Year 7

Term 2 has been an exciting and productive time for our Year 7 students as they continue to settle into high school. The term started with the highly anticipated Year 7 Camp. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to experience new challenges in a supportive and fun environment. During the camp, students engaged in a range of team-building exercises, outdoor adventures, and problem-solving activities. These experiences fostered key qualities such as: confidence, teamwork, resilience, leadership, respect and responsibility.

I enjoyed the opportunity to visit them at camp and witness firsthand the development of these skills and the students’ enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing these qualities continue to flourish as they progress through their high school journey.

As the term has progressed, students have engaged with a variety of assessment tasks across their subjects, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. These assessment tasks not only allow students to showcase what they have learned but also help teachers understand individual progress and identify areas for support. Completing these tasks encourages our Year 7s to develop important skills such as time management, critical thinking, and effective study habits.

As we finalise the learning for Semester 1, Year 7 have recently completed their Student Learning Reflections. This gave students time to thoughtfully reflect on their learning experiences. Through these reflections, Year 7 students consider what they have done well, the challenges they may have faced, and set goals for future learning. This practice encourages self-awareness and a growth mindset, empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Year 7 students have involved themselves in many wonderful programs offered through our extracurricular activities and represented the school in sporting events. A few highlights have included our talented sports stars who have achieved outstanding success for Sydney South West and gone on to represent us at the State level. Our performers who joined the musical cast and dance and ballroom ensembles and the many enthusiastic members of the agricultural team who dedicate their lunch times to tend to the animals on the school farm.

We are proud of the effort and commitment our Year 7 students have shown throughout Term 2 and look forward to seeing their continued growth as they build strong foundations ready for Semester 2.

Year 8

Recently, Year 8 students participated in the Subject Selection Markets, an engaging opportunity to explore the elective subjects available for Year 9 in 2027. It was fantastic to see students actively visiting faculty stalls, asking insightful questions, and gathering detailed information about the courses on offer. Selections have now been collected, and students will be notified later in the year about the courses they have been offered.

Some of our Year 8 students also visited the Sydney CBD, where they explored various sites, including Circular Quay, The Rocks, Town Hall, QVB, and Hyde Park. Students were positively involved in the activities assigned to them and represented our school admirably. This excursion provided a great opportunity to utilise skills from many key learning areas collaboratively and creatively.

Earlier in Term 2, selected students participated in the Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) mathematics competition. As the largest maths competition in the world, with over 6 million participants globally, it was a significant challenge. We are proud that five of our students attained a credit—an excellent achievement! It was wonderful to see students challenge themselves and engage deeply with their mathematical and numeracy skills.

Looking ahead to next term, I would like to remind all Year 8 students about the importance of being prepared for learning each day. This includes bringing books, pens, their school diary, and any other required equipment to every lesson.

Year 9

This term, our Year 9 students have continued to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom, proudly representing the school in a variety of activities. Among these were some talented runners who competed in the SSW Cross Country event, and a group of enthusiastic boys who participated in the West Tigers Classroom to Careers Program, enhancing their teamwork skills, recognising their strengths, and developing clear goals for the future. Additionally, students proudly represented the school in both soccer and NRL competitions.

A standout highlight of Term 2 was the school musical. Our Year 9 students contributed across all aspects of the production—from lead performers and ensemble cast members to dedicated stage crew. It was great to watch our students shine on stage and celebrate the culmination of countless hours of rehearsal.

Students also took part in the Subject Selection Market, where they had the chance to engage with each faculty about the 100-hour electives available for Year 10 in 2027. We thank all faculty members for their engaging displays, which helped students make informed and thoughtful decisions regarding their elective choices. Students should now have submitted their selections through the online process.

Year 10

Term 2 has been a busy one for Year 10, with the Macarthur Area Careers Expo and the Year 10 into 11 Subject Selection Evening. Thankyou to the parents and carers who joined us on the night. We hope the evening offered valuable insights into the range of subjects available, various pathway options, and the support services our school offers. The information session, faculty marketplace, and opportunities to engage with representatives from TAFE NSW, University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University and Zeal Futures were designed to assist your child in making well-informed decisions about their senior studies, setting them up for success in Years 11 and 12 and beyond.

Throughout this term our Year 10 students have been involved in many learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom. The Year 10 STEM class had an inspiring visit to Western Sydney International Airport to explore new technologies and career pathways and all of Year 10 participated in the Life Choices program which gave them powerful real life insights that encouraged them to reflect on their choices and the impact they have on their future.

Charlotte, Georgia and Katherine completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award through their commitment to volunteering, learning new skills and participating in physical activities. Several of our boys completed the Top Blokes program. This mentoring initiative provided them with valuable lessons on resilience, positive decision making and strategies to help them navigate life’s challenges, recognise their strengths and foster positive relationships both at school and beyond.

The term ended with a wonderful celebration at the Year 9 and 10 CAPA Evening. This night showcased the talents and skills of our students in dance, drama, visual arts and music. It is always exciting to witness the joy of these students when they share their talents.

Year 11

Earlier this term, we held the Recognition Assembly to celebrate outstanding achievements and commitment to learning. It was wonderful to see so many students acknowledged for their dedication, effort and positive contributions to school life.

Year 11 students have recently completed their second assessment period and are now entering their final term of preliminary studies before beginning their HSC year in Term 4. I am extremely proud of the adaptability and determination they have shown in managing increased workloads and the demands of senior study.

As this crucial stage approaches, I want to remind all Year 11 students to make every day count. Consistent attendance is essential for success. Being at school every day, on time and ready to learn, gives students the best opportunity to thrive and achieve their goals. Each lesson builds the foundation for their HSC year, so active engagement is vital.

Year 12

The last two weeks of this term have been a busy assessment period for Year 12 as they have completed their Trial HSC Examinations. While this can be a highly stressful time, it is a great opportunity for them to experience the rules and procedures replicated for upcoming HSC examinations. It is also a valuable opportunity for them to demonstrate knowledge and skills in each of their courses as a result of their hard work and consistent efforts. We encourage them to take on board all the feedback their teachers provide when they receive their results and use this to fuel their focus and study in Term 3. Many of the Year 12 cohort also have major works and performance due dates coming up in Term 3. Students are reminded to ensure they are aware of due dates and are on track to complete or perform their work. These dates are determined by NESA, not the school, so all students are reminded to adhere to the date and time each work is due.

A big thank you to Mrs Cutajar and Mrs Tagg for their excellent organisation of the State of Origin Evening. Also to Mr Evans who cooked up a storm on the BBQ. It was a fantastic event with many students in attendance and a nice atmosphere, providing a wonderful opportunity for bonding and stress relief prior to the trials.

Support Unit

This term, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our Bocce team, who competed in the interschool Bocce competition and proudly secured third place. Congratulations to Trinity, Noah, Riley, and Lachlan for their outstanding effort. A special thank you to Mrs Castillo and Mrs Hovey for coaching and supporting the team throughout the competition. Next term we look forward to seeing what our bowling team can achieve when it is their turn to compete!

We are also very proud to highlight the remarkable accomplishments of Jack, Ethan, and Lilly, and our alumni student Noah, who recently performed in our whole school musical. Their commitment and enthusiasm shone through, showcasing not only their acting talents but also the importance of bravery and resilience. Students are always encouraged to explore their creative side, and participation in the musical helps build confidence and skills they may not have known they possessed.

Last year, some of our students participated in the Get Skilled Access filming project, where diverse learners were interviewed to develop educational resources aimed at enhancing disability education within the syllabus. Their insights now play a crucial role in shaping inclusive practices for educators through a series of online videos included in professional learning modules. This project is making a lasting impact on future learning environments for disability education. We thank Ethan, Lachlan, El, and Georgie for sharing their stories, reading scripts on camera, and engaging in conversations that showcase their talents and daily school life.

Subject Selections - Students enrolled in the Support Unit are encouraged each year to consider integration opportunities through the elective subject selection process. Students have been invited to complete their subject selection forms online. Families and students who are unsure about whether they should complete subject selections for integration are encouraged to contact the Support Unit classroom teachers to discuss the best options and how we can support access to electives in 2027.

Parent-Teacher Interviews - All families are encouraged to book a time for our upcoming Parent-Teacher evening. We recommend booking an appointment with your child’s Support Unit classroom teacher to discuss individual learning goals and progress. Parents are also encouraged to arrange meetings with their child’s specialist teachers across all subjects beyond the Support Unit setting.

School Matters

Early Departure Procedures

In Term 2, the school trialled a new early departure procedure with great success. Building on this positive outcome, the school will be implementing this change for all year groups starting from Term 3, 2026.

Please be advised of the changes to the procedure for departing from school early:

Before 9:00 AM: Students may present a handwritten note or email to the school office indicating their early departure, stating time, reason and parent signature.
After 9:00 AM: Parents must send an email to the school’s email address, elderslie-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au, to notify us that their child needs to leave early. Handwritten notes will no longer be accepted after this time.

This change is to ensure accurate communication and timely processing of early departures, helping us maintain student safety and attendance records.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Student Learning Reflections

This semester we have had year groups from Year 7 to 12 reflect on their Semester 1 progress and complete Student Learning Reflections. These have been an opportunity for students to reflect on their current progress and map pathways to achieve their goals in Semester 2. Student Learning Reflections also inform parents and teachers about a student’s strengths, interests and information to better understand how the student learns. A copy of each child’s Student Learning Reflection is included with their Semester One Report.

Uniform

At our school, we uphold high expectations regarding school uniform standards. We believe that a well maintained and consistent uniform policy contributes to a positive and inclusive learning environment. We expect all students to adhere to the school’s dress code and wear the designated uniform with pride. The uniform promotes a sense of unity and equality among students. We appreciate your support in ensuring that your child follows our school’s uniform policy. By doing so, we can create a cohesive and inclusive learning environment that fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and equality among all our students. If you require any financial support, please do not hesitate to contact the school through your child’s relevant deputy principal.

Sensory Tools in the Classroom

We would like to inform you that, effective immediately, we will no longer allow the use of Nee Doh cube and similar style sensory toys at school. While we understand the value of sensory tools for supporting student well-being, it has become clear that these style of sensory toys can cause disruptions to learning when the material becomes damaged and the contents then are difficult to remove from student hands and the classroom environment. To maintain a focused and safe learning environment for all students, we kindly ask that students use sensory devices that are discreet, safe and appropriate for the learning environment. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us provide the best possible educational experience.

Yondr Pouches and Mobile Phones

The school continues to support the use of Yondr pouches, in line with our policy to keep mobile phones out of sight throughout the school day. If students breach this policy, they are required to hand their phone into the office, where it can be collected at the end of the day. Consequences for non compliance may include a verbal warning and a phone call to parent, phone suspension, or further disciplinary action if the school’s expectations are not met.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

Mrs Amos - Deputy Principal, Years 7 and 9

Mrs Siope and Mr Sambuco - Deputy Principal, Years 8 and 11

Ms Crossingham - Relieving Deputy Principal, Years 9 and 12

Mrs Robinson - Deputy Principal, Inclusion and Support

HSIE