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SEFTON NEWS
NEWSLETTER OF SEFTON HIGH SCHOOL
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This will be the final printed version of the Sefton News.
The price of printing and posting for this newsletter costs the school large sums which can be redirected to
learning programs. The printed version also does not do justice to the pictures and photographs which showcase
student work.
Copies will still be uploaded to our website, and will be available for emailing if you email or ring the school to
confirm your email address.
We are currently working on an official Sefton High School Facebook page and will advise when this is up and
running so that you can “Like” us and receive reminders for upcoming events (eg vaccinations, Gala days,
Sports carnivals etc) and timely reports on events at the school.
`
Mr K Humphreys
Principal
Sefton High School
SEFTON NEWS
NEWSLETTER OF SEFTON HIGH SCHOOL
TERM 2 JUNE 2018 2/2018
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
distracted by mobile phones at school and her
May I begin my first report for Sefton News by beautification of grounds and expansion of play and
thanking the staff and students for the very warm sporting facilities. This has left a legacy for many
reception and the patience they have afforded me in students for years to come. Congratulations Sandra
my first few days as Principal of this wonderful, high on an outstanding career dedicated to public
functioning school. I have quickly come to see just education.
how settled the classrooms and the playground are
and how professional and committed the staff are to One other observation linked to mobile phones. I
ensuring that every student is successful in their have come from a situation where students carry
learning and has opportunities to engage outside of mobile phones with them always. It was and is a very
the classroom whether it be through excursions, real problem in schools. Despite my previous school
sport, debating or other competitions. and many others world-wide taking a hard line on
students and mobile phones at school, we still
I have also been struck by the visual appeal of the experienced theft, breakage, interruption, outbreaks
Sefton HS grounds and buildings. Sefton HS is a of cyber-bullying increasing anxiety in students and
very attractive school and I can speak with authority constant improper use. Students were literally in
on this, having worked in four other schools and many instances on their phones constantly and it was
visited many others. I have commented on this with clear that learning was not optimal or in some
a number of students in the hope of getting them to instances non-existent. Further, students would
appreciate their surrounds and thereby be committed often spend lunch and recess on their phones rather
to maintaining the physical environment including than engaging and talking and playing with others as
gardens, ovals, corridors and classrooms all of which frankly kids are meant to do. It has been so refreshing
look immaculate. to come to Sefton High School and walk around at
recess and lunch and see kids playing games, playing
I was also very impressed by the quality of the Year cards and most of all sitting and conversing with one
11 and 12 Parent Teacher Evening. The hall layout, another. Consequently there will be no change to
the professionalism of staff and the exuberance and mobile phone policy. Mobile phones are not to be at
toil of our Hospitality and SRC students set this school. Students who do not follow this will continue
event as a yardstick that other schools would do well to find their phones being confiscated, disciplinary
to emulate. action occurring and parents will be required to
attend a meeting with the relevant Deputy Principal
I would like to pay tribute to outgoing Principal in order to secure the return of the phone.
Sandra Coombes. The current students and past
students are the beneficiaries of her outstanding Staff Congratulations
service and vision. Sandra has led the school to be
focussed on the foundations of a quality education To Ms Pollock and Ms Wood for not only
for all. Her unwavering belief in ensuring high coordinating regional sporting teams at carnivals but
standards of literacy and numeracy development and also coaching the Sydney South West teams to
her particular passion for developing the reading and victory in Netball and Basketball respectively.
writing capabilities of all students permeates all To Ms Burns and Ms Konstantaras for being
aspects of the school. It is the students who benefit recognised by the Department of Education for 20
from this vision and leadership action. years of excellent service.
Sandra has also left her legacy with her insistence on To Ms Roberts for her outstanding leadership of the
the highest standards of uniform, her insistence hospitality students on parents teacher night.
(correctly so in my view) that students not be
To Mr Dimopoulos for his outstanding leadership of to do so on the correct Department of Education
the school throughout this principal transition period. forms. The Principal has discretion in this matter
and the major criterion in granting leave the
To the many staff busy taking groups of students on
Principal is required to consider is whether the
various sporting and tournament events in what is
always a busy time of year. absence will be in the student’s best interests.
Generally, it is not in a student’s best interests to
I look forward to serving the Sefton High School miss any school. Even if approval is given, the
Community in the months and years ahead. student must be recorded as absent (Leave). This
is a national policy.
Excellence Award If you make an application for extended leave for
Last year, our school was involved in a research your child you must attach a letter of explanation
project led by the Centre for Education Statistics and or write on the back of the form. The explanation
Evaluation (CESE) within the NSW Department of should include
Education. The research involved a case study about the purpose of the leave;
how our school, and other schools from across the
state, have created a culture of excellence. why this leave must be taken during school
term time rather than school vacation time.
The Creating a Culture of Excellence case study details of where the student will be staying and
outlines how our school has implemented and who will be supervising the student.
embedded quality practices to improve teaching and
learning outcomes. details of any movement or travel at the
destination ie an itinerary.
To read our school’s case study, visit the CESE This is Department of Education Policy.
website https://www.cese.nsw.gov.au/publications- Principals are expected to discourage leave during
filter/creating-a-culture-of-excellence-case-studies. school time in order to promote attendance and
learning and in order to fulfil Child Protection
To have Sefton High School acknowledged for its obligations. Whilst you have rights as parents to
demonstrated excellence across the public education take family holidays during school time, the school
system is testimony to the excellence in learning, retains the right to determine how the absence will
excellence in teaching and excellence in leadership be recorded.
that permeates this wonderful school.
If the period of leave is approved your child is
Congratulations to Sandra Coombes and to all staff
responsible for catching up on missed schoolwork.
and students at Sefton High School.
Teachers are not able to provide future work to be
taken before the absence begins.
Student Sick Leave
All student absences must be verified in writing by Mr K Humphreys
the parent/guardian within seven days of the Principal
absence, whether or not the parent has verbally
advised the school of the student’s absence. SHINING WORLD LEADERSHIP FOR
COMPASSION LAUREATE
The Principal or delegate will ensure that written I would like to acknowledge Nirvan Saint, Year 7,
explanations for absences are recorded within seven who recently hosted a documentary on supreme
days of the occurrence of the absences. Explanations Master Television.
that have been accepted by the Principal which are
provided after the seven-day period should be Nirvan applied and was successful in gaining this
retained. position which saw him host a documentary on
Laureate Campbell Remess (father of Project 365 –
Student Extended Leave Teddy Bears for Kids). This is a great example of
Department of Education Policy is that students an SHS student who demonstrates the school motto
should not take holidays or be absent due to of Sincerity, Scholarship and Service.
travel outside of school vacation times. If a parent
believes there is an urgent and/or essential reason He is also scheduled to host a range of upcoming
for holidays or travel outside of vacation times, documentaries in the future. We wish him all the
he/she may apply for the student to be granted leave best.
Please see the attached link Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 (7 days / 24 hours)
http://suprememastertv.com/en1/download/p.php?f www.kidshelpline.com.au
=0212-SWL-Campbell-Remess-700 Youthbeyondblue 1300 224 636 (7 days)
www.youthbeyondblue.com
SCHOOL BLAZERS (3pm–12am)
Students wishing to purchase a school blazer should Reachout au.reachout.com
go to the uniform shop on a Monday to be fitted. Headspace Headspace Helpline 1800650890
Please note, blazers must be paid for either online (7 days; 9 am–1 am)
before the fitting (and the proof of purchase taken www.eheadspace.org.au
to the uniform shop) or at the time of fitting when (7 days; 9 am–1am)
a receipt will be given. To pay online, go to our
school website http://www.seftonhigh.nsw.edu.au/ NEW PRINCIPAL
click on About Us, then Uniform. This will provide Interview with Mr. Humphreys - Kirsty Nguyen
the link to the uniform shop for online payment. and Tivonee Kapugama
Not long ago, news broke out that the new principal
There is no size choice online as this depends on your
was here. We were all curious, our ears perked up
child’s fitting. The uniform shop will not process the
and our eyes became alert for any clues to answer to
order unless at least 10 students order blazers,
and satisfy our inquisitiveness. Who exactly was he?
therefore this is only done once per term.
It was clear what had to be done, what was absolutely
WORK PLANNER DATES 2018 necessary and what couldn’t be put off - an interview
It has been brought to our attention that the 2018 with the man in charge. Luckily, he was very willing
Student Planner issued to all students in Term 1 to spare some of his time to chat with us. Here’s our
Week 1 has an error on Page (i). Term 4 dates for the little conversation with Mr. Humphreys:
end of the school year should read Term 4
concludes for students Wednesday 19 December After being welcomed as the new principal of Sefton
2018. High School, Mr. Humphreys was asked how he was
feeling about it all. He replied, “every possible
FINAL/END OF YEAR EXAMINATIONS emotion” and that he had initially experienced mixed
YEAR feelings of being “excited, overwhelmed, frightened,
12 Term 3, Weeks 3-5 (6/8/18 – 20/8/18) nervous”. His first impressions of the blue walled,
11 Term 3, Weeks 8-9 (10/9/18 – 21/9/18) blue-gated, blue-uniformed environment of SHS was
10 Term 4, Week 6 (19/11/18 – 21/11/18) one “of the school being a very pretty place”. He then
9 Term 4, Weeks 6-7 (22/11/18 – 26/11/18) delved a bit into his memory about the previous
school he had worked at, comparing its physical
8 Term 4, Week 7 (27/11/18 – 29/11/18)
landscape against the grassy and tree-abundant
7 Term 4, Weeks 7-8 (30/11/18 – 5/12/18) nature of our very own. He spoke of his wish to “be
able to tell other kids [this] so that they would see the
BEYOND YEAR 10 EVENING
value in their school” - so if you’re listening up guys,
(For the Parents of Year 10 Students)
next time you see one of Sefton’s superb trees, hug
Term 2 Week 9, Wednesday 27/6/18. it. Do it!
Mr B Blaker
When asked, he disclosed to us about his being an
Deputy Principal
avid supporter of the no-pineapple-on-pizza
movement. He even went so far as to recommend
HELP FOR STUDENTS support and compassion for those who believed
Below is a list of telephone numbers and online otherwise…. That is a discussion for another day but
contact details which students will find helpful if feel free to discuss amongst yourselves, for even the
they are feeling stressed, upset, lonely, worried or principal labelled it an “important” and “deep
depressed about any issues in their lives: eg question”.
schoolwork, family, friends, health, relationships,
personal matters. Staff at these services are trained Seeing as Mr. Humphreys is an experienced teacher,
and experienced in providing support and guidance we wanted to know what he believed was the most
to students. The services are free and anonymous. rewarding aspect of the job. A smile grew on his
face, and we were sure he was reminiscing of the
great times he had over the years. His answer, “Easy. Question 2: What was the last really really really
Working with kids. Easy, easy, easy, easy - working good book you read?
with kids.” He admitted that though it “sounds ● “I am a book reader. The authors I read a lot of
corny”, he wanted to “do something with greater include Michael Connelly and Lee Child. I read
purpose and meaning” and that he could say one of each during the last holidays. Without
“without any shadow of a doubt, it’s dealing with the knowing the names of the novels, they would be
kids, being around them, sharing their joys, their the last two authors I would’ve read.”
excitements, their sadness - the welfare-type
umbrella work with them. Easy, far and away, the Question 3: During your schooling years, would
most rewarding thing.” But, being the detectives, we you say there was a certain person who inspired you
were, we already knew of this from the quick to become a teacher and, well now, a principal?
glimpse into the ● Maths teacher - “I had the most wonderful
Cronulla High teacher; whose name was Ron Sutherland and he
newsletter which frightened you but he also inspired you at the
showed Mr. same time. I was so fortunate to have him 7 to 10.
Humphreys’ I just enjoyed every minute of being around
ongoing support him.”
to both students ● PE teacher, Tony Cashman< who also had a
and staff. passion for the world game.- “Later, I played
cricket on Saturday afternoon with one of the
When asked if teachers and so he’d be Tony on a Saturday
Mr. Humphreys afternoon and Mr. Peters, Monday to Friday.
had any ● “I just think being around those guys was
childhood something that sparked the interest in me”
dreams or
aspirations, he Question 4: If the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter
was quick to was to sort you, what would you be?
answer. Excited, he shared his passion for cricket ● “Naturally, we all wish to say Gryffindor! I think
which essentially ignited his dream of being a the reality is, I’d be a Ravenclaw.”
cricketer, to represent Australia in the baggy green
cap. But alas, like any kid, there comes a point when Question 5: State of Origin Game 1 just passed on
dreams are snuffed out. Here, Mr Humphreys Wednesday. Would you say your allegiance lies
recounted his moment: “I was very good at Junior with the Blues or the Maroons. Answer wisely,
representative level, but just not good enough. And we’re known for our blueness.
thankfully, somebody told me when I was about ● “I have to very careful about this… I’m an AFL
sixteen that ‘you are very good but you’re never fan. (a moment of silence on our part before
going to play for Australia.’ But I needed to hear scrambling for the next question to dodge Sir’s
that.” Mr. Humphreys went on to say that it was curveball) My interest in the game (Rugby
important he was told that, as you grow, you need to League) waned once i got introduced to AFL. I
become more realistic with your capabilities. guess, I am from New South Wales so I would
say New South Wales.”
To end our interview with Mr. Humphreys, we
thought a simple rapid-fire question would be best After hearing from the man himself, we think it is
suited. Here’s what we gathered. safe to say that Sefton High will be in good hands
and are looking forward to see our school continue
Question 1: You’ve just won the lottery and can to thrive. Once again, a warm welcome to our
travel to anywhere in the world. What is your principal, thanks again for putting up with our
place(s) of holiday destination? Why? shenanigans.
● “I’ll show my snobbery, I suppose, a little bit Kirsty Nguyen and Tivonee Kapugama
through this: Europe. I’ve been fortunate enough
to go to Europe a couple of times and I just love NSW PLAIN SPEAKING ENGLISH
the history, the culture, the differences, the AWARD – REGIONAL GRAND FINAL
picturesque nature of the place.” I have been fortunate enough to be given the
opportunity to represent Sefton High School in the
NSW Plain-Speaking English Award for the year of been kept very busy in Semester 1, undertaking the
2018. It has been a great honour to be selected for little jobs which make a big difference to
this fantastic competition and I have been fortunate organisation and the smooth running of events.
enough to progress past the zone and regional finals.
I will be competing in the NSW State Semi-final in In other Welfare Team news, the School Prefects are
late June at the Maiden Theatre in The Royal currently working busily on their final fundraiser,
Botanic Gardens and I hope to do Sefton proud. which is held annually in Term 2, Week 9. This event
is known as SEMPH, which stands for Social,
If anyone is interested or knows someone who Emotional, Mental, Physical Health. Initiated in
would be interested in public speaking, this is a great 2007, the event aims to raise awareness and provide
opportunity to showcase and develop your the platform for open discussion about topics that are
communication and confidence. With a great coach still so hard for many to talk about. This year all
in Ms Alali and the support of peers, the process is money raised by the prefects will be donated to
both enjoyable and enriching. You also have the Headspace, hence making SEMPH fundraising even
freedom to explore a wide range of topics in this more purposeful this year. The Prefects have also
competition. initiated a ‘Return and Earn’ fundraising program for
Sefton High School Students. I have included a part
Through this competition, participants compete of the speech delivered by Ellie Bennetts and Kennan
against students from various other schools and in Wong hereafter, to explain our purpose and goals.
turn, meet great new friends. I have thoroughly
appreciated the experience and would recommend Students in Year 11 have almost completed the
anyone to give it a try. Crossroads program. This program is a compulsory
one, required to attain a Year 11 Certificate of
Achievement. The fundamental aim of the program,
which is to “prepare and support students as they
encounter situations related to identity,
independence and their changing responsibilities”
(NESA), will be finalised with a driving education
awareness focus. This is completed via an excursion
to the B Street Smart event run by various NSW
organisations. A note for this excursion was sent
home in Week 7. Payment and the note must be
returned by the start of Term 3. For your
information, I have included the Pamphlet about the
event at the end of this newsletter. Please note, this
event is filmed and photographed and there is some
chance that we may be included in footage taken on
the day. If you have any concerns about this, please
By Christopher Predic contact me directly.
Year 11 Student.
Ms Diab
FROM THE WELFARE TEAM Head Teacher Student Welfare
Semester 1 has been a busy one with a great range of
activities addressing student well-being for all Year NSW Health Vaccination Program
groups. Students in Years 7 to 10 have been engaged The NSW Health Vaccination Program for students
in a broad range of activities organised by their Year in Year 7 has been initiated. The 2nd Year 7
Advisers. This includes a tremendous plan by the vaccination will occur in Term 4, completing the
Year 10 Fundraising Committee, led by Mr Lu, to vaccination program for this grade. For the second
take place in Term 3. Watch this space for more year, NSW Health is offering a ‘booster’
news… I am also told by Miss Kacopieros that Year Vaccination to older students, in this case Years 10
8 have things in store for us for Term 4. It looks like and 11. Cases of a particular type of meningococcal
our year groups are making 2018 an EVENT-ful disease (strand W) have recently increased rapidly,
year! To wrap, I’d like to thank our Year 10 Student almost tripling between 2015 and 2017 in NSW. This
Assistant Squad members and Mr Wolter who have type of meningococcal disease is more severe with a
higher case fatality rate than other types of this term there will be a bin for each Sport House
meningococcal disease recently circulating in colour. So when you deposit your bottles, put them
Australia. The only vaccine available against in the bin that matches your house colour. (In case
meningococcal W disease also provides protection you need a reminder that’s red for Cuthbert, green
against three other meningococcal types – A, C and for Court, yellow for Thorpe and blue for Bradman)
Y. While most children are vaccinated against We will tally which house contributes the most
meningococcal C at 12 months of age, this ACWY bottles to the program...And after a year every
vaccine will be a useful booster and is highly member of the house who has contributed the most
recommended by NSW Health. The forms for this bottles to the initiative will receive a FREE ice block,
program, were due back at school in Term 2, Week yes EVERY member of the house gets a free ice
6 and the nurses will be at Sefton High in Week 10 block at the annual swimming carnival!
to administer this very important vaccination. Please
do not hesitate to contact Ms Diab if you have any To motivate you, we’ll be keeping a tally of how
questions about this vaccination. close we are to raising enough to build our first well,
on the notice board in the link area, next to the
‘Return and Earn’ 2018 Prefects Fundraising canteen - which we’ll update every week! Keep an
Initiative eye on this and help us reach our target!
We’re running our own version of the Woolworth’s
‘Return and Earn’ bottle recycling program. KW: So, please dispose of all bottles in this bin from
Recycling bins have been placed just outside the gate here on. Plastic bottles and glass bottles are included
to the canteen and we encourage students to place all in the program. If you like, we’re even willing to
empty and clean eligible (for the program) bottles in lighten the rubbish load from home! Bring along
this bin. The prefects will do the rest. That is, we will those bottles from last night’s dinner and place them
empty the bin each time it’s filled, and take the in our bin!
bottles to the collection point/machine. For each
bottle we return, we will earn 10c. While this might Most importantly, remember to make sure your
not seem like a lot. One thousand students are sure to bottles are empty, uncrushed and have their labels on
raise at least $50 per week! In one term… that’s before you place them into the bins. Sefton, we are
$500. Just from returning our empty bottles! on our way to ensuring everyone has access to clean
drinking water!
But wait, where will the money go? And what will I
get out of returning my bottles? PEER SUPPORT
The Peer Support Program at Sefton High School is
Our goal is to use all money raised from recycling designed to help Year 7 students make a smooth
our water bottles to help those who can't even dream transition from primary school to secondary school.
of having bottled water to drink. Why? Because they The program focuses on encouraging peer
don't know the luxury of clean tap water, let alone connections and assists students in develop practical
the indulgence of drinking from a bottle! So, skills to enhance social and emotional wellbeing. It
Seftoners, we’re asking you to be conscious of how also empowers young people to support each other
lucky we are and to use that for a good cause. Each and contribute positively to their school community.
time you finish drinking from a bottle place it in our In term 1 the Peer Support Program was led by
bin. We will save until we’ve raised enough to build selected Year 11 students who mentored Year 7
a clean water well in an impoverished country. students. Year 11 students met with their group of
Year 7 students weekly, participating in activities
By doing this we will help provide clean drinking which helped students develop the knowledge, skills
water to some of the 780 million people worldwide and attitudes necessary to maintain friendships and
who live without access to the clean water we all take interact with one and other in a friendly and positive
for granted. With your help, Sefton, we’ll make way. Students were also engaged in activities that
money move and make a difference for people who focused on empathy, assertiveness, conflict
truly need it. resolution and decision making.
But that’s not all! After all, this wouldn't be Sefton On Thursday 5th April upon completion of the Peer
without some friendly competition. So, we are going Support Program, Peer Support Leaders and Year 7
to turn this into a Sports house comp! By the end of students attended the annual Peer Support Picnic at
Garrison Point which was an enjoyable day for
everyone.
Ms Carenza and Ms Simic
Peer Support Coordinators
HISTORY EXCURSION
Amazing experience being real-life
archaeologists
Have you ever dreamt of being a real life
archaeologist? Well, our Ancient History dreams
came true when we held a Bronze sword that a
Cypriot soldier would have depended on for his life
3000 years ago, there is no greater assurance of how
real the ancient world was and is.
Year 11 Ancient History at Sydney University
On the fifth Friday of term 2, the two Ancient
History classes of year eleven got the opportunity to
explore the Nicholson Museum at the University of
Sydney. We walked down the cobblestone
pavements taking in the surroundings, a trip down
memory lane for our teachers and for most of us
students, a first-time look at the Hogwartsesque
university (which was in itself historical)!
Year 11 Historians outside the Nicholson Museum,
Sydney University.
We got an in-depth tour from the experienced and It was a great way to end the week and a great start
passionate Emma, who led us around the exhibitions to living our Historical dream. I’m sure all of us
that were very much relevant to our current studies students are grateful for our teachers Ms Itzstein
of Ancient Greek theatre and warfare (as well as and Ms Konstantaras for organising the day and
giving us an insight to Pompeii which we will study supervising us.
next year). The thing about Ancient History is that By Kirsty Nguyen and Devyani Kumar, Year 11
buried under the ground is more than just the Ancient History 2018
weapons and tools that were used by civilisations
that thrived several millennia ago. There are also VISUAL ARTS
human remains, a real identity or person that were Year 9 Elective Visual Arts students have been
once just alive as we are today. To get the chance to studying the topic Landscape this term. They have
be taught about these real lives -which had been completed a landscape painting appropriated in the
preserved for the very purpose of education- was style of either David Hockney, Reg Mombassa or
humbling and one we paid back with respect. Howard Arkley. Students were required to make
decisions about the composition, canvas size and
paint colour. Students planned and successfully
completed their finished designs, further developing
their skills in creativity, painting and drawing.
Miss Unwin
Visual Arts Teacher
Justin and Chris holding a 3,000 year old sword in
the Nicholson Museum crypts
For a day, we became archaeologists and stood on
the bridge of time that connected the ancient world
to our own. We were led into the special interactive
room of the sacred crypts, reserved only for the
privileged, where we were allowed to get hands on
with some of the museum’s artefacts, which dated
not just hundreds of years before we existed but
by Adriel Zummo
rather thousands before common era (the oldest of
which were 10 000 year old spearheads). We wore
white gloves and carefully held and handled ancient
artefacts, hypothesised and drew conclusions, skills
that surely any archaeologist could be proud of and
at the end of the day left with a deeper understanding
of the people we were studying in class.
A real 5,000 year old Ancient Egyptian mummy at
By Annabella Luu
the Nicholson Museum
‘Emma’ by Jane Austen (selected by Year 11):
‘Emma’ by Jane Austen portrays many deep and
meaningful lessons through its gripping words. It
challenges one’s thoughts and emotions and allows
the reader to see and learn from life’s experiences.
The characters of the book are wonderfully
developed and all have a role in the story. I would
highly recommend this book for its complex plot and
truthful words. It is a book that will change the
reader’s perspective and is a book that is enriched
with emotion and wise words from Austen.
Trist Wang, Year 7 student
Keep your eyes peeled for the next Book of the
Month which will be selected by Year 9!
By Jiaen Lin
Ms S. Alali
THE BOOK OF THE MONTH English Teacher
Students are eagerly awaiting the release of the Book PREMIER’S DEBATING CHALLENGE
of the Month and the English Faculty is excited to
see the increase in Sefton High School students FOR YEAR 7 – THE BEGINNING
borrowing from our very own library. Each month, a The tense atmosphere surrounds room A21, over 25
novel is nominated by one year group to be the Book eager students waiting to audition for Sefton’s
of the Month which is then displayed in all English prestigious debating teams. With debating
classrooms and on our colourful notice board. experience ranging from four years to one, hearing
Students are actively reading the suggested books the words ‘second’ and ‘first’ speaker at the tryouts,
which appeal to all age groups as seen through our it was clear that numerous students were nervous and
many student testimonials. awaiting the outcome.
‘Wonder’ by R. J Palacio (selected by Year 8): While only here for a mere five weeks, we were
‘Wonder’ is an amazing book that all students must stunned upon hearing the achievements of the former
read! It tells a gripping story that will leave all Sefton teams. Through two rounds; general
readers in tears. It is funny, sad, happy and exciting knowledge questions and an impromptu speech, the
all at once. You should definitely read this fantastic team was chosen; Vicki, Trist, Ava, Daniel and
story as soon as possible. Wajeeh Fatfat, Year 7 Kelvin. The team definitely had a reputation to
student uphold. No pressure though.
‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ by Stephen Every Thursday, the debating teams of Year 7 and 8
Chbosky (selected by Year 10): ‘The Perks of being undergo debating workshops run by Ms Alali.
a Wallflower’ is an amazing book as the author Through basic discussions between the Junior
delivers and writes about relatable situations with debating teams and engaging mock debates, we have
comedy and irony that most people would love! The developed an understanding of basic formatting and
first lines will get you hooked into the story. This structure, to advanced techniques.
book is a must read!
Daunting as it was, the support of Ms Alali and the
Melina Le, Year 7 student optimism of our peers led us through the initial
‘Red Queen’ by Victoria Aveyard (selected by Year worries. It was a joyful moment to see how all of us
12): You should definitely read ‘Red Queen’! It is met. Some of us had already debated against each
amazing and written by Victoria Aveyard who is a other in primary school. Watching the older teams,
very thoughtful author. The book is well structured we are inspired to make our own mark.
and will teach you many valuable lessons. I really
We are all looking forward to the competitive season
enjoyed reading this book and I couldn’t put it down.
ahead, representing our school, and doing what we
I highly recommend this book.
are extremely passionate about.
Nabila El-Dannawi, Year 7 student By The Year 7 Debating team Daniel Chen, Vicki Vu,
Ava Sael, Kelvin Ly and Trist WangPHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
Sefton High School’s latest co-curricular club has
been busily involved in a few projects over the
semester. Under the guidance of Ms Unwin and Ms
Stafford, the Photography Club have expanded their
photographic skills and explored aspects of their
creativity in a supportive learning environment.
Students have explored various topics each week
refining their camera skills. A few of their projects
include Architecture, Black and White Photography
and being involved in Sefton High School’s
Athletics Carnival. Miss Unwin has created a
Photography Club website. Term 3 and 4 student
applications are now opened.
A special thank you to Shady Alwidyan, Nancy Lam,
Cecelia Vu Year 11 and Grace Liu and Khanh Ninh
Pham Year 9 for helping take photographs during
Sefton High School’s athletics carnival.
Julie Pham, Year 9
Also with the arrival of Miss Stafford’s baby
Photography club would like to say a special thank
you and goodbye to Miss Stafford for her continuous
efforts with Photography Club.
Miss Unwin
Visual Arts Teacher
Christina Tu, Year 11
Nancy Lam, Year 11
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Year 12 Business Studies Excursion
On 28 February, thirty-eight Business Studies
students attended Taronga Zoo to partake in a
marketing workshop “Zoo Business”. This excursion
provided a firsthand experience on the various
processes and strategies involved in marketing.
The students explored the situational analysis of the
business to determine the company’s strengths and
weaknesses, identifying the overall success of its
Sarah Quach, Year 10 marketing objectives. It was a wonderful opportunityfor students to apply a good case study to their study developments, business and economic theory. High
of Business Studies. scoring students will be awarded with monetary
prizes from $50 - $400. Thank you to Ms Chon for
assisting organisation and supervising the Business
Studies Competition.
Ms Krunić
Social Science
ASX Sharemarket Competition
During Term One, one hundred and fifty students
participated in the ASX Sharemarket game. Students
received a virtual $50,000 to invest in 200 companies
Year 11 Business Studies Excursion listed on the ASX. Our top performers for 2018 were
Students in Year 11 Business Studies attended an a group from Year 9 who made a 10% return on
excursion on the 4th of April observing the local investment in a 10 week period. Congratulations to
businesses around Sefton. Students were required to Muhammad Ali, Fu Yu Chen, Henry Lam and Kevin
apply their theoretical understanding of the nature of Guo for their outstanding effort.
business by identifying and exploring a number of
different industries and legal structures present in Year 10 Geography Excursion
businesses around Sefton. In Week 3 of Term 2, students attended Bicentennial
Park for the Environmental Change and
Students were able to use the information gathered Management excursion. This hands-on field trip
to analyse the role and nature of business in a utilised a range of geographic skills and fieldwork
changing business environment. This was a good techniques to investigate the causes and
opportunity for students to investigate contemporary consequences of change in environments and how
issues and investigate different aspects of businesses can this change be managed. Students observed first-
around Sefton. hand the adaptive
management strategies
that assist to reduce the
impact of water
pollution on wetland
environments. They
worked collaboratively
to propose new
strategies to improve
water quality and the
health of coastal wetland
ecosystem. This
valuable learning
experience taught our
A.Chon Year 10 Geography
Social Sciences students the importance
of being active citizens
Economics and Business Studies Competition in their community.
Update
Year 9 and 10 History Elective Medieval Show!
Earlier this term, twenty-six Year 12 students On Friday 8th June, Year 9 and Year 10 History
participated in the Economics and Business Studies Elective watched the amazing James Adams and his
Competition, organised by the University of New funny Ancient and Medieval show.
South Wales. All participating students will receive
a signed certificate from UNSW, with HD, D, C for
top 5%, next 15%, next 30% respectively. The
competition tested students’ knowledge and
reasoning of topical business issues, recent economicYear 10 History Elective carrying their protective shields
Year 9 History Elective enjoying their punishment in the about to go into battle.
Medieval pilory
Science National Maritime Museum excursion
It was so exciting to handle real and replica weapons On 6 June 2018, Year 12 Chemistry students
from the times of our historical heroes like attended the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Alexander the Great, Joan of Arc and Henry VIII. Students had the opportunity to learn about the
We also experienced wearing chain mail like a real chemical processes involved in conserving and
knight! We thank our hardworking and dedicated restoring salvage from
History teachers, in particular to Ms Itzstein who shipwrecks. Students
went to all worked in groups to
that effort observe the science that
to organise was involved in many
the event. exhibitions, including
We love the James Cameron’s
learning exhibition for the film
about the Titanic. They also had
blood and the opportunity to
gore of conduct investigations
History and and make
especially measurements at the
Medieval knights wearing armour corrosion workshop. The presenters at the museum
enjoy when these stories in History come to life were very impressed by our students’ active
before our very eyes! History elective has allowed us involvement and conduct and presented the school
to understand the world we live in by analysing with a certificate of Merit and wished all the students
mistakes from the past. As Theodore Roosevelt once the very best for their HSC studies.
said: “The more you know about the past, the better
prepared you are for the future”. History Elective YEAR 11 CAMP
students. The Great Aussie Bush Camp
Camp is a part of high school life that just sticks with
you, regardless of what you thought coming into the
experience. No matter how amateur or expert you are
at the activities, whether you got your eight hours of
sleep or stayed up the whole night talking to your
cabin-mates, the good times you share with your
friends over these three days will be forever
treasured.
Alas it arrived: year eleven, our very last school
camp. The only thing we could do to soften the blow
of this realisation was to make the most of our time
The Famous Ancient warfare technique of the ‘tortoise shell’ here - and so we did exactly that.Aptly named, “The Great Aussie Bush Camp” at Tea Gardens was where we ventured off to and where we bunked down. Here we would be committing to challenges that reached new heights (quite literally) and for many of us, surprise ourselves with our own courage. Aside from camp, there would be very few opportunities otherwise to see our grade swarmed around a campfire, competing in funny games during challenge night, seeing our friends firing arrows into apples (or at least trying very hard to) or getting soaked from the waist down in our kayaks. And what’s a camp newsletter article without mention of commando night? Here’s all the details you need to know - we lost (again!). Though it was, once more, a sweet victory for the teachers and a bitter loss for their students, we’ve got to say we did pretty well, retrieving five out of the eight bottle “hostages” that were hidden in the deep and dark bush. Perhaps even the teachers would admit that slowly but surely, the students were getting better and eventually they’ll overtake them as the commando champions. One can only hope that such a future exists for Sefton students… Regardless of defeat, we students held our heads high and had a great time. Channelling our stealth, we dressed in dark clothing, ducked under branches and jumped over puddles in a way that would unquestionably make us all eligible to be the next 007. The time ended with us, packing up our things, enduring the difficulties of stuffing a sleeping bag back in its case and hopping onto the bus that would take us back to Sefton. Though it was somewhat sad to say goodbye to our campsite, the nap on the ride back made it bearable. On behalf of the year 11 cohort, we’d like to show our appreciation to all the teachers who accompanied us and put up with us for what probably seemed like an endless three days. A special thanks especially to Mrs. Harris, who so successfully put together an unforgettable camp, one that we are sure everyone enjoyed and will miss. Kirsty Nguyen and Tivonee Kapugama Year 11 I would like to thank year 11 for a memorable camp. Your behaviour was excellent and I am always impressed by your courage and bravery. I’d also like to thank all teachers who volunteered their time to join us and helped to make camp a fun experience for all. Mrs J Harris
COMPUTATIONAL AND participated in the 3km track or 4km track event.
ALGORITHMIC THINKING (CAT) Congratulations to the following students who were
Age Champions:
COMPETITION 2018
This competition is based around problem solving in
Age Male Female
computer science. It is a one-hour pen-and-paper
competition in which students are asked semi- 12 Navid Alizada Emily Nhan
mathematical questions related to computing 13 Gul Agha Rahimi Kexin Qiao
science. 14 Luke Huyen Victoria Nguyen
15 Nelson Pan Jasmine Huang
Well done to the sixty students who participated in 16 Ali Agha Rahimi Alice Liang
this competition and in particular to the twenty-five 17 Abdul Aljabery Christy Huang
students who achieved a Credit and the six students 18 Marcus Ng Chloe Tang
who have been awarded a Distinction.
The final standings for house points were as
Congratulations to our Distinction students. follows:
Place House Points
Year 8 Chanel Han-Sol Cho 1 Thorpe 786
Ethan Duong 2 Cuthbert event 771
Year 9 Alexander Nak Paou 3 Bradman 745
Year 10 Anh Le 4 Court 611
Vivienne Ly
Year 11 Peter Tran Congratulations to Thorpe House and all of the Age
Credit Certificates were achieved by Champions. 2018 saw the first year in a long time
Year 7 Sharon Chea that we timed the winners, so a range of new cross
Usman Taha Khan country records have been set for future years to
Natalie Christin Lam come by each of the age champions. These students
Andrew Lay will receive their awards at the presentation day at
Jayden Quach the end of the year.
Year 8 Zachary Liam Lam
Brian Nguyen Zone Cross Country Carnival
Dilpreet Singh Phagura The Bankstown Zone Cross Country was held at
William Phan Flinders Slopes, Bass Hill on Monday 28th May.
Andy Wu Ninety-eight of our students competed, easily the
Year 9 Janne Ge largest team in the Zone. We had some outstanding
Jasmine Mari Khuu runners with thirty participants progressing to
Kaitlin Nguyen Regional Cross Country. Good luck to all of those
Antonia Rizova competitors!
Year 10 Isha Rani Baldeo
Sarah Chea School Athletics Carnival
Jason Leang There was a great level of participation over the one
Joshua Tung Thien Luu and a half days of the Athletics carnival which was
James Phan held at the beginning of Term 2. Congratulations to
Zaid Shadid the following students who were Age Champions:
Jennifer Tran
Michael Trinh Age Male Female
Year 11 Kevin Dan Minh Nguyen 12 Navid Alizada Olive Kagi
Aayush Rajouria 13 Jye Daly Julianne Cinco
Lewis Truong 14 Brian Wu Bao Ngoc Joanne Bui
15 Favour Akuete Jennifer Mati
SPORT REPORT 16 Nicholas Tran Jessi Ta
School Cross Country Carnival AND
The school Cross Country was again held at The Aung San Aung
Crest Athletics Fields and the surrounding fields. It 17+ Victor Huynh Daena De Luna
was held on Thursday 3 May and all studentsThe final standings for house points were as Head cricket coach Mr Atton assembled an
follows: inexperienced Open Boys Cricket team, however
Place House Points they had a round 1 victory against Prairiewood High
1 Thorpe 1943 School. Round 2 to come later in the year. Good luck
2 Bradman 1779 gentlemen.
3 Court 1615
4 Cuthbert 1585 The Sefton High School Table Tennis team, under
Congratulations to Thorpe for taking out both the the guidance of Mr Siu, played Bonnyrigg in the
Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals! Sefton High School Table Tennis Stadium (the
school hall) where they played five matches (four
Zone Athletics Carnival singles and one doubles) and dominated all games
The Bankstown Zone Athletics Carnival will be held winning 5-0.
at the Crest Athletics Fields over two days in early
July. Sefton will be sending a strong team The Open Girls Softball, with Ms Brown as their
comprising of roughly eighty competitors per day, educator, travelled to Birrong Girls High School and
making us a force to be reckoned with. Good luck to despite a valiant effort went down 13-8.
all competitors attending each day.
The Open Boys Softball team, which was organised
Knockout Teams by Mr Atton, had a mix of youth and experience.
Knockouts Despite getting runners on base multiple times, lost
A number of knockout games have been played since to Bass High School 21-1 in five innings.
the last newsletter and many of our teams have been
successful. Last but not least, the Sefton High Schools Chess
teams, directed by Mr Richards, came away with
Sefton’s Inaugural Under 15s AFL team, coached by Round 2 victories for Sefton’s Intermediate and two
myself, begun their campaign with two junior teams, however the senior team was beaten in
comprehensive wins against Prairiewood and a hard fought and mentally taxing match.
Hurlstone High School. Unfortunately in round 3
three we came up against the premier sporting school A fantastic achievement by all our athletes, and best
in Sydney in Westfield Sports High School, and their of luck to those teams still in their respective
GPS trackers and professional coaching staff were a tournaments, and the teams who are yet to kick off
little too experienced for us on the day. their 2018 campaigns.
Coached by Mr Miranda, the Open Girls Soccer team Mr Beggs
came up against the previous tournament winners Sports Co-ordinator.
Cecil Hills High School and despite their best efforts
were unfortunately defeated on the day. VISUAL ARTS
Visual Arts News
The Open Boys Basketball team, under the Year 10 Visual Arts students have completed a very
experienced tutelage of Ms Pollock, won multiple successful collection of works this semester which
games convincingly and made it to the second central included these evocative landscape paintings. These
venue, which represents the final 4 teams in all of paintings were a response to a unit of work titled A
Sydney South West. Here they were only finally Sense of Place. Students were asked to explore a
beaten by the eventual regional champions natural environment that they have a strong
Moorebank High School and former state champions connection to through a range of different visual
Bonnyrigg High School. approaches. They made preliminary sketches, took
photographs, collected objects and reflected on their
The Open Girls Basketball, managed by Mr observations. Experiments were then completed with
Parameswaran, team defeated James Busby High acrylic and oil painting techniques. The students’ art
School in the preliminary round, then went on to making practice was informed by their study of
defeat Sir Joseph Banks High School during their Australian landscape painters in traditional and
round 1 match which saw them head to central contemporary contexts. Students successfully
venue. Unfortunately they were outplayed on the day achieved their intentions of focusing our attention on
and exited the tournament at this stage. the beauty of nature.Lochnivar Landscape by Mary Lee
Botanic Gardens by Aida Mangol
New Caledonia by Hengjia Liu
Vietnam by Jessica Vo
Culburra Beach by Jacinta Nguyen
The Park by Leanne TieuTERM DATES 2018 FOR STUDENTS
TERM 2 Tuesday 1/5/18 – Friday 6/7/18
All Students
TERM 3 Tuesday 24/7/18 – Friday 28/9/18
All Students
TERM 4 Monday 15/10/18 – Wednesday
19/12/18
Years 7-11
The Beach by Hannah Lee
Royal National Park by Donna Mac
Ms Simic Visual Arts TeacherYou can also read
