From the Principal

A Tribute to Mrs Toula Loizos

Following on from the memorial assembly which

was held at school for Mrs Loizos, please find the

following reflection. For those of you who were not at

the memorial it may provide further insight into the

extraordinary contribution Mrs Loizos made at our

school.

Mrs Loizos was an exemplary teacher and colleague,

widely valued by staff and students at Blakehurst High

School and beyond.

Mrs Loizos worked relentlessly, with her reputation preceding

her as an exemplary teacher of languages, specialising in

Greek. Before arriving at Blakehurst High school in 2005, she

taught in a casual capacity at JJ Cahill HS and James Cook

Boys HS. She also taught Greek at St George Saturday School where many of her students

attained first place in the state. This tradition continued at Blakehurst High School, where she

has worked for the last 11 years. Invariably her students were placed 1st or in the first 5 in the

state in Greek Continuers, Greek Beginners or Greek Extension.

Mrs Loizos worked extensively for Blakehurst High School on exam committees, was a senior

marker for the HSC, an examiner for Greek Speaking and a member of numerous curriculum

committees where her expertise was greatly valued and often sought. Such knowledge contributed

to the professional development of many staff members.

At a broader level, Mrs Loizos was inspiring at all times, heavily involved in whole school events with an

exuberant spirit that showed her love of learning and languages.

More than her unwavering dedication to bringing out the best learning possible for all students, was her

teaching about life. Mrs Loizos demonstrated the life-long values of acceptance, tolerance, compassion

and mutual respect. As Year Adviser, she got to know her year group as individuals as well as a collective,

never losing sight of the importance of getting each of them successfully through high school. Her contagious

spirit, humour and dedication helped to develop students both academically and personally.

Mrs Loizos’ unwavering commitment to educating and enhancing the lives of each of her students and inspiring

her many colleagues has left an impression on us all.

Staff and students are deeply saddened by her passing and will always remember Mrs Loizos as a wonderful

teacher whose lessons both inside and outside the classroom will never be forgotten.

We pass on our sincere and deep condolences to her family and fondly remember Mrs Loizos for her years of

exemplary devotion to the young people of our school community.

N E W S L E T T E R

Blakehurst High School

Your Outstanding Local Comprehensive Secondary School

Term 2 Update – July 2016.

Term 3 Update – September 2012

270A Woniora Road BLAKEHURST NSW 2221 Ph: 9546 3281 Fax: 9547 1024 Email: blakehurst-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.blakehurst-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Term 2 – A busy Term!

Term 2 has been extremely busy. As it draws to an end, it is interesting to look at some of many activities and events that took

place over the last 10 weeks. This list only scratches the surface of what occurs in the school:

Formal Anzac Day Ceremony

NAPLAN exams for Years 7 and 9

Parent and Teacher nights for Years 8-10

Two P&C meetings

Music Night

Numerous sports knockouts, as well as Grade Sport

Year 9 Languages Camp

International Student Guardians meeting

A variety of excursions organised by different KLAs

The school Athletics Carnival – again held this year at The Ridge Athletics Field

100s of hours of work placement completed by VET students

Year 7 Camp

Work experience for 80 Year 10 students

Reports for all years written and distributed to parents

Term 3 sees this intense pace continue. Amongst a multitude of other activities we will have a Subject Selection Evening for

Years 8 and 10; Year 12 will be sitting their HSC Trial exams; and Year 11 will be completing their Preliminary exams in the

last two weeks.

Girls’ Sports Uniform

In addition to the BHS black track suit pants and BHS black shorts, there is now another option for the Girls ’ sports uniform.

This change comes as a result of years of requests from girls in the school as well as much consultation with students, staff

and parents.

From the end of Term 3, girls will be permitted to wear a specific pair of compression tights that has BHS embroided on them.

It is this BHS embroided variety, formulated by the company Quick Response based at Kirrawee, which will be the only

acceptable option.

Therefore, the only appropriate sport attire for girls will be the shorts, track pants and compression tights bearing our school

logo. No other tights (compression or otherwise), shorts or track pants will be acceptable. This is consistent with our school’s

uniform policy which aims at ensuring consistency and pride in our school uniform.

The garments are made of a fabric that is harder wearing, more comfortable and has the compression benefit. They will be

identifiable as linking with Blakehurst High School because of the BHS logo in blue print along the leg. The design for these

specific compression tights are pictured below.

These tights will be offered as a sport uniform option to all girls in the school, however they are not mandatory.

Sport staff and the Welfare Coordinator will be attending Year meetings in Week 3 of Term 3 to illustrate this option, talk about

sizing and hand out purchase orders for those girls interested.

Blakehurst High School

PLEASE USE THIS FORM FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ONLY

Student Name: Roll Class:

Payment For: PAYMENT DETAILS: {Please tick on box} Please debit my credit card for $

Visa Mastercard

Name on Card: Card Number:

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Expiry Date: / Signature:

(Receipt will be sent home with student)

If the school makes a bulk order, cheaper prices can be passed on to families. In this case, the cost for the ¾ length

compression tight is approximately $40 and the cost for the full length compression leggings is approximately $45.

If an individual order is made to Quick Response, the cost per garment will rise by about $10.

Half-Yearly reports

By now you should have all received a copy of your child’s half yearly reports.

It would be great if you discussed the teacher’s comments with your children, especially the recommendations for

improvement.

Subject Selection Evening

On the first Wednesday back next term, 20th July, we will be holding a Subject Selection Information evening for all Year 8

and 10 students and their parents. We are requesting that all students and their parents attend these very important

meetings if they intend on studying at Blakehurst High School in 2017.

The organisation for the evening is:

Year 8 meeting in the hall promptly at 5pm for a short presentation – this will be followed by various KLA/faculty

displays of elective subjects available for Year 9 students in 2017. Teachers and Head Teachers will be available to

discuss the options available within their KLA (5-30 pm until 6-30 pm).

Year 10 meeting in the hall at 6-00 pm for a short presentation on HSC requirements and the subject selection

process as it operates at BHS.

This will be followed by KLA/faculty displays to allow students and parents to discuss 2017 Year 11 subject options

with subject teachers and KLA Head Teachers (6-30pm until 7-30pm). There will be TAFE teachers also in

attendance during this time.

School Website

Just a reminder that our website is a valuable source of information regarding the activities taking place at school on

a day to day basis.

You are able to access the school’s calendar to see what is occurring on a particular day or week. This includes

details regarding school excursions.

Please refresh your knowledge of the website by visiting:

http://www.blakehurst-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

School Fees

Thanks to the many families who have already paid their school fees for 2016. These fees assist greatly in the running of the

school, and all fees received are used to enhance your child’s education this year.

General contributions are used to pay for things such as photocopying, textbooks, teaching resources, library books etc. The

school would simply not have enough money to pay for all of these things without parents paying the General Contribution. So

again, thank you. Subject fees vary in their amount based on the amount of consumables used in the teaching of the subject.

As a result, some subjects have NO fees but others such as Visual Arts, Woodwork, Construction, Food Tech etc. have higher

fees due to the resources/consumables required and used by the students undertaking these subjects. The P&C Student

Enhancement Fee is used by the P&C to fund worthwhile educational projects/resources around the school, again to improve

the educational outcomes of students this year. If you have trouble in paying your fees please feel free to contact Kim Morris

(Office Manager) or myself to organise payment in instalments or to discuss other arrangements. All information provided will

be held in confidence.

Blakehurst High School has recently purchased the Skoolbag App to allow us to communicate directly with

you. It works for both smart phones and smart devices. Blakehurst High School Skoolbag App free to download will

allow you to keep up-to-date with the following:

1. School events

2. School newsletters

3. School documents

It provides a link to our school website and allows you to contact the school directly.

Please see the following information on how to download the app and set it up to receive the free notifications.

iPhone & iPad Users

1. Click the “App Store” icon on your Apple device

2. Type your school name in the search, (using suburb name will help)

3. If iPhone, you will see your school appear, click “FREE” then

“INSTALL”

4. If iPad, change the drop list to “iPhone Apps”, your school will then

be visible, click “Free” then “install”

5. When installed click “Open”

6. Select “OK” to receive push notifications, when asked

7. Click the “More” button on the bottom right of the App, then “Setup”

8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you

How to Install Skoolbag

On Your Smartphone

Android Users

You must first have signed up with a Google Account before installing the app.

1. Click the “Play Store” button on your Android Device

2. Click the magnifying glass icon at the top and type in your school

name, (using suburb name will help)

3. Click the school name when it appears in the search

4. Click the “install” button

5. Click “Accept” for various permissions (please note, we do not

modify any of your personal data on your device)

6. Click ‘Open” when installed

7. Click the “More” button on the bottom right of the App, then “Setup”

8. Toggle on the Push Categories that are applicable for you

Dan Ovens Principal (Relieving)

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S Report

NEW PROCEDURES FOR LATENESS TO PERIOD 0 FOR SENIOR STUDENTS.

Due to increasing lateness of senior students to period 0 classes we have introduced a new procedure to make persistently

late students accountable.

If they arrive to period 0 late they are sent to the Deputy in charge of their year group. Below are the consequences for each

lateness a student presents with:

First Offence

Verbal warning

Second Offence

Lunchtime detention on the day of lateness

(Room 3)

Third Offence

After school detention, parent notification

(Thursday, Room 3)

Fourth Offence

After school detention (Thursday, Room 3), parent

interview, warning of suspension

Fifth Offence

Possible short suspension for continued disobedience.

Contract signed by parent and student on return from

suspension.

Each term the slate is wiped clean and we begin again. To date, the students have generally taken well to this process and we

have seen a distinct decline in lateness.

Please reinforce with your child the importance of attending all classes punctually and stress that every lesson missed will

have an impact on their learning. If all students are on time and engaged in their lessons, they will be less likely to feel anxious

when exam time comes around.

I would like to wish all our school community a safe and relaxing holiday break.

Mrs V Manos Deputy Principal

CAPA ‘Column’

As Term 2 draws rapidly to a close, time to reflect on a very busy and productive

term! Where has the time gone!!

Our Annual Music Night was on

Wednesday 15 June - a little

earlier this year, but a

spectacular night none the less!! Music Night is CAPA’s

performance ‘night of nights’, and what a fabulous

opportunity it was to showcase our homegrown talent.

Congratulations to all our performers!! What a fabulous

effort! And special mention and thank you to our wonderful

Stage Crew and staff helpers!! Thank you all very much!

‘Pictures say a thousand words ……….

Camera !!

Cam

era

Lights !!

Cam

era

Action ! !

Came

ra

CONCERT BAND

We are delighted to welcome new members to the band.

GUITAR LESSONS Don’t forget guitar lessons that are held each Friday. There are still times available for students who would like to

start lessons in Term 3. See Ms Jacobsen for more details.

DANCE Our Dance classes are proving to be a big hit!! The students are loving it and Jess Hesketh the dance teacher, is

very encouraged by the standard of our students and their fantastic commitment. We have selected the team to

participate in the ensemble at 2016 Schools Spectacular. Very soon our school will be receiving banners to be

placed around the school celebrating the fact that we are a ‘SPECTACULAR SCHOOL’ in 2016. The rehearsals will

begin in Term 4 in preparation for the concert on 24 and 25 November at the Qudos Arena at Sydney Olympic

Park. What a fabulous opportunity for BHS! Our very first time as participants!!! Ms Boutsouklis and I am so

proud to be part of it and look forward to the wonderful time we will all have!! We will keep you updated in

following newsletters and on the school website.

On behalf of the CAPA team – thank you to all our students for a super effort this term!! Looking forward to

doing it all again next term!!

Have a great holiday. Rest and recharge!!

Visual Arts…

YEAR 8

Mrs Codey’s year 8 Visual Arts class have worked well this semester using a variety of art mediums such as

Ceramics, Painting and now Lino Printing.

Each student designed and sketched an image, then transferred it to a Lino plate. They use carving tools to carve

away the negative areas of

the image. They then print

the image and repeat the

steps to achieve a two or

three coloured registration.

Visual Arts is included as

one of the mandatory

subjects in years 7 and 8. It

then becomes an elective in

years 9 and 10, along with

Visual Design, and

Photography and Digital

Media.

Students in Art room 1 Engaged in Lino Printing

Chelsey Jayden & Zhi proud of their printing efforts

http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiw3qH_68vNAhUME5QKHcm_Dl8QjRwIBw&url=http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/crayon.html&psig=AFQjCNFap_GekK9AlDM3PhHIaZfvaiI9zw&ust=1467241838016353

Judy Jacobsen & the CAPA Team

Welfare Report

2016 National Adolescent Vaccination

Program…

Visit 1 - Friday March 18, 2016

Visit 2 – Friday June 10, 2016

Visit 3 – Friday October 28, 2016

Each year NSW Health and the Public Health Units offer vaccines recommended for adolescents by the National

Health and Medical Research Council as part of the school-based program. If you have any medical queries in

regards to the vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Immunisation team on 9382 8333.

All students have received a Parent Information Kit. To consent to the vaccination, parents/guardians are

advised to:

Read all the information provided

Complete the consent form, including signing their name to the vaccine(s) they would like their child to

receive

Return the completed consent form to the school as soon as possible

Ensure your child eats breakfast on the day of the vaccination

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by writing to the school

Principal. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website at

www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation

The following vaccinations will be offered to Year 7 students:

dTpa vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis (whooping cough) as a single dose

varicella vaccine (chickenpox) as a single dose; and

human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in a 3 dose schedule (students who commence HPV vaccination in

Year 7 but do not complete the course may be offered catch-up doses at school in Year 8)

Please note for the HPV vaccine only, parents/guardians must record their Medicare Number (all 10 digits and the

11th number beside the child’s name) on the consent form, as this is required to record the student’s information

on the National HPV Vaccination Register and (for females only) link to the National or State Cervical Screening

Program.

A Record of Vaccination Card will be provided to each student vaccinated at the clinic. Parents/guardians

should ensure that this record is kept for future reference and should not assume that their child has been

vaccinated if they do not receive this Record of Vaccination. If your child misses a dose of the vaccine, provided

you have returned the signed consent form, the missed dose vaccine will be caught up at the next scheduled

vaccination clinic throughout the year.

Ms Olga Pappas Welfare Coordinator (Relieving)

Ms K Rizzo Liu Year 7 Student Adviser

On Friday the 27th of May, the Year 9 Junior

Prefects held a Tracky Dack Day in order to

fundraise

for the TLC

for

Kids charity. The

junior prefects who

participated in

this

wonderful

cause were

Lina, Phoebe,

Marina, Hayley, Connie,

Gideon, Aman, Sardar, Brian, Bradley, Jake and

Swikriti, along with Ms Pappas, our coordinator.

TLC for Kids charity works on helping and

supporting the many hospitalised children and their

families. They do this by providing relief and

comfort through therapeutic distraction during

painful medical procedures, all the way to crucial

practical, financial or emotional support when

needed in difficult times.

Tracy Dack Day is any day in May when the people

in Australia ‘dack up and donate’. This is done by

wearing trackies and fundraising for the many kids

who need support. As quoted by them, ‘Everyday,

hospitalised children are encouraged to change into

their trackies. This simple act can significantly lift

their mood by creating a more normal day-to-day

routine.’

Blakehurst High School took part in Tracky Dack

day and the outcome was extremely positive! We were able to raise $1101.20 in total!

This was achieved through a gold coin

donation from those who wore trackies

and a bake sale; both events being very

successful. Cupcakes, rainbow jelly,

brownies, rocky road and cookies were some the food

sold during the bake sale, in which the junior prefects

and Ms Pappas contributed to significantly. Overall, it

was a fun filled busy day; all proceeds going towards

supporting the TLC for Kids charity and the help they

provided for hospitalised children.

The Year 9 Prefect Body would like to thank

the Blakehurst High community for their

enormous support to this worthwhile cause.

…Swikriti

…Year 9 Prefect

Ms Olga Pappas Welfare Coordinator (Relieving)

Year 12 Excursion to the Shoe-Horn Sonata Performance

On Tuesday the 24th of May, 20 students from Ms Boulmetis’ Standard English class, 12EBM,

attended a live performance for their Module A prescribed text at the Giant Dwarf Theatre in the

inner-city Sydney suburb of Redfern. We caught the train to Central Station and walked to our

venue. Arriving early, we voyaged through the beautiful sights of Sydney’s south including Sydney

Park, which is opposite the theatre where some of us played basketball and others picnicked,

gaining extensive knowledge from Ms Boulmetis about HSC English, the module and the text itself

among other things, while also enjoying some snacks.

The prescribed text we viewed for almost three hours was John Misto’s 1996 play, The Shoe-Horn

Sonata. The Shoe-Horn Sonata revolves around the horrific and inhumane experiences of Bridie

Cartwright and Sheila Richards, two of countless army nurses, who were held captive in WWII at the

hands of the Japanese Army, who both tried diligently to escape their plights in Singapore.

In addition to having already read the play in class, attending the live performance enabled us to

further understand and recognise a wider range of techniques including stage directions, body

language, lighting and the background visuals. Simply reading the words in a book could not have

prepared us sufficiently to achieve our full potential in future assessment tasks. It also assisted in

making the scenes become more memorable, meaningful and powerful to us. It was, above all, very

riveting, refreshing and engaging which helped motivate us to further appreciate the beauty of this

play. Therefore, attending this event should certainly prove to have been very worthwhile for our

performances in what are becoming our very imminent final assessment tasks.

Moreover, we would also like to thank Ms Boulmetis for organising our English Teachers’

Association (ETA) Discovery Day at the University of Sydney earlier this year, which we also found

to be very useful, worthwhile and effective, where the lecturers gave us very important tips for

succeeding the HSC in all three sections of English’s Paper 1, which all focus on our Area of Study,

Discovery.

Seminars for our specific prescribed texts were also provided where our several classes split up

according to our prescribed texts. The different lectures we attended included William

Shakespeare’s The Tempest (Advanced English), Ivan O’Mahoney’s documentary film Go Back To

Where You Came From and Michael Gow’s play, Away. We’d furthermore like to thank Ms Lyons

and Ms Taradilis for also accompanying us to this event to cater for the large number of Year 12

students who attended.

Finally, Ms Boulmetis was particularly impressed with our behaviour, attitude and level of

engagement with the Shoe-Horn Sonata and Discovery Day excursions, demonstrating the spirit

and expectations of Blakehurst High School pupils. On behalf of the class, we would like to give a

big thanks to Ms Boulmetis for the exhaustive preparation she put into these very worthwhile and

definitely fun events!!!

….Costa Dantos

…./Prefect 2016

…Yr 12 Standard English Student

Ms E Boulmetis English Teacher

From the CAREERS Adviser… Term two has been a very busy and productive time in Careers at Blakehurst High

School. Over eighty Year 10 students participated in work experience and seventy

Year 11 and Year 12 students attended either the HSC & Careers Expo or the

Western Sydney Careers Expo. In addition many of our Year 10 students took up

the opportunity to study a Get Into VET TAFE course, a group of Year 9

students participated in a Career leadership and goal setting course here at school

and another group of Year 9 students attended a Yamaha Work Inspiration Day at the

Yamaha Motor Australia Headquarters.

Relieving Year 9 Year Adviser Mr Reeve accompanied the Year 9 group to Yamaha. Mr Reeve gives an

overview of the day below:

Four Year 9 students recently spent a day at Yamaha Motors National Head Office in

Wetherill Park. It was an opportunity for them to gain an insight into many aspects of a major

Motorcycle company. They toured around most of the areas of the site, including the spare

parts warehouse and the workshops that did repairs and fitted out new motorcycles, seeing

the range of products that Yamaha make. They learnt about many of the different types of

jobs within the organization and the skills and knowledge they used.

Highlights included using the Helicopter simulator, and three hands-on activities that showed

them the basics of an engine, a computerised diagnostic tool for identifying engine problems,

and tuning an engine.

The take home message for the students was the importance of finishing whatever TAFE

course or apprenticeship that they start, as it opens doors into many fields and different

career options.

The students enjoyed the day and were a credit to the school by the way they engaged with

the Yamaha staff and participated in the activities.

Year 9 students are pictured

enjoying their day at

YAMAHA

Ms Evers Careers Adviser

Peer Support – Wrap Up

The Peer Support program for 2016 has been running for the past two terms. In

the many sessions, Year 10 Peer Support Leaders have done an excellent

job at helping Year 7 develop their self-confidence, self-esteem and

communication skills.

Term 1 started with the leaders participating on a training day on the

15th of February. The training was enjoyable and taught the students

how to involve all members of a group and keeping the Year 7s

interested in the topics that were to be tackled.

When Peer Support started in Week 4, the Year 10s were very excited

to meet their Year 7 groups and to get the activities started. These

activities saw the Year 7s getting to know each other better, learning to

work together, facing their challenges and working through conflict (anti-

bullying).

In Term 2, we even had Year 10 Peer Support leaders join our Year 7s at

Camp.

Although the sessions have officially finished this

term, the Peer Support Leaders still have work

ahead of them as the Year 7s continue to settle into

their first year of High School. Overall, it has been a

great program that has taught both the Year 7s and

Year 10s important life skills.

….Olivia

….Peer Support Leader

Peer support is a valuable program set up to support the transition of Year 7 students into high school. For the past semester, a group

of approximately 30 year 10 students have acted as ‘mentors’ for our younger counterparts. As trained year 10 students

involved in the Peer Support Program, we attended the orientation at the beginning of the year, guiding the Year 7 students

through a series of activities, talking to them about their new timetables and taking them on a tour of the school. When

the Year 7 students first began their high school term, they attended one 30 minute period per week of the structured

peer support program, facilitated by us, students who met each week with the coordinator of the program to discuss

and plan the following lessons activities. It has been a great experience and privilege watching these young, shy

students blossom into mature and outgoing students who have a passion to learn and meet new people.

Being a year 10 student and having gone through the awkward transition stage from primary to high

school, we know all too well that it may feel a little bit uncomfortable and lonely at times and it is really

great having that encouragement from peer leaders and teachers to meet new people and be able to

share thoughts and opinions with others, in order to build self-confidence. Through the many

games, challenges and discussions, long-lasting friendships were built and the Year 7 students

could have a time to express their feelings towards high school, with us acting as a guide,

trying to help and support them in every possible way. By the end of the program, the aim

was to educate year 7 students on how a positive mindset in high school towards

anything will lead to positive results and how any negative situation can be

switched to a positive one. I am positive that each and every one of these

Year 7 students will continue to build their communication skills and through

perseverance and determination, will achieve the best possible results.

On behalf of all Year 10 Peer Leaders, we would like to thank Miss

Dracopolous and Miss Butler for facilitating the Peer Support

meetings and activities and putting in their time and effort in

teaching us how to deal with the lessons in the best manner. Ms Dracopoulos Peer Support Coordinator

Peer Support Reflection - Sally Ibrahim

This has been a busy but

also emotional term for the

LOTE Faculty.

Unfortunately we lost a much

valued member of staff Mrs

T Loizos who passed away on

the 28th may 2016 after a

long battle

with Multiple Myeloma.

Toula will be sorely missed

not only in the LOTE Staff

Room

but also by her colleagues

and students here at

Blakehurst High School.

LOTE Report

This term we also had the

Languages Camp. On the 20th

and 21st of May Ms Winston,

Ms Fotiadis, Mrs Mangraviti

Ms A Soldatos and Ms

D’Arcangeli accompanied 45

Year 9 students to The

Stanwell Tops for an

overnight linguistic camp.

Apart from the camp

organised activities such as

the Giant Swing and Vertical

Challenge students also

participated in several language

based activities which included self-

introductions, cooking, treasure hunt, performances and of course the

famous disco. Once again this year our theme was pirates. A fun time was had by all.

I would like to

take this opportunity

to thank the

Languages staff

for all their

effort with their

language classes

in preparation

for the

camp and

also for their

commitment to

the learning of

languages

because without

their time and effort

such wonderful experiences

for our students

could not take

place. I would

like to wish

everyone a

restful and safe holiday and look forward to another exciting term

in languages.

Mrs A Mangraviti Head Teacher LOTE

English News

Another busy but successful term of English is over. Students have been reading, viewing, performing, analysing

and creating a range of literature and learning about how composer create meaning through their texts. Term 3 is

going to be just as busy but we are looking forward to sharing more exciting educational experiences with our

wonderful and proactive students.

Junior Term 3 Units:

Senior English Our HSC candidates are now into their final module of study and should be in full preparation mode for the Trial exams in Week 3 Term 3. Year 11 students have now completed Module A and are also on to their final module of study. All senior students should be revising notes at home, completing practice essays and seeking feedback on work from teachers in preparation for their final exams.

Study Tip #2 PROOFING YOUR ASSESSMENTS

1st Proof: It’s a good idea to relocate from your work space for this. For example, take your assignment to a

park or another room - somewhere you will sit with new focus for a set time. Go to this place with the sole

purpose to proof. Ensure you take the criteria, what the question is asking with you. Your first proof needs to take

into account the following factors.

WORD COUNT: Is the word count of your assessment within the specified limit? If it is not, note how many

words need to be cut.

SPELLING / GRAMMAR: Spelling and grammar need to be correct. If you are using a computer, spell

check will help - but don’t rely on it. For example, you might have typed 'from' when you meant 'form'. The

spell check won’t pick that up.

SOURCES: Are all sources listed for visuals, examples and quotes?

CRITERIA / QUESTION ANSWERED? Check the criteria and tick where you have addressed the criteria.

You will then ensure your assignment answers everything asked.

REPETITION: It’s easy to repeat points, double check you haven’t done this.

Year 7 - The Animal Kingdom

In this unit students will investigate the role of animals in our society and our responsibility towards them. This will be achieved through activities such as reading and analysing short stories, poetry, advertising, non-fiction, multi-media & visual texts. Technology will be used to research and present ideas.

Year 8 – A Cinematic Experience: Film Study (theme: gender)

In this unit students will study gender and stereotypes. They will discuss their personal values and beliefs. Students will reflect on their own views on gender roles, how gender is constructed socially and the impact of stereotypes on boys and girls. They will undertake a close study of a film and related texts including media texts and analyse how the composers of these texts use film techniques and conventions to explore gender issues.

Year 9 – All the World’s A Stage: Shakespeare

Students begin to experience a classical text by studying the elements of drama that are as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare’s time. They learn about Shakespeare’s context and how it impacted on his work. Students also develop a deep understanding of the characters and thematic concerns of one play. They culminate their studies in a formal essay composition which provides an in-depth analysis of the play.

Year 10 – Crime Fiction Focus: to identify and analyse how ideas are presented through a variety of elements in the crime and thriller genres and for students to reflect on their own processes. Students are required to engage with a prose text (novel) and visual texts (e.g. advertisements, photographs, posters, book covers).

USEFUL INFORMATION: It’s not uncommon to write unnecessary information. Do you have points that

don’t really answer the question? Have you written clearly? Is there any information you could leave out?

Is there any information that you realise needs to be added?

REINFORCE: This is where you need to finalise which words you will bold, highlight, underline etc. so your

assignment clearly identifies the main points. Bolding can let the teacher see clearly that you have

covered all the parts of the question, that there is a sequence of ideas and you have organised the

information well.

FIX: Make sure that when you are back at your desk you fix all of the errors you have found.

2nd Proof: The next day repeat the above steps, but this time - READ YOUR ASSIGNMENT OUT LOUD! If

you didn’t print your assignment to proof the first time, now could be the time. Reading and hearing the words

spoken in different mediums can sometimes give a new perspective to your writing. Note down any changes you

need to make, and make them.

Moodle Don’t forget to access the English Moodle site regularly for homework activities, extended information, extension

activities, practice papers, past papers and assessment notifications. You must log into the site with your DEC log

in, including the @detnsw after your username.

http://web3.blakehurst-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/moodle/course/category.php?id=5

Debating As we come to the end of term, the debating competition is at different stages for each of our teams. Our senior

debaters are finished their official competition stage with the opportunity to attend the final of the Premier’s

Debating Challenge for year 11 and 12 at Sydney University. Unfortunately our teams did not make it to this final,

but as part of the audience, may be able to pick up some more tips from other teams!

Ms Sophia Shaw and Ms Alexis Heron are our senior debate coaches for 2016. Below, Miss Shaw has written

about her team’s experience during the final round of the tournament.

Our senior debating team performed valiantly against the formidable team from Newtown High School of the

Performing Arts during Round 3 of the Premier's Debating Challenge. All of our team members spoke eloquently

and with much poise and confidence, working together as a cohesive unit to secure an impressive win. Our senior

debaters should be very proud of their efforts in the current competition, despite narrowly missing a place in

the semi-final rounds. Their respectful representation of our school community is to be commended. It is very

pleasing to see that our students have shown great interest in returning as competitors in 2017!

Our junior debaters (Team A and Team B) from years 7 and 8 will complete their second and third debating

rounds against Tempe and each other on Tuesday and Wednesday of week 10. Their skills have improved

significantly throughout the tournament and their training. We wish them all the very best for this upcoming

challenge! Our intermediate (year 9 and 10) debaters will officially commence their tournament next term. Both

the junior and intermediate teams were able to take advantage of having a debating adjudicator coming in for

recent training sessions. All students who were present reported getting a lot of valuable information from these

sessions.

Keep practising over the holidays teams! Once our tournaments are officially over, debate training will continue

for the remainder of the year to continue to build our skills for future competitions! Any interested debaters for

2017 will also be welcome to join certain training sessions later in the year.

Ms Pestana (Debating Coordinator)

Premier’s Reading Challenge The Premier’s Reading is still steaming ahead at Blakehurst and students are already starting to complete their

challenges. We encourage students to continue challenging each other in Years 7, 8 and 9 to read, to read more

and to read more widely. The 2016 Premier's Reading Challenge closes on the 19th August. More information

can be found on the website: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc

Student English work

8ELY – Jak Meadows excerpt from a picture book titled ‘The Day

Everything Changed’ about the Stolen Generations.

Jak reflected on this particular page, saying: “I am particularly proud of my

final picture as it illustrated it myself and it is a strong message in it that he

will never forget what he went through, I sketched all of the pictures but I

am especially proud of the old man picture”.

8ELY – Isabelle Ilovski

Ms A Heron

Head Teacher English

News from the LIBRARY

Hello from all of us here in the Library. On behalf of Fiona and

myself, I would like to say a massive thanks to the staff for welcoming us both into

this role.

Exciting news to report from this term:

Book Café has been reborn as Book Club. On Thursdays Week A,

our group of students have been

meeting to browse new additions

to the Library. A new feature of the Club is student

presentations and recommendations to fellow club

members. Liam from Year 9 and Johnny from Year 8

gave exceptional reviews of ‘Catcher in the Rye ‘ and

‘The Hobbit’. We will be looking at a novel to study

next term as a group.

New HSC Text books on the Way!! – 60+ new

HSC Study guides and Exam Work Books will be

hitting the shelves very soon. As these will be

immensely popular they will come with a 1 week

loan only. Anticipating these titles will be ready

for use in preparation for the Trial HSC early

next term.

Speaking of HSC, our new HSC Notice Board is

up at the Entrance of the Library. It has vital

info including a copy of the HSC Timetable.

The new laptop trolley in the main area has been

an immense success. It has been wonderful to

see our students reaping the benefits.

E-book Novels!! We have 86 electronic books

that are available to borrow via Oliver. To

mention a few titles: ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’,

‘Fever Pitch’, Anna Karenina’’. Over this term

Dale and I have been in contact with Wheelers E-

books to help bring the Blakehurst High School

Library further into 21st Century reading. In the

last week our purchased e-book titles have been integrated with Oliver. This

means easier accessibility for Staff and Student loan. Stay tuned for more

information regarding e-book borrowing in Term 3.

I wish to add my own personal thanks to Fiona, Dale, Dena, Genene and Chris.

Their support and encouragement has been overwhelming and I have learnt a great

deal from them all over this past term. Their tireless efforts and innovative approaches to our School Library are

inspiring. I am incredibly excited about Term 3 and look forward to seeing you all.

A happy and safe holiday to everyone!

Mr A Watters/Ms F Bell-Whittaker Librarians (Relieving)

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2016 was Our History,

Our Story, Our Future.

To acknowledge these past acts of reconciliation and the steps that

still need to be taken, Blakehurst High School created a

Recognition Wall in the library to share the things that the students

wanted to recognise and what recognition and reconciliation meant

to them.

I would like to thank all of the students who contributed meaningful

messages to this board, as well as the library staff who created a

display of resources and books on Aboriginal culture and history to

coincide with National Reconciliation Week.

Ms S Daley Aboriginal ATSI Liason Officer

SRC Report -

Greetings to all of you and

hope that this newsletter finds

you well.

The SRC body has been very busy this term

and congratulations to all of the members who work tirelessly to benefit the

school body. This term, we have concentrated our efforts in supporting the

Cancer Council by hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

We also took this opportunity to raise money

for the family of our beloved Mrs Loizos who recently passed away after a long

battle with cancer.

All monies raised on the day through the school café, staff donations and a

raffle, were donated to the Loizos family.

Mrs Ware SRC Coordinator

Our next major fundraiser will be held on September 3 for the

Trivia Night.

Mrs Ware SRC Coordinator

TAS Home Economics - Update

Year 11 Communuty and

Family Studies

Our Year 11 Community and Family Studies students have been

learning all about group cohesiveness and the roles individuals adopt

in groups. As a class, the students participated in The Leaning

Tower of Marshmallow group activity where they had to work

collaboratively in groups to build a marshmallow tower, with only

marshmallows and tooth picks as resources. They had 20 minutes in

which to complete the task. The students all thought they would

easily construct the tower in the given time frame but it turned

out to be a bit more difficult than they first thought.

All groups had a

tower of some

description by the end

of the

20 minutes. They

all had fun

learning all about working in a group under time constraints

and limited resources.

Year 12 Community and

Family Studies

Our Year 12 Community and

Family Studies students have

been learning all about the

responsibilities of parenting

and caring. We are fortunate

to have the Baby Think It

Over Program under way at

present. This is a parenting education program that increases our students’ awareness about issues related

to the parenting of an infant and is incorporated into and used as a learning experience in the Community and

Family Studies HSC Core 3: Parenting and Caring.

The core of the Program is a parenting simulation using the realistic Baby Think It Over infant simulator.

The Program helps students explore the physical, emotional, social and financial consequences of parenthood.

The infant simulator Real Core* Baby 11, will cry according to its 24-hour schedule, and require the student

to provide care for it. The student responds by bringing an electronic ID near Baby so Baby can recognise

its correct “parent” and then figures out what kind of care Baby needs. Baby needs to be fed, burped,

rocked, and then have its nappy changed. Baby will also cry if it is roughly handled, held in a position it does

not like, or if the head is not supported. There are happy and fussy times too.

Year 10 Food Technology

Our Year 10 Food Technology students were given a food brief similar

to a mystery box challenge, which involved making a pastry based

product from a list of ingredients. Our students worked well

together to come up with a variety of sweet and savoury products.

Both Mrs Allen, Year 10XFT teacher and Ms

Hatjinikitas, Year 10YFT teacher were

proud of their efforts.

I’d like to take this opportunity to

wish all our students a restful and

safe holiday. I look forward to

seeing you all back at the start of

Term 3.

Mrs N Dexter

TAS Home Economics Head Teacher

Blakehurst High School

2016 Ski Trip

31st July – 3rd August.

The annual Blakehurst High Ski trip will take place again this

year in Week 3 Term 3. Students will travel to the snow by bus

leaving the school at approx. 9.30am on the Sunday morning and

returning on Wednesday evening at approx. 9.30pm. In between

times we will fit in 3 full days of skiing at Thredbo mountain

with lessons provided each day.

The cost of the trip includes all meals, apart from lunch

on the way down and dinner on the trip back. It even

includes a hot lunch in our own private dining area at Friday Flat in Thredbo.

The accommodation is at Bungarra, located just a couple of kilometres outside of

Jindabyne, in a bushland setting with kangaroos and emus wandering the grounds. Each room

sleeps 8 and are all centrally heated.

Also included in the cost is the hire equipment required including skis, boots and poles as

well as the lift passes to access the mountain. If needed students also have the opportunity

to hire waterproof pants and jackets from the lodge for an extra cost of around $40.

While the cost, at $790, is substantial the cost of skiing is generally recognised as being very

expensive and this I believe represents good value to give students the opportunity to see snow

and try something new. By the end of the 3 days most students will have a solid grasp of skiing and

will be able to cover much of the mountain.

In order to confirm a place on the trip students need to pay an initial deposit of $200 with the

balance required 2 weeks before we leave. Get in quick to take advantage of this opportunity

which is always acknowledged as a highlight of school life in the yearbooks of Year 12 students.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Slater if you have any queries regarding this trip.

Mr P Slater

Ski Trip Coordinator

HSIE Roundup..

RYPEN

CAMP

Rotary Youth Program of

Enrichment…

We were selected to attend RYPEN

camp which was held on the 1st to

the 3rd of April 2016 at Teen Ranch.

When we first arrived, we were all

unsure of what to expect once we

stepped through the doors of the

meeting hall. What we saw were all

these excited and friendly faces.

Our coordinators who gave us our

shirts, nametags and placed us into

teams greeted us, and then we began

introducing ourselves. We knew none

of the other kids there but everyone

got along so well, it was as if we had all met before. At this

point, we all knew we

were going to have a

great time and join

together to make many

unforgettable memories.

Over the course of the

weekend we learnt many

leadership skills. Two

professional lecturers

came in to share their

perspective and

knowledge on life and

leadership. To put

these leadership skills

into action we

participated in two

teambuilding activities,

high ropes and

challenge course.

For the high ropes activity, we had to pair up with

someone else from our team and work together to

complete the course. This activity required a lot of

communication with our partners. The challenge course

required us to work as a full team to compete tasks

that were set.

On the final day at the RYPEN camp we took part in an

arts and craft activity. Teams of 3 to 5 people were to

create a piece of art using one word that reflected on

what we had learnt during our time at RYPEN. The end

of the activity concluded with each group presenting their

masterpieces and describing how it relates to the word that

they chose. The activity was a lot of fun to participate in and

each group worked well as a team, it was a great way to end

the RYPEN Camp.

For only spending two days at RYPEN camp, the knowledge,

friendship, connection and way of thinking will stay with us

for a lifetime. Our favourite part of the RYPEN camp was

the friendships we made. Everyone there was so open-minded

and kind. The friendships and knowledge we gained will stay

with us for many years to come and we truly feel that RYPEN was

one of the best experiences we have ever had.

Our thanks go to Kogarah Rotary for sponsoring our

attendance at the 2016 RYPEN camp!

….Queenie Chen, Orvella Winarta,

….William Ng, Norman Tran

….Nicole Harrington,

….Year 10.

Ms S Butler

Volunteering Coordinator

Geography Field Trip:

Urban Communities

On Tuesday the 21st of June 2016 two classes travelled up to the city for

a day excursion for a better understanding about inner city communities

that have undergone change over time. Mrs Camilleri’s bright year 9’s and

Mr Slater’s enthusiastic Year 11s spent a whole day observing the

surrounding areas of the CBD, Barangaroo, the Rocks and Millers Point.

After a short trip to Customs House we explored the Millers Point

community on Argyle Street. We stumbled upon petitions and posters

against the government relocation of the public housing tenants. By

10:30am we were sightseeing at the top of the Harbour Bridge Pylon.

While completing assigned tasks, unfortunately one of our students

became a victim of extreme wind and dropped their beloved clipboard off

the Bridge.

After returning from the Pylon we caught the ferry to Darling Harbour

where we had free time to roam Harbour Side to enjoy our lunch. Then we

walked a couple of kilometres to the

Barangaroo Development Site where we

regrouped and Mr Slater attracted some

locals with his amazing tour guide speech.

At around 1:30pm we passed through streets

of colonial houses where again we saw empty

terraces filled with posters and public housing

families reluctant to be resituated. This was

the end of the field trip and we walked to

Town Hall station to return home.

The excursion was enjoyable and we gained a

better understanding of Australian

communities that we have studied in class.

…Christine Cheung

…Maggie Chen

…Selina Chen

Y-Lead Year 9

Leadership Conference

On the 31st of May a group of enthusiastic young

year 9 students attended a cool and exciting

conference called Y-Lead Leadership day at

Chatswood Civic Pavilion. We were privileged enough to have the opportunity to listen to some inspiring speakers and meet

students from lots of different schools over Sydney.

Our host was humorous guy, Matt, who had a whole lot of energy. We started things off with group activities with other schools.

We all eased into meeting each other and were comfortable with communicating with each other.

Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, the 2016 NSW Young Person of the Year award winner, started off the speeches in an emphatic style

about turning an ‘idea’ into a reality. She is concerned about young mens’ health and started the Top Blokes Foundation. Her

speech portrayed to all of us that any idea can turn into anything and anything is possible. She spoke with great confidence and

encouraged us to set achievable goals and follow through with them.

Next was Barnaby Howarth, a former Sydney swans AFL

player, Type 2 diabetic and a victim of a “coward’s punch”

which left him paralysed on the left side of his body. He spoke

with great courage and it would have been very difficult for him

to present to us but he was willing to do so. He inspired

everyone and he brought many people to tears. He was by far

the top speaker of the conference and it was very exciting

listening to him.

Last but not least was classy, up and coming, multi-millionaire

and the

richest

person

under 25

in

Australia,

Jack

Delosa.

He gave us great real life examples of people who struggled in their

childhood but went on to become world famous names, for example,

Albert Einstein who was never good at school but was able to write four of

the best scientific examples in the history of science. Steven Spielberg

who got rejected from moviemaking schools on countless occasions but

never gave up and has become one of the greatest movie directors of all

time.

This Y-Lead conference was a great and exciting event for all the young

students who attended and inspired and taught us a lot about ourselves and how we should follow our dreams.

….Jaycin Campbell

….Ronak Bedi

Ms J Camilleri

Year 9 Student Adviser

News from…..

We’ve been getting out! During term 2

we have had the Maths Competition

Day for our top Year 11’s at Sydney

Technical High School, Talented

Students Day at Sydney University for

Year 12 Extension 2 and Doing Maths

Like a Mathematician for selected

students from years 8-10. The HSC

revision day at the University of

Wollongong is being attended by all

Mathematics, Extension 1 and Extension 2 students as this newsletter goes to print. Next term we have Surveying

Day at Sydney Olympic Park for some of our most talented Year 10’s and Maths Inspiration for selected Year 9’s!

From the student and teacher reports below you can see that these opportunities to visit a campus or other school

and be surrounded by many similar students are enlivening experiences.

Year 11 Extension 1 – Maths Competition Day at Sydney Technical High School

This is the second year that we have been invited to participate in this fun maths competition day. Competition was

fierce to make the Blakehurst team, and we sent a team of varied ability to suit the many activities of the day.

There were 14 teams of 5, including 6 from selective high schools. And after four rounds our team came…..third!!!!

This was an absolutely fabulous result, but more importantly was the fun the students had (student report below).

Mr Reeve was given another school to supervise and also enjoyed the day.

We love the observation from the organiser, stating

that our high placing (and that of another

comprehensive high school) has “proven my

statement (often made) that the best at any High

School can compete with the best at any other High

School, regardless of selectivity. Well done to all

schools.”

On Thursday 2 June Ewan, Amir, Weiting, Mebius

and I (Zalika) took part in the Mathematics Extension

1 Talented Students Day at Sydney Technical High

School. The day featured four different mathematical

activities.

The first activity was a group competition where all

five of us were allowed to work together on 12

questions. We successfully placed first in this activity. The second activity was the Swiss competition. It involved a

pattern of numbers in random order and each person had to try and solve the pattern and figure out the next

number. The cross number was the third activity of the day. It is a crossword but instead of words, they are

numbers and one team only received the down clues and the other the across. Mebius, Ewan and Amir were in the

down team and Weiting and I were in the across.

The final event of the day was the relay. This means that both teams must get their question right to move on to the

next question to earn the most points. However, that is not the only reason this activity was called the relay, in

order to not waste precious time both teams had to run across Sydney Tech’s entire hall to check the answer with

the supervising teacher. Being the concluding activity of the day, the only thing left was the much anticipated

awards ceremony. Here we miraculously placed third! We managed

to beat some selective schools and were awarded with gift cards.

Overall it was an extremely fun day that we are very grateful to have

been part of. We thank Mrs Peachey and Mr Reeve for organising our

team and Mr Reeve for taking us. … Zalika Azam

….

Doing Maths Like a Mathematician

This was another fabulous day for students, exposing them to solving real life problems using Mathematics. On 14

June, Vanessa and I went to the workshop, along with other students from different schools around the region.

We were exposed to difficult mathematical problems and encouraged to look beyond the words, in order to work at

the question in a different way to obtain the answer. We were shown that mathematics is everywhere and that there

is no one definite answer to a question, as the questions can always be taken further. The day was a great

experience and allowed us to meet other people who also have a passion for maths. Special thanks to Mr. Yan who

took us to and from the University and guided us through the problems when we needed help.

….Sally Ibrahim

Year 12 Extension 2 – Talented Students day at Sydney University

In week 7 Mrs Peachey took the Extension 2 class to Talented Students Day. It is a very popular day organised by

the Mathematical Association of NSW and was filled to

capacity with over 500 Extension 2 and (for the first time)

Extension 1 students from many schools. It’s always

enlightening to the small classes of students to realise how

many Extension students are out there! And sitting in the

lectures and workshops they get to realise that they have

similar strengths and concerns. It’s a fabulous day that the

students enjoyed, as reported below.

On Tuesday 7 June the Extension 2 Mathematics students

went to Sydney University to revise topics covered in the

course. We attended lectures on the topics of volume,

conics, motion, complex numbers and curve sketching. We

also attended interesting university lectures on a variety of

topics including: The Shape of Space; Calculus on the

Surface; Shuffling and Cycling Around and Quantum Physics and Reality. We enjoyed the session on volumes

especially as the teacher engaged us in the learning and we left feeling as though we had a greater understanding

of this topic.

Year 10: Subject Selection for 2016

On Wednesday week 1 of term 3 the Subject Selection Information Evening will be held. Students will have the

opportunity to talk to all faculties about what subjects are available for years 11 and 12.

We are extremely keen to encourage students to undertake the highest level of Maths that they are capable of –

but we are equally keen to ensure that a student does not choose a subject that is so difficult that understanding

and exam marks are poor and the significant time required to attain competence affects their other subjects.

The big question we always get in Mathematics from those in the 5.3 and 5.2 courses is “should I choose

Mathematics or General Mathematics?” It’s a very common question statewide and the Mathematical Association

of NSW has recently published an information sheet for parents and students. There are video links within this

document for a thorough explanation of what you can expect in each course and what your previous experience

should be. We will be offering these on the night, but you might like to have a read now and encourage your child

to talk with their Maths teacher.

HOTmaths is live!

We continue to use HOTmaths as a teaching aid in nearly all classes, and classes

are regularly set homework or research activities. Keep encouraging your child, this is

a fabulous resource provided by your P&C!!!

www.hotmaths.com.au

Equipment Required in Class

We continue to remain astounded that some students continue to come to class without a pen, workbook and/or

calculator!! These are the core requirements for every lesson, please ask your child to show you that these items

are present in their bag.

Exams for Term 3

Get these dates in your diaries – noting that there may be some minor movement of dates. Notifications, with

details of the topics, will be handed out in class at least two weeks beforehand.

Year 7: 1 or 2 September

Year 8: 9 August

Year 9: 8 August

Year 10: 11 August

Year 11: General and Mathematics: 18 August Extension 1: 26 August

Yearly exams in the exam block 7 - 23 September

Year 12: Trial HSC exams in the exam block 1 – 16 August

Nearly Seventy Lives Saved!

In our recent donation drive, potentially 69 lives were improved or saved by

the generous donation of blood by 23 year 11 and 12 students. Thank you,

and well done to all of you!

The next donation drive will most likely be near the end of term 4, so if you

are in year 10 or year 11 (and have not donated in the past 12 months),

please consider whether you would donate some of your precious blood

and help save lives.

To donate blood, you need to be 16 and meet the health requirements, and you can only donate once in a 12

month period if you are under 18 years old. Once you turn 18 you can donate up to 4 times a year. The Red Cross

send a vehicle to transport you to the donor centre at Miranda and will bring you back to school afterwards. You

can anticipate being away from school for up to 2 hours (although the donation itself takes around 10 minutes).

Mrs A Peachey

Head Teacher Mathematics

SCIENCE News…

On June 2, Year 7 had an

amazing excursion to Taronga

Zoo. This educational and

entertaining outing

complemented the topic,

“Exploring Living Organisms”.

Students in Mrs Apostolou’s 7L

class commented on their

experiences.

YEAR 9 DNA Candy Models Here are some pictures of DNA molecule models made by Mr Hewetson’s 9S2 class.

Mrs Linda O’Brien

Head Teacher Science

Jackson: “We saw a

lot of animals like the penguins, bears,

elephants, hippos and heaps more. It was really fun travelling around the zoo with

friends. Thank you Ms Apostolou!”

Abaerr: “When we went to

the zoo we saw many

different animals including

snakes, penguins, bears and

seals.”

PDHPE Faculty - Report

Nearing the end of the first semester, students have

endured a long and busy start to 2016. They have

participated in a wide range of activities and have completed

theory units and assessment tasks associated with the unit

of work.

Trial HSC Exams

Within the coming weeks, Year 12 will begin their Trial HSC

examinations and we wish them all the best over the exam

period. It will be a challenging and nervous time for all

students, so it’s paramount that students adopt a positive

study routine through the holidays to assist them. There are

many resources available to help students throughout this

time, some of which are listed below:

http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/

http://arc.bostes.nsw.edu.au/go/hsc

https://www.pdhpe.net/

https://hscintheholidays.com.au/free-resources/

https://hscstudylab.com.au/course-list

First Aid

A new initiative in collaboration with Royal Life Saving NSW and

the St George Masonic Club was for senior students to complete

the Senior First Aid Certificate. This encompassed students

completing the online course at home and attending a one-day

practical component which was held at school. All students who

participated in the course are now proficient in First Aid and

represented the school with pride. Congratulations to all those

who participated.

Wheelchair Roadshow

For several years now,

students studying Year 10

Physical Activity and

Sports Studies (PASS)

have studied ‘Physical

Activity and Sport for

Specific Groups’. This unit

entails students to

investigate physical

activity and leisure

pursuits of identified

population groups.

On Tuesday 14th June

Year 10 PASS students

took part in a Wheelchair

basketball experience. We were lucky enough to have Rick from Wheelchair Sports NSW explain the game and

teach us some new skills, strategies and tactics.

The subject of Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) focuses on a wide range of sport related issues. This

term students have studied Physical Activity for Specific Groups. In class students have researched Sports for

people with disabilities and all PASS students now have a deep understanding of modified rules and games

designed specifically for people with a disability. We have also researched the Paralympics and students are

looking forward to supporting Australian Paralympic stars in the upcoming Paralympics which start in September.

Janet Lie, Orvella Winarta, Queenie Chen

Alexandros Psarros, Alexander Ristevski

Students have participated in a wide range of ‘Para’ sports which include, blind soccer, sitting volleyball and sight

restricted cross country. The purpose was to gain a perspective of participating in sport with a disability. However,

Wheelchair Basketball proved to be the biggest physical challenge of this unit. During the workshop students were

challenged by the chairs which were not only hard to manoeuvre but also hard to stop! On top of that students had

to respond to modified angles when shooting learning how to transfer the basketball rules to the chair. It was not as

easy as they thought!

Rick, our instructor however, was a pro. Rick was born with Spina Bifida and has been in a wheelchair his whole

life. Rick currently plays wheelchair basketball and has represented Australia in Wheelchair Tennis in the past. Rick

has travelled the world with his tennis and hasn’t let being in a wheelchair stop him from achieving his dreams.

Rick was a fantastic inspiration to the BHS Year 10 PASS students and showed them that anything is possible. He

even took on the whole class (10 vs 1) in a wheelchair basketball game and won!

ATLAS & NEAT Testing

Mrs Merralls’s and Mrs Johnson’s PDHPE class (9PEY

and 9PEA) are participating in baseline measurements

and fitness testing as part of the ATLAS and NEAT

programs which they will be participating in next term.

ATLAS (Active Teen Leaders Avoiding Screen time) and

NEAT (Nutrition and Enjoyable Activity for Teen girls)

are

programs that have been developed by The

University of Newcastle in conjunction with the NSW

Department of Health. These are very worthwhile

programs which aim to improve health related

fitness and well-being in adolescents. This program

has begun and will continue into Term III.

SALSA Leadership

Mrs Rizzo-Liu facilitated a SALSA (Students as Lifestyle Activists) Peer Education Program where Year 10

students took part in this valuable program giving students leadership qualities and the confidence to run a physical

educational unit within the school. These Year 10 students are entrusted to be mature leaders and take their role

within the program seriously to promote the benefits of healthy eating, physical activity and a reduction in sedentary

behaviours. Next term the Year 10 leaders will be taking the SALSA program into Year 7 PDHPE classes.

Backyard League Program

The Backyard Rugby League Program will be conducted early next Term and is run in conjunction with the NRL

where students improve their knowledge on the game of Rugby League whilst learning valuable skills which can be

transferred from sport to sport. These skills are hand-eye co-ordination, team-work, passing, catching, running, side

stepping and spatial awareness. Year 7 classes and some Year 8 classes will be participating in this program

during their normal PE lessons.

Year 12 – All PDHPE classes are finishing their first Option: Improving Performance and will continue onto studying

the second Option: Sports Medicine. Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation have been enjoying a variety of physical

activities and have recently finished studying Basic First Aid Principles

.

Year 11 – All PDHPE classes are progressing through their courses and are now studying The Body in Motion and

will move onto First Aid. Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation have been enjoying a variety of physical activities and

have recently finished studying Games and Sports Applications I & II.

Year 10 – All PDHPE classes should have finished their Road safety unit and progressed onto Safe Partying whilst

participating in a range of physical activities such as Cross Country, Net/Court and Striking/Field games.

Year 9 - All PDHPE classes should have finished their Creating Respectful Relationships unit and progressed onto

What’s the Big Issue whilst participating in a range of physical activities such as Cross Country, Striking/Field

games and Target games.

Year 8 - All PDHPE classes have finished the ‘Growing and Changing’ unit and have progressed onto Positive

Relationships whilst participating in a range of physical activities such as Cross Country, Target games and

Traditional Indigenous Games and Activities.

Year 7 - Students have finished unit one ‘New Environments, New Challenges’ and have progressed onto Body

Wise whilst participating in a range of physical activities such as Cross Country, Invasion games and Traditional

Indigenous Games and Activities.

On behalf of the PDHPE team, we wish everyone a safe and healthy two week holiday and look forward to a

successful second semester.

Nathan Smith

Head Teacher PDHPE (Relieving)

PDHPE Sports Report

With Term II coming to a close, it has been a very

busy time for many students having competed in

various sports and competitions over the past six to

eight weeks. Most sports teams are performing

exceptionally well and we are on our way for the

majority of sporting grade teams to qualify for the

semi-finals which begin in Week Four, Term III.

Sydney East Cross Country

On Friday 17th June, we had 12 Blakehurst High

runners representing the St George Zone at the

Sydney East Cross Country Championships which

were held at Miranda Park. I am very pleased to

announce that we will be sending 1 student to race at

the NSWCHS Cross Country to be held at Eastern

Creek Raceway on Friday 22nd July. The students

and their results from Regional were:

o Max Poulter 16 years – 3rd

o Lili Brandt 12 years – 4th

o Laura Seib 17 years – 6th

Athletics Carnival The Blakehurst High School Athletics Carnival was

held at Barden Ridge Track on Tuesday 7th of June

on a sunny and successful day. Unfortunately we

had to postpone the carnival on the 31st of May due

to poor weather. However, with near record numbers

attending the following Tuesday and the events

running smoothly, we had a number of outstanding

competitors and a number of records broken. Not

only were outstanding results achieved throughout

the day, many competitors, through their efforts were

crowned Age Champions, and these students will be

further recognised at the Presentation Night later in

the year.

Age Champions

• 12years – Noah Kak and Lili Brandt

• 13 Years – Ricky Alazar, Jasmine Driscoll

• 14 Years – Chris Yang, Kaitlyn Harrington

• 15 Years – Peter Truatmakka, Jessica Kiproff

• 16 Years – Andrew Hung, Nicole Harrington

• 17+Years - Malvin Cheung, Sandy Ng

At the time of writing this report, the Zone results are

still being finalised, and I would like to thank Mrs

Merralls and Mrs Rizzo-Liu for being Team Managers

over the two day Zone carnival and for providing their

professional help in assisting our athletes to compete

at their best. Congratulations to all students who

qualified for the Regional carnival to be held in Week

Three, Term III.

Upcoming Events

NSHCHS Cross Country Championships – Eastern

Creek Raceway, Friday 22nd July

Regional Athletics Carnival – Sylvania Athletics

Track, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th of

August

NSWCHS Athletics Carnival – Sydney Olympic Park

Athletic Centre, 7/9/16-9/9/16

St George Zone Winter Grade Sport Finals –

Wednesday 10th August and 17th August

Sport web sites

The following sport web sites are useful for school

sport notices, zone sport information and Sydney

East knock outs and representation.

St George Zone Sport Information –

http://www.stgeorgesssa.com.au/

Sydney East Sport Information -

http://www.sports.det.nsw.edu.au/syd_east/welcome.

htm

Ben Kemp

Sports Organiser

Regards,