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Hunter Sports High News Term 4 - Week 5 - 2022

What's On?

  • Thursday 10th November: Year 12 Formal
  • Thursday 24th November: Minimbah Celebrations
  • Tuesday 29th November: Year 6 Orientation Day
  • Friday 9th December: Formal Assembly
  • Friday 16th December: Last day for Students

principal's message

In what has been a very busy year, the final weeks seem to be flying even faster! With only five weeks left in the school year, the HSC exams have come and gone, our Year 12 students have officially signed out of high school and we will celebrate the end of their school days with them at their formal tonight. I'm sure they will all look fabulous and have a great night. Special thanks to Mr Staley for organising the night and for the fantastic job he has done as Year Advisor for this group over the past six years. Many of these students were also recognised for their outstanding sporting achievements at our 2022 Sports Award Presentation Night on Tuesday and we're sure there will be some terrific HSC results to share when students receive their marks on December 15. We wish them all a wonderful future, whatever path they choose.

Meanwhile, students in Years 7-10 will complete final assessments over coming weeks and our Year 11 students have commenced their Year 12 HSC coursework.

Earlier this week we held our 2022 Sports Award Presentation Assembly where we celebrated the outstanding sporting achievements of our students. Over 100 awards were presented at the assembly, congratulations to all students who were recognised for their outstanding sporting achievements. Following the Sports Awards Assembly we held our 2022 Showcase evening with performances and art displays from some very talented HSHS students. Thank you to all who attended to show you support for our talented students.

Over the final few weeks of the school year we will have several more special events to celebrate with our students, staff and parents.

Our Minimbah Celebrations night will be held on Thursday 24th November and our annual Presentation Day Assembly will be held on Friday 14th December. The Minimbah Celebration is an event we are very proud of as it gives our school an opportunity to demonstrate to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the importance of recognising and celebrating their everyday successes. We honour and recognise students for achieving their goals and for their resilience, persistence and commitment throughout the year. It is also a perfect opportunity to commend Year 12 students on completing their final year of schooling and highlight their achievements as they graduate. These events are always a highlight on our school calendar and give us an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the efforts, success and dedication of our students.

We look forward to seeing you at these special events and if you can't make it, we'll share all the highlights in our final newsletter in Week 10!

A reminder as of 2023 our school canteen will be tendered out and a new menu rolled out. Due to these changes our current canteen will be reducing its operational capacity throughout term 4. As of Friday 18 November Flexi Schools (ordering online) will no longer be available. If you have a flexi school account, these will be placed on hold until the new company takes over. For the remainder of this term, there will be limited supplies being sold in the canteen due to staff changes and reduced stock.

Thank you for your continued support as we come close to wrapping up another year.

Ms Rachel Byrne - Principal

Big Picture

Big Picture Games 2022

Years have passed since the last Big Picture Games occurred. This is a notorious gathering within the six local Big Picture schools. For the first time since the age of the Covid Virus in 2019, the games commenced at Newcastle’s Fearnley Track on the 19th of October.

Hunter Sports High Schools Senior Big Picture Advisory took charge in making the long-awaited day worth it. The day had multiple purposes for the school's senior advisory: One, to have bucket loads of fun. And two, to create a community project. In Big Picture senior years an advisory has to complete a community project to help out the people that connect to make their learning and growing connected. Each and every student in the Bombshells Advisory played a role in organizing, running and carrying the positive vibes throughout the day.

Epic dance battles, vocal 100m sprint dashes, cries of victory, and sportsmanship filled the sound of the day. Friendships were made whether over a small chat, competing in events together, or getting nagged at to purchase muffins from the canteen.

Central Coast Sports High School took home the trophy this year and will host the event in 2023. Please enjoy some images from the day!

Big Picture Games 2022
Big picture university haul

It is a tense time of year for Year 12 students across the country as they sit their end of year exams and finish all things high school. This has been a particularly unique time of year for students who have undertaken the Big Picture route as they traversed their educational pathways. The International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC) has given students a new and holistic way to pursue their passions through and beyond high school based on their individual goals and purposes in the wide world.

This year 5 seniors from the Eat a Frog Advisory in the Big Picture Academy at Hunter Sports High School identified their desire to undertake university education and have been working tirelessly towards this goal. Each student has completed a review of their work over their time in the program, has culminated their learning through an online portfolio, and undertaken an interview with a 3-person panel from the University of Newcastle in order to be considered for a position in their respective faculty choices.

It is with great pleasure that we can announce that all 5 Big Picture students were successful in their endeavour into the following programs:

  • Georgie Smith - Bachelor of Nursing
  • Hollie Finley - Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Law
  • Chelsea Palmer - Bachelor of Visual Communication Design
  • Michaela Doungmanee - Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
  • Mia Austin - Bachelor of Psychological Science

It is through the hard work and determination of students and advisors working for a common goal that is resulting in improved outcomes for students as education progresses in the 21st century. Congratulations to these fantastic young people!

If you have any questions about the Big Picture program at Hunter Sports High School please contact the school and you will be directed to one of the friendly and knowledgeable staff members involved in the delivery of the program.

English write now

The English Faculty has had an exciting return from holidays, as for the first time in a long time, excursions for the faculty have recommenced.

The all-girls 9W class has set the bar high with their stellar behaviour at the recent excursion to Sydney’s Belvoir Theatre, for a live play adaption of the classic novel ‘Looking for Alibrandi’. Studied in Term 3 within the ‘Distinctive Australian Voices’ module, interesting questions arose for students to consider as they compared the original novel, the movie adaption and the play, such as ‘why are minority voices so important to Australian culture?’ and ‘what makes someone Australian?’. The girls were all very excited to see their class novel come to life, planning and organising their lives months in advance to ensure they could attend.

For many in attendance it was their first time venturing on an intercity train, with students enjoying the meditative benefits of long train journeys… particularly the freedom of sitting with friends for over 5 hours.

For many more, this excursion marked the first time they had ever seen a live performance within a theatre, and they all had their expectations exceeded. The experience was highlighted with photo op booths and the multiple other schools in attendance, and both staff and students were enraptured by the simple set dressing and spectacular acting. Students agreed that it was an accurate and enjoyable adaption, with the first act being the better of the two (just), the actress for Josie being better than the book, and all around it was an amazing, well-crafted experience that tells the Alibrandi story with honesty and vivacity.

The English Faculty is extraordinarily proud of the girls in attendance for representing the school in such a well-mannered and respectful way throughout the whole day, and look forward to offering similar experiences with more classes in the new year.

School excursions often live long in the memories of students. From the 8.20 train on a bright Friday morning, to the fervent discussion on the merits of a cohesive school uniform, to sleepy naps on the long journey home, we are hopeful that memories of days such as this will hold a special seat in the hearts and minds of students in the years to come…

GEm academy

Growing Educated Minds……..

Female students from the GEM Academy have been attending a martial arts course at the PCYC on a Tuesday afternoon. The girls have been being trained in jujitsu, and have been learning techniques that can be used as self defence if needed. Some student have proven to be naturals, and all have really enjoyed learning a new skill, including Mrs Mogg and Mrs Streatfeild.

Martial Art Course

The GEM Academy has been busy preparing for its market for the $20 Boss program which will be held this week. We have spent the year researching, creating, packaging and marketing a variety of products which will go on sale on Thursday. With products ranging from tie dyed t-shirts, to stress balls, dream catchers, beaded key rings, macrame hanging plants and even personalised framed portraits drawn by Levi Oliver himself, we are very eager to see what we can sell this week.

$20 Boss

Finally, GEM Academy hosted a leaders morning tea recently where our 2 senior leaders, Flynn and Braedan presented the other 2022 leaders with an overview of what GEM Academy is all about. The boys spoke confidently and delivered and entertaining presentation which was followed by a lovely morning tea, provided by the talented Mrs Mogg. The following day all of the leaders went into the Newcastle Town Hall for a regional leaders day. Both Flynn and Braedan took a lot out of the day and look forward to being part of the leadership team moving forward.

Gem Leaders Morning Tea

HSIE

With 2022 coming to a close it has seen another HSC cohort make preparations for their exams. Miss Bryant sparked some healthy competition between students in her Business Studies class when practicing past exam questions. Modern History students were given the chance to revise prior to the HSC during the past school holidays. Mr Scully gave the students guided revision on the 4 topics covered throughout the year, attempting to cover any knowledge gaps and build on some extended response answers.

Year 12 2023 students are reminded that their first HSC assessment task will be completed later this term and they will receive their notifications shortly.

Students in Mrs Slaney's Aboriginal Studies have been working to develop an app to assist students to be successful at school. A range of useful tools were proposed including sleep analysis, nutrition and diet tracking features. Unfortunately, the excursion to Yamuloong was postponed, however a new date will be set soon allowing students to engage in real-world learning about local bush tucker.

Year 8 History students were given the opportunity to travel through time to the Medieval times this term earlier this term. Students were shown various medieval weapons, armour and torture devices that would have been used throughout the period 1100AD and 1600AD. Students were able to wear the armour and helmets, and were exposed to the feeling of wearing 30 kilograms plus of steel, ready for combat.

Year 8 Students travel through time to the Medieval times

In collaboration with HSIE faculty, The Minimbah Team specifically Shaun and Brooke attended all Year 8 History classes over the past 2 weeks to have a yarn with the students about Aboriginal culture and history pre-colonization. The sessions were educational and informative with students gaining a lot of knowledge and insight from the Minimbah team. Year 8 is to be congratulated for their engagement and the respect shown.

Year 8 Students

Mathematics

Student v parent challenge ! Put your brain to the test and solve these 2 riddles…

Riddle 1: “Today, if I add six to eleven, tomorrow I will get five”. Why is this correct?

Riddle 2 (Harder): “Two years ago, I was three times as old as my brother was. In three years’ time, I will be twice as old as my brother.” How old are they each now?

Term 4 class assessment tasks

All students studying Mathematics in years 7-10 have assessment tasks coming up in week 5-6. Students have been issued task notifications and should be revising work in order to strive for their personal best. All upcoming assessment dates can be found in the HSHS Assessment handbook.

Check-in Assessments

Congratulations to our students in year 7, 8and 9 for their efforts in their recent numeracy ‘check-in Assessments’. This has resulted in some excellent results showing a continued growth in Numeracy and a record number of students in the top numeracy bands.

Maths in Trades 2023

Hunter Sports High School will be offering a limited amount 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) sean.love@det.nsw.edu.au 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.

Minimbah

Its been a busy for the Minimbah Team with some more notable celebrations including SistaSpeak & BroSpeak, The NAIDOC Writing competition, the continued support from the Yakka & NRLS2W programs & Indigenous Ambassador leadership, senior tutoring, Perspectives talks & discussions in and outside of the classroom and the Bahtabah OzTag Day.

The 2022 Waiyarang Community of Schools Writing Competition for the NAIDOC Week celebrations was held amongst our school, Windale Public, Wiripaang Primary and Mount Hutton Public Schools. Submissions were judged by Aunty Laurel Williams where winners were selected. All participants were presented with a participation certificate and the winners and runners up were also acknowledged.

Congratulations to the following Hunter Sports High Students :

  • Jermaine Bamblett-Frew,
  • Wayde Caruthers
  • Neveah Kilian
  • Savannah McIntyre
  • Lawson Weeks
  • Ninjirah Blair
  • Owen Knowles
  • Latika Green
  • Zoe Miller
  • Emma McCallum
  • Ella Kingett
  • Bridgette Mahone.
Writing Comptetition

Our Year 10 students continued to engage well with Career Links - Yakka Program conducted by Aunty Kelly Nixon and recent weeks were treated to a special careers talk by NRLW Newcastle Knights players.

Our Year 11 and 12 students have continued to build their ideas and thoughts on where-to-next via the NRL School 2 Work Program hosted fortnightly by Ryan Varley and in recent weeks attended the NRLS2W Inspire Day at Murrook Cultural Centre. Taimana Elers co-hosted the event which brought together many different industries, businesses, sectors and organizations. An overall amazing day allowing those involved in the program the chance to broaden their thoughts for their careers or further study options.

Senior Tutoring in underway for some Year 11 students who will started Year 12 in Term 4. A great opportunity for senior students wishing to achieve their goals with the assistance of a tutor. If you are in Year 11 or even Year 10 and are interested please see the Minimbah Team. Our student body were treated to an important perspective talk by Aunty Jodie Stewart who provided valuable and powerful information and shared knowledge and experiences , this was a great session where students walked away further empowered.

BroSpeak and SistaSpeak has been in full swing this term with many little projects created by both groups, from artworks, to weaving to painting football boots. Always an amazing initiative for students to engage in as they embark on their journey of building their identity and cultural knowledge and showing their love and respect of their culture while building other skills like team work, resilience, compassion and humility.

And finally the Bahtabah Mixed Oztag Day was held at Windale and hosted by Belmont High School. Hunter Sports High featured a team in the Years 7/8 divisions and Year 9/10 division. Both teams played great throughout the day, showing great sportsmanship and skill and Hunter Sports High won both divisions. Congratulations to the two teams.

Bahtabah Mixed Oztag Day

With these amazing achievements and the inclusion of transition catch ups with the partner primary schools, many successful classroom collaborations with the students and overall helping with wellbeing, attendance, sport and academics while provided a culturally safe space it has been another great term.

NSWRL Harmony Nines tournament

Hunter Sports High School are proud to announce that we had 6 students representing their Cultural heritage at the recent NSWRL Harmony Nines tournament in Wollongong NSW. Jalice Brown, Ava Osland , Ralph Binge and Brayden Skuthorpe were part of the NSW Indigenous U/18 Womens and U/16 Boys teams respectively, while Ryan Tukapua and Jayden Harris represented the NSW Maori U/16 and Mens teams. All teams that our students were involved in made it to at least the semi final stage of the tournament, with NSW Indigenous U/16 Boys and NSW Maori Mens team winning their respective competitions. A proud moment for all studentsand their families we are sure.

Congratulations to all students on their involvement in the tournament.

In the world of wellbeing

Breakfast Club continues to be very popular on Monday and Friday mornings, but this term we also have volunteers from HopeUC making pancakes on Tuesdays. They have definitely been drawing a crowd. What a sweet way to start the day!!

Breakfast Club

Gordons Driving school

Hunter Sports High collaborated with Gordons Driving School once again. This term another 5 students participated in the 3-day course at school followed by a 4th day where students were taken to Warners Bay RMS to complete their L's test. All students were successful in gaining their L's license. Hunter Sports High congratulates all the students and a big thank you to Kylie and the Gordons Licensing team. Well done Hannah Jarvis, Tash Coulter, Keeley Cook, Brayden Walker and Hunter Pyke.

Students receiving their Ls

Canteen Update

As of 2023 the school has just completed a successful tender process for the leasing out of our school canteen which is currently school operated. The new company will start at the beginning of next year with a new menu. With this change, our current canteen will be reducing its operational capacity throughout term 4.

As of Friday, 18 November Flexi Schools (ordering online) will no longer be available. If you have a flexi school account, these will be placed on hold until the new company takes over. For the remainder of this term, there will be limited supplies being sold in the canteen due to staff changes and reduced stock. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the school office.

Lost Property

community notices