As we stride further into the second term, our Year 12 cohort approaches the culmination of their thirteen-year educational journey. Term 2 and 3 often mark a critical juncture for our seniors and their families, where fatigue can set in, potentially disrupting established routines and study patterns. It's during these pivotal moments that our collective support becomes paramount. We urge families to uphold a holistic approach, ensuring students maintain a healthy equilibrium between study commitments and essential elements such as rest, nutrition, and recreation. Remember, our dedicated teaching staff stand as invaluable resources, and our Senior Learning Centre provides an optimal environment for study and preparation.

Digital Citizenship and Online Conduct

In alignment with broader societal trends, some of our students have encountered challenges navigating appropriate online behaviour. In response, we advocate for proactive engagement with resources aimed at equipping parents and families with the necessary skills and knowledge. The eSafety Commissioner offers a wealth of guidance on fostering safe and responsible online practices. I encourage you to explore their offerings at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/.

Uniform Excellence at Marsden

During recent assemblies, the Deputy Principals have emphasized the importance of adherence to uniform standards. It's heartening to witness the commendable appearance of our students as they enter the school grounds each morning. Your commitment to uniform guidelines is truly commendable. Please refer to the two attachments. These provide valuable information on what to wear to school. Of particular focus, please ensure your child wears the correct type of black, leather-school shoes.

Bus Etiquette

We've received reports from bus drivers and the public concerning conduct during transit to and from school. Students are reminded that their behavior reflects upon the school, necessitating a cooperative and respectful demeanour throughout their journey. This includes vacating your seat for elderly or passengers with mobility issues.  Additionally, it's imperative that students tap on using their Opal cards or Tap N Go cards. Accurate data collection aids in determining bus service requirements, ensuring continued provision of services.

Attendance@Marsden

Maintaining robust attendance levels is integral to supporting both the educational journey and overall well-being of our students at Marsden High School.

Every absence, no matter how sporadic, can significantly impact a student's educational progress. Mr. De Alwis, Head Teacher for Student Engagement, is diligently addressing attendance and truancy concerns. This includes chronic lateness issues. Lessons start at 9am (unless you are a senior and have a Period 0) and students need to be waiting outside their classrooms at this time

Should you require additional information or support in these areas, please don't hesitate to reach out to any of our Head Teachers. Your partnership in ensuring consistent attendance plays a vital role in fostering a positive learning environment for all students.

Being Good Neighbours

Battle of the Bands 

~ Ms Sarah Van Der Kley, Head Teacher Growth and Enrichment, HSIE Teacher

ANZAC Service 

Year 9 & 10 History

On Wednesday the 8th of May, Year 9 and 10 Elective History students went to the Australian Museum Ramses II exhibition, Gold of the Pharaohs, to experience and learn about Pharaoh Ramses II and his everlasting reign. We explored ancient Egypt’s history, and the depths of Ramses II rule. The classes were introduced to real ancient artefacts from Egypt, possibly brought out of the country for the first or last time ever, displaying ancient jewellery and accessories worn from those who dominated Egypt. We saw a wide range of artefacts and items that were once in the hands of significant Pharaohs, or found from tombs or pyramids. We watched some cinematic videos, visually explaining to us about Ramses II Reign, The Battle of Kadesh, the construction of the infamous temples, and an approximate visualisation of what Ramses II may have looked like in his 30’s, 80’s, and featuring his real mummified body. We were fascinated by the details and thought put into the exhibition, and enjoyed the time we had there. Personally, I think that the exhibition is worthwhile and was an entertaining way to learn about Egypt’s history. It really captivated my attention the whole way through. Seeing things like Ramses II's real coffin, or real mummified animals, were something I would have never thought I would see, and was honoured to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.

- Elizabeth Hergovits Year 9

Marsfest 2024

Marsfest 2024 is fast approaching! On Friday 7^th June 2024 students can wear their cultural attire to school to celebrate the diversity of Marsden High School. Students will be able to pre-order food or purchase food on the day using cash. There will be henna stalls and other cultural stores for our students to enjoy during their extended lunch. There are many performances lined up on the day. If there are any questions please ask your child to speak with Mr Bills or Mr De Alwis.

~ Mr Danny De Alwis, Head Teacher Student Engagement, Year 12 Advisor, Stem, Science Teacher

Canteen News

Reminder: Tuesday is ONLINE ORDERS ONLY- LIMITED MENU

Over the counter sales include SNACKS and DRINKS ONLY

From Week 6, Term 2, FRIDAYS will be ONLINE ORDERS ONLY- Full menu available. Over the counter sales include SNACKS and DRINKS ONLY

Avoid the queus! Ordering through My School Connect is the easiest and quickest way for your child to receive lunch orders. More information, including how to set up your account should have already been emailed to you directly from My School Connect. If you have not received this email, please email the school.

For more information you can go to the my School Connect web site, and read their FAQs:

https://myschoolconnect.com.au/faqs

Uniform Shop News

Winter is approaching! Please make sure all students wear the correct outerwear including:

Full zip black jacket $80

Wool pullover green jumper $80

1/4 Zip black jumper $60

Uniforms can be ordered through My School Connect. Orders can only be collected on Mondays and Tuesdays from the Uniform shop. If not collected a pink slip will be sent to the student when the order is ready for collection from the uniform shop.

Opening Hours during school term:

Mondays 8:30am-1:50pm

Tuesdays 8:30am-11:00am

As previously advised, we have transitioned to a new and improved payment system using School Bytes. School Bytes is used for parent payments and parent permission for excursions and school activities.

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.

Workshop Details:

15 Girls Netball Knockout

It was a 49 - 27 victory for Marsden against Chatswood in the 15s Girls Netball Knockout competition this round. Our team showcased excellent teamwork, strategic plays and swift moves. Congrats to the team. Shout out to Riley W for mentoring new players to the team.

~ Ms Linda Dinh, PDHPE Teacher

Diving- Zac Chan

Day 1 of the CHS Diving Competition. Zac Chan placed first in the 13yrs Boys event, and the 12-13yrs Boys knockout event!  At the end of the comp on Day 2, Zac placed first in Platform (Boys Open, any age) and Champion of Champions Boys (Gold medallists from each age category compete against each other), and second in Team Synchronised.  Total of 4 gold and 1 silver medals in the comp! This qualifies him to participate in the All Schools competition on Thurs May 30th - Fri May 31st.

Well done Zac and good luck at the next stage!

~ Mr Dan Eastwood, PDHPE Teacher, Sports Coordinator