Year 8 Integrated program - Dare to Play

This term, our Year 8 students have been participating in the SEPEP (Sport Education in Physical Education Program) – an exciting initiative called “Dare to Play.” The program is designed to give students the opportunity to experience sport beyond just playing the game. Each student takes on a variety of team roles such as coach, referee, scorer, media manager, and equipment officer, building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills along the way.

So far, students have completed two of the four sports in the program — Ultimate Frisbee and Flag Football — and have shown impressive enthusiasm and growth both on and off the field.

From our reflection journals, it’s clear that students are enjoying the inclusive, collaborative nature of the program. One student shared, “I like the insightful teamwork and guidance my team conducts,” while another reflected, “I like how we all have the opportunity to learn about different sports and we get to advance in our media skills, knowledge of equipment, and the attitude of being a ref.”

Students also highlighted the life skills they’re developing through sport: “We learnt how to efficiently communicate to our teammates during competitive games, and the power of teamwork.”

With two more sports still to come, the Dare to Play program continues to foster teamwork, leadership, and a sense of community — proving that PE is about much more than just physical activity; it’s about learning how to play, lead, and grow together.

Ms. Stacey Speer

PDPHE Teacher

Year 7 and 8 Basketball Gala Day

The following students represented the school at the Sutherland Sharks Basketball gala day on Tuesday 14th October. The students dedicated numerous lunchtimes, training in preparation for the day. The girls worked hard to improve their skills and extend their knowledge of the game and rules. Three teams were entered on the day with all students making excellent contributions on the court. They came up against some tough competition and experienced basketball players in the Endeavour, Kirrawee and Engadine High school teams. Ms Speer and I were very pleased with the teams never give up attitude and sportsmanship. Fitness is a major factor that separates teams on gala days and if we take anything away from this experience it should be to work on our fitness so that we can be competitive in the future.

Team 1	Team 2	Team3
Souad S	Mafi T	Kawther L
Shaheda S	Zahraa B	Olivia F
Adiva A	Andrea K	Alexis L
Farida G	Fatima Y	Nadia Z
Malak E	Retaj M	Aya E
Marie I	Zahraa D	Zeina A
Katlyn F

Yours in sport

Mrs. S White and Ms. Speer

Head Teacher and Teacher PDHPE

Dance Year 8/9

As part of the Dance program, students are lucky enough to attend professional performances to further extend their knowledge and skills. On Thursday 30th October, Ms Killham and 13 students traveled into Walsh Bay to the Roslyn Packer Theatre to watch Continuum a double bill of Spell and Unungkati Yantatja performed by Sydney Dance Company.

The students got to observe contemporary and Aboriginal and Torres Strat Islander dance and music.

Ms. J Killham

Dance Teacher

Year 9/10 PASS Coaching Program

This term, our Year 9 and 10 PASS (Physical Activity and Sports Studies) class has been taking their learning beyond the classroom by participating in an exciting coaching program with primary school students from Narwee Public School.

As part of the program, PASS students have been working in small groups to plan, organise, and deliver fun and engaging sports sessions designed to develop the younger students’ skills, teamwork, and confidence. Each session has focused on different aspects of physical activity — from basic movement skills and game strategies to teamwork and fair play.

Throughout the program, our PASS students have demonstrated impressive leadership, communication, and organisation skills. They have learned how to adapt their coaching to suit different ages and abilities, while also creating a positive and encouraging environment for the primary school children.

The younger students have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, showing great enthusiasm and energy as they participated in the activities. It’s been wonderful to see our high school students act as role models, sharing their passion for sport and physical activity.

This hands-on experience has given the PASS class valuable insight into the responsibilities of coaching and teaching, and many have discovered a new appreciation — and even potential career interest — in working with children and sport.

Well done to all our PASS students for their commitment, teamwork, and the positive example they’ve set throughout this rewarding program!

Miss Triantafillia Stavrou

PDHPE Teacher

The Dangers of Energy Drink Consumption by Teenagers

We have noticed an increasing number of students bringing energy drinks to school, and the PDHPE faculty wanted to take this opportunity to discuss why we are concerned about this trend and encourage healthier alternatives.

Energy drinks are widely marketed as products that boost energy and improve concentration. However, these drinks often contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can have serious health implications for young people.

Why are energy drinks risky for teenagers?

High caffeine content: Excessive caffeine can lead to increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and in some cases, more severe health issues.
Impact on learning: Contrary to boosting focus, energy drinks can cause jitteriness, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue once their effects wear off.
Sleep disruption: Teenagers need sufficient restful sleep for healthy growth and academic performance. Energy drinks can interfere with normal sleep patterns.
Potential for dependence: Regular consumption may lead to dependence, making it harder for students to avoid these drinks and manage their energy levels naturally.

Impact on Learning:

While students may believe energy drinks help them stay alert, the reality is often the opposite. The combination of high caffeine and sugar can lead to:

Difficulty sitting still and maintaining focus
Increased restlessness and disruptive behavior
Mood swings and irritability
Poor decision-making and impulsivity

Our school’s approach

To ensure the health and well-being of all students, we strongly discourage the consumption of energy drinks during the school day. We ask parents and carers to support this by:

Talking to your child about the risks associated with energy drinks.
Encouraging balanced eating habits and adequate hydration with water or healthier beverages.
Helping your child develop good sleep routines and natural ways to maintain energy, such as regular physical activity.

If your child is experiencing persistent fatigue, this may indicate an underlying issue such as insufficient sleep, poor nutrition, or a medical condition that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

Thank you for your ongoing support in promoting a safe and healthy learning environment for all our students.

Mrs. Sonia White

Head Teacher PDHPE

Summer Grade Sport Wrap-Up

The Summer Grade Sport season has been a vibrant and energetic time for our students, with teams participating enthusiastically in Mini Soccer, Oz Tag, and Volleyball.

Our Mini Soccer players showed great skill and sportsmanship as they worked on their ball control, teamwork, and game strategies. The fast and engaging matches encouraged physical fitness and built strong team bonds. In Oz Tag, students demonstrated agility, quick thinking, and excellent communication on the field. The non-contact version of rugby league kept everyone active and involved, while fostering respect and cooperation among teammates and competitors alike. Volleyball added a dynamic and exciting element to our summer sports program. Students learned key techniques like serving, passing, and spiking, while embracing the importance of teamwork and coordination to achieve victory.

Across all three sports, our students embodied the spirit of fair play, positivity, and determination. The Summer Grade Sport experience has not only developed their physical abilities but also enhanced social skills and resilience.

This season we had two of our teams make it to the finals which is a huge accomplishment- Our Mini Soccer B team and our Volleyball B team.

Our Volleyball Team faced a challenging match against GRC Penshurst, showcasing impressive skill and determination throughout the game. Although the match was decided in a tiebreaker set and we came up short, the team demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and gave a commendable performance.

Meanwhile, our Mini Soccer Team had a thrilling encounter with GRC Penshurst, securing a narrow 2-1 victory. The girls have had an outstanding season, remaining undefeated. A special mention to Jenna and Maya for their outstanding coaching and assistance in the finals match. Congratulations to the team for their hard work and fantastic achievements this year!

We extend our gratitude to the coaches, parents, and volunteers whose support made this successful season possible. Congratulations to all our players for their commitment and energy, and we look forward to more great sporting moments in the seasons ahead!

Child Studies Students Experience ‘Ready or Not Tot’ Program

This term, our Child Studies students have taken part in an engaging and eye-opening experience through the “Ready or Not Tot” program, featuring the Real Care Babies. This unique program offers students a hands-on opportunity to understand the responsibilities and challenges of caring for a newborn, fostering empathy and practical life skills.

The Real Care Babies are advanced infant simulators programmed to mimic the needs and behaviours of real infants. Over several days, students were tasked with caring for these babies, responding to their cries, feeding, changing nappies, and providing the attention they require. This immersive experience challenged students to manage their time, develop nurturing skills, and reflect on the realities of parenting.

Our students reported that the program was both rewarding and demanding, providing a better understanding of the commitment involved in raising a child. It also fostered deeper empathy for parents and caregivers in their communities.

The “Ready or Not Tot” program aligns perfectly with our Child Studies curriculum by promoting responsibility, practical caregiving skills, and emotional awareness. It supports our goal of preparing students for future roles in parenting, childcare, or related fields.

We are proud of our students for embracing this learning opportunity with maturity and enthusiasm. Programs like these enhance education beyond the classroom and help build compassionate, informed individuals ready to meet life’s challenges.

Ms. Molly Niahos

PDHPE Teacher

High Potential and Gifted Students