Welcome back to an exciting 2021 school year at Beverly Hills Girls High School. In particular, I would like to welcome our new Year 7 students and their families. The staff are thrilled that you have entrusted their education to us. We will make every effort to help your daughter achieve academically and socially to be somebody. It is our goal to create an enriched learning environment that engages each student. Beverly Hills Girls High School has an excellent teaching staff with a wealth of knowledge. We also have outstanding support staff who work in different capacities to support your daughter's learning.

Our HSC results for 2020 were outstanding! Our girls achieved 1st, 2nd and 4th in the state for Arabic Extension and 1st and 2nd in the state for Filipino Continuers. The girls achieved 28 Band 6 and 168 Band 5 within their subjects. Tertiary destinations are always of interest and we have been in contact with most of our students and are very happy with their selected course and planned futures.  A number are even being further supported with scholarships. We are so very proud of our girls!

We have now received comprehensive data from both the NSW Education Standards Authority, and the Department of Education regarding the performance of our students on the HSC. This provides us with the ability to fully analyse the responses of our students to the HSC examinations. The insights gained allow changes to be made to provide the best opportunities for our HSC students in 2021. 

Our school plan 2021-2024 is progressing well. Our vision is that women can do anything and together, we will strive to ensure that our girls will someday ‘Be Somebody’.  We are currently working on our strategic improve plan detailing the steps our school will take to improve learning outcomes and the achievement and growth of all students. Our key strategic directions include student growth and attainment, teacher growth and attainment and school growth and attainment. Communication outlining our progress towards the final plan will be communicated through future newsletters.

In 2020 one of our students received the distinguished NSW International Student of the Year. Congratulations to Andrea who will no doubt become a woman of strength in the future. 

HSC minimum Literacy and Numeracy Standard

As part of the Stronger HSC Standards reforms, from 2020 students in NSW must reach a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive a HSC. Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate the standard between Year 9 and when they complete their HSC.  We are pleased to announce that all students in Year 12 2021 have achieved NSW minimum in Literacy and Numeracy.

NAPLAN

This year the school will participate in the NAPLAN testing of Year 7 and Year 9 students. Data gained through  NAPLAN testing informs our strategic directions in whole-school literacy and numeracy planning. NAPLAN, and other school-based data, is also used to identify students who are in need of additional learning support.

During the latter weeks of Term 1 and the weeks immediately prior to NAPLAN, all Year 7 and Year 9 students participate in a NAPLAN Preparation program whereby specific literacy or numeracy skills are practised on a daily basis.

Resources developed by the school’s literacy and numeracy teams are utilised throughout the year as a means to providing ongoing support for all in these key areas.

An explicit and comprehensive tutorial program in literacy and numeracy is provided for targeted Year 8 students (based on their Year 7 NAPLAN results) in the latter weeks of Term 4 each year. This, along with the whole-school NAPLAN Preparation program in the following year, is a significant opportunity to build the confidence and skills of our Year 9 students prior to their NAPLAN test in Term 2.

The tests are scheduled for 11th – 13th May 2021.

School Facilities

The new Beverly Hills Girls Learning Centre is now completed, and students are enjoying the positive learning environment.

Construction of the new basketball court is also underway and should be completed by term 2.

We are also in the process of developing our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program which involves a new learning space, professional learning for staff and specialised equipment for 21st century learners.

P&C NEWS

The first P&C meeting for 2021 will be held in the school Training Room at 6.00pm on Wednesday 10th March. All families are invited to come along, meet other parents, and find out about what is happening at the school. All are invited to join a tour of the new learning centre facilities prior to the meeting. A great chance to understand more about these programs and look at the wonderful facilities and activities provided by this program. Look forward to seeing lots of our school community on tour and at the meeting.

Maria Iemma

Principal

I would like to welcome all students and their families back to 2021. All teachers commenced the year with a very intense training session on Choice Theory to help us understand student behaviour and how the brain works in early adolescent years. Teachers were provided with a range of strategies to build positive relationships with our students. The session was very well received and teachers are putting this new knowledge to practise with a follow up session planned for in the near future.

Uniform

It is so nice to see our students wearing the correct uniform and wearing it with pride! Thank you to all the parents/carers who have made this a priority for their daughters. Research indicates that when students are in the correct uniform, they are ready for learning and this is indicated with high results in their academic performance. We look forward to uniform being worn at school every day. A reminder that the uniform shop is open Mondays 8-11am, Wednesday 12-3pm and Friday 8-11am. If students are out of uniform, they are encouraged to bring a note to their relevant deputy principal at the beginning of their school day with a note from parent/carer explaining the issue.

Acrylic nails, especially long ones, are not part of our uniform. They can be dangerous and therefore become a risk when participating in TAS, Science and PDHPE lessons. Please ensure your daughters are not coming to school with long acrylic nails but rather choosing to have them during school holidays where they are not an issue. Please support the school in this process.

Attendance

Another area that we are seeking parental/carer support is attendance and, in particular, lateness. Our school is on two very busy intersections (King George’s Rd and Broad Arrow Rd) with lots of traffic. We ask that parents consider leaving earlier to ensure that students can maximise their learning. Coming late disrupts the learning of our students as well as it takes away from other important opportunities as indicated below.

Because we care about the educational opportunities of all our students, students who continue to be late twice or more times in one fortnight will be issued with a ‘late for learning’ opportunity at lunchtime. This will allow all our students to catch up on missed work (where possible). We encourage you to speak to your daughter about the importance of this issue and support the school to ensure the best educational outcomes and experience for her.

Year 12 Tutoring Program

I am very excited to announce that this term we have begun some extra tutorials to help our Year 12 students. At the beginning of this year we surveyed all Year 12 asking them how the school could help and support them as students to maximise their academic performance and assist in their wellbeing. Studies indicate and we strongly believe wellbeing is heavily linked to academic performance as when we look after ourselves, we are able to work to our full potential. Based on this notion, students were given a voice and told us what type of tutorials they would like to be involved in ranging from stress management, yoga, essay writing, study notes, multiple choice access, standards referencing, mindfulness and many others. We have been busy organising these tutorials and every week, Year 12 students will be invited to attend a variety of tutorials that suit them on Monday Period 6 and Wednesday Period 4. In Week 5, we are running a yoga session and tutorial that focuses on standard referencing and multiple choice questions. In Week 6 we will run and intensive 10 Week writing course. We encourage your daughter to be on the lookout for these advertised dates through Google Classrooms and join if they have not already done so. We will continuously evaluate the program to ensure its quality, welcome ongoing feedback.

Raquel Spratt

Deputy Principal,  Years 8, 10, 12

Welcome to the 2021 academic year.  Considering the year we have left behind we are all looking forward to a productive and successful year of learning. I am especially looking forward to getting to know our new Year 7 students and the new enrolments who have chosen to join us at Beverly Hills Girls High School.

As is always the case in a vibrant and dynamic school such as ours, 2021 is shaping up to be one of significant advancement and development in terms of the learning opportunities we provide for our students.

In terms of our learning and development, and based on extensive review and evaluation of data, the 2021 – 2024 School Plan will focus on three strategic areas to further empower our students and staff; Student Growth and Attainment, Teacher Growth and Attainment and School Growth and Attainment. Initiatives within the plan will specifically focus on equipping our students with the essential skills to be effective and contributing global citizens and lifelong learners in an era of rapid technological change. There will be significant professional learning opportunities for staff and important conversations to be had with our community as we work together in implementing our plan over the next four years. One of our main targets is to support growth in literacy and numeracy. The school will be funding a variety of initiatives including a Numeracy tutorial program, literacy tutorials, professional learning for staff and the appointment of a Numeracy Coordinator to work closely with our Head Teacher Teaching and Learning to implement these initiatives. The plan is to develop programs which are tailor made to meet the individual needs of each of the year groups. In the coming weeks, Year 9 will embark on the intensive numeracy tutorial program and Years 7 and 11 will be involved in a series of workshops to introduce quality learning strategies. Our Aspire curriculum structure also allows for the timetabling of a specialised learning program for all Year 8 students called LearNing Matters. This unit focuses on improving students’ literacy and numeracy skills. Year 10 will complete their learning program, MaxiMising Me later in the year when they can focus on developing the skill set required for senior studies as well as complete the Minimum Standards tests.

As we approach the middle of Term 1, our timetable for Years 7-12 is finally complete and all students are settled into their new classes. In Stages 4 and 5, under the Aspire curriculum structure, our students are enjoying a broad range of subjects. In addition to the compulsory subjects and electives, a large number of Years 9 and 10 are enrolled in several learning enrichment units. Units such as Jobs for the Girls, Maths Tutorial, Writers Workshop and Extension English are just some of the courses our students are participating in in during Semester 1. Year 11 have also confirmed their pattern of study for Stage 6 and will shortly sign off on their pattern of study.

While the future is exciting at BHGHS, there are fundamental things we need to have in place to set the standard for our growth and expansion.  They are the fundamentals which provide the opportunity to learn.  They are Engagement and Focus. Students cannot reach their learning potential if they are not engaged and focused in their lessons. Arriving to class on time, prepared to learn with the correct equipment is the first step to success. A positive and respectful attitude towards the teacher and the learning process, a growth mindset and a willingness to work collaboratively with others to achieve the learning outcomes are all essential ingredients of success at school. I will be working closely with our teachers to provide this learning framework and will require support from our wider school community. We will explicitly involve parents/carers in addressing instances of unsatisfactory attendance, punctuality, commitment and/or focus of their children. Through us working together in these fundamental areas of daily school life, I am sure we’ll set an excellent standard and have the foundations in place for quality learning outcomes for our students.

Communicating with our families is now so much easier with the 2020 introduction of the Parent /Student Sentral Portal. The portal is where you can get immediate information of your daughter's attendance and punctuality, timetable and variations to school routine as well as messages and the opportunity to view important information and published documents. The use of the Portal is one of the many ways we communicate with our families. The parents of Year 7 and our new enrolment students will receive details on how to register for the portal in the coming weeks. Parents of students in other years who are not yet linked to the portal can send a request through to the school’s email address requesting the registration details to be resent. 

Christine Williams

Deputy Principal, Years 7, 9, 11

It has been a real joy getting to know Year 7, the cohort that will be ‘Class of 2026’.

We look forward to strengthening this bond and meeting and building learning partnerships with the parents/carers of our Year 7 students in the coming terms and years ahead.

So far, Year 7 have been aided in their transition to high school by our fabulous Year 10 Peer Support Leaders and Peer Support Co-ordinators. Year 7 have had the opportunity to participate in a number of sessions involving team building exercises, activities on communication and organisation and guided tours of the school.

Congratulations on a wonderful start to what we hope will be the beginning of the best chapter in your lives so far. Teachers, students from different years and staff have all reported positively on you, as a cohort. We are excited to have met you and to be able to play a role in your lives as you develop into our next generation of citizens ready to take on the world.

We know you will become confident young people who think deeply, engage with learning and make connections. In the meantime, if you need support, please do not hesitate to come and see us in either the Science or English Staff rooms.

We welcome you, we congratulate you on your fine start and we want you to remember ‘It’s nice to be nice!’

Mr Lofitis and Ms Byrnes

Year 7 Student Advisers

The passing of time was swift - the dawning of a new beginning was slowly but surely looming. 

It was my first day of high school. I didn’t know what to expect. I walked through unfamiliar gates and saw only unfamiliar faces. What was ahead of me?

Before I knew it, music abruptly began booming out of the speakers and students started flooding the area of the front desk. I followed them, thinking perhaps at least someone out of the crowd were in the same shoes as me (except they knew what they were doing). From there we entered the hall, met our Principal, Deputy Principals, Student Advisers and Peer Support Leaders.

After the first two days, I reflected on my start to high school and realised it wasn’t as frightening as I had assumed it would be. As I got to know my peers, teachers and environment more, the more that I realised that being educated at Beverly Hills Girls High School is a wonderful opportunity and I am grateful for it

Elise

The Wellbeing Team is very excited to welcome everyone back in 2021 and are looking to supporting each of our students through a range of activities that target individuals, small groups and whole year cohorts. Here is the team who will be supporting your daughter to become a more confident and resilient learner who has respectful relationships with their peers, their teachers and the community.

The Student Advisers are the first point of contact for our students and parents. For 2021 they are:

Year 7                    Ms C Byrnes                     Mr P Lofitis

Year 8                    Ms A Avgenakis              Ms D Tzavellas

Year 9                    Ms J Martin                      Ms S Pangis

Year 10                  Ms F Banbas                    Ms J Papas

Year 11                   Ms A Brooks                     Ms S Gray

Year 12                  Ms N Petkovska               Ms R Rahal

The role of the Student Adviser is to advocate for students and facilitate activities to promote a sense of belonging in our school community. Every student can feel confident in approaching their Student Adviser about any issue. Student Advisers also monitor attendance closely as this is an indicator that students may be struggling in some aspect of their schooling.

Already this term the Year 7 Advisers have ensured a smooth transition for Year 7 into Beverly Hills Girls High School with Orientation and Peer Support programs facilitated by an enthusiastic team of Year 10 Leaders.

With an eye on the future, a number of Year 12 students participated in University of Wollongong Discovery Day. Many of the Year 12s enjoyed a pizza and movie event in the School Hall, organised by their Student Advisers, to relax in each other’s company and build the connectedness with their peers that will support them through the challenges of their HSC year.

The Student Advisers are supported in their roles by:

Head Teacher Wellbeing & Learning Support                Ms S Stock

Deputy Principal Year 7, 9 & 11                                        Ms C Williams

Deputy Principal Year 8, 10 & 12                                     Ms R Spratt

Students may be referred, or can refer themselves, to other members of the Wellbeing Team:

Youth Worker    Ms Laura Turner

Counsellors        Ms C Little and Ms C Kean

Ms Laura, in collaboration with external organisations, provides workshops to students to support their Wellbeing offering workshops to students in building resilience, positive relationships, problem solving, study skills and managing stress.

As well as counselling students individually and in groups, the School Counsellors also undertake cognitive, emotional and behavioural assessments to contribute to the development of appropriate school-based support for students.

The Wellbeing Team met for a full day conference in Week 4 to consider the data from the 2020 Tell Them From Me survey completed by students, teachers and parents. Using evidence-based research, the team developed deep understanding and considered a range of strategies to promote social and emotional engagement, to underpin improved learning outcomes. 

At BHGHS we strive to ensure that our students experience a sense of connection, inclusion, respect for individuality and difference, resilience and confidence to positively shape their own futures. The initiatives, support and dedication of the Wellbeing Team demonstrate our commitment to the individual and collective wellbeing of our students.

Ms S Stock

Head Teacher Wellbeing and Learning Support

Congratulations Class of 2020

The results achieved by Beverly Hills Girls High School students in the Higher School Certificate are a reflection of the 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 2020. Despite the tumultuous year, the students at Beverly Hills Girls High persevered and achieved outstanding results.

Congratulations to Diane Ibrahim for achieving School and HSC Dux of the class of 2020.  She will be studying Pharmacy at the University of Sydney.

2020 Distinguished Achievers

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

156 Year 12 students completed the HSC. Of these students, 150 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.  (93%) are engaged in full time tertiary study (University, TAFE or Private Providers / Colleges). An outstanding 131 students (84%) of the students received offers from a full range of prestigious universities and these 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: University of New South Wales (10 students), University of Technology (24 students), Macquarie University (17 students), University of Sydney (8 students), University of Western Sydney (40 students), University of Wollongong (4 students), Australian Catholic University (12 students), Torrens University (6).

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

The advice for current senior students is to take the time to research carefully and take every opportunity available in the school for help in career decision making. Visit the Careers Room, attend careers expos, talks and excursions. By the end of September, the current Year 12 students will be ready to apply for TAFE, private providers, University courses or an apprenticeship/ traineeship.

Susan Pangis

Careers Adviser

In 2021, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to participate in one/two week(s) of Work Experience. This program is a legitimate 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 7-11 2021

Week 9 June 15-18 2021

Term 3 2021

Week 2 July 19-23 2021

Week 3 July 26-29 2021

Week 9 September 6-10 2021

Term 4 2021

Week 7 November 15-18 2021

Week 8 November 22-26 2021

Week 9 November 29- 3 December 2021

Susan Pangis

Careers Adviser

2020 HSC Languages Success

Congratulations to Ms Abou-Antoun our amazing Arabic teacher on the success of her Year 12 2020 students in the HSC. Our BHGHS students achieved the following State Ranks;

Sara Sayadi         1st in State in Arabic Extension

                                2nd in State in Arabic Continuers

Marwah Jansis   2nd in State in Arabic Extension

Safaa Awada      4th in State in Arabic Extension

Did you know ….

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

We currently have Year 11 and 12 students enrolled in Modern Greek Continuers, Korean Continuers, Korean Beginners, Turkish Continuers and Indonesian and Literature. These languages are studied at Saturday School of Community Languages and NSW School of Languages.

Two of our Year 12 2020 BHGHS students are congratulated on their success in Filipino Continuers in the HSC;

Alyssandra Santos            1st in State in Filipino Continuers

Cassandra Santos             2nd in State in Filipino Continuers

Congratulations to all these students!

VET Workplacement

Year 11 and 12 VET students studying Business Services, Entertainment Industry, Hospitality and Information and Digital Technology are required to complete 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.

Year 11

Year 11 students are well settling into their Preliminary courses. They recently received the BHGHS 2021 Preliminary Assessment Policy booklet and the 2021 NESA HSC Rules and Procedures booklet. These, as well as a list of Assessment Schedules have been uploaded to Student Sentral.

Mrs Glitsos

Head Teacher Secondary Studies

Welcome to the 2021 school year. Things have already started off at a frantic pace for the PDHPE staff as usual and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome 2 new staff members into the staffroom.

Ms Gordon is a passionate PDHPE teacher and is working with us full time this semester. She enjoys all sports but especially enjoys League Tag and going to the gym.

Ms Reid is also a passionate PDHPE teacher and will be working with us 3 days per week in the PDHPE dept. You may also find her in other areas across the school. She enjoys touch football, going to the gym and tennis.

What’s happening Term 1 in PDHPE

The field upgrade was completed last year and we are very pleased to have full access to the field for our teaching and learning programs. You will notice that the court outside the gym is undergoing a face lift and should be resurfaced over the course of the term. Thank you to Ms Iemma who has ensured that our sports surfaces are safe and level.

Here are some the things we are a learning about at the moment.

Year 7- Self Discovery: Introductory unit allowing students to showcase who they are and what interests and talents they have. Helps to build their confidence and communication skills

On the ball: a practical unit that works to build confidence, teamwork and fundamental movement skills. Filled with fun and game play.

Year 8 - Educational Gymnastic: developing strength and flexibility, building skills and knowledge of basic and intermediate gym skills.

Risky Business: Exploring positive and negative risk and how it impacts on an individual’s health. Covers road safety, drug use, interpersonal relationships. Building communication skills, problem solving, decision making and self confidence.

Year 9- Best Version of Me: A theory unit exploring self image and the many factors that impact on an individual’s self concept. Develops a students skills in communication, decision making helping to build resilience and assertiveness skills along with critical health literacy skills.

Hip Hop: a practical dance unit focusing on fun and movement. Free expression and coordination.

Yr 10- Functional Fitness: a practical unit working to develop students fitness levels, knowledge, skills and confidence in engaging in physical fitness activities. Students will plan and implement health related fitness circuits for themselves and others.

YOLO: a theory unit which studies health issues that impact on the youth of today. Providing students with the opportunity to explore current health trends and strategies to ensure they achieve optimal health outcomes.

Year 7 will participate in their Learn to Swim program during Term 2. It was originally scheduled for Term 1 however the Hurstville Leisure Centre is undergoing a face lift and is unavailable. More information will be forthcoming closer to the end of term.

Year 11 will be completing the mandatory Life Ready course beginning week 8 this term. Life Ready is a compulsory Stage 6 PDHPE program that aims to educate senior students further on health and lifestyle issues that they will be faced with during and after school. More information will be available soon.

Thank you to our amazing PDHPE faculty who are working tirelessly to make sure your lessons are engaging, fun and purposeful.

Friendly reminder to wear your sports uniform for all practical and sports lessons and as students will be participating in physical activities up to 4 times per week it is advisable to get 2 sports uniforms. Long pointed natural or acrylic nails are a safety concern and not allowed at all school.

Remember good hygiene practices help to keep us all safe, wash your hands regularly and use roll on deodorant not sprays.

Benefits of physical activity include

•  Improved brain function and memory
•  Protect against chronic disease
•  Maintain healthy weight
•  Improve quality of sleep
•  Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
•  Lower blood pressure and improve heart health

These a just a few of the benefits of an active lifestyle.

Sonya White

Head Teacher PDHPE

On Tuesday 16th February, 17 students from Years 7-12 entered the competitor’s only swimming carnival at Peakhurst Pool. 15 of these students have been selected to represent the school at the Zone Swimming Carnival at Roselands on Friday 26th February and Monday 1st March. Congratulations to the age champions below!

A big thank you to the girls that helped as timekeepers and marshalling for each race. Lyons house was the Winning House on the day. Well done Lyons! Good luck to all zone competitors!

Miss Killham

PDHPE

At Beverly Hills Girls High School we offer Homework Club to all students on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, from 3pm to 4:30pm every week. Homework Club is an opportunity for students at our school to engage with the newly renovated learning spaces in our school library, complete with access to computers and a range of other ICT resources. This is a great opportunity for students to spend time outside the classroom working on assessment tasks, completing homework and working in study groups, in a safe, quiet and welcoming space.

Homework Club is supervised by two committed teachers from various subject areas, changing each week on a rotating roster. These teachers are there to assist the students in whatever project they are working on and we encourage any and all students to participate as often and for as long as they like. Homework Club is completely free, all that is needed is a signed permission slip handed into the library before students attend for the first time. If you have any questions, please speak to our wonderful teacher librarians at any time or see Mr Lofitis in the Science staffroom. We look forward to seeing and helping many new faces in Homework Club in 2021!

Mr Lofitis

Homework Club

STAR CLUB TUTORING program

Our school is running an after school Tutoring Program for students with a refugee background who have arrived in Australia in the last few years.

The first session will be on Tuesday, 23rd February and will run each Tuesday and Thursday for the following five (5) weeks.

Students will have access to technology and resources as well as review support from EAL/D teachers who will assist and supervise.

Each session will begin at 3pm and finish at 4.30pm, so that students are able to make their way home at a reasonable hour.

If your daughter wants to attend, she will need to sign the permission note below.

By signing this note below, your give permission for your daughter/ward to attend the after school program at Beverly Hills Girls High School and acknowledge and appreciate your role in ensuring she is able to travel home safely from 4.30pm on each day she attends.

Mrs Vallis

Program Coordinator

EAL/D Teacher