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~ Mr Lance Berry
Welcome back to Term 4 2019
It is a bittersweet start to Term 4 as we farewelled Ms Hala Trad from English at the end of Term 3. Ms Trad was well respected by our staff and students and thoroughly engaged herself in making our school a great place for learning. We do welcome into our learning community two new English and EALD teachers. Ms Dalie Mourad, who was successful as a permanent teacher via a merit selection process and comes to us from Wiley Park Girls HS. We are grateful also to have Ms Amy Lee, who was appointed centrally by the DoE come to us permanently from Blacktown Boys HS. Welcome and thank you for putting Marsden down as a school choice.
Advice for Year 12 2020
Earlier this term we held our Year 11 into 12 Information Session as a breakfast function, with an excellent turn out. If you could not make it, students should see Ms Koufos for more information. Not only were the requirements of the HSC covered, but also opportunities, expectations and wellbeing matters along with information about the Senior Learning Centre and managing major works. Students have also been asked to complete a “Student Expectations” agreement, which outlines our expectations of students over the next 12 months and represents what we believe to be the behaviours and approach necessary to ensure that all students achieve their potential in the HSC examinations in 2020. I would ask that both students and parents read this commitment form carefully, then sign and return it to the school as soon as possible, if you haven’t already.
Having a mentor in Year 12 is crucial, as a buddy to bounce your thoughts and ideas off. Year 12 is not all about your ATAR as you are not defined by your ATAR. You may leave school with a set of marks but we all know that who you are and the character strengths you have developed, the values you have lived by, the decision-making and work ethic you have shown…these are the things that truly portray who you are and these are the skills and capabilities that will take you a lot further in life than a tertiary ranking.
Year 12 is best tackled as a team. I am not just talking about all the obvious support available like your hardworking teachers and parents. It is the support, the care, the collaboration and respect that Year 12 can show each other while you embark on this demanding and sometimes overwhelming year. Your teachers and mentors are by far your greatest support. Reach out to them whenever you need, for help, advice, a chat, seriously anything because they want you to achieve your absolute best and will only guide you in helping you achieve that.
Don’t be afraid to hand your teachers drafts, send them emails via DoE accounts or ask for extra help. The demands of Year 12 do not always bring out the best in people. When students I’ve worked with in the past have had their breakdowns and temper tantrums, it really helped them to have the forgiveness, the empathy and the support of one another. It was so important for that group of determined Year 12s that there was a willingness to be self-aware, to apologise, to understand, listen and care for one another. A way of maintaining that sense of unity and support is by doing things together outside the classroom. Make sure Year 12 isn’t all work and no play. Get involved in school life, play sport, win and lose together, participate in your last swimming and athletic carnivals and go on those excursions because this is a break from the books and a chance to make the most of your last year at school. And trust me, having a balance helps you keep your head above water, allows you to clear your mind and believe it or not, makes studying 100 times easier.
Year 7 - 10 Assessment Blocks
While our Year 12 students have been busy sitting for their HSC examinations, students in years 7 to 10 will soon sit for their assessment blocks. These assessments will be an important indicator of progress during semester two and will highlight areas that students should concentrate upon to achieve future improvement. Students have received their assessment timetable to assist them with their planning and they should now be well into their preparations. Students are advised to form a study plan to help them revise for each subject in turn. Parents could also assist by reinforcing techniques to help reduce any exam stress such as: deep breathing, good nutrition, regular exercise, and the importance of a good night’s sleep. We wish Year 7-10 well during their assessment blocks.
Keeping on top of assessments - Homework Club
We have a fully staffed Homework Club at Marsden High School. The homework centre operates in the library 3:15pm – 4:30pm every Monday and Thursday. The centre is staffed by both teaching staff and university students who work as teacher’s aides. They are able to cover most subjects 7-12 and provide individual and group help with specific subjects or general organisational and study hints. Please see later in the newsletter for more information on some of our tutors.
We’re almost ready for a new cohort coming through – Year 7 2020
During the first two weeks of this term, we have had two transition activities for Year 7 2020. The first involved those who wanted a personalised introduction to high school with the support of our Learning and Wellbeing team. The second event was last Thursday where a Taste of High School day took place with students being run through the paces of a regular high school day.
Being on time and at school every day builds strengths and opportunities
I have spoken before about the importance of students attending every day and on time. There a number of students who continue to arrive late to school on a regular basis and or have attendance rates that are below acceptable standards. The teenage brain is developing so rapidly and will continue to do so until males are in the mid twenties and females are about twenty two. This means that the routines students get into at high school set up success for the future. Being on time and in class for all of the lesson time, provides that background routine which will transfer into life outside of school. We appreciate the follow up from you with your child’s attendance when its falls below what is reasonable. Building the routines are the logic behind the approach.
Always looking good – wearing our uniform with pride
Marsden High School has a long history of being a proud uniform school and our students have returned to school this term looking great in their uniform. A reminder that the leather shoes are part of the uniform and wearing of leather shoes is a WHS requirement for several subjects. The shoes must be:
- black
- leather
- lace-up
- fully enclosed
- firm sole
- no suede
- no logos
Please ensure your child is in the correct shoes. I acknowledge and apologise that there has been some miscommunication around black shoes previously. The agreed policy for anyone purchasing shoes from Day 1 Term 4 is they must meet the above criteria. Excessive jewellery and acrylic nails also pose a WHS issue and are not part of the school uniform.
Keeping on top of our Student Numbers
If you know anyone living in the Marsden High School drawing area wishing to apply to come to our fabulous school, please encourage them to contact the school as soon as possible as we are currently working on the number of classes and the timetable for 2020. If you are moving, please let us know as soon as possible so we can accurately forecast our student numbers for 2020. We also ask if you are traveling and will be away the first few days of the 2020 school year please notify the school office so we can count every student in the Department of Education auditing processes.
Keeping our pedestrians and cyclists safe
A reminder about road safety as more of our students are beginning to ride their bikes to school and there have been the occasional safety concerns. Please discuss road safety issues with your child including:
- Being a safe and aware pedestrian, especially if listening to music or playing on their phone.
- Wearing a helmet and following road rules when riding a bike. This includes walking their bike when within 150 metres of school boundaries to ensure safety with not only our own students but those from Ermington Public School next door.
- Bikes are not to be ridden in the school grounds and students are to secure their bikes at the bike racks behind F Block and attached to the adjoining wall of B Block (facing F Block).
Helping Marsden to provide more opportunities - School Contributions
Thank you to the vast majority of parents who have finalised their accounts for 2019. Invoices were emailed to all parents who had outstanding amounts. May I ask that if you are yet to finalise your account could you please do so as a matter of urgency. The quality of educational experience that our students deserve and receive is exceptional, and this is due to the school committing to resources and experiences far in excess of what is normal in almost any other school.
~ Ms Heidi Currie
Year 12
We have had a settled start to Term 4 even though we are missing our Year 12 students who are now deep into their HSC examinations and headed towards the finish line. As we remember the great events at the end of last term to farewell them - the showcase assembly, picnic, paintball, graduation assembly and dinner - we realise how much they contributed to school life throughout their time here at Marsden. I would particularly like to thank Ms Bernyk, Mr Wilson, Mr Castle and Ms O’Neill for their tireless efforts to make these events so special.
All the best Year 12 and we look forward to welcoming you back at the Year 12 morning tea on Wednesday 18 December 2019 to celebrate your results – all Year 12 students are invited to catch up with their teachers and friends.
Taste of High School for Year 6
Of course another highlight at the start of term is welcoming our newest cohort of students to the taste of high school and other transition events. So far we have had two great days for groups of students with Ms Prince and Ms Rizk going to a huge effort to make the days fun and comfortable for all participants.
Uniform Update
Marsden has an all year uniform so that students can dress to the conditions. Just a reminder that all students are expected to wear the range of options we provide correctly. Our uniform shop stocks all items and there will be additional trading hours to cater for the demand as our Year 7 2020 students prepare for high school.
Year 10 students may purchase and wear the senior uniform in Term 4. However, we ask that if you wear the senior uniform this term, you wear it in its entirety – do not mix ’n’ match with the junior uniform. Also, the senior tie is to be worn at all times with the senior uniform.
We recommend that you get in early to purchase your senior uniform as the uniform shop will become very busy as the term goes on with Year 7 2020 student fittings.
The new school jacket will be available for purchase in early 2020. Further details will be provided once the stock reaches the uniform shop.
Attendance matters
Make every day count as the research shows that poor school attendance is associated with:
- lower academic achievement including literacy and numeracy
- early school leaving
- leaving school with fewer qualifications
- reduced opportunities for students to learn and access educational resources, further limiting achievement
- further absenteeism in higher year levels
- increased alcohol, tobacco, and substance use in adolescents.
Every day of attendance in school contributes towards your child’s learning, and academic outcomes are enhanced by maximising attendance in school. There is no ‘safe’ threshold. The effects of absenteeism accumulate over time, therefore every day counts.
Assessment and supporting students
There are many levels of support available for students in relation to assessment tasks and regular classwork. A key support mechanism for students in the senior years is the Senior Learning Centre in the library. We have a range of tutors available that cater to students with language backgrounds other than English. Students should initially approach their classroom teacher for support relating to assessments. They can request additional support from the Learning Hub, Homework Hub and the Wellbeing Team members.
Excellent conduct
It is our firm expectation that every student is following our CARE values: Cooperate, Achieve, Respect, Every Day. This includes settings such as the classroom, playground, when representing the school and when travelling to or from school.
We have implemented the ‘Making Choices’ framework to support student self-management in the classroom. This involves a ‘chance to think, ‘think again’, ‘reflect’ and ‘work it out’ with your teacher. The Making Choices poster is displayed at the front of each classroom within the school, encouraging students to consider their behaviour throughout each lesson and make choices about their next actions and how that will impact on themselves and others around them.
New classroom rules to support the explicit teaching of positive learning behaviours were introduced. These rules are displayed in every classroom and are used as a prompt to redirect student focus back to learning.
Marsden Environment Team
It is the last term of 2019 and students and teachers are extremely busy with assessments and exams. Our MET is not at rest either. The MET is reconstructing the vegetable gardens for functional use in 2020. We plan to reopen the vegetable gardens for use in Geography, Food Technology and Science classes. We have been collecting discovery seeds from Woolworths. Thank you to all students, teachers and parents who have kindly donated all the seeds (we have over 300 of them!) We hope to see our vegetable gardens flourishing next year for use around the school, in class and even in our canteen.
Furthermore, there is a new environmental sports club that the school introduced this term on Tuesday afternoons during sport time. The group is guided by Mr Woods and Mr Bulgin and it is a great hit amongst students, as it is a new opportunity to get students involved in helping, caring and understanding the environment, to help take care of the biodiversity in our school and local creek. We aim to enable our local environment and natural habitat areas to become more resilient to climate change and extreme hot weather conditions during the upcoming hot summer months.
Taste of High School Transition Day
On Thursday 24 October, Marsden High School held its annual 'Taste of High School' day for our incoming Year 6 students. In Term 3, Mr Wilson (Year Adviser 2020) and Ms Rizk (Stage 4 HT) visited some of our local primary schools and met most of the Year 6 students attending next year. So we were both super excited to see them again for the entire day!
Students were grouped with their peers from the same primary school. Each student received a timetable and they experienced a typical high school day. Subjects offered included Technology by the awesome Mr Hannah, Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) by the talented Mr Johnson, Visual Arts by our creative Mr Quelch, Science with our cool Ms Kaur and English with the exciting Ms Rizk. The teachers and students were supported by some of our peer support leaders who are being trained to support Year 7 in 2020.
Towards the end of the day, all of Year 6, the peer support leaders and the teachers joined in a complimentary BBQ in our COLA area. Mr Wilson then ran some fun team-building and energetic games in the shade of our beautiful oval.
It was a fun and energetic day, and now we are even more excited to see Year 6 on Orientation Day on Tuesday 3 December! Before that, parents will be invited for a talk about transitioning into high school. The Year 6 into 7 information night will be held Wednesday 27 November. Any enquiries can be directed to Ms Benita Muller in the front office.
RAISE Mentoring
On the last day of Term 3 we celebrated the successful completion of another Raise Foundation Youth Frontiers Mentoring Program. This program has been running in our school for the last 5 years and aims to improve youth wellbeing and engagement by ensuring that the young person is heard, valued and supported by a neutral role model.
This year, a group of 12 students from Years 8 and 9 met weekly with their mentor throughout Terms 2 and 3 to play games, to discuss youth-relevant topics, set goals and chat confidentially about any issues they were facing. This process enabled them to further develop communication and social skills and develop self confidence.
As part of the mentoring community project, the students and their mentors, together with the support of some of the teachers, held a bake stall, raising over $500 for their chosen charity, Kids Helpline. This was a huge effort and a big congratulations to all involved.
Raise will be back again in 2020 for another 23 weeks of mentoring. More information as to how your child can get involved will be available early in Term 1.
NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook
The NSW Police Legacy group has released its 2019 Child Safety Work Book. This is a resource for parents, carers and teachers. The handbook’s emphasis is on prevention and can be accessed at this link:
http://nsw.childsafetyhub.com.au/handbook/
It covers all facets of life and provides realistic support and advice.
Year 12
- A reminder that all students starting Year 12 this term must activate their NESA HSC account. All students must have an account to access important information such as UAC application details and HSC results. Please see the Careers noticeboard for instructions.
- University applications will be opening in March 2020. This is much earlier than usual so Year 12 students are encouraged to research their options as soon as possible.
- Any student who would like a copy of the 2019 UAC guide (University course information) please see Mr Lustica in Careers.
Year 10
- A final reminder that those students wanting to do Work Experience this term will need to submit their completed permission forms to Mr Lustica by Wednesday 6 November. Work experience week is from 11-15 November.
Year 9
- On Monday 4 November all Year 9 students listened to presentations from a number of local business people in conjunction with United Way. The aim of the workshop is to encourage Year 9 to start thinking about future careers and job opportunities.
Antony Lustica
Careers Adviser
Marsden's 60th Anniversary Celebrations
It's not long now until our big day. Please come along on Saturday 16 November to our Open Day - see our '60 years of Marsden' history display, have a look around the classrooms, enjoy some morning tea, lunch or gelato.
There is also a commemorative dinner on the evening of Saturday 16 November for past students, teachers, staf and community. If you would like to come along and join the fun, please book at trybooking.com/BEMZK
Year 7 STEM Evening - Vacation in Space
Top Ryde Library Closure
Top Ryde Library will be closed from 9pm on Thursday 21 November and will reopen on Saturday 7 December (pending work completion).
All of their other branches will be open during this time. Please see the Ryde Council website for details.
Leavers and late returning students for 2020
With the end of 2019 academic year drawing to a close could all families who will not be returning to Marsden High School in 2020 please advise the front office as soon as possible.
Also, families who are already aware they will be late in returning to school in 2020 due to extended holidays please advise the front office asap.
Martin Sellar – Sports Prefect
Primary School Experiences:
Most of my primary school years were spent at Ryde East Public School. Primary school brought along a lot of friends who I am still friends with today. From playing PSSA to running around the oval, it was great.
Subjects you’re studying for the HSC and why:
I am studying English, Maths Extension 1, Senior Geography, Biology, Earth and Environmental Science and Design and Technology for my HSC. As I would like to study either environmental science or robotics at university, these subjects that I have selected for my HSC will provide me with the prerequisites needed to be accepted into these courses.
Hobbies and interests:
I have many hobbies and interests, these include sports and many other activites. I enjoy playing basketball along with a range of other sports. I enjoy playing the guitar and have been playing it for 8 years.
What you have enjoyed about your time at Marsden:
Marsden has provided me with many opportunities, including trips to different cities and countries like Melbourne and Hawaii for both history camps and robotics competitions. This school has made me who I am today and I will be eternally grateful.
Which programs you have been involved in at Marsden:
Robotics - this provided me with the opportunity to learn to work in a team and lead a team
Talented Sports Program - this helped me stay fit and learn to be part of a team
Hall Crew - this helped me to learn how to lead a team as well as work individually
What doing the HSC at Marsden means to you:
Doing the HSC at Marsden High School has taught me to work diligently and try my hardest in everything. Being able to go to Marsden and finish my HSC will be a privilege. I am able to work alongside great teachers who work their absolute hardest to help us understand the work.
What being a Sports Prefect means to you:
Being a sports prefect at Marsden High School is an honour. My goal for sport at Marsden is for it to be an enjoyable part of the week that everyone will look forward to. I would like to leave a long positive legacy at the school where the students, teachers and communities benefit greatly.
Amy Davis – Sports Prefect
Primary School Experiences:
I attended a small local school called Melrose Park Public School. I bonded with most of the staff but especially the younger teachers because of their engaging and loving attitude towards us students. Throughout the 7 years of primary school, I made many friends and to this day I am close with them. Through these experiences I was able to experience SRC roles and relieve captains which lead to my leadership and communication skills. Creative activities and charities such as Multicultural Day, Book Week and various pyjama days were held by the SRC and staff to create a fun and positive learning environment. Through these opportunities, I am able to show my experiences and contribute to Marsden High School.
Subjects you’re studying for the HSC and why:
For 2020 HSC my selected subjects are Dance, Business Studies, English, Maths, Biology and Chemistry. These subjects will help me in the future when I am at university. There are so many opportunities for me to choose from that I am very interested in but I haven’t been able to decide just yet which path I’m going to take. The HSC subjects I’ve chosen will hopefully help me with the decision making of my future career.
Hobbies and interests:
My hobbies from an early age has been dancing (Jazz, Tap, Contemporary) and years of playing netball for my local club. I watch a variety of cooking shows, which expresses my interest in baking (lots of it). In my spare time, I love to model in my family’s clothing (especially my mama’s) while singing and dancing when I’m home alone.
What you have enjoyed about your time at Marsden:
I enjoyed the Pinnacle program with my twin brother in years 7 and 8. The program provided me with many opportunities and led me to positive learning and a creative mind.
I’ve also loved excursions that the school has provided including a day trip to Canberra with the HSIE faculty, visiting Parliament House and historical sites; along with the camps that I’ve been on such as the Year 11 Life Ready camp.
Also, being a part of the dance program, I’ve had many incursions and excursions to develop and show off my dancing skills at competitions and cheerleading games while developing my techniques with professional dancers and cheerleaders. From years of dance we collectively as a dance group have won many ribbons and trophies to showcase our successes.
Which programs you have been involved in at Marsden:
I have enjoyed every minute of every opportunity that Marsden High has given me.
Pinnacle Showcase - As I was involved in the Pinnacle program in years 7 and 8, I had the amazing opportunity to host and MC the showcase event with one of my close friends. From this experience I learned how to present myself while still being able to crack some jokes.
Science Club - the younger years at Marsden provided me with great opportunities from the science club, with science experiments and showcasing science for events such as open nights for new and current students with their families and friends to see.
Talented Sports Program for Girls Netball - I enjoyed going to different schools to play against them. I also enjoyed working as a team and trying our hardest no matter if we won or lost. The main goal we achieved was to have loads of fun!
Extra Curricular Dance - when the program of dance first started, I remember the first lesson I had with the dance teacher Miss Bugeja and how supportive the environment was. I knew I was immediately in my element the moment I started dancing. I have continued to this day and will proceed to do so.
I had been involved in different musicals such as Dracula Spectacular and Back to the 80’s which involved myself being a backup dancer in many performances.
What doing the HSC at Marsden means to you:
Doing the HSC ensures that I have many pathways to take and no matter what pathway I take, it will create a bright future. I am working my hardest by using my resources and talking to my teachers to achieve my set goals.
What being a Sports Prefect means to you:
As a Sports Prefect, I want to make sure that every student at Marsden is provided with a supportive and engaging space and to make every voice and idea come to life. I want to raise money for those charities that support different causes and I want to be a great role model for every student in the school. I believe that these types of opportunities are essential for the learning environment of teachers and students at Marsden High School. When I finish Year 12 in 2020, I want to be able to leave the school feeling as proud I could ever be, knowing that the school has been impacted in a good way and that I’ll obviously be remembered for my amazing dancing skills!
Following is a profile on some of our tutors working in Learning Support and the Homework Hub.
Name: Eunyoung Kim (Preferred name - Alexis)
Graduate year: 2016 (HSC)
Course: I am currently in my 3rd year of B Medical Science
Role at Marsden: I help the students manage their study times and help them get organised when it comes to assignments and exams. I also assist with sciences, EAL/D and maths. I provide some advice on how to manage the pressure of school work and not let it affect mental health and well-being.
Name: Lincoln JiangGraduate year: Lincoln came to Australia in 2008 as an international student and studied in Marsden IEC and Marsden High School.
Course: Bachelor of Actuarial Studies, Undergoing Master training to become a High School Math Teacher
Role at Marsden: Senior SLSO focusing on Math, Mandarin speaker
Lincoln has been employed by Marsden since 2011. He has been helping the students as an international student mentor, bilingual administration officer and learning support math tutor.
He is currently working in the SLSO team, providing library study support, in class support and running math work shops for HSC students.
As a former international student, Lincoln understands the changes and challenges that international students face. He does not only help students in academic area, but also happy to share his university experience and life in Australia as international student to help students settle in Australia.
