, to make sure we are respectful (including of our Elders), to do our best, to be a great friend and team-mate, to seek to do better, to value other people andmakethemost of the moments of ourlives.
Not all moments will be good, not all moments will be bad and not all moments will be significant. They will just be moments. As humans we can tell the difference and, in the years to come (that thing they call the future), we will be able to remember them in a very human way. We are not robots, and we are not computers.
I am not sure whether your moments during last semester were memorable, were all good, were not so good or were just the moments that happened. I do hope that, as you read your reports and celebrate the other documents in your folders that you can make note of your best academic moments.
More critically, as you sit with students from your year group, I hope all the other moments, some of which you will see in the year group videos will be just as important and just as memorable.
After all, you are human and I hope in Semester 2 you will be able to be the best version of your human self that you can be.
Farewells
At the end of term, we said farewell to Julia McCathie who had worked with the TAS faculty for 3 years. We wish her well at her new school.
External Validation 2023
Congratulations to the schools’ external validation team and the executive team for curating our evidence. For the third time the school was rated as excelling, this time on 13 of the 14 School Excellence criteria. More evidence that this school is continuing to be seen as outstanding by other schools and the Department of Education.
“My biggest support has been my mother. She has always pushed me to take education seriously so I wouldn’t be here without her commitment and high value for education,” said Amanda.
“During my studies, I've met so many amazing people who are just as like-minded and have that love for learning and sport like I do, and higher education has also made me a more informed person.
“Everything I have learnt within my degree I was able to applytomyeverydaylife,so it wasinterestingtolearnsince it wasrelevant. Especiallywithin healthscience, I’ve gained a better understanding of what impacts an individual's or group's health along with how they can maintain or better it.”
A former student of Lethbridge Park Public School and Rooty Hill High School, Amanda’s teachers motivated her to pursue further studies. She later became the principal's representative at high school.
“Mrs Kean was my favourite primary school teacher because she was so organised and valued hard work. I wanted to be just like her. When I got to high school, I loved learning about health and playing sports, plus my PDHPE teachers were such great role models as well, so I switched from primary school teaching to high school,” she said. First connecting with the University in her junior years through the First Foot Forward program, Amanda was encouraged to see higher education and lifelong learning as part of her future and took part in on-campus experiences.
Christine Cawsey AM PrincipalRHHS Alumni – Pasifika Graduate Aspires to Teach at Former High School
Amanda Fuiono – Class of 2019
Amanda Fuiono felt nothing but glory, happiness, satisfaction and pride when she donned her cap and gown and crossed the graduation stage, in a word, she felt ‘fulfilled’.
Her hard work, effort, determination, late nights, and sacrifices came together as she graduated with a Bachelor of Health Science (Health and Physical Education) Pathway to Teaching (Secondary) at Western Sydney University.
With the traditional necklace of sweets – Ula lole – layered proudly around her neck, the aspiring teacher from Mount Druitt celebrated with her biggest supporter.
She also participated in the University’s Pasifika Achievement To Higher Education (PATHE) program, which empowers Pacific communities to aspire to further education and training, and the Fast Forward program, which encourages students to see the value in continuing their education through Year 12 and beyond.
“I already knew I wanted to go to university since I was in fourth grade because I wanted to do teaching but the exposure and knowledge these programs offered just made it easier to transition from high school to Uni because I had already been there before, many times, and been equipped with all the knowledge I needed to be successful within my degree.”
“I wasn’t scared to go to university after high school, I was so excited because of what the programs showed me about what Western Sydney University had to offer me for my future. The programs were fun, interactive, and informative.”
Amanda counts winning the division 2 women’s volleyball at UniSport Nationals 2022 and getting full marks on a major assessment among her proudest moments at University.
The 21-year-old will now study a postgraduate degree with aspirationsofbecomingaPDHPEteacheratherformerhigh school.
“I’m currently undertaking my postgraduate degree, Master of Teaching (Secondary). I hope to be a PDHPE teacher at Rooty Hill High School and take over the volleyball program there.
YEAR 7
Year Adviser Message
Year 7 had an excellent Term 2, experiencing a lot of Rooty Hill High School firsts! Term 2 started with Harmony in Diversity Day, a highlight of the school calendar. Year 7 completed their first round of Resilience in our Teens (RIOT) workshops, teaching them lifelong skills in resilience and stress management. This term was also an active one, with Year 7 students competing in the OzTag Gala day, Volleyball Schools Cup, Panther Trophy Rugby LeagueGalaDayandtheschoolAthleticscarnival.It’sbeen a pleasure to see so many Year 7 students displaying the PERSIST values and settling into the school so well. Good job Year 7!
Miss Elford Year 7 AdviserHarmony in Diversity Day
Written
by Tristan BelanHarmony in Diversity Day was awesome. It happens once every year and it is fantastic. The day started with the opening ceremony and we saw the flag ceremony and heard some singing and we got to watch the Haka Warriors perform too. Afterwards we could explore for the day; there were food trucks and fun games and stalls including one for henna. It was so fun and cool to see people in their cultural dress. I’m looking forward to the next one.
SRC Induction & Ambassador Assembly
Written
by Alexis NaiduDuring Term 2, we attended an assembly welcoming the new Year 7 ambassadors and SRC members. It was very fun being able to see the new ambassadors and SRC members walking across the stage to be presented with our badges. Family and friends were able to attend this event and see their child be awarded, and special guest Jason Miezis, Director from the Department of Education came too. I’m looking forward to being an ambassador next term.
Personalised Learning Conversations
Written
by Nua Ohi & Evelynn De LeonDuring Term 2 we participated in Personalised Learning Conversations. This was a big day with all of Year 7, where we reflected on our strengths, grades, attendance and our culture. We learnt about how to set goals for the future so we can reach our potential, to not only make us proud but our parents as well.
Bell Shakespeare Players – Such Sweet Sorrows
Written by Tamzyn Le Roux
When Shakespeare came to perform for Year 7, I was really excited but I think that they should've used microphones because whenever something exciting would happen everyone would scream. Other than that, the performance was great because it was based on the actual Romeo and Juliet. The actors are very good and act out the parts of the stories very well.
Athletics Carnival
Written by Mataiah
Mitchell MeafouThe Athletics Carnival in Term 2 was enjoyable. Everyone in Year 7 seemed to be having an amazing time, cheering on their friends, taking photos, having loads of fun and making memories. Many had participated in the events that were going on including running races, high jump, shot put and more. Some did so well that they made it to the Zone Athletics Carnival too! This day showcased students' athletic skills, and some showcased participation when trying a new sport for the first time. We made the most of this day, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Resilience In Our Teens Lessons
Written by
Khang Phan & Thivain GallageDuringthe Year7 Resilience in our Teen (RIOT) Lesson we learnt to identify the stresses that fill our stress bucket. This was completed by us pouring water which acted as our stresses into a massive bucket until it overflowed. We learnt the ways to calm ourselves down and prevent our stress bucket from overflowing. We learnt about our “Lizard Brain” and how we respond to situations with it, which was fight, flee or hide. We learnt the hand brain model which shows us the hand brain model calm and angry.
OzTag Gala Day
Written by Emanuel Arona
Duringthe Under 13s OzTag Gala Day we had somuchfun. The boys OzTag team played in three games and the girls team made it to the semi-final! There were many teams from the school participating in the gala day, and it was fun playing with students from other grades. We had learnt the skills of teamwork and resilience through the day.
Volleyball Cup
Written by Amira Elia & Malu Matatia
Year 7 competed in the Volleyball Schools Cup Competition and we ended up getting gold! Our team members Aaliyah, Evelynn, Alexandra, Natasha, Farrokh, Malu, Amira and Mercy. The Year 9 Girls volleyball team also took home a win. As for the other teams, they gave it their best shot and still played excellently. Each set was 11 minutes long and there were 3 sets each full game. We were excited when we made it to the semi-finals, and we were thrilled to take home the win.
Panther Trophy
Written by Derek Bailey
During the Under 13’s Panther Trophy Day we had a lot of fun. We played against three teams and we won one game out of three, beating them 24-0. The day was held at Whalan
reserve, and it was fun to meet new people and play in a team with different friends. We learnt the skills of confidence and resilience, as well as teamwork when we watched the Under 15’s team. I was proud of them and used my skills of communication to hype them up before the game.
YEAR 8
Year Adviser Message
Year 8 have been involved in many activities this term including the Athletics carnival, different sports cups, the Music enrichment programs, personalised learning day, SRC assembly, Strength in Numbers and RIOT workshops. As a Year Adviser, I have witnessed great efforts from students who have actively improved their skills in the gifted and talented programs and also taken on leadership roles in the SRC. Absolutely outstanding term Year 8!
Mr Crosilla Year 8 AdviserAthletics Carnival
Written by Desmiia Misihepi & Deziah AsalemoThe first day back at schoolwas the athleticscarnival. It was a fun sportful day for Rooty Hill that consisted of athletic sports and colourful costumes worn by teachers and students. The event was held at Blacktown Sports Park. The parents had a fun time watching their kids participate in the activities we had, the space was wide and open for nearly all families.
Strength in Numbers (Girls Groups)
Written by Anneke Pierre & Hayley Jade SladeOn May24,the girlsand boys did StrengthIn Numbers.The girls did high tea with Miss Middlebrook, combat all-stars with two girls that are from combat all-stars, MMAD with two boys that are from MMAD & macrame with Miss Reyes. The high tea we made fruit salad and sandwiches we also took pictures of our work, combat Allstars we did cheerleading which was like gymnastic and actually kind of fun, MMAD we made a song and we got to know each other better & macrame we made a macrame and we could have it however we wanted it to be!
Strength in Numbers (Boys Groups)
Written
by Justyn Raquedan & Elijah PonceRooty Hill High School students attended a program on the May 24 Year 8 Boys and Girls did a program called Strength in Numbers at Rooty Hill High School. This day was about having fun and competing in events. Once the event started the boys were going to their groups. There were 4 different types of games. TIG (Traditional Indigenous Games), Wheelchair Basketball, Djembe Drumming, and Forensic Science. All of these events' purpose was to show people’s participation and skills. Overall, this day was a very fun program and everyone had a good time.
Tell Them From Me Survey
Written by Hayley Cameron & Jasmine
SantiagoEvery year, a Tell Them From Me survey is held at Rooty Hill High School. It showcases a student's honest opinions and emotions towards school anonymously. Students had to answer about their thoughts about school, their education, and their personal lifestyle. Because of this survey, teachers and the staff of the school are able to help improve the school ina waythat supports students.Thesequestionswere used to help calculate what new, and helpful things were needed for a safe learning environment.
Wanderers Cup
Written by Skye Hession & Leon Munro
On May 4, the Wanderers hosted a soccer tournament called the Wanderers Cup. It was a beautiful, sunny day at Blacktown, and all of the teams were prepared for a great soccer tournament. The girls advanced to the Grand Final, finished second, and the boys finished fourth. Despiteour 31 loss in the grand finale, the girls still had a good time and enjoyed the game.
Volleyball Cup
Written by Alyssa Urfano & Marcus Rivera
Rooty Hill High School students attended the Volleyball Schools Cup on the June 19, 2023. The venue was located at Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales. The Year 7, 8 and 9 students from our school who attended this had to get to the train station before 6 am to take a train to the venue.
Before we entered the venue, every team put their jerseys on. Once the venue allowed us to enter, everybody got onto their assigned courts and warmed up for their games. The Year 8 boys and girls both came in 3rd place. The Year 9 girls came 2nd while the Year 9 boys came 3rd. The Year 7 girls came 1st while the Year 7 boys came last.
Panther Trophy
Written by Hayden Green & Maddison Briffa
Rooty Hill High School students attended a rugby tournament called the Panther Trophy Cup. The venue was located at Whalan Reserve, New South Wales.
Volleyball Gifted and Talented
Written by Khaila Chavaria
Rooty Hill High School holds a Gifted and Talented program after school every Wednesday afternoon. These lessons are for kids to be able to enhance or develop skills in all kinds of subjects. The program runs from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm and is available for students in Years 6, 7 and 8. The program teaches the basics of volleyball and then lets us play a mini game at the end. It is a fun active activity that I think everyone should try. It has helped me develop more confidence, enhance my volleyball skills, and it keeps me fit. Overall, it is a really fun way to spend my afternoon and it is something that I highly recommend people to try out, even if it’s not the volleyball program.
Music Enrichment Program
Written by Ekaterina Lapteff
The Music Enrichment Programme is held every Tuesday from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm for the musically talented students at Rooty Hill High School. It gives them a great opportunity
to practise their vocal and instrumental skills, with many practice sessions and performances such as PULSE Alive, School Spectacular and multiple CAPA Showcases, including one on June 15, which included 3 groups from the programme. Overall, the Enrichment programme is an amazing experience for anyone willing to test their musical talents.
Origin Explorers Visit
Written by Ryan LanauA group of Year 8 students were selected to visit the Origin building at Barangaroo. There they got to speak with engineers and plan an origin explorers day at RHHS. Students worked side by side with engineers to create activities for origin explorers day that will happen in Term 3. The results were fantastic!
• Greater Western Sydney Commission Youth Speaks
• X Elective Excursions
• Female, Fierce and Fearless Workshop
• Haka Warrior Program
• Personalised Learning Conversations
At the conclusion of Term 2, Year 9 students set goals for Semester 2, their last semester as junior students. It is important for students to continue to reflect and refine their goals as the semester progresses. During Term 3, students will be offered a number of new experiences including the opportunity to be a part of the Tell Them From Me Analyst Team to have a say about the year group and how we move forward this year and into Year 10.
Miss Short Year 9 AdviserGOALS Program
20 Year 9 students were selected to be a part of the GOALS program, a 4 week in person and online mentoring program in partnership with Ashurst law firm, ABCN and NBN co. Students met their mentors with a bowling experience and visit to the law firm. Each session students have focused on goal setting and future plans. Students will finish the program witha visit to Sydney Tower and aformal sit-down lunch.
RIOT Lessons (Resilience In Our Teens)
Written by William Allen & Jona BavadraWhen we had the RIOT lessons we were brought into the hall and were greeted with teachers and a bucket in the middle. We sat at tables and we learnt about the different types of brains and what they do. The bucket was filled with water resembling the students' stresses. The bucket had taps and the taps resembled ways to release stresses (water in the bucket). Overall, it was a good, interesting lesson and I learnt a lot.
RIOT Do Now (Resilience In Our Teens)
Written by Duaa Saeed & Chloe GamsbyStudentscompletedTheRIOT(ResilienceInOurTeens)Do Nows for 3 weeks (Weeks 4,5 and 7) which helped us to communicate and find ways on how to reduce our stress levels as well as, find solutions to our problems. We spent the first 10 to 15 minutes of the start of the classes talking and learning about the stress bucket, grounding exercises and box breathing to help us cool down.
YEAR 9
Year Adviser Message
Term 2 was another busy term for Year 9 with many students taking up the opportunities offered to them. During Term 2 students were involved in:
• Harmony in Diversity Day
• Athletics Carnival
• GOALS Mentoring Program
Greater Cities Commission Youth Speaks
40 students participated in the Youth Change Agents
Greater Cities Commission Youth Speaks Program. Youth Speaks is an exciting opportunity for young people to provide their feedback on important issues affecting their lives and communities, while building skills to support the future of work.
Female, Fierce and Fearless Workshop
30 Year 9 girls took part in the Female, Fierce and Fearless program, a high impact energised leadership and empowerment program designed to support young women totakethenextstepindevelopingself-worth,innerstrength, leadership and change making towards a gender equitable and safe world.
The girls interacted with 2 leaders and look at the past and towards the future. The Highlight for most girls was breaking through boards and looking towards the future.
9X PASS Excursion
As part of the Year 9 elective program the 9X PASS class took part in 2 workshops. Wheelchair Rugby League with players from the NRL wheelchair team and a basketball and gym session at transform 180 in Rooty Hill. Students learnt new skills and took part in lots of new experiences. All students who attended the excursion had a fun day and are looking forward to doing it again soon.
YEAR 10
Year Adviser Message
Year 10 have continued to exhibit the school values of PERSIST duringthe secondterm ofsenior school. I am very proud of what they have achieved as a year group so far and we’re very excited to continue seeing Year 10 grow throughout 2023.
Miss Pozoglou Year 10 AdviserSubject Selections
Year 10 were presented with their subject choices for Years 11 and 12 this term. They attentively listened during presentations from each faculty on what subjects are available in the senior school. Year 10 were encouraged to pick subjects that align with their interests, passions and strengths.Welookforwardto assisting students further with their career and subject goals for the senior school.
Semester 1 Reports
Year 10 will receive their Semester 1 reports for 2023 at the beginning of Term 3. Year 10 have once again showed what a high achieving year group they are with some excellent results and many GPA’s of over 4.0 achieved. We will recognise their achievements with the Principal’s Report Assembly in Week 1 next term.
ABCN Programs
Many Year 10 students were selected for participation in programs run by ABCN for leadership. Students participated in excursions to the city throughout the term. The students worked extremely well, displaying willingness and enthusiasm to participate in programs with our partner agencies.
Athletics Carnival
Students participated in the athletics carnival at the start of the term. The participationand attendance from Year 10 this year was excellent with one of our highest numbers of competitors as a year group! Many students qualified for the zone and Sydney West level of competitioncongratulations to those students.
Bell Shakespeare Players Macbeth: The Rehearsal
Written by Rebecca Gao"Macbeth: The Rehearsal” was a unique and interactive experience! It definitely defies the stereotypical Shakespearean plays, as the play provided a 'backstage' insight into a play’s production whilst annotating the events in a more enjoyable way. Everyone was able to participate
by volunteering to act in a couple of scenes or helping make background effects such as stomping our feet, mimicking a knocking sound. Everyone genuinely enjoyed the play as laughs of joy were heard throughout. This excites me for what the future Shakespeare unit holds!
Sport
Year 10 students were actively involved in many sporting teams during Term 2, including Sydney West knockout basketball, softball, soccer, volleyball and touch football. We also had many students participate in the Panther Trophy competition for Rugby League, OzTag Gala Day and Basketball NSW gala day. Congratulations to all students who have represented Rooty Hill this term.
YEAR 11 Year Adviser Message
Year 11 have hit the midpoint of their journey through the preliminary HSC. Many students continue to find success in their studies while many continue to strive to overcome the challenges and rigour of the senior school.
At long last the year is looking unified and senior with their new varsity jackets; the design was voted on by the student body and as a group the students radiate school pride and spirit.
Nominations for senior leadership are open and many Year 11 students are looking to take on the responsibilities of assisting in the duties of leadership and role modelling for younger year groups.
Lastly a group of students made their way to Kincumber to complete their school camp. There was too much fun had to fit in one article, but students overcame fears abseiling and on the giant swing and got cold and dirty in the mud run and commando night.
The students really came together as a team and found camp a great bonding experience. With only one more term of Year 11 to go, I can't wait to see what this year group does next.
Mr Hewitt Year 11 AdviserYEAR 12
Year Adviser Message
Athletics Carnival
Year 12 started this term with their final Athletics Carnival. The theme was Cartoon, Movie, or Game characters and Year 12 showed up in style. We had a creative mix, with Minions, Harry Potter, 101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, Jasmine, Scooby Doo, The Tune Squad and an incredible homemade Iron Man costume. Students also took part in all events, jumpinghigh,andsprintingtothefinishline.All inall,Year 12 had an incredible day and really turned up to compete and have fun.
Student vs. Teacher Competition
This term also saw the beginning of our Student vs. Teacher lunch time competitions. Every year the outgoing Year 12 cohort take part in a series of sporting events against a team of teachers. So far, we have played ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and softball. Students dominated teachers in volleyball, however, were unable to overcome the skills of the teaching staff in ultimate frisbee and softball, although softball was definitely a close call.
LIBRARY
Written by Mr Proctor
The Library continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and the whims of Mr Proctor. This term has seen many changes to the displays and zones within the library space to accommodate a range of activities and support student learning.
Wellbeing Area
Ms Higgins has been hard at work creating a wellbeing space filled with tranquil furnishings and plants. She has also sourced a range of books that look at wellbeing from many different aspects including health, finance, and organisation
Library Displays
This year we have already had a range of library displays to celebrate and commemorate events on the calendar. Take a look at some of the displays so far linked to books in our collection available to loan.
Private Study Zones
The library has been equipped with a new MotoZip which provides solitude for students wishing to study independently. This has been a success for senior students who have been making good use of this in the area which will become the senior study zone of the library.
Prayer Room
Students are reminded that the EALD room at the back of the library is available for prayer and religious group meetings.Theroomhasbeenasuccessasstudentsnowhave a safe and private space within the school that is dedicated to their needs.
Timezone Excursion
As a fun, bonding activity for the grade, students went to Timezone at Mount Druitt. They spent the afternoon with their friends and teachers, playing games and laughing and beating the teachers in pretty much everything. It was a nice way to remember that Year 12 is also about having fun, and remind ourselves to enjoy the time we have left at school with our peers and as a year group.
HSC Trial Examinations
Year12spentthelasttwoweeksofTerm2,completingtheir Trial HSC Examinations. Students had been preparing for their exams both in class and at home or during their study periods. They had been planning, and studying, practicing their timed writing, answering multiple choice questions, and working with their teachers to receive feedback. They have been focused on doing the best they can, while remembering this is a trial run for their Higher School Certificate examinations ahead. We wish them the best of luck and hope they enjoy their well-deserved break!
Ms Haigh and Miss Munzenberger Year 12 Adviser and HT Senior SchoolIt is available during breaktimes. It is still used as a learning space during class time and should be maintained by both staff and students.
Homework Centre and Mathematics Tutor
OnTuesdays,ThursdaysandFridaysbeforeandafterschool the library is officially open for Homework Centre and is staffed by Mr Proctor and a range of teachers from across the school. Students have been using this each day, particularly when assessment tasks are due. We encourage you to make further use of this support.
The Math tutor continues to support students after school 2 days a week. Tutoring has a focus on math for senior students but can be accessed by anyone. Math Tutoring can be found in the library after school until 4:00pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The library is open each day from 7:30am to 4:00pm unless there is another event that prevents staff from supervising the space. Library will also be closed after 1:00pm on Monday Week A.
Iftar Celebrations
This year's Iftar celebration was a great success just like every year we’ve been running it in the past for many years, but it wouldn’t be as successful without our wonderful SRC who helped out a lot.
TheSRCteamhelpedsetitallup.Theyputoutallthetables, chairs, and table cloths. On top of that they made and set up decorations.
Harmony in Diversity Day
Harmony in Diversity Day for 2023 was an event that I personally will never forget. With many activities, and wonderful food a big thanksshould goto the SRC. TheSRC contributed by setting up stalls and offering to help in them as well.We had jobs that we were asked to do, and as a team we successfully completed them.
SRC Training Day
The SRC training day was a very exciting day for all who were new to it. It lasted two periods in total. First, we met up in the PLC and met our fellow team who we would be working with throughout the year and beyond. Afterwards, we stood in a circle, and each took a turn to find out how we felt about having this big responsibility of representing and helping our school.
We were told to get into small teams and did as we were told. We brainstormed a lot about who we we’re, and what the "student voice" is. In the next period we took many personality tests to find out what type of person, and leader we were. It was a very memorable experience
Gifted Gateways
Written by Mr David ProctorThank youtothe students and staffwho have just completed their first semester in the Rooty Hill High School Gifted Gateway program.
Therehavebeenalot ofsuccesses,withstudentsacrosseach of the programs collecting a semester report this week showing their achievements.
Individual programs have also seen students leave their first semester with memories and projects they will treasure and make use of into the future.
Some examples include the Designing with Computers students who designed clocks which were laser cut and the students assembled, the Dance performers have individual and group routines and are working on more for an end of year presentation, and the Visual Art and Design students took home their latest creations yesterday of a scary monster made out of clay.
CAREERS
Parent/Student’s Weekly Careers News
Weekly Careers news is available in your child’s/ward’s Google Classroom in either:
1. Careers (10-12) 2023
2. Career Information (7-9) 2023
Students with 100% Attendance in Term 2
The following students have been recognised with a Significant Achievement Award this term for achieving 100% attendance.
Year 7:
Janus Alonzo
Aizel Cellona
Jacy De Leon Mercado
Faith Nucom
Khang Pham
Atharv Prasad
Kyle Duran Anthony Reyes
Amira Elia
Ethan Gao
Kylee Sarmiento
Zaminali Sawari
Levi Gray Kushala Singh
Mohammad Jawad Jafari Noah Sinnett
Raina Kongkon Catherine Veng
Mercy Lalaga
Year 8:
Aaron Acosta
Chris Baluyot
Miguel Villena
Daveleen Mulbah
Mitch Neich
Hannah Collisson Justyn Raquedan
Angel Euese
Ava Scobie
Samiuela Haunga Naveen Subha
Jamielle Lopez
Year 9:
Anuel Mussolini Atienza
Aneesha Chandra
Rhian Elyse Dela Cruz
Kasak Gautam
Lachlan Gillett
Jordan Vella
Gracie Kumar
Mohammad Maliki
Jemuel Nallas
Myah Nguyen
Ashmeet Parmar
Mounir Girma Yonalee Polwaththa
Luke Gotts
Taiba Hussain
Year 10:
Daniel Ademovic
Hidayah Amjad
Ramon Ayoub
Gallage
Jimmy Santiago
Shannon Strickland
Kapishay Lal
Vannah Lundahan
Madeline Phillips
Cuadrado Kristopher Quilao
Kayla Bustamante
Chrystan Cayton
Joshua Dillon
Bailey Duncan
Rebecca Gao
Year 11:
Gerammy Casimiro
Mikayla Grosvenor
Freshta Hashimi
Elianna Raquedan
Lotfali Sarwari
Brionne Vulimaibau
Kassandra McGrath
Rhianna Nallas
Sahiba Sheikh
Jeremy Kelly Farah Sideq
Chelsea Leu Kane Thai
Sabika Maliki Kiara Villena
Shakira McCann
Year 12:
Justine Ademovic
Year 7
Mariam Abdelmaksoud
Aaliyah Acosta
Natasha Ah Lam
Ehan Ahmad
Amarra Akuta
John Jr Alejandro
Jenayah Ali
Janus Alonzo
James Aoun
David Arona
Emanuel Arona
Hamidulla Azizi
Hasibullah Azizi
Cyrus Bailey
Derek Bailey
Lilly-Anna Bateman
Semisi Bavadra
Tristan Belan
Gurpreet Singh Bhamra
Tanmay Bhatt
Rijul Bhattarai
Amelie Bogaz
Jada Bose
Elaina Bramley
Chase Bugeja
Marie Carnay
Angelica Castro
Aizel Cellona
Lebron Da Cunha
Evelynn De Leon
Aden Dewantara
Amira Elia
James Evans
Daniel Faialaga
Amelie Foreshew
Hayze Fualau
Ashna Gandhi
Ethan Gao
Noah Germain
Aalia Gloria
Riya Gounder
Levi Gray
Nathan Metua Gray
Adil Hameed
Ali Hashimi
Alabbas Hassan
Ashton Havansky
Sosefina Heron
Abdullah Hofiani
Hannah Hughes
Farrokh Hussaini
Nevaeh-Maree Kake
Elijah Kalic
Emily Keehn
Jesnoor Khehra
Ashley Kilroy
Raina Kongkon
Kili Koro
Mercy Lalaga
Sophia Lang
Tamzyn Le Roux
Matthew Lucre
Malik Maaz
Melody Martin
Malu Matatia
Mataiah Mitchell Meafou
Azlan Mohammed
Marybell Murad
Jack Nichols-Hession
Faith Nucom
Usu Ohi
Alexis O'Neill
Lialeti Oto
Anjani Patel
Thomas Perkins
Khang Phan
Harley Pittman
Thivain Polwaththa Gallage
Nizarly Posimani
Atharv Prasad
David Pymble
Brooklyn Rogers
Matilda Rusitovic
Hamid Sadeqi
Muzamale Sadiqi
Arshpreet Sakhala
Zaminali Sarwari
Sam Scobie
Malini Siliva
Kushala Singh
Noah Sinnett
Elle-Larah Skinner
Riley Stehlin
Tama Strickland
Mosese Valu
Catherine Veng
Miguel Villena
Mitchell Walker
Amelie Whiddon
Ella Williams
Abigail Wright
Melissa Yang
Year 8
Aaron Acosta
Tala Ah Lam
Dina Al Kanem
William Allen
Wyatt Amezdroz
Danniella Annetts
Chris Baluyot
Jona Bavadra
