Welcome back to a very different Term Two

I hope students, staff, their families and friends are all staying safe and well during these uncertain and challenging times.

With the increasing spread of COVID-19, we have seen a movement towards remote learning with our students transitioning to online lessons.

For parents, this can appear to be a daunting task. However, it does not necessarily mean that the parent is now the teacher. Whilst schools will strive to meet a child’s academic needs, parents and carers will need to play a key role in providing structure and on-going support. Some young people will transition seamlessly, whilst others may struggle. Offering reassurance and being vigilant for signs of anxiety and depression will be essential for adult carers.

Many families may find themselves in uncharted territory, but it will be important to remember to just do your best to balance remote learning and daily work responsibilities. Although we are living in a time of uncertainty that is particularly unsettling, it will provide an opportunity for families to reflect and spend some quality time together.

If you do find yourself struggling or have any concerns relating to remote learning, contact us directly for advice.

At this point, we are in Phase 0 of our transition back to school. Phase 1 will commence on Monday 11th May 2020. This will require all Year 12 students back at school daily, Year 11 three days per week and Years 7-10 one day per week. Infographics detailing this information is provided in this newsletter.  

The NSW Department of Education has outlined that students who are designated to be on site must attend unless otherwise ill as per the pre COVID-19 environment. The plan for all students is now available on our website. 

The following special circumstances will be put into place:

• For larger classes, large size classrooms will be used so that students can be physically distanced 
• Staff will carry sanitiser packs and provide hand sanitiser to students
• Seating in the Library will be physically distanced. 
• Bacteria wipes are available at each entrance point throughout the school 
• During breaks, students will be spread across playground areas
• The Canteen will be closed
• If a student is unwell and sent to sick bay, you will be contacted for your daughter to return home immediately 
• An increased cleaning schedule is in place for high traffic areas
• screen protectors have been placed in the front office

I would like to acknowledge the work - very successful, skilled and caring work - that has been undertaken by the staff (teaching and non teaching), students and families. As I have expressed, I am incredibly grateful that our school community is focused on education, as we all understand how it will be even more important for many years to come. To see students in their virtual classrooms and assemblies, asking fantastic questions, completing tasks, undertaking practical PE lessons and a range of other powerful learning experiences despite the challenges is simply amazing.

Please continue to stay in touch with each other and reach out to us at school if we can help.

Of course, thank you to all of the parents who are working in front line response roles, including so many who are doctors, nurses and health professionals.  Our thanks and best wishes are with you all.

Thank you again for your words of support and thanks to the staff.

I can’t wait until we have our first whole school assembly with everyone back at school.

Warm regards,

Maria Iemma

Principal 

Welcome back to Term 2! We have certainly missed you here at school in all aspects of school life from the classrooms to the hustle and bustle in the playground. I am sure that you are all now very well versed and experienced in working remotely and your computer has become your best friend. Teachers are continually working very hard to ensure that your lessons, through Google Classrooms, are engaging and educational. Please remember to follow your pattern of study as you navigate learning in this fashion. If you require assistance with lessons, contact your class teachers. Alternatively, if you need emotional support, contact your student advisors, the school psychologists, Mrs Stock (Head teacher Wellbeing), Mrs Williams, Ms Iemma or myself. Your mental wellbeing is very important.

Your teachers have been noticing the quality work that is being produced by many of you as you navigate your online learning and I want to thank you for the time and effort you are putting into your learning. As such, we have updated our Merit Award System, differentiated it and made it remote friendly. Your teachers will continue to award you for quality work and effort across your google classrooms. I have attached the new and revised Remote Learning Merit Award System for your perusal and use. Continue to work hard to do your best in all lessons every day and remember to look after yourselves.  See you in Week 3! 

Raquel Spratt

Deputy Principal

During these uncertain times, one thing has remained certain…the learning and wellbeing of our students are paramount.

As the Head Teacher Teaching and Learning, I am so very proud of the efforts and commitment (albeit not surprised) of our staff to ensure the delivery of learning. Our amazing community has, and continues to develop their own skills to ensure our girls feel safe, cared for and know their learning will continue in spite of these hard times.

Our teachers across all KLAs are using digital learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and Zoom for teacher planning, resourcing, professional learning and delivery of content, resources and information to students in an online setting.

We have provided our students who requested hard copies, with the resources they require to continue their learning from home.

At present, most instruction is via their Google Classroom, although Zoom will be used as a collaborative communication tool. The codes for your daughter’s/ward’s Google Classrooms are on the Beverly Hills Girls High School Website.

Attendance and online engagement with learning are of utmost importance. All teachers are committed to ensuring students are ‘attending’ their ‘virtual’ classroom during days they have timetabled classes and our expectations are the same as if we were onsite – students attend their Google Classroom and engage to the best of their ability. We have developed a School Learning from Home Management and Wellbeing Policy, which outlines clear guidelines around behaviour on how our students interact and engage in the online space.

Our school community is dedicated to each one of our students. Each of us…parents, Senior Executive, Teaching staff, Administrative staff and Cleaning staff continue to work collaboratively to ensure the growth and wellbeing of our girls.

Helen Antoniadis

HT Teaching and Learning

https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-from-home/wellbeing-at-home

This section on the ‘Learning from Home’ hub features a range of practical advice, links and materials to help support student wellbeing while learning from home. These cover strategies for developing a successful home learning environment. It also offers activities and exercises teachers can build into students’ days to support their ongoing wellbeing.

Strategies include ideas for brain breaks, movement breaks and mindfulness activities students can participate in from home. 

Zeinab Hamka

English Teacher

Building Resilience

Resilience is your ability to cope with tough times by applying your inner strength and engaging support networks. Resilience can enable you to face difficult situations and maintain good mental health.

You already have skills and support networks that help you be resilient. You can build these up even more, making it easier for you to cope with life.

Coping Strategies

There are many different ways of coping with stress and everyone is different, so it’s about finding something that works for you. Here are some suggestions to help you look after your mental wellbeing during this time of social distancing.

• Stay connected with friends and family via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone.
• Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing, eg reading, drawing listening to music.
• Keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy foods.
• Be active. Try joining ‘Fit Club at Home’ Google Classroom (Code rakjzel)
• Try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific school hours, taking regular breaks and, if possible, establishing a dedicated work space.
• Download the Smiling Mind app (free) and practice mindfulness and meditation for a few minutes each day.
• Avoid news and social media if you find it distressing.

Where to get help

If you are feeling overwhelmed seek help early. Contacting your Student Adviser is a good place to start.

You can also reach out to the school psychologists/counselling during school hours by connecting to our google classroom 5t5u7pa for general help or to message for support, or ​by phoning the school. The school psychologists will then make contact with you. 

You can contact us by email through the school website https://www.beverlyhillsgirlshigh.com/ or by phoning 9150 4280.

Outside of school hours, here are some organisations that may be able to help:

• Headspace on 1800 650 890 or at https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 or online https://kidshelpline.com.au/coronavirus

It is reasonable to be concerned about the outbreak of coronavirus.  It is important that we do all that we can to follow the guidelines our health agencies, our government and our school gives us to keep us as safe as possible. Many organisations around the world are working to manage the virus and minimise its impacts as much as possible. Remind yourself that the situation will be temporary to slow the spread of the virus and your effort is helping your family, friends and community.

While we cannot control the pandemic, we can control our responses. Do your best to “be somebody” who is resilient, kind, compassionate and empathetic. We will get through this by looking after ourselves and looking out for each other.

Sylvia Stock

Head Teacher, Wellbeing & Learning Support

As we take the reins for online/remote learning it is important to remember the opportunities this presents us with, including the ability to reset and focus on what’s important.

Through sheer dedication and perseverance, tomorrow you will be more resilient, tomorrow you will be able to prioritise your work load and manage your time, tomorrow you will be able to say, I am trying my best and will continue to strive to be the best I can be.

While experiencing this together, we will be stronger, more resilient and once we emerge, we will have acquired some valuable skills along our learning journey and a sincere appreciation for all that we have – stay positive, work hard and be kind to yourself.

Careers Events in Term 2, 2020

We at Beverly Hills Girls High School are very proud of the many opportunities we offer our students. Whilst there are none of the usual Careers excursions and on-site talks for students  in  Term 2, there are numerous opportunities which will be made available to hem during this time through the online learning platform. It is imperative students have joined their Careers google classroom - they must be checking this regularly in order to take advantage of these opportunities.

Year 12

UAC Applications are OPEN for 2021 admissions

A quick guide to applying for university - UAC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hZapVNXwDw&feature=youtu.be

What is the ATAR and how is it calculated?

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/atar

UAC course guide

https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/uac-guide/uac-guide-2020-21.pdf

Students can apply for the following through UAC:

• Schools recommendation scheme (SRS)

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/schools-recommendation-schemes

• Educational Access Schemes (EAS)

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/educational-access-schemes

• Equity Scholarships

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/equity-scholarships

Further information can be found at: https://www.uac.edu.au/

YEAR 11

Steps to Uni for Year 11 & 12

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/year-11-and-12-students

YEAR 10

Work experience is an integral part of students’ learning.

Work experience in Term 2 will be in the form of e-work experience, which, once completed, will allow students to gain their certificate. Sstudents will be provided with the necessary information in their Careers google classroom.

Work experience should resume in Term 3 and 4 – students are encouraged to source their own work experience with the support of the Careers Adviser, Ms Pangis, as required. Please remember, all paperwork must be returned to Ms Pangis at least 3 weeks prior to the commencement of Work Experience – digital work experience forms are available.

The dates for work experience in Term 3 and 4 are as follows:

Susan Pangis

Careers

On Tuesday the 3rd of March, all students in Year 12 Biology classes attended the Museum of Disease at UNSW - a unique museum of specific human cadavers showcasing over 2500 human tissue specimens. 

These specimens displayed various issues within the human body that resulted in the death of the person, or the amputation of the body part. They were fantastic examples of both infectious and non-infectious diseases, which were impacted by lifestyle factors and environmental factors, enhancing the students’ understanding of the impact of diseases on various organs. 

The day was filled with excitement, anticipation and new discoveries. Leading up to the event, students were all asked to download an app to answer a series of multiple-choice and short-answer questions to support their learning of the diseases within the museum, and strengthen their knowledge of the HSC module studied. 

Upon arrival, UNSW guides led the students through a short presentation of some organs to start off the quest for more knowledge regarding the diseases. Students were then let out to the entirety of the museum to explore and to complete the questions. For privacy reasons, photos were not allowed to be taken of the specimens, however, informative posters and VR games were enjoyed by students greatly. 

Finally, the day was wrapped up with students touring around the UNSW campus and having a bite to eat. Overall, the students enjoyed their tour of the museum and believed it was a great opportunity to deepen their understanding of the importance of choices in their life regarding their own health. 

Ms Natalie Petrovska

Science Faculty

Studying a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course as part of the HSC can provide students a pathway into a wide range of occupations. Studying a VET course at school can even make it easier to get that all important part time job to help them get through their university study. VET programs lay foundations for the workforce of tomorrow, developing skilled and adaptable employees for the future.

At Beverly Hills Girls High School, VET courses are offered in;

• Business Services
• Entertainment Industry
• Hospitality (Kitchen Operations)
• Information and Digital Technology (IDT)

and as part of these courses, students are required to undertake Workplacement in Years 11 and 12.

BHGHS Year 12 VET students performed so well in their 2019 Workplacements that a number of them have been nominated by their Workplace Provider for awards. They are;

• Bethany X for Hospitality - Kitchen Operations
• Amina M for Business Services
• Jenan A for Business Services
• Amina M for Information & Digital Technology

Congratulations to Jenan A and Amina M who progressed to the stage of final interview. They have progressed to the final six students from thousands of Year 12 VET students and now await for the winner to be announced at a special presentation evening hosted by MWLP. Unfortunately the Workplacement awards ceremony was postponed until a later date but we wish Jenan and Amina all the very best of luck. The BHGHS community are proud of you!

Kay Glitsos

HT Secondary Studies

As a school we are continuously looking for ways to improve our communication with our students, parents and the wider school community. In response to this, the school launched our Sentral Parent Portal early in Term 1. Accessible from your mobile, tablet or computer, the parent portal will give parents and carers the opportunity to stay in touch with the school from anywhere anytime. The Sentral Parent Portal will let you:

• Be notified of absence, respond to unexplained absences or advise the school in advance of planned absences
• Stay informed with your targeted news feed
• Receive regular academic notifications of your child’s progress
• Message your child’s teachers
• Respond to direct teacher/school messages via email, SMS or Portal
• Receive email and portal notifications, including reminders
• Access to the BHGHS newsletter
• Receive your child’s Student Report electronically
• Provide permission and make payments for school activities

Please note to have access to this valuable resource we need a current parent email address, as this will allow the school to send parents’ login details. If you have changed your email address or wish to check if the school has your correct details, please contact the school via the school’s email beverlyhg-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au or call on 9150 4280.

Thank you.

Finance Office