ashfield boys high school ashfield boys’ h.s. community ... · some of these are refugee families...

Ashfield Boys’ H.S. Community Newsletter August 26th, 2008

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Ashfield Boys High School Community News Time for you and your child Find us at: 117 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield 2131 Tel: 9798 6620 Fax: 9716 8004 Email: [email protected]

Earlier this year, as part of a Federal Government grant, Ms. Heather Gorton was appointed to the School as a Community Liaison Coordinator / Chaplain. Her role is one of support for both students and fami-lies. In this role she has a range of tasks, one of which is to act as a point of contact between parents and Wel-fare groups to assist families in need. “One of the areas of need has been helping students whose families are affected by many things. Some of these are refugee families who are experiencing diffi-culty coming to terms with a new country and new ways of doing things that Australians take for granted,” she said. Ms. Gorton, whose Office is located below the Library, near the Clothing Pool, is available for parents to speak with about anything related to what happens at ABHS. Parents are welcome to stop by, even if it is just a friendly chat. To ensure that she is there all you have to do is call the School to make an appointment. “For students who are new to the school, things can seem strange. I have been having morning teas to make them feel more welcome.” “We have also just completed a mentoring program, where new students were buddied up with current Year 10 students. As that developed, the boys took on the challenge of building a billy-cart and then racing them against one another,” she added. “This was very well received and proved a big hit, as the boys discovered previous hidden talents.” Once a month a breakfast is held, which is open to all students. Last Tuesday pancakes and maple syrup were available from 8:10 till 8:40 at the school BBQ area. The next breakfast will be held on Tuesday, September 16th and will feature French Toast and Maple Syrup.

August 26th, 2008

Community Liaison Coordinator proves a big hit at ABHS

Annual Music Night Thursday, August 28th

School Hall starting at 7 pm • Featuring performances by the talented students of ABHS. • Supper by the Year 11 Hospitality students.


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The HSC Trials Our year 12 students have recently completed their trials and are eagerly awaiting their results. It is important that they seek the advice of their teach-ers and plan their revision

time. If they need support with their time management, memory or organizational skills please do not hesitate to contact me. I know that their teachers have already re-ferred them to the Board of Studies Web-site. From this site students can download past HSC exam questions and sample an-swers and look at the standards required of them. In case they have misplaced the link it is: - www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/hscexams

RSPCA Prevention Animal Cruelty Sonny Clark and Ilimo Sisaro, two Year 11 students, were successful recipients of the RSPCA community awards. The students will be presented with their awards at a special assembly, Friday 29th August, to launch the campaign which was organised by the RSPCA. The students participated in designing posters, film clip and music CDs.

Winners The Sydney Region Zone Debating Com-petition was held recently. The drought is over. Congratulations to our Year 12 De-bating Team (Chris Compton, Isaac Jan, Brian McCarthy and Shehraiz Awan) who put on a sterling effort. They defeated Sydney Boys High. Sydney Boys High have claimed the trophy for the last three years. What a win!

Thinking! Thinking! Thinking! How many of us really stop and think about “how we think “and ask ourselves can we learn to think better. If we can teach our students the process

involved in thinking, and challenge our stu-dents to become critical thinkers, then not only are we helping our boys to exercise their brains, but extend their potential. I have introduced a pilot program for term 3 and term 4 with Year 7, called Mr Socrates and Mr Plato’s school of thought. I will be teaching this program to Year 7 classes.

D. Kokkalis Principal

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

School Community Directory Parents and Old Boys are very important to us all for ongoing support. To reward that support back, we are propos-ing a School Community Directory. It will take a form similar to a mini Yellow Pages. Parents who wish to make use of this will be able to advertise their business or service in alphabetical categories. To take advantage of this opportunity, com-plete the form which accompanies this News-letter with the relevant details. We are not suggesting that you don’t use your regular businesses, BUT if you are look-ing for an Electrician, or Motor Mechanic, or Accountant, or Solicitor, consider using one of the existing parents of the School. There will be no charge for this.

Receive the Newsletter electronically Last Newsletter, some parents took up the invita-tion to receive the Newsletter by email. The electronic version is in pdf. There are many benefits to this option, among which are: • you get all the photographs in colour; • you are being environmentally responsible by

saving paper; • The school saves on the cost of printing,

money which can then be used for other things in the school;

• You are also able to highlight, cut and paste and save the pieces important to you.

To take up the option, simply complete the form which is included with the Newsletter and return it to the school.


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Congratulations Helene Galettis was

nominated by members of our community and was recently presented with a NEiTA Certifi-cate of Nomination at the school assembly. The purpose of these prestigious awards is to honour and recognise

inspirational teachers, highlight the work, not only of individual teachers throughout Australia and New Zealand, but also the team contribution of all teachers in every school and centre. Miss Galettis is now eligible for consideration for a National ASG Inspirational Teacher Award and grant. Congratulations Helene, thank you to the nominator, and ‘well done’ to all our teachers for doing a great job!

Students rewarded for their efforts The following students are the latest to receive Certificates of Excellence and the prestigious Principal’s Award.

Principal’s Award Year 9 - Jun Ki HONG Year 8 - Beau BARTER-QARANIVALU and Zain CHARROUF Year 7 - Edward CHUNG

Certificates of Excellence

Year 9 - Jun Ki HONG and Lachlan SPALDING Year 7 - Zain CHARROUF, Edward CHUNG, Thanh DO, Sean FLARRETY, Jake HEALY-BUTTITA, Kane JOHNSON, Badih LAHOUD, You Heng LU, Ramy MOUSSA, Nuhin SHALAUDDIN, Vincent TRANG and James WONG.

National Book Week has been celebrated at ABHS this year with a visit from author DC Green. The author of fiction for young adults had the boys listening enthusiastically to his tales of mutant chickens and ninja horses as he read from his latest book, titled Erasmus Jones and the Galactic Zapp Machine. Year 7 laughed, applauded and asked (mostly) intelligent questions. Some took the oppor-tunity to purchase the book, while others borrowed the books from the school library.

Mr. Green, who is an internationally rec-ognised author, has been writing for over 20 years, has won awards for his works from leading surf magazines in Australia, USA, Europe, Japan, Brazil and South Africa. Yet despite that success he ad-mits that he has found great pleasure in writing fiction for young adults. “Writing for children is an even more amazing journey than looking for the elusive perfect wave,” he said. “There is nothing more satisfying than having children become engrossed in a world I have created, in helping them grow a love of reading and writing while enjoying the bonus gift of belly-splitting laughter.” The visit was coordinated by the school Librarian, Mrs. Mitchell, who was just as enthusiastic as the boys to hear the strange tales as read by the author.

Images courtesy of the publisher, Barrel Books

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES

Please note the uniform shop operates on the

school premises as “Your Uniform Shop” during the

following times:

Monday 8am to 9am,

Tuesday 10am to 10.40am

Mutant chickens and ninja horses delight Year 7


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We are now half way through Term 3. Year12 students have just

completed their Trial HSC and will now need to set-tle down to a regular pattern of study to prepare for the upcoming HSC starting on Thursday October 16th. We wish Year 12 all the best for these impor-tant exams. Year 11 students attended their annual Camp at the end of last week. All reports indicated that it was a great success. Year 11 will have a Study Skills Morning on Wednesday 10th September to prepare them for the Year 11 Yearly Examinations which will start on Friday 19th September. We have some very important events coming up in the last five weeks of this Term. The biannual Creative Arts Night will be held in the School Hall on Thursday 28th August starting at 6.30pm. The annual Drama Day/Night will be held in the School Hall on Tuesday 16th September also start-ing at 6.00pm. The Year 12 Presentation Ceremony will be held on Thursday 25th September starting at 6.30pm.

G. Latty Deputy Principal

Deputy’s Report

The school is in experienced hands Last week, Mrs. Kokkalis and Mr. Latty were presented with their 30 year Service Certifi-cates, in acknowledgement of their dedicated and consistent provision of quality learning to the many students with whom they have been entrusted.

Careers News Year 10 Work Experience

Parents of Year 10 are reminded that is important that the Registration Form, which was sent out earlier this year. Students need to indicate their intentions for Work Experience so that they can be checked to en-sure that any special requirements can be coordinated in advance. Spare forms are available from the Careers Office, near the Library.

School-based Apprenticeships This initiative of the State government allows a stu-dent during Years 11 and 12 to complete their HSC while, at the same time, doing the first year of an ap-prenticeship. The typical structure is one day a week in the work-place, during Term time, and half of the holidays. Students are paid for their time in the workplace and have the theory as one of their HSC subjects. After the HSC, students can elect either to continue as a fulltime apprentice or simply discontinue and do something else. It must be kept in mind that just wanting to do one does not have any guarantees. First an employer must be found and a related course identified. Nominations for 2009 are due with me at the end of the week.

Year 11, 2009 Courses There are some students who are electing to under-take a course at TAFE as part of their HSC program for next year. Nominations for these TVET courses are also due at the end of the week.

Year 12 University applications The application process for 2009 is now open. All students have received a copy of the Course book-lets and are reminded that they must register online at www.uac.edu.au before September 30th.

Educational disadvantage Some Year 12 students have suffered educational disadvantage during Year 11 and 12. This can be taken into account for University applications. Some examples of disadvantage include financial hardship, death or serious illness of a close relative, after-school responsibilities. If parents believe their son may be eligible they should encourage them to obtain an Information booklet and Application Form from me.

L. Carrington Careers Adviser


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Stopping the spread of germs Germs can spread easily, making both you and others sick. To avoid the spread of disease follow these simple direc-tions. You should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or handling food AND after cough-ing or sneezing. As we move towards Spring and warmer weather there is still a risk of flu. To avoid this whenever you cough or sneeze you should cover your mouth and nose with a tis-sue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, never your hands. Dispose of the tissue in the nearest bin and then wash your hands.

• Avoid close contact with other people who are sick. • When you are sick, keep your distance from other

people to protect them. • If possible stay home. • Germs associated with flu can be spread one day

before you feel sick and up to 5 days after. •

Common Flu Symptoms: • Fever • Headache • Unusual Tiredness • Cough or sore throat • Runny or stuffy nose • Diarrhoea and vomiting (in extreme cases)

The International students en-joyed a trip to Bronte and Bondi Beach, where they visited the famous Bondi Icebergs, checked out the beach, and en-joyed a traditional beach lunch with the seagulls. For some (at right) it was just all too much and they waned on the train trip home.

International students big day out

DO YOU WANT TO WORK FROM HOME?

• 10 business opportunities • Earn up to $60000 pa

Would you like information on operating quality child care business from your own home? Register with The Infants’ Home Child & Family Services to operate licensed and accredited Family Day Care service.

An information seminar will be held on:

SATURDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2 PM – 4PM

17 HENRY STREET ASHFIELD REGISTER ON 9799 4844

Information package or queries please contact Catherine Hunter Consultant or email [email protected]

The Infants’ Home has been working with young children since 1874

www.theinfantshome.org.au


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ASHFIELD BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL

The following items are NOT to be brought to school:

Large textas Spray cans, particularly spray deodorants (allergy risk) Mobile phones CD players, Discmans, Electronic games, MP3 players, IPods or any other personal sound

systems Large sums of money

Fireworks

Knives, including craft knives and toys as well as actual knives Weapons of any kind, including toy guns, pellets, replica weapons Drugs – legal and illegal; substances passed off as drugs Sharp objects; laser pointers Inappropriate readings, writings or drawings, downloading of inappropriate or censored mate-

rial from the internet

The Department of School Education expects schools to take very seriously any situation where students or staff feel they are unsafe or where the learning of other students is disrupted. Schools must involve the Police if a student brings a knife or other weapon to school (including toys and replicas) or an illegal substance (this includes passing a substance off as an illegal substance).

If any Mobile phones, CD players, Discmans, electronic games are brought to school and used inappropriately and disrupt learn-

ing they will be confiscated and returned at a later date.

DANGEROUS ITEMS

Students found in possession of dangerous items

may be suspended.

The items will be confiscated and will be referred to the po-lice.

BANNED ITEMS


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Voicemail/Extension Number 2008

If you wish to discuss a matter or make a comment in regard to your son/ward’s learning please contact

the school and ask to speak to the relevant subject head teacher or their year adviser.

Or, if you wish to leave a message for the relevant subject head teacher or their year adviser, you can do

so by phoning the school number and selecting their voicemail extension.

Year Advisers

Instructions for leaving a message on voicemail: Dial the whole school number either 9798 6620 or 9798 5520. Wait until you hear the message “You have reached …” then dial the rele-

vant voicemail extension number. Leave your message after the tone. Hang up.

Subject Head Teacher Voicemail Extension Num-ber – only for the purposes

of leaving a message DP / English / Welfare Judy Gerber 363

History Marcel Radojevic 307

Welfare Margot Fitzgibbon 365

Mathematics/Computing Maria Thomas (Relieving HT)

321

Science Rod Conder 323

Human Society and Its Environ-ment

James Anderson 330

DP / Welfare/Creative Arts Teach-ing & Learning

Socrates Dassaklis 109

Sport/Personal Development/Health/Physical Education/Technical Applied Science

Bruce Johnston 334

Administration/Languages Diana Gershwin 120

Careers Adviser Les Carrington 108

Absences (eg: sick, late)

School Assistant 106

Year Teacher Voicemail Extension Number – only for the purposes of leaving a message

7 Clara Hall 309

8 Marcel Radojevic 307 9 John Longhurst 366

10 Mitza Zimaras 338

11 Margot Fitzgibbon 365

12 Andrew Collins 335


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Zone Athletics Performers

Anthony Nielsen Sidiki Conteh Jack Pye

Babak Yavary

Daniel Sawires Alex Lang

Cain Simon


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Adika Njemanze

Graeme Ireland Angus Braine

Daniil Ahmadzai Simon Xu

Shawn Mazel


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Soccer finals snapshot

Adam Elkholy Ibrahim Kamara

Khaled Zeidan tussles for possession

Above: Khaled steadies to strike the ball into the goal.

Right: Abdullah Alacozi sends the ball downfield.

Andrew Maillou


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☺ Abbie is a keen follower of the Olympics. And judging by the sleepy eyes of others it seems that many of the students are also. I like to think that I can follow most sports, but, try as I might, for the life of me, I can’t understand European Handball.

☺ And what about that Opening Ceremony? Sim-ply amazing! The Chinese certainly know how to give a spectacular show.

☺ It is a big welcome back to Mrs. Kokkalis who has returned from her Greek Island Odyssey, with a smile from ear to ear and many stories to tell.

☺ The new Canteen menu has proved a big hit with all at ABHS. The lines at Recess and Lunch have never been longer. If you didn’t get a copy of the new menu, they can be picked up from the Front Office.

☺ Year 12 have now completed their Trial HSC exams, and with the real thing only a matter of 9 weeks away, now is the time to put the polish on their efforts of the past 18 months.

☺ Year 11 have just completed their Leadership Camp at Narrabeen and from all accounts it was very successful. The boys found some unknown strengths as they met the challenges thrown at them. Thanks to Mr. Johnston and the assisting staff of Mr. Chatwin, Mrs. Couani, Mr. Lam, Mr. Tenefrancia, and Mrs. Wang. A report will ap-pear in the end-of-Term Newsletter.

☺ Year 8 have finished their Subject Selections for next year and Mr. Latty has been very busy working out the classes for next year.

☺ Likewise Year 10 have made their choices for the senior school. As the Course Counsellors complete the interview process, students will be able to make a more informed decision about their future.

☺ One interesting thing to come out of the process is the number of students looking to take up the opportunity of a School-based Apprenticeship as part of their HSC studies. There is still time to do this, so any parents who wish to find out more should contact the Careers Adviser, Mr. Carring-ton for details.

☺ Next Thursday evening is the Annual Music Night and rumour has it that some staff, flushed with success from late-night karaoke, now fancy themselves as rock stars and have formed a band. Could be your chance to witness the world debut of the next supergroup.

☺ As we approach Term 4, the Summer Sports pro-

gram is taking shape. Representative teams in Cricket, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis and Touch Football are involved in selection training. Whatever sport you may be doing, remember that if you are outside, Slip, Slop, Slap, and drink plenty of water.

☺ Ashfield Council are continuing their Parenting Program with the next session on “Helping Your Teenager Manage Stress”. This will be held in the School Hall on Tuesday, September 16th from 7 to 9 pm. With all the pressures of growing up, this FREE seminar is very timely as they help you to understand how stress can affect a teenager and give you some strategies to help. Refer to the flyer included in this Newsletter.

Always on the lookout for stories, Bye for now,

Abbie

Abbie’s babble

Coming Events

Tuesday August 26th Defence Force Recruiting presentation in Hall for interested Year 10, Year 11 and 12 stu-dents.

Wednesday, August 27th Election of Prefects for 2009

Thursday, August 28th Annual Music Night in Hall

Tuesday, September 2nd Barista course at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL for Year 12 Hospitality students.

Friday September 5th Marrickville Council Careers Expo at Peter-sham Town Hall for Year 10/11/12 students.

Monday, September 8th P&C / School Council meeting

Tuesday September 16th Student breakfast for all at school BBQ area from 8:10 Drama Night

Friday September 19th Year 11 Exams commence

Thursday, September 25th Year 12 Presentation Ceremony


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Old dogs teaching young dogs new tricks For the first time in 16 years Ashfield Boys’ Lawn Bowlers have won the North Western Metropolitan High Schools’ Sports Association Trophy. Under the patronage and guidance of Pratten Park Bowling Club, the boys overcame the pressure to record a win in the Final against North Syd-ney Boys’ HS at Eastwood Bowling Club. Having completed the regular season against Epping, Normanhurst, Asquith, and Homebush, the team of Adam Georgiou, Xavier Ho, George Economidis, and John Arcoudis played Homebush Boys’ in the semi-final. A victory there won them the right to contest the Final against North Sydney Boys’ HS. North Sydney BHS were the defending Champions, having won the trophy for the previous 5 years. Team captain, John Arcoudis was no stranger to Lawn Bowls. “I’ve had a go before and really enjoy it,” he said. However, for the other members of the team it was a new experience. “We enjoyed learning how to play,” said George Economidis. “It was a lot of fun and we are really looking forward to continuing with the game next season.” As a reward for their victory, the Club members hosted a celebratory BBQ for the boys where they also got a chance to play Badminton. “The Pratten Park Bowling Club have been very supportive throughout the season,” said Coach, Ms. Zimaras. “In particular I would like to publicly acknowledge

the work of Mr. Reg Woods, who gave the boys some very valuable advice and was always there to oversee our development.” Mr. Woods, who is the President of the Pratten Park Bowling Club, was overjoyed at the boys’ success. “There aren’t many young people playing the sport, but it really is a great game. It was a pleasure to have the boys here and all the members watched with interest as the boys developed their skills,” Mr. Woods said. “We are really very proud of their achievement and are now looking forward to next year’s competition.” “Four years ago the Club was close to closing, but since then we have doubled our membership. And we have introduced Badminton, which is proving very popular,” he added. Anyone who would like to try their hand at Lawn Bowls or have a go at the very popular Badminton should contact the Club by phoning 9798 7489 where you will be made to feel most welcome.

Mr. Reg Woods, showing Xavier Ho, John Arcoudis, George Economidis and Adam Georgiou, some of the finer points of the game he loves. Photo: Simon Chillingworth Courtesy of Inner West Courier

ashfield boys high school ashfield boys’ h.s. community ... · some of these are refugee families...

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