Pittwater Press

Ph: 9999 4035 Fax: 9979 5088 Mona St, Mona Vale 2103

Term 3 Week 2 25 July 2016

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT—Renee Andrews (Relieving) Welcome back to term 3. As a Pennisula Community of Schools we started the term with very informative sessions on our staff development day. With over 700 teachers and parents from schools across our 13 PCS schools in attendance, Andrew Fuller was the presenter and facilitator. Andrew is a Clinical Psychologist who lectures in child, adolescent and family psychology and consults to communities and schools about the promotion of resilience. We explored the learning brain and looked at different types of students and the strategies we can use as teachers to engage them in learning. Andrew’s website http://andrewfuller.com.au/ , contains a wealth of free resources to support you as parents/ caregivers in helping to understand how children learn and how to develop resilience in your children.

We celebrated NAIDOC on Thursday on Thursday 21July with a whole school assembly. The assembly opened with a welcome to country by Professor Dennis Foley who also spoke about two significant songlines to the Mona Vale area. Jemima Sanguinetti spoke about the concept of "The Dreaming" and Songlines. Alana Reneman also from year 11 spoke about the importance of language to Aboriginal people and Aboriginal culture. Both students also spoke of the depth of understanding they were able to develop on these topics whilst on the trip to the Northern Territory in the holidays. Zara Harrison and Ashley Van Raad spoke about the incidental learning and appreciation of Aboriginal culture they developed as a result of the trip. Two videos were played, showing some of the highlights of the trip to the Northern Territory, and celebrating the culture of First Nations people. Aboriginal Studies’ students, Aboriginal students at the school and year 7 students also participated in workshops with Professor Dennis Foley where he spoke in more detail about the land, moieties, and the (wide variety) of Aboriginal culture and knowledge that exists in this area but also across the country. By Kirsty Payne—Classroom Teacher Website: www.pittwater-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Email: [email protected] Relieving Principal: Renee Andrews Deputy Principal Rachel Fleming and Rel. Deputy Principal Carolyn Samojlowicz

Year 7 into 8, and 8 into 9 Subject Selections 2017 Students in years 7 and 8 are reminded to select their elective courses for next year by Tuesday 26 July. This process is done electronically, using the webchoice codes which has been previously sent to the students email address. The subject selection handbook can be accessed through the schools website or via the following link. http://www.pittwater-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/news/years-8-and-9-2017-elective-booklets

Year 11 Elevate—Thursday 28 July Elevate have been working closely to develop programs to enhance our senior students’ studies skills. On Thursday 28 July year 11 students will be participating in workshops designed to enhance memory techniques. Staff will then continue to reinforce these skills in the classroom.

Commendation Assembly—Monday 1 August On 1 August we will be celebrating student achievement. A number of students excel in a variety of areas. Our commendation assemblies highlight students achieving in extracurricular and commitment to learning. Congratulations to all students.

Prefect Induction—Tuesday 2 August The prefect body will be voting for the senior prefects this week. We will be having our Prefect Induction on Tuesday 2 August from 9am. All prefect parents are invited to attend to celebrate with their children. A morning tea will be provided for staff, prefects and parents after the ceremony.

Leave Passes and Uniform Passes A reminder that all notes must be into the office before 8:50am to be signed by a Deputy and the uniform co-ordinator. This also applies on sport afternoon. Please attempt to make all appointments after school time. We thank all parents and students who have really made an excellent effort with uniform. The new jackets look terrific.

Year 12 Year 12 will be receiving trial marks and most importantly feedback. It is important they now utilise this feedback to make adjustment to their study schedules and re focus. 100% attendance at this stage is crucial. Huge progress can be achieved over the next nine weeks with diligence and sustained effort. Students must communicate with their teachers if they are requiring further support.

CALENDAR Thursday 28 July Rugby League Gala Day

Monday 1 August Commendation Assembly

Tuesday 2 August Prefect Induction

Thursday 4 and Friday 5 August TAS Exhibition

Wednesday 17 August P&C Meeting

Sunday 28 August Pub2Pub

Over the school holidays, the D Block Computer Laboratory was fully refurbished. This included the installation of: new carpet sealed cabling throughout the room a brand new interactive projector and whiteboard new furniture including fixed desks and comfortable chairs

Fully equipped, the laboratory has 29 state-of-the-art computers for students with a wide range of learning and design software, full WiFi access and printing facilities. It supports the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching and learning across curriculum areas, particularly TAS, Science and HSIE.

The D Block Laboratory compliments the Library Computer Laboratory which was fully refurbished and opened in 2015, as well as the specialised C Block Media Centre. These spaces facilitate students’ completion of various research and project-based learning tasks, increasing their skills to source information and to communicate with creativity and effectiveness using ICT.

A special thanks must go to Relieving Principal Renee Andrews for her work with the design of the room, as well as Technology team member Linus Cachia and General Assistant Gerard Smith for the preparation and assembly of the room.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) is a student organisation from years 7-10 that works to bring awareness to local and international issues raises money for worthwhile causes and generally aims to improve the school. The SRC is formed at the beginning of the school year and continues for the entire year. Over the years, the SRC has put on mufti days, sold food, organised tournaments and many other activities to raise money for charities. This semester, the 2016 SRC held a Multicultural Day and raised money for Waves for Water. Both of these fundraisers were highly successful in raising money and were lots of fun!

The Multicultural Day raised $1187.94 for Mahboba’s Promise, an organisation that assists women and children in Afghanistan. Mahboba’s Promise builds schools and orphanages and teaches women skills to help them earn money. On Multicultural Day, students and teachers dressed up in outfits from different nationalities and a formal assembly was held where Mahboba’s son outlined the role of the organisation and his personal experiences of Afghanistan. It was a very moving presentation. Over the course of the day, the SRC sold food such as pizza, noodles and hot dogs which everyone really enjoyed.

Waves for Water was another great day at PHS. Waves for Water’s mission is to provide clean water to underdeveloped countries. Northern Beaches local and Waves for Water representative, Winter Vincent visited PHS and addressed the school about the organisation and performed a demonstration with the water filters. PHS students wore beach themed clothing and participated in a raffle where a range of prizes donated by Hurley were raffled off. Over the course of the day the school raised $960.

The SRC has been having an active discussion regarding matters that impact the entire student body such as the canteen, uniforms and ceiling fans/air conditioning.

The SRC has worked incredibly hard to achieve these two fundraisers. Big plans are in store for semester 2 so watch this space!

Ms Silk—Classroom Teacher

Pittwater High Athletics Age Champions 2016

GIRLS BOYS 12 years Nina Ramsay Nicholas Aitken 13 years Maddison Binding William Allan 14 years Alice Wensing Richard Charlton 15 years Brienna Mathieson Levi Kaye 16 years Meredith Otten Levi Stevenson 17 years Jordyn Hess Mitchell Hargreaves

We have hit the ground running in term 3, with students engaged in a range of practical activities and theory topics. Year 7 PDHPE Meanings/dimensions of health; Factors that affect health Physical, emotional and social benefits of a healthy lifestyle Components of fitness; Nutrition – healthy eating habits Touch football, Soccer, Basketball, Indoor hockey Year 8 PDHPE What is risk? Positive risk taking Why do people take risks? The decision making model Alcohol & Smoking Basketball, Touch football, Soccer, Netball Year 9 PDHPE Risky situations Classification of drugs, Cannabis Binge Drinking; Types of harm; Road safety Touch football, Soccer, Basketball, Ultimate frisbee Year 9 PASS Participating with safety; risk factors in physical activity and sport Injury assessment and treatment procedures (including DRSABCD) European handball; Soccer; Circuit Training / boxercise; Oz Tag Year 10 PDHPE Safe celebrating; Challenging our alcohol culture Safe driving; Road trauma – factors influencing road accidents Basketball; OzTag; Netball; Soccer; European handball; AFL; Circuit training/boxercise; Dance (Cha Cha)

Year 10 PASS Impact of technology on participation / performance (Positive and negative) Media use of technology; Ethical considerations Touch / Oz Tag (use of NRL development officers)

Sydney North Cross Country Championships

On Friday 24 June, the following students travelled to Gosford to participate in the Sydney North Cross Country titles:

Name Year Age Group Lachlan Hanks 7 12 year boys Aidan Smith 7 12 year boys Nicholas Aitkin 7 12 year boys

Cooper Clinton 7 12 year boys Nina Ramsay 7 12 year girls Beatriz Kostnar Frundt 7 12 year girls Talia Dunning 7 12 year girls Siena Maudson 7 12 year girls Brody Hurst 7 13 year boys Ned Milliner 7 13 year boys

Tegan Nebauer 7 13 year girls Lexi Harrison 8 14 year girls Amy Le Blang 8 13 year girls Isabelle Monty 8 13 year girls Sarah Rodgers 8 14 year girls

Daniel Bteddini 10 16 year boys Jasmine Laing 10 15 year girls Meredith Otten 10 16 year girls Mitchell Hargreaves 11 17 year boys Jordyn Hess 11 17 year girls Bethany Pate 11 17 year girls All students performed well, participating to the best of their ability and representing the school with a fantastic attitude. Special congratulations to Lachlan Hanks – year 7 – who qualified for the State Championships in the 12 years age group.

Rugby League

Rugby league at Pittwater High School is going from strength to strength!

Year 7 Our Year 7 Boys Rugby League team has qualified for the Grand Final of the Jamie Lyon Cup competition for the first time in ten years! The big game will be played at Brookvale Oval on Thursday 4 August, kicking off at 3:40pm. Good luck boys! The team is : Oscar Warner, Nathaniel Bakon, Will Allan, Jett McCarthy, Jett Stocken, Byron Grant, Klay Frank, Jarred Bridges, Lochie Hanks, Ethan Julliard, Beau Deathridge, Harry Finlay, Jordan Inkster, Aayush Sharma, Kai Yakich, Dylan Johnson

Girls Rugby League We are launching our new Girls Rugby League Program Monday 25 July after school on the oval. The interest shown by girls from Year 7 to Year 11 has been very encouraging! The following week, Monday 1 August, we will be taking a large group of girls down to Nolan Sports Fields to participate in an NRL-led coaching clinic, with the competition for U/15s and Open beginning the week after, Monday 8 August. Our first training session will begin at 3:40pm. All welcome!

Boys U/13s, U/14s & U/16s Rugby League Gala Day The Gala Day for U/13s, U/14s and U/16s rugby league will be held this Thursday 28 July at Nolans oval. Students are required to make their own way to the venue. Good luck to all involved!

Pub2Pub Fun Run—Sunday 28 August Join Mr Johns in this year’s Pub2Pub fun run. You have the option of three distances – 13km, 6km and 3km. For more information – and to register – visit:- https://pub2pub.fusesport.com/default.asp?OrgID=2329&menu=15027

Northern NSW Regional Snow Sports Championships—Thredbo NSW Congratulations to Chloe Wilson – year 10 – who competed in the Northern NSW Regional Snow Sports Championships last term. Chloe was selected for the State titles at the end of August in three out of her four events. A huge effort!

The Adventures of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program at PHS GOLD Award Qualifying Hike in the Kosciuszko National Park The Gold Expedition Test hike was completed in the Kosciuszko National Park over the school April school holiday break. Pittwater High School students were integrated in a joint venture with students from Narrabeen Sports High School. This presented a golden opportunity for all students from different social groups to work collaboratively in navigation, team building exercises and impromptu decision making skills to survive the hike. The eight students from PHS were Dorian Marshall, Alex McGuiness, Ella Van Dam, Emma Lomas, Jessica Ratcliff, Taylor Springthorpe, Lucy Barber and Jessica Monty. These unique individuals were absolutely awesome to watch - displaying a vibrant energetic and enthusiastic attitude throughout the hike. They had to walk over 55 kilometers in four days, deal with challenging environment conditions with zero degrees at nighttime, endure the weight of a 16 kilogram rucksack then hike up 1400 meter mini mountains, continually source local water for hydration and enjoyed sporting numerous marble sized blisters on their feet that made them grimace with every step. But the star gazing/wondering at night time, along with the warmth of a campfire was able to put any ideas of discomfort behind and allows the spoils of fun, great company and the sense of adventure be lapped up by all. This really was a great success story. Many a lifetime memory has been made from such a trip!

The Adventures of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program at PHS Silver Award Practice Hike at Bucketty National Park The Silver group for this year was a smaller group of highly motivated and skilled hikers. These guys work so well as a team with communicating being one of the strengths. This hike is always interesting and this group absolutely powered through the continual climbs and descents. Thick scrub from an unusually wet season made hiking and navigation very difficult and a number of groups found themselves ‘temporarily misplaced’ from time to time. All groups managed to find their way by referring back to maps and surrounding landmarks. Everyone came home truly exhausted but definitely better for the experience.

Bronze Award Qualifying Hike at Marramarra National Park After surviving their first hike relatively unscathed at Dharug National Park, both the staff and students were all super keen and prepared for their qualifying hike in Marramarra National Park. Similar to their practice hike the Bronze award requires students hike for two days with at least eight hours involves hiking and an overnight stay in a campground. Not wanting to disappoint both the students and parents we made sure each day of the bronze program included ten hours of gruelling mountainous terrain with the off track section being absolutely brutally to walk through in terms of thick scrub and tough navigation. Thankfully all groups managed to find their way by referring back to maps and surrounding landmarks. However as with after every campaign, the students were ecstatic and thrilled to have challenged themselves both physically and mentally over the two days. Also a massive thanks goes to Ms Gundry for giving up her time to join this stellar group of students on the hike.

Pittwater High Open Girls Softball Team Wrap Up The 2016 Softball season finished up this term with the girls making it through to the fourth round of competition. The girls were only one win away from making another appearances in the NSW final 16 tournament, which is held in Newcastle. So close! However, this year’s team boasted sensational levels of talent across the park and bucket loads of youth throughout the season. Stand out performers were Jade Thomas and Rebecca Milham, an awesome combination of pitcher/catcher. Great things are yet to come for this formidable duo. Additionally, cool-headed Jessica Tetlow stepped up this season to take a greater leadership/ mentorship role as our third base/ home run hitter. Lucky she is well supported by the likes of Paige Hillier, Amy Le bang, Sienna Tomkins, Jessica Gudmunson. Now, looking towards the future of softball at Pittwater High, I believe it’s going to be grand! Why? Well it’s largely due to the “busting at the seams” talent pool of year 7/8 students who can definitely play. We were extremely grateful to have the likes of Hannah Christie, Talia Dunning, and Chloe Stevenson among our mist, because each one of these players fosters a team focused philosophy and go get them attitude. Honestly, the process of coaching has been a pleasure and I’m eagerly looking ahead at the 2017 season. Training is going to start early ladies next year- Beware!

Year 10 Dance Elective The year 10 Dance elective girls were fortunate to be selected in the Sydney North Dance festival this year. They were among 3400 students who took part in the yearly dance festival which attracted a record number of students this year. The girls were required to choreograph some parts of the dance and develop a motif for the performance. They performed a dance called ‘Found’ which is symbolic of them riding the highs and lows of their adolescence life and their transition into young, mature women. They all performed exceptionally well and represented the school with pride. A special thank you to Kristy Albers who helped choreograph the dance and provide an incredible amount of support to both the students and I. Aimee Gundry—Classroom Teacher

PDHPE and Aboriginal Studies Trip to the Northern Territory and remote community of Ngukurr Mr Johns, Clarence and I woke early on the first day of the school holidays to make our way to the airport and fly to Darwin with 18 students from the accelerated Aboriginal studies and PDHPE courses.

We arrived at our accommodation late in the afternoon, enjoyed a quick swim in the pool before going to watch the sunset over the water and have some dinner. The following morning we boarded the buses and made our way to Katherine.

In Katherine we enjoyed some time at the Katherine Hot Springs before collecting supplies for dinner and our time in Ngukurr. We departed Katherine on Wednesday morning ready to enjoy the scenic drive and dirt roads, eventually arriving in Ngukurr at 3pm. Here we met John Hickey, the Safety, Sport and Recreation officer, who I had worked closely with in planning our time there. He gave us the keys to our accommodation, the local childcare centre and a quick tour of town. That afternoon we had a barbecue dinner at the local pool with John and invited community members to join us.

The community was so welcoming and friendly, it was overwhelming. The students began interacting and playing games with the children immediately. Over the three days we were there students helped the children with cooking, boxing, guitar, arts and crafts, swimming as well as spending lots of time playing games

We visited the Ngukurr language centre and were fortunate enough to learn about Kriol, and a number of other local languages. “Learning at the local language centre in Ngukurr with linguist Jackie, Aboriginal Elder Betty and also Aboriginal worker AJ helped us to understand the impacts of colonisation upon language”. Emily Smith, year 11

We were treated to a Bongil (traditional dance and welcome) from Lenny and his group as well as the children of Ngukurr. Here our students were painted up and danced. We presented a gift of red and black fabric to the cultural performance group.

The next day we visited the art centre, and the local medical centre with a talk from Kora, the manager and Donna the head of Administration, which linked to both the Aboriginal studies and PDHPE courses.

Our final night in Ngukurr we celebrated NAIDOC day with the community by holding a barbe- que and making damper before officially handing over the donations we took with us, for which they were very appreciative (photo below left). The night ended with us losing convinc- ingly to the locals in a game of dodgeball, and many sad goodbyes to the locals. We woke early Saturday Morning to make our way to Jabiru.

“Going to Ngukurr was such a rewarding experience, in which we all learnt from. It reinforced just how lucky we are to live on the Northern Beaches and how important it is make the most of what you have. As an Aboriginal Studies student, it was significant to just meet and interact with the community. We have greatly benefitted from this experience. The class isn’t just words on a page or statistics from a website anymore.” Maddison Magno—year 11

In Jabiru we had two educational walk and talk sessions with the Ranger, Christian (above right). We viewed rock markings up to 20,000 years old and learned some of the stories associated with them before watching the sunset over the Nadab flood plains. Our final day in Jabiru we went on a cruise through Yellow Water in Kakadu National Park to see the amazing plant and bird life as well as seeing crocodiles, from the safety of the (large) boat.

After driving from to Darwin, it was time to clean all that red dirt from the mini buses and celebrate the end of our trip with a nice group dinner at the Darwin waterfront.

“I learnt a lot about myself, Australia and how a small difference or purpose can have such a big impact (giving back to the community).” “(The trip) has been the greatest end to my journey at school, and (I) will be able to remember this and tell the world about our country, and how blessed we are to live in such a safe and diverse place” Ella Wallis—year 12

All students were fantastic, and it was a pleasure to take them away. They represented the school and themselves with dignity and they should all be very proud of themselves

Kirsty Payne—Classroom Teacher

Would you be able to survive a month in the bush of Ku-ring-gai National Park with nothing except the clothes on your back? This was what we were asked, on the 28 June, when two Food Technology classes and my Aboriginal Studies class went on an excursion to West Head to gather a better understanding of the natural resources Aboriginal people received from Country and the culture that was portrayed through rock carvings.

We arrived, introduced to our guides and shown to where some of the most popular and iconic Indigenous engravings are situated. As we studied them, we discussed with the guides what meanings the different animals, people and objects are, why they are so faded and what solutions there are to fix the problem. We addressed that the reasons of the fading lie with erosion of the soft sand-stone, there wasn't much to stop this that hasn't already taken into action. Barriers lie around the carvings to signal people to not walk there and stop some air and water flow. There has also been recent discussion between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups whether the carvings should be re-engraved. Some say they should let the history held in the carvings to fade away, while others state that the stories and language behind them are lost and no point keeping the carvings. Majority of both sides agree that if they were to re-engrave the site traditional methods should be used.

Afterwards we left on the bus to the picnic area to have lunch followed with talks about natural resources used by Aboriginals in the Guringai area. We learnt about the local Indigenous food sources which include seafood both from the Hawkesbury River and Pittwater, roasted nuts and leaves which are used as a garnish and spice when cooking meat. Some of the edible vegetation include nuts from macadamia trees and the burrawang plant, both of which need to be washed and roasted to not inflict toxic harm on your body. Other uses of plants were to make spears, bags and utensils seen from the Gymea lily which is used to make spears with its long flower stem along with a rock or shell at the end for a sharp point. Grass trees also have traditional uses as their flower stem are used to make fire and their leaves are used to make rope for bags.

Throughout the day we gathered information and a better understanding of the lifestyle of Indigenous Australians who inhabited the site for over 300 years ago. We learnt about the different ways of living a sustainable life on Country, how they demonstrated their culture and how they were able to not only survive, but thrive by living in cooperation with the land.

2016 Year 10 Formal

On 7 December 2016 Year 10 will be celebrating their formal at Monash Country Club.

We have a formal committee that will be meeting fortnightly to discuss arrangements. Any Year 10 students who would like to be involved please see Mrs Roulston.

More information will follow as we are getting organised and payments will soon be able to be made to the front office as numbers and seating arrangements will have to be finalised early November.

Watch this space for more information or email Mrs Roulston directly on [email protected]

The TAS faculty is having a display on Thursday and Friday week 3.

The senior subjects that are submitting for their major works will all be on display Multimedia, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design.

Excellent projects from all years will also be on display from years 7 – 12.

Parents are welcome on Thursday evening from 5 til 8pm in the Staff Common Room in upper A block.

Follow the signs and the year 12 Hospitality students will be supplying some appetisers to enjoy prior to entering the display.

GIANT BOOK FAIR—5-7 AUGUST 2016 Ted Blackwood Hall, Cnr Jackson and Boondah Roads, Warriewood Friday 5 August—1pm—8pm; Saturday 6 August—9am-5pm; Sunday 7 August—9am-2pm Gold Coin donation on entry

Wednesday 27 July Helen Mijakovac, Linda Newman, Di Brian Thursday 28 July Sheridan Femia, Keryn Gallagher, Sarah Jones Friday 29 July Sunny Van Raad, Alison Crawford, Meredith Cox

Monday 1 August Roger Springthorpe, Karen Maguire Tuesday 2 August.. Fiona Griffith, Wendy Mclean, Georgia Bramham Wednesday 3 August Giovanna Graziano, Nicole Graham, Ange Torres Thursday 4 August Robyn Armsworth-Brack, Sheridan Femis, Kylie Bennetts, Monique Stidwell Friday 5 August Behnaz Aliakbari, Joanne Huxtable, Alison Turner, Anne Graham

Monday 8 Augu Alison Christensen Tuesday 9 August Jade Warner, Rustanti Oetojo, Natasha Zani

Please advise canteen managers Katrina or Felicity (ph 9999 4035, x122) if you are unable to make your canteen day. Please don’t assume you will be covered. If any parents, friends, family or grandparents would like to assist on any day helpers are needed please contact myself or the Felicity or Katrina in the canteen. A full day is 9am to 2.30 or 3pm A half day is 3 hours Fiona Griffith; Canteen Roster Co-ordinator [email protected]

Access the uniform shop online site at http://www.phsshop.com