What's On?
- Tuesday 23 August: 2023 School Leaders Speeches
- Friday 26 August: Wear It Purple Day
- Friday 9 September: 2023 School Leaders Induction and Academic Assembly
- Thursday 15 September: Year 11 Exams start
- Thursday 22 September: Year 12 Presentation Assembly
- Thursday 22 September: 2023 Information Evening
principal's message
Hunter Sports High has been a hive of activity again for the first half of Term 3 with each day seeing students involved in learning activities in the classroom, in the community and even on the snowfields!
Our Year 11 students enjoyed the annual Crossroads snow trip last week. They braved the icy conditions and certainly challenged themselves on the slopes. The students are to be congratulated on their respectful behaviour and the resilience they displayed learning the new and difficult challenge of skiing and snowboarding. Thank you to the parents for allowing them to go and for the teachers who supervised the event and took time away from their own families to be a part of this event.
At the beginning of august we welcomed prospective students for our 2023 year 8-11 sports Academy trials. Our coaches saw a lot of talent and potential and we're looking forward to welcoming our new students next year.
While we get ready to welcome new perspective students for 2023 our fabulous Year 12 students are edging closer to the end of their school days having completed their Trial HSC exams last week and with only five more weeks of classes they now focus on completing assessments, revising course content and of course the upcoming HSC exams in October. There's plenty of fun still to come for them too and we hope they enjoy their final weeks of school and create memories that last throughout their lives. We look forward to recognising their outstanding achievements at our Year 12 Presentation Assembly on Friday the 22nd.
We are excited at Hunter Sports High School to see what the remainder of the term has in store.
Ms Rachel Byrne - Principal
NAIDOC Week at HSHS
NAIDOC Week is held annually across Australia in the first week of July in 2022. The theme this year is 'Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!' Born from Aboriginal activism in the 1920 and 30s, NAIDOC Week is an Indigenous-led celebration of the history, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The national NAIDOC theme pays respect to a proud history of resistance and activism by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as it recognises First Nations Peoples' resilience and strength and celebrates those who have driven and led significant change in their communities over generations.
The Minimbah team proudly put together an amazing day of celebration and education for staff and students. The day consisted of a whole school assembly where we heard from panel members Aunty Yeena Thompson, Uncle BJ Duncan and Uncle Brendan Moyle who were interviewed by year 11 students Jillarnie Ahoy and Taimana Elers. Aunty Yeena shared her personal insight and knowledge about NAIDOC days importance and the establishment and current fight of the Tent Embassy. Uncle BJ is the Chairperson and Uncle Brendan is the CEO of the Darkinjung Aboriginal Land Council who highlighted their responsibilities within the community and the purpose behind land councils and the roles that land councils play in our wider communities. This was followed by a smoking ceremony by Uncle Leon Hammond and workshops by Toby Cedar and Torres Strait Islander dancing, Joey Griffiths and his Our Kinnection business, Johnny Robinson, Rob Sampson and Monique Mennie delivered Aboriginal Art, David Clarke & Norm Shillingsworth who delivered artifacts talks and boomerang throwing and some of our History teachers & Minimbah Team members Ms. Gaynor, Miss Doherty and Miss Bryant who led our Indigenous Prominent People research workshop. Students were also treated to Chicken Curry, Beef Soup and fried scones for lunch created by Aunty Helen Faulkner from the Yamuloong Cultural Centre as well as Lemon Myrtle and Strawberry Gum Anzac cookies by Mrs. Hines and the year 9 Food Technology class.
The day was wrapped up with incredible performances by Toby and his two sons as well as the Minimbah Dance Group along with Dave and Norm. An amazing day for all involved.
English Write Now
Term 3 is unfolding as it should. The winds of August have arrived and are with us as we take tentative steps towards Spring. But before the season turns, it is the world of Books that shall provide our students with warmth, with a taste of the world.
Once again, Hunter Sports High School, led by the English Faculty will celebrate Book Week. This year’s theme is “Dreaming with Eyes Open” and will run throughout Week 6 – 22nd -26th August. Amongst the planned activities is a visit by acclaimed Australian author Steven Herrick who will talk with students about his texts and the craft of writing. There will be dress ups, scavenger hunts and competitions, funny videos and of course, time and space to read!
In the classrooms, Years 7 and 9 are currently undertaking the joyful task of a novel study. Students are immersed in the characters and places of a range of brilliant stories. They are involved in that great quest of opening their imaginations through the world of literature. Perhaps they are reading a book which will stay with them down all their days, and they’ll think back fondly to that story read in High School, like so many of us do…
Year 8 are experiencing the world of poetry. They are reading, analysing, crafting and feeling the amazing power that poems have, and like their friends who are studying novels, maybe they too will in days hence, remember a poem; remember the pain and beauty they found in those carefully crafted words.
Meanwhile over in Year 10, students are exploring the ways in which refugees and asylum seekers have been represented in the media. The unit is titled, ‘In their Position’ and develops students analytical and evaluative skills while exploring an important contemporary issue.
In Stage 6, Year 11 are completing the last module of the Preliminary Course before they begin their HSC in Term 4. Important skills and knowledge are being developed as the students hurtle toward the start of their final year.
And finally, Year 12. The Trial examinations are over. The results and feedback are being collated. The important work in preparing for the Final Exams is now at hand. The final weeks of term, of school, are before them. We congratulate them all for their diligence and cooperation, and urge them to maintain that momentum until that final bell.
The English staff have enjoyed the opportunity of meeting with parents and carers during our recent Parent/Teacher Interviews. These occasions are important for developing relationships and furthering the learning and care for our students.
Until next time, we bid you adieu.
A message from the Mathematics department
Welcome to another term of learning and striving for success.
HSC Students
Term 3 is the last term for our year 12 students. We would like to encourage all HSC students to make the most of your last term at school. The Mathematics staff are offering extra tutoring sessions open to all HSC students. These sessions are run by Miss Kelly every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am and are an excellent way to work through your revision with assistance from an experienced HSC teacher. HSC students are also reminded to use our online portal SmarterMaths (www.smartermaths.com.au) for access to past papers and worked solutions. Please see Mr Love (HT Mathematics) for further information.
Congratulations to our students in year 7, 8and 9 for their efforts in improving their problem-solving, both in Mathematics lessons and the Puzzling Problems course. This has resulted in some excellent NAPLAN results. Results show a continued growth in Numeracy and a record number of year 9 students in the top 2 numeracy bands.
Maths in trade 2023
Hunter Sports High School will be offering a limited number of places to Year 9 students who would like to study Maths in Trades in 2023. The Mathematics in Trades Pathway (MITP) is an initiative of the Apprenticeship Engagement Forum (AEF) and is a hands-on Mathematics course that replaces conventional Mathematics classes. It repackages the outcomes in a practical and engaging way to support students who are pursuing an apprenticeship or traineeship as their first career option. If you would like more information please contact Sean Love (HT Mathematics) with any enquiries.
Connect at home to our online platforms!
- Education Perfect (Years 7-10): This website www.educationperfect.com is an excellent portal that supplements the work students’ study in class. Every student will have a unique login and password. EP is used for interactive lessons as well as pre-testing and post-testing. Students are welcome to see their class teacher or Sean Love (HT Maths) for login assistance.
- Edrolo (Years 11-12): This website www.edrolo.com is an interactive portal that supplements the work students’ study in the HSC courses. Every student will have a unique login and password. Edrolo is used for lesson reviews, HSC practice questions as well a compulsory Progress Check at the end of each topic that all students must submit.
- MS Teams: All students will be part of a MS Team for their class. This is a portal for information, announcements, communication with teacher and access to MS Class Notebook.
- MS OneNote (Class Notebook): Students will have access to MS Class Notebook which includes all the lesson activities and resources as well as a checklist of tasks. This can be accessed online through MS Teams or downloaded externally as a desktop app (recommended).
this term in HSie
There have been many exciting opportunities planned by the HSIE staff to engage and extend students in their learning so far this term.
Miss Gaynor has organised a problem-based unit of work for all students in Year 7 to participate in during their Geography lessons over the coming weeks. Students will be working in groups to extend their knowledge of the factors that create liveable places by planning an escape from a looming zombie apocalypse. Students will be applying a range of teamwork and problem-solving skills as well as developing their literacy skills to ensure their survival.
Students in Year 8 have been exploring the lives during medieval times. Mr. Davies class has taken a hands-on approach, again working in groups, to create a paper model of a medieval castle. He commented on how well students were working together and taking pride in their work. They next will be building their own castle that would be designed to withstand even the most enthusiastic attack. The initial building of the model castles looks promising.
Miss Bryant has kindly gifted her Stage 5 Commerce class $50,000 (of virtual money) to trade on the ASX. Students have been enrolled in the ASX Sharemarket Game and will compete against students from around Australia to build their investment portfolio. The budding investors will be watching the sharemarket, buying and selling shares over a 10-week period.
Recently students in Year 10, were lucky enough to be visited by our AEO, Mr Skuthorpe to listen to his personal and family perspectives of the impacts of the Stolen Generations. Students understanding of the experiences of the Stolen Generations was deepened by Mr Skuthorpe's presentation. All students are to be commended for their mature and respectful behaviour and our appreciation is extended to Mr Skuthorpe and the Minimbah Aboriginal Education Team who work tirelessly to support the education of students at Hunter Sports High School.
Finally, Mrs Slaney coordinated the participation of students in Years 7 and 9 in the Australian Geography Competition. The results of the effort applied by all students in their participation was very rewarding with multiple students being recognised for achieving a credit or distinction.
All Action in the gem academY
During Personal Interest Project lessons this term students have been encouraged to try new ways of presenting their work. Several students have participated in lessons to learn how to create a website using Google Sites. It is pleasing that several students have pushed themselves out of their comfort zone to try something new.
Giving and receiving feedback has been a big focus this term for the GEM Academy. At the end of each technology and kicking goals lessons staff and students provide feedback and identify students who have shown positive leadership skills, perseverance and have used creative and critical thinking skills.
Matthew Holmes, Levi Oliver and Braedan Dakin have been participating in a Work Experience program at Avenue Newcastle each Wednesday. These students along with Ms King have been learning lots of new business-related skills. Students have been enjoying learning about Doggy Day care and a variety of packaging businesses. One of the most interesting work so far has been cleaning bottles tops for a company who use the bottle tops to make prosthetic arms and legs for children.
Sarahkay John has a keen interest in gardening and is undertaking work experience at Poppy’s Home and Garden. Jake Mulley is participating in the Ozharvest Nourish program, Jake is enjoying this course and is learning how to cook up a storm. At the end of the course Jake will achieve a TAFE Certificate 2 in Kitchen Operations.
Coffee Shop continues to be a favourite for our staff each Thursday. The food and quality service from our students is impressive. A big shout out to Ms Stewart, Ms Mogg, Ms Browne and Ms Streatfeild for guiding our students to learn skills required to successfully work in a cafe. The quality of service provided by our students is super impressive and it is great to see student confidence and competence growing when using the EFTPOS machine.
Leaving To Learn is one of our most popular programs and has such a positive impact on students developing positive relationships with peers and staff and contributes to students understanding and developing a healthy lifestyle. The groups have been visiting a variety of venues and have been exploring new playgrounds and parks in the Singleton and Cessnock area.
We have new Rugged Robots and Cue Robots joining our technology lessons. Students and staff are looking forward to having fun and learning some new programming and coding skills.
A group of 10 students from the GEM Academy have been participating in a University study known as Burn2Learn. The students take part in physical workouts twice a week that last only 10 minutes each. Their heart rate is measured, and the workouts are led by Ms Streatfeild and Ms Mogg. The Newcastle Uni is doing the study to find out if general mental health and productivity in class is actually improved as a result of being active. The students have really been enjoying getting moving, and have been observed by people from the University who say that our kids are some of the best they have seen.
GEM staff feel incredibly lucky to be able to work with such a super group of student’s day in day out. It is rewarding to observe the growth of our students academically, socially and to see such positive character traits developing.
Minimbah News
Its been a busy few weeks/months for the Minimbah Team with notable celebrations including many Minimbah Aboriginal Dance Group performances, Reconciliation Week, Aboriginal Numeracy Day, The Cultural Collaboration Dance Group and Gordon's L's Driving School Course.
Minimbah Dance Group
Congratulations to our Minimbah Dance Group who continue to show and share their love and pride in culture through dance and dance workshops. They have been busy within our school and wider communities as we all celebrate NAIDOC 2022. A special mention to Rome Toomey, Koby Skuthorpe, Jaylah Boney and Acacia Elers who attended Windale Public School's NAIDOC day on July 27th where they hosted many small groups of children while delivering and teaching Aboriginal dance.
Reconciliation Week
This celebration included a panel of special guests and community members who spoke to our school about the 2022 theme of "Be Brave, Make Change". The knowledge shared by panelists was amazing and we thank Deputy Principal Mr. Jovanovski, prominent elder Aunty Laurel Williams, former Minimbah staff member and now house parent of the Kirinari Hostel Mrs Lehetta Porter and former student and now staff member of Kirinari Hostel Floyd Tighe Junior.
Aboriginal Numeracy Day
The Aboriginal Numeracy Day was another successful and positive excursion for a selected group of year 7 and 8 students. For the second year Hunter Sports attended The University of Newcastle and the Wollotuka Institutes day in partnership with the NIB Newcastle Knights, McDonald Jones Stadium and Hunter and Central Coast Aboriginal Education and Consultative Groups at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday 22nd June 2022. The students represented themselves and the school with pride. Congratulations to all those students involved.
Cultural Collaboration Dance Group
The Cultural Collaboration Dance Group consists of members of the Minimbah Dance Group and a group of Pacific Islander students. Based on the community reviews from HSHS's Harmony Day Celebrations this group was asked to attend and perform at the Plattsburg and Mayfield West Primary Schools joint NAIDOC day earlier this term. All participants were respectful and showed great passion in pride in their cultures and the group performance.
Gordons L's Driving Program
The Minimbah Team were fortunate enough to work alongside Gordons L's Driving Program. Selected students took part in a 3-day course at school where participants learnt about the NSW Road Rules and had significant opportunities to practice for their learner drivers license test using computers. On the 4th day of the course (Thursday 4 August 2022), students attended Services NSW Warners Bay where all 4 students were successful in gaining the L's license. A huge thank you to Kylie and the Gordon's L's Program coordinators for this amazing opportunity. Congratulations to Marshall Hopgood, Hayley Henderson, Jeraki Newham-Freeman and Alyssa Hilditch.
The world of wellbeing
Backflips Against Bullying
On Tuesday July 19th, Year 7 and Year 8 participated in a presentation called Backflips Against Bullying. Backflips Against Bullying was different to a normal presentation because they re-enacted real life scenarios showing the types of bullying people can go through such as verbal, physical, cyber and social. They talked about how bullying can have a big impact on people's lives and provided strategies on how to cope. They also got kids involved by getting them up and talking as well performing tricks and flips while still revolving the performance around the serious issue of bullying.
We think many people can agree this way of presenting was much more engaging and interesting. We personally really enjoyed it and hope to see it being performed at Hunter Sports High School again for future students.
Lovebites
National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect’s (NAPCAN) highly regarded LoveBites programs have been running in school since 2005. The interactive and engaging sessions focus on the development of respectful relationships for young people. The program aims to provide a safe environment in which young people can discuss and learn about their rights and responsibilities in relationships and look at ways to access support when needed. During the sessions, young people are introduced to a number of services in the community and encouraged to support their friends by utilising safe, healthy and proactive strategies.
On Friday September 2nd, Year 10 students will be involved in a full day program including in two interactive sessions followed by a practical workshop. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the content, there will be numerous wellbeing supports available as required (Counsellors, Student Support Officers, Trained Facilitators etc).
Wear it Purple day
Wear it Purple Day strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people. Join us this year on August 26th. Be part of a movement that has the potential to save thousands of lives. There will be some lunchtime activities running if you would like to be involved.
