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High Notes, Vol 10 No 33, October 23 2009From the Principal
Term 4
High Talent
School Uniform
High Riders Summer Sports Assembly – basketball and cricket We honoured our first and second grade teams in basketball and cricket this week at our annual summer sports assembly. Tim Hudson, who runs Sydney University basketball, was our guest speaker. He presented shirts to the basketballers and caps to the cricketers. Tim spoke about his work ethic as the reason for his success, rather than his natural ability. He gave the example of the positive culture created at the Sydney Kings when he played for the team. Team building and bonding are important components of success. My address is reprinted below: Good morning to coaches, staff, students and our special guest, Tim Hudson. This morning’s first summer sports assembly is held annually to acknowledge and introduce the teams who have started GPS competition – basketball and cricket. Due to the late start for this term, basketball has already had a competition game against Newington. The cricket season commences with the first match against Kings on Saturday. Basketball has taken on a higher profile in the GPS community since the home and away format was introduced several years ago. High’s program has expanded and become more professional under the leadership of Ben Hayman. I want to thank him, all the coaches and the basketball committee for the fine job that they did last season. Alex Hayman and the coaching staff have given our boys that important component of self belief, so vital for team success. The finances of the basketball program have been well planned and managed, originally by Adrian Pluis and then George Chow, retiring from the role this year. I want to thank them for their efforts in establishing the Strategic Plans and development programs for the sport. High has become a very competitive school in basketball as a result of the efforts of many individuals over a period of five years. The volunteers from the basketball committee and interested parents put in a lot of work early in the year to erect additional training rings to increase opportunity for boys to practise their shooting. Our facilities have improved and we only need dedicated training by all teams to remain competitive. I trust that the 2009-10 season will be very rewarding for all participants. I wish Leo and his team all the best. Once again I want to thank Laurie Heil for his leadership and organisation of cricket at High. We have the largest number of teams of any GPS school. We are limited only by the availability of grounds. Cricketers are starting to think more seriously about their strength and fitness needs. I am sure this trend will continue so that the participants can maximise their potential. We are pleased to welcome back Barry Davison and Ani Rao to mentor and guide our first and second XI cricket teams through the season. They are very generous in giving of their time to develop the individual skills and teamwork of our sides. Quite a few of the boys are backing up after gaining valuable experience last year. We were competitive in 2008-09 after a slow start so that it is important that we start this year strongly in our first fixture against Kings. Good luck to Brian and his team. We have approval for a covered outdoor learning area to be erected over the cricket nets within the next couple of months. This project will involve installing a 14m x 34m roof on steel pillars at a height of 4.5m. This will enable us to access the nets in all weather and to light the area for use at night. The plan includes securing the nets with fencing and movable gates. In winter, the space will provide for the first time a permanent home for fencing to operate from. During the week it will also provide shelter during inclement weather. The project will be financed by the ̽»¨ÊÓÆµ Foundation using money from the Casey Bequest. I believe the facility will help in the development of cricket by extending the usable hours of the nets. The tragic deaths of two very experienced yachties in the early hours of October 10 at Flinders Islet during the Ron Robertson Memorial Yacht Race, highlight the potential cost of mis-judgements in sport. Nothing can be taken for granted. Some sports are inherently risky. Some situations have the potential for drastic consequences if anything goes wrong. Safety needs to be our first priority. Please make sure you have all your appropriate equipment when competing and follow all the instructions by coaches and supervisors. By way of contrast, the lifelong benefits of participating in sport were highlighted at the recent World Masters Games. People of all ages and abilities from all walks of life and many countries were united in the love of sport. They competed in Sydney in what has become a major tourist event. Having good training habits was frequently mentioned by athletes with longevity in their sports as being a cornerstone of their success. I urge all boys preparing for summer sports to get behind the strength and fitness and sprint programs. To reach and maintain a good level of fitness, you really need to be doing some sustained exercise each day. The health benefits of what you are doing now will last you well into your adult lives if you acquire good habits while at school. I am very pleased at the signs I have seen of a culture change in sport at High. The attitude of individuals and teams is supportive and encouraging. We need to move even further in the direction of team building and mutual encouragement. We need to all focus on the goal of maximum team performance through maximum personal commitment.
I congratulate all boys who were selected in first and second grade GPS teams for the summer
competition. I know you will do your best for yourselves, your teams and the school. Good luck
for the season! Monthly Giving ProgramAt High we have a modern, direct debiting method of facilitating donations. Our Monthly Giving Program allows donors to have donations debited automatically to their credit cards on the fifteenth of each month. An annual statement to donors for taxation purposes is provided. The appropriate form can be posted to you by calling 9361 6290, extension 114. Alternatively, you can go to our website click on fundraising/library project contributions, to download the New Library Monthly Giving Form. GPS sports competition is very demanding on people and resources. At High we have ongoing needs for facilities development, equipment and development through expert coaching. If you would like to help through a tax deductible donation for a particular sport, the appropriate form can be posted to you by calling 9361 6290, extension 114. Alternatively, you can go to our website click on Sport /Sports Donations to download either Development Donation Form or Equipment and Facility Donation Form. SHS Old Boys' Union
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE RECORD This week we are publishing the editorial from the issue of September 1915. Momentous changes had taken place in the preceding three months with the sudden retirement of John Waterhouse (Headmaster, 1896-1915) and the appointment of Robert Hinder (Headmaster, 1915-1918). The Editor for this issue was Rexford George Hook, who was dux of the School in 1915 and completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Sydney University in 1920.
Editorial Some form of football as the general sport, with a less exhilarating game for those physically unfit for football, in the winter season; and cricket and swimming in the summer, would satisfy the requirements of the majority. By concentration on these sports, specific success might be obtained, instead of the series of seconds and thirds which the present system has brought upon the School this year. The School is not deficient in sporting circles, the athletic sports defy such, the fault lies in the fact that we seldom produce a unifed front. Moreover, frequent interruptions, delay in obtaining text books, had placed us in a rather embarrassing position with regard to our School work, when the announcement of Mr Waterhouse’s retirement came upon us. Everybody realised that a retirement was imminent, many were acquainted with Mr Waterhouse’s request to the Department, but none anticipated the event at the time of its coming. Many farewells have been bidden, our late headmaster has thanked those connected with the School on several occasions, so another repetition would be useless here. In 1883 Mr Waterhouse laid the foundation of the State Secondary Education by opening the Sydney Boys’ High School; in 1911 he commenced the task of modelling the new system. During the intervening years he parted only twice with the Sydney High. Once on taking up the Headmastership of Maitland High School [1884], then during his illness in 1913, when we celebrated Speech Day without his elevating personality. The modelling of the new system of Secondary Education was carried out in this School, by our late head; it rests on our present headmaster, R J Hinder, Esq, BA, to complete the work so ably begun by his predecessor. We feel confident that Mr Hinder will fulfil his task.
A change of leader necessarily means some change in principle. Many minor changes have been made
in the execution of school duties, but little has been done with regard to more important
affairs. Our new head has no love for sweeping reform. Although it is rather late to bid Mr
Hinder welcome to the Sydney High, we now give him a very cordial welcome to the dear old
school. Year 11 Parents Dinner
'The Penultimate Year Parents Group Dinner' Last year we had an excellent dinner at No’n La Restaurant and so we have booked there again this year. If you would like to come along, please RSVP. as below.
Where: No'n La Vietnamese Restaurant, 59 Fitzroy Street, Surry Hills Letters Re Absence/Lateness/ Early LeaveWhen your son returns to school from being absent he is required to provide a letter of explanation signed by a parent or guardian. If your son is going to be late for school a note is also required. Alternatively you may contact the school by phone on 9361 6910 and dial “4” for the absentee line. If your son has an early leave note he is required to have his note signed by either Mr Barris, Mr Dowdell or Mr Prorellis before 8:55 am and handed in to the Main Office immediately after. Each letter should be signed by a parent or guardian with the name date and roll class of your son printed clearly. Your son needs to pick up a leave pass from the Main Office before he leaves the school.
Leave The Principal must approve all leave applications. Youth Week Design Competition
NSW YOUTH WEEK Design Competition NOW OPEN Youth Week NSW is looking for aspiring young designers to help create the look for our website, posters and other promotional materials. You may want to design a poster, or a website, or just throw some ideas down on paper. Let us know what you think being young is all about - be funky, be creative, and help us spread the word about Youth Week. You must submit your design electronically as a .jpeg or .pdf file, or in hardcopy (no bigger than A4). In your design, you may want to include:
The winner will receive a $1000 cash prize, and have their work promote Youth Week in NSW through its posters and website. Entries close 5pm, Monday 16 November 2009. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form. Please let the Art staff know if you are entering this competition Sailing AGM
Notice of Sailing Committee Annual General Meeting Agenda Items:-
Contact: Steve Saunders Navy Open Day 2009Sunday 25th October 10am – 4pm
Fleet Base East Ship Tours - RAN Band – Displays – Diving – Mine Warfare – Helicopter Winching – Kids Activities More information available at Music Notices
Encore Nominations
St Vincents Hospital Performance
Ensemble rehearsals
Wine Tasting (Music Tour Fundraiser)
Music Tour 2010 Please see the Music Staff if there are any concerns. Parents wishing to travel with/parallel to the tour need to contact Angas Travel (Jackie Male) as arrangements need to be made immediately. Josie Tayeh (Yr 7 parent) is trying to determine number of parents travelling. Please contact her on her email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it The 2nd instalment of $2000 is now OVERDUE as of the end of term 3, please make payments DIRECTLY to Angas Travel and they will provide us with receipt of payments. If you have not been able to arrange this, please see the Music Staff ASAP.
Please Mail to: ANGAS Travel, 303 Angas St, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000 P&C: High SocietyThe Bulletin Board for Sydney Boys High P & C Julie Connolly P&C President
On-Line P & C Forums It is proposed that parents can respond over the course of one week, each month, to a series of discussion questions posted on the P&C Gmail. It is not intended that there will be ‘live’ online discussion, but rather a sharing and collecting of different ideas and opinions on specific issues for that month. It is proposed to retain one face-to-face P&C meeting each term with guest speakers and additional meetings as required. Your P&C Executive and Year Group Representatives will continue to meet once a month, to progress issues raised by the School community on your behalf. Parents can also send emails to the P&C Gmail address at any time, to raise particular issues or questions and will receive a response within 24 hours, rather than bringing them to a face-to-face P&C meeting. The P&C is trialling our proposed method for On-Line P&C Forums through Gmail, over the next few weeks. Until 31st October, we are seeking parent responses to the following:
These two questions will also appear in the P&C Gmail account under the message title ‘Questions for October 2009 P&C Forum’. We really look forward to parents having a go at participating in the On-Line P&C Forums, which we anticipate will make it easier for parents to contribute valuable ideas, raise specific issues and ask questions. Should you have any problems with Gmail, please contact Julie Connolly This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will try to help!
Volunteer Organisers Needed Please contact the P & C via Gmail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Julie Connolly This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like to be involved. No special skills are needed and most of the organising is done through email communications rather than face-to-face meetings. If you would like to have any parent community news or upcoming events included in High Society, please contact Julie Connolly, P&C President, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 0418 470 203. SBHS CricketLast Saturday saw five of our Group 1 Teams play a series of Trial matches at Newington College in what turned out to be a competitive and an overall enjoyable day with some encouraging results. What must be acknowledged first is the excellent attendance of cricketers who represented their school during a vacation period at trials and for these fixtures. Well done to all concerned 1st XI MATCH: The 1st. XI in their second outing as a team lost the toss and was put in the field on a relatively docile pitch which gave little or no encouragement to our bowlers. Newington proceeded to build their score aided by some poor fielding and regular leakage of runs in a below par team performance compare, to the usual High approach to fielding. Newington finished with 5 – 289. For High Ashwin Ramesh bowled well and took 1/16 (9), Sivasara Sooriakumar took 2 wkts despite getting hit in the final run chase, Michael Phung 1-25 (7),Saif Haque with 0 /6 (5) and Jesse Moffat ‘s wholehearted effort with the ball. High took the crease with Michael Phung (44 ret.)debuting as an opener and Avindu Vithanage (42) who put together a steady 80 run opening partnership until Avindu was run out, Nakul Bhagwat (30) run out on a direct hit, Jesse Moffat also run out on a direct hit, Sam lane (36 ret) and Dileepan Pious (21n.o) were the main contributors as High finished with 5 – 209 indicating that Newington would have been covered in a match scenario. With 3 run out (2 direct hits) mainly through poor calling, player retirements and a spread of runs across the team were encouraging signs for the “Firsts” 2nd XI MATCH: The 2nd XI also lost the toss and in an extraordinary bowling and fielding opening had wickets falling instantly and at 5 /36 it looked like Newington would struggle to get to 70runs. However, the momentum changed through the over enthusiasm and lack of experience in field placings allowed the home side to claw their way back and they were all out at 142. The highlight was Tom Connolly on debut in the 2nd XI who took 5 /12 off 7.3over.and Shimon Danziger and Krishan Sivayogarayan took 2 wkts each. High opened their innings with a batting collapse and with 4 wkts gone for less than 25 were in all sorts of trouble. A drink break assisted and a series of edges from the bat, a quick cameo by Ishman Bari then a match saving partnership between Kumudika Gunaratne (32n.o) and Tom Connolly (41) with some sensible batting and smart running between wickets took the score to within 29 runs of a win when we lost Tom Connolly who had a blistering all round performance.. Shejil Kumar had the task of assisting Kumudika try for the remaining runs and played a tail enders shot and was bowled with High 20 runs short of a victory Scores:- Newington 10 /142 defeated High 10 /123 UNDER 14 MATCH: Earlier in the day on Saturday I got the opportunity to watch some of this match and was absolutely impressed with the 10 boys who represented us. They chased hard in the field, saved many runs in the small field and took their catches. The opening bowlers showed some real venom on turf and players such as Andrew Dao, Lasith De Fonseka and Ned Anson look like players of the future for our Open teams. In the field Jesse Cooper who completed the wicket keepers course showed his ability behind the stumps and contributed to the control of the fielding standards. Well done all round to each and every lad on the team. Scores:-Newington 10 /150 defeated High 10 /110.
GENERAL MEETING Next WEDNESDAY 28th OCT at 5-50PM
PLAYER REGISTRATIONS: WHY WE NEED THEM Basketball: Shootin' Hoops
While You Were Enjoying Your Holidays… Despite these difficulties, Mr Hayman says "WE CAN DO IT!-As long as we have our young group of talented athletes who currently display so much character, work ethic and school pride, we can beat anyone on any given day... I am hoping to add some banners in the gymnasium for the boys. Led by Leo Gordon, Antony Paul and Stephen Yoon, our juniors such as Craig Moller, Daniel Jones and Scott Rezenbrink have really bought into our culture. I have a lot of respect for all members of the opens squad and look forward to the juniors in Years 7, 8 and 9 coming through who can replicate the efforts of their elders. WE ARE A GREAT SIDE WITH EXCELLENT CULTURE” Unfortunately, High is now also carrying injuries in key positions but upon their return to form in 2010, SBHS can notch up a few good victories. With our High Spirit, talent and perseverance, we will still be a formidable side.
Parking Brought to you by David Li Wang and Chris Chiam Price Lists
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