Principal`s Message - Girraween High School
Transcription
Principal`s Message - Girraween High School
Principal’s Message Mr Greg Murty Relieving Principal Relieving Duties While Mrs Kennedy is on leave, I will be Relieving Principal. During this time, Mrs Venkataya will be Relieving Deputy Principal Curriculum, with Mr Hurley being Relieving Head Teacher Mathematics. MADD15 MADD15 (Music, Art, Drama and Dance) continued the tradition of annual productions to showcase a variety of performances and works of art by our very talented students. On Thursday 11/06/15 and Friday 12/06/15, large audiences enjoyed matinee and evening performances with an impressive array of musical items, drama performances and dance compositions. Congratulations to the many students involved – be it as performers, MCs or Tech Crew, or as an artist with their work on display. Special thanks go to the dedicated and very capable group of organising Creative and Performing Arts teachers – Mr Wajzer, Ms Klepetko, Ms Vilcins, Ms Drury, Mrs Dalby, Ms Hopkinson and Mr Jugueta (percussion ensemble), as well as the many teaching and Front Office staff who helped make MADD15 a spectacular success. Parent Teacher Nights We have recently held very successful Parent Teacher Interviews in the school’s MPC for students in Years 8 – 12. These meetings are an important opportunity for sharing information and feedback on student performance with the aim of improving student outcomes. We value the strong positive relationships we have built up with parents, with staff always available to take calls to discuss any issues or questions you may have about your child’s progress. Parent Information Evenings A large number of parents and students attended the Year 10 Information Evening held on Monday 25/05/15 to assist with subject selection for Year 11 2016. Information was presented about Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) requirements for the Record of School Achievement (RoSA), the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR); and then parents and students were able to seek clarification about particular subject requirements. Recently we completed interviews with all Year 10 students and parents to provide further advice about the selection process. On Wednesday 15/07/15 at 7:15pm in the school’s MPC, Dr Carmel Harrington will be conducting a presentation on the Importance of Sleep to Year 9 and 10 students and their parents. Dr Harrington, a well renowned expert in this field, will discuss the importance of sleep and the latest research, and the connection between sleep, memory and cognitive functioning. There will be an opportunity for parents and students in attendance to ask questions, as well as receiving feedback from Dr Harrington on the Sleep Diary that students kept for their preceding night’s sleep. To find out more about Dr Carmel Harrington and her research, visit the Sleep for Health website at http://www.sleepforhealth.net.au/index.php Semester 2 Timetable The school recently commenced the Semester 2 timetable, which was generated using new timetabling software from Edval. This timetabling program is designed to better link with the school’s Sentral system which integrates Administration, Attendance, Calendar, Markbook, Reporting and Wellbeing modules. DEC Organised School Visits The school is currently hosting a Department of Education organised school visit of 15 students and 2 teachers from Vietnam. During their 2 week stay, our guests will spend time in our classrooms as well as attending excursions to the Blue Mountains, Featherdale Wildlife Park and a Sydney Harbour Cruise. Thank you to the students and their families who have hosted our guests, as well as the teachers and Front Office staff who have been responsible for the planning and running of this visit. We look forward to our next DEC organised school visit which will run early in Term 3 with guests from Fukouka Kaisei High School in Japan. Student Safety When dropping off or picking up students, some parents unfortunately have not been following school requests. It becomes very dangerous when parents drive into or out of school car parks against the flow of other traffic. To avoid possible accidents and / or injuries, I would appreciate all parents following our requests in regards to the bus bay and staff / student car parks: only authorised vehicles (that is staff and students with school permission) should drive inside the school gateways parents should NOT drive into the school grounds to drop off and / or pick up their children – especially while school buses are in the front bus bay between 8am and 9am in the morning, and between 2:30pm and 3:30pm in the afternoon. Parents should drop off or pick up their children from a safe place on Gilba Road outside the school grounds. Could parents please ensure that they do not block any driveways and instruct their children to only cross Gilba Road in a safe manner at the raised pedestrian crossing outside the school. Your cooperation in following these requests is most appreciated. Co-ordinator’s Message Editor: C. Blaschke, Co-Editor: T. Pelle Closure date for the next Newsletter is Tuesday, 11th August. Welcome to the June edition of etcetera, 2015. We hope that over the year, you enjoy the contributions of our very talented Newsletter Team. The 2015 Team Members are: Casey LIEU (7M) Pritpal DHILLON (7C) Marina JIN (8N) Akansha CHAUHAN (8M) Nityam BANSAL (8C) Kriti JAIN (9F) Rachitha SINGHABAHU (9C) Sumedh SURAPARAJU (9C) Nandhini KUMAR (10C) Neel Mishra (11F) Phoebe LIANG (11N) Chiraag BHALLA (11N) Nicola LAU (12C) Smaranika PATEL (12C) etcetera is always happy to include advertisements and articles. Please see one of the Newsletter Team if you are interested in contributing to etcetera or contact the editor at: carolyn.blaschke@det.nsw.edu.au Sydney Sinfonia By Pritpal Dhillon and Casey Lieu On the 20th of May, Year 7 students embarked on an exciting and educational adventure to the Parramatta Riverside Theatre to watch and revel in a thrilling and awe-inspiring orchestra called Sydney Sinphonia. There were several fascinating instruments as part of the orchestra, all of which had an important role to play and ranged from tiny piccolos to gigantic bass drums. The band members were all talented and highly skilled musicians who performed pieces to a very high standard, which were a privilege to watch and listen to. There were several excerpts from famous music pieces played. The orchestra consisted of roughly 45 extremely skilled musicians with the performing musical pieces ranging from the soft melodic to loud, attention grabbing pieces. This was a pleasurable experience for all of Year 7 to attend, however without the organisation of Mr Wajzer and Miss Klepetko this delightful excursion would not have been possible. MADD 2015 By Pritpal & Casey The 11th and 12th of June were two very special days for Girra. It was our MADD time of year! The weeks of tireless effort, hard work, dedication and organisation by both staff and students was showcased on these two nights. The MPC was filled with extravagant paintings, accurate portraits and colourful drawings. The acts ranged from cheerleading to drama to bands. It was utterly fantastic. The drama acts were hilarious and the band pieces were absolutely thrilling. The cheerleading team did an extraordinary job as well as the contemporary dancers with their stunning costumes and the nights were made even better with Monica, Arun, Lakshini Aifun, Harrison, Shivanjali and Archis’ comical jokes! Humongous cheers erupted from the crowd after the melodic choir sang. As many would agree, the humorous drama pieces performed by the talented Year 10s and 11s were spectacular; the dance performances were just as impressive. The musical side of MADD was entirely pleasing. The music performed by each band was of such a high standard and a privilege to listen to. All in all, MADD was definitely a highly entertaining and delightful experience for everyone! However, without the dedication, time and effort from both students and teachers, MADD would not have been possible! Canberra Excursion: by Nandhini Kumar On the 22nd of May, Year 10 travelled to Canberra for a whole-grade, history excursion. Once there, we visited the Australian War Memorial which is Australia's national memorial to the members of its armed forces and supporting organisations who have died or participated in the wars of our country. We were given the amazing opportunity to observe artifacts from the time of WWI, WWII and other wars in which Australia was involved. Afterwards we visited Old Parliament House where we debated a historic issue about conscription in the Vietnam War. Next we visited the current Parliament House, where we observed the Senate and the House of Representatives. We thoroughly enjoyed the excursion and we learnt so much about Australian politics and Australia's participation in important wars in history. The highlight of the day was definitely visiting the Australian War Memorial. The memorial was truly breathtaking with its artifacts and walls upon walls decorated with bright red poppies dedicated to those young soldiers, sailors and airmen lost in war. Bell Shakespeare Incursion: Macbeth by Nandhini Kumar On the 20th of May, there was a Year 10 incursion to watch the play Macbeth performed by the Bell Shakespeare Company. Bell Shakespeare is one of Australia's national theatre companies specialising in the works of William Shakespeare. Their production of Macbeth portrayed the play with more light and shade than popular stereotypes of pure darkness. The entire play was amazing and portrayed all the different methods in which we can use our bodies, props and costuming to communicate different ideas and stories from different perspectives. At the end of the performance we posed questions to the performers about their innovative dramatic techniques and also shared our thoughts on the most effective segments of the performance. As a grade we found their answers very insightful and from a drama student’s perspective, watching their performance helped me add a little more spark to my own personal acting style. It was a very entertaining and inspiring experience. ProjectABLE: by Nandhini Kumar On the 27th of May a keen group of Year 10 students travelled to the Interaction Disability Service Centre in Castle Hill for a very insightful careers program known as ProjectABLE. This program aims to raise awareness about Australia’s disabled community and inspires students to make a difference in their lives. ProjectABLE offered interactive activities in which we were able to look at life from the perspective of a disabled person. Simple activities such as staying silent and communicating with sign language for five minutes was so complicated for us to achieve, and really made us ponder on how strenuous it would be to have to do this for our whole lives. These activities also made us realise how much we should support disabled communities in Australia. We also learnt about the many career paths we can apply for in the care sector of occupations such as recreational therapists, youth workers and psychologists. During afternoon tea we were also able to socialise with the workers who work in the program and we were able to discuss their experiences in the care sector. This experience at ProjectABLE really opened our eyes to disability awareness and opened up many new career pathways for us to explore. Language Perfect World Championships By Kriti Jain Fingers rapidly flying over the keyboard, knuckles tensing, and the satisfying ding as more and more points are being earned, the competitive rush of students from all grades cheering on… this, my friends was what resulted from the arrival of the annual international Language Perfect World Championship series. Over the course of a week from the 18th of May, the Language Perfect World Championships were held and open to all students from schools from all around the world. News was delivered to us from Madame Stuart and Ms Akutsu from the Language Faculty about the upcoming championships, and as a result, many students crowded around the TAS staffroom the following lunchtime, eager to participate. Many sleepless nights and hectic days followed as students hurriedly typed their answers and gradually accumulated their points, anxious to win against the other competitors. The rush was high and the competition intense… I was also a competitor but had to give up after the three days due to the intense competition. I guess that should clue you in on how strenuous the championships were! After a long week, the Language Perfect Championships from 2015 came to an end. Sadly, Girraween High School did not come first, although all of the students that participated collectively performed at a commendable level. GHS Language Perfect Results: 2015 35th in world 23rd in Australia 7th in NSW 8th in the world 101-250 student category 6th in Australia in 101-250 student category Awards: 6 Elite Awards (10,000+ points): Nicole Goh, Yayna Lee and Michelle Tan from Yr 10 and Yousuf Kazi, Edward Lu and John Juan from Yr 8. 26 Gold (3,000+ points) 14 Silver (2,000+ points) 46 Bronze (1,000+ points) 29 Credits (500+ points) Elite award recipients will receive a Westfield Gift card at the next whole school assembly. Outstanding student was Nicole Goh, Yr 10, who is not in a language class but is passionate about the competition. She scored 35,397 points and came 2nd in the world in Italian. Verbal Combat By: Casey Lieu On the 5th of June, the Years 7 and 8 students watched an instructive cyberbullying program, aptly name Verbal Combat. Two actors came to the school to perform an entertaining play which helps students understand the seriousness of the cyber bullying issue. The play has a unique storyline based on a new girl at school and how people misjudge her based on her looks and on the reason she transferred schools. Some posted rude comments about her on Facebook. Cyber bullying and the invasion of her personal privacy was one of the main issues that she faced; she felt she couldn’t trust anyone and that the whole school didn’t accept her. Verbal combat is a wonderful program which helps young people to understand that sometimes tragic consequences can result from cyber bullying and it gives students strategies to try to prevent such abuse. Student Competitions: To enter, register through the link: http://www.youngatart.com.au/index.php Closing date for entries in 2015 is 5pm on Friday 2nd October, so make sure you get your entries in by then. … and whilst speaking of competitions, staff really get behind NSW in the State of Origin series: GO THE Blues!! Vivid Sydney 2015: our beautiful city under lights during the Vivid Festival Coming Events Week 10B nd June 22 - Year 8: Japanese Tanken Centre Excursion - Year 10: Shakespeare Assessment Pd2 - Years 10-12: USYD Scholarships & Pathways Talk Lunch Library - Years 8&9 Parent/Teacher Night 3:15pm MPC June 23rd - Year 10: Food Technology Sydney Tower Excursion - Year 8: English Shakespeare Essay Pds1,2,3 June 24th - Year 8: Japanese Tanken Centre Excursion - Year 12: Ancient History Task 4: Oral PresentationmPds1,2 Rm22 - Year 11: Mathematics (2unit) Task 2 Pds3,4 - P&C Meeting Staff Common Room 7pm June 25th - Year 12: School Reference Forms to students - Year 9: Drama Submit Logbook 2 Pd1 - Year 12: English Extension 1 Task4 Reading/Writing Pds1,2 - Year 10: Drama Submit Shakespeare Logbook Pds1,5 - Year 8: Scripture Pd4 June 26th - Years 11&12: No HSC Assessment Tasks + No PLM Assessment Tasks - Years 7-12: Special + Sports Photo Day Term 3 Week 1A July 13th - Staff Development Day Coming Events Week 2B July 20th - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks - Year 9: English Romeo and Juliet Bell Shakespeare Opera House - Year 7: Parent/Teacher Night 3:15pm MPC July 21st - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks July 22nd - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks - OC Placement Exam 9am MPC - P&C Meeting Staff Common Room 7pm July 23rd - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks - Sydney West Athletics Carnival Day 1 Blacktown International Sports Park - Year 11: Year Meeting to be held in Top COLA Year 10: Extended Year Meeting – Final Subject Selection Form MPC - Year 7: Scripture Pd4 - Years 7-10 English + 9&10 Drama Shakespeare Night MPC 7pm July 24th - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks - Sydney West Athletics Carnival Day 2 Blacktown International Sports Park - Years 7-11: Girra F1 Competition MPC Pds1-6 Week 3A July 26th - Japanese Students Fukukoa Kaisei High School July 14th - Students return July 27th - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks - Japanese Student Visitors Fukukoa Kaisei High School - 7-12 Formal Assembly MPC July 15th - Year 8: High Resolves Pds1-6 MPC - Year 12: English Advanced HSC Task 4 Pds1-4 - Years 9&10: Parent Information Evening –The Importance of Sleep 7:15pm MPC July 28th - Year 12: No HSC Assessment Tasks - Year 12: School Reference Forms due to Staff Mentors - Years 7-10: ICAS English Competition Pds3,4 July 16th - Year 7: Scripture Pd4 July 29th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 12: UMAT Admission Test - Year 11: Society and Culture Task 3 Class Test Pds1,2 - Year 8: Mathematics Task 3 Non Calculator Pds2,3 July 17th - CHS Cross Country Carnival Eastern Creek Raceway - Years 9&10: Japanese Cooking Workshop Pds5,6 Staff Common Room Coming Events Week 3A cont’d th July 30 - Year 12: Trial HSC Examinations - Year 10: Final Subject Selection Form due - Years7-11: Australian Mathematics Competition Pds1,2 July 31st - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations Week 4B August 3rd - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations August 4th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 8: Parent Information Evening MPC 7:15pm August 5th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Years 7&8: Legacy Public Speaking Competition Rooty Hill HS - Year 10: Mathematics Task 3 Pds1,2 - Year 7: Geography Task 1Pd2 Rms15, 19 - Year 11: Mathematics Extension 1 Task 3 Pds3,4 August 6th - Year 12: HSC Trials Examinations - Year 8: Extended Year Meeting – Subject Selection Library - Year 10: ProjectAble Northcott Parramatta - Year 7: Scripture Pd4 Coming Events Week 4B cont’d August 7th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 11: Business Studies Submit Task 3 by the End of Lunch - Year 11: Ancient History PLM Task 3 Submit by COB August 8th - GHS HAST Selection Test for 2016 Enrolment Week 5A August 10th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 11: Crossroads Day 2 Penrith Regatta Centre - Year 8: Geography Task 1 Pds1,5 Rm17 - Year 7: Mathematics Task 3 Pds3,4 August 11th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations August 12th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 11: Economics Task 3 Pds1,5 August 13th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 9: Mathematics Task 3 Pds1,2 - Year 7: Scripture Pd4 August 14th - Year 12: HSC Trial Examinations - Year 8: Subject Selection Form due - Year 11: English Extension 1 Task 3 Viewing/Representing Pds4,6 Student Book Review The Prince of Afghanistan: by Louis Nowra Reviewed by Rachitha Singhabahu The reverberation of the boom, the dead eyes of Casey and the sight of his army companions ablaze is something that will never leave the mind of Corporal Mark Hollis; a rescue mission gone totally wrong leaving survivors, Mark and army sniffer dog, Prince to now face the dangerous journey back to base. The pair must navigate through the foreign regions of remote Afghanistan avoiding the relentless Taliban who will kill them if they are captured. Throughout the journey, Mark reminisces his childhood back in the small Australian town of Emerald Creek and his reasons for joining the army, but what keeps him together is the strong bond he has with the dog, Prince. Prince builds Mark’s confidence, as he keeps watch for any threats or uncertainties which may cause harm to his master. What happens when Prince goes missing? What happens when Mark takes the wrong path that leads into enemy territory? And what happens next when Mark and Prince are starving? One of Australia’s most versatile authors, Louis Nowra has published several plays, novels, memoirs along with nonfiction books. This novel, targeted towards young adults balances the serious themes of survival and loyalty, with an engrossing, well-paced plot and a vivid narrative voice. The novel embraces a thought-provoking portrayal of the war in Afghanistan that effectively provides a serious but entertaining read for high school students. An ARCOtect of Respect Namaste! Ni hao! Mabuhay! Greetings in all of the almost 50 languages other than English spoken at Girraween High School! My name is Konstanze Kwiet and I am the school's Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO.) This position is not unique to Girraween High School of course - every public school in NSW is required to have an ARCO. According to the Department of Education and Communities’ Anti-Racism Policy, the ARCO is the contact between students, staff, parents and community members if there has been a complaint regarding racism. The ARCO plays a role in deciding the appropriate procedure that will be used to resolve the complaint, including the person who will have responsibility for dealing with the complaint - the delegate. The ARCO’s role can be described as including four elements – mediation, procedure, education and general monitoring. For further details, you can approach me or consult the DEC Anti-Racism Policy. https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/policies/student_serv/equity/antiracism/PD20050235.shtml Girraween High School is a wonderful example of multi-cultural success and the benefits of multi-culturalism. I am proud that complaints and incidents of racism at our school are rare and I encourage students to continue treating each other with respect and in a co-operative spirit. Even my ARCOtypal Kwiz (see below) is based on these themes this month. Kwietz Kwiz This month's Kwiz is ARCO-themed. To encourage even more participation, there will be a generous and very tasty prize. First student to bring me the correct answers is an ARCOmplished hero. What does ARCO stand for? Who are the traditional owners of the land on which Girraween High School stands? When was the White Australia Policy, formally abolished? Who was the first politician to be sworn in to an Australian parliament on the Hindu religious text, the Bhagavad-gita? 5. What school did he go to? - And who taught him in Legal Studies in the HSC:) 6. List any 10 of the many languages other than English spoken by Girraween High School students? 7. What does "polyglot" mean? 8. What colour is associated with Harmony Day? 9. List three events in the GHS calendar that celebrate our school and community's cultural diversity? 10. What historic Australian judgement is celebrated on the 3rd June? 1. 2. 3. 4. This will be a regular feature of etcetera so that you can get to know the members of our talented Newsletter Team. This will be a regular feature of etcetera so that you can get to know the members of our talented Newsletter Team. Introducing: Nityam Bansal Introducing: Rachitha Singhabahu Q: Any hobbies Nityam? A: Origami Q: Any hobbies Rachitha? A: Cricket, playing piano and saxophone, doing maths. Q: Sporting interests? A: Soccer and cricket! Q: Favourite interests outside school? A: Gaming Q: Favourite subject at school? A: Science Q: Favourite movie? A: Ghostbusters Q: Favourite music/band? A: Queen Q: Future aspirations? A: Medicine Q: Sporting interests? A: Cricket, swimming, soccer, handball and tennis Q: Favourite interests outside school? A: Reading novels and scientific news, cricket Q: Favourite subject at school? A: Maths and Science Q: Favourite movie? A: Maze Runner Q: Favourite music/band? A: Imagine Dragons Q: Future aspirations? A: To be an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) This will be a regular feature of etcetera so that you can get to know the members of our talented Newsletter Team. This will be a regular feature of etcetera so that you can get to know the members of our talented Newsletter Team. Introducing: Marina Jin Introducing: Akansha Chauhan Q: Any hobbies Marina? A: Reading, listening to music Q: Any hobbies Akansha? A: Guitar, dance, reading…sleeping. Q: Sporting interests? A: Netball Q: Sporting interests? A: Netball is fabulous Q: Favourite interests outside school? A: Playing the accordion, dance Q: Favourite interests outside school? A: Netball, dance Q: Favourite subject at school? A: Maths and Music Q: Favourite subject at school? A: English and Music Q: Favourite movie? A: The Book of Life Q: Favourite movie? A: The Book Thief Q: Favourite music/band? A: Sam Smith, Chet Faker Q: Favourite music/band? A: Nirvana and All Time Low Q: Future aspirations? A: Piano accordion teacher or lawyer Q: Future aspirations? A: A general surgeon School Contact People 2015 Head Teachers: Student Progress in a Subject English Ms F Minty Mathematics Ms S Venkataya Science Mr M Iverach History/Social Sciences Ms L Trott TAS Mr C Albanese Administration School Contact People 2015 When you ring the school please tell the admin. officer the nature of your enquiry and to whom you wish to speak. Student Advisers: Student Conduct and General Progress Year 7 Adviser Assistant Adviser Ms J Mani (TAS) Mr D Di Ienno (TAS) Year 8 Adviser Co Adviser Mr D Starrett (HSIE) Ms K Ayer (HSIE) Ms D Jackaman Year 9 Adviser Assistant Adviser Ms K Drury (English) Ms M Kaur (Science) Creative Arts Co-Ord. Mrs J Vilcins Sport Mr P Fogarty Year 10 Adviser Assistant Adviser Mr J Mikhaiel (Science) Mr C Masens (Science) PDHPE Mr D Wheatley Year 11 Adviser Assistant Adviser Ms B Datt (HSIE) Ms K Kwiet (HSIE) Welfare Mr S Henretty Year 12 Adviser Assistant Adviser Ms C McMillan (Maths) Ms A Seckold (PDHPE) Supervisor of Girls Ms N Kularajendran Careers Adviser Ms E Youhanna Deputy Principals: Any questions regarding school organisation Ms E Burgess Mr G Murty Years 7, 9 and 11 Years 8, 10 and 12 ARCO Ms Kwiet School Counsellors: Concerns over student adjustment, personal issues, learning difficulties: Mr T Toshack (Tuesdays and Thursdays) Ms R Herkus (every 2nd Wednesday) NSW Adolescent Vaccination Program 2015 Vaccination clinics will continue at Girraween High School on the following dates: Wednesday 21st October 2015 9:00am Yr 7, 3rd dose HPV Yr 7, Varicella Summary of the program is as follows: Year 7 male and female students will be offered a three dose course Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a single dose of Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (dTpa) vaccine and a single dose of Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccine Year 11 and 12 students will be offered a single dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine Catch-up Program: Year 7 students who missed dose 2 or 3 human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2014, will be offered this vaccine ONLY in Year 8 2015 to complete the course. Year 9 male students who missed dose 2 or 3 human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2014, will be directed to complete the course at the local doctor. This program is no longer provided in 2015. **Please note: from 2014, Hepatitis B vaccine will no longer be offered.** The C hildr en's Hos pital a t West mea d Team Bandaged Bear: City2Surf 2015 Welcome to Team Bandaged Bear at the Sun-Herald City2Surf 2015 In 2015 put your hand up to be one of more than 800 runners, raising over $400,000 at the Sun-Herald City2Surf, for seriously ill children and their families. Team Bandaged Bear status is given to all individuals who raise a minimum of $225 from their fundraising efforts. The benefits of being part of Team Bandaged Bear are as follows: Exclusive access to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Bear Cottage’s Team Bandaged Bear marquee post-race on Bondi Beach An official Team Bandaged Bear singlet An extravaganza of premium catering, refreshments, entertainment, goodie bags and pampering at the post-race celebration Inclusion in our 10th year celebration of Team Bandaged Bear participating in City2Surf The opportunity to win amazing prizes in the lead up to the event and on the day Regular updates with tips and information about race day and the post-race event activities Helpful fundraising advice and information to encourage support and donations from your family and friends Motivational tips from our Team Bandaged Bear Race Ambassadors Certificate of Thanks for your participation and support The opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, hospital staff and supporters on event day The chance to make a difference in helping us reach our goal of $400,000 for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Bear Cottage Any money raised can go to a specific area of the Hospital upon request or you can leave it up to us to allocate it where it will have the most impact for sick kids. Team Bandaged Bear has raised over $1.2 million in the past decade to provide medical care and much-needed support for sick children and their families in their time of greatest need. By challenging yourself to participate in the City2Surf, you are honouring the challenge these brave children with serious illnesses and their families face every day. So how do I get involved? Registering to be part of this great event is a two step process. First, you should register for the event at the main event website. Once you have done that, you can then set yourself up a fundraising page. Apart from raising much need funds for the Hospital, a fundraising page let you tell your friends, family, colleagues and network about the amazing thing you are doing. You can then aim for Team Bandaged Bear status (by raising a minimum of $225) and beyond …. and don’t forget to select ‘The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Bear Cottage’ as your charity of choice. What if I have questions? If you have any questions about this event or on how to register, please phone Richard on (02) 9845 3481 or email richard.hughes@health.nsw.gov.au Student Competition My Story My Content 2015 Entries open now! Entries for the 2015 My Story My Content competition are now open! The competition invites school students to create a 60-second short film in line with the theme 'Movies Matter'. The competition is split into Primary and Secondary categories with prizes including cash, DVD/Blu-ray packs, movie tickets and more. Entries close midday Monday August 10, 2015. Get creating! Interesting Facts Collated by Akansha Chauhan Did you know: 1. There are more life forms living on your skin than there are people on the planet. 2. Duelling is legal in Paraguay as long as both the opponents are registered blood donors. 3. All the clocks in the movie: “Pulp Fiction”, are set at 4:20. 4. Dr. Seuss wrote the book Green Eggs and Ham to win a bet with his publisher although he could not complete a book with only 50 words. 5. The average American drinks around 600 soft drinks a year. 6. A jellyfish is 90% water. 7. It would take over 1000 years to watch every video on YouTube. 8. A group of pugs is called a grumble. 9. The number of words posted on twitter each day would fill a 10 million-page book. 10. Elvis Presley got a C in his 8th grade music class.