STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
2R Woolooware Road North Woolooware NSW 2230
Website: www.woolooware-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
TERM 4 WEEK 11A
Phone: 9523 6752 Fax: 9527 3412
16 DECEMBER 2014
FROM THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE
Strive for excellence...we sure did!
This school year has seen a lot of growth. As a school we faced challenges that helped us discover that we are
a strong community with compassion and sensitivity for one another, and a courageous spirit.
At our first assembly I told students that I expected them to work hard, to be actively involved in school, to
challenge themselves and to strive for excellence, as this was what would lead them to be the best learners
they could be and this would help them grow into successful young women and men. Well I am very proud to
say that they certainly took up the challenge with great fervour.
Year 12 students are anxiously awaiting their HSC results and planning the next part of their lives. We wish
them all the very best for the future.
Congratulations to all of our students who achieved recognition for their achievements and efforts at any one
of our award ceremonies this term: Year 12 Graduation, The Leakies, Sports Assembly, Presentation Day.
Congratulations too, to all of our amazingly talented performers who have represented our school across NSW
this year in one of the DEC's ensembles (dance, drama, band), at the School's Spectacular, at the Come
Together Award Ceremony and at many charity events.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the teaching staff and office staff of our wonderful school who
have worked tirelessly to ensure exciting learning opportunities for all students, including two overseas trips
this year!
Thank you too, to all the parents who take the time to participate in the school P&C Association and
Woolooware Auxiliary, for their continued support of our school. We appreciate your hard work and
commitment.
Congratulations and thank you to our student leadership teams - Student Wellbeing Team, School Prefects
and SRC for their vision, organisation and management of many events this year. Who could forget 'step in,
step up' and 'que sera'? And what an amazing sight it was to see our entire school walk up Captain Cook Drive
in support of White Ribbon's 'Say No to Violence Against Women' campaign!
On behalf of Mr Gleeson, Mr Fisher and the staff at Woolooware High School, I would like to wish parents,
students and our local primary school communities a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday
season.
MARIANNE SIOKOS
PRINCIPAL
Matthew, recipient of Deadly
Kids Doing Well Award
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NEWS
WHITE RIBBON
Following our annual White Ribbon Week, Woolooware
High School is now a nationally recognised White Ribbon
School! A big congratulations to Ms Siokos for supporting
the idea right from the beginning, the White ribbon team for
all of their efforts and the schools SRC for helping us to
make the week possible. Thanks extended to our special
guests who attended the assembly and showed their support
for the cause; White Ribbon Ambassador Simon Earle,
Inspector of Police Michael Merrett, White Ribbon Executive
Jennifer Mullen and our Regional Director of Education
Mark Barraket.
White Ribbon is an Australian organisation that is a male led campaign to end men’s violence against women.
Their vision is that all women live in safety, free from all forms of men’s violence – making women’s safety a
man’s issue too. The students, seeing this as an important issue in need of combating, hold an annual White
Ribbon Week, where the response from the students and the community has been incredible. The students
came together to organise the week so that all students and the community had the chance to get involved.
With the walk around the area sparking interest in the cause from the community, the declaration and the oath
providing boys the opportunity to actively stand against men’s violence against women, and the video and
assembly helping to inform students and raise awareness of the cause. The week is focused on developing
positive relationships, encouraging students to come together to support a cause.
On Friday, 28 November Woolooware High School hosted a whole school assembly, followed by a fun walk
to support 'White Ribbon', to support the Australian campaign to stop violence against women, helping to
develop positive attitudes, build relationships and providing the opportunity to be kind to one another and
learn to work together. The week was a huge success and will continue to be a large part of Woolooware High
culture for many years to come.
MR S DONAGHY
WHITE RIBBON COORDINATOR
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NEWS
YEAR 9 FOOD TECHNOLOGY - PARTY PLANNING ASSIGNMENT
This term, year 9 Food Technology students have been working
on a unit called ‘Celebrations’. The focus of this unit allowed the
students to learn about occasions that people and our society
celebrate and the importance food plays in those celebrations.
The main assessment for this unit involved students working in
small groups to plan a birthday celebration. The students had to
identify the age of the child, decide on a theme, design a cake that
they would bake and decorate in class, design and make a
placement and cup and produce a food item suitable for the
birthday party.
The students had several lessons to research and prepare for their
presentation. On Tuesday, 28 October the students baked their
cakes in class and on Wednesday, 29 October in our double period their presentations were due.
I was completely overwhelmed with the ideas the students had developed and the level of detail and execution
each group demonstrated when they presented their assessment. The themes the students had chosen for their
birthday celebrations were Pirate/Treasure Island, Fairies, Beach/Under the Sea, Alice in Wonderland,
Halloween and Hawaiian. The students were meticulous in their planning and should be congratulated on their
achievements.
MS L CURTIN
HOME ECONOMICS FACULTY
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NEWS
YEAR 11 HOSPITALITY - FINAL WORK PLACEMENT
The Hospitality students completed their second and final work placement in week 7 of this term.
All work placements for Woolooware High students are very successful. However, the students in this group
are undoubtedly the best!
They all participated with enthusiasm and professionalism which led to a very successful week. Three have
been offered employment which is outstanding.
Students were at various venues from an international hotel in the CBD in Sydney to a small local café.
These students are all proving success at each step to date to ensure they not only gain the national
qualification of a Certificate II in Hospitality but also their HSC.
MRS MOON
HEAD TEACHER HOME ECONOMICS - TAS
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
The spirit of Christmas shines at
Woolooware.
Thank-you to our school community for
your generosity in donating gifts and
money to purchase gifts for those in
need in 2014. The gifts will be collected
by Rotary and shared with local
charities.
Also, thank-you to Ms Michael and
Mrs Gowan for coordinating this
activity
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NEWS
SRC - UNITY DAY
On Friday, 12 December, members of the Woolooware High School SRC, spent a day at Gunnamatta Bay
with the Gunnamatta Greys Swimming Club. This annual event has been running for eight years and once
again The Greys won the championship trophy. Even though Woolooware failed to win the trophy it was a
great day enjoyed by all. I would like to thank The Gunnamatta Greys and The Cronulla RSL Social
Committee for all their hard work in organising the event. Until next year Greys.
DANIELLA
SRC PRESIDENT
NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS DAY
On Friday, 21 November, members of
the SRC attended the annual National
Young Leaders Day program held at
Homebush. This program aims to inspire
and teach young people about aspiring to
lead themselves and others in their future
careers. The day consisted of several
prominent leaders who spoke of their
careers and their successes and failures
they encountered along the way.
Speakers included Mike Martin,
Lucy Locket, Jeremy Rolleston and
Alex Malley. Students were encouraged
to get involved with the day by either
posting a photo on social media, sharing
their views and dreams with others on
camera, asking the speakers questions or
meeting the speakers personally.
DEIRDRE MURRAY-WALLACE
YEAR 10
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NEWS
YEAR 9 & 10 - ALL SCHOOLS TOUCH FOOTBALL (BOYS)
On Friday, 7 November the
Woolooware year 9 & 10 Boys Touch
Football team travelled to The
Kingsway Playing Fields in Penrith to
play in the NSW All Schools Touch
Football State Finals. The team had
qualified for the event by winning the
All Schools Regional Carnival held at
Gwawley Oval, Taren Point earlier in
the year.
The boys were dedicated and
committed to performing well and
they trained once a week in the lead up
to the State Finals. The All Schools
State Finals consists of the Top 23
Government,
Catholic
and
Independent Schools in NSW who
have won their regional final.
Although it was early in the morning,
the team were excited to play some
good touch football against some of
the best schools in New South Wales.
The boys got off to an awesome start against St Paul’s Port Macquarie and won the game 3-2. Throughout the
day the boys continued to gain confidence and were playing some brilliant touch football to have wins in their
pool over Holy Trinity Catholic College (3-2), Plumpton High School (4-1), Moruya High School (7-1) but
unfortunately dropped a game to a very well drilled Hunter Sports High School Team (6-2).
The boys finished second in their pool to qualify for the Quarter Finals against Narrabeen Sports High School.
Qualifying for the Quarter Finals also meant that Woolooware were one of the Top 8 schools in NSW.
Narrabeen were very strong and got off to very quick start, scoring from the tap off in the first 30 seconds.
However, the Woolooware boys stuck together and played their way back into the game to trail by 1 try going
into the last few minutes of the game. Ethan, Tallin and Mark set up a beautiful play for Ethan to scoot from
dummy half and he then passed it to Tallin who was unable to ground the football. We lost the Quarter Final
(4-3) and Narrabeen Sports High School eventually went on to win the State Championship.
We have been so close in the previous years so to progress through the competition was excellent. To finish
5th in NSW is an unbelievable achievement and something these boys have been working towards since
arriving at Woolooware High in year 7. This special group of boys have won the All Schools Regional Final
since year 7 and they are committed to continuing to play together in the coming years for the CHS Open
Touch football team.
A special thank you must go to our Co-Captains Tallin and Ethan for their outstanding performance,
leadership and enthusiasm on and off the field. Every player has demonstrated teamwork, respect for each
other, sportsmanship and commitment to their fellow team members and it has been so exciting to see every
individual improve. Bring on 2015!
The team was: Noah, Dylan, Aaron, Harrison, Tallin, Mark, Kyle, Sione, Ethan, Sam, Jarred and Eliah.
Injured/Absent- Trace, Cooper, Matthew.
MISS L. CURTIN (COACH)
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NEWS
YEAR 9 & 10 - ALL SCHOOLS TOUCH FOOTBALL (GIRLS)
On Friday, 7 November, the year 9/10 Touch Football Finals Series was held at Penrith. Woolooware High
had teams in both the boys and girls divisions after qualifying at the Regional finals held in June. The year
9/10 Girls team played 5 round games vs teams from across the state. There were 24 teams in NSW that
qualified for the finals. Woolooware played Bundarra, Woodenbong, Kildare, Lithgow and Picnic Point. They
won 2 games, drew one and had 2 very close losses. Unfortunately we came 3 rd in our pool and did not make
the finals. The team were mostly year 9 students, some having very little touch experience. They trained to
prepare for the finals series, and were a credit to themselves and the school for their sportsmanship and
efforts. Touch will be in good hands in the future with these talented students playing! The team was
Stevie, Tanika, Zoe, Mikaela, Tyler, Lili, Jessica, Georgia, Phoebe, Tessa, Gabrielle, Tayla, Olivia and
Naomi.
MISS S. SMITH
SPORTS ORGANISER
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NEWS
DRAMA & DANCE SHOWCASE
A big congratulations to all of our performers in the Drama & Dance showcase in week 9. A huge thank-you
to Ms Walsh-Kemp and Ms Micos for their hours of work, amidst school spectacular and numerous other
school commitments. You put on a great show. What talented students we have!
Also, thank you to Greta Sohler (year 10) for shooting these great photos.
Video clips are available through the school server: student drive> creative arts.
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NEWS
MUSIC NIGHT
Our talented students, alongside Ms Petrakis, Michael Raper, Mr Taylor and our fabulous team of tutors have
done it again! Music Night was a showcase of the outstanding and diverse musical talent we have here at
Woolooware.
Tanya Smith, a Woolooware Mum and fabulous photographer, has generously donated her time and
services to shoot music night and the drama/dance showcase for us. Tanya has done this on numerous
occasions and I just can’t thank her enough!. Not only that, she has allowed students to download small
photos for free!
Click on this link to see more photos: http://tanyasmithphotography.zenfolio.com/f151707753
If you have seen Tanya at work at any school events, you will notice the creative angles she works with to
get the best shots.
*Video clips are available through the school server: student drive> creative arts
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NEWS
EXTREME LEARNING PROGRAM 2014
Once again, we had spectacular success with our eXtreme Learning program this year! We facilitated the four
individual programs (Flourish Mentoring, eXtended Learning, MaX ATAR Masterclasses and Study Skills)
for students across Stages 4, 5 and 6, to build their capacities as learners as they strive for excellence.
The eXtreme Learning program focuses on individual and collaborative learning styles; building skills in
collaboration, agility and innovation; and developing students’ emotional intelligence. As such, they become
equipped with strategies that support their wellbeing and consistent achievement at a high standard. Students
who were involved in the inaugural program in 2012 have recently completed their HSC exams, and we are
expecting outstanding results across a range of subjects.
High achievers involved in the 2014 eXtended Learning and Flourish Mentoring programs were:
Year 11/12: Anne, Bronte, Thomas, Jason, Jack, Taylor, Taylah, Sam, Nina, Jamiee, Hayley, Emma, Claudia,
and Josetta. Year 10: Rhianna, Greta, Matthew, Deirdre, Hannah, Harrison, Bianca, Amy, Chloe, Elise.
The eXtended Learning program culminated in an excursion to Sydney University on Wednesday, 10
December, where Year 11/12 students were given a guided tour of the main campus and visited a range of
lecture theatres. Their guide gave a presentation on student life, expectations, how and when to apply for
scholarships as well as a detailed exploration of the refurbished Law library. Students thoroughly enjoyed the
‘sneak peek’ into university life; they particularly enjoyed writing their names on the grafftti tunnel! Thank
you to Ms Brown for organising this important initiative.
The celebration dinner for the Flourish Mentoring program was held on Tuesday, 2 December at Woolooware
Royal Motor Yacht Club. Amidst exceptional views over the bay and complemented by an exquisite three
course menu, students and their individual mentors reflected on their experiences working collaboratively on
a range of activities, offering parents, school executive and the Welfare Team insights into the the program.
Thank you to Mr Monahan for coordinating this spectacular evening.
I would also like to thank our 2014 community mentors: Belinda Fairfax from BelPeopleSolutions, Sue Leak
from Brookfield Johnson Controls, Sgt Kelly Donaghy from NSW Police, Wayne Gleeson from NSW
Department of Education and Communities and Lydia Moussa from LEAP to CHANGE for their time, energy
and expertise in leadership and team building; our students gained valuable knowledge and skills that will
ensure their wellbeing as well as continued academic success.
Finally, thank you to the eXtreme Team and all teachers who gave their time and expertise to ensure the
program was a resounding success this year. I look forward to a dynamic 2015, where we can further
strengthen our programs to cater for the rapidly expanding cohort of high achievers across the school.
RENEE HOLZ
HEAD TEACHER ENGLISH
EXTREME LEARNING COORDINATOR
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NEWS
EXTREME LEARNING PROGRAM 2014
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NEWS
STUDENTS IN THE NEWS
ABBEY (8) AND ABBEY (9) were members of the
victorious Sydney East Open Water Polo team that competed
at Wagga recently. Both students were also named in the
NSW CHS Open Water polo team to play in the All Schools
Championships in March next year
MITCHELL (8) recently competed in the 2014 Schoolboys Junior Tennis Tournament representing
Woolooware High. Mitchell was fourth seed and there were 48 boys competing. Mitchell won the Year 8
Main-draw Consolation Singles. He played six games throughout the tournament and only lost one game.
Mitchell will also be competed in the Parramatta City Open from the 10 to 12 December in the 18 & U
Singles and Doubles Tournament. We wish Mitchell all the best.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR REGIONAL DIRECTOR
Please pass on my congratulations to your students and staff for the way in which they conducted the White
Ribbon Assembly and Walk.
This was a fantastic event, one that the whole school community can be proud of. I was delighted to be a part
of this and to show my support and agreement that there is no excuse for violence against women.
Regards,
MARK BARRAKET
YEAR 8 STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Please ensure you hand in your completed BYOD Student Agreement and User
Charter to Ms de Vos .
BYO Devices need to be ready and brought into school on the first Monday of
term 1 2015 (2 February).
MS DE VOS
YEAR 8 ADVISER
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NEWS
LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Scholarship Winner!
Congratulations to Kiara, one of our year 12 Indonesian
Continuers students. Kiara recently won the 2015 Australia
Indonesia Association (AIA) Lottie Maramis Scholarship. The
scholarship is for a year 12 student who demonstrates
considerable ability in their study of the Indonesian language and
intends to continue their studies at University. On Saturday 29
November, Kiara attended the AIA Awards Dinner at Canterbury
Leagues Club and was presented with the $500 scholarship by
Mr Eric De Haas, President of the AIA. Kiara can use the
scholarship money for study material, participation in Indonesian
related activities or as a contribution to an in-country experience.
Congratulations Kiara, and best of luck for your future studies.
MS PEARD
LANGUAGE FACULTY
SYLVANVALE - FUN IN THE SUN
On Saturday, 13 December, a group of our marching
band students walked from Wanda to Dunningham
Park to lead the walk for the Sylvanvale Fun Day
supported by Westpac. Our students had the parade
bouncing along to their tunes. In Dunningham Park
our boy band Fripps and Fripps captivated the
audience with their wide range of song selection. The
boys had to cope with high winds that saw a marquee
fly across the top of them collecting microphones and
band members, but that didn’t stop them, they just
picked up where they left off and continued playing.
It was a successful day and it was great to see so
many students and family members there to support
them.
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NEWS
LEAKIE AWARDS - TOP 20 STUDENTS
YEAR 7
YEAR 8
YEAR 9
YEAR 10
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NEWS
CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE AT CHESALON AGED CARE CENTRE
Woolooware High School's choir and dance ensemble students delighted the residents of Chesalon Aged Care
Centre Jannali on Friday, 12 December with three stellar dance performances and five heart-warming carols.
There was raucous applause as well as a few tears of joy from the audience as they reflected on their own
youth. Following the performances students handed out gift packs of toiletries and hand-made cards by
Woolooware's art students spreading the Christmas spirit. A wonderful excursion that brought joy to the
Chesalon community!
MS WALSH-KEMP
CREATIVE ARTS
TAFE COURSE FOR WOMEN!
The Career Education & Employment for Women
course at Gymea Tafe is a course for women who
wish to refresh their skills to re-enter the workforce
or do further study.
Classes run 3 days per week in school hours beginning
9th February. Subjects include: Computing, Workplace Writing, Resumes, Interview Skills, First Aid
and more.
Information session:
Gymea College Building A, Room AG18, The Kingsway Gymea
10 am Tuesday 20thJanuary 2015
Enquiries: Phone 9710 5136
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NEWS
INFORMATION
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CALENDAR AS AT 15/12/14
WEEK 1A
WEEK 4B
M. 26/01/15
* Public Holiday
*
M. 16/02/15
*
*
T. 27/01/15
* School Development Day
*
T. 17/02/15
* Uniform Shop 9:00am -10:00am
*
W. 28/01/15 * Y7, 11 & 12 students return
*
W. 18/02/15
* School photos
*
Th. 29/01/15 * Y8, 9 & 10 students return
*
Th. 19/02/15
*
*
F. 30/01/15
F. 20/02/15
* Y10 Scripture
*
*
WEEK 2B
WEEK 5A
M.
02/02/15 *
*
M. 23/02/15
* Zone Swimming Carnival
*
T.
03/02/15 * Uniform Shop 9:00am -10:00am
*
T. 24/02/15
* Uniform Shop 9:00am -10:00am
* Open Night
W. 04/02/15
* Y12 OUW Discovery Day
*
W. 25/02/15
* School photos (absentees)
*
Th. 05/02/15
*
*
Th. 26/02/15
*
*
F. 06/02/15
* Y10 Scripture
*
F 27/02/15
* Y10 Scripture
*
WEEK 3A
WEEK 6B
M. 09/02/15
*
*
M. 02/03/15
* Y7 Camp
*
T. 10/02/15
* Uniform Shop 9:00am -10:00am
* WHS Auxiliary, 9:30am
T. 03/03/15
* Uniform Shop 9:00am -10:00am
* Y7 Camp
W. 11/02/15
* School Swimming Carnival
* P&C Meeting, 7:30pm
W. 04/03/15
* Y7 Camp
*
Th. 12/02/15
*
*
Th. 05/03/15
*
*
F. 13/02/15
* Y10 Scripture
*
F. 06/03/15
* Y10 Scripture
*
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