Welcome back to school to all students, parents and staff. We are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!

We welcomed 120 new Year 7 students this week. We are enjoying getting to know our new students and familiarising them with their new school. We also welcomed several new staff members: Mahdiya Nahid, Anthony Yazzi, Greg Knight, Joshua Powell, S. Bastas, Elizabeth Mourtidis, Albert Wehbe, Jessica O’Dea, Charlene Johansen, Deb Carousi, Fatima Kassira, Vicki Likourezos, Geraldine Kelly and Sven Andrlon our new school counsellor.

A reminder that we believe women can do anything, and we will support each student to be somebody who thinks deeply, engages with learning and makes connections.

This is evident through our exceptional 2021 HSC results!

In a cohort of 160 students who sat the HSC

• NESA Top Achiever: received an ATAR of 99.65
• 40 students achieved a total of 89 band 6 or E4 and were identified  as Distinguished Achievers published by NESA
• 227 Band 5 or E3 achieved
• 72.1% of our students achieved in the top 3 bands
• 4 students were identified in the NESA Honour list
• 1 student placed 1st in the state in Arabic Extension and 3rd in Arabic Continuers
• 1 student placed 3rd in the state in Environmental Science
• 1 student placed 4th in the state in French Beginners and 5th place in English EAL/D
• 85% of students received a university placement

Accolades of our achievement in the HSC have been published in several news articles which are displayed at the end of this newsletter.  Congratulations to the students of Beverly Hills Girls High School which is one of the top 200 schools in the state!

The Trailblazer Awards celebrates Year 12 students beyond their ATAR, recognising those who have overcome personal challenges and used their final year of school to positively impact their community.

Out of more than 76,000 students who have graduated from Year 12 in 2021 across NSW and ACT, the Trailblazer Awards acknowledge the significant contributions of 50 students within their schools, local communities and the impacts of their achievements. Our Top 50 Trailblazers will go on to have an incredible impact as future leaders in Australia!

Congratulations to Miesha who achieved the  Year 12 Trailblazers for 2021 https://artofsmart.com.au/trailblazer-awards/miesha-binta-noor/

Congratulations to Roaa Ahmed who has been awarded the inaugural Zonta Botany Bay tertiary scholarship. Roaa also placed 1st in the state in Arabic Extension and 3rd in Arabic Continuers

As we begin this new year, we invite all parents to let us know if there is an issue or query that we can help with. Although physical distancing requirements are currently restricting parents from entering the school, we welcome emails and phone calls and can schedule meetings as needs arise.

All the best for the year ahead.

Maria Iemma

Principal 

Welcome to Term 1 and our first newsletter for the year.

This year, we welcome a new addition to the Wellbeing Team, Mr Wade Jenkins who is our third Deputy Principal. We welcome him as a new addition to support your daughters in their education and wellbeing. This year we also welcome Mr Sven who will be working with Mrs Little to provide counselling and other services in their roles as a school psychologist and school counsellor.

This year the management of years and the Student Advisors are as follows:

The Student Advisors together with Mrs Stock Head Teacher Wellbeing continue to work with all students and parents to ensure the wellbeing of each individual is supported. There will be many wellbeing initiatives throughout the year which we hope will provide opportunities for every student to be somebody.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) under the guidance and direction of Ms Byrnes and Ms Antoniadis presented to the students and staff the new and revised Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) Policy. This includes mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, air pods and other blue tooth devices. We have attached a copy for you in our newsletter and have given a paper copy to all students in order to allow our community to familiarise themselves with this policy. Evidence based research has indicated that PEDs can be a hindrance to education and interfere with students doing their best. Many schools have banned or have restricted the use of PEDs, especially, mobile phones at school. We hope that this policy will provide clarity to our community around the expectations for being an engaged learner at our school. PEDs are being monitored for a term to see if students are using them appropriately. If they are not, then the school will move to ban them as many other schools including local primary schools have already done. We encourage all parents to read the policy and communicate with the school if they have any feedback or questions.

I look forward to working with our students and families throughout 2022. 

Raquel Spratt

Deputy Principal

Year 8 and 11

On Thursday 18 February we held our annual ‘Distinguished Achievers’ celebrations with an outdoor afternoon tea where 40 students who obtained a Band 6 in at least one subject were invited back to school so we could recognise their achievements. It was wonderful to congratulate the Class of 2021 for their excellent results as Ms Iemma has mentioned. The students were able to catch up with teachers and thank them personally for supporting them through their HSC journey. On Monday 21 February, we held a whole school assembly to recognise the efforts of 19 hardworking students who obtained an ATAR of 90 or above. We are very proud of the Class of 2021 and recognise the great efforts and support that Mrs Rahal and Ms Petkovska (Student Advisors) provided each student throughout their time at Beverly Hills Girls High School. We all know that 2021 was a tough year with many obstacles including COVID but the students proved their resilience, determination and dedication to uphold the school motto to be somebody! A huge congratulations to Lan Ahn (Lily) Nguyen achieved an ATAR of 99.65! The achievements of the class of 2021 successfully propelled our school from a rank of 319 in 2020 to an impressive 171 in 2021 across all NSW schools.

The following policy has been designed to give students, parents and teachers guidelines and instructions for the appropriate use of mobile phones and PED during school hours.

Aim

To minimise disruption to the learning of all students and maintain a safe school environment. Also to reflect NESA’s guidelines for the HSC where no mobile phones or communication devices are permitted in exams.

 As such, mobile phones and any PED will not be used in learning spaces (unless directed by the classroom teacher). Mobile phones and all PED will not be used inside any building or corridor

Expectations of Students

Students will:

• Ensure mobile phones and all PED are on silent mode during lessons and are to be kept in student bags or in pockets. Mobile phones and all PED can only be used as a learning device if instructed by the teacher.
• Take full responsibility for these devices. The school or staff will not be responsible for their loss, theft or damage. Students who choose to bring them to school, do so at their own risk.
• Be permitted to use their device responsibly during breaks in the school day eg, before school, at recess, at lunchtime or after school.
• Understand that unauthorised photographing and/or videoing of individuals (staff and students) is prohibited by law and the school policy, unless permission has been provided. Therefore, filming of events or taking photographs will not occur.
• Ensure Bluetooth devices (including earphones/pods of any kind) are not worn during lessons without the expressed permission of their teacher for educational reasons.
• Remove all Bluetooth devices (earphones/pods) when engaging in conversations with teachers and other staff.
• Seek permission from any staff member to make phone calls or text their parents. These phone calls or texts should be made only at the office.
• Refrain from communicating via SMS, texting or using social media during lessons as this is prohibited.

CONSEQUENCES IF STUDENTS ARE USING MOBILE PHONES OR PEDS INAPPROPRIATELY.

Please be aware that inappropriate use of Mobile Phones and PED’s and behaviour resulting from students not following the above policy will be recorded and monitored. Continued failure to follow the above policy by the student body will result in a total ban of Mobile Phones and PEDs at BHGHS.

I have read and understood the Mobile Phone and PEDs Policy.

Name of student: …………………………………………………………………………………….   Year: ………………………………

Signature of student: ……………………………………………………………………………..     Date: ………………………………

Teaching and Learning

Literacy and numeracy form the foundations students need for deep learning across the curriculum and the development of skills essential to everyday life. From 2022, a focus on five new priorities for improving literacy and numeracy will ensure our school along with all NSW public schools has access to the support they need to give students every opportunity to achieve their best. 

The five priorities for improving literacy and numeracy which are based on strong evidence and research, identify the most important levers to improve student outcomes. These 5 priorities include:

• There is a whole school and system approach to literacy and numeracy achievement from preschool to Year 12. 
• School leadership is focussed on improving student literacy and numeracy. 
• All teachers use effective practices to improve student literacy and numeracy outcomes through curriculum. 
• Schools and systems use data to inform literacy and numeracy improvement. 
• Families are supported as partners in their children’s literacy and numeracy development.   The five priorities build on the department’s previous NSW Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and ensure that literacy and numeracy are understood as integral to effective curriculum delivery and improved learning outcomes. At Beverly Hills Girls High School we are working towards addressing each of the five priorities by:
• Providing high-impact professional learning and evidence-based resources to support the development of effective literacy and numeracy teaching practice in the context of NSW syllabuses throughout stages 4 , 5 and 6. Specialised literacy leaders of Ms Liakopoulos and Ms Zissis, working under the guidance of Ms Antoniadis, HT Teaching and Learning and numeracy leader, Mr Sharma will offer additional expertise and guidance to build the capabilities of teachers.

• Providing training and professional learning which aims at developing staff capability to use data to inform practice. Through professional learning in assessment, feedback collection and evaluation, and through a suite of diagnostic tools with feedback available, teachers have the ability to monitor students’ literacy and numeracy progress and evaluate the impact of targeted teaching. All HSC teachers are currently completing an extensive HSC Analysis which will encourage staff to reflect on current practice and make the required adjustments.

• Providing leadership opportunities for 12 of our teachers across the KLAs. This is focused on providing guidance on best practice teaching and learning as part of a whole-school approach to improving literacy and numeracy. This program, Leading LearNing Matters – Literacy and Numeracy, provides the nominated staff professional learning opportunities with the aim to have a positive impact on students’ literacy and numeracy development. The school is supporting these teachers as they discover the best way to provide expert guidance to their colleagues in regard to literacy and numeracy delivery. These roles will provide another layer of support for our school to integrate effective literacy and numeracy practice into the implementation of curriculum from 2022.

In recent years we have focussed on developing a series of courses based on improving the literacy and numeracy skills of all of our students. LearNing Matters stage 4, introduced in 2018 for year 8 students, focuses on improving students' literacy and numeracy outcomes. Based on the success of the program over the last 3 years, we have decided to expand the program into Year 9. LearNing Matters stage 5 focuses on providing students with the opportunity to strengthen and further develop their reading, writing and numeracy skills which will enable them to confidently and competently apply to all aspects of their learning.

To enable the school to make informed decisions regarding literacy and numeracy skill levels, we rely on external testing – NAPLAN, Best Start, Check-In and HSC Minimum Standards. Each of these online tests provides valuable data that gives teachers direction for their planning. This year, our students will be completing the NAPLAN tests online. To prepare our students, in the coming weeks we will be running a series of practice tests to ensure our technology can accommodate this new way of completing NAPLAN.

Library – A learning Space.

This year we welcome a new librarian, Ms Johansen, who joins us from Greystanes High School. Ms Johansen will be working with our Head Teacher Teaching and Learning to introduce a range of new programs and initiatives aimed at supporting independent learning. A series of workshops and tutorials, especially aimed at stage 6 students will be up and running in the coming weeks.

The library continues to be a popular place for our students. With the relaxing of COVID regulations, we have decided to reopen our Homework club. The club will operate on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons with qualified teachers providing supervision and support for our students. Please note students who wish to use the homework club will need a signed permission note.

C.Williams 

Deputy Principal 

Year 9 and 11

H.Antoniadis

Head Teacher T&L

It has been a great start to the year for Year 7 students of 2022 as they began their journey into high school over the last few weeks. Understandably the first two days have been full of mixed emotions as students have come to grips with the challenges of high school. To calm their nerves, Year 7 participated in a transition program that  incorporated peer support and team building activities so that they are best prepared for the big year ahead. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our Year 7's and their families and look forward to you all joining our school community.

John Klironomos

Year 7 Co-student Advisor 

A group of year 9 students have been selected to participate in a learning and wellbeing program called ‘Thriving Minds’. The program will be delivered by our school in partnership with 2Connect Youth and Community Services. The aim of this program is to provide students with additional learning opportunities for students to build on life skills such as problem solving, confidence and resilience.

We hope to offer more programs like this during the year to other students in the cohort to further support their wellbeing.

Miss Tzavellas and Miss Avgenakis

Year 9 Student Advisors

2022 has seen our Year 11 students farewell their junior years and begin their journey in senior studies. Most students have adjusted well and are actively engaged with their learning by arriving to school and to class, everyday, on time. Their maturity is reflected in their commitment and enthusiasm for their subjects and can be seen in the pride in which they wear their uniform.

To assist our students in reaching their goals we have planned a number of activities that will take place over the course of the year. During first term we will to interview every student to ascertain their goals and how our school can support them in achieving these objectives. In addition, they will be completing a compulsory Year 11 program which runs throughout the year called ‘Life Ready’. The program runs over five days of which two of them will be completed in Term 1. The first two sessions aim at looking at students’ strengths and challenges as well as alcohol and drug education in order to make positive life choices. The remaining three days will occur in Terms 2 and 3 on road safety and relationships.

A focus of Term 2 will be arranging committees for the following important milestone events/activities: Year 12 Jackets, Fund Raising, Year Book and Graduation Video and end of year celebration (formal).

In addition, representatives from the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and various universities will be visiting Beverly Hills Girls High School to provide Year 11 and 12 students with information and opportunities to assist them in making informed decisions about their future. 

Fiona Banbas & Jane Pappas

Year 11 Adviser

Year 12 Upcoming Events

17th March: Study Skills and Time Management Workshop

In response to a recent Year 12 staff and student survey, BHGHS will be running a series of workshops to support Year 12 navigate their HSC year and prepare for the final exams. Elevate Education will be delivering three workshops (1 per term). The first workshop will take place on Thursday 17th March and will include topics such as note taking, study routine, working smart and how to address procrastination. The cost is $10 which includes the sessions and a catered lunch.

18th March: Cross Country Carnival/Year 12 BBQ Fundraiser

The Annual Cross Country carnival is fast approaching. This is a great opportunity for the students to showcase their running skills and dress up as their favourite TV/Movie character. There will be a staff versus student Soccer match so bring along your soccer boots and be prepared to be schooled by your teachers! On our return to school, Year 12 will host a BBQ for the rest of the school to raise funds towards our end of year festivities. Make sure you are prepared to lend a hand and support the cause by buying a sausage on a roll.

4th - 8th April: Assessment Block

On trial in 2022 is an assessment block in Week 11, Term 1. Students will not be required to attend classes during the week and only attend when sitting for a task or submitting work. This block has been introduced so that students can further prepare for examinations and complete them under exam conditions in the hall – excellent practice for the Trial HSC and HSC.

Special Events/Activities: Nominated Year 12 students, supported by the SRC will look at running a variety of “fun” activities across the school year to support fundraising and to help create special memories.

General Business

Senior Library Hours: The library will be open for Year 12 students before school, at recess and lunch and during study periods to assist them as they complete their Stage 6 education. Students are encouraged to use their time

wisely and follow library rules so that a productive working environment is maintained.

Homework Club: Homework Club is up and running on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 3:00 to 4:30pm. If you would like to attend, please take a permission note from the entrance to the Science building and either hand it in to Mr Lofitis in the Science staffroom or the teacher supervising homework club.

Teacher Mentors: students were surveyed about the need to be allocated a Teacher Mentor. The Student Advisor’s are currently working with students and staff to manage this initiative.

Leave during the school term: Just a reminder that parents wherever possible are asked to make appointments for their daughter’s outside of school hours. When applying for leave the application for should be submitted at least two weeks prior. Leave will be granted for exceptional circumstances to ensure continuity of face to face learning. Holidays during the school terms are not encouraged.

Shannon Gray

Year 12 Adviser

The Beverly Hills Girls High School open night for Year 7 2023 was held on Tuesday 2 March.

The school hall was filled with Year 6 students and their families despite the very wet weather on the night. Following the formal assembly where our school captains and executive team introduced BHGHS to the students and their families, it was then time to tour the faculties and enjoy student performances held all over the school.

It was great to see the excitement of both our student helpers and our visitors as they met each other and staff and explored the school. The corridors came alive with displays about the 2022 HSC distinguished achievers, the new library, and the dynamic identity of being "somebody" at BHGHS.

The students who were involved in open night had worked hard all day rehearsing their roles and performances and supporting the many staff who showcased their faculties. Earlier in the term, the wellbeing team toured primary schools to meet Year 5 and Year 6 students and let them know why BHGHS is the school of choice for girls education in the area. If you would like more information regarding enrolments, please contact our enrolment officer, Mrs Costello or email the school on: beverly-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Ms Spratt

Deputy Principal

The exceptional results achieved by Beverly Hills Girls High School students in the Higher School Certificate is reflective of  students’ dedication and hard work, as well as the high-quality teaching and educational environment provided at Beverly Hills Girls High School. Once again, the school community should be very proud of the students who sat for the HSC in 2021. Despite the 2 tumultuous years, the students at Beverly Hills Girls High persevered and achieved outstanding results.

Congratulations to Lan Anh (Lily) Nguyen for achieving HSC Dux and Diane Ibrahim for achieving School Dux from the class of 2021.  

2021 High Achievers

Deserved congratulations to the following students who achieved a Band 6 in one or more of their subjects – an outstanding achievement!

2021 Distinguished Achievers

19 of our students achieved an ATAR in the 90s and 40% of students achieved in the top 2 bands in 1 or more subjects. These accolades include numerous state achievements by Roaa Ahmed, Hayley Hagiwara and Lan Anh (Lily) Nguyen.

HSC Dux : Lily Nguyen

School Dux: Helen Ibrahim 

162 Year 12 students completed the HSC in 2021. Of these students, 152 students have been contacted providing their career destinations and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) results and it is a pleasure to report an array of outstanding results from them.  (96% are engaged in full time tertiary study (University, TAFE or Private Providers / Colleges). An outstanding 136 students (85%) of the students received offers from a full range of prestigious universities and reflect the diversity of their career interests. This percentage is well above the state average for university offers.

Students were accepted into an array of prestigious universities, including: The University of New South Wales (18 students), University of Technology (12 students), Macquarie University (26 students), University of Sydney (14 students), University of Western Sydney (40 students), University of Wollongong (1 student), Australian Catholic University (6 students), Torrens University (4).

The choices of study are vast. Students from Beverly Hills Girls High School chose to enrol into: Teaching (Secondary / Primary), Business, Commerce, Economics, Mathematics & Finance, Law, Arts, International Studies, Social Science, Social Work, Media & Communication, Occupational Therapy, Visual Communication, Speech & Hearing Science, Engineering, Science, Health Science, Bio Medical Science, Medical Science, Criminology, Forensic Science, Health Sciences, Computing, Information Technology, Nursing & Psychology and Medicine & Pharmacy– to name a few.

Susan Pangis

Careers Adviser

In 2022, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to participate in one/two week(s) of Work Experience. This program is a part of secondary schooling and integral to the Career Education Program at this school.  The aim of the program is for students to gain first-hand experience in a work situation and develop an understanding of the process involved in choosing a career.

We would appreciate your assistance in encouraging your daughter to participate in this worthwhile program. Students who leave work experience organisation to the last minute, often miss out of their desired career choice. All placements and paperwork for Work Experience are to be finalised 3 weeks before the date of any work experience.

The following weeks have been set aside for any student wishing to do work experience, this year dates will be flexible, and students can negotiate with the Careers Adviser and their teacher to go on work experience for the week.  If these dates are not suitable with employers, students can discuss this with the Careers Adviser.

Term 2 2021

Week 8 June 14-17 2022

Week 9 June 20-24 2022

Term 3 2021

Week 2 July 26-29 2022

Week 3 August 1-5 2022

Week 9 September 12-16 2022

Term 4 2021

Week 7 November 28-2 December 2022

Week 8 December 5-9 2022

Week 9 December 12-16 2022

Susan Pangis

Careers Adviser

The 10 participating students from class of 2023 are gaining integral skills and immeasurable opportunities as part of their participation and preparation for their HSC and future academic studies.

Excitedly, we have another 16 students commencing the program this year as part of their pathway to tertiary studies.

University partnerships are proving to enhance student learning and outcomes whilst driving student growth.

As part of the Careers program, we will continue to work with partnering Universities to maintain and strengthen student outcomes.

Susan Pangis

Careers Adviser

Congratulations to Ms Abou-Antoun and Ms Papas on the success of their Year 12 2021 students in the HSC. Our BHGHS Languages students achieved the following State Ranks;

Roaa Ahmed                      1st in State in Arabic Extension

                                                3rd in State in Arabic Continuers

Lan Anh (Lily) Nguyen     3rd in State in French Beginners

Did you know ….

that at BHGHS, we support students in their study of languages which we are unable to provide at our school?

We currently have Year 11 and 12 students enrolled in Korean, Indonesian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Filipino. These languages are studied at Saturday School of Community Languages or NSW School of Languages.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Students in NSW have the option of studying VET courses at school or through TAFE NSW or other training providers.

For NSW school students, VET is ‘dual accredited’. Students receive recognition towards their school qualification (Record of School Achievement or HSC), as well as a nationally recognised VET qualification.

Courses within Industry Curriculum Frameworks count as Board Developed unit credit for the HSC. Frameworks include an HSC examination, which provides the opportunity for students to have this HSC examination mark contribute to the calculation of their ATAR.

At BHGHS we offer four VET courses: Business Services, Entertainment Industry, Hospitality (Kitchen Operations) and Information and Digital Technology.

Year 11 and 12 students studying a VET course are required to complete a mandatory 35 hours of workplacement each year. Some of our Year 12 students are currently attending their workplacements and are having a valuable experience. Congratulations to these students for reinforcing our great reputation in the community and making us proud.

Mrs Glitsos

Head Teacher Secondary Studies

The TAS faculty would like to welcome our Year 7 students and other new enrolments to our school.

Many people often ask ‘What does TAS stand for?’. TAS stands for Technological and Applied Studies and incorporates a wide range of subjects.

At our school, Year 7 and 8 students study Technology Mandatory. At present Year 7 have begun to develop their knife cutting and food preparation skills in the practical classroom. They are completing a unit of work based on healthy eating for teenagers.

All of Year 8 are completing the engineering unit and half of the cohort are in the process of discovering the digital world in Semester 1. The other half will explore digital technologies in the second half of the year.

Elective TAS subjects available in the junior school include Food Technology, Textiles Technology and Information Software Technology.

All TAS Subjects have a strong ‘hands on’ component and cater for the kinaesthetic learner. They provide opportunities to engage in innovative and practical design and utilise diverse technologies.

Launch of recipe of the month

One key component of the Food Technology syllabus is nutrition and healthy eating. In an attempt to encourage our students to prepare healthy snacks or meals at home, a new ‘teenager friendly’ recipe will be displayed outside of room 20 once a month. It is hoped that students will attempt the recipe, will share their successes with their families and us.

Over the past year or so, the Bulbuwil Sisters in conjunction with the Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers and have been working towards creating an Acknowledgment of Country unique to our school setting. After completing the acknowledgment, the final piece was to have a physical sign to display to our school community, which we can announce was erected last week!

You might be asking yourself why we do an Acknowledgement of Country?  

An Acknowledgment of Country is a protocol that has occurred for thousands of years as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have always welcomed visitors to Country. Despite the absence of fences or visible borders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups had clear boundaries separating their Country from that of other groups. Crossing into another group’s Country required a request for permission to enter. When permission was granted the hosting group would welcome the visitors, offering them safe passage and protection of their spiritual being during the journey.   

John Klironomos

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Coordinator