________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 1

, ,

The fortnightly newsletter of Castle Hill High School

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS

Volume 17 8 November 2013

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Castle Hill Leadership Program

I have pleasure in announcing that Year 11 students Callum

Oldfield and Chandla Serret have been selected to participate in the

inaugural Castle Hill Leadership Program for Year 12 students

across the Castle Hill electorate. Over the course of the program

students will be mentored by some of Australia’s most notable and

prominent leaders including General Peter Cosgrove who will

provide the keynote address at the inaugural dinner on November

22 at Castle Hill RSL. Other prominent mentors include Gail Kelly,

Chief Executive Officer of Westpac, Andrew Scippione, NSW Police

Commissioner, John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia

and Melinda Tankard Reist, writer and social commentator.

The leadership program will culminate at the conclusion of the HSC

year with students undertaking an agricultural service in Papua New

Guinea and trekking the Kokoda Track during schoolies week in

2014.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and others in the Castle Hill area to embed values like

resilience, endurance and effort which will be tested on the trek and during the year while undertaking a range

of challenges, including, of course, the Higher School Certificate.

Telstra

Please carefully read the material included in this newsletter on the Telstra issue. We need you to sign the petition. As well, we have included an overview of the issue so that you can determine your position on it. We are still hoping that reason will prevail and Telstra changes its mind.

Time Capsule

As part of our 50th birthday celebrations we will be burying a time capsule filled with items of teachers and

student work that reflects this decade to be opened in 2063. I have written to the principal of that time to

include in the capsule and have attached that letter for you to read. A ceremony marking the burial will be held

next Thursday November 14 in front of guest from previous years including ex principals David Jaffe and

Christine Del Gallo and ex Deputy Principals Tim O’Brien and John Slinn. The time capsule will be marked

with a plaque, hopefully prominent enough for future teachers and students to find.

Vicki Brewer

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 2

CASTLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL CASTLE STREET CASTLE HILL 2154

Telephone 02 9634 4199 Fax 02 9899 6527 Email: castlehill-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: http://www.chhs.nsw.edu.au

Principal Ms Vicki Brewer

B A Dip Ed

Deputy Principals Mrs Anna Girginis

Bach of Ed G Cert Ed Studies

Mr Ross Warren B A (Asian Studies) G Dip Ed

Deputy Principal (Relieving) Mr Lloyd Das

B A Dip Ed

To Whom It May Concern

I write knowing that when this is read, in 2063, fifty years from now, I will not be alive. A sobering, confronting and unnerving thought, I must say! Despite this, I hope this time capsule is an exciting opportunity for you to see what we do in our teaching and learning, in 2013. It will be up to you to determine how similar or different are our values and beliefs, our practices, operations, tools used to learn and structures, compared with yours. I hope one aspect won’t change after half a century: a belief that this school is a great place to learn and teach; a place where teachers and students work hard and care deeply about one another.

Also with me today, as we prepare to intern this time capsule, are two recently past principals, David Jaffe and Christine Del Gallo, and two past Deputy Principals, Tim O’Brien and John Slinn. Between us, we have seen Castle Hill High School grow and change over a twenty five year span. Their contributions to this school’s history, ethos and growth are significant.

In 2013, student numbers are 1360 with a projection of about 1400 in 2014, a reflection of the steady increase in student enrolments over the last few years. The school is seen as desirable by its local community and those in the wider community, although it is difficult to secure an enrolment if out of the drawing area. Perhaps in 2063 there won’t be such things as a local catchment area for student enrolments.

Our buildings and grounds are well tended. Jacaranda trees, hedged shrubs, a huge number of gums, new rose gardens and plenty of native plants liberally cover the recreational areas and fields of the school. Internally, the school has recently been painted and carpeted, adding a lighter and more modern touch to its previous brown walls and lino tiled flooring.

A pride of place in the school is the student Art Gallery that links the two major buildings, A and E block. Students from a range of classes proudly display ceramics, drawings and mixed media pieces.

It would be interesting for you to know about our technology in 2013 to see if you can envisage what it was like. Of course it will all be obsolete in 2063. It’s fascinating to imagine what technology will be like for you. We are very well resourced with Smartboards in every classroom. A class set of Ipads are in store for individual class use. Two of our six computer labs are state of the art. B15 for example, where we are launching the time capsule today, is a very well appointed room with specially designed computer furniture, aesthetic paintwork and flooring and a 3D printer for students to create 3D samples of their designs. This is a state of the art room, one that is not found in many schools. Another room of interest is our MAC lab for music and art students. I wonder what an Apple Macintosh computer is like in 50 years’ time, or even if the company Apple still exists? It would be interesting to know what has happened to these rooms and what now, in 2063, is regarded as state of the art technology.

Fifty years ago, when Castle Hill High School was established, the curriculum was not too much different from today, in 2013. Again, it would be interesting to know if the curriculum will change much in the next 50 years. In years 7 and 8 students currently study English, mathematics, science, languages (French or Japanese), music, visual arts, TAS (wood, metal, computing, food technology, textiles and design), PDHPE, History and Geography. Three electives are chosen by students for Year 9 and 10 and include subjects like commerce, dance, drama and Information Software Technology and others. Senior students in Year 11 and 12 can select from sixty subject subjects and include subjects such as Legal

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 3

Studies, Economics, Business studies, Ancient History, Modern History, a range of specific Sciences, Hospitality, Software Design and Development, Information Processes and Technology. Seniors can also choose to study some units at TAFE and include subjects like Tourism and Fashion Design. The curriculum is diverse and large, reflecting the academic profile of the school as well as meeting the needs of all students.

Academic achievement is a high priority. We celebrate academic success in the Higher School Certificate with pride. We believe that it is our duty to stretch students’ intellectual capacity and efforts. Again, in 2063, I wonder if this is still a priority and even if the Higher School Certificate still exists. Regarded worldwide as a first class credential, the HSC is studied by students in their final year, year 12, and is rigorous, demanding and competitive. Fifty years ago in 1963 there was something much different from what we have now, so it is intriguing to imagine what is possible for your generation.

Creative and Performing Arts are a very important part of our annual undertakings. Students and teachers work together to produce an annual musical (this year “Back to the 80s” which was, as always, outstanding ), Showcase, HSC music and drama evenings, art shows and drama festivals. At each of our weekly assemblies there’s always an individual or group musical item. Students love it! Is it still possible that Castle Hill High School students are doing an annual musical in 2063?

This is a fine school built on good relationships, care, hard work, a sense of community and the expectation that we will strive for excellence in our teaching and learning. I hope these values are present in Castle Hill High School in 2063.

In celebrating our centenary, you have my best wishes. On behalf of the staff, students and parents we wish you well in continuing with the fine traditions of this school and forging forth with imaginative and innovative ways to educate students in the 21st century.

Yours sincerely

Vicki Brewer Principal November 7, 2013

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 4

P&C NEWS STAND

The P&C has begun its refurbishment planning for the school auditorium amenities scheduled for the Christmas holidays. The Uniform Shop is reviewing the rain jacket for a warmer alternative. We have received a few samples, which are being tested. Please contact the P&C through the school office or contact information below if you wish to join the committees for these projects. Our next P&C meeting is Wednesday, 20th November at 7.00pm. We understand you may not be able to attend meetings but don’t hesitate to contact the P&C with concerns - we are here to listen and assist wherever we can to improve your family’s experience at CHHS. PETITION TO INTRODUCE LAWS:

We have enjoyed significant support from all community leaders in our schools’ and wider communities’ quest to have Telstra respect community views and seek negotiated solutions. Please refer to the letters released by our MP’s Dominic Perrottet and David Elliot. Alex Hawke is to meet with Malcolm Turnbull this week to discuss in earnest our situation.

As we have discovered along the way the Telstra installation has the might of Federal legislation behind it and all other policies, and adherence to Codes of Conduct are treated with little or no respect – a rude lesson. It is sad to witness policy after policy designed to protect the community fall away. In response we hope to change the DEC policy into law to protect all NSW schools as well as our own. Led by our politicians, a submission to NSW Parliament will be presented on Tuesday. The first of 500 signatures have been collected. We now have 9500 to go! It seems a daunting task however if each family collected 10 signatures and addresses from family and friends this number could be achieved. (The Cancer Council began this way in their efforts to change smoking in public places, and were successful). We are hoping NSW schools, P&C’s, Teacher’s Union will get behind this petition in protection of children. We are sending to you a separate attachment of this Petition. Please consider signing and collecting signatures for the benefit of our children. For more information on the Telstra issue please visit our website www.notower.com.au (created by CHHS ex-student, Dylan Mitrovich).

Castle St Castle Hill 2154 Phone: 9634 4199 Fax: 9899 6527 Email: castlehill-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au or P&C chhsp&c@gmail.com

President: Anne-Maree Kinley – 0417 228 534. Vice Presidents: Allan Schumacher – 0418 413 202 and Katherine Watson – 0417 463 400

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 5

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 6

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 7

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 8

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 9

UPDATE FROM HSIE

There are some exciting teaching and learning experiences for our students in Geography and History during the second half of Term 4.

Remembrance Day (Monday 11 November) signals a time for acknowledgement and recognition of those who fought for our desire for freedom and to live in peace. This day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914 – 1918). Remembrance Day is also known as Armistice Day. The wearing of a red poppy on 11 November is now a traditional sign of respect and remembrance to those who have served our country. During our school assembly, students, staff and visitors to the school will be asked to observe one minute silence in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. Poppies, hand-made by Year 9 History students, will be distributed upon entry to the assembly and Year 11 Modern History students will be doing a musical item and speech. We will also be very fortunate to have Mr Phillip Evenden, committee member of the Castle Hill RSL sub-branch join our assembly and provide an address about the significance of Remembrance Day and its relevance to the modern era.

Thursday 14 November brings the opportunity for 20 Year 8 students to participate in a videoconference with Professor Chris Turney, an Antarctic scientist and explorer. We will be one of eight schools across Australia able to participate in this event. The purpose of the videoconference is for students to learn more about the environment of Antarctica; the different types of collaborative, international research occurring in this polar land; and discover more about Mawson and his expeditions. This will support their learning in Geography as it complements the study of global environments, issues and citizenship using polar lands as a case study. The school’s videoconference facilities are located in A14 and due to the small size of this room it is unfortunately not possible for all of Year 8 to participate in the videoconference. Therefore, the HSIE faculty invited each Year 8 student to provide a written expression of interest to their Geography teacher by Wednesday 6 November if they would like to attend this event. There is no cost associated with this incursion.

The burial of a time-capsule is also occurring on Thursday 14 November. Throughout the year and particularly during Term 4, students and school community members have been providing artefacts for inclusion in the time-capsule.

Each Tuesday there is a Quality Morning Tea where students are able to showcase their work. On 26 November, students from Mrs Caldis’ Year 9 Elective History class will be presenting their storyboard about a chosen character – ‘Are they a hero or a villain, and why?’ Themes of perspective and bias have underpinned this unit of work and students have been asked to plan and complete an inquiry to prove or disprove their hypothesis. The difficult part was for students to choose, develop and maintain their story about the perspective through whom they have chosen to portray Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot or Tilly Devine. Interestingly, most students decided to showcase their character from the perspective of seeing them as a hero because it contradicted information commonly available.

As part of our planning for 2014, the HSIE team are investigating a range of inquiry-based learning opportunities to support teaching and learning particularly through site studies in History, fieldwork in Geography and case-study visits for Accelerated Business Studies.

Susan Caldis Head Teacher HSIE

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 10

SPORTS COUNCIL SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

KIMIA SHARIFI NASAB Congratulations Kimia on your selection as Sports Captain for the Junior Sports Council in 2014. What do you want to achieve as Junior Sports Council Captain?

As Junior Sports Council Captain I wish to raise the spirit of sport in the junior school and help those in it to build on their leadership skills. I aim to aid them in achieving their goals and objectives within the school in terms of sport activities and events. I also am determined to raise the profile of girls participating in sport within the school.

What sports do you compete in?

Out of school I play club netball for Gazelle’s netball club. I also do summer netball during the off season to keep my fitness up. I have also played a season of futsal for fun with friends.

What training/work do you do for sport?

During netball season I train once a week with my team and twice on my own at the gym in order to improve on my fitness so I can play better during the game. In the off season I play night netball or indoor netball as well as go for runs or to the gym. My training mainly involves fitness and core training so that I can play better in my position as Captain.

Why do you enjoy competing at sport?

I love sport because of the challenge it sets me, causing me to push harder in order to help my team out and ultimately win. I am also very competitive in nature and therefore love competing against challenging teams every week. Sport is also a great way to meet new people and make friendships with people from other schools.

What sports have you represented CHHS at?

I’ve represented the school in a variety of sports such as Open Girls Hockey, U15 and Opens Soccer, Opens Futsal, Opens Cricket and U15s Water Polo. I have also represented the school in Zone Athletics and Regional Cross Country.

What is your favourite subject at school?

It would definitely have to be PD/H/PE. It is such an interesting subject that teaches you important life skills.

Thanks for the interview

Sports Council

CANTEEN NEWS

The return of some old favourites and the introduction of some new menu items has been met with a very positive response from both students and staff. A big thank you from the canteen for all your support!

Salads are selling well, especially with the students. The return of our chocolate mousse has been met with great excitement and the 50c frozen fruit juice tubes (Quelch Fruit sticks) makes a cool treat on a hot day.

Don’t forget, ordering lunch guarantees you will get what you want, the way you want it. Before school is the best time to place your order but we will accept them right up until the end of recess.

Joanna Sutherland

Canteen Co-Ordinator

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 11

FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER

Published and distributed by email to parents each Friday fortnight during school term

CALENDAR 2013 - TERM 4

DATE CALENDAR EVENT TERM 4 WEEK 6A

DATE CALENDAR EVENT TERM 4 WEEK 7B

Monday 11 November

2013

Remembrance Day Ceremony

Girl’s Knockout Water polo Gala Day

Monday 18 November

2013

Year 10 Camp

Tuesday 12 November

2013

CHHS Student Leadership Day

ESSA Test Online

Schools Spectacular Dance – 7am

Tuesday 19 November

2013

Year 10 Camp

Wednesday 13 November

2013

Year 10 Scripture Seminar

Assembly Years 7-11

Wednesday 20 November

2013

Year 10 Camp

Assembly Years 7-10 Celebration

Thursday 14 November

2013

Time Capsule Dedication – 10 am

Years 10 & 11 Drama Theatre Workshop – 1.15 pm

Thursday 21 November

2013

Year 7 Scripture Seminar

Careers Excursion to Woolworths – 9.30 am

Friday 15 November

2013

Sports Council Excursion - 8am Jamberoo

Friday 22 November

2013

Next P & C Meeting 20 November – 7.30pm Common Room

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS Now available in all sizes Girls Senior Skirts Sizes 2 – 24 $65.00 Blouses Sizes 66 – 146 $40.00 Girls Summer Dresses All Sizes $65.00

Boys Long Blue Trousers Sizes 76 – 102 $50.00 Boys Blue Shorts Sizes 78 – 102 $40.00 Boys Shirts Sizes 30 – 46 $40.00 Grey Shorts Sizes 12 – 3XL $30.00

OPENING HOURS FOR TERM 4 2013

Weeks 6 - 11 Monday and Friday 8.15am – 11.30am

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 12

CASTLE HILL COMMUNITY NEWS and ADVERTISING

Disclaimer: Advertisements placed in the school's Fortnightly Newsletter do not reflect an endorsement or otherwise by Castle Hill High School of that product or service

Mention Castle Hill High School and for each referral, $2.00 will be given to the School from Taylored Physiotheray

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

EXCELLENCE INNOVATION SUCCESS School Telephone: 9634 4199 School Facsimile: 9899 6527 Website: http://www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Page 13

LIVING WITH TEENAGERS: (6 weeks) A group for parents led by our Adolescent and Family Counsellor, exploring issues such as:

How to Communicate with your teenager

Building Self Esteem

Guidance and Discipline

Drugs and Alcohol

Depression in young people

Caring for yourself When: Tuesday evenings 7pm to 9pm 5th November to 10th December 2013 Where: The Cottage, 3 Hammers Rd. Northmead Cost: $15 for the materials (per family)

Bookings essential. Book early for this popular course.

Phone: 9683 6426

REGISTER FOR 2014 BY END NOV 2013 & ONLY PAY 2013 FEES & 2013 returning players will also qualify for free shorts and socks and new

players to the club will qualify for free socks

Register SAT 23rd NOVEMBER 2013 - 8:30am to 4:00pm Register SAT 30th NOVEMBER 2013 - 8:30am to 4:00pm

Club House, Fred Caterson Reserve, Caterson Dr (off Gilbert Rd) Castle Hill

EFTPOS & CREDIT CARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE Sibling discounts offered for 3 or more players (refer website for details)

ALL AGE GROUPS AND SKILL LEVELS WELCOME

FunSkills - ages 4 to 6: in-house mini games & skills on Saturdays at Fred Caterson

U7 - in-house Small Sided Football games on Saturdays at Fred Caterson

U8, U9, U10 & U11 - Small Sided Football games in local Hills or Association competition

Competition Grades - mixed ages U12 to U21, All Age, O35s and O45s on Saturdays

Girls & Ladies – can play up to age 14 in mixed competition on Saturdays or play in Girls &

Ladies only competition grades on Sundays for ages U8 to All Age Ladies whilst O35 Ladies competition play on Friday nights

Note: For any Registrations after 30 November 2013, there will only be “on line” registrations and payment which will open

from early January for any places left available and 2014 fees will apply and no free shorts or socks

Website www.castlehillfootball.com.au : Phone our Club House (02) 9680 7988 Contact the Club Registrar by email : registrar@castlehillfootball.com.au

Castle Hill United Football Club

2014 SEASON REGISTRATION

WESLEY GIANT GARAGE SALE Where: In the Wesley Uniting Church grounds

32 Showground Road, Castle Hill.

Dates/Times: Friday November 22nd 2013 9:00am - 3:00pm Saturday November 23rd 2013 9:00am - 1:00pm Sale items/Stalls will include Books, Records, CD’s, DVD’s, Clothing, Christmas, Electrical, Plants, Toys, Furniture, Manchester, White Elephant, Fine Art and China etc. We will also be providing tea and coffee during sale hours, together with a Sausage Sizzle for lunch on both days, and Bacon and Egg rolls for breakfast on Saturday morning. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and pick up a bargain (or two) knowing you are helping those families who need help within the Hills District, through the Hills Family Centre.