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T3 Week 1 (A) Week 1 Starting 22 July 2019 Monday

22/07/19 Staff Development Day

Tuesday 23/07/19

Year 10 – Subject Selection Meeting Year 8 – Subject Selection Meeting Students Return

Wednesday 24/07/19

Year 12 – UOW Early Admission Presentation Year 10 – Year 10 Into Year 11 Information Evening – 7pm Year 8 – Year 8 into Year 9 Information Evening – 6pm Year 8 and 9 - Girls Shine Program South Coast Regional Netball - Nowra

Thursday 25/07/19

Year 12 – Chemistry – UOW Study Day

Friday 26/07/19

Year 11 – Rescue Ed (Life Ready) CHS Cross Country – Eastern Creek

T3 Week 2 (B) Week 2 Starting 29 July 2019 Monday

29/07/19 Year 10 – Youth Frontiers Mentoring

Tuesday 30/07/19

Year 11 – Modern History Source Task

Wednesday 31/07/19

Year 12 – Aboriginal Studies Task Year 8 and 9 – Girls Shine Program ISER Regional Performing Ensemble Performance

Thursday 01/08/19

Year 12 - AMT Australian Mathematics Competition

Friday 02/08/19

Year 12 – Studies of Religion In-class Task Year 11 – Modern History Essay Task Year 8 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson Year 7 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson Regional Athletics - Canberra

T3 Week 3 (A) Week 3 Starting 5 August 2019 Monday

05/08/19 Year 10 – Youth Frontiers Mentoring NSW Education Week Year 9 & 10 Marine Studies Excursion – Sydney Boat Show SAC NESA Pip Submission

Tuesday 06/08/19

NSW Education Week Year 8 and 9 - Girls Shine Program

Wednesday 07/08/19

NSW Education Week

Thursday 08/08/19

Year 9 – Parent Ski Meeting – 5:30pm NSW Education Week

Friday 09/08/19

Year 11 – Biology Practical Task Year 8 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson Year 7 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson NSW Education Week

Year 12 Purple Year 11 Olive Year 10 Blue Year 9 Red Year 8 Green Year 7 Orange

Thoughts from the Principal

It might be winter but we have had so much happening at school to keep us busy and warm. It has been an extremely productive term. Of course great teaching and learning has been happening every day and I have been very proud to recognise the high achievers in Years 7-10 in front of their families, at our recent Merit Assemblies. Year 12 have but one term of their school lives to go and Figtree staff are supporting them in the classroom and also personally as they approach their final exit HSC exams. They are an impressive group of young people and I feel very proud of them. Learning at Figtree High School is also taking place outside the classroom and I would like to share with you some of these amazing opportunities for our students to learn empathy, tolerance and inclusion below: Refugee Week Refugee Week is to inform the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. It provides a platform where positive images of refugees can be promoted in order to create a culture of welcome throughout the country. The ultimate aim of the celebration is to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration enabling refugees to live in safety and to continue making a valuable contribution to Australia. We celebrated Refugee Week on Tuesday June 11. Year 10 students had the opportunity to listen to talks from three refugees from the community Sarra, Ernest and Berhan. The students have been studying Human Rights

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Term 2 Week 10, 5 July 2019

Address: 2 Gibsons Road, Figtree NSW 2525 Phone: 02 4271 2787 Email: figtree-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Fax: 02 4271 6626

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in their HSIE classes and our guests provided invaluable insights into their experiences and journeys to Australia. Through our celebration, we aim to provide an important opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to and valued. I would like to thank Mrs Alhindi for organising this event and the HSIE faculty for opening up their classrooms.

Vietnamese Tour Over the past two weeks, Figtree High School was delighted to host 16 students from Vietnam. It was an exciting opportunity for our school community to be part of the program and also experience the joy of offering the Vietnamese students the experience of immersing themselves in the Australian culture. Every morning, the Vietnamese students participated in mainstream lessons and of an afternoon they attended intensive English language classes. Students from all year groups assisted our guests by helping navigate this exciting new environment. This program widens our cultural view and provides an opportunity for students to get to know others from another culture and form new friendships. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the parents and staff who participated in the program. Parents and teachers from our school community opened up their homes and provided an exceptional example of true Australian hospitality. Once again a special thank you to our ESL teacher Mrs Alhindi for organising this visit.

Commerce Market Day Year 10 Commerce ran a very successful market day on Tuesday June 18. They raised money for 'Medecins de Frontieres Australia' - an organisation that delivers emergency aid to people in conflict zones or affected by natural disasters. Students were required to develop and execute a business plan for each of their fundraising stalls. The main quad was a hive of activity with stalls ranging from throw a sponge at the teacher, foods from around the world, a car wash and pass the footy through the tyre. Thank you to the parents who have supported this initiative by assisting with the cooking of food from many countries and the HSIE faculty for organising this event.

A reminder that this year marks our 50th anniversary: Yesterday Today and Tomorrow On July 14 our school opened its doors for the first time fifty years ago. On that day the Mercury headline was “Tomorrow’s School Today”. Figtree High School was renowned as one of the most modern in the state starting out with only 24 classrooms, 11 staff and 242 students.

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Today we are still one of the most forward thinking educational centres in the country and have grown to 67 classrooms, 109 staff and 945 students. Our teachers continue to inspire excellence and our past students include doctors, plumbers, scientists, road workers, electricians, chefs along with bankers and politicians and of course many of our mums and dads. Moving into the future we look forward to creating an even higher standard of education for the students of our school with loyalty, equality and tolerance being our life’s blood. We would like to invite you to celebrate with us, on Saturday September 7 at our Open Day here at the school and a dinner at West Illawarra.

Illawarra Mercury Monday July 14 1969 NAIDOC Week Between July 1 and July 5 Figtree High School celebrated NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC stands for 'National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee'. It is a week that celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

peoples. NAIDOC Week is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This year’s theme is Voice Treaty Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future. Voice, Treaty and Truth are three key elements to the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. These reforms represent the unified position of First Nations Australians. On Wednesday two of our Year 11 Indigenous Students, Keely Rauscher and Aislin McGregor hosted a Community of Schools NAIDOC celebration. We welcomed our local elders - Uncle Pete, Uncle Vic, Aunty Shaz, Aunty May, and Aunty Adelaide - as well as Lani Balzan, a local Aboriginal artist and a number of our parents and carers. Together, we celebrated with art and Indigenous games. On Thursday, July 4, our junior students participated in a full day of cultural activities delivered by Wandana Aboriginal Education. Activities included a corroboree, artefacts, Aboriginal art, didgeridoo and storytelling. The sharing of these activities within the school and the wider community broadens the knowledge of everyone involved and inspires unity and a true sense of participation. As a nation we know very little of the history and culture of our own indigenous peoples and education and involvement works to cultivate respect. Figtree High is always looking for ways to empower an inclusive and sharing community. We would like to thank our teachers and students as well as the wider community for making this such a special week. I would particularly like to recognise Ms Harlor for her outstanding leadership and endless energy in putting together all of these events for NAIDOC Week.

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Zone Athletics Carnival Winners are grinners! On Tuesday this week, Figtree High School competed in the Northern Illawarra Zone Athletics Carnival. Over 100 of our students competed across many different events. The stand out result for us being our relay teams. We entered a team in every age group and out of 12 teams, 10 will advance to regional level. On the day it was impressive to see such a large number of students step up and participate in events that perhaps normally they wouldn’t attempt. Undoubtedly, the Figtree team spirit was what gave us our winning edge. Two years in a row now, Figtree High School have been crowned Zone champions. What a wonderful achievement!!! A huge well done to all competitors!!! Special thanks to Mr Sargent-Wilson, Mrs Harvey, Mr Smart, Ms Harris and of course Mrs Markham our amazing team manager. Congratulations!!!!!

Warm wishes for the winter school holidays. I am looking forward to an even more exciting and productive Term 3 at Figtree High School. Daniel Ovens Principal

Expectation of the Week WEEK 1: BE A LEARNER – Excursions/Sport Engage in the experience

WEEK 2: BE A LEARNER – Excursions/Sport Listen intently

WEEK 3: BE RESPECTFUL – Corridors/Ramps/Lift

Move quietly

Deputy Principal Report Years 7, 9 and 11

With the conclusion of Term 2, both parent Teacher afternoons/evening were attended by a significant number of families. Parents, carers and students were able to obtain feedback on their level of achievement and engagement for Semester 1, but also on where to improve in Semester 2. Congratulations to students on their Semester 1 reports. It is always pleasing to see students who have achieved their personal best through hard work being recognised for that effort. One of the most important area of recognition is when

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students are showing continual improvement. I am hoping that students will utilise the feedback from their reports to show further progress next semester. A big shout-out to Year 7 students who have now successfully completed the first half of Year 7. They have made some new friends, probably kept some old friends and learnt lots of new knowledge and skills in a variety of subjects. Year 9 students have had a big semester particularly with their involvement in extra-curricula activities and events. Top Blokes, Links to Learning and volunteering at the local nursing home just to name a few things. It is important that we develop skills that will help make us valuable member of our community and involvement in different types of activities helps to develop us. For students in Year 11, they are two thirds of the way through their Preliminary courses. Most students have completed or are working their way towards completing their first two formal assessment tasks. Organisation and motivation are two important aspects of being a successful learner. If students need assistance they should be approaching their teachers for assistance. The final assessment for most subjects will be their examinations at the end of Term 3. This time will approach quickly – planning is vital for achieving their personal best. Finally, may I wish every student and their families a safe and enjoyable holiday period. Please be safe and come back refreshed to word hard in Semester 2. Trish Morgan Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal Report Years 8, 10 and 12

Relieving Deputy Principal I will be on leave during Term 2 Week 10 and Term 3 Weeks 1 and 2. During this time, Jemma Lawson will be

the relieving Deputy Principal, working with students in Years 8, 10 and 12. Semester 1 Reports Students in Years 8 and 10 received their Semester 1 reports on Friday 28 June. This report provides an opportunity to reflect on academic achievement, commitment to learning and to consider the comments from teachers about the ways a student can improve their learning outcomes for Semester 2. The Parent Meetings are an ideal time to meet with teachers to discuss student’s Semester 1 report and strategies to maximise success in the next semester. Subject Selection for 2020 While we are only at the end of Semester 1, we have commenced our curriculum planning processes for the 2020 school year. This requires students in Year 8 and Year 10 to begin their discussions and deliberations regarding the subjects that they would like to study in 2020. Year 8 students will have the opportunity to select 3 elective subjects for their pattern of study in Years 9 and 10 as they work towards their Year 10 Record of School Achievement in 2021. Students in Year 10 are required to select subjects for their entire pattern of study, usually 6 or 7 courses, as they commence their study towards the Higher School Certificate in 2021. To assist students and parents/carers with this very important decision making period, we will be holding a Subject Selection Information evening during the first week of Term 3, Wednesday 24 July, commencing at 6:00pm or Year 8 students and their parents, and this will be followed by the Year 10 session at 7:00pm. During this evening, Head Teachers and Teachers will be available to discuss the range of courses on offer for study in 2020. The processes for subject selection will also be discussed and demonstrated. There will be representatives from the University of Wollongong, TAFE NSW and Workplace Learning Illawarra attending the Year 10 session so that specific questions related to tertiary study, or vocational education courses can be answered. Ellie Donovan Deputy Principal

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Mathematics Faculty Report

Wow! It is already Week 9 of Term 2. We are half way through the year with so much completed and much more to go. The Mathematics faculty have been very busy implementing the new Stage 6 Mathematics syllabuses across Years 11 and 12. We are also in the process of updating practices in the junior years, some of which have already taken place, including fewer examinations and the introduction of learning logs. Outside of the classroom there have been a number of activities happening to help enhance and provide opportunities for our students. These include: Year 7 and Year 8 Enrichment Class Mrs Kyriakou has started the Maths Enrichment class with a select group of students from Years 7 and 8. This is a problem-solving activity organised by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT), aimed at encouraging thinking and problem-solving ability in mathematically interested students. The Maths Enrichment takes place over 12–16 weeks in Term 2 and Term 3. Students meet with Mrs Kyriakou once a fortnight. These tasks require students to engage in higher order thinking to work their way through complex tasks, such as, polyominoes, fast arithmetic, tessellations, pre-algebra concepts, arithmetic in other bases and many other activities. AMT Mathematics Competition The annual Australian Maths Trust Mathematics Competition is upon us. The competition aims to be accessible to all students from Years 3 to 12, not just the mathematically gifted. There is an emphasis on problem solving, which is a valuable life skill, and the questions are designed to be fun for the student. Students can achieve a Certificate of High Distinction, Distinction or Credit. All other entrants in the competition receive a Certificate of Participation or a Proficiency Certificate. Sign up for this competition has already taken place and students will sit the examination in Term 3.

Year 12 HSC Revision Day The University of Wollongong and the Mathematics Curriculum Networks Illawarra are once again hosting the Math’s HSC Revision Day. The HSC Revision Day provides HSC Mathematics, Extension 1 and Extension 2 students the opportunity to attend workshops to work through the HSC Math’s curriculum, receive tips from the experts on how to approach the HSC exams and learn about options for studying Mathematics at University of Wollongong (UOW). Part of the proceedings will include a presentation by a UOW graduate who will talk about their interesting and rewarding career in Mathematics. This is an invaluable experience that our students take part in annually. It allows them to consolidate their knowledge and skills and start setting goals for their upcoming HSC exams. Special thanks to Mrs Kyriakou for organising and taking our students to this great event. Mr Boyton is also generously offering his time to present a session on Simple Harmonic and Projectile Motion to the Mathematics Extension 1 students. It is great to be able to give back and support such an outstanding opportunity for our students across the Illawarra Network.

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Figtree Community of Schools Numeracy Team Earlier this term I had the privilege of working with our Head Teacher Teaching and Learning, Vanessa Glasgow, CoS Organiser, Karin Harlor, FHS Principal, Dan Ovens and Principals and Stage 3 Teachers from across our community of feeder Primary schools. These included, Figtree Primary School, Figtree Heights Primary School, Lindsay Park Primary School, Mount Kembla Primary School, Mount Saint Thomas Primary School, Nareena Hills Primary School and Unanderra Primary School. The day involved us dissecting the Best Start Year 7 results, which is a new assessment delivered this year, and setting up a framework for an ongoing partnership. The team is now in the process of developing a plan which creates a culture of shared collegial practice and professional learning. This will allow us all to work together to build a more conducive learning journey for all students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Investigation Tasks – 11 Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension 1 2019 has seen many changes, including delivery of the new Year 11 Mathematics Advanced and Mathematics Extension 1 courses. We have been working to setup the new requirements which have seen the implementation of new concepts and providing students with a greater appreciation of the proofs and theories behind many of the formulae we apply in day-to-day settings. With this, a new assessment strategy has been put in place with a maximum of three formal assessment

tasks. One of which is an Investigation task. This is a totally new concept for students who have traditionally sat examinations as their formal assessment in Mathematics. This task requires students to apply their knowledge and skills of Mathematics, using technology to investigate, organise, model and interpret information in a range of contexts. We have recently completed these tasks and it was great to see students having to apply and justify their reasoning. All students were able to engage in the task which challenged their abilities and understanding. Curriculum Networks Illawarra - Mathematics Day Learning is not just limited to students. As teachers we are constantly evolving our practice through different avenues of professional learning. This occurred recently at our Term 2 Staff Development Day, where all teachers from across the Illawarra came together at Woonona High School. We were fortunate to have guest speaker, Robin Nagy, Professional Learning Consultant for the Mathematics Association of NSW. This provided us with numerous strategies to implement hands-on experiential investigations in assessment and the classroom. His sessions allowed us to delve into new terrain around investigation task requirements for the new Stage 6 syllabuses. On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, staff, parents and the greater Figtree community for all your support and making my transition into the Head Teacher Mathematics a smooth one. I am blessed to be working with such a dynamic and dedicated team in the Mathematics faculty, who are always questioning and improving their practices to enhance our students’ abilities and experiences. We have many ideas in the pipeline which I look forward to informing you about over the coming years. Until then, I wish everyone a safe and restful holiday. Dinesh Dodhy Head Teacher Mathematics

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FROM THE SPORTS DESK REGIONAL CROSS COUNTRY Congratulations to the students that travelled to Cambewarra on 7 June 2019 to compete in the Regional Cross Country. The students competed in glorious weather, on very hard terrain. Our Northern Illawarra Zone was the winning Zone on the day. Well done to the following students who will now represent the school at the State Cross Country on the 26 July 2019: 12 year Jimmy Skarvellis 1st place

14 year Thomas Panayiotou 5th place

16 year This was an outstanding effort by the boys

in this age group as they were the winning

school team. Well done to John Kiotis who

was a late inclusion and helped this team

win.

Logan Mathie 2nd place

Ned Glasgow 5th place

Bailey Craft 8th place

John Kiotis – member of winning team

16 year Jessica Buffett 7th place

18 year Tazmin Fulcher 9th place

BOY TENNIS Congratulations to the boys Tennis team who won the South Coast Knockout Competition in Bomaderry. The

boys will now progress into the NSW CHS Knockout. Thankyou to Mr Riolo for coaching the team. The team members are Reuben Livingston, Thomas Brinton, Luke Miners and Lachlan Miners.

ZONE ATHLETICS On Tuesday 2 July the Zone Athletics Carnival was held at Beaton Park. It was a glorious day at the track. Congratulations once again to all our athletes that participated as once again we were the winning team school. This is an amazing achievement as we were only 17 points ahead of Smiths Hill High School. This result would not have been achieved if it wasn’t for the students who stepped up and participated in extra events. This commitment to our school demonstrates the passion and culture that is developed at Figtree High School. Our relay teams were exceptional on the day. We had a team in every race. Thank you to the students who also stepped up and ran in a relay. This makes such a difference as relays are worth double points.

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Congratulations to the following relays who are off to the Regional Carnival

12 year boys 2nd

12 year girls 1st

13 year boys 3rd

13 year girls 1st

14 year boys 1st

15 year boys 1st

16 year boys 2nd

16 year girls 1st

17 year boys 2nd

18 year boys 2nd The Regional Carnival will be held in Canberra on the 2 August 2019. We wish all our competitors the best of luck. VIETNAMESE STUDY TOUR Figtree High School had the pleasure of hosting 16 students and 1 teacher from Vietnam from the 16TH of June to the 28th of June. The Vietnamese students started their first day with a Morning Tea Welcoming Ceremony and Tour of the school. Each day SRC buddies took the Vietnamese students to their morning classes and for the remainder of the day the students attended intensive English classes. Both Vietnamese and Figtree High School students had a great time learning about each other’s cultures and forming great friendships. On their last day, the Vietnamese students and SRC buddies participated in a Farewell catered lunch and were awarded certificates and gifts.

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REFUGEE CONVERSATIONS Figtree High School celebrated Refugee Week this year by having Year 10 students participate in Refugee Conversations. In collaboration with Wollongong City Council we were able to have three Refugees from the community Sarra, Ernest and Berhan speak to students during HSIE about their Refugee Journeys to Australia and answer questions. The student feedback was really great. A sample of comments: “I didn’t how hard it was to actually be a refugee” (many said this comment) “I used to think they were bad people.” “I used to be unsure on my opinions on refugees but now I understand why they do what they do and I fully support it.” “How people take things for granted in a country without war.” “I am privileged to live in Australia.” “I think differently about war and violence.”

“I feel more understanding of how long the process of being a refugee is.” “I feel like I understand more about the process of leaving a country. I learnt how difficult it was to leave Syria.” “Refugees need more support.” “Surprised.” “I feel more empathy for refugees.” “The conditions and effects of war.” “People lose their education really easily.” “Hearing one story/the emotion from the story makes the situation so much more realistic.” “The whole thing was new to me.” “I feel differently about having freedom.” “People who are caught in war do not deserve to be.”

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READY ARRIVE WORK PROGRAM Year 10 Figtree High School students along with students from Warrawong and Illawarra Sports High Schools participated in the Ready Arrive Work Program at Wollongong TAFE for Refugee students on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July. Students are assisted to explore vocational learning pathways in a supportive and positive environment to gain a better understanding of employment, career planning and pathways which can lead to a successful career after completing school. Bricklaying, Hospitality and Baking were some of the taste testers the students had the opportunity to experience.

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SOUTHERN STARS COMES ALIVE IN 2018 – TICKETS ON SALE! Southern Stars 2019 COME ALIVE was officially launched at the BlueScope Visitors Centre in Wollongong, where Executive Producer, Paul Roger, announced the theme, and that tickets were officially on sale to the public. There were some fantastic performances from our featured artists offering a sneak peek of some of the great items from this year’s show. Our 4 Tenors in particular really made an impact, bringing the audience to tears – it was incredible! The show once again will have something for everyone. The theme and show segments are all based around how students come alive when they perform. It’s the biggest show in the history of Southern Stars with over 3,000 students from over 100 schools in the Illawarra and around NSW. The students will take part in a world-class two hour arena style variety show that will feature pop, country, rock, and opera. COME ALIVE includes two circus troupes, audience favourites - the NSW Public School Millennial Marching Band, a 600 strong choir, rock band, our Aboriginal dance ensemble, massive student orchestra, the Black Swans with an original item based on stories of the Illawarra, 2000 dancers, amazingly talented featured artists, the signing choir and disABILITY students fully integrated with our drama students and vocalists, and much more. As in past years, community support of Southern Stars is vital to ensure its success, and the easiest way of showing your support is by attending one of the four blockbuster shows. It doesn’t matter if you know anyone performing in the show or not – Southern Stars is a high energy spectacle which provides great entertainment for people of all ages. The talent, energy and enthusiasm of our students, is something not to be missed. Anyone who has attended a show says so!

Over 12,000 people are expected to attend the four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Friday August 31 (10am and 7.30pm) and Saturday September 1 (2pm and 7.30pm) - make sure you are one of them! Please note that tickets should be purchased only through the official ticket booking site of Ticketmaster. http://ticketmaster.com.au You can stay informed about what’s coming up in the show, by visiting our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/www.southernarts.schools.nsw.gov.au/ and Instagram @southernstarsareaspectacular. Please like us and share the stories and pictures with all your friends and family.

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