Loading

South Sydney High School 2022 Term 4 Week 8

In this issue

  • Principal's message
  • DOVES roundtable
  • Opportunity news
  • Science news
  • Year 7 Visual Arts
  • Year 9 Geography
  • Wellbeing
  • High Potential & Gifted education
  • VET news
  • Library news
  • Community news & events

Principal's message

Student achievement

Congratulations to:

  • all the students that went on the SSCIM camp
  • the student leadership group that helped with the Year 7 Orientation Day and participated in the Step Out, Speak Out march in support of ending domestic violence.
  • the students that participated in the staff versus student netball game.

50 year reunion of the Class of '72

On Friday 18th November, we had the pleasure of welcoming back the class of 1972.

20 ex-students were taken on a tour of the school and a trip down memory lane.

Below is a word of thanks from the organiser, Captain and Dux of the school in 1972 Robert Staples.

Dear Janice

I have posted a tweet on the school Twitter publicly expressing our thanks to you and the school staff and in particular the students – all of whom so warmly welcomed us back to South Sydney High after all these years.

What you and your team did for us last Friday morning set us on the path to a fantastic day (for some of us 2 days) catching up with old friends and renewing friendships.

I have received so many emails of thanks from classmates and all of them have particularly praised the School – you really laid out the red carpet of welcome and friendship to us.

The tour of the school brought back so many memories for all of us and the final stop in the Library where we were greeted by so much history from the archive was really special to us. We were all so impressed by the quality of the students who showed us around the school campus and accompanied us. They were genuinely interested in our recollections and with their wonderful personalities certainly endeared themselves to all of us former students. I have lost count of the number of times it was said ‘they make you proud to have attended South Sydney High’.

The research with the table of memories and the gift packs of memories that were prepared for us were greatly appreciated.

We would appreciate if you could pass on to all your staff and students our heartfelt gratitude for making us welcome and giving us so many more wonderful memories of our time at South Sydney High School.

In closing a big thanks to you personally Janice for supporting us and making this day so special for us. We know that without your support it would not have been quite the same. Love your work.

With thanks.

PS – could not remember the name of the ‘Companion Puppy’ – a great touch!!

Cheers

Rob (Bob) Staples, SSBHS Class of 72 Reunion

Welcome to the class of 2028

This week we welcomed the class of 2028 on the Year 7 Orientation Day. Approximately 150 students and their parents were entertained in the Hall, given general information about starting high school at South Sydney. They were then given a tour of the school and received a showbag of information. We look forward to greater orientation activities in Term 1 2023.

Upcoming events

CAPA Showcase - Tuesday 6th December 5:15pm

Presentation Day - Tuesday 13th December 12:40pm

As we begin the final two weeks of the school term, remember your learning journey continues. It is a timely reminder to students to show respect to each other, your teachers and when out in the community.

Remember, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier.

Regards

Janice Neilsen

DOVES Roundtable

The DOVES Minister’s Student Council Roundtable for Metro South was held on Friday 18th November via Zoom. The DOVES also known as Department of Student Voice in Education and Schools, is a council created by the Minister for Education to allow for better access and understanding of student voice, keen to hear the voices and experiences of Metro South students in order to better facilitate a healthy school experience.

I had the privilege to participate as the senior Botany Bay region representative in the regional forum, where I got the opportunity to meet other fellow School Leaders within the Southern Directorate, and discuss strengths and areas for improvement in our schools. Overall, it was a very insightful experience and I am very grateful for being invited to join. Here is an excerpt from my speech to the DOVES:

“Some special initiatives offered at South Sydney which are designed to assist students include our various clubs such as our homework club, where tutors assist students in the library, breakfast club for all students, as well as various sporting, community and debating activities. Our SRC and prefect body also run various special events and fundraisers. Our school also runs a Christian Club, and a Jewish Club, to create a positive influence involving religious scriptures for keen students.”

George Chang, 2023 Vice-Captain

Opportunity news

Man2Man Program Day

Conversations our boys just have to have!

Last Thursday our school held a very important program for our Year 10 boys. Given that COVID had put a stop to many of these important programs, it was long overdue.

The matters that were discussed included, what does it mean to be a man, friendship & how to be a better friend. We talked about the stresses and anxieties that young men harbour and offered strategies to strengthen their mental health. We then discussed resilience with the help of ex-South Sydney student and ThrowBack Store businessman Mike Lazarus and ex-Sydney Kings basketball star Brad Rosen who was also a past student at our school.

Mentors came from T.Rowe Price, Dell, and our long time supporter and logistics expert Mike Owen to workshop the day. We would like to thank Gus and Vicky Worland from Gotcha4life who generously spent the day with us helping to deliver this program as well as Tommorrowman presenter, Josh Ward. They were all exceptional! The day was truly insightful, meaningful, productive and one that is now going to be entrenched in the fabric of our school for the benefit of our students! It was a privilege to present and deliver a program such as this.

Ms Stell, Opportunity Coordinator & Mr Wood, Head Teacher PDHPE

Science news

In Science, all year groups have finished their yearly exams. Congratulations to all students for successfully and safely completing their year in Science. They learnt so much about topics such as Body Systems, Atoms, Forensics and the Universe.

Year 10 is currently learning about Forensics. In these pictures you will see the students using blood (it is definitely fake blood) to learn about how blood spatter can be used by detectives to solve crimes.

In Marine and Aquaculture Technology, Mr Vinson took the class sailing.

On Friday 25th November the Year 10 Marine class travelled to Woollahra Sailing Club in Rose Bay to test the sailing knowledge and skills they have been developing this term. Upon arrival, the students were greeted by their sailing instructors and taught how to rig a small sailboat, skills in maneuvering their sailboat and how to adjust their sails according to the wind.

Then it was up to them to sail across Rose Bay in teams of four. They learnt to think on their feet and have fun while doing it. The staff at Woollahra Sailing Club were very impressed with the attitude and perseverance the students showed. What a great day and well done Year 10 Marine & Aquaculture.

Year 7 Visual Arts

Year 7 students are currently in the process of carving their portraits onto their lino blocks. They are finding it very interesting and are enthusiastic during art lessons! This unit looks at how artists use line as a descriptive and expressive tool in their artmaking.

The element of line is explored in drawing first and later through the carving process as an indicator of rhythm, direction, space, texture and shape. Students have investigated how printmakers represent imagery on surfaces to evoke emotion and will proceed to successfully create three editions of their very own prints!

Ms Kritikos, Visual Arts teacher

Year 9 Geography

Busy Bees Year 9 Geography students have been working hard creating their sustainable cities. Well done Year 9!

Ms Lopez, Teacher HSIE

Wellbeing

Speaking of mental health

Last week our Year 10 and 11 students attended a presentation by Nic Newling from The Champions.

The Champions set out to reduce the stigma of mental illness, encourage students to speak up and seek support, and empower them to make positive differences in their own lives and to the lives of people around them.

Nic connects with students through honest storytelling. His talk follows the highs and lows of having a mood disorder, the challenges of being misdiagnosed, and the grief of losing his brother to suicide.

84% of our students stated that the session helped reduce the stigma of mental illness and 89% of our students stated that they were now more likely to start a conversation about mental health.

Mr Benischke, Head Teacher Welfare

Year 10 Wellbeing afternoon

On November 24th some of our Year 10 students participated in wellbeing and bonding activities. We started with a big team effort to cook and prepare a high tea. It was excellent to see so many students embrace leadership roles within their groups and share skills to help their peers learn new ones.

We laid out an abundant selection of treats including delicious chicken finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and melting moments, seasonal fruit and refreshing juices. The dedication to the presentation of the luncheon by the students was extremely impressive.

We enjoyed a relaxing long, leisurely lunch sharing the treats together. Our full bellies meant our planned walk to Maroubra Beach was a bit too ambitious. However, we did manage a short stroll to enjoy the fresh air, sun, and shade of Nagle Park. All students involved should be proud of their efforts to work collaboratively to make this afternoon successful.

Ms Rivett and Ms Maddocks

High Potential & Gifted Education

SSCIM Camp

What a pleasure it was to run our first post – COVID-19 SSCIM Camp at beautiful Pittwater YHA. Ms Gore, Mr O’Callaghan & Ms de Paor headed off with our students on Wednesday 23rd November. Our students from Years 7 and 8 were joined by our International students who had been busy planning the projects they would undertake in the weeks leading up to this camp. The journey to SSCIM Camp which is part of the joy of this experience involved getting the bus to Circular Quay from where we caught the ferry to Manly. At Manly, teams of students spent a busy hour shopping for the meals we had planned with Ms Gore ensuring that all special dietary concerns were taken into consideration. It wasn’t long before we were at Pittwater’s Church Point where we took our supplies on the private ferry across to Bell’s Wharf and the National Park. By early afternoon we were settled into the home of Junior SSCIM Camp, Pittwater YHA as students embarked on their self-directed project- based learning journeys. The weather was idyllic for the duration of our camp, allowing us to head off on beautiful bush walks as well as a busy schedule of working on projects, preparing and cleaning up after meals and enjoying the beautiful environment. We had a lot less to carry on the return journey to school as an exhausted but happy group of students took their completed projects home to share with friends and family.

Final Year 5 SSEP day for the year

Our final Year 5 SSEP program day offered parents and friends of our Year 5 SSEP students an opportunity to share their learning journeys with our school community. We gathered at 2.15pm on 1st December in the South Sydney Staff Common Room where students practised their improved public speaking skills as they shared the challenges and achievements of attending this program. Ms Neilsen presented achievement certificates to students before they and their parents enjoyed an afternoon tea.

Enrichment Recognition Presentations

We are excited to invite parents to join us on Thursday 8th December for Year 7Y (morning) and Year 8Y (afternoon) Recognition Presentations. Students will be speaking about the opportunities they availed of in their year in an enrichment stream class before receiving certificates that recognise their continued enrolment in this class. We will also be recognising the ‘Most Improved’ student in each of the Y classes and a student also voted on by teachers as embodying ‘The Spirit of Enrichment’ in each of the classes.

Ms de Paor, High Potential & Gifted Education Coordinator

VET news

Hospitality

Year 11 Hospitality class, as part of their assessment for the topic Prepare and Serve Non-alcoholic Beverages, participated in a 3-day simulated activity event to complete their service period requirements for this topic. After taking orders they were required to prepare and serve six customers a range of non-alcoholic beverages.

Year 11 blossomed in this activity, taking on the challenge and executing it with such precision and finess. Their confidence in using a range of commercial equipment and working efficiently to serve their customers was great to see.

Great work Year 11.

As always, much excitement and valued learning experiences happening down here in J block.

Mrs Stephenson, VET - Hospitality Teacher & TAS (Technology & Applied Studies) Teacher

Library news

As we approach the end of year, students are reminded to return school resources they have loaned during the school year. All Library resources and equipment need to be returned as soon as possible. Thank you for your assistance in locating and returning these items.

Recent Fiction highlights

Click on the link to take you to the Library catalogue. All available to borrow now!

Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over by Miranda Luby

Sadie Starr’s Guide to Starting Over is an engaging, funny-serious look at the downsides of aiming too high, the dangers of black and white thinking – and the journey to realising imperfections are part of being human.

Triple Threat by Katy Warner

Set at a prestigious performing arts school, Edie is on a scholarship. She is a triple threat – she sings, dances and acts. But there is a constant pressure to prove herself. Can she juggle all that is going on? This is a wonderful story about growing up and dealing with change.

Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde

Cinnamon Princes’ family are known in town as the ‘Mad Princes’. Cinnamon is angry at the world, for all sorts of reasons. Her sister Scarlett is just trying to make through without being swamped by her anxiety. A compelling mystery story about family secrets, mental health and complex family relationships.

The Books of the Dead by Stuart Wilson

The second book in this highly imaginative story. This time the students of Prometheus High find themselves aboard an air ship over the pyramids. What could possibly go wrong when you are experimenting with waking the mummies?

Mia: Through my Eyes. Australian Disaster Zones by Dianne Wolfer

This is another wonderful book in the Through My Eyes – Australian Disaster Zones series that follows 2019’s devastating Cyclone Veronica and the impact it had on the Western Australian Pilbara coast.

Recent Non Fiction highlights

My Dream Time by Ashleigh Barty

A memoir by Australian tennis player, Ash Barty: My Dream Time is about finding the path to being the best I could be, not just as an athlete but as a person, and to consider the way those identities overlap and compete. We all have a professional and a personal self. How do you conquer nerves and anxiety? How do you deal with defeat, or pain? What drives you to succeed - and what happens when you do? The answers tell me so much, about bitter disappointments and also dreams realised - from injuries and obscurity and self-doubt to winning Wimbledon and ranking number 1 in the world.

Wired differently : 30 Neurodivergent People YOU Should Know by Joe Wells; illustrated by Tim Stringer

Covering the spectrum of neurodiversity, the book features a range of inspirational people, from actors and entertainers, to athletes and activists, and it shows young neurodiverse readers that often what makes you different can be your key to success. The chapters feature biographies that expand out on to a theme, such as the importance of lived experience in discussions of neurodiversity, challenging stereotypes, representation and creativity.

10 Minutes to Better Mental Health : A Step-by-Step Guide for Teens Using CBT and Mindfulness by Lee David and Debbie Price; Illustrated by Rebecca Price

This book covers everything from dealing with worry and anxiety and building your confidence, to creating healthy life habits and positive relationships. It includes sections to read, questions to reflect on, video clips to watch and things to try out in your everyday life. Using evidence-based approaches, such as, cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness.

Stronger Than You Know : Find Your Shine and Be Confidently You by Poppy O'Neill

This life skills guide for adolescents contains insightful and actionable tips and activities to help adolescents feel calm under pressure so their confidence can soar. They include: mindfulness techniques to use for instant calm during exams; how to quieten the unkind thoughts in their head; ways to boost body confidence; how to create their own confidence action plan; and where to get help when they need it.

Growing up Wiradjuri : Stories from the Wiradjuri nation Edited by Anita Heiss; Illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis

Growing up Wiradjuri is a collection of personal stories by Wiradjuri Elders. The writers are Uncles and Aunties who came of age in New South Wales in the 1950s and 1960s. In a strong collective voice, they share the difficulties of growing up under the rule of the welfare board. They talk about the values that were imparted to them by staunch parents and grandparents. Every contributor has important advice to share with the next generation.

Ms Maddocks, Librarian

Community news & events

We are also opening bookings for our Youth School Holiday Pprogram from Friday 2nd December. We have lots on offer from a morning of Manga Madness, 3D Printing and Photography workshops to an Introduction to Arduino and more.

Book via Eventbrite

Wishing you all the best to see out the term and well deserved summer holidays.

Birgit Schickinger, Youth Library Officer Randwick City Library

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Bidjigal people, the traditional owners and custodians of the land we work on. We also pay respect to Aboriginal elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people.

Contact us:

Telephone | 9349 3868

Email | sthsydney-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Check out our website:

Follow us on: