Newsletter Accepting Challenges ISSUE 3 SEPT 2017 OUR NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM Our new leadership team for 2017/8 was announced during Week 8 of this term. The leadership teams is comprised of the following students from Year 11: Drishya Mainali, School Captain, Monira Naim, School Vice-Captain, Iesha Alameddine Sports Captain, Prefect and Student Leader for Year 12, 2018; Zarin Mansur Vice Sports Captain, Prefect and Student Leader for Year 9, 2018; Aamna Ahmed Prefect and Student Leader for Year 8, 2018; Shireen Alameddine Prefect and Student Leader for Year 7, 2018; Anna Wong Prefect and Student Leader Year 10, 2018; Yeliz Yakar Prefect and Student Leader for Year 11, 2018. House Captains and Mascots: Batten House Captain Dua Rashid, Curie House Captain Areeba Khan, Cavell House Captain Gule Orozgani and Melba House Captain Rayan Sabouh. Our congratulations go to these students. INSIDE THIS ISSUE New Leadership Team 1 Principal s Report 2 Deputy Principal s Report Years 7 & 9 4 Deputy Principal s Report Years 8 & 10 6 Deputy Principal s Report Years 11 & 12 8 School News 10 Important Dates 13 Careers 16 English/History Faculty 17 Support Faculty 18 TAS Faculty 19 Science Faculty 20 Important Information 22 CHECK OUT OUR NEW-LOOK WEBSITE! auburng-h.schools.nsw.edu.au Hunter Street, Auburn NSW 2144 PHONE (02) 9649 6949 FAX (02) 9749 1035
Dear Parents and Students, Principal s Report We continue to have many special events and new programs at our school. At the end of this term we have our Year 12 Farewell with their HSC to commence next term; we have continued with our Positive Education Project, students have completed subject selections and a change of student leadership has taken place. Good Luck Year 12! Our Year 12 students have completed their HSC Trial Examinations and have spent the last few weeks in class obtaining feedback from their teachers on their results, reflecting and consolidating their learning in each subject. Many of our students have just completed major works, performances, and Speaking Exams. I wish all our girls the very best of luck for their HSC. I have observed our students and staff working diligently preparing for the HSC, often at times with before school and after school tutorials and students in study groups learning together. It has been heart-warming to see such collaboration and active and supportive learning taking place. I am very proud of our students and staff s efforts and look forward to sharing with our community some very positive outcomes from NESA and a celebration of Year 12 s success in mid-december. The Year 12 Graduation Assembly will be held on Thursday 21 September, commencing at 12:00pm at the C3 Function Centre, Silverwater. This is a very significant event for our school community, as we formally celebrate the end of the high school journey for the graduating Class of 2017. Year 12 parents are invited to attend the ceremony to celebrate this significant milestone alongside their daughters. Year 11 students will be part of the audience to enjoy the celebration and so that they may be inspired and gain an appreciation for their own Year 12 journey over the next twelve months. Positive Education at Auburn Girls High School We continue our journey in introducing and embedding positive education into our school s culture. I would like to invite you to attend a parent information session on Positive Education to be led by Dr Paula Robinson, an eminent psychologist and Director of the Positive Psychology Institute. Paula will unpack the advantages of positive education and how parents can support their daughters and the school in ensuring we achieve the best possible wellbeing and achievement outcomes for our students. I have written in a previous newsletter about the introduction of Positive Education at our school with the implementation of the PERMA model during PBL lessons over the last twelve months. Please take a moment and have a look at your daughter s school diary this year. It is colourful, vibrant and full of YEAR 12 GRADUATION Thursday 21st Sept. 12 pm to 1.30pm 2
helpful positive wellbeing strategies with a focus on the PERMA model. Feedback from students has been that they love the diary. Dr Robinson is an academic partner with our school and has been working with us guiding and advising our path with Positive Education. She has been working with our staff providing induction and training during Staff Development Days and during two after school Staff Development Twilight Sessions. Additionally, the Wellbeing Team Conference in 2016-17 was focussed on Positive Education. In June, our SRC and Leadership Team enjoyed a half day workshop with an induction on Positive Education. Feedback from students and staff to date has shown that positive education has been very well received and that we should continue with our journey. Subject Selections Subject selections for 2018 are now complete. Subject selection meetings have been held for students in Years 8 and 10. It has been great to have the opportunity to host a number of information meetings over the past few weeks to share valuable information and advice with both students and parents. Head Teachers and teachers provided information and advice to support students and parents in making informed subject decisions. Our Year 10 Mentor Teachers, under the capable leadership of Ms Jackman, engaged with students and parents during interviews to determine the most appropriate pattern of study to support students in achieving their personal best, as well as their aspirational goals for the future. We continue to offer a broad range of subjects, especially in the senior school and aim to accommodate most student choices. Thank you and Congratulations! A very big thank-you, to our outgoing Year 12 Leadership Team including School Captain, Alisha Nazir and Vice- Captain, Abeer Yassine. You have been wonderful ambassadors for the school, outstanding role models for all students and have made me, your teachers and parents proud. Great work and I look forward to seeing you continue to thrive and inspire as leaders of society. Congratulations to our incoming Leadership Team, including School Captain, Drishya Mainali and Vice- Captain, Monira Naim. There was a wealth of talented and interested students which made voting difficult for everyone. Congratulations to all students who stood for election. School resumes on Monday 9 th October for students and staff. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Anna Tsoutsa Principal. Positive Education and Parenting 9.30am to 10.30am Wednesday, 18 October 2017 AGHS Library Dr Paula Robinson Student Leadership Induction Ceremony, 2017 3
Deputy Principal s Report Years 7 and 9 Term 3 has been filled with many opportunities for students to showcase their talents and make positive connections with the wider community. POSITIVE EDUCATION AWARDS Congratulations to the following diligent students who were rewarded with the prestigious Principal s Recognition Awards at our lunchtime assembly on Wednesday, 23rd August 2017. Many thanks to the parents who came along to support their daughters. YEAR 7 Lavangiah Karunakaran Rund Al-Ogla Baneen Morjana Yumi Cailloce Roba Goreishi Iffat Chaudhari Iram Bookbinder Badia Baghdadi Chloe Huang Aysha Al-Taai YEAR 9 Safiya Alameddine Muria Djohar Khatira Ahmadshahi Souad Charaf Nancy Finau Aayhat Gebara Hiba Osman Israa Hosari Melis Pekenti Pareenaz Musavi Fundraising Year 7 are getting prepared for their fundraising activities in Week 2, Term 4. Year 7 will be raising awareness and money for Breast Cancer Research at the Garvan Institute. The Year 7 Fundraising Committee has been researching the work that the Garvan Institute does and on the 8 th September visited their state of the art facilities. Student Report: On the 8 th September, myself and nine students from Year 7; Hafsa, Fariha, Zahra, Aysha, Danya, Maryam, Tina, Aysha and Zahraa, went to the Garvan Institute who are skilled in medical and scientific research on different diseases. The disease we focused on was breast cancer. We were hosted by Miss Julia Kiss, Professor Elgene Lim, Natasha and her brilliant team. Miss Kiss guided us around the Institute which consisted of an introduction to their research, an insight to their library and a private tour of their labs. After our visit to the institute, we had lunch at Hyde Park to discuss what we enjoyed and learnt from our experience. This was a brilliant experience and a great opportunity for all of us, as we continue in our pursuit to help those in need. We are excited to raise money for our charity next term. Left, at the Garvan Institute and top of next page; above, Year 7 Award Winners. 4
R U OK? Day Thursday, 14th September 2017 We have all have days when one caring conversation or comment or even a friendly smile has brightened a destructive thought. Take a minute, change a life is the International Theme of 2017 World Suicide Prevention Day. These words are the heart of R U OK? Day. Drama Production Cyberia On Monday 11 th September Year 7 were lucky enough to view a play called Cyberia by award-winning Brainstorm Productions. The play was an entertaining investigation into the pitfalls of technology including cyber-bullying at school, stress and lack of privacy. The play made students think about being responsible users of technology and social websites. Some comments from students and staff: Well delivered, fast moving and very engaging Students were really focussed you could hear a pin drop Teacher An interesting and educational play! I learnt how to deal with cyber-bullying and get help Ruweyda Year 7 A great play for teenagers; it helped my understanding of the effects of cyber-bullying Zahra Year 7 It was an energetic, fun play about important issues. It was relevant Hanya Year 7 An informative insight into problems teenagers may face. It gave us a greater awareness of problems with social media Lavangiah Year 7 R U OK? Day is all about being a good friend. Remember these 4 conversation tips: 1. Ask R U OK? Be friendly and relaxed in your approach. Use open questions like What s happening? and You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going? 2. Listen without judgment Take what they seriously. It s important you don t judge what they are saying but acknowledge that things are tough for them. Encourage them to explain with questions like How long have you felt this way? It s also helpful to repeat back what you have heard (in your own words) and ask if you have understood them properly. 3. Encourage Action Encourage them to discuss their situation with parents or a trusted teacher. Remember every teacher is here for students. In addition Year Advisers, Head Teachers Wellbeing, Stage Head Teachers, Deputy Principals and School Councillors can also offer support. Sometimes it s helpful to discuss your own experiences and what helped you. Be positive about the role of significant adults and professionals in getting through tough times. 4. Check in It s important to stay in touch and be there for them, talk to them. Perhaps you could open the conversation with I ve been thinking of you and wanted to know how you ve been going since we last chatted If they don t come to school let a teacher know. Ms S Rizzo 5
Years 8 and 10 As I write this report we are coming to the end of a very productive Term 3. I am pleased to report that Year 8 and Year 10 students have displayed a positive attitude to their learning over the past ten weeks. Many have worked hard in particular academic areas after receiving directed feedback from their teachers during Parent/Teacher evening which was held earlier this term. I have enjoyed visiting many classes and viewing activities that have involved students across Year 8 and 10. I am also impressed with our student engagement each week in The Positive Behaviour for Learning program. It is pleasing to see students consistently using their school diaries for the delivery of this program and to see our SRC students helping with weekly presentations. Many of our Year 10 students have enjoyed a number of special programs and presentations this term that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the society in which we live. All of these events have a connection to the school curriculum. The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS hosted a conference entitled Real Lives real stories Finding strength from within. The forum was dedicated to young women describing how they overcome life s obstacles and challenges and in doing so how they reached their full potential. Speakers included: Rebekah Giles, a partner at Kennedy s Lawyers and GIANTS Director; Angela Barker, an advocate for women and survivor of domestic violence and Brad Blaze a world renowned speed paint artist. In addition students spoke to a range of female identities and viewed a variety of school performances. On the 12 th of September, thirty Year 10 students visited the University of Technology Sydney to attend a forum entitled Women in Engineering and Information Technology. During Week 7 of this term Year 10 students were the audience to a motivational presentation by Dr Bilal Jidah from Westmead Hospital. Students listened to a life s journey that has led to a position of the greatest respect and value in our society. Students could relate to the journey of a person whose origins are from Western Sydney and I am sure many students were inspired by this event. Currently all students in Year 8 and Year 10 have chosen subjects for 2018. In the case of Year 8, students have nominated two elective subjects to be studied over the next two years. In the case of Year 10, students have nominated their pattern of study for the senior years with The Higher School Certificate as the focus. At Auburn Girls High School there is a rigorous program of providing advice to students and parents regarding choices in the senior school. Students experienced a very successful Taster Week where they attended classes that followed a Year 11 curriculum. Parents attended Year 11 subject selection presentations on Parents/Teacher evening and also one to one interviews with mentor teachers and their daughters during Week 5 & 6 this term. The senior school timetable and class formation for 2018 is based on the choices made during this extensive period of consultation. Congratulations Zainab Aljabri of Year 10 for being student of the month and to, Rithe Zaman who has been awarded a school medallion and school plaque this term, the highest academic awards the school can bestow. 6
On Tuesday, 12 th September Year 10 Information and Software Technology students attended the Women in Engineering and Information Technology Hands On Day at the University of Technology Sydney. The Hands On Day was a full-day on-campus during which students heard from current UTS undergraduate students, industry representatives and academics. The day provided an opportunity for female students to participate in a range of engaging, educational and often explosive hands-on activities, plus they got an inside look at life as a female student/professional in the engineering and IT industry. All students attending found this forum to be of great value. Our students were able to speak to women who were professionals in a range of important fields. These professionals enjoyed the questions asked by our students and of course they presented as excellent role models to our students as well. I am sure many of the students attending will have been able to focus on ambitions and future goals after this experience. Lastly I would like to wish Year 12 of 2017 all the best during the coming months and during the H.S.C. period. Year 12 have been a credit to themselves and the strong reputation we as a school have in our community. I wish every student every success in the years to come. Mr R Fisher 7
Years 11 and 12 It has been another very productive Term 3 and like many others I am looking forward to the holidays. This term signifies a very emotional but at the same time a proud time for Year 12, 2017. Earlier in the term Year 12 sat for their Trial Examinations and now are preparing for the Higher School Certificate that begins October 16 th. Year 12 have finished off their 13 years of schooling as beautiful role models for the younger grades and it has been a pleasure getting to know the cohort and being their Deputy Principal for the past 3 years. I am looking forward to helping to celebrate this milestone at their graduation and school formal. I wish to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best in their final examinations and hope that they attain the results they deserve. I also would like to thank Ms Scariot, the Year 12 Adviser for all her outstanding work and support with Year 12. Term 3 is also a very important and significant term for Year 11. They have just completed their final Preliminary Examinations and hopefully their hard work and dedication has paid off with great results. This is a very important time for your daughters to reflect and evaluate their progress as they complete their second final year of secondary schooling. Your daughters will enter their final Higher School Certificate year first day back in Term 4 and need to come back refreshed, focused and ready to put in 100% effort as it won t be too long before they will be sitting for their final exams. The choices they make now will have a great impact on their future. First week back next term Year 11 will be receiving their assessment book with dates for Year 12. Please ensure that you read these booklets carefully with your daughters and together plan the year ahead as knowing when all their major examinations, other assessments and any other major works are due to maks the final year of study less stressful and as organised as possible for your daughters. I also had the pleasure to attend one evening the Max Potential Showcase with other staff members where we celebrated our student s successes. Max Potential is a youth leadership and personal development program which aims to provide participants skills to become leaders of the future. Well done to the following students who dedicated their time and commitment to the program over the past 6 months. Mariam Moosawi Tesneem Alkozai Drishya Mainali Monira Naim Alyssa Borra Zarin Mansur Sophia Huang Karen Tran Aamna Ahmed As the Year 11 Deputy Principal I would also like to extend my congratulations to all the Year 11 students who took part in the leadership speeches. The quality of all the speeches was outstanding making voting more difficult than ever before. It was also the first year that those students going for Captain or Vice-Captain delivered their speeches to staff at a meeting. All the girls would make wonderful leaders, I feel very proud to be part of this school with exceptional young women who are wonderful role models for our school and community. ISSUE 23 JSEPTEMBER 2017 8
STUDENT OF THE MONTH Student of the Month for July is Zainab Aljabri Year 10. Zainab is a hardworking student who is respectful towards her teachers and her peers, and is respected by her teachers and peers. Since joining the Year 10 cohort she has shown herself to be a lovely student who is a pleasure to have in the classroom. She has an excellent sense of humour that helps her deal with all types of situations. She is always involved in classwork and is willing to help all her peers, even those from other year groups. She is a quiet achiever, diligent, dedicated, always works to the best of her ability and approaches all tasks with enthusiasm. Zainab wears the correct uniform to school every day and her attendance is commendable. STUDENT OF THE MONTH Student of the Month for August is Carmen Wong Year 7 Carmen is a high achieving student and is always striving to reach her full potential at Auburn Girls High School. She is a hardworking, motivated student which is shown through her perfect attendance and her academic performance in each subject. In class, she eagerly participates in classroom discussions, takes part in all group activities and is always willing to help her classmates. Carmen shows initiative and looks for new ways to get involved in the school, such as getting a part in the School Spectacular Dance Group where she shows her unique skills and enthusiasm for dance. She was also awarded the Age Champion in 12 years for her excellent swimming this year. Congratulations on this well-deserved award. We continued the tradition and held the Students of Excellence Luncheon this term. This luncheon celebrates our students who consistently perform to the best of their ability and follow our school code of being respectful, responsible and excellent learners. Congratulations to the following students who were: chosen by their Year Adviser Year 7 Lavangiah Karunakaran Rund Al-Ogla Baneen Morjana Yumi Cailloce Roba Goreishi Iffat Chaudhari Iram Bookbinder Badia Baghdadi Chloe Huang Aysha Al-Taai Year 8 Farbeen Babar Aiman Aiman Yasmine Trad Sondos Hamze Kainat Muhammad Sohail Shaymah Hassan Saumya Amin Farahnaz Asad Ullah Deniz Huseyin Rayan Majzoub Year 9 Safiya Alameddine Muria Djohar Khatira Ahmadshahi Souad Charaf Nancy Finau Aayhat Gebara Hiba Osman Israa Hosari Melis Pekenti Pareenaz Musavi Year 10 Sabaat Musharaf Muskaan Sharma Simiao Yang Acelya Pelin Sarah Akhtar Deniz Aksay Zainab Aljabri Adela Hussaini Shoghla Khan Fatma El Hassan Year 11 Alyssa Borra Yeliz Yakar Jumana Khan Anna Wong Karen Tran Aamna Ahmed Iesha Alameddine Shireen Alameddine Sophia Huang Naushin Momin Drishya Mainali Year 12 Zeinab Alamar Boshra Al Haidary Serife Isik Elif Saglik Fatema Shukur Najila Taimori Sandra Sarem Alisha Nazir Rima Elcheikh Fasiha Rose I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Ms B Diamond ISSUE 2 JUNE 2017 9
School News LEADERSHIP REPORT Being the leadership co-ordinator over the past 3 years has been both an honour and one of my greatest achievements as an educator. It is what has motivated me to come to school full of enthusiasm and determination. To mentor young visionary leaders to turn their apparitions and ideas to fruition, achievable and realistic actions. The 2016-2017 Student Leadership Team have worked collegially from participating in conferences, International Women s Day Events, Fundraising, raising awareness of various issues within the community and undertaking their various roles and responsibilities. Our School Captain and Vice-Captain have been expletory leaders working together in their various initiatives, supported by their Prefects who have represented the school with honour and pride. Our Sports Captains have initiated lunch time competitions and collaborated with our House Captains to reinvigorate House Spirit, competitiveness and passion at the swimming, athletics and cross-country carnivals. Each member of this team has contributed to the overall running of multiple actives in their leadership roles in the 4 committees in the SRC. Including School Spirit, Environmental, Sports and the Social Justice Committees. They have been supported by the SRC Co-Ordinator Mr Lindsay and the SRC student leaders from the various year groups. Through the running of these events they have discovered that leadership is not about dictating to others what they need to do, but to empower other individuals, to work in collaboration with others and be clear communicators. In each instance, they have been commended on their positive attitude, grace and professionalism by members in the community. To the incumbent leaders I impart this advice. You will be remembered not by the title on your badge, but your actions and achievements. As School Student Leaders, you must work cohesively as a team, and above all communicate effectively in order to achieve your goals. Remember the advice from the Little Red Hen; be organised, be precise and always have a Plan B. To the incumbent leaders I impart this advice. You will be remembered not by the title on your badge, but your actions and achievements. As School Student Leaders you must work cohesively as a team, and above all communicate effectively in order to achieve your goals. Remember the advice from the Little Red Hen; be organised, be precise and always have a Plan B. And as always, each year I implore the whole student population to discover their leadership capabilities either through the SRC, Interact, Duke of Edinburgh, Debating, Grade Sport, Max Potential or the various other initiative run throughout the school. These are your years to shine. As I retire from this role I would like to thank the following people for their advice and guidance along this journey. Mr Charles, Ms Tsoutsa, Ms Diamond and Ms Matta. I also wish the incoming Student Leadership Co-Ordinator well on their journey with such engaging and visionary students in 2018. Ms Rebecca Woods Student Leadership Co-Ordinator INTERACT CLUB Fortunately, this year the Interact Conference for student leaders did not fall during the exam periods, as it did last year. Marwa Sawadi, AGHS Interact President, and Mariam Moosawi, AGHS Secretary, participated in the Conference at the UTS Aerial Building in the City this term. They were able to engage with other students in regard to what their Interact Clubs do within the community and show case the achievements of our club. Applying the Rotary moto of Service above Self. School such as Homebush Boys, Bossley Park and many schools from the Central Coast were present at the conference and it was interesting to hear of their achievements too. As the Year 11 leaders move into Year 12 in Term 4 this year they will hand over their leadership reins to the incumbent leaders of Year 11 of 2018, thus elections for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of our Interact Club will be available in Term 1, 2018. Our final achievement of the Interact Club was the annual #BING IT HOME DONATION DRIVE CONCERT at Auburn Central Forecourt. Where a number of students danced, sang and read poetry allowing people in the community to make food donations to be issued to the Parramatta Mission Soup Kitchen for the homeless or clothing donations later taken to the Salvation Army in Lidcombe for those in need, again following the Rotary moto of Service above Self. Marwa Sawadi announced the dance performances by Drishya Mainali and Sheetal Burathoki in Year 11, Muskaan Sharma and Easha Mohammed Ghouseuddin in Year 10; singing from Alisi Puafisi in Year 11 and poetry read by Aisha Chaudhry and Khyle Banares in Year 8 and Muntaha Matloob in Year 10, to name but a few. We thank those who donated at school or at the Donation Drive Concert and look forward to a repeat of this success in 2018. ISSUE 23 JSEPTEMBER 2017 10
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS The Duke of Edinburgh Award has been running actively since 2014, with at least 40 students initiating their Bronze Awards. However, last Tuesday we had an auspicious assembly to honour one of our students completing their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Alisha Nazir, our 2017 School Captain, is Auburn Girls High Schools inaugural recipient of this award. She has dedicated many hours to complete her Service, Skill, and Physical Activity and completed two Expeditions of kayaking in order to receive such an award. She is closely followed by Hajar Al- Moussawi, who is awaiting her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award in the mail. These students are looking forward to initiating their Gold Award this year, to be completed by mid-2018. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a great opportunity for your daughter to develop her leadership capabilities, problem solving and engage with students she would normal not know. Many of our students have developed lasting friendships with peers in different year groups that have lasted after they have left school. They are required to compete a number of hours in a Skill, Service and Physical Activity of their choice. Additionally, at the Bronze level they are required to complete 2 hiking expeditions. Students in Year 12 who completed their Bronze/ Silver Award have found it useful in their University applications to demonstrate their various skills and abilities. I will be on maternity leave for Term 4 2017, however will return in Term 1, 2018 to assist the new cohort wishing to commence their Bronze Award in 2018. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email if required: Rebecca.woods15@det.nsw.edu.au Ms Rebecca Woods Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-Ordinator Knockout Netball 15 Years and Under After a horrendous loss last year of 48 to 8 this year s Knockout Netball Team has a lot more drive and determination. Versing Mitchell High School our students were a point ahead in the first three quarters demonstrating their outstanding skills, tactics and sportsmanship. Unfortunately, in the final quarter we went down by goal, 13 to 12 in the end. However, our 15 Years and Under Knockout Team will be a force to reckon with in 2018. Congratulations to the following students who participated: Qian Qian Feng, Sanna Bloomfield, Sela Oto'Ota, Teisa Valu, Nancy Finau, Khelly Michelle Generoso, Kim Moeakiola, Chloe Waipouri, Hannan Quadan and Jayda Waipouri. Jack Newton Junior Golf Academy Auburn Girls High School was lucky enough to be invited to participate in an Exhibition Golf Workshop provided by the Jack Newton Junior Golf Academy, presented by Greg from the Castle Hill Branch. Classes involved range from Year 7 to Year 10, where students developed the skills of chipping, driving and improving their accuracy when aiming at targets. We hope to offer this sport in the future to students if funding assistance for equipment and coaches is granted from government organisations. ISSUE 23 JSEPTEMBER 2017 11
TRANSITIONS This term, students were given various opportunities to be part of programs offered by external agencies, in particular, The Smith Family who have continually supported Auburn Girls High School students through access to mentors, work experience opportunities and workshops. Additionally, because of our connection with them, two students from Year 11, Aamna Ahmed and Areeba Khan were given a rare opportunity to complete a one-week work experience with Optus where they gained insight into how the organisation operates. These students demonstrated a great level of maturity and enthusiasm throughout the placement and represented our school with pride. Aamna Ahmed with her Optus mentors. GWS GIANTS Another program that took place this term was the GWS Giants initiative called, Real Lives, Real Stories Finding Strength Within where twenty students from Year 9 and 10 were selected to attend. The day incorporated a variety of speakers who had overcome life challenging experiences and shared their stories of resilience, aspiration, identity and personal growth. The speakers included Rebekah Giles partner at Kennedy s lawyers and Giants Director, Brad Blaze world renowned speed pain artists and Angelia Barker a survivor of domestic violence and additional female panelists and school performances. It was a great day!! Areeba Khan with her Optus mentors. Our students participating in ABCN. ISSUE 23 JSEPTEMBER 2017 12
REFUGEE WEEK ACTIVITIES On Monday 19th June, ten students attended Wiley Park Girls High School to participate in activities as part of Refugee Week celebrations. IMPORTANT DATES TERM 3 WEEK 10 22 Sept. 2017 Last day of Term 3 TERM 4 WEEK 1 9 October 2017 All staff & students return 13 October 2017 Year 11 sign out Students worked as a team and put together over 100 hampers to help those in need. This was followed by a hand painting exercise. Students imprinted the palm of their hands on a wall and wrote words of encouragement and hope to all those in need and waiting to settle in a new country. A tree planting ceremony concluded the morning activities, after which a delightful lunch was enjoyed by all. Ms Kinloch WEEK 2 16 October 2017 HSC begins ends 10 Nov. 18 October 2017 P &C meeting WEEK 7 22 November 2017 White Ribbon Day WEEK 8 29 November 2017 P & C Meeting WEEK 9 4-8 December 2017 Year 7 Swim School 6 December 2017 Presentation Evening WEEK 10 13 December 2017 Years 7-10 Reports Issued 15 December 2017 Last day of Term 4 TERM 1, 2018 WEEK 1 29 January 2018 Staff Return 30 January 2018 Students return 13
Other Activities Book Week Mr Moliterno as Harry Potter and Ms Mahmoud from The Wizard of Oz Photos from the Breakfast Club Photos from Jeans for Genes Day 14
Photos from the Excellence Lunch Photos from the Year 10, 11 & 12 Seminars Photos from the Year 11 Leadership Speeches Assembly ISSUE 23 JSEPTEMBER 2017 15
Careers Term 3 is always a very busy one in Careers with a number of important events taking place. These were: ANNUAL CAREERS MARKET Our annual Careers Market took place early in the term, with a range of guest speakers talking about their careers to small groups of students. In addition, we invited various universities and other education providers to set up in the hall to give students and their parents a chance to ask specific questions about entry pathways, career options, etc. Our plan is to continue holding the market on the same afternoon as the parent teacher night year so that parents do not need to come on two separate occasions. Students attending the Careers Market Great News! Henni Leaaetoa has just finished her second work placement for Business Services and has been offered a full-time position at Chemist Warehouse- Parramatta. She was also offered work at Hard Rock Café in the city when she did her first work placement. Business Services provides students with the opportunity to gain employment in office administration through work placement as students complete 70 hours over two years. Congratulations Henni! YEAR 12 STUDENTS The pressure is on for Year 12 students this term not only to ensure effective preparation for HSC exams, but also because on time applications for university courses are due by the end of September through UAC. This has meant a lot of information sessions, one-on-one interviews and collation of supporting documents. I am very pleased to see so many of our girls take up the opportunity this year to apply for early entry offers and scholarships. Most of these take in to consideration a student s academic achievements, their participation in leadership and community involvement, as well as extra-curricular activities. Congratulations to those who have already been successful and good luck to those waiting to find out. YEAR 10 STUDENTS It was also an important term for Year 10s, with the senior subject selection process in full swing. Students completed Career Development Plans in their Careers classes, participated in Taster week to trial some possible Year 11 subjects, and then made their final selections at an interview with their mentor and their parents. Again, congratulations to the many students who took full responsibility for their future by gathering as much information as possible in order to make effective decisions. Next term, all Year 10 students will be participating in a one week Work Experience at the end of November. This is an opportunity to get a taste of a job they may be interested in for the future, as well as gaining a fuller understanding of the world of work. If you are able to host a student in your workplace, please contact the Careers Adviser by email donna.heemi@det.nsw.edu.au or by phoning the school office and leaving a message. ISSUE 23 JSEPTEMBER 2017 16
English/History Faculty Many things have been happening in the faculty this term. Our Junior Debating Teams have had their debates and our Year 12 Drama students had their HSC performances and there have been some rewarding excursions. Sherlock Holmes Excursion On the 11 th of September, 7SE and 8SE went on an excursion to the Powerhouse Museum: International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, where students got to immerse themselves in the world of Sherlock Holmes, including original manuscripts and first editions. They also saw the innovations of science of the time, viewed an accurate recreation of 221B Baker Street, and solved a crime through the use of their notebook and decoding of clues. Our students were well-behaved and excited by the exhibit as this was a great opportunity for them to see and experiences the world of mystery to help inspire their writing. Thank you to Ms Le Mesurier and Ms Mahmoud for organising such a great learning experience. Debating Wrap Years 9 & 10 It has been another successful year of competition for our debate teams. but, we have been knocked out of all competitions, but it took exceptionally good teams from selective schools James Ruse High School and Girraween High School to beat us. All the teams learnt a lot from the experience and we will be stronger next year. All of our girls attended weekly training sessions as well as preparing at home. Mr. Bailey and Ms Mahmoud were amazed at the dedication of our newest debaters, the Year 7 team who regularly communicated on Google Classroom to prepare mock debates. The years 9 and 10 team also attended the Senior State Finals so as to gain an understanding of the level we are aiming for. We have improved so much in the last five years that making the regional and state finals is now a realistic goal. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the debaters from the departing year 12. Five long years ago I had a dream to make debating part of our school culture again. As a coach they helped me to develop, and our current teams now benefit from those experiences and their legacy. The highlight from their time was in 2015 when they made the regional semi-finals, a just reward for four years of work. Thank you to Akkasha Wasim, Alisha Nazir, Nilofar Sadeqi, Attiya Samadi, Kubra Attatug and Kamil Abdullahi. Debating meetings will resume next term in preparation for next year. If you are interested, come and see Mr. Bailey and listen out for announcements. Mr. Bailey Debating Wrap Years 7 & 8 Year 7 & 8 debating students did very well in debating. They won their debates against Strathfield South HS but unfortunately lost the debate against James Ruse Agriculture HS. They had a great experience and learnt so much about the world around them. They improved their speaking skills and confidence. We will continue to practise and enhance our debating skills throughout Term 4 to be ready for 2018 debating! Congratulations to Year 7 and 8 debating students as they did an amazing job! Year 7 - Roba (7S), Hafsa (7S), Garima (7S) and Fatima (8E) Year 8 - Muna (8E), Zynab (8E), Alaa (8E) and Faatimah (8S) Ms Mahmoud 17
13 Support Faculty Welcome to the families and friends of Support Unit at Auburn Girls High school. Support students and their parents attended our annual review meetings and all engaged in meaningful conversations with the students current placements, goal setting and potential jobs for their future. This is a very worthwhile and rewarding opportunity, and we continue to strengthen our practice each year. The term began very quickly The spring weather has definitely started to push the chilly weather aside and on Thursday 14/9 all support unit students made the most of the glorious sunny weather. The students learnt about our community and made a bit of outdoor adventure. Congratulations to the following students in Year 9 who are currently sitting at more than 98% attendance for Term 3! Sharon Dip, Shaymaa Alameddine, Kim Moeakiola, Mariam Masri I would like also acknowledge and congratulate the following students who have been doing an outstanding job at their work experience work sites! Yena Song,Fatma Ayoub Bianca Tadros, Noor Hassoueneh, Kedi Bangura,Salma Lozi, Sarah Nahla, Mariam Al Naji and Myssem Zalfa. This term 7,8 & 9 IM classes have been busy learning about reading Paul Jennings stories ( Un Collected volume Three) and students have developed some imaginative characters of their very own. The students have also been following a new social skills program about growth mindset and positive education. The students have made some excellent progress in identifying their future learning goals depends on their strengths and abilities. Subjects selections for year 11 are now being finalised after a highly successful interview process held at the support unit staff room. I was extremely pleased with the positive attitude for this event which will benefit students substantially. Excursions: Due to the new system and the planning of excursions, most excursions notes will now have a final Payment Date printed on them. After this date monies can no longer received at the school. Good luck in the upcoming term and have a good holiday. Ms A Saleh 18
TAS Faculty Textiles The Year 10 Textiles Technology students are currently creating their fairy costumes. They are working with a combination of tulle and netting to construct their design. The Year 9 Textiles Technology students are currently creating their Spanish Inspired skirts which they are looking forward to parading in one of our School Assemblies in Term 4. Ms Gharibian Sea World Report I recently attended what happened to be the most extraordinary experience of my school life, going to Sea World in Queensland for work experience! I, along with nine other students were lucky enough to jump on a plane and fly to Queensland for Food Technology/Hospitality work experience with the two most awesome teachers, Ms. Pham and Ms. Samuel. The activities we participated in were varied and exciting, the workers running the program left us with the feeling that we were never neglected or uninformed. We learnt about various roles in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry such as Reception, Concierge, Front of House Waitressing, Kitchen Operations and House Keeping. The day trip to Movie World was definitely a highlight and one we will never forget. I am so grateful that I was fortunate enough to go along with the Year 11's on this brilliant opportunity and I definitely hope this will run again for the upcoming years. Jasmine Elcheikh, Year 10 Food Technology. 19
Science Faculty Science Week 2017 In Science week this year, AGHS provided students a number of opportunities to take part in Science related events that highlighted the diversity of the Science field, successful women in Science as well as some hands-on Science activities. Forensic Science Incursion This event presented students with the opportunity to investigate a crime by examining the physical evidence in order to solve it. To follow is an account by Fatema Mansur from 7ES. The forensic Science incursion included a variety of crime solving activities. The activities were very fun and interesting.to solve the crime we had to add any fingerprints, footprints and DNA as well as any items the thief had accidently left. We had to figure out whether footprints and fingerprints were clues to tell us more about the thief. Overall all the organising teachers did a very good job. Jillian Comber We were fortunate to secure Jillian Comber as a speaker to discuss her journey as a female into the field of archaeology. Jillian was raised in Bankstown and was not a confident or high achieving student and conveyed she did not enter tertiary education until her late twenties as a mature aged student. While she always had a love of history, she discovered archaeology in university and discovered her passion. Jillian is now the Director of Comber Consultants a company providing archaeological and heritage management solutions., a company that actively promotes opportunities for women. Our students were well engaged with Jillian s talk, especially because she is a woman who was raised in the local area who used alternate pathways to realise the professional goals. 20
Women on Mars Four Year 10 girls were given a wonderful opportunity to go the Opera House to take part in a day of inspiring talks by young women embarking on their Science careers as well as female scientists who are leaders in their respective fields. Some of the speakers included: UNSW Dean of Science Professor Emma Johnston (leading marine ecologist) UNSW PhD student Tara Djokic, who discovered the oldest fossil evidence of land based life on Earth (Pilbara WA) Dr Abigail Allwood, first Australian and first woman to head a team at NASA. In addition, students were able to get a hands-on taster for the different disciplines within the Science field by taking part in activities that highlighted the diverse range of studies which fall under the Science umbrella. Neil de Grasse Tyson Through our partnership with the UNSW Aspire initiative, a handful of our senior students had the opportunity to attend a talk by renowned astrophysicist and Science communicator Neil De Grasse Tyson Ms K Parry Science Head Teacher 21
Parent Information MAKING ONLINE PAYMENTS It is now possible for parents to make online payments to the school for amounts owing for students, via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. Payments can be made using either a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, and can be made via computer, tablet or mobile phone. The payment page is accessed from the front page of the school s website by selecting: $ MAKE A PAYMENT SECTION ON THE WEBSITE Items that can be paid include voluntary school contributions, subject contributions, excursions, sales to students and creative and practical arts activities (these include band, drama and dance). There is also a category called Other this to cover items not covered in the previous headings. Other can be used to make a complete payment of a school invoice. When you access the $ Make a payment you must enter: the students name, and class and reference number OR the students name, and date of birth These details are entered each time you make a payment as student information is not held within the payment system. There is also the option to enter the Student Registration Number and Invoice number if you are aware of them, these are optional fields OR there is also the option to enter the Student Registration Number and Invoice number these are not used at our school, please leave blank. This is a secure payment system hosted by Westpac to ensure that your credit/debit card details are captured in a secure manner, these details are not passed back to the school. You have the ability to check and change any details of the payment before the payment is processed. Receipts can be emailed and/or printed. Details of the payments are passed daily to the school where they will be receipted against your child s account. As a receipt has been issued from the payment page a further receipt will not be issued by the school. For any enquiries regarding the Online Payment process please contact the School Administration Office. CYBERBULLYING There is no doubt that technology has provided a new avenue for hurtful and intimidating situations. In a world where friends are made with the click of a mouse, it's probably not surprising that relationships are just as easily terminated. So, is unfriending just unfriendly, or is it cyberbullying? What if a group of school mates gang up and publicly unfriend your child all at once does that constitute bullying? And does the definition of cyberbullying really matter when your child feels hurt? At a glance Bullying that occurs online or via technology is called cyberbullying. Online relationships can be different to face-toface relationships. Hurtful comments and embarrassing photos posted online are potentially there forever. Solutions to cyberbullying need a whole community approach, not just schools or parents working in isolation. Filters only block certain content and aren't a solution to cyberbullying. Parents need to be aware of the technology their kids are using, and learn to use it as well. While schools are making it a priority to address cyberbullying (and good digital-citizenship) in their policies and curricula. The most important thing we parents can do is be involved and familiar with our kids' online lives. Because most cyberbullying happens in the home, parents need to be aware of the technology that young people are using, so that they can be in that space with them and look at the ways in which they are engaging with their friends. 22