PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Welcome back to term 4 and welcome to our new teachers Mr Pham (Mathematics) and Ms Cook and Ms Marino (Mathematics/Science). The Year 12 dinner and graduation ceremony were an outstanding success. Congratulations to Mr Smith and Mr Monger and the hard working office staff for a fantastic Year 12 dinner and graduation ceremony. Everybody loved both and we do set amazing standards at PPHS. The 50 year anniversary “Facebook” page is hotting up. It‟s worth a look to see the amount of interest. Tables can be booked for the official dinner as of now. Please spread the word. At the AGM of the Bankstown Zone Sports Association it was decided that East Hills BHS, Punchbowl BHS and Moorebank HS will join the Bankstown Zone in full capacity. It is hoped this will enhance our existing sports programs and create greater opportunities for our students in grade competitions in 2012. I have recently acquired sponsorship to fund some expenses relating to the running (registration/ insurance) of the school bus. Lowes has agreed to pay some of the on-going costs of the bus. We will be putting their logo on the school bus as recognition of their generous support. Congratulations to Ms Davila (on the mathematics staff), who as of 2012 will be permanently appointed to PPHS. I am sure you will join with me and congratulate Ms Davila and wish her many more years of enjoyment and professional satisfaction at PPHS. The Department of Education and Communities has begun a consultation process that seeks the views of principals, teachers, support staff, parents and the wider community about giving schools greater control over decision-making in order to improve teaching and learning, and achieve the best outcomes for students. As part of the consultation the DEC has launched an online discussion forum where participants can contribute their ideas on five areas of reform:

Making decisions

Managing resources

Staff in our schools

Working locally

Reducing red tape

At the last P&C meeting a decision was made to an provide an extra $30 000 funding to support programs and resources at PPHS. The school‟s P&C is very active and work tirelessly to improve the teaching and learning opportunities for staff and students. We are extremely grateful and acknowledge their generous efforts making PPHS an even better place to teach and learn. Recent school success includes: Congratulations to Joshua Marshall, Alec

Christofides and Mitchell Ashton who have successfully gained early entry into their courses at Wollongong University.

At the Bankstown Youth Awards ceremony 5 Picnic Point High School students were finalists and 3 of the students won awards! Cameron Blight Year 7, nominated finalist for the Sporting and the Community award, Laura Cuddy Year 8 nominated for the Creative Arts award, Brandon Grochola Year 10 for Sporting, Kodie Graham Year 11 for Leadership and Joshua Marshall Year 12 for the Inspirational Award.

Hayley Dick, Daniel Cvetkovski and Andrew Lloyd were presented with Rotary awards in VET Education in their respective subjects of Hospitality, Entertainment and Construction.

PICNIC POINT HIGH SCHOOL 61 Kennedy Street Picnic Point

Phone 9772 1700 Fax 9792 3960 Principal Email picnicpt-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Mr Wolly Negroh

Web site www.picnicpt-h.schools.nsw.edu.au B Ed, Dip Teach

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CONTENTS What’s on Page 2 P&C News Page 2 Student of the Month Page 2 Term 3 Rewards Day Page 11 Welfare Report Page 11 Leadership Report Page 11 Industrial Arts Report Page 12 Talented Sport Report Page 13 Library Report Page 13 LOTE Faculty Report Page 14 Environment Group Page 15 Textile & Design Page 16 Science Report Page 17 CAPA Report Page 18

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WHAT’S ON

Mon 31/10 HSC Continues Fri 4/11 Kokoda Walk Year 9 Mon 7/11 Yr 9 Peer Support Training Fri 18/11 Yr 12 Sign Out Day Thurs 24/11 Performance Night Fri 25/11 Yr 10 Clearance Day Mon 28/11 Yr 10 Work Experience

P & C News Incorporating 50th Anniversary News October 2011 Welcome back to Term 4. I hope everyone had a lovely break in the September holidays before the mad rush starts toward the end of the year. Congratulations to all the Year 12 students on the occasion of their “graduation” from Picnic Point High. I was delighted to join with the staff, school community, parents and students at their final assembly. On behalf of the P & C I wish them all good luck and best wishes in their upcoming HSC exams. The September P & C meeting was held prior to the school holidays with a consistent number of parents in attendance. The 50th Anniversary Committee met prior to the P & C Meeting and finalised all the flyers and booking forms which make up the information package about the Anniversary celebrations. Year 12 students received this information in their portfolios and I have also been mailing them out on request to interested people. Michele McGregor has a very successful “Facebook” page operation specifically for the anniversary and is receiving many enquiries. Bookings can now be made for the dinner through the school office. Pavers can be ordered now as well and these will be used to make up a commemorative wall All the order forms are included in this copy of Picnews. We would also like to start receiving memorabilia items so if anyone has any photos, old school reports, old style school uniforms or other items that we can borrow to make up our memorabilia display we would appreciate receiving them. They can be left at the school office in an envelope or bag with a contact name and number. The following few meetings will be concentrating on items to sell to commemorate the event and also on the photobook and activities to be held on the open day. Please don‟t forget that Mrs. Wardrop is seeking favorite recipes to include in the Anniversary Cookbook. Again, please leave in an envelope at the office or alternately email direct to the school. The P & C meeting following covered general business and then Mr. Negroh gave a very interesting and thought provoking presentation on the topic of local decisions and what plans the Education Dept has for the future running of our schools. The P & C currently has a good reserve of funds and following the meeting an approach was made to us to fund three interactive whiteboards which we agreed to willingly. The head teachers have also been asked for a wish-list of items they can use within their faculties to facilitate

student learning. I will update in the next report any decisions made on spending. By the time you receive this report we will have had the October meeting as this is scheduled for 17th October, but due to deadlines for the Picnews I won‟t be able to report on the meeting until November. The Canteen committee is planning the end of year dinner for our canteen volunteers, this will be held on Wednesday 23rd November and sadly we will be fare-welling at least six volunteers off our roster as their children finish their schooling. As you can imagine this is going to leave a big void in our canteen roster for next year and I would ask you to consider volunteering for the canteen roster one day a month if you are able. Anyone interested please email me or contact Margaret (Canteen Supervisor) through the school switchboard. The last P & C Meeting for 2011 will be held on Monday 21st November, again preceded by the 50th Anniversary meeting at 5 pm and the School Council meeting at 6 pm. Christine Butters P & C President Email: bjcmbutters@yahoo.com.au

Michel's (Revesby)

Student of the Month

September 2011

Name REASON FOR THE AWARD

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Stella Lee

Excellent work in Tech, Japanese and Mathematics

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Angus Munro

For being a responsible and reliable team leader, showing initiative and proactive attitude.

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Kelani Brown

For her excellent skills in graphic design.

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Emma Katsilis

For her commitment in all subjects.

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Shannon Caffrey

Improved attitude and work standard in CAFS 2 class this semester.

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Dwayne Brown

Excellence in his senior studies and contribution to the touch football teams final 3 position in the state

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Michel's (Revesby) are

proud sponsors

of the PPHS

'student of the

month' award.

Mondays - Milperra Public School, Pozieres Avenue, Milperra 5 & 6's - 4.30-5.30pm 7 & 8's - 5.30-6.30pm 9 & 10's, 11 & 12's 6.30-8.00pm Ladies 8.00pm Tuesdays - Endeavour Hall, River Road, Revesby 13,14,15 & 1st Year Seniors - 7.00-8.30pm 2nd Year & Open Seniors - 8.30 till lights out Saturdays - Girls Guide Hall, Weston Street, Panania Under 5's - 9.00-10.00am Louise - Secretary - 0415 339 035 Debbie - President - 0404 465 439 Janet - Treasurer - 0405 706 179 Helen - Teacher - 0407 893 967 Kirsty - Associate Teacher - 0422 476 325 Email us - lscastellan@bigpond.com

SPORT A MONTH

Give Fly Casting a go in November Bankstown City Council, in partnership with Lakeside Fly Fishing

Club, is offering all residents aged over 10 years old the opportunity

to have a go at fly casting (fishing) FREE of charge in the month of

November 2011.

Sessions are available on:

Saturdays 5, 12 and 19 November 2011

From 10.00am to 12.00pm

At The Crest Complex - Soccer Field 4 (next to the Velodrome car

park)

Enter off Carysfield Road, Bass Hill.

To make a booking Council's call Lakeside Fly Fishing Club on 0408

130 372.

For more information download the Fly Casting Sport A Month

brochure.

Why not visit your local community club

28 Childs Street Panania

Proud sponsors of the

Leonard W. Eickenloff Scholarship

to Students of Picnic Point High School

M cQ SM A SH R EPA IR S

17 9 R iv e r R o a d R e v es b y ( co r n e r U r a n u s R d )

24 H o u r To w in g - 9 7 7 1 58 26 O b liga t io n Fre e Q u o t e s - 9 7 7 1 233 5

Co u r t e s y Ca r s A v a ila b le CLO SE TO R EV ESB Y STA TIO N GIO R e co m m e n d e d R e p a ir e r

A u t o R o b o t B o d y A lig n e r Sp r a y B o o t h B a k in g O v e n

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ISURF+SCATE Shop 32 Stockton Avenue Moorebank Shopping Village Moorebank

Dr. HAYFA HADI

Shop 2-3/61-65 Eton Street, Sutherland. Tel: 9542 2255

"Specialist dental care for ALL children and teenagers" As a mother of two Dr. Hadi believes in a “Friendly, caring & gentle environment”

Orthodontic treatment o braces at competitive prices, easy payment plan, latest technology, faster working & fewer

appointments o expanders & early intervention appliances

Laser technology for dental treatment & bleaching White fillings & white crowns Preventative care and early detection of decay Sedation, 'happy gas' & general anaesthesia available Emergencies and new patients welcome Ground level, parking at front Our patients enjoy DVD entertainment whilst being treated

Reminder To Parents - Pic News Picnic Point High School would like all Parents and Carers to have regular access to PIC NEWS. To assist in the distribution of the electronic copy of PIC NEWS we ask that Parent and Carers please provide the school with an updated E-Mail address(es) so the school can include you in our PICNEWS distribution list. The school calendar can also be accessed from the school website. You can update the school with your details via the school e-mail address of picnicpt-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au , 02 9772 1700 or via letter.

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Picnic Point High School

50th

Anniversary Name Brick Facings

**YOUR NAME WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY**

A payment of $35 entitles YOU to have your name

engraved into a brick facing as a lasting record of your valued support. The paver will be permanently installed on an existing wall in the School. Simply fill

out the form below and return with payment to: Picnic Point High School PO Box 78

NSW 2213

Offer closes 11 February 2012

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ORDER FORM

Contact Name: ....................................................................................................................................

Address: ............................................................................................................................................. Phone: ................................................................................................................................................

Engraving details

Please print clearly in block letters. Each square represents one letter, number, space or punctuation mark. (34 max)

Payment Options

In person at the School Payments Office (cash, cheque, credit card, EFTPOS)

By mail (cheque or credit card)

If paying by credit card please provide the following information:

Card No: ________________________________ Card Type (eg. Visa/Mastercard)

___________________

Cardholder’s Name (as shown on Card)

______________________________________________________

Expiry date: ____/____/____ Verification No. (last three digits on back of card) ___________________

$35 $35

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Venue: Revesby Workers’ Club

2B Brett St, Revesby Doors Open: 6.30pm (until late) Tickets: $55 each

3 Course Menu plus Guest Speakers Ticketholders must be 18 years and over

(Drinks at Club Prices)

To purchase tickets, please complete this form (including the reverse side)

and return it to the school with payment.

Contact Name: ………………………………………………………………………………

Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………

Phone: ………………………………………………………………………………………... Payment Options

In person at the School Payments Office (cash, cheque, credit card, EFTPOS) By mail (cheque or credit card)

If paying by credit card please provide the following information:

Card No: __________________________ Card Type (eg. Visa/Mastercard) _________________

Cardholder’s Name (as shown on Card) ______________________________________________

Expiry date: ____/____/____Verification No. (last three digits on back of card) ______________

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* Return post to: Picnic Point High School PO BOX 78

Panania NSW 2213 Names of persons in your group (Please copy if more seats required)

1. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

2. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

3. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

4. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

5. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

6. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

7. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

8. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

9. ____________________________Years Attended ____/____

10. ___________________________Years Attended ____/____

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Term 3 Rewards Day Congratulations to the following students who attended the Term 3 Rewards Day Excursion. Year 7 Alana Cox Louise Stace Melissa Petrovski Hayley Millar Natasha Hargreaves Alison Martyn Lauren O‟Shea Mitchell Driver Daniel Morris Antonia Mangos Thomas Grozdanovski Anna Bui Brittany Ebbs Christopher Fartek Lilly Hassett Mary Karaolis Eric Panayi Eryn Dimopoulos Feros Homaisi Heidi Seeto Kiarne Bitz Felicity Hassett Daniel Marriott (did not attend) Annie Zhai Nicholas Morris Liam Bow Cameron Blight Rebecca El Zayat Lachlan Bligh Elly Georgiou Emma Peake Year 8 Hayden Walker Manisha Banga Stacey Hayward Kathy Karaolis Nathan Anderson Jack Dadour Jarod Bui Emma Jackson Liam Greenwood (did not attend) Year 9 Paul Dilonardo Luke Briggs Omkar Dhupar Year 10 Ahmad Barakat Year 11 Lara Dakhoul Jonathan Yung Year 12 Christopher Smith Peter Stephens On the 22nd of September a group of 48 students from Years 7-12 went to Cronulla for their Rewards Day Excursion. At 9:00am we got onto the bus and at around 9:40am we arrived at Cronulla Cinemas. We watched the movie „Zookeeper‟, and everyone enjoyed it, especially the teachers. After the movie ended everyone was allowed an hour and a half to buy and have their lunch. We went downstairs and most people ended up at McDonalds. A big thank you to Ms Elasi and Mr Nikolovski who organised the day! Written by Mitchell Driver and Cameron Blight Year 7

Welfare - Year 9 - Cheap Thrills (Brainstorm Production) On Monday the 5th of September Year 9 students were privileged to attend a performance by the Brainstorm Theatre Company entitled “Cheap Thrills” in the school Gymnasium. The actor “James” gave a highly energetic and entertaining performance which hi-lighted the many dangers of drugs and

alcohol. It gave us a lot to laugh about, (especially when Melissa and Juanita joined James on stage as budding actresses) but it also made us think about the choices we make as young adults. Thank you to Miss Stavros for organising this wonderful performance. By Samantha Gray

Student Leadership Workshop 2 On Wednesday 21st September, our Term 3 Leadership Workshop was held. It all started with us meeting a guy called Sam Cawthorn – he told us an amazing story. A few years ago, he had a horrible car crash which left him without a right arm, right leg and put him into a coma. Doctors told his wife that he might not wake up, but proving the doctors wrong, he woke up. The doctors also said that he might never be able to walk again and would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, as in the car crash he crushed all the bones in his leg. But once again, he proved the doctors wrong and is now walking! He taught us all a lesson and it was that we should never take life for granted. He also gave us a challenge. It was to tape up our most dominant hand for 24 hours and see what it is like to have only one hand to use. It was a tough one, but nearly everyone took part in the challenge, and even a few succeeded! Then, we got to have recess and ate some yummy cakes. But it was a challenge to try to eat with only one hand! After recess, the project presentations were revealed by the SRC and Leadership Camp group. These projects are: Multicultural Day and a Time Capsule. Multicultural Day will celebrate the different cultures of the school and the Time Capsule will try to keep the further generations of the school up to date with our lifestyles in 2011. I am working on the Time Capsule project. Our group went to the library and Maddison, Kate and I had to research things

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about the time capsule like how big it would be and how much it would cost – it was challenging, but fun! When we had finished we all headed back up to the Hall to discuss what we had been working on. It sounded like everyone had been working very hard and they were all doing a great job! To finish off the day we played some fun games. These included skipping and tug of war. They were very fun and nearly everyone enjoyed it. It was a great day! Written by Josie Strachan Year 8

Industrial Arts Welcome back all to a very jam packed Term 4 which will see the culmination of all the hard work and effort that the students have displayed throughout the year. Yearly exams are taking place early in the term for all elective subjects in Industrial Arts subjects. I encourage students to thoroughly revise all course content and seek any assistance on areas that they may find challenging. To ensure every possible success in exams remember to take your time and read the questions very carefully. Year 12 Industrial Technology students are already well on the way into designing their major HSC project and can start construction as soon as plans have been finalised. I am looking forward to seeing some excellent jobs progressing. It is imperative that these students start now to utilise the time allowed to construct the Major HSC projects. The VET Construction class is starting to construct one of their take home projects, the carry all. These students will soon start to undertake a variety of projects around the school that will not only help further develop their skills but additionally benefit the entire school community. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate 3 of our Year 12 Engineering Studies students who have successfully gained an early entry into their courses at Wollongong University these students are Joshua Marshall, Alec Christofides and Mitchell Ashton. Junior Technology students are about to embark on their final rotation of the subjects within Industrial Arts. The students have been developing their skills in all aspects of Industrial Arts including wood work, metal work, plastics and graphics.

Below are some examples of the excellent work that is being produced by theses students. If you require any further information regarding student learning please do not hesitate to contact me. Mr P Burgess - Head Teacher Industrial Arts.

Thank you for your interest in our 50th Anniversary celebrations which are taking place on Saturday 31st March 2012.

At this time we are also calling for memorabilia from your school days at Picnic Point High School. Copies of photographs, reports, newsletters etc. can be forwarded to: Picnic Point High School PO Box 78 PANANIA NSW 2213 Memorabilia will be on display in the school Hall during the Open Day and afterwards will be kept as part of the school archive. Please do not send originals as they cannot be returned.

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Our vegetable and herb garden Ms Andrzejewska‟s class have been working with Ms Buller in woodwork to produce some projects for the garden area located between A and B block. We have been busy making birdhouses which are painted in bright colours. Just fantastic - Well Done !!! We also made a scarecrow to guard the vegetable patch. Students have spent a large amount of time working on these projects and are proud to display them in the school. Allison Buller

The Time of Your Life - WEP Student Exchange! Choose from over 20 countries around the world and experience life as an overseas teenager for a summer, semester or even a year. Request a FREE information pack! Visit www.wep.org.au, Call 1300 884 733 Email info@wep.org.au Early Bird Special World Education Program Australia (WEP) is offering students in years 9 to 11 a $500 discount off the 2011/12 program fee towards a semester or year program to any of the following countries departing in July - September 2012: Brazil, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Norway, Turkey, Thailand or the USA. “My host family was waiting for me at the airport with big smiles and open arms. All that worrying for nothing! They are the sweetest people and I feel very lucky to be staying with them.” ~ Chelsea, semester program to Italy WEP is an independent, not-for-profit Australian student exchange organisation registered with the education departments in QLD, NSW and VIC.

Talented Sport Report Things were fairly quiet for the Talented Program in Term 3 except for the Open Boys Touch Football team who competed in the State Finals in Gosford. After placing 9th and 7th in 2009 and 2010 respectively, we were hoping to go even better this year. The boys started off against Moree High and had a good win 5-3. They followed that with a draw against Northlakes High and a really good win 6-4 against Heathcote High. That left us needing a draw against the favourites Hills Sports High School to make the semi finals for the first time. After a see sawing game we scored a late try to tie it up at 4-4 and progress to a semi final against Illawarra Sports High School. The semi final was a high scoring game. We trailed early and got back to 4-3 only to fall behind 7-3. Another rally saw us get back to 7-6 but we conceded a couple of late tries and went down 9-6. A great effort by the boys! They then went on to beat Cromer 2-1 in the play off for 3rd place which is an outstanding result. Hills Sports went on to win the final which goes to show how well our boys performed as they were unable to beat us during the rounds. A huge congrats to the coach Mr Smith and to the boys for their commitment to training as part of the Talented Program. This term sees our cricket teams back into full swing and the Water Polo squads preparing for another shot at the State Titles at Raymond Terrace. The Open Boys cricket start off against Bass High, the Mark Waugh Shield U/14‟s are playing East Hills Boys and the Open Girls cricket are drawn to play Leumeah High School. We wish all the teams well and hope to see them all through to the last 16 in NSW once again. A Millican - Talented Sport Co-ordinator

Library Report A celebratory morning tea was enjoyed by students in Years 8 and 9 who completed the 2011 NSW Premier‟s Reading Challenge. They have all started to read for next year‟s Challenge, with Mitchell Greenwood moving into the “Picnic Point Teacher‟s Category” since the Premier only awards students up to Year 9. We look forward to having more teachers finish the Challenge in 2012, following the example set by the students! There are hundreds of books on the

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Challenge, in many different categories and at different levels of difficulty, both fiction and non-fiction. We encourage students to try new authors to enrich their reading experiences and develop their imaginations. We are regularly adding to our Reading Challenge collection, but you are also encouraged to find more books at home and in other libraries. Check the PRC website for the “official“ list. Parental encouragement is most appreciated! Mrs Harding, Owen Davis, Jaedyn Hawkins, LiamGreenwood , Halana Arcidiacono, Nathan Anderson, Anthony Carver, Alex Lippis , Mitchell Greenwood, Hayley Soban , Stacey Hayward , Ms Aranjo. https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/booklist/home.html Marion Aranjo - Teacher Librarian

LOTE Faculty Year 12 We would like to congratulate our 3 Year 12 students who will complete their HSC Continuers Japanese Examination on November 1, 2011. Well done to Julia, Hugh and Kelly for all your hard work during the past two years! Good luck to Nathaly [Italian Continuers] and Zhi [Chinese Background Speakers] who will also complete their language exams in the next month. Year 7, 9 and 10 Year 7, 9 and 10 have now completed their Yearly Examinations for Japanese. Results have been very encouraging and students should be congratulated on their efforts to achieve their best during this important examination time. Year 8 Year 8 are currently completing their final assessments – a persuasive writing task, referring to the bombing of Hiroshima during World War 2 and a PowerPoint assignment about a Japanese festival. For the rest of the term, students will complete work based around the culture of Japan, including a study of Japanese „manga‟ comic books and Japanese „anime‟ movies.

Australian Language Certificate In the first week of August, 21 students participated in the Australian Language Certificate Examination. This exam comprises a listening and reading test and is an excellent indicator of how individual students are progressing in their language studies. We are very pleased with the results achieved by our students. Our students were awarded the following: 14 Participation awards, 25 Credit awards, 2 Distinction awards and 1 High Distinction award. Congratulations to all students who participated in this language exam! AIIU Exchange Program Picnic Point High School has been asked to host 2 Japanese students next year. This program allows these students the opportunity to live and study in Australia for one academic year. It is expected that these students will contribute to family life and be involved in all family routines. We extend the invitation to any family within the school [not just those with children studying Japanese!] who may wish to host a Japanese student next year. There is no obligation to host for the entire year; the host family responsibility may be shared among multiple families. For further information, go to www.aiiu.com.au or please contact Ms Marquis or Ms Mitchell in the LOTE Faculty. Language Perfect World Championships During the last two weeks of Term 3, our year 11 class participated in the Language Perfect World Championships. Language Perfect is a website that provides students with regular vocabulary practice of a huge variety of Japanese words. Each correct translation receives 1 point. There are currently many students who have achieved well over 1000 points! The World Championships are run for 2 weeks and allows 80, 000 students, 1000 schools and 12 countries to compete for prizes. Picnic Point High School results are: Total score: 1885 points earned Questions answered: 4504 Ranking: 154th out of 500 schools That‟s a grand total of 14 hours of online language learning!! We would like to congratulate Tony Bui and Hazel Klimczak who received credit certificates for their efforts in the World Championships – they both answered over 1000 questions during the championships and were placed in the top 20% of competitors! Well done! JENESYS Program The JENSYSY Program offers 228 Australian students and 22 Australian teachers the opportunity to explore the amazing sights of Japan - from the urban extremes of Japan‟s major cities to the rural ease of its agricultural communities. The programme will run from December 5 - December 19 2011 and is fully supported by the Government of Japan. We are thrilled to announce that Tayla McGregor [Year 12] has been chosen to participate in this program. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Tayla and we are very proud of her for demonstrating such commitment to the development of her Japanese skills. Ms Marquis and Ms Mitchell

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Environment Group Update During the last school holidays three students from the Environment group and Ms Elwell attended the NSW Environmental Education Conference. The conference was held at North Sydney Boys and included a series of workshops where we learnt about how to introduce more sustainable solutions at Picnic Point High School. Even though we were in North Sydney we still heard from representatives from our own LGA, Bankstown Council and the great recycling program they have put in place. Mitchell Greenwood Year 9, Duncan Thompson and Jaedyn Hawkins Year 8 Since then, Bunning‟s Warehouse has helped the Environment Group out in their dedicated efforts to make PPHS more sustainable. Thankyou Bunnings They have generously donated materials worth over $300. These materials included a new turning compost bin and worms for our new worm farm. Through a simple collection program our students can now ensure that a major part of the school‟s green waste is either composted or fed to the worms! Kirsty Elwell

Bankstown Youth Awards The 2011 Bankstown Youth Awards ceremony was a momentous occasion for Picnic Point High School students with 5 students as finalists and 3 of the students winning awards! Cameron Blight Year 7, nominated finalist for the Sporting and the Community award, Laura Cuddy Year 8 nominated for the Creative Arts award, Brandon Grochola Year 10 for Sporting, Kodie Graham Year 11 for Leadership and Joshua Marshall Year 12 for the Inspirational Award. Brandon, Kodie and Joshua took the 3 awards from their categories and only a total of 5 were handed out – an impressive effort that is worthy of congratulations! Kirsty Elwell Picnic Point High School on Kitchen Whiz! Kitchen Whiz, a TV program on at 4pm Channel 9 every afternoon has given 12 lucky Picnic Point High School students from Year 7 the chance to be aired on the program next year. The students selected to be on the show are (in their teams) Athan Teskenis & Thomas Grozdanovski Hayley Millar & Felicity Hassett Zoe Ward Brown & Amber Langdon Mere Thompson & Elle Bogar Phillip Moggs & Sam Mourad, Eryn Dimopoulos & Alison Martyn Lauren O‟Shea, Hayden Kennedy, Eric Panayi, Erin Riley and Christopher Fartek will also be attending the filming the show at Fox Studies in November as audience members as they were also auditioned for the show. Head Teachers of Home Economics Mrs Wardrop, Year 7 Advisor Ms Elwell and Mr Negroh are also looking forward to being members of the audience on the day! Congratulations Year 7 Students!

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Year 9 Textiles & Design Students were asked to make suitable cushions for a selected room at home. Many skills including zipper insertion, constructing seams and fabric decoration were implemented. The portfolios that were submitted with the project were of a high standard, documenting the design process followed. Angel Oreibi Stacey McDonald Ellie Semsarian Shannon Macdonald

Congratulations to the class members whose dedication to this project resulted in outstanding work. T. Thompson & K. Richardson - Home Economics Faculty

Year 10 Textiles & Design Students constructed either a corset or costume suitable for a stage production. Students completed a range of sewing samples prior to construction. A portfolio was also submitted demonstrating students fashion drawing skills. Karissa Dunn - ‘Cheer leading costume’ Kirsty Knebusch - ‘Corset’ Mrs Thompson - (Home Economics Faculty)

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Taste testing Fundraiser for P & C Monday 7th November in B Block kitchens. I have been approached by our Tastetesting Company Sensory Solutions to run another meat tastetest at school on Monday evening 7th November. There will be three sessions 5.30 pm, 6.45pm and 8 pm. From all those who have completed screening forms in the past I have been issued a list of those people eligible for this particular tastetest. I have sent text messages to all those eligible, but so far have only received fifteen replies to the 90 text messages I have sent. If you received a text from me and haven‟t yet replied, please do so to let me know whether or not you are able to assist. If you have never completed a screening form for this type of fundraiser you may wish to do so and there will be a screener attached to this issue of Picnews. It is necessary for you to complete the screener and send it up to school or fax it to me (9792 2031) so the company can determine your eligibility to participate. (The criteria are set by the company depending on the products being tested). This fundraiser earns us $1000 for the school and costs you an hour of your time, so please do consider participating. Christine Butters - P & C President. Science Faculty This term in the Science Faculty we will be enjoying the use of the new Interactive Whiteboard that was installed in E45 during the break. We have also had the P&C grant us the money to purchase another board for Science. This is an excellent resource for Science with teachers being able to access & modify lesson content as directed by class discussion. This term Ms Cook returns to her classes on a part time basis. She will be here on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with Mrs Marino on Monday and Tuesday. There are many students who are keen to welcome them into the classroom and we all look forward to the positive outcomes that will follow. Mrs N. Sherry - Head Teacher Science

The Bankstown City Christmas Carols is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together members of the community during the festive season. The 2011 event is scheduled for Saturday 3 December, 6.30pm-9.00pm at Paul Keating Park, and will feature a fantastic line-up of everyone's favourite Christmas carols, Santa Claus and a fireworks spectacular.

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CAPA Report - Music Concert The Term 4 Music concert will be held on Wednesday, 30th November starting at 6:00 pm in the School Hall. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for school-age children. Auditions are going to be held very soon. All students who sing or play an instrument, solo or in a group, are encouraged to audition. There will be several places to feature soloists and groups along with our ensemble and class items. The Band, Choir, Vocal Ensemble and Elective Musical classes will be performing. Extracurricular Activities Along with our school Music, Drama and Dance extracurricular groups we have a number of students who are involved in Regional and State ensembles and Orchestras. Congratulations to these students for the hard work that they have put in throughout the year. The School Band continues to rehearse every Wednesday at lunch time. Students who can play a musical instrument (at any skill level) are encouraged to join. Please speak to Mr Andrews in the Creative and Performing Arts staffroom if you require any further information. A number of our dancers are soon to be involved in the Bankstown/East Hills Dance Festival. We have 5 different groups performing. Ms Shlom and Ms Robinson have done a lot of work with the students who have given up a lot of their own time to rehearse. We wish the dancers every success with their performances in the festival. Visual Arts Throughout the year our students have been involved in a number of artmaking activities as part of their learning in Visual Arts. Our students learn to create art with a variety of materials using many different methods. Please enjoy our selection of student artworks: Jenahya Chew Yr 9

Matthew Bennett yr9 Helen Bui Yr9 Ben Fletcher Yr9 Cayley Endicott Yr 9

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Shannon MacDonald Yr 9 Martina Stojanovska Yr 9 Marie Christofides Yr 9 Toby Taylor Yr 9

Lourance Haddad Yr 9

Year 7 & 8 Works

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Jake Rowland Yr 9

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Jesse-May Heywood Yr 9 Toby Taylor Yr 9 Jessie Nguyen Yr 9

Marie Christofides Yr 9 Jesse –May Heywood Yr 9 Michelle Blaseui Yr 9