drawbridge - castlehill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au · versus the euphoric, over-the-top “this is the...

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Principal’s Message

Drawbridge

Special points

of interest:

Canteen News

Uniform News

Library Stocktake

Vaccination Clinic

CHHS Library

News from Science

rooms

Last Days of Yr 12

Graduation

Ceremony

Formal

Volume 15 - 13 October 2017

Telephone: 96344199 Facsimile: 9899 6527 Email: [email protected] Website: www.castlehill-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Farewell Year 12 2017 – and good luck On Monday October 16 the Higher School Certificate will begin for students across the state. This is a time of intense study and thinking, a time where each individual’s mettle is tested. I know our students have worked hard and continue to do so. I know they can rise to the occasion.

We have again supplemented our assistance for students with a tutorial program, generously funded and supported by Castle Hill High School’s P&C. This gives opportunity for students to have one on one time with teachers during the holidays and during “twilight” sessions over the coming days and weeks. Can I thank our wonderful P&C for their continued support of this program.

During the last week of term we celebrated Year 12’s time at Castle Hill High School with a farewell assembly and then a formal Graduation Assembly. They were wonderful occasions. A disc with the many photos compiled by our photographer and archivist, Terry Gainey, will be given to each student after they sign out.

Following requests, I again publish my speech given at the Graduation Ceremony, although I think it pales into insignificance compared with the one delivered by Peter Jephtha, the Year 12 Advisor. Congratulations, Peter, you delivered a heart-felt, authentic and thoroughly engaging address.

Year 12 Graduation speech

It’s not just OK to be ordinary – it’s special

I want today to talk about ordinariness, a concept not given a great deal of air space, particularly in a world shrouded in a lot of spin, cockiness and, dare I say, greatness. Ordinariness is a notion that isn’t exactly uplifting, sexy or inspiring. “Make America Ordinary Again” wouldn’t have cut it in a competitive, dog eat dog, “look at me” Trump world – but, oh, how I wish that it did. Ordinariness is not hip, and never has been. It is certainly not an alpha trait. A list of your ordinary achievements on a c/v probably wouldn’t be seen as advantageous. Let’s face it: ordinariness has a bad rap.

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Ordinariness is equated too often with failure. We know of Michael Jordan’s now - famous speech on winning – the one where he failed hundreds of times when he was just a very good, “ordinary” player before the big successes came. The cynics amongst us will scream that it seems that failure is only accepted by winners when they eventually win. Failure – the successor to ordinariness - is only worthwhile retrospectively, it seems. I wonder what Michael Jordan would have said about failure and his ordinariness if he hadn’t become so successful? We see failure in the footy grand finals with crestfallen, miserable players on the losing team versus the euphoric, over-the-top “this is the best day of my life” outpourings of the winning team. Winners are after all grinners. And, frankly, in fairness, it’s an adrenalin-fuelled, heady way to finish the day, as a winner. Winners after all are not ordinary – or so the script goes.

I’m interested in the underdog, the ones who are not there yet, those who are under the radar, even those who have had some measure of success, but who are not satisfied, those who fear failure – and, of course, those who have persistently and constantly endured many types of non-descript, run-of–the-mill pathways throughout their life. I like the middle of the pack, mostly I think. I’m interested in the language of ordinariness and in attitudes to defeat. It’s a fascinating topic.

We in schools, regrettably, are very much part of the problem. We help to perpetuate very poor notions of ordinariness and failure. We don’t have Presentation Evenings for those who are ranked in the middle of the pack. We don’t celebrate average. We love A grade students. We love sports teams and individuals who gain firsts or seconds. We love students who gain distinctions in the Maths Challenges. Schools love winners.

Richard Fidler presents an ABC radio talk program where he interviews someone of interest, each day. He refuses to interview celebrities. He will not particularly interview those who have had obvious success in their life – particularly those who have had hard luck or failure and then have found the light and become successful. He only interviews, in his words, “ordinary people” who are doing “their thing” without claim, fame, glory or fuss. Out of ordinariness, Fidler finds the special, the

interesting, the fascinating. It’s truly remarkable in a world that loves the alpha types, that loves out - there kind of people who “make their mark” that ordinariness is so celebrated by Fidler and his guests.

So Fidler has interviewed Jamie Fraser, the Nicholson Museum curator who told the story of the unique treasures in the museum, Robyn Mundy who had a rare vocal condition which left her unable to speak for more than a decade, author Rutger Bregman on a philosophy gaining broader support: a universal basic income, Bill Lawson who applied an engineer’s mind to solving social problems, David Haskell who discovered the unique songs of trees, historian Louise Pryke who revealed the mysteries of the scorpion as an exceptional creature……. and so the list goes on. The Davids, the Bills, the Robyns and the Jamies are all largely, if not entirely, unheard of, people who are under the radar living extraordinarily vital, interesting lives in a very ordinary way. Paradoxically, this should be a best seller of a show. For this is most of us. The ordinary run-of-the-mill citizen who deep within has a story to tell or an observation of life to convey or a battle to contend with that needs to be shared with others.

What we learn from Richard Fidler and his guests is that winning and ordinariness can be synonymous. We learn that success and anonymity can be mutual. We learn that subtle and quiet hard work and achievement are bed fellows.

I suspect that because our world has ADD and is always it seems on a loud, fast paced, red bull infused hurry that the “quiet achiever” can be overlooked or dismissed. That’s why I love Susan Cain’s book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Won’t Stop Talking” as it taps into this notion. Cain argues forcefully that “there’s zero correlation between the best talker and the best ideas”. So true, isn’t it?

So I want to celebrate today so much of the hidden achievement and quiet potential - your ordinariness if you will -of all of you. Not the seen and known – although we are delighted at these significant successes – but that which is just ordinary , for here you will find the special. In many ways the following maxims have held me in good stead in life and reflect an ordinary approach to some ordinary successes and achievements in the future:

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You don’t have to be an A grade student to be an A grade person. This is my iron-clad, golden piece of advice, given every year to students. Your character, your values, your beliefs – who you are as a spectacularly ordinary human being – count far more than any high ranking ATAR, high grade or first place. (Having said that keep studying hard. I’m watching you! And if you don’t do your very best, heads will roll!)

The introvert in me loves this one: We have two ears and one mouth and we should use them proportionally. Listening is the most powerful skill in developing really good, deep relationships. It’s underestimated by the alphas, it’s ignored by the arrogant and dismissed by those who can’t resist the sound of their own voice. By really listening we have a chance to understand, to see a different point of view, to empathise, to assess what the issue is. Only then can you offer a view or guidance.

Find the hill to die on. There are very few reasons to argue if you have this philosophy. There are only a small number of issues that should cause you to stand strong, not budge or, worse, risk an important relationship. They’re the hills to die on. I have yet to encounter my hill – but I sure will know it when it comes. That hill will have something to do with the things that matter in my life. Remember: “the things that matter most must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least” , a sign I have had in my office since arriving at this school. I look at it every day and try to follow its intent. I think it has saved me on a couple of “interesting” issues of late.

Finally, in your ordinariness, work hard. It will give your life meaning and complement the good relationships you need to pursue. Indolence or indifference leads to a passionless life. And that sounds empty to me. Find your passion, work hard and go for it. You will be a better person – dare I say a better ordinary person – for it.

Year 12, I have very much enjoyed your company. I love the way you love this school, I admire you as people, and have revelled in your growth.

This is the best school I know of to become the most spectacular, influential and fascinating ordinary person you can be. Vicki Brewer

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News from Science rooms..........

Rotary club would like to provide scholarships for two students at Castle Hill High School to attend 2018 Science program.

Check out - https://www.scienceexperience.com.au/about-the-program/about-the-program

Each program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science with an opportunity to

engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who love their

work.

About the Program

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience is a fun 3 or 4 days of science activities for Year 9 and 10 students in 2017.

The program takes place in over thirty-five universities and tertiary institutions, within many different

laboratories and lecture theatres. Participants perform experiments in the laboratories, meet and hear

senior lecturers in the lecture theatres, attend site visits and walk around and experience what it is like

to be on the campus of a university or tertiary institution. More than 65,000 students have taken this

rare opportunity, up to date.

The program also provides information about further studies in science, technology and engineering. It

highlights the wide range of careers that allow students to pursue their interest and abilities in the

sciences. One aspect of the program often commented on by participants is the opportunity to meet

and share ideas with students from different schools. Each program includes a BBQ or other social

activity.

Any information required please ring- Mrs Madan on 02 96344199

https://www.scienceexperience.com.au/about-the-program/about-the-program

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Year 12 2017

Last Days at School & Farewell Assembly

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Graduation Ceremony


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Formal - The Epping Club

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WEEK 2B Monday 16 October HSC Written Exams commence Year 8 Exams commence Year 7 Music Listening Test and Language Listening Test Year 7 Vaccinations Tuesday 17 October Year 8 Exams Twilight HSC tutoring School Leaders Interviews Wednesday 18 October Year 8 Exams Assembly Years 7-10 P & C Meeting – 7.30pm Thursday 19 October Year 8 Exams U15’s Girls Netball Gala Day Duke of Ed Bronze Hike (Thursday & Friday) Friday 20 October Year 8 Exams finish Duke of Ed Bronze Hike (Thursday & Friday) Year 10 History Incursion (Jewish Guest Speaker) Year 12 (2018) Hospitality Work Placement

CALENDAR

WEEK 3A Monday 23 October Year 7 Yearly Exams commence Dress Rehearsal for State Drama Festival

Tuesday 24 October Year 7 Exams Art Excursion Twilight HSC tutoring Wednesday 25 October Year 7 Exams Business Breakfast - 7.30am Whole School Assembly Thursday 26 October Year 7 Exams Friday 27 October Year 7 Exams finish Pink Ribbon Day State Drama Festival Performances

WEEK 4B Monday 30 October Year 9 Yearly Exams commence Year 7, 2018 Orientation Interview week Year 12 (2018) Hospitality Work Placement School Spectacular Rehearsal Tuesday 31 October Year 9 Yearly Exams Twilight HSC tutoring Wednesday 1 November Year 9 Exams Year 8 Science online VALID Test Assembly - Years 7 10 Thursday 2 November Year 9 Yearly Exams Year 11 Study Skills School Spectacular Rehearsal Year 8 Science online VALID Test Friday 3 November Year 9 Yearly Exams finish Year 11 Reports distributed

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Vaccination Clinic – Monday 16th October

(Year 7 and Year 11 students)

The next NSW Health Vaccination clinic at Castle Hill High School will take place on Monday 16

th October. Year 7 students participating in the program

will be receiving their second dose of the HPV vaccine and the Varicella vaccine (as indicated by parents on the vaccination consent form completed earlier this year). Also being provided is the Meningococcal ACWY vaccination for Year 11 students who missed the previous clinic. Any Year 11 students who did not complete a consent form for the last clinic, but would like to receive this vaccination at the clinic on Monday, has been asked to collect a consent form from me this week. If your child is receiving a vaccination on this day could you please ensure they are well hydrated and have eaten breakfast. Mrs Wendy Heinrich

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drawbridge - castlehill-h.schools.nsw.gov.au · versus the euphoric, over-the-top “this is the...

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