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High Notes, Vol 10 No 34, October 30 2009From the Principal
High Talent
Student Peer Mentors
Transport at High
School Contributions - Where are they spent? SHS Old Boys' Union
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE RECORD This week we are publishing the editorial from the issue of December 1918. This editorial covers a number of hot issues of the time. The first is about the title of “Captain” which, until 1919, belonged to the dux of the final year. From 1920, the term “Captain” was applied to the top-ranking prefect, formerly referred to as the “Senior Prefect”. The term “Senior Prefect” was revived in 1965. The second topic is the seemingly never-ending battle of the 1910s between rugby and soccer. The Editor for this issue was Ross Francis Gollan, who was a prefect and played in the 1st XV, completed a BA and MA at Sydney University and joined the Sydney Morning Herald as a cadet journalist in 1923. He went to Canberra as Federal Parliamentary roundsman in 1940. His reporting was influential in the brief rise to power of Arthur Fadden, following the demise of Robert Menzies in 1941.
The Captaincy And so it is to be hoped that soon the Captain shall be a boy who is still at the School, not necessarily the School’s best scholar. Above the average in work he must certainly be, but his claim to the Captaincy should be based on other foundations. He should be among the best athletes, be a boy of a high moral tone, and above all, be a born leader of men. For it would be for him to lead the School on all occasions; it would be his task and his ambition to end the friction between various cliques, so that all might work together cheerily and unflinchingly, despite adverse conditions, to place our “Alma Mater” on the highest pinnacle among the Great Public Schools of the British Empire. The question of soccer Judging by the present indications, it seems possible that, by the time this editorial appears in print, the Union shall have decided against retaining Soccer among the sports of the School, a step which should meet with the approval of all who really have the good of the School at heart. Among those boys who are now leaving, there are some who will remember the time when Soccer was first introduced. Then it was a game played by a few, but soon that few became many, till, in the winter of 1916, it was with difficulty that sufficient players were obtained for the grade teams of Rugby football, the chief sport of the School. Then arose the great Rugby-Soccer dispute, a dispute that soon became a standing joke throughout the School. But it seems probable that, if some immediate action be not taken, the joke will become a tragedy - and a tragedy for the School. For we are, first and foremost, a Great Public School, and if we are to maintain that proud position, we must concentrate our efforts on GPS sports alone. If the School be divided within, how can it withstand attacks from without? The School has given of her best to us; she expects all her sons to aid her by sinking all personal likes and dislikes, so that she may fitly uphold her great traditions.
Shall it be said that we failed her in her hour of need? 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 Year 8 ESSA testInformation for parents of Year 8 Students Dear Parent or Carer The Essential Secondary Science Assessment (ESSA) test for Year 8 students will be held on Tuesday 24 November 2009. The test takes approximately 80 minutes. It contains multiple choice, short response and extended response tasks. The ESSA test is a diagnostic test that will provide information about what students know and can do in science. Tasks in the test are framed on Stage 4 outcomes and essential content in the NSW Science Years 7-10 Syllabus. Students can bring home the test stimulus magazine to discuss with you after the test. Students will be tested on their:
Students also complete a survey about their opinions, attitudes and values. For the test, students are asked to provide their name, gender and age. They are requested to provide information as to whether they are from a language background other than English and for information as to whether or not they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This information is treated confidentially and held securely to ensure that the right to privacy of all students is maintained. If your child has a disability that needs special consideration or has been educated in English for less than one year, please contact your child’s school to discuss special provisions or possible exemption from the test. Results of the test will be available during Term 1 2010. A personal report prepared for each student will describe the science knowledge and skills demonstrated by the student in the test. There will also be information about how the student’s results compare with overall performance of all students in the test. You will be invited to complete a parent survey about the test and science learning. The principal of your child’s school will be able to provide you with more details about ESSA if you require additional information. Yours sincerely
Lothar Bujtor From the CanteenWith a significant number of Year 12 parents having left, we are actively seeking new volunteers for this term and next year. If you have never tried helping in canteen, here are some good reasons to give it a go!!
For our continuing volunteers, we know your work and family commitments can change over time, so
if you find a different day would suit better for 2010, be quick and arrange a new time
with Karen & Tracey TODAY before new rosters are arranged incorporating the new Year 7
parents. From the Andrews Library
REMINDER OLDER PRACTICE EXAM PAPERS - These are on the W drive under PastPapers. You can now get to these from home to prepare for exams. Years 7-9 completed. Years 10, 11, 12 being scanned at present by Senior Library. NEW BOOKS THIS WEEK: Senior non Fiction The Times Will Suit Them, Geoff Boucher; Environmental Science for Environmental Management, Timothy O’Riordan; An Introduction to Marine Ecology, R.S.K Barnes; Ecology, Charles J. Krebs; Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis, Robert E. Blankenship; Environmental Sciences, Kenneth J. Gregory(et al); Ecotoxicolgy, F Moriarty; Lightning, Vladimir A. Rakov (et al); Get to the top on Google, David Viney; Ecology of a changing planet, Mark B. Bush; Ecological Genetics, Andrew Lowe(et al); Eternal Sunshine, Charlie Kaufman; Evolution, ed. A.C. Fabian; Silent Bob Speaks, Kevin Smith; Alexander A. Friedmann, E.A. Tropp(et al); How to Lose Friends and Alienate people, Toby Young; Junior Non fiction An Introduction to the Invertebrates, Janet Moore Junior Fiction The Secret Speech-Tom Rob Smith, A Small Free Kiss in the Park-Glenda Millard, The Ask and the Answer-Patrick Ness, Poison and Peril-Kenneth McIntosh, Vortex-Chris Ryan, Bang, Bang, You’re Dead-Narinder Dhami, Stargazer-Claudia Gray, Death Valley. Volume 1-Andrew Cosby, The Zero Game-Brad Meltzer, Eagle Day-Robert Muchamore, Twister -Chris Ryan, Flash Flood-Chris Ryan, Wildfire-Chris Ryan, The Escape-Robert Muchamore, Outbreak-Chris Ryan, 6 Feet Deep-Rose Impey, Heart and Soul-Maeve Binchy, Polgara the Sorceress-David Eddings, The Book of Fate-Brad Meltzer, Dreamsongs. II: a Retrospective-George R.R. Martin, Viking Blood-Andrew Donkin, Temple-Matthew Reilly, Tom’s Midnight Garden-Phillippa Pearce, Deadly Intent-Lynda La Plante, I Am Not a Serial Killer-Dan Wells, The Man in the High Castle-Phillip K. Dick, Vampirates: Tide of Terror-Justin Somper, The Riddle-Alison Croggon, Pilgrim-Sara Douglass, Nemesis-Bill Napier, A crack in the line-Michael Lawrence, Use of weapons-Iain M Banks, Heroes of the Valley-Jonathan Stroud, Killing God-Kevin Brooks, The Pox Party-Iain M Banks, Outcast-Rosemary Sutcliff, Skybreaker- Kenneth Oppel,Tamar-Mal Peet, The Sinner-Tess Gerritsen, Payback- Andy McNab, In Ecstasy- Kate McCaffrey, The highest tide: a novel-Jim Lynch, Fool’s Fate-Robin Hobb, The Roar-Emma Clayton, Into a Dark Realm-Raymond E Feist, The Eye of the World-Robert Jordan, The Graveyard Book-Neil Gainman, The Sorceress-Michael Scott Senior Fiction White Heat- K. M.Grant , Wolf Hall-Hilary Mantel, We are all Made of Glue-Marina Lewycha, The House of Special Purpose- John Boyne, Bones to Ashes-Cathy Reichs, The Algebraist-Ian M Banks Schokolade?!
No, this is not a typing error, this is the way the yummy stuff is written in German (as my
students can assert) and you can win a bar of it for very little effort. In the Language corridor
(you have to find that first) is a poster on the wall with a number of names on it. You have to
find out what these people all have in common, apart from their nationality. First correct answer
wins. Idiomatic translations of any one of the texts underneath can win you a chocolate frog -
again, first in best fed. Viel Spass. NB Mrs Werner, Mrs Matsos and Mrs Cook - my apologies, but
you are excluded from this competition. Music Notices
High Achievements
Encore Nominations
Music Tour Wine Fundraise Please collect an order form from the Music Staffroom if you would like to purchase from our selection with a special SHBS Music Tour label, wonderful for a special occasion or a lovely gift.
Ensemble rehearsals
Music Tour 2010 Please see the Music Staff if there are any concerns. Parents wishing 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. A printable form to purchase music fundraising wine is available in the PDF version of the High NotesP&C: High SocietyThe Bulletin Board for Sydney Boys High P & C Julie Connolly P&C President
Just to Clarify our On-Line P & C Forums For next year we are proposing that parents can respond over the course of one week, each month, to a series of discussion questions posted on a P&C Forum website. 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 at least 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 send emails to the P&C Gmail address at any time, to raise particular issues or questions and will receive a response from the P&C Executive within 24 hours, rather than bringing them to a face-to-face P&C meeting. The P&C is collecting school and community opinions over the next week, on our proposal for On-Line P&C Forums as a substitute for some face-to-face P&C meetings. Until 6th November, we are seeking responses to the following:
To register your opinions, please send your responses to these two questions with the message title ‘October 2009 P&C Forum’ to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 7th November. The P&C will reply acknowledging that your response has been received. 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 Parents needed for Orientation Afternoon From 3:00 pm until 3:50 pm, we will serve tea/coffee/cold drinks in the Courtyard for our new students and their families. We will also be serving drinks and food after Assembly from 4.45 pm until approximately 5.30pm. If you are able to help serve from either 3pm to 4pm, or from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm, or to help with preparations at any stage during the afternoon please let Barbara Taylor know which shift you prefer. You can email Barbara at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call/text on 0410 268 444.
Upcoming Parent Meetings & Events (details in High Notes) 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. SHS Rowing Committee
Back to the Sheds/High Rowing Challenge Report 2009 The day was established last year as a way for the High rowing community to revisit the Outterside Centre, and either have a competitive row, or mix socially with each other over a barbecue breakfast and coffee. A highlight of the day was the High Rowing Challenge. Our inaugural event last year proved successful and an enjoyable way to raise funds, as the old boys bought their seats at auction on the night of the Rowing Reunion and challenged the school 1st and 2nd VIII. This year, we expanded the format to include not only old boys but parents, friends and supporters. As a lead up to the day we had three crews of varying experience brave the early morning start of 6am over five Saturdays to train and/or learn to row as a crew. Not without mishaps, which we will look back on with a smile, all crews managed to get some good water time and experience the thrill of moving through the water, in time, in the quiet and stillness of the morning. Credit goes to all the crews, coaches and coxswains for their good spirit, humour and friendly cooperation. On the Back to the Sheds Day, these 3 crews raced each other which proved very entertaining for all spectators. In the shining sun, and with barely a wave on the water, the three mixed teams of friends, parents and Old Boys raced over the short course for a chance to take on the finest athletes in the High Rowing program, and it was the well named team, the Submariners, who won through to the final. The Submariners slickly used their healthy handicap to full advantage in holding off the more fancied High Society (maybe those bowties were just a bit too tight for racing?!) and the XLR8Oars crews. The Submariners seemed to have used the training session where they sunk an Eight to maximise the pity in the handicapper’s eyes, and were looking quite smug once back on land having safely qualified for the final. Club President Julie Blomberg, who was 4 seat of the Submariners, seemed particularly happy as she awaited her husband’s team, High Society, arrival back at the shed! Then it got serious with the school VIIIs race for a spot in the final. The racing was fierce but ultimately the strong High A team powered through in a relatively comfortable margin. The third team to be selected for the final was the star-studded lineup of recent High Old Boys, including Olympic squad rower, Dominic Grimm. Their lack of training time together, was overcome through sheer bicep size, and a shared desire to show the current High A team how things were done ‘back in their day’. Three crews lined up for the final - The Submariners, High A team, and the Old Boys. With some sublime handicapping by Chris Watson, a tensely contested final was won by a solitary metre. With the final underway, the Submariners used their head start to get as far ahead of the furious race at the back of the field as the younger, more dynamic teams took the racing intensity up a notch. The High A team looked to attack the start more aggressively and pulled ahead slightly, but the Old Boys responded well and began to gain momentum. As the Old Boys continued to pull back the High A team, the Submariners appeared as though they would be mowed down well before the finish line, until a stunning late surge gave them just enough boat speed to protect their ever decreasing lead for enough time to get them across in first place. The High A team held on for 2nd, and the Old Boys took up third place, less than a canvas behind both the other teams. On the shore we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our 1959 crew’s win at the GPS Head of the River. Ian Toll, 3 seat, represented the mighty 1959 Sydney High VIII addressing the gathering on the achievement, and wishing the current crews best wishes and best of luck for their season. Captain of Boats, Andrew Blomberg, responded with how Ian Toll’s words will inspire the boys to work hard to place High back on the GPS map. A barbecue breakfast with barista coffee was available throughout the morning thanks to the many parents who helped.
Melbourne High Visit Upcoming Events
SHS Basketball: Shootin' HoopsHigh VS Kings High vs Kings 2009 Term 1 (Last time)
High vs Kings 2009 Term 4 (This time)
The older we get, the better we get! The results show our basketball program works! Stick with it juniors and watch as you develop into great basketballers! GO HIGH BASKETBALL! 1st Grade Stats
What an amazing week of close basketball in 1st and 2nd grade. Both overtimes were set up due to
late shots by High, and whilst the seconds managed to hold Kings off, unfortunately the firsts
were unable to score the points to set up the win. Still, congratulations to the firsts and
seconds for playing a very close and competitive game of basketball!
15Es Match Report Against Kings
The 15Es started off their season excellently with a solid 8 point win over Kings. We played
exceptional defence at one stage not allowing the opposition to score for 12-15 minutes! Our key
defenders were Robin Ko and Ryan Dewan, collecting many rebounds, and in attack our main scorer
was Lawrence Zhang. Everyone put in a great effort and stuck together, to pull off a great win
and start to the season.
Hayman Cup and Match Reports SHS CricketDay 1 of the GPS competitions got under way last Saturday and other than the expected problems with Group 2 teams attending The King’s School relying on public transport causing late arrivals, it was encouraging to see the competitiveness of several of our teams.
MATCH REPORTS and YOU
1st XI HIGH 1 - 67 - V - KINGS 7 - V - KINGS 7 - 291 declared.
2nd XI HIGH 10 - 117 - V - KINGS 2 - 92
3rd XI HIGH 10 - 174 (58) - V - KINGS 0 - 16 (4) 4th XI HIGH 4th XI 9 - 126 Defeated HIGH 5th XI 8 - 125
16C KINGS 10 - 99 Defeated HIGH 10 - 86
15A HIGH 10 - 94(51) - V - KINGS 5 - 32 (12) 15C KINGS 8 - 280 (30) Defeated HIGH 10 - 51
14A HIGH 2 - 53 - V - KINGS 8 - 280 declared Sailing AGM
Notice of Sailing Committee Annual General Meeting Agenda Items:-
Contact: Steve Saunders
Notice of the Sailing Association General Meeting
Contact: Steve Saunders Rifle Shooting Dinner
SYDNEY HIGH END OF SEASON RIFLE DINNER - 2009 WHEN? Saturday, 28th November 2009, 5:00pm WHERE? The Outterside Centre, Teviot Ave, Abbotsford WHO? Students, parents, coaches, friends and supporters Dress - smart casual WHY? To acknowledge the commitment and achievements of all our shooters and because friendships made through sport last a lifetime COST? $30/person. Payable to the school office by Friday 6th November. Please note this is a BYO alcohol function for adults. A printable form to purchase tickets for the Rifle Shooting Dinner is available in the PDF version of the High Notes |