From the Principal

High Talent
Congratulations to our PDC Karl Cramp debating team who won the Regional Final against Sydney Girls last Friday. Ashwin Rudder, Nakul Bhagwat, Samir Kinger and Krishan Sivayogarayan won the shield for High for the eleventh time in the last fourteen years – a tribute to the consistently high quality standard of the High debating program for half a generation. Well done to our Intermediate A Chess team (Jonathan Ren, Dominic Mah, Ennes Mehmedbasic, Darryl Chan and Elbert Ly) who won against Grammar A and became Metropolitan East Champions. The next stage is Inter – Region Finals.

High’s profile
It was gratifying to read positive front page (SMH Saturday, 14/8; Monday, 16/8) media reports on selective schools doing justice to the efforts of our wider school community. Particularly pleasing was our school’s No 1 ranking on the latest ‘value added’ league table. Recently, we have added more value to ‘higher achieving’ (bands 5 & 6) students than any other selective school. While a simplistic analysis of the data can be misleading, nevertheless between the School Certificate and Higher School Certificate many of our boys are improving beyond trend line expectations. Our challenge over the next few years will be to maintain such high levels of better than expected academic progress. The ‘middle achieving’ (band 4) students are very few in most fully selective schools and non-existent at James Ruse and Baulkham Hills. Big numbers on the index in this range might be describing a very small sample. Even so, we only rank sixth in adding to their expected performance. We need to find ways to improve that outcome.

Stronger marketing of our school for 8-12 enrolments for the last three years may have affected our city-wide profile. For the last two years High has been the most popular single sex fully selective school for Year 7 applicants, as reflected in their first choices. Overall, only Baulkham Hills has more first choices. More people appear to be aware of our wonderful co-curricular programs, leadership opportunities, community service commitments and strong support structures for learning and personal development. I congratulate all staff and students and the many hard working parents and Old Boys who support us. Keep up your great work!

Big Bus Replacement
At last our big white newer bus has arrived. Thanks to Peter Hatch for his hours of research and persistence, not to mention driving the bus back from Brisbane. We have purchased a good quality bus. It is now on the road, registered and in service. I want to acknowledge the foresight of Geoff Andrews, former P & C Treasurer, who set up a saving plan five years ago, allowing the P & C to donate a massive $110,000 to secure this important resource for our boys. This bus is appointed well and good for city excursions. We are looking to make a lot of use out of this bus for the next ten years. However, boys using the school buses are urged to behave appropriately, follow the bus driver’s instructions and respect property. They are not allowed to eat or drink on the buses on city trips. Peter has asked that boys behave themselves and care for a very expensive piece of equipment bought by their parents for their benefit.

Canteen
The SBHS canteen is a great business. It has dedicated staff, a good variety of quality products and competitive pricing. It has donated $65,000 to the school already this year. That money has bought many data projectors and sound systems for the benefit of teachers and students. The Canteen is managed by a volunteer Sub-Committee of the P & C Association. We need to renew that Sub-Committee with new members. We are interested particularly in Year 7 and 8 parents joining. Even if you have no time to be a voluntary Canteen helper for one day a month or a term, perhaps you could spare

a couple of hours on a Friday afternoon each month to attend a Sub-Committee meeting and perhaps contribute by helping in the Sub-Committee’s work. Please ring the Canteen, 93616910 ext. 136, if you can help in any way.

Behaviour in canteen lines
Students and parents are urged to support the school in its Canteen operations. Boys are often unruly when in queues, crowd around the orders window, pushing to obtain their orders, or buying food for friends contrary to the Canteen rules. The facility is purely for the benefit of boys. The canteen helpers are volunteers trying their best to provide a good service. It behoves every student to cooperate and be respectful and not to use the process of obtaining sustenance as some form of ritualistic horseplay.
Dr K A Jaggar

From the Two Libraries

FROM THE ANDREWS LIBRARY

DONATION THANKS
It was lovely to receive a donation of two really new looking books for Juniors from Ibrahim Hussaini in Year 7T. Ibrahim donated The Day of the Djinn Warriors (Children of the Lamp), PB Kerr; The Eye of the Forest, (Children of the Lamp) PB Kerr. Thanks for this week’s book donations once again to Mrs Cathy Meaney (Front Office) for 8 more novels.

NEW SENIOR FICTION THIS WEEK – ANDREWS LIBRARY
No Turning Back, Joanne Lees;
Others, James Herbert;
the Bronze Horseman, Paullina Simons;
Silent Joe, Jefferson Parker;
The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown;
Plain Truth, Jodi Picoult;

JUNIOR FICTION
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling;
The Counterfeit Tackle, Matt Christopher;
Goosebumps, RL Stine;
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, JK Rowling;
Charmed Life, Diana Wynne Jones;
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, JK Rowling;
Cool as Ice, Matt Christopher;
On the Buzzer, Michael Panckridge

SENIOR NON FICITON
Australian Crime Ed Malcolm Brown;
The Autobiography of Pat Cash;
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, John Gray;
Encyclopedia of Digital Photography, Tim Daley;
Why Men don’t Listen and Women Don’t Read Maps, Alan and Barbara Pease;
Head Over Heels, Sam and Jenny Bailey;
Revise in a Month, Year 10 Advanced Mathematics, Lyn Baker;
This is Australia, Robert Billingham

JUNIOR NON FICITON
The World of Ripley’s Believe it or Not;

Veronica Crothers
Librarian

From the High Store

The High Store will be CLOSED from the 9th Sept till the end of Term.

Students requiring braiding to their blazers MUST have them to the High Store no later than Fri 3rd Sept or otherwise wait till Term IV.

Athletic boys need to purchase their uniform soon. Singlet $44, Short $44,

From the Canteen

Thank you Prefects!
We know we won't see much more of the current Year 12 at school, so we want to take this opportunity to thank all those Prefects who have admirably fulfilled their Canteen duties by turning up reliably on their rostered day. Your help has been truly appreciated!

We wish you well for the HSC and the future.

Thank you also to the following parents for their help last week…. Ming Lee, Sally Pierce, Anne Aylmer, Angela Quin, Hua Feng, Yuko Sakata, Pui Li, Jenny Wong-Romeo, Anne Wall, Jim O'Sullivan, Sally Allingham, Helen Chong, June Long, Lancy Feng, Frances Salmon, Soogie Sim, Sue Rynsaardt, Katrina Morrow
Thank you
The Canteen Team

Sydney High School Cadet Unit

ANNUAL FIELD EXERCISE
The unit will be attending the 2010 NSW AAC Brigade Annual Field Exercise (AFX) EXERCISE SHARPENED SWORD at Singleton in the Hunter Valley during the holidays.

The eight day exercise will see our cadets participating in service rifle training, watermanship, field training including day and night patrolling and abseiling.

New to most of our cadets will be training with NINOX night vision equipment.

For our new, mid-year entry cadets AFX will their first opportunity to live in the field enjoying cooking and eating ration pack meals.

Our unit has been selected to provide a detachment of senior cadets to operate independently in support of the battalion exercise. Their role will be to provide the “opposing force” for the camp period – living remotely in a “secret” location somewhere near the exercise area.

Our selection for this coveted role is another indication of the high regard for our cadets within the battalion.

More than 2000 army cadets will be involved in the AFX with units from all over the state coming together in this annual event. In addition to the cadets, there will be army cadet staff, supporting army personnel and contractors making Exercise Sharpened Sword the largest Defence Organisation activity conducted in NSW for some time.

Moving all participants from around the state to and from Singleton, together with providing food and water in the field is a major logistic operation planned and coordinated by our small Brigade Headquarters staff at Steele Barracks, Moorebank.

Exercise Sharpened Sword 25 Sep - 2 Oct 2010

So we all understand
Army cadets are issued with knives and other cutting instruments as part of their basic block scale equipment for use at cadet training activities, particularly field training.

It is important that all understand that these knives are for use at cadet training only and are not to be carried outside of cadet activities..

KFS sets, clasp knives, machetes and entrenching tools are for use at field activities only. Other than KFS sets which may be kept at home, all other knives are issued for specific periods only.

It is contrary to school and Education Dept policy for students to carry knives at school and NSW laws are very strict on the carrying of knives; carriage of a knife without lawful purpose may be a criminal offence.

High cadets do not need to carry knives of any type while at School outside of cadet training times. Whenever knives are required at Home Training they will be issued at the time and returned to store on completion of the training.

The above will remove any misunderstanding and avoid conflict with school rules and state laws.

Sports Donations

GPS sports competition is very demanding on people and resources. At High we have ongoing needs for facilities development, equipment and development through expert coaching. If you would like to help through a tax deductible donation for a particular sport, the appropriate form can be posted to you by calling 9361 6910. Alternatively, you can go to our website www.sydneyboyshigh.com click on Sport /Sports Donations to download either Development Donation Form or Equipment and Facility Donation Form.

SBHS Debating

Supporting our debaters

Halfway through the season and I am surprised that debaters are not making the most of each week’s opportunity to enhance their skills. Watching senior debates is a great chance to observe and learn from the best of the best – and pick up a cheeky bit of matter or two!

This week’s round against Grammar is sure to be one of the finest for 2010 and it is important that we show our support for our senior debaters. Don’t forget seconds and thirds as they need your support too!

GPS – Round 5 v Grammar

Boys are reminded to be READY AND WAITING for topics BY 5.45pm. This failure to do so will result in topics being released without you and you will miss valuable prep time.
Topic Area: Arts and Entertainment

Rounds 6 and 7 are both HOME DEBATES to conclude the season
All boys and parents are reminded that each student is to bring a plate of food to share by way of contributing to the suppers.

Year 7 failed to pack up their prep rooms last week and will be responsible for packing up ALL JUNIOR DEBATES Certain members of the Seconds squad will be responsible for setting up ALL DEBATES due to their behaviour last week

More information can be found at www.sydneyhigh.org.au/debating and will be emailed to you on a weekly basis.
Please CHECK YOUR EMAIL regularly and ensure we have current contact details for both students and parents.
PARENTS: If you are not receiving weekly emails about debating please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ask to be added to the parent group for your child’s year.

Debating Dinner 2010

Saturday 11 September

The annual dinner to celebrate debating at High will conclude the debating season. It will be the week after the final debate of the GPS competition. We will also be thanking our staff and coaches for their great work on all of the competitions that High enters.

This year’s Debating Dinner is being held on
Saturday September 11 in the Great Hall at 6.00 pm.
The cost of the dinner will be $35 per adult/student.
A special price for siblings under 10 years of age has been negotiated at $25. Parents BYO

BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 3.

Payment for the dinner can be made at the main office. NO bookings can be accepted after this date as catering numbers must be finalised.

WHAT SHOULD I DO? Detach the form [included in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes]. Next, pay your money at the main office
ANY QUESTIONS? Email the Debating Support Group This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Can you help with dinner set up? email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Dinner Co-ordinator

2010 DEBATING DINNER

The 2010 Debating Dinner RSVP form is available 
in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes.

Parent Mentors

WE ARE LOOKING FOR NEW PARENT MENTORS

A Parent Mentor is an informal contact person who will welcome New Parents into the School Community and is available to them to help them through the difficulties encountered in their first year at the School.

The aim is to have every parent of a new boy starting at the School matched up with a mentoring parent already at the School.

The role of the Mentoring Parent is

• To actively contact the new parent and make them welcome and be a friendly face in a big organisation.
• To make themselves available by phone or in person or by email as they see fit.
• To help the new parent with any simple query about the education system and the way the school works.
• They will be a point of contact for all the trivial questions that might plague a new high school family.
• To advise the new parent of the appropriate channels of communication at the school for serious matters eg Year adviser, School counsellor etc
• To act as a propagandist for the School and the great benefits of being involved in all the facets of their son’s education.

The scheme is informal, without a lot of structure and depends for its success on the enthusiasm of the Mentors.

The scheme has worked extremely well for four years and has not been at all onerous. All the Mentor Parents this year have enjoyed it tremendously and the New Parents have been extremely receptive and grateful for the contact.

As there is an attrition rate every year we need new Mentor Parents. Please join us as the more parents we have the easier is the task.

Could you please contact Charles Ovadia on 9386 1221 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR Jason Chen on 0403 038048 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Or send your details to the Principal’s Assistant Ms Williams on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Or fill in the form [available in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes] and return to the Principal’s Assistant

The Parent Mentors application form is available 
in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes.

Sydney East Zone Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday the 29th of July, Sydney High contested the Sydney East Zone Athletics carnival. Traditionally dominant at this stage of the CHS competition, the team fared excellently on the day, dominant throughout the age groups. The 12s fared well, with James Tinker progressing in multiple events and Kazuo Nakamura taking out the long jump. In the 13s, Anthony Chen produced an extremely promising 12.9 seconds in the 100m to win. Joshua Leo and Leonard Mah progressed for several events as Josh won the 800m. The 14s were extremely strong in the sprints, as Terrence, Maurice and Anton all produced 12 second runs to advance in the 100m, and Vasu also qualified for the 200m. Eugene and Anton were typically strong in the middle distance events, and Ned won the 1500m.

Dominic easily won the hurdles, as did Terrence in the high jump. Byron Chen produced a giant 5.25m in the long jump to win – a promising result in lieu of the upcoming GPS season. Edward Zhang dominated the 15s 100m in 11.6 seconds, having a jog in the 200 to miss a place. Lloyd, Ollie and Siddarth were strong in the distance events as Ivor and Patrick cleaned up the hurdles in very tidy runs. Ivor also destroyed the competition with 1.75m in the high jump, despite not knowing what height he was jumping, followed by Harry Heo with 1.70m. Despite a shoulder injury, Eamon progressed in the discus and shotput, and Patrick won the long jump with 5.50m. Scott Renzenbrink’s brilliant form continued with 11.3 in the 100 and 22.9 in the 200m – a meet record for his age. Scott also progressed in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump. Andrew Fong ran admirably to win the 400m in 58.2. Pasan and Boothy ran a relatively quick 800m (~2:15 with little competition), also advancing in the 1500m. Once again we dominated hurdles as Kumi ran a handy 15.47 to win. Leo and Sangeeth progressed in shotput without much trouble, clearing 10 metres apiece. The Opens age group read as the Sydney High team, having all four competitors for the hurdles (Chris, Ben, Stephen and Austyn). Max Kite dominated the throws, winning the shotput, javelin and discus, whereas Chris Morrow cleared a lazy 1.85m in the high jump to easily win as well as taking out the triple jump.

Tony and Jeremy came 1st and 2nd in the long jump, and the distance events were a clean sweep – congratulations to Frank (who probably ran there in the morning so he didn’t disrupt his training schedule) and Sam. BK won the 100 and 200 after an injury to myself (surprise, surprise), and Anosh Kanagaratnam also powered through in all the sprints. The relays were a similar story, as we easily progressed in each one, including a 40m win in Opens despite not having 3 of our best runners. The entire day was a testament to the hard work and training the boys have put in over the last few months, from Monday sessions at Moore Park West to Wednesday track sessions at ES Marks, to throws at lunchtimes with Mr Codey. The increased application, and willingness of the boys to logbook their sessions has really resulted in some stunning results. I would like to thank Bob Morrow for his contribution to the athletics program, as his donation has allowed us to finance ten sets of blocks and ten collapsible hurdles, the first time we have had such equipment. I would also like to congratulate the boys who came to ES Marks a few Tuesdays ago, as they buffeted terrible conditions to run a tough session. They make me extremely proud and very confident going into the GPS season.
Josh Tassell
Athletics Captain 2010

Fencing: Report for Schools League

Senior Division A – SBHS A
On Saturday the first round of the Schools League commenced. The SBHS A team was grouped with a bunch of A teams from other schools. Our first match was against Trinity A, in which we comfortably won 6-3. Highlights of this match included some smashing victories by Ian Ho. Our second match was against Barker A. Barker’s team fielded a left-hander. In fencing, being a lefty gives you a variety of unfair advantages, so.... However, our team didn’t come out too badly, finishing with a very close score of 4-5, thanks to some well-timed victories by Caillin McKay, another leftie.
Albert Nguyen
Fencing Captain

Senior Division A – SBHS B
We went up against the top 2 teams in our pool on Saturday, and they [St Andrews A and Grammar A] showed no mercy. Unfortunately we weren’t able to fence to our best, and our only win was a 3-2 win from Anirban Ghose. Hopefully we will have a better chance in our second day of the tournament.
Shaun Fletcher
Team Captain

The Onion Bag

A dark day for Sydney High Football
I had the regrettable experience last Saturday of having to explain to the players, staff and parents of a Riverview team why not one single player from High turned up for their scheduled fixture. In my 15 years involvement in GPS football at Sydney High I have never experienced anything similar to this.

For the record, this year Sydney High fielded 10 opens teams. Of these 1st to 4th grade are selected on merit, the remaining 6 teams are submitted by the players themselves who get together as a group of mates to participate in and experience the benefits that team sports provide. It is now clear that this policy of accommodating as many senior boys as possible in the football program needs to be reassessed.

Anyone who has been on the receiving end of a forfeit would know of the disappointment. It is something that cannot ever happen again.

On a brighter note I would like to congratulate the 43 Year 12 boys who did honour their football commitments last weekend and trust that you have an enjoyable and rewarding game in your final match for Sydney High this Saturday.

Match Reports v Riverview
With High playing the strong Riverview College last Saturday, results weren’t quite as impressive as the previous week. Nonetheless there were some encouraging performances by the 15As and 16As, which should be a good pointer to the future. Finally congratulations to the mighty 13Ds and coach Sam Burnham who won their first match of the season.

1st Grade Lost 0 – 3
2nd Grade Lost 0 – 3
16As Drew 0 – 0
16Bs Won 1 – 0
15As Lost 2 – 3
13Ds Won 1 – 0

Dolan cup, Golden Boot and Golden Gloves

Quote of the Week
“I had a 30-minute jog on the beach this morning, the altitude didn’t affect me.”
Robbie Savage in South Africa during the 2010 World Cup

Football Barbecue

Football is having a barbecue to coincide with matches being played at Moore Park West this Saturday 21 August. Players and their families are asked to support High Football by purchasing a sausage or bacon and egg sandwich. Cakes and drinks will also be available. Profits will go to the High Football 2011 programme. Look out for the Footy barbecue near the tennis courts from 8.30 am.

Football Raffle Prize

Football signed by Tim Cahill

Thank you to the Paul family who generously donated this prize.

Tickets will be on sale at the end of season Football Dinner on

Thursday 26th August

Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5

The raffle will be drawn at the dinner

Football Dinner 2010

SBHS Football will celebrate the efforts and achievements of our boys as well as acknowledge staff, coaches and supporters at the SBHS Football dinner on Thursday 26th August.

The coach of each team has been invited to attend the dinner as a guest.

Players are asked to take responsibility on a team-by-team basis for any end-of-season gifts to their team's coach.

The dinner will be held on
Thursday 26th August
Great Hall
6:30pm

The cost of the dinner will be $30 per adult and student. For children under 11 yrs old there is a special rate of $20.

Payment for the dinner must be made at the Main Office by Friday 13th August.

Boys to wear school uniform at the dinner. Limited soft drink included. BYO allowed.

Please detach the form [included in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes] and hand it in with your payment at the Main Office. Tickets are limited.

The 2010 Football Dinner RSVP form is available 
in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes.

End of Season Rugby Dinner

Help celebrate another great year of High Rugby by attending the 2010 End of Season Rugby Dinner.

WHEN? Friday, 27th August 2010, 6.00pm. for 6.30 pm

WHERE? Great Hall, Sydney Boys High School

WHO? Players, parents, coaches, friends and supporters Players wear School Uniform. Adults wear smart casual

WHY? To acknowledge the commitment and achievements of all our players and because friendships made through High Rugby last a lifetime

COST? $30/person. Payable to the school office by Monday 23 August. Maximum seating 220.

Please note this is a BYO alcohol function for adults. …..Soft drinks and mineral water provided

A response form is included in the PDF version of this edition of High Notes

P&C Literacy Week Awards

Writing Competition

Entries Close: Monday 30th August (10am) (late entries not accepted)
Entries To: Junior Library or Senior Library

Topic: “A Controlling Passion”

Format:

• Entries must be presented in a typed format (12 point) and must be no longer than 1,000 words.
• The entrant’s name and Year level must be clearly displayed on the title page of the published text.

Categories:

• Senior Short Story (10 – 12)
• Junior Short Story (7 - 9)
• Senior Poetry (10 – 12)
• Junior Poetry (7 – 9)

Judging will take place during Week 7 and winners announced Friday 3rd September.
Prizes awarded on Speech Night.
Judging panel will include teachers, parents and students.

High Society

The Bulletin Board for Sydney Boys High P & C

Julie Connolly
P&C President.
If you would like to have any parent community news or upcoming events included in High Society, please contact Julie Connolly, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; M: 0418 470 203.

Thank You to our School Admin and Support Staff

Our school community is made up of a wide range of people who are all important contributors in the provision of quality education to High students and in the successful management of the School. As a school community we really do appreciate the vital role that School Administrative Staff and Support Staff play in just about every aspect of Sydney Boys High – the General Office, the Libraries, school grounds and in the classroom setting. Thank you for your enormous contribution.

P&C Literacy Week Awards

Literacy Week is taking place in Week 7, from 30th August to 3rd September. To celebrate Literacy Week, the School is encouraging our boys to participate in a literary competition. As in past years, the P&C will offer prizes in Junior and Senior divisions.

We would like to have one or two parents participate as members of the panel that will judge the finalists in the competition. It will involve meeting on Thursday 2nd or Friday 3rd September to read the creative entries selected by the teachers to be in the final round.

This is open to any parent with an interest in literature and writing. If you are interested in being a member of the judging panel, please email Fabienne Ovadia directly: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone on 0412 938612.

School Wellbeing Committee

The school’s Wellbeing Committee is involved in promoting and coordinating many initiatives that contribute to our sons’ wellbeing at school. The P&C has a representative on this Committee – Fabienne Ovadia.

 Sydney Boys High is seeking to formulate a plan to help those boys who are experiencing a difficult time through adolescence. The school is keen to put a structure in place that would identify and help students at risk of depression or suicide. To that effect a one day forum will take place in Term IV where the Principal, the School Counsellors and the Year Advisers will discuss these issues. The school is extending an invitation to the parent community for one or two parents to attend this important forum.

If you are interested in participating in this Forum, or if you have any questions, please email Fabienne Ovadia directly: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone on 0412 938612.

Upcoming Parent Meetings and Events

Saturday, 21st August, from 9.00am – Rugby Back-to-MacKay Family Day, MacKay Oval
Wednesday 25th August, 6.00pm – Rugby Committee Meeting, Staff Common Room
Thursday, 26th August, 6.30pm – Annual Football Annual Dinner, Great Hall
Friday, 27th August, 6.00pm – Annual Rugby Dinner, Great Hall
Thursday 2nd September, 9.30am-12.00pm – SBHS Open Day

Open Day 2010

An invitation to prospective parents and students. Please take this opportunity to see our school in action. If you have siblings or friends in Years four and five who are interest in attending Sydney Boys High School could you please forward this information.

Sydney Boys High School
Open Day 2010

See our school in action
Thursday 2nd September 2010
9:30 - 12:00

Sydney Boys High School
Moore Park, Surry Hills 2010

www.sydneyboyshigh.com
Phone: 9361 6910

Pursuing all-round excellence for gifted boys.