2023 Week 9 Term 3 Hurlstone Agricultural
High School Newsletter

Issue: 4

Year: 2023

Published timing: Week 9, Term 3, 2023

Published date: 12 September 2023

In this issue:

• Principal's Report including outline of Term 4 New Mobile Phone Management Plan
• Deputy Principal Reports
• Boarding School Feature
• Medical clearances and certificates
• Staff Spotlight
• Faculty Features
• Careers Corner
• Talent Development
• Parent Pulse
• P & C Updates
• Illuminating Alumni
• Contact Us

• R U OK? Day : 14 September
• Year 11 Preliminary Exam Block : 11 September to 21 September
• Year 11 Grade Assembly and Graduation : 22 September
• Year 12 Mocktails and Formal Dinner : 18 September
• Year 12 Picnic Day: 19 September
• Year 12 Graduation Ceremony : 22 September
• Students' last day of Term 3 classes: 22 September
• Students' first day of Term 4 classes: 9 October
• Boarding students return from Sunday 8 October at 3pm
• P & C Meeting : 11 October
• Higher School Certificate written exams start on Wednesday 11 October 2023 with
  English Paper 1 and finish on Friday 3 November 2023 with Food Technology

Year 12, 2023 on behalf of our school community I wish you all the best in the coming weeks
as you work side by side with your teachers in preparation for your HSC examinations. You
have captivated our school community on numerous occasions. Your teachers have been
inspired by your gifts and talents and your commitment to both academic and extra-
curricular profiles. I want to thank your year advisers, Ms Sabah and Ms Tarannum, who
have been by your side during your educational and wellbeing journey at Hurlstone for the
past six years.

Their dedication under the leadership of your Year 12 Deputy Principal Mr Krishan and
Student Leadership Team Co-ordinator Mr Ajam, co-created with your student voice a week
of wellbeing activities and continued academic support in celebration leading up to your
final graduation assembly and high school formal.

Students representing Hurlstone in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics

This term was a highlight for student success. I was lucky enough to
attend the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (VCCRI) School
Science Awards at Campbelltown Arts Centre on Monday 28
August, with Mr Trotter, relieving Head Teacher Science. We
celebrated the awarded students Danya Albadran and James Luu,
whose passion and commitment to Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) was truly revealed when
they spoke with the innovation teams of doctors and STEM
specialists. The students and their parents enjoyed an array of
canapes and refreshments in the arts centre and were addressed by
inspirational guest speaker and VCCRI researcher Dr Monique Bax.
Our school community are very proud to have dedicated students
whose passions and gifts may challenge themselves to find creative
solutions for current and future problem solving in medical
research.

Why student collaboration is important

Sharon Davis has been supporting and guiding our gifted students
in the Future Space Program. Together we proudly attended the
Parramatta venue Phive to watch the student pitches. Our
passionate students Shreyas Gaonker and Aditya Bagalore from
“The no brainers” group presented their ideas for the experiment
“Neurons in Microgravity”. Shreya and Aditya were awarded highly
commended for their collaboration. Ararohee Hirachan and Zoe
Boifacio presented their experiment on “Sentient Slime” with
confidence and creativity.

Our Director Educational Leadership also attended the day as
several of our Glenfield network area schools competed in the
opportunity this project provided. The Casula High School team
won the pitch. We congratulate them on their exceptional entry. It
was an inspiring and rewarding day and all students involved have
made our school proud.

The NSW Department of Education has a new Students’
Use of Mobile Phones in Schools policy, which comes into
effect in Hurlstone Agricultural High School at the
beginning of Term 4, 2023.

Our new Student Mobile Phone Management Plan will impact the
way students will use and access their mobile phones during school
hours. The new system is being implemented to increase focus in all
learning environments, remove distractions and to also promote
positive social interactions, while reducing the potential for online
bullying.

The new mobile phone management plan will apply
during all school hours, including break times such as
during lunch and recess, as well as while students are on
school-based excursions and sport.

In addition, the policy will apply to boarding students
during all mealtimes and prep sessions.

Throughout Term 3, we have and continue to consult with the
school community, including staff and students, to build our
school’s policy and take on board feedback from the P&C and the
Boarder Parent Welfare Committee.

We are excited to make our school a mobile phone-free space to
improve learning and engagement, however, we will always make
sure you can contact your child in an emergency. There will also be
further information posted on the school website and via letters to
parents and caregivers.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the
school directly on 9829 9222.

1. Arrival to school on time. If the bus or/and train students catch
   is regularly late, it's time to look at catching an earlier service.
   Alternatively exploring an alternative route to get to school
   daily.
2. Students must follow the footwear requirements for practical
   lessons. Black leather shoes are worn to protect your child as
   they undertake their lessons.
3. Students wishing to drive to school, must apply for a car permit
   for Roy Watts Road. Roy Watts Road is designated a private
   road. On this road there is a designated area for students to
   park. Students are expected to park in this area only. Students
   should see the front office for an application form. The form will
   list what documents must be included such as:

• proof of current driver's licence
• parent signatures
• insurance policies
• registration information

Student Mobile Phone Policy Information Sessions

Deputy Principals will deliver the Mobile Phone Policy information
sessions to year groups.

These are scheduled below:

Year 7: 14 September

Year 8: 15 September

Year 9: 13 September

Year 10: 18 September

Year 11: To be confirmed (students are in examination block)

YEAR 7

Early in Term 3, I had the privilege of taking one of Mr Zahija's
Year 7 Wellbeing classes as he was fulfilling higher duties as our
relieving Head Teacher Teaching and Learning with Ms Slade. 7I
and I looked at the concepts of resilience and what it meant for us
and what it looked like for others. I was impressed with 7I students.
They listened respectfully to each other and supported each other
to present their work to the class.

I also discovered in this lesson we have lots of potentially good
speakers and I am looking now at some universal programs where
we can strengthen communication skills for all Year 7 students.

YEAR 10

Ms Robertson (Year 10 Advisor) and Ms West (Head Teacher
Welfare) held a Year 10 assembly on Monday 24 July to celebrate
the achievements of the great effort of our students. Mr Vasilious
(Head Teacher Teaching and Learning) presented students with
Gold Level Awards. The Gold Levels are explained in our student
planners which encourage students to identify and collect evidence
of their growth and participation in leadership, citizenship and
academic achievement.

Year 10-12 Parent Community Engagement Program

We hosted another parent community engagement evening but this
time for our Year 10-12 parents and carers on Wednesday 19 July.
These evenings are a great way to:

• meet staff (other than those that teach your child)
• share space and knowledge about school
• make space for you to tell us what is going on for your child and
  their learning
• find out how we can help your child to learn and thrive

*ACIP means above centrally identified position

Leena is a proud recipient of the Harding Miller Scholarship for
Girls this year. She attended an award ceremony late last term to
celebrate her achievement. The Harding Miller Scholarship is open
for 2024 applications until 14 September.

As part of her Year 8 female student application, she needed to
supply school reports and NAPLAN results demonstrating high
academic achievement. The boarding community is very proud of
her persistence, engagement in her work, and generosity in
supporting others. As part of this scholarship, Leena will receive a
high-quality laptop, online information technology (IT) support,
high-speed internet, $2500 worth of tutoring and prepaid expense
cards for school expenses for the next four years. For more
information about this scholarship, please visit the Harding Miller
website here.

This term has seen the boarding community engaged in an extensive recreational program.
We have had the support of Mr Jordan Cologon, as a casual Recreational officer to support
the scheduling and running of activities after school and on weekends. Students have
enjoyed a range of activities from cooking classes, soccer matches, outings to movies and
others planned for rockclimbing and bowling. Students have enjoyed spending more quality
time with their peers and have taken advantage of the activities on offer. We have much
more planned for the rest of semester 2 including some added lifeskills lessons, where we
will support the development of health, wealth and wisdom!

Remember

A reminder to all families that you need to pass onto the school, medical certificates and
clearances for school and other activities such as sport, when your child has had a
significant medical incident.

For example

If your child has had an accident at school and an ambulance is called, they should only
return to school when they have a medical certificate that states they are well enough to
return to school.

Unfit for sport and/or physical activities

If the injury impairs their mobility, they will need a certificate that says they are unfit for
sport and practical PDHPE lessons.

It is expected that your child still "attends" sport but adjustments will be made for your
child to continue to participate. We will be guided by what is stated on the medical
certificate/ notes and medical experts recommendations.

Adjustments can include, but not limited to:

• theory work
• assisting with the scoring and refereeing the sport or activity
• viewing documentaries that align to the lesson/ syllabus aim
• differentiated practical work

If you have any questions regarding the clearances required for your child's specific
situation we encourage you to phone the school before they return so adjustments can be
discussed.

Hello Hurlstone!

I feel privileged and very excited and join the Hurlstone community and in particular, the
Teaching and Learning faculty as a Head Teacher Teaching & Learning, English as an
Additional Language /Dialect (EAL/D) and an English teacher.

I have 21 years of teaching experience with leadership roles in Welfare, EAL/D and
Teaching and Learning. My most recent role being Practicum Advisor for Western Sydney
University. I am inspired and motivated by providing opportunities for fellow teachers and
leaders to excel and grow professionally and for all students to actively participate in a range
of innovative and enriching learning activities. I hope that my expertise in NSW Education
Standards Authority test development and assessment, Department of Education state
coordination of the RAW (Ready Arrive Work) program and in-depth knowledge of school
management of complex welfare cases can all support the educational experience and the
welfare of our students and staff.

Next time when you visit our school, put the Mini Cola area and the Art Studio rooms on
your sites to visit. You will notice and appreciate our school gardens are full of creative
delights produced by our students.

Some other creative art workshops held this term included leather journal making by Ms
Gabsi.

The spotlight dimmed on an incredible evening of talent and music
at this year’s Epic Variety Night. All of our students truly shined as
they graced the stage with their remarkable skills. From soulful
tunes to electrifying beats, every performance was breathtaking and
creative. A massive thank you to everyone who attended the night,
helping to make it a major success.

Pops Orchestra and Year 12 Dinner

Meeting at The Little Snail at Pyrmont, Year 12 members of Pops
Orchestra and Year 12 Music class gathered to reminisce and to
celebrate a common connection of the performing arts.

Our thanks are extended to both Mr Lam and Ms Wuhrer for
planning the event and to supporting staff who made this gathering
possible.

Legacy Junior Public Speaking

On the 31 July, the local final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition was hosted
by Al Sadiq College.

We had two competitors in the competition Ethan and Elouise. They were accompanied by
Caleb as the reserve speaker.

This was a nerve-wracking competition where 10 students presented their five-minute
prepared speeches to an audience of students, teachers, parents, and the adjudicator. The
topics chosen by the competitors ranged from the benefits of hope to socio-economic status,
and the negative effects of sitcoms, just to name a few.

All competitors spoke well, but the impromptu was what really separated the group into
those who could speak effectively with little preparation and those less confident. For this
part of the competition students were given only 5 minutes to prepare a short speech on the
topic “Enough is enough”, a broad concept that could mean any number of different things.
Students spoke about dangers of social media, the need to embrace AI, water conservation
among other topics.

After a very tough competition, three students were chosen to progress through to the
regional final. Angelina (St Euphemia College), Zaid (Sefton High School), and Hurlstone’s
very own Elouise from 7I were the three finalists. After receiving advice from the
adjudicator, all contestants are determined to improve.

By Caleb, Elouise and Ms Sproule

Senior History (Modern, Ancient and Extension) Study Day

In June the students in Ancient, Modern and Extension History attended Sydney University
for a study day to learn extra information that will benefit them for their HSC examinations.
The lectures were organised by the History Teachers Association which provides
professional learning for teachers in History and educational experiences for students.

Experienced teachers and HSC examination markers ran sessions that the students
attended on relevant sections of the syllabus. The students enjoyed the day at Sydney
University and most found the information useful to develop more historically in-depth
responses to HSC style questions.

Through the duration of 7 and 8 August, students from Bongseo
Middle School (봉서중학교) came to our school. They were
accompanied by Ms Eun (our Korean language teacher) and
students from the Year 11 Korean class throughout the two days.

Monday Period 1: Introduction to our farm

On Monday 7 August, Bongseo staff and students started their first
period with a school farm tour. This was led by Rural Youth Club
members who guided the students around the farm’s perimeter.
The students enjoyed seeing the sheep, cows, chickens and the
hydroponics farm.

Monday Period 2: What sport is Hurlstone students' best
at?

Their second period was a joint Ultimate Frisbee PDHPE class with
10E.

10E, Bongseo students, and the Year 11 students were introduced
to throwing drills followed by games where students were placed in
mixed teams to play ultimate frisbee led by Mr Andrew Wilson.

Monday Period 3: What sandwich spread is Australia
famous for?

Bongseo students, with the Year 10 Hospitality students cooked
Australian food snacks; fairy bread and Vegemite scrolls!

Monday Period 4 : EAL/D literacy lesson

In the final period, Bongseo students reflected on their days here in
Sydney so far. Ms Pavisic lesson focused on learning to do journal
writing. The Year 11 students helped to assist the Bongeo Middle
visitors with their writing.

On Tuesday 8 August, the Korean students started their day in
the dance studio.

The Year 9 and 12 Music class, delivered multiple performances
including the piano, guitar, singing and violin, for the students.
Alongside this, some of the Korean students also performed on the
piano, violin and danced.

Their second period accompanied By Ms Barry’s Year 11 Sport
Life Recreation class, played AFL. They went through multiple
drills led by the Sport Life Recreation students. All students were
split into 2 games where they played AFL.

In their third period, they had their final English lesson
completing their journal entries for their final day at Hurlstone.
They were also encouraged to write their reflections on their entire
Australia trip.

During their lunchtime, the students were awarded certificates and
a HAHS package for their time at our school.

At their final period, they joined a visual arts lesson with Ms
Ross’s class. They were happy to enjoy drawing and making crafts.

At the conclusion of the day, they bid their goodbyes to the Year 11
students and teachers.

We hope they had a lovely experience at our school :)

The Bongseo students have written some reflections after their visit to HAHS.

1. 김민서 KIM MINSEO

I was very happy that the students welcomed me when I visited the school and it was
interesting because it was different from Korean school.

2. 김현수 KIM HYUNSU

I'll never forget what I saw, heard, and ate.

3. 박아론 PARK AHRON

At first I was afraid because I worried about making friends and about my English skills.
But Hurlstone friends are so kind and friendly so I will never forget Hurlstone Agricultural
High School. Thank you, Hurlstone friends!!!

4. 박율 PARK YUL

I had fun with my Australian friends. School classes were really fun, too.

5. 송수민 SONG SUMIN

I was surprised that Hurlstone High School, unlike our school, has a very large playground.
Hurlstone school friends were also very kind and nice. I think it'll be an unforgettable
memory.

6. 송예준 SONG YEJUN

I was surprised that Hurlstone students spoke Korean much better than I thought, and it
was amazing that we could talk through Social Media even when we came to Korea. I found
out that there is a difference in the system between Hurlstone Agricultural High School and
the Korean school.

7. 송유찬 SONG YUCHAN

I was glad to meet them, and I want to visit there agian. I did a lot of things there, and I
made a lot of friends. I want to meet my Australian friends again.

8. 심소현 SIM SOHYUN

Every single of the moments at HAHS were really wonderful. I can swear that everybody at
the school was very kind to all of us. And all the classes were really helpful for me. Thank
you again HAHS.

9. 윤준호 YOON JUNHO

A visit to Hurlstone High School was the best experience on this Australian field trip. I never
imagined there would be a farm at school!!!

10. 이나래 LEE NARAE

Hurlstone high school’s students welcomed us brightly and gave us a lot of attention. So I
can talk to Hurlstone friends without being nervous. I miss them and want to go to
Hurlstone school again.

11. 이서현 LEE SEOHYUN

I made good memories at Hurlstone Agricultural High School. It was good to make new
friends and take new classes. If I have a chance, I want to go to Hurlstone Agricultural High
School again.

12. 이예나 LEE YENA

I thought you wouldn't like us because we are students from other countries, but you helped
us so friendly. I was really grateful for your kind help. I love you HAHS!!

13. 이예원 LEE YEWON

Honestly, I didn't have a chance to use English in Australia, but I think it was a good
opportunity to use English a lot at HURLSTONE AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL
GLENFIELD. I miss my friends at Hurlstone Agricultural High School so much.

14. 이유정 LEE YOUJONG

I was looking forward to the school in Australia, but I was glad that you welcomed me more
than I thought. We made a lot of good memories.

15. 한서현 HAN SEOHYUN

It was a very special experience to go to a school in another country and take classes. And it
would be the most special experience in my life.

16. 한소율 HAN SOYUL

I was very surprised because the scenery of Hurlstone Agricultural High School was very
beautiful unlike Korean schools. The students were all so kind to us. School classes were
really fun, too.

Year 11 Japanese Excursion

At the beginning of the term, our Year 11 Japanese Continuers class went to the Japanese
Language Centre at Kirrawee. Here they participated in a variety of Japanese language and
culture activities and ate delicious Japanese lunch.

As we approach summer, it is a timely reminder to encourage your
child to:

• Slip on a shirt
• Slop on the 30+ sunscreen
• Slap on a hat
• Seek shade or shelter
• Slide on some sunnies.

According to the Cancer Council NSW the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek,
Slide campaign aims to protect us from skin cancer.

Please encourage your child to proactively protect themselves from
the sun and remind them to wear a school hat and use the
sunscreen dispensers located around our school.

At the beginning of Term 3, Year 7 students attended a
ThinkUKnow seminar, hosted by Senior Constable Allan Clapham
of NSW Police. This program is a partnership between the
Australian Federal Police and The National Crime Agency’s CEOP
Education team, which aims to help protect children and young
people from online threats.

Senior Constable Clapham provided valuable advice about digital
footprint, responsible use of social media and strategies for
improving cybersecurity. His interactive presentation included
games, an exploration of different case studies and an insightful
Q&A session. Through this program, students increased their
confidence when using different forms of digital platforms. On
behalf of Hurlstone Agricultural High School, I would like to thank
Senior Constable Clapham for providing our students with such a
valuable learning opportunity.

-Mr P. Best (Year 7 Advisor)

Don’t miss out on what’s happening! Join the Hurlstone Careers Hub!

1: Go to the Hub https://studyworkgrow.com.au/school/hurlstone-agricultural-high-
school/.

2: Click on ‘Create your membership’.

3: Follow the steps and use your School Code - HURLSTONEH

Success in Macquarie University Gifted & Talented program

This program provides an opportunity for high achieving students to undertake university
units while still in high school. Congratulations to Year 10 student, Ian who has successfully
completed the Macquarie University Gifted and Talented Course in Critical Thinking. This
is a NESA Board Endorsed unit that will appear on his HSC testamur and he will now
receive an Early Entry offer from Macquarie University when he is in Year 12. Ian’s High
Distinction grade result is an outstanding achievement!

Students who are interested in participating in this program can find more information
here: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/schemes/gifted-
talented

Enrolments for NSW SOL and Distance Education

• Distance Education is an NSW Department of Education entity that provides the
  opportunity for Stage 5 and 6 students to undertake study of a single course that is not
  available at their home school.
• The NSW School of Languages is a specialist distance education school that offers courses
  in 12 languages for students from Years 9-12.

Applications for study in 2024 and the relevant completed paperwork need to be submitted
to the Careers Advisor by MONDAY OCTOBER 30 at the latest.

The importance of ‘getting involved’

Increasingly application to study at university is determined by a range of selection methods
which bypass the ATAR or combine it with other criteria. An excellent ATAR is not enough!
Selection methods such as interviews, portfolios, auditions and admission essays enable
universities to get a more complete picture of student aptitudes not captured by a tertiary
ranking, as well as gathering the more contextual factors necessary to determine how well a
student is suited to a particular field of study. In particular, university Early Entry Schemes
and Scholarship Programs recognise experience gained through community service,
volunteering, working part time, caring for family, participating in school leadership,
excelling in sports, creative and performance arts, competitions and more.

Ways to ‘get involved’ can be found on the Careers Hub:

· Curtin University has changed their admission for Medicine

· USYD – 3rd–13th Jan 2024 Residential Careers Experience - Choose from Medicine,
Psychology, Engineering, Business Management, Creative Writing, International Relations,
and Veterinary Studies. For Students aged 13–18

· Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) | Site Visit (September School Holidays).
For Years 9-12, limit of 30 places

· Engineering Experience (Aeronautical, Electrical, Mechanical, Software, Systems,
Civil, Structural, Project) on HMAS Kuttabul, Garden Island.

· Support for Medical Interviews and Pathways to Medicine

· University Early Entry Schemes and Open Days

· Applying for a USI is Required for Tertiary Admissions Centre Applications

· USYD has abolished the Maths prerequisite for some programs for 2024

· USYD Commencing domestic student scholarships application

· Taronga’s Youth at the Zoo program (YATZ)

· St John’s Ambulance Cadet Program

· FISHTANK – Got a good idea for the ocean? $10,000 in cash and other prizes!

· NSW Group of the Australian Air League is currently recruiting cadets.

· Student friendly Casual / Part Time jobs at Swim School, Christmas World, Coles,
Target, Just Jeans, Dotti, Jay Jays etc

· Work Experience @ UNSW Quantam Computation & Communication Technology.

· AVCAT Scholarships – scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Australian
ex-serving veterans. Scholarships are $4000–$6000 per year, for up to three years.
Applications close 31 October 2023

· WiseTech Global’s Earn & Learn Program

· Scholarship opportunity for 2023 Female Students in Year 8

· UTS Videos for Change competition. Entries close 30th September, 2023

· World Vision Australia is now an Activity Provider with The Duke of Edinburgh
International Award for NSW! The 40 Hour Famine is just one of the many ways
Participants can get involved

· Agribusiness Australia Scholarships

Don’t miss out on what’s happening! Join the Hurlstone Careers Hub!

Step 1:Go to the Hub https://studyworkgrow.com.au/school/hurlstone-agricultural-high-
school/

Step 2: Click on ‘Create your membership’.

Step 3: Follow the steps and use your School Code - HURLSTONEH

In this newsletter, we have featured the creative, physical and intellectual domain.

For a deep dive in gifted and high potential education research, the NSW Education
Department has released a discussion paper Introducing the physical domain: a discussion
paper for school leaders and teachers : https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-
learning/high-potential-and-gifted-education/HPGE-research#Physical4

Across the end of Term 2 and the beginning of Term 3 the Under
15’s Girls and Boys Basketball teams played a series of matches
against other local public high schools.

Girls Team and Boys Team

The girls’ team went down to very competitive team from Cecil Hills
High School.

The boys team made it to the second round but lost to Cabramatta
High School.

While overall the results didn’t go our way this year the students in
both teams demonstrated clear determination and enthusiasm
during their training and game time. As always, the students
demonstrated what it means to be fair, honest and hardworking
sports people at Hurlstone.

Very well done to Korn and Eric who volunteered their time to
coach and train the boys and girls teams. Thanks very much also to
Leonardo and Leon who refereed the girls’ and boys’ games
respectively.

Our creative students have been working hard to reinvigorate a
tired looking Archibull from a few years ago under the guide of Ms
Gabsi and renamed the Archibull, Betty Moo.

The next time you come through our school front office foyer please
say hello to Betty Moo.

The time and effort put into this project made it an extremely
rewarding experience for the team by promoting a sense of pride
within the school community of Hurlstone. We produced a quality
piece that ultimately blends the concept of art and agriculture in a
successful manner. This project also provides a welcoming
environment here at Hurlstone by being installed in the school
office. Overall, the cow mosaic serves as a visual reminder of our
agriculture-focused school. It also promotes understanding,
appreciation and respect for the critical role of Agriculture and The
Arts within our community.

Jasmin Year 10

Working with a range of students, destined to place our legacy in
the school by handcrafting such a beautiful artwork, was an
incredible experience. This project was, for me and many of my
peers, our first time working with the mosaic process, which
provided a challenge. We had to ensure that the tiles both stuck to
the cow firmly while looking visually appealing. The days spent on
decorating the cow (who my classmates named Betty to some
disagreement) involved designing the mosaic, cutting and adhering
tiles. Guided by Ms Gabsi, we paid attention to detail, meticulously
following the contour lines of the cow with incredibly tiny tiles, and
assembled the tiles into a desired pattern. Students developed a
range of skills involving communication, planning, teamwork, and
developed their artmaking practice, as well as interacting and
aiding peers in the vision to make our cow perfect.

This project’s purpose to me personally, was to represent a key part
of Hurlstone, in this case, symbolising the evergreen fields of land
that surround Hurlstone, (whose view I witness every Cross
Country). The labour that goes into keeping these fields green is
parallel to the labour I witnessed to create this cow. It was amazing
to see my fellow peers from Year 7 to 10, who many I had never
talked to, so invested and excited by the creative arts. Students
were having fun mosaicking and resolved to work to achieve such a
successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome. I think I can say on
behalf of them that we were all grateful for the opportunity to work
on this project and hope to do something similar in the near future.

Caitlyn Year 10

A year has passed since we first embarked on the Powerhouse Future Space Program and
linear time calls to me as an educator to reflect on the journey's beginnings and the now.

Thanks to modern technology I am able to watch this historic recording of our students and
staff, Ms Davis, circa August 2022 and see the talent development possibilities this program
promises. I invite you to watch this here: https://vimeo.com/748976860

12 months on, it's August 2023 and Ted from Magnitude.io has come to our school to listen
to students pitch their ideas. I observed that students were open to getting high quality and
timely feedback from Ted and also their peers to help them improve their pitches. It was a
great reflection moment as I enjoyed seeing how much the students have grown over the
year as risk takers , researchers and learners.

The 2024 Future Space Program

The Powerhouse Future Space Program continues to challenge students thinking about
wicked global problems and deriving solutions that benefit humanity.

Some key search terms (hints) for students who might be interested in the 2024 program:

• SpaceTango
• Magnitude.io
• Astrobotany.com
• Exolab
• ISS National Lab

If students are interested please reach out to deputy principals: Ms Davis or Ms Pham

The Whitlam Institute runs an annual writing competition, What
Matters?, that allows students to write about what is important to
them.

We congratulate the following students for making the shortlist and
wish them all the best as the judges make their final decision.

The 2023 What Matters? Shortlist include:

• Aaryan Khan (Year 9-10 category)
• Mohammed Azmat (Year 11-12 category)
• Sophia Le (Year 11-12 category)
• Bahushruth Mitte (Year 11-12 category)
• Brian Op (Year 11-12 category)

You can read the competition entries of our students on the What
Matters? website.

There are many writing competitions within Australia and globally
that your child can participate in. Often these competitions provide
a monetary reward such as money, scholarships and travel. Others
are a platform to provide rich opportunities to celebrate and
promote the gifts and talents of young people.

Our Careers Advisor, Ms Keegan, regularly emails students and
posts opportunities on MS Teams as well as other teachers.

As parents, one of the best ways to support your child is to
encourage them to have a go at some of these competitions to
extend and challenge their world view. An internet search is also a
productive way to find out what opportunities are available.

Students have a chance of winning up to $10,000. Students have to
read an Ayn Rand novel and write an essay. If your child loves to
read, there is one writing contest currently open, Atlas Shrugged.
Deadline for entries is 6 November 2023.

For more information go to the link: https://aynrand.org/
students/essay-contests/

The Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition is open to all
Australian high school students. It is a wonderful opportunity for
serious student writers, encouraging them in their literary growth
- and there are also some fantastic prizes on offer!

Check out the website for competition details: https://
www.storyfest.com.au/novella-writing-competition

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition provides a
platform for young, ambitious high school students to exercise
their writing skills and compete with students from all over the
world!

This competition encourages students to challenge themselves and
explore different writing styles to ultimately strengthen their
writing skills. - https://www.essaycomp.org/

This year prompts that students could respond to included:

1. The year is 2041. AI (artificial intelligence) has led us astray.
What has happened?

2. What has been the most impactful piece of media you have
consumed and why? (e.g. a film, book, tv episode, song, etc.)

3. What quote do you live by?

4. Modern journalists primarily chase clicks, scandals, bad news,
and public take-downs. What impact does this have on our
society?

Get your child to check out the website and see what the 2024
prompts are and if any of the questions resonate and link to their
passions and interests.

POEM FOREST is a free nature writing prize that
breathes back life into the natural world that sustain us.

Entries close Friday 22 September 2023.

"All POEM FOREST Prize entries are published in our digital
library and have the chance to win $5,000 in prizes, including
$500 case for each category, book packs, garden tours, plants,
journals and more."

Find out more information about the competition: https://
redroompoetry.org/projects/poem-forest/

Mental Health and Wellbeing

SAFEMinds: At Home provides a range of resources to help families support their child's
mental health and wellbeing outside of school.

Family Finance

The Saver Plus program by the Smith Family helps families to build financial skills and
develop good saving habits.

Student Support Officers (SSOs)

Student Support Officers work in schools to enhance the wellbeing and learning outcomes of
students.

They also have a pivotal role in working collaboratively with external and other
government agencies in their support of students and their families.

Our school student support officer is Ashlie Riley. Her office is located in the Wellbeing
Centre.

Students can make an appointment to see Ashlie via our school front office or use the QR
codes around the school.

SchoolBytes Messages

Please check your spam folder for any emails we have sent. We get reports that some of our
emails that we send via SchoolBytes has been identified, and blocked as spam. Configure
your email inbox to accept noreply@outbound.schoolbytes.education

This configuration is important as the school plans to transition to SchoolBytes as the
primary communication platform for parents and carers. Critical messages may go out that
you need to know or action.

If you are experiencing issues, please make contact with the school for assistance.

The P & C Updates are from the school's P & C elected members to keep the school informed
about all things P & C including its canteen and uniform operations.

The HAHS P&C is seeking nominations for the office of Treasurer.

The ideal candidate is a member of the parent community who is a
financial professional with bookkeeping or accountancy
qualifications.

The Treasurer is responsible for the financial management of the
P&C and its businesses.

The role would require a commitment of approximately 4 hours per
week during school terms.

Interested people can contact the P&C.

Phil Lavers

P & C Treasurer

Our P&C is here to build a stronger school community to all children's benefit here at
Hurlstone Agricultural High School.

We would love more parents, care-givers and community-minded people, who want to help
their school, to join our P&C.

The P&C needs people from all walks of life and with a range of talents, ideas and beliefs
who are committed to delivering great outcomes for our children and our school.

The more people involved, the more exciting and successful our P&C will be.

Research shows that children perform better at school when their parents are involved in
their education.

As a P&C member, parents and care-givers can contribute opinions and vote at P&C
meetings on range of issues.

By joining our P&C, you can make a difference to what’s happening in the school for the
better.

Minimum annual requirements of members

1. Attend at least one P&C meeting.

2. Complete membership form & pay membership fee at a meeting (Note: this money
primarily goes to initiatives to benefit the school community).

3. Vote on issues.

High achieving members who are able to put a bit more time in can:

• Research & make ideas to present as a motion at a P&C meeting.
• Volunteer to run a event or project.
• Represent the P&C in school decisions such as interviewing prospective teachers for a
  position.
• Volunteer to be an executive officer and, if hired in, handle things like managing the P&C
  accounts (see above), maintaining the membership database, liaise with uniform
  suppliers or even write articles for the school newsletter.

If you have any questions please contact the P & C via the school general email.
(hahighschoolpandc@gmail.com)

Nadia Di Qual (Interim Vice President) and Mylah Sta Teresa
(Communications Officer)

Our next P&C meeting is on Wednesday 11 October at 7pm in the STEAM
building.

Instructions to access the meeting

1. Enter via the school front office

2. A staff member will meet you there to escort you to the STEAM building.

One in a hundred babies is born with a heart defect. Until the mid-1950s, most died, but
now, thanks to children’s heart surgery, almost all can survive.

Understanding Life Backwards, a Children’s Paediatric Surgeon Reflects, a newly released
autobiography by Australian heart surgeon Tim Cartmill AO, a Hurlstonian, is the story –
told by an insider – of how advances in surgery changed the odds.

Professor Cartmill writes of his “lucky” rural Australian childhood, his schooling at
Hurlstone, his advanced medical training in Sydney and the US, and his local and
international contributions to surgery in the last half of the 20th Century.

He reflects on the value of teamwork, teaching and mentorship, and the roles of colleagues,
family and friends in a busy professional life. The book also offers insights into the scientific
advances that have enabled safe and effective repair of infants’ hearts.

As Understanding Life Backwards covers the professional life and experiences of a medical
specialist, it may be of interest to those considering a career in Medicine, Surgery or Health
Sciences.

Plans are underway for Professor Cartmill to address a Hurlstone assembly, where he will
donate an autographed copy of his book to the school.

We want to hear the great work alumni are doing in their field of passion and "lived" school
stories.

Photos (that have individual's consent to publish) are always welcomed to show our
community the many ways in which people have experienced Hurlstone.

Please send an email to the school address (details below) with a contact number.

Our newsletter team will get in contact with you.

Hurlstone Agricultural High School

Address:

Dharawal Country

Roy Watts Road

Glenfield NSW 2167

Day school:

02 9829 9222

Email:

hurlstone-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website:

Visit us on the web at https://hurlstone-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/