MISSING LINK Term 4 2019
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Sometimes at the end of Term 4 I include my speech to the Presentation Assemblies as my report for Term 4 and, while I will refer to it, I would also like to make 10 other comments. 1. We were very pleased that Ms Vuki was confirmed and started as our substantive Deputy Principal in Term 4 and Ms Kennerson was appointed as Head Teacher HSIE. We are sure they will make a lasting impact in their new roles. 2. There were five presentation assemblies in Term 4, The first was for Year 11 who completed their Preliminary HSC and started the HSC this term. At that assembly I spoke about the word “catastrophe” and all its meanings from major crisis to the small “mini-crises” of our lives that include forgetting deadlines, not getting work done in time and missing out on opportunities. Little did we know at that assembly in Early November that major “catastrophes” in terms of bush fires and extremely poor and hazardous air quality would dominate the last weeks of the term. 3. The Years 7 – 10 Presentation Assemblies were held on the last Friday of term and we were pleased to welcome 148 parents who joined us. It was a real privilege to hear the responses of the Dux in each year – their speeches and the speeches of the Year Advisers are included in this ML. Every person that spoke talked about the strengths and opportunities this school – and its highly committed staff-provide. 4. It was important to speak about 2019 as the last year of the “teens” and to celebrate hundreds of awards reflecting student progress and “personal bests”. 5. We acknowledged Year 10 for their ROSA grades and the fact that almost all Year 10 students met the HSC minimum requirements assessment in reading, writing and numeracy during the year. We also recognised the success of the YEP (Young Entrepreneurs Program) and the number of pieces of recognition received by individual students and groups in Semester 2. 6. We recognised Year 9 students for completing and graduating from junior high school. Students thanked all their teachers in Years 7 – 9, their Year Advisers and a special presentation was made to Ms Andrews – Head Teacher Junior school. 7. We acknowledged the successes of Year 8 and the success of the Career Explorer program in helping students decide what electives they wish to do for Year 9. Year 8 students read their reports and most were very pleased with what they had achieved. 1
8. We congratulated Year 7 students on completing their first year of high school and coming together to work towards doing their very best as individuals, in teams and as a year group. 9. We thanked all teachers, the Year Advisers, the Deputy Principals and the administrative staff for ensuring our focus on improvement and innovation was delivered. 10. At the very end of term we celebrated with our annual Community Breakfast that raised close to $4000 for Stewart House, a place where some of the neediest students in NSW have a chance for respite each year. We then sadly said farewell to the following staff: • Karen McSpeerin (our Director) who is retiring this year. She goes with our thanks for her support, advocacy and work on behalf of the school. • Mary Tran who is going to Wiley Park GHS • Tony Tang who is going to Meriden School • Doris Lai who is going to Chifley College – Dunheved • Trish Clear who is going to Winmalee HS • Joanne Wilson who is going to The Ponds HS. Throughout this term, 19 students represented Rooty Hill Highschool at the NSW Schools Spectacular ‘STARS’ showcase. As the southern hemisphere’s largest annual showcase, the students participated in the 2,700 strong Secondary Concourse Choir. The students performed in We will recognise more of those achievements at the 2020 Excellence Assembly on Friday 7 February and we a total of four shows across two days at Qudos Bank Arena. It was aired on TV on December 7th at 7pm on look forward to seeing many of you there. Channel 7. Thank you to everyone in our school community for a wonderful term, a highly successful year and a significant effort in the last weeks of term.
Have a safe and happy holiday. Christine Cawsey
To support our Rooty Hill Students performers, 24 students attended the first Matinee show on Friday.
Schools Spectacular
Hour of Power
During Semester 2 a number of our students participated in the Families in Cultural Transition ‘Hour of Power’. The program was tailored to meet the individual needs of our students and covered a range of topics including, money, family, the challenges of settling into a new 2
country and education system, dealing with loss and issues that young people face in Australia. Our students were really engaged in the sessions. They were quite passionate about some of the topics and were eager to share their ideas, which often led to a great deal of discussion. Through the ‘Hour of Power’ students have connected with one another to create friendships and build trust.
Focus on Ability Short Film Festival
the Oberon Council. Both students are to be congratulated on the selection of their works for permanent display at the Skoda and Tatra Museum in Oberon. Well done to Zoe, who won the Teen Category and received an Eckersleys voucher.
Community Music Tour On Tuesday, the 3rd of December, 26 dedicated RHHS Music students, performed a repertoire of songs to the residents of Melva Mcdonald Lodge and Minchinbury Manor aged care facilities. We really enjoyed the opportunity to perform for and get to know the residents and found it memorable to hear about their lives and stories from their children. It was lovely creating bonds between different generations and seeing the smiles on faces of people who might not smile all the time.
Rooty Hill High School has been awarded the Nova Entertainment award in the 2019 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. RHHS’ entry, entitled Earnest has won the school $5,000 and a trip into the Nova Studios. The film was directed and edited by Year 12 2019 students Vaughn Holyoak and John Marcos, starring Ernest Manansala, Russel Dimayuga and Natalie O’Connor. Congratulations to the students and staff involved in the creation of the award-winning film!
Skoberon Art Prize
Zoe Gower of Year 9 and Mischa Howson of Year 8 entered the inaugural Skoberon Art Prize, supported by 3
Year 7 Year 7 Principal’s Assembly Address: Good morning parents, caregivers, teachers, executives and Year 7. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here today to the Year 7 Principals Report Assembly. The purpose of today’s assembly is to celebrate your successes and achievements throughout this year. Earlier this term you completed your personalised learning conversations giving you the opportunity to reflect on your achievements, strengths and areas for improvement to plan goals that will enable you to demonstrate your success as a learner next year as a Year 8 student. Year 7 Dux: Marion Unay Good afternoon teachers, parents, distinguished guests As I mentioned, the purpose of today’s assembly is to and fellow students. It is a great privilege that I am highlight all the outstanding work you have done in your standing on this stage today. I am honoured to be named first year of high school, whether it be inside or outside as one of the students receiving Year 7 DUX of 2019. of the classroom. As a year group, we have, together, achieved great success and excellence you should all be I would like to express my gratitude towards the proud of. countless number of people who have helped me As I mentioned in the intro, and as Mrs. Andrews and I throughout this year. have consistently spoken about, this years Year 7 cohort, which is all of you in this room, have set yourself goals Isaac Newton once said, "If I have been able to see moving forward. So I want to ask you these questions. further than others, it is because I have stood on the What will you gain from completing these goals? What shoulders of giants". I would have never made it here if do you expect will happen during this time? What do it weren’t for those “giants”, the people that gave me you see for yourself in the future? Only you have the unconditional support and love. They gave me their answer to these questions. But as always, everyone who warmth and comfort which I appreciate very much. is sitting up here on the stage will be here to help you Thank you, teachers and friends. Most importantly, my every step of the way. family. On the theme of goals and challenges, You are now 2019 has been a different year for us. We adjusted to the faced with a new challenge, Year 7. There will be unfamiliar environment of high school. We have entered obstacles, it will be hard, there are times when it will the gates to high school as Year 7's and are already eager suck, but I assure you the journey to the finish line will to come out of those gates as Year 12 graduates. I would be worth it. You have all shown me that you have the like to thank the teachers and our year advisor for ability and the capacity to not only be successful Year 7 helping us have a smooth transition from Year 6 to Year student’s, but to be a valued member of the Rooty Hill 7. High School community, one that new students to Rooty Hill and existing students of Rooty Hill will look up to. I know there were times this year when we just weren't You have shown me this year that you aren’t quitters and at our best. When we pulled all-nighters to finish you will do whatever it takes to get yourself across the assessment tasks and when we would get disappointed next finish line. As I address you as Year 7 for one last getting our marks back. But that's okay because every time let me tell you how proud I am of each and every human makes mistakes. We shouldn't dwell on our one of you and let me thank you for allowing me to play mistakes but use them to reflect and improve yourself. a small part in your continued success here at Rooty Hill. Thank you Michael Ross Year 7 Adviser
Unfortunately, I won’t be coming to Rooty Hill High School next year but I don't regret coming here, with the wonderful staff and welcoming students. The least I could do is wish all of you well for the upcoming year. Continue reaching for your goals, use your strengths and don’t limit your potential. Have a safe and happy holiday. 4
Thank you. start a motivational chain effect for my wonderful year Year 7 Dux: Liza Anwar group. Good afternoon respected guests, teachers and my fellow peers. It's my absolute honour and privilege to be Year Adviser Message: standing here receiving the DUX of year 7 2019. I'm Term 4 has been another busy term for Year 7 students. extremely grateful to everyone who helped me through Year 7 students have completed a busy assessment this journey on receiving this outstanding award. period concluding with their Personalised Learning Week Student Conversations. Year 7 Sport has First of all would like to congratulate every student who continued in Term 4, wrapping up an exciting first year has successfully completed their first year of high of sport for students. In Science classes, Year 7 students school, it is a great milestone and takes a lot of courage, worked on their solar oven challenge. Students worked resilience and dedication to be able to complete all in groups creating an oven purely of solar energy. required tasks at such a high level and you should all be Adding to this, students also created their ‘Mars Rover’ extremely proud of your achievements. On that note, I in Science where they had to build protection for an egg want to give a special thank you to all the teachers who that was dropped off a certain height. Swim School was take their precious time to help all of us become the best in Week 8 which was very exciting. Students spent 3 version of ourselves. days at Mt Druitt Pools completing activities in and out of the pool that allows them to be safe around water I would like to give my most sincere gratitude to my environments. Students finished the term with their loving and encouraging family who has assisted me Principals Report assembly, celebrating the hard work since day one. They have always shown their full and excellence of Year 7 in Term 4. Congratulations support and motivation which has helped me constantly Year 7. Have a great and safe holidays! improve myself and set higher goals and expectations. I urge every one of you to encourage one another and Michael Ross raise each other’s expectations and standards because it Year 7 Adviser. takes only one person show you that they believe in you for you to pursue your goal. And last but definitely not least I would like to extend my appreciation to my supportive friends who are always there for me no matter what, they have stuck by me through the ups and downs and school would not be the same without them. Most speeches always have a powerful emphasis on motivation, and personally I think it is the most significant point because we need to understand the actions we take today highly impacts our future,and if we want to make the future the best we can then we need to start working on today, therefore I believe the future is now and we should all play our part in improving today. There have been times where pressure takes control and you may feel like you have been thrown into an endless pit, but the most important thing is that there is always endless support. Don't be afraid to ask for help and speak out because if you don’t fight for your education and be selfish for knowledge then, there's not much anybody can do for you. But if you keep your motivation up and are determined to achieve your goals, then it is impossible for the world to stop you from doing it.
Term 4 has been a very busy term for Year 7. This Term Year 7 has been involved in Swim school, writing their report comments, personalised learning week student conversations (PLWSC), the solar oven challenge, the Mars Rover egg dropping device, and The Principals Thank you everyone for your valuable time, I hope I was Report Assembly. We had demonstrated the PERSIST able to inspire at least one person in this hall today and values to our highest extent wherever we were and whenever. We also had the opportunity to have our 5
parents come in and talk to all our teachers. That took place on the first day back at school for Term 4. It helped our parents understand how we were going at school and how our teachers and parents can work together for us. Term 4 was a great way to end a great first year of learning. Written by Mikayla Grosvenor Year 7
encouraged them to use learned skills in one point perspective and/or textural painting techniques. Students also exhibited their linoleum printing series inspired by Shaun Tan’s ‘Cicada’. Year 7 Science
Year 7 Visual Arts Exhibition
This term Year 7 have been studying Space and Gravity and have built a Mars Rover Landing Module for their assessment task. The students then dropped their landing modules from the balcony for the chocolate egg drop experiment to see if the egg would break.
Year 7 TAS
The A Block Exhibition space showcased the experimental and expressive work of our semester 2 year 7 Visual Arts students. The students explored the expressive form of printmaking and painting. Students created a monochromatic landscape which
Year 7 TAS Food and Agriculture students explored the idea of a Paddock to Plate concept. They researched where food comes from and how it gets to their plate. Students sowed and harvested herbs and vegetables and made their own pickles and bread. They learnt about composting and how to maintain an organic and chemical free produce garden. Students also designed their own self-watering planting system and were able to provide support working with the Hospitality crew to prepare food for a luncheon.
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Year 8
the end? Think about that vision that you had from the start and why you started your journey in the first place.
Year 8 Principal’s Assembly Address Good morning Year 8, Ms Cawsey, Ms Mattimore, Ms. So Year 8, take these parting words with you into the holidays. Andrews, senior leaders, and guests. Once again, Be passionate. Maintain a positive attitude and most of welcome to the Term 4 Principal’s Report Assembly, all keep learning and improving for as long as you can, where the main focus today, is to acknowledge your successes, and celebrate the achievements of individuals and you will become the leader everybody looks up to. Furthermore, you will become the leader I know you can and of course, your year group. be. At each assembly at the conclusion of every term, I address a theme in my speech, and today, I have chosen You yourself have just crossed a finish line and are now to speak about leadership. I’ve chosen this theme today, faced with a new starting line – Year 9. There will be as some of you find yourselves undertaking leadership challenges. It will be hard. There are times when it will suck, but I assure you the journey to the finish line will positions including Peer Mentors for 2020, be worth it. You have shown me this year that you are Ambassadors, SRC, Sports Leaders in entrepreneurial learning spaces and creative arts. I have also chosen to tenacious and you will do whatever it takes to get speak about leadership, because in 2020, you will find yourself across the next finish line. As I address you as yourself in Year 9, effectively, the leaders of the junior Year 8 for one last time let me tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you and let me thank you for school. allowing me to play a small part in your continued While I know each and every one of you have the strengths and skills to be a leader, I want to focus on 4 success here at Rooty Hill. simple principles which I hope will further guide you in Have a safe and wonderful holidays, and again achieving individual and group success. congratulations on your success in 2019. First - Learn How To Express Your Passion If there is any leadership skill that stands out as the most important, then that must be passion. Passion is a thing Thank you that everyone has, but true leaders know how to express Peter Jackson Year 8 Adviser it and use it to inspire other people. Nobody wants to follow a leader if they don’t believe in what they are doing. To motivate your peers, show them that you genuinely care about what you are working on and that everyone’s contribution counts. Second - Never Stop Improving Yourself Things are constantly changing in the world, and they are changing fast. That is why you need to educate and improve yourself your whole life to stay ahead. Try to listen and learn from everyone, even from your people you may not be close to. There are always new things to learn and new ways to improve your leadership skills. There is no shame in admitting not knowing something. Third - Be Positive Negativity is not good in group environments, especially Year 8 Dux: Bianca Dodd when it comes from the leader. If you are always Good afternoon parents, teachers, distinguished guests focusing on the negative, you and your peers will have a and fellow students. I am truly honoured to have hard time staying motivated and concentrated on work. achieved the DUX award of 2019. I would like to extend On the other hand, if you maintain a positive attitude and my gratitude towards the many important people who approach problems calmly and with constructive have helped me attain this achievement. criticism, people will naturally gravitate towards you and more willing to listen to your advice. To the teachers, I appreciate how you have helped not And lastly - Have A Clear Vision & Know Where your only myself but also the many students here today. The Finish Line is. lessons you taught have helped me to develop many new As a leader, you need to have a clear vision of what you life skills and I am incredibly grateful to all teachers and your team is working towards. What would I gain because you have helped me become a person that I am from crossing the finish line at the other end? proud to be. Satisfaction of completing a challenge, of reaching a goal I had set for myself? Seeing through something to 7
I would also like to thank my friends as they have been here to encourage and motivate me to keep on doing my best. My friends have helped me to be more persistent and resilient, I am so proud to have such amazing friends. Lastly, I would like to thank my family because they have always been there to support me. Whether it was sports or academic related, my family has always been with me to help me through the rough times, and to celebrate the fun times. Now, I would like to encourage everyone to try your best and be persistent to achieve all of your goals. I believe Students in Year 8 were able undertake a leadership that everyone is capable of achieving something new and opportunity to help mentor our new incoming Year 7 2020 cohort to the school. The training included doing something great. Thank you all for helping me watching a variety of videos and completing activities in throughout the year and good luck in 2020. order to practise how to be a good leader. It was really Bianca Dodd cool because I knew when we were in Year 7, I would have loved to get help from older students to make me Year Adviser Message: Congratulations on completing Year 8! You should all feel welcome at school. be commended on your excellent efforts during Term 4, as well as your commitment to achieving your personal Personalised Learning Student Conversations best. Your achievements this term have really showcased your leadership skills, and more so, your own individual strengths. In Term 4, new leaders have emerged, as evidenced by the 90 students who engaged in Peer Mentor Training. We have seen innovation and critical and creative thinking as highlighted in the remodelled and rigorous Personalised Learning Student Conversation process. But most significantly, deep personal growth has been displayed by each and every one of you, demonstrating your capacity to continue to transition into skilled, thoughtful 21st Century citizens, ready to take on future challenges. Well done to all. You have made me proud, and I have no doubt that 2020 will continue to provide you all with opportunities to achieve your goals, demonstrate your strengths and follow your passions. Mr. Jackson - Year 8 Adviser Peer Mentor Training
In Personalised Learning Student Conversations we completed a workshop held over two periods. This included working through a booklet with a focus on selfreflection, identifying our personal strengths, creating a strength comment as well as uploading evidence to My Learning Hub. This was a new process compared to previous years, and we enjoyed working in groups and having time to plan our goals ahead of our personalised learning conversations the next day. 8
Year 8 Sport There was a variety of sports available for year 8 and we Year 8 articles written by Anjelica Delos Reyes, Marissa were able to select which sport we would like to do. Our Kang, Lillian Lolomanaia and Rene Saraj options included; Gridiron, softball, tennis, gym and volleyball. I personally enjoyed this program because every other week, we received a break from normal classes and got to participate in physical activity outside of school. I chose volleyball, and for me, it was great.
Blacktown Young Artist’s Prize
Year 8 Classwork Term 4 PDHPE - This term in PDHPE, we learnt about the importance of mental health, sports wise, we learnt about softball and modified games. Maths - This term in maths we learnt about the different techniques to collect data. Examples include stem and leaf graphs as well as dot plots. We had also learnt about the mean, mode, median and range of numbers. English - During English we learned about how to structure a speech using pathos, logos and ethos. History - This term during History, we learnt about Medieval Europe and Medieval Japan. Congratulations to Amina Mohammadi of Year 8, who Geography - This term in Geography, we learnt about is representing RHHS in the 2019 Blacktown Young topographic maps as well as interconnections throughout Artist’s Prize with her work titled ‘There Is Only So the world. Much’. Science - This term in Science, we have been doing work on the topic of animal encounters and adaptations This year the Blacktown City Art Prize celebrates the that animals have made. creativity of local young people with an TAS: Students have been completing a range of major environmentally-themed Young Artists Prize. works including rubber band cars, coding programs, Amina’s work will be on display at The Leo Kelly creative recipes and more. Blacktown Arts Centre until late January 2020. Music - During Music this term we delivered a performance, engaged in a listening task as well as learning about rock bands like Queen and The Beatles. 9
Year 9 Year 9 Principal’s Assembly Address It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed since your Year 8 final report assembly in 2018. For me this day was significant. It was the first time I was introduced to you as your new Year Adviser to replace Mr Wrigley. To say I was nervous was an understatement, but at the same time, looking out at you all as I do now, I’m reminded of how excited and privileged I felt, and still feel to be able to call you my year group. Time has certainly flown by and we have again had many triumphs, successes and incredible achievements this term. The Fast Forward Program attended the Western Sydney University campus orientation day. Celestine Salimbangon- DUX Year 9 LEAPS went jet boating on the harbour, dressed up for Last year as Dux of Year 8 my speech was really long. the Formal Lunch and delivered incredibly entertaining I’m sorry about that. It was because I wanted to make speeches at their LEAPS Graduation. We had students the most of the opportunity and I didn’t expect to be up attend the SPARK Festival and ABCN Future Thinkers here again in front of you all as Dux of Year 9. I am very workshops. Through the Blacktown City Council Pitch honoured to be chosen and promise that this speech will Project, several groups were recognised for the not be as long as last year. outstanding quality, deep thought, creativity and professionalism of their presentations to the Council. Now, tap somebody beside you on the shoulder and tell We have had many successes on the sporting field, and I them: “Well done”. want to give special mention to our very own Super Star Gymnast Koralee Catlet. For those of you who don’t That goes to all of us here today- good job for making it know she won gold in both Tumbling and Trampoline at through another year of school, work and life. This year the World Age Group Championships in Japan last week was packed with tears of joy and sadness with friends which we believe is a first for Australia. and family, stress and breakdowns due to panicking and We showed our ability to adapt to change through the cramming of 6 assessments in 2 days while balancing it new Personalised Learning Workshops and with extracurricular activities… It’s been a lot, I know. Conversations. Finally, we completed the #SuccessfulSeniors program But look, despite all that, we all made it. Each and every to prepare us for the adventures to come in Year 10. one of us deserves a pat on the back, for staying strong I know there are many more amazing things Year 9 have and pushing through the ups and downs. Looking back, done this term but I would be here all day describing knowing that we overcame things that we never thought them all. we could do? The sense of achievement is glorifying. In Year 7 and 8 you were forming as a year group. Year 9 has been the year of storming, and we have had our I might be the one standing up here, but I know that fair share of drama. But a captain does not learn how to everyone’s hard work and efforts should also be sail on a calm sea. We steered straight into the cyclone, acknowledged and appreciated. I wouldn’t be where I battled the waves and have emerged on the other side am right now without the endless love and support I stronger, smarter and more united than ever. receive from the Almighty God, my family, my friends, I cannot wait to embark on our new endeavours in Year my teachers, and this school just in general. 10. We will build our confidence by keeping our promises to ourselves and quit “tomorrow”. I know we might sometimes seem ungrateful for the Congratulations Year 9 on an incredible year, have a effort that the teachers put in to try and motivate us and safe and happy holiday. keep us going. Like, I kept repeating the tenacity word as a joke for when me and my friends try to do Elise Edney something difficult. I have to say though, it gradually Year 9 Adviser stuck with me and it helped me a lot, surprisingly. Anyway, my point is, that on behalf of my fellow Year 9’s, we would like you, teachers, to know that we appreciate the amount of dedication you guys put in to support us throughout high school. Thank you for showing that you care for your students, whether they are enthusiastic, or not. 10
As we near the end of our junior years of high school, we should remember that that was only the tip of the iceberg- the lightning before the storm. We may get overwhelmed with what we have ahead of us, and that’s okay. I get scared and anxious as well. The future is unknown. I have no idea how Year 10 is going to turn out for me, for all of us. All I know is that I’m going to keep on pushing myself to achieve my goals, without any regrets- and so should you.
on Thursday 24th October. It was a high energy show that provided students with opportunities to interact with the performers. Events Media Crew
Thank you, have a wonderful day, a wonderful holiday break, and for us Year 9’s, let’s enjoy our early leave and celebrate!! Blacktown City Council Presentations
This term Year 9 students were given the opportunity to present their ideas for marketing Blacktown City area to the Mayor of Blacktown, a councillor and media unit members. It was a great success, with compliments from all members of the audience, who considered their ideas engaging. In fact, Mayor Tony Bleasdale offered, 'Why do we pay consultants, when we could just ask these guys?' Outstanding Achievement awards have been given to all presenters. Drama
Congratulations to all the students in the Events Media Crew who demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication photographing a range of school events this Year. A big thankyou also goes to the outgoing 2019 Board of Directors who will now move to executive positions within the Events Media Crew Organisation. In our ongoing commitment to increasing student agency I would like to announce the appointment of the new Board of Directors for 2020 Tayla Norton - CEO Kalaya Ryan - CEO Shane Singh - IT Manager Nherwin Pangilinan - IT Manager Amanda Ngo - IT Manager Daniela Demasi - Public Relations Manager Summer Brown - Public Relations Manager Isabella Costello - Public Relations Manager Aiden Bartholomew - Creative Director Jamee Lee Balzan - Human Resources Manager Vinuji Polwaththa Gallage - Human Resources Manager Tasha Fuentes - Human Resources Manager Aryan Gounder - General Operations Manager Abhishek Chauhan - Financial manager. Year 9 STEM
A group of our Year 9 and 10 CAPA students attended the new Australian Musical Fangirls at Belvoir Theatre
Year 9Z STEM students participated in an incursion this week where they explored the science behind food. This included cheese and butter making, creating a solar oven to cook a frankfurt and pizza, exploring the preparation of unique indigenous food users and developing devices to explore how space probes may deliver food to another planet. 11
3. Enjoy the year 4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help 5. Take all the opportunities you can Year 10 Principal’s Assembly Address Good afternoon parents, caregivers, teachers, executives 6. You will always have support from your teachers and and Year 10. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you peers. They are there for you 7. And last but not least… all here today to the Year 10 ROSA Presentation ‘There is nothing to be worried about. You do feel the Assembly. The purpose of today’s assembly is to celebrate your successes and highlight the outstanding change and the fact that you need to take things achievements you have accomplished throughout your seriously, but just completing your work and being at school is what’s going to keep you stress free. The first senior year, including your Year 10 ROSA. hardest part is zero periods because they do affect what Congratulations. you learn and your attendance other that than, take everyday as it comes, try opportunities and honestly As 2019 draws to a close, it is great to reflect on the efforts you have made at starting your first senior year at enjoy your time because these moments won’t come back.’ RHHS. Term 4 has been jam packed with events and initiatives that support your academic growth and Congratulations Year 10, continue to be true to yourself, wellbeing as you transition into Year 11. Some of the many events you have participated in this term include; be brave, believe in yourself, support one another, learn from one another, and make yourselves proud. the Spark Festival, work experience, Hour of Power, You are now faced with a new challenge. You have School Spectacular, NSW Volleyball Schools Cup, VALID, Salsa Youth Voices presentation, ABCN Future shown me this year that you aren’t quitters and you will Thinkers, touch football refereeing, Slowpitch Softball do whatever it takes to get yourself across the next finish line. As I address you as Year 10 for one last time let me Day and YEP, the Young Entrepreneurs Program. tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you Earlier this term you also completed your personalised and let me thank you for allowing me to play a small learning sessions, giving you the opportunity to reflect part in your continued success here at Rooty Hill.
Year 10
on your achievements, strengths and areas for improvement to plan goals that will enable you to demonstrate your success as a learner next year as a Year 11 student.
Thank you Alyce Land Year 10 Adviser
Take a moment to think about your goals for next year. These goals are meant to be hard, they are meant to challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone. Take another moment to question what will you gain from completing these goals? The satisfaction of completing a challenge, reaching a goal you set for yourself, seeing through something to the end? What if it all gets to hard? What if giving up seems like an easier option? You have a choice, a choice that will challenge you and a choice that will change you, make you stronger, and make you feel as though you could do anything you set out to achieve. Only you have the answers to these questions, but as always, everyone here at Rooty Hill is here to help you every step of the way. And with that being said I thought I would finish my speech today with some support from people who have been in your shoes and sat exactly where you are sitting in this exact moment one year ago today. Here is what your Year 11 peers wanted to say when asked ‘What advice would you give to Year 10 students who are becoming Year 11 students next year’: 1. Give it your best. 2. Show up to your zero periods (they count)
Year 10 Dux: Zaheda Faiz Persist. 7 letters emblazoned above and beyond, on the walls of this great school and embellished on our uniforms. It is the persistence to keep going that drives us to success. Good afternoon parents, teachers, distinguished guests and fellow students. I am honoured to be awarded with the Year 10 DUX of 2019 and I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude towards those who have helped me along the way. I would also like to acknowledge those who have shaped us. Our teachers, friends and family. I want to thank you for your 12
continuing support and unwavering belief in our abilities. 2019 has been a transformative and progressive year. Together we have successfully completed our first year as senior students, having overcome challenges and personal hurdles. Although this year may be the last for some of us in this school, I have no doubt in my mind that the memories we have created together will shape the people we become. These four years have been a blessing to have such a supportive environment and to have been a part of this great cohort since Year 7. I would like to thank the teachers not only for the classroom lessons but the life lessons that continue to both enrich and empower us. I am thankful for the support from my family, who have been with me every step of the way, rooting for me. And now thank you to my friends and classmates for always making me smile and laugh. I will truly miss you all. Reflecting on this year, I think its important to remember times when we felt like quitting and giving up but we preserved. We persisted. Remember to take this time to relax and unwind in these holidays and treat yourself because we all deserve it. Continue to trust in your abilities, to have faith in your potential and strive for your goals. Have a safe and happy holiday. Thank you all.
A huge congratulations goes out to Chantelle Parkes who was one of only 31 students selected to receive an ABCN (Australian Business and Community Network) Foundation Scholarship. This is a great achievement!
Year Adviser Message: As 2019 draws to a close, it is great to reflect on the efforts year 10 have made at starting their first senior year at RHHS. Term 4 has been jam packed with events and initiatives that support the academic growth and well being of the team as they transition into year 11. Some of the many events students have participated in this term include; the Spark Festival, work experience, Hour of Power, School Spectacular, NSW Volleyball Schools Cup, Salsa Youth Voices presentation, ABCN Future Thinkers, touch football refereeing, Slowpitch Softball Day and the Young Entrepreneurs Program. We look forward to 2020 and all that it brings. Well done Year 10! Ms Gatt & Mrs Land
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Students in Visual Arts have finished the year creating with clay. Students wanted the opportunity to explore an expressive form of their choice and the Visual Arts class decided to work in this form to create a piece they can take away as the Stage 5 course comes to a close.
This semester in Science, we have developed our science investigation skills by conducting our own experiments based on our choice from three fields of science (Physics, Biology or Chemistry). We showcased and presented our experiments at the Science Fair held in Week 7, Term 4.
This term, the Year 10 Events Media Crew members have continued to lead the team as they took photographs of various events within the school. These include; the LEAPS graduation, the Bushfire Appeal festive fundraising photo booth initiative, Orientation Day and the RHHS October conference. The CEO Phoebe Birett, Public Relations Manager Zoe Krabbe and IT Manager Aeron Vincente earn a notable mention in their role as they lead the new board of directors into 2020. In Game Development, we have been working on Adobe Photoshop to create sprites. A sprite is a game character which needs code to make it move or you can interact with it via the game. We created a prototype of a game and planned all of the levels and features including the background, characters, goal and the back story. In Photographic and Digital Media, we have been working towards creating the illusion of levitation through the platform of Adobe Photoshop. This was a great task to help us continue to develop our skills in image manipulation.
Image by Rowen Cooke
The Young Entrepreneurial Program is a worthy initiative that encourages students to be critical and creative thinkers as they work in a collaborative environment to put their business minds together. In the program, each group works together to develop a pitch based on a business idea. Some of these include: building a professional volleyball court within the school, refurbishing the basketball courts, revamping the RHHS sports uniform, creating extra school uniform accessories, having a permanent Esports space within the school and encouraging sustainability by looking at and changing the way we toss our waste. These are only a sample of the ideas that were on showcase at the YEP Expo on the Friday of Week 8. 14
Year 12 2020 Year Advisers Message: First term of Year 12 done and dusted! Within these four terms you have completed your Preliminary HSC year and started your final year of schooling. From work placements, to external validation, senior leadership elections, crossroads, university days, leadership conferences, and of course your study periods. You have tackled life as a Rooty Hill High School student head on. You have set yourself goals, have become more disciplined, you have persevered, and been able to assess and reflect on not only your successes but learn from your failures, continued to uphold the PERSIST values to a high standard , but most importantly you have supported each-other to learn and grow. As you look back on your achievements this year, make sure that you congratulate yourself and your peers on the goals you have reached together, and set your sights and expectations of yourself high as you prepare for 2020. Remember to always empower yourselves and support each other, because when one of us wins, we all win. You have made me proud, but more importantly, I ask that you continue to make yourself proud. Have a happy and safe holidays! Miss Melanie Douglas Year 12 2020 Year Adviser Captain’s Message Personalised Learning sessions provided students with time to reflect on their achievements and their successes in 2019. Students were also able to take the time to consider the goals they would like to set for themselves in 2020.
Hello Rooty Hill, what a great term we’ve had this time around! As always it’s been a pleasure, seeing our whole school hard at work, both staff and students running and partaking in extracurricular activities and events, muftidays, sport, university open days the list goes on. We hope you all have an excellent summer holidays, hoping everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year, it has been an absolute pleasure being your school captains this term. Looking forward to seeing you all in the new decade, 2020 here we come! 2020 Captains Signing offSussana Zaman & Evan Ademovic 15
Halogen Young Leaders Day
for Year 12. Through this excursion students were given surfing lessons at Manly Surf School by three surfing instructors. After being given a short demonstration, students were given the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and first hand experience for surfing. Despite students struggling at first, many students soon developed their ability and were able to stand on their board. The students were also able to learn and enjoy other water activities such as bodyboarding. This was then followed by lunch and a calm ferry ride back to the train stations. Students enjoyed the day and also gained skills that they can further develop in the future. Bright Hearts and Minds Conference
The 2019-2020 senior leadership team attended a Halogen Young Leaders Day where they received guidance and real-life advice from prominent leaders who have faced and overcome challenges in their role. The Halogen conference aims to inspire and influence a generation of young people to lead themselves and others well. Furthermore, every year it aims to raise money to provide facilities or utensils for young children and families in developing nations. The day was scheduled to have 4 speakers and activities which would run during each session. The speakers included John Coutis, Lachie Smart, Erin Molan and Bianca Chatfield. All senior leaders were able to leave the conference with newly found confidence and insight into what it is to be Year 12 economics students, Sussana Zaman, Tarsha a young leader. Daly and Claire Paler, attended the Bright Hearts and Minds Conference at the Sydney Opera House. This Surfing Excursion opportunity was provided through the Fundies for the Future competition. They were able to listen to several investment presentations from a multitude of accomplished and exceptional investment leaders. Including American billionaire investor, hedge fund manager, and philanthropist Ray Dalio. From this they were able to gain great insight into the industry and learn about various investment prospects to further their understanding in their economics subject. Work Placement (VET Subjects) Year 12 VET students had the opportunity to experience and implement their skills in a real-life working environment. This involved 3 Hospitality classes, as wells as the Entertainment, and Construction classes. Students were assigned to different businesses, completing a week of work placement that enabled them to interact with customers, work alongside employees and learn in a unique environment outside the classroom. Work placement contributes to the mandatory hours to complete the course, allowing the students to earn a qualification in their respective courses. Year 12 PDHPE students were given the opportunity to go surfing this term to assist with their first assessment 16
Western Sydney University U-Day
goals have given direction regarding what the future will hold.
ABCN Women’s Leadership This term Aleeya Balfas, Jaspreet Kaur, Rumman Memon, Alison Gamsby, Thea Angelica Gonzales, Lana Stehlin, Emily Rough and Danah Aljorani from year 12 attended the ABCN Women’s leadership Focus 2 excursion. For three weeks they travelled to Sydney CBD to attend workshops in which they were able to collaborate with ladies from Liverpool High School. They were also given the chance to engage with female mentors who are established in the workforce. Students During Week 6 of Term 4, Year 12 students participated and mentors discussed their strengths and goals and provided advice on how to achieve them. This program in two WSU days, with business focused courses on Tuesday, and STEM focused courses on Thursday. This allowed them to build confidence and gain skills needed allowed for students to engage in and learn about future to enter the professional environment as female leaders. options through university. Senior leader Junior Personalised Learning Week On the days, it began with a short lecture from five Assistance current university students, from a range of STEM or The Junior School has taken a new approach to Business courses (depending on the day). After some personalised learning interviews and has gotten the general information of university life was provided, senior leadership team involved in the process. This students were given the option to ask the panel of involved leaders taking on the responsibility of students some questions, relating to scholarships, discussing the goals, challenges and successes of studying abroad or living accommodations within the university. After the Q&A finished, students were able students before they receive their grades from teachers. By doing this, students are able to feel comfortable to choose courses to go to, where a university lecturer helped them gain an understanding of what the courses, sharing their thoughts, opinions and problems they have topics and assessments would look like for a university experienced as they can speak to a fellow peer. Students student. The day concluded with a tour of the university, were issued a schedule with the time their interview will be held in the hall. They then engage in a conversation where students were able to be accustomed to the with a senior leader and discuss how well they campus. performed during the term and how could they improve as they move into the new year. Hence, the personalised Goal Setting learning interviews took a well received change.
Year 12 Physics studied Projectile Motion which they investigated using a variety of devices to record data and used complex formulas to complete calculations.
Year 12 have participated in a goal setting workshop where they are draft their aspirations and future challenges they will face during the coming year. Students were provided with booklets with strategies they can use to relieve stress as well as study more effectively. Being newly introduced into Year 12, the workshop allows students to prepare and forecast what Student Authors: Divina Ambat, Tarsha Daly, Jaspreet the year will hold. In addition, the goals for the future include asking the question: Why do I want to complete Kaur, Claire Paler, Sussana Zaman, Korben Smith, my HSC?, What do I want to do in the future?, What am Evan Ademovic I interested in? These questions are the foundation of the goals students built and will respond to. Overall, creating 17
Year 12 2019 HSC and Early University and Job Offers The HSC was certainly one of the toughest tasks our Year 12 students had to face during their schooling career, however like any other time they were faced with a challenge, it was dealt with diligently and successfully. I expect the HSC results to be no different with confidence being high among students at the completion of examinations. Congratulations to the students who have had early offers to Universities and other job opportunities. Good luck to the rest of you in achieving your goals for the future. HSC results will be released on Tuesday 17th of December via Student’s Online. Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) will be released at 1pm on Tuesday the 17th of December at http://www.uac.edu.au Year Adviser Message: Year 12 had the chance to unwind and celebrate the completion of the HSC and all of their other studies while attending the formal. The students and teachers had a ball, turning up in beautiful cars and with motorbikes, laughter, dancing and quirky photos in the dress up room. A BIG thanks to Miss Munzenberger who created the whole yearbook and thank you to all the teachers that attended to make the night memorable for Year 12. It was a busy term for all involved and I am happy to say CONGRATULATIONS YEAR 12! You have made it! Enjoy your time away from school, but never forget it. Good luck with your future aspirations wherever the path may take you. Remember, this is not the end, it is just a new beginning. Mr Hay Class of 2019 Year Adviser
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Sport
their pool behind St Dominics HS and qualified for the semi-finals. The team grew stronger and stronger throughout each game on a very hot Friday at Kingsway playing fields in St Marys.
2019 in Review This year saw over 490 students account for 1551 representations for Rooty Hill High school across a range of individual and team sports. We had 32 Zone, 7 Year 7/8 Touch Football Girls Sydney West, 3 CHS and 3 NSW representatives across cross country, athletics, swimming, rugby league and volleyball. The students displayed excellence and success whilst representing at the zone carnivals which saw us win the swimming, cross country and overall championship shields, and we had success in the knockout competitions for volleyball and soccer. All boys and girls touch football teams progressed to semifinals in their gala days. We were also lucky enough to have a few firsts this year, with our first U15 boys soccer team progressing to the 4th round of their competition and getting to experience playing at Valentine Sports Park, and our first-ever flag gridiron team saw success with the girls winning their division and the boys placing 4th. Overall it has been another successful year for RHHS sport and all participants should be congratulated for Congratulations to the Years 7/8 Girls Touch Football their hard work and dedication to training and team who came 2nd in their pool. competition. With a special thanks to all the coaches, student coaches and referees for the time and effort they Volleyball Schools Cup have put into the sport program in 2019. We look forward to another successful year in 2020. Mt Druitt Zone This year RHHS had 31 students place either first, second or third for age champion honours across the zone cross country, athletics and swimming carnivals. This also resulted in RHHS being named the champion school for swimming and cross country, as well as being the recipient of the Patron shield for being the overall champion school. A special congratulations to Emily Stirk, Amanda Fuiono and Carlos Torzar for receiving Mt Druitt Zone blues awards for their contribution to excellence when representing the zone in sport. Year 7/8 Touch Football Boys
Congratulations to the Year 8 Girls Volleyball Team for winning silver and the Year 10 Boys Volleyball team for The Year 7/8 boys team displayed excellence, success and teamwork throughout the competition. Competing in winning bronze at the Australian Volleyball Schools a 3 pool competition, they boys managed to finish 2nd in Cup in Queensland. 19
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