Term 4 Report The end of the year is rapidly approaching. This time of the year is very

busy as we finalise assessments for all years, as well as begin planning for the 2012 school year.

This planning includes the timetabling of classes as well as allocation of teaching staff to these classes, budgeting, programming etc. Students in all

years must attend school until Friday the 16th of December.

Activities are being organized for all years. Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 will attend normal classes up until the last three days, at which time they will be allocated an

activity to attend, undertake peer support training or fulfill HSC requirements (where Yr 11 is concerned).

Year 10 will be in normal classes up until the last two weeks of school, when they will undertake a specially planned program of meaningful and worthwhile activities.

All these activities have been planned to specifically support and prepare them for their senior studies and their eventual transition to work or alternate educational

facilities in the future.

These Year 10 activities will include; 1. All My Own Work (the NSW Board of Studies made this program compulsory for

all students undertaking the HSC) 2. Digital citizenship skills

3. Study Skills for Senior Students workshops. 4. Money Savvy (financial management skills).

5. The Be Real Game (career planning simulation)

These activities will culminate with the year 10 Graduation Ceremony on Friday the 16th of

December at 9-30am in the school hall.

Study Skills Online As I wrote to all parents in a recent letter, the P&C has funded an online study skills program

which can be accessed by all students and parents at school and at home. The program has a huge amount of information for students and parents, as well as lots of

interactive activities, multimedia experiences and useful resources. To access the handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au (the link is also found on the

Blakehurst High School‟s web site) and login as a subscriber with these details:

User name: blakehursths Password: 186results

SMS Absence Notification System This system should be activated very soon so we can trial it for full implementation in 2012. Key operating

staff were trained in October, and installation of software as well as entry of contact numbers is presently taking place. As mentioned in the letter I sent you earlier this term, the program reads the schools

attendance rolls at a predetermined time each day (around 11am) and then automatically sends an email to the parent/caregiver of any absent or late student. (NOTE: unless otherwise altered, the system will default to

the mother‟s mobile number).

Parents can then reply by SMS, to explain the student‟s absence/lateness. This will negate the need for an explanation letter. Of course, parents are still able to write letters, emails or phone the school, to notify us of the

reasons for the student‟s absence, if they wish to do so.

Parents can also use SMS to inform the school prior to the student‟s absence. The number for this is 19910010. The SMS notification system can also be used to inform you of upcoming events such as Parent and Teacher

evenings, P&C meetings, sporting carnivals etc.

Thanks to all families who returned the student detail update sheet. This is essential if the process is to work

effectively. Please notify the school ASAP if your contact details change in any way in the future. Thanks again

to the P&C for funding these whole school initiatives for 2012.

Blakehurst High School

Your Outstanding Local Comprehensive Secondary School

Term 4 Update – November 2011 N E W S L E T T E R

270a Woniora Road BLAKEHURST NSW 2221 Ph: 9546 3281 Fax: 9547 1024 Email: blakehurst-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.blakehurst-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

The HSC and SC Exams As I write this newsletter the Higher School Certificate and School Certificate exams are drawing to an end.

Feedback from students about the exams has generally been positive, although it was not unusual to get a “it was really easy” or “it was really hard” response when asking two students about the same exam!

The HSC results are available to students on the 14th of December (ATARs are usually the next day) and the SC

results will be distributed at the Year 10 graduation on the 16th of December (note this is the last ever School

Certificate to be issued).

Presentation Night Please put the 2011 Presentation night date, Wednesday the 7

th of December, into your diaries. This year it will begin

at 7-00pm in the school hall and it should last for two hours. Please arrive early to be seated. The Australian Attorney-General, Robert McClelland has been invited as a guest speaker – he is an ex School Captain of Blakehurst High School (1975).

Dedicated email trial for reporting bullying. Our school has been selected to trial an electronic bullying reporting system. Please see the information from the DEC below.

“In response to general community concerns around the reporting of bullying the Department of Education and Communities is piloting in 24 schools across NSW a dedicated email address where students and their parents can report incidents of bullying. The school that your child attends has volunteered to be part of this important trial. Students and parents will be able to send an email anytime and from anywhere with an internet connection, to report student bullying behaviour online. The report travels instantaneously to the school principal or nominee in an email. The purpose of this email trial is to identify the particular benefits/advantages and limitations/disadvantages for the school community of using a dedicated email address for reporting bullying. An email account has been created at our school – You can access this email on the schools website: eg blakehurst-h.reportbullying@det.nsw.edu.au

After a report has been made a bounce back message will take place (ie an automatic response). This will give information about when the report would be looked at, some tips on what to do, contact information on support services and information about what constitutes bullying. The bullying e-mail will be a no-reply e-mail box. The responses are provided by a school representative, no anonymity will be available in this response.” Please note the school will not be acting on any anonymous emails as they may prove vexatious.

Mr B Lester Principal

Parent Tips Published in the Department of Education Newsletter

Local schools, local decisions

You have until Friday 18 November to contribute to the online forum of the NSW government‟s „local schools local

decisions‟ planning process. The NSW Government wants to hear from people about giving schools greater control over

decision-making in order to improve teaching and learning, and achieve the best outcomes for students.

Everyone with an interest in public education is invited to contribute ideas on five areas of reform:

making decisions

managing resources

staff in our schools

working locally

reducing red tape. To have your say go to the online forum at: http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/localschools World Diabetes Day November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The day aims to raise awareness of the disease and ways to prevent lifestyle-induced (Type 2) diabetes, which is increasing in our society. Adopting a healthy diet, high in protein and low in sugar and simple carbohydrates, and incorporating regular exercise, is a good start. For more information on preventing and living with diabetes, including help in different languages, go to the Australian Diabetes Council website: www.diabetesnsw.com.au/

HSC survival guide In School A to Z you will find a handy guide for helping the whole family get through this often stressful time. Get tips on

how to provide a relaxing and supportive home environment that will best support your studying teen. Go to:

www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/homework-tips/tips-for-surviving-the-hsc

For more advice, go to NSW HSC online: www.hsc.csu.edu.au which has a special section for parents and carers.

Some students do not

bring the required

equipment to school each

day, some,

not even a pen!

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S Report

Attendance

Although the end of the year is getting nearer we all need to keep our focus on student learning. As always,

attendance is vitally important if students are to become successful learners. Our students will be involved in valuable

learning activities until the last day of school. Please don‟t allow your child to take “days off”, without a good reason,

as this learning time is as important as any other time throughout the year.

Bring the Required Equipment to School

In order to take their learning seriously, students need to be prepared for each lesson; being focused in class and

following simple teacher instructions will build success in the classroom and in learning that translates to success.

Some students do not bring the required equipment to school each day, some come to school without even a pen. We

ask for all parents to assist us and their children by checking that they have the necessary equipment and a

school bag large enough to carry it. “I keep it in my locker”, seems to be a common excuse given to parents

and it is not always true.

Following School Rules re Uniform

Inability to follow school rules can disrupt successful learning. Uniform,

particularly shoes, can start to get a little sloppy at this time of the year. All

students need to be in full school uniform every day. If they have grown out of

their uniforms or shoes, please buy new ones now, as they will still need

them next year. Lowes has all uniform items in stock and shoe stores carry a

full stock of school shoes throughout the year.

Just a reminder! Students need to wear full sports uniform each Wednesday. Shorts or track pants should not

have stripes or logos of any kind. Teams are coming up towards their finals and may be forced to forfeit if they are not

in full uniform. Students are not able to wear canvas shoes to school at any time as they do not meet OH&S

requirements.

These rules sometimes seem unimportant to the students, but in addition to reading and writing we are also

attempting to teach our students about social cohesion and responsibility. The school community of parents, students

and staff has determined that Blakehurst High School is a uniform school, so please support your child to follow the

rules of the school so that all students are more settled and focused on learning.

Book List for 2012

All students in years 7 to 10, 2012, will receive a Book List in the coming weeks. We hope that this will enable you to

buy requirements for them while the equipment is on sale towards the end of the summer holidays.

Lyn Paton Deputy Principal-Welfare/Learning

ENGLISH Report

Exploring Belonging through Poetry Ms N. Nozica

Together - Michael Wong The house grasps firmly,

The hill with an invisible clutch,

On their keepsake earth -

Against the waning tides,

The electric torrent,

And the splintering quakes,

Together.

And when the seasons change,

The house and the hill, and their earth

Will crumble away,

In search of new grounds,

Together.

Untitled - Meg Johnson A lemon tree was found on our property,

Next to the flowers it was not on the

eye,

But was fruitful, functional and full of

opportunity,

For Aunt Bessy’s famous lemon pie,

The lemon tree had seen many a farmer,

And seen more seasons than Aunt Bessy,

herself,

But was sad, sorrowful and ever so

somber,

Each time picked from in stealth,

The lemon tree was temperamental,

Was never to be relied on,

But was tired, tormented and touchy,

Until her land I moved upon,

Our lemon tree liked that I cared about,

The individual feelings of another,

She considered me a friend, no doubt,

And we lived each the happier for the

other

Untitled - Kylie Feng I came to you without knowing you though the voices around you kept shouting their harsh labels of disgust You hushed them away You told me It is time to open your heart for the cocoon to be redeemed for the darkness to amend to the light For one to build the fountain of joy In the multi-coloured waters to baptise your dreams again It is time to be recognised as your own as you stride deeper and deeper into the world of yourself.

Here - Marcela Cuba Chen You sit alone and introduce yourself to the ongoing chattering of silence. You decide to run into your Mother's loving arms hoping to listen to her sing a lullaby. Instead you hear the wind whispering their ache from the poisonous gases, the trees crying for the stump which was once a brother, and the river rushing away to hide their oily mask. Now, you changed their whispering to talking crying to laughing and told the river to slow down. Here is where you belong. Here is home.

Mosaic Fusion Forum 2011

Presentation Night

My Old Neighbourhood - Matt Edenborough The street is dark and gloomy as I make my way through, My old neighbourhood with houses and buildings anew. The place of great happiness and joy, Has changed a lot since I was a young boy. Yet my heart still has a spot for this place, It's where I learnt to survive bike crashes at tremendous pace. I feel one with the sidewalk as I make my way down the street, The pain was unbearable in summer when walking on bare feet. No one can change my thoughts about my old suburb, Coming back to visit has been simply superb. The freedom of childhood is boundless and infinite, Also is the fun which came within it. The Park is where we learnt to be strong, This neighbourhood is definitely the place where I belong.

Untitled - Jeff Ng Cobalt, copper, coal - these are the

reserves of the land

Found in the vast greenery to the

golden sand

We use these materials to run our lives

From building houses and in order to

survive

Exploited is man's dependence on these

supplies

Both man and land should belong

together as allies

If one can be part of the other

Like at home with child and mother

Then these jewels may be used with

love

Signaling the mutual fulfillment from

above

Cobalt, copper, coal - these form the

community known as the land

We belong to this community - but

never to command.

BHS Students who Participated in Mosaic 2011

T Aftanas, A Brickwood, R Calder-Little, N Calic, R Chia, H Mitrevska, L Nikolic,

M O’Neill, S Parvez, C Qiu, W Tjo, V Wang, A Young, R Zhang and Vicki

A group of Year 10 students from Blakehurst High School

and students from other Sydney Region High Schools were

given the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Mosaic Fusion Forum to share their perspectives on Multicultural

topics. This project is organised by the Sydney Region

NSW Department of Education and Communities and Arc

the UNSW Student Life group.

The students worked enthusiastically since their visit to the

University of New South Wales, to compose various pieces

such as artwork, poetry, short stories, quizzes and posters

on issues such as multiculturalism, freedom and global

conflicts, racism, culture and identity, leadership and role

models.

These compositions were displayed at the presentation

night, Wednesday 19th October 2011 at The Roundhouse,

University of NSW. The students proudly displayed the

compilation of their work as a PowerPoint and a gallery

exhibition to their families, Department of Education

representatives, University student volunteers, Principals,

Teachers and fellow students. Wira Tjo and Vince Wang

drew a crowd with their interactive quiz as they tested

participants‟ knowledge of important world events. Their

compositions are launched on “E-Mosaic online” and can be

viewed on the Sydney Region website -

www.sydneyr.det.nsw.edu.au/ on the Equity Programs

Website then Student Work links.

Mr Lester and I were proud of the students as they were

presented with their certificates and of Nikolina Calic who

was invited to read her poem, “Rise Against”, to share its

powerful message with the audience.

I would like to thank the students for their contributions and

their parents for supporting them. In particular I would like to

thank Wira Tjo and Vince Wang for creating the PowerPoint

and for their IT support along with S Parvez and R Chia. I

would also like to thank the Calic family for helping me to

carry the equipment required for the evening‟s presentation.

The students who participated in Mosaic 2011 are: T

Aftanas, A Brickwood, R Calder-Little, N Calic, R Chia,

H Mitrevska, L Nikolic, M O‟Neill, S Parvez, C Qiu, W Tjo,

V Wang, A Young, R Zhang and Vicki.

Mosaic Fusion Program enhanced my understanding

of Australia’s cultural diversity. T Aftanas

Mrs Papadeas

BHS Mosaic Fusion Forum Coordinator

News from the Mathematics Faculty

Australian Mathematics Competition – Blakehurst High School Results 2011

The results of the 34th Annual Australian Mathematics Competition was held on the 4

th August for Primary and

Secondary students. Hundreds of thousands of students from over 40 countries entered. Students from Years 3 to 12 compete on the same day, making it possibly one of the largest single events on the Australian education calendar. An Australian initiative, the AMC, was introduced in 1978 as the first competition of its kind in our schools. It is now a truly international competition, having become the major school mathematics enrichment event and benchmark for mathematical ability throughout the Pacific and South East Asia. It tests everything from basic numeracy skills through to advanced problem solving. Blakehurst High School entered 114 students. One student received a Certificate of High Distinction; 15 obtained a Distinction; 53 achieved a Credit; 32 received a Proficiency Certificate and one student received the special Prudence Award. The Prudence Award is presented to the student at each school who has the highest number of consecutive questions correct, including the first ten questions. All other students who completed the competition, will receive a Certificate of Participation and every entrant is provided with an individual performance report. The Competition is conducted by the not-for- profit Canberra based Australian Mathematics Trust, under the Trusteeship of the University of Canberra. I would like to thank Mrs Louey and Mr Yan for the organisation of this Mathematics Competition at Blakehurst High. The top students were:

Mrs F Diakos Relieving Head Teacher Mathematics

Year 7 V Hu

Aleksandar Petkovski Thomas Lambropoulos

Year 8 H Liang

Sunny Wu Alson Zhang Janice Chen

Year 9

Patrick Su K Protacio

Dylan McCuaig-Walton

Year 10 R Long

Shakib Parvez Aubrey Young

Year 11

J Jin J Cao

K Huang Calvin Zhang

Year 12 Kevin Lo

James Shi George Chen

Baby News.

The Mathematics faculty would like to wish

Mrs Blair all the best as she goes on

maternity leave in Week 7. She will be back

part –time in Term 4 2012.

Head Teacher

The Mathematics faculty would like to

congratulate Mrs Paton on her promotion to

Deputy Principal of BHS. We would like

take this opportunity to thank Mrs Paton for

her contribution to the Mathematics faculty

as Head Teacher.

Assessment Tasks

Please note the following dates for

upcoming examinations.

Upcoming Examinations

Year 12 2012

Mathematics 28/11/11

Mathematics Extn 1 5/12/11

General Mathematics 28/11/11

Year 10

Mathematics Qualifying 25/11/11

Year 9

Common Assessment Task 3 22/11/11

Year 8

Common Assessment Task 2/12/11

Year 7

Common Assessment Task 17/11/11

or 18/11/11

News from the LIBRARY

The Library was the focus of the Australian Business Week

(ABW) during Weeks 3 & 4 and was therefore closed to Years 7

– 10. But we are now open again for business. Come up and

see the winning ABW Trade displays and our new selection of

books.

If you finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge this

year, do come up to the Library and see your name in print. We

have the complete list of names from the Sun Herald on

display; and again, congratulations to all of you!

We are busy marking all the new books that have been added

to the Premier‟s Reading Challenge list with our green stickers,

so it is easy for you to find them.

All books should be returned by the end of Week 8, 2nd

December. Of course, we will again have our special holiday

reading offer available for the summer holidays during Weeks 9

and 10.

LATE EDITION

Congratulations to our Premier’s Reading Challenge Medal Recidients; Sarah Irving, Costa Rorris, Emma

Schofield and Kirsty Leong. These students are receiving a medal for completing the Reading Challenge for 6 years in a row. There are only 78 students from Government and non-Governement schools in NSW who are receiving this medal in 2011. Well Done!

Amanda Alchin Teacher/Librarian

SCIENCE Report

It is that time of year again that every student dreads. The end of year examinations are upon us and this year sees

many students taking the challenge with determination and dedication. Though all years have examinations in

Science around this time, for some this examination period holds even greater significance.

Firstly our Year 12 students have just sat their HSC Examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, completing their

school journey and we wish them well in their future endeavours. A special mention has to be made to Jacqui Wong

who completed the Earth and Environmental Sciences course. She was the only student who undertook the course

this year, and did so by correspondence, meaning that she studied the course completely independently. This is an

undertaking which only the most dedicated and self-motivated students would attempt, and it is commended by the

Science faculty.

Also, this year sees Year 10 students sitting the School Certificate for the final time. This means that not only does

this examination complete Year 10‟s junior studies, but their certificate will be the last of its kind.

Finally, Year 8 students have already taken steps to prepare themselves to partake in the

Essential Secondary Science Assessment (ESSA). ESSA is a state-wide Science Assessment

Program based on the NSW Science Junior Syllabus. The ESSA test will be an interactive

multimedia assessment. This year ESSA occurs on Tuesday 22 November 2011. On this day Year 8 students will

undertake the assessment at school and the results will be issued to students early next year. Though all these

examinations highlight how well a student has progressed through the year, it is worthwhile to remember that, more

importantly, these examinations allow students, parents and teachers, to see the directions needed to progress

successfully into the future.

Shane Baker Relieving Head Teacher/Science

You may

borrow twice

the normal

number of

books for the

holidays and

receive a

bookmark

Premier’s Reading

Challenge Sun

Herald’s names in

print displayed

in the Library

‘CAPA Column’

It has been „business as usual‟ in the CAPA faculty this

term following Mr Fifita‟s departure. I have taken over

Mr Fifita‟s classes and will soon regroup the choir to

continue on the good work established by him.

The Concert Band is busy at rehearsal, preparing for

the end of year functions – Presentation Night, Year 7

2012 Orientation Day and Year 10 Graduation

Ceremonies. We are very pleased to welcome a

newcomer to our band – Natalie Wong in 7B. If you

are still thinking about joining us – there is no time like

the present! Remember Monday afternoons 3:00pm –

4.15pm – beginners and experienced players of all

instruments most welcome!

Many of our young musicians – budding „rock stars‟ I

call them, are continuing to take advantage of the

guitar lessons held at Blakehurst High School each

Thursday under the expert tuition of Mr Nick Watson,

and at a considerably reduced cost compared to

private tuition. There are currently a few vacancies in

his program, so if there are any students who wish to

learn to play the guitar – or brush up on their skills -

individually or in small groups, please come and see

Ms Jacobsen for more information.

We are again, very pleased and proud to „showcase‟

the talents of many of our students at the P & C

Annual Coffee Evening on Wednesday 9 November

2011. Year 11 music students will perform incidental

and background music for our guests‟ entertainment,

and many of our talented art students will have their

works on display – including the recently returned Year

12 2011 Major Works.

Thanks to Ms Bellato for assisting in the preparation of

performance pieces, and Ms Strudwick, Ms

Bourtsoukllis, Ms Colebook and Mr Pazin for their

assistance in displaying the artworks for the evening.

And of course, a great BIG thank you to the students

at Blakehurst High School for their outstanding

dedication and contribution within the CAPA team!

Finally, thank you to Mr Pazin, who has initiated the

Visual Arts Club in the CAPA faculty this term. The Art

Club meets every Thursday at lunch-time, and are

given the opportunity to extend their creative ideas and

abilities across a range of expressive forms including

Film Production, Photoshop, Ceramics, Sculpture,

Mixed Media Collage Painting and Printing.

Thank you to the parents and Visual Arts teachers for

supporting this initiative, and Mr Pazin for making this

enrichment program available to our talented and

passionate young artists.

Ms Judy Jacobsen/Head Teacher & the CAPA Team

PDHPE – Sports Report

New Year 7-10 PDHPE Programs have been developed incorporating the

latest in technology and the most up to date

information. This will ensure that our students have the

best sources of information to make responsible and

informed decisions as they develop into young adults.

All programs for all years will be used beginning in

2012.

Year 11 Once again PDHPE courses have proven popular with

students moving into Year 11 in 2012. We have two 2

Unit PDHPE classes (both which are very full) and a

Sports Coaching and a Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation

class.

End of Year Interest Electives During the last three days of this term, December 14

th

to 16th

each year will participate in special activities eg.

Year 7 Compulsory Swim School

Year 8 Various activities including: Fishing,

Ceramics, “Ladette to Lady”, Film Appreciation,

School Sport and Table Tennis.

Year 9 Peer Support training

Year 10 Be Real Games

Year 11 the 25 Hour Compulsory PDHPE Course

Top basketball court

The top basketball court re-surfacing and re-meshing

has now been completed. New backboards will be

installed shortly to complete the refurbishment.

COLA

The Covered Outside Learning Area has been slowed

due to manufacturing hold ups but should be

completed in the next couple of weeks. This will give

the students an area out of the sun and rain.

Carss Park Pool and Gym

If any parents or students are interested in using Carss

Park Pool and Gym, Dick Caine has developed a fund

raising initiative for our school whereby you purchase a

day pass for $5 and the entire proceeds go directly to

the school. The day passes can be purchased from

the PDHPE Staffroom for $5.

Congratulations Mr Nathan Smith

I would like to congratulate Mr Nathan Smith on his

outstanding effort in coming second in the recent

Coolangatta Gold. This contest combines running,

swimming and paddling over a four hour course.

Congratulations Mr Ben Yelavich

I would also like to congratulate Mr Ben Yelavich on

his appointment to James Cook Boys High. Mr

Yelavich has done an outstanding job not only as a

PDHPE teacher but also as Sport Coordinator

throughout 2011 as well as initiating and coordinating

a junior welfare initiative for Year 8 and 9 students. I

would like to wish Mr Yelavich the best in the future.

2011 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS NATIONAL TABLE

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The national table tennis championships were held on

Thursday 22nd

September at the Hurstville Aquatic &

Leisure Centre. Blakehurst High was represented by

three teams:

Aubrey Young & Nicholas Chen

Lawrence Chan & Billy Cai

Tiffany Wong & Natasha Fong

These Blakehurst High students represented their

school with great distinction. They not only behaved in

a manner we have come to expect from our

representative students, but they also achieved some

outstanding results.

Aubrey Young & Nicholas Chen won gold in

the doubles competition while Aubrey won

gold in the Open singles competition.

Nicholas Chen won bronze in the open singles

completion, having beaten a highly ranked

player to make the semi-final and won silver in

the Intermediate singles competition.

Tiffany Wong & Natasha Fong won gold in the

Junior doubles competition. While Tiffany won

silver in the Intermediate singles competition.

Congratulations to all who played.

Ben T Yelavich Head Teacher/PDHPE

Natasha & Tiffany with their Medals

World RUBIK’S CUBE

Championship 2011

Kirt Protacio

It was an

anxious wait

at the

Sydney

Airport as

my mum and

I waited for our

Emirates flight to

Bangkok, Thailand to

compete in the World Rubik‟s Cube Championship

2011 held last 14-16 October 2011. This bi-annual

gathering is the Olympics of Speedcubing and the

largest meeting of the Grandmasters of the Rubik‟s

Cube. A total of 350 competitors from around 40

countries, among them many world record holders and

national champions, hurdled 3 days of tough

competition that included 19 official events with prize

money totalling over 24,000 Euros.

For weeks leading to the competition, serious practice

and training are needed to achieve faster solve times

to beat my personal best competition records.

In August 27, I competed in the Australian Nationals

where about 40 people went to compete. In the 3x3

event, I almost landed 2nd

, but finished 3rd

place with

an average solve of 12.92 seconds and a single solve

of 10.94 seconds. This experience got me all fired up

to prepare even harder for the World Championship. It

would be the best setting to record a few personal best

times in the 2x2, 4x4, 5x5, Pyraminx, Rubik‟s Magic,

3x3 One-Hand and the 3x3 speedsolve.

Arriving in Thailand, my first impression was that the

airport was big and the travelators were long. Stepping

outside felt really hot. Thankfully my mum organised

for a car to pick us up. We were driven to Baiyoke Sky

Hotel, with 88 floors Thailand‟s tallest and Bangkok‟s

most scenic hotel, is the competition venue and which

would be our home for the next 5 days.

Wasting no time, I met up with my fellow Aussie

contingents. There were a total of 10 from Australia

including the World No.1 Feliks Zemdegs. His single is

5.66 seconds and his average is 7.64 seconds. When I

was going to the elevator to get a couple more

puzzles, I got a glimpse of Yu Nakajima, 2007 World

Champion, who I happened to beat in the 3x3 second

round. He got an average of 11.31 seconds and I got

11.01 seconds!

First day of competition had Multiple Blindfolded, 4x4

Blindfolded, 5x5 Blindfolded, 6x6, 7x7, Square-1,

Megaminx, Pyraminx, Rubik‟s Clock, Rubik‟s Magic,

Master Magic and 2x2. I recorded new personal bests

for 2x2 single 2.93 seconds and for Rubik‟s Magic

average 2.14 seconds.

Second day had Fewest Move Challenge, 5x5, 4x4,

3x3, One-handed 3x3, Blindfolded 3x3 and 3x3 with

feet. For the 3x3 first round, 317 competed and I

placed 49th. I recorded new personal bests for 3x3

single 10.11 seconds and 3x3 average 12.02 seconds

and one-handed 3x3 single 18.03 seconds.

The third day had the events 5x5, 4x4, 3x3, One-

handed 3x3, Square-1, Megaminx, Pyraminx, Rubik‟s

Clock, Rubik‟s Magic, Master Magic, 6x6, 7x7 and

Blindfolded 3x3. For the 3x3 second round, 128 people

were taken in and I placed 28th. I recorded another

new personal best for 3x3 average 11.01 seconds.

In the 3x3 Semi-finals, the top 48 competed and I

placed 19th. Unfortunately only the top 12 were taken

to the Finals. In the Finals, the one hopeful to win,

Australian Feliks Zemdegs got the nerves. It was an

upset as his average was 9.58 and the winner,

Poland‟s Michal Pleskowicz‟s average was 8.65. Feliks

finished 3rd

place after consistently being first in all of

the previous rounds. America‟s Rowe Hessler was 2nd

place with 9.56.

The 3x3 Semi-finals is what I am most proud of. I didn‟t

expect to make it this far. My 1st solve was 11.47

seconds, then 9.94

seconds. I had then

become the 2nd

Australian person to

get a 3x3 solve

under 10 seconds.

Third was 11.30

seconds. Fourth was

9.27 seconds, I had

beaten the previous

time I‟d gotten! Final

solve was 12.80

seconds. I made

another new

personal best 3x3

average 10.90 seconds.

Overall, I had a great time meeting and making friends

with cubers

from

different

countries,

getting

signatures

from the top

cubers of the

world,

sharing and

learning new

tricks. I‟m really happy of what I‟ve achieved and proud

to be ranked No. 2 in Australia!

LOTE Report

The Beginning of 4th

Term has been an extremely

busy time for the LOTE Department -

The Year 10 French and Italian students

returned from their overseas trips.

Year 9 Japanese students visited the Tanken

Center in Kirawee.

Many of our students did their HSC Language

exams in Japanese, Chinese, Greek, French

and Italian as well as those students studying

through the Open High School in such

languages as Croatian, Turkish and Arabic.

The LOTE staff have been involved in the

marking of the HSC examinations at

Homebush.

Miss Maguire a student teacher from Sydney

University joined the LOTE staff to complete a

four week practicum.

Year 8 French students enjoyed lunch at Chez

Pascal at the end of last term.

Year 9 student Max Warlond has been

accepted to do an Exchange Program in

Japan for 5 months next year.

日本語たんけんセンターで あそびましょう！

In week 3 of this term, the Year 9 Japanese class

visited the Japanese Tanken Centre in Kirrawee.

The Tanken Centre is a purpose built Japanese-style

house where students get to spend the day totally

immersed in Japanese. From the moment students

stepped into theげんかん (genkan - entrance foyer), they

entered a Japanese speaking world and had to

navigate such customs as removing their shoes and

wearing those pesky slippers! The rest of the day was

spent in intense competition with games and quizzes

which challenged their Japanese language skills.

Students were also

able to create

presentations in

Japanese in the

computer room.

Although the highlight

of the day for many

was the おべんとう

(obento - lunch)!

All too soon the day was

over! The enthusiasm of

the students and their

excellent behaviour

throughout the day made it

an enjoyable experience for

all. たのしかったです！ (It was

fun!)

おめでとうございます！

Congratulations to Max Warlond in Year 9. Out of the

hundreds of entries from around the country he won 3rd

place in the Middle Division (Y7-9) in the Art Speaks

Japan competition sponsored by the Japan

Foundation.

Max has also been accepted into an exchange

program to study in Japan for 5 months next year.

Ms C Winston Year 9 Japanese Teacher

CHEZ PASCAL

Last term to celebrate the completion of their unit on food, Year 8 French Classes accompanied by Ms Evangelinos

and Mrs Mangraviti enjoyed an authentic French lunch at Chez Pascal in Sans Souci. Philippe the Chef not only

prepared a delicious meal consisting of Potato Soup, Chicken au Chasseur and a Berry Bavois he also entertained

the students by explaining to them the art of French food and eating. Everyone had a wonderful time and were a little

more informed on the culinary ways of the French as well as expressing their appreciation of the meal using French

expressions they had learnt. Mr Yelavich who kindly drove the school bus also thoroughly enjoyed his meal.

News about the

International Student Program at Blakehurst High School

Excursion to the Blue Mountains

On July1st 2011, led by their language teachers Mrs Smith and Ms Chen, the International Students in Year 12 at

Blakehurst High School went to the Blue Mountains for an excursion. It was

cold and foggy in the morning and hard to see anything in the distance. We had a 2

hour bush walk from the 3 Sisters down the cliffs to the bottom of the Echo

Valley. “I have been to Blue Mountains quite a few times,‟‟ one of the students

commented, “but have never been so close to nature like this.” After lunch at

Katoomba, it suddenly became sunny and warm. The 3 Sisters finally revealed

themselves to the visitors. Our students had a great time at the Blue Mountains and

came back singing all the way on the coach to Sydney.

International Students with Japanese Teacher – Mrs Smith

International Student Program – cont. Bilingual Assistance to the Gala Concert

On August 15th 2011, led by Ms Chen, Coordinator for International Student

Program at Blakehurst High School, a small group of Chinese students

participated in the Gala Concert at Opera House. Different from those young

performers from China and NSW in the Expanding Horizon Program, our

International Students served as the bilingual assistants to the biggest

performing group from Nanjing, China. They worked the whole day from

9am until 11pm and spent most of the time at the back of the stage. Their

contribution and bilingual skills were highly appreciated by our guest

performers from China and the stage management staff at Opera House.

Attached please see a group photo of our guest performers from Nanjing,

China.

Ms Xiao Chen Co-ordinator International Student Program

Year 10 Italian Excursion Italians are known for their profound cinematic art and students of Year 10

Italian, had the opportunity to see what it was all about. Sydney holds an

Italian Film Festival every year showcasing the latest Italian films. The

students of Italian had an exclusive opportunity to watch one of the films,

“Martino’s Summer” at Chauvel Cinema in Paddington, that was on offer as

a special day screening. The students appreciated that the movie was

screened especially for them and the whole cinema was at their disposal!

After the film, students were treated to a pizza at Danny‟s La Bussola and a delicious gelato at the Artesian Gelateria

Messina in Darlinghurst. This experience allowed students the unique opportunity of truly immersing themselves in

the Italian culture right here in our local city!

Year 10 Trip to FRANCE 2011

On Monday September 27, a group of 44 students from Blakehurst High School, Port Hacking High School and

Heathcote High School set off on an adventure of a lifetime. After landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France they

boarded their coach and headed straight to Villers Brettoneaux, then onto the Australian War Memorial, Le Hamel and

finally the Somme.

Other places visited were Monet‟s House in Giverny, the Bayeux Tapestry, Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at

the stake. Mont St Michel was a definite highlight. The scale of the building, the foundations in the crypt and the

labyrinthine passage were fascinating. Everyone loved St Malo the walled city full of narrow roads and multi storey

buildings. Angers and Chenonceau were equally fantastic.

The markets at Amboise and afternoon tea at the Chocolaterie was another highlight. Also seeing the tomb of

Leonardo da Vinci and Clos Luce where he spent the last few years of his life after he was persuaded by Francois 1st

to go to France and bring with him the Mona Lisa, which is now housed in the Louvre. From there we were off to Paris

and the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysée, the Catacombs, which is a system

of tunnels that functions as an oruary for the bones from many of the Paris cemeteries, the Louvre, Musée D‟Orsay,

Parc Asterix and Disneyland.

As they all said on their return “C‟était fantastique”. A special thanks must go to Mr White who accompanied the

students on this trip. Merci beaucoup Monsieur White.

Disneyland in Paris Arc de Triomphe

Arc de Triomphe in Paris

Notre Dame in Paris Mont St Michel

Year 10 Trip to ITALY 2011

For so many months we were wondering when all the preparations for the Italy

Trip 2011 were going to end! We had so many hiccups along the way and

wanted to see if it was worth all the fuss and effort we put into it. The

journey was a long one, but it all paid off the moment we stepped out of

the plane and landed in one of the most breathtaking countries in the

world! ITALY. Special thanks to Mr Nassif for organising this trip.

Italy had so much to offer and the 18 day tour started in Milan and

worked its way down to Sorrento. Students had the opportunity to see

and experience a rich and fine

tradition that is in fact the biggest and

most influential on western civilization. They

were not unfamiliar with the culture, having

seen how immersed it is in our own

country; one has to just look at the

number of restaurant signs, food

items in grocery stores and explore the

numerous amount of Italian festivals that

Sydney runs on an annual basis to

understand how much it impacts the

average Australian. Nevertheless, it

was important that students got to

see what it was all about and boy

where they in for a treat...

Leonardo Da Vinci‟s Last Supper and

Michelangelo‟s David and Sistine Chapel are just three artworks worth

mentioning that the students viewed and are among the worlds finest. In

Rome, we witnessed where western politics was established, and were

exposed to Florence, a city that is home to the Renaissance; the period

and movement that is deemed to contain the highest form of intellectual

thought and culture. Students got a „taste‟ of a total of 15 cities that have

such diversity and are all unique. Italy only became a country 150 years

ago and until then it was governed by various leaders and divided by a

number of states, therefore each city and region is distinct and has its own

characteristics. Venice and Ravenna is home to byzantine art with a number

of churches depicting religious icons using the spectacular mosaic form.

Milan‟s Duomo is a fine example of gothic art, Florence prides itself on its

Renaissance style and Siena and Assisi are superior examples of

medieval towns. Italy is like a cocktail mixed with many fine ingredients; a

little something for everyone!

We were happy living off pizza, pasta

and gelato on a daily basis but feasted on

a number of other dishes that the extensive

Italian cuisine has to offer. We were

provided with a three course meal

every night at the exceptional hotels

in which we stayed; or at a fine dine

restaurant. Students also learnt to be

independent and responsible; having regularly

bought groceries and washing their clothes at local Laundromats. Towards the

end we were eager to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, because tradition

says if you do, you will return to Rome. Instead of „arrivederci Italia!‟ (goodbye

Italy!) we would much prefer to say „ci vediamo presto Italia!‟ (see you soon

Italy!) because we couldn‟t get enough of it. Thank you to everyone who

contributed to making the trip the success that it was.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Gondola Ride in Venice

Ponte Vecchio Florence

Mrs A Mangraviti Head Teacher/LOTE

Beginning on Thursday 28th of October and running through till Wednesday 2

nd of November, all Year

12 2012 students of Blakehurst High School participated in the exciting Australian Business Week

program, which allowed teams of students to run a mock business for a week.

Generously subsidised and supported by Kogarah Rotary, this program proved to be a rewarding

experience for all involved learning new concepts about business, manufacturing, marketing and

teamwork. Although dealing with the enormous strain of stress to meet deadlines, the dreaded task of

making a company report and presenting an oral presentation to our „shareholders‟, each and every

individual greatly contributed towards their team with the end result in sight, to beat the other teams.

All Year 12 students involved found the experience highly rewarding, enjoyable and a great relief from dreaded

schoolwork. The skills learned from the highly knowledgeable Rotary mentors will definitely last and be used into the

near and far future when we leave school and head into the workforce. With the ups and downs, plus the tired eyes

from staying up late into the night, the week was mostly an enjoyable one for all where espionage was a major focus

for most teams. Many memorable moments were created within and between groups which will last forever, including

some interesting oral presentations and advertisements to name a few.

When it came to the final day, everyone was hyped with the anticipation of who would become the winning team. With

all the girls glammed up and the unusual sight of all the boys scrubbed up in their finest clothes, the awards were

given to varying teams. Awards for the company report, trade display design, teamwork, advertisement, computer

simulation and many more were handed out to varying teams, with BioTech Sports narrowly winning overall.

However, the awards were only an added bonus to the fun and knowledge learned from the program.

A huge thank you must go to Ms Wiryakusuma for organizing the ABW program this year and to all the teachers who

acted as mentors and judges. Also thank you to Ms Butler and the SRC students who organised the lunchtime BBQ.

Mark Langley School Captain 2012

Kogarah