MILLER MESSENGER NEWSLETTER 19 february, 2021

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK Volume27

22 Feb 21 Zone Trial Day Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed many new families to 23 Feb 21 Zone Swimming Carnival our school and all the signs point to another productive year with our school's values of Respect, Inspire, Safe and Excel promoting high- Nicholson Museum - Year 11 level teaching and learning. These school values set high expecta- 24 Feb 21 NSW Parliament & Court - Year tions for student behaviour, to enable students to achieve their full 11 Legal Studies academic potential and to nurture personal and social skills as they 25 Feb 21 Youth Frontiers - Year 8 grow into responsible, articulate, well-adjusted, caring and successful Links to Learning - Year 8 young adults.

Job FIT School Safety Zone 26 Feb 21 Health & Wellbeing Program Zone trial day 2 We are a caring community and School Zone signage helps to moder- ate traffic flows to keep students and their families safe. However, Year 7 PBL Showcase Road Safety around our school depends on you. Year 12 Activate @ USYD Western University Year When dropping-off and picking-up by car please use the side streets 12 Conference near the school, especially in the afternoons. Also, when dropping-off 3 Mar 21 Combined Principals Network or picking-up it is safest for your children to get out of the car on the kerb side of the road to avoid passing traffic. Calling out to them 4 Mar 21 Links to Learning from across the road is dangerous – they may run to you without Youth Frontiers checking for traffic first. JOB FIT Please adhere to the 40km/h speed limit in the School Zone and look Open Girls Volleyball for buses pulling out, when parking adjacent to the school. Always 5 Mar 21 Health & Wellbeing Program park legally, avoid dangerous manoeuvres such as U-turns and three point turns and always give way to pedestrians, particularly when en- tering and leaving driveways.

Walking Together to and from School

Make certain that your child has planned their trip to school and that they use pedestrian crossings where possible. Talk with your children about Stop, Look, Listen and Think every time they cross a road.

STOP! - One step back from the kerb. LOOK! - For traffic to your right then left, and right again. LISTEN! - For the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! - Whether it is safe to cross. Monday to Friday Student Achievement Office 8.30 am to 3.30 pm Hours For students to achieve their goals there was a need to be open to Telephone (02) 9607 8669 the many extra-curricular activities we offer. By trying new things and participating, students might discover a new interest – something Fax (02) 9607 9460 never thought of before which will bring them great joy. Email : Miller- [email protected]

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK Continued

While each student's interests are different, I If your child is interested in either of these cur- would like to acknowledge and congratulate riculum options please return the expression of Shalome Dunlop, Danielle Dunlop and Tepora interest to the main school office by Tuesday, 23 Tuia on their selections in the Bernera Zone February 2021. If you require further infor- Open Girls Volleyball Team that competed in the Sydney South West School Sport Associa- mation please contact Mr. Shea (Deputy Princi- tion carnival. The girls also represented the pal-Year 9). Please note, the level of interest school in the Secondary Girls Volleyball Champi- shown will guide the pattern of study offered. onships. School Physical Environment The exceptional sporting talents of both Shalo- me Dunlop and Danielle Dunlop were further While there are many factors to support stu- recognised with their selection in the Sydney dents to learn, grow and to nurture personal South West Open Girls Volleyball team to com- happiness the physical environment of a school pete in the Combined High School Champion- speaks to the contribution that safe and com- ships in Armidale, in late March. fortable surroundings make for a positive school I would also like to acknowledge and congratu- climate. late Aokn Maroo and Gorgees Keramon on their selections in the Bernera Zone Open Boys Vol- The school’s physical environment also speaks leyball team. to the contribution that a clean playground plays Stage 5 Electives in supporting students to achieve educational In response to a review of our Stage 5 curricu- goals. A clean playground minimises the spread lum, and our objective of expanding school to of germs and prevents offending smells from work options we are offering a variation to our lingering. I know all students take pride in our elective pattern of study (2021-22) to include physical environment by placing rubbish in the 100-hour Stage 5 Vocational Education and many bins provided. Training (VET) courses. These VET courses are competency based and are aligned with indus- In closing, we know that not every day will be try workplace standards. The following curricu- awesome. Learning is personal and I am confi- lum options are available: dent we will help each student in our care to Option 1 discover their passions and build on their Year 9 – 100hrs of Industrial Technology Metals. strengths. My dream for this year is for our Year 10 – 100hrs of Industrial Technology Auto- school to be where communities of learners motive. gather to do interesting work that matters. Option 2 Should you have any questions regarding school Year 9 – 100hrs of Industrial Technology Tim- operations, please contact the main school ber. office (02 9607 8669). Year 10 – Statement of Attainment towards Regards, Certificate 1 in Construction. Option 3 Dr Ken Edge Year 9 – 100hrs of Food Technology. (Principal) Year 10 – Certificate 1 in Hospitality

WELCOME - YEAR 7 SUPPORT EALD FACULTY - 2021

Welcome to the year 7 Support Unit students. It was very encouraging to see students in Year As you begin your high school journey I want to 10 Green demonstrating enthusiasm and vigour remind you we are here to support you and towards their learning. This lesson focused on help you navigate your way through one of the the topic of Persuasive Texts. Students showed biggest changes in your life so far. Help is never deep interest and high engagement in the topic far away and we hope you enjoy this new chap- throughout the lessons. They were really excit- ter. ed to share their thoughts and ideas on Ms Azzi - Rel Head Teacher Support Faculty the world’s most famous speeches. Students’ demonstrated deep knowledge and understand- ing of the language features used in speeches and how these features are used to compose powerful, motivating and engaging persuasive speech.

This year EAL/D Faculty comprises of eleven staff members which includes two SLSOs.

Ms Shalini Nadan - Head Teacher EAL/D LOTE ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER

SHIRTS

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 8-12 will be receiving their new shirts in the MPC. We will be organising another order of shirts for our Year 7 students.

These shirts were designed by students last year in collaboration with Aboriginal artist Michael Fardon.

Thank you to Shane Scott for making all of this possible. These shirts are considered part of the Miller Technology High School student uniform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and are an important way for these students to express their identity and connection to their culture. As students designed the shirts, this will help to foster a sense of ownership and pride in their uniforms.

I am really proud of our students for creating not one but TWO incredible designs. You may have noticed a few teachers wearing similar shirts. These shirts were also designed by our students and Michael. If you are interested in a shirt, please see the email from Shane and get in touch with him to see if we have your size available!

Thank you for supporting Aboriginal education at Miller Technolo- gy High School! Ms E Hughes - English/HSIE Teacher

HSC BOOTCAMP SOUTHS CARES SCHOOL PROGRAM

On the 9th of February, Aboriginal students in Years 8 Last December, Year 12 students took an and 9 were visited by three players from South Syd- ‘active’ approach to their study with the Uni- ney Rabbitohs as part of the Souths Cares program. versity of Sydney for their HSC Bootcamp. Students met , and Students got to tour the campus, learnt how Troy Dargan, and learned about the importance of to study productively, and how to adopt a online safety. The Souths Cares program provides Ab- growth mindset. We ended the day with a original and Torres Strait Islander students with cul- student Q&A panel with current students and tural education and curriculum support. Well done to alumni recounting their experiences of mov- all students who participated! ing from high school to university. Miller Technology High School represented during Ms E Hughes - English/HSIE Teacher /Aboriginal Education Coordinator the panel Q&A, being the only school in the whole auditorium to ask the pressing ques- tions! @sydney.WPO@sydneyuni#activateusyd Ms M Benitez Careers Adviser & NESA Coordinator

VALENTINES DAY

On Friday the 12th of February the SRC held the final day of the Valentines Day fundraising stall. This year the aim of the Valentines Day stall was to spread kindness to everyone who is of importance in our lives. The SRC students wanted to ensure that the celebration promoted the sense of love towards family members, friends, and most importantly to ones self. SRC member Evana Jibraeel stated that "Kindness was a gift that everyone could afford to give" and as a result the SRC members collectively agreed to hide 6 heart shaped cards around the school grounds and to gift out roses to anyone who found one on the day. This initia- tive was a great success and all 6 hearts were found early in the day. Throughout the day many roses, hearts and bears were sold promoting love and kindness throughout the school. The SRC thanks all students and teachers who made a purchase on the day and aim to keep the school community updated on where the funds will be donated throughout the year.

Special thanks also goes out to the SRC members who helped with the running of the stall, Ms Pollard for her assistance and to our local florist, Sue Krstanovska from Buds Of Love. Ms H Vukic - HSIE Teacher

CAREERS ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER EDUCATION NEWS 2021/2022 TAFE-Delivered VET courses still available There are a number of TAFE-delivered VET courses that still have vacancies for Year 11/12. Courses include make Critical Thinking Unit With Warrawi Burawa – “To Stand up, floristry, events/tourism, business administration, early Above” childhood education and care, and community services. Year 11 student Sally McPherson has been accepted into the See Ms Benitez for more information Critical Thinking Unit Entry Pathway through Warrawi Bura- Get your free TAFE NSW Parent and Caregiver Resource wa at Macquarie University. The Critical Thinking Unit Entry Guide A new guide has been developed for parents and/or Pathway provides the opportunity for talented Aboriginal caregivers to help transition their child into TAFE NSW. and Torres Strait Islander students commencing year 11 in Jam packed with all the information that you need to 2021 to enrol into a first-year unit at Macquarie University. know, the guide can be accessed via the dedicated Parent Sally will begin the unit PHIL1037: Critical Thinking this term and/or Caregiver webpage: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/ via distance education, with structured support from Wa- parents-caregivers langa Muru and Macquarie University. Congratulations Sal- ly! Career in Games & Film, Info Evening at Academy of In- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Shirts teractive Entertainment Wednesday 18th March Considering a career in games, 3D or VFX? Discover Last Friday, Dr Edge and Mr S Scott presented Aboriginal AIE’s courses in Game Art & Animation, Programming and and Torres Strait Islander students with shirts they designed Game Design. Learn about entry requirements and career with Aboriginal artist Michael Fardon. Last year, Michael pathways. 6pm-8pm, 33 Mountain St, Ultimo, NSW, 2007. Fardon visited the school to run a shirt design workshop. Rego required. RSVP https://aie.edu.au/infoevening Students collaborated with the artist to create three shirt designs. Students then voted on which shirt they wanted for SFC Pilot Training College - Open Day - Registration Now students to wear, and decided on a design for staff, too. Open Sydney Flight College (SFC) is having their annual Students can now wear their design with pride as part of open day on Saturday 10th April 2021 at Bankstown Air- their uniform. Congratulations to all students involved! port. Careers advisors, students and parents are all wel- come to view the facilities and fleet, chat to a course advi- Western Sydney University Year 12 Conference sor, and enjoy a free BBQ lunch. Due to COVID bookings Year 12 students in the Pathways to Dreaming program are are essential, and can be made at https:// invited to attend the virtual conference. If you have not reg- www.sfcaero.com.au/about-us/open-days istered yet please see Ms Hughes or Shane Scott.

Register now for Academy of Film, Theatre & Television Transport NSW Aboriginal HSC Scholarship (AFTT’s) Open Day Registrations are now open for AFTT’s May Open Day. Events, Workshops, and Productions - This scholarship is open to Aboriginal students in years 11 AFTT AFTT's Introducing ARRI Cameras AFTT is so excited and 12 in 2021/2022 and working towards a NSW Higher to introduce ARRI into the mix of cameras used throughout School Certificate who are interested in a career and devel- the Advanced Diploma. These cameras are an addition to opment opportunities within Transport for NSW. Students an already strong line up of industry-standard gear includ- must be studying a minimum of English Standard and Gen- ing REDs, Blackmagic, Sony and more! eral Mathematics. Applications close Friday 25th February. Please see Ms Hughes to apply. Free UCAT Webinars for Year 12 & 11 Students (28/2, 14/3) A survey of hundreds of 97th+ percentile students Kari Young Leaders Camp 6-8th April after UCAT 2020 found that they spent around 250 hrs on UCAT prep, and that their success was determined by This camp is open to Aboriginal young people in years 9 and HOW they distributed their prep time and WHAT they did 10 attending school in South West Sydney. It will be held at for UCAT study. This free webinar will cover a Term 1&2 Uniting Venues Naamaroo, Chatswood. Please see Ms timeline to keep students on track, including weekly prep Hughes or Shane Scott if you are interested in being nomi- goals and study milestones. Register: https:// nated. www.icanmed.com.au/webinars Ms E Hughes - English/HSIE Teacher

Western Campus Tours Western highly successful Campus Tours are back again this year. Prospective students, their parents and families and the general public can check out state-of-the-art facilities and hear from current students and staff about courses and degrees Western offers. For 2021 dates and campus locations visit here: https:// www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/ campus-tours.html