Hornsby Girls' High School
Encyclopedia
Hornsby Girls' High School is an academically selective
, public high school
for girls, located in Hornsby
, a suburb on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales
, Australia
.
Founded in 1930, the school's first principal was Sarah Agnes Angus Brewster.
Academically, Hornsby Girls' is regularly ranked first in the Hornsby region in terms of Higher School Certificate (HSC) results.
The Prefects aim to serve the school community in four main areas: School spirit and environment, service, public relations and policy, and events. A new group Year 12 Travel Prefects have been introduced from 2010. Their main responsibility is to monitor the conduct of HGHS students when in the public domain, travelling to and from school.
Prefects are responsible for many school initiatives and each year continue the tradition of the school's bi-annual concerts. The first major event organised by the newly elected prefects is the Christmas Concert. This is a light-hearted day concert for the whole school (usually consisting of Christmas songs, chamber ensembles, solo vocalists, dances, skits, and short plays from the two after-school drama groups), and helps to maintain the Christmas and holiday spirit in the last week of school. Prefects and Year 12 combined organise the annual LipSync concert as their last official contribution to the school. The auditions for LipSync are form a free day concert for all students to see. From these auditions, outstanding performances are chosen to participate in front of a large audience of the public and the school community at the evening concert. Lipsync is a concert of dancing, miming and LipSyncing. The 'Teachers' Act' is traditional, as are the 'Prefects' Act' and the 'SRC Act'.
The SRC also organises mufti days and school dances with Normanhurst Boys' High School. The Battle of the Bands is also an annual SRC achievement (in conjunction with Normanhurst Boys').
The SRC organise "Spirit Week" during Week 10 of Term 2. This special week is full of fun activities such as 'The HGHS Fugitive' and inviting teachers to run the multi-stage fitness test affectionately called 'the beep test' by the girls. Another popular event in Spirit Week must include "The Great Debate" combined with Normanhurst Boys'High School. This consists of four representatives from both schools who compete in a variety of games and challenges leading up to a humorous debate to determine a winner. This event is showcased to grades Yr 9-12.
The main purpose of Spirit week is to give the students relief from the probable stress stemmed from half-yearly exams, and most of all, to promote and increase school spirit and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Other musical groups are the Junior and Senior Vocal Ensembles, who participate in a range of competitions, including the MacDonald's Performing Arts Competition and School Spectacular. They have received many awards, and high commendations from judges and critics. In 2008, they also appeared in Battle of the Choirs, screened on Channel 7. In 2010, a small chamber vocal ensemble was introduced with the aim of allowing some students a small ensemble experience.
Hornsby Girls also hosts dance groups, featuring ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary styles of dancing. Hornsby Girls'also enjoys great success in the area of sport aerobics, with individuals and groups consistently achieving state awards.
Students have also been involved in Model United Nations Teams run by Rotary. In recent years, two students were highly commended for their representation of Indonesia, equipped with policy, background and knowledge of cultural values.
Debating teams, mock trial teams, chess clubs are also established.
Other groups include:
Hornsby Girls also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Selective school (New South Wales)
Selective schools in New South Wales, Australia are government high schools operated by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training, that have accepted their students based upon their academic merit...
, public high school
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
for girls, located in Hornsby
Hornsby, New South Wales
* Highest Maximum Temperature: 42 °C* Lowest Maximum Temperature: 4.9 °C* Warmest Month: January* Coolest Month: July* Highest Precipitation: February* Lowest Precipitation: July-Notable residents:...
, a suburb on the Upper North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Founded in 1930, the school's first principal was Sarah Agnes Angus Brewster.
Academically, Hornsby Girls' is regularly ranked first in the Hornsby region in terms of Higher School Certificate (HSC) results.
Faculties
The 13 faculties in the school are:- Computing Studies
- EnglishEnglish languageEnglish is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
- HistoryHistoryHistory is the discovery, collection, organization, and presentation of information about past events. History can also mean the period of time after writing was invented. Scholars who write about history are called historians...
- GeographyGeographyGeography is the science that studies the lands, features, inhabitants, and phenomena of Earth. A literal translation would be "to describe or write about the Earth". The first person to use the word "geography" was Eratosthenes...
- Languages
- MathematicsMathematicsMathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
- MusicMusicMusic is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
- Personal Development, Health and Physical EducationPhysical educationPhysical education or gymnastics is a course taken during primary and secondary education that encourages psychomotor learning in a play or movement exploration setting....
(PD/H/PE) - ScienceScienceScience is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
- Social Sciences
- Technology and Applied Studies (TAS)
- Visual ArtsVisual artsThe visual arts are art forms that create works which are primarily visual in nature, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, and often modern visual arts and architecture...
Prefects
At Hornsby Girls High school, there is a prefect system with a School Captain, School Vice-Captain, two Senior Prefects and 20 other prefects.The Prefects aim to serve the school community in four main areas: School spirit and environment, service, public relations and policy, and events. A new group Year 12 Travel Prefects have been introduced from 2010. Their main responsibility is to monitor the conduct of HGHS students when in the public domain, travelling to and from school.
Prefects are responsible for many school initiatives and each year continue the tradition of the school's bi-annual concerts. The first major event organised by the newly elected prefects is the Christmas Concert. This is a light-hearted day concert for the whole school (usually consisting of Christmas songs, chamber ensembles, solo vocalists, dances, skits, and short plays from the two after-school drama groups), and helps to maintain the Christmas and holiday spirit in the last week of school. Prefects and Year 12 combined organise the annual LipSync concert as their last official contribution to the school. The auditions for LipSync are form a free day concert for all students to see. From these auditions, outstanding performances are chosen to participate in front of a large audience of the public and the school community at the evening concert. Lipsync is a concert of dancing, miming and LipSyncing. The 'Teachers' Act' is traditional, as are the 'Prefects' Act' and the 'SRC Act'.
SRC
The Student Representative Council (the SRC) are a democratically, peer elected group of students who liaise with teachers and the principal. Students can express their concerns about the school or make suggestions which might be beneficial to the school.The SRC also organises mufti days and school dances with Normanhurst Boys' High School. The Battle of the Bands is also an annual SRC achievement (in conjunction with Normanhurst Boys').
The SRC organise "Spirit Week" during Week 10 of Term 2. This special week is full of fun activities such as 'The HGHS Fugitive' and inviting teachers to run the multi-stage fitness test affectionately called 'the beep test' by the girls. Another popular event in Spirit Week must include "The Great Debate" combined with Normanhurst Boys'High School. This consists of four representatives from both schools who compete in a variety of games and challenges leading up to a humorous debate to determine a winner. This event is showcased to grades Yr 9-12.
The main purpose of Spirit week is to give the students relief from the probable stress stemmed from half-yearly exams, and most of all, to promote and increase school spirit and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Special regular events
- Fashion Parade - This is an event organised by the senior textiles students whereby students from all grades present garments. The event happens every two years. The most recent theme being "Secrets".
- Multicultural Fair - Takes place in late August to celebrate the variety of cultures within the school.
- Lipsync - Occurs at the end of term 3, mainly organised by the year 12's; an exhibition of dance and miming. This year's, 2011 theme was "Magicale"
- Battle of the Bands - Held in conjunction with Normanhurst Boys' High School.
- Christmas Concert - A festive talent show for students to enjoy at the close of the school year.
- Slave Auction - Year 12 Prefects go under auction as the rest of the school bids to have them as their daily slave. Profits go to natural disaster relief.
Co-curriculum
Hornsby Girls' offers students the opportunity to participate in a number of musical groups, namely the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and String Orchestra. Smaller musical outfits are other outlets, such as the flute choir and several chamber ensembles made up from those students who already play an instrument and wish to be involved in extra-curricular musical groups.Other musical groups are the Junior and Senior Vocal Ensembles, who participate in a range of competitions, including the MacDonald's Performing Arts Competition and School Spectacular. They have received many awards, and high commendations from judges and critics. In 2008, they also appeared in Battle of the Choirs, screened on Channel 7. In 2010, a small chamber vocal ensemble was introduced with the aim of allowing some students a small ensemble experience.
Hornsby Girls also hosts dance groups, featuring ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary styles of dancing. Hornsby Girls'also enjoys great success in the area of sport aerobics, with individuals and groups consistently achieving state awards.
Students have also been involved in Model United Nations Teams run by Rotary. In recent years, two students were highly commended for their representation of Indonesia, equipped with policy, background and knowledge of cultural values.
Debating teams, mock trial teams, chess clubs are also established.
Other groups include:
- FRED - Friends of Recycling, the Environment and Dirt established in 2000 by girls from the class of 2002; the environmental group responsible for the maintenance of the school oval and gardens and planting more trees, raising awareness of the environment and saving resources, especially electricity. FRED has weekly meetings and a leader from year 9, 10, 11 or 12 chairs an environmental discussion. Events run by FRED include Plant-a-Tree Day, Clean Up Australia Day, FRED Day and the annual FRED Candy Drive. Funds raised usually go towards a specific charity, for example, in 2008 the funds received from the Candy Cane Drive will be donated to the Taronga Conservation Society. (http://fredgroup.wetpaint.com)
- The NRG Committee - Dedicated to saving energy by switching off outlets of unused energy, decreasing the electricity bill, which results in free ice cream for the students.
- Highlite - The Christian Community run by Year 11 students. They allow students to explore faith and discuss it in a friendly atmosphere; they also organise camps in conjunction with Normanhurst Boys High School.
- The Grapevine Committee - The student-run magazine by the students in Year 11; it aims to provide light humour at the end of each school term.
- The Chess Club - The chess club at Hornsby Girls' meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at lunchtime. In 2009, HGHS represented NSW at the chess nationals, and placed 4th, narrowly missing out on a trophy. Dubbed the 'sport of kings', many talented 'queens' participate actively and enthusiastically in the chess club.
- HUGG - Hornsby Ukulele and Guitar Group, run by the Music Faculty
Hornsby Girls also participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Alumni Associations
- The Old Girls' Union was formed in 1930. Its primary aim is to promote and foster the interests of Hornsby Girls' High School and preserve its heritage. They are involved in funding and participating in events held at HGHS and also publish a biannual newsletter, "Nostalgia".
- The Hornsby Girls' Alumni was formed in 2009. It is a website based association for all past students of Hornsby Girls' High School that aims to facilitate interaction between recent graduates of HGHS and the school.
Notable alumni
- Anne Elizabeth BoydAnne BoydAnne Elizabeth Boyd AM is an Australian composer and Professor of Music at the University of Sydney.-Early life:Anne Boyd was born in Sydney to James Boyd and Annie Freda Deason Boyd ....
AMOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
- composer, Professor of Music at the University of SydneyUniversity of SydneyThe University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
(also attended Albury High SchoolAlbury High SchoolAlbury High School is a state high school located in the New South Wales city of Albury, Australia. Built in 1920, this large school hosts over 1300 students to this date.-Facilities:...
) - Judith Ann ClinganJudith ClinganJudith Clingan AM is an Australian composer, conductor, performer and music educator. Since 1997, she has been the Director of Wayfarers Australia Australia Wide Choir.-Early life:...
AMOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
- composer, conductor, performer and music educator; Director of Wayfarers Australia (formerly Waldorf Wayfarers) Australia Wide Choir - Christine Elizabeth Deer - Emeritus Professor at the University of Technology, SydneyUniversity of Technology, SydneyThe University of Technology Sydney is a university in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The university was founded in its current form in 1981, although its origins trace back to the 1870s. UTS is notable for its central location as the only university with its main campuses within the Sydney CBD...
- Julie Kristeen Greenhalgh (née Stapylton) - Principal of Meriden School; former Deputy Principal of Pymble Ladies' CollegePymble Ladies' CollegePymble Ladies' College, , is an independent, non-selective, day and boarding school for girls, located in Pymble, a suburb in the North Shore of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
; former Head of School at Canberra Grammar SchoolCanberra Grammar SchoolCanberra Grammar School is an independent, day and boarding school for boys, located in Red Hill, a suburb of Canberra, the capital of Australia.... - Robyn Jennifer Lenn OAMOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
(née Morris) - President of the National Council of Jewish WomenNational Council of Jewish WomenThe National Council of Jewish Women defines itself as a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action...
of Australia; Music Educator - Robin June Parsons AMOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
- Emeritus Professor at the University of Technology, Sydney - Hon. Justice Sally Gordon ThomasSally ThomasSally Gordon Thomas AM was a Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, Australia from 1992 - 2009. She was appointed to the Court on 10 August 1992 and was the first female to be appointed a Judge of the Court.-Early life:...
AMOrder of AustraliaThe Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
- Judge of the Supreme Court of the Northern TerritorySupreme Court of the Northern TerritoryThe Supreme Court of the Northern Territory is the superior court for the Australian Territory of the Northern Territory. It has unlimited jurisdiction within the territory in civil matters, and hears the most serious criminal matters... - Jacki WeaverJacki WeaverJacqueline Ruth "Jacki" Weaver is an Australian theatre, film and television actress. She is best known outside Australia for her performance in Animal Kingdom, for which she was nominated for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.-Career:Jacki Weaver has been working in Australian...
- Academy Award-nominated actress, Animal KingdomAnimal Kingdom (film)Animal Kingdom is a 2010 Australian crime drama written and directed by David Michôd, and starring Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Guy Pearce, Luke Ford, Sullivan Stapleton, Jacki Weaver and James Frecheville...
, Picnic at Hanging RockPicnic at Hanging Rock (film)Picnic at Hanging Rock is a 1975 Australian feature film directed by Peter Weir and starring Anne-Louise Lambert, Helen Morse, Rachel Roberts and Vivean Gray. The film is adapted from the novel of the same name, by author Joan Lindsay.... - Julie GoodwinJulie GoodwinJulie Goodwin is an Australian cook and singer who came to public attention when she won the inaugural season of MasterChef Australia in 2009, defeating artist Poh Ling Yeow in the final.- MasterChef Australia :...
- Masterchef champion (2009)