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High Notes, Vol 7 No 4, February 24 2006From the Principal
Swimming Carnival
122nd Speech Night An edited version of my address is reprinted below. “On this 122nd occasion our school community gathers to celebrate the achievements of our students. The young men of this graduating year are particularly special to me because we started together at High in 2000. I have had the very great privilege of sharing six years of secondary education with them. "The year 2005 was marked by the ground breaking signing of a Deed of Licence between the Department of Education and Training and the ̽»¨ÊÓÆµ Foundation to allow the Foundation to redevelop and manage the four school tennis courts for 10 years with a 10 year option. It is no small thing for management control over a slice of public real estate to be entrusted to an incorporated body. This is the first such agreement to be negotiated and I hope it paves the way for other school communities to use their school community organisations to share in partnerships for the betterment of school sites. After 6 years of effort by the Tennis Committee, their vision is to be realised at last. Among other tireless workers in the cause, I would like to single out the special efforts of Mr Terry Hayes, who has had so much to do with this happy outcome, and is currently involved as a volunteer in the project management of the reconstruction. Tony Pereira, Helen Tuthill, Ken Clemens, Lee Ruth, Laurie Heil and our patient tennis coach Carl Nielsen, played important roles in bringing this arrangement to a positive conclusion after so much frustration and delay pursuing various options. The school will benefit greatly from the new facility. "I express my thanks to all those who have contributed towards building a new library and performing arts space. So far we have $250,000 invested in term deposits. Valda Roser continues to promote our fundraising efforts and is slowly establishing a giving culture. Our school community will continue to press the government to provide us with a new library to replace our inadequate 1963 facility in time for our 125th anniversary. Our internal refurbishment is proceeding well with room 402 expanded, a new history book room constructed and the space fully equipped for interactive learning. Additional shelving was erected for the English book room and the mathematics staff room. The High Store was extended and an office for the Tennis Professional partitioned. The first stage in our new cricket nets project was completed as a retaining wall was built into the bank perpendicular to McDonald Wing. "Our school is more successful when parents are involved in school life. Thank you to all the parents who have helped our students over the last 6 years. I acknowledge tonight, particularly, the work of outgoing Year 12 parents John Kaldor and Mary Sinclair, who have contributed so much time to the Foundation, the P & C, the Music Committee and the Soccer Committee. Thank you too to John and Marilyn Mittelheuser for your work in the P & C, the Foundation, the Outterside Management Committee and with the Year Groups.” "The Higher School Certificate Our largest ever cohort of 201 sat for the HSC 2005. 27 boys made the Premier’s All Rounders List, a 50% increase on 2004. At least 142 students received UAIs of 90 or more. We have information on 190 university offers to our students so far. Frank Cai was 4th in Extension 2 Mathematics and 7th in Extension 1. Alan Dam was 5th in Extension 1 Mathematics. Vinh Pham was 7th in 2-unit Mathematics. Omar Salem was 5th in English Extension 1. Given the size of the cohort the HSC results were quite respectable overall…. "I would like to acknowledge all the great students and personalities who did not qualify for awards here tonight. Their participation and effort ensured the standard and tested the quality of the performances of those who did. "Bruce Dawe, a celebrated Australian poet, once dedicated a poem entitled ‘Presences’ to his students. 'This would I say: love life for what is always beyond you, the perfume of a girl who has gone just as you entered the room, the ripple on the bright pool of the fish already swimming elsewhere …the smile on the face that is turned ever so slightly away from you, no insult intended, so that you are never sure whether what you saw ever really happened (girl, fish, smile) until the very last when you know and the pencil falls, blunted'. "I am confident you will envision life at the cutting edge, or just over the horizon, but clearly conceived. You will enjoy challenges in many spheres that are just out of reach. You won’t have to write about imaginary experiences, you will go on and have them. You will strive to understand what must be deduced or inferred. I trust your education at High has given you the breadth, depth, flexibility, resilience, drive and balance to go on and love life outside your comfort zone. Do it for yourself. Do it for Mitch. Congratulations on your fine achievements so far and good luck in your lives ahead. "
Old Boys Union Safety Issue: Dangerous Drop offsSeveral members of staff have drawn my attention in the last week to a growing problem of parents dropping of their children at school. The main issue is at the Cleveland Street entrance where parents are stopping near the entrance to drop their children off. This is a very dangerous practice as cars are being forced to wait on Cleveland Street thus risking a rear end collision. Also cars making a right hand turn into the school are often left half in the driveway and half on the road. When dropping off students please proceed into the school to the far end of the gymnasium.
We all need to take particular care at the moment while the new tennis courts are under
construction. It is hoped that in the future we will be allowed to widen this gate by the RTA. We
are hoping to have two exit lanes (one left and one right hand turn lanes) and one entrance
lane. From Music
Speech Night Paul Pang our Year 12 soloist gave a stunning performance of Chopin’s Scherzo playing with great passion and musicianship. Thank you to all the students for all your help and commitment. Congratulations to the following students: Jason Kok (Yr 11), James Mackay (Yr 11), and Alasdair Brown (Yr 9) who have been selected after extensive auditions to partake in the NSW Performing Arts Unit Ensembles. Both Jason and James will be performing in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Alasdair in the String Sinfonia. These boys are highly talented and committed musicians and have earned their positions in these prestigious ensembles.
Music Committee
China Tour
Musicianship Classes
Music Ensemble
Most instruments have been distributed but there are still clarinets and flutes available for
loan. Please make arrangements as soon as possible. From the Library2006 is likely to be a watershed year for the library in many ways. The Building Fund is likely to reach the $300,000 mark needed to approach the State Government for assistance. The Education Department is being lobbied to address the issue of funding a new library building. Please keep the letters and emails going to point out the inadequacy of our library. It is easy to email your state member via the Parliamentary Web Site link. Parent generosity over the last few years is now likely to reap its reward. Many thanks to those parents who have been so generous with their donations to both the Building Fund and the Library Fund! This year the Library Fund will purchase wireless laptops to allow classes and individual students to borrow computers to use in the library or other areas under the supervision of a class teacher. A trial of 10 laptops and the system itself is envisaged at first. Thanks to this fund staffing continues to be paid to open the Library at 7.30 am allowing students to come in early to work on assignments, homework etc. Last year the Library Fund purchased a piece of library software called G Proxy which enabled the library’s Catalogue to be accessed by students from home (after logging on to the school website and following the library link). This enables students to check if our library has a resource students may need for assignments. Parents who are sometimes asked to check local libraries for desperate students are reminded to check our library catalogue first. (It even tells you if the book is out on loan) Thanks to Ross Farrington (PE Department) for thinking of our library and donating many useful books. How much is our library used? A recent statistic from our wonderful IT service team: -
This is computer usage! Total loans were a record last year as well. Speaking of our wonderful IT service team – big thanks to our intelligent High graduates who work for our school – James Rudd and David Isaacs. They have put the G Proxy catalogue onto the Novell network as a Library Enquiry icon. This makes it easy for teachers and students to access our catalogues from teachers’ desks or any computer in the school. It is now even easier and more logical for teachers to check the library’s catalogue for relevance to topics they are teaching and refer students to our collection for resources they may want investigated. Students working on the internet can check for availability of alternative print and audio visual resources without moving off their computers. Welcome news is the arrival on Fridays of the new school Archivist - Mrs Julia O’Hare. Student Archivists wishing to assist Mrs O’Hare and thereby earn Award points for their bronze, silver or gold medallion can now sign on with Mrs O’Hare on Fridays. Parent volunteer readers are needed to vet novels for Mrs Crothers for the Literacy Circles Library initiative. (Novels will be provided through your sons liaising with the library) Please contact Mrs Crothers by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Welcome also to our new Library Prefect Douglas Chang. Douglas will be active in publicising the Library by running the Z’ours Committee and assisting with the creation of the Library Blog. He will also assist with Orientation Day Activities. Z’ours Committee please look for a meeting announcement early next week. (Award Scheme applies!)
Herald in the Classroom apology. A new person running this at the Herald has resulted in
some hiccups this term. Hopefully these will be sorted out shortly. Students and parents are
reminded that the library staff need to see receipts to order the Herald for students. Parents
are also reminded that at 30c a paper the Herald is a cheap family newspaper and a good way to
encourage general knowledge and literacy skills. At present 59 newspapers are being ordered daily
by our boys. Next term’s daily paper will cost $15. Please order before the end of this
term. Reflections on Year 7 Camp
On the 13th, 14th and 15th of February, Year 7 went on their orientation camp to Narrabeen. We
were given challenging activities. “I liked the 12 metre ropes! It was
exhilarating!”
Archery was a test of skill, sailing was fun for some and dangerous for others. “Abe, our
instructor, gave us a long lecture after we broke a boat. Every second there seemed to be a
capsize happening.”
Archery was a test of skill and the canoeing and kayaking were great for exploring the lake. The
camp was gruelling for some, at times traumatising. “The high ropes freaked me
out!”(anon) but a lot of fun for everyone.
P.S. The after dinner night-time activities revealed considerable sporting skill in Year 7 2006.
So watch out for them in our G.P.S. teams! From SailingThe sailing season is well under way for Term 1 at Sydney Boys High. Term 1 is our traditional competition term. We are in the midst of the Tri- Series at Woollahra and looking ahead to CHS sailing at Belmont. The first of the Tri Series saw a wonderful start by High sailor Phillip Kurts. He made a convincing 1-1-1 win in his Laser 4.7. That is he won all three races held on Saturday 11th February. The Pacer fleet was not so successful but we look forward to their next encounter this coming Saturday. Phillip has been on a roll and last week competed at Abbotsford in a Sabot. He went on to win the SNSW Zone. He came first on handicap in the Senior one-up division. A stunning effort, well deserved by a talented High student!
Learn at sea in the Young Endeavour - Australia’s national sail training ship. Selection is via a ballot.
Cost is $1,495.00 For more information you can speak to Ms Boukatos in the first instance.
CHS Regatta, Belmont, NSW
The SBHS Sailing Committee has organised accommodation, food, boats and entry to the event. The
cost to students is $250.00. Contact Ann Kurts 9363 2335 if you wish to attend or require more
information. Words of Wisdom
"The reading of all good books is like a conversation with all the finest men of past
centuries."
"The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas."
"You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his
questions."
Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already
did. Athletics – 2006Welcome back after the holidays. At the end of last year’s athletics season Dr Jaggar sent out a call to the boys at High to get committed to the program. I have reproduced two extracts from High Notes on the developments Dr Jaggar wants to see in Athletics this year.
Dr Jaggar - 16 September 2005
Dr Jaggar - 23 September 2005
If you’re not happy with the above table, if you think you can make a difference, if you have the courage and the conviction, then we would love to see you at the training sessions NOW.
Training Sessions
School Award Scheme
Bunnings BBQ
Please get involved, support out efforts and enjoy Athletics during 2006 High Cricket BulletinWe have another 4 weeks to travel before the conclusion of our Term 1 cricket and most of our teams are now up and running with managers and scorers, but we are very much in need of parent support for our 16B, 15B and 14B teams. All we are seeking is to have team members’ parents assist with managing the game plan and scoring and the boys would feel a lot more confident. If you can give either one morning or afternoon it will make a tremendous difference. I also think that you would want to see your boys in action at least once.
DATES TO DIARIZE Wednesday 29th MARCH - Cricket Sub Committee Meeting. 5-30pm in Common Room Friday 31st MARCH - Parking Roster. 5-00pm start. Volunteers required to advise Cricket Coord. Saturday 8th APRIL - Cricket Dinner & Presentation – 6-30pm for 7-0pm in the School Great Hall
AROUND THE GROUNDS 1st XI – The 1st grade boys have yet another fight on their hands after letting Kings back into their match at White Oval. After an excellent start to have Kings 4/26, and then 6/70, High dropped several chances. Kings went on to post 208, and High are 1/23 in reply. 2nd XI – This match is being played on a new pitch at Kings Old Boys oval, normally solely a rugby field. Kings won the toss and put High in to bat, so they were obviously unsure of how it would play. It became clear early on that the pitch was holding up and occasionally staying low. High lost early wickets and never recovered, managing only 40 in their first innings. In reply, Kings passed High’s score without loss, but then lost 7 wickets in 29 minutes. Kings declared at tea with a lead of 75. The High batting order was reversed for the 2nd innings to keep our batsmen safe for tomorrow, and the tailenders played well to give High some hope of getting back into this one.
15As Kings 2 decl. 295 -v- High 0/8 (rain stopped play 20 minutes early)
14Bs No report submitted.
13As Kings 5/89 defeated HIGH 10/88
13Bs Kings 4/204 defeated HIGH 10/69
13Cs Kings 2/42 defeated HIGH 10/39 Laurie Heil- MIC Good luck to all sides playing against Kings and Scots this Saturday.
Cricket Quiz Tennis: Networking
FIRST GRADE: In the doubles, Mitch and Hai played fantastic tennis and showed incredible mental strength and teamwork to outlast a tough Kings duo in an intense 3 setter. Matt and Ivan worked together a lot better and were clinical in their victory over their opponents. David and Daniel had no such luck, unable to match the teamwork of their opposition. Mitch fought hard in his singles against a formidable opponent; however, a crucial break at the end of both sets was enough to allow his opponent to sneak out the win. Matt had a much easier time, smashing winners from all areas of the court, to post a comfortable straight sets victory. Daniel played great tennis in the first set, however was unable to keep up the intensity in the second. Ivan was ruthless in attack and dropped only 3 games in his match. Hai played against an in form player, and while there were some splendid rallies, his opponent was too much on the day. David looked to have the upper hand in his match, after leading 5-1 in the second set; however he crumbled and lost the match in straight sets, and with that the tie.
Overall, High fought hard; all the players should be proud of their performances. As we head into
the middle of the season, I’m sure all the players are beginning to play some of their best
tennis, and we should expect better results next week against Scots.
SECOND GRADE:
In the singles, Boris stepped up as No 1. Boris played some pretty good tennis in the first set,
but in the second set, his “crazy” shots came back. Thomas battled strongly as No 2
but soon gave way to fatigue and the heat. Chapman has improved significantly from pre-season and
very much equalled his opponent in many respects, except King’s consistency in their home
courts was too hot to handle. Likewise Nelson, Nikita and Kevin all fought hard, but I guess
fitness proved to be a deciding factor in the end. Despite our loss to King’s, it was good
to see improvements in some of our players, such as Nikita, who has improved in many aspects of
his game, probably due to holiday training. Good one! UP & COMING – GOOD RESULTS !!!!
16s MATCH REPORT
Cs & Ds: The shock of the day came when James Ip lost in what probably was only his
3rd loss in the past two seasons of GPS tennis. William Chan played for nearly an hour in the
scorching heat to finish 5-6 down. Jono was extremely impressive, playing a high risk game with
powerful returns; hitting the As would have been proud of. Nick Hayes had some very strong
serving to post yet another easy win.
Thanks to coaches for results. Basketball: Shooting HoopsHigh v GrammarTerm 1 2005 TEAM RESULT SCORE TOP SCORER 1st LOSS 114-61 D.SUN 25 2nd LOSS 72-36 M.LEVY 9 3rd LOSS 39-11 M.POPESCU 3 4th WIN 19-10 H.DANG 9 5th WIN 20-14 C.WONG 4 6th LOSS 7-12 M.KELDOULIS 3 7th DRAW 21-21 F.CHEUNG 9 8th WIN 8-2 J.PHU 4 16A WIN 33-32 TEAM EFFORT 16B WIN 30-17 P.LOCKE 8 16C WIN 34-8 C.YANG 10 16D LOSS 11-9 R.JI 3 15A LOSS 40-27 L.TENG 10 15B LOSS 26-18 C.REEVES 8 15C LOSS 30-26 S.KE 4 15D WIN 17-15 M.FENG 7 15E LOSS 7-47 W.MA 4 14A LOSS 28-16 L.GORDON 6 14B LOSS 34-16 A.KUGENDRAN 6 14C LOSS 34-10 UNKNOWN 14D WIN 30-16 I.LU 8 14E LOSS 46-22 Z.GUO 6 Term 1 2006 (This week) TEAM RESULT SCORE TOP SCORER 1st LOSS 119-62 H.WALKER 27 2nd WIN 71-48 R.HUYNH 25 3rd LOSS 60-43 M.POPESCU 12 4th WIN 36-27 J.TAO 11 5th LOSS 39-34 L.WONG 10 6th LOSS 15-25 A.WANG 7 7th WIN 23-18 J.LU 13 8th WIN 31-13 J.PHU 9 16A DRAW 23-23 D.CAMPION 8 16B LOSS 21-25 D.CHIU 10 16C WIN 22-12 C.YANG 8 16D WIN 20-14 J.DAI 7 16E DNP 15A LOSS 39-40 J.TASSELL 10 15C LOSS 28-13 S.ZHANG 6 15D LOSS 34-12 M.YIU 4 15E LOSS 28-13 S.ZHANG 6 14A LOSS 25-30 J.RAJENDRAN 7 14B LOSS 33-34 M.LI 8 14C LOSS 21-29 D.ZHANG 6 14D LOSS 23-29 C.NGUYEN 6 14E LOSS 18-23 R.SIVA 10 13A LOSS 45-18 A.YE 12 13B LOSS 33-18 N. AUTAR 8
Sydney Kings
Basketball Coaching Staff Fact for the Week
2nd Grade Match Report The second quarter was a big warning to other GPS seconds who believe High are ‘easy beats’. The quarter was played with determination and strong full court pressure leading to numerous easy baskets for High. Alex Lee, Kenny Huang, Jaffe Chiu and Alex Vertoudakis were monsters in the backcourt constantly hounding the ball and being rewarded in two out of every three possessions. At times when the High side had to play against half court defence the opposition was left with no answers for Eugene Wong. It was unbelievable the amount of talent he unleashed with solid moves all around and grabbing many offensive rebounds at will and only stopping to give the opponent a chance. At half time the High lead was up to 14 and it could be sensed the lead was not going to diminish.
The final half of the game could be summed up in three words, PRESS, TEAMWORK and EUGENE. Not
only did High work as a unit in breaking the oppositions press defence, our own defence was
highly effective. The end of the game became a blow out with the King's side only having one play
which was ineffective and having no idea how to guard small yet big player Stuart and
running jumpers from Alex Lee. The final score ended up being 71-48 High’s way and as
promised High seconds are looking for another few wins so stay tuned for the most explosive team
in the school!
5th Grade Match Report After losing the tip-off, High was quick to regain possession, and with a swift pass to sharp shooter Richard M, he was able to convert the opening shot of the game with a high angle bank shot. However, King’s reacted in a highly aggressive manner. Their style of play broke our defence and no-calls on both ends resulted in an 18-9 trail.
King’s came out of the half determined to put this game away. They were able to convert a
high percentage of their fast breaks into points resulting in their lead extending to 32-16
mid-way through the 2nd half. After a timeout, a combination of a solid zone defence and a high
pressure man-to-man caused many turnovers from King’s. Excellent shooting from the guards,
Leslie and Danny, who combined for 3 threes, was a great confidence boost. Good drives from
Albert despite his injuries helped cut King’s lead to 34-29 with 2 minutes on the clock.
Unfortunately, after baskets were exchanged, King’s sealed the game with a basket with 20
seconds on the clock as High looked for the steal.
16Bs Match Report
Yr 7 House Basketball Competition Match #1:
Basketball Training Sessions
Captains please send in your match report to Mr Hayman by lunchtime on Mondays! Rowing NewsThe racing season is at the midway point with the juniors gearing up for the Gold Cup Regatta at Riverview on March 25, and seniors going through their final selections before the Head of the River on April 1. The Sydney High Regatta is on March 11 and all parents are asked to volunteer to assist on the day. The Rowing Committee looks after the catering aspect of the regatta and the school staff ensure the on water functioning of the Regatta with assistance from boat race officials from New South Wales Rowing. We still need 30hp speedies to assist for the regatta and if you have one that can be available for the day could you please contact Mr Barris. Mark Ridges provided one last year and is doing so again. The Melbourne trip for Year 10 VIIIs occurred last week but it is probably best relayed by Brynley Pfull Last week the Melbourne Rowing Exchange loomed like a hot air balloon ever closer. Anticipation filled the rowing community. But a hot air balloon could not compare to the fun we had. All of a sudden we awoke to find ourselves on the rickety white bus wondering where we were. The ten hour trip ahead seemed jolly and inviting, and we couldn’t wait to sit on uncomfortable seats for the whole day. iPods seemed the order of the day, and a few eyes glazed over. It seemed the hot air balloon was in flight.. The first stop was McDonalds, where I bought the famous English muffin for only a dollar. They say time flies when you’re having fun and we reached Melbourne eight hours later, after a stressful broken tyre about an hour from Melbourne. Thank you Chris Watson and Mr. Barris for driving the whole day. On arrival, the bags were unpacked and we met our billets. Most of us knew the Melbourne High boys as we had billeted them last November. So we went home, my billet and I, and met his family. He had a nice house, at least seventy years old. You could imagine my pleasure as I was introduced to my temporary room; it contained a double bed, a television with Xbox, a stereo and computer. Luxury, I thought at the time. Life moves too fast, though, for one to enjoy life’s enjoyments. The next day was a refreshing ten to six wake up, and then to rowing, where our boats had been put together by Mr Daish and Mr Tim Wilson. We appreciate this very much, thank you. The Yarra was rather a flat river with perfect rowing conditions. We rowed into the CBD and back again. After an economic breakfast we did the same thing again. Then the High boys hit Melbourne. Numerous policemen, more than usual, roamed the streets. Word of our arrival had obviously spread fast. We went straight to the Crown Casino with money jingling in our pockets. We headed straight to the games arcade to play that claw game. Many were successful and many a chocolate was eaten. Then we attended the cinema, and saw a light movie; Jarhead. All about the fun and happiness of being a marine. Home we went, on the very comfy train to Williamstown. The next day I could hardly believe my luck; a genuine 4:50 wake up! I literally bounded out of bed, ready to attack the new day. We raced Melbourne High on their own river that day. Our first race a tragic loss, we put our heads together to decide to win. And win we did. The next two races we beat them, our minds almost as bendy as the Yarra. Whew! How exhilarating! With spirits almost reaching the sun and burning to a crisp, we went off to the city. Some people decided they quite liked the idea of sitting at a computer screen for a few hours, so off they went. This is called LANing, and is rather a fun sport, I am told. The rest of us walked around the city, admiring city skyscrapers and surprisingly fun comic book shops. As the sun began to sink behind a creamy sky, our minds turned to our homes. We were missing them, it is true. Yet another night, alas! But the ten hour bus trip almost made up for it. After dinner the presents were given. My billet’s family were extremely nice. By the time we realised it was Saturday morning and the day of departure, we all wished we could stay for a few more days. After what seemed like an extremely fast bus trip, we were home. And yes, before you ask, I bought another English muffin! Small in size I know, but big in bargain!
Thank you very much to Mr Barris, Chris Watson, Mr Daish, Mr Wilson and George Barris. This
trip was wonderful and would have been impossible without you. George, we love your pirate
shirt. From EnglishAll Year 7 students will be participating in the English Language and Literacy Assessment (ELLA) on Tuesday 7 March. The results of these tests will provide information about the literacy skills of students and will indicate where any student may need help. Reports detailing individual student results will be provided to parents in June. As part of our Extension and Enrichment focus in English we will be offering a program of interesting and creative lunch-time activities for particular Year groups in Room 204 at lunchtimes commencing Friday 24th, Ms Boukatos has organised the following program of events for Year 9 students:
Year 9 In addition to the activities outlined above we will also be providing on-going opportunities for our Year 12 students to consolidate their understanding of modules being delivered in both the Advanced and Extension Courses. As well as on-going revision writing tasks which can be collected from the boxes outside the English staffroom we will be providing a lunch time program of viewing and discussion pertinent to HSC Modules. The first of these offerings is as follows:
Year 12
Year 12 students wishing to take part in HSC Student Study Days for English Courses please see Ms
Trompetter for more details ASAP. Year 7 Camp HaikuHaiku is a nifty little poetic form which captures a feeling and a moment, rather like a snapshot. Here are some of the lyrical wee snaps taken by Year 7 at Camp last week.
Kayaking is fun.
The fluttering sail,
Up on the ropes course
Walking on the wire
Legs aching with pain Fundraising: Special for Sydney Boys High School14 TRAVEL BAGS FOR SALE only $25.00 each !!
Selling on a “First come First Served” basis Collect bags and pay at Cashiers office Don’t delay!! (Funds raised will be added to the 125th Anniversary Project 2008 The New Library and Performing Arts Centre)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION Fundraising: Upcoming Parking EventsParking Events are important fundraisers for Sydney Boys High. Previous experience is not necessary. Just bring a smile. Please contact the relevant co-ordinator to offer your help.
SBHS Debating 2006
Registrations for Debating are NOW OPEN
Please register TODAY!
Coaching has commenced.
Year 7- Fridays from 3.20-4.30pm in 603, 606, 607 (subject to change). Students can get MORE INFORMATION about coaching times and location from the daily notices & on THE NOTICE BOARD OUTSIDE 603. THE EASTSIDE DEBATING COMPETITION Starts AT HIGH on Friday March 3 and runs on every Friday in March. Teams and detailed information will be emailed out early next week (please ensure you have registered in order to start receiving this years emails). Full details of this year’s debating events can be found on the website.
PARKING DAY- The first Debating Supporters Group (DSG) meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday March 7th at 6.30pm in the Staff Common Room. This is an opportunity for parents to become involved in fundraising and events that assist us in further strengthening the Debating teams at High. If you have items for the agenda send them to John Evan, DSG President at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Further information can be obtained from Ms Jocelyn Brewer, MIC Debating by emailing
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Unity in Diversity - 100 years of SHS Membership of the AAGPS
Fitting In “Then, as now, SHS was the only high school which was a member of the Great Public Schools. This was resented hotly by all the other members, with the possible exception of St Josephs College. We always sensed some kind of affinity with Joeys in contrast to an awareness of a vicious class distinction where the others were concerned. We were referred to disparagingly as "Second Hand Shop" and "Sydney Horse Stables". In my years at SHS and previously, the annual Regatta on the Parramatta River took pride of place in importance over all sporting events. On Regatta night there were gala celebrations through the city's main streets, culminating in a mass attendance at Her Majesty's Theatre. Eventually the Old Boys' Union organised purchase of a boat and necessary equipment and arranged for a first class rowing coach. And so SHS was able to enter in the Championship Eights. I think the year was 1925, and they won handsomely. There were no combined traditional celebrations that night, nor have there been any ever since. No doubt the disappearance of this custom became consolidated by victories by SHS being repeated in the next two succeeding years.” The second anecdote was provided by former Headmaster, K J Andrews, who joined the School originally as an English/History teacher in 1932. On my first day the Sportsmaster, Ted Patterson, asked me what sports duties I could undertake. "I have never played Rugby," I replied, "but I have coached several cricket teams." "Good!" he said, "You can take charge of the First Eleven. They play in the GPS competition on Saturdays, all day, and always at the other school's ground. We have no ground of our own." I must admit that I had reservations about this assignment, arising in part from my own schoolboy experiences. When Hobart High School was established in 1913, none of the independent schools would meet High School teams in sporting contests. I remember well going to the Domain ground for football practice and finding the Hutchins School team in possession of the ground. Practice proceeded, our team on one half of the ground and Hutchins on the other. When we asked our teacher to let us have a practice game with the Hutchins team, he said, "No, that is not allowed." And so I wondered how I and my team would get along with other GPS teams, especially as we would always be guests on their grounds, never hosts at our own. Of course these misgivings were groundless and were soon put to rest. Let me picture a scene that I still recall vividly. We were playing St Ignatius College at Riverview. Their coach, Father Connolly was a congenial companion. During the lunch break, I and my team, plus the two umpires, were ushered into the refectory and seated at a long table set for midday dinner. Boarders and teachers occupied the other tables. A waiter placed a huge joint of roast beef in front of me and, with a sinking heart, I looked at the carving knife and fork by my plate. I have mentioned that sports encounters at that time always took place at the other school's ground. ̽»¨ÊÓÆµ teams were always the guests. Sometimes I am sure the boys felt a little diffident, if not a trifle ashamed, to find themselves in this position. However the time was ripe for a change. In 1925, Mr T D Mutch, Minister for Education, had announced at the OBU dinner, that a new school would be built in Moore Park, provided that the Old Boys were prepared to assist in equipping the school and providing playing fields. It was fortunate that the leaders of the OBU at that time were two remarkable men: Robert Thomas McKay and Charles Adnam Fairland. By the Autumn of 1932 a football field was ready for use in Centennial Park and a turf wicket had been laid down. The ground was first used for football on June 11, 1932, when High were at home for a match with the Armidale School. As the second half of the cricket competition loomed ahead, we were pleased to inform the GPS Cricket committee that in future our home matches would be played on our new ground in Centennial Park.
Of course there were still difficulties to be overcome at that stage: there was no pavilion - the
best we could do was to provide a tent for the teams; lunch was served at the school, and cars
had to be provided to transport the teams there and back. |