Your Outstanding Local Comprehensive

Term 4 Update – December 2011 N Highlights for 2011 As we near the end of 2011 it is worthwhile to reflect on some of the highlights for the year. For me these highlights included; E  Excellent NAPLAN results for Years 7 and 9 – particularly in Numeracy (well above State average). Some aspects of Literacy are still a concern and these will be a focus of our 2012-14 School Plan. W  State Award of Excellence for our Environmental team.  An extremely successful MULTICULTURAL day organised and run by our SRC.  The 13th Annual Australian Business Week (ABW) conducted. This was organised by Ms Wiryakusuma and continued the strong link between our school and Kogarah Rotary. S  We strengthened our links with our feeder schools – a group of Year 7 students as well as teachers, visited them early in the year and they came to us for taster courses throughout Term 3.  Continued success on the sporting field. Including being named as the Zone Girls‟ L Champion school for both the Winter and Summer grade competitions.  The collaborative development of the Schools RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY charter; outlining the school values which we would like all school community members to E adhere.  The introduction of new initiatives such as online study skills and the SMS attendance system – financially backed by the BHS P&C.  The successful introduction of Year 8 and 10 selection evenings that fully informed parents and T students of the subject choices available to them.  Overseas excursions to France and Italy as well as a myriad of other excursions designed to enhance student outcomes.  Some of the physical aspects of the school were improved– the Hall was painted by Yr 12 as part of T their present to the school; hall fans, funded by the P&C; a Cola was constructed between the Gym and Hall; an upgrade of the Industrial Arts staffroom was completed; refurbishment of the basketball courts. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Blakehurst High School, Parents & Citizens Association E (P&C) for their ongoing support, both financially, as well as in representation on merit selection panels for staff; the canteen committee and the financial committee. The P&C has committed over $30000 in 2011 to school programs and projects including ; assisting with the school bus expenses; Presentation Evening Awards; sewing machines; Hall fans; upgrade of the Hall sound R system; Study skills/SMS; Transition advisers laptop; Science equipment; Music and Art equipment and technology; and Mathematics software. I would also like to thank the staff at BHS – I have said many times that I believe they are the best staff I have worked with in 34 years of teaching – this is because they are so concerned about achieving the best outcomes for students and most are keen to “go the extra mile” to assist their students. It is this that makes BHS the Comprehensive school of choice in the area we presently have an enrolment of over 1100 students with more knocking on the door every day. I am very proud of the fact that I am the Principal of a school that is fully inclusive; we are able to provide a quality education for ALL students regardless of their background, academic ability, or socio economic status. Many schools boast about their exclusivity – this essentially means they can exclude students they don‟t want – this is what makes us different; it makes us the school we are! P&C Annual General Meeting The P&C AGM will take place at the first P&C meeting in 2012. The date for this meeting is Wednesday the 7th of February at 7pm. It will follow the „Meet the Year 7 Teachers‟ event we will hold that afternoon/evening. Hopefully new Year 7 parents will stay on for the AGM. All parents are invited to attend. Leanne Roth, our School Counsellor, will be the Guest Speaker at the AGM. She will be talking about the transition of students from Primary to Secondary school, as well as the role of the School Counsellor Return Dates for 2012 The return to school for the 2012 year is staggered as follows;  Staff return Friday the 27th of January – Staff Development Day  Years 7, 11 and 12 return Monday the 30th of January (9am Assembly)  Years 8, 9 and 10 return Tuesday the 31st of January (9am Assembly; Yrs 11 and 12 have Period 0 as per their timetables – 7-45 am start)

270a Woniora Road BLAKEHURST NSW 2221 Ph: 9546 3281 Fax: 9547 1024 Email: [email protected] Website: www.blakehurst-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR DECEMBER: END OF YEAR ‘SWOT’ REFLECTION

At the end of year it is always a good idea for students to reflect on their approach to school. Not every student can achieve the best marks, but every student can achieve the best marks they are capable of, their own personal best. By focusing more on improving learning, and gaining deeper understanding, rather than just on marks, students often find their results improve significantly.

A great approach for students is to undertake a simple SWOT analysis:

Strengths:  What are your strengths as a student?  What achievements from this year can you celebrate?  What do you do really well at school?  What skills have you developed?  What learning have you really enjoyed?

Weaknesses:  What are your weaknesses as a student?  What areas could you improve in?  What skills need more work?

Opportunities:  What opportunities exist for you to improve your approach to school?  What could you do differently next year?  What could you do to have better quality learning experiences next year?

Threats:  What is standing in the way of you achieving your personal best?  What obstacles do you need to overcome?  What actions could you take to deal with any threats to achieving your personal best?

Students may also like to print the „Setting Targets‟ worksheet in the Goal Setting unit or the „Moving Your Results to the Next Level‟ sheet in Becoming a Senior Student unit.

Our school‟s subscription details to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au are - User name: blakehursths Password: 186results

Parent Tips Published in the Department of Education Newsletter

Help Yourself and Others

Young adulthood is an exciting time, but it can also be a time of emotional confusion and stress.

The Reachout websit www.rachout.com has information on everything from family relationships, bullying, sexuality, to drugs and alcohol, grief and loss. There‟s also a helpline and live chat help.

Reachout has an internship program for students who are interested in working in the social services sector.

Flexible intern opportunities include the areas of marketing, IT, psychology, multimedia and more. Email [email protected] if you are interested.

Also check out the „get involved‟ page for more ways young people 14-25 years can help others http://au.reachout.com/get-involved

Youth info a click away Links and resources for young people on areas including: legal rights; school and beyond; health & wellbeing; disabilities; work & money; getting help; are available on the YouthNSW website.

The site includes a comprehensive list of grants and funding available to young people to pursue specific projects. Go to: www.youth.nsw.gov.au/

Dedicated email trial for reporting bullying.

Just a reminder that our school has been selected to trial an Electronic Bullying Reporting System. Please see the information from the DEC below.

“In response to general community concerns around the reporting of bullying the Department of Education and Communities is piloting in 24 schools across NSW, a dedicated email address where students and their parents can report incidents of bullying. The school that your child attends has volunteered to be part of this important trial. Students and parents will be able to send an email anytime and from anywhere with an internet connection, to report student bullying behaviour online. The report travels instantaneously to the school principal or nominee in an email.

The purpose of this email trial is to identify the particular benefits/advantages and limitations/disadvantages for the school community of using a dedicated email address for reporting bullying. An email account has been created at our school – You can access this email on the schools website: i.e. [email protected]

After a report has been made a bounce back message will take place (i.e. an automatic response). This will give information about when the report would be looked at, some tips on what to do, contact information on support services and information about what constitutes bullying. The bullying e-mail will be a no-reply e-mail box. The responses are provided by a school representative, no anonymity will be available in this response.”

Please note the school will not be acting on any anonymous emails as they may prove vexatious.

I wish THE ENTIRE BLAKEHURST HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON.

Late mail - 2011 HSC results just in! Staff and students are celebrating the outstanding HSC results we achieved this year. I have included a summary of the highlights below:

Top ATAR Chelsea (Yi Qing) Zhang ATAR of 99.55 (NB maximum ATAR possible is 99.95)

State Merit List Evangelia Haralabopoulos - 1st in the State for Modern Greek Beginners. Andrew Panopoulos – 5th in the State for Modern Greek Beginners. Nikolaos Triantafyllis – 5th in the State for Modern Greek Continuers. Nikolaos Triantafyllis – 5th in the State for Modern Greek Extension. Emily Gorscak – 9th in the State in Business Services.

HSC All-round Achievers List Two students gained Band 6 in all their 10 units. They were:

 Evangelia Haralabopoulos  Chelsea (Yi Qing) Zhang

Honour roll 111 students in 32 subjects (a 54% increase on the 2010 number i.e. 72 in 24 subjects) In Extension courses there were 26 top Band 4 results (compared to 15 in 2010). Band 4 results in Extension courses included 16 in Mathematics Extension 1 (top mark was 97%), 5 in Extension 2 (top mark was 95%), 2 in Modern Greek (top mark was 96%), 2 in Extension English (top mark 96%), and 1 in History extension

In 2 unit courses there were 85 top Band 6 results (compared to 57 in 2010). Band 6 results include 16 in Mathematics, 6 in Advanced English, 2 in Maths General, 4 in Chemistry, 4 in Community and Family Studies, 1 in Accounting, 2 in Ancient History, 2 in Economics, 3 in Engineering Studies, 1 in Music Extension, 1 in Drama, 3 in Physics, 4 in Business Studies, 5 in Chinese for Background Speakers, 1 in Chinese Beginners, 6 in English as a Second Language, 2 in Modern Greek Beginners, 1 in Macedonian, 2 in Italian Beginners, 4 in Modern Greek Continuers, 4 in Japanese Beginners, 5 in Industrial Technology, 2 in PDHPE, 1 in Textiles and Design, 2 in Japanese Continuers, 1 in Geography, 1 in VET Hospitality, 1 in VET Business Services.

There were a total of 271 Band 5’s across the school in all subjects.

Other achievements 5 students gained a Life Skills HSC. Dual credentialing There were 31 TAFE credentials awarded in various TAFE courses. Congratulations to all staff and students on such fabulous results! The challenge now is to improve on these great results in 2012.

Mr B Lester Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S Report

This term ends the school year with well-deserved celebrations and recognition of students‟ achievements. Congratulations to all the students who gained awards at Presentation Night. It is very important for students to reflect on their achievements this year and begin to plan for improvements and new learning next year. I‟d like to thank the wonderful parents who have attended the school throughout the year to support their children‟s learning. The partnerships we have with you are important to the continued successes of our students. I hope you take this holiday time as an opportunity to connect with your teenagers and see what interesting and lovely young people they BELL CHANGE are growing up to be. Please encourage your children to read as widely as possible during the holidays. Period 0 will be I‟d also like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated staff at extended by 10 minutes Blakehurst High School for the great job they have done all year. They are to 8:55 - Rollcall will committed to designing and providing quality learning environments to engage our students. begin at 8:55am Congratulations to all the Year 12 students who have just received your HSC results. I hope that you received what you were hoping for. Be brave and take a chance at life to be the best you can be, whether it begins with a TAFE course, a course or a job. All students in Years 7 to 10, 2012, should have received a Book List. Please ensure that your child has all of the equipment that they need by the time they return. It is also important that they have full school uniform, including school shoes, for their return. Day one for Years 7, 11 and 12 is on Monday 30 January. Years 8, 9 and 10 return to school on Tuesday 31 January. In 2012, the BELL TIMES (timetable following) will be changed. Year 11 and 12 students will still begin at 7:45 but this early lesson will be ten minutes longer. ROLL CALL will now start at 8:55am which means that all students need to be on the premises by 8:45am. Please ensure that your child is present by this time. Unfortunately, many students who are driven or walk to school tend to be the latest arrivals. Roll call will only go for ten minutes so it is vital that they are at school on time. I hope that all students begin the new school year with renewed energy and the resolve to improve their learning. In particular, our new Year 12 students need to use their 5 week “study break” (you have no holidays until November) productively. Revise all the work that you have covered while you have the time to do so. As the year progresses, free time will start to become a luxury, so do any revision you can during this holiday break. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Lyn Paton Deputy Principal-Welfare/Learning

PERIOD MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

0 7:45 – 8:55 7:45 – 8:55 7:45 – 8:55 7:45 – 8:55 7:45 – 8:55 (Yrs 11 & 12 only)

Roll Call 8:55 – 9:05 8:55 – 9:05 8:55 – 9:05 8:55 – 9:05 8:55 – 9:05

9:05 – 10:15 Junior Assembly 9:05 – 9:35 1 9:05 – 10:15 9:05 – 10:15 Sport Assembly 9:05 – 10:15 10:15 – 10:35 Senior Assembly 10:15 – 10:45

Recess 10:15 –10:45 10:15 –10:45 10:35–11:05 10:45 –11:15 10:15 –10:45 11:05-12:10 2 10:45 –11:55 10:45 –11:55 11:15 –12:20 10:45 –11:55

3 11:55 –1:05 11:55 –1:05 12:20 – 1:25 11:55 –1:05

Lunch 1:05 – 1:35 1:05 – 1:35 1:25 – 1:55 1:05 – 1:35 SPORT No DEAR DEAR 1:35 – 1:55 1:35 – 1:55 1:35 – 1:55

4 1:55 – 3:00 1:55 – 3:00 1:55 – 3:00 1:55 – 3:00

Wet Weather Sports Day Peer Support Non DEAR (ABW)

Time Period Time Time Period Period 0 7:45 – 8:55 0 7:45 – 8:55 0 7:45 – 8:55 (Yrs 11 & 12 only) (Yrs 11 & 12 only) (Yrs 11 & 12 only) Roll Call Roll Call Roll Call 8:55 – 9:05 8:55 – 9:05 8:55 – 9:05 1 9:05 – 10:15 1 9:05 – 10:15 1 9:05 – 10:20

Recess 10:15 – 10:45 Recess 10:15 – 10:45 Recess 10:20 – 10:50

2 10:45 – 11:55 2 10:45 – 11:50 2 10:50 –12:05

3 (Repeat 1) 11:55 – 12:55 3 11:50 – 12:55 3 12:05 – 1:20

Lunch 12:55 – 1:25 Lunch 12:55 – 1:25 Lunch 1:20 – 1:50

4 (Repeat P2) 1:25 – 2:25 DEAR 1:25 – 1:55 4 1:50 – 3:00

4 1:55 – 3:00

Transition Advisor’s Report

It has been a busy and innovative term with many of our Year 10 as well as several Year 11 students attending „Get Into VET‟ courses at various TAFEs.

All students identified career/ education goals at their Course Counselling sessions during Term 3. In addition in Terms 2 and 3, a group of Year 10 students also attended the „Jumpstart‟ student re-engagement course at Youth Zone where working towards a successful and and achieving career and personal goals was the focus. Through course counselling sessions and via consultation with Year Advisors, those students who would benefit from the TAFE experience, and who were motivated to take responsibility for their education and career were invited to participate in various courses.

The courses include Automotive Mechanical and Spray Painting, Children‟s Services, Hairdressing, Carpentry/ Construction and Beauty and Music. The TAFEs involved were St George, Ultimo and Petersham. Students graduated and received a Certificate from TAFE.

Our fantastic partnership with Yamaha, managed by CBCC, tentatively known as „Yamaha Young Mechanics‟, culminated in a presentation by two of our students on junior assembly about their experiences at Yamaha and a subsequent visit to St George TAFE‟s Automotive Department. The group of Year 9 students were then awarded a framed certificate from Yamaha recognising their achievements. The students awarded were Kurt Beers, who, with his father, attended the Yamaha „Grand Prix‟, Kingsley Castillo, Waheb Diab, Kylie Dyke, Nathan King, Andrew Talevski and Chris Talevski. We look forward to developing this partnership and offering this opportunity to Year 9 students in 2012.

Many of our students who are looking for work experience and /or part time/ holiday employment or transition to full time work or TAFE or University, have been helped with resumes and job applications, and, when they qualify for support in this pathway, have been referred to expert external agencies who are funded by the Federal Government and are thus able to support them free of charge.

There is some exciting news from TAFE, who are offering Stage 5 VET Courses, held one afternoon per week; to motivate Year 10 2012 students who wish to begin on their career paths in a trade. If your student qualifies, the paperwork should have come home with applications due in early next school year.

Janelle Lyons Year 11 Advisor Transition Advisor English/ESL/HSIE Teacher English Faculty Blakehurst High School 270A Woniora Rd Blakehurst, NSW 2221 ph:9546 3281 fax: 9547 1024 News from the LIBRARY

Holiday borrowing Special Offer!

All students have been given permission to borrow double their normal allowance of books from the Library for reading over the holiday period. There are six long weeks, and the long range weather forecast is for more All students rain and cool days, so what better way to spend this time than with a book? have You can be prepared for 2012 which has been designated the permission to ‘Year of Reading’, and get a head start on the 2012 Premier’s Reading Challenge! Students have come to have borrow a look at our Holiday Reading suggestions and our display of new books double their for some reading ideas. normal I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Hatzaras and Mrs Russell for their work in the Library this year. Their hard work throughout the year allowance of keeps the Library running smoothly and efficiently. books for I wish all students and their families a very happy and safe holiday and reading over look forward to helping you find something great to read I 2012. the holiday

period

Artwork on display in the Library

Mrs Amanda Alchin Teacher/Librarian

‘CAPA Column’

Our final „Column‟ for 2011 – and what a year it has been! absolutely delighted to see the students so engaged and A very big „Thank You‟ to our CAPA team - Ms Elakis, creative, doing what they love! Ms Strudwick, Mrs Bourtsouklis, Mrs Bellato, Mrs Colebrook and Mr Pazin. The students at Blakehurst High are indeed Schools Spectacular 2011 very fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated team to Ms Elakis and Ms Jacobsen took a group of students from foster their creativity and learning in the Creative and Years 7 - 11 to participate as the audience for the Performing Arts. A Big Thank You also to the students who magnificent Schools Spectacular Matinee Concert on 25 have made it all worthwhile for us. We look forward to doing November. We were thoroughly entertained once again, it all bigger and better again in 2012! with first class performances from students from all over NSW, and with a very special appearance of Jack Vidgen, I am very excited to announce that the „Jamhub‟ – winner of „‟s Got Talent 2011‟. purchased for us by our wonderful P&C – is creating „rock stars‟ of the future I am sure! The Year 9 Elective Music On behalf of the CAPA team, I would like to wish everyone in class are making and creating some wonderful music, and, the Blakehurst High School community the very best for the without disturbing the Science classes across the hallway! festive season and a safe and restful break. Seriously, is learning meant to be this much fun?? Thank you Happy holidays to all! very much to the P&C for this fantastic learning tool – I am

Ms Judy Jacobsen/Head Teacher & the CAPA Team

On Saturday 29th of October, four members of Blakehurst High School INTERACT, including the president, Nic Maricic, attended the National Rotary Conference in Homebush – At the Rotary Conference, the Blakehurst students were able to meet other INTERACT students from other schools, such as St Mary‟s from Wollongong. Students were also able to hear the contribution that Rotary has on an International and National scale.

President Nic Maricic and Sunny Manola presented to the Rotarians what Blakehurst High School INTERACT has achieved in the Year 2011. The students represented Blakehurst High very well and were given many ideas from the other INTERACT schools about what Blakehurst High School INTERACT could do in the Year 2012.

Sunny Manola Year 10

Blakehurst High School Environmental Team Report 2011

The Blakehurst High School Environmental Team is pleased to report that projects undertaken this year were met with great enthusiasm from all members of the school community. Students have embraced the school reusable drink bottles since the elimination of disposable water bottles from the canteen. They have been regularly refilling at the water fountains outside the and in the canteen area. With the assistance of the P&C and Kogarah Council we are hoping to install another water fountain in the new year. The successful roll out of the reusable water bottles with the school emblem emblazoned on them has also led to the decision to give bottles to the 2012 Year 7 group in order to instill awareness for the environment.

Blakehurst High School received the Learning for Sustainability Award of Excellence for the region earlier in the year. On the 22nd August, Nina Glavincevski and Alishia Lambropoulos, both Year 9 students from the Team, attended a formal ceremony at the Nirimba Education Precinct, Quakers Hill to receive the award. They were inspired by the range of environmental projects undertaken by DEC schools, institutes and corporate offices.

On the 10th of November 2011, the Environment Team organised Green Day to promote environmentally friendly ideas such as “nude food”, e.g. bringing food to school in lunchboxes instead of wrapping it in cling foil to reduce waste. We also sold cupcakes, held a lolly guessing competition and had a mufti day where students were encouraged to wear green. All funds collected will go towards projects to increase the environmental sustainability of the school and will benefit our school community greatly. A logo designing competition for the Environmental Team was also held to make the team more recognisable among the student body. Congratulations to Samuel McDonnell from Year 12, the winner of this competition. His logo is at the preface of this report and will be used in all official documents for the Environmental Team.

The Environmental Team also seeks to improve our projects by learning from the success of other schools. On the 16th of November, Erin Bayas and Rebecca Gray-Schwarz from Year 8 as well as Rebecca Luhur and Emma Schofield from Year 9 attended St. George Girls‟ High School‟s Green Day. It was an eye-opening experience as the girls learnt about the “Save the Koala” movement, the fragility of the ecosystem and the “butterfly effect” as well as garbage sorting and composting. All four girls returned with renewed passion for saving the environment and additional ideas we can incorporate into our projects for next year. We are looking towards further promoting the concept of “nude food” as well as getting our herb garden up and running. The issue of rubbish in the school compound is also a serious one and we hope to be able to resolve this by instilling a culture of responsibility towards the environment as well as making changes to our waste disposal systems.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Blakehurst High School community for their support and we aim to continue our efforts to better the school‟s impact on the environment in the upcoming year. We would also like to encourage all students to participate in this rewarding school activity that not only increases our integration into the school community but also makes a difference to our environment. The Team has weekly meetings and utilises Edmodo as an educational online forum to share ideas.

We look forward to a productive 2012.

Zi Ying SU Year 11 C U P C A K

E S

F O R

S A Emma Schofield, Rebecca Gray-Schwarz, Jennifer Juzmin L E !

E N V I R O N M E N T A L

T E A M

&

Y R Environmental Team & Year 7 Students Wearing Green 7 Jennifer Juzmin, Alishia Lambropolous, Phillip Andonov, Nina Glavincevski, Emmanuel Koulianos, Sheriden Smith, Jamie Krstanoski Ms Jane Camilleri EnvironmentalI Team Co-ordinator N

G

News from the Mathematics Faculty

The Mathematics Faculty would like to wish the parents, carers and the community a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012. We would like to congratulate all the students who had a successful year of learning.

In 2012, there will be a new Head Teacher of Mathematics, Ms A Peachey, from Gymea High School. The Mathematics faculty would like to welcome her to our faculty and our school community and have every confidence that she will lead the department well.

We hope all students have an enjoyable and restful holiday break. The Mathematics Faculty look forward to more successful learning in 2012. Please ensure you come back next year prepared with the correct equipment and a continued positive attitude towards learning. ……………. The Mathematics Faculty would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Diakos for her work as acting Head Teacher during Terms 2, 3 and 4 of 2011. We have really appreciated her leadership throughout the year.

Mrs F Diakos Relieving Head Teacher Mathematics

Aboriginal School Community – Morning Tea

Dear Parents/Caregivers, Blakehurst High School welcomes you to a morning tea on Thursday the 9th February 2012 (Wk 3) at 11am.

This is to meet the Regional Aboriginal Education Consultants and Elders to discuss the implementation of Individual Learning Plans to help support the learning of Aboriginal students at Blakehurst High School.

Morning tea will be provided and we look forward to discussing your child‟s needs at this important educational event. Further information will be forwarded to you early in 2012.

For further information please contact Rebecca Turnbull (Aboriginal Liaison Officer) at Blakehurst High School on 9546 3281.

Rebecca Turnbull Aboriginal Liaison Officer

PDHPE – Sports Report

Congratulations to each and every student and staff member that have contributed to the outstanding results that have been attained in Sport during 2011. It is also deeply satisfying to see the positive relationships that develop in and through sport on Wednesday afternoons between students and staff members.

Once again Blakehurst High was the most highly represented school in the St George Zone Grade Sport competitions featuring in 62 Summer and 56 Winter sports competitions culminating with 13 Winter and 16 Summer Premierships. Blakehurst High School was crowned Champion Girls School in the Summer and Winter sports seasons in the St George Zone for the fourth consecutive year.

Many other students represented the school with distinction in a range of sports. The following students display the talent and Many students represented the school with distinction in the diversity that exists within the student body of three major carnivals. Our most outstanding competitors at Blakehurst High School. these carnivals include:

Brooke Anderson NSWCHS Soccer representative Sheridan Smith

12 Years Zone Swimming Champion Daisy Kennedy-Holtz

NSWCHS and All Schools Swimming Australian under 17 Indigenous Representative Netball representative

Julia Glavincevski Shoji Isomoto 13 Years Zone Swimming and Cross NSWCHS Gymnastics representative Country Champion

NSWCHS Swimming and Cross Rebecca Luhur Country Representative NSWCHS Gymnastics representative

Matthew Edenborough Henry Lin NSWCHS Cross Country Sydney East Basketball representative Representative Aubrey Young Anthony Penglase Australian Open Schoolboy Table 18 Years Zone Cross Country Tennis singles champion Champion

NSWCHS Cross Country Aubrey Young & Nicholas Chen Representative NSW Secondary Schoolboy and

Australian Open Schoolboy Table Naoyuki Isomoto 17 Years Zone Swimming Champion Tennis Doubles Champions

NSWCHS Swimming Representative

Nicholas Chen

Australian Open Schoolboy Singles Bronze Medallist

Blakehurst High competed in numerous CHS Knock out competitions with varying success. Most teams made the second or third round of Tiffany Wong competitions. The standout performances belonged to our 1st Grade Australian Intermediate Schoolgirl Girls Oz Tag team who became St George District Champions; the undefeated Zone Champions for the fourth consecutive year (the Table Silver Medallist Tennis Teams previously mentioned) and the Open Girls Touch team who were Regional Champions, also competing at the NSW All Tiffany Wong & Natasha Fong Schools State carnival Australian Intermediate Schoolgirl

Table Tennis Bronze Medallists.

Mr T Yelavich Head Teacher/PDHPE

LOTE Report

This has been another busy term for the LOTE Department. Every language student has been involved in an end of year activity.

 The Italian students enjoyed authentic Italian cuisine at Russo’s Pizzeria  The French students ate snails at The Little Snail  The Greek students enjoyed traditional Greek food at Kafenes in Enmore  The Japanese students went to the movies and lunch in the city.  Year 11 Japanese students went to the National University in Canberra  Year 10 Chinese students joined the Prep Class of International students to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge pylon.

 One of our talented Greek students was first in

Modern Greek Continuers and received a cheque for

$1000 from the Pan Arcadian Association.

 Finally the LOTE staff also enjoyed an incredible night

out at Il Bucco in Enfield.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the LOTE Staff Nutella Pizza with Chocolate Gelato for their hard work not only this term but throughout the year. Without dedicated staff members our students would not Russo’s Pizzeria Peakhurst have the opportunity to experience so many extracurricular activities that enrich their language learning experience.

Blakehurst High School Student Leadership

This has been a busy term for the student leaders. On Tuesday 23rd November representatives from the various student leadership groups met to plan their calendar for 2012. This afternoon under the guidance of Ms Butler saw the SRC, Junior Prefects, Senior Prefects, and the Environmental

Team come together to work out what they will be Newly Appointed doing in 2012. Junior Prefects In November the newly elected Senior Prefects on route went to Stanwell Tops for a two day leadership training camp. Here they bonded through various to Manly for a team building activities and a series of talks by fun day Rising Generations who specialise in developing leadership skills. A big thank you to all the staff involved Ms Lambert, Ms Lyons, Mr Ovens, Mrs Loizos and Ms Louey. Without the support of these staff members such activities are impossible to undertake. Senior Prefects also helped Ms Wiryakusuma and Ms Pappas with the Year 7 2012 Orientation Gala Day.

Finally Year 9 2012 Prefects accompanied by Mrs Smith and th Mrs Mangraviti braved the inclement weather on Tuesday 6 December to go to Manly as a reward for all their hard work throughout this year. This wonderful group of young adults worked tirelessly raising funds for the various charities that approached the school. Despite the conditions a good time was had by all and Mrs Smith, Mrs Loizos and Mrs Mangraviti would like to thank you all for your enthusiasm and cooperation this year. You have truly been inspirational role models for the younger students.

Modern Greek Scholarship

Once again this year the Pan-Arcadian Association has kindly donated $1000 to a Year 12 student who excelled and came first in the Year 12 Modern Greek Continuers course. Nick Triantafyllis was the student who received this award on

Presentation Night.

Nick has been studying Modern Greek since Year 9 and has achieved excellent results. In 2010, he was the only student selected to represent Australia in the Greek Youth Parliament. This year he sat for the Greek Proficiency examination set by the University of Thessaloniki and achieved an excellent result. We are anticipating a great result also, in his Higher School Certificate examination.

Jennifer Ognenovski receiving her Award Nick Triantafyllis receiving his Award

The Lawrence D’Iapico Bien - Italian

LangugaeAward

This is a new award this year that has kindly been initiated by Lawrence. It is to recognise the achievements of students studying Italian and to encourage them to continue in the study of this romantic language.

The following students received this award in recognition of their achievments and hard work in Italian this year: Isabella Neckovski in Year 7, Luke Auciello in Year 8, Kiarra Shinas in Year 9 and Jennifer Ognenovski in Year 11.

Isabella Neckovski receiving her Award

Luke Auciello receiving his Award

Jennifer Ognenovski receiving her Award

Year 10 Chinese Excursion to Sydney Harbour Bridge

On Tuesday 22nd November the Year 10 Chinese Class accompanied the Prep Class to the city. The purpose of this excursion was to allow the Prep students an opportunity to experience the Australian Culture and improve their English speaking skills by communicating with the English speaking Year 10 students. This was also an advantage for our Year 10 students as it gave them an opportunity to practice their Chinese. The students were paired with one another and enjoyed the city sights, including - St Mary‟s Cathedral, the Opera House, the Botanical Gardens, before finally climbing the Harbour Bridge pylon. Before the climb we had lunch at Circular Quay. A great day was had by all and this was a good opportunity for our International Students to mix with our Australian students on a social basis. The students were accompanied by Mrs Chen and Mrs Mangraviti

Charlene Su – Yr10

Monoligualism is Curable!

On Thursday and Friday of week 9 this term, Mrs. Smith, Ms. Winston and 23 of our Year 11 and 10 students who are studying Japanese, hopped onto the Blakehurst Bus and went to the Australian National University in Canberra to participate in the inaugural ANU Japanese Secondary Workshop. With over 150 students from other high schools, our students enjoyed participating in language workshops, University lectures on culture, as well as experiencing University life. Other activities included performing the “Algorithm Exercise”, which is a Japanese dance fad that debuted on a children‟s television series. Since then it has been performed by groups around the world. It was a very positive experience, and we hope to participate again next year! Check out the ANU website for the video

http://news.anu.edu.au/?p=12901.

Year 7 & 9 Italian and French Excursion to Russo’s Pizzeria

What a way to end a big year than to partake in a big Italian festa at Russo‟s Pizzeria. And when I mean big, I mean that students in years 7 Italian and year 9 Italian and French feasted on an unlimited number of dishes that are familiar to the Italian cuisine.

They began with the antipasto (what we would consider the entrée) which consisted of salads and garlic cheese pizzas, than il secondo piatto; pasta (spaghetti alla bolognese and fettucini alla boscaiola were among their favourites) and pizzas. And if that was not enough, they were treated with a dolce (sweets) which consisted of a slice of delicious Nutella pizza and a scoop of gelato (Italian ice-cream). Mind you after the garlic cheese pizzas, students thought they were going straight to dessert… That is how overwhelmed they were with the amount of food that was on offer. Italians ensure that one mangia bene (eats well) when they are at their table and students did just that!

We would like to thank Russo‟s Pizzeria for hosting our students and for doing such an amazing job and all staff members who helped in making both excursions a smooth success. It would not have been possible without you! Grazie e Buon Natale a tutti (thank you and Merry Christmas to all)!

Year 9 Italian class

Year 7 Italian class

Year 9 French class

Little Snail Restaurant On Tuesday 29 November, Year 7 French students enjoyed delicious French cuisine at the Little Snail Pyrmont. Many students ate Snails for the first time. They also feasted on either saumon or coq au vin and finished this incredible meal with either a crème caramel or chocolate mousse. Delicieux! What a fabulous way to end an incredible year‟s learning in French. The students were accompanied by Ms Evangelinos, Mrs Loizos and Mrs Mangraviti.

‘Kafenes’ Restaurant - Enmore Year 9 and 10 Modern Greek students attended „Kafenes’ Restaurant as part of their Unit of Work „Food and Drink‟. They were treated to traditional Greek food such as Calamari, Souvlaki, Greek Salad and Pita Bread. The students were accompanied by our Principal Mr Lester and teachers Mrs Loizos, Ms Batagianni and Ms Fotiadis. The students including the teachers had a fantastic time and thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful Greek cuisine. We would like to thank our school Principal Mr Lester for taking time out from his busy schedule to take the students and teachers to the restaurant.

„Kafenes’ Restaurant - Enmore Languages Study Tours and Activities Program

 In 2011, students of French were again able to undertake a study tour to France in the October holidays. This was a joint venture with Heathcote High School and allowing the students not only to experience the culture of France but also practise their speaking skills. They were accompanied by Mr White, Ms Proops, Mr Ang and Mrs Storrar.

 In 2011 students of Italian also undertook a study tour of Italy. Mrs Mangraviti and Mr Nassif accompanied an enthusiastic group of 25 students and parents and immersed the group in the Italian culture and language, visiting Milan, Pisa, Rome, Bologna, Ravena, Capri and Florence just to mention a few of the places.

 In December Ms Winston and Mrs Smith drove 23 enthusiastic students of Japanese to Canberra to attend a Secondary Japanese Workshop at the Australian National University. For two days the students were focused on Japanese language instruction and lectures provided by experts in Asian Studies.

 In 2011, Blakehurst High School continued a modified version of the language program it delivered in 2010 at Carlton South and Connells Point Public Schools. Mrs Smith and Ms Winston worked with the primary students allowing them to continue their study of Japanese. The program has not only enthused our young learners it has also allowed primary and secondary school teachers to work together and promote the Japanese language and culture.

 All Year 7 Language students were involved in Languages Day. They participated in a variety of cultural activities such as Calcio, Sumo Wrestling, French Waiters Race, Table Tennis, Trivia, Taiko Drumming and Greek Dancing. They also experienced a variety of foods from the various countries. The Year 9 language students enjoyed an overnight linguistic immersion camp at the Tops Conference Centre. Here they were given the opportunity to practice their linguistic skills in an authentic environment.

 Classroom activities and excursions for all years have connected students with the culture of their language study. Students visited the Forum, the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington to see Italian films, la Boussola, Chez Pascal, The Little Snail in Darlinghurst, Kafens Restaurant, the Tanken Centre, Japanese Film Festival, The Japan Foundation, the International Students went to the Blue Mountains, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon as well as providing bilingual assistance for the Gala Concert at the Opera House organised by the Expanding Horizon Program in August.

 Nikolaos Triantafyllis was the worthy recipient of the Modern Greek Scholarship kindly donated by the Pan-Arcadian Association. Nikolaos has worked consistently throughout his study of Modern Greek here at Blakehurst High School. In May 2011 along with seven other students he sat for the Modern Greek Proficiency Examination organised by the University of Thessaloniki and achieved a Distinction in Level D1, the highest level attainable.

 Our Greek students once again benefited from the assistance of our Greek Consulate teacher Anastasia Batagianni. As usual there were several pre-service teachers in the languages department guided by the very experienced Languages staff members.

Mrs M Mangraviti LOTE Department

Blakehurst High School Staff

wish THE

ENTIRE BLAKEHURST

HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY

A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY

OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON.

We look forward

to working with you

in the new year.