Your Outstanding Local Comprehensive N Term 4 Update – November 2011

E Term 4 Report The end of the year is rapidly approaching. This time of the year is very busy as we finalise assessments for all years, as well as begin planning for the 2012 school year. W This planning includes the timetabling of classes as well as allocation of teaching staff to these classes, budgeting, programming etc. Students in all years must attend school until Friday the 16th of December. Activities are being organized for all years. Years 7, 8, 9 and 11 will attend S normal classes up until the last three days, at which time they will be allocated an activity to attend, undertake peer support training or fulfill HSC requirements (where Yr 11 is concerned). Year 10 will be in normal classes up until the last two weeks of school, when they L will undertake a specially planned program of meaningful and worthwhile activities. All these activities have been planned to specifically support and prepare them for their senior studies and their eventual transition to work or alternate educational facilities in the future. E These Year 10 activities will include; 1. All My Own Work (the NSW Board of Studies made this program compulsory for all students undertaking the HSC) T 2. Digital citizenship skills 3. Study Skills for Senior Students workshops. 4. Money Savvy (financial management skills). T 5. The Be Real Game (career planning simulation) These activities will culminate with the year 10 Graduation Ceremony on Friday the 16th of December at 9-30am in the school hall.

E Study Skills Online As I wrote to all parents in a recent letter, the P&C has funded an online study skills program which can be accessed by all students and parents at school and at home. The program has a huge amount of information for students and parents, as well as lots of R interactive activities, multimedia experiences and useful resources. To access the handbook, go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au (the link is also found on the Blakehurst High School‟s web site) and login as a subscriber with these details:

User name: blakehursths Password: 186results

SMS Absence Notification System This system should be activated very soon so we can trial it for full implementation in 2012. Key operating staff were trained in October, and installation of software as well as entry of contact numbers is presently taking place. As mentioned in the letter I sent you earlier this term, the program reads the schools attendance rolls at a predetermined time each day (around 11am) and then automatically sends an email to the parent/caregiver of any absent or late student. (NOTE: unless otherwise altered, the system will default to the mother‟s mobile number).

Parents can then reply by SMS, to explain the student‟s absence/lateness. This will negate the need for an explanation letter. Of course, parents are still able to write letters, emails or phone the school, to notify us of the reasons for the student‟s absence, if they wish to do so.

Parents can also use SMS to inform the school prior to the student‟s absence. The number for this is 19910010. The SMS notification system can also be used to inform you of upcoming events such as Parent and Teacher evenings, P&C meetings, sporting carnivals etc.

Thanks to all families who returned the student detail update sheet. This is essential if the process is to work effectively. Please notify the school ASAP if your contact details change in any way in the future. Thanks again to the P&C for funding these whole school initiatives for 2012.

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

The HSC and SC Exams As I write this newsletter the Higher School Certificate and School Certificate exams are drawing to an end.

Feedback from students about the exams has generally been positive, although it was not unusual to get a “it was really easy” or “it was really hard” response when asking two students about the same exam!

The HSC results are available to students on the 14th of December (ATARs are usually the next day) and the SC results will be distributed at the Year 10 graduation on the 16th of December (note this is the last ever School Certificate to be issued).

Presentation Night Please put the 2011 Presentation night date, Wednesday the 7th of December, into your diaries. This year it will begin at 7-00pm in the school hall and it should last for two hours. Please arrive early to be seated. The Australian Attorney- General, Robert McClelland has been invited as a guest speaker – he is an ex School Captain of Blakehurst High School (1975).

Dedicated email trial for reporting bullying. 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: eg [email protected]

After a report has been made a bounce back message will take place (ie 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.

Mr B Lester Principal

Parent Tips Published in the Department of Education Newsletter

Local schools, local decisions

You have until Friday 18 November to contribute to the online forum of the NSW government‟s „local schools local decisions‟ planning process. The NSW Government wants to hear from people about giving schools greater control over decision-making in order to improve teaching and learning, and achieve the best outcomes for students.

Everyone with an interest in public education is invited to contribute ideas on five areas of reform:  making decisions  managing resources  staff in our schools  working locally  reducing red tape. To have your say go to the online forum at: http://haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/localschools

World Diabetes Day

November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The day aims to raise awareness of the disease and ways to prevent lifestyle-induced (Type 2) diabetes, which is increasing in our society. Adopting a healthy diet, high in protein and low in sugar and simple carbohydrates, and incorporating regular exercise, is a good start. For more information on preventing and living with diabetes, including help in different languages, go to the Australian Diabetes Council website: www.diabetesnsw.com.au/

HSC survival guide

In School A to Z you will find a handy guide for helping the whole family get through this often stressful time. Get tips on how to provide a relaxing and supportive home environment that will best support your studying teen. Go to: www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/homework-tips/tips-for-surviving-the-hsc For more advice, go to NSW HSC online: www.hsc.csu.edu.au which has a special section for parents and carers.

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S Report

Attendance Although the end of the year is getting nearer we all need to keep our focus on student learning. As always, attendance is vitally important if students are to become successful learners. Our students will be involved in valuable learning activities until the last day of school. Please don‟t allow your child to take “days off”, without a good reason, as this learning time is as important as any other time throughout the year.

Bring the Required Equipment to School In order to take their learning seriously, students need to be prepared for each lesson; being focused in class and following simple teacher instructions will build success in the classroom and in learning that translates to success. Some students do not bring the required equipment to school each day, some come to school without even a pen. We ask for all parents to assist us and their children by checking that they have the necessary equipment and a school bag large enough to carry it. “I keep it in my locker”, seems to be a common excuse given to parents and it is not always true. Some students do not Following School Rules re Uniform Inability to follow school rules can disrupt successful learning. Uniform, bring the required particularly shoes, can start to get a little sloppy at this time of the year. All equipment to school each students need to be in full school uniform every day. If they have grown out of their uniforms or shoes, please buy new ones now, as they will still need day, some, them next year. Lowes has all uniform items in stock and shoe stores carry a full stock of school shoes throughout the year. not even a pen!

Just a reminder! Students need to wear full sports uniform each Wednesday. Shorts or track pants should not have stripes or logos of any kind. Teams are coming up towards their finals and may be forced to forfeit if they are not in full uniform. Students are not able to wear canvas shoes to school at any time as they do not meet OH&S requirements.

These rules sometimes seem unimportant to the students, but in addition to reading and writing we are also attempting to teach our students about social cohesion and responsibility. The school community of parents, students and staff has determined that Blakehurst High School is a uniform school, so please support your child to follow the rules of the school so that all students are more settled and focused on learning.

Book List for 2012 All students in years 7 to 10, 2012, will receive a Book List in the coming weeks. We hope that this will enable you to buy requirements for them while the equipment is on sale towards the end of the summer holidays.

Lyn Paton Deputy Principal-Welfare/Learning

ENGLISH Report

Exploring Belonging through Poetry Ms N. Nozica

Here - Marcela Cuba Chen Untitled - Kylie Feng

You sit alone I came to you without knowing you and introduce yourself to the though the voices around you ongoing chattering of kept shouting silence. their harsh labels of disgust You decide to run into your Mother's loving You hushed them away

arms You told me hoping to listen to her sing It is time to open your heart a lullaby. for the cocoon to be redeemed Instead you hear for the darkness to amend the wind whispering their to the light ache from the poisonous gases, For one to build the fountain of joy the trees crying for the stump In the multi-coloured waters which was once a brother, to baptise your dreams again and the river rushing away It is time to be recognised as your own to hide their oily mask. as you stride deeper and deeper Now, into the world of yourself. you changed their whispering to talking crying to laughing and told the river to slow down. Untitled - Meg Johnson Here is where you belong.

Here is home. A lemon tree was found on our property, Next to the flowers it was not on the eye, But was fruitful, functional and full of

Together - Michael Wong opportunity, For Aunt Bessy’s famous lemon pie,

The house grasps firmly, The lemon tree had seen many a farmer, The hill with an invisible clutch, And seen more seasons than Aunt Bessy, On their keepsake earth - herself, Against the waning tides, But was sad, sorrowful and ever so The electric torrent, somber, Each time picked from in stealth, And the splintering quakes, Together. The lemon tree was temperamental, And when the seasons change, Was never to be relied on, The house and the hill, and their earth But was tired, tormented and touchy, Until her land I moved upon, Will crumble away, In search of new grounds, Our lemon tree liked that I cared about, Together. The individual feelings of another, She considered me a friend, no doubt, And we lived each the happier for the

other

My Old Neighbourhood - Matt Edenborough Untitled - Jeff Ng

The street is dark and gloomy as I make my way Cobalt, copper, coal - these are the through, reserves of the land My old neighbourhood with houses and buildings Found in the vast greenery to the anew. golden sand The place of great happiness and joy, We use these materials to run our lives Has changed a lot since I was a young boy. From building houses and in order to Yet my heart still has a spot for this place, survive It's where I learnt to survive bike crashes at Exploited is man's dependence on these tremendous pace. I feel one with the sidewalk as I make my way supplies down the street, Both man and land should belong The pain was unbearable in summer when together as allies walking on bare feet. If one can be part of the other

Like at home with child and mother No one can change my thoughts about my old suburb, Then these jewels may be used with Coming back to visit has been simply superb. love The freedom of childhood is boundless and Signaling the mutual fulfillment from infinite, above

Also is the fun which came within it. Cobalt, copper, coal - these form the The Park is where we learnt to be strong, community known as the land This neighbourhood is definitely the place where I belong. We belong to this community - but never to command.

Mosaic Fusion Forum 2011 Presentation Night

BHS Students who Participated in Mosaic 2011 T Aftanas, A Brickwood, R Calder-Little, N Calic, R Chia, H Mitrevska, L Nikolic, M O’Neill, S Parvez, C Qiu, W Tjo, V Wang, A Young, R Zhang and Vicki

A group of Year 10 students from Blakehurst High School and students from other Region High Schools were given the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Mosaic Fusion Forum to share their perspectives on Multicultural topics. This project is organised by the Sydney Region NSW Department of Education and Communities and Arc the UNSW Student Life group.

The students worked enthusiastically since their visit to the of , to compose various pieces such as artwork, poetry, short stories, quizzes and posters on issues such as multiculturalism, freedom and global conflicts, racism, culture and identity, leadership and role models.

These compositions were displayed at the presentation night, Wednesday 19th October 2011 at The Roundhouse, University of NSW. The students proudly displayed the compilation of their work as a PowerPoint and a gallery exhibition to their families, Department of Education representatives, University student volunteers, Principals, Teachers and fellow students. Wira Tjo and Vince Wang drew a crowd with their interactive quiz as they tested participants‟ knowledge of important world events. Their compositions are launched on “E-Mosaic online” and can be viewed on the Sydney Region website - www.sydneyr.det.nsw.edu.au/ on the Equity Programs Website then Student Work links.

Mr Lester and I were proud of the students as they were presented with their certificates and of Nikolina Calic who was invited to read her poem, “Rise Against”, to share its powerful message with the audience.

I would like to thank the students for their contributions and their parents for supporting them. In particular I would like to thank Wira Tjo and Vince Wang for creating the PowerPoint and for their IT support along with S Parvez and R Chia. I would also like to thank the Calic family for helping me to carry the equipment required for the evening‟s presentation.

The students who participated in Mosaic 2011 are: T Aftanas, A Brickwood, R Calder-Little, N Calic, R Chia, H Mitrevska, L Nikolic, M O‟Neill, S Parvez, C Qiu, W Tjo, V Wang, A Young, R Zhang and Vicki.

Mosaic Fusion Program enhanced my understanding of ’s cultural diversity. T Aftanas

Mrs Papadeas BHS Mosaic Fusion Forum Coordinator

News from the Mathematics Faculty

Australian Mathematics Competition – Blakehurst High School Results 2011

The results of the 34th Annual Australian Mathematics Competition was held on the 4th August for Primary and Secondary students. Hundreds of thousands of students from over 40 countries entered.

Students from Years 3 to 12 compete on the same day, making it possibly one of the largest single events on the Australian education calendar. An Australian initiative, the AMC, was introduced in 1978 as the first competition of its kind in our schools. It is now a truly international competition, having become the major school mathematics enrichment event and benchmark for mathematical ability throughout the Pacific and South East Asia. It tests everything from basic numeracy skills through to advanced problem solving.

Blakehurst High School entered 114 students. One student received a Certificate of High Distinction; 15 obtained a Distinction; 53 achieved a Credit; 32 received a Proficiency Certificate and one student received the special Prudence Award. The Prudence Award is presented to the student at each school who has the highest number of consecutive questions correct, including the first ten questions.

All other students who completed the competition, will receive a Certificate of Participation and every entrant is provided with an individual performance report. The Competition is conducted by the not-for- profit Canberra based Australian Mathematics Trust, under the Trusteeship of the University of Canberra. I would like to thank Mrs Louey and Mr Yan for the organisation of this Mathematics Competition at Blakehurst High.

The top students were:

Baby News. The Mathematics faculty would like to wish Year 7 Mrs Blair all the best as she goes on V Hu maternity leave in Week 7. She will be back Aleksandar Petkovski part –time in Term 4 2012. Thomas Lambropoulos

Head Teacher Year 8 The Mathematics faculty would like to H Liang congratulate Mrs Paton on her promotion to Sunny Wu Deputy Principal of BHS. We would like Alson Zhang take this opportunity to thank Mrs Paton for Janice Chen her contribution to the Mathematics faculty

Year 9 as Head Teacher. Patrick Su K Protacio Assessment Tasks Dylan McCuaig-Walton Please note the following dates for

upcoming examinations. Year 10 R Long Upcoming Examinations Shakib Parvez Aubrey Young Year 12 2012 Mathematics 28/11/11 Year 11 Mathematics Extn 1 5/12/11 J Jin General Mathematics 28/11/11 J Cao

K Huang Year 10 Calvin Zhang Mathematics Qualifying 25/11/11

Year 12 Kevin Lo Year 9 James Shi Common Assessment Task 3 22/11/11 George Chen Year 8 Common Assessment Task 2/12/11

Year 7 Mrs F Diakos Common Assessment Task 17/11/11 Relieving Head Teacher Mathematics or 18/11/11

News from the LIBRARY

The Library was the focus of the Australian Business Week (ABW) during Weeks 3 & 4 and was therefore closed to Years 7 – 10. But we are now open again for business. Come up and see the winning ABW Trade displays and our new selection of books. Premier’s If you finished the Premier’s Reading Challenge this Reading year, do come up to the Library and see your name in print. We have the complete list of names from the Sun Herald on Challenge display; and again, congratulations to all of you! Sun

We are busy marking all the new books that have been added Herald’s to the Premier‟s Reading Challenge list with our green stickers, names in so it is easy for you to find them. print

All books should be returned by the end of Week 8, 2nd displayed December. Of course, we will again have our special holiday in the reading offer available for the summer holidays during Weeks 9 Library and 10.

LATE EDITION Congratulations to our Premier’s Reading Challenge Medal Recidients; Sarah Irving, Costa Rorris, Emma Schofield and Kirsty Leong. These students are receiving a medal for completing the Reading Challenge for 6 years in a row. There are only 78 students from Government and non-Governement schools in NSW who are receiving this medal in 2011. Well Done!

Amanda Alchin Teacher/Librarian

You may SCIENCE Report borrow twice It is that time of year again that every student dreads. The end of year examinations are upon us and this year sees the normal many students taking the challenge with determination and dedication. Though all years have examinations in number of Science around this time, for some this examination period holds even greater significance. books for the Firstly our Year 12 students have just sat their HSC Examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, completing their school journey and we wish them well in their future endeavours. A special mention has to be made to Jacqui Wong holidays and who completed the Earth and Environmental Sciences course. She was the only student who undertook the course receive a this year, and did so by correspondence, meaning that she studied the course completely independently. This is an undertaking which only the most dedicated and self-motivated students would attempt, and it is commended by the bookmark Science faculty.

Also, this year sees Year 10 students sitting the School Certificate for the final time. This means that not only does this examination complete Year 10‟s junior studies, but their certificate will be the last of its kind.

Finally, Year 8 students have already taken steps to prepare themselves to partake in the Essential Secondary Science Assessment (ESSA). ESSA is a state-wide Science Assessment Program based on the NSW Science Junior Syllabus. The ESSA test will be an interactive

multimedia assessment. This year ESSA occurs on Tuesday 22 November 2011. On this day Year 8 students will undertake the assessment at school and the results will be issued to students early next year. Though all these examinations highlight how well a student has progressed through the year, it is worthwhile to remember that, more importantly, these examinations allow students, parents and teachers, to see the directions needed to progress successfully into the future.

Shane Baker Relieving Head Teacher/Science

‘CAPA Column’ and many of our talented art students will have their works on display – including the recently returned Year 12 2011 Major Works.

Thanks to Ms Bellato for assisting in the preparation of performance pieces, and Ms Strudwick, Ms It has been „business as usual‟ in the CAPA faculty this Bourtsoukllis, Ms Colebook and Mr Pazin for their term following Mr Fifita‟s departure. I have taken over assistance in displaying the artworks for the evening. Mr Fifita‟s classes and will soon regroup the choir to And of course, a great BIG thank you to the students continue on the good work established by him. at Blakehurst High School for their outstanding dedication and contribution within the CAPA team! The Concert Band is busy at rehearsal, preparing for the end of year functions – Presentation Night, Year 7 Finally, thank you to Mr Pazin, who has initiated the 2012 Orientation Day and Year 10 Graduation Visual Arts Club in the CAPA faculty this term. The Art Ceremonies. We are very pleased to welcome a Club meets every Thursday at lunch-time, and are newcomer to our band – Natalie Wong in 7B. If you given the opportunity to extend their creative ideas and are still thinking about joining us – there is no time like abilities across a range of expressive forms including the present! Remember Monday afternoons 3:00pm – Film Production, Photoshop, Ceramics, Sculpture, 4.15pm – beginners and experienced players of all Mixed Media Collage Painting and Printing. instruments most welcome! Thank you to the parents and Visual Arts teachers for Many of our young musicians – budding „rock stars‟ I supporting this initiative, and Mr Pazin for making this call them, are continuing to take advantage of the enrichment program available to our talented and guitar lessons held at Blakehurst High School each passionate young artists. Thursday under the expert tuition of Mr Nick Watson, and at a considerably reduced cost compared to private tuition. There are currently a few vacancies in his program, so if there are any students who wish to learn to play the guitar – or brush up on their skills - individually or in small groups, please come and see

Ms Jacobsen for more information.

We are again, very pleased and proud to „showcase‟ the talents of many of our students at the P & C Ms Judy Jacobsen/Head Teacher Annual Coffee Evening on Wednesday 9 November & the CAPA Team 2011. Year 11 music students will perform incidental and background music for our guests‟ entertainment,

PDHPE – Sports Report PDHPE teacher but also as Sport Coordinator throughout 2011 as well as initiating and coordinating New Year 7-10 PDHPE a junior welfare initiative for Year 8 and 9 students. I Programs have been developed incorporating the would like to wish Mr Yelavich the best in the future. latest in technology and the most up to date information. This will ensure that our students have the 2011 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS NATIONAL TABLE best sources of information to make responsible and TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS informed decisions as they develop into young adults. The national table tennis championships were held on All programs for all years will be used beginning in Thursday 22nd September at the Hurstville Aquatic & 2012. Leisure Centre. Blakehurst High was represented by

three teams: Year 11 Once again PDHPE courses have proven popular with students moving into Year 11 in 2012. We have two 2  Aubrey Young & Nicholas Chen Unit PDHPE classes (both which are very full) and a  Lawrence Chan & Billy Cai Sports Coaching and a Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation  Tiffany Wong & Natasha Fong class. These Blakehurst High students represented their End of Year Interest Electives school with great distinction. They not only behaved in During the last three days of this term, December 14th a manner we have come to expect from our to 16th each year will participate in special activities eg. representative students, but they also achieved some

 Year 7 Compulsory Swim School outstanding results.  Year 8 Various activities including: Fishing, Ceramics, “Ladette to Lady”, Film Appreciation,  Aubrey Young & Nicholas Chen won gold in School Sport and Table Tennis. the doubles competition while Aubrey won  Year 9 Peer Support training gold in the Open singles competition.  Year 10 Be Real Games  Nicholas Chen won bronze in the open singles  Year 11 the 25 Hour Compulsory PDHPE Course completion, having beaten a highly ranked player to make the semi-final and won silver in Top basketball court the Intermediate singles competition. The top basketball court re-surfacing and re-meshing  Tiffany Wong & Natasha Fong won gold in the has now been completed. New backboards will be Junior doubles competition. While Tiffany won installed shortly to complete the refurbishment. silver in the Intermediate singles competition.

COLA Congratulations to all who played. The Covered Outside Learning Area has been slowed due to manufacturing hold ups but should be completed in the next couple of weeks. This will give Natasha & Tiffany with their Medals the students an area out of the sun and rain.

Carss Park Pool and Gym If any parents or students are interested in using Carss Park Pool and Gym, Dick Caine has developed a fund raising initiative for our school whereby you purchase a day pass for $5 and the entire proceeds go directly to the school. The day passes can be purchased from the PDHPE Staffroom for $5.

Congratulations Mr Nathan Smith I would like to congratulate Mr Nathan Smith on his outstanding effort in coming second in the recent Coolangatta Gold. This contest combines running, swimming and paddling over a four hour course.

Congratulations Mr Ben Yelavich I would also like to congratulate Mr Ben Yelavich on his appointment to James Cook Boys High. Mr Yelavich has done an outstanding job not only as a

Ben T Yelavich Head Teacher/PDHPE

World RUBIK’S CUBE for 2x2 single 2.93 seconds and for Rubik‟s Magic average 2.14 seconds. Championship 2011 Second day had Fewest Move Challenge, 5x5, 4x4, Kirt Protacio 3x3, One-handed 3x3, Blindfolded 3x3 and 3x3 with feet. For the 3x3 first round, 317 competed and I It was an placed 49th. I recorded new personal bests for 3x3 anxious wait single 10.11 seconds and 3x3 average 12.02 seconds at the and one-handed 3x3 single 18.03 seconds. Sydney Airport as The third day had the events 5x5, 4x4, 3x3, One- my mum and handed 3x3, Square-1, , , Rubik‟s I waited for our Clock, Rubik‟s Magic, Master Magic, 6x6, 7x7 and Emirates flight to Blindfolded 3x3. For the 3x3 second round, 128 people Bangkok, Thailand to were taken in and I placed 28th. I recorded another compete in the World Rubik‟s Cube Championship new personal best for 3x3 average 11.01 seconds. 2011 held last 14-16 October 2011. This bi-annual gathering is the Olympics of and the In the 3x3 Semi-finals, the top 48 competed and I th largest meeting of the Grandmasters of the Rubik‟s placed 19 . Unfortunately only the top 12 were taken Cube. A total of 350 competitors from around 40 to the Finals. In the Finals, the one hopeful to win, countries, among them many world record holders and Australian got the nerves. It was an national champions, hurdled 3 days of tough upset as his average was 9.58 and the winner, competition that included 19 official events with prize Poland‟s Michal Pleskowicz‟s average was 8.65. Feliks rd money totalling over 24,000 Euros. finished 3 place after consistently being first in all of nd the previous rounds. America‟s was 2 For weeks leading to the competition, serious practice place with 9.56. and training are needed to achieve faster solve times to beat my personal best competition records. The 3x3 Semi-finals is what I am most proud of. I didn‟t expect to make it this far. My 1st solve was 11.47 In August 27, I competed in the Australian Nationals seconds, then 9.94 where about 40 people went to compete. In the 3x3 seconds. I had then nd rd event, I almost landed 2 , but finished 3 place with become the 2nd an average solve of 12.92 seconds and a single solve Australian person to of 10.94 seconds. This experience got me all fired up get a 3x3 solve to prepare even harder for the World Championship. It under 10 seconds. would be the best setting to record a few personal best Third was 11.30 times in the 2x2, 4x4, 5x5, Pyraminx, Rubik‟s Magic, seconds. Fourth was 3x3 One-Hand and the 3x3 speedsolve. 9.27 seconds, I had beaten the previous Arriving in Thailand, my first impression was that the time I‟d gotten! Final airport was big and the travelators were long. Stepping solve was 12.80 outside felt really hot. Thankfully my mum organised seconds. I made for a car to pick us up. We were driven to Baiyoke Sky another new Hotel, with 88 floors Thailand‟s tallest and Bangkok‟s personal best 3x3 most scenic hotel, is the competition venue and which average 10.90 seconds. would be our home for the next 5 days. Overall, I had a great time meeting and making friends Wasting no time, I met up with my fellow Aussie with cubers contingents. There were a total of 10 from Australia from including the World No.1 Feliks Zemdegs. His single is different 5.66 seconds and his average is 7.64 seconds. When I countries, was going to the elevator to get a couple more getting puzzles, I got a glimpse of , 2007 World signatures Champion, who I happened to beat in the 3x3 second from the top round. He got an average of 11.31 seconds and I got cubers of the 11.01 seconds! world, sharing and First day of competition had Multiple Blindfolded, 4x4 learning new Blindfolded, 5x5 Blindfolded, 6x6, 7x7, Square-1, tricks. I‟m really happy of what I‟ve achieved and proud Megaminx, Pyraminx, Rubik‟s Clock, Rubik‟s Magic, to be ranked No. 2 in Australia! Master Magic and 2x2. I recorded new personal bests LOTE Report

th 日本語たんけんセンターで あそびましょう！ The Beginning of 4 Term has been an extremely busy time for the LOTE Department - In week 3 of this term, the Year 9 Japanese class  The Year 10 French and Italian students visited the Japanese Tanken Centre in Kirrawee. returned from their overseas trips. The Tanken Centre is a purpose built Japanese-style  Year 9 Japanese students visited the Tanken house where students get to spend the day totally Center in Kirawee. immersed in Japanese. From the moment students  Many of our students did their HSC Language stepped into theげんかん (genkan - entrance foyer), they exams in Japanese, Chinese, Greek, French entered a Japanese speaking world and had to and Italian as well as those students studying navigate such customs as removing their shoes and through the Open High School in such wearing those pesky slippers! The rest of the day was languages as Croatian, Turkish and Arabic. spent in intense competition with games and quizzes  The LOTE staff have been involved in the which challenged their Japanese language skills. marking of the HSC examinations at Students were also Homebush. able to create  Miss Maguire a student teacher from Sydney presentations in University joined the LOTE staff to complete a Japanese in the four week practicum. computer room.  Year 8 French students enjoyed lunch at Chez Although the highlight Pascal at the end of last term. of the day for many  Year 9 student Max Warlond has been was the おべんとう accepted to do an Exchange Program in (obento - lunch)! Japan for 5 months next year.

All too soon the day was over! The enthusiasm of the students and their excellent behaviour throughout the day made it an enjoyable experience for all. たのしかったです！ (It was fun!)

おめでとうございます！

Congratulations to Max Warlond in Year 9. Out of the hundreds of entries from around the country he won 3rd

place in the Middle Division (Y7-9) in the Art Speaks

Japan competition sponsored by the Japan Foundation.

Max has also been accepted into an exchange program to study in Japan for 5 months next year.

Ms C Winston Year 9 Japanese Teacher

CHEZ PASCAL

Last term to celebrate the completion of their unit on food, Year 8 French Classes accompanied by Ms Evangelinos and Mrs Mangraviti enjoyed an authentic French lunch at Chez Pascal in Sans Souci. Philippe the Chef not only prepared a delicious meal consisting of Potato Soup, Chicken au Chasseur and a Berry Bavois he also entertained the students by explaining to them the art of French food and eating. Everyone had a wonderful time and were a little more informed on the culinary ways of the French as well as expressing their appreciation of the meal using French expressions they had learnt. Mr Yelavich who kindly drove the school bus also thoroughly enjoyed his meal.

News about the International Student Program at Blakehurst High School

Excursion to the Blue Mountains

On July1st 2011, led by their language teachers Mrs Smith and Ms Chen, the International Students in Year 12 at Blakehurst High School went to the Blue Mountains for an excursion. It was cold and foggy in the morning and hard to see anything in the distance. We had a 2 hour bush walk from the 3 Sisters down the cliffs to the bottom of the Echo Valley. “I have been to Blue Mountains quite a few times,‟‟ one of the students commented, “but have never been so close to nature like this.” After lunch at Katoomba, it suddenly became sunny and warm. The 3 Sisters finally revealed themselves to the visitors. Our students had a great time at the Blue Mountains and came back singing all the way on the coach to Sydney.

International Students with Japanese Teacher – Mrs Smith International Student Program – cont.

Bilingual Assistance to the Gala Concert

On August 15th 2011, led by Ms Chen, Coordinator for International Student Program at Blakehurst High School, a small group of Chinese students participated in the Gala Concert at Opera House. Different from those young performers from China and NSW in the Expanding Horizon Program, our International Students served as the bilingual assistants to the biggest performing group from Nanjing, China. They worked the whole day from 9am until 11pm and spent most of the time at the back of the stage. Their contribution and bilingual skills were highly appreciated by our guest performers from China and the stage management staff at Opera House. Attached please see a group photo of our guest performers from Nanjing, China.

Ms Xiao Chen Co-ordinator International Student Program

Year 10 Italian Excursion

Italians are known for their profound cinematic art and students of Year 10 Italian, had the opportunity to see what it was all about. Sydney holds an Italian Film Festival every year showcasing the latest Italian films. The students of Italian had an exclusive opportunity to watch one of the films, “Martino’s Summer” at Chauvel Cinema in Paddington, that was on offer as a special day screening. The students appreciated that the movie was screened especially for them and the whole cinema was at their disposal! After the film, students were treated to a pizza at Danny‟s La Bussola and a delicious gelato at the Artesian Gelateria Messina in Darlinghurst. This experience allowed students the unique opportunity of truly immersing themselves in the Italian culture right here in our local city!

Year 10 Trip to FRANCE 2011

On Monday September 27, a group of 44 students from Blakehurst High School, and Heathcote High School set off on an adventure of a lifetime. After landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport in France they boarded their coach and headed straight to Villers Brettoneaux, then onto the Australian War Memorial, Le Hamel and finally the Somme.

Other places visited were Monet‟s House in Giverny, the Bayeux Tapestry, Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Mont St Michel was a definite highlight. The scale of the building, the foundations in the crypt and the labyrinthine passage were fascinating. Everyone loved St Malo the walled city full of narrow roads and multi storey buildings. Angers and Chenonceau were equally fantastic.

The markets at Amboise and afternoon tea at the Chocolaterie was another highlight. Also seeing the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci and Clos Luce where he spent the last few years of his life after he was persuaded by Francois 1st to go to France and bring with him the Mona Lisa, which is now housed in the Louvre. From there we were off to Paris and the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysée, the Catacombs, which is a system of tunnels that functions as an oruary for the bones from many of the Paris cemeteries, the Louvre, Musée D‟Orsay, Parc Asterix and Disneyland.

As they all said on their return “C‟était fantastique”. A special thanks must go to Mr White who accompanied the students on this trip. Merci beaucoup Monsieur White.

Disneyland in Paris Arc de Triomphe in Paris Arc de Triomphe

Notre Dame in Paris Mont St Michel Year 10 Trip to ITALY 2011

For so many months we were wondering when all the preparations for the Italy Trip 2011 were going to end! We had so many hiccups along the way and wanted to see if it was worth all the fuss and effort we put into it. The journey was a long one, but it all paid off the moment we stepped out of the plane and landed in one of the most breathtaking countries in the world! ITALY. Special thanks to Mr Nassif for organising this trip.

Italy had so much to offer and the 18 day tour started in Milan and worked its way down to Sorrento. Students had the opportunity to see and experience a rich and fine tradition that is in fact the biggest and most influential on western civilization. They were not unfamiliar with the culture, having Leaning Tower of Pisa seen how immersed it is in our own country; one has to just look at the number of restaurant signs, food items in grocery stores and explore the numerous amount of Italian festivals that Sydney runs on an annual basis to understand how much it impacts the average Australian. Nevertheless, it was important that students got to see what it was all about and boy where they in for a treat...

Leonardo Da Vinci‟s Last Supper and Michelangelo‟s David and Sistine Chapel are just three artworks worth mentioning that the students viewed and are among the worlds finest. In Rome, we witnessed where western politics was established, and were exposed to Florence, a city that is home to the Renaissance; the period Ponte Vecchio Florence and movement that is deemed to contain the highest form of intellectual thought and culture. Students got a „taste‟ of a total of 15 cities that have such diversity and are all unique. Italy only became a country 150 years ago and until then it was governed by various leaders and divided by a number of states, therefore each city and region is distinct and has its own characteristics. Venice and Ravenna is home to byzantine art with a number of churches depicting religious icons using the spectacular mosaic form. Milan‟s Duomo is a fine example of gothic art, Florence prides itself on its Renaissance style and Siena and Assisi are superior examples of medieval towns. Italy is like a cocktail mixed with many fine ingredients; a little something for everyone!

We were happy living off pizza, pasta and gelato on a daily basis but feasted on a number of other dishes that the extensive Italian cuisine has to offer. We were Gondola Ride in Venice provided with a three course meal every night at the exceptional hotels in which we stayed; or at a fine dine restaurant. Students also learnt to be independent and responsible; having regularly bought groceries and washing their clothes at local Laundromats. Towards the end we were eager to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, because tradition says if you do, you will return to Rome. Instead of „arrivederci Italia!‟ (goodbye Italy!) we would much prefer to say „ci vediamo presto Italia!‟ (see you soon Italy!) because we couldn‟t get enough of it. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the trip the success that it was. Mrs A Mangraviti Head Teacher/LOTE

Beginning on Thursday 28th of October and running through till Wednesday 2nd of November, all Year 12 2012 students of Blakehurst High School participated in the exciting Australian Business Week program, which allowed teams of students to run a mock business for a week.

Generously subsidised and supported by Kogarah Rotary, this program proved to be a rewarding experience for all involved learning new concepts about business, manufacturing, marketing and teamwork. Although dealing with the enormous strain of stress to meet deadlines, the dreaded task of making a company report and presenting an oral presentation to our „shareholders‟, each and every individual greatly contributed towards their team with the end result in sight, to beat the other teams. Kogarah

All Year 12 students involved found the experience highly rewarding, enjoyable and a great relief from dreaded schoolwork. The skills learned from the highly knowledgeable Rotary mentors will definitely last and be used into the near and far future when we leave school and head into the workforce. With the ups and downs, plus the tired eyes from staying up late into the night, the week was mostly an enjoyable one for all where espionage was a major focus for most teams. Many memorable moments were created within and between groups which will last forever, including some interesting oral presentations and advertisements to name a few.

When it came to the final day, everyone was hyped with the anticipation of who would become the winning team. With all the girls glammed up and the unusual sight of all the boys scrubbed up in their finest clothes, the awards were given to varying teams. Awards for the company report, trade display design, teamwork, advertisement, computer simulation and many more were handed out to varying teams, with BioTech Sports narrowly winning overall. However, the awards were only an added bonus to the fun and knowledge learned from the program.

A huge thank you must go to Ms Wiryakusuma for organizing the ABW program this year and to all the teachers who acted as mentors and judges. Also thank you to Ms Butler and the SRC students who organised the lunchtime BBQ.

Mark Langley School Captain 2012