I trust this newsletter finds you all in good health and high spirits as we head towards the spring holidays. It has been an eventful term filled with learning, growth, and exciting developments.

Department of Education Mobile Phone Ban

As you are aware, the NSW Government has determined that all schools must ban mobile phone use by students on school grounds from Term 4 2023 onwards. The media release on this policy is available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/nsw-government-begins-mobile-phone-ban-public-high-schools.

The Marden High School Executive decided that our approach will be an 'Off and Away' procedure. Initial data indicates that this approach will be the most common selected by NSW secondary schools, is cost effective and should be easily adopted by our students, who are already used to phones being 'Off and Away' during class time. From Day 1 Term 4 onwards, students must have phones 'Off and Away' in the classroom, playground and at all times between lessons. If a phone is seen in use on school grounds it will be placed in an envelope and locked in the school’s safe room, to be collected at 3pm.

Mr Smith sent out an email to all families noting that the canteen will not be accepting phones for payments from Monday 18 September. Students will need to bring a debit card or cash to make purchases. We are also organising an online canteen ordering platform that will be introduced during Term 4 for added convenience for parents.

Year 12 Graduation Week

Week 10 marked our ‘Year 12 Graduation Week’. A busy calendar of events included:

• Monday - an excursion to the Hijinx Hotel
• Tuesday - whole-school Farewell to Year 12 Assembly
• Wednesday – Picnic day at Bobbin Head
• Thursday – Graduation Assembly, a brief interlude for hair, makeup and couture, followed by dinner at the Epping Club in the evening.

We wish Year 12 all the best over the holidays as students undertake final preparations ready for the HSC exams that begin on Wednesday 11 October. Put in plenty of study, as astute revision in these final days can make a considerable difference in results, but do maintain a sense of proportion – look after health and wellbeing, eat well, be mindful and include a little socialising and a good movie or TV show here and there.

Many thanks go to Year Adviser Mr Eastwood and Year 12 DP Ms Koufos for the hard work that goes into supporting student for the HSC and preparing for graduation.

Independent Learning Centre

Thanks to the efforts of Ms Tegova and Ms Coulson, we have opened our Independent Learning Centre (or ILC) this term. This unique Marsden High School facility supports students in the completion of assessment tasks and in adjusting learning so all students can achieve to their potential. Initial data is very positive with students not just submitting tasks in a timely manner but also attaining their best grades to date at high school. Our focus in building a culture of success for all, that then inspires every student to keep reaching for higher academic growth.

Uniform Expectations

As we approach warmer weather most Australians celebrate the return of backyard entertaining and firing up barbecues. Deputy Principals look forward to a reprieve from our ongoing battles against the wearing of hoodies! That being said, please ensure that your children have the correct summer uniform, that still fits, ready to return to school next term. Summer is not an excuse for replacing black, enclosed, leather shoes with trainers and we expect all students to wear black socks that cover their ankles.

I do want to emphasise the importance of adhering to our school's uniform policy. At assemblies all of the Deputy Principals regularly emphasise that wearing the uniform to and from school is a public relations exercise, a statement to the local community that Marsden is a great school in which students cooperate with rules and represent the school with pride. We remind students that our uniform is also training in appropriate business attire – that is why tidiness and wearing clothes that fit appropriately matters and appearance should be professional.

Road Safety

It is pleasing to see progress in the development of a new footpath on the western side of Hermitage Road, that will make walking home and to Victoria Road much safer for our students. I want to thank our P&C who have fought hard to ensure this infrastructure is developed to support student safety for all the years to come at the Meadowbank site.

Please have conversations with your children about road safety when they are travelling to and from school. Our school is in the middle of an industrial area and the local streets are busy, particularly at the times of Primary School drop off and pick up. Students need to be alert and safety-focused travelling home and avoid being distracted by friends or phones in the afternoon. I urge that all students remain vigilant when crossing roads and use assigned pedestrian crossings and lights. Additionally, the current bus stop, whilst being supervised by executive staff members, is crowded and students need to queue sensibly and follow staff directions. The school is currently in the process of seeking approval for a relocation of the bus stop to Rhodes Street, near the all- weather sports field, which will be a much safer option as students can wait for their bus on school grounds.

~ Mr Pete Wilson, Deputy Principal

Year 12 HSC Virtual Art Gallery

2023 Year 12 HSC Virtual Art Gallery

Year 10 IST Excursion

The Year 10 IST students went for an excursion in Term 3 at Meadowbank TAFE. The whole day program was run by TAFE in collaboration with Adobe and Microsoft experts. The day started with an introduction to emerging technologies. The students then formed teams and chose a sustainability-related problem in the world that needs a solution solved via a mobile app. Our students quickly learnt how AI works to help solve problems as well as the basics of Data and AI for building their app. They learnt the basics of Adobe XD as a design tool to help them build their prototype. Becoming a team of inventors, they quickly designed cool applications using Adobe XD on their mobiles with great teamwork. At the end of the session, students showcased their designs by presenting their app-based solution to the experts panel and got feedback and praise for their efforts. The excursion ended with a tour of the newly built Cyber Security Hub.

Year 7 Ancient Rome Incursion

In Week 9 Year 7 participated in a History incursion about ancient Rome. Students engaged in a program showcasing different areas of life in the Roman army from training to camp chores. 

R U OK? Day

Marsden celebrated R u Ok day last Friday on the 15^th of September. The day began where Marsden students were able to reflect on two important questions (below) through a variety of class activities and a video created by students and staff around these questions.

-Why is it important to check up on our mates?

-How can you be a better friend?

At lunch-time students were able to enjoy a delicious sausage sizzle with proceeds going to charity. Additionally, there was a heated and competitive match of Endball with Staff vs Year 12 students with the students winning and overall creating a joyous atmosphere for all, to end the day with.

The String Ensemble played their first assembly in week 9, performing Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man, and arranged by their tutor Ms Jessie Ellis. This was Ms Ellis' last week with the Ensemble, and we wish her well as she heads overseas. Next term we welcome a new tutor to Marsden, Mr James Tarbottom, and look forward to more performances from our talented students. 

Graduation Assembly

Congratulations to our graduating cohort of Year 12, the Class of 2023.

We hope you had a memorable last week and we wish you all the best for the upcoming HSC exams and the exciting future that lies ahead.

Following are some of the highlights from the Year 12 graduation assembly.

A big thank you to Mrs Belinda MacDonald, mother of Year 12 student William MacDonald, who created a fabulous masterpiece for the graduation cake. Belinda's business is called Belicious Cakes - https://www.facebook.com/beliciouscakesbybelinda/

Combined High Schools Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to Kristian, Sevje, Caitlin and Owen who competed at the CHS Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park on the 6-7 September. There were some outstanding performances and Kristian threw a personal best to secure a bronze medal in the 17+ Boys Shot Put. 

Year 7 Swim and Survive Program

Year 7 will be participating in a water lifesaving program over 3 weeks in November. Permission notes have been sent out through School Bytes. Year 7 will learn vital lifesaving techniques and how to keep themselves and others safe when around water. 

Year 8 Outdoor and Fitness Overnight Excursion

Year 8 Outdoor and Fitness class have an overnight camping excursion organised in Term 4 to consolidate their learning in outdoor education. There are 5 spots available to Year 8 who are not in the Year 8 Outdoor and Fitness class. Interested students can collect a permission note from Mrs Maguire in the PE Staffroom. 

Duke of Edinburgh

Welcome to Holly, Amira and Minami who have started their Bronze Award with Duke of Edinburgh.  

SunSmart Sunscreen Dispenser

Marsden High School has a new Sunsmart sunscreen dispenser located in Student Management. It is an automatic dispenser that will dispense the correct amount of sunscreen for daily use. Many thanks to Ms Koufos for winning the SunSmart dispenser and donating it to the school.  

PDHPE Classes

Year 7 

Year 7 completed their healthy habits assessment task which saw them track a weeks’ worth of meals and then plan a weeks worth of meals. The last part of the assessment was to make a healthier alternative of a takeaway meal. There were some impressive meals made and students demonstrated their cooking skills as well. 

Year 8 

Year 8 completed a Mental Health Toolbox kit as part of their assessment where they had to identify unpleasant emotions and ways to deal with them as well as identifying what they can control or cant control and how to respond to stressful situations. The letters of gratitude were wonderful to read with many students showing their appreciation of their parents. 

Year 9 

Year 9 have completed a unit on Consumer Health and as part of their assessment had to create a new health product. Products ranged from toothpaste to protein powders to gum that makes you smarter and cream that gets rid of acne instantly. Students presented their products to their class and it was wonderful to see students presenting with confidence. 

Year 10 

Year 10 have completed a unit on Road Safety, they participated in the NRMA young drivers program as well as attended the B Street Smart Excursion. The assessment task was to design a Road safety campaign for young adults, there were some very creative campaigns. 

Year 9 Child Studies 

Year 9 have been learning about play-based learning and how children learn skills through interacting in play. As part of the assessment, students had to design and create a toy out of recycled materials that also meet the safety standards. There were varying toys from cars to shakers and fidget toys. 

Year 10 Child studies 

Year 10 have investigated the impact technology has on a child’s development and how to use technology in a safe manner. 

Year 9 Pass 

Year 9 have learnt about coaching this term and how to set up coaching sessions in a sport of their choice. They have enjoyed coaching their peers and sharing their skills and knowledge of their favourite sports. 

Year 10 Pass 

Year 10 have completed a unit on the Olympics and looking at the changes in sports in the Olympics. 

~ Mrs Maguire, Head Teacher PDHPE

Scholarships

Marsden High School offers a range of scholarships, catering to the many different talents and interests of our students.

These include:

• P&C High Achiever Scholarships
• MHS High Potential Transition Scholarship
• John Tuckerman Scholarships
• Joan and David William Scholarships
• Barry Thomas O'Grady Scholarship

2024 scholarship applications are now open.

To learn more about what scholarships are on offer, who is eligible and how to apply, please read the following overview and visit our web site:

https://marsden-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/learning-at-our-school/scholarships-and-awards.html

Applications close Friday 27 October 2023.

If you have any queries, please contact the school on 9874 6544 or marsden-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

Uniform Shop News

Extended Opening Hours for Year 10/11 only

Year 10 going into Year 11 for 2024 can purchase and wear the senior uniform from Term 4 onwards. We will be opening every Tuesday lunchtime in Term 4 for Year 10 students only, wanting to purchase senior uniforms. 

Please note we are selling the "old logo" senior shirts and blouses for $15. Sizes are limited.

We are very excited to announce  that we have new uniform item:

1/4 zip black jumper with side pocket  $60

12-14, XS-3XL

Unisex jumper- can be worn with school and sports uniform

Opening Hours during school term:

Mondays 8:30am-2:00pm

Tuesdays 8:30am-11:00am

Logo Runout Sale

Parent Payment Portal

As previously advised, we have transitioned to a new and improved payment system using School Bytes.

There is now a new School Bytes payment portal available for you to register and use to give permissions and make payments (Link: https://portal.schoolbytes.education).

We recommend you set up an account for the School Bytes portal as soon as possible if you haven't already done so, by clicking on the following link. 

Link to portal

IMPORTANT: To ensure that the registration process works smoothly and you can link your account to your child(ren), please make sure that you use the same email address that you have provided to the school or if using a different email address, an SMS verification code will be sent to the mobile phone number on record for you at the school. 

If you have any questions regarding payments or the new payment portal please contact the school office.

Daily Absence Notifications

Each day, Marsden sends out text messages to parents for students who are absent or late. You may reply to this text message to provide a reason for that specific absence/lateness (instead of writing a note or sending an email).

However, please be advised that you should not use this number to text the school for any other purpose. This is a randomly allocated number that is matched to the message the school sends out but will not work for any other correspondence.

Please contact the school via phone or email for any other matters.

Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct Works Notification