June

2016

OUR SCHOOL - COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND EXPECTING THE BEST FROM EVERY STUDENT

HOLSWORTHY HIGH SCHOOL Website: http://www.holsworthy-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

One of the big issues we face at Holsworthy High, and I suspect in most secondary schools, is that our students in general could do a lot better if they tried harder. From the outset I must give a warning about what I am about to say. I’m sure, like me you want your son or daughter to get the best possible marks in exams. However, I am also sure that a big part of the journey from a child to an adult, a process that takes place in Secondary schools has nothing to do with the ‘three R’s’. Teenagers need time to adjust to the physical, emotional and social changes they face. Without this they will not develop a strong, appropriate sense of their worth. So we need to take these comments in that context.

But the issue remains, how do we motivate students who are not properly engaged in their learning?

This is one of our most important tasks at school and we certainly encourage you to support us by urging your child to do some work at home.

If you find that despite your best efforts, your child prefers watching TV, playing video games or complaining every time you ask them to do some work around the house you’re not alone; you can believe you are raising a lazy child. The good news is, many kids who appear lazy, aren’t actually lazy at heart. Instead, they don’t ‘know’ what to do and sometimes need someone to identify what’s holding them back from being productive. The following tips may be of some help.

* DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE LAZINESS

Don’t confuse laziness with defiance. They might refuse to do as you ask in an attempt to test their limits; that is they need to know they are capable of doing the work. Your child might be frustrated, for instance with homework they can’t understand so they refuse to even get started. Determining why your youngster is unwilling to start or complete tasks is the first step in figuring out the best kind of motivation.

* CREATE EXPECTATIONS, REWARDS AND CONSEQUENCES

Clearly state what you expect from your child by using ‘I’ statements. This might mean saying, “I want you to do your homework now”, or “I want you to practise your instrument for 30 minutes”. Once you state your expectations, give your child an opportunity to complete the task.

If they don’t get moving, follow through with a negative consequence like no TV time or taking away their devices until their work is done. On the other hand, hard work should be rewarded. While basic daily tasks such as household chores, homework or even just getting ready for school do not require rewards, going above and beyond does. Make the rewards small but enjoyable – a hug and a smile are often enough.

* CULTIVATE INTEREST Remember Newton’s First Law of Motion:

An object at rest stays at rest. An object in

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motion stays in motion. If your child frequently lazes about around the house, it will be harder to get them up and motivated. Cultivate interests and activities that will boost overall productivity.

A good start is to cultivate a desire to get more physical exercise by attending sporting events or playing rounds of tennis or basketball. Join your child in these activities to help show them that physical activity can be more fun than lazing around.

* ENCOURAGE, DON’T CRITICISE - BUT DON’T ACCEPT POOR WORK EITHER

It’s not only important to encourage your child, but also to encourage them appropriately. It’s not enough to tell a lazy child how smart they are. Constantly telling your child they are smart builds the impression that it comes naturally and, therefore they don’t have to work harder. This is one of our major approaches at Holsworthy. Always praise effort, even if that hard work doesn’t always pay off. Always acknowledge their hard work, let them know how much you admire that trait in them. As well as this, never accept a poor job when you know they have barely exerted themselves and done only the bare minimum.

Just being a teenager is hard work but with our encouragement at school combined with your efforts at home I know the great students we have at Holsworthy High will make the transition to becoming productive, happy adults with a good sense of themselves and the responsibilities they have in the community.

Did you know that you can make

payments to our school online?

We have launched a new online payment portal linked to our school’s website to make it easier for you to pay for school related payments. This is a secure payment page hosted by Westpac.

What expenses can be paid online?

Voluntary School Contributions Subject Contributions Excursions Sport Creative and Practical Arts Sales to Students Other

When? This payment method went live on 19 February 2016.

How? Log onto the school website on www.holsworthy-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Click on “Make a Payment” and follow the prompts to make a payment via Visa or MasterCard.

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  Years 7, 9 and 11  

I’d like to take this opportunity to talk of the importance of students to continue conducting themselves well on the way to and from school and how parents can impress on them the importance of this. It is good to remember, that they are representing the school. We often get feedback of how well our students behave when on excursions and also out in public. At our recent athletics carnival I was approached by the canteen manager of the venue who wanted to congratulate the students on their manners and the way they behaved during the carnival.

Students can be boisterous and excited but they need also be vigilant, that they are always on show and identified as students of Holsworthy High. The reputation of the school helps the students get work when they are old enough to apply for it and also reflects on future applications for work they may make. Holsworthy has a good name and it is important that all students be mindful of the importance of maintaining that good name.

Over the last nine years the school has undergone a great number of improvements to its ground and buildings. Now nearly all classrooms have been repainted and recarpeted, most have had air-conditioning installed as well. The Science laboratories and canteen have been upgraded and refurbished. The Performing Arts room has been built. Two lifts have been installed giving access to the upper level classrooms. There have been numerous other improvements as well.

While at Holsworthy I have always worked to improve the welfare, literacy and

numeracy of our students. Over the years I’ve delivered many courses to the teaching staff focusing on improving these and our assessment practices and developments in using technology in the classroom. We now have our enrichment classes operating and well established in the junior school, adding a new dimension to our teaching practice and the education of our students.

We are in the middle of report writing and have changed over to a new system which is taking time to adjust to. We have as well, introduced our new attendance and welfare monitoring system modules as part of our new Sentral Computer system.

This will be my last Newsworthy as I will be retiring at the end of this term. It’s been great working with the students and parents of Holsworthy for the last eight and a half years. I’d like to thank; John Frew, Tim Grew and all the staff at Holsworthy for the support and help they have given me over the years. The office staff have always been ready to help, with a sense of humour and great to work with. Kevin and Wayne our groundsmen and the cleaners have always worked well to keep the school looking good and maintained. It’s been a pleasure working with the P & C over the years and they have done a great job in supporting the school. Holsworthy is a great school. I do hope to continue teaching from time to time as I’ve always enjoyed my time in the laboratory and have always believed Science is fun. I have to also thank Dean Roebuck, Margaret and the Science staff for their support and help, having a rushed Deputy on the faculty can at times present its challenges but I’ve enjoyed my time in the faculty. I wish all the students, staff and the school well in the future.

Mike Fry

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

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ENGLISH and DRAMA NEWS

A Reminder to parent’s to notify the school about

your child’s health.

We welcome information from parents about your child’s health, even if you are not requesting specific support from our

school. Our school asks for medical information when you enrol your child. It is also important that you let us know if your child’s health care needs change or if a new health condition develops.

Information about allergies, medical

conditions such as asthma and diabetes and other health care related issues (including prior conditions such as medical procedures in the last 12 months) should be provided to the

school by parents. Please provide this information in writing to the Principal. This will greatly assist our school in

planning to support your child’s health and wellbeing.

Please remember to notify staff in the school office of any changes to your

contact details or to the contact details of other people nominated as

emergency contacts.

We appreciate your assistance in this regard and assure you that any

information you provide to the school will be stored securely and will only be used or disclosed in order to support

your son or daughter’s health needs or as otherwise required by law

Budding Filmmakers Workshop Tuesday 14th June 2016 In its second year now, The Cross Network Creative and Performing Arts Project, is an initiative that is aimed at providing additional opportunities to students in the Creative and Performing Arts. The Budding Filmmakers Workshop is a programme aimed at developing and refining student skills in film development and production, with the opportunity to return to school and employ their skills to develop a short film that can be entered into the “Snappy Shorts” Sydney film festival in Term 3. On Tuesday, interested Holsworthy students attended this action packed hands on workshop at Mt Pritchard primary school. Using ipads to film; students experimented with green screen special effects, and non linear film and sound editing tools to create original sequences. The possibilities of the technology we carry around with us today has made filmmaking, a previously expensive and elite art form: accessible to all creatives. Our budding Holsworthy filmmakers did a great job manipulating the complex technology and it will be exciting to see them experimenting and integrating their knowledge in projects to come. Who’s buying the popcorn? Jacqueline Mikhail English Faculty

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enemy within, a lost generation. He plays many roles, but in an era of the Paris terror attacks, Port Arthur and Martin Place, they all ask the same big question: How do we live together knowing it can all come apart in a moment?

The play was challenging in subject and exciting in execution. Our Stage 5 & 6 Holsworthy students were fascinated by the gritty performances and stylistic choices that triggered their imagination. A Q&A with the actors and the Director followed the performance and we were able to ask questions about their process in developing the play.

Why does theatre matter? Howard Shalwitz, the Artistic Director at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company says “Theatre models for us a kind of public discourse that lies at the heart of democratic life, and builds our skills for listening to different sides of a conversation or argument, and empathizing with the struggles of our fellow human beings whatever their views may be”. For a speedy 21st Century sound bite we could paraphrase Howard’s sentiments more simply and say; theatre brings people together.

Jacqueline Mikhail English Faculty

“The Events” 1st June 2016 Belvoir St Theatre Enrichment Excursion for Yrs 10 & 11 In a 21st Century entertainment landscape dominated by Facebook, Netflix, trillion dollar superhero movies and YouTube superstar v loggers; theatre must seem like an antiquated thing of the past. Compared to the cheap and crowded entertainment landscape - seeing live theatre has become expensive, and an experience that many teens aren’t exposed to. So does theatre still matter? Yes it does.

The play “The Events” by Scottish playwright By David Greig is about Claire a minister and the director of a community choir that meets regularly in a local hall. When a disaffected young man enters the hall and opens fire with a semi-automatic, this community – and the ideals that formed it – are blown apart.

After the event, a dialogue unfolds between Claire the sole survivor of the attack and the young man, who plays multiple characters. She is unpacking the conflicts within herself – her rage, her fears, and ultimately some hope. The young man is something else: the voice of the alienated, an

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A selection of sonnets written by

Year 9 English

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SCIENCE FACULTY 

WANTED The Science Faculty are seeking dona ons of Lego or Lego             compa ble base boards to construct a Lego wall in Science. 

We are happy with any size or colour. If you can help please leave  dona ons at the office or send with your child to Science faculty.       

If you have any other Lego you no longer have a use for we would be happy to accept that also. 

Thank You Science Staff 

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MEDITERRANEAN LAMB CHOPS

2 serves   

INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp oregano, dried 1 medium lemon half juiced, half cut into wedges 2 medium garlic clove crushed 400 g lamb, loin chops 400 g pumpkin, any variety cut into chunks 1 small red onion cut into wedges 1 medium red capsicum deseeded, thickly sliced ¼ cup feta cheese crumbled 1 cup rocket leaves

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. 2. Combine half the oil and lemon juice and all of the oregano and garlic in a large bowl. Add lamb, turning to coat. Allow to sit and marinate while the veggies cook. 3. Toss pumpkin, onion and capsicum in remaining oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place in a large baking dish and cook in oven for 15 minutes. Remove. Add chops and marinade to baking dish with vegetables and cook for a further 20 minutes, turning chops halfway through cooking. Remove from oven and immediately top with feta and rocket leaves.

Divide between a plate and a lunchbox. Serve with the remaining lemon, cut into wedges.

TAS FACULTY

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Come and join in the fun at the Space Camp Trivia Night fundraiser on 25 June 2016 held at Holsworthy High

School at 6.30pm.

Bring your friends and make up a table (of up to 10) or just come along and join a table.

Tickets are $10 per person (pre purchased) and the event is an over 18 years only evening.

There are lots of great prizes to be won and it will be a fabulous night full of laughter, fun and games.

BYO food and drinks

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The dance students have had a very busy week representing and performing at the Ultimo Dance Festival from the 6th June – 9th June.

We had the following groups perform: Jnr Ensemble, Snr ensemble, 9/10 TSP, Cross Network ensembles – Pink, Purple, Red, Blue, Green and COS ensemble.

All students performed extraordinary and behaved exceptionally, representing Holsworthy High School to a high standard.

Next week Holsworthy High’s annual MADD night will be held on Monday 20th June where there will be presentations and performances from the Dance, Drama, Music and Art students.

The show starts at 6.30pm with doors opening at 6pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for

$10.

DANCE NEWS 

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Holsworthy Targeted Sports Program

Rugby League

This year the rugby league program has already seen success. The Buckley Shield team has progressed through to the regional final to determine who will represent the Sydney South West region in the latter stages of the Knock out competition. In upcoming news Holsworthy will participate in the inaugural El Mazri Cup competition. This competition will not only provide more opportunity to participate in rugby league in ages linked to junior representative teams but it also has an educational link. All schools participating will have the NRL Bulldogs deliver the white ribbon program along with the NRL’s one community programs. Dates and venues of all games will be posted on Skoolbag and the Holsworthy High School Facebook page. Football

The football TSP continues to create and build on its current partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers. The Wanderers have increased their skill clinics this year to three sessions per week which has assisted with the inclusion of the year 9 and 10 program. Building off the back of last year’s success we are continuing with a host of games in the upcoming months. Basketball

The TSP Basketball program has continued in 2016 with the same enthusiasm as it fin-ished in its debut year. Both year 7 and 8 have been busy training in the first term and are now preparing for the upcoming match against Cabramatta. Year 7 are focusing on the fundamental basketball skills needed in basketball whilst Year 8 are building on the foundation laid in the previous year with new activities and drills. This term both TSP groups will focus on fitness and participate in their first fitness testing sessions. Certain components used in basketball like cardio-vascular endurance, agility and vertical jump will be tested and recorded. This will be also done at a later stage of the program Dance

The newly introduced Dance TSP is well under way with year 7 and 8 being exposed to dance and cheerleading. The students are excited to learn all the tricks of the trade for cheerleading, getting into some great stunts and cheers whilst also covering a number of dance styles such as hip hop, contemporary and lyrical. The year 9 and 10 Dance TSP have been working with the style of Musical Theatre and their item “Burlesque” was successful in their audition for the Ultimo Dance Festival and will be performing in June. This term year 9 and 10 are trying out a new style of Stepping/Stomp. This style focuses on working with intricate beats and rhythms using stomps, claps and slaps. The patterns of beats are sounding very exciting and the students are looking forward to showcasing this style at upcoming assemblies and school-based performances.

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What a glorious day for the Holsworthy High School Athletics Carnival held on 2 June 2016. Well done to all our students who participated, won

events and achieved ribbons.

Here are some fabulous action shots.

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Josh Taylor - Myles

The Moorebank Sports TSP Athlete of the Month Sport: Rugby League Position: Dummy half / Half back Age: 15 Beep Test: 12.4 40m: 4:56 seconds Push Up: 58 until fatigue Recent Achievements: Finalist NSW Fittler 9’s tournament Bulldogs RLFC under 15’s Development Hume Zone under 15’s CHS team What do you like about Holsworthy’s TSP? I like that we get to do all types of training like strength and ball work. It also helps to understand the game a little better and work on my skills. The culture amongst the boys is most probably my favourite thing as the team is full of my mates.

We wish all TSP athletes

success in their year

ahead and remember

when training

get’s hard

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Defence Transition Mentor Term 2Update

Nearing the end of Term 2, you may be considering how well or not so well your half yearly exam results outcomes are. In the last edition of Newsworthy, I included the detailed requirements for eligibility for Education Assistance. For those families that have been posted to the Holsworthy area within the last 12 months – there is still time to utilise this free tutoring resource. For the other students who have been with us for longer periods of time, I would like to remind you of Maths Boost and Homework Club which is conducted at school from 3pm for one hour on Wednesdays and Tursdays. To work towards an improved yearly exam result – there are learning opportunities on offer. Consider attending either or both of these options to better your learning and study patterns.

The students who are involved in the “Lest We Forget” World War 2 veteran project met last week to collate their veteran’s information, stories, photos, film in order for them to compile their final product. These students ranging from Yr 8 to Year 12 have worked extremely well in their groups with the final product nearing completion. Mr Condell and I are very proud of the students and in particular, Reg, Roy and Ray are most impressed with the polite, caring nature of all their team members and are quite taken back that teenagers of today are interested in them. We intend to present the veterans with their finished product at the next formal assembly.

Next Tuesday the Year 11 students who belong to Work Studies will be completing their community participation element of the course at the Kokoda Walkway Track Concord. During the day they will be carrying out basic horticulture skills, working as a team and communicating throughout the day with the veterans – what is required of them. Reg will be present on the day and acting as ‘Foreman’ as to guide the boys with the tasks at hand.

Ray, volunteering at the Kokoda Track, Concord with primary school students

Just a reminder to Year 10 students - the careers expo is on Wednesday the 29th Jun 16. Your notes should have been returned to Ms Brown. By now you would have worked out which seminar sessions that you would like to attend. The sessions fill quickly, so make sure that you are fully prepared to make the most of your visit.

Enjoy your winter holiday break and be ready to tackle Term 3.

Ms Maria Leetham Defence Transition Mentor maria.leetham@det.nsw.edu.au

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I had a surprise visit from Daphne Wilson (Year 12 student from last year) recently and I was very excited to hear that she had completed her basic training

at Wagga and was posted to Amberley in QLD to continue her initial employment training as an Airfield Defence Guard.

At the latter part of last year Daphne joined the Air Force in the Gap Year program through Defence Force Recruiting. Daphne has learnt so much since enlisting into the Defence Force as an Air Woman. She is embracing her next

phase of training with gusto.

Congratulations Daphne!

CONGRATULATIONS

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YEAR ADVISORS

Mrs Harvey Yr9 Mr Wiles Yr10

Mr Fernandez Yr11 Ms Condell Yr 12 Mr Amerikanos Yr 12

Ms Mikhail Yr7 Ms Booker Yr8

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PLEASE NOTE

The next meeting of the P & C will be held

on 27 June at 6.00pm

in the Learning Centre

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the

new parents at H.H.S and encourage them to attend our P&C meetings to find out in more detail what happens at our school.

Below is a list of the further scheduled meetings for 2016

22 August

12 September 17 October

14 November 12 December

Parent Information

Every year we are asked to update our records. Part of

this update is to register each child’s parent’s level of

education and their employment status.

This information is used to determine part of our financial

allocation for the year.

I understand that some of this information is sensitive and I

can assure you that any details are held in confidence.

If your circumstances have changed since you enrolled

your child at Holsworthy High could you please contact the

school as soon as possible so we can adjust our records.

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      fx 82AU Casio Scien fic  

Cost:$25.00 

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Please ensure Student and Family

information is up to

date

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Dates to remembER - 2016

Reminder: Students need to arrive at school by 8:40am for roll call each day.

Monday 20 June  MADD Evening 

Thursday 23  ‐ Friday 24 June  Zone Athle cs Carnival 

Monday 27 June  P & C Mee ng 

Wednesday 29 June   Careers Expo Year 10 

Friday 1 July  Last day of Term 2 

Tuesday 19 July  First day back to school for students 

Tuesday 26 July  COS rehearsal 

Thursday 28 July  COS Concert 

Monday 1 August  HSC Society and Culture PIP to be completed and handed in 

Tuesday 2—Wednesday 3 August  Regional Athle cs Carnival 

Monday 8 August  Futures Night 

Monday 8 August  HSC Dance performances commence 

Thursday 11 August  HSC Industrial Tech major projects to be completed and handed in 

Monday 15 August  Parent Teacher Night whole school 

Monday 15 ‐ Friday 26 August  Year 12 exams 

Monday 22 August  P & C Mee ng