MILLER MESSENGER

NEWSLETTER 19 february, 2021

22 Feb 21 Zone Rugby League Trial Day

23 Feb 21 Zone Swimming Carnival

Nicholson Museum - Year 11

24 Feb 21 NSW Parliament & Court - Year

11 Legal Studies

25 Feb 21 Youth Frontiers - Year 8

Links to Learning - Year 8

Job FIT

26 Feb 21 Health & Wellbeing Program

Zone trial day 2

Year 7 PBL Showcase

Year 12 Activate @ USYD

Western Sydney University Year

12 Conference

3 Mar 21 Combined Principals Network

4 Mar 21 Links to Learning

Youth Frontiers

JOB FIT

Open Girls Volleyball

5 Mar 21 Health & Wellbeing Program

Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed many new families to our school and all the signs point to another productive year with our school's values of Respect, Inspire, Safe and Excel promoting high-level teaching and learning. These school values set high expecta-tions for student behaviour, to enable students to achieve their full academic potential and to nurture personal and social skills as they grow into responsible, articulate, well-adjusted, caring and successful young adults. School Safety Zone We are a caring community and School Zone signage helps to moder-ate traffic flows to keep students and their families safe. However, Road Safety around our school depends on you. When dropping-off and picking-up by car please use the side streets near the school, especially in the afternoons. Also, when dropping-off or picking-up it is safest for your children to get out of the car on the kerb side of the road to avoid passing traffic. Calling out to them from across the road is dangerous – they may run to you without checking for traffic first. Please adhere to the 40km/h speed limit in the School Zone and look for buses pulling out, when parking adjacent to the school. Always park legally, avoid dangerous manoeuvres such as U-turns and three point turns and always give way to pedestrians, particularly when en-tering and leaving driveways. Walking Together to and from School Make certain that your child has planned their trip to school and that they use pedestrian crossings where possible. Talk with your children about Stop, Look, Listen and Think every time they cross a road. STOP! - One step back from the kerb. LOOK! - For traffic to your right then left, and right again. LISTEN! - For the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! - Whether it is safe to cross. Student Achievement For students to achieve their goals there was a need to be open to the many extra-curricular activities we offer. By trying new things and participating, students might discover a new interest – something never thought of before which will bring them great joy.

Volume27 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Monday to Friday

Office

Hours

8.30 am to 3.30 pm

Telephone (02) 9607 8669

Fax (02) 9607 9460

Email : Miller-

h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

UPCOMING EVENTS

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK Continued

While each student's interests are different, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Shalome Dunlop, Danielle Dunlop and Tepora Tuia on their selections in the Bernera Zone Open Girls Volleyball Team that competed in the Sydney South West School Sport Associa-tion carnival. The girls also represented the school in the Secondary Girls Volleyball Champi-onships.

The exceptional sporting talents of both Shalo-me Dunlop and Danielle Dunlop were further recognised with their selection in the Sydney South West Open Girls Volleyball team to com-pete in the Combined High School Champion-ships in Armidale, in late March.

I would also like to acknowledge and congratu-late Aokn Maroo and Gorgees Keramon on their selections in the Bernera Zone Open Boys Vol-leyball team.

Stage 5 Electives

In response to a review of our Stage 5 curricu-lum, and our objective of expanding school to work options we are offering a variation to our elective pattern of study (2021-22) to include 100-hour Stage 5 Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. These VET courses are competency based and are aligned with indus-try workplace standards. The following curricu-lum options are available:

Option 1

Year 9 – 100hrs of Industrial Technology Metals.

Year 10 – 100hrs of Industrial Technology Auto-motive.

Option 2

Year 9 – 100hrs of Industrial Technology Tim-ber.

Year 10 – Statement of Attainment towards Certificate 1 in Construction.

Option 3

Year 9 – 100hrs of Food Technology.

Year 10 – Certificate 1 in Hospitality

If your child is interested in either of these cur-

riculum options please return the expression of

interest to the main school office by Tuesday, 23

February 2021. If you require further infor-

mation please contact Mr. Shea (Deputy Princi-

pal-Year 9). Please note, the level of interest

shown will guide the pattern of study offered.

School Physical Environment

While there are many factors to support stu-

dents to learn, grow and to nurture personal

happiness the physical environment of a school

speaks to the contribution that safe and com-

fortable surroundings make for a positive school

climate.

The school’s physical environment also speaks

to the contribution that a clean playground plays

in supporting students to achieve educational

goals. A clean playground minimises the spread

of germs and prevents offending smells from

lingering. I know all students take pride in our

physical environment by placing rubbish in the

many bins provided.

In closing, we know that not every day will be

awesome. Learning is personal and I am confi-

dent we will help each student in our care to

discover their passions and build on their

strengths. My dream for this year is for our

school to be where communities of learners

gather to do interesting work that matters.

Should you have any questions regarding school

operations, please contact the main school

office (02 9607 8669).

Regards,

Dr Ken Edge

(Principal)

WELCOME - YEAR 7 SUPPORT

Welcome to the year 7 Support Unit students. As you begin your high school journey I want to remind you we are here to support you and help you navigate your way through one of the biggest changes in your life so far. Help is never far away and we hope you enjoy this new chap-ter.

Ms Azzi - Rel Head Teacher Support Faculty

EALD FACULTY - 2021

It was very encouraging to see students in Year 10 Green demonstrating enthusiasm and vigour towards their learning. This lesson focused on the topic of Persuasive Texts. Students showed deep interest and high engagement in the topic throughout the lessons. They were really excit-ed to share their thoughts and ideas on the world’s most famous speeches. Students’ demonstrated deep knowledge and understand-ing of the language features used in speeches and how these features are used to compose powerful, motivating and engaging persuasive speech.

This year EAL/D Faculty comprises of eleven staff members which includes two SLSOs.

Ms Shalini Nadan - Head Teacher EAL/D LOTE

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SHIRTS

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 8-12 will be receiving their new shirts in the MPC. We will be organising another order of shirts for our Year 7 students.

These shirts were designed by students last year in collaboration with Aboriginal artist Michael Fardon.

Thank you to Shane Scott for making all of this possible. These shirts are considered part of the Miller Technology High School student uniform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and are an important way for these students to express their identity and connection to their culture. As students designed the shirts, this will help to foster a sense of ownership and pride in their uniforms.

I am really proud of our students for creating not one but TWO incredible designs. You may have noticed a few teachers wearing similar shirts. These shirts were also designed by our students and Michael. If you are interested in a shirt, please see the email from Shane and get in touch with him to see if we have your size available!

Thank you for supporting Aboriginal education at Miller Technolo-gy High School! Ms E Hughes - English/HSIE Teacher

HSC BOOTCAMP

Last December, Year 12 students took an ‘active’ approach to their study with the Uni-versity of Sydney for their HSC Bootcamp. Students got to tour the campus, learnt how to study productively, and how to adopt a growth mindset. We ended the day with a student Q&A panel with current students and alumni recounting their experiences of mov-ing from high school to university. Miller Technology High School represented during the panel Q&A, being the only school in the whole auditorium to ask the pressing ques-tions!@sydney.WPO@sydneyuni#activateusyd

Ms M Benitez

Careers Adviser & NESA Coordinator

SOUTHS CARES SCHOOL PROGRAM

On the 9th of February, Aboriginal students in Years 8 and 9 were visited by three players from South Syd-ney Rabbitohs as part of the Souths Cares program. Students met Josh Mansour, Keaon Koloamatangi and Troy Dargan, and learned about the importance of online safety. The Souths Cares program provides Ab-original and Torres Strait Islander students with cul-tural education and curriculum support. Well done to all students who participated!

Ms E Hughes - English/HSIE Teacher /Aboriginal Education Coordinator

On Friday the 12th of February the SRC held the final day of the Valentines Day fundraising stall. This year the aim of the Valentines Day stall was to spread kindness to everyone who is of importance in our lives. The SRC students wanted to ensure that the celebration promoted the sense of love towards family members, friends, and most importantly to ones self. SRC member Evana Jibraeel stated that "Kindness was a gift that everyone could afford to give" and as a result the SRC members collectively agreed to hide 6 heart shaped cards around the school grounds and to gift out roses to anyone who found one on the day. This initia-tive was a great success and all 6 hearts were found early in the day. Throughout the day many roses, hearts and bears were sold promoting love and kindness throughout the school. The SRC thanks all students and teachers who made a purchase on the day and aim to keep the school community updated on where the funds will be donated throughout the year. Special thanks also goes out to the SRC members who helped with the running of the stall, Ms Pollard for her assistance and to our local florist, Sue Krstanovska from Buds Of Love. Ms H Vukic - HSIE Teacher

VALENTINES DAY

CAREERS ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT

ISLANDER EDUCATION NEWS

2021/2022 TAFE-Delivered VET courses still available There are a number of TAFE-delivered VET courses that still have vacancies for Year 11/12. Courses include make up, floristry, events/tourism, business administration, early childhood education and care, and community services. See Ms Benitez for more information

Get your free TAFE NSW Parent and Caregiver Resource Guide A new guide has been developed for parents and/or caregivers to help transition their child into TAFE NSW. Jam packed with all the information that you need to know, the guide can be accessed via the dedicated Parent and/or Caregiver webpage: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/parents-caregivers Career in Games & Film, Info Evening at Academy of In-teractive Entertainment Wednesday 18th March Considering a career in games, 3D or VFX? Discover AIE’s courses in Game Art & Animation, Programming and Game Design. Learn about entry requirements and career pathways. 6pm-8pm, 33 Mountain St, Ultimo, NSW, 2007. Rego required. RSVP https://aie.edu.au/infoevening SFC Pilot Training College - Open Day - Registration Now Open Sydney Flight College (SFC) is having their annual open day on Saturday 10th April 2021 at Bankstown Air-port. Careers advisors, students and parents are all wel-come to view the facilities and fleet, chat to a course advi-sor, and enjoy a free BBQ lunch. Due to COVID bookings are essential, and can be made at https://www.sfcaero.com.au/about-us/open-days

Register now for Academy of Film, Theatre & Television (AFTT’s) Open Day Registrations are now open for AFTT’s May Open Day. Events, Workshops, and Productions - AFTT AFTT's Introducing ARRI Cameras AFTT is so excited to introduce ARRI into the mix of cameras used throughout the Advanced Diploma. These cameras are an addition to an already strong line up of industry-standard gear includ-ing REDs, Blackmagic, Sony and more! Free UCAT Webinars for Year 12 & 11 Students (28/2, 14/3) A survey of hundreds of 97th+ percentile students after UCAT 2020 found that they spent around 250 hrs on UCAT prep, and that their success was determined by HOW they distributed their prep time and WHAT they did for UCAT study. This free webinar will cover a Term 1&2 timeline to keep students on track, including weekly prep goals and study milestones. Register: https://www.icanmed.com.au/webinars Western Campus Tours Western highly successful Campus Tours are back again this year. Prospective students, their parents and families and the general public can check out state-of-the-art facilities and hear from current students and staff about courses and degrees Western offers. For 2021 dates and campus locations visit here: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/campus-tours.html

Critical Thinking Unit With Warrawi Burawa – “To Stand Above”

Year 11 student Sally McPherson has been accepted into the Critical Thinking Unit Entry Pathway through Warrawi Bura-wa at Macquarie University. The Critical Thinking Unit Entry Pathway provides the opportunity for talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students commencing year 11 in 2021 to enrol into a first-year unit at Macquarie University. Sally will begin the unit PHIL1037: Critical Thinking this term via distance education, with structured support from Wa-langa Muru and Macquarie University. Congratulations Sal-ly!

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Shirts

Last Friday, Dr Edge and Mr S Scott presented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students with shirts they designed with Aboriginal artist Michael Fardon. Last year, Michael Fardon visited the school to run a shirt design workshop. Students collaborated with the artist to create three shirt designs. Students then voted on which shirt they wanted for students to wear, and decided on a design for staff, too. Students can now wear their design with pride as part of their uniform. Congratulations to all students involved!

Western Sydney University Year 12 Conference

Year 12 students in the Pathways to Dreaming program are invited to attend the virtual conference. If you have not reg-istered yet please see Ms Hughes or Shane Scott. Transport NSW Aboriginal HSC Scholarship This scholarship is open to Aboriginal students in years 11 and 12 in 2021/2022 and working towards a NSW Higher School Certificate who are interested in a career and devel-opment opportunities within Transport for NSW. Students must be studying a minimum of English Standard and Gen-eral Mathematics. Applications close Friday 25th February. Please see Ms Hughes to apply. Kari Young Leaders Camp 6-8th April

This camp is open to Aboriginal young people in years 9 and 10 attending school in South West Sydney. It will be held at Uniting Venues Naamaroo, Chatswood. Please see Ms Hughes or Shane Scott if you are interested in being nomi-nated.

Ms E Hughes - English/HSIE Teacher