7 March 2025

From the Principal

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2025 and a special welcome to our new families who are joining the school community this year. I am looking forward to meeting our Year 7 parents and carers at the Meet the Teacher afternoon next week.

Year 7 started the year well with some getting to know the school and their peers activities, as well as some Peer Support sessions, led by our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. The Year 7 transition program continues throughout the term, culminating with our Foundations Days, one held here on site and the other at Cataract Activity Centre, which will be 2 fun packed days.

Students have settled in well to their new timetables and classes for this year. All students have been provided with a Student Planner (Diary) and Assessment Booklets have now been issued to all year groups. These will assist students with planning, time management and revision. The Assessment Booklets are also available on the Sentral Portal.

We speak regularly with students about our school values – Respect, Responsibility, Aiming for Excellence and what that actually looks like for students at school. School expectations are also very important and we devoted a whole school assembly at the beginning of the year to presenting our expectations to students. These expectations relate to attitudes, behaviour, actions and communication. I am sure that you have similar expectations at home.

Swimming Carnival

The school swimming carnival was held on Friday 21 February and we were very fortunate to have ideal weather on the day.

Thank you to Ms Yates, Miss Brown and the PDHPE faculty for all of their organisation to ensure the event was a successful one for all involved. Thank you also to the Year 10 PE elective students and the SRC students for their assistance on the day.

Congratulations to all students who participated and to all of the 37 students who progressed to represent the school at zone level. We wish them all the very best.

Pictured below are the House relay winning teams.

Open Night

On Tuesday 25 February, we held our Open Night for prospective enrolments for 2026. Our annual open night is a great opportunity to showcase our wonderful school to the local community. We held an information session in the hall and then our SRC leaders took groups on a tour of the school and visited interactive faculty displays along the way. Thank you to all staff and students who volunteered to be involved and assist.

Attendance and Explanations for Absence

Regular attendance at school for every student is essential if students are to achieve their potential and increase their career and life options. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children. At GRC Peakhurst, we acknowledge and celebrate outstanding attendance through a variety of means such as letters home for 100% attendance each term, students with greater than 95% attendance go into a draw for prizes each term and 100% attendance awards are celebrated at our annual presentation days. I look forward to your support in ensuring your children maintain excellent attendance at school.

Student absences are notified to parents and carers using our SMS system each day. It is the responsibility of parents and carers to provide an explanation for any absences within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence. The simplest way is via return SMS but can also be via a written note, a telephone call or email.

Requests for extended leave are considered on an individual basis and can be accepted by the principal for exceptional circumstances only. Family holidays are expected to be taken outside of school terms and are not accepted as justified reasons for absences. For further information on the NSW Department of Education guidelines please click on the following link Compulsory School Attendance – Information for Parents.

Representative Sport Trials

We have a number of students who have nominated to trial for various representative sport teams for Sydney East over the next few weeks:

• Hunter P, Ruby P, Sam K and Xavier H for Rugby Union
• Audrey V for Australian Rules Football
• Sam K for Rugby League
• Xavier H for Basketball
• Xavier H for Touch Football

Hunter P has been nominated to trial for NSWCHS Rugby 16 years and Under.

We wish them all the very best.

Diane Wilson
Principal

Deputies’ Report

Welcome to Georges River College Peakhurst Campus for 2025.

We welcome back all students and are pleased how well our students have engaged with their new classes. In particular, we would like to welcome the new students and parents to our school, especially our new Year 7 families. We trust that over the next four years, we can develop a positive relationship with you to ensure the best learning outcomes for your child are achieved.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Positive Behaviour for Learning, known as PBL, is an integral part of Georges River College Peakhurst Campus, placing a focus on our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Excellence. This year we have continued our morning Peakhurst Expectations and Knowledge or PEAK Learning (PL). A key part of PEAK Learning is the explicit teaching of our core values in addition to social/emotional skills, literacy and numeracy.

Some of our core PEAK expectations include:

• Demonstrating excellence by attending all classes. Students are expected to arrive before 8:40am, attend each day and be on time to each lesson. Students are also reminded to have a drink and use toilets during breaks as it is discouraged to interrupt learning time for these activities. Irregular attendance, whether it be whole day absence, partial absences, truancy or late arrival to class can all significantly impact a student’s learning and achievement.
• Demonstrating responsibility by wearing the correct school uniform. Students are expected to wear the correct school uniform and completely covered, all black, leather school shoes each day except for Wednesday. On Wednesday, students are expected to wear the school sports uniform and supportive sports shoes. On days where students have a timetabled practical PDHPE or PASS lesson, students must attend school in full school uniform and bring their sports uniform to change into for these lessons. When out of uniform, students are expected to complete the uniform log in the back of their planner or collect a uniform slip from their PL teacher and attend a reflection at recess or lunch. Visit our website for details of correct school uniform.
• Demonstrating responsibility by keeping mobile phones off and away all day. All mobile phones must be off and away for the full school day, including recess and lunch. This is an approved NSW Department of Education approach and will limit unnecessary distractions and complement our ongoing commitment to ensure every student maximises their learning and social growth in a safe and supportive environment. Breaching this policy will result in the phone or communication device being confiscated. Continued breaches of this policy may result in suspension from school. The link to the GRC Peakhurst Campus Mobile Phone Policy can be found via the link: https://peakhurst-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies/school-policies-and-procedures/mobile-phone-policy.html

• Demonstrating respect by maintaining personal space. Students are expected to be mindful of personal space when in class, moving between classes and in the playground. Students must keep their ‘hands-off’ at all times. Games or play fighting that breaks this expectation are not accepted. This unsafe behaviour can cause accidents or lead to more aggressive interactions, which will not be tolerated.
• Demonstrating responsibility by being organised and prepared for lessons. Students are expected to have their planner, pencil case and workbooks for each period of learning in their bag each day. Completing homework and assessment tasks is also the responsibility of every student.
• Demonstrating respect by cooperating with staff, school expectations and procedures. Students are expected to: know and always demonstrate our core values; speak politely and with manners; be an up-stander by telling peers to stop or walk away when they are not cooperating. Students who regularly demonstrate our values will receive merit awards and be in the running for once per term voucher draws. Additionally, they may be invited to an end of year reward excursion. Students who fail to demonstrate our values may be issued a warning, reflection, or receive a call home.

Maximising Learning and Academic Success

At GRC Peakhurst Campus, we are committed to developing and nurturing a culture of high expectations in all that we do. In order to support and reap the benefits of a culture of high expectations we need our students, parents and staff to continue to strengthen our shared commitment to excellence and improvement. Students have only one opportunity to succeed at school and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that each child receives the very best opportunity to succeed. If we want our students to achieve outstanding results, we need to place great value and importance on learning, whilst acknowledging and celebrating student achievement.

Some simple strategies for students, parents and carers that can assist learning are:

• Using the school planner to write down and plan homework and assignments every day.
• Developing a strong understanding of the assessment program.
• Setting aside time each day to complete homework and assignment work.
• Reflecting and talking to your child about learning and how to improve their achievements and results.
• Focusing on and preparing for assessment tasks, including exams.
• Encouraging your child to collaborate with others and to compete to do their very best.
• Constantly behaving in a way that supports learning.
• Parents providing firm boundaries around the use of technology beyond schoolwork.
• Assisting your child to do their best work all the time.
• Helping your child to try new ideas and strategies and to enjoy the journey of learning.

All year groups have been provided with their 2025 Assessment Guide. This guide contains important and valuable information on assessment procedures and outlines specific assessment tasks for each subject area. The assessment guides are also available on the SENTRAL Student Portal and the SENTRAL Parent Portal. In addition to assessment tasks and set homework activities, students are expected to consolidate what has been learnt during lessons at school through regular revision and independent learning.

Homework Centre

To support our students with their assessment tasks and homework, a Homework Centre will operate each Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon in the school library. Tuesdays 3.00pm – 4.00pm and Wednesdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm. We encourage parents to remind their child/children of this excellent resource.

Attendance

Students can only excel at school if they are present in class. GRC Peakhurst Campus asks for parent support in ensuring that your child is at school each day unless they are sick. This includes all school events such as carnivals, excursions and special events.

Transport

Approximately 750 students now attend GRC Peakhurst Campus. Many of these students access local bus services to travel to and from school. We regularly remind students at school assemblies to ensure they are using their Opal Cards to tap on and tap off when using these services. The NSW Department of Transport and local bus companies use the data from students tapping on and off to gauge the number of students using the services. Unfortunately, the data being gathered is not always reflective of the number of students using the services as students often fail to tap on and tap off. We therefore also encourage parents to ensure their child is carrying an Opal card and using it to tap on and off when using bus services. We believe that if we can encourage our students to tap on and off when using these services, the data collected by the Department of Transport will better reflect the large numbers of students using the buses and therefore increase the chances of extra buses and services being provided to our students in the future.

SENTRAL Parent Portal

GRC Peakhurst Campus uses an integrated web-based Student Management and Wellbeing software system called SENTRAL. This system has a Parent Portal facility that will provide parents with information about their child. This facility has web and app access. Parents are able to access their child’s timetable and academic report information, read daily student announcements and access the school’s public calendar. Year 7 parents and parents of new students in Years 8, 9 and 10 in 2025 should have received a letter from the school outlining instructions on how they can access the Parent Portal. All other students had letters posted home in previous years. If you are having difficulty accessing the parent portal, please contact the school for assistance. We are confident that you will see the benefits of the Parent Portal as we continue to progress this initiative. We value our partnership with you in your child’s education and are supportive of regular communication. For this to be successful, please ensure that the office has your current mobile phone number and email address.

Year 7 BBQ Meet the Teacher/Meet the Parents

We will be holding a Meet the Teacher/Meet the Parents afternoon on Tuesday 11 March from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Parents of Year 7 students and their families are encouraged to come along and meet our teachers. A complimentary BBQ will be available outside the hall. We look forward to meeting as many parents as possible on this afternoon.

NAPLAN

Students in Years 7 & 9 will sit for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) exams. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 12 March and finishes on Monday 24 March 2025. Students will receive an individual timetable indicating when they will sit for each of the four assessments. Please try to ensure your child/children attend school on these days. There may be an opportunity for students who are absent to complete missed tests, however, we cannot administer any tests outside of the test window.

We look forward to a term of excellence from our students! 

Sophia Favuzzi – Deputy Principal Years 7 & 9
Scott Wilson – Deputy Principal Year 8
Amanda Vials – Deputy Principal Years 10

Year Advisors Report

Welcome beginning and returning students and parents/guardians to Georges River College Peakhurst! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer break.

As we embark on a new academic year, the Wellbeing Team, consisting of the Year Advisors, assistant Year Advisors, Student Support Officer, Counsellors, Youth Workers, Girls and Boys mentors, Head Teacher Wellbeing and Deputy Principals, is filled with excitement and anticipation for the wonderful journey that lies ahead for each of your children in our cohorts.

This year promises to be one filled with opportunities for learning, discovery, and personal development. Stay motivated, take pride in everything you do and always keep our school values in mind: Respect, Responsibility, and Aiming for Excellence. These values guide us in everything we do and will help you thrive throughout the year.

School Expectations

We would like to remind our students to bring their planners to school every day. Our planners are required during each lesson to record homework, assessment tasks, and other important events. Students can also refer to their planners for bell times, school rules and policies, uniform requirements and behaviour expectations. The Parent and Student Sentral portal is another place where you can find important communications regarding subject requirements, excursions, and upcoming events.

Homework Centre

GRC Peakhurst runs a Homework Centre program every Tuesday, 3pm – 4pm and Wednesday, 2:30pm – 3:30pm in our school library. Attending Homework Centre is a great opportunity for students to complete any homework or assessment tasks with the support and supervision of two staff members. We also provide a light snack beforehand!

Attendance

Regular attendance is a significant factor in engagement and learning. Students should aim to be at school before the warning bell at 8.37am for a 8.40am start. Please note that attendance is recorded on each student’s school reports. This includes the number of explained and unexplained absences, along with attendance at significant events which include Swimming and Athletics Carnivals.

A message for Year 7 - Welcome to High School!

Welcome Year 7s, parents and guardians to GRC Peakhurst! My name is Elaine Cao and I am your Year 7 Advisor.

Year 7 have had a busy start to the year as they engaged in various transitional activities settling them into high school. We are thrilled to share with you the remarkable success of our peer support program implemented for our Year 7 students by our Year 10 students. At GRC Peakhurst, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive, and we believe that peer support plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

The program pairs Year 10 students with Year 7s, providing them with a friendly face and a supportive companion as they navigate the transition into high school.

One of the most important benefits of the peer support program is the sense of belonging it instils in our Year 7 cohort. The older students serve as mentors and role models, offering guidance and reassurance to their younger counterparts. This mentorship dynamic not only facilitates smoother transitions but also fosters meaningful connections between students across different year levels. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by both our Year 10 mentors and Year 7 students throughout this journey.

Looking back, Year 7 have settled in excellently and have already had the chance to participate in our school’s Swimming Carnival. A big thank you to all involved! As our first Term continues at full steam ahead, we will also have our Year 7 Foundation Days in Week 10, on Thursday 3 April and Friday 4 April, 2025. I cannot wait to share our experiences and photos with you upon our return. In the meantime, we are looking forward to meeting everyone in Week 7 during our Year 7 Meet the Teacher/Meet the Parents afternoon.

As the year progresses, should you or your child have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to find me in the Library staffroom or contact me through the school’s phone number and email.

Let’s have a great year 7 together!

A message for Year 8

I am Ms Otaki, the Learning and Support Teacher for Year 8 & 9, and this year I also have the privilege of serving as the Relieving Year 8 Student Advisor. I am usually located inside the library, and I warmly encourage all Year 8 students to visit me, whether to discuss any arising issues or simply for a friendly chat! I am very excited to get to know the Year 8 cohort better and support you throughout this year. 

In the first few weeks of Term 1, I am already incredibly proud of the Year 8 students who have stepped up as outstanding role models and mentors for our new Year 7s. Whether it be during school sport, recess and lunch or outside school hours, I have seen many Year 8 students actively contributing to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment to ensure our Year 7s feel supported and a part of the school community.  The leadership and kindness displayed by Year 8 have truly set a positive tone for the exciting year ahead. 

As Relieving Year 8 Advisor, I am here to assist both students and families with any concerns such as academic progress or personal well-being. If parents have any questions or issues that may be difficult to address with classroom teachers, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via the school’s email or number. I am looking forward to working together to ensure a successful year for all students! 

Elaine Cao Year 7 Student Advisor
Mai Otaki Year 8 Student Advisor
Yoliana Elnemasy Acting Year 9 Student Advisor
Fotini Tzoumas Year 10 Student Advisor

FACULTY NEWS

HSIE

Welcome to the 2025 academic year!

Since this is our first newsletter of the year, I thought appropriate we introduce our lovely HSIE faculty.

Ms Kardell

My name is Emma Kardell, and I am the newest member of the HSIE faculty! I teach history and geography to students in 7-10. I have a range of experience in helping young people grow academically and socially and am passionate about all students receiving quality education. In my work I aim to support students in overcoming barriers to their learning and developing transferable skills that they can take out of the HSIE classroom and into the real world. I am excited to continue to settle in at GRC Peakhurst and look forward to what the year will bring!

Mr Karp

Greetings!
I'm Constantine Karp - HSIE teacher.
I'm so old Ancient History is my specialty - I was there!
Actually, to be truthful, both my grandfathers were born in the 1880's and my father* served 5 years 11 months in WWII in the RAAF - he was a Flight Sergeant Wireless Operator. My mother was born in Babinda, Queensland.

My favourite Shakespear: King Lear
My favourite poem: A Wanderer's Song by John Masefield
My favourite hobbies/sports: Fishing and competitive sailing (some might say it's actually talking)
My favourite quote: "Love without truth isn't real."
My current favourite quote: "Every mistake is an opportunity to learn."
My motto:  Keep improving!
* My father arrived in Australia in 1921 at  the Royal Paddington Hospital for women! 

Deb Vlachos

• A fun fact about me...  "Favourite word is “hello”.
• My favourite quote is…."Happiness starts from within".
• The thing I’m most looking forward to in teaching your child in HSIE is....Otzi! He, like the topic, never ages.

Mr Kupershteyn

My name is Jonty, I graduated UNSW in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts/Education (Secondary) majoring in Theatre and Performance and minoring in Modern History. In my spare time you might find me watching movies at the cinema, playing video games or working on my classes. I'm a HSIE teacher at GRC Peakhurst and have been thoroughly enjoying teaching a variety of students about the history and geography of our world. I have a passion for teaching that was unlocked near the end of my high school career and knew that I wanted to teach the new generation and see them succeed in their endeavours.

Ms Hamilton

My name is Megan Hamilton, and I teach History, Geography and Commerce. I have a passion for travelling and nature with some of my favourite places being Cuba, Chile, Croatia and China. After 20 plus years of teaching I still have a passion for educating especially regarding how humans are impacting our world.

Ms Diamond

I am Hayley Diamond. I am the Head Teacher of the HSIE faculty. I have worked at GRC Peakhurst since 2011 and am currently teaching 7-10 History and Geography, and VET Retail Services. 
Favourite quote: 
Don’t be a bystander in your own life.

Mr Hernandez

Hi! My name is Mr Hernandez, I have been teaching at GRC Peakhurst for two and a half years now, and living in Australia for close to twenty! Born and raised in Barcelona, I arrived in Sydney via London, Amsterdam, and Turkey… I have a passion for History and all things Political Science.

Hayley Diamond
Head Teacher HSIE

LIBRARY

Welcome to the New School Year!

We're excited to kick off another fantastic school year! Our library has new displays and a wide selection of new books waiting for you to discover. Whether you're into fiction, non-fiction, or looking to explore new genres, we have something for everyone! The library is open before school, during recess, and at lunchtime, so feel free to drop in and borrow a book.

Additionally, the library hosts a Homework Club in the library every Tuesday from 3 pm to 4 pm and Wednesday from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. This is a great opportunity for students to complete assignments in a supportive environment and receive extra assistance from teachers if needed.

We are also excited to announce that the Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) commenced on Monday, February 24th. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with a wide range of books and develop a love of reading. The PRC is open to all students in Years 7 to 10.To successfully complete the challenge, students must read a total of twenty books, which includes ten personal choice books and ten books from the Premier's Reading Challenge list. For further information, please reach out to your English teacher or speak to the library team.

Happy Reading!

Karen Deegan                                      Claudia Manwarring
Librarian                                              Library Assistant

LOTE

I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break. On behalf of the LOTE faculty staff, I am delighted to welcome you all back to a new school year!

We are excited to delve deeper into the beauty of Japanese culture, language, and traditions, which will continue to be a key part of our curriculum this year. From our language lessons to exploring customs, festivals, and history, we look forward to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in our students.

To kick off our Year 8 cohort’s Japanese journey, students have designed creative workbook covers and are diving into the language through games, speaking and listening exercises, and stroke order practice. Many are already embracing Japanese in class, saying phrases such as “Sensei, sumimasen, pen o kudasai?” (“Excuse me, teacher, may I have a pen?”) and “Toire ni itte mo ii desu ka?” (“Can I go to the toilet?”).

Late last year our students participated in a Taiko Drumming Incursion, images below, which we are looking forward to experiencing again this year!

We are also thrilled to share some exciting news with our Year 9 and Year 10 students. During the Term 3 holidays we will be embarking on a memorable trip to Japan! This cultural exchange will allow students to immerse themselves in the rich history, vibrant cities, and unique cultural experiences that Japan has to offer. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, and we cannot wait to see our students grow through this amazing opportunity.

Thank you to all of our parents and carers for your continued support.

Giulia Amado
Head Teacher LOTE

MATHEMATICS

This year, we have a total of seven teachers in the Mathematics Faculty:

• Mrs C Keir             (Head Teacher Mathematics)
• Mr D Smithard      (Year 10 Maths Coordinator)
• Mrs M Ibrahim      (Year 9 Maths Coordinator)
• Ms Y Elnemasy      (Year 8 Maths Coordinator / Year 9 Student Advisor)
• Mrs O Azzi            (Year 7 Maths Coordinator / Assistant Year 9 Student Advisor)
• Ms J Wu                (Assistant Year 7 Student Advisor)
• Mrs I Attaalla

Our team of teachers are dedicated to bridging the gap in students’ understanding and application of mathematical concepts learnt while raising the bar in terms of student achievement and success. We all look forward to working closely with you and your child this year and to continue strengthening the partnership between school and home.

Google Classrooms (GCs)

The Mathematics staff will continue utilising Google Classroom (GC) this year.
Each GC will provide students with access to:

• classwork and homework
• links to curriculum resources for coursework and revision strategies
• assessment booklets and task notifications
• past papers with worked solutions and marking guidelines

Please ensure that your child has access to their Mathematics GC in 2025.

Homework and Study Recommendations

Regular homework and systematic study and revision are essential when aiming for excellence in Mathematics. Students are advised to develop sustainable routines to complete assigned homework as well as a structured study schedule to provide them with planned sessions to regularly review course content. Sample study plans and ‘Aiming for Excellence in Mathematics’ recommendations were uploaded to GCs at the beginning of the year for students to access.

Students are encouraged to attend the Homework Centre on Tuesdays (3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Wednesdays (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) in the School Library for additional assistance. Students who continue to find course content too difficult are advised to speak with their classroom teacher as soon as possible so that additional support can be provided.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is fast approaching for students in Year 7 and Year 9. Students are encouraged to practise as many Numeracy NAPLAN-style questions as possible to familiarise themselves with the style and format of questioning. Students have been provided with links in their GCs to access past Numeracy NAPLAN-style questions to assist them in preparing for this adaptive and diagnostic assessment (which will be conducted online over the coming weeks).

Minimum Standards Testing

Minimum Standards Testing for Year 10 students will be conducted again this year. Students will be permitted to sit for this assessment each term throughout the year. Students will be notified of their assessment time closer to the dates.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding matters in Mathematics classes, please don’t hesitate to contact either your child’s teacher initially or myself at the school.

Christine Keir
Head Teacher Mathematics

TAS

Did you know?  Australian David Warren in 1953 invented the black box flight recorder. It is virtually indestructible so that it is easily found in case of a plane crash. Interestingly it is not black but orange to make it easier to find.

The TAS faculty remains relatively unchanged this year. We welcome Ms Patrick who is our graphics specialist, replacing Mr Robertson who took a permanent position at another school. 

After initial safety training, classes in TAS are now well underway with practical work. Year 7 are very excited about this opportunity in high school. With students undertaking a rotation system where they will each get to experience food, textiles and computer programming. Year 8 are also rotating and are either undertaking food, engineering or timber units.

Year 10 Industrial Technology are busy constructing small tables while Year 9 Industrial Technology are making toolboxes. Both Year 9 and 10 Design and Technology are designing and making clocks but are using different materials and influenced by different eras of design. 

Yr 10 Multimedia are studying Apps and Interactivity while Yr 9 Multimedia are studying Web and Graphics as a topic. Year 9 Food Technology are studying Foods in Australia while Year 10 are undertaking the Food for Special Needs topic. Year 9 Graphics are learning to master using graphical instruments while Year 10 Graphics are designing tiny houses.

Just a reminder, it is vital that students must meet safety requirements and wear PPE in order to undertake practical work. This includes enclosed leather shoes. Please refer to the school diary to check for appropriate school footwear.

Safety glasses must be worn when using tools and equipment in the timber workshops while in food, students are required to bring a clean apron and storage container (about the size of a 1 litre ice cream container) on practical days. All equipment should be labelled with the student’s name.

We look forward to a successful year presenting completed student projects in coming newsletters.

Rosalie Gualtieri
Head Teacher TAS

CAREERS

Careers Lessons

Year 10 students are undertaking careers lessons and the focus will be to assist students learn more about themselves because in understanding themselves, they can plan for possible future career pathways.  A Careers Google classroom exists for submitting work, as well as a GRC Peakhurst Careers website.

EVET

EVET are externally delivered, vocational education and training courses, delivered at TAFE.  The courses have been made available to students to have an opportunity to learn "hands on" skills, in a practical manner while building their knowledge of the industry.  These students can then boast about learning in an "adult environment" as well as achieving an extra credential to highlight on their resume.  We wish them well in this endeavour, and await an offering notification from TAFE.

A number of our students have applied to partake in an EVET course and hopefully they will be offered a place.

Work Experience

In preparation for a great placement in Term 4, the expectation is that all Year 10 students will have work experience paperwork completed and ready for approval by midway through Term 3, or earlier.  Before the end of Term 3, students are to personally give the paperwork to Ms Arfanis located in D0.14 on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.  As is known, "The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X.

The majority of students choose to go to ONE placement for two weeks. Students will participate in two weeks of work experience with  an option of two weeks with one employer or one week at each of two separate employers.  There are many benefits from a work experience placement whereby students experience the reality of the "world of work".  It can help them gain an understanding of a career pathway or assist them in gaining work as a casual, or part time, after school.  It can also assist in gaining clarity or provide possible insight into prospective courses which will benefit them with foundation knowledge or skills for a future pathway.  This insight can assist Year 10 students to choose their courses for Years 11 and 12, at subject selection time early Term 3. However, note the compulsory work experience placement dates are in Term 4 of Week 6 and Week 7, as follows.  Exact dates are:

Week 6 : 17 November, 18 November, 19 November, 20 November, and 21 November.

Week 7: 24 November, 25 November, 26 November, 27 November and 28 November.

Students can ask Ms Arfanis for the Student Placement Record Form paperwork, if they require it sooner than it's official distribution in Term 3.

White Card Training

White Card Training will next be offered at school in May, Term 2 and September, Term 3.  Interested students should see Ms Arfanis in Room D0.14 or email Ms Arfanis at antonella.arfanis@det.nsw.edu.au and inform her.  Please ensure all students have an Unique Student Identifier (USI) number.

University of Wollongong - Future Student Talk Webinar Series

Making big post-school decisions can feel overwhelming, so the UoW sessions are designed to provide clarity, support, and practical advice to help you navigate this important year with confidence.  This could help parents and Year 10 students prepare for HSC senior studies course choices.  You'll gain insights on:

• The challenges they may face—and how you can help
• UOW degrees, programs, and study options
• Financial considerations for families, including scholarships, budgeting, accommodation, and moving away from home
• Navigating higher education pathways and the evolving world of work
• Understanding university jargon and demystifying the application process
• Key industry trends shaping the job market
• Connecting with other parents going through the same journey
• UOW’s support services for a smooth transition to university
• Practical advice on Early Admission, UAC, and university applications
• A chance to ask questions in a friendly, supportive environment.

Go to:

Western Sydney University

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students  have an opportunity to attend information nights at Western Sydney University, on 18 March – Campbelltown, or 19 March – Penrith.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Future Students Information Evenings at Western Sydney University is an opportunity to hear about what programs are on offer and how Western Sydney University can help you during your studies. Learn about the different pathways to study, the support services available, scholarships on offer and life on campus.

Western is hosting a series of online drop-in sessions for you to chat with our Future Student Engagement Team. Drop in during any of our sessions to get your burning questions answered.  Ask about your dream degree, alternative entry pathways, scholarships, support services or any other Western-related topics. Go to:

In 2025, Western Sydney University is hosting a series of online drop-in sessions for you to chat with our Future Student Engagement Team.

Attendance at Open Days for universities

Another consideration could be attending an Open Day for a university your Year 10 child may consider going to in future.  For example, ANU Open Day is on 29 March.  Google the university Open Day for any university your child is interested in attending. so they can envisage their future experience at a university via the Open Day.

What to expect: 

• Dive deeper into degrees at information sessions
• Connect with experts and existing students at the university 
• Take a campus tour
• Explore student accommodation.

UNSW Aviation Information Session

On 6 March

As air traffic continues to increase, the industry needs more airline pilots and aviation professionals to meet demand. Hear from UNSW Aviation staff and students and find out how you can kick start your career in this important industry.

Discover the exciting world of aviation at UNSW as our speakers delve into their personal experiences and share their insights into the broad range of career opportunities in the aviation sector.

Connect with our staff and students during the Q&A to discover the diverse range of student experience opportunities on offer at UNSW and get all your questions answered.  Go to:

Toni Arfanis
Careers Advisor

WELLBEING

On behalf of the Wellbeing team, welcome back to school parents, carers and students. As we embark on this journey together, the Wellbeing team will be focussing on continuing to create an environment where each child can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Meet the Wellbeing Team

Our team consists of dedicated staff who endeavour to mentor and chaperone the students along their pathways as they navigate through their school years.

Introducing:

Year 7 Advisor Ms Elaine Cao
Year 7 Assistant Year Advisor Ms Jennifer Wu
Year 8 Year Advisor Ms Mai Otaki
Year 8 Assistant Year Advisor Ms Rangi Tairi
Year 9 Year Advisor Ms Yoliana Elnemasy
Year 9 Assistant Year Advisor Ms Olivia Azzi
Year 10 Year Advisor Mrs Fotini Tzoumas
Year 10 Assistant Year Advisor Ms Tully Brown
Girls Mentor Ms Rangi Tairi
Boys Mentor Mr Stoyan Kosteski
Student Support Officer Dasith Liyanaarachchi
Youth Worker Lillian Al Boudi and
Youth Worker Elyse Mascera
Year 7 and 9 Deputy Principal Mrs Sophia Favuzzi
Year 8 Deputy Principal Mr Scott Wilson
Year 10 Deputy Principal Mrs Amanda Vials

Breakfast Club: A Great Start to the Day!

Mornings can sometimes be hectic, so we’re pleased to offer our Breakfast Club for students, providing a nutritious start to the day, with a selection of cereals, toast, fruit, cheese toasties and juice available to all students. Breakfast Club is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7.50-8.30am. Not only does this help to fuel young minds, but it’s also a great way for students to catch up with friends before the school day begins.

Focus on Wellbeing

The team will be continuing its focus on nurturing the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of our students with the continuation of a variety of programs that promote social etiquette, emotional resilience and healthy mindfulness.

We also encourage open communication and want all students and families to feel supported. If at any point during the year your child is feeling challenged or needs extra support, please reach out to our wellbeing team.

Looking Ahead to 2025

We look forward to an exciting and successful year. With your support, we can make 2025 a year full of achievements, personal growth, and a sense of belonging.

Deborah Vlachos
Relieving Head Teacher Wellbeing

NSW YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL