25 Nov 2022
YEAR 12 & HSC
Our Year 12 and HSC students have now completed their HSC exams. Staff have been incredibly proud of the commitment and effort shown by our students through this final chapter. For some of our students, the hard work and effort has already started to pay dividends, with many students receiving early entry confirmation for university courses. Some of the course offers have include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise and Sports Science, Engineering, Computing Science, Science and Criminal Law. I am certain there will be many more great news stories to come, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our Year 12 2022 cohort at the ATAR breakfast.
P&C COMMITTEE
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our dedicated and passionate P&C Committee, ably led by Ms Kylie Woods. Their support and generosity have provided extensively for our students and school community. Additionally, our P&C have the responsibility for managing our school canteen. Ms Eithne Healy leads our P&C Canteen Committee and supports the amazing Lisa and Michelle in the canteen’s daily operations. Without the support of the myriad of wonderful volunteers our students would not receive the variety of fresh and nutritious meals they currently enjoy.
2022/23 PREFECTS
Our students and staff have recently elected an outstanding group of young leaders for our Merewether High School Prefect body. This remarkable group will continue the great work of student leaders before them in ensuring ongoing improvement and implementation of key initiatives that promote the school’s values of integrity, diversity and excellence.
I would like to thank our outgoing Prefects and congratulate them on their amazing accomplishments throughout their tenure. A significant highlight was raising $119,407.21 in support of the Leukemia Foundation with ‘Shave for a Cure’ and being crowned Australia’s highest fundraising school. Charles, Sophia, Charlie and Emily were instrumental to the success of our senior student leadership group and will be incredibly missed.
Our Prefect Investiture was held on Friday 18 November. The ceremony highlights the value placed on student voice and the important role that student leaders play in developing a positive culture in our school. I have full confidence that our 2023 Captains and Prefects will do a remarkable job in their new leadership positions.
YEAR 7 2023
Staff and students have been preparing to warmly welcome our new Year 7 students for 2023. Starting high school is an exciting time for students and parents, and it is an experience we are here to support and enrich. Our Learning and Wellbeing Teams has been working this term to plan our arrangements for our upcoming Orientation Day.
On Tuesday 29 November we will be hosting our Year 7 2023 students and their parents and carers for Orientation Day. Students will be introduced to key personnel, participate in activities and will be informed of the many programs available at our great school. They will also have the opportunity to connect with our Year 9 Peer Support Leaders and establish relationships with their peer group. The staff and students at Merewether High School are very much looking forward to welcoming the incoming Year 7 students to our school community in 2023. Additionally, we eagerly await the opportunity to develop a strong and productive partnership with our parents and carers over the next 6 years with the newest members of our Merewether High School community.
PRESENTATION DAY
Our annual School Presentation Day will be held on Friday 16 December commencing at 10.30am. This ceremony is a significant event on our school calendar as it allows us to formally recognise our students and staff for their commitment and achievements throughout the year. At this presentation ceremony we will recognise major award winners, academic course awards, awards for leadership, citizenship and school and community service. To be the recipient of an award is very prestigious and it recognises individual determination, effort and achievement across the school. We are extremely proud of our students and look forward to celebrating these achievements with them.
HSC/ATAR BBQ BREAKFAST
Thursday 15 December marks an important day for all of our students completing the 2022 HSC. This day is when ATAR and HSC results are released, reflecting the hard work and dedication shown throughout the HSC year. We hope that this day brings for our students the joy of new opportunities and the prospects of a rewarding future. Staff are looking forward to celebrating and sharing stories with our Year 12 students. All 2022 Year 12 students are invited to attend the HSC/ATAR BBQ Breakfast at 10am.
STAFF 2023
We are currently finalising permanent teaching appointments for 2023. I would like to thank our Merewether High School P & C and teaching staff for supporting the school with this process. This support has included providing a parent representative and staff representative for each of the merit selection panels.
I would like to congratulate Mrs Rachael Tonks, who was successful for the position of Head Teacher Social Sciences at merit selection. Mrs Tonks has worked at Merewether High School for the past 19 years and has built a strong reputation amongst our school community for her expert knowledge, outstanding pedagogical practice, and ability to develop quality relationships. Mrs Tonks has undertaken the role of relieving head teacher of the Social Sciences faculty for the past 12 months and has capably led and supported her faculty team.
2023 TERM 1: IMPORTANT DATES
Students will return to school for 2023 as follows:
- Friday 27 January > staff return to school for School Development Day 1
- Monday 30 January > School Development Day 2
- Tuesday 31 January > Y7 Y11 Y12 commence
- Wednesday 1 February > Y8 Y9 Y10 commence
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the staff of Merewether High School to wish all families a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy festive season. This is a time of great joy and relaxation and I hope that you all are able to spend quality time with family and friends.
I look forward to working with everyone again in 2023.