MILLER MESSENGER

NEWSLETTER 5 march 2021

8 March International Woman’s

Day

9 March Open Girls Soccer

11 March Job FIT

11 March Transition/Peer

Support sessions

11 March Links to Learning

11 March Youth Frontiers

12 March Health & Wellbeing

Program

12 March Zone Trial day

12 March Open Girls basketball

15 March Secondary Boys

Football championships

17 March Secondary Girls Netball

Championships

17 March Round 3 Spelling Bee IEC

18 March Youth Frontiers

18 March Transition/Peer Support

Session

18 March Job FIT

18 March School Cross Country

The past weeks have been very rewarding, with many opportu-

nities for students to become involved in to grow – academical-

ly, creatively and socially to meet life’s challenges with confi-

dence and assurance.

Student Achievement At Miller we show Respect, we Inspire, we are Safe and we Ex-cel. When we Excel, we are always trying to do better, and I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Semi Ah Sam on his selection in the Bernera Zone Open Boys Rugby League team and Atenai Vilai, Cedric Pese and Jordan Tuitama on their selections in the Bernera Zone Under 15 boys Rugby League Team. As a small school, we have had some exceptional individual and team performances in the sporting arena. This exceptional tal-ent was highlighted during the recent Bernera Zone Swimming Carnival with Kerem Tuncbilek of Year 7 successes in the pool (1st, 12 years 50m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 3rd 12 years 50m breaststroke) leading him to be capped as 12 years boys Age Champion.

COVID Intensive Learning Support Program The COVID intensive learning support program is the latest measure in the NSW Government’s strategy to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes and ensure that every school and eve-ry student can improve every year. In supporting this initiative, if students need support with their classwork, assessment tasks or in honing study skills to achieve the full academic potential the school's Homework Centre is operating on Mondays from 2:30 - 4:00pm and on Tuesdays from 3:00 - 5:00pm in the school library. Please contact Ms Liu (Intensive English Centre) or Ms Alessi for future information about the support available. A teacher, full-time, has also been employed to support HSC students with their assessment tasks, time management and classwork during their study periods in the library. For further information, please contact Ms Toon or Mr Shea (Deputy Prin-cipal).

Volume28 FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Monday to Friday

Office

Hours

8.30 am to 3.30 pm

Telephone (02) 9607 8669

Fax (02) 9607 9460

Email : Miller-

h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

UPCOMING EVENTS

FROM THE PRINCIPALS

DESK CONTINUED

Year 7 Project Based Learning Year 7 involves a number of changes and challenges for students, some of which may be the subjects studied, the organisation of the daily routine, the form of contact with teachers, testing procedures, forms of assessment and reporting, sporting activi-ties and the opportunity to become involved in many and various extra-curricular activities.

In considering these challenges, in 2016 it was de-cided to enrich the learning experiences for our Year 7 students as they ventured down this new path in their educational journey – secondary edu-cation with a different approach to traditional class-room lessons.

I’m not talking about that daily lesson that might teach knowledge or a skill that perhaps fits within a unit based on a topic or a theme, I'm taking about - Project Based Learning or PBL.

PBL is the ongoing act of learning about different subjects simultaneously. This is achieved by guiding students to identify, through researching a real-world problem (local to global), developing its solution, using evidence to support the claim and presenting the solution through a multimedia approach based in a set of 21st-century tools.

I think I can safely say that over the past weeks Mr Gutierrez (Year 7 Advisor), Mr Brunton (Year 7 Dep-uty Principal) the teacher mentors, school support staff and the Refill Crew from Curious Works from Casula, as chefs and cooks provided the ingredients to inspire and capture the student’s imagination to create the culinary and gastronomic delights, we savoured during the PBL showcase last week around the theme – “Kindness”. Year 7 as apprentice chefs, are now equipped with the means to uncover problems and to engage in sustained inquiry about their work and how it connects with the world around them.

Combined Principal Network Meeting

On Wednesday the school was privileged to host the Com-bined Liverpool, Cowpastures and Fairfield Principal Net-work meeting. Due to COVID-19, this was the first face-to-face meeting since March 2020, with over 60 principals in attendance.

The topics covered included, an overview of the High Po-tential and Gifted Education Policy, the role of the Princi-pal School Leadership and External Validation, Aboriginal Education, overview the new Literacy and Numeracy Hub, Student Support and Specialist Programs. Ms Deb Sum-merhayes, Executive Director, School Performance Metro-politan South and West School Performance Directorate also provided an up-date on DoE policy directions and accountabilities.

Like any production, behind the scene there was a huge commitment an eagerness by many, that made the day such a meaningful event. I would like acknowledge Mr Wood and the Entertainment course student; the TAS staff, Ms Kaur, Ms Elvidge, Ms Singh, Mr Ibrahim, Mr Monaghan, Ms Dinapoli and the Year 11/12 Hospitality and Food Technology students; Ms Atkins, Mr Nugent, our school Prefects and Sally McPherson for her personalised version of Acknowledgement of Country; Mr Kumar (Technical Services Officer), Ms Dickerson and Ms Siczak (SASS staff) and our General Assistants Mr Whitlock and Ms Boyle, for your passion, dedication and support that made the day such a meaningful event.

A big thank you also to Ms Hartcher-O’Brien and the Tree-of-Life theatre program students. The student perfor-mances created a spellbinding, authentic emotional land-scape which invited the audience to share in the refugee journey. An incredible memory, for those in attendance on the day.

In a final comment, it is important for parents/caregivers to be genuinely interested in the activities of their chil-dren, in the activities of the school and in local and world issues. An interest in all of these things, at the family lev-el, encourages loyalty, the formation of a value system, wider reading, discussion, articulation and thinking on a higher level. All these, plus the knowledge gained, con-tribute to a healthy class atmosphere, a vital school and greater stimulation for everyone.

Should you have any questions regarding school opera-

tions, please contact the main school office (02 9607

8669).

Regards,

Dr Ken Edge - Principal

YEAR 11 & 12 HOSPITALITY &

FOOD TECHNOLOGY

A combined meeting for Principals of Cow-pasture, Fairfield and Liverpool network of schools, along with many officers from the Department of Education was hosted at Miller Technology High School on 3rd of March.

Years 11 & 12 Hospitality and Food Technol-ogy students were involved with the catering of the morning tea for the guests. The stu-dents were involved in preparation, packag-ing and serving of food and coffee through-out the day. All students worked extremely hard following Covid-19 Hygiene and WHS rules to make the day a success. The students worked collaboratively with their teachers and presented themselves with pride meeting the hospitality industry stand-ards.

Mrs Kaur - Head Teacher TAS

PROJECT BASED LEARNING YEAR 7

On January 29th, 2021, I walked through the Mil-ler School Gates for the first time. I was afraid of the endless opportunities and kept to myself, afraid to mix in with a bigger crowd. But one day, I did the unthinkable. I sat with a different group for lunch. It was only because I made that wild step, I met my friend, Hannah. The next few days were amazing. We sat together, played, and ate with each other. My days at Miller were beautiful. I met some senior students who had gone to my primary school. The classrooms were clean and filled with opportunities for everyone. My favourite place would be the library. The teachers were caring such as all of the times when my English teacher, Ms. Hughes decides to say hello and listen to us even when she is busy. All of the people whom I used to stay away from to avoid the risk of teasing now sit with me at lunch and talk to each other. Although my first few days were meek, I soon outgrew that feeling and I am more than ready to prove myself with hard work, dedication and resilience.

Aishwarya Sooraj Kumar - Year 7

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

The Refugee Transition Coordinator Ms Romic and the Community Liaison Officer Ms Shiba organised the Parent Information Session for recent IEC Exiters parents/carers that forms an integral part of the transition programs success.

The Parent Information session involved 22 IEC Exiters families which due to COVID restrictions was spread over three sessions taking place on the 22nd and 23rd February 2021.

The Principal, Dr Edge, gave our new families a warm welcome that was followed by a short history of Miller High School and a video show-casing the many recent highlights. This was fol-lowed by the IEC Deputy, Ms Stojanovic and EAL/D acting Head Teacher, Ms Nadan extend-ing their welcome.

The Parent Information session takes place at the start of every term and is vital in providing information concerning school procedures and processes to our new families. The session fo-cused on attendance matters, school uniform, homework centre, mentoring programs, anti-bullying and anti-racism policy, study advice, mobile phone policy, wellbeing issues, and con-cluding with Questions and Answers.

Our new families expressed their appreciation in having the opportunity to meet school staff, gain valuable information, and feel supported and welcomed by the School Community.

Also, a huge thank you to Ms Odisho SLSO, Ms Hussieny, SAAS Staff, Mr Kumar and students Zioa Al Khamees, Marten Khamo, and Ali Al Masri who contributed to the day’s success.

Ms S Shiba - Community Liaison Officer

Last week our senior IEC students had a workshop with Core Communities and Services. The students discussed topics about mental health, anxiety and stress. They were also provided with different services available to seek help, support and how to better manage when some of these triggers occur. The main goal was to make the students understand that everyone goes through these emotions and they need to learn different coping mechanisms.

Mr A Stojkovski - Assist Year Adviser

CORE COMMUNITIES & SERVICES

1 idea 2 ambitious teachers 38 students Over 5,000 plastic bottle caps and screws Hours of drilling, painting and sorting Endless support and assistance from our SLSO's and of course Mr Monaghan who helped the idea come to life. So proud to see this displayed for all to see in our school!

Mrs Loreggian & Ms Persenitis

Support Faculty

SUPPORT UNIT - PROJECT

SENIOR HOMEWORK CENTRE

Every Tuesday after-noon between 3 PM and 5 PM, some of Miller's dedicated teachers and stu-dents come down to the Senior Home-work Centre. Stu-dents are given a quiet place to study, group tutoring and one on one tutoring during this time. It is absolutely amazing to see all of these Year 10-12 stu-dents motivated to achieve the best possible education they can be given. I would like to thank the amazing teachers here at Miller for giving up their time to helping our students achieve great things!

Any questions about Senior Homework Centre, please see Mis Alessi in Science.

Ms Alessi - Science Teacher

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT IS-

LANDER EDUCATION AND CAREERS

SRC HIGH RESOLVES LEADERSHIP DAY

Western Sydney University Year 12 Virtual Conference

On Friday 26th February, Aboriginal students in Year 12 participated in the Western Sydney University Year 12 Virtual Conference as part of the Pathways to Dreaming Program. Students listened to a keynote address by Professor James Arvanitakis, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) who was awarded the Prime Minister’s University Teacher of the Year and is a regu-lar on ABC The Drum and ABC News 24. Students en-gaged in virtual course information sessions in their own areas of interest and learned about the many different pathways to university.

Souths Cares Employment and Wellbeing Expo.

We are inviting all students in years 10, 11 and 12 to attend on Wednesday March 24th. Time slots to be confirmed. Please see Ms Hughes if you are interested in attending.

Kari Young Leaders Camp 6-8th April

This camp is open to Aboriginal young people in years 9 and 10 attending school in south west Sydney. It will be held at Uniting Venues Naamaroo, Chatswood. Please see Ms Hughes or Shane Scott if you are inter-ested in being nominated.

On the 18th of February the SRC participated in a Leadership day to refine their skills and qualities so that they can best represent their respective year groups well into the future. The day was filled with sessions ranging from presentations, team building and goal setting. Special guest presenters from High Resolves spoke on the topics of Identify and Pur-pose, aiming to educate students in the meaning of being a global citizen. Overall, it was a wonderful day that provided a great opportunity for the SRC stu-dents to truly get to know one another and it also provided them with the means to envision them-selves as leaders. High Resolves presenter Brandon Paterson described working with our students as touching and beneficial stating that he "was really touched by some of the stories that your students shared, it truly was a privilege to work with them."

The SRC would like to thank Tas and Brandon from High Resolves for their presentation on Identify and Purpose, and Mr Woods and his entertainment stu-dents, Ms Atkins and Ms Pollard for all their com-bined efforts on the day.

Ms H Vukic - HSIE Teacher

CAREERS

Entry and Pathways to ACU

30 March 5pm

Whether you’re currently completing Year 12 or have been out of

school for years, there are many entry pathways to ACU – including

our ACU Guarantee early offer program.

https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2021/march/entry-and-

pathways-to-acu

University of Sydney Mathematics Prerequisites

The University has mathematics course prerequisites for some cours-es. This means that to study certain degrees, students will need to achieve a Band 4 in the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) Mathe-matics (not general mathematics) or equivalent. If students don't meet the mathematics requirements, they may be able to: complete the Mathematics MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) and exam apply for another course and then transfer into their preferred course in their second year (after successful completion of an accepted 1000 level mathematics unit).

https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/

mathematics-prerequisite.html

Western Sydney University Free HSC Study

Free HSC Study Sessions will run from Monday 20 September - Friday 24 September. The sessions are led by highly qualified and experi-enced educators who will give you the skills and knowledge to max-imise your HSC results. Register your interest below and we'll be in touch with more infor-mation closer to the event. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/free-

hsc-study-sessions.html

Western Campus Tours

Western's highly successful Campus Tours are back again this year.

Prospective students, their parents and families and the general pub-

lic can check out state-of-the-art facilities and hear from current stu-

dents and staff about courses and degrees Western offers. For 2021

dates and campus locations visit here:

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/

campus-tours.html

Macquarie Uni Register Your Interest to Attend Open Day 2021

Come to our Open Day and find out how our industry connections, passion for collaboration and appetite for unconventional thinking will help you achieve remarkable things. https://www.mq.edu.au/open-day

ComparEd Empowering decisions, inspiring opportunities.

Thinking about higher education study? Wish you could ask someone

about their experience? Explore and compare institutions and study

areas based on real life student experiences. With ComparED, you

can explore and compare the quality of higher education institutions

and study areas you are interested in, based on the experiences of

others.

https://www.compared.edu.au/

Free UCAT Webinars for Year 12 & 11 Students

14 March

A survey of hundreds of 97th+ percentile students after UCAT 2020

found that they spent around 250 hrs on UCAT prep, and that their

success was determined by HOW they distributed their prep time and

WHAT they did for UCAT study. This free webinar will cover a Term

1&2 timeline to keep students on track, including weekly prep goals

and study milestones. Register:

https://www.icanmed.com.au/webinars

Get your free TAFE NSW Parent and Caregiver Resource Guide A new guide has been developed for parents and/or caregivers to help transition their child into TAFE NSW. Jam packed with all the information that you need to know, the guide can be accessed via the dedicated Parent and/or Caregiver webpage: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/parents-caregivers

Steps to Becoming an Australian Apprentice Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while learning a trade! Getting started in an apprenticeship can seem a little daunting, but it can be broken down into four easy-to-understand steps. Re-search; Preparation; Job Hunting and Sign-up. If you would like to learn more about each step, plus heaps more useful information, visit https://www.aapathways.com.au/job-hunting/steps

Sarina Russo Apprenticeships - Become an Apprentice

Apprentice / Trainee Reference Guide

You’re a parent of an apprentice – What you need to know.

REGISTER TODAY https://www.sarinarusso.com/apprenticeship/

WPC Group - Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Automotive, Hospitality, Business, Carpentry Electrical, Fitter Welder, Horticulture https://www.wpcgroup.org.au/

Commercial Pilot - BASAIR Career Free Info Seminar

15th March 7PM – 8PM Register now

628/23-25 Airport Avenue, Bankstown Airport

Learn about a career as a Commercial Pilot at one of our free infor-mation seminars. Basair Aviation College runs monthly seminars in Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Defence Events and Information Sessions Near You

THU, 18 MAR AT 18:00 - Gap Year Virtual Info Session

https://www.facebook.com/pg/DefenceJobsAustralia/events/

Applying to the Australian Defence Force Academy

Applying for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process that can

take up to 12 months. It's preferable you apply in Year 11, but you

can still apply in Year 12.

To start the ADF application process, use our degree and job match tool to explore the courses through ADFA, and the careers they can lead to. You can choose from a range of UNSW degrees, each of which leads directly to an officer role in the Navy, Army or Air Force. You will also need to ensure you are eligible.

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/australian-

defence-force-academy/how-to-apply/

Explore Teaching

Thinking about a career in education? Find out what it's like to be a

teacher in NSW schools and what type of teacher you could become.

https://www.teach.nsw.edu.au/exploreteaching

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

MARCH 8, 2021

SCHOOL BELL TIMES

EMPOWERING.

INSPIRING.

UPLIFTING.

8 MARCH, 2021

Together supporting women worldwide.

Students will celebrate International Women’s Day on Monday 8 March 2021

#IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge

Recess activities will include

#Choosetochallenge Photo Booth

Women’s Day Ribbons and Cupcakes on sale