Hoxton Park High

Newsletter Term 2, 2015

Phone: 9607 4222 Fax: 9607 4836

Principal’s Report

Term 2 is underway and, of course, culminates in the issue of Half-Yearly Reports. These reports are certainly the most reliable indication of student progress for the year to date and, in some ways, even more important than the end-year reports. Please read the reports carefully and make every effort to attend the advertised Parent/Teacher Evening.

Students both in Term 1 and Term 2 have been completing assessment tasks, classroom challenges and examinations to conclude the evaluation process for the first Semester. Staff are busy reviewing and consolidating student thinking and skills in the pattern of course they are completing and writing reports that reflect their students’ achievements. Reports and Parent Interview Evenings are great opportunities for further communication between the school and parents about the learning effort and progress of the student. Our Parent/Teacher Night is on Wednesday, 24th June, and I look forward to meeting parents to share the successes of their children.

I am pleased to be able to inform you that our 2014 Annual School Report is now available on our website for your perusal as well as the School Plan for the next three years.

Thank you to the parents and students of Year 10 who attended the Subject Selection Information Evening. This is an important process which allows students to really drive their learning into Year 11 by choosing subjects of interest and subjects where they can showcase their talents. The interviews with students are continuing to ensure that appropriate and informed choices are made.

Year 7 and Year 9 students sat for their NAPLAN tests this term. I am very impressed with the way the students conducted themselves during the tests. I would like to impress upon students that these tests are a simple measure of a limited range of abilities – NAPLAN does not measure their 21st Century learning skills: To cope with the demands of the 21st Century, people need to know more than core subjects. They need to know how to use their knowledge and skills by thinking critically, applying knowledge to new situations, analysing information, comprehending new ideas, communicating, collaborating, solving problems and asking questions.

As the weather becomes cooler and we enter the winter months, I ask that families ensure their child is well prepared with the correct uniform. We are a uniform wearing school and have a school jumper or varsity jacket in the school colours, which are the only acceptable winter wear during the cold season. We ask for parent support in this matter as having our students in correct school uniform is important in the development of our identity and pride in themselves and the school. Our students have been complimented at excursions and special events on the new school uniform and for their courteous manner. If, on the odd occasion, your child is unable to be in school uniform, please provide him/her with a note and he/she will be given a uniform pass for the day. Not having a note will require your son/daughter to complete a detention. May I also clarify that on Tuesdays students who do not have their sport uniform for whatever reason must wear their normal school uniform instead.

Leny Wallace VET/TAS/Agriculture Faculty Report

At the beginning of Term 1 a number of areas were brought together under one faculty as follows: Industrial Arts, Home Economics, Agriculture and VET, with the responsibility of thirteen subjects under this new faculty. The faculty is now fully staffed and the staff are qualified to teach various subjects, which are highlighted above.

Class Chef In early March our Year 11 and Year 12 Hospitality students participated in a Class Chef event at Cucina 105 Restaurant. Many of our staff and a number of parents and friends attended this function. Students prepared and served a three course meal. Students gained numerous employability skills during this event and it was a resounding success.

I would like to acknowledge Angelo from Cucina 105 Restaurant for his excellent support and advice. Thank you to Ms Halley for supervising students and also gaining good insight to commercial kitchen operation as part of her industry currency.

Café Hoxton Café Hoxton offers staff coffee and various lunch menus. This is the result of ideas and suggestions from students and Mrs Kempton to tryout different menus using our Farm produce. The Café Hoxton is now offering a rostered program to a number of Year 9 and Year 10 students. These students have a personalised learning plan developed by Mrs Kempton. Five Year 10 students are now trained in the basic Barista Course and these students are now taking the role of mentoring Year 9 students. In Semester 2 another group of students will be trained in Barista.

I would like to acknowledge Angelo from Cucina 105 Restaurant for visiting us from time to time and guiding our students in coffee making and providing a few tricks in coffee grinding and mixing. Thank you to Mrs Kempton for her hard work balancing the Head Teacher PDHPE role and Events Coordinator in making Café Hoxton sustainable. Also, I would like to thank the staff for their support.

Hoxton Farm A number of activities have been introduced in the Farm.  We have a Farm Management Plan that guides us on sustainable farm management operation.  Year 7 and Year 8 are now participating in the subject Agriculture, where they are involved in small garden projects.  Year 9 students have planted a series of vegetable crops – a program designed to produce vegetables throughout the year.  Year 10 students have completed a Citrus Grove. They have planted 30 trees with a variety of lemons, oranges, limes and mandarins. In two years we expect to see excellent harvest.  Our Year 10 students also raised egg chickens and meat chickens for the Sydney Royal Easter Show Competition.  Our VET Primary Industries students have been busy keeping track of ploughing the fields and getting it prepared for crop planting. We have a new calf in the Farm and it is keeping our students from Year 10 and Year 12 busy feeding it.

Fundraising I would like to acknowledge a number of students who came on Saturday, 28th March (Election Polling Day) to run the BBQ, Café and cake stall. They were excellent and hardworking throughout the day and they made the whole school proud. I would also like to thank the following staff who offered their personal time to support this worthy cause: April Fonseca, Carol Campbell, Tony Bradford, Raghib Istifan, Di Jones, Manu Lal, Paul Lawrence, Leny Wallace, Bal Mudliar, Talah Sabih, Quyen Nguyen, Franca Oselli and Ethan Williams. Also, thank you to Marguerite Dodge, Melvy Connell, Hollie Kempton and Rebecca Murray for donating cakes, scones and cookies. Students had their photos in the local newspaper – a great positive school promotion.

Mr M. Ali Head Teacher VET/TAS/Agriculture

HSIE Faculty Report

We have had an extremely busy but fantastic term in HSIE throughout Term 2 and we congratulate the majority of our students for their positive approach to their class work as well as assessment tasks and examinations. We appreciate your effort and cooperation.

Term 2 began with the celebration of the Centenary of ANZAC as we commemorated 100 years since the landing at Gallipoli. We had a number of students enter competitions where we had great success and it should be noted that these students did our school and themselves proud. Congratulations and well done to Soma Yaseen, Bryson McMartin and Hannah Read from Year 11 and 2014 HSC student, Erick Luu, who were fantastic representatives of Hoxton Park High School, all achieving placings in these competitions. Celebrations and commemorations did not end there. Our school community commemorated the ANZAC Centenary in a mammoth ceremony in the school hall. As part of the commemoration, all students placed a poppy on the edge of the stage as a sign of respect for fallen soldiers. We thank the students for their sincerity throughout the ceremony and congratulate them on their behaviour. Congratulations and thank you must go to Miss Campbell for an outstanding effort in organising the ceremony and to the Captains, Prefects and staff members who assisted her.

Years 7 and 8 have come to the end of their Geography lessons for 2015 and when we return in Term 3, they will begin the History component of their HSIE course. It would be great if all students could return after the break with a new work book of approximately 148 pages to get History off to a great start.

Years 9 and 10 have worked consistently this semester in their History, Geography and Commerce classes. In each course, a great deal of work has been covered and students are encouraged to keep up the great work as we head into Semester 2.

On the last day of Term 1, Year 10 History students attended an excursion to the Jewish Museum in Sydney. All students were engaged in the stories told and participated fully by contributing to the discussions, asking relevant questions to clarify their understanding and deepen their knowledge of the Holocaust. Students found the excursion to be interesting and worthwhile. Their behaviour was exemplary and they were all outstanding representatives of Hoxton Park High School on the day. The teachers in attendance on the day, Miss Campbell, Miss Smith, Ms Cinque, Mr Kishore and Mrs Jones, sincerely thank Year 10 for their outstanding behaviour. It was an absolute pleasure to escort them on this day. We also thank the Sydney Jewish Museum for their generosity in covering the costs of the students on the day.

In recent weeks, many senior students have commented on how quickly time is passing as Year 11 complete their Preliminary course and Year 12 end their formal Secondary education at the end of next term. This is quite a daunting reality for them all. We encourage Year 12 students to develop a comprehensive study routine to ensure success in their HSC Trial examinations, which will be held in Weeks 4 and 5 of Term 3. Likewise, Year 11 should be preparing for their Preliminary Examinations, which will be held later in the term. We wish our senior HSIE students all the very best as they approach these examinations.

Congratulations to the following students who have achieved first place in HSIE subjects this semester.

Year 7 HSIE – Geography: Arianne Sabarre

Year 8 HSIE – Geography: Gisell Pereira Da Silva

Year 9 Commerce: Calais McCarthy

Year 9 Geography: Andyson Vengkong

Year 9 History: Thea Hayday-King

Year 10 Commerce: Jason Vo Year 10 Geography: Sylvia El-Chammas

Year 10 History: Sylvia El-Chammas and Sladjana Kuridza

Year 11 Ancient History: Kerim Elias

Year 11 Business Studies: Lena Cheav

Year 11 Legal Studies: Lena Cheav

Year 11 Modern History: Austin Luangrath and Soma Yaseen

Year 11 Society and Culture: Soma Yaseen

Year 12 Business Studies: Rami Katlan

Year 12 History Extension: Despina Veleski

Year 12 Legal Studies: Despina Veleski

Year 12 Modern History: Despina Veleski

Year 12 Society and Culture: Despina Veleski

Finally, I would like to announce the retirement of Mr Allan Kingsley, commencing 12th July, 2015. Mr Kingsley has been a teacher and Head Teacher for nearly 40 years, with 26 of those years at Hoxton Park High School. The HSIE staff would like to thank Mr Kingsley for all that he has done for the faculty and the school during his time as Head Teacher and on behalf of the school community, I wish him good health, happiness and all the very best in retirement.

Have a fantastic and safe holiday. I look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and set for another busy semester.

Mrs D. Jones Relieving Head Teacher HSIE

Year 12 Advisor’s Report

Parent Teacher Night I would like to thank all the parents and students who came to our recent Parent Teacher Night. It is a great way for teachers to meet the parents to discuss student progress. It was great to make time to go through the Reports together and for the students to take feedback from their teachers.

HSC Preparation Year 12 is a busy time for Higher School Certificate students as their final examination is only a term away. Students should be preparing for their HSC and making plans for life after school. There is no reason for a Year 12 student not to be able to achieve their personal best. Achieving a personal best requires discipline and hard work. The Year 12 students are considered young adults who should be able to make decisions about managing and balancing their school work, assessment tasks and life out of school. As parents and educators we should strive to steer our students to achieve their best. The school will continue to support the students by providing valuable teaching and revision lessons. Parents are encouraged to keep their children focused and motivate them to attend school up until the last day.

Fundraising The Year 12 Fundraising Committee has undertaken a number of fundraising events this year. These included:  Easter Chocolate Raffle  Valentine’s Day Flower Sale  Gelato Sale  BBQ Sausage Sale  Krispy Kreme Sale The committee would like to thank all the staff and students who have supported these events. We will be having a few more fundraising events in Term 3.

School Formal and Yearbook Ms Smith and the students in respective committees are working on these events.

Year 12 Jerseys The Year 12 Jerseys are looking fabulous. Students who have not collected their jersey need to pay the outstanding amount and collect the jersey from Ms Smith.

HSC Trial Examination The Higher School Certificate Trial Examination will be held in Weeks 4 and 5 in Term 3. Students should review and prepare well for these examinations.

Mr B. Kishore Year 12 Advisor

Year 9 Advisor’s Report

Congratulations to Year 9 for completing their last ever NAPLAN exams! Students sat their exams between12th-14th May. Results will be sent home later in the year with marked growth and progress mapped for parents and careers.

Selected Year 9 students have also participated in a range of extra-curricular activities this semester including GOALS, Links to Learning and Fast Forward as well as in school activities such as the Dance Ensemble, Chess Club, Science Club, Hoxton Café and more! I encourage all Year 9 students to take an active part in the school’s student body and many have taken up the challenge. In particular, a group of Year 9 boys have stood up and begun planning a request proposal for a Stage 5 Enrichment Camp. We support the initiative of our students’ teamwork and leadership in undertaking this project and wish them luck.

Ms C. Campbell Year 9 Advisor Years 7 and 8, Prefect, Peer Support and SRC Camp

From 4th May to 6th May, Hoxton Park High School’s Prefects, Peer Support, SRC, Year 8 and Year 7 students attended a school camp at Adventureland, Forster. All students and teachers enthusiastically completed activities extending from archery to teamwork challenges to canoeing. Some activities completed were the Giant Swing, that stood at a total of 15 metres high, as well as treetop challenges that included various obstacles. The activities accomplished at Adventureland encouraged students and teachers to face their fears, build confidence and also work in teams.

On each night there were different activities. The first night it was ‘Commando Night’ where the aim of the game was for students to rescue hostages from teachers by silently venturing into the forest with no source of light. We used a variety of methods, including crawling on the ground and freezing like a statue. The most satisfying part was that the students beat the teachers by rescuing the hostages! The second night included various games where students gathered into teams where they participated in different activities such as planking, bouncing a ball into a cup and standing up with a cup of water on your forehead. Surprisingly, our team (the Giraffes) won the game by gaining the most points at the end of the night.

The food was good and tasty and all the instructors put a lot of effort and hard work into making the camp eventful and enjoyable for everyone. This was an extremely worthwhile experience that provided us with not only fun and adventure but also the opportunity to build our leadership skills, work in teams with our peers and complete a range of challenges.

Hannah Read and Samantha Kay Year 11

Sydney Jewish Museum Excursion

On 2nd April, the Year 10 History students of Hoxton Park High School went on an excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum, where they learnt about the lives of the people who were victimised by the Holocaust and struggled through it. The goal was to engage in a learning environment where we could further improve on our knowledge of our current History topic.

Yohan, our tour guide for the day, introduced us to a Holocaust survivor named Ergor, who told us the touching story of how he and his family managed to live through the tough period. In his lecture, he told us about his own experiences and how he lived as a Jewish person at the time. His talk with us touched many students and was a great learning experience for our current History topic.

After Ergor’s talk we were split into separate groups so that we could more easily engage with our instructors. We were privileged in being shown through the entire education section of the Sydney Jewish Museum. What we saw and what we learnt through the tours left many students feeling touched and emotional.

After the tours we all regrouped at a meeting place and Yohan sat us all down to give us an educational session on how the Jewish community were the scapegoats of many other communities throughout history and how they came to be treated the way they were in the Holocaust.

The overall experience of our trip to the Sydney Jewish Museum left many of us with mixed emotions, new knowledge of our current topic and empathy for the people who fell victim to the Holocaust.

Taylan Baskonyali Year 10

Library Report

Marshall Bogg in Year 8 has built a world in MineCraft with quests. During Break 1 and Break 2 many students enjoy exploring and building in the world created by Marshall.

The Library has introduced Lego as a Break 2 activity and this is proving popular with many students.

As a special Easter activity the Makerspace group printed 3D rabbits. Students of all ages participated and learnt from each other.

Ms M. Jensen Librarian

Welcome Back Kosuge Junior High School

On Wednesday, 6th May 2015, our school hosted another successful visit from Kosuge Junior High School. Our school was chosen again this year as one of the places for their study tours in Australia. During the visit, students and teachers from Japan were made to feel welcome by everyone in our school.

Japanese students and teachers from Yamanashi Prefecture arrived at our school in the afternoon to be officially greeted by our Deputy Principal, Mr Lawrence, and were introduced to their homestay buddies, whom they would be living with and following over the course of three days. This arrangement offered them various Australian educational, cultural and social experiences. It was a great cultural and language exchange, where many new friends were made and fun experiences shared.

This school visit was not only a great experience for the Japanese visitors but also benefited our students in many different ways. They were able to practice their Japanese speaking skills with a native speaker and use their communication knowledge beyond the classroom setting. However, the most rewarding aspect of this program was to foster international friendships. It was a valuable experience because it taught our students how to become a global citizen.

Hosting Student’s Story I had the opportunity to host Kizuna Koizumi from Kosuge Junior High School for three days. From the experience, I was able to understand how the Japanese culture is different to my family’s background and to Australia’s culture and how he was different to me. Although I speak very little Japanese and he speaks very little English, we were able to become friends and shared many treasured moments together.

For me personally, saying goodbye was extremely hard. Even though it was only a short stay, we all knew the visitor’s had enjoyed their stay very much and that the host families had enjoyed the experience too. Before the departure, the buddies exchanged emails and phone numbers to keep in touch in the future.

This program has provided me with such a great experience and brought lots of unforgettable memories for the host families and for the Japanese students and teachers. It is very rare that you are able to conduct a homestay for people who live in a different country and live a completely different life from yours. Learning the difference and similarities was such a magnificent experience and an educational one that I will never forget.

Gisell Pereira Da Silva Year 8 LOTE Class

ANZAC Centenary Service

On Friday, 24th April, Hoxton Park High School remembered the ANZAC Centenary with a commemoration ceremony as well as other permanent features implemented in the school in order to memorialise the ANZAC Spirit in our school. We would like to thank our special guests, Lauren Drayton from KARI Liverpool and Geoff Lewsam, Vice President of the Canley Heights RSL Sub-branch, for attending and speaking to our students on this very special day.

As part of the day’s ceremony, all students were presented with handmade red poppies by Hoxton Park High School students and staff, which were then laid by the wreaths to symbolise the paying of respect to the fallen men and women in World War I. Student performances of original poetry by Bryson McMartin and Hannah Read and musical item by Erick Luu, also engaged the student body in creative presentations of tribute to the ANZACs. Other permanent memorial structures were also unveiled on the day, including a 3m tall tribute to Indigenous ANZAC soldiers and a sundial memoralising the fallen men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we may have the current freedom we embrace today.

Students also took home a commemorative ANZAC coin with the Hoxton Park High School logo engraved on the reverse to honour the importance of keeping the ANZAC Spirit alive in our young generation.

Ms C. Campbell ANZAC Centenary Service Organiser

Camp Gallipoli

Hoxton Park High School teachers, Ms Campbell and Mr Bradford, accompanied ten brave students and roughed it out at Camp Gallipoli overnight in the Sydney Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park on Friday, 24th April. Camp Gallipoli is a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone in New South Wales to come together on the 100th Anniversary of the Landings at Gallipoli to sleep out under the stars as the original ANZACs did 100 years ago.

With no tents, umbrellas or structured swags allowed at the event, we all were so much more appreciative of the sacrifice our ANZACs made for us. Our students thoroughly enjoyed the night and brought lots of humour and a good attitude to the whole experience, remarkably reminiscent of the larrikinism of which the original ANZACs were so notorious for during the ANZAC Campaign 100 years ago.

Students in Attendance Jordan Ieremia Rami Katlan Tzi Foulkes Timothy Jakimovski Hannah Read Eucharist Lonetona-Stowers Sebastian Carmona-Lopez Jet Taunton Bryson McMartin Justin McMartin

Ms C. Campbell Camp Gallipoli Organiser

Congratulations to our Cabravale RSL Fowler Electorate ANZAC Centenary Competition Winners!!!

On Wednesday, 22nd April, Hoxton Park High School students, Soma Yaseen, Bryson McMartin, Hannah Read and 2014 graduate Erick Luu, proudly represented our school in the Fowler Electorate ANZAC Competition Awards Evening. These creative and bright students had entered the competition in 2014 in the lead up to the ANZAC Centenary in 2015. The theme of the local schools and community wide competition was to represent ‘Not taking peace for granted’. Of the hundreds of entries that were submitted by local primary schools, high schools and community members, our students picked up three finalist awards and a total of $900 in prize money for our school.

In addition to our school being a part of the competition, Hoxton Park High School will receive a framed print of the Gallipoli Landing and a seedling of the Lone Pine to plant and grow in our own school grounds to mark the 100 years of ANZAC.

We congratulate all of our dedicated and talented students for their fantastic efforts:

 For participation in the competition we give special mention to Year 11 students Alperen Onur, Hussein Hussein, Vichly Mealea, Kelvin Swamy and Carlos Gago.

 Soma Yaseen, Year 11, submitted a touching poem from the perspective of a weary ANZAC soldier and placed 2nd in the Literary Category.

 Erick Luu composed an original and moving musical piece on the piano entitled ‘The Final Moment’ and placed 2nd in the Musical Category.

 Year 11 students Bryson McMartin and Hannah Read entered a three-part poetry item following the differing perspectives of War; the excitement and anticipation of adventure, the futility of War and the importance of memory and appreciating past sacrifice. Bryson and Hannah won 1st place for their inspired effort and were part of the night’s proceedings by performing a live reading of their poetry for the official party and guests.

Congratulations to all our students for their meritorious efforts!!!

Ms C. Campbell HSIE Teacher

Soma Yaseen

Erick Luu

Hannah Read and Bryson McMartin

Chess Club 2015

The Hoxton Park High School Junior Chess Team is halfway through their NSWJCL Tournament. Unfortunately, we have had a slow start with only one victory in Round 4 against Cecil Hills High School. In the upcoming weeks we are competing against St Gregory’s College and Sefton High School’s Intermediate Teams. Best of luck to our dedicated Year 7 (7Sc1) chess students for their remaining rounds.

Team: Murat Dervis, Phillip Nedanovski, Joshua Martins, Ching Chi Yang, Evan Tong.

Ms L. Bou Chess Club Coordinator

Sport Report

Bernera Zone Swimming Carnival On Wednesday, 4th and Thursday, 5th March, a small group of keen and competitive swimmers made their way to Prairiewood Leisure Centre to compete at the Bernera Zone Swimming Carnival.

All students who attended swam their best and represented Hoxton Park High School with great enthusiasm. Brendon Anson (Year 12) made it to Regional for the 100m breaststroke. A big thank you to all staff who officiated over the two days.

Students who competed:

Year 7 Natalie Sujono David McHugh

Year 8 Thea Hayday-King Raymond Sujono

Year 10 Hayley Anson

Year 11 Aiden Bertie

Year 12 Brendon Anson

Boys’ Open Basketball The Boys’ Open Basketball Team competed in the Sydney South West Knockout Basketball Team Competition this term. In the first round we played Ashcroft High School at Michael Wenden Indoor Stadium. After a slow start, in which we gave Ashcroft a big lead through silly turnovers and poor defence, Hoxton came roaring back into the game with some great shooting and fantastic steals by all players. After a close first half, Hoxton then got on a roll and ended up winning by 10 points. Great play by Mathew Gago, Stefan Vidic and Sebastian Parraguez.

Our 2nd Round game was against Canley Vale High School at their school. We were feeling confident going into the game and were hoping to move into the next round. The game started off even with both teams trading baskets. Sebastian Parraguez was showing his skill with the ball and Stefan Vidic and John Icer were fantastic in defence limiting Canley Vale to shoot from outside and not getting into the key. However, as the game continued Canley Vale started to put the pressure on us and we weren’t able to keep up with them. Some interesting calls from the officials also seemed to have an effect on our play and we ended up going down 32-18.

I am so proud of how the boys represented Hoxton Park High School and should be commended for it. Better luck next year boys!!!

Team: Mathew Gago, Junior Filoa, Villiami Fifita, John Icer, Stefan Vidic, Sebastian Parraguez, Ben Parraguez, Aleks Strinic, Justin Anulat, Jade Fonoti.

Boys’ Open Cricket On Friday, 29th May, the Boys’ Open Cricket Team headed to Prospect View Park to play the 2nd round of the Sydney South West Davidson Shield Cricket Competition to take on Fairfield High School. After losing the toss, Hoxton took the field to try and bowl out Fairfield. The game started well for Hoxton with some great line and length bowling from Shanil Kumar and Muhammad Wahaj. Shanil got their opener out with a great slower ball that left him bamboozled. The game then evened out with some quick runs from Fairfield and a couple of missed opportunities from the boys. Hoxton’s Captain, Mueen Khan, then decided to bring on Jake Wakeham and Daniel Ha and they both got wickets in their first over with a couple of catches to the safest hands in the team, Will Twyford.

At drinks Fairfield were 3-68. After drinks the wickets became more difficult to get, however, our bowling standard didn’t drop. Nicholas Shrimpton and Mueen Khan bowled great line and length and restricted their scoring on a small field. Daniel Ha took the last wicket of the innings and Fairfield ended up at 4-130.

It was then Hoxton’s turn to chase and we started brilliantly. Shanil was smashing Fairfield’s bowlers to all parts of the ground and hit a beautiful six! Muhammad played a great role up the other end with some great shots and quick singles, despite the large batting pads. After five overs Hoxton was 0-51. Unfortunately, after that we were unable to continue that run and lost a succession of wickets to some great catches and some silly shots, including a couple of golden ducks. Hoxton was all out for 75.

This was the last year that these boys could represent the school at cricket and as coach I am so proud of them. Their behavior on and off the field was exemplary and they played the game in true cricket spirit. Well played boys!!!

Mr J. Harris Cricket Coach

Boys’ and Girls’ Open Futsal Competition With only a limited amount of participators being selected to be part of the Boys’ and Girls’ Open Futsal Team, both teams trained and prepared exceptionally well, representing Hoxton Park High School at Minto Sports Stadium. Participating in an all-day event both teams performed remarkably well, with the boys coming 2nd in their pool. The Girls’ Open Team, however, made it through all the rounds and qualified for the Semi-Finals. Unfortunately, the girls lost 2-1, with Jovana Predic being the main goal scorer on the day.

Both teams should be proud of their effort on the day, as they represented Hoxton Park High School in a respectful manner.

Ms S. Ali Indoor Soccer Coach

Girls’ Open Soccer Knockout I would firstly just like to say that I am exceptionally proud of each and every one of these girls and have had a tremendous time being their coach. They have dedicated so much of their time and effort to attend training sessions and meetings to play against other schools. This year the Girls’ Open Soccer Team ranged from students in Year 8 all the way to Year 12. This was also the year that Hoxton Park High School broke the record of making it into the second round at the Central Venue. Unfortunately, the girls lost the second round at the Central Venue and were knocked out of the competition. However, for the first time they finished as one of the top three schools in the South West Sydney area.

All girls played with much pride and passion and should be commended on their efforts. Despite not making it past the Central Venue, the Girls’ Open Soccer Team made records of their own this year, with Jovana Predic being the number one goal scorer for the season and the team making it for the first time to the fifth round of the competition.

A tremendous year for the Girls’ Open Soccer Team, with plenty more records to break for the following year.

Ms S. Ali Soccer Knockout Coach

“In The Zone” Personal Fitness and Training Program Throughout Semester One a group of enthusiastic and motivated students from Hoxton Park High School participated in the “In The Zone” Personal Fitness and Training Program. Every student who participated was self-nominated and showed great determination pushing themselves through circuit after circuit, run after run, and burpee after burpee, time and time again. All this before a busy school day!

Participants were from all year groups with impressive efforts displayed from multiple Year 7 students and some outstanding mentoring from senior students, who set a great example and training environment for their younger peers. Students reported feeling more energetic throughout the day, particularly the morning.

Many students created their own individualised training programs and others were able to apply learned fitness areas to sports in which they already play outside of school. The program will likely run again early Term 3, with many students eager and up to the challenge.

Mr E. Williams PDHPE Teacher

Girls’ Open Volleyball This year our Girls’ Open Volleyball Team were successful in making it through to Round 3 of the Sydney South West Knockout Open Girls’ Volleyball Tournament.

We had a great victory over Eaglevale High School, who have a long standing reputation of success in the knockout tournament, however, our girls were victorious in a convincing 3-1. Round 2 again saw another easy win over Airds High School, with the girls displaying skill, intelligence and tenacity. They read the tactics of the opposing team and drew on their weaknesses to gain easy points and delivered some amazing rally points too!

Unfortunately, Round 3 needed to be forfeited but I am looking forward to another successful year with the Girls’ Volleyball Program in 2016. We have some fantastic young players, being Jochebed Tatupu and Falealii Falefata, who are developing their skills and are flourishing into competent volleyball players. It is exciting as a coach to have young Year 8 athletes in an open age team. Strategically and developmentally, it means there are many more years to refine their skill. I can’t wait to see how they improve over the years.

We say goodbye to one of our senior players, Year 12 player, Emily Lopamaua. She was an asset to the team and had an extremely powerful serve that dominated all players and has won us many ace points. You will be hard to replace Emily and sorely missed in 2016.

Yours in sport,

Ms L. Vukman Girls’ Open Volleyball Coach

2015 information for parents and carers

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL DATA have the same opportunities for a high quality COLLECTION? education as students without disability.

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (the national data WHAT ARE SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO DO collection) is an annual collection that counts the FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY? number of school students with disability and the level of reasonable educational adjustment they are All students are entitled to a quality learning provided with. experience at school. The national data collection will count students who Schools are required to make reasonable have been identified as receiving an adjustment to adjustments, where needed, to assist students with address a disability under the Disability disability to access and participate in education free Discrimination Act 1992 (the DDA). The DDA can from discrimination and on the same basis as other be accessed from the ComLaw website at students. www.comlaw.gov.au. These responsibilities are outlined in the DDA and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (the Standards). The Standards require educators, WHAT IS THE BENEFIT FOR MY CHILD? students, parents and others (e.g. allied health professionals) to work together so that students with The aim of the national data collection is to collect disability can participate in education. better information about school students with The Standards can be accessed via the ComLaw disability in Australia. website at www.comlaw.gov.au. This information will help teachers, principals, education authorities and families to better support students with disability to take part in school on the WHAT IS A REASONABLE ADJUSTMENT? same basis as students without disability. The national data collection is an opportunity for A reasonable adjustment is a measure or action schools to review their learning and support taken to help a student with disability access and systems and processes to continually improve participate in education on the same basis as education outcomes for their students with students without disability. Reasonable adjustments disability. can be made across the whole school setting (e.g. ramps into school buildings), in the classroom (such as adapting class lessons) and at an individual WHY IS THIS DATA BEING COLLECTED? student level (e.g. extra tuition for a student with learning difficulties). All schools across Australia collect information about students with disability. But the type of information currently collected varies between each WHAT INFORMATION WILL BE state and territory and across government, Catholic and independent school sectors. COLLECTED? When implementing the national data collection, Every year your child’s school will collect the every school in Australia will use the same method following information for each student with a to collect information. Therefore, a government disability: school in suburban Sydney will collect and report  the student’s level of education (i.e. primary or data in the same way as a Catholic school in secondary) country Victoria and an independent school in the Northern Territory.  the student’s level of adjustment The information provided through the national data  the student’s broad type of disability. collection will enable all Australian governments to The information collected by schools will be better target support and resources to benefit provided to all governments to inform policy and students with disability. The data will help schools programme improvement for students with to better support students with disability so that they disability. WHO WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE FURTHER INFORMATION NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION? Contact your child’s school if you have further The definition of disability for the national data questions about the Nationally Consistent Collection collection is based on the broad definition under the of Data on School Students with Disability and how DDA. it may involve your child. For the purposes of the national data collection, You can also visit www.education.gov.au/nationally- students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability. or auditory processing disorder as well as chronic An e-learning resource about the Disability health conditions like epilepsy, diabetes or asthma, Standards for Education 2005 is freely available for that require active monitoring by the school, may be the use of individuals, families and communities at included. http://resource.dse.theeducationinstitute.edu.au/.

WHO WILL COLLECT INFORMATION FOR

THE NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION?

Teachers and school staff will identify the number of students with disability in their school and the level of reasonable adjustment they are provided based on:  consultation with parents and carers in the course of determining and providing reasonable adjustments  the school team’s observations and professional judgements  any medical or other professional diagnosis  other relevant information.

School principals are responsible for ensuring the information identified about each student is accurate.

HOW WILL MY CHILD’S PRIVACY BE PROTECTED? Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all students and their families is essential. Personal details such as student names or other identifying information will not be provided to local or federal education authorities. Further information about privacy is available from www.education.gov.au/notices.

IS THE NATIONAL DATA COLLECTION COMPULSORY? All education ministers agreed to full implementation of the national data collection from 2015. This means that all schools must now collect and report information annually on the number of students with disability in their care and the level of adjustment provided to them. Information about the arrangements that may apply to your school in relation to this data collection is available from your child’s school principal and the relevant education authority or association of impendent schools. Even if your child’s information is not included in the national data collection, the school is still required to provide support to your child with education needs.

Coming Events

Monday, 13th July:  Staff Development Day.

Tuesday, 14th July:  Students return for Term Three.

Thursday, 23rd July:  Fast Forward Parent Information Evening.

Tuesday, 28th July:  Showcase Evening 6.30pm – 7.30pm in the School Hall.

Monday, 3rd August:  Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations Begin.

Tuesday, 4th August:  Year 10 Fast Forward.

Thursday, 6th August:  Year 8 Gala Day.

Friday, 14th August:  Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations End.

Wednesday, 26th August:  UWS Fast Forward Workshop for Years 9 and 10.

Thursday, 27th August:  Year 7 Gala Day.

Monday, 31st August:  Year 11 Yearly Examinations Begin.

Friday, 11th September:  Year 11 Yearly Examinations End.  Year 7 Immunisation.

Monday, 14th September:  Year 11 Crossroads Begins.

Thursday, 17th September:  Year 11 Crossroads Ends.

Friday, 18th September:  Year 11 Picnic Day.  Last Day of Term Three.

Tuesday, 6th October:  Term Four starts for students and staff.