CASTLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

LEARNING AND GROWING IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT

CASTLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Castle Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154 Phone: (02) 9634 4199

Fax: (02) 9899 6527 Email: castlehill-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: www.chhs.nsw.edu.au

DATES TO REMEMBER—Term 1

Monday 30th January, 2012 First day of School

Year 7 assemble in the school auditorium Students will be escorted to Pastoral Care classes

Wednesday 8th February, 2012

Meet the Teachers Night BBQ at 6pm

Friday 10th February, 2012 Swimming Carnival

15th—17th February, 2012 Year 7 Orientation Camp Great Aussie Bush Camp

Tea Gardens

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

The move from primary school to high school is an enormous change for you. Despite the fact that change sometimes brings about nervousness, I am very confident that Castle Hill High School will provide you with all of the necessary ingredients to enjoy your learning, to be challenged and stimulated and to find a place where you belong and feel comfortable. There is good reason for you to feel excited about the change from primary school to secondary school. Castle Hill High School is very special. It has a ―good feel‖ – students are happy, friendly and confident. Teachers, also, are very happy to be here; there is something special about the bond they feel towards the school and its community of students and parents, that brings about loyalty and dedication. The curriculum (what is taught) is diverse. There are so many subjects offered at this school. As such, almost everyone’s needs are catered for. We believe that if you can study subjects that you like, that you are interested in and that you are good at, then your learning will benefit. We also offer a full range of extra curricula activities. The creative and performing arts, for example, are highlights of some of the many extras this school offers. As well, your welfare is uppermost in our mind. You will be assigned a pastoral care group that comprises students from Year 7 to 11. You will stay with this group for all the time you are at school. It will be like your family. I look forward to meeting you personally and following your journey through Castle Hill High School.

Ms Vicki Brewer Principal

The Staff at Castle Hill High School

Principal: Mrs Vicki Brewer

Deputy Principal: Mr Ross Warren Deputy Principal: Mrs Anna Girginis / Ms L Jones (Relieving Sem 1) Mr Lloyd

Das (Relieving Sem 2) Head Teachers

English: Ms Lindy Jones Mathematics: Mr Terry Gainey Science: Ms Diana King / Mr Tony Rodi (Relieving) HSIE: Mr Greg O’Regan Creative & Performing Arts: Ms Anne Babington (Relieving) Ms Jennifer Merryweather (Relieving) LOTE: Mrs Donna Wood PD/Health/PE: Mr Brad Tudman TAS: Mr David Hovelmann Computing: Mr Lloyd Das Teaching and Learning: Ms Jo Spinks / Ms Linda Vitanza (Relieving) Teaching and Learning: Mr Peter Kennedy Teaching and Learning: Mr Peter Kerrigan Welfare : Mrs Debbie Boss Year Advisers (2012) Year 7: Mr P Jephtha Year 8: Ms A Bourke Year 9: Mr L Williams Year 10: Mr R Watson Year 11: Mrs D Hill Year 12: Mrs G Morrissey

Counsellor: Ms Diane Bradshaw Careers: Ms Jane Curran

Scripture Co-ordinator: Ms J Davidson SRC Co–ordinator: Mrs D Boss Student Leadership (2012) School Captains: Sophie Parle School Vice Captains: Madeleine Chan Mathew Knight Lachlan Schacht SRC President:: Ovini Sellapperuma SRC Junior Coordinator: Kay Downie School Sports Captains: Lara Wallis Matthew Weal

School Times Our school day begins at 8:45am with the movement bell and the first lesson starts at 8.50am. Students are asked not to be on school premises before 8:20am as there is only minimal teacher supervision.

Bell Times 2012

Note 1: Staff Professional Development session Thursdays 8.30am-9.30am. Lessons commence for students at 9.40am with session 2 Note 2: Junior assembly (Years 7-10) session 2 in Week B Note 3: Celebration Assembly twice each term for Years 7– 12

Mon, Tues, Fri Wednesday

Week A

Wednesday Week B

Thursday

Movement Bell 8:45 8:45 8:45 9:35

Period 1 8:50 8:50 8:50

Period 2 9:41 9:36 Assembly Years 7-10

9:40

Pastoral Care 10:32 10:22 Assembly in

lieu of PC Years 7-12

10:32 10:32

Recess 1 10:46 11:06 10:46 10:46

Recess 2 11:01

Period 3 11:06 11:26 11:06 11:16

Period 4 11:57 12:12 11:57 12:02

Lunch 1 12:48 12:58 12:48 12:48

Lunch 2 1:08 1:18 1:08 1:08

Period 5 1:28 1:23 1:28 1:28

Period 6 2:19 2:24 2:19 2:19

Final Bell 3:10 3:10 3:10 3:10

At Castle Hill High School every aspect of the learning experience has been carefully designed to enhance the life skills of our students. Our school provides for each aspect of a student’s learning ex-perience through:

* designed curriculum strategies * a strong welfare program * diverse extra curricula activities.

Year 7 will follow a common curriculum throughout the year. They will study the following subjects, determined by the NSW Board of Studies as mandatory studies:

English Mathematics Science History

Language Visual Arts Music Design and Technology Sport Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

(PD/H/PE) Thinking Skills

Scripture seminars are also provided. Special programs are offered to gifted students, those from non English speaking backgrounds and students with specific learning needs.

THE CURRICULUM

TEACHING AND LEARNING

The role of the Teaching and Learning Team is to provide direction for the school as a whole to focus upon its core business, teaching and learning. It seeks to co-ordinate a process of continuous improvement to assist all our students to maximise their academic achievement. The Teaching and Learning Team has identified a number of priority areas:

1.1. AACHIEVINGCHIEVING YOURYOUR PPERSONALERSONAL BBESTEST

CHHS is committed to providing a learning environment in which students are challenged aca-demically to fulfil their potential. These outcomes are achieved through a genuine focus on en-gagement of students through the commitment of teachers to the Quality Teaching Frame-work. The focus is on intellectual quality, significance and provision of a quality learning envi-

ronment.

We also offer to all students extensive workshops to develop their focus and the skills re-quired to achieve at a high level. These programs include workshops on goal-setting and study

skills.

2.2. GGIFTEDIFTED ANDAND TTALENTEDALENTED

CHHS has established and continues to maintain programs to meet the needs of Gifted and Talented students from Year 7 to Year 12. CHHS has established a G&T stream as part of our normal intake of students for Years 7 -10. Their program of study will offer extension and enrich-ment of the normal curriculum. The students in the G&T group in Years 7 and 8 will be together for all subjects except Sport, Design and Technology and Visual Arts. In Years 9 and 10, stu-dents will be in the same class for their core subjects and independently select their three elec-

tive courses

We have a variety of programs for Gifted and Talented students in senior years that does not focus on the withdrawal of students from mainstream classes, but rather offers extension

courses, enrichment and extension in each classroom.

3.3. TTHINKINGHINKING SSKILLSKILLS

―Thinking Skills‖ is quickly becoming a key feature for successful educational out-comes in modern day life. People with a good grounding in ―Thinking Skills‖ are more prepared for coping with a rapidly changing world. Castle Hill High School’s ―Thinking Skills‖ program is designed to explicitly teach students new skills in think-ing critically and creatively, working cooperatively, utilising graphic organizers and tapping into multiple intelligences. Students will meet once a week with their ―Thinking Skills‖ teacher to focus on, and participate in, activities designed to en-

hance their potential for learning.

WELFARE At Castle Hill High School it is important that students learn in a happy and safe environment. A structured welfare system places each student into a Pastoral Care group which becomes the student’s support group for their time at Castle Hill High School. The Pastoral Care teachers are personally involved in the welfare of each student within their Pastoral Care group. Our Code of Conduct emphasises care for students and develops their responsibility and self discipline. The Peer Support Program, Leadership Team, Student Representative Council, Sports Council, School Liaison Team, Multicultural Team and Anti-bullying Association offer students the opportunity to develop their leader-ship skills. The school Code of Conduct underpins the welfare and discipline struc-ture.

CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

I have the RIGHT to: I have the RESPONSIBILITY to:

be treated with respect and politeness by others in the community.

be polite and always show respect to others at school and behave in such a way that I gain respect for the school from the local community.

expect that my property will be safe and that I will be safe from physical damage.

look after school property and respect the property of others so that I will keep my school safe and not put others in physical danger.

obtain the maximum benefit from school : - learning : - socialising

co-operate with teachers and other students so that all can work to their capacity without interference.

co-exist with peers and teachers, respecting individual rights and differences.

have a clean and tidy school. look after the school environment and keep it clean and tidy.

be treated with compassion treat others with compassion no matter what the differences (race, colour, religion, physical appearance or academic achievement.)

DAY TO DAY ROUTINE

Absences

Students should only be absent from school if they are sick or if there is a family emergency. Upon returning to school, students must bring a note of explanation signed by their parents and including the dates of absence. This should be given to their Pastoral Care teacher on the first day back at school. Students who are fre-quently away or who do not explain their absences, may be referred to the Home School Liaison Officer.

Lateness

Students arriving late must have a note from their parents explaining why they are late. On arrival, they must report to Room 1 to sign in and receive a late pass that will gain them admittance to class. Lateness for any reason other than an appoint-ment or a late bus will incur a community service

Early Departure from School

Notes requesting special permission for a student to leave school early must be presented to Reception prior to the start of the school day. The note must give a reason for the early departure and a time. The student will be issued with a pass that will enable them to leave class but the student will need to go to reception again to receive their Early Leavers’ pass at the time of their departure. It is expected that where possible appointments are made out of school hours.

The Canteen

Lunch orders are placed at the lunch order window and paid for before 8:45am and / or at recess. The orders can be collected at lunchtime at the lunch order window.

Lost Property

Students must accept responsibility for the care of their own property. Valuable items should be left at home. If, for special reasons, you have a large sum of money or an article of value, hand it into reception for safe keeping for the day. Lost proper-ty is kept in the Reception area.

When you need to pay money

All money that needs to be paid to the school (eg: excursions, camps, fees) should be taken straight to Room 1 in the morning. If the student is unable to do this then they should return during recess and/or lunch.

What to leave at home

Items such as i-Pods, cameras, computer games and skateboards, as well as dan-

gerous items, are to be left at home.

Mobile phones can be brought to school, however, they must be switched off and placed in the student’s bag during class time. Bus Travel

The main buses serving Castle Hill High School are Glenorie Bus Co. Pty Ltd and Hillsbus. IF YOU MISS THE BUS AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY, REPORT DIRECTLY TO THE SCHOOL OFFICE AREA. When you travel on the school bus, you must display conduct in keeping with the school rules. Bus passes must be shown as you board the bus. If you do not show it, the bus company may refuse you permission to travel on its buses.

UNIFORM

Shorts: Grey Scaggs elastic or belt loops.

NO cords, jeans, logos or external cargo/battle pockets. Trousers: Grey Scaggs elastic or belt loops. Shirts: Cotton button through - School logo pocket.

Summer: Blue and white check princess line dress - Terms 1 and 4. Winter: Royal blue pleated skirt - Terms 2 and 3. Navy or Black tights Wool blend jumper or sleeveless vest - school logo White princess line blouse - school logo

BOYS and GIRLS: Castle Hill High School sports shirt Castle Hill High School navy blue shorts Sandshoes with white socks School cap

BOYS and GIRLS: Blazer Castle Hill High School Tie Badges Backpack - Designed and endorsed by the Chiropractics Association of Australia All students are expected to wear black hard leather lace up shoes cut below the ankle to conform with Occupational Health and Safety regulations. Ballet flats, canvas light weight shoes, sand shoes or joggers are not permissible.

JUNIOR BOYS

JUNIOR GIRLS

SPORTS CLOTHES

COMMON ITEMS

HOMEWORK

Homework will help high school students develop habits of reviewing work undertak-en in class. Parents can expect homework to be set on a regular basis in each sub-ject. Students and parents can expect that homework demands will increase as stu-dents get older. There are 3 main types of homework: i) Practice exercises—let students apply knowledge to review, revise and

reinforce newly acquired skills. eg. memorising tables Ii) Preparatory homework—where students gain background information on a unit of study to better prepare them for future lessons eg: reading and collecting extra information on a topic. iii) Extension assignments—encourage students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively. Assignments might include writing a book review, researching local news, or fieldwork. Parents and caregivers can help by:

Taking an active interest in homework Ensuring there is time set aside for homework Encouraging and supporting students to complete homework Providing, where possible, a dedicated place for homework and study Assisting teachers to monitor homework and letting them know if students are

struggling. This can be communicated through the school diary. Encouraging their children to read and take an interest in current events Letting the school know of any domestic or extra curricula changes that may

need to be taken into consideration when homework is being set or marked. How much homework is necessary?

It is generally believed that an average student, with good personal organisation of time and resources, should spend at least a minimum of:

Year 7 1 hour per night Year 8 1.5 hours per night Year 9 2 hours per night Year 10 2.5 hours per night Year 11 3 hours per night Year 12 3+ hours per night

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in the amount of homework set and when it is due. They are also urged to support and assist but not to complete homework.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

The school newsletter, Drawbridge is published once a fortnight and is emailed on Fridays. Hard copies are available at reception. Drawbridge is al-

so published on our school website. It always contains items of importance and interest, and is a great way to find out what is happening in our school.

SCHOOL DIARY

Students are given a Castle Hill High School Diary at the start of the year. Students are expected to use this diary to record and organise their homework, assignments and study plans. The diary contains useful information about the school and can be used as a means of communication between home and school.

BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT—Year 7 Castle Hill High focuses on maximising students’ learning potential and de-veloping quality work. For students to be successful, they need to be focused on learning as well as being well organised. We expect that all students come prepared each day. All students should have pens, lead pencils, a ruler, eraser, coloured pencils, glue and scissors, as well as the necessary books. Castle Hill High has a recommended Year 7 exercise book pack available for purchase. This is a standard pack aiming to make transition to high school as easy as possible. It will be available on Orientation Day in the foyer of the school hall.

CASTLE HILL HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY

Hours: 8:20am—3:30pm Monday to Friday. Closed Tuesday and Thursday recess Teacher-Librarian: Mrs Margaret Stapley and Mrs Kathryn Davis Borrowing Rights: Fortnightly loans—non fiction and fiction books. Up to 5 items at a time may be borrowed.

Overnight loans—magazines, reference books, sound recordings, pamphlet file material and special reserve material. Up to 2 items at a time may be borrowed. Student ID cards: You will receive a Student Identification Card in Year 7 which gives you borrowing rights.

SPORT

The school encourages sporting activities to balance the strong ac-ademic curriculum. Students in Years 7—11 participate in our inte-grated sports program that includes tennis, cricket, golf, football, swim-ming, aerobics, indoor rock climbing, volleyball, weights, hockey, athlet-ics and cross country. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in: * Over 30 knockout and recreational sports * 3 compulsory carnivals—swimming, athletics and cross country * Zone, Regional and State carnivals—if selected.

EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES

Photographic exhibitions Chess

Annual School Musical Showcase Enterprise Training Team

Lions Youth of the Year Debating Christian Fellowship

School Orchestra Dance Ensemble Robotics

Academic Competitions

Work Experience Stock Market Games Leadership Camps

Art Exhibition Duke Of Edinburgh Orientation Camps St John Ambulance First Aid Courses

PEER SUPPORT

My Peer Support Leaders names are:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Human Treasure Hunt

Find a person who………

Likes the same food as you

Has met someone famous

Is a middle child in their family

Was born the same month as you

Likes the same sport as you

Has the same pet as you

Plays a musical instrument

Has travelled overseas

Has seen a movie at the cinema in the last month

Has gone skiing

Recently shopped at Target, Castle Towers

Has gone to Queensland for a holiday

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW? 1. Who is the Principal of Castle Hill High School?

________________________________________ 2. Name the 2 Deputy Principals

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Who is the Year Advisor for Year 7 2012?

______________________________________________________ 4. A. What time does school start and finish?

Start:___________________ Finish:___________________

B. What time does school start on Thursday?

Start:____________________ 5. What type of environment do we nurture at Castle Hill High School? ______________________________________________________ 6. What do we mean by the term ―code of Conduct‖?_________________

______________________________________________________

7. Where can students find a copy of Castle Hill High School’s Code of Conduct? ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ 8. What is a right?

______________________________________________________

9. What is a responsibility?

_____________________________________________________

10. All students have the right to learn. What is your responsibility as a

student? _______________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

11. Staff and students have a right to a clean and tidy school, therefore

staff and students must________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

12. What do I do if I arrive late to school?_______________________

________________________________________________________

13. Who do I see if I need to leave school early? ________________________________________________________

14. When can I order my lunch?______________________________ 15. How should I use my school diary? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. How much homework should I expect in Year 7? ________________________________________________________

17. When is the library open? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. What sort of extra curricula activities are offered at Castle Hill High

School? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. Who is the School Counsellor? And where is her office? ________________________________________________________ 20. What should I bring on the first day of school? ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________