Airds Announcer
“A place to learn, lead and achieve your personal best”
Find us at: Airds High School, Briar Road, Airds NSW 2560
airds-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Issue 4–Term 3
August 2010
Year 11 Hospitality students were preparing food for the unit of
work “Organise and Prepare Food”. Students were working on a
roux, the base for the sauce used in the vol-au-vents. Students
making the minestrone soup were being assessed on precision
vegetable cuts such as julienne and paysanne.
Fiti Apulu – Year 11 hospitality
Alyssa Bolton – Year 11 Hospitality
Fiti’s Chicken Vol au vent
Alyssa’s Minestrone
Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
DIARY DATES
AUGUST
Wednesday 4th
Wednesday 4th
Thursday 5th
Monday 9th
Tuesday 24th
UNSW Scholarships Information Days
Date: Thursday July 22
-
P&C, School Council
SSW Regional Athletics Carnival
SSW Regional Athletics Carnival
Culture of the Term
Multicultural Parents Meeting
CAREERS NEWS
Teacher Education Scholarship Program
The NSW Department of
Education and Training
teacher education
scholarship can be worth
up to $23,000 in financial
assistance over four years
of study, including a
$5,000 annual training
allowance and a one-off
$3,000 grant when
students begin teaching.
Students will have the
guarantee of a permanent
job when they graduate, and as teachers, they will also be
eligible for the HECS-HELP benefit from the
Commonwealth Government.
To find out more about the DET teaching scholarships go
to
www.det.nsw.edu.au/employment/teachnsw/scholarsh
ips.htm
My Gateway has the following traineeship and
apprenticeship vacancies at the moment. For more
information
or
to
apply
please
visit
www.mygateway.org.au and click on Job Seekers.
Apprenticeships Qualification
1st/2nd/3rd Year
Carpentry &
Joinery
Carpentry
Certificate III
Engineering
Sheetmetal
(Fabrication)
st nd
Worker 1 /2 Yr
Certificate III
Location
Sydney
Huntingwood
1st or 2nd Jnr
Bricklaying
Bricklaying &
General
Construction
CBD & Pymble
4TH Yr Electrical
Apprenticeship
All over Sydney
1st,2nd & 3rd Year
Chef x 3
Commercial
Cookery
Certificate III
Campbelltown
Traineeship
Qualification
Location
Junior Events
Traineeship
Events
Certificate III
Hurstville
Venue: Sir John Clancy Auditorium, UNSW Kensington
Campus
This evening is aimed at Year 11 and 12 students and
their parents and will consist of a general talk about
scholarships at UNSW including the UNSW Co-op
Program and Commonwealth Funded Scholarships. This
will be followed by a general session followed by rotating
smaller talk/question breakout sessions; there will also be
information booths for one-on-one discussions. The
program can be viewed on the event website
www.scholarshipsevening.unsw.edu.au
Registration is required as space is limited, and will open
from June 2, 2010. Registration can be completed at
www.scholarshipsevening.unsw.edu.au.
Macquarie University
Macquarie University's Parent Information Evening will be
held on Wednesday 30th June, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Students and their parents can attend to hear more about
Macquarie University's degree programs, bonus point
schemes, scholarships and the transition from high school
to university.
For catering purposes, registration is compulsory and can
be completed online at www.mq.edu.au/parentinfonight/ .
Macquarie University will also be holding HSC Enrichment
Programs to assist high school students in preparing for
their HSC examinations. These programs will be
presented by Macquarie University academics on core
and elective subject areas of the HSC Chemistry and
Physics syllabus. Students can register online at
www.futurestudents.mq.edu.au/hscenrichment .
"Smart Study: How to Study Less and Get More"
Graphics and speech bubbles
tell the story of Jane Genovese’s
own personal experience of
grappling with studies through
high school and university to
achieve great results.
As well as explaining healthy
eating and the importance of
regular sleep, the comic book
shows how to use mind mapping
– a particularly effective technique for teenagers – and
offers advice on managing stress levels through exercise
and deep breathing.
For a "Smart Study" information pack please send an
email to jane@learningfundamentals.com.au or contact
Jane on 0422 460 598
Airds high School
Thank you to the Year 12 students that attended the UWS
Open day on the 7th June and the Year 10-12 students
who attended the MACE Expo at Minto. A big thank you to
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Issue 4– Term 3
Ms Vongsouvanh who assisted the students on this
excursion.
Congratulations to Anastasia Stewart who was accepted
into the University of NSW Indigenous Winter School
Program during the July holidays. Anastasia will be
experiencing university life on campus and attending
various lectures and activities.
Selected Year 10 students will be attending the
University of Sydney Open Day on the 12th of August
2010. There are 15 spaces available. Students are to see
Ms Fitas Week 1 Term 3 in order to register for this event
before the 22nd July 2010.
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Careers Newsletter continues to be sent to all
Year 11 and 12 students via email.
Up to date information is provided for senior
students in the study centre.
A careers noticeboard is also available in the main
foyer for other year groups.
Tax file forms can be obtained from the Careers
Advisor.
Year 10 students will be out on Work Experience
from the 21st June – 25th of June.
August 2010
Experience program are also receiving glowing feedback
from their workplace. Mrs Bowen has worked very hard
assisting in travel arrangements, enrolments, and
supporting students. We thank her for all of her hard work.
Mrs Tailby and Mrs Sargent-Smith have also enabled the
POWER program to go ahead again this term. Several
students are benefiting from the opportunity to access out
of school learning and enrichment experiences. We also
thank all of our SLSO’s for all their hard work and support.
Late in Term 1, the unit also had students from Acacia
participate successfully in the Combined High School
Swimming Carnival held at Concord. Kristopher Paton
took out the silver medal in the 50m Freestyle and our
group of students won in every novelty event that they
entered. A special Thank You to Wayne Sneddon, for
driving the school bus and encouraging the kids on the
day.
Other exciting programs occurred last term in the unit as
well, Rob Hodgson is running an invaluable boys
education course in partnership with Burnside once a
week. This course covered a range of topics associated
with being an adolescent male.
Apply First Aid Certificate $55.00 (half price)
High School students can complete this course at
Narellan. It is nationally recognised and requires students
to attend class for 1 day and to complete a workbook prior
to attendance.
Call 4647 4999 for bookings or visit
www.wavelearning.com.au
The Airds Accoustics group performed at the Flag
Ceremony in Week 6 Term 2 and their performance at
Bradbury P S for Harmony Day was sensational. The choir
is always a crowd pleaser and once again did not
disappoint.
Electrical Apprenticeships at Integral Energy
If you are good at maths then Integral Energy have 60
apprenticeships available for students in years 10-12.
Applications open 5th of July 2010.
www.integral.com.au/apprenticeships
PDHPE REPORT
Careers Advisor
SUPPORT NEWS
The support unit have had some engaging Life Skills
Education excursions happen last term. Recently our
students spent the day challenging their senses whilst
having lunch in the International Food Court in Sydney.
Ty Allen was one of the standout students on the day,
trying dish number 35 for lunch; a meal so different and
unusual that he couldn’t pronounce its name!
The TVet access courses at Campbelltown TAFE have
been very successful this term. Senior students are
involved in the courses, which encompass Retail,
Automotive and Hair and Beauty studies. Robert Ropati
and Corey Harrison are undertaking the Automotive / Car
Detailing course. Both students are working very hard as
two of approximately thirty students in the course.
Support Unit
Well done to all students who have completed their
assignments and half yearly exams to the best of their
ability this semester for PDHPE. It is very pleasing to see
students achieve such high results. The following students
have produced excellent results for assignments, exams
and performances in Health and PE this semester. The
students have come in the top 3 places in their class for
Year 7 and 8, and in their year groups for Years 9, 10, 11
and 12:
Year 7
Duchamp
1st Christina Lilomaiava, 2nd Amy McDonald, 3rd Killara
Bell-Stewart
Esher
1st Thomas Simpson, 2nd Gavin Sempel, 3rd Monique
Alguerno
Unsworth
1st John Ratavou, 2nd Loata Peter, 3rd Sinai Nauer
Varo
1st Peter Saamauga, 2nd Sitai Burogolevu, 3rd Al-Harraz
Hudaja
The exceptional students who represent Airds High
School on a weekly basis through participating in the Work
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Issue 4– Term 3
Year 8
Confucious
1st Kira-Leigh Moore, 2nd Jason Zeballas, 3rd Tyson
Riordan
Voltaire
1st Alicia Loli, 2nd Alex Oloaga, 3rd Tayler-Lee DevineLitson
Plato
1st Catherine Tofilau, 2nd Cheyanne Muddle, 3rd Benjamin
Ling
Year 9
PDHPE
1st Cynthia Alguerno, 2nd Katelyn Federer, 3rd Adi
Turaganivolo
PASS
1st Jarod Marshall, 2nd Alexander Thornton, 3rd Mitchel
Delboux
Coaching
1st Cynthia Alguerno, 2nd Mitchel Delboux, 3rd Adi
Turaganivolo
Year 10
PDHPE
1st Elijah Lilomaiava, 2nd Joshua Andrews, 3rd Matthew
Chard
PASS – 1st Walid Mousalli, 2nd Elijah Lilomaiava, 3rd Adam
Akbas
Year 11
PDHPE
1st Taiba Rezaie, 2nd Kathryn O’Hare, 3rd Chantelle Price
SLR
1st Fiti Apulu, 2nd Jeffrey Waechtler, 3rd Andrew
Phoumivong
August 2010
I hope everyone had a safe & happy holiday.
Last term was a busy time for all and there is no doubt this
term will continue in this way, with many improvements
planned for AHS. The improvements have an
underpinning focus and that is to encourage and support
our teaching and learning of students, which is always
worth considering and appreciate.
Recently the school celebrated “Reconciliation Day”
with an assembly and presentation of outstanding artwork
produced by students with the support of Greg Chatfield
(AEO). This occasion is a significant opportunity to
recognise and work together with Aboriginal students to
strengthen mutual understanding, trust and respect. The
theme for 2010 Reconciliation: Let’s see it through!
- essential to achieve a vision for reconciliation.
It acknowledges there is a way to go, but with good
intentions and actions to pave the way forward, we can
achieve a stronger and fairer Australia for all Australians.
Also, later this term we intend to offer a “Money Matters”
parent course for parents and carers. It will be held over 5
weeks on Tuesdays at John Warby Public School (starting
August 24) if you are interested in finding out more please
contact me.
I would like to remind everyone that I am at Airds High
School on Wednesday and every second Thursday (Week
B) this term. If I can be of any assistance please do not
hesitate to contact me through the office.
Have a great 3rd Term.
Rob Hodgson JP
Year 12
PDHPE
1st William Srey, 2nd Brett Hesky, 3rd Henrietta Nauer
SLR
1st Varu Varu, 2nd Raven Nicholls, 3rd Jarrah Rutledge
Well done to all those students! Keep up the superb effort!
All students in Year 7 – 10 should have received an
assessment task before the holidays to complete. These
assignments are to be handed in during their Health
lesson in Week 2 of Term 3. Please ensure your child
completes their assignment to the best of their ability as
their marks will contribute towards their yearly mark for
PDHPE. If there are any problems regarding the
assignment or handing it in, please do not hesitate to
contact your child’s Health teacher by letter or phone call.
Mrs Fleur Williams
Head Teacher PDHPE
FROM THE PASTORAL CARER’S DESK
CLO REPORT
Welcome back to Term 3. Hard to believe how quickly this
year has flown.
First of all a huge thank you to the P&C team who
organised the catering for Staff Development Day. Well
done for a fantastic meal! Special thanks to Theresa & Lyn
Clark for all their organisation prior to the day.
Thank you to the parents who attended last term’s Parent/
Teacher Interviews. It is a great opportunity to discuss
progress and build communication with home and school
while showing support for your student.
Last term several teachers requested assistance from
P&C for special programs. Once again many thanks to
Lyn & Theresa Clark, Wayne Sneddon, Judith Ferderer,
Carolyn Peagam, Silvia Leary, Claudia Zeballos and
Monica Zaglas who donated their time and effort for
catering, driving and providing care and assistance at
vaccination days.
Welcome back for Term 3,
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
TRIVIA NIGHT
Friday 6th August , 6:30pm in the school hall. Don’t miss
this great fun and fundraising event. Fantastic prizes on
offer,
$10 admission per person (over 18’s only) Details in this
issue.
Reminder that our next Multi-Cultural Parents’ Meeting is
Tuesday 24th August 10am. ALL PARENTS WELCOME!
I’m looking forward to meeting you at school during this
term,
Robyn Culbert
Community Liaison Officer
AIRDS OUTLOUD – AIRDS
RENEWAL WORKSHOP
BRADBURY
Throughout the Year, a number of Year 10 students have
been working on the Airds Outloud community project run
by Housing NSW. These students have been a part of this
project since last year, as a joint venture between Housing
NSW and Airds High School, and it enabled them to
participate in practical activities while meeting syllabus
outcomes.
This year Libby Bushe, James Peagam, Mele Fetui,
Crystal Nauer, Emily Dean, Melissa Le, Carly Chesterfield,
Sharon Srey, Mahdi Saleh, Rebekah Noom and Billy
Delboux-Fermour took part in a 2 day Enquiry by Design
Workshop.
There were many outside agencies involved in these
activities and our students conducted themselves in such
a responsible and mature manner, that they were highly
praised by all involved. They were truly great
ambassadors for Airds High school and the Airds
community.
HIGH RESOLVES FOR YEAR 8
On Wednesday 16th June, Year 8 and a select group of
senior leaders were involved in a community awareness
program called High Resolves. High Resolves is a
program that aims to motivate students as purposeful
global citizens and also to acquire skills they will need to
lead their communities and the world, to a brighter future.
The students had a wonderful and productive time
participating in workshops that involved them in
connecting relationships between human beings from
different countries. They also examined media images that
create divisions within our society. At the end of the
program, students reflected on the day’s workshops and
the messages that were conveyed. They then developed
their own unifying symbols.
Fun was had by all, with lots of positive feedback given by
the coordinators about our student’s participation and
behaviour and the strong leadership qualities of our senior
students.
The next workshop will be held on the 28th July 2010.
Reun Mak
Year 8 Advisor
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
Congratulations to the following students for their
achievements and progress through to the Regional Cross
Country Carnival.
SPORT REPORT
This term has been a busy term for sport which has really
highlighted our gifted and talented students. We have had
some disruption with the weather this term and I must
thank all the students and parents for their patience with
the change of carnival dates. Fingers crossed that next
term all goes to plan.
Fisher Zone Cross Country
On the 8th of June 26 students represented Airds High
School at the Zone Cross Country carnival held at Mount
Annan Botanical Gardens. The Gardens offered a variety
of courses with some beautiful scenery and native wildlife.
Name
Aidan
Ferderer
Kimberley
Gimbert
Leah
Richardson
Dylan Mahon
Zachary
Jessen
Katelyn
Ferderer
Adam Akbas
Mahdi Saleh
John Alley
Age
Group
12 years
Distance
Place
3km
12 years
3km
1st place and
age champion
7th place
13 years
3km
8th place
14 years
14 years
4km
4km
5th place
6th place
14 years
4km
4th place
16 years
6km
16 years
17+
years
6km
6km
1st place and
age champion
6th place
4th place
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Issue 4– Term 3
Jarrah
Rutledge
Emma Jean
Nash
17+
years
17+
years
August 2010
6km
9th place
4km
6th place
Fisher Zone Athletics
A big thankyou to all the parents who transported and
supported all the students on the day.
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
Leatigaga and George Leatigaga. Thank you for all your
hard work on both days, it is very much appreciated.
I would like to remind students and parents that for future
events students are not permitted on the stadium ground if
they are not competing. We had a number of students
attend on the day who weren’t invited to participate at the
Zone Athletics Carnival on either day. This is
disappointing and puts a dampener on what should be a
great day. These students need to be at school and in
their appropriate classes. The Sydney South West
Regional Athletics Carnival is on the 4th and 5th of August
at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Girls Knockout Hockey
On the 15th June, the Airds Knockout Hockey Team went
to Moorebank Hockey Complex to play at the central
venue where 7 other schools were competing for a place
in the Sydney South West Final Knockout Round.
Congratulations to all the girls who played some fantastic
hockey showing pride and commitment all day. The team
won 2 out of their 3 games with Katelyn Ferderer scoring 2
goals and Mele Fetui scoring 1 goal. The team consisted
of Kimberley Gimbert, Faith Trevithick, Amy Jones, Aimee
Burke, Katelyn Ferderer, Teuila Tuagalu, Mele Fetui,
Juliana Oloaga, Crystal Nauer, Katelyn White and Sharon
Srey.
On the 17th May and 25th of June, a variety of selected
students competed at the Fisher Zone Athletics Carnival
held at Campbelltown Sports Stadium. Some standout
performers on both days were Jason Phoumivong, Aidan
Ferderer, Kayla Coleman, Iesha Wright, Adi Turaganivolo,
Jarrah Rutledge, Adam Akbas, Madhi Saleh and John
Alley.
The day could not have run smoothly without the help of
the seniors boys. They included Trendal Boyce, Josaia
Turaganivolo, Fiti Apulu, Andrew Phoumivong, Junior
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
Thanks to all the parents who helped with transport on the
day. The day would not have been a success without your
time and support. Well done girls, you have much to be
proud of this year with the development of your hockey
skills and team work abilities. Looking forward to the 2011
Knockout Hockey Competition.
Boy’s Knockout Hockey Team
On the 18th June the Boy’s Knockout Hockey Team went
to Moorebank Hockey Complex where they competed in
the first round three rounds of the Knockout Hockey
Competition. The boy’s first round was against Leumeah
High School who went on to be victorious in all their
games throughout the day. This was a high quality match
between both teams, unfortunately Airds lost 4 - 0.
The boy’s next game was against Cecil Hills High School.
The end score was 6 – 1 with some beautiful team work
up the field to Mitchel Delboux-Fermor who put the ball
into the goal. Some great defence was shown from Logan
George who put in some great tackles and hits up the
field.
Our final game of the day was against Elizabeth
Macarthur High School. The team gave one hundred
percent to the final whistle. Adam Akbas played goalie and
made some tremendous saves where he put his body on
the line. In the end, Elizabeth Macarthur came out on top.
I would personally like to congratulate all the boys who
were fantastic all day and Judith Ferderer for all her help
and support on the day.
The team consisted of Aidan Ferderer, Robert Clark-Hirka,
Michel Delboux-Fermor, Nathan Coghlan, Cory Selfe,
Adam Akbas, Stuart Riordan, Logan George, Jeffrey
Waechtler, Kyle McKenzie, Andrew Phoumivong, Matt
Dent and John Kearins.
Senior Rugby League Boys
The Open Rugby League Squad started their University
Shield campaign well with a forfeit from Ambarvale High
School. This took the team to a cluster day against
Leumeah High School who at one stage where ready to
forfeit as well.
As for the match against Leumeah it didn’t go to plan for
Airds. Players arriving to the match 10 minutes into the
game made it difficult to gain some form of cohesion on
the field. Ross Leifi, Paul Vaai, Raven Nicholls all played
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Issue 4– Term 3
hard for their school colours. Ngara Ganci and Corey
Ross both showed guts and determination on the field.
August 2010
all the best of luck for the upcoming State Knockout
competition.
In the end Leumeah showed they wanted to win the game
more than Airds and comfortably ran away with a 26 – 14
win.
Mr Rosete
Girls Volleyball Team
Congratulations girls on winning the Regional Knockout
Championships for the second year in a row. We wish you
On Saturday 12th of June, Jackie Faiaoga departed
Sydney and travelled to Napier, New Zealand where she
competed in the Trans Tasman Championships
representing New South Wales for volleyball. At the
championships Jackie played against Queensland, North
Island NZ and South Island NZ. Congratulations Jackie,
what an awesome experience and achievement.
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Issue 4– Term 3
Netball
On 8th June the Girls’ Knockout Netball Team attended the
Regional Competition held at Endeavour Park in Fairfield.
Our girls played a Round Robin Competition of four
games against various schools throughout the day.
This year’s Girls’ Knockout Netball Team consisted of
Mekita Loli, Serita Sa, Jasmine Tusiupu, Ashleigh VidovicMcCarthy, Juilana Oloaga, Maggie Ta’uo-Maile, Teuila
Tuagalu, Mareta Varu, Adi Turaganivolo and Millie
Turaganivolo. It was a strenuous day for our girls as they
only had a ten minute break in between each game. The
first game was against Ashcroft High School which was a
draw with the score being 11-11. We lost the second
game against Mount Annan High School by only one point
with the score being 14-15 Our third game was lost to
Thomas Reddall and the score was 10-25. But our last
game was played extremely well against Ambarvale
beating them with a score of 16-10.
I would like to thank Mrs V Williamson for the superb
umpiring she endured for the day. I would also like to
congratulate all the girls on the team for their excellent
effort and sportsmanship. They are to be commended on
how well they behaved on the day as they were fine
ambassadors for the school and it was a great team effort.
Well done girls!
For those students who missed out on this year’s Girls’
Knockout Netball Team remember to tryout next year.
Girls’ Knockout Netball Coach
Ms N Vongsouvanh
School Sport
The following students have shown a high level of
participation and commitment towards their school sport.
Well done and congratulations, keep up the great work up.
Year 7
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Peter Saamauga
Syd Nauer
Christina Lilomaiava
Chloe Staveley
August 2010
Year 8
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Riggot Varu
Seru Tamani
Teuila Fetui
Amy Jones
Year 9
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Holly Reed
Augustina Tautalafua
Ali Khalil
Jarrod Marshall
Year 10
 Maggie Ta’ui Mailei
 Consuela Tevaga
 Ryen Huges
 Adam Akbas
Year 11
 Taiba Rezai
 Alisha White
 Fiti Apulu
 John Kearins
Upcoming sporting events
 23rd July – CHS Cross country at Eastern Creek
 4th and 5th August - SSW Regional Athletics
Carnival to be held at Campbelltown Sports
Stadium
 20th August – Eat It Work It Move It Gala Day for
Year 8 students.
 15th September - Fisher Zone Presentation at
Ambarvale High School
N.Tate
Sports Organiser
MULTI-CULTURAL PARENTS’ REPORT
At our last meeting, the parents present discussed Culture
of the Term presentations for the remainder of the year. It
was decided that Ha Nguyen, who is the Community
Information Officer for Campbelltown schools would make
a presentation about refugees to recognise National
Refugee Week. A film, produced by Lismore High School
students would be shown followed by Ha’s own story of
her experience as a refugee. (Due to technical difficulties
this presentation will now be made in Term 3.)
Suggestions were made about including extra information
in next year’s Flag Ceremony.
Parents from the Aboriginal community suggested forming
a group of interested students and parents to learn
contemporary Aboriginal dances.
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Issue 4– Term 3
One of our parents has volunteered to talk about the many
cultures that make up her family background.
We are still hoping to make a banner, showing the many
backgrounds of the families at our school and would like
more parents to come along to our next meeting to help us
to decide how to make this.
Please feel welcome to join us at our next meeting –
Tuesday 24th August at 10.00am in the Meeting Room
(main office block).
“PHYSICS IS FUN” – SCIENCE EXCURSION
TO LUNA PARK
On June 28, a group of very excited Airds High School
students attended Luna Park in search of science
applications in fun parks. All of the students had lots of
fun on the rides and they also learned lots about science.
We learned about gravity and that we can dance on fast
rides that squash you! All of the students that attended
had lots and lots of fun and we all enjoyed ourselves very
much. Thank you to Mrs Holmes and Ms Temple.
Victoria Endicott & Chelsea Nauer
Year 11 Senior Science
P & C PRESIDENT’S REPORT
August 2010
This term we are holding our Trivia Night on 6th August.
Please ring the school to book your table on 4625 5811.
Tables of 8 – 10 at $10 per person.
At our next meeting our special guest will be Natalee
Bonnell, from Community Change makers. It will be on 4 th
August at 10.15am in the Common room in the
Administration Block. Please feel free to come and
discuss the many good things that are happening at Airds
High School and within the Airds community itself.
There have been many improvements at our school; we
should feel extremely proud of the school and its
surroundings. Congratulations to our Principal, Max Foord
and the fantastic staff for all they do!
Till the next newsletter
Theresa Clark
President
LEARNING AND ENRICHMENT REPORT
Oxygen Factory
As reported in the last
edition of the Airds
Announcer, we had the
pleasure of Mr Glen
Gerreyn appearing at our
school to host his
“Study Smart” workshop
with Years 9, 10, 11 and
12.
Student
surveys
highlighted the positive effect of this presentation, with
many comments detailing how motivated they felt, how
they learnt anything is possible with hard work and a
dream, and how to de-stress and get organised by
“chunking down” their work into small achievable goals.
Glen also spoke about being pro-active and taking
P.R.I.D.E (Personal Responsibility for Delivering
Excellence.) Glen outlined his own extraordinary story, as
well as reminding us of other amazing people such as
Nelson Mandela and the Wright Brothers, who have
overcome the odds to do amazing and previously
unthinkable things! This helped our students to believe
they can be anything, and go anywhere, if they set goals
and have a positive attitude to life!
Hello,
Firstly, I would like to discuss uniforms. It is wonderful to
see that most students are in uniform but there is still a
small minority who feel it is not necessary. There is a
reason that the School Council and P&C have endorsed
the wearing of school uniform. They are for the safety of
both staff and students - to identify outsiders who should
not be on the school grounds and also for equality.
Senior Study
Glen’s Study Guide is now available in our Senior Study
for all students on every desk, along with the “Exam
Intelligence” guide purchased earlier this year. Seniors
can certainly feel confident in setting high targets with the
Senior Study providing an excellent opportunity to each
and every student to work hard and achieve their goals!
I know these are financially hard times and that some
families may have more than one student. We only ask
that the clothes that students wear are the colours of the
uniform – green, black and white – not blue, pink or
yellow.
Teaching and Learning Team
I would like to acknowledge all the hard work of the STLA
Teachers (Ms Naomi Green and Ms Melanie Alden) and
our SLSO’s (Ms Louise Rodriguez; Ms Julie Hopwood and
Ms Marie Addamo) who work hard to assist students with
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Issue 4– Term 3
their learning needs, in the full range of subjects, across
all year groups. This work makes a huge difference for our
students. Thank you- it is appreciated!
Student Achievement, Welfare and Engagement
Activities - New Notice Board
Students will have observed the brand new notice board
in the foyer of the school which highlights messages about
positive engagement. Mr Foord’s “Principal’s Puzzle” has
already proven a hit, with some students cracking the
lateral thinking puzzle to claim the prize! This is where you
can find information on youth support and help agencies;
health and well-being; competitions and also reminders
about important school values and initiatives… so if you
haven’t had a look yet, check it out!
Achievement Week - Fantastic Engagement activities
All year groups have had activities arranged for them
during Achievement Week, including excursions and
welfare activity days. The most consistent and most
improved participants in each year group will be rewarded
with a pizza lunch, movie and games afternoon on
Friday Week 11. All year groups will be hosting a Formal
Assembly on Thursday this week to acknowledge the
positives and hard work achieved by their cohort this term.
A special congratulation to the Year Advisors who have
worked hard these last few weeks on organising
tremendous activities, as well as wading through reports
for their entire year group!
Student of the Semester
These awards will be celebrated as the high point of the
Formal Assemblies. Student of the Semester is a very
prestigious award which is given to exemplar students
who demonstrate positive behaviours across the full range
of school activities and pursuits. A new category has been
established for those students who have demonstrated.
Parents can expect positive COMMENDATION letters to
arrive in the mail for the recipients!
STUDENT OF THE SEMESTER - SEMESTER 1, 2010
Group
Outstanding
Most Improved
12
Henrietta Nauer; Chris
Thornton; Serife Uzal;
~
11
Martin Letteri-Yeadon;
Andrew
Iesha Wright
Phoumivong
10
Matthew Chard.
Joshua Andrews
Rebekah Noom;
9
Katelyn Ferderer; Kane Benteh Jalloh
Walsh;
8
Catherine Tofilau
Jade Baker; Jesse
Philipsen.
7
Al-Harraz Hudaja;
Blayke Bugatto
Katherine Vanu
Support
Tyrelle Connolly;
~
Tiphanie-Jayne
Rowlands
SRC
Emily Dean
Meaghan Noom
August 2010
WOW! FANTASTIC NEW PRIZE RAFFLE for MERIT
CARD EARNERS
Thank you to “Pamper Parlour” Jacaranda Ave Bradbury
(ph 46 209786) and Bunnings Warehouse - off Kellicar
Road, Campbelltown, who have donated prizes for our
new Achievers raffle which will begin next term in another
fun initiative to increase positive student engagement! BE
IN IT TO WIN IT by demonstrating the three key
behaviours of PBL: taking personal responsibility for
SAFETY; LEARNING and RESPECT and giving your
merit awards to your Year Adviser!
Prizes so far include
- a Kettle BBQ (Bunnings) and BBQ pack including
a meat tray, apron, heat beads and tongs!
- a haircut, style and blow-dry at Pamper Parlour
Bradbury
- a limited edition “Blues” Steeden Football
- a V8 Racing Car 4GB USB Thumb Drive
- A Macarthur Square gift voucher.
In closing, remember; our PBL rules are compulsory here
at school, but they are also good guidelines for how to act
in the community – Take personal responsibility for
safety, respect and learning when out and about.
In addition, keep in mind the Oxygen Factory
message…Be proactive; Make the most of your local
youth centres and youth groups to get involved in
positive activities as much as you can this holiday!
I wish everyone a positive, fun, relaxing and safe break!
Kind Regards
Ms Walsh
Head Teacher Learning and Enrichment
NEWS FROM TAS
On the 31st May, Senior Hospitality and Food Technology
students accompanied by Ms Coogan, Ms Cumines and
Mr Sneddon went to see the filming of ‘Ready Steady
Cook’ at the Channel 10 studios at Pyrmont.
Students saw 2 episodes being produced. The first
episode we saw will air on Channel 10 on the 26th July
2010. The screening of the second episode has not been
scheduled yet.
The first episode had two celebrity contestants from
“Bondi Vet’, Dr Chris Brown who cooked with Alex
Herbert, the executive chef and Co Owner of Bird Cow
Fish, Surry Hills, Sydney. His ‘Bondi Vet’ partner Dr. Lisa
Chimes, worked with Frederic Barreau, the head chef of
Piato Restaurant at McMahons Point.
The second episode featured chefs Alex Herbert and Matt
Golinski.
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
Students were able to see the chefs and the contestants
prepare amazing dishes using a variety of ingredients.
The plating of each dish was impressive.
We will also be having a BBQ early next term for the Roll
Class with the best attendance – 7R1 and 7R3 were the
winners for weeks 9 & 10.
Students were able to have a group photo taken with the
host Peter Everett.
Please support your child by ensuring that they are at
school, every day, on time. We do understand that there
are times when they cannot be at school and we ask that
you send a note explaining the absence or lateness when
they return to school.
Some students are coming late because they are dropping
their younger brothers and sisters off to school at Briar Rd
Public School. We have spoken to the staff at Briar Rd
and have been advised that staff are on duty from 8:30am
to supervise primary students. Please encourage your
children to drop their younger siblings off at the Briar Rd
gates at 8:30am and go directly across to their school and
straight into Roll Call. This will ensure that they are not
marked late for the day.
Please support your child by ensuring that they are at
school, every day, on time. We do understand that there
are times when they cannot be at school and we ask that
you send a note explaining the absence or lateness when
they return to school.
Many thanks for your support,
PBL REPORT
Mrs J Fuller
PBL Co-ordinator
“Positive Behaviour for Learning”
Each Tuesday, students participate in PBL workshops for
20 minutes at the end of period 2. The focus for most of
Term 2 has been on attendance. Students have been
discussing why it is important to come to school on time
every day. They recognise that they are missing out on
valuable learning time and that their lateness disrupts the
flow of the lesson. Students have also discussed that
when they are late or absent, they often miss out on
classwork and when they don’t catch up on this work, they
have gaps in their learning.
Roll Teachers have been making calls to parents to
discuss the lateness of some students and there has been
a blitz on lateness to period 1, where students have to
make up the time they are late.
On the positive side, we have been having raffles with
movie vouchers for students that have been attending
every day on time. Congratulations to the following
students:
Week 9
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Namiro Puia
Rhian Homann
Kane Walsh
Stuart Riordan
Stephen Lardner
Corey Harrison
Week 10
Elizabeth Lilomaiava
Dylan Mahon
Emily George-Cox
Work Experience
Emma-Jean Nash
Jasmine Tusiupu
SRC NEWS
Term 2 has been another very busy term for the Airds High
School SRC. All students were busy this term involving
themselves in the organisation of the School Disco. This
was held on Wednesday 23rd June in the School Hall with
an excellent turn out of students having an enjoyable night
of dancing with their friends and teachers.
A lot of organisation went into putting the School Disco
together. From making posters, to selling tickets at recess,
to helping out on the night. All SRC members took on
these roles and many more to ensure that the night ran
smoothly.
Special mention must go to Emily Dean (Yr 10) who kept
everyone on task and ensured that everyone had a job
and was completing it by the designated timeline. She was
a positive and motivating role model for the rest of the
SRC and the school with her commitment to making the
disco a successful fundraiser.
Other students who deserve a special mention for their
efforts in helping organise the School Disco are: Amy
McDonald (Yr 7), Christina Lilomaiava (Yr 7), Aidan
Ferderer (Yr 7), Zac Dunn (Yr 7), Timothy Toro (Yr 8),
Damien Manu (Yr 8), Rebel Delboux-Fermor (Yr 8),
Meaghan Noom (Yr 8), Caroline Masunu-Leatuafi (Yr 11),
Rebecca Wignall (Yr 11), Laura Hunt (Yr 12) and
Henrietta Nauer (Yr 12).
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
A last thank you to all the teachers who gave up their time
to help supervise on the night. These include Mr Foord, Mr
McGuire, Mr Adams, Ms Walsh, Ms Viravong, Ms Green,
Ms Owens, Ms Radford, Ms Fuller, Ms Tate, Mrs
Robinson, Ms Kennedy, Mrs Addamo, Ms Cumines, Ms
Mak, Ms Atlagic, Mr O’Neill, Mr Rosete, Ms Dikhil, Mr Ta,
Ms Saenz and Ms Aryton.
Just a reminder to the existing SRC representatives that
meetings are held in 7.2 on Mondays and Thursdays at
recess. Your attendance is monitored and you are your
year group’s voice!!!!
Thanks for your efforts this term SRC.
Mr Buckley and Miss Simms
SRC Co-ordinators
Miss Simms organising everyone for the Nutbush and
Macarena
Mr Foord teaching everyone a few moves
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Free
Professional
Counselling
24 hours a day
Separation is a difficult time for everyone in the family
A decision to separate is one of the hardest choices you
may ever make, and it has consequences for everyone in
your family. Both you and your children may feel confused
about what is happening, and be unsettled about the
impact of such change.
Separation can evoke strong feelings for everyone – you,
your partner, your children, and even extended family
members like grandparents, aunts and uncles. Your family
is undergoing significant change - separation usually
means that the family is dividing, and that one parent will
be leaving the household.
With change comes emotion. You may feel sad or lonely,
angry, guilty, or like you have failed in some way. Many
parents have experiences of depression and anxiety. In
fact, you may feel all these emotions at different times.
It is important to remember that your child also has strong
feelings. They may feel grief, shock, insecurity and worry
whether the remaining parent will leave them as well.
Some may feel that they are to blame for the situation,
while others may feel angry.
As a parent it’s important to understand that your children
are also going through a distressing time, and to do what
you can to reduce the impact on them. Here are some
basic tips to assist with that:
 Prepare children as best as you can. Give them a
simple explanation of why you are separating.
 Let your children know that both parents love
them very much.
 Remind children that it is not their fault – it is a
decision that you as parents are making about
your relationship.
 Focus on the positives. Give lots of love and
attention. Try to avoid conflict in front of your
children, and avoid blame.
 Try to minimise the change to your children’s
environment and routine.
 Acknowledge how your children are feeling, and
that these feelings are okay.
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
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Issue 4– Term 3
For more information on separation or any parenting
issue, call our professional counsellors for the cost of a
local call from a land line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
on 1300 1300 52 or read our information sheets on
separation on www.parentline.org.au
RELIEVING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S
REPORT YRS 7, 9 & 11
With Mr. Kennedy taking a well earned Long Service
Leave break, it has been my pleasure to sit in his office for
the past few weeks, and observe all the good things our
students and staff are doing in the school.
We have had many students going out for sporting
competitions: Rugby League, Hockey, Soccer, with our
Volleyball teams doing exceptionally well; and many
students contributing to Art, Music and Cultural
performances. Of particular note here is the success of
Year 12 student Rachel Fiafia in reaching the next stage
of the X Factor competition – keep your eye on the
screen, and we wish her the best of luck.
It is classroom performance, however, that we are most
concerned with and, whilst relieving for Mr. Kennedy, I
have had a great insight into what is happening in classes
around the school by observing lessons and reading all of
the Year 8 and 10 reports. I have been impressed by the
engagement of our students in various classes and the
quality of the lessons staff are preparing, and report
comments reveal that the vast majority of students, day in
day out, are trying to achieve their personal best and are
making very good progress.
For Year 12, Term 3 is a most important term. Trial HSC
Examinations are in Week 6 and Major Works and
Performance Tasks are due in many subjects. These
tasks are part of the HSC, marked by independent
markers, so students need to be focusing now, polishing
off their final performances and ensuring that they give
their best. I also cannot emphasize enough, there is no
excuse for missing the deadlines on any of these tasks,
and students still need to come to school for their
performances, even if they are feeling ill. I wish Year 12
the very best of luck as they move towards the culmination
of 13 years of schooling.
28th
Wednesday
July, is Parent Teacher Night, when
reports will be distributed. I look forward to seeing you all
there.
Thank-you
Mr. Adams
August 2010
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S
REPORT YRS 8, 10 &
12
Welcome to all the parents and friends of Airds High
School. I hope you all had a restful, relaxing and
enjoyable holiday with family and friends. By now you
would have had the opportunity to read your child’s Half
Yearly Report. I hope that your child’s progress has met
with your expectations. I, along with all staff look forward
to discussing your child’s progress and ways to improve
their learning at our Parent Teacher Night early in Term
3.
As mentioned in previous Airds Announcers regular
attendance is crucial to your child’s development as a
responsible member of our learning community. When
your child misses school or arrives late it causes them to
lose valuable learning time and therefore opportunities.
This also has a negative impact upon their classmates
and staff. It also teaches them bad habits in regards to
punctuality, which will be hard to break once they enter
the workforce.
Recently we have implemented a “Phone Intervention
Program”, with the intention to improve our students’
attendance patterns. All Year Advisors regularly review
the attendance of the students in their care to ensure that
they are meeting both school and department standards. If
your child’s attendance falls below an acceptable level,
their Year advisor will contact you by phone. We hope that
you will assist us by reinforcing the importance of
attending school every day on time.
It is fantastic to see so many of our students wearing their
school uniform with pride. The wearing of a school uniform
makes it easy for all staff to identify our students and
therefore any outsiders trying to enter our school are
quickly identified and asked to leave. Should you need
any financial help paying for your child’s uniform please
contact the school and we will be happy to provide
assistance.
As I am writing this report most of Year 10 has just
completed their Work Experience Assignments. A number
of staff including myself will be visiting our students to
check up on their progress so far. It is important that our
students know and understand that they are representing
not just themselves but also their families and our school
when they are out working in the local community. So
please take the time to ask how they day went. This
unique and invaluable experience would not have been
possible except for the tireless work by our Careers
Advisor Ms. Adrianna Fitas.
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Issue 4– Term 3
August 2010
Our Year Advisors have been extremely busy organising
various Welfare Days for all of our students. These days
provide invaluable opportunities for our students to work
on their social skills within their year group and to take
ownership of their learning. I was lucky enough to be
invited to spend some time with Year 7 during their
Welfare Day and I can say what a positive, productive and
fun day it was for all involved. Well done to Ms Taylor and
her team.
On behalf of the school I would like to thank Downes
Nusery for their very generous donation of a trailer load of
plants. These plants will be used to beautify our school
grounds and provide much needed shade over the coming
years. This company has demonstrated a long term
commitment to our school by regularly providing us with
beautiful native flora which in turn brings native fauna into
our school.
That’s all I have at the moment, except to say that we can
only achieve the best possible outcomes for your child by
working together. I look forward to seeing or hearing from
you soon. Hopefully at Parent/Teacher night!
Steve McGuire
Deputy Principal
DEPUTY
PRINCIPAL’S
REPORT – TEACHING
& LEARNING
I am pleased to report that
Year 9 students received their laptops on Monday 21st
June. It was an exciting time for all and I would like to
thank Michael Peppernell (Technical Support Officer) for
his work in making sure the allocation of the laptops went
smoothly. In Week 11 of Term 2 all Year 9 students
participated in workshops for the Educational use of the
laptops. The purpose of these workshops was to ensure
that students are using the laptops to their full potential to
access technology for use in lessons.
I would like to acknowledge the successful Year 7 2011
scholarship applicants. The selection panel was very
impressed with the applications and the supporting
documentation from the Primary School teachers.
Congratulations to the following Year 6 2010 students:
Emma Walsh and Jai Harding from Briar Rd PS, Dounia
Baklaje and Jade Simpson from John Warby PS.
I will be offering a Technology Workshop for parents. The
areas that will be covered in the workshop include: i) How
schools use computers, ii) Computer terminology and iii)
Tutorials for a range of abilities in the use of Microsoft
Word, PowerPoint and Excel. I will be offering 2 workshop
Sessions: Wednesday 18th August 10am – 12pm and from
4.30pm – 6.30pm. The workshops will be conducted in
one of the computer labs so numbers will be limited. You
will need to contact Mr Jeff Miezio as soon as possible if
you wish to attend the Technology Workshop. Numbers
need to be finalised by 5th August. If you have any queries
contact Mr Jeff Miezio at school.
I have had a meeting with Mr Buckley and representatives
from our feeder primary schools to discuss our transition
program for Year 6 students attending Airds HS in 2011. It
was a very productive meeting with a lot of programs
proposed and discussed. These included: Buddy
Program, Primary/secondary Teacher Partnerships,
development of a Middle School Curriculum, Students’
Blog, Taster Lessons, Indigenous Transition Program and
Support Unit transition Program. We look forward to
working with the students and teachers of our local
primary schools to ensure a smooth transition to high
school.
Finally I would like to acknowledge the work of our
Teaching and Learning Faculty. It has been a very busy
and productive semester for Teaching and Learning. The
Head Teacher Curriculum (Ms Sumana Viravong) and
Head Teacher Learning Support & Enrichment (Ms Lara
Walsh) have been working on a number of programs to
enhance the Teaching and Learning at Airds HS. They
have been ably supported by STLA’s Naomi Green and
Melanie Alden and our SLSO’s Maree Addamo, Julie
Hopwood and Louise Rodriguez.
Mr Jeff Miezio
Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning
FROM THE
PRINCIPAL’S
DESK
I would like to thank all staff for their professionalism and
commitment to the ongoing provision of quality education
for all of our students at Airds High School. Last term was
a particularly long term for staff, who gave up time from
their families in the Term 1 holiday break to participate in
ongoing training in Accelerated Literacy. This training had
continued throughout Term 2 and once again staff gave
up time in the holidays to continue with this quality
program. I would like to thank Ms Angel and Mr Buckley
for their ongoing leadership in this program and all staff for
their full support.
There had been many challenges, opportunities and
highlights for students, staff and parents throughout the
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Issue 4– Term 3
last term. The administration of the NAPLAN tests
certainly created a stressful situation in many schools and
across the Nation. The students; however, faired well and
made a concerted effort to perform to the best of their
ability during all aspects of the examination.
Students sat Half Yearly Exams, competed in debates,
Master Mind and Chess competitions, excelled at a
number of sports, including: Volleyball, Soccer, Hockey,
Rugby League, Athletics and Cross Country. A number of
students have been selected to represent the school at
zone and regional level.
August 2010
PRINCIPAL’S CHALLENGE ANSWERS
CHALLENGE #1
Your challenge was to connect all nine (9) dots using only
four (4) straight lines without your pen leaving the paper.
The annual Flag Ceremony, highlighting and recognising
the cultural diversity of Airds High was a huge success
and once again drew the community closer together. To
Mrs Jones and her dedicated team, congratulations on a
job well done.
Reconciliation was celebrated with the development of a
project that culminated in an art work displaying the
Australian and Aboriginal Flags, the Tharawal emblem,
the ‘Lyre bird’ and student hand prints in the Olympic ring
colours representing all nations and a united front. I would
like to thank Ms Bateman and Mr Chatfield and all
Aboriginal students and non Aboriginal students for their
involvement in the program.
Design Out Loud – a community and government based
initiative to redesign the Airds local community was
undertaken over a three day period. A number of Year 10
students were active participants and had a say in the
future of their local community.
The SRC organised a high successful school dance and
this was well supported by students and staff. It was so
popular that students have requested another in Term 3.
A large number of excursion were undertaken to
supplement the mandatory school programs. Stream
Watch, Midannabu Garden Group visit to Mt Annan
Botanical Gardens, Careers Expos and visits to the
theatre and local organisations were well received by
students.
CHALLENGE #2
The Robinson family have a square swimming pool in their
garden. At the corners of the pool were four trees. The
Robinsons wanted their pool to be twice as big, and still
square.
However, they weren’t allowed to cut down the trees.
How did they solve the problem?
Old Pool
New Pool
M. Foord
PRICIPAL’S CHALLENGE #4
FUNNY FACE
Study this face carefully Which of the world’s great cities
does he hail from?
The answer is written all over his face.
CHALLENGE #3
“How old are you Sally?” asked Stan.
Sally’s response: “A couple of days ago I was 12, next
year I will be 15.
Answer:
Sally was asked this question on 1st January 2010.
A couple of days ago (30th December 2009), she was 12.
Yesterday, (31st December 2009), Sally had her 13th
birthday.
This year on 31st December 2010, Sally will be 14 and
next year on 31st December 2011, Sally will be 15.
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