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High Notes, Vol 10 No 8, March 20 2009
From the Principal
High Talent
Laptops for Learning –update What does an effective laptop learning environment look like? Research suggests “laptops provide the motivation to engage students in their learning and see a connection between what they are learning and the world beyond the classroom.” Students appear to change their attitude and work habits. Laptops “increase opportunities to apply knowledge and encourage students to think creatively.” They prepare students for life in the twenty-first century (Zucher and Hug, 2008). Students tend to: spend more time giving presentations, write better quality texts, research more and in depth, revise their work, help each other more, take more initiative outside the classroom and work harder. [If these outcomes came true at High, what a pleasure it would be to take Year 9 laptop classes!] The Laptop User Agreement. Year 9 students will be expected to bring their laptops to school with a fully charged battery. They will be responsible for the safety and security of their laptops. A technical officer will be responsible for dealing with technical issues. Laptops not working will be replaced. Laptops will be loaned to students whose machine is undergoing repair. Personalised ‘skins’ will be used to identify laptops. DET owns the laptops until the ownership is transferred at the end of Year 12.
Asbestos Management Plan The school’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee met this week to discuss the issue of regular inspections of the problem areas on the school grounds in respect to suspect material. It resolved to challenge DET on its accountability to do these inspections and to carry out the remediation works. I trust we have your support in our actions. Lack of proper drainage is an issue, particularly where the erosion from water flowing in storms from the SGHS tennis courts is undermining the driveway next to the far side of the gym.
Bad Bus Behaviour When not on a ‘school service’ bus the expectations of your demeanour and manners are even higher than usual.
“I work for the Department of Defence at Randwick and travel daily on the 393 bus from
Eddie Ave Central where a lot of your students are waiting for buses…On numerous times the
boys will push in front of adults to enter the bus to obtain a seat which is not right since they
only travel a short distance. The ones who stand up in the aisle wear their back packs (bags) and
turn around and move up and down the aisle, hitting people with their bags and don't say sorry. I
have been hit in the face a few times and then said something to the person only to get a smart
comment and a look from the child. I am wondering if this is part of their learning at your
school. As they wear your uniform and represent your school I thought they would have some
manners.” 
Handwriting at High SchoolHandwriting is something that all our students have worked on at primary school and it is something which they do not expect to continue having to practise and refine in high school. Recent trends in technology, however, mean that often our students are not handwriting as much as they once would have and this appears to be feeding into a trend of students arriving at high school with poorly developed handwriting skills. The most obvious example of this is that a number of boys in the junior school are not using cursive or running writing on a regular basis and are instead printing. This trend will have important ramifications for later years at high school, when the ability to write quickly and fluidly will be a determining factor in how well each student does in the HSC. Gifted students can have difficulty with handwriting simply because their minds often work ahead of their level of physical maturity. As a result they often skip the slower stages of adopting handwriting when younger and jump to writing lots before they are physically ready. This can result in poor habits forming; such as poor pencil grip and hand positioning. Some boys in high school say they will not running write because it is too messy or writing that quickly hurts their hands. Some of this is simply that, like any other physical feat, writing well requires training and regular practice. Some, however, may require professional intervention from an Occupational Therapist (OT) to help correct pencil grip and hand positioning and to help them to overcome unclear or slow writing. If your son is using a pencil grip that requires him to move any part of his hand/wrist instead of just his thumb and first finger to form a letter, or if his wrist is hooked, his pencil grip may not be effective and this may cause pain. If your son is not using cursive or running writing in his class exercise books, or if he complains of pain in his hands when writing quickly, seeing an OT now is an investment in your son’s ability to do well in the senior years. It is better to be spending the time doing this now rather than in Year 12 when other study issues will be more pressing. In the Social Science Faculty where our senior students need to be able to write well for the HSC we are helping the boys by asking that assignments be hand written in cursive in the junior school to give them an opportunity to practise. A sheet of handwriting tips is available from the Social Science staffroom if any boy would like a copy. Some websites that may be helpful:
This article prepared with the assistance of Kate Broderick of Sydney Speech Pathology and
Occupational Therapy.
Preliminary English Information Evening
Information Evening: SBHS Year 11 Preliminary HSC English
From the Andrews (Jnr) Library
No more overdue notices to class- Use the Portal, not USBs When library users borrow books from any other library they are responsible for returning books on time. Overdue reminders are emailed out. Boys are reminded that 2 methods of reminding students of over-dues already exist at High – the Portal and DET emails. The most reliable method for boys to have schoolwork on hand is to always go into the Portal from home and save everything to your H drive. They can then check their library books, the Library Catalogue, absences, variation of routine and exams. Boys do know this as they have all received instruction from the Librarian as an Introduction to Library functions on the Portal when they arrive at this school.
Every parent should ask their sons to show them the portal
No more borrowing if you have overdue books
Detentions and see Librarian immediately warnings- Whoops!
One Month Loans- fabulous! Renew once only By the way we are still a friendly Library! Doesn’t sound like it does it? Try us- we are nice really!. Newest books- Covers now displayed on windows. Great books!
Colour Printing
From the Canteen TeamWe have a wide range of hot food on offer and limited oven space. While we try hard to second guess what all you boys (and teachers) will want to eat on a given day, it is very hard to get it right without your input. Which is why we want to thank the many boys who have made good use of the lunch order system(order between 8.30 - 9.00 am) Their favourites are there waiting for them at lunch time, reserved, so the boy just ahead of them in line won't get the last one.
Even as we enter week 9 of term it is fantastic to report we are still welcoming new volunteers
to the canteen. It's never too late to join us. You are always welcome irrespective of whether
you joined the school this year or in previous years. Call Tracey or Karen on 9360 4027(not
during recess or lunch breaks) so they can help you work out a day to suit.
High StoreArt paints are NOW in stock for any Year 7 boys who missed out. $22 There is a small quantity of soccer & rugby boots still available for $10. This price is only valid till the end of Term 1. So be quick not to miss out & pay higher prices next term! Old style tracksuit jackets & pants, pre- loved on sale for $20 & $10
SHS Debating
Eastside Competition Round 4, Friday 20 March Chair people are required for the Senior debates which start at 8pm. If you are interested in taking this role please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . As always watching senior and more experienced debaters is a great way to see the structure and matter knowledge of our top representative debaters and an enjoyable learning experience
FED Competition Round 2, Friday 20 March Debating Squirrel says- Always ask yourself is your argument providing a solution to the key issue of the debate.
Most debates focus on a central problem or concern with the Affirmative team responsible for
developing a way, or model, to fix the problem. For the negative team you can either dispute the
problem OR if you accept that there is a problem then you need to convince the audience that your
solution provides the better outcome. Be clear in your arguments. Even if you are relying on the
status quo a strong message at First Neg will be a solid foundation to your team’s
case
Dana Quick More information can be found at and will be emailed to you on a weekly basis. Please CHECK YOUR EMAIL regularly and ensure we have current contact details for both students and parents. PARENTS: If you are not receiving weekly emails about debating please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask to be added to the parent group for your child’s year.
Music Notices
Music Tour 2010 to France If you haven’t submitted your Expression of Interest Form and wish to participate in the tour, please speak to the Music Staff ASAP. The tour deposit is already due but if you would like to attend, please see the Music Staff to make arrangements. Please make payments to Sydney Boys High School at the Main office and attach with a note ‘Music Tour to France 2010’.
Encore Concert
Meet the Music Concert
Cabaret Night – Please Note Change of Date
Workshop with Ronald Prussing
Marching Band
Music Supporters Group (MSG) Meeting There is a new position available on the committee as catering coordinator. This involves organising coffee & tea at concerts and sausages sizzle BBQ at workshops and post music camp. Please contact Debbie Street or Debbie Dukes is you are interested in this position at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
State Music Camp
Jazz Workshops Ensemble Rehearsal Schedule for 2009.
World’s Greatest ShaveFirstly, thank you and congratulations to all the boys who participated in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave! It is, of course, that manly baldness that keeps these things running. But, in all honesty, the WGS is not just about us (as we keep telling ourselves), but you as the sponsors, and the money we can raise as a school group. Our donations and support will help the Leukaemia Foundation continue to provide practical care and support, such as free accommodation, transport and education programs, to patients and families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. Our spontaneous collection on Monday, saw a total of $485.15 collected, bringing the Sydney High team’s total to an astounding $4345.15!!!! We noted some of you missed out on the opportunity to donate, but fear not! Through either the website (credit card) or the WGS members (cash), you can still donate until 3rd April. As an added incentive, there isn’t even any fine print! A special mention must go to those boys who helped with the collecting and counting of money on Monday: Johan Santoso, Michael Sin, Jamian Vuong, Shuming Wang, Isnad Zaman, James Lee and Leonard Teng. Also Christian Katsikaros from Year 12 has volunteered to shave his beautiful golden locks in early April in an attempt to raise final donations. Donations will be collected during lunch outside the High Store where the event will take place. Further details will be published at a closer date.
So finally, one last thank you and congratulations to the SBHS community for this phenomenal
result and display of generosity and courage. The efforts of all involved are greatly appreciated
not only, the shavers and dye-ers but also those who sponsored or donated.
Free Concert- Australian Army BandUnited World Concert Tours would like to invite our Staff, Students and Parents, to attend the 2009 Sydney Youth Musical Concert at the Opera House This is a FREE ADMISSION introduction to music for all students concert
Date
Time
Featuring As Admission to the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall is strictly by ticket holders only Tickets may be ordered by EMAIL to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Please include in the Email All bookings will be confirmed by return Email Tickets will be express posted to the address provided We encourage large groups, up to and including your entire school, for a wonderful and educational field trip. We only require that you use all of the tickets that you request.
Youth Mental HealthGeneration Next is a new national seminar series exploring the pressures, needs and healthcare and sociological challenges facing Australian adolescents, parents and those working with young people. The seminar series will be held in Sydney (23 and 24 May), Melbourne (13 and 14 June), Brisbane (5 and 6 September), Adelaide (27 June) and Perth (28 November). Tickets are $45 and are available through Ticketek. Generation Next is being conducted by Healthed, a Sydney based provider of medical education conferences, in partnership with beyondblue, the national, independent not for profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse in Australia. The seminar series approach will be to focus on problems relating to drugs and alcohol, cybersafety, mental health and sexuality, and on constructive solutions to these problems. . Presenters for the series include: Dr Michael Carr Gregg, adolescent psychologist and media columnist, on 'Building a resilient young person in the age of the internet and instant gratification'; Julie Gale, founder of the Kids Free 2 B Kids advocacy group and comedy writer/performer, on ‘Sexualisation of children in the media'; and Paul Dillon, from Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, on 'Teenagers, alcohol and drugs'. Dr Sally Cockburn, media health commentator, and Susan Mclean, Cybersafety expert For further information, contact: Healthed's Dr Ramesh Manocha, ph: 1300 797 794 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or visit the Generation Next website
School Student Transport Scheme
School Student Code of Conduct
Students are reminded to
During 2009, authorised officers will be deployed to inspect Code of Conduct compliance on school bus services in the Eastern Region. Students who are found to have breached their obligations may lose their travel entitlement and possibly incur an infringement.
探花视频 Cadet Unit
Brigade Promotion Courses Going to Singleton are:
Junior Leader Course
Senior Leaders Course (Module 1)
For promotion to Sergeant Senior Leader Course (Module 2) Successful completion of Module 2 is a requirement for promotion to Warrant Officer and Cadet Under Officer ranks. All the courses are intensive and require hard work to demonstrate achievement of the skills, knowledge and attitudes required for successful qualification. As well as parade ground work and classroom study, the candidates will be required to demonstrate their grasp of the practical skills of navigation and living in the field.
Adventure Training Assessment Held somewhere in the rugged bushlands of Victoria or Tasmania (the actual location is classified) this demanding week long assessment is designed to test the mental and physical stamina of senior cadets during an extensive patrol in rugged bush land. Moving on foot in full patrol order, carrying an F88 Austeyr rifle, the assessment will involve navigating with map and compass over a 20 km course, searching ground, casualty evacuation over difficult terrain, rope work, night operations aided with night vision equipment and water crossings utilising self flotation aids and field engineered flotation equipment. All aspects of the assessment involve demanding physical activity with continuous, close assessment of the candidate’s ability to meet the mental and physical challenges. Before lodging their nominations, Denis and Jack had to undergo tough barrier testing involving physical fitness, swimming ability, map reading and navigation skills, practical first aid , radio communication skills and their ability to operate and live in the field.
The ATA is about as tough as we can make it in cadets; the pass rate is low (a fail to qualify in
any discipline means a march off from the rest of the assessment); only the fittest, best
prepared cadets will qualify to wear the coveted ATA badge.
New Enrolments To obtain the necessary forms call at the unit orderly room during any lunch break next week.
SHS Basketball: Shootin' HoopsHigh vs Grammar 2008 Term 4 (Last time)
High vs Grammar 2009 Term 1 (This time)
First Grade Stats
By Chris Chiam
AAGPS 2nd Grade Table!
Don't forget to check Hayman Cup results at
14As Match Report Against Grammar
Grammar was too good inside and out for the first half. Down 5-20 with 1 minute to go in the
first half, Ivor Metcalfe made two consecutive steals to put High 9-20 at half time. The second
half showed a different type of game where we patrolled the lanes and read the Grammar half court
offense, making good decisions with our passing with floor balance and going defensive stop after
another and getting transition baskets off the trap and off good outlets. It was 27-33 when Eamon
drove middle to the hoop and dropped a 3 point play with a finger roll to make it 30-33 with 90
seconds to go but alas two key turnovers from passing inbound gave the game away 30-36. Big
improvement from our players from the 50-22 scoreline last term. Grammar have 4 6-foot players, 2
of which have an all round game
SHS Rowing Committee
Kings/PLC Regatta results
Gold Cup at Riverview
Head of the River- Saturday 28 March 2009
Con’s Party! He attended and rowed for High from 1967 until 1971, and then 14 years later, with his experience and love of rowing, took on the role of MIC which he held for a staggering 25 years. During this time his wife, Allyson, was there supporting him and involved in High rowing, particularly while their sons, Kerry and George, rowed for High from 1996 until 2001. We hope you can join us at the Outterside Centre to help Con celebrate this achievement. Details can be obtained from Julie Blomberg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0416 061 759.
Clean Up – Sunday 29th March 2009
The committee is hoping we have a good representation of volunteers from across the Years helping
clean and tidy the sheds. More detail will follow.
Athletics 2009
Information for Athletes and their Parents Sydney Boys High School offers boys the opportunity to compete in the prestigious GPS Athletics competition. The GPS Athletic season is run in the last two weeks of Term 1, the two weeks of the holidays and the first three weeks of Term 2 (a seven week season). The season culminates in the AAGPS Athletics carnival held at Homebush. Here the nine GPS schools compete against each other in two different age divisions (senior and junior). Boys from each Year group represent Sydney Boys in these divisions. They compete in front of nearly 10,000 spectators. The nature of GPS Athletic competition is team oriented with a points system designed to reward a good all round performance from a team rather than one strong individual performance. The coaching staff stresses the importance of this aspect of the competition. Athletics at High welcomes all athletes regardless of ability and it is our aim to develop you as an athlete in your discipline. The strength of our team lies in the enthusiasm of all athletes challenging each other for a place to represent the school at the AAGPS Athletics Finals. There are tremendous benefits to be gained from athletics training; these include physical, mental, social and educational rewards. I hope that you become involved in High Athletics and that it is a rewarding experience in all these ways. The Athletics coaching staff are here to encourage, challenge and support you in your endeavours. Good luck in the up coming season.
GPS Athletics
The Student Award Scheme and Athletics Athletes need to satisfy the following 4 criteria if they wish to get the student award scheme for athletics.
This may seem a lot of training but in relation to winter or summer sports it is relatively light. This year I am looking for a greater commitment from all athletes so we can challenge our rivals Training has begun but is optional for those boys still heavily committed to summer sports. Registration for 2009 remains open for the rest of the term. Any queries about Athletics will be answered promptly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Athletics CarnivalThe School Carnival: E.S. Marks Field – Kensington (Monday 30th March & Tuesday 31st March)Program of Events- Monday 30th March
Program of Events- Tuesday 31th March
Aims of the Carnival
Banned Items & Activities
House Rules & Events
Pointscore
1st – 10pts Age Champions: The athlete with the most points in any Age Group will be declared the Age Champion. Champion House: The house with the most points will be declared the Champion House. Age Groups: An athlete ceases to be under 14 on the 31st December of the year in which he reaches the age of 14 years. School Team: The school athletics team to compete at the GPS and CHS competition will be selected on the basis of performances at the school carnival, training sessions and the GPS invitational carnivals. Lane Draws: Will be determined by Marshals for all Heats and Heat Finals. Lane draws for Semi-Finals and Finals will be based on times and announced by the Recorders. 100m Heats/Semi/Finals: The fastest 16 competitors will contest the Semi-Finals. The Fastest 8 will progress to the finals. No points will be awarded for places in Heats or Semis – entry points only. 200m Heats/Finals: The fastest 8 will progress to the Finals. No points will be awarded for placing in the Heats. 1500m, 800m, 400m Heat/Finals: These will be conducted as Heat Finals. Where there is more than one heat, placing will be determined on times. Athletes are advised to run these races to the clock as Heat speed may vary. Relays: House relays will be conducted as 4×100m. House captains and vice-captains are asked to organise the house relays well in advance of the scheduled start.
2009 Athletics Carnivals
GPS Season 2nd GPS SJC/TKS Invitational Carnival – 4.00pm-9.00pm Friday 24th April 2009 3rd GPS High Invitational Carnival – 1.00pm-5.00pm Saturday May 2nd 2009 4th GPS Shore Invitational Carnival - 1.00pm-5.00pm Saturday May 9th 2009 Athletics Dinner (Great Hall) 6.30pm Thursday May 14th 2009 GPS Athletics Assembly, Great Hall, 11:30am Friday May 15th 2009 AAGPS Athletics Championships, SIAC 1 & 2 (Homebush) 10.00pm-5.00pm Saturday May 16th 2009
CHS Season Sydney East Area Athletics Carnival, SIAC (Homebush) (pm) Tuesday 11th August 2009 Sydney East Area Athletics Carnival, SIAC (Homebush) Wednesday 12th August 2009 CHS Athletics Championships, Homebush 3rd, 4th & 5th September 2009 School Knockout Competition, September 2009 NSW All-Schools, September 2009 Pacific School Games/Australian All Schools Athletics Championship, November 2009
Robert Devlin
Cross Country Carnival
Annual Cross Country Carnival Student Information
Parents Program
Directions
Rules
Additional Info You are also invited to join the Sydney High GPS Cross Country Team. GPS Cross Country is a Winter Sport and three age divisions (U14, U16, Opens) compete on Saturday mornings. The season spans across terms 2 and 3 and involves 11 Saturday morning carnivals. All are welcome to join.
The 2009 SBHS Cricket DinnerSBHS Cricket will celebrate the efforts and achievements of our boys as well as acknowledge staff, coaches and supporters at the SBHS Cricket dinner on Friday 3 April 2009. Players are asked to take responsibility on a team-by-team basis for any end-of-season gifts to their team’s coach.
The dinner will be held on The cost of the dinner will be $25 per adult and $20 per student. Please pay at the Main Office by Friday 27th March 2009. Tickets are limited. Boys are to wear school uniform at the dinner. Please detach the form below and hand it in with your payment at the Main Office A printable form to purchase tickets for the Cricket Dinner is available in the PDF version of the High Notes
SHS Cricket
The final day of the GPS Competitions arrives this Saturday 21st March and we have the job to do to finish on a great note “if” we commit to basics and demonstrate the potential we have shown to be in the top echelon of the premiership tables. I believe the HIGH spirit is alive and well in the dedicated cricketers who put a lot of time into the game and wish them all the best of luck for this Saturday. (and we need just a bit of that!!)
CRICKET DINNER and PRESENTATION of AWARDS
CRICKET KITS, MATCH and PRACTICE CRICKETBALLS GROUP 1 (TWO DAY COMP)
1st XI HIGH 9 - 88 - versus - GRAMMAR 10 – 89 (CLIFF HANGER) (Day 1)
2nd XI HIGH 10 - 111 - versus - GRAMMAR 5 - 100 (TEAM DECISION TIME) (Day 1)
3rd XI HIGH 0 – 20 - versus - GRAMMAR 10 – 139 (MUST BAT SENSIBLY) (Day
1)
14A HIGH 10 -97 - versus - GRAMMAR 4 – 42 (NEED EARLY WICKETS) (Day 1)
15A HIGH 10 – 57 - versus - GRAMMAR 7 – 101 (UPHILL BATTLE) (Day 1)
16A HIGH 3 – 11 - versus - GRAMMAR 10 – 146 (NOT IMPOSSIBLE) GROUP 2 (ONE DAY COMP.)
4th XI HIGH 4 - 98 -defeated GRAMMAR 10 - 97 (WIN)
16B HIGH 10 – 110 - defeated - SHORE 8 - 94 (WIN)
15C GRAMMAR 1 - 105 -defeated - HIGH 10 – 105 (LOSS)
13A GRAMMAR 4 – 157 (32) - defeated - HIGH 10 – 116 (32) (LOSS)
13B GRAMMAR 5 – 185 - defeated - HIGH 10 – 53 (LOSS)
SHS Tennis Report14 March 2009
1st Grade Hau Neo, the number 1, showed glimpses of brilliance in his singles, but was easily disposed of by a very good Grammar number 1. George Panas easily accounted for the Grammar number 5, winning convincingly in straight sets. Kent Nguyen accounted for an over-emotional Grammar 3 with some clever play in the first set and more of the same in the second. Simon Hoang was not in top form and struggled in his singles and was easily accounted for. Victor Lim, not playing his best tennis, lost handily in 2. Frank Zhang had a difficult and sometimes frustrating match against Grammar 2. His opponent, often infuriated at himself, the ball, his racquet and his opponent made it a tough and intimidating time for young Frank. Frank, unphased by the circus on the other side of the court came back from losing the first set to win in an epic 3 setter.
High left empty handed again with one match proving the crucial difference, Grammar winning the
tie 5 matches to 4. Although we did not come close to winning the pivotal 5th match, it was an
encouraging day for High and something to build on against King’s this weekend.
16s Report
13As
13Ds Other tennis notices
This Week’s Fixtures – TKS v SHS
SHS Volleyball
1st Grade Volleyball off to a good start Fitness and blocking have been focus areas this year and improvements were evident on Sunday. The boys also did well at the Sydney East Region team selections with 9 of our 10 players being selected.
Volleyball for all grades will commence with winter sport in week 10.
P&C- High Society
The Bulletin Board for Sydney Boys High P & C This week’s P & C meeting was well attended and discussed several critical school issues including sun-safe policies, the School’s building and refurbishment program and ways to increase the percentage of families who pay their annual Library and Building fund contributions to the School. The meeting also endorsed the P & C’s priorities for 2009. A full report on the P & C meeting will appear in next week’s High Society.
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.
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Sydney Boys High School
