Tech Talk Sydney February Technical 2020 High SchoolTech Talk Sydney February Technical 2020 High...

686 Forest Road BEXLEY 2207 Phone: 9587 5899 Fax: 9553 [email protected] www.sths.nsw.edu.au

Tech Talk Sydney February Technical 2020 High School

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome Year 7, 2020

WELCOME Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Steven So and I‘m very proud to be selected as the Principal of Sydney Technical High School. I would like to acknowledge the great educational leadership provided by Diane Wilson as Relieving Principal during the past year supported by Kirk Grinham, Deputy Principal and Mel Burgess Relieving Deputy Principal.My educational leadership experience in the selective schools domain has been with Hurlstone Agricultural High School as Deputy Principal and Moorebank High School as Head Teacher of Science. In the last two years I was seconded to the Department of Education, School Services in an advisory role to Directors Educational Leadership, Principals and School Executive staff.I am delighted to be able to lead a school with such dedicated staff and fantastic students. I look forward to building the school community to ensure that it continues to flourish.

TABLE OF CONTENTSPRINCIPAL’S REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’ REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4SCHOOL CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP DATES . . . . . . . 8WELLBEING REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10PARENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM DATES . . . . . . 11P&C REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CAREERS REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16WELCOME TO YEAR 7 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16BUILDING AND LIBRARY FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17SCHOOL NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18NSW ADOLESCENT VACCINATION PROGRAM . . 19WELCOME TO YEAR 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

February 2020 Tech Talk

YEAR 7 I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Year 7 and their families to Sydney Technical High School. Please take the time to relish in the fabulous learning environment and enjoy the learning opportunities offered by the teachers. The P&C will continue the tradition of hosting a welcome BBQ at 4:00 pm, Thursday 13 February in the Canteen area. The staff and I look forward to meeting you and your son there. This year students have come from over 80 different primary schools all over Sydney from both public and private settings. The Year 7 students have already started to form friendship groups and were happily competing in events and socialising at the Swimming carnival.

NEW STUDENTSI would also like to welcome our new students and their families to our school. Well done, on your selection and enjoy the rich educational experience that Sydney Technical High School offers both academically and in the extra and co-curricular domains.

HSC SUCCESSWe were thrilled with our HSC results, and congratulate our 2019 Year 12 students and their teachers. Special mention goes to Adam Robey who attained 2nd in the State in HSC Engineering. High Achievers include: Edwerd Alukkal, Anthony Arsecularatne, Lochie Bown, Mohammed Huda, Minsu Jung, Bryan Liu, Amir Nadeem, Terrance Nguyen, Adam Robey, Timothy Tjugito and Jihao Yu. A significant proportion of our subjects again were well above the State, clearly demonstrating that student interest is critical to students realising their potential. Congratulations to the Year 12 group!ALARM Year 9 and 11 have commenced their training in ALARM, a structured matrix for writing which will help students develop and improve their essay writing techniques. My thanks to Ms Anna Steel and the ALARM team for her work with teachers at Staff Development Day as well as with students.

NASA BLAST OFF!A team of highly motivated teachers and student scientists are in the final stages of preparation for the upcoming NASA trip to USA. Ms Debbie Noyes, Head Teacher Science, has been working hard to organise every detail down to the most miniscule. I look forward to seeing and hearing all about the event. Stay tuned as we countdown to the trip at the end of the term.

SCHOOL CONNECTIONThe Parent Partnership program is an initiative which Sydney Technical High School delivers to provide information and skills in supporting your son’s education. It also presents an opportunity for parents to connect with each other and to the school. I strongly urge you to attend these very popular sessions! Parent Partnership Dates are listed on Page 11 of this Tech Talk.

STAFFINGThis year we say farewell to three staff members who were pivotal to the delivery of excellent teaching and learning at Sydney Technical High School.

Ms Nin Eath Ms Eath arrival at Tech in 2014 and quickly became a highly regarded Social Science teacher by students and teachers alike. She passionately fulfilled roles including Year Adviser, Faculty 2IC and Relieving Social Science Head Teacher. Her exuberance

for teaching and expertise, particularly in Business Studies exemplified the excellence we have at Tech. Ms Eath has been an invaluable asset to Sydney Tech and we wish her the greatest success in her new position as Head Teacher at St John’s Park HS.

Ms Mary Ann HughesMs Hughes arrived at Tech in 2014 and immediately began creating an indelible presence. Her contributions to the English Faculty were underpinned by extensive personal experiences with language and literature. Ms Hughes enjoyed writing and

shared her skills with students in weekly creative writing workshops. Her creativity extended into the sharing of anecdotes that often entertained the staff. We wish her the best for the next stage of her journey.

Mr Allan Gowan Mr Gowan has been a teacher at Tech since 1985, obviously over such a long career Allan has seen many changes and developed a strong affinity for the school. He has always been a hard working Industrial Arts teacher, striving to ensure students gained great

An Academically Selective School for Boys

results, particularly in HSC courses. He always had the ability in subjects like Engineering Studies to build a strong connection between the theory content and real life applications of engineering. His engagement and involvement with these areas have made Tech a richer and better place for students and staff. We wish Allan all the best for an enjoyable retirement, thoroughly deserved after such long and dedicated service to education at Tech.Steven SoPrincipal

NOVEL CORONAVIRUSAs you may be aware the Novel Coronavirus situation has been an evolving space. I would like to assure you that Sydney Technical High School has been adhering to the latest Departmental Policy and Procedures in managing this.Please ensure you check your email address for updates. If you have not received school correspondence and please contact the front office staff to update your details.The STHS webpage is another communication stream that is updated with the latest information.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school office by telephone on 9587 5899

or via email at [email protected] to clarify any concerns.


DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’

REPORT

Welcome back to a new year at Sydney Technical High School and welcome to our new students and their families.

Student Wellbeing is of paramount importance to us at Sydney Technical High School. If parents need to talk to someone about their son, you may contact either Deputy Principal, although it may be preferable to speak to the Deputy who handles your son’s year: Ms Wilson will monitor Years 7, 9 and 11 and Mr Grinham Years 8, 10 and 12. Alternatively, you may contact the Head Teacher Wellbeing, Mr Stokes, or the appropriate Year Adviser. Year 7 – Mr Davis Year 8 – Mr Cachia (Mr Ngan for Term 1)Year 9 – Ms A Steel Year 10 – Ms C SteelYear 11 – Ms Bilton Year 12 – Mr Gamage

UNIFORMSTHS is a uniform school and our students should be proud to be seen in their uniform. Details about correct school uniform are listed in the school diary. Regulation shoes are black leather and not sport shoes or any other type of footwear. Belts must be black or grey. All students must be in correct uniform each day - this includes ties being done up, shirts tucked in, long socks worn with shorts pulled up and hats removed inside school buildings. All students are permitted to wear the official school sports uniforms on Wednesdays, but must not wear a combination of school and sports uniforms. Sports Jackets are only to be worn on Sport Day. Blazers are compulsory in Terms 2 and 3 for students and can be worn in other terms when extra warmth is required. The pullover may be worn underneath for further warmth.Students not in correct uniform must see Mr Davis, Head Teacher Administration, or a Deputy Principal before school with a note from home in order to obtain a uniform pass. If a student does not have the official pass, he will be automatically placed on Friday detention.

TECHNOLOGYAny electronic devices that are brought to school are strictly for educational purposes while on the school premises. Devices should not be brought on Wednesdays due to sport. No devices are to be used at any times for recreational use. Students who need to use their device for school needs during recess or lunch can do so in the library or under the direct supervision of a teacher. Phones are not appropriate forms of BYOD. Should you still be deciding which device is suitable for your son, you may use our JB HiFi purchasing portal. W: www.jbeducation.com.au/byodThe School Code is: STHSBYOD


LATENESS AND LEAVING EARLYStudents who arrive late must sign in at the office to gain an entry slip. They need to bring a note from home explaining their lateness. Seniors who have non timetabled first period lessons are to attend roll call then go to the Library. They are not permitted to come late to school. All Year 12 students who have returned permission notes, may leave after their last timetabled class of the day but must sign out at the front office. Year 12 students who do not have timetabled lessons during the day may not leave the school grounds, but may use the library for private study and need to sign in using their ID card. Students needing to leave early for urgent matters must bring a note to be signed by a Deputy Principal before roll call then take it to the front office. Medical/dental appointments should be made out of school hours.

SUPERVISION BEFORE SCHOOLSupervision of students before school begins at 8:30am. There is a very low incidence of accidents in the playground before school, which reflects the nature of the student body and their level of maturity. The playgrounds present no obvious hazards in terrain or equipment, nor are they adjacent to any busy road.

Students should not be present in the school grounds before 8:30am. Parents remain responsible for their sons until 8:30am when staff supervision begins. From 8:30am until 8:45am the Principal and/or Deputy Principals and/or Head Teacher Administration will be available in the administration block to attend to any incidents which may occur. There are also senior classes before and after school and the library will be open for students undertaking research work.

PARKINGParents who pick up their sons after school should do so at the back of the school in Ethel Street or in Botany Street. There is plenty of parking and very little traffic in those streets. It is too busy and too dangerous to stop in Anderson Street since staff and senior students are leaving at the same time. Please do not double park, or park across driveways as it is both illegal and dangerous. The Anderson Street and Forest Road carparks are for staff only. Please be aware of Bus Zones and No Stopping Zones.

SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, MOBILES PHONES AND OTHER VALUABLESStudents and parents are reminded that skateboards and scooters should not be brought to school. It is also most unwise to bring valuable equipment to school. If students bring a mobile phone, it must be turned off inside buildings. Wallets and valuables must never be left in unattended bags. If a student must bring a large amount of money to school, it should be left at the front office for safekeeping during the day. Electronic devices should be kept with the students and are not to be used at recess or lunch in the playground. Should students need to use their device for school work at recess or lunch, they should access the school library.

ILLNESSStudents who are ill during the day or who have an accident must report to the front office. They are not to phone parents directly. That is the responsibility of the office staff, who have very clear procedures to follow when students attend the school sick bay. Parents will be phoned if the office staff and Deputy Principals believe that the student should be taken home or an ambulance is required. It is essential that the school has correct contact details. Have you changed phone or mobile phone numbers recently? Please let the school know. This is also important for notification of student absences.

STUDENTS DRIVING TO SCHOOLSenior students who drive to school are reminded of the following:• There is no student parking in any of the school

car parks, including the Anderson Street and Forest Road carparks. Vehicles are to be parked in the streets surrounding the school, while observing the parking signs.

• Students are not to leave the school grounds during the school day, except at the conclusion of lessons for the day. Study periods must be conducted in the library.

• Drivers and their passengers are to lodge driver/passenger information forms with Ms Wilson.

• Remember to drive safely and abide by the road rules, which are there for your protection.


WYKEHAM AWARD The Wykeham Award was introduced at Sydney Tech in 2013. The aim of the Wykeham Award is to recognise and encourage student participation in a wide range of activities associated with the school. It will tie in with the NSW Educational Standards Authority’s (NESA) Record of Student Achievement (RoSA) that is given to students who leave school prior to the completion of the HSC. This prestigious award is such that students receive credit for their overall involvement in both school life and out of school life, while still supporting the school merit awards system. It will also be most beneficial for students when applying for scholarships, cadetships or employment.There are three categories of awards; • Junior for Years 7 and 8• Intermediate for Years 9 and 10• Senior for Year 11 and 12

Students may not qualify for more than one award per year. A student must accumulate points for their participation from a range of categories, which include Curriculum, School Service, Co-Curricular Activities, Extra Curricular Activities, Outside School Achievements and Sport. Points must come from at least five of the seven categories, with some categories having a maximum.In order to achieve each award, students must accumulate the following amounts of points:Junior – 80 points Intermediate – 100 points Senior - 120 pointsStudents are responsible for monitoring their progress towards achieving an award. Items are entered on the school’s intranet under My Menu in My Activities. School items are to be verified by the appropriate teacher. Outside School activities are to be verified by the Year Adviser.Unused points can be rolled over within a category. ie from Year 7 to Year 8, from Year 9 to Year 10 and from Year 11 to Year 12.Students wishing to nominate for the leadership positions of Prefect or higher in Year 12, must have qualified for at least one Junior, Intermediate or Senior Wykeham Award.

PHOTOGRAPHS Occasionally staff take photos of individual students or groups of students for various school forums, such as the school website, Tech Talk, the annual Journal, the annual school report, school year photo, artwork and other internal purposes. No photos are ever taken for commercial purposes or for outside groups. Any individual photo taken, such as for the school website, is always with the individual student’s permission. Some parents have already completed a Permission to Publish Form. Any other parent who does not wish his/her son to be photographed will need to put that request in writing and provide it to the Deputy Principal, Mr Grinham by 28 February. In such cases it will be the responsibility of the student to remove himself from any activity where photography may occur.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHSSchool Photographs will be taken on Thursday 5 March in the auditorium. Information will be distributed through roll call classes. All students are to be photographed whether they are purchasing or not. The photos are used for student ID/library cards. The schedule for the day will be on noticeboards around the school.

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONParents in public schools have the right to have their children receive instruction in their preferred religious persuasion, where authorised teachers of that persuasion are available. This takes place in one period on a Tuesday in either Week 7 or 8, each term at STHS for students in Years 7-10 only.A special religious education (SRE) program is available at the school and is run by authorised volunteers of approved religious persuasions. Below is the list of approved SRE programs provided at the school in 2020. Contact details of SRE program coordinators can be provided by the school if required.1. Christian Studies in the Common Room2. Catholic Scripture in the Careers Cottage3. Greek Orthodox Scripture in the LibraryStudents who do not participate in SRE will be supervised by STHS teachers in a non scripture group.All new STHS enrolments are asked to please nominate the SRE program you wish your child


to attend, or indicate that you wish to withdraw your child from SRE, by completing and returning a permission note that will soon be mailed home. Students continue in the same arrangement each year, unless a parent/caregiver has requested a change in writing. At any time, you have the right to change your SRE nomination or to withdraw your child from the lessons. A note to the principal will affect this change.

STUDY SKILLS TIP FOR JANUARY – TOP TIPS FOR A NEW YEARWith the beginning of the new year, it’s always a great time to reassess your academic approach. The key to making the most of this opportunity is focusing on the things which will bring the biggest return.1. Simplify Your Organisation SystemEvery student has an organisation system. True, the definition of “organisation” may be looser for some students than others, but everyone has a way they stay organised (or attempt to).Maybe you’re the “Type-A” student and you have a clearly defined system. You’ll know that you’re “Type-A” by the file folders you both own and use, the folded socks in your drawer, and all the lists by which you keep track of important information. You probably have a calendar, a planner, and you know exactly which clothing is clean and which is dirty.But not everyone fits in such a naturally organised world. These students can be called “Type-B.”If you’re a “Type-B” student, you’re not alone, but organisation probably requires more effort. “Type-B” students tend to prefer “piling systems” to filing cabinets. Calendars often seem like too much work, so they’d rather just put everything in their backpacks and find it later. Students on the far end of the “Type-B” universe may even find themselves sorting laundry via the “smell check” method.Regardless of whether you are a Type A or B student, though, one of the biggest difference-makers this year is your organisation system. Few things will save time and improve academic performance the way an effective organisation system will.A great organisation system has at its centre one goal: replace your brain.The more organised you are, the less you have to think. Your organisation system should be simple

enough that you don’t have to make any decisions about where you put new assignments, where to find completed assignments, or what to do with graded assignments. You shouldn’t have to go through a mental checklist every time you study because your organisation system does it for you.The fewer decisions you need to make, the more your thoughts and energy can focus on things that matter. Consider these four questions to determine how simple your organisation system is right now:• Do you have good systems in place to manage

and organise both the paper and digital resources for school?

• Do you have a system to make sure that all assignments and due dates are marked on your calendar/planner?

• Do you have a system to focus on what needs to be done today and not just what’s due tomorrow?

When you can answer each of these four questions without thinking, you’ll know that your organisation system is simple enough to be a major asset this year.2. Break the “Cram Cycle” Before it StartsBy the end of the semester, students often find themselves overloaded and overwhelmed, having to rely on cramming for final exams to get through to the break. They are exhausted and in survival mode. Thriving academically no longer matters. All that matters is the break at the end.If you’ve ever felt this way, you’ve experienced what we call the “Cram Cycle.” Students get busy during the semester, which leads to exhaustion. When you’re exhausted, the only thing you want to do is zone out for a bit. After an afternoon of zoning, students are forced to put all their effort into completing assignments that are due tomorrow. We call this “cramming.” As students work on only that which is due tomorrow, long term assignments pile up and create even more busyness, which leads to exhaustion, and the “Cram Cycle” begins to accelerate.Most students only get out of the “Cram Cycle” when the semester ends.But this year can be different. If you want to stay out of this dreaded cycle, commit yourself to doing some independent learning at least five days a week, even when you don’t have anything due the next day. Use every day as a review day, spreading out your study sessions for big tests and projects


across multiple days instead of letting them pile up. This approach takes more effort initially to create these habits, but you’ll reap the benefits when you’re free of the “Cram Cycle” and the stress that follows it come finals season.3. Supercharge Retention with Scientifically Verified Study StrategiesEveryone knows that taking notes is a good idea. Reading your textbooks seem like a great thing to do. You’ve probably learned that it’s best to have a consistent place to study, one which is quiet, clean, and comfortable enough (but not TOO comfortable).But what are the strategies that have been scientifically verified to boost your retention?One of the best things you can do is to take a break in the middle of your study sessions. In one study psychologists wanted to find out whether there was any difference in “spacing” a study session (this means to take a break in the middle) or “massing” instead (which means that you hammer it out all at once).The researchers took two randomly chosen, equal groups of students, gave them the same amount of study time, gave them the same material, and tested them on the material afterward. The only difference was that one group took a short break in the middle and the other group didn’t. The results were incredible.The group that studied with “spacing” did 50% better than the group that studied with “massing.” That means in the same amount of study time, you could potentially boost your retention by 50% by just taking a ten minute break.Learn more this year about how to improve your results and be more efficient and effective with your schoolwork by working through the units on:www.studyskillshandbook.com.au

Our school’s access details are:Username: STHSPassword: 686success

Kirk Grinham Diane WilsonDeputy Principal Deputy Principal

SCHOOL CALENDARTerm 1 - 2020 February3 Swimming Carnival - Bexley Pool4 P&C Meeting - 7pm - Common Room10 Year 7 Vaccination Day11 Uniform Shop 10.30-1213 BBQ for all New Families at the School14 Year 7 Swimming Testing14 Presentation Day of 2019 Prizes17-21 Year 7 Best Start Tests24 Year 7 Parent Partnership Meeting*25 Years 8/9 Parent Partnership Meeting*26-28 Year 7 Camp26 Year 9 Parent Partnership Meeting*26 Year 10 Parent Partnership Meeting*26 Summer Sport Commences27 Years 11/12 Parent Partnership Meeting*28 Zone Swimming Carnival - Day 1

March 1 Zone Swimming Carnival - Day 25 School Photos

* Parent Partnership Meetings are in the Common Room at 9am

This calendar is a general guide. Sometimes event dates change unexpectedly. For a full up to date list of school activities please

refer daily to the school calendar via the school intranet.

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP DATESTerm 1: 12 February, 12 March, 9 April

Term 2: 14 May, 11 June

Term 3: 13 August, 10 September

Term 4: 12 November, 3 December (Year 7 Orientation Day), 10 December


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Welcome back to all our returning students and their families and a warm welcome to our new students and their parents. I hope you have all had a relaxing break, ready to start the 2020 school year. On the first day of Term 1 all of our new Year 7 students participated in a series of different transition activities to help them settle into High School and will be involved in a study skills workshop at the Year 7 camp in Week 5 of this term. The Year 12 students also had a Wellbeing Assembly on their first day back where they were provided with information about the Educational Access Scheme, Scholarships and key dates for a series of University presentations organised throughout the year and how to make a UAC application online once UAC send the four digit pin via email from 1 April this year. The school Captain, Eric Napper also spoke about some future leadership opportunities available to the boys via the various committees set up for Year 12 and to help motivate Year 12 for the big year ahead. There are some new and returning faces to the Wellbeing team in 2020: Mitchel Davis (Year 7 Adviser), Nathan Ngan (Relieving Year 8 Adviser for Andy Cachia), Anna Steel (Year 9 Adviser), Cheryl Steel (Year 10 Adviser), Joanne Bilton (Year 11 Adviser) and Shane Gamage (Year 12 Adviser). Gai Primmer and Anne Caldwell will continue as the school’s Learning and Support Teachers. Gai Primmer is here at the school on Mondays and Tuesdays whilst Anne Caldwell is available on Thursdays and Fridays. Stephanie Lawson and Jay Dahl are the school counsellors. Jay Dahl will be available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays whilst Stephanie Lawson is here on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Jerry Mouzakis is our Careers Adviser, Pam Stergiou will take on the role as Junior Transition Coordinator and Jenny Haitidis will be the Transition Coordinator for new students coming to Tech in Years 8–12. Diane Wilson is the Deputy Principal for Years 7, 9 and 11 and Kirk Grinham is the Deputy for Years 8, 10 and 12.

For our new parents, the Wellbeing Team is usually the first point of call when contacting the school with issues about the wellbeing of your son and we are available to assist you should the need arise.

ATTENDANCESydney Tech has high expectations for all students and this includes their attendance. The school must adhere to State and Federal legislature around this as it ensures all children, up to the age of 17, attend school. The demographics of the students at STHS mean that students are travelling long distances each day and rely on public transport that can sometimes be delayed. In these unforeseen instances, the school is always understanding. Where such understanding expires is when student absenteeism and/or lateness becomes too frequent. Students who know that their transport links are unreliable in allowing them to arrive on time to school every day are strongly encouraged to make alternative arrangements. This may mean walking and leaving home earlier. All students are allowed three instances of unexplained lateness to school every term before they will receive an after school detention.Keeping an accurate and appropriate record of student attendance is a legal requirement of all schools. A student’s attendance record is also a valuable tool for potential universities and employers when ascertaining a person’s reliability and punctuality. STHS is aware of this and ensures that attendance is always printed on every semester report. Department of Education (DoE) procedures state that parents will have seven days to explain their child’s

WELLBEING REPORT


absence (via SMS, letter etc.) before the absence will be recorded as unexplained. The school is no longer required to retrospectively amend a student’s attendance record after the seven days have lapsed.Should you have further questions around this, please contact the school. Full school attendance is a vital part of education and encourages active and responsible participation. We appreciate your support in this important issue.

GUIDELINES FOR GOAL SETTINGThe beginning of a new year is an ideal time to start thinking about setting goals for yourself. A good place to start is by using the S M A R T I E S checklist shown below.SPECIFIC: Make goals as detailed and specific as possible. Don’t make broad wishy-washy goals like ‘I want to do better in Maths’, make them very detailed and specific. Exactly what do you want to achieve?MEASUREABLE: You want to be able to know when you have achieved your goal so make sure there is some way to measure your success.ACTION-ORIENTED: Your short-term goals should really be the action steps you need to take to achieve the medium and longer term goals.(Another version of SMARTIES has Aspirational instead of action-oriented, ie your goals should inspire you and stretch and challenge you beyond your comfort level.)RELEVANT and REALISTIC: Goals change, so if your goal is no longer relevant, you need to change it too. Although your goals should stretch you beyond your comfort zone, they need to be in some sense realistic. Create challenging goals by all means, but not totally unrealistic ones.

TIME-BASED: Your goals need to have a ‘to complete by’ date to give you something to aim for.INTERESTING: Make your goals about things that you find interesting and worthwhile.EMOTIONAL: Use powerful language to express the emotion behind the goals.SUCCESS ORIENTED: Express your goals in a positive and success focused way.Parents and their sons can learn more about how to achieve academic goals and other study skills topics at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.Username: STHSPassword: 686 successThis year, staff and students will continue to have access to a new online resource called ‘Unleashing Personal Potential’ for use at our Wellbeing Assemblies to help promote growth mindset, grit and wellbeing. Far too often we see some students fall into the trap of becoming fixed in their way of thinking, making improvement that is much harder for them. By educating students about neuroplasticity of the brain and challenging the way we think through growth mindset, grit and positive wellbeing, individual students will be in a better position to show their true potential. Further information can be found at:http://www.unleashingpersonalpotential.com.au/ Nick Stokes Head Teacher Wellbeing

PARENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - DATES FOR TERM 1YEAR 7

Monday 24 FebruaryMeet the Team

and School Curriculum

YEARS 8 AND 9Tuesday 25 FebruaryMetacognitive Skills

for Adolescent Learners

YEAR 10 Wednesday 26 February

Work Experience - What Parents Should Know

YEARS 11 AND 12Thursday 27 February

HSC Preparations


@SYDNEYTECHLIBRARYFollow us on Instagram to keep up to date with workshops, displays, news, photos, contests and more! To win a prize this week, find our display on Bildungsroman, a type of novel, and tell me the definition (found on the display). Get to sleuthing, Techies!

THE LUNCH BUNCH BOOK CLUBLast year, the library had books@breakfast, our student run book club. However, students requested that it be moved to lunch time so that they wouldn’t miss the morning session if the bus to school was late. Therefore, we will be starting The Lunch Bunch Book Club during the end of the term. We have plenty of copies on hand of Term 1’s choice, Dear Evan Hansen, a bestselling novel based on the hit musical about a boy who longs to fit in. Last year, our choir sang a song “You Will Be Found” from the musical at an assembly

and students came in search of the novel. Pop into the library soon to get reading so you can join other students for a discussion of the book over your lunch in Seminar Room 1 on Monday 30 March.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOPSLast year, our library offered students free chances to interact and learn from writers and illustrators in two afternoon sessions during the year. We will soon be announcing the first of these for 2020! Last year, we brought in Matthew Lin to discuss how he creates Manga (a style of Japanese graphic novels). Matthew helped students to draw Manga characters and discussed how to create a story read back to front. Manga is one of our most popular genres here at Tech so there was a big crowd! We also had Will Small, the engaging slam poet/writer, run a creative writing workshop.

Our library is the hub of Sydney Tech and before school and at recess and lunch it is full of students who are studying, playing chess or board games, doing research and printing assignments, searching for a book for READ or perusing one of our many magazines to help students stay up to date on current events. We hold an Intra School Chess Tournament on Tuesdays throughout Terms 3 and 4. Last year’s winner was Sree Koneru. The Year 7 transition program will be happening soon in the library to show

LIBRARY REPORT

NEWS FROM THE CHARLES KINGSFORD

SMITH MEMORIAL

LIBRARY


the students how to borrow books, research, find resources in our collection, where things are located and to sign up for a State Library card. This State Library Card enables students to access thousands of periodicals and journals with the latest research.

THE PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE

The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) begins on 2 March 2020. Once online records are open all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who wish to participate can keep a record of all books that they have read from 30 August 2019 until the start date. The PRC is not a contest, but instead a challenge to students to read widely, outside of their comfort zone. The PRC provides lists of popular, quality books for students from which to choose, whilst also allowing them to read a few books that are not on their list. You can easily google the list for students in Years 7-9. Students who wish to participate will be given instructions closer to the date. For more info, go to https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html

THE WHITLAM FOUNDATION’S WHAT MATTERS TO ME? WRITING CONTEST 2020 — The “What Matters to Me?” writing contest is now open for students in Australia from Years 5-12.Students can act as a catalyst for young thinkers and writers to develop a perspective/a point of view on where we are heading as a society. Answering the simple question, “What Matters to Me?” allows students to freely express their views, in 400-600 words, on any issue that they care about. Winners in Year 7 and 8 will receive $350 and a chance to attend a writing workshop with an esteemed author. Winners in Year 9 and 10 will receive $350 plus they will be invited to spend a day at ReachOut.com, meeting the team and receiving professional training. They will also be offered the opportunity to be paid $200 to produce a feature article for the ReachOut.com website. The Year 11 and 12 winner will also win a cash prize in addition to a one Year membership to Writing NSW and the opportunity to participate in a one day writing workshop donated by Writing NSW (travel expenses paid). The overall winner receives an iPad and a trip to Parliament to participate in a special program as well as the age group prize. To enter go to https://www.whitlam.org/what-matters before the deadline date of 8 May and submit electronically. Elizabeth GreavesRelieving Teacher/Librarian


P&C REPORT Upcoming February

P&C Meeting

Tuesday4 February 2020Common Room

7pm

MarchMeeting

2019

Tuesday5 March 2020

Common Room7pm

All Parents Welcome

Welcome to 2020 and another new year for all students, teachers and parents at Sydney Technical High School.The P&C Committee is an inclusive group and we welcome and value the input and opinions of all parents. Our aim is to support Sydney Technical High School as a school of excellence for all.The obvious goal of the P&C Committee is to improve students’ wellbeing and results by providing and catering to the students’ educational needs. However, this can only be achieved by also providing and catering to the needs and continuing development of the teachers as well as communicating and meeting the expectations of the parents group.In order to achieve this, I would encourage you all to join the Facebook P&C discussion group (www.facebook.com/groups/sthspandc) to enable better communication with all the parents at the school. We understand that everyone has busy lives and it may not always be possible to attend all the P&C Meetings. We hope that the new P&C Facebook group along with the school’s Facebook page will provide parents with enough up to date information and insight as to the events at the school as well as providing a channel for open communication with the school and the P&C.While you are all in the spirits of signing up to P&C resources, please also check out the official P&C Whatsapp parents chat group for each year group of the school. The purpose of this chat group is to allow parents to communicate and discuss with other parents who have students in the same year. This had been a great success in previous years allowing parents to share their experience and tips

with each other and the continued success of this chat groups lies with the support and participation of the parents in each year group.

MEETINGSThe P&C meets in the Common Room on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm during the school term. We normally have a guest speaker for the evening who will impart and share their knowledge on a topic that matters to our kids. Please bring your suggestions with reference to guest speakers and topics to our meetings.We also have the principal and the deputies presenting their reports at our meetings where they will update the P&C of the work done in the past month and also the work planned for the future.There is also time set aside under “Other business” where the parents attending are given an opportunity to raise matters concerning the activities at Sydney Tech.Our first meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday 4 February 2020.

YEAR 7 AND NEW STUDENTS WELCOME BBQOur annual Year 7 and New Students Welcome BBQ will be held on Thursday 13 February 2020 at 4:00pm. This is a great opportunity for new parents of the school to meet each other as well as some of the teaching staff and executive team at the school. The P&C committee will be there manning the BBQ, so please come up and introduce yourself and have a chat with us. I look forward to seeing and meeting you all on the day.


CONTACTING THE P&CWe welcome all comments, suggestions and questions you may have. Please contact us via our Facebook group or you can email us at [email protected] and can address your concerns and suggestions at the next P&C Meeting.Warren MakP&C President


CAREERS REPORT

Welcome back to another year at Sydney Technical High School. My name is Jerry Mouzakis and I am the Careers Adviser at Tech. I hope everyone has settled in well and I look forward to keeping you informed about the world of careers and assisting in the transition from school to undergraduate studies.For new students and parents, the Careers Cottage is located adjacent to the staff carpark off Anderson Street.The Cottage is always open for students. Parents are also welcome to make bookings via 9587 5899 extension 110. Areas that could be of interest might include information regarding career and university options, subject selection, work experience or medicine and scholarship applications. I am available to help students with resume writing, cover letters, post schooling options, careers counselling, mock interviews and scholarship applications.The careers newsletter “The Oracle” will be emailed fortnightly to students in Years 10-12 and their parents. This newsletter will include information about upcoming careers events, extracurricular activities available to students and current job market information.Articles relating to careers, leadership, interview techniques and predicted career growth areas will be copied from sources like the Harvard Business Review, In the Black, AFR and newspapers. These are available for students to read from two locations - the senior study area in the library and the Careers Cottage. Feel free to peruse these articles and I look forward to chatting with you in the coming year.

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN ENGINEERING.Cochlear Autumn School of Engineering (20-24 April) run by Engineers AustraliaThis is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who are studying Adv/Ext Maths, Physics/Chemistry, Engineering Studies an advantage but not compulsory. Five Day program visiting five x Universities and five x organisations. Meet Engineers, Graduates, University Students and Lecturers. Learn about opportunities and career paths.Email: [email protected] or google ‘Cochlea Autumn School of Engineering’ for further information.Jerry MouzakisRelieving Careers Adviser


BUILDING AND LIBRARY FUND

Building FundSydney Technical High School was relocated to the current site in Bexley from the city and the school opened in 1953. The building is very solid, but not very flexible and of course aspects of the school require constant upgrades.The financial support of our parent and alumni community is critical in renovating school facilities through support of our Building Fund. Every donation to the fund over $2 is tax deductible.At the moment, the Building Fund will be paying for the upgrade to the junior boys toilets. This is very exciting and should be completed by the end of 2019.Recently, the Building Fund has renovated the senior toilets and there has been a major upgrade to the boys’ change rooms, completed in 2018. We also renovated the meeting room, a venue much in demand for parent meetings, faculty seminars and professional learning workshops.

Can I urge you, on behalf of our school community, to consider contributing generously to this very worthwhile fund, as we all benefit, students, parents and teachers towards ensuring that our students learn in an environment which is fit for our purpose: OPTIMUM LEARNING!Payments can be made:• on line via the school website - Parent Online

Payment (POP)• at the school office with cash, cheque or credit

card• by phone using credit cardOffice hours for payments are 8.15am - 1.45pm

Library FundWant to be ‘rich and famous’? Then make it a rule to read daily. Famous and very rich people like financier Warren Buffet, and Bill Gates read daily. A number of our students are avid readers and the 7-10 English reading program has given many students a great appetite for good books.Our Library Fund gives parents and alumni the opportunity to donate to the Library. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. The fund recently enabled us to renovate the whole area to make it modern, user friendly and a place to hang out. Open every day at 8am, the Library Fund lets the school keep interesting, thought provoking and modern books available for our students. Of course, this is all the more important as the school introduced the READ program in 2018. Every student and teacher are required to read for 20 minutes every morning.

Could I urge all parents to contribute generously to the Library Fund, so that we can keep up to date with the sorts of novels and series that your son enjoys, and put them on the path to becoming lifelong readers.Payments can be made:• on line via the school website - Parent Online

Payment (POP)• at the school office with cash, cheque or credit

card• by phone using credit cardOffice hours for payments are 8.15am - 1.45pm


SCHOOL NOTICESIMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATIONA student in our school is currently receiving treatment which results in a lowered immune system. This means that the student is more prone to getting ill from infections. As the student is not contagious but has a chronic illness, it is important that he participates actively in the day to day school program without any major limitations. A major concern is that if this student develops measles, chicken pox, whooping cough or influenza, he could become seriously ill. It is important that we prevent this situation from occuring.If your child has or may have measles or chicken pox, it is important that you:1. Do not send them to school2. Notify the School Principal as

soon as possible.3. Take them to your GP or

medical centre to confirm diagnosis if possible.

OFFICE HOURS AND PAYMENTSThe School Office is open from 8:15am-3:15pm for enquiries. Payments by students should only be made before school, between Period 1 and 2, at Recess and at Lunch. Payments will not be taken after the bell has gone at the end of lunch.Payments over the phone or at the front office can only be made from 8:15am-1:45pm.Payments on Line can be made using the link in your emailed statement or via the STHS website (see below). If you would like an account statement sent to you please contact the office.

Website Payments -To make online payments, click on the ‘online payment’ link in the top right hand corner of the HOME page above the SEARCH box.

CHANGE OF MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSESIf you have changed your mobile phone number, email or mailing address, please contact the school immediately so that we can update our records.

ATTENTION PARENTS -SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND LEAVEIf your child is absent from school, an explanation must be provided to the school within seven school days from the first day of any period of absence.It is Departmental Policy that if your son needs to leave the school early for an appointment, then a letter must be brought to the school and it must be signed by one of the Deputy Principals before the start of the school day for leave to be granted.If you reply to an SMS about your son’s absence, please note his name, class and reason for the absence on the SMS.

SICK BAY AND YOUR SONIf you receive a phone call from the office informing you that your son is unwell and in sick bay, you must attend to this promptly and collect your son as soon as possible.Your son cannot be left in sick bay for lengthy periods of time.

SCHOOL SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOPThe Second Hand Uniform Shop is located in Vera’s Cottage. The Second Hand Uniform Shop is run by volunteers. Volunteers are needed - please contact the office with your name and phone number.During the school terms, the Second Hand Uniform Shop is usually open on the Second Tuesday of each calendar month, from 10:30am till noon. The shop will next be open on Tuesday 11 February 2020. Come along and grab a bargain. If you have any donations of used uniform items, please send them to the Office. See Page 8 of this Tech Talk for future dates.

VISITORS TO SCHOOLPlease be aware that it is a legal requirement for ALL visitors on school grounds during school hours to report to the School Administration Office for sign in and sign out. This includes parents and caregivers.


FAREWELL TO YEAR 12, 2019


Welcome to Year 7, 2020

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