News

How to enter the zone swimming carnival

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 08:59:17 AEDT

Due to the School Swimming Carnival being cancelled and no alternate date being available, all athletes wishing to progress to the Zone Carnival (2/3/20) must submit times for events.

Please use the attached template on the Resources / Notes page of our website to submit times.

Submitted times will only be accepted with the one of following supporting documents:

1. Print out of Club/Representative times

2. Last years recorded times from the Sutherland Zone Swimming Carnival (attached)

3. Year 7 - Last years recorded times from PSSA Zone Carnival (Engadine Zone attached). 50m times will be accepted however be aware that most events in the Secondary Zone carnival are 100m.

4. Times verified by Pool attendant/Lifeguard (Using attached template)

Please check the attached Sutherland Zone Program for available events. Please note the distance/age group.

All times recorded at the 2020 Sutherland Zone carnival will be used to ascertain School Age Champions.

All school records broken at the 2020 Sutherland Zone carnival will be recorded as MHS school records.

Submitted times do not guarantee entry.

ALL TIMES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO MR NEWMAN BY 17/02/20.

Swimming Carnival Cancelled

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 07:30:30 AEDT

Following consultation with staff at Revesby Pool a decision has been made to cancel the carnival due to site conditions. School will proceed as normal. There may be some disruption early in the morning as we organise the day.

Congratulations Phoebe

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 22:11:21 AEDT

Microplastic: A possible rising tide of plastic affecting an oyster's filtration

Tsz Yee (Phoebe) Pang was a Year 12 student Menai High School, Sydney in 2019. Phoebe is fascinated by the ocean and loves sea food, which led to her project that investigated the effects of microplastics on an oyster’s niche functioning of cleaning our waters. Her project sought to expose the issue of increasing microplastic pollution and allow for solutions. Phoebe is optimistic that solutions to problems, from personal to global level, can be found. View an introductory video explaining her project here:

https://vimeo.com/386863273

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:17:49 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 15:36:15 AEDT

Hints, tips and resources to make a great start to the new school year – whether it’s your first day of high school or you’ve been here a while.

We work hard to make sure every student is known, valued and cared for – even before they walk into the classroom on Day 1, Term 1.

We’ve got great advice and resources for high school, no matter what year you’re heading into...

For families of students starting Year 7:

download our Getting ready for high school booklet
read our top tips for a smooth transition.

For families of returning students:

visit the back to school checklist to make a hassle-free start to the year
download the 2020 calendar to stay organised all year
check out our hints for setting up a study space.

Video – #Ready2020: First day at high school

Duration – 1:00

Getting ready for high school

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 23:13:47 AEDT

Access this useful booklet under the Resources / Notes / Year 7 section of our website.

Success at Young Scientist Awards

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 11:59:29 AEDT

Sarah was awarded a bronze award and $200 for her Biology depth study project on improving the efficacy of Esomeprazole, a drug commonly administered to ease the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Phoebe also received a $200 cash prize placing 3rd in the Year 11/12 Earth and Environmental Sciences Category for her Science Extension Research Paper on the effects of microplastic on oyster filtration rate.

Menai High open Wed 13 November

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:46:07 AEDT

Latest advice from the Department of Education is that Menai High School is OPEN tomorrow Wed 13th November.

Please check MHS Facebook page and website for updates in the event that circumstances change overnight.

The following link is being updated regularly and lists all non-operational schools.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety

Bush Fire Update

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:15:10 AEDT

School temporarily ceasing operations on 12^th November, 2019

Dear parent or caregiver,

Further to our previous communication, Menai High School will be non-operational on Tuesday 12^th November, 2019 under advice from the Rural Fire Service.

To ensure the safety of students and staff, a decision has been made that our school will not be operating tomorrow Tuesday, 12th November, 2019.

There will be no staff on site tomorrow.

Please ensure that you put supervision arrangements in place for your child tomorrow.

Please refer to our website at: https://menai-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/ for up to date information.

The school will recommence operations on Wednesday, 13^th November, 2019 unless other advice is issued.

Be sure to refer to the Rural Fire Service –Fires Near me Website for updated fire information and advice.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

B.Ellevsen

Principal

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:57:35 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 17:19:19 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:11:49 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Reading has been shown to reduce stress by 68% more than listening to music, going for a walk, or having a cup of tea.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – Ben Law asks students about their favourite author

Duration: 1:18

Author and #ReadingHour ambassador Benjamin Law talks with some of our students about their favourite books.

Vote for Taegan

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 15:05:58 AEST

Year 12 student Taegan Charles has made it through to the final 30 entries in the international Breakthrough Junior Challenge, a competition where students are asked to explain a big scientific idea with a short video.

Between September 5th to 20th you can vote for Taegan's entry by Liking and Sharing her video: https://www.facebook.com/BreakthroughPrize/videos/1922321124537037/

You must Like and / or Share from the original post for your vote to count.

Help Taegan progress as Regional Champion and learn something about the Second Law of Thermodynamics on the way.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:26:43 AEST

Use our new Digital Citizenship toolkit to empower your child to understand how their online behaviour affects themselves and others.

You and your child can find information on:

how to ‘be positive’ by understanding online behaviour and its effect
'be smart’ by thinking critically and being digitally aware
'be safe’ by protecting your security, privacy and wellbeing.

A toolkit to empower you and your child

You can find articles and videos to equip and empower your child to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities in our digital future.

We’ve partnered with leading researchers to produce a curated toolkit – aligned to the curriculum – which teachers and you can share with the young people in your lives.

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

managing privacy settings in social media
collaborating online
avoiding scams and hoaxes
understanding the law when it comes to online speech
Internet banking, shopping online and much more.

Keep your child safe and happy online

Visit and bookmark the Digital Citizenship website. We’ll continue to add articles and resources to ensure the best possible tools are available to help you guide your child to be positive, smart and safe online.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:25:05 AEST

Is your child in Year 9 to 12 curious about their career choices? Now they can use LifeLauncher, a free online tool to explore and simplify their career choices.

Your child can explore courses and careers in-depth, at their own pace, anytime, anywhere and on any device. The tool includes 4,000 careers and 1,500 course options, all in one place.

How does it work?

Encourage your child to jump online and complete the 5-minute personality and subject quizzes to be matched to a range of career options that suit their passions and strengths.

If they take both quizzes, they’ll get more refined suggestions. They can even create free online pinboards to shortlist the courses and jobs that interest them.

When your child creates an account, they can save their searches and build a real understanding of the opportunities and pathways open to them.

What can your child learn about their career options?

Your child can explore the weekly salary of the career options they’re interested in. They’ll also find the employment and growth rates of those careers and the number of workers currently in those fields in Australia.

Each career option shows them the education they need as well as other related careers. They can follow links to other sites to find out more about a course to help them find the best provider for them.

Launch into the future today

Use this tool to chat with your child about their post-school options in a meaningful way.

Inspire your child to find their career match today at LifeLauncher.nsw.gov.au.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:52:49 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Omiya Kita High School visit

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 12:38:54 AEST

During their stay at Menai High School, the main activity was the Model Global Stage. This concept is based on the idea of the United Nations and mock trial activities. Student groups play the role of fictional countries that must make use of resources and technology available, including cooperation with other countries to resolve given issues. This activity gives students an understanding of how they as individuals can play important roles in their local, national, and the global community through their studies, successful communications with others and overall development as global citizens.

Peter Pan comes to Menai High

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 13:25:51 AEST

Directed by Mr Sebastian Riorden, the production celebrates the outstanding talents of students across Year 7 - Year 11. Audience can enjoy a sausage sizzle and barista-made coffee or hot chocolate before the show.

Bookings can be made at: https://www.trybooking.com/BDTYY

CAPA Showcase

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 10:31:33 AEST

The evening will showcase some of the practical submissions by our very talented HSC students as well as performances by our extracurricular ensembles across Dance and Music

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:27:25 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 11:41:52 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Position vacant - Uniform shop coordinator

Wed, 22 May 2019 20:07:43 AEST

Menai High School and Daylight Sportswear are looking for a bright, happy and friendly person to fill the position of Uniform Shop Coordinator.

Approximately 8 to 10 hours per week over 2 days during the school term, with extra hours during busy periods.

Must be able to work extra hours in the last 2 weeks of January each year.

Successful applicants will need to have a friendly personality, good written and oral communication skills, excellent organization skills and general computer knowledge.

Previous retail, cash handling experience, customer service background and/or a previous position in a school or community organization will be highly regarded.

Please forward a cover letter addressing the above criteria and a resume to: adam@daylightcorp.com or phone Adam on 4648-1066

Closing date: Monday 10^th of June 2019

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:56:24 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:38 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 14:19:33 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

Follow your heart, not the herd

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:38:03 AEDT

We spoke with a group of Kindergarten students to find out what they had to say about going against the herd. They had some wise words for us on how we can care, respect and support each other in our schools.

Let’s start the year off right and prevent student bullying happening in our playgrounds, classrooms and online. If a group of 5-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, shouldn’t everyone?

Video – Wise at 5

Duration – 1:08

Retired Deputy receives OAM

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 17:19:53 AEDT

Picture: John Veage

Rob received this prestigious award for his services to the community, particularly in his support of the educational, health and social needs of young migrants.

The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader provides a fuller account of Rob's achievements:

https://www.theleader.com.au/story/5860743/a-supportive-and-educational-boost-for-shires-youth/?cs=1507

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:21:11 AEDT

The first day of high school and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you and your child get organised and enjoy the experience we've compiled some useful tips for each year group.

We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

2018 HSC success stories

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 12:38:47 AEDT

32 Menai High students received an ATAR of above 90, with 16 students achieving an ATAR of above 95.

Isabella Katsiris received an ATAR of 99.6, finishing 6th in the state in Society & Culture with a meritorious award for her Personal Interest Project and 7th in the state in Community & Family Studies. She, along with Eden McSheffrey, appeared in the All-round achievers merit list of students who achieved a result in the highest band possible (Band 6 or Band E4) in 10 or more units of courses.

Four Menai High students were in the top 20 students in the state for Standard English - Iman Codmani (2nd), Zena Kassir (7th), Jack Carroll (9th) and Marcus Zongas (15th).

Victoria Jessamine came 1st in the state in Business Services.

Melody Lewis and Kaela Shephard were nominated for Call Back - HSC Dance performances, while Melody Hunter, Kate Johnstone and Liam McLeod's artwroks have been selected for ArtExpress.

Outstanding HSC results

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 16:33:58 AEDT

Dux was Isabella Katsiris who appeared in the All Rounders list along with Eden McSheffrey.

Victoria Jessamine was placed 1st in the state in Business Services while Jack Carroll, Iman Codmani, Zena Kassir, Isabella Katsiris and Marcus Zongas all placed in the top 20 students across the state in various subjects.

Menai High students were awarded 123 band six results (marks of 90 or above) and 277 band five results (marks of 80 - 90).

Based on all our students' results, Menai High was ranked 120th in the state across all schools, selective, independent and catholic.

Year-6-7-Orientation-Day

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:41:37 AEDT

New Students Orientation Day 4th December 2018

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:57 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Common room concert

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 10:54:21 AEST

Menai High's ensembles and HSC Music students entertained the school community at our annual Common Room concert.

Science Week

Tue, 28 Aug 2018 12:56:02 AEST

Menai High celebrated Science Week with a fantastic performance at our weekly assembly by teachers from the Science faculty. Students were able to participate in science based activities such as virtual reality during lunch times throughout the week.

Morris Gleitzman visit

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 15:24:37 AEST

Year 7 & 8 students enjoyed listening to Morris talk about the writing process and how he came to be a prize-winning author and not a soccer star.

Open night 2018

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 11:59:36 AEST

Menai High School is a Border Liecester stud.

Menai High opens an online art gallery

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:39:38 AEDT

Welcome to Menai High's online art gallery - a place where students' art works can be exhibited and their talents celebrated.

Access the gallery here.

Art Express 2018

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:39:31 AEDT

The 2018 Art Express Exhibition was officially opened by NSW Minister for Education, Rob Stokes on the 31st January.

Art Expess is an annual exhibition which features outstanding student artworks developed for the art making component of the HSC examination in Visual Arts.

2017 Menai High Year 12 student, Louise Wise's art work is on display at the NSW Art Gallery as part of this exhibition. The exhibition runs at the Art Gallery until the 25th April.

Louise's efforts were recognised in this article in the Sutherland & St George Leader newspaper.

2017 HSC Success

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 19:39:29 AEDT

Menai High School's results in the 2017 Higher School Certificate examinations are outstanding. Our top student achieved an ATAR of 99.5 while the Year 12 student body achieved 97 Band 6 results with 20 students achieving an ATAR of over 90.

Four students appeared on the State All-Round Achievers list (band 6 in 10 or more units of study) and four students were in the Top Achievers list (in Standard English, Business Studies and VET Construction).

Staff are in awe of how well this group of students took on the feedback they provided and achieved personal bests.