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T3 Week 10 (B) Week 10 Starting 23 September Monday

23/09/19 Year 11 – End of course Examination Year 10 – Youth Frontiers Mentoring- P5 & 6 Year 10 – Science Assessment Task Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Stage 4 Band Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Tuesday 24/09/19

Year 11 – End of course Examination Year 10 – Gen-X-2work – Figtree Grove 9am – 1:30pm Year 9 – Links to Learning Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task

Wednesday 25/09/19

Year 12 – Picnic Day Year 11 – End of course Examination Year 9 – Top Blokes – P1 & 2 Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 8 and 9 – Girls Shine Program – Sport Including Graduation Lunch in the Bistro

Thursday 26/09/19

Year 12 – Breakfast BBQ – 8am Front of School; Graduation – 6pm Figtree Anglican Church. Year 11 – End of course Examination Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Young Women’s Forum – P2

Friday 27/09/19

Year 11 – End of course Examination Year 8 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson P5 and Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson P5 and Visual Arts Assessment Task

T4 Week 1 (A) Week 1 Starting 14 October Monday

14/10/19 Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Staff and Students return Stage 4 Band Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Tuesday 15/10/19

Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task

Wednesday 16/10/19

Year 9 – Top Blokes – P1 & 2 Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 6 Transition Visit: – Mt Kembla PS – 2pm – 2:45pm

Thursday 17/10/19

Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task AECG Deadly Encouragement Awards – Waniora Public School

Friday 18/10/19

Year 10 – Mathematics Assessment Task Year 8 – Visual Arts Assessment Task Year 7 – Visual Arts Assessment Task SRC Pink Ribbon Breakfast Fundraiser

T4 Week 2 (B) Week 2 Starting 21 October Monday

21/10/19 Stage 4 Band Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Tuesday 22/10/19

Year 10 – Science Yearly Examination

Wednesday 23/10/19

Year 11 – Year 11 into Year 12 Camp Year 10 – Science Yearly Examination and Visual Arts - Assessment Task Year 9 – Top Blokes – P1 & 2 Year 9 – VSA2 Task – P4 Year 6 Transition Visits: 1:00pm – 1:45 – Mt St.Thomas PS 2:15 – 3:00pm – Unanderra PS

Thursday 24/10/19

Year 11 – Year 11 into Year 12 Camp Year 10 – Science Yearly Examination Year 10 - Visual Arts - Assessment Task Year 9 – VSA1 Task – P1 Year 7 – Science Yearly Examination

Friday 25/10/19

Year 11 – Year 11 into Year 12 Camp Year 10 – Science Yearly Examination Year 8 – Mathematics Enrichment Lesson P5 Year 7 - Mathematics Enrichment Lesson P5 Year 7 – Science Yearly Examination

T4 Week 3(A) Week 4 Starting 28 October Monday

28/10/19 Year 11 SAC PIP HSC Day Year 10 – Commerce Yearly Examination Year 8 – 8E VALID test- P5 & 6 Stage 4 Bank Rehearsal 3:00pm – 4:15pm

Tuesday 29/10/19

Year 8 – 8D/8N VALID test – P3 & 4

Wednesday 30/10/19

Year 9 – Top Blokes – P1 & 2 Year 9/10 PASS Ten Pin Bowling – P2/3 Year 6 Transition Visits: 1:00pm – 1:45 – Figtree PS 2:15 – 3:00pm – Nareena Hills PS Wright/Sim Shield – Northern Illawarra Venues

Thursday 31/10/19

Year 10 – History Assessment Task Year 8 – 8U VALID test – P2 & 3

Friday 01/11/19

Year 12 Purple Year 11 Olive Year 10 Blue Year 9 Red Year 8 Green Year 7 Orange

Thoughts from the Principal

FHS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Anyone who was at school with us on Fri 6 Sept or Sat 7

September would agree that our 50th Anniversary was a spectacular success. The feeling of community pride

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Term 3 Week 10, 25 September 2019

Address: 2 Gibsons Road, Figtree NSW 2525 Phone: 02 4271 2787 Email: figtree-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au Fax: 02 4271 6626

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and spirit was absolutely palpable. It was always going to be an important event, as celebrating 50 years of outstanding service to the Figtree community is special indeed. We are all extremely pleased and proud with how the celebrations unfolded. On Friday, the day began with some very special guests, including ex-Figtree High School staff and students, who very passionately spoke to our students about their time at Figtree High School. Throughout the day students participated in many activities including bubble soccer, viewing the memorabilia, Figures of Figtree and the oral history project. The highlight of the day had to be the staff band and everyone singing Happy Birthday. This was of course followed by a birthday cake which was cut into 1000 pieces.

On Saturday, we had an open day which was very well attended by the local community. The hall looked amazing with two stages set up. One was set up for music performances and the other for drama performances from both past and present students. We had displays of memorabilia in the common room where ex students and staff chatted together and reflected on memories over many years. We had the planting of the fig tree and there were food trucks, a barbeque, cooking samplers, indigenous games, games2u, Figures of Figtree, science experiments, metalwork displays and so much, more. The open day had a lovely community vibe about it. It was terrific to see so many ‘old’ faces and we met many ex-students who had travelled from interstate to be here. The open day was a huge success due to the commitment of the FHS staff who assisted leading up to it and on the day. So many wonderful parents and community members also contributed to its success.

On Saturday night we had a celebration dinner at Wests Illawarra which was attended by over 240 people. This was a time to ‘let our hair down’ and celebrate - and we did just that! These events don’t just happen. They are a culmination of many months of hard work. However, I could not have asked for a more involved school community with whom to have organised these events. To have so many talented, generous, hard-working people in our school community that can be asked to help is amazing and a testament to the true Figtree community spirit we talk about so often. On behalf of all of us at Figtree High School, my sincere thanks to the students, families and staff who helped out on the day. Special thanks to Karin Harlor who was the key driving force behind the 50th Anniversary events. There are too many other people to mention who also deserve acknowledgement, but please know that your work was very much appreciated.

Panel members for 50 Year Anniversary: Ex-Figtree High students (David Lamb, Daniel Hastings, Jo Pye, Paul Scully & Scott Avery) & retired Figtree High teacher (Steve Tyerman)

YEAR 12, 2019, NEARS THE FINISH LINE As you read this newsletter, Year 12 are in the process of finishing off their final term of studies at Figtree High School and are deep in preparation for their HSC exams. Their Trial HSC Examinations were held earlier this term and I have been impressed with the way they have continued to attend class and consolidate their learning in order to get feedback and improve on their Trial HSC results.

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As part of their closing days at Figtree High School, Year 12 have participated in many activities including a themed mufti day: what I want to be when I grow up and teacher v student lunchtime sporting activities. This week Year 12 will attend a picnic day, have a breakfast BBQ and rehearsal for graduation. I would like to thank Ms Lloyd and Mr Smith for their organisation of these activities as well as all of the teachers who have given their time and effort to be involved. The Year 12 Graduation will be held in the Figtree Anglican Church on Thursday 26 September. On this evening, the academic, community and sporting achievements of Year 12 will be acknowledged and I look forward to celebrating this wonderful milestone with all of Year 12 and their families. 2019 STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM NAMED Following an extensive selection process, the 2020 Student Leadership Team has been decided and announced. The process involved self-nomination and interview by teachers Ms Tasker, Ms MCarthy and myself. Any student who wished to be considered for a Captain‘s position, was required to deliver a speech to their Year 11 cohort as well as all of the teachers. Both students and teachers were provided with an opportunity to vote. Being at both the interviews and the speeches, I was extremely impressed with the calibre and quality of both the interviews and speeches. Congratulations to the following students who will be our student leaders for 2020.:

The School Captains for 2020 are: Ellie Rada and Connor Ryan

The Vice Captains are: Nadine Kellermann and Nikola Rodic

Senior Prefects are: Maria Ljuboja, Maxine McEwan, Reuben Livingston and Matthew Simpson

STAFF MOVING ON Alicia Szoboszlay, who has done such a fantastic job as Relieving Head Teacher CAPA at Figtree High School for the last 2 years, has been successful in gaining a

position at Mt Warrigal Public School. On behalf of the Figtree High School Community, I would like to thank her for the wonderful service and care she has bestowed on our students as well as her strong leadership of the CAPA team. She will be greatly missed around Figtree HS. HSC CAPA SHOWCASE The HSC CAPA Showcase held earlier this month was extremely enjoyable, bringing together the unique talents of our students. A big thank you to the entire CAPA Team for their organisation of this brilliant and highly creative event. 2019 NAPLAN RESULTS NAPLAN Reports were delivered to the school last week. These will be sent home to parents of Year 7 and 9 students this week. We will report back on these in upcoming newsletters after having time to properly analyse our 2019 performance and identify areas of need for individual students and teaching emphases. TO BE A TEACHER I hope some of our departing Year 12 students may consider teaching as a career. Pablo Casal, the great 20th century musician said this about teachers:

“To be a teacher is to have great responsibility. The teacher helps shape and give direction to the lives of other human beings. What is more important, graver, than that? Children and young people are our greatest treasure; when we think of them we think of the future of the world. Then consider the significance of nurturing their minds, of helping them form their outlook on the world, of training and preparing them for the work that they will do. I can think of no profession more important than that of teaching.”

Daniel Ovens Principal

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Expectation of the Week

WEEK 10: BE SAFE – Entering and leaving the school

Obey all road rules

WEEK 1: BE RESPECTFUL – All Settings Wear correct uniform

WEEK 2: BE A LEARNER – All Settings Phones off and in bags all day

WEEK 3: BE A LEARNER- Entering and leaving the school

Arrive to school on time

Deputy Principal Report Years 7, 9 and 11

What a great term of learning at Figtree High School. NAPLAN results have been released and students individual results are being sent home on Monday 23 September for both Year 7 and 9. Year 11 are completing their end of course examinations. Their attitude and application has been exemplary. They will receive their marks back next term as well as feedback on how they can improve in formal exam situations. After Week 3 those students who are looking to only complete 10 units will be able to start the paperwork. Figtree High School also wishes those Year 11 students who are completing a TAFE course in one year and sitting their HSC examinations in Term 4 the best of luck. Wearing a helmet and riding a bike to and from school is very important. The law is that a helmet must be worn when riding a bike in any public place. The helmet must comply with the Australian and New Zealand standards and needs to be securely fitted and fastened in place. It should be buckled firmly so it fits without wobbling or slipping to the sides. Children under 16 and their accompanying supervising adult riders may ride on the footpath, unless there are signs specifically prohibiting cycling. Riders need to take special care at

driveways where vehicles may be driving in and out. At intersections, riders must dismount and wheel the bicycle across the road as a pedestrian. For more information on keeping our young people safe around schools visit the parents section on safetytown.com.au. Trish Morgan Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal Report Years 8, 10 and 12

YEAR 10 Our school is still in the process of finalising our curriculum offerings for Year 11 2020. We will provide Year 10 students with more information early next term about the curriculum offerings and discuss their subject selections with them. Any students who still have unresolved ROSA N Warnings are encouraged to use the time available over the upcoming holidays to complete any course work or assessment tasks and submit the task/s to their class teacher in the first week of Term 4. The first five weeks of Term 4 will see all Year 10 students complete their last assessment tasks for Year 10. The schedule of tasks is available on the school’s website. It is essential that students are planning and organising their time carefully to ensure that all tasks are completed on time and to the best of their ability. An Illness and Misadventure form must be completed if a student is absent for an assessment task. This form is available on the school website. A reminder that the school offers learning support and assistance at the Homework Centre on Monday afternoons, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings before school. This will be continuing in Term 4 in the school library.

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YEAR 12 These last few weeks have been full of excitement for our Year 12 students. Most students have finalised their HSC success plan though an interview with their mentor, Deputy Principal, Year Adviser, or our Head Teacher Teaching and Learning. It has been a great experience to see the successes that student have had in achieving or being on track to achieve the goals they set for themselves this year. A number of students have had job interviews and have been successful in gaining early admission interviews at the University of Wollongong. The Trial HSC examinations provided the opportunity for students to reflect on their content knowledge and identify areas for further focus and study. We encourage all Year 12 students to be accessing the NESA website to log into their Students Online account to ensure that they know about the requirements for each of their HSC examinations, including the start time and the HSC examination rules. The NESA website also has a range of past HSC examination papers, marking guidelines and notes from the marking centre which provide valuable resources for independent study and practice in preparation for the HSC examinations which commence on 17 October and conclude on 11 November. A copy of the examination timetable can be downloaded from the NESA website . Ellie Donovan Deputy Principal

TAS Faculty Report

This term has been a busy one for the TAS faculty across all stages. Term 3 is particularly important for our Year 12 Industrial Technology - Timber class. Their major projects were due for completion and were externally marked for their Higher School Certificate. This class did experience some challenges throughout, however, despite these challenges Mr Hird was able to assist the students to complete projects that were top quality.

According to Mr Ovens, “worthy of being sold in a commercial furniture store”.

Jakiah Bailey

Tazmin Fulcher

Isaak Giobbi

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Peter Jurisic

Cooper Knowles

Sigismund Romualdo

Jack Rudd

STAGE 4 Stage 4 students are now well into their second rotation of Technology Mandatory and for Year 7, they are the first cohort to go through under the new syllabus. Students are working through a materials project in Timber where students are completing a toy truck with specific trailers to suit an identified purpose. In Food and Agriculture, students have worked through the design process to gain an understanding of:

• where food comes from, • accessing the schools kitchen garden and • then applying healthy eating principles to the

design of a pizza that meets the nutritional requirements of a teenager.

Many students have completed a coding unit and have utilised the schools Arduinos. In textiles, Ms McGrath has the students busy with interior decoration. Students have created wonderful mood boards to help describe their theme and are now in the process of creating a soft furnishing to suit that theme.

L to R: Zerlina Beech, Ronnie Aukuso Taelase, TY Faccin, Karly Fox, Laiken Turner

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STAGE 5 Our Stage 5 students across most of our subjects in TAS are completing projects and many are getting ready for their end of year examinations in these courses. We are

running Industrial Technology Building and Construction for the first time this year. This course is being led by Mr Olsen. It is the same syllabus as the Industrial Technology – Timber course, however, this course is more suited to students wanting to get into a trade and is project and skills based. The students in this course have completed wooden mallets and a small step ladder, in addition, to the minor works they completed within the school grounds. Another exciting new project exists in our Industrial Technology – Metals course. This is wonderful cohort of mature, skilled students, many of whom have chosen a metals pathway into Stage 6. This group have recently completed their folding shovels led by Mr Liddle.

Poe Reh

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A REMINDER FROM THE TAS STAFF Students need to remember that all of our rooms are speciality rooms and as such leather shoes are a mandatory requirement of the Department of Education. It is essential to abide by this to ensure participation in the workshops and kitchens. This assists in ensuring practical project deadlines are met. In addition to this, students also need to remember that the portfolios that support their practical projects need to be worked on in student’s own time as well as allocated class time. This will assist students in meeting the outcomes of the task to a higher standard. Karran Williamson Head Teacher TAS NEWS FROM CAPA “Every artist was first an amateur” – Art Exhibition Congratulations to our Year 11 Visual Arts students! Nine of our Year 11 student works have been chosen from a panel of artists to have their works exhibited in Project Contemporary Artspace in Wollongong. Four of our students have been nominated by the panel for special awards. We are so proud of you: Ellie Skarvelis, Nikola Rodic, Brooke Burt, Meg Dunn, Shannon Asher, Jorja Roser, Danielle Bourgeois, Jye Irwin and Sarah Neufeld.

• Danielle Bourgeois - Quiet Rides and Busy Minds: nominated for the strong concept award

• Jye Irwin - Cherries in a bowl: nominated for the strong material practice award

• Jorja Roser - Lemons for Lemonade: nominated for the strong material practice award

• Sarah Neufeld - Industrial Island: nominated for the strong material practice award

You can see some of their works below where they are featured on the promotional material of the upcoming exhibition.

ART SMART Congratulations to Lily Jones and Jessica Todoroska (Year 10) who were nominated by the CAPA faculty to attend the 2019 Art Smart workshop at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Only 50 places were available, and these students were selected based on their talent and enthusiasm for Art. Their artworks will be on display as part of a group exhibition on Wednesday the 18 September 6:00 - 7:30pm. Keep an eye out for photographs of their works in the next newsletter.

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National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Practice: Congratulations to Sarah Neufeld who was also nominated by the CAPA faculty to attend the HSC intensive studio practice. Sarah has already attended Module 1 for 4 days in July and will return to the National Art School during the Term 3 break to complete modules 2/3. We are excited to see her final artworks! CAPA COMMITTEE Every Friday during lunch 1 the CAPA Co have been working on creating signs for all of the art facilities within the school. The signs will feature the CAPA branding and help students identify the CAPA facilities around the school including the art and music rooms, darkroom, kiln and storerooms.

A new slideshow of photographs is coming to the front office! This slideshow will feature a normal school day at Figtree High School. Thanks to CAPA Co representative Alex Dawson for putting the slideshow together. The new slideshow will be up at the start of Week 10. ACTIVE ART AND THE CAPA COMMITTEE The CAPA Committee and Active Art Sport Group have been busy painting inspirational quotes on the junior girl's toilet doors. Students were given the opportunity to vote and the first two finished doors were put up earlier in the term. Two more doors have been completed this week and are also now up on display. Thank you to the Year 12 Photography class for assisting

with the process and Year 7 CAPA Co member Alex Dawson for photographing our progress.

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Alicia Szoboszlay Head Teacher CAPA & Languages

2019 YEAR 9 SKI TRIP The annual Figtree High School excursion to the snow was held in Week 5 of Term 3. Students met on a cold and blustery midnight for a bumpy ride to the skitube terminal at Bullocks Flat. A blizzard meant that we spent the first day on Front Valley in very challenging conditions. Whilst not totally enjoyable, the foundation for the rest of the trip was laid. Thursday and Friday saw much better weather and the students were able to ski and snowboard in sunshine all over Mt Blue Cow and Guthega. Mr Sargent-Wilson, MrGavock, Mrs Harvey, Ms Dzida and Mr Smith all escaped without injury or sleep. Mr Herbert was in his element with his Year 9 cohort, who rose to the challenge of getting up the mountain early to experience the best of conditions. The students distinguished themselves with their attitude, efforts and behaviour -they all impeccable. They represented Figtree High School in a “totally-rad” way!

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Gary Smith

CHESS CLUB The Figtree High School Chess Club is well and truly underway in the Library. Every Tuesday at Lunch time students are able to partake in a social game of chess among their peers. Numbers are booming and all students regardless of skill level are encouraged to come along and check it out!

Ewen Porteous

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ILLAWARRA MULTICULTURAL YOUTH CONFERENCE Figtree High School students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds in Years 9 and 10 participated in the 15th Annual Illawarra Multicultural Youth Conference on Friday 13 September at Five Islands Senior College. About 100 students from various schools enjoyed each other’s company and participated in four workshops which addressed topics such as making effective choices for the future and being safe in cyberspace. "The conference is an exciting opportunity for students to learn more about key aspects of life in Australia that aren't necessarily covered by the curriculum," added Cameron Ling, the Refugee Support Leader (Illawarra) with the Department of Education. A mini-Expo was formed with Local support organisations such as Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families (SCARF), Headspace Wollongong and the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) for students to access information and resources during breaks. The seven participating high schools were Corrimal, Figtree, Keira, Wollongong, Illawarra Sport and both Warrawong High School and its Intensive English Centre.

Salma Alhindi EAL/D Teacher

AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC CHANGE-MAKER PROGRAM On Tuesday 10 September Tazmin Fulcher and Jessica Buffett attended the Australian Olympic Change Maker Program. The Australian Olympic Change-Maker program has replaced the Pierre de Coubertin Award. This exciting new opportunity celebrates and brings together young leaders in sport who are ‘making a difference’ in their school or local community. Tazmin and Jessica are very worthy recipients of this award. Brooke Hansen, (swimmer, gold & silver medallist, Athens 2004) was the MC for the day. Tazmin and Jessica listened to Anneliese Rubie (400m runner, Rio 2016), Hayden Smith (Winter Olympics, Bobsleigh Winter Olympics 2018), Josh Katz (Judo, Rio 2016) and Katherine Bates (Cyclist, track and road, 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing) speak about their experiences as an elite athlete. The Special Guest speaker for the day was Steve Hooker (Olympic gold medallist, pole vaulter, 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing, 2012 London). He answered questions related to his sport and job and how he has overcome obstacles that may have arisen throughout his career. Congratulations to Jessica and Tazmin on receiving this prestigious award.

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Red Cross wants everyone in our school community to be prepared for any emergency, large or small. It has been an early start to the summer disaster season, but there are simple ways your family can be prepared.

Three simple tools to help your family get prepared:

1. Create an emergency plan 2. Download the 'Get Prepared' app 3. Prepare your emergency survival kit

You can’t always prevent an emergency, but by being prepared families can reduce their stress and cope better afterwards.

While other agencies fight the fires and clean up the streets, Red Cross looks after the people. We care about families and want everyone to stay safe.

Thank you for helping keep your school community safer.

Claire, Recovery and Resilience Officer Australian Red Cross