Collaborative Teacher Teams Enrich Learning for Students - Pittwater High School
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Tuesday 2 March 2021. Week 6B
Collaborative Teacher Teams Enrich Learning for Students
Jane Ferris. Principal’s Report
At Pittwater High School we have a strong This should be a minimum of 20 minutes each
culture of teachers working together collabo- afternoon for students in Years 7 and 8, and 30
ratively in teams. In this week’s newsletter I minutes for students in Years 9 and 10. To
would like to highlight the work of two become fluent in reading is critical to develop-
particular teams, The Literacy Team and the ing comprehension skills, as well as accessing
High Potential and Gifted Education Team. knowledge and information for all subjects.
The Literacy Team Hopefully, for many students, this is not a chore
This team of fifteen teachers is led by Katrina but a pleasure, as they develop a love of
Purvis, Head Teacher English. With cross-faculty reading. To further promote reading for
representation, these enthusiastic teachers enjoyment we have Book Group meetings,
meet regularly to explore priority areas to guest speakers and the prefects are currently
support and promote literacy development in planning a book sale initiative.
students. When they become upskilled in an
area, they go back to the faculty to lead The High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE)
further professional development of all Team
teachers. Currently the focus has been on Pittwater High School is committed to
Cornell Note Making, a high leverage learning effectively supporting the Department of
strategy that not only involves organising notes, Education’s High Potential and Gifted
but also assists in comprehension, retention Education policy:
and developing a condensed record for study. https://www.education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-
See later in this newsletter for more detail. an d-l earni n g/hi gh-potenti al -an d-gi fted-
education/about-the-policy/high-potential-
and-gifted-education-policy
To this end, we are committed to supporting
every student to achieve their educational
potential – with high expectations, explicit
teaching and optimal learning environments
where all students are challenged and
engaged. The HPGE team, which was formed
In addition, there has been an emphasis on
last year, is led by George Morton-Ramwell,
greater vocabulary development for each
Head Teacher Teaching and Learning. They
subject, including effective use of ‘muscle’
have led professional development of the
verbs. Having a wide vocabulary allows
whole staff over the last 12 months in HPGE.
students to express thoughts more accurately
Through the process of students developing
and succinctly, capturing the essence of an
their individual education plans, students set
idea. Also, extensive vocabulary assists with
goals around their learning. Many students
comprehension and the capacity to analyse
clearly aspire to do well, a first step in engage-
text more effectively.
ment and excelling. In addition, the HPGE
team are currently identifying students who
As you know, with self-regulated homework,
consistently achieve outstanding grades over
there is an emphasis on opportunities for
more than one subject. Such students will be
students to work quietly on tasks that develop
meeting in focus groups to have further input
their literacy. This also includes reading each
into how they are being challenged and to
day.
develop their self-regulation in striving for
excellence.
Principal: Jane Ferris Website: www.pittwater-h.schools.nsw.edu
Deputy Principals: Rachel Fleming, Brett Blaker, Sharon Behringer Email: Pittwater-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Ms Fleming, Mr Blaker, Ms Behringer
Year 7 Year 10
Throughout the week Year 7 will be Students in Year 10 will be starting to get
involved in completing their education their first assessment tasks. A reminder to
plans online. Students must make sure their all students that they should be using
devices are charged every day. Ms their yearly planners to set reminders and
Fleming will be working with all Year 7 break down their tasks. Consistency is the
classes and their teachers to help them set key and making sure you are working on
SMART goals for the year. We are so a daily basis.
impressed with how our Year 7 students are
engaging in class and the work they are Swimming Carnival - Competitors only
completing during their self- regulated Congratulations to all of the students who
time. swam in our first competitors only carnival.
This allowed us to mirror the Zone
swimming carnival and have 100 events.
The students where extremely competitive
however did look exhausted when they
came to school. Thank you to the PDHPE
faculty for their organisation and the
House Captains for the sensational job
they did on the carnival duties including
time keeping.
Year 8
Goals setting interviews will be conducted
on Thursday. Year 8 will be asked to reflect
on their Education Plans and discuss their
goals and plan for the year as well as any
issues that arise from data collected in the
Education Plans.
Year 9
Mrs Behringer has emailed both parents a
power point summary of Year 9’s
Education Plans after very successful goal
setting sessions with Year Advisers, Sam
Rous and Martin Huynh and the Boys and
Girls Advisers, Leon Loreaux and Jamin
Wanschers. Students discussed a number
of issues including self-regulated learning,
time spent on homework, use of social
media and sleep patterns. Students also
identified what they love about Pittwater
High including their electives, friendship
groups and the opportunities provided at
the school.
Good Morning Ms Ferris, teachers, students and fellow Teachers are the most important aspect of your HSC
distinguished guests. experience. You need them for everything! They are
your lifeline for tips, tricks, advice, but most importantly
For those new Year 7’s who don’t know me, my name emotional and psychological support and mentoring.
is Max Straetemans and I was lucky enough to be the For me, Mr Morton-Ramwell was the most important
School Captain along with the fabulous Jorja Searle individual in sustaining my mental health during the
last year. I’d like to firstly start by saying how incredibly HSC; organising meetings where we would have
proud I am of all Year 12 2020 and the accelerated coffee, distracting me from looming assessment dead-
Aboriginal studies class who I have been so lucky to lines and strongly encouraging me to exercise.
know through both the Northern Territory trip and at Specifically, he would tell me to go running. Sir, I know
school. It’ll be so exciting to see how this year's that you told Claudia you thought I was lying about
Aboriginal studies class goes in their HSC; I know for me running, BUT I DID… three times. Honestly, I really
it was a stepping stone to better study skills and cannot thank him enough for all the time and effort he
lightened my work-load for my HSC year. To perform at contributed to me during my HSC year; both
such a high standard in the HSC is so impressive and is academically and as a person I feel like I have grown
a testament to your hard-work throughout a truly so much from your mentorship and I am so
challenging year. appreciative for that.
Today I’ve been asked to reflect on my HSC One thing that everyone will undoubtedly have to
experience and to also offer insight into how you can overcome, as I did, is disappointment. My biggest fall
make yours as fabulous, fantastic, show-stopping, in the HSC was leaving the back pages of my
incredible and amazing as possible. Truthfully, the HSC Chemistry trial, a whole 6 marks, completely blank
is not all sunshine and rainbows, but it is also not the because I didn’t see it. I was so devastated that I sat in
awful, dreary experience that people often make it my room and balled my eyes out for 3 consecutive
out to be. The HSC is a game of thrones between your hours. However, as everyone kindly pointed out to me,
social and work life, except less people get stabbed. 1. I would never leave the back page of my exam
For me, although I was putting in 4 hours of uninterrupt- again and 2. I was more driven and focused towards
ed study per night without my phone, I allowed myself smashing my final exams.
a whole day of rest on Saturday for chilling out and for
my captains duties. If you want to do well, you need to Overcoming these blockades on your long walk to
work hard. greatness is impossible without one thing; your friends.
For me, the comradery of my grade in both creating a
Last year was probably the most difficult year an HSC fun, competitive space made learning so much better.
grade has ever experienced. Having to juggle the Shout out to Milo, Hamish and Andy for always
ongoing stress of COVID with floods of assignments was dragging on the competition in maths and trying to sus
draining, along with such uncertainty surrounding each other out. In fact, Milo once told me the morning
exams and the way the HSC was going to be carried of our first maths test that a god had visited him in his
out. But I was determined to excel in this HSC. dreams the night before and had told him he would
beat me. Unfortunately for Milo, the god was wrong.
The key to determination is goal-setting. Setting
expectations for yourself is imperative to success in the Personally, ‘my girls’, were my rocks in every single way
HSC and school generally. For me, a phrase that Alyssa possible. We collaborated on every possible task,
said that has always stuck in my head was “shoot for shared study notes, past papers, study tips, heart to
the moon, and you’ll land among the stars”. Basically, hearts and manifestation sessions. Hey, we even got
aim high, don’t dull your sparkle, strive towards levels together! Claudia, Alyssa, Charlotte, Rachael
brilliance. In the HSC there is every opportunity for you and Evie were legendary friends, and are the only
to shine brighter than you have before. For example, reason I was able to succeed this HSC year and reach
one of my beautiful stunning friends got a 12/20 in her my university goals. With this, my number 1 HSC tip is
first Crucible essay, which she was not thrilled with. But don’t do it alone; the HSC is a team battle and you
she worked so incredibly hard in every single assign- need to support each other; whether it be teaching a
ment after this to improve to a band 6 in English concept to a fellow friend, sitting down for a chat or
Advanced. bopping Nicki Minaj at 7;30 on the way to Extension
maths.
Although daunting, my ATAR goal of 97 to get into
veterinary medicine was always a clear guide for my What Pittwater has offered me as a school is
year of work. Having one main goal influenced all my unfathomable, and I am so grateful to have had the
choices leading up to that point; what subjects I experiences of school captain and the HSC on these
chose, what holidays I took and when I could rest. grounds. To my teachers; Krilich, McClean, Walpole,
Specifically, it impacted my choice to remain here at Silk, Zaraza and Morton-Ramwell, thank you for your
Pittwater for my senior schooling, purely because continuous support and to Ms Ferris and Ms Fleming,
nothing could have replaced my relationship with thank you for all your leadership and guidance.
teachers like Ms Zaraza and Miss Silk, which I had
developed during my junior years.
Good morning Ms Ferris, staff, parents, students, and my fel- I was never more nervous in my life than I was that day,
low distinguished achievers. My name is Alyssa Graziano, yes, more so than before my first HSC exam - because that
and I am so grateful to have been given the privilege of version of myself was likely a replica of many of you out
addressing you all today; and even more so that I’m able to there; unsure and doubtful of my potential.
do this with two of my closest friends, Evie and Max, by my
side. It was when Ms Ferris told me she actually believed in me,
that I changed. From there I was never anxious again. I
It’s hard to believe that the last time I was here at school, I would like to be to you all what Ms Ferris was to me that day
was leaving my Extension English exam with nothing but someone who believes in you and everything you are
hope in my heart and calluses and pen marks all over my meant to achieve. Because with belief comes confidence,
hands; and now that I’m back, it feels so surreal to stand up and with confidence, the key to success.
here and confidently say that I achieved my dream. When I
told people I wanted to study a double degree of law and But to the kids who are still struggling to find direction - don’t
science at the university of Sydney, they would typically say think I’ve forgotten about you. All you must do is aim to do
one of two things: 1. Why would you do that to yourself, or everything you possibly can, in the time you’re given, and in
2. That it was a good thing to aim for, but something I had the unique circumstances presented to you. Surround your-
to be willing to give up in the likely chance I wouldn’t make self with people who uplift you and bring out your best.
it. However, having come out the other end enrolled in that Reason with your doubt and realise that it is born from
very degree with an academic scholarship in hand, I am so nothing. And, fall in love with the subjects you choose.
glad that I believed in myself, and got to experience such a
journey here at Pittwater high; whose encouraging environ- I know some of you might be itching to know my compre-
ment, teachers and principal I credit to all my successes. hensive study plans, what to put in your notes, how to start
that essay - but you see, I could do that, and nothing in you
One of the most important things I realised on this journey would change.
was that nothing exists but the Now - so don't be a
thousand miles ahead or behind yourself. Dwelling on previ- The one piece of advice I want to give you is that
ous marks or becoming paranoid about some number that confidence is what is going to help you stand out. Because
is yet to exist, distracts you from feeling the present moment. the HSC was made to be more than a show of intelligence.
Let the unknown future be only a guiding light, not a weight It is what you do with that knowledge, how you convert
that drags on your present study. Let past mistakes be mere that knowledge into physical words on a page, how you
footsteps; ones which you don’t need to constantly look carry yourself during the stress of an exam, how you
back on to know that they are very much behind you. manage your time effectively, that they really look for. And
Everything, this moment, is completely in your control - you when I describe it like that, the HSC begins to sound more
cannot remain a passenger in your own vessel. like a performance than an exam. And this hall will be a
stage for all of you to express yourselves and show a set of
All of you have such wonderful gifts within you. Some may complete strangers who you are and what you are
have already brought these gifts to light; you may be a capable of. It is your voice and passion that radiates off the
prefect, or in an extension class, or a musical talent; but, for page when an examiner reads it - and so it is self belief that
the some that are waiting to shine, I want to speak to you in will truly allow you to shine.
similar fashion to the way I would speak to my younger self,
who would have never thought I’d one day be up on Before I close this speech, I’d like to express my deepest
stage, let alone giving a speech to you all. gratitude to Ms Ferris and my mentor Mr Hamed, for seeing
something in me that I didn’t, and for helping me realise
Position yourself into the spotlight, let yourself and your that dreams are not meant to stay as such, but are
aspirations be known - don’t remain invisible. Because absolutely meant to be brought into reality. And to the
Pittwater thrives on kids like you; who may think they’re English staff who had to make it through pages upon pages
average, or not enough, but then realise their potential and of my horrific handwriting, to the science staff who had to
aspire towards it. put up with Max, Evie, Claudia and I constantly knocking on
the staffroom door, and to the mathematics staff who
Students who work tirelessly to achieve an understanding helped maths become one of my favourite subjects, I
that is often handed to others on a silver platter. The work cannot thank you enough.
ethic and drive that this school will give you is immense, and
believe me, you’ll feel it when you reach the senior years. I know Max is going to laugh at me for saying this, but it
really was an honour to study here at Pittwater high, and to
To speak for myself, I only came to this realisation at the end speak to all of you wonderful students with such bright
of year 11. Although I had always tried to do my best, what futures. Like many of my assignments, this speech is really
really changed my once distant dream of studying law into dragging out, so I’ll finish off with this: Since the past is a
a reality was action - it wasn’t something that gracefully fell closed chapter, and the future is yet to be written, all you
into place. can wield in this present moment, is faith - because faith is
not seeing, nor knowing, but simply believing. That is the first
You know, a wise man once told me that it is not called a step.
USB but, in fact, a flashdrive. That same man told me to
always be an opportunist. It was with this advice that he
told me to do what insecurity had always prevented me
from doing - express to Ms Ferris herself what I hoped to
achieve.
On Thursday 25 February, the Open Girls Knockout Basketball team played against Willoughby Girls High School. The team members are: Tahlia Dunning Yr 12 Jada Driscoll Yr 9 Imogen Trout Yr 7 Hayley Couch Yr 11 Elishka Fawle Yr 9 Jessica Fry Yr 7 Leanne Christie Yr 11 Eleanor Trout Yr 9 Ebony Mule Yr 11 Bianca Raffin Yr 11 Amber Rabbitts Yr 11 Amelia Trout Yr 11 The result was a resounding win of 52 – 30. The team displayed great team spirit and represented Pittwater High School with pride. Amelia Trout was the top point scorer with 28 points including three, 3-point baskets and Jada Driscoll scored 14 points. This was an exciting gane and the team was supported by other students at Pittwater High School. The team is through to the next round to be played by March 12. Also, a huge thankyou to Oscar Taylor in Year 12 for refereeing. Ms Mumford HSIE Department
Congratulations to Year 7 who have made a fantastic start to PDHPE this term. All class teachers
have been very impressed with the attitude, behaviour and work ethic. All classes this semester
are studying the following curriculum.
T/W Theory Prac cal
T1 Health, Wellbeing & Me (20 lessons) Term 1
Focus Question 1 - What does ‘health’ mean to me and why is it so im-
Weeks 1-3
portant for my future?
1
Health : definitions; what health means to me Fitness Testing
2 Components of health : definitions, personal reflections, scenarios Beep test
Dynamic nature of health, personal reflection
3 30s push up test
What makes a ‘balanced lifestyle’? 60 second pitch, seminar
4 presentation 60s sit up test
Different perceptions of health, personal perception
5 Rise to the Challenge - team games
unit
Focus Question 2 - What positive strategies can help me develop my
6 Weeks 4-8
physical and mental wellbeing?
7 Striking Sports 1 (cricket, volleyball,
How can I develop my physical/mental wellbeing? badminton, mini tennis, softball)
8
Regular exercise; aerobic exercise; personal reflection
Weeks 8-10
9 Physical activity guidelines; sedentary lifestyle; how do I compare? Cross Country/fitness
My Exercise Log Book; journal entry Athletics
10 Local facilities/environments to exercise and connect socially with School Cross Country carnival
community
T2 Term 2
Benefits of being active in natural, outdoor environments Weeks 1-3
1 Diet : impact on physical and mental wellbeing
My Fitness Plan; exercise/diet goals; PicCollage extension Athletics
2
Being respectful, sympathetic and empathetic to others
Weeks 4-10
3 A positive attitude; strategies to develop empathy; scenarios
Monitoring Use of technology; personal reflection; social media Invasion games (touch, soccer, AFL,
4 Impact of stress on our physical and mental health ultimate frisbee)
How can we cope with stress in a positive way?
5 ‘Just Dance’ u
Ways to give our minds a rest; Mindfulness Meditation
6
Focus Question 3 - How can I stay safe and support others online?
7
8 Different ways we can communicate online
Being a respectful and ethical online citizen
9 Crossing the line activity. Ok or Not Ok?
Safe Use of Technology
10
Ways to ensure you stay safe online; scenarios
Reporting online bullying and inappropriate content to the Office
of the eSafety Commissioner
My Digital Reputation / Protecting your digital reputation
Video games - Good or Bad?
Game ON! – Movie and questions
Map Your Wellbeing Network
Support Places for Young People
Term 1
Thursday 4th March - Girls Volleyball v Killarney Heights
Friday 5th March - Girls Open Soccer v Manly
Tuesday 9th March - Boys Open Cricket
Wednesday 10th March - Boys 14 years Rugby League at Forestville
Monday 15th March - ZONE SWIMMING
Tuesday 16th March - Girls Waterpolo
Wednesday 17th March - Boys Waterpolo
Thursday 25th March - Sydney North Swimming
Wednesday 31st March - School Cross Country Carnival
Term 2
Tuesday 20th April - School Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 28th April to Friday 30th April - CHS (State) Swimming
Monday 3rd May - Zone Cross Country
Friday 21st May - Zone Athletics
Pittwater High School PDHPE Faculty Expectations
1. Turn up prepared for both theory and practical classes.
2. Be punctual at the beginning of the lesson. Don't keep your classmates waiting.
3. Put in effort - do your best!
4. Have an open mind to trying new sports and activities.
5. Be kind and supportive to your classmates. Be a good teammate.
Congratulations to following Year 11
students who have been selected as
Drama Captains for the remainder of
their time at Pittwater High School:
Tessa Mortensen
Jacob McNicol
Da Vinci Decathlon Training Sessions are running every Tuesday morning from 7.45- 8.30am, in A6 classroom. Students from Years 7-11 welcome to participate regardless of prior experience. What is Da Vinci? For those of you hearing about Da Vinci for the first time, we run the sessions as an oppor- tunity to explore the below listed subjects and skill areas beyond the classroom. For this reason, the door is open to anyone wishing to come along. We also run the sessions to prepare for an academic decathlon we aim to compete in, which is held annually at Knox Grammar School in early May (early Term 2). The competition is designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, car- tography and this year for the first time, the concept of legacy. (You can find more about it here http://www.davincidecathlon.com/davinci/about). If anyone has any further questions they should see Ms Coyte in the HSIE staffroom.
At PHS this term, students across the school in Years 9-12
have been introduced to the Cornell Note Making system
and have been using it in a range of subjects to aid their
learning. Note making is recognised as a high leverage
teaching and learning strategy because it:
Keeps students alert, focussed and ensures they are active learners.
Engages the mind through having to listen carefully and decide what to include in
notes, developing prioritising skills
Emphasises and organises key information and ideas.
Boosts comprehension and retention.
Creates a condensed record for study.
Students are encouraged to make notes when they are watching informative videos,
reading texts and listening to teacher explanations. For visual learners, and to further en-
gage the brain, students can add sketches to their notes.
If you are interested in learning more about Cornell Notes or Sketchnoting, these videos
are helpful:
Cornell Notes explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErSjc1PEGKE
Sketchnoting with Cornell notes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=pZgMpjjgCRA&feature=emb_logoHere is the roster of wonderful parents who love to see what amazing food the canteen produces. If
you are unable to make the day please call the canteen on 9979 6968 and let us know.
Term 1 NEWS 2021
Thank you to all the parents for volunteering in the canteen. Most of the days are full
although we have 2 spots on a Thursday to be filled.
Every 2 weeks a newsletter is sent out and we have a canteen section. We put up the
roster for the following 3 weeks. Sometimes we will have a day when we still need help.
So if you have a free morning (8.30 till 11.30) or afternoon (12 till 2ish), please come down
on the days we need the help. Any extra help is appreciated as we make the majority of
the food here on site, from the nachos & bolognese meat to our famous pasta sauce to
the renowned salads.
Our salads this term are
Green goddess salad - Tahini dressing- tuna or tofu
Bali Buddha salad- No peanut satay dressing – chicken or tofu
Baja salad (So Cal style)- Coriander dressing – chicken or corn fritters
Mexican salad, beans or chicken
Greek pasta salad, chicken or tofu.
Regarding cash: We would like to operate with minimum cash. If your child does not
have a card and has cash only can they bring small notes or coins, no large notes.
If you can’t make the day, please call in and let the ladies know.
Monday 1 Mar Rachel Henderson
Tuesday 2 Mar Simon Cohen
Wednesday 3 Mar Toni Castle
Thursday 4 Mar Catherine McGrath, Sabrina Gereaux, Olivia Lane
Friday 5 Mar Kirstin Barchia Therese Creed, Liem Huynh
Monday 8 Mar Jutta Shulte
Tuesday 9 Mar Kate McGregor, Sandy Cozen
Wednesday 10 Mar Suzanne Humphreys, Sarah Casaneanu, Peta Bayfield
Thursday 11 Mar Catherine McGrath
Friday 12 Mar Jen Masters (am), Koula Enev
Monday 15 Mar Treena Nelson
Tuesday 16 Mar Simon Cohen
Wednesday 17 Mar Barbara Tonucci
Thursday 18 Mar Karen Saint, Sabrina Gereaux
Friday 19 Mar Sarah AttfieldYou can also read
