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High Notes, Vol 6 No 18, June 24 2005
From the Principal
High Talent
The Election of Prefects School Prefects will be appointed by the Principal from a declared poll of eligible applicants. The first 36 plus ties will be appointed. To be an eligible applicant a student must have satisfied all the following criteria:
Voting will be confined to three electoral colleges with approximately equal numbers of maximum votes. Each constituent will be able to vote for a maximum of 20 eligible applicants on the ballot paper. Year 10 students will have a vote with a weighting of one (maximum 180). Year 11 have one vote with a weighting of one (maximum 215). The third college will comprise staff, School Prefects and SRC representatives from Year 12 who are not School Prefects. School Staff who are permanent employees and also, in the case of teachers, temporary or casual teachers with at least six month’s service at High will be eligible to vote. Staff votes have a weighting of two (maximum 160). School Prefects and SRC members have a weighting of one (maximum 48). Each of the electoral colleges will participate in a compulsory voting process. The rationale is that the successful applicants will represent the three colleges equally. No one college can be allowed to dominate the total number of votes cast. Everyone will have the opportunity to vote. Votes will be tallied and scrutinised and a poll declared and submitted to the Principal. Our aim is to have a fair, transparent and defensible system of selecting our School Prefects. Up to 75% of departing Year 12 students are disenfranchised under the new system. Our justification for this is that exiting students will not be led by the people they would vote for, so it is reasonable that only their leaders help identify and promote emerging leaders from Year 11.
Entry to Years 8 to 12 in Selective High Schools for 2006
New Library 2005 National Chinese EisteddfodThe day was filled with an exciting, nervous and embarrassing atmosphere. This was the first time I had participated in Chinese Eisteddfod. I was full of anxiety as I did not know what to do and what would be done. Then everyone was seated in the hall and prepared to present their selected poem as a group. Everyone before us performed excellently. This put a lot of pressure on us, but our confidence remained high. Then it was our turn to go on the stage. We performed as we had practised at school. We raised our tone on the right line and made eye contact when we needed to. Unfortunately, the result was not what we had expected, as we just missed out on a place in the final.
After the group finished, it was time for the individual performances. Just as with the groups,
all the participants gave an outstanding presentation. I was now on my own to compete against the
other contestants. I recited the poem smoothly until I was up to the second last line, when I
felt suddenly tense. I stopped for a second or so on a word. I thought there would not be any
chance of my getting a place. Then the announcer surprised me when she called out my name for
third place. I could hardly believe what I heard. I had thought I could not possibly get a place,
but I suppose if you try your best, there will always be a chance for you to win. Science News
Results of Science Quiz No. 6 High StoreThe High Store is having a clearance of assorted rugby training jerseys. Normally $35 - for one week only – a special offer of only $25. Be quick so you don’t miss out on this special offer.
Additionally, school beanies are now available to purchase form the High Store - $20 only. Keep
warm and be cool!!! Parent-Teacher Interviews
Parent-Teacher interviews for Years 7-12 will take place on: Please note the following arrangements –
Return to Index From the LibraryBig things are happening with our technology! At last OASIS is to be replaced – phased out over next 4 years – it kept NSW School Libraries in the Dark Ages for the last 8 years. HUGE THANKS to the many parents who have been so generous in donating to the Library Fund. Because we have enough money we are able to provide much better quality equipment. Our very able and hard working technical staff has just installed a duplex colour laser printer and a duplex b&w laser printer. As I mentioned in the last High Notes we have now put the Library’s Catalogue onto the Internet. Students and teachers planning units of work can see if we have resources they need by typing in http//www.sydneyboyshigh.com/library/enquiry. DON’T’ FORGET – When our library shuts at 3.30 your local library is a great place to find resources, computers, printers and a pleasant place to work on homework and assignments. The Bowen Library at Maroubra Junction has a huge collection of Infocus articles – HSC related articles to support the English and HSIE - Geography, Economics, Business Studies and History - courses. It also has shelves and shelves of Excel and other HSC Cribs - much better than we have. They are also telling us they have really wonderful and expensive on-line full text databases and software programs for you to access.
They have FREE one on one tutoring in Maths, English and Science - you just have to ask. You do
have to join the Library first but you do not need to be a Randwick ratepayer. The fact that you
are in a school in this area is a good reason. Bowen Library is a 15 minute bus ride straight
down Anzac Pde - you cannot get lost! Year 11 ParentsPlease update your contact details:
I’m getting many “bounced” emails. If you haven’t received an email from
me in the last few weeks, would you please email me with your new contact details? Year 11 Parents
Help Wanted! If you can help with providing or serving food on the night, please contact either:
Antoinette Farrow From the Weights RoomTerm attendance still remains high although a lot of the boys have struggled with the flu with the onset of colder weather (bring a tracksuit for the trip home). Protein drinks are selling well with the money already going to purchasing a second power sled and plywood to make 4 x junior plyometric boxes. Future purchases will include more sets of dumbbells (so we have 2 sets of each weight), 3 more power sleds, leather skipping ropes etc. I will also be updating the weight training section of the School’s website in the near future with possibly some photos and health and fitness information.
Weights Room Slogan/Motto Competition
Medical Questionnaires
And to answer the most asked questions regarding weight training and young boys….WILL
WEIGHT TRAINING STUNT MY CHILD’S GROWTH? ANSWER: NO. (I will elaborate on this fully when I
update the web page.) From the Rugby Master’s DeskI’m sure all High supporters will join with me in congratulating Pat McDonnell (2nd XV), Tom Mainprize (3rd XV) and Serdar Bolen (Coach 3rd XV) on their GPS selection. It is appropriate recognition of Pat’s electrifying displays, Tom’s powerful performances and Serdar’s coaching commitment. I know they will relish the challenge of representative rugby and hope that it will inspire our future 1st XV players to set their goals high.
To all players and coaches: enjoy the upcoming vacation. However, do not let your skill and
fitness levels deteriorate during this time by being inactive. Volleyball Report # 6
GPS News
CHS News Last year they finished 6th in the state and they were keen to improve upon this. As this goes to press, High has beaten Balgowlah High from Sydney North. This has put them into playing in the top 8.
From the Metro Schools Cup on 12th June In our pool we played our own U15s Brown team, Great Lakes and Westfields: winning all three games in straight sets. We played NSW U15s for the semi finals. Some jokes came from Jamie Tao, on the sidelines, during the match that kept us in a comfortable position to play. Taking yet another game in straight sets. We observed carefully the end of the other semi-final. Westfield played Christian Brothers. The same team that defeated us last year. The match was tight on the third set but Christian Brothers prevailed again. We saw the grins on their face as they won, which plainly said “look its Sydney Boys High again”. I doubt they really knew what they were about to face. The first set came to our hands fast without much resistance. Second set went flying off to their side. The decisive third set saw some poor sportsmanship from Christian Bros. High didn’t want such a team to win again!. With that in our thoughts, we took the lead by a good number of points and won the match. This placed us 1st in the Metro Schools NSW volleyball competition. Congratulations to Victor Nguyen (our outside hitter who sent off strong and smart attacks), David Dizon (vicious outside hitter and a great help on calls), Alex Le (setter, without him spikes can’t happen), Warren Trac (middle blocker), Danny Ng (middle blocker), Daniel Chim (outside hitter), Zid Mancenido (Uni/Middle blocker). Also thanks to our coaches, Mr Kay, Mr Parker and Mark Retter who trained us so that it was possible for this great day.
A big thank you to Jamie Tao and Raymond Tran for coming out to support and cheer us on! From the OfficeREMINDER TO PARENTS CHANGE OF ADDRESS If you have recently changed your address or have changed your employment the school needs to know. There have been a number of occasions when Administration have had difficulty contacting parents because of change of workplace. This is extremely important in a case of emergency. If parents are going to be out of the country for any length of time the Principal needs to know this information as well. Please ask your son to obtain a change of details form from the Main Office and also change forms for travel when changing your address. Your son's travel passes will be affected if he does not have the correct address. Failure to complete these forms may result in your son not having a travel pass. LETTERS RE ABSENCE/LATENESS/ EARLY LEAVE When your son returns to school from being absent he is required to provide a letter of explanation signed by parent or guardian. If your son is going to be late for school a note is also required. If your son has an early leave note he is required to have his note signed by either Mr Beringer, Mr Dowdell or Mr Prorellis before 8:55 am and handed in to the Main Office immediately after. Each letter should be signed by 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 If you require leave for your son please, apply in writing and address your application to the Principal, Dr Jaggar, stating the reason and length of time of the leave. Your son must then present this application to Dr Jaggar for permission for the leave. Please remember to apply before the leave and not after. The Principal must approve all leave applications.
Another email service for parents Da Vinci Decathlon At Knox Grammar SchoolThis is an academic interschool gala day run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon, with events of an academic nature. Schools enter teams of eight in years 7, 8, 9, and 10. Students will participate in activities in the following disciplines;
Mathematics - emphasis on problem solving, number patterns and logic puzzles. The tasks will be exciting and challenging with a particular emphasis placed on higher order thinking skills. Students will be highly stimulated by the day’s events. Schools should aim to select students who are able to complement each other in the various disciplines. Sydney High will enter teams in each year group.
Lawson Centre
Years 9 + 10 Tue 9th August (Week 4 Term 3 )
Interested students can obtain application forms from Mr Dolan (Social Science). Year 8 Excursion – Chinese Nantien Temple
On Friday 10 June, Year 8 Chinese classes went by coach to Nantien Temple, Wollongong. When we
finally arrived at the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere, we enjoyed several
activities, a tour and a vegetarian buffet. Buddhists don’t eat meat, so they have a tofu
alternative, which could fool some of the toughest critics. The temple was completely extravagant, more like a palace. The steep steps at the entrance almost challenged me like I were to climb Mt Kosciusko. There were two flags pillared at the front, one on each side – the Australian and the Buddhist.
Our first activity was tai-chi, a slow-motion style of martial arts, known to relax the body,
mind and soul.
Next was lotus flower folding. It’s actually quite simple, but if Year 7s want to find out
how, you’ll just have to do Chinese next year. The lotus looked great. Some of us attached
them to our ties!
Inside the museum were many mind-boggling artefacts. One was calligraphy on a strand of hair. I
was really delighted with our day at Nantien Temple!
The museum was awesome. They had a piece of wood, which was carved by one man into this amazing
cloud, with over 50 different little men on it. It weighed 90kg and took 5 years to make.
We visited various shrines. It was interesting to learn about the original Buddha and the history
of Buddhism. Our visit was a fun and enlightening experience. VisionCRC - Your Child Can Help to Prevent Myopia
What is myopia? The myopic eye is longer than the normal eye. This means that light from distant objects focuses in front of the retina rather than on it, causing blurred vision.
What influences whether an eye becomes myopic? Genetics also has a strong influence.
Statistics Myopia is a rapidly increasing epidemic. By 2020, it is estimated that the number of people with myopia will grow to one third of the population (2.5 billion). For example in Singapore a series of studies has shown an increase in myopia in males aged 15-25, from 26% of this group in the late 1970s, to 83% in the late 1990s.
What affect can myopia have? High myopia creates a significant risk of other eye disorders such as glaucoma, retinal trauma, malfunction and detachment. These may lead to significant loss of vision or blindness.
What are we doing in our myopia study? The Vision Cooperative Research Centre is investigating the use of these lenses. Children aged 8-14 will be fitted with either standard contact lenses or multifocal contact lenses. They will then be monitored over 2 years to determine the rate of progression of myopia. The study will help us to develop new ways to slow or even stop the development of myopia. Being involved You can be part of this important work. We are looking for 100 children to take part in the study. Children will receive free vision testing and eyecare throughout the study. You will need to attend the Vision CRC clinic at the University of New South Wales in Kensington.
What is the Vision Cooperative Research Centre?
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