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 5 – Term 3
EDUCATION WEEK 2010
At the Education Week Special Assembly
September/October 2010
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
DIARY DATES
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday 1st
Thursday 9th and
Friday 10th
Friday 10th
Wednesday 15th
TEACHERS V STUDENTS FOOTBALL GAME
-
Wed 15th – Fri 17th
Mon 20th – Fri 24th
Tuesday 21st
Friday 24th
-
School Council, P&C Meeting
CHS Athletics Championships
(Homebush)
Gala Day
Campbelltown Schools Parent
Conference
Support Camp – Teen Ranch
Year 10 & 11 Exams
Multi-cultural Parents Day
LAST DAY TERM 3
OCTOBER
Monday 11th
Thursday 14th
Monday 18th
Tuesday 19th
-
FIRST DAY TERM 4
HSC Written Exams begin
Year 7 Vaccinations
Multi-cultural Parents Meeting
-
-
-
YEAR 11 UPDATE
Throughout Term 2 Year 11 students have been
extremely busy with finalising the designs for their senior
jackets and their chocolate fundraising drive. The money
raised by individual students is to go towards their Year 12
jackets for next year. For every box sold by the students
they were given a discount off the price of their jacket.
There was a prize for the person who sold the most boxes
and 1st place went to Andrew Phoumivong who sold 10
boxes. 2nd place went to Bradley Dixon, Taiba Rezaie and
Josaia Turaganivolo who all sold 9 boxes. 3rd place went
to Alisha White who sold 7 boxes.
The Jersey Committee has been working exceedingly
hard to finalise the design and the Year 11 students have
voted for their jacket and pants designs. It is extremely
pleasing to say that this year’s cohort will be the first year
group to have their very own personalised pants as well.
Thank you to those students who have made payments
however, it would be appreciated if payments could be
paid at the Front Office and the full amount must be
finalised by Friday 6th August, 2010. The cost of the jacket
is $90 each and pants are $45 each.
This term has been an action packed term for Year 11
students with more to come in Term 3. A Welfare Day has
been organised for early Term 3 which I’m sure the
students will enjoy. I would like to say a big thank you to
all the students (and those parents who involuntarily)
volunteered to support this worthy initiative of the
chocolate fundraising drive as it was a major success!
Ms N Vongsouvanh
Year 11 Adviser
2
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
SPONSORS
AIRDS HIGH SCHOOL TRIVIA NIGHT
be available to download from www.rcna.org.au
applications will close 20 August 2010.
and
For more information please phone free call 1800688628 or visit
These local businesses kindly donated prizes for our
recent Trivia Night.
www.rcna.org.au
Job Interview Day 2010
Please thank and support them when shopping locally.
* Bridge Climb Sydney
* Captain Cook Cruises
* Evans Jewellers, Mac Square
* The Body Shop, Mac Square
* St Helens Park Takeaway
* Fitzy’s Fine Meats, Bradbury
* Ruse Family Butchery
* I.G.A. Airds
* Willis Cakes, Campbelltown
* Airds Butchers
* Pizza Shop Ruse
* Foodworks Bradbury
* Hair Tonic, St Helens Pk
* Bradbury Pharmacy
* Dumaresq St Cinemas
* Ruse Tavern
* Red Lea Chickens
Date: Friday 10th September
Venue:
Office
Glenfield
Education
Time: 8.30am – 2.30pm
Open for students attending
secondary school in the Sydney South Western Region who are
planning to exit school at the end of 2010. There will be Group
Training Organisations and Employers on hand to interview
students interested in apprenticeships, traineeships and
employment. Students will have the opportunity to have 3
interview choices and 2 will be allotted from the three chosen.
CAREER NEWS
Interviews will be approx 15 mins
Year 12

Each student has had an interview in order to assist
them with their study options after Year 12. Please
make sure that all paperwork for TAFE, Universities,
Colleges etc are done on time as some late
applications will not be accepted and others will incur
a fine.

TAFE Application: 9th August – 29th October.

University Application: Early August – 30th of
September.

Scholarships and Early Entry forms available for: Uni
of Sydney, Uni of New England and Charles Sturt
University.
Bring copy of resume
Year 10

Thank you to Year 10 for their behaviour and
attentiveness during their Taster Day. Please keep in
mind that if you are unsure about which subjects to
choose in order to assist you in your chosen career
field when you finish school please see me ASAP.

If you are interested in attending TAFE in Year 11 or
Year 12 then please complete the application form.
TVET/TVET SPY applications open on the 26th July –
24th September.
Year 7-12

Tax File Appplications

Resume Writing

Careers Counselling
Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships
Are you Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islanders, studying or interested in
studying in a health related course?
The
Puggy
Hunter
Memorial
Scholarship Scheme is funded by the
Australian Government Department of
Health and Ageing and administered
by Royal College of Nursing, Australia
(RCNA). These scholarships will be
available for the start of the 2011
academic year and are worth up to
$7,500 per year for part time study
and up to $15,000 per year for full time study. Applications will
Dress code – school uniform
For further information please ring (02)92039935
Myfuture Video Competition 2010
This competition is designed
to explore career options for
young people, by getting them
to produce a 2-3 minute video
on an occupation that they
may be interested in. The
competition opens on 30 July
and closes on 29 October 2010, and a cash prize of
$7500 is on offer. Individuals as well as groups are
encouraged to apply and full details can be found on the
www.myfuture.com
Integral Energy
Integral Energy has opened their apprenticeship program for
2010. They have 60 apprenticeships and are inviting students
from Year 10 through to Year 12 with reasonable aptitude in
mathematics to apply. For more information please visit
www.integral.com.au/apprenticeships
TAFE Information – Aboriginal Students
What’s Yulang?
Yulang is Sydney Institute’s Aboriginal Education Training
Unit. It provides specialist advice and support on all TAFE
courses,
pathways
to
higher
education
and
apprenticeships and traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people.
The unit consists of Aboriginal staff whose role is to
support Aboriginal students and consult with Aboriginal
communities and industry to design and deliver
appropriate TAFE courses. Staff can provide teacher
liaison, assistance with Centrelink benefits including
Abstudy, tutorial support, literacy and numeracy skills and
goal setting.
For more information contact you’re Aboriginal Coordinator at: Gymea 9710 5183
3
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
Randwick 9469 8509
Ultimo 9217 5365
University Of Ballarat MIT Campus
The University of Ballarat at MIT-Sydney Campus offers the
following courses for Mid Year intake:
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Dates:
12 August 2010: Digital Media at the Digital Media Centre at
Innovation
Campus
19 August 2010: All Creative Arts undergraduate programs at
UOW
Main
Campus.
To
RSVP
please
email
fca_enquiries@uow.edu.au
For more information see the Faculty’s website or contact the
faculty at 02 4221 3996.Applications for Creative Arts in 2011
are now open and close on 1 October 2010.
Bachelor of Management
Early Entry Now Open
Bachelor of Information Technology
How to apply to UB@MIT? Direct application forms for Mid Year
entry
can
be
found
on
www.ballarat.edu.au/aasp/student/recruitment/applications
.shtml
Sydney Uni Information Night for Year 12 students
Sydney Uni is having an Information Night for Year 12
students to find out about Engineering and Information
Technology.
When:
Tuesday,
21st
September
2010
Time:
Evening
will
commence
at
6.00pm
Where: This will depend on numbers, and will be advised
closer to the date, Registrations are essential.
Light
refreshments
will
be
available.
To obtain registration form, or obtain more information,
phone 02 9351 2131, fax 02 9351 4654 or email
trish.dimasi@sydney.edu.au
UNSW
UNSW has its Law and Tax Undergraduate program
guides out for 2011. If you are interested please go see
your Career Adviser or visit www.law.unsw.edu.au or
www.atax.unsw.edu.au
The University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame has its Early Offer Program 2010
out and if you are interested contact your Career Adviser. For
any other information regarding the university visit
www.nd.edu.au
If you require further details about Early Entry please
email Shannon or call her on (02) 4221 5732.
UOW Important Information
Yr 12 Information Evenings
• Illawarra - 31st August - University Hall, Wollongong
• Sutherland Shire - 25th August - Cronulla Sharks Leagues
Club, Cronulla
• Campbelltown
Campbelltown
-
24th
August
-
The
Catholic
On 1st July Early Entry applications opened. Early Entry is a
great way for students to secure a place at UOW before exams
and take some of the stress out of their HSC, while still keeping
their options open. One of the benefits of the Early Entry
program is that students can apply and be made an Early Entry
offer and still take the time to think about their options before
submitting their final UAC preferences in January 2011.
There
have
been
a
few
changes
this
year:
• Early Entry online applications will close at 11.59pm on
Wednesday
1st
September.
• Trial HSC results are not needed for the online application
(however will be required during interview week and may be
requested
by
some
faculties
prior
to
interview).
• In 2011 students can apply to a maximum of five courses
through Early Entry. Double degree courses count as one of
these
selections,
not
two.
• We have tailored the Online Application form to ask students to
only provide the information that the faculties they are applying
to request. This means that not all students will be asked to
provide the same results and information as part of their
application.
If you require further details about Early Entry please email
Shannon or call her on (02) 4221 5732.
Points to UOW
Year 12 students, who do well in relevant HSC subjects, may be
eligible to score an extra three points for their chosen UOW
degree. Students must have an ATAR (or equivalent), complete
their HSC in 2010 and complete relevant subjects. Points to
UOW are awarded only for UOW undergraduate degrees that
start in February 2011.
Regional BONUS 3 POINTS
Students can also boost their points simply by attending a school
in the local area or in regional or remote NSW.
If students complete the HSC at a school in UOW’s ‘drawing
area’, or at a rural or remote school in NSW, they will receive
three bonus points for each of their UOW preferences.
Again, these points are calculated by UAC and no specific
application is required to be considered for the Bonus Points. For
more information on the regional bonus three points and a list of
eligible schools, refer to the UOW Bonus Points website.
Club,
Upcoming UTS Events
• Shoalhaven - 26th August - UOW campus, West Nowra
Event
Date
More Info
All events book can be made online or by calling 1300 367
869.
Engineering & IT
Discovery Day
Tuesday 23rd
November
(02)95142666
Smorgasbord
Science
Yrs 10 -12
Wednesday
25th August
Registration
essential
UTS:Science
Outreach website
Leisure, Sport &
Wednesday 8th
UTS Kuring-gai
Creative Arts Information Nights
The UOW Faculty of Creative Arts is holding Creative Arts
specific information evenings to showcase the “new” Bachelor of
Creative Arts and the Bachelor of Performance programs and to
provide information about the range of programs on offer for
2011.
4
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
Tourism
September
4pm-7pm
campus website
UTS Info Day
5 January 2011
UTS website
NAIDSA Dance College
The College is looking for young Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Island students to audition for entry in to the College.
Success in the auditions can lead to full time tertiary training
and can give young people and exciting career in the
performing arts. Residential auditions will be held on
October 7, 8 and 9 at NAISDA Dance College on the central
coast NSW. All costs paid by Abstudy. For more information
please phone 1800117116
Design Centre Enmore Open Day
Saturday 11 September, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm.
Design Centre Enmore Open Day provides an opportunity
for prospective students and parents to view student work,
talk to teachers, tour the college facilities, participate in
interactive displays and pick up an application form.
This year in conjunction with Open Day we are hosting a
Young Designers Market, in the quadrangle of the college.
There will be a large array of work from young designers
available to purchase, as well as our student fund raising
food stalls and a DJ.
Job Search Engines
My Gateway has a variety of traineeship and apprenticeship
vacancies at the moment. For more information or to apply
please visit www.mygateway.org.au and click on Job Seekers.
Or
www.austrg.com.au for a variety of job vacancies
Scholarship Opportunities - Hospitality and Events
'Get Real Events Experience' is a program for Year 11 students
interested in Hospitality and Event Management. 15 applicants
are chosen for a week of work experience with one of Kenvale's
industry partners, and based on their application as well as
performance; two of those students will then receive a
scholarship to study Hospitality & Events at Kenvale College
after their HSC. One of those scholarships must go to a regional
student.
The closing date is August 20. For more information and for
application forms, contact Bernie McFarlane on 9314 6213.
Steel
Bluescope Steel 2011
Cadet Applications
have opened. These
Cadetships have
opportunities in
Electrical, Computer,
Mechatronics,
Civil/Structural,
Materials, Chemical
Engineering,
Chemistry and Mechanical. Applications opened on 1/7/10
and close on the 31/8/10. These roles will be advertised
throughout NSW and the ACT and for detailed information
please visit www.bluescopesteel.com/cadets
St Patricks Business College
St Patricks Business College is holding Open Days on the
following dates:
17th October
14th November from 11am. There will be course
information, employment opportunities discussed, general
information given and tours of the college. To register
please phone (02)83062333.
APM College of Business and Communication
APM has their new prospectus out for 2011 and the
college is also running a 2011 Scholarship Competition. If
you are interested please see your Career Adviser or
phone (02)85884775 or email lcullen@think.edu.au
Bedford College
Bedford College offers a
variety of courses in
Business,
Accounting
and Child Car. All of their
diploma courses provide
university pathways. They
offer VET fee-help and
have small class sizes. The college will be holding their
Open Day & Scholarship Assessments on 25th September
2010 from 9.30am to 3.00pm. For any additional
information please phone (02)85723262 or visit
www.bedford.edu.au
University of Wollongong
The University of
Wollongong has a
variety
of
information on offer
for
different
faculties of the
University,
including
Law,
International
Studies, Physics,
Civil Engineering,
Mining, Graduate School of Medicine and others. If
you are interested please visit your Careers Adviser
of
phone
1300367869
or
visit
www.uow.edu.au/future/events
TAFE
TAFE South Western Sydney Institute will be holding
“step into your future employment expo and open
day.
Date: Thursday, 9th September, 2Time: 9.30am1.00pm
Venue: Miller College,
Cnr Hoxton Park & Banks Rds,
Miller NSW.
5
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
WITH EVERY OMELETTE PURCHASED RECEIVE
A FREE HOT CHOCOLATE!!!!!!
An ideal opportunity for job seekers, students, parents
and carers to find out about apprenticeships and
traineeships. Talk to employers, university and TAFE
staff, and vocational training providers. For any
additional information please call (02)98217776
TAFE Sydney Institute
TVET has its Course Guide 2011 out now. If you are
interested in pursuing a course at TAFE rather than
university this booklet gives you a summarised version of
course on offer at TAFE. If you are interested please see
your Career Adviser or visit www.sit.nsw.edu.au/tvet
+



New vegetarian pizza slice - $3.00 (please order)
Tukka Tubs – ready to eat meals available in:
Honey Soy Chicken - $3.80 (please order)
Fruit T – flavoured ice tea drink – $2.00
Breakfast for $3.00 and under!!!!!!
Toast with topping & hot chocolate - $2.50
Raisin toast (café style) & hot chocolate
…………………….
- $2.20
Cheese toastie & hot chocolate - $3.00
UWS Dates for the Calender
Campus
Date
Time
P&C PRESIDENT’S REPORT
On 6th August, we held our Trivia Night. I’d like to thank
our members, Lyn Clark and Melanie Cutts for arranging
and collecting the donations, Judith Ferderer for the
‘behind the scenes’ help, Robyn Culbert, our outstanding
secretary, for all the advertising and paper work done for
this event and to Max Foord for allowing us the use of the
hall. To all the staff of Airds who attended, thank you for
your continued support. Thank you also to those outside
of our school community and former staff and students
who attended the night, and our MC, Mr John Culbert,
who put together the questions and as usual did a
wonderful job.
UWS
Parramatta
campus
Sunday
August 2010
10am-3pm
UWS Campus
Tours
October, 2010
TBA
UWS Day
Penrith
Wednesday 3rd
November 2010
TBA
Course
Decision Day,
Monday, 3rd
January 2011
TBA
29th
UWS also has its Undergraduate Course Guide 2011 out.
If you are interested please visit your Careers Adviser or
phone 1300897669 or visit study@uws.edu.au
Ms Fitas (Room 8.8)
CANTEEN NEWS
 For a quick breakfast try a yummy cheese Brekkie
Omelette!!! – ready to eat - $3.00 or with 2 slices of
toast $3.50
AND FOR A SHORT TIME –
A huge THANK YOU must be made to the wonderful
sponsors who always help us whenever our association
approaches them. You will find the list inside this of the
school newsletter – please support these businesses as
much as possible. Also be supportive of our wonderful
staff as they are the biggest supporters of any fundraising
efforts done by the P&C.
In April, on behalf of the P&C I applied for funding under
the Federal Government Volunteer Grants. We were
successful in obtaining money to provide our members
with training for their First Aid Certificates. This will be
done through St Johns Ambulance Service of NSW. We
will also run the two day course in late October or early
November. To book contact Robyn Culbert on 4625 5811
(Monday, Tuesday or Friday). You will go on a list as the
numbers are limited.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 1st September at
10.15am. Our guest speaker will be Natalee Bonnell. It
6
Issue 5– Term 3
would be great to see some new faces so please feel free
to attend as you are most welcome – morning tea will be
provided.
I would like to wish Year 12, 2010 all the best for the HSC.
These fine young men and women are entering a very
exciting phase in their lives and it is important that they
have our support and well wishes from within the school
community. To their hardworking Year Adviser, Ms
Nevine Atlagic, congratulations for bringing this year group
through the last few years.
Till next time
Theresa Clark
P&C President
CLO REPORT
As usual, Term 3 is a busy time for our school with lots of
programs and activities.
Our Trivia Night was a great evening of fun and
fundraising. Thanks to all the staff who supported this
even as well as parents and community. Special thanks
to the P&C members who worked so hard for weeks
beforehand.
Our P&C has been successful in obtaining a grant for
volunteers which will enable us to provide FREE First Aid
training with St Johns Ambulance. A current First Aid
Certificate is so important for all parents and is often a
requirement for a job application. Numbers are limited so
please call me on 4625 5811 to put your name on the list.
The course will be held in October and I will contact you
with all the details soon.
Multi-Cultural parents will have their next meeting on
Tuesday 21st September. All parents are welcome. Our
Culture of the Term for Term 3 was combined with our
special Education Week Assembly and emphasised the
importance of Refugee Week.
September/October 2010
YEAR 9 REPORT
Once again, the last few months have been very exciting,
with many different programs and activities continuing to
go on involving students from Year 9. Parent Teacher
Night was a hit, and it was a pleasure to meet many
parents and talk constructively with them about their
students and their progress at Airds High School.
I was also very lucky to attend the LEAPS Program with a
cohort of students from my year and it is my pleasure to
say that the day out was as close to a perfect excursion as
one can get. For those of you who are unclear about
LEAPS, it is a program where we take twenty gifted
students from our school and go into the city for a day and
the students pair up with a mentor from a prestigious
Sydney Law Firm located opposite Town Hall. In that time
the students undertake various activities that equip them
with the skills to succeed in the future. The day also threw
up a pleasant surprise when the students ran into a Home
& Away star in Martin Place and had photos taken with
him.
The LINKS to LEARNING Program run by Macarthur
Diversity Services Initiative is also going from strength to
strength with the number of Year 9 students participating
in it almost doubling this term, and all reports I have
received from Carmen Fox, the program co-ordinator, the
group dynamic at the moment is fantastic and the students
are receiving a whole range of support services, activities
and participating in them with enthusiasm.
Lastly, could all parents/ guardians please make sure to
either call the school or give your child a note if they have
been away for one reason or another, if you are
concerned about your child’s absence record feel free to
contact the school and get it fixed up.
Year 9 Students from the Links to Learning Program at Sydney
Jewish Museum
Parents participated in Mr Miezio’s technology Workshops
in August. Gaining increased knowledge and skills in a
“hands-on” situation. Thank you, Mr Miezio for your time
and enthusiasm.
Parents from our school will be attending the
Campbelltown Schools parents Conference in September,
being held at John Warby Public School. Airds High
School Year 11 Hospitality students will be catering for
this event.
On behalf of the school community, I would like to wish all
the Year 12 students good luck in their HSC Exams and
their future careers. Thank you for your leadership and
contribution to our school.
Finally, a reminder to Year 7 parents that Vaccination Day
is in Term 4, Monday 18th October.
Robyn Culbert
Community Liaison Officer
Mr Robert Oczos
Year 9 Adviser
7
Issue 5– Term 3
YEAR 12 UPDATE
Term 2 finished off on a real positive for Year 12, with our
last day enjoyed by most of the students on a Welfare
Day, bowling and having lunch at Macarthur Square. This
was also a great opportunity for the students to enjoy a
day out away from school life, with their Roll Call teachers
and myself (who I think was the biggest kid on the day!).
At our Year 12 Formal Assembly I was also very proud to
announce the winner of the ‘Youth off the Streets’
scholarship, Danielle Wright-Brizzolara. Danielle is a very
hard working young lady and I am confident she will put
the money to good use to further her education. She is
the first student from Airds High School to be awarded this
scholarship, and she was one of only 20 students chosen
out of at least 500 students statewide. Congratulations
Danielle!
Education week was celebrated in Week 3 of Term 3, and
Year 12 was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity
to fundraise for their Year 12 Formal. They took
advantage of the sustainable future theme, by running a
Trash and Treasure stall during recess. I was able to do a
spring clean at home and sell the items to the students
and some parents, who came on the day. A total of $170
was raised, and judging by the photos a lot of fun was
had!!
On a more serious note, Year 12 completed their HSC
trials in Week 5. The trials give the students an
opportunity to experience the rigors of the HSC exams,
and I know that some students now understand what is
required of them, and what subjects and areas they need
to study more in. I wish them all the luck and success as
they complete their final term of school.
Just a reminder also that payments for the Formal and
Graduation are due by the last day of Term 3. Please
phone me if you require assistance with payments.
Nevine Atlagic
Year 12 Co-ordinator
ENGLISH NEWS
Early this term, 28 students from Year 10 had the
opportunity to see a performance of Just Macbeth, by
Andy Griffiths and the Bell Shakespeare Company at the
Opera House. We are very lucky to be able to attend
these performances. A generous Bell Shakespeare
sponsor, Rebel, kindly donated a row of seats under the
Hearts in a Row program, meaning we saw this
performance for free.
September/October 2010
for the school, and enjoyed the laugh-a-minute
performance immensely (especially the bit where they saw
an actor’s bum). Just Macbeth reinterpreted Shakespeare
for a modern young audience, and proved that there is
always something new to be found in great drama.
Year 12 are fast approaching their HSC Examinations and
the English Faculty would like to wish all these students
the very best of luck. All students in Year 12 should be
studying English by practising their essays, writing and rewriting them in forty minute periods. This cohort achieved
the best School Certificate results in many years, so we
expect some very pleasing performances in the HSC.
HSIE NEWS
This is going to be another busy term for the HSIE faculty
and Airds High School. All staff have been very busy
preparing Year 12 students for their Trial Higher School
Certificate which will be on in Week 5. Students in HSIE
will be sitting for Ancient History, Modern History, Legal
Studies and Business Studies. Hope all students have
been studying hard and preparing many notes as the
exams are not easy and quite long. Good luck to all Year
12 students!
Mr Robert Oczos
HSIE Relieving HT
JUSTICE FOR YEAR 8
On 28th July, Year 8 completed part two of the High
Resolves Program. They had a fantastic time learning
about global injustice and world poverty. All of year 8 and
their senior leaders were complemented by the organisers
and the DET Director of Equity on their outstanding
contribution to the day.
SPORT REPORT
In Week 3 of Term 3 the Regional Athletics Carnival was
held at Campbelltown Stadium on 4th and 5th of August.
The following students need to be congratulated on their
performance and effort at the carnival. Milly Turaganivolo,
Ashleigh Vidovic-McCarthy, Alisha White, Iesha Wright,
Aidan Ferderer, Jason Phoumivong, Adam Akbas, & John
Alley. Our best performance came from Elijah Sa in the 13
Years Boys’ Discus event where he received third place
and is a reserve for the State Carnival to be held later this
term. Well done to all the competitors.
This is the third year in a row that we have been invited to
participate in this program, mainly due to the excellent
behaviour and feedback given by previous year groups.
This year’s group also proved exceptional ambassadors
8
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
Eat It Work It Move It
This term EWM and the Sport Department are running an
indoor soccer competition. It has 10 student teams which
range in years from 7 to 12 and two teacher teams.
Teams play one game a week which could either fall on a
Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday. This competition could
not run without the help of the following people who invest
their recess or lunch time to referee games. A BIG
THANKYOU to Mr Halliburton, Miss Simms, Mr Rosete,
Mr Miezio and Mr Wagner. Good luck to all the teams in
the competitions.
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.
Elijah Sa (3rd place in 13 boys Discus)
Volleyball
Although our school teams have finished their run in the
Knockout Competition there have been some great results
from both the males and females this year. Two students
need to be congratulated on their continued participation
and achievement level. Firstly, Jared Noa in Year 12 who
represented Sydney South West Boys Volleyball Team in
March. This team was highly successful and won the
NSW CHS State Championships. Great result Jared, well
done. Secondly, Jackie Faiaoga in Year 10 represented
the NSW Under 16s Team at the National Championship
held in Canberra during August. Jackie continues to strive
and represent Airds High School in an honourable
fashion. Keep up the great work Jackie. What an
inspiration!
Year 7




Katerine Vanu
Sharni Anderson
Stefan Czarnowski
Al-Harraz Hudaja
Year 8




Siteri Peter
Alicia Loli
Nathan Sempel
Riggot Varu
Year 9




Cheyenne Morrissey
Adi Turanganivolo
Hayden Harrison
Jayke Cooper Martin
Year 10
 Amie Slavin
 Sharon Srey
 Shane Peagam

Adam Yassine
Year 11
 Chelsea Nauer
 Alisha White
 Sione Usaia
 Trendal Boyce
Jackie Faiaoga
Jared Noa
N. Tate
Sport Organiser
9
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
extensive pathology display which included cancerous
lungs, gangrenous legs and cirrhotic livers.
After a late lunch at McDonalds, we headed home tired
after our interesting and informative day.
Thank you to all the students in Year 12 Biology for your
hard work this year and best wishes for your promising
lives ahead.
Melanie Holmes
Science
DO YOU HAVE ANY
PHONES AT HOME?
Boys Knockout Netball
The Boys Knockout Netball Competition was held on the
22nd July at Endeavour Park in Fairfield. This year’s team
consisted of David Leautaua (Yr 12), Jared Noa (Yr 12),
Raven Nichols (Yr 12), Ross Leifi (Yr 12), Varu Varu (Yr
12), Jeremiah Leato (Yr 11), Josaia Turaganivolo (Yr 11),
Paul Vaai (Yr 9) and Leon Longbottom (Yr 8). Our boys
played a Round Robin Competition of four gruelling
games against various schools throughout the day. The
first game was against Picton High School with the score
being 9-16. We lost the second game against Bonnyrigg
High School with the score being 10-15. Our third game
was a draw against Cecil Hills High School and the score
was 12-12. The last game against John Edmonson High
School was a success with a score of 9-1. I would like to
say a big thank you to Mrs V Williamson for umpiring all
four games as she was working extremely hard keeping
up with the boy’s fast paced game all day. Congratulations
to all our boys on their great teamwork and sportsmanship
as they were fine ambassadors for our school. Well done
boys! Thanks to my Year 12 boys for your efforts over the
last four years, you will be missed. For those students who
missed out on this year’s Boys Knockout Netball Team
remember to try out next year.
Ms Vongsouvanh
Boys Knockout Netball Coach
On
Tuesday
August 3rd, Year
12 Biology visited
the
gruesome
Museum
of
Human Disease.
After an early
morning start at
Campbelltown Station, the 11 students braved public
transport and unpredictable weather to reach the
University of NSW where the museum is situated.
After an hour lecture on the effects of different diseases
on the body, the students were free to roam the museums
OLD
MOBILE
We need them!
Airds High School is attempting to accumulate 100 old
mobile phones for recycling. Mobile phones contain a
product called Coltan, which is largely mined in Africa. The
mining of Coltan is endangering the habitats of gorillas.
We can help save gorillas by recycling the Coltan in your
mobile phone.
Taronga Zoo is supporting the endangered gorillas by
recycling the mobile phones we collect. In return, Airds
High School will adopt a gorilla through Taronga Zoo!
Please donate your old mobile phones to the Science
faculty.
Remember, think globally, act locally
FROM THE PASTORAL CARERS DESK
Term 3 is flying by and there is so much energy in the
school at present.
The level of dedication from staff is inspiring, with so many
good people doing good things. It’s made me think how
disciplined we all need to be to achieve our goals.
Discipline, some people may only relate this word to
punishment, but its broader meaning is training and
instruction to improve strength and learning.
This can be the key to giving your life meaning! It can
even save your life!
It can be confronting and maybe uncomfortable, but for
the staff at AHS I believe it goes deeper than teaching, it
is an act of caring.
Self discipline however, is something we’re in control of
and have the ability to change.
How can we do this? What actions can we take?
 Picture the future (good and bad) I can determine
my future.
 Set goals (big and little) and set deadlines.
 Be committed and involved (focus on the prize).
 Plan and write it down.
10
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010

Take personal responsibility (I’m determined or
I’m making excuses).
 Make yourself accountable (share with a friend
and encourage each other).
 Celebrate the results(I really enjoy that part!)
Think about this, and maybe give it a try because the
outcomes can be really surprising.
Campbelltown Rainbow Girls hold free craft afternoons
on the 2nd Saturday of each month at 3.00 – 5.00pm in the
Scout Hall, Broughton St, Campbelltown.
I would like to remind everyone that I am at AHS 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.
For more information call Talese – 041 213 800 or
Mrs Jones – 9630 8474
We invite you to come, also to our dress-up ‘Princess
Party’ on September 11th at the same time and venue
Until next time, cheers.
Rob Hodgson JP
COMMUNITY NOTICES
29/7/2010
RE: Encouragement Awards from FastLane Karting
FastLane Karting at Minto has recently donated 200 Free
Track Passes to support and encourage students at your
school.
We understand your school makes an effort to reward
exemplary behaviour and outstanding achievements, and
this term may result in your child receiving a FastLane
Karting Encouragement Award.
Please be aware that students require a FastLane Karting
licence ($5, valid for 12 months) in order to use their Free
Track Pass. A parent or guardian must be present to
authorise their child to engage in motor racing.
We sincerely appreciate your support in this promotion.
We also look forward to enjoying many fun and
memorable moments with the families in our local area.
Aaron Oswald
FastLane Karting - Marketing & Promotions
Students discover the world on a WEP
student exchange!
World Education Program (WEP) Australia is now
accepting applications from students to participate in
2011/12 exchange programs. Students and parents can
choose from 27 countries, including France, Belgium,
Italy, Germany, the UK and Canada.
Give your child the opportunity to have an international
experience and gain the personal, social and academic
skills that are so important in today’s world.
Catherine with her host sister in The Netherlands
11
Issue 5– Term 3
September/October 2010
Student exchange is a journey of discovery – of self
and of places, peoples and cultural practices.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YRS 8, 10 & 12
Find out more!
Visit www.wep.org.au, call 1300
884 733 or email WEP
info@wep.org.au to learn more
about this once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity!
Upcoming information evenings:
Melbourne
7:30 -9:00 pm
Sydney
7:30-9:00 pm
Brisbane
7:30-9:00 pm
24 August
Hawthorn Council
Offices
360 Burwood
Road Hawthorn
25 August
Bowlers Club
95-99 York
Street
Sydney
25 August
Metropolitan Motor
Inn
106 Leichardt
Street
Spring Hill
7 September
Kingston Arts
Centre
979 Nepean
Highway
Moorabbin
WEP, a not-for-profit student exchange organisation
registered with the education departments, has opened
the door to a rewarding and successful future for
thousands of students.
As I pen this article I have just attended a very successful
Parent teacher Night at Airds High School. I was thrilled
by the number of parents who attended the evening in the
hall. I hope you all had the opportunity to speak with all
the teachers of your children. If you need to speak to any
of the teachers don’t hesitate to call the school and make
an appointment.
By the time you read this article Year 12 2010 will have
completed their Trial Higher School Certificate
examinations. They will have completed all their formal
assessments and also be in the throes of revision for the
Higher School Certificate. If you as a parent, carer or
student need any assistance with these issues please do
not hesitate to contact me or any of the staff who may be
able to assist you.
At this point in the year our Year 8 students and our Year
10 students are busily choosing their subjects for 2011. It
certainly doesn’t take long for the school year to disappear
does it? We are working as hard as possible at present to
ensure that we can provide all students with as many of
their selections as is possible. However, timetabling as it
is not an easy science. Should we not be able to provide
your son or daughter with their first choice we will try and
create for them a subject pattern that will allow them to
achieve a pattern of study for 2011 that will be both
challenging and satisfying for them?
So in closing I hope that you and your children have a
marvellous Term 3 and as usual if you have any issues
you think I can address please don’t hesitate to contact
me at school.
Yours in Education,
John Kennedy
Deputy Principal
Years 8, 10 and 12.
BA Dip Ed
M Ed Leadership
12
Issue 5– Term 3
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT YRS 7, 9 & 10
September/October 2010
their understanding and support when
partnership with us to support our students.
working
in
As always if you have anything you wish to discuss please
contact the school and we can arrange a meeting. I wish
you all a happy and safe holiday and look forward to
hearing from you in Term 4.
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT –
TEACHING & LEARNING
The end of Term 3 is quickly approaching, yet there is still
so much to do. This is an extremely important time of year
for both staff and students, with many whole school
activities currently occurring. I am sure that the holidays
cannot arrive soon enough for the teachers and students.
Year 12 will be leaving at the end of term, after 13 years
of education. I would like to wish them success; however,
this will not come without hard work. So I advise all of
Year 12 to make the most of the time they have left before
their HSC Examinations begin. All of their teachers will be
available after the holidays for any last minute revision.
Year 11 are currently trying to complete their Preliminary
HSC. Any student that has not completed the
requirements of the Preliminary HSC cannot begin the
HSC in Term 4. That means that all N Awards need to be
resolved before students can start the HSC pattern of
study. Please support your child by encouraging them to
attend school every day on time, equipped and ready to
learn.
Recently, I have received a number of phone calls from
parents concerned about our uniform policy. I was happy
to hear that parents overwhelmingly supported the
wearing of our school uniform and suggested that it should
be enforced. I can assure you that we do insist on all of
our students wearing their uniform to school every day.
Students that continue to come to school out of uniform
will be given a formal caution to suspend and ultimately a
suspension for continued disobedience. Should you need
financial assistance to help with purchasing a uniform
please contact the school.
I would like to remind parents/carers that we are still
running an after school Homework Club every Wednesday
afternoon from 3.10 till 4.00 pm. This is a fantastic
opportunity for all of our students to get additional support
for their learning and I cannot speak too highly of this
program. If you believe your child would benefit from some
additional tuition please contact the school.
On a negative note, recently the school has needed to
suspend a number of students for aggressive behaviour;
this has included both verbal and physical abuse. Neither
our school nor the Department of Education will tolerate
this from our students. This message needs to be given
loud and strong, at school and at home. I would like to
thank all of the parents that I have contacted recently for
I would like to congratulate Nevine Atlagic who was
successful in her application for the Transition Adviser
training in October. This position will involve her promoting
the active engagement and retention of targeted students
and developing a personalised program of career and
transition support for our students.
As part of the Digital Education Revolution Program all
Year 10 students’ laptops are now due for an upgrade.
This is an important process as it provides students with
the latest software and with fixes to known problems on
the laptops. All Year 10 students received a letter to take
home re: the upgrade and returning their laptop to Michael
Peppernell our Technical Support Officer. All Year 10
students should have returned their laptops by now!
I am pleased to report that Year 9 students have all now
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 conducted the Technology Workshop for parents on
Wednesday 18th August in two sessions 10am – 12pm
and from 4.30pm – 6.30pm. I would like to thank the
parents that attended but was slightly disappointed with
the response. If you have any suggestions as to how we
can improve parent attendance please contact me.
Our Year 6 Transition Program with our feeder primary
schools will start on Tuesday 24th August with taster
lessons which will then continue on Tuesday 7th
September. We have also tentatively booked in two dates
in Week 2 & 3 of Term 4 for whole day activities
culminating in the Orientation Day on the 7th December.
We look forward to working with the students and teachers
of our local primary schools to ensure a smooth transition
to high school.
13
Issue 5– Term 3
I would like to acknowledge the work of our Beginning
New Scheme Teachers who are not only establishing
themselves in the classroom and delivering quality
lessons but giving up their own time to be involved in
professional development activities on a Thursday
afternoon. Thank you to The Head Teacher Mentor (Ms
Sumana Viravong) for coordinating these activities and the
Beginning New Scheme Teachers for working hard for the
benefit of our students.
Mr Jeff Miezio
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
September/October 2010
Staff have almost concluded the program and will be
required to demonstrate Accelerated Literacy in action in
their classrooms to meet the final component of the
course. I wish all staff all the best in this endeavour. The
students can only benefit from your skills and dedication.
The BER (Building Education Revolution) has almost
concluded at Airds High, with the final roof being placed
over the library block. It will be great to have our school
void of construction zones. Students have certainly
benefitted from the vast upgrades to the school’s
resources.
I would like to thank Mr Miezio for his workshop on
Technology for the parents of our school community and
the considerable time spent in organising the Yr 6
Transition Program. I would also like to thank the staff for
the quality demonstration lessons to our future Yr 7
students.
Yr 12 near the end of their education at Airds High and
with only 5 weeks left they need to ensure they have
completed all assessments and consolidate the
knowledge they have acquired over the past two years.
Revision should be a daily practice and taking
opportunities from staff to do additional study should be a
priority. I wish Year 12 every success in their HSC and
the future career path they may chose to follow.
As we near the end of Term 3 for 2010, I would like to take
this opportunity to acknowledge firstly the commitment,
professionalism and enthusiasm of all Airds High School
staff whom on a daily basis provide a quality education for
all of the their students. I would also like to commend the
SAS staff for their ongoing support of staff in performing
their roles.
At the end of this term, Mrs Jan Sargeant-Smith will be
leaving us and transferring to Picton High School. Mrs
Sargeant-Smith has been a tireless supporter of our
support students for the past 4 years. She has also been
an integral part of school community having a major role in
the organisation of our end of year Presentation Night. Her
professionalism, commitment and bubbly personality will
be greatly missed. We wish her every success in her new
role and I hope she takes many fond memories with her.
The term has been filled with a number of extra curriculum
activities that have greatly enriched the learning
experiences of the students involved. These additional
activities provide relevance and engagement, thus
ensuring a deeper understanding of subject knowledge
delivered across various KLAs.
Details concerning the various activities and excursions
have been reported on throughout this edition.
A very successful Trivia night was organised by Robyn
Culbert, Theresa Clarke and the P & C. Participants
including both past and present teachers, parents and
local community members ensured the night was well
attended and highly successful. I would also like to thank
all members of the P & C and School Council for their
ongoing contribution and support to the various learning
and extra-curricular experiences that occur across the
school.
I would like to once again acknowledge the quality work of
Ms Cath Angel and Mr Matthew Buckley who have spent
considerable time training all staff in Accelerated Literacy.
14