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High Notes, Vol 8 No 28, September 14 2007
From the Principal
High Talent
Information Evening on Acceleration Information evening for subject selections Year 8-9 and Year 10-11 The response to these sessions was very pleasing with in excess of 100 parents and students at each presentation. Mr Dowdell delivered an informative, fast paced account of Board of Studies policy in relation to SC, Preliminary and HSC qualifications and courses and outlined a history of our curriculum offerings. He described the processes for scheduling classes and allocating students to elective groups. Selection sheets were issued to Year 10 families along with a booklet explaining the courses offered by High. The Year 8 group received a booklet outlining the stage 5 courses and electives. I encourage families to attend future relevant information evenings.
Premier’s Debating Challenge – Year 11 ‘Karl Cramp’
Further arguments were made on both sides about the impact on civil liberties caused by citizens
being locked out of public places on security grounds, police abusing their wide powers and
demonstrators being allowed to protest but being herded into defined areas to express their
freedom of speech. National identity was debated as being increased by world wide media exposure
or diminished by the embarrassment of security breaches by a comedy team. In a close decision,
the multiple defences of the hosting proposition held up against determined rebuttal. Our boys
had more experience and the effectiveness of their own rebuttal carried the day. Congratulations
on a well deserved competition victory. Thank you to Mrs Berger for mentoring the team this
year. From the Library
Farewell and Thank You To an Outstanding Volunteer Parent As a result of her efforts the Andrews Library now has a huge complement of websites all vetted by SCIS – the Education Department Library service – on its database. These websites were personally chosen by the Librarian to reflect the needs of a current High School Syllabus. This, as well as the 45 computers available to boys in the Andrews Library, is a significant indication of the contribution school libraries make to the aggregation of IT skills and research skills of High School students. Thank you Mallika for assisting our library to take this step forward. As part of her fabulous contribution our library staff is particularly appreciative of the individual cataloguing of a huge number of books which were not on the Departments copy cataloguing database. This has had the effect of digging the library out of an intake overload. Mallika has refreshed our staff’s skills as well and that also was a wonderful opportunity which is appreciated by the Librarian in particular.
Best wishes for your future Mallika. Year 9 & 10 Excursion to Golden Harbour RestaurantOn 24 August, Years 9 and 10 Chinese classes went on an excursion to the Golden Harbour Restaurant in Chinatown to taste some of the traditional Chinese dishes. After recess, we met at the Senior Study Centre to watch a movie. The movie was called ‘Hero of Heaven and Earth’, which was about a group of Chinese warriors guarding a special material that is supposedly a part of Buddha himself. The film was very interesting, but it was hard to see since the projector wasn’t very big. The light coming from outside was also excessive, leading to a hindered cinematic experience. Nevertheless, the movie was overall satisfactory, and we especially paid attention to the details in the hopes of winning some prizes (from the quiz on the film later on). We then split into two groups catching different buses to Chinatown. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the waiters and escorted to the back tables. Each table had around six seats, and together, we took up five or six tables. The first course arrived on our tables within minutes, and consisted of little steam buns containing shrimp. We each had one portion (be it a steam bun, a portion of noodles or a portion of rice) from each dish. There were about six or seven dishes in total, and each was as delicious as the last. The variety was fabulous, with dishes containing all sorts of meats, vegetables and other foods. During our meal, Ms Yang and Ms Zhang walked around the tables, giving five questions about the movie to each table. The prizes included chocolate bars and lollies. 2:40 pm marked the end of our excursion, and what a delicious excursion it had been. We parted with the restaurant and made our way towards Central, our stomachs full. It has been a great excursion and the Year 9s will probably get to experience it again next year! Return to IndexStudent Representative Council 2007The Student Representative Council for 2007 have worked together under a capable executive assisted by our teacher advisor, Ms Branigan. We have worked as a committee to try and make a few essential changes and put forward some proposals to assist the student body of the current and future Sydney Boys High School. As secretary of the current SRC, I have been asked to share with the staff, students and parents of Sydney Boys High school, some of our achievements so far in 2007. A major issue for the SRC and one that had been one of concern in previous years is the state of the bus lines on the Anzac Parade side of the school. Every afternoon as students line up for the school buses to go home, a large amount of dust is kicked up. Students have voiced concern to their SRC that this environment is not only very dirty and unhygienic but also potentially dangerous for health reasons, especially for those with respiratory problems. The executive put together a proposal with photo documentation and have presented this information to Dr Jaggar. We are hopeful future plans concerning building development of this area of the school will now include an asphalt car park similar to the one on the Cleveland Street entry to the school. The other major issue the SRC of 2007 have been addressing is the expectations and image of the SRC at Sydney Boys High School and the potential of the organisation to nurture leadership ability within the school context. A recent non-profit BBQ organised and put on by the SRC was to raise awareness of the existence of the SRC and to make students aware that the SRC exists to improve life at High for them. The low prices on the day were a treat in response to voiced concern over the recent increased prices at the canteen. As part of the plan to develop the role of the SRC of Sydney Boys High School for the future, a number of SRC students have attended two regional SRC meetings, where student leaders from schools throughout the region meet and discuss how the SRC is run and what they have achieved. It is also an opportunity for students to get involved in State SRC and student leadership forums. Together with two other Year 11 students and Ms Branigan, I recently attended a regional meeting, hosted by Fort St High School. The main concern voiced from the schools that attended the meeting was their part in changing their own school environment. The SBHS SRC plans for the remainder of the year include putting on the annual Trivia Night, which has always been a great success and I hope we will have plenty of staff and student support. At the most recent SRC meeting, students voted towards some changes for the SRC of 2008. Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving their SRC badges for being committee members for 2007:
If students have any suggestions for possible changes or issues that they would like raised at
the next meeting, please let your Year SRC member know. Student WelfareWe are very fortunate to have two significant speakers who will address our next two P&C Meetings: Next week, on Wednesday 19 September at 7:30, Mr John Walker, Head Teacher of the Student Welfare Committee will talk to parents about the Values Education program at Sydney Boys High. The Welfare Committee concerns itself with all aspects of our boys’ personal, social and academic well-being. It also develops and coordinates initiatives to foster recognition of individual talent and leadership. On Wednesday 17 October at 7:30 pm, Mr Paul Garufi, the Department of Education’s Drug and Alcohol Consultant for the Sydney Region, will talk to parents about drugs, alcohol and teenagers. He is a specialist in the field and has a wealth of experience in talking to students, teachers and parents about these complex issues.
Both meetings promise to be very enlightening with time allocated to answer any questions you may
have, and I urge you to join us in great numbers! Strongman Competition40 Strongmen, 4 Challenges, Maximum power. 1 Ultimate Champion. YES! It’s that time of the year again. It’s STRONGMAN TIME. At Lunchtime on Monday 17 September come watch the big men of High Rumble for the annual Junior and Senior Strongman Title. This year will be bigger and better than ever with last year’s Junior and Senior champion going head to head for the senior title plus many new Budding Strongmen vying for an upset win
Date: Monday 17 September Food for Sale: Hot Dogs $2.50 Drinks $1.50 Combo $3.50 Other Entertainment Band
Skins Special Offer continues Train Hard, Play Hard Return to IndexFrom PDHPE
Year 10 Crossroads Presentations 2007 Sixty of the 171 students who attended the presentations were surveyed. Each respondent was asked to rank the presentation 1 – 10 (1 = low, 10 = high) and offer a comment. The comments were optional. Fifty two students provided comments, of which 129 (84%) were positive, while 25 (16%) were negative. Many students included “fun and informative” in the one comment.
Waverly Action for Youth Services presentations scored a mean of 7.5 out of 10 (7.9 in
2005 survey). Comments included:
Positive Speakers Bureau presentations scored a mean of 6.9 out of 10 (7.5 in 2005)
Comments included:
Motor Accident Authority/Wheelchair Basketball Roadshow presentations scored a mean of 9.3
out of 10 (9.0 in 2005) Comments included:
Thank you to all those students who took the time to provide feedback about the
presentations. Minutes of P&C Executive MeetingMonday 3 September 2007 Attendance: Simon Chan, Geoff Andrews, Megan Eriksson, Max Montanaro, Marianne Leitch, Seh Hang H’ng, Barbara Taylor Apologies: Toni Lindeback, Shane Brown
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Matters Arising from Previous Minutes
P&C is not being asked to contribute towards refurbishing kitchen at the back of Great Hall.
Geoff Andrews circulated ‘Guidelines for subcommittees for collection of funds at
functions’ for comment. Note to be added about cross checking against stock audits.
Suggestion for cash box to contain a sheet on which each deposit into the box can be noted.
Treasurer’s Report $40k on term deposit rolled over @ 6.3% School is paying for the newly-acquired second-hand bus. P&C to set aside $20k p.a. over 5 yrs ($25k p.a. over 3 yrs?) with a view to replacing Coaster bus as requested by Dr Jaggar. By 30/9/2007 P&C expects receipts of $6k from Swans Parking on 2/9/2007 and $5-10k from Canteen for Term 3. $15k will then be spent on replacement pianos as per budget. This should leave approx $10k in main account at start of financial year 1/10/2007, plus $40k on term deposit. Insurance- Proposal to increase P&C Insurance premium by $165. This will increase cover for equipment and stock in Canteen from $5k to $20k, and will also include Music Sub-committee activities (before or after school hours).
Moved: Geoff Andrews. ACTION: Geoff Andrews to confirm with the School and the Foundation that their insurance covers locations and items in which the P&C and its sub-committees may carry out activities or have involvement.
Year Group Reports Overall aim is to overcome any staff reluctance to teaching Values Education, and to make the sessions relevant and interesting for the students. Concern was expressed about students’ lack of respect for a guest speaker at a recent assembly. Suggestion to invite John Walker to speak at a future P&C meeting about Values Education. ACTION: Simon Chan
Foundation Report Negotiations still ongoing re McKay playing fields. Quotes still too expensive for school shirts with emblem. Concern expressed about quality control if sourcing from overseas (eg cotton impregnated with formaldehyde)
Library Fundraising Telephone Campaign
P&C Parking Event 2 September 2007
Open Day Draft flyer circulated that could be used as a handout on Open Day. ACTION: Barbara Taylor to email draft to Exec members for comment.
International Night
125th Anniversary Functions
Chinese New Year Function
Other Business
Garbage Bins ACTION: Simon Chan to ask Dr Jaggar whether P&C could purchase some wheelie bins with lids (chained in place to prevent use as cricket stumps?) Concern also expressed about the lack of facility to recycle bottles and cans. City of Sydney does not currently collect recyclable bottles and cans from schools. ACTION: Simon Chan to ask Dr Jaggar about the possibility of introducing one or more recycling bins (near the canteen?).
Year 12 Cocktail Party
Orientation Day ACTION: Barbara Taylor to contact Raewyn Duffy to discuss this possibility. Next Meeting: 6.00 pm Monday 5 November 2007 Return to IndexMinutes of Meeting of SBHS Basketball CommitteeThursday, 31 August 2007 Attending (20+): Ross Walker, Peter Teng, Ina Teng, Inge Sugito, Paul Koerber, Bruce Gordon, Rohit Autar, David Morrow, Ish Rajendram, Mark Paul, Shirley Tickner, Alex Hayman, Tracy Tassell, Ben Hayman, Vince Salomon, George Chow, Christina Chow, Jason Tassell, Ron Sutton, Apologies: Angie Ward, Jennifer Jones The meeting began at 7:30.
Item 1 – Election of officers
Item 2 – Old Boys Game
Item 3 – Strategic Plan George listed the key goals for coaching services as:
He listed the key focuses for player development as having:
George reported the major sources of revenue for 2006/07 paid for coaching services that, along with old-boy loyalty, enabled the school to field up to 30 teams in the GPS competition. They also went towards hiring courts for training, travel costs, and equipment. For the 2007/08 season, the equipment costs will include such items as new basketballs, scoreboards and pole pads for the outdoor courts, and kit bags for the coaches, entailing referee shirts, polo shirts, whistles, whiteboards, etc. George reported the basketball program has now succeeded in paying off the debts of the program previously run at a loss. The program now run by B Hayman will be the first year the funds can be fully invested back into the program.
Item 4 – Coaches’ report
Item 5 – General business Vince reported he is working on providing reversible singlets for all first- and second-grade players. The singlets would be the property of the school. He also asked everyone involved in the program to watch for anything they can contribute to raffles. Ben says he has a signed singlet from NBA MVP player Dirk Nowitzki for the raffle. An old boy (H Feng) has offered to record every first- and second-grade game on video. Jason Tassell offered to provide the necessary camera. Bruce Gordon recommended laying a grass fringe around the outdoor basketball court, in part to keep surrounding gravel and rock off the courts. Discussion involved how to raise money for putting as many as 10 basketball hoops along the sides of the court. Ben said providing more shooting facilities for the school was important. The committee thanked those parents now retiring from the committee in particular the Walker family. The meeting closed at 8.30 pm. Return to IndexTennis AGMInvitation to all Tennis parents and interested parties
P & C Subcommittee Tennis AGM
Mr Richard Ayre has kindly agreed to take over as MIC Tennis. At this meeting you will have the
opportunity to inform yourself about the 2008 tennis program, discuss issues and present ideas on
how tennis at High can be further enhanced. Please note that all positions will be declared
vacant. Like all sports at SBHS, tennis needs the active support of ALL parents and your
attendance at this meeting will be highly valued. I am looking forward to see you there. SHS Old Boys Union
Did you know? In the 103 years since a Rhodes Scholarship was first awarded in NSW in 1904, 10 recipients have attended Sydney High. The first old boy Rhodes Scholar was Ethelbert Southee (1907), in 1913. He was followed by Raymond Kershaw (1914); Arthur Wheen (1914); Alan Watt (1918); Ian Edwards (1919); David Stout (1947); John Bailey (1951); Ian Dawes (1961); and David Griffiths (1962). The most recent was Anthony Abrahams (1991), in 1998.
SHS Old Boys Union Year 8 Soccer Picnic
Date : Saturday 29 September
Bring your own picnic, join in the parents versus boys game or barrack (for the parents) from the
sidelines. Everyone welcome - hope to see you and your family there 125th Anniversary Ball and CabaretFriday 21 November 2008 In conjunction with Sydney Girls High School, we are holding an Anniversary Ball and Cabaret evening on Friday 21 November 2008. If you are interested in volunteering to be on the organising committee for this important event in the School’s calendar, please contact Lynne Williams on 9361 6910, ext 114 Return to IndexMusic Notices
John Morrison Jazz and Stage Bands Festival
HSC Music Practical Exams
Piano Competition
Senior Division
Junior Division
Percussion Ensemble Parent MentorsWe are looking for new parent mentors A Parent Mentor is an informal contact person who will welcome New Parents into the School Community and is available to them to help them through the difficulties encountered in their first year at the School. The aim is to have every parent of a new boy starting at the School matched up with a mentoring parent already at the School. The role of the Mentoring Parent is
The scheme is informal, without a lot of structure and depends for its success on the enthusiasm of the Mentors. The scheme has worked extremely well in its first year and has not been at all onerous. All the Mentor Parents this year have enjoyed it tremendously and the New Parents have been extremely receptive and grateful for the contact. As there is an attrition rate every year we need new Mentor Parents. Please join us as the more parents we have the easier is the task. Could you please contact Charles Ovadia on 9386 1221 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Or send your details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Or fill in the form below and return to the Principal’s Assistant Name: ______________________________________ Email Address: _____________________________ Contact Phone Home: ____________________________ Mobile Phone: ____________________ Return to Index SBHS Cricket
A good win- Season Opener The match started at Heathcote Oval then moved to Anzac Oval in Engadine due to a council booking omission with High winning the toss then batting in a reduced 20 Over innings making 7 – 119 with Nakul Pednekar 33 and Alasdair Brown 24no our main run scorers. In reply Heathcote High were cruising at 0 -58 but High held their nerve. Wickets from Daniel Simpson 2-20(5 overs), Matt Coutts 3-26 (5 overs) and Kogulan Sriranjan 2-25(4 overs) saw Heathcote finish at 7-107 from their allotted overs. A gutsy win and well done to all team members. Reminders
Trial Date Years 7, 8 and 9 Parents are invited to attend and observe the trials and have questions addressed in respect to cricket participation.
Opens Cricket Camp
Team Managers
Coaches Meeting
Laurie Heil Basketball Report: Shootin' Hoops
Team Trials Coming Check the gym notice boards regarding coaches, locations and draws for the 2007/2008 season
Basketball Committee Meeting
Vince Salomon elected as president. Also a great thanks to everyone who attended the meeting and their support for High Basketball. Parents are asked to support their children as much as possible with their Summer Sport choice. Every extra helper makes a difference. Please see the canteen on Saturdays. All funds go directly back to helping basketball! 320 students-how many parents?
First and Seconds 2007/2008
First Grade
Second Grade
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