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2020 Prefect Induction Ceremony

2020 Prefect Induction (cont’d)...

2020 Prefect Induction (cont’d)...

Our Prefect Induction Ceremony took place on Tuesday 27th August 2019. This ceremony presented our new prefect leadership team to staff, students, parents and wider school community. It also provided us with the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by our outgoing Prefect Team. Our 2020 Prefect Team is:

CAPTAINSHolly HayesSam Loria

VICE CAPTAINSMaggie Clifton Nathan Modde

SENIOR PREFECTMadeleine Hill

Corey Nicholson

SCHOOL PREFECTMadeleine MorrisLogan Trethowan

Stephanie KassapakisBen Berry

Corey Olivier

The ceremony was enjoyed by all students and special guests’ including family and friends of our prefects, as well as members of our Galston Community of Schools.

In the next few newsletters, there will be profiles of our new Senior Leadership Team.

Prefect Oath of Service and Commitment

I undertake the role of prefect at Galston High School knowing it is both a privilege and a responsibility.

I promise to honour the role by representing my fellow students and serving my school to the best of my ability.

In word and deed, I will uphold the school values of respect, responsibility and personal best.

As a prefect, I will lead by example and

model the spirit, the tradition and the conduct that is Galston High School."

Principals’ Speech - Prefect Induction

Good morning special guests, parents, students and staff and welcome to the 2020 Prefect Induction Ceremony in the 45th year of our school. Over the past 8 years a wonderful tradition has been built where we collectively welcome in our new Prefect Leadership Team whilst simultaneously celebrating and thanking our exiting team.

Let me first begin by acknowledging the outgoing Prefect Team. Our 2019 Prefect Body has excelled at ensuring that high quality student leadership, founded on the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best, underpins our school’s culture. Together, under the leadership of captains Mia and James, the Prefect Body have continued to shape and define the role of student leadership at Galston High School. As a team they have participated in decision making about whole school organisation and management, raised awareness of school priorities to enhance student well-being, represented student ideas and opinions, but above all, upheld your office with distinction. They have been the face of Galston High School.

On behalf of the Galston High School community I thank the outgoing prefect team for their outstanding leadership of the student body over the last twelve months. Please join me in congratulating the 2019 Prefect Team on their exceptional achievements.

To the 2020 Prefect Body, I look forward to working with you as you follow in the footsteps of the outgoing leadership team. I am sure that you will rise to the challenge and build on the strong legacy that the 2019 leadership team has left. In fact, a new tradition and legacy in student leadership has already begun in this team with the addition of an elected Prefect Leader from the HUB for the first time. This demonstrates the inclusivity that Galston High School students extend to all and we welcome this new role to our student leadership program.

Student leadership is arguably one of the most beneficial extracurricular undertakings a student can perform whilst at school and the experience gained will be valuable for a lifetime. A student leader is thrown into a learning environment that encourages hands-on experience that builds skills in planning, decision making, communicating and working as part of a team.

Each of you as individuals and as a team is in a unique position to make a difference to your school. It will take teamwork, dedication, commitment, hard work and time from each of you to fulfil your role as a prefect. We will provide you with guidance, training and mentorship to ensure you are on the right track. Your success as a team will be based around harnessing your collective talents, working smarter and communicating often.

Being part of the Prefect Team is your opportunity to lead and represent others. Whether you have had leadership roles before or if you are new to the role, you should be looking forward to the challenge. You are in a unique position to make a difference in your school. I look forward to working with you in your new leadership roles over the coming year. In the words of Dr Seuss:

“ Why fit inwhen you were born

to stand out?!”

2019 Prefect Speech – Written and Presented by School Captains –

Mia Rowe and James Cairns

Twelve months ago, the current Prefect Team took their oath of service. Twelve months ago, today seemed a long way away. The challenge that stood before us then seemed insurmountable, the legacy and standards of the 2018 Prefect Team seemed overwhelming.

In the twelve months we have held these positions, we have united as a team. Together, we have come to understand what leadership is and what it means to serve a larger purpose than self.

Prefect Induction (cont’d)....

Those twelve months have tested us, our oaths and our values. There have been lessons learned, there have been many successes. But through those twelve months, one emotion, more than anything else, stands out: the pride we feel in having served our school.

The pride in attempting, even when it challenged us.

The pride in daring, when it looked impossible.

The pride in leading, when following would have been easier.

As a team, we were set the challenge to continue the legacy of those who came before us. That was, by no means, a small challenge.

The legacy we inherited was one of dedication, perseverance and renewal: a legacy that we have given much of ourselves to live up to. And now, at this moment, it is our turn to pass that legacy on to you, better, hopefully, for our having added to it.

Legacies only exist when there are others to share in them and carry them forward. It is your turn now, incoming prefects, to add your chapter to the story.

On behalf of the outgoing Prefect Team, we would like to wish you all the very best of luck in your new roles. Looking at you all now, we know that we leave the role in good hands.

Shortly, you will take the school oath. It is a commitment to your school but also to yourself: an affirmation of the values and beliefs you will take forward into the role of prefect. The promises you make here today carry forward long after the congratulations and handshakes have concluded. They will be your beacons for the next twelve months, as they have been for us.

Leadership is not always easy, but for those who choose to attempt it, it is

always worth it.

Congratulations again to the incoming prefects and thank you to those who supported and guided the outgoing team over the last year. You gave us an experience that has made our last year of schooling one we will never forget, and we thank you for your ongoing dedication that has allowed us to grow into the leaders we are today.

2020 Prefect Speech – Written and Presented by School Captains -

Holly Hayes and Sam Loria

We are the elected School Captains for 2020. On behalf of the new Prefect Team, we would like to thank the students and staff of Galston High School for giving us this role: a role that 12 months ago none of us imagined we would hold.

12 months ago we sat amongst the audience exactly as you are today. We watched the 2019 prefects take their oath. We watched them become school leaders. And we watched them, over the next 12 months, become role models we looked up to and aspired to be like. It is humbling to think that we share the stage with them here today.

On behalf of the newly elected Prefect Team I would like to sincerely thank the team of 2019 for the dedication and commitment they have shown to our school. You have left us a legacy that will be challenging to uphold, but that is precisely what we hope to do. It is our vision to continue to develop the leadership within Galston High School and our hope that we can not only honour, but also add to what has come before us.

The past few weeks have given us much time to reflect upon leadership and what it means to us. It is fitting that we are the first team to include a prefect from

the Hub, and we are honoured for that distinction. Inclusivity will be a hallmark of our leadership.

We believe that we can all be leaders. We strongly believe that leaders come in many varieties. We passionately believe that diversity of leadership makes for a rich and vibrant school culture in which we can all thrive.

Through acknowledging our diversity, we celebrate the very best of what public education has to offer. We always have been, and always will be a comprehensive high school. We are proud of this fact, we wear it as a badge of our democracy.

As leaders, we will work always to include every student. As leaders, we will work to always to listen to your many voices.As leaders, we will work always to unite the school into something we can all be proud of.

These are lofty goals, yes, but we promise always to be humble in our role and be the best leaders we can be, inspired by the incredible examples of the past.

Please join me now in thanking the 2019 Prefect Team for their leadership over this past year.

CAPTAINSMia Rowe

James Cairns

VICE CAPTAINSMaddy Gleeson

Michael Ferlauto

SENIOR PREFECTSamantha Ostavich

Martin Olivier

SCHOOL PREFECTGrace Waters

Luke BelcastroGeorgia Harrold

Damian Shahfazli

Wizard of Oz Back Stage...

Wizard of Oz Cast Feedback...

Holly Hayes

The Wizard of Oz was one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far. A musical family was made consisting of some of the most fun, supportive, encouraging people in the school. We all have made life-long friends and memories that we will treasure forever. This musical has boosted my performing skills and confidence and also my ability to consume lots of chocolate! The feedback we received was so heart-warming and I feel very proud to have been involved.

Neo Tschepen

The musical was spectacular! It was a life-long experience. The whole crew was very encouraging towards each other. I believe that we all performed to the best of our abilities.

Ella Klintworth

This musical was one of the best experiences of my high school. I have made many life-long friends and I have shared many mint slices between them. This experience has made me become more confident in singing in front of crowds. -From the coolest tree!

Audrey Martin

My experience in musical was amazing. The rehearsals were hard work, but it was all worth it in the performance. I have met new people, grow self-confidence to get up on stage and had loads of fun along the way. I have also learnt what commitment is. Like the teachers said I will remember this forever and it was an amazing experience. I received so many compliments for the performance and in all it was a success.

Carys Jones-Coles

My experience in the musical was great, I enjoyed meeting and getting to know more people that helped make the musical special and fun. The musical has made me boost my self-confidence. The teachers and organisers made the musical magical, the audience really enjoyed it and so did we performing and making people day a little bit better. Thank you for making this one of the most remembered things with all of us.

Tamara Wang

Being in the musical has been an amazing experience. Meeting new people and growing self-confidence to be up on stage has been tough but I don’t regret a thing. I would do it again in a heartbeat because it’s such an unforgettable time. I’m sad that it’s over but I’ve learnt so much from it. It’s taught me to commit to things I want. I appreciate everyone for making The Wizard of Oz the best musical so far.

Laicey Hills

The Wizard of Oz was a great experience for me. I made friends and spoke to people I would have never spoken to if not for this event. I would do it again and again, it was so much fun! I loved how well the leads, chorus and backstage crew got along. I will never forget this.

Jacqueline Attard

Being a lead in the musical was such an amazing experience. I had so much fun and I enjoyed working with everyone. The musical brought everyone together like one big family and from this I have made many more life lasting friendships. It went by so fast but I enjoyed every single bit of it.

Upcoming Events

This Week

Monday 2 SeptemberYear 10 Boys Program periods 1&2Years 7-9 Knockout Netball untill 11.00am

Tuesday 3 SeptemberMacquarie University Aboriginal Education Program - period 4Year 12 Music Showcase 7.00pmYear 12 Parent Hospitality Dinner 6.00pm

Wednesday 4 SeptemberCHS AthleticsYear 10 VALID & minimum standards testsDural Rotary Parent Mental Health Forum

Thursday 5 SeptemberCHS AthleticsHUB Class 3 Commuity Access - Small2020 House Leader successful candidates notifiedHUB Class 1&2 Community Access - Gilmour/Lindley

Friday 6 SeptemberCHS AthleticsPSSA Refereeing selected students Years 7-10Primary Schools Transition visits

Next Week

Monday 9 AugustSydney North Boys Cricket TrialsHUB Class 3 Community Access - MarshYear 10 Boys Program period 1-2Year 12 Police Talks period 2Year 11 Police Talks period 1

Tuesday 10 AugustHSC Music external examinations 10.25 - 2.20pm

Thursday 12 AugustHUB Class 3 Community Access - Small

Friday 13 August2019/2020 Student Leaders Thank you LuncheonPSSA Refereeing - selected students Years 7-10PSSA Cricket Cup - Years 9 & 10 students

Still to come

Monday 16 SeptemberYear 11 vaccinations - van BaarleYear 12 Study Skills - The Finishing Line periods 1-2Year 10 Boys Program period 1-2

Tuesday 17 SeptemberP&C Meeting 7.30pm Waddell Learning Centre2020 SRC Induction Ceremony

Wednesday 18 SeptemberYears 7 & 8 Sydney North Netball Gala DayYear 11 Yearly ExaminationsYear 12 Wheelchair Basketball Educational Program

Thursday 19 SeptemberHUB Class 3 Community Access 12.00pm - 3.00pm - SmallYear 11 Yearly ExaminationsHUB Class 1 Community Access - Gilmour/Lindley

Friday 20 SeptemberSydney North Water Polo TrialsYear 11 Yearly ExaminationsPSSA Refereeing selected students Years 7 - 10Year 12 vs teachers Soccer and Netball Game

Homework ClubHomework Club operates every Wednesday afternoon from 3.30 - 4.30pm.

Students can receive help from teaching staff with homework and assessment tasks, or simply utilise the Library computers and wifi to complete their work.

Proudly supported by

Maths Faculty Focus...

NAIDOC WeekDuring NAIDOC Week in early Term 3, students from various years investigated different aspects of Aboriginal culture. Year 8 students were introduced to the “8 ways” learning framework which utilises Aboriginal learning techniques; these include story sharing, community links, land links and learning maps. Year 9 students researched the definitions of common aboriginal terms. These words were displayed as posters and the mathematical gradients of each stroke was identified.

Book WeekThe Mad Hatter: “Have I gone mad?”Alice: “I'm afraid so. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are."

For book week the Mathematics faculty dressed up as characters from Alice in Wonderland. Alice, The Mad Hatter(s), Tweedledee and Tweedledum and the White Rabbit all made an appearance for the occasion.

Did you know the author Lewis Carroll (aka Charles Dodgson) was also a mathematical lecturer? His

book is filled with mathematical Easter eggs such as multiplication in different bases at the Pool of Tears and quaternions at the Tea Party.

Year 10 STEMYear 10 STEM have been investigating aerodynamics of various vehicles. Tumblewings are flying gliders which can (in theory) float indefinitely through the air. They are made from newspapers and a single piece of cardboard creating an updraft which the glider rides along. Students created tumblewings and practised flying them down the hallway to see who could achieve the longest time of flight duration. Congratulations to Lillian Forsayth and Claudia Snow for the highest average time of flight.

Later this term, students will design C02 racer cars which will be then 3D printed and face off to see who can create the most aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing vehicle – stay tuned!

Vertical Non-Permanent Learning SurfacesWhy should teachers be the only ones allowed to use whiteboards?

There is much research to show that students have improved engagement and increased autonomy in their learning through this teaching tool. Students are able to support peer-to-peer learning and are given the opportunity to collaborate with classmates when problem solving in Mathematics. It is particularly beneficial as the large non-permanent surface allows for the free flow of ideas as they come to students, rather than the only option to be writing in the books on their desks. A teacher is also more able to assist students as they can identify any common difficulties or strengths. At one point, Year 11 students were continuing to finish the solutions to their problems long after the bell had gone!

Gifted and Talented DaySelected students from Year 7 and Year 8 have been invited to attend a Gifted and Talented Mathematics Day at Cherrybrook Technology High School during Week 10 this term. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in higher order problem solving activities in a competitive atmosphere.

From the Library...

BOOK WEEK Last week, Galston High School celebrated the biggest week in the library calendar – Book Week!

Each day featured a different activity, challenge or competition to engage students with literature and encourage them to celebrate their love of reading.

The week started out with Murder Mystery Monday, where two fictional characters – Arwen from Lord of the Rings and a young Slytherin student from Harry Potter were found lifeless in the library, where it was clear their bodies had been dumped. Students were provided with a list of fictional suspects, weapons and locations and raced around the school to find clues. Two teams were able to successfully deduce that it was the White Witch Jadis (from the Chronicles of Narnia) who murdered our two hapless victims using a bucket of water (perhaps in an attempt to frame Dorothy Gale of Wizard of Oz fame!) in the dystopian landscape of Panem.

On Tuesday, a spell was cast over the school, with staff and students transfiguring themselves into their favourite literary characters. Deciding the best dressed in every year group was a tough challenge due to the high levels of effort and creativity!

Students’ knowledge of popular picture books, teen fiction and the Children’s Book of the Year awards was put to the test during WaddaYaKnow Wednesday, with Bonni Lloyd, a soul competitor, managing to take out the top spot.

Throw Rug Thursday saw over 135 students (and many staff) visit the library for a picturesque picnic in the grounds of the Waddell Cottage, where everyone had the chance to eat and snuggle up with a hot chocolate while escaping into a good book.

MONUMENTS BOOK LAUNCH WITH WILL KOSTAKIS On Tuesday, 27th of August, Galston High School was fortunate enough to have award-winning author, Will Kostakis, visit our library on the launch date of his new urban fantasy novel, Monuments. Will Kostakis ran an incredibly successful Author in Residence program last term, so many students were excited to meet him again. Students from Years 7-10 had the opportunity to hear Will talk about the inspiration behind Monuments, hold a Q&A panel, and purchase their very own signed copy of Monuments to take home.

Students who didn’t have the opportunity to purchase their own copy can always borrow one from the library, which now holds two copies in its collection.

Monuments by Will Kostakis All 16-year-old Connor is trying to do is avoid his ex-best friend when he stumbles upon a trapdoor to a secret chamber under his school. But when Sally Rodgers breaks into the same secret chamber looking for an ancient being, things take an unexpected turn . . . and Connor's life will never be the same again.

Along with the mysterious Sally and, later on, his new friend Locky, Connor discovers the Monuments - gods who have been buried for generations - who created the world and hid themselves

Friday marked the final day of Book Week, with students facing off to see who could create the most realistic (or in some cases, hilarious) BookFace.

It was an eventful week overall with something different for everyone to enjoy.

Student thoughts on book week: “Transfiguration Tuesday was my favourite day because it motivated me to practice a bit of sewing. Even though I wasn't very good at it, it was still a really fun experience especially since I got to dress up in a group with my friends” - Momo, Yr 8.

“I really enjoyed Throw Rug Thursday. It was a great excuse to actually sit down and read a book, which is something I don’t always make time to do” - Blake, Yr 9“I really enjoyed Transfiguration Tuesday.

I thought it was such a fun and creative way to celebrate our love of books and I think everyone loved dressing up as their favourite book character. It was such an imaginative way to promote the books that are closest to our hearts and that we feel represent us” - Anastasia, Yr 10

away from humanity to keep everyone safe. But now they're exposed and vulnerable, and Connor isn't sure who, himself included, can be trusted with the knowledge and the power these gods have.

Book Week Highlights...

PARENT / CARER INFORMATION MENTAL HEALTH FORUM Wednesday 4th September 2019

7 to 8pm Galston High School Library

The Rotary Club of Dural will be holding a Mental Health Forum for all parents and care providers on Wednesday 4th September at 7pm in the Galston High School Library. Presenters at the forum will be Peter Casbolt and Leanne Hall, both practicing clinicians. The topics will address the following issues:

1. Body image - how do you promote this? Conversations to ensure arguments are not the result of a discussion.

2. How to say no? Building resilience in your child. 3. Parenting styles – how to manage? 4. Social Media - how do you parent to ensure your child does not think "their life is over"

if you restrict access to social media Time will be provided for parents to ask questions of these people / experts. To assist us in preparing for the evening, it would be appreciated if you could RSVP to the front office on 9651-2222, or alternatively via email galston-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au. We look forward to seeing you there.

WESLEY MEGA BOOK SALE

Where: In the Wesley Uniting Church grounds at 32 Showground Road, Castle Hill.

Date/Times: Saturday September 7th 2019 (operating from 8:00am to 1:00pm)

Sale items will include Books, Magazines, Records, CDs and DVDs. We will also have a range of plants available to enhance your garden.

Enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and pick up a bargain (or two) knowing you are helping those families who need help within the Hills District, through the Hills Family Centre.