Term 4 10 December 2013

Respect, Responsibility and Learningpage 1

Liverpool Boys High SchoolExcellence, Innovation, Opportunity, Success

Forbes Street, Liverpool NSW 2170 T 9602 7979 F 9821 4068 E liverpoolb-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Principal’s Address

2013 has been a year of excellence and many innovations and at Liverpool Boys. I highlighted a number of these at presen-tation day:

Over 100 teachers from 40 schools visited us this year to talk about our reading innovation – Focus on Reading. This is making a difference to the way boys learn literacy. The staff have just started the next phase of this training – the first High School in NSW to do so – to focus on the boys’ writing. Already our Year 9 NAPLAN results have started to improve and, more importantly, our boys’ confidence in literacy is im-proving.

Another innovation is our teacher learning plans. Research from around the world shows that the best performing schools make time for their staff to learn together. We have done this by creating an early finish for students each Mon-day afternoon, for all teachers engage in learning together for two hours.

Another exciting innovation is our new Auto Shed. One of the subjects we have wanted to deliver in the HSC for some time is Automotive, and for the first time in 2014, we will be run-ning an HSC class. An Auto Shed is under construction at the moment and we expect boys to be in the shed and learning in the new year.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our boys and their families a great holiday after December 18, and look for-ward to learning with you again in 2014.

Michael Saxon, Principal.

School Calendar

12 Dec School Swimming Carnival - All students 18 Dec HSC results released Last day of school for 201329 Jan School resumes (Year 7 and College students) 30 Jan School resumes (all students)

Year 9 Students visit Sydney University

On the 6th of November, a select group of top Year 9 Science students were given the chance to attend an open day at the University of Sydney. In conjunction with the Compass Program, the event promoted the faculties of Science, Technology and Mathematics (STEM) at the University and introduced students to the wide variety of courses that are offered to students of the university.

On the day, students learnt that whatever course in the field of Science you choose to undertake, Mathematics is often a requirement and is very beneficial. Guest speakers included ABC celebrity and radio host, Dr. Karl, who gave students an insight into how far science and technology has advanced and how much more advancements are yet to be achieved. The students had a morning tea and lunch break and were given the opportu-nity to socialise with the other schools who had attended STEM day from the Western Suburbs, including our neighboring school, Liverpool Girls High School.

The students were given lectures about Engineering, Comput-ing Sciences and Chemistry (Forensic Science) by the University students themselves, as well as given the chance to ask them anything they wanted to know about the Sciences that they spe-cialised in. It was a very insightful and great opportunity for the Year 9 boys to be exposed to what it’s like to be at university and what exactly goes on there.

By Wassim Elabed, Year 10 Student.

Respect, Responsibility and Learning page 2

Term 4 10 December 2013

TAS Report

TAS is an acronym for Technological and Applied Studies. This refers to a range of different technologies that are used to produce solutions to problems. There are many differ-ent technologies we study at Liverpool Boys High School in-cluding: Design and Technology, Food Technology, Informa-tion Software Technology, Automotive, Electronics, Timber Technology, Hospitality and Information Technology. All TAS teachers have specialised skills and training which enables us to deliver these subjects.

The ‘Construction Trade Training Centre’ renovations are complete! The Construction students have had the op-portunity to experience industry standard equipment and facilities at Liverpool Boys High School. The Construction students have the opportunity to have practical experiences whilst gaining competencies towards their Certificate 1 in Construction. All VET courses that run at school are TAFE ac-credited, which will enable our students to enter the work-force with more than just their HSC.

Safety SpotlightIn all TAS context areas we need to adhere to WHS legisla-tion and regulations. We have placed a great emphasis this year on footwear which is worn by students whilst on school property. The DEC policy states:“Fully enclosed leather shoes need to be worn for safety purposes in TAS and science classes.” The school uniform outlines footwear to be all- black leather shoes. If parents have any issues, they can contact Ms Safar.

TAS FeesTAS subjects require contribution fees, which pay for essen-tial resources. We aim to provide quality educational pro-grams; however, if students do not pay their fees, we are unable to provide the practical experiences which further support their learning and interests.

The amounts charged for each year group are required to pay for consumable materials, including: food ingredients, wood, metals, plastics, fabrics, cleaning materials, uten-sils, tools, staining, brushes, paint, and personal protective equipment that has been used by students throughout the duration of their studies.

Payment may be made at the office.

Ms. Safar, Head Teacher TAS.

The SRC Presents:Mr. Akkari Mathematics Teacher

1. Why did you become a teacher?Teaching is the best job in existence. To teach is to learn. Teaching also gives me the opportunity to play an integral part in shaping our new generation. My father and sister are also teachers.

2. How long have you been teaching at LBHS?I have been teaching at LBHS for 13 years.

3. What’s one thing you would like to do outside of school?I’d like to read philosophy books and play sports like soccer and chess with my kids.

4. If you could do another job instead of teaching, what would it be?It is very difficult to see myself doing something else other than teaching Mathematics.

5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?Still teaching Mathematics at LBHS.

6. What do you like about teaching Mathematics?Mathematics is a universal language. It is beautiful and it is about the truth. It continually allows me to think with rea-son and logically deduce a conclusion.

7.What is one thing you learnt from being a teacher?I have learnt to appreciate, enjoy and learn from the diver-sity of our boys. I understand that the boys really value a caring, flexible, and a giving teacher.

8. What would you prefer: to read a book or watch a movie?I would prefer to read a book. It improves your concentra-tion and allows ideas and creativity to grow in your mind. One book that I enjoy reading is, The Miserable written by Victor Hugo.

Respect, Responsibility and Learning page 3

Term 4 10 December 2013

Year 9 Students at Sydney University Compass Day

LBHS Dance Crew

perform at Liverpool PS

Above: College Hospitality students with Hospitality teacher, Ms. FieldsBelow: Ms. Kelly presenting Mona Lotfi, from MTC Work Solu-tions, a thankyou gift for her service to our school

Presentation Day Award Winner

Presentation Day Award Winner

Presentation Day Award Winner

Respect, Responsibility and Learning page 4

Term 4 10 December 2013

Numeracy News

The 2013 /14 school year looks like it will be an exciting one in regards to numeracy at LBHS. A number of new initiatives will accompany the regular calendar of events run by the Mathematics Faculty. One of these initiatives will be the Peer Tutor Numeracy Program. This program will be administered by the College Applied Mathematics class and coordinated by Mr. Ahmed, the Mathematics Head Teacher.

The College mentors in the program will receive explicit train-ing on how and what to deliver to a group of stage 4 stu-dents. A group of 10 dedicated mentors will assist 16 Year 8 students with areas of mathematics/ numeracy that they are experiencing difficulty with. The program will commence this December and conclude at the end of Term 3, 2014. There will be an information evening scheduled for early 2014, so stay tuned!

Adel Ahmed,Head Teacher Mathematics.

Website and Social Media update

Stay up to date with information and events at your school by liking our Facebook page at LBHS COMMUNITY

or visit our school website page at

www.liverpoolb-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Community News

The LBHS parent community group is finishing the SWSAHS Health Program that has been running this term. Parents have been in regular attendance, and overall, it has been a great success. “Being a parent is challenging enough. In order for us to look after our families, we must learn to look after ourselves. This program has educated our parents in doing that,” says CLO, Latifa Zuhbi. Parents from Liverpool West PS, Liverpool Girls High School and Liverpool Boys High School have benefited from this excellent opportunity.

Also this term, parents had the opportunity to visit the Uni-versity of Western Sydney for a campus information day. Par-ents have the opportunity to learn more about university in the western suburbs and what courses are available for their children. Parents were educated about the resources avail-able, pathway options to get into university, course costs, challenges and the support available to young people when they begin tertiary studies.

Centrelink has also visited our parent forum to discuss new government reforms relating to pensions, programs and oth-er government services.

On behalf of the staff at LBHS, we would like to wish all our parents and carers a safe and happy Christmas break. Thank you to all our parents who have participated in our programs and for your continued support throughout 2013. More exciting projects are planned and we look forward to your continued support in 2014.

For any information on our community events, please con-tact our CLO, Latifa Zuhbi on 9602 7979