T H E F O R T N I G H T LY N E W S L E T T E R F R O M G A L S T O N H I G H S C H O O L 2 0 1 9 T E R M 1 W E E K 2

Achieving Excellence and Inspiring SuccessWe celebrate our 2018 HSC High Achievers

Regularly at assemblies, as well as in the Grapevine, we talk about our students Achieving Excellence and Inspiring success. On Tuesday 5th February, our assembly exemplified this statement with the return of our Year 12 2018 High Achievers. For many of our current senior students, it was a reminder to them of how close they are to fulfilling their HSC ambitions and for them it was an inspiration to see and speak to these high achievers.

There were 4 types of High Achiever awards presented at this assembly:Dux of year – the recipient of this award is the student who achieves the highest ATAR score in the year groupDistinguished achiever – the recipients of these awards are the student/s who achieve an ATAR score of 90 or aboveBand 6 – the recipients of these awards are the Student/s who receives a band 6 in any subject.Outstanding Achievement for Intech/ArtExpress/Encore selection – the recipients of this award are selected to have their major works at a state wide presentation for Industrial Arts and or Visual Arts

Natashja SultanaDux 2018 Academic Award for Band 6 in English AdvancedAcademic Award for Band 6 in English Extension 1Academic Award for Band 6 in DramaAcademic Award for Band 6 in MathematicsAcademic Award for Band 6 in BiologyDistinguished All Round Academic Achievement Award for an ATAR over 90

Kaitlan SaundersAcademic Award for Band 6 in English (Advanced) and English ExtensionAcademic Award for Band 6 in Ancient History, Academic Award for Band 6 in Community and Family StudiesDistinguished All Round Academic Achievement Award for an ATAR over 90

Ethan MarlowAcademic Award for Band 6 in Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1Academic Award for Band 6 in Mathematics Extension 1.

Chloe LawlerAcademic Award for Band 6 in Ancient HistoryAcademic Award for Band 6 in DramaAcademic Award for Band 6 in Advanced English

Hannah WestOutstanding Achievement for ArtExpress Selection

Aleesah HoranAcademic Award for English Extension 2

Danielle CookAcademic Award for Band 6 in Food Technology

Natashja Sultana is Dux of 2018. Natahsja epitomises the term “The Quiet Achiever”. Natasha has been a valued member of our school and is a great role model, particularly for students wanting to achieve academic excellence studying a broad range of subjects.

High Achievers’ Assembly (cont’d)...

Natashja was accepted to UNSW for Bachelor of engineering and Bachelor of science. She was also a recipient of an Academic scholarship to the value of $5000. Natashja is still deciding on her major for study at university but is leaning towards mechanical engineering and the Science she is majoring in is physics. Her ultimate goal is to become a mechanical engineer. By studying Science as well she is hoping other exciting opportunities will open up for her too.

High Achievers Speech - Natashja Sultana

Good morning staff, students and parents

My name is Natashja Sultana and I am a former student of Galston High’s class of 2018.

Achieving the DUX award is not something that simply happens upon chance or ‘good luck’. Today, I’m here to tell you about how I achieved an ATAR of 96.85 for my HSC and some things I learned along the away, with hope that my experience can aid your decisions as you step up to your own challenges.

Firstly, being successful through the HSC is not achieved alone. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive network of friends, family and teachers that helped and guided me along the way. Whilst Mr Dargan isn’t here with us today, he’s worth mentioning. My biggest thanks go out to him for being a supportive mentor throughout the stress of the past year.

Thank you Mr. Kim Sing. I always looked forward to your classes. You made learning mathematics fun, even at times when the work didn’t seem so. If I can be as passionate about my future work as you are with yours, I will be one happy girl.

Thank you Ms Price. You helped bring me out of my shell and express a different side of me through acting. Before Year 12, I never would have thought that I could perform a monologue in front of an audience, especially one based on The Handmaid’s Tale…

Thank-you Ms Curtis. You were my unofficial mentor in Year 11 and made starting senior school a whole lot less overwhelming. Thank-you for tolerating the stack of past papers I would give you, and for your constant feedback to help me get where I wanted to be.

And last but not least, thank you Mr Cosgrove. Your classes taught me how to see the world differently through English, and for that, I am forever in debt.

My HSC journey began in Year 11. I didn’t exactly know what the next two years would have in store for me, but nonetheless, I knew it would be a challenge. If I wanted to do well, it was ultimately up to me and I knew that if I put my mind to it, I could achieve anything that I wanted.

I still remember my first mentor lesson with Mr Dargan and this is where he asked me a simple question: “Why are you doing this?”. This question really stumped me because I had never really considered what my goals were and what all my hard work

at school was actually working towards. So, I set some goals. I wanted to gain acceptance into UNSW, which in turn meant gaining an ATAR of 93 or over. As cliché and nerdy this makes me sound, to keep these goals alive, I created a collage of pictures of NASA, SpaceX and rockets, and I stuck this up on the wall of my study area. The act of setting goals and visualising my motivations gave purpose to the difficult climb I would travel to get there.

Everyone has different goals, so it is important to define exactly what success means to you. So, I beg for you to ask yourself the same question. What are you working towards and why are you doing so? And once you identify this, you must do everything in your power to get yourself there. Nothing worth working for is easy, and the same goes for the HSC. I cannot count the amount of times I felt like giving up. The HSC is stressful and uncomfortable. And giving up is the easy way out that so many chose. But if you want to succeed, you must work hard for it. Plain and simple. I truly believe that what you put in is what you get out.

For success in the HSC, practicing good study habits and a routine is non-negotiable. I used Year 11 as a ‘trial run’ to figure out the study techniques that worked for me and developed the habit of studying every-day. When Year 12 came around, the workload was no longer a surprise and I knew how to tackle it. Whilst your grades in Year 11 aren’t used in the calculation of your ATAR, is an important year for building a strong foundation for Year 12.

For me, the most effective study techniques were creating summary notes, flashcards and doing practice papers/questions. The act of making your own notes and using your own words is fundamental in truly understanding the concepts that you learn. I found this most relevant for subjects like maths and physics. If you don’t understand something down to its roots, it doesn’t stick to memory and you won’t be able to answer questions based on those concepts to your full potential.

I cannot stress enough the importance of studying consistently and managing your time effectively to ensure a balance between school, your social life and part-time work. When I found myself feeling burnt out, it was always almost because I had spent too much of my time working on school. The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. The HSC is a slow burn to the end. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Whatever metaphor works for you. In Year 11, I quickly learnt that you need to dedicate time for yourself. If this is compromised for more study, it only writes a recipe for misery and burning out.

Another piece of advice I can offer you is to constantly ask your teachers how you can improve. Even if you’re hitting full marks on your assignment, there is always room to do better whether you like it or not. Use your teacher’s feedback as constructive criticism to learn and grow so you can reach your personal best, rather than seeing it as a personal attack. You want to know that you can hit the maximum marks on your worst days, not your best. The HSC is a learning process. Without criticism, you won’t get better.

The most important thing that I have realised is that being

High Achievers’ Assembly (cont’d)...

successful at the HSC is not getting a high ATAR, but it’s what you get out of the year. The past year has been one of personal growth and learning. I look back on it nostalgically for the new things I have learnt about myself and the world around me. I think the HSC is a great opportunity to discover your limits. And when you think that you have found your limit, try to surpass that. To me, personal development is much more important than the four-digit number that is spat out at the end of it all. Now, I’m not saying ‘don’t try at all’. The ATAR is an express ticket into your desired uni course - if that’s what path you want to go down – and it will save you time and money in the long run. What I am saying is that the world will not come crashing down if your ATAR is not what you wanted. At the end of the day, all you can do is try your best. And if your best doesn’t work out, try again. Success is failing without losing enthusiasm.

So, my advice to the future graduates of Galston High is to fully embrace and enjoy your final years of schooling. The HSC is a beast, but one that can be conquered through hard work, self-determination and persistence. I’m proud to say that I’ll be starting a combined degree of Engineering/Science at UNSW in 2 weeks. I wish you all the best as you wander down your own paths. Thank-you for listening. Have fun and good luck!

Good morning everyone. I would like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of this land and to pay my respects to elders both past and present, and to those present here today.

It is my very great pleasure to welcome our parents, families, staff and students to today’s High Achiever’s Assembly for the 2018 Higher School Certificate. In particular I extend a very warm welcome to our class of 2018 who have taken time out from their hectic schedules as they prepare for life at University.

Whilst we hold this Recognition Ceremony today in honour of those students who have achieved extraordinary results across the full range of HSC subjects, we also wish to publicly acknowledge to our students, parents and school community, how very proud we are of the outstanding achievements of the entire 2018 Year 12 cohort at the Higher School Certificate. The HSC is only one measure of a graduate’s success, and HSC statistics only tell part of the educational passage that students undergo throughout their years at our school. It is important to remember the development of character, citizenship, creative thinking and confidence, the formation of lifelong friendships, participation in the creative and performing arts and undertaking leadership roles. All of these traits prepare our students to be the future leaders of our community.

Over the past six years at Galston High School the 2018 HSC cohort have contributed significantly to school life and we thank them for the way in which they embodied the school’s values of Respect, Responsibility and Personal Best. They have worked diligently to

realise many different leadership, social, and community initiatives as well as achieving individual academic excellence at the 2018 Higher School Certificate.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our teaching staff for their dedication, expertise and outstanding work with our senior students. As educators, the teachers of Galston High School are privileged to work with some very exceptional young people. The Class of 2018 was able to maintain a high level of academic performance whilst balancing busy schedules of extracurricular activities, part-time employment and for some, a busy social life.

Highlights of the 2018 Higher School Certificate include:

Two students achieving an ATAR above 90Natashja SultanaKaitlan Saunders

Dux of the School, Natashja Sultana, achieved an ATAR of 96.85.12% of students scored at least one Band 6 (mark of 90 or higher) across ten subjects placing them on the New South Wales Education Standards Authority’s (NESA) Distinguished Achievers List.49% of students scored at least one subject above 80 marks (Band 5 or higher).

Overall GHS achieved 15 Band 6/E4 results and 69 Band 5 results.Sixteen subjects scored overall results at or above the state average.89% of all courses had students gain results in the top two performance bands.

100% of all courses had students gain results in the top three performance bands.

Galston HS once again named as one of the top performing schools in English with 100% of Advanced English students gaining a Band 5 or 6 compared to 63% at state level.

Ethan Marlow accelerated in 2 unit Mathematics and Mathematics Extension 1 and gained a Band 6 and E4 (B6 equivalent) respectively.Hannah West’s Visual Arts Body of Work was preselected for exhibition in ArtExpress.

Over 30% of our HSC student had university offers before sitting for the HSC with many more offers made during January.Four students from the Hub also completed their HSC in this year group – an amazing achievement.

These results continue to be important benchmarks indicating the broad strength of our curriculum offerings at Galston High School. They also reflect many hours of study and preparation on the part of the students, dedication to excellence in the classroom by their teachers and the support and love of their families.

Galston High School congratulates the 2018 HSC group on their outstanding results and we wish the Class of 2018 all the best for their future learning, careers and pursuits as they continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Principal’s Speech

High Achievers’ Assembly Highlights...

After an extremely warm week of weather in the first week of school, Friday 1st February dawned a little cooler. However, this did not stop our students from participating in the first carnival of the year at Hawkesbury Oasis Aquatic Centre. Congratulations goes to all competitors for an enjoyable and successful day. Noteworthy performances were achieved by the following students:

Age Champions

Girls Boys

12yrs: Ruby Sandlin13yrs: Zoe Johnson Zavier Pedro14yrs: Tahlia Pullin Jordan Harkins15yrs: Chloe Loria Kristian Altea16yrs: Eloise Barrett Ben Jeffrey17yrs+ Keira Brown Sam Loria

House Results

1st: Vikings - 5622nd: Knights – 5013rd: Samurai – 4544th: Spartans - 430

Swimming Carnival Highlights...

Upcoming Events

This Week

Wednesday 13 FebruaryYear 10 RoSA Assessment Information Evening 5.45pm for a 6.00pm startYear 11 RoSA/HSC Assessment Evening 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start

Friday 15 FebruarySchools Swim Carnival Year 9 - Small

Saturday 16 FebruaryGold Duke of Ed - Whiteman

Sunday 17 FebruaryGold Duke of Ed - WhitemanIncursion Lions Club YOTY interviews (am) Public Speaking (pm)

Next Week

Monday 18 FebruaryGold Duke of Ed - WhitemanYear 12 Encore PerformanceTrial Naplan (Years 7 & 9) and Best Start Exams (Year 7)

Tuesday 19 FebruaryGold Duke of Ed - WhitemanTrial Naplan (Years 7 & 9) and Best Start Exams (Year 7)P&C Meeting 7.30pm Waddell Learning Centre

Wednesday 20 FebruaryGold Duke of Ed - WhitemanTrial Naplan (Years 7 & 9) and Best Start Exams (Year 7)

Thursday 21 FebruaryGold Duke of Ed - WhitemanTrial Naplan (Years 7 & 9) and Best Start Exams (Year 7)

Friday 22 February Gold Duke of Ed - WhitemandTrial Naplan (Years 7 & 9) and Best Sart Exams (Year 7)STEM Excursion - Years 9 & 10

Still to come

Monday 25 FebruaryZone Swimming

Tuesday 26 FebruarySchool Photos

Wednesday 27 FebruaryOpen Day

Friday 1 MarchAll Schools Triathlon - Smidt

Sunday 3 MarchLeadership Camp

Homework Club

Homework Club operates every Wednesday afternoon from 3.30 - 4.30pm.

Students can receive help from teaching staff with homework and assessment tasks, or simply utilise the Library computers and wifi to complete their work.

WADDELL CAFE

GALSTON HIGH SCHOOL

INTRODUCING

THE

ULTIMATE PLACE TO RELAX

EXCLUSIVELY FOR STAFF, SENIOR STUDENTS & PARENTS Operated by y ear 10 students & staff

NOW OPEN EVERY TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY

DURING SCHOOL TERM

9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

LOCATED IN THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK

VISIT & HAVE A COFFEE WITH US

Prefect Report...

Welcome back to 2019!!

Week 1 and 2 back at Galston High after the Christmas holidays have been pretty eventful with the annual swimming carnival, Year 7 camp and the High Achiever’s Assembly all happening within the first two weeks back and coming up is Valentine’s Day where serenades and roses are starting to be planned by Year 12.

The swimming carnival this year had high attendance and overall was a great day for all year groups, this was Year 7’s first taste

of house spirit and even though they may have felt like the smallest students in the school this didn’t stop them from entering races and earning points for their respective houses. A 19-year-old record was broken by Zoe Johnson of Year 7 so we congratulate Zoe for her achievement in achieving her personal best.

Year 7 camp was on the 4th of February to the 6th of February and this a brilliant opportunity for Year 7 to meet their peers and some teachers who were in attendance at the camp.

Valentine’s day is coming up where students can purchase serenades or roses for that special someone. This event sounds like fun and games but all the profits go towards the Year 12 charity of choice or to the end of year formal for Year 12, so it would be greatly appreciated for students to get involved this Valentine’s day.

The 2019 Prefect team are looking forward to another excellent year at Galston High School with our students achieving excellence and inspiring success.

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BAULKHAM HILLS

ABOUT OUR CLUBOur winter season runs from February to September. Junior hockey games are held on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings. Our Men’s teams play on Saturday afternoons and our Women’s teams play on Sundays.

Visit our website to register or find more information on fees and gear requirements. You’ll find hockey a family-friendy, safe and inexpensive sport to get involved in.

We’re your family-friendly hockey club in the hills. We have a range of junior teams for 5 to 17 year olds as well as Open teams for men and women.

You’ll find our club relaxed but organised, and focussed on having fun while challenging ourselves. Come join us and find out for your-self!

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Contact Annina 0466 436 634 or pipeband.hillsdistrict@gmail.com

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