Safe, Respectful Learners

Athletics Carnival

At the beginning of Term 2, our yearly Athletics Carnival demonstrated once again our school spirit as students from all year groups came together to compete in a wide array of track and field events. The excitement was palpable as participants showcased their athletic talents in events that tested strength, speed, and skill.

Harmony Day Celebrations

Harmony Day was a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures of our school community, bringing together students and their families and our staff. The multicultural concert showcase where students proudly performed in their traditional dresses from various cultures captured the attention of the audience. These performances not only entertained but also highlighted the beauty and diversity of different cultural expressions.

Complementing the concert was our much-anticipated food festival, which transformed the school grounds into a bustling marketplace of flavours and aromas. Families, students and staff prepared and shared traditional dishes from around the world, offering everyone a chance to savour new tastes and learn about different culinary traditions. Harmony Day at Merrylands High School exemplifies our commitment to celebrating diversity and we all look forward to celebrating it again next year.

2024 Premier’s Debating Challenge

Merrylands High School has entered the Stage 4 Division of the 2024 Premier’s Debating Challenge with our Year 7 team: Asmaa Al Moubayed, Nahla El Ayoubi, Lujain Hial, Tiamana Kaio, and Taleen Safa. This marks the first time in more than five years that Merrylands High School has entered the challenge.

The girls kicked off their journey with the first debate on the topic “Why artificial intelligence should be banned in schools.” Despite facing formidable opponent Westfields Sports High, arguing in favour of the ban, our team (minus an under-the-weather Lujain) put their sharpest thinking skills and cleverest teamwork into play.

The debate began with Westfields Sports raising valid concerns about the unreliability of artificial intelligence given its potential to provide incorrect information. However, Merrylands countered by advocating for a critical approach, emphasising its role as a tool rather than a crutch. The team highlighted its benefits in providing immediate feedback on assignments, especially in time-sensitive situations, while acknowledging the important role of teachers in education.

Despite their well-constructed arguments, victory eluded our team as the adjudicators sided with Westfields Sports, who emphasised that teachers were irreplaceable across all aspects of the learning process. Nevertheless, Asmaa, Nahla, Tiamana, and Taleen made our school proud.

The experience has strengthened the team’s resolve, and they’re already back at it with weekly practices to stretch their creative capacity and sharpen their critical thinking skills. They are now gearing up for their next challenge against Birrong Girls High School, scheduled for a yet-to-be-determined date and time.

So, a giant congratulations to the team for their clear and clever ideas, and we anticipate their continued growth and success in representing Merrylands High School with pride and sportsmanship.

Highlights from the Educational Pathways Program

Electrotechnology and Utilities NECA Apprenticeship Program

This term, two Merrylands High School students, Jayden Emery-Shepherd from Year 11 and Imre Kiss from Year 10 are on the path to successfully completing their two-week pre-apprenticeship course in Electrotechnology and Utilities at the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) College, Chullora.

Granville TAFE – Beauty

The TAFE NSW Start Your Future initiative involves taking high school students out of school and being placed into a TAFE-style learning environment for one day a week. Through this program, two of our Year 10 students have successfully completed a Beauty course at Granville TAFE. They found the learning experience to be highly positive and are eager to pursue similar courses in the future.

TAFE Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Courses & School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)

TAFE-delivered VET courses help students build practical skills and industry knowledge while still in high school. Congratulations and the best of luck to Abdullah Yolcu (Baking Combined Access), Bassima Amoud (Certificate III in Dental Assisting) and Noah Elabed (Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology) for commencing their respective courses.

Sustainable Projects in Geography

This term in Year 10 Geography, students have been researching two sustainable initiatives within the community. They have also created a poster to display the benefits, impacts and challenges to their selected projects. Students Hala, Yasemine, Adem, Nicholas and Deon have demonstrated their commitment to the task with dedication and enthusiasm. They have expressed their active citizenship by utilising some of the strategies that they have learned during their time understanding the importance of sustainability.

Year 12 Physics Excursion to the School of Physics at the University of Sydney

In Week 5 of Term 2, Year 12 Physics students went to the School of Physics at the University of Sydney to attend the Physics Kickstart Workshops. Students were able to conduct and replicate scientifically and historically significant experiments as they progress from learning classical to quantum physics. These activities are designed to directly align with the Physics syllabus and course outcomes. Our students were able to participate in the whole-day excursion without charge courtesy of the School of Physics and the University.

Year 7 ABCN Innovate Program

The Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) facilitates a number of programs designed to raise aspirations and the skillsets of students.

In Term 2, a select group of Year 7 students were given the opportunity to participate in the ABCN Innovate program at the global consulting and professional services company, Accenture, in Barangaroo. Conducted over three sessions, both in-person and virtually, the program offered a range of activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through these activities, students explored how technology can address and mitigate pressing global issues. A key highlight of the program was the students’ innovative projects, which included designing energy-efficient cars and constructing environmentally sustainable houses for families affected by war.

Our Spectacular Auditions

The Merrylands High School dance ensemble participated in an audition week for a spot in the Opera House Showcase ‘Our Spectacular – Massive Music Moments’. Our students auditioned their item ‘Proud Mary’ and they were a huge hit! The judging panel were extremely impressed with their item! We can’t wait to see them sparkle on stage in September!

VET Work Ready Day

On the 10th of May, VET students completing the Business Services, Hospitality and Sports Coaching courses participated in the highly anticipated Work Ready Day. Dressed in their professional attire, students took part in mock interviews with experienced professionals from various industries, presenting their meticulously created resumes and cover letters. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with interviewers praising the students’ preparation and professionalism, while also offering constructive critiques to help them improve. Additionally, students were addressed by Nikki Heald, who enhanced their understanding of the dos and don’ts of workplace etiquette, further enriching their learning experience.

After the interviews, students enjoyed a delicious buffet at Merrylands Bowling Club, providing a relaxed setting to network with peers and professionals alike. This experience at the buffet was the perfect way to unwind and foster a sense of community. Work Ready Day 2024 was a success, thanks to the dedication of our students and the generous support of our volunteer interviewers, setting our students on the path to career readiness with clarity and confidence.

Year 8 ABCN Full STEAM Ahead Program

In the start of Term 2, over 3 consecutive Tuesdays, a selected group of Year 8 students attended the Full STEAM ahead program facilitated by the ABCN.

On the first day, students travelled to the Commonwealth Bank headquarters in Redfern where they paired with students from Hoxton Park High School and allocated a mentor from the bank whose job used coding and/or problem solving skills. Each group came up with a real world problem which they would like to solve.

On the second Tuesday, students travelled to the Powerhouse Museum in Castle Hill where they learnt to code using micro:bits and all the attachments including sensors and displays to program robotic crabs and to simulate car steering.

For the third Tuesday, students returned back to the Commonwealth Bank in Redfern where they applied the coding skills they learnt to develop products that solves the real world problem that they had identified on day one.

The students had lots of fun. Their ideas were recorded and will be available at the Powerhouse Museum. Students were also given their own micro:bit kits to take home and continue their coding journey.

Synergy Public Schools Dance Festival at Panthers Penrith Leagues Club

Our Merrylands High School dance ensemble performed in two breathtaking shows throughout Week 8 at Penrith Panthers. The students received great praise for their awesome performance of their contemporary dance item ‘Inner Strength’ choreographed by Ms Dickie.

Year 9 Robotics

Students in Year 9 completing their robotics elective have been using micro:bit, a microcontroller, to program various parts of their projects, such as:

• electronic thermometer
• step counter
• night light
• digital rock, paper, scissors
• electronic pet
• walkie talkie
• music marathon

Students continued on their coding journey and started working towards creating backend programs to control various robots. They also used various kits to assemble working mechatronic systems.

UNSW Gateway Program

Did you know Merrylands High School is a UNSW Gateway Partner school?

As a UNSW Gateway Partnership school, Merrylands High School students have access to exclusive HSC workshops, in-school academic enrichment and alternative entry pathways, including reduced ATAR entry requirements. The Gateway Admission Pathway supports students from underrepresented backgrounds to access UNSW courses and set them up for success.

On 7 June, 12 UNSW Gateway Ambassadors visited our school to run workshops for Year 11 and Year 12 students. Our senior students reflected on their learning strengths and personal values as a way of refining their visions for the future. The UNSW Gateway Ambassadors were all current UNSW students who are from western Sydney. The ambassadors shared their experiences in completing the HSC, navigating post-school options and overcoming barriers that are unique to our students from western Sydney.

The first round Gateway applications are due Tuesday 23 July (first day back to school next term) and can be completed through the Gateway Application Portal:

Year 12 Industrial Technology (Timber)

Student projects in HSC Industrial Technology Timber are well on track. They have chosen their designs, conducted initial research and planning, followed by completing prototypes and the final products. Students made various changes along the way as part of the design process, which helps improve their projects at each stage. The meticulous research, planning and evaluation pays off in the result of a high quality timber product, which the HSC students will cherish even after they leave school.

Western Sydney Careers Expo at Sydney Olympic Park

Last week, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend the Western Sydney Careers Expo, an event designed to provide valuable insights into various career paths and educational opportunities beyond high school. The expo featured representatives from universities, TAFE, and a wide variety of industries, all eager to share their knowledge and experiences with our excited learners.

Our students were engaged and enthusiastic as they navigated the numerous stalls, collecting information on potential career paths, university courses, and TAFE programs. They had the chance to interact with professionals from diverse fields, asking questions and gaining a deeper understanding of what their future could hold.

The positive response from the students was overwhelming. Many have already requested more opportunities to attend similar events in the future. They found the experience not only informative but also inspiring, providing them with the motivation and direction needed as they start to think seriously about their future careers.