HKHS Highlights

13 November 2015

GREAT EXPERIENCES IN TERM 4 PRINCIPAL REPORT IMPLEMENTING OUR SCHOOL PLAN Week 7 16/11/15 – Yr12 Formal 16/11/15 – Yr10 Senior Prep Program Commences We are now well advanced with our School Plan directions 17/11/15 – P&C Meeting 7.30pm Library for 2015-17 with six teams operating across the areas of; Week 8 23/11/15 – Yr10 Senior Prep Program Continues  Learning Culture. 27/11/15 – Special Ed ‘Movie Under The Stars’ 7.00pm  Teacher Accreditation. Student Resilience and Wellbeing. Week 9 30/11/15 – Yr10 Senior Prep Program Continues  st 3/12/15 – Orientation Day Yr7 2016  21 Century Learning.  Strategic Communication. Week 10 7/12/15 – Yr10 Dinner Dance – Caroline Bay  Student Literacy. 7-9/12/15 – Yr11 into 12 Interviews

10/12/15 – Presentation Evening These six teams have a broad array of 16/12/15 – HSC Results Released Week 11 dynamic and exciting projects 16/12/15 – Students Last Day Term 4 underway that will make a real 17-18/12/15 – Staff Development difference to our students and our school. Projects such as implementation of Mindmatters across the school, redesigning our student UPCOMING EXCURSIONS rewards system, creation of flexible Permission Note & learning spaces instead of traditional Date Excursion Cost Money Due classrooms, implementation of the school as a Teacher Accreditation Term 4 Stage 6 Authority, increasing our media profile, assessing all Weeks Preparation $80.00 students against the Literacy Continuum, creation of the 7-10 Program Personal Best Program, and redesigning teaching and learning programs with a focus on building skills through 7/12/15 Yr7 Rewards Day $45.00 24/11/15 project based learning, critical thinking and creativity. As well as the projects being undertaken across these Yr10 Dinner / teams, we are developing our Collaborative Peer Learning 7/12/15 $60.00 20/11/15 Dance Program aimed at increasing the quality of our teachers through peer observation, constructive feedback, co- design of lessons, peer coaching and mentoring. By the 14/12/15 Yr8 Rewards Day $32.00 24/11/15 end of 2016 all teachers will be involved in this program. These are just a handful of examples of the significant work being undertaken – the next two years will be an exciting 15/12/15 Yr9 Rewards Day $60.00 24/11/15 and evolving time across Henry Kendall.

2016 Vietnam Tour

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

YEAR 12 FAREWELL The orienteering activity was quite good because the students got to see almost all of Northlakes High School. With the HSC examinations concluding on Thursday 5 November, I would like to congratulate our students on the Overall, the day was truly enjoyable. At the end of the day way they approached and worked through the challenges we all assembled in the hall to determine the winner. that the examination period brings. As always, our students Surprisingly our school won with 274 points. The team who were a credit to themselves, their families, and their school. came second achieved 207 points! Each student was Now begins the anxious wait until results are released on awarded a necklace and a $10 JB HiFi Voucher. Wednesday 16 December, and the ATAR’s the following day. Whilst some students will excel, and we have high Comments from the students: hopes that all will attain the results they are aiming for, it “That was so much fun.” remains important to keep the HSC in perspective as it is “I’m glad I came. It was so much better than being at only one step in developing a future career. Most people school.” take several years to find their true path in life. There are “It was so good to win!” various agencies to assist in making good, informed “Can we pretend we are in Year 8 next year and go again?” choices. Henry Kendall High remains one avenue to give students advice and guidance. Ms Patricia Muscat - Mathematics With the examinations over, the short term focus remains the celebration of the formal at Ettalong Memorial Club on Monday 16 November. This will be one of the final times in which the entire cohort are together, and promises to be a very special occasion, and a wonderful celebration of 13 years of schooling, friendships and memories.

Mr Andrew Backhouse – Principal

ABORIGINAL NUMERACY EXCURSION

On Friday 30 October, five students from Years 7 and 8 attended an excursion at Northlakes High School for Aboriginal students. The students were Riley Borthwick, Angela Sibley, Tiarne Waldron-Lamotte, Elise Christie and Chelsea Duncan. The day involved groups of students competing in Numeracy activities in a round robin throughout the day. The first activity was held on the oval. Students had to complete some number puzzle activities in Ashleigh Arkell’s HSC Drama Individual Project has a relay situation. All of our students shared their skills and been chosen for exhibition at OnStage 2016. The knowledge during this activity. The whole day was a exhibition features the best of the best in the state competition and that the school with the most points at the end would receive a Perpetual Trophy. for Drama projects and showcases performances and projects from the 2015 Year 12 HSC cohort During the next activity, the students were taken to the who have achieved phenomenal results. computer lab. They were introduced to an online game called Power Lines, and were given points for each level Ashleigh will have her critical reviews displayed that was completed plus bonus points for getting to the next phase. Chelsea and Riley excelled at this game! along with only a few other reviews that have been selected from an extremely explicit selection Next it was time for lunch. Each student was offered a criteria. sausage sandwich, drink and packet of chips. Our next activity was ball games in the hall. The students played Ashleigh is extremely overwhelmed (as am I) and basketball against two other groups in a small round robin. excited. To be nominated is a huge achievement Again, all students were active and worked really well as a team. and now she can enjoy this excellent outcome.

The final activity was orienteering in which the students Another awesome achievement for HKHS! walked around the school and completed numeracy activities along the way. They visited the agricultural farm and did a count of the animals, then went to the senior area Mrs Jade Draper – Creative and Performing Arts to solve an age old problem about getting animals across a river. Tiarne was great at this.

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

HKHS STUDENT SERVICES NEWS LABELS Think about it: one of the most common ways we express Our school prides itself on catering to the educational, gender is through the way we label ourselves. For some, social, and wellbeing needs of all our students. It is changing this label is an important part of expressing their important that all students feel supported, and can identify true gender. They might change their label from ‘female’ to key people to go to when they need help. Today there is a ‘male’, ‘trans’, ‘other’ or something completely different that much greater understanding about mental wellbeing, they feel expresses their gender properly. depression and suicide prevention. Research has identified that same-sex attracted and transgender students are twice Some people change their name, or ask to be referred to as likely to experience anxiety, and three times as likely to as different pronouns. Michael might ask you to call them experience depression. ‘Mandy’, or refer to them as ‘she’ instead of ‘he’, or even ‘they’. It is now not uncommon for schools to have students who identify as transgender. Imagine how difficult this decision APPEARANCE must have been to the young person, and how confusing it The way you look will usually determine how people see can be to others in the peer group. As a school we have a you, and clothes are probably the easiest way to change responsibility to support all our students through this your appearance. What you wear and how you dress will process – one which will be challenging, confronting, usually depend on what you want to say about yourself, and confusing, emotional, yet liberating. what makes you comfortable. Your interests, style, income, culture - and yep, even gender – can all be expressed Our school values inclusion and equity, where all students through how you look. Sometimes people feel more are treated with dignity and respect. Behaviour which is comfortable in oversized jeans and t-shirts, and sometimes disrespectful, discriminatory, homophobic or transphobic people like tight clothes. But clothes obviously aren’t the will not be tolerated. only way people change their appearance; hair products, I am proud to announce that this term Henry Kendall High piercings and make up are used by most people in different School has joined the Safe Schools Coalition. We are now ways. a member of a group of schools and community agencies that are dedicated to helping schools be safer and more The point is, they’re used to express how a person feels – inclusive for same sex attracted, intersex and gender and that’s something completely up to them. Some people diverse students, school staff and families. have surgery to alter how they express their gender, some people have hormone treatment. Some people legally To assist parents in understanding gender issues the change what’s written on their birth certificate following extract may be useful: But like all changes, when someone adjusts the way they WHAT’S GENDER ALL ABOUT? express their gender, especially when you’ve known them Maybe it’s time for a reality check on what gender is really for a while, it can take some time to get used to. Gender is all about. It’s not exactly rare for guys to spend a ton of time different for everyone; some people might change the way making sure their hair is perfect, and it’s likely that a girl is they express their gender over their life. Some people into sport, or hates wearing dresses. The idea that you’ve won’t. Basically, the rule of thumb is not to assume anything got to act a certain way just because of what physical bits about someone’s gender – it’s theirs. If you want to find out you have is pretty out-dated. more about gender diversity.

SEX AND GENDER This article has been taken from a booklet ‘OMG My The basics are that sex is your physical aspects and gender Friends Queer’ published by MINUS18. is how you feel in your mind in terms of masculine and Source: www.safeschoolscoalition.org.au feminine. Sometimes, physical sex and gender don’t match up, so you could be born with lady bits, but feel quite masculine. HKHS SAFE SCHOOLS SUPPORT GROUP Week 6, this term we are launching our own Safe Schools TRANSGENDER Support Group which will offer a safe, inclusive and relaxed Some people feel connected to the gender that doesn’t space where students can join in a game or activity, or ‘match’ their physical sex. This is called being simply hang out and socialise. I would like to thank Ms Carly transgendered. Some people have a ‘fluid’ gender – it Brien for volunteering to co-ordinate this group. changes over time. More information about gender diversity, is also available Expressing your gender is a personal thing, everyone does at www.beyondblue.org.au it, and everyone does it differently. Also, just because someone DOES fit a stereotype, like a girl acting girly, doesn’t mean they can’t be gender diverse.

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

KOKODA – LEST WE FORGET The Bone Man of Kododa. Happell, Charles 2011, Pan Macmillan Australia, Sydney. With every new day we lose more veterans of the Second World War. Many of them are now in their 90’s and soon In 2012 I carried “The Path of Infinite Sorrow” with me from enough, the last of them will pass into memory, as have the Port Moresby, across the Kokoda track to the northern veterans of the Great War. beaches of New Guineaiv.

Sunday 25 October 2015 saw the passing of a Kokoda icon. This book can be seen below on a camp table at Alola The campaign of the Second World War is a history shared Village, with fragments of shell casings that can still be between Australia, Japan and New Guinea. found along the track.

The story of Kokichi Nishimura can also be found in a documentary about his life that was shown nationally in Japan, The Promise of “the Bone Man” Kochi TV 2012, DVD. This documentary also features staff and students from Henry Kendall High School. Our school will now forever be a part of his story and a part of the History that is shared between Australia, Japan and New Guinea.

Kokichi Nishimura and David Ardley 18 June 2012 Photo taken by Hajime Marutani Kokichi Nishimura kept his promise, though he wished he could have done more, he did what he could and he did more than most. He proved by his actions that Japanese We take this opportunity to say farewell to Mr Kokichi soldiers are also capable of showing courage, endurance, Nishimura who was a member of the 2nd Battalion, 144th mateship and sacrifice. Regiment of the Japanese Imperial Army. Nishimura fought in the Kokoda Campaign during 1942 and at 13:33 I am privileged to have had the opportunity to spend a few Tokyo time on 25 October 2015 he passed away. He was hours talking to him about his experiences and I am 95 years oldi. honoured to have been a small part of his history. When looking beyond the limits of our own national perspective it His inspirational dedication to the memory of his fellow can be seen that Kokoda veteran Kokichi Nishimura is soldiers led him to devote 26 years of his life to searching indeed one of them and he is one of us. the mountains of New Guinea for their remains. In 2012 Nishimura talked to me about his war time experiences. Sincere condolences to his family, particularly his devoted These experiences included his final days on Ioribaiwa daughter, Sachiko-san. Ridge, the point at which the Japanese army, under General Tomitaro Horri was ordered to withdraw along the Lest we forget Kokoda track to their bases on the northern beachesii. i The details regarding the passing of Kokoshi Nishimura He also shared with me some of his memories from fighting were provided by Hajime Marutani by email on Wednesday the Australian soldiers whom he held in high regard for their 28 October 2015. fighting spirit. Of particular note was his comment that “The Australians killed most of us, and destroyed everything. ii There are many sources that will give reference to this They were tough and strong and brave and they did their order but in particular see page 4 of Collie, Craig & best to destroy us and kill us. They were a very good enemy Marutani, Hajime 2009, The path of infinite sorrow. The and therefore I respect such brave and strong soldiers, Japanese on the Kokoda Track. Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest even as the enemy, I respect them.”iii iii Kokichi Nishimura Interview: 18 June 2012. Interviewer: The story of the Japanese experience on the Kokoda track David Ardley (Australian School Teacher). Translation by: and the life of Kokichi Nishimura can be found in two Hajime Marutani (Japanese Historian, Author, Translator) exceptional sources. iv This experience was made possible as I was the very The Path of Infinite Sorrow. The Japanese on the grateful recipient of the 2011 Premier’s Commonwealth Kokoda Track. Collie, Craig & Marutani, Hajime 2009, Bank Foundation Australian History Scholarship. Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest.

Mr David Ardley

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

SPECIAL ED NETBALL YEAR 8 ADVISER REPORT

On Thursday 5 November, the Special Education What a fabulous term we have had so far, there are so netball team headed down to Netball Central at many positive things to mention! Sydney Olympic Park for a gala day. They learnt new skills and had the opportunity of playing Firstly, I would like to congratulate our impressive Year 8 against and alongside students from other rock band, Paper Riot for a fabulous performance at Kids schools. The students represented our school in Day Out on Sunday 1 November and a mention in the an outstanding fashion showing great newspaper! sportsmanship. The day was a great experience and a lot of fun! I would also like to congratulate and thank all the Year 8 students for their The team included: Jasmin Cuthel, Zali Dezeeuw, exemplary behaviour and participation Joshua Lyons, Ebony Wright, Joshua Potger, in the recent Year 8 welfare day, which Nicholas Lee, Wanda Rassmussen, Jasmine was a huge success. Tiarna Houghton O'Meley, Jessica Buth, Zara Rawlings, Skye and Sophie Logan worked hard to Rawlings and Ethan Russell. produce an interesting and engaging day and all of the students certainly learnt a lot! The day Mrs Dani Bath – Special Education covered topics related to mental health. The group considered what mental health is, types of mental health problems which could occur, how to find help and support and how to help a friend who might be suffering from mental health issues. The students then collaboratively designed some posters which had supportive messages on them, to promote good mental health throughout the school. The afternoon session was dedicated to students participating in some relaxation activities. It was a wonderful day! I would also like to say a special thank you to Sophie Logan's mother and grandparents for their help running the free barbecue!

To reward our wonderful Year 8 students we are offering a rewards day to Taronga Zoo. All invited students have been issued an invitation. The excursion is running on Monday 14 December and costs $32. Students will depart from school at 9:15am and arrive back at 4:10pm. It is important to note that students arrive back after normal bus departure and will need to have organised an alternate way home if necessary. Payment is due by 24 November and there are only 90 available places, so get in quick to reserve a spot!

Ms Carly Brien – Year 8 Adviser

YEAR 10 ADVISER REPORT

First of all, congratulations to each and every student in Year 10 on completing the last assessment task of their junior schooling lives. It is a major milestone to move into senior school and a big step into their futures. I would also like to thank the cohort on their behaviour during the two day exam period.

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

The Stage Six Preparation Program begins next week, and YEAR 9 ADVISER REPORT I would like to remind each student that they should be representing their school proudly when they are both out Term 4 has started at a blistering and about on one of the many exciting excursions and pace for the Year 9 students. Classes involved in one of the many engaging incursions. The are working hard to complete their Stage Six Preparation Program Team has been working final assessments, students are very hard to ensure that the next four weeks are insightful, taking the opportunity to attend interesting and invaluable for the students. upcoming excursions such as the PASS Golf Day and Year 9 Rewards The Year 10 Dinner and Dance is to be held on Monday 7 Day whilst some students have been December. Students have received the information and busy representing the school within our community through permission notes and are encouraged to pay $60.00 to the their participation in the Youth Frontiers program. front office as soon as possible. It will prove to be a memorable celebration and capstone of their time in the STAR PROGRAM junior school. The conclusion of the 6 into 7 STAR program involved our Year 9 students and their mentees, venturing to both Point Mr Blake Wawrzyk – Year 10 Adviser Clare Public School and Gosford Public School to share their learning experiences. Whilst at the schools, the STAR participants presented on topics such as uniform, subjects, sport choices and specialist rooms just to name a few. I would like to congratulate all of the mentors who devoted their time to the program to assist their mentees’ transition into Year 7.

Congratulations ‘Paper Riot’

HKHS Year 8 band, for your participation in the Kids Day Out event.

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

YEAR 9 REWARDS DAY Congratulations to those students who have received an invitation to the Year 9 2015 Rewards Day. This rewards day is offered to those students who consistently do their best throughout the year. The excursion will take place on Tuesday 15 December. Those students wishing to attend will need to return their permission note and payment by Tuesday 24 November. Please see the excursion note for more details.

PEER SUPPORT The Henry Kendall Peer Support Program aims to utilise the experience and knowledge of our students in a collaborative and supporting role. Applications are now available for any Year 9 student wishing to apply. Those students who are selected for Peer Support will be given training, before assisting in events such as the Year 6 Orientation Day and the 2016 Year 7 Camp. Please see Mr Michael Mellish for more information.

The second half of term will continue to be filled with exciting opportunities and challenges. I encourage all Year 9 students to persist with the hard work and commitment that they have demonstrated so far. Well done Year 9.

Mr Michael Mellish – Year 9 Adviser

SCULPTURES BY THE SEA Year 9 Art and Photography students were invited to attend an excursion to the 2015 Sculptures by the Sea exhibit in Sydney. The students were able to view the sculptures, set alongside some stunning coastal views. We hope that the excursion has given inspiration to some of our up and coming artists.

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

REMEMBRANCE DAY

The Central Coast played host to a number of special guests this Remembrance Day who are Buglers from the Menin Gate, Belgium.

They made two special appearances firstly at the Gosford Cenotaph where SeoKyong Inn, who recently represented our school on the Kokoda Track, was able to stand among Central Coast veterans.

The Last Post Association is a purely voluntary and wholly independent body. It is charged with the daily organisation of the sounding of the Last Post under the Menin Gate Memorial, as well as the organisation of special ceremonies. They recently conducted their 30,000th Remembrance Service. It is the aim of the Last Post Association to maintain this ceremony in perpetuity.

Their second appearance was at The Entrance Cenotaph at 8.15pm for a Twilight Service which coincided with the service being conducted at the Menin Gate at the 11th hour of the 11th day on the Western Front. Our school was represented by teacher Mr David Ardley who was able to lay a wreath on our behalf.

Congratulations to teacher Roger Macey and the students from Brisbane Water Secondary College, Kincumber High School and The Entrance Campus, for their outstanding commemorative service.

Lest We Forget

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]

This fortnight we are having a closer look at hints 4 and 5 from; www.lifeline.org.au Ten Hints for Creating Resilient Families

by Andrew Fuller

4. Spontaneity and curiosity

Spontaneity and curiosity are the building blocks of good mental health. You cannot tell someone how to have better mental health and you cannot give it to them by getting them to read a book. www.kidshelpline.com.au So the really hard message here is that if you want to raise your children to have mentally

healthy lives you are going to have to have a good time yourself. If you want your children

to succeed you need to show them that success is worth having.

5. Love kids for their differences

When families function well people are allowed to be different and to be loved for Ph: 02 4304 7870 those differences.

Having children who are strongly individual and a strong sense of who they are is a sign of good parenting. The problem may, of course be that they will then express their independent spirit in ways that you don’t like. The ideal is a mix between someone who preserves their own uniqueness and is able to work with others without becoming dictated to by them. Someone who has their own www.beyondblue.org.au independent nature but is comfortable enough with themselves to allow inter- Ph: 1300 224 636 dependence.

(For the full article please see www.andrewfuller.com.)

T: (02) 43252110 F: (02)43232685 Henry Kendall High School E: [email protected]