term 4 - home - bankstown girls high school€¦ · they showed lots of enthusiasm and are ready to...
TRANSCRIPT
IN THIS ISSUE:
Term 4
Buzz Team 2019
C o n t r i b u t o r s
Nithya Iyengar Year 11
Khadija Salim Year 11
Anooshay Omer Year 11
Jenny Lam Year 11
Vivien Vu Year 11
Amal Cheikha Year 11
Linh Vo Year 11
Emily Deadman Year 11
Ivonne Stafurik Year 10
Julie Nguyen Year 10
Vivian Chiem Year 10
Nur Suryantoko Year 10
Lara Ayoubi Year 10
Alaa Harb Year 9
Jennefer Phan Year 9
Jannah El Badaoui Year 8
Anna Suryantoko Year 8
C o o r d i n a t o r s
Ms Voros
Mr Baker
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
Principal’s Report
Deputy Principal’s Report
Links to Learning
Faculty Report – English
Faculty Report – CAPA
Faculty Report – Maths
Faculty Report – HSIE
Faculty Report – Science
Daily Telegraph Workshop
Faculty Report – PDHPE
Creative Writing Workshop
Influential Personality
Fast Forward
Climate Change
Encouraging the Arts Excursion
1
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
High School for a Day
White Ribbon Day
SRC 2020
School Musical 2020
Year 12 Camp
2
‘Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver.’ Brene BrownThank you, Bankstown Girls High School, for an amazing 2019 and for spreading the courage across our school and school community.
As we see the end of term 4 we set our sights in preparing for next year. A few weeks ago, we had a large number of our new 2020 year 7 students and their families join us at Orientation day. There was a real buzz in the atmosphere amongst the parents and students. They showed lots of enthusiasm and are ready to start their high school journey at Bankstown Girls High School. This week we celebrated the achievements of many of our students at our annual Presentation Day. Congratulations to all our award recipients for taking a strong hold of the opportunities and achieving success. Congratulations to all our scholarship winners. The Bankstown Sports Club Scholarship for 2020 have been awarded to Amani A, Anna S, and Angelica G from year 8. Ainslie K, Ivonne S, Ana N, Quynh Diem N, Tamanna F and Amy N from year 10. The Harding Miller Scholarship 2020 was awarded to Anna S. Thank you to Bankstown Sports Club for their continued support and generosity. We are also very proud of Samia Hammoud who was awarded the prestigious Victor Chang Award earlier this term for her exceptional performance in the science subjects.
I would like to thank my entire staff for their professionalism and dedication to their roles in the school. It is this dedication that provides students with a number of opportunities. Their enthusiasm and commitment are noted each day. I would like to thank our School Administrative and Support staff who work in the background to support the operation of the school and our teachers in delivering their learning programs. A huge thank you to my executive team, Cathy Porecca, Mark Leary, Jim Tsafis, Lisa Carmody, Vicky Saisanis, Anna Edwards, Evelyn Michevski, Helen Shaddock, Shadi Ghazal and Anita Martinson for your support this year and ensuring that courage is contagious around the school. Your leadership in support of the range of student programs ensures that we will continue to be a school that excels and remain future focused through this continually changing educational landscape. Thank you to our Community Liaison Officer Sam Miski and the work of our P&C under the presidency of Fadwa Qasem and Rouba Rifaie for the number of successful community events held this year from our first Iftar night, Mother’s Day stall, Westmead Hospital Toy drive, Swim Sisters program to the year 7 Orientation day. These events grow from strength to strength uniting our school community. On a sad note, we get to say good bye to an exceptional teacher Michael Baker who has been part of the Bankstown Girls High School family for two years. On behalf of the whole school we thank you for your hard work and support. We all wish you well on your new adventure and hopefully we will see you back again.
I made it through my first year, and what a memorable year it has been. I have enjoyed every moment and look forward to working beside you all again in 2020.Have a wonderful, restful break.
Suada BilaliBUZZ NEWSLETTERsemper optime
3
I wish you all a happy and safe holiday, thank you all once again for your
ongoing support and look forward to working with you in 2020.BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
Mrs Porreca
s the year draws to an end I would like to take this
opportunity to acknowledge all the hard work of our school community to
make Bankstown Girls High School such an exciting place to be. To begin
with, I would like to congratulate all the merit award recipients who have
continued to show a strong commitment to their learning and have been
celebrated at a wonderful merit assembly organised by Ms Shaddock
and the Year Advisors. To complement these awards there were some
wonderful musical items performed by our students who constantly
amaze me with their depth and breadth of talent.
A big thankyou to all families, students and staff who have donated toys
for the Westmead Children Hospital Christmas appeal. My office has
been full to the brim with donations that I am sure will brighten the lives
of many children who are doing it tough this year because of their poor
health. A number of families have also donated gifts of cash which shows
the generosity of our school community in helping others. A big thankyou
once again to all of you. Ms Miski, our CLO continues to do a wonderful
job in engaging our students and their families with the wider community
in order to build strong links which are of mutual benefit to all involved.
4
Deputy’s Report2019 has rapidly come to a close and as the last
two weeks move by the school has been so
busy in preparing for Presentations Day and
finalising reports that it has been hard to find
time to reflect on all the amazing activities that
have gone on across the school. As the last few
days approach I would like to reflect on some
of the significant things that have been a part
of 2019.
At the end of Term 3 we said goodbye to
another Year 12 group. It has been a wonderful
experience to watch the girls as they
progressed through their six years go high
school and developed not the young ladies
they are as they leave us for the next stage in
their lives. I would like to congratulate all of the
girls and wish them the best as they move into
this next stage of their lives.
I would like to thank the staff who have worked
so hard in making sure that our girls are given
the best educational opportunities possible.
The dedication and passion that is displayed by
our teachers is inspiring and is deserving of
recognition.
One group of staff within the school who are
not always given the recognition they deserve
is our administrative staff. They work tirelessly
behind the scenes to ensure the teacher staff
are supported and are usually the first point of
contact with parents and community members
who contact the school. I would also like to
thank them for their support and hard work
throughout this year.
Our Year 10 girls will be making a big move as
they become seniors next year. A lot of work
has been done to ensure that we have a
curriculum pattern that caters for the needs
of the girls. As senior students they have a
great responsibility to ensure that they stand
up as role models for the rest of the school.
To show that they are proud of being a
student at Bankstown Girls High School and
lead the rest of the school in reinforcing the
values of being a safe, respectful learner. I
would like to extend
congratulations to Jasmine Abou Dayya and
Hiba Chaudhry who were presented as joint
Dux of year 10 at our recent Presentation Day.
I recognise the hard work and consistent effort
both girls have put into their studies this year
and look forward to seeing their progress over
the coming year.
Our Year 8 girls will be moving into Stage 5 next
year and have had the first opportunity to
choose two elective subjects for 2020. We
expect to see the girls do extremely well in
these courses as their choices should reflect an
interest and enthusiasm for these courses. I
would like to extend my congratulations to
Anna Suryantoko who was named as Dux in our
Presentation Day awards. It is pleasing to see
her rewarded for her outstanding effort over
the year.
As we look forward to 2020 it is clear to see
that we will again have many challenging and
exciting activities to engage and push the girls
to achieve their best. Planning has been
underway for quite some time to prepare for
the year ahead and make sure we start with a
clear plan about how we assist the girls in
developing their skills and experiences.
I would like to wish everyone a wonderful
break over the vacation and I look forward to
seeing everyone back in 2020.
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime5
BUZZ NEWSLETTERsemper optime
Twenty Year 9 students participated in the Links to Learning program thisyear from Bankstown Girls High School. They dealt with issues regardingrelationships, behaviours and communication. Through the workshop,students had developed skills to deal with negativity and anger, ultimatelychanging their behaviours for the better. We had the pleasure of interviewingthe Links to Learning Coordinators and a group of students who werepresent on that day.
Nithya: We’ll start with a simple question. What is Links to Learning? What isthe program about?
Student: I think Links to Learning is about life in general. It helps you ineveryday situations, it teaches you a lot of new stuff about relationships,anger management, bullying, studying, friendships and all of that kind ofstuff. We learnt about how to deal with situations and learn skills like how tosave a friend, from the Red Cross.
Jenny (Coordinator): The program is actually designed as a self-esteem, self-confidence, wellness and wellbeing program. It is, as was so beautifullyexpressed by Yasmine, a program that allows students to grow and developand to learn about everyday things that happen in life. They also learn abouthow to deal with tensions and problems, how to make better friends andrelationships, how to grow as person and to make better choices anddecisions.
Waddad (Coordinator): Week to week we run different workshops coveringdifferent topics, subjects, covering the social part of it, the well being part ofit, communication techniques, behaviours, even just study timetables andhow to improve what they already know. Like a little family.
Anooshay: Does anyone have a personal story about how they benefit fromthe group?
Jenny: What have you done since this program? What has improved for you?Has your behaviour changed have gotten into less trouble?
Student: Yeah, my behaviour has changed. I now know how teachers feelwhen I respect them more and like how to deal with friendship problems. Iused what I learnt in the program.6
Nithya: Everyone is talking about self-esteem, what other topics do you discuss?
Jenny: The actual program itself also looks at risk and risky behaviours, we talk aboutcommunication and appropriate ways of communicating. We challenge the studentsto try some of the skills they learnt in the program. We teach about identity and thegirls learn to appreciate not only their own cultural background, but the culturalbackground of everyone else so they become more cohesive when working together.We had Red Cross come in do a program on Save a Mate. We had Legal Aid do apresentation on sexting and interactions with police as well as understanding theseriousness of social media.
Anooshay: What was your favourite program?
Student: Save-A-Mate, Be the Queen, a lot of them were really fun. The block one wastoo.
Jenny: The blocks is an activity where one person has to describe what they’rebuilding and the other person has to build it but there’s no interaction. I added a thirdlayer to that, where they had people talk to them to show just how distractions andtalking in class can take away from you learning and understanding.
Waddad: There was a lot of frustration.
Nithya: From the positions of a mentor, how have you seen the girls improve?
Jenny: One of the girls in last semesters group, she was in Year 9. She was always introuble and she wasn’t living up to the full potential of who she could and where shewas going. Towards the end of the program we had an absolute breakthrough and shegot some positive feedback from one of her teachers. From that moment she’s neverbeen in trouble. Her marks have improved, she’s quietened down and because ofthat, she’s starting to reach her potential which is fantastic.
Anooshay: Anything else you would like to say?
Student: That we love you Jenny!BUZZ NEWSLETTERsemper optime 7
BUZZ NEWSLETTERsemper optime
“My overall experience in Links to Learning was amazing! This wonderful program taught me a lot about basic life skills that I can benefit from at the moment and also in the future. Jenny and Wedad, our Youth Coach facilitators were amazing as they were very knowledgeable in what they were doing and this showed throughout the program. Links to Learning taught me a lot about how other people may be feeling or what they might be going through and how I should be treating them and taking their emotions into consideration. I also learnt about drugs through the “SAVE A MATE” campaign. We learnt about this topic to educate ourselves on how to help others and ourselves, what to stay away from and demonstrate strategies to help people who are at risk or in danger.
A professional lawyer even came in and educated us on sexting and its offences, it opened the eyes for all the girls that were apart of this program and showed us how important and serious this topic is. Overall, this program meant a lot for me mainly for two reasons:
Firstly, Jenny and Wedad were great facilitators as they pushed me, along with the other girls to do better in my class work and assignments and proved to me that I am capable of a lot of things that I never thought I can achieve. Secondly, this program helped me learn so much and educated me on basic things we don’t take into consideration. To say no when we don’t want something, to be treated the way we treat others, it’s okay to not be okay and how to uplift each other as women.I really recommend this program and it was a very enjoyable experience and it helped so many of us who were involved in this program.”
Ayah Maikel – Year 98
C A P A What’s new in CAPA?
CAPA has been super busy as always! Take a moment
to lose yourself in this photo montage of musical
moments, exciting excursions and pretty portraits!
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
School of Rock Concert – 04/12/19
9
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
Christmas Choir Concert – 11/12/19
Mc happy Day– 30/11/19
10
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
Art Gallery of NSW – 06/11/19
11
By Nourhan By Michelle By Nashita
By Halaa By Jeyana By Jessica
By Alaa By Aleeza By Anita
Do you recognise these celebrities painted by Year 9 Students?
12
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
ENGLISHYear 7 are busy connecting their home
stories with school as they create their
Identity Text films. Students are furiously
working in English, Art and Music to bring
to life a family story that has shaped their
identity. Beautiful self portraits have
been created with spirit animals,
orchestral sounds created to reflect the
buzz of family sounds and academy
award winning acting and directing in
some very interesting films. Stay tuned
for the Oscars!
YEAR 9 are busily creating speeches
around their local heroes. Students are
telling stories of survival, kindness and
craziness as they bring their heroes into
the classroom. Inspired by the heroes
they encountered in texts and film, they
have realised they do not have to look far
beyond their families to find heroes like
their mothers and fathers.
Speaking of heroes. Ms Carmody has her
own special heroes, and they are her Year
9 Drama class. They have the
superpower of making her and everyone
around them happy. Recently they
performed their monologues for Year 5
students visiting BGHS for a high school
experience. Another exciting activity for
Year 9 Drama is that every second Friday
they participate in a professional acting
class run by PYT and the Australian
Opera House. Keep your eyes
peeled…..these guys are going to be
famous before you know it!
13
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime14
YEAR 10 are making sure that
Shakespeare is alive and well in the
classrooms of BGHS. Romeo and Juliet
are sneaking around behind their
parent’s backs, Othello has whipped
himself up into an angry rage over
friendship issues and Macbeth is
moping around wondering whether to
be or not to be! All these characters can
be heard in ye old English as year 9
read and act out snippets of
Shakespeare’smost famous speeches.
Another Year 10 experience has been
their participation in the film and
writing workshops run by Sydney Story
Factory. And congrats to our girls who
were awarded best director and best
filmmaker in Cineverse competition
between schools to turn poetry into
film!
Wow! Year 10 have been very busy! A
group went into Sydney University last
week to participate in a creative writing
workshop organised by the university
professors. They wrote beautiful pieces
based on I remember……
Mona Bakkour in Year 7 was nominated
and successful in winning a Community
Service award in the Bankstown
community. N Wednesday night, Mona will
be presented with her award in from of
community memebers at Bankstown
Sports Club. What a wonderful
achievement for our young Year 7
student!
Our P&C have been working hard and are
in the process or organising a toy drive for
the children at Westmead Hospital. Don’t
forget to donate your new toys so we can
help our parents put a smile on the faces
of some sick children.
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime15
M A T H SWhat’s new and exciting in Mathematics?
Dodecahedrons
Year 7 students and Ms Weston have been busy with a range of hands on activities, in particular transforming an A4 piece of paper to a pentagon and then into three-dimensional dodecahedrons. In the process investigating vertices, faces and edges, as well as, having some fun in their maths classes. The finished designs can be viewed in Room 38.
A World without Numbers
To top this off, Mrs Rounis has engaged the students in an inquiry project focusing on the topic of: A World without Numbers. Students have been working collaboratively in teams to investigate this statement and have been keen to present their projects to the year group. The presentation formats were up to each individual team and have ranged from songs, animations to dance interpretations.
The M in STEAM!
Ms Doai has organised the annual Mathematics STEAM Enrichment Day with Professor Tara Hamilton that took part on Monday 25 November. Students from years 8, 9 and 10 had the opportunity to work with Ms Doai and Tara to put into practice some of their mathematics skills focussing on neuroscience and probability.Professor Tara Hamilton has been working with us over a number of years and gives feely of her time to provide authentic and real world experiences to our students. The Mathematics Faculty and in particular Mrs Saisanas, would like to take this opportunity to thank Tara for her generosity. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate Tara’s accomplishments.A timeline of Tara’s inspirational journey, which started at Bankstown Girls High School is presented below. BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime16
What’s new in HSIE?
Year 9 – History Excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum
Year 9 had the opportunity to visit the Sydney Jewish Museum, to strengthen our understanding of the Holocaust. The Visit began with students being escorted into a small room, where we were given an introduction to the everyday lives of the Jewish people in Germany before the Nazi’s started rounding them up. Amazingly, the tour guides were actual survivors of the Holocaust, so they had great insight into the horrific experience, which they shared with us.
We were split into groups of 3, and assigned to an individual tour guide. In these small groups we were able to explore the entire museum, receive helpful knowledge on what the Jewish people went through, where they lived, what they ate and most importantly the punishments they received. Our tour Guide showed us pictures of uniforms they were forced to wear, and what the Ghettos looked like. Being able to actually see the past laid out in front of us was a great way to actually understand the way Jewish people were targeted and put on display by the Nazis.
The museum has a dedicated display for all of the Children and babies who died. Knowing that one and a half million kids died, was very devastating. We had the opportunity to actually speak to a Holocaust survivor, who told us of her personal experience as a baby who survived. This was my favourite part of the day because I felt for her and I loved being able to speak with her and ask her questions. The day concluded with us finishing our chat with the Holocaust survivor, and catching a train back to Bankstown Station. The excursion was really fun and it helped me a lot with my essay preparation!
- Mae Eid
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
H S I EThe Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,England mourns for her dead across the sea.Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill: Death august and royalSings sorrow up into immortal spheres.There is music in the midst of desolationAnd a glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;They sit no more at familiar tables of home;They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;They sleep beyond England's foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound,Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,To the innermost heart of their own land they are knownAs the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain,As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,To the end, to the end, they remain.
17
Originally called Armistice Day, commemorates the end of hostilities for World War I andthe signing of the armistice - an agreement to stop fighting. This occurred on the 11th ofNovember 1918 - the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Armistice Day was observed by the Allies, of which Australia was a member, as a way ofremembering those who died, especially soldiers with 'no known grave'.On the first anniversary of the armistice, in 1919, one minute’s silence was instituted aspart of the main commemorative ceremony. Today is the 100th anniversary of this event. InLondon, in 1920, the commemoration was given added significance with the return of theremains of an unknown soldier from the battlefields of the Western Front.
After the end of World War II in 1945, the Australian andBritish governments changed the name to RemembranceDay as an appropriate title for a day which wouldcommemorate all war dead. In October 1997, thenGovernor-General of Australia, Sir William Deane,issued a proclamation declaring:
On 11 November for Remembrance Day Australiansare urged to observe one minute's silence at 11.00amto remember the sacrifice of those who died or otherwisesuffered in Australia's cause in wars and war-like conflicts.
Unlike many of its Allies, Australia did not conscript itssoldiers to fight in the Great War - all Australian soldierswere volunteers. The Australian Prime Minister, Billy Hughes,was aware that the scale of fighting on the Western Frontwould make heavy demands on the nation and hadalways wanted to introduce conscription rather than rely solely on voluntary recruitment.
The Great War contributed to the Australian definition of mateship as a shared experiencebased on mutual respect and the significance of Armistice and Remembrance Day hascontinued for Australians. Many households were cast into mourning in the face of suchterrible losses. Many streets in towns and suburbs across Australia were marked byhouseholds bereft of men.
As a nation we maintain the commitment to recognise the sacrifices others have made forus in the past. This is not done to glorify war, nor is it done to belittle our former enemies.It is done so that today, in 2019, we have an understanding of our shared history and acompassion for those who have been affected by conflict around the world both in the pastand in the present.In remembrance on this day people wear a single flower, the Poppy. The significance of thisflower lies in the fact that it was one of the first flowers to grow on the battlefields of theWestern Front after the fighting stopped. It signifies both the human cost of war and hopeof regeneration and renewal at the end of this tragic conflict.
18
SCIENCE
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
During Term 4, the Science faculty have focused on raising awareness around our impact on the environment.
During this hot season, we are hardly having any rain and are nearly running out of water, we have to act quickly to help to minimise the impacts on the environment. The dry season has resulted in severe bush fires, loss of habitats and resources.
What can be done to help?
Here are 5 tips on how to help reduce energy waste and lower . Energy-saving tips that you do at home can also be done at schools. The Environmental group is encouraging all students to follow these tips to help save energy including water.
1. Turn off taps properly and save water.2. Turn off lights when not needed.3. Turn off electronic devices when not
using them.4. Close doors and use air-conditioners
responsibly.5. Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Plastic pollution is an issue that is becoming worse as time goes on. It is polluting our water ways and impacting on the lives of animals. The average disposable plastic bags, cups and other items are used for only 5 minutes, yet can take up to 1,000 years to break down in the environment.
The amount of plastic that is placed and found in our oceans is a disgrace. To think that people could be so cruel to our environment and our animals is truly awful. Disposable plastic bags have a devastating impact on human, marine animals such as whales, seals, sea birds and turtles.
Bankstown Girls High School students and staff start getting into the good habit of reusing and reducing plastic every day at home and at school. Place any recyclable item marked with 10 cents in the yellow top bin. Do not forget to place the top lid in the small bucket to be collected for children to create artificial limbs. Reduce packaging during recess and lunch in order to reduce its impacts on marine life and sustain our environment.
Join the 2020 Environmental Team!Environmental Quiz: Answer with Yes or No
Do you have an interest to solve School Environmental Issues?............
Do you like gardening and watering plants? …………..
Do you have a caring attitude toward plants and animals?..............
Do you like to celebrate World Environment Day, School Tree Day, and Clean up Australia Day etc…? …………………
Do you like to raise awareness to sustain our school environment such as saving electricity, water and recycling papers?......................
Do you like to make positive changes to your school Environment?.............
Do you like worm farming and collecting worm juice to use it on plants?..................
Do you like to be trained to be a school leader? ………………
If your answer is yes for three or more of the above questions then you should join our environmental Club. See Diem Quynh Nguyen if you are interested.
Important environmental
Dates for 2020:
3rd March- Clean Up Australia
Day
24Th March- Earth Hour
5th June -World Environment
Day
26Th July- School Tree Day
28th July -National Tree Day
15th August -Keep Australia
Beautiful Week
19
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
The BGHS Worm Farm
Worm farming is becoming very popular these days. It is becoming an important sustainable way of dealing with organic waste.
Everything starts with a story. The Worm Farm and the worms that we have on the science balcony were donated by Bankstown City Council. Our aim from having a worm farm at our school is to feed the unwanted fruit and vegetable scraps left by students or the canteen to compost worms (a type of earthworm). By having a worm farm, we reduce the amount of rubbish in our bins and recycle unwanted scraps of fruits and vegetables into worm juice. This valuable resource produced by the farm can be used on the plants in our garden.
First we cleaned the worm farm box and tray from spider webs and insects that can kill the worms such as spiders and flies. We put a piece of cardboard to line the bottom of the worm farm. We added some fresh compost and newspaper shredding to cover the worms and put top soil and coconut husk. Then we released the compost worms in the soil and gave them food to eat. We placed the lid on top of the worm farm to keep it dark and moist and keep pests and predators out.
What do worms eat?
Worms eat eggshells, tea bags, hair, fruit and vegetable scraps (except for potato peels), coffee grounds, soggy paper and cardboard. The worm farm is placed on the balcony of the science staffroom because worm farms like to be placed in shady and sunny spot areas. We all worked hard and learnt new facts about worm farming. It was such a fun adventure exploring the likes and dislikes of worms. We collect food from the canteen and playground and visit the worms every week to feed the worms and check on the amount of moisture and the pH of the soil to make sure the conditions are right for the survival of these worms.
Article contributors:
Khizra NaveedShahd Al-MuzailFatema Al KheenPrabhleen IssarMona Dakkak
20
PDHPE
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
2019 has been another busy and successful
year for the PDHPE faculty.
Year 7 and 8 participated in the annual Field
Day competition. The girls nominated their
favourite sport out of Newcomb Ball, Netball,
Basketball, Soccer, and 4-wicket cricket. Once
selected, the girls were split into teams and
were coached by Year 9 and 10 PASS students
in preparation to verse teams from East Hills
Girls, Birrong Girls, and Liverpool Girls High
School. We enjoyed a day out in the sun and the
girls were very successful on the day. One of the
Netball teams were undefeated!
Congratulations to these students!
Year 9, 10, and 11 also attended their
Recreational Sport excursion at Sydney Olympic
Park Aquatic Centre. The girls were suited up
and engaged in a range of water activities
including the water slide, whirlpool, playground,
and water polo. The girls had a nutritious lunch
and slept on the bus home after an exhausting
day at the pool!
Students from Year 7, 8, and 9 also
participated in the annual Edmondson Cup
tournament. Students were challenged as they
competed in Badminton, Table Tennis and
Soccer. Students came 3rd on the day and
showed great sportsmanship.
Year 7 attended their first Swim School
program. Students were educated on water
safety and awareness, and refined their
swimming stroke skills in preparation for our
2020 Swimming Carnival.
21
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
There were many award recipients at the
Semester 2 Merit Assembly. Students were
acknowledged for their efforts in the Knockout
Competitions held throughout the year. The girls
were lucky to have received their medal from
our special guest, Beau Ryan, former National
Rugby League player and current media
personality. Mr. Ryan spoke about maintaining
a good work ethic, before expressing his love for
our humble area.
Finally, select students were privileged to be
involved in the ‘El Magic’ program. Former
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs player and
legend Hazem El Masri visited the school and
gave a talk about resilience. He also provided
them with a goal-kicking session to give the girls
the magic boot.
We look forward to an even bigger and better
2020 school year!
22
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
On the 8th of November, members of the Buzz
Media Team and some Art students had the
opportunity to attend an incursion, where we met
John an illustrator for various newspapers and
magazines including the Daily Telegraph.
The two-period workshop was highly educational as
well as entertaining, as it provided us insight into
possible career options and how John got to where
he is.
We were very lucky to view samples of his work and
see how he has grown as an artist, and developed
his own unique and personal drawing style. We
were also able to see the different forms and
mediums that his work takes on - we were
especially intrigued by his caricatures of different
celebrities and iconic figures, including Mick Jagger
and “ScoMo”.
During period 4, John offered to draw something for
us! We had the delight to witness him create a
brilliant piece of the influential personality we were
featuring in the Buzz - Brie Larson, feminist and
face of Cap’n Marvel. It was truly mesmerising to
watch him draw her with such accuracy and speed.
All in all it was a great and refreshing experience,
that provided an interesting outlook into the life of
an illustrator and his fascinating portfolio.
Written By: Khadija Salim23
C L I M A T E C H A N G EAustralia, with its vast and varied wilderness, is currently under threat. Current climate scientists will tell you that Australia is especially vulnerable to the climate crisis, placing our unique environment at risk. Talk to any environmental activists and they will tell you it’s no surprise we are experiencing climate change; since Australia exports more coal than any other nation on earth. So what’s at stake in the fight against coal and for climate solutions in Australia? There are four key ways climate change is impacting the nation and its people such as; heat and drought, bushfires, agriculture and livestock and even damage to the great barrier reef.
Drought since 2018, Australia has battled and continues to endure “its worst drought in living memory.” And climate models indicate that, as rain patterns continue to change and heat continues to rise, southern and eastern Australia will spend more and more time in drought going forward – unless we act. This drought impacts the landscape through dust erosion, bushfires and contributes to the extinction of many animal species.
Firewe already know that Australia is becoming hotter and drier due to climate change – making the perfect conditions for bushfire. Plants dry up and die, the ideal kindling to fuel a fire. Over the past few weeks we have been blanketed in smoke and ash unlike ever before. “The climate is
changing and we’re seeing the effects of that on the frontline by more and more fires, more frequently, and more severe.”
Farmingfarmers depend on a steady climate to grow food and raise livestock. The climate crisis makes it increasingly difficult for farmers to grow food for Australia. As Australia's climate changes, every type of farmer will be affected – from those who raise dairy cows to fruits and vegetable producers to wine growers and everything in between. Our current farming methods required huge quantities of water and fertile land which are become scare in times of drought. Hopefully we can rethink the way we use our land, prevent climate change and ensure people in the future will be able to live sustainably in Australia.
The ocean and great barrier reef
The great barrier reef is larger than the great wall of china and the only living thing on our planet that can be seen from outer space. It might seem too huge to hurt, but our carbon dioxide emissions are killing the reef. Higher carbon means our oceans warm up and become acidic which damages fragile coral ecosystems.
It’s clear that Australia has a lot to lose to climate change if we don’t take action. Unfortunately, much like in the US, Australia's federal government has not risen to the challenge. The repercussions of the climate crisis are affecting societies both environmentally and economically and will continue to do so if there are no preventative procedures in place to mitigate any further potential risks.
24
It’s 2019, so why are we still having debates over how women are portrayed in cinema?
Brie Larson, the lead actress of the movie ‘Captain Marvel’, plays a strong, female lead
role that is intended to be a role model for young females worldwide, and she does so
successfully. She is not only renowned for her acting, but she is also an outspoken
advocate for gender equality. Larson played a pivotal part of the "Time's Up" movement,
created in 2018 to combat sexual harassment. Time's Up established a legal defence fund
for victims of sexual misconduct and promoted initiatives to achieve gender equality in
front of and behind the camera, at both movie studios and talent agencies.
In her latest role, Larson portrays a strong,
powerful independent female superhero
who realises that she’s been fighting her
whole life with one hand behind her back,
and that she has been held back her entire
life. Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) is a
physically strong female that was always
having her power concealed and controlled
by males. This is a strong message and
theme of the movie, as that is a very true
and relatable factor of many women’s lives,
and the movie successfully challenges it.
However, Larson receives constant
backlash that she “doesn’t deserve to play
such a powerful female” despite her
continuous efforts in spreading more
awareness about gender inequality and
sexual harassment. Though there are many
internet trolls and ‘haters’ of Brie Larson,
they’re the last people on her mind as she
focuses her efforts on inspiring young
females through programs and continuing
to portray powerful females in her movies
and shows.
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime 25
Brie Larson is a feminist and does not shy away from stating her opinions, and it’s
unfortunate that the media and certain groups of people twist her words. When Larson
argues for gender equality, they mark her a ‘man-hater’, which is something that she
very much is not. She stated that “The world isn’t as simple as a straight white guy. It
doesn’t end there, and these films need to represent more than one type of person”,
and while she received backlash for saying this, her ‘Avengers Endgame’ co-star Tom
Holland that said a contrasting statement to hers was praised. In fact, a group of
people spammed the reviews on the Captain Marvel film, claiming she was anti-white
male and there was barely a murmur of conversation over Holland’s almost identical,
pro-diversity statement.
To summarise, even if Brie Larson doesn’t portray a sexualised character or a muscular
character, nor a damsel in distress. Instead she portrays a positive female role model
that challenges stereotypes and breaks controlling societal ideas of how a woman
should act. A female that not only fights the Kree on screen, but also fights societal
ideas and concepts off screen.
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
Illustra
tion
by Jo
hn
Tie
de
ma
nn
26
“A Kappa is an intimidating
amphibious Yōkai demon found
in traditional Japanese folklore.
They are found in rivers and
they have the ability to drown
people and animals”
On the 6th of November, four students from year 10 Visual Arts went on an adventure to
the Art Gallery of NSW. We went on a private tour with four other schools to the Japan
Supernatural Exhibition, where we learnt about ‘Yōkai’. After the tour we regrouped and
were given a task to create a traditional Japanese scroll which replicated the scrolls we
saw on the exhibition. Each scroll described a story through a visual narrative. Our group
chose the theme ‘good versus evil’ inspired by the mythological characters and creatures
we saw in the Japan Supernatural Exhibition. Out of all the participants, our group placed
2nd, winning a $50 gift card. It was a wonderful experience and we encourage the inner
artist in you.
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime27
FAST FORWARDWestern Sydney Uni
Fast Forward is a program for Year 9 students toexperience university education. We recently wenton an excursion to the University of Western Sydneyand were introduced to Uni student and thecampus.Over the day, we participated in different activitiesto build our communication and team work skills.Students had to find what type of “smart” they are,for example, body smart, music smart, peoplesmart, self-smart, word smart, logic smart, naturesmart and picture smart. By finding which talentthey had, students were shown some of thepotential future careers they could follow.
28
On the 13th of November, 10ENGLISH1 went to
the University of Sydney to participate in the
creative writing workshop with three other schools.
We broke off into groups to collaborate with new
people and did an activity based off a book called
‘I remember’ by Joe Brainard. We were given five
categories, within each category we had to write
poems based on our memories. Afterwards, we
were given a tour around the campus where we
were shown the USYD Graffiti Tunnel, Museum and
Fisher Library. All schools then gathered in a large
lecture theatre to present their poems. Here is one
of the poems presented by BGHS student Nur
Suryantoko:
“I remember my old bedroom, where yellow glass
stained windows and til1
I remember my old backyard, where 3 bunnies
made home too
I remember my old kitchen, where the sweet smell
of apples and cinnamon came in winter1
I remember my old garden, where mangoes and
herbs grow all year long.
I remember my old corridor where hollow sounds
were made though running across timbre boards.”
We would like to thank Mr Nadile and Ms Hogg for
giving us an opportunity to express and develop
our creative writing skills.BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
29
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime
Y E A R 1 2
30
HIGH SCHOOL …...FOR A DAYA DAYBankstown Girls High invited a group of Year 5 primary students from different schools in the area to experience the amazing life of high school and get them ready for the future. The class was divided into groups who were sent to different subjects over the course of the day.
There were many activities assigned for different groups, for example, the first event was a game called “human bingo” where they had to find other students and see if they suit a box on their bingo sheet. In another event, students went around in a circle saying their names and hobbies. The primary students put their creativity to the test during a ‘Black-out’ poetry activity.
Across each subject, activities such as these allowed the students to get more comfortable and confident with making new friends in a high school setting. Both the primary and students of BGHS had lots of fun and left school with a smile on their face.
31
32
In support of White Ribbon Day,
Year 9 Links to Learning
dedicated two periods to create
amazing artworks to show their
support of this movement. White
Ribbon Australia is a part of a
global social movement of men
and boys working to end men's
violence against women. Year 9
Links to Learning aimed to show
their support of an Australian
society where all women can live
in safety, free from violence and
abuse through their powerful and
creative artworks. Well done
girls!
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime 33
S c h o o l C a p t a i n s
Asfira Khan and Hayat Nahas
2020
Y e a r 1 1 / 1 2
Hannifah Amin, Vivien Vu, Hawa Kondeh, Saja
Al Abdallah, Emily Deadman, Linh Vo (absent),
Asfira Khan and Hayat Nahas
Y e a r 1 0 / 1 1
Ainslie Kosena, Ana Nguyen, Tamanna
Farheen, Soundarya Deshmukh, Anh Pham
and Colleen Lelei
Y e a r 9 / 1 0
Kathryn Nathaniel, Amani El Masri, Michelle
Le and Ayah Maikel
Y e a r 8 / 9
Siti Jahera, Malak Yassin, Razaan Ghazzoui
and Angelica Griarte
Y e a r 7 / 8
Soundous Sabaoui, Eliyah El Bahsa, Daniella
Mansour and Mona Bakkor34
On the 16th October, forty girls entered the world of Man vs. Wild as we
embarked on an unforgettable experience. With complainants about lack of Wi-Fi
connections and weak shower water pressures, our girls adapted to the
‘wilderness’ of the great Aussie bush camp and had the best experience of their
life!
After enduring the longest three hours of our lives, we arrived with our suitcases
filled to the brim with snacks. With expectations high and everyone was excited,
we were introduced to our cabins of flat mattresses with tiny windows for
ventilation. With a schedule of jam packed activities organised by our instructors,
our camp experience literally began the second we put down our bags. Beginning
with the lost island challenge, this mud course pushed our limits as we swam
under logs, crawled through old smelly sewer pipes and participated in so many
other activities giving such priceless reactions from our friends and teachers. So
what was ‘Man vs Wild’, became ‘Teachers vs complaining students’.
With entrenched bodies of mud combined with the scorching sun, this activity
was truly an unforgettable experience, teaching us how to let go and have fun
even if it ruined our hair. As our socks were filled with rocks and sticks, we
headed over to the survivor challenge. This activity was a challenge of strategy
with two teams racing to get into the centre of the mud pool. Only allowed to use
a few pieces of planks, and tyres in the middle of the mud pool, teams were
screaming of competitiveness to race to the middle. With girls falling into the mud
left and right, this challenge forced us to think outside the box and push our
limits.
Waking up the next day at 6am to the loud speakers of ‘Dance monkey’, we all
walked towards the cafeteria where we ate traditional Aussie breakfast foods.
Faced with 16m poles, girls were strapped and harnessed into the giant swing
and power fan. The air filled with laughs, terrified screams and lots of support, we
were levered to the top of the swing where then the next few seconds would be
the most terrifying yet fun experience ever. With the rush of adrenaline, we
soared through the air as we plummeted metres down.BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime35
If we already didn’t already get enough fun,
the commando night was probably the
most thrilling activity. In the pitch black
night, we were split into teams trying to
find glow sticks that were supposedly
hidden in the bushes of bugs and blade
grass. With such high levels of enthusiasm,
our hopes of winning were crushed as the
teachers made it almost impossible to win.
Reeling from this activity, night festivities came to life as
girls blasted loud music, ate one too many instant
noodles, staying up to 5am and pulling fun pranks on the
teachers. Faced with possums, spiders and moths
around the cabins, our lack of sleep followed us to the
next day as we all couldn’t wait to finish our memorable
journey.
BUZZ NEWSLETTER
semper optime36
37