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High Notes, Vol 26 No 20, July 04 2025

From the Principal

High Talent

Congratulations to our 8A Volleyball Team who won the NSW Volleyball Schools Cup - Year 8 division, Jay Li (C), Eric Chen, Johnny Ding, Justin Ip, Thomas Nguyen, Ivan Shi, Sean Tippett, Ilyusha Tsoutsman, Cloud Wang, Titus Zheng, Kevin Luu. Coach: Edward Ly, Assistant Coach: Nelson Lee.

Congratulations to our 10A Volleyball Team who won the NSW Schools Cup Year 10 division, Anthony Ly (C), Axel Lam, Ethan Yu, Kevin Bui, Eugene Cho, Aaron Jin, Roger He, Ethan Huynh, Ethan Wang, Lennard Suen, Charlie Morgan. Coach: Oswald Xie.

Congratulations to Cassiel Yun who won the 2025 Harmony Day Poster Competition for the Year 11 category.

Good Samaritans

Thank you to Dio Vickkanov who found $50 at the basketball courts and our GA Daniel Xu who found $20 outside the gym. Both handed the cash in to the main office.

Why Exercise is Important for All Students at High

From my experience working with teenage boys, it is clear that regular physical activity does more than just improve fitness - it gives boys a cognitive edge and promotes positive self-esteem. Exercise positively affects cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are essential for academic success. Regular physical activity promotes the process of creating new neurons - helping to improve learning and memory, both crucial aspects of academic performance. In this context, incorporating exercise into daily routines can help adolescent boys perform better in school, setting a foundation for both academic and personal growth.

Physical activity not only enhances cognitive skills but also plays a critical role in managing mental health, which is directly tied to academic success. Research highlights the impact of exercise on reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, which are often experienced by adolescents. Research from the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that 鈥渢hat exercise reduces depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents.

These results suggest that structured exercise programs should be considered as part of comprehensive care approaches鈥� (Systematic Umbrella Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis: Effectiveness of Physical Activity in Improving Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents, Singh, Ben et al, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Online ahead of print). Mental clarity, reduced feelings of stress, and improved self-esteem all contribute to a better attitude toward learning and a stronger academic performance.

Moreover, exercise provides an outlet for energy and promotes better sleep, both of which are vital for academic success in adolescents. This improved sleep routine is particularly helpful during high school years, which are crucial for laying the foundation for future academic and personal success.

Exercise during high school fosters the development of critical life skills, such as discipline, time management, and goal-setting, that go beyond academic achievements and contribute to a balanced life after school. These skills are not only beneficial for athletic performance but also transfer to various areas of life, particularly as adolescents transition into adulthood. Exercise teaches grit, it is about showing up, even on the tough days. That same mindset translates to school and life.

High school students who stay physically active tend to manage their time more effectively, balancing school, co-curriculars, and social lives. The habits they build now help them adapt to the demands of university or the workforce. Exercise is a powerful tool - not just for boosting academic performance, but for building a healthier, more balanced life.
George Barris
Relieving Principal