News

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 20:16:59 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.

Join us for your HSC journey

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 16:06:00 AEDT

The HSC can be one of the most exciting moments of high school. Here’s how to be prepared.

We’re committed to supporting every student to do their best – especially during the HSC – and making sure every student is known, valued and cared for.

For HSC students, we’ve got advice on how to make the most of your study, set healthy habits and finish out high school in style.

Check out our HSC resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Year 12

Duration – 1:00

Are you #Ready2020?

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 14:52:21 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

Staying healthy into the new school year

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 12:47:33 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

Punchbowl Boys Empowers Parents and Students Alike Through Floristry

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:06:33 AEDT

By Francis Floresca

In collaboration with TAFE NSW, Punchbowl Boys’ High School has recently launched a floristry course that aims to empower parents with new life skills.

Led by Ms. Wadad Mourad, who has owned Flowers With Devotion for over 20 years, the 6-week course is held at the school’s common room every Tuesday from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.

“We do this to empower parents,” Ms. Mourad remarked. “When we empower parents, it helps them empower kids who attend this school.”

“By running this course at Punchbowl Boys’, we make the journey easier for parents,” said Ms. Mourad. “We make TAFE more accessible and at the same time, we are able to give parents the same learning experiences that their child receives. It’s reassuring for parents.”

Deputy Principal for Wellbeing Mr. Aziz Elbeb affirms that impact of the program goes beyond the classroom.

“It’s about helping them build their skill set,” said Mr. Elbeb. “It helps them broaden their horizons through higher employability but it is not just about that.”

“For many of our parents, it’s about improving and maintaining their mental health,” Mr. Elbeb continued. “For many of our parents, life can get really busy. This course gives them an opportunity to take a break from their usual routine while upskilling themselves.”

“But most importantly, this course allows them to meet other parents, which enables them to establish a support network if they don’t already have one or beyond their current one if they do.”

For parent Ms. Jamal El Ahmad, Mr. Elbeb’s statement rings true.

“Floristry is not just a hobby for me,” said Ms. El Ahmad, who is currently undertaking a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Honours) at Western Sydney Univerity. “It’s a part of my care plan.”

“Being here once a week has helped me de-stress from all the demands of being a mother and being at university,” Ms. El Ahmad noted. “In my field, you can burn out easily but having programs like this run in the same school where both my kids go reduces my stress a lot.”

When it comes to parent engagement, Punchbowl Boys’ High School is not limited to floristry alone.

A quick chat with Community Liaison Officer Ms. Fifi Fakhour, who has been working with the school since 1995, can help parents learn more about the range of activities offered by the school to parents.

“Our school specialises in the finding the most suitable programs for both students and parents,” said Ms. Fakhour with pride. “We want to ensure that parents and students empower each other.”

“Parents are the voice of our school,” Ms. Fakhour continued. “We make sure that they have access to as many opportunities as possible to empower themselves through education.”

“Our school aim to make life easier for parents. We provide parents with a safe space where they could ask for advice and assistance regarding further study and life in general,” Ms. Fakhour added. “It all depends on their personal goals really.”

In addition to the ongoing floristry course, Punchbowl Boys’ have offered parent courses that have helped them improved their English and computer skills in the past.

Each parent who completed the course will receive a Certificate of Attainment from TAFE NSW.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 16:30:36 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.

Old Boys reflect on Punchbowl Boys’ capacity as a springboard for greatness

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 08:04:09 AEDT

By Francis Floresca

Mr. Maurie Mulheron and Mr. Angelo Gavrielatos made their much-anticipated return to Punchbowl Boys’ High School last Wednesday to a packed assembly and a Year 10 cohort eager to learn about how they used their experiences at the school as a springboard to greatness.

“My teachers inspired me,” said Mr. Gavrielatos without hesitation when questioned about how his time in Kelly Street led him to choose a career in education. “It was here that I learnt the positive impact that education can have on the lives of young people.”

Mr. Mulheron, who is the current president of the NSW Teachers’ Federation, shared Mr. Gavrielatos’ affection for his teachers at Punchbowl Boys’.

“They helped me cultivate my love for learning,” Mulheron said of his teachers. “This place showed me that teaching could help me make the world a better place.”

Mr. Gavrielatos also took the opportunity to reflect on what continues to make Punchbowl Boys’ a great place to learn.

“Just like now, we had a great sense of community,” Mr. Gavrielatos reminisced. “’Facta non Verba’ was not just a motto. It was real. It was important for every single one of us to not just talk about doing things. We were told to go out there and actually do whatever it was we spoke about doing.”

Fuelled by those three simple words, Mr. Gavrielatos did indeed go on to achieve great things. From rugby and basketball team captain and senior prefect at Punchbowl Boys, Mr. Gavrielatos is now set to take over the leadership role at the NSW Teachers’ Federation in February 2020.

Mr. Mulheron also reflected fondly on Punchbowl Boys’ reputation as a breeding ground for greatness.

“When you think about Len Pascoe, Jeff Thomson, Steve Folkes, Garry Manuel and all the other greats who proudly call themselves ‘old boys’ of this school,” Mulheron said with conviction. “There is no doubt that this school does have a knack for producing excellent citizens.”

“This school has a high reputation and I am positive it will remain that way,” Mr. Mulheron continued. “We are all proud of the tradition of excellence that lives on in this school today.”

As a matter of fact, Mr. Mulheron’s statements were on point. In this year alone, the graduating class included rising rugby star Amer Ghazzaoui, who plays for the Sydney Roosters and the Cedars of Lebanon, and Band 320, the winners of the 2018 Youthrock Band competition, who also had the honour of performing in this year’s TedxSydney flagship event at First State Super Theatre, formerly known as the International Convention Centre (ICC).

Punchbowl Boys’ also has among its ranks another emerging star in Micqut Ngaata who is set to represent the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the 2020 Harold Matthews Cup and an Oztag team that currently ranks fifth in the state of NSW.

Grateful: Lessons in leadership, gratitude, and challenges

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 01:22:43 AEDT

By Micah Papalii-Talanai

My name is Micah Papalii-Talanai and I am the immediate past school captain for Punchbowl Boys’ High School. As a student whose family has never had much money, I learned early in life to never take anything for granted.

From an early age, I was taught to view challenges and responsibilities as golden opportunities. Time and again, I have used these lessons as motivation to welcome every challenge life has thrown at me. These lessons have stayed with me as I bounced back after every failure to finally lead our school’s band, “320”, to the YouthRock title with our musical talent after three attempts.

As captain of the Punchbowl Pioneers, I was able to successfully use my extensive leadership experience to successfully lead my teams to three grand final appearances in both zone and regional basketball and volleyball tournaments. As a representative for Sydney South West, and Bankstown Zone, I used the gift of gratitude and resilience I received from my family in every event I have had the pleasure of competing in, including, shot put, javelin, discus, and sprinting. I have successfully used debating to improve my critical thinking, collaborative, and communication skills on the road leading our team to a top-3 finish in the region for the first time in decades.

Over the years, I have also proudly represented my school in some of Australia’s most prestigious venues such as Sydney Cricket Ground, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Opera House, and International Convention Centre in events such as Schools Spectacular, Our Spectacular, and TEDxSydney. I am the first-ever person in my family to graduate from high school - my greatest achievement to date. Now, I want to be the first in my family to pursue tertiary studies.

I have two siblings, countless cousins, and hundreds of little brothers at Punchbowl Boys’ High School looking to me as a beacon of hope. I want to show them that, with tertiary education, we can lift ourselves above the disadvantages that are constantly been attached to our community.

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:00:44 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

Punchbowl Boys wins second straight Premier’s Debating Challenge zone title

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 08:09:05 AEDT

Punchbowl Boys’ High School’s Year 7 & 8 debating team has been crowned as champions for Zone 12 of the Sydney South West region in the 2019 Premier’s Debating Challenge.

The team consists of Adib El-Sett, Ali Tellaoui, Jad Karrajah, Amin Aggag, and late addition, Umar Sha.

Debating coordinator, Mr. Francis Floresca, said that the school was thrilled to win their second Stage 4 zone title in a row.

“We have not won back-to-back zone titles in decades,” said Mr. Floresca cheerfully. “We are all happy to be a part of this repeat.”

With two gutsy wins against Liverpool Boys’ High School and East Hills Girls’ Technology High School, the quintet of first time debaters’ only loss came in their inaugural debate against Liverpool Girls’ High School.

“As a group of first time debaters, I never thought that our skills could take us this far,” said El-Sett, who cannot stop smiling after the news broke.

Ms. Katherine Zeman, who coached the team this year alongside Mr. Antonio Mancia, said that the boys’ victory was one of the highlights of her early career.

“I’m so proud and excited at how far they have come,” said Ms. Zeman, who is currently in her first year of teaching.

The boys are now headed to the regional inter-zone finals, which will occur in Week 1 of Term 4. Their next debate will be against Holroyd High School.

A tale of two schools: Punchbowl Boys and Fairvale High paint a thousand words in praise of visual literacy

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 23:22:56 AEST

By Francis Floresca

Punchbowl Boys’ High School has once again teamed up with The Sydney Story Factory and the Australian Centre for Photography to successfully deliver the third installment of Photo Faction.

The two-day program enabled twenty-five Year 8 students to improve and showcase their writing skills by using photographs taken by their peers from Fairvale High School as prompt. Miles away in Fairfield West, Fairvale students did the same with photographs taken by Punchbowl Boys.

Maria Seeley, one of the organisers from The Australian Centre for Photography, applauded the students’ enthusiasm toward photography.

“We had a fantastic time working with Punchbowl Boys,” she said exuberantly. “What a bright and engaged bunch they are. We look forward to seeing their completed work.”

Acting Principal Robert Patruno’s feedback on the program seems to suggest that the boys’ eagerness has trickled down from the top.

“In a world saturated with images, it is extremely important for us to teach students how to read images,” Patruno said. “Photo Faction provides our student with an innovative way to do just that.”

English Head Teacher, Jane Drabble, praised the program’s capacity to develop student empathy and community engagement by giving them insight into other people’s lives.

“Photo Faction has continually enabled the boys to interact with the lives of others in an imaginative way,” asserted Drabble, who also saw the program as a valuable opportunity that has helped prepare students for HSC course study.

“The emphasis on the creative process, as much as the end product, helps lay a solid foundation for the Craft of Writing module in the HSC,” Drabble said excitedly.

Deputy Principal for Curriculum, James Cooper, echoed Drabble’s views while placing great emphasis on how the future-focused program has consistently helped students prepare for further study and the workforce over the past three years.

“It opens them up to opportunities that allow them to see different perspectives and equips them with collaboration skills they’ll need in the future whether it is in university or in the workplace,” Cooper remarked. “It helps them be successful twenty-first century learners and global citizens.”

Muhammad Baagil, who has developed a strong interest in photography this year, said that the program improved his grasp of the art form.

“The program helped me learn more about the power of lighting, shadows, and lines,” Baagil maintained. “Having the opportunity to bring these concepts to life made me fall in love with photography even more.”

Amin Aggag, one of the school’s rising stars in academics, offered deep reflections on the impact of Photo Faction in fostering visual literacy within the school.

“The program showed us that there are more than just one way of reading,” Aggag noted. “It showed us the importance of being able to read both words and images as we prepare for the future.”

Since its inception in 2017, Punchbowl Boys’ High School is the only school to have successfully run the program every year.

“To have someone interested in their writing means a lot to the boys and Photo Faction gives them that,” said Cooper. “It’s a collaboration we definitely want to continue with moving forward.”

The students’ work will be available at The University of Sydney’s astar.tv platform later this year.

For past students’ work, click the link below: http://photofaction.astar.tv

Punchbowl Boys’ multi-million dollar trade centre gives students early start in life

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:39:36 AEST

By Francis Floresca

Punchbowl Boys’ High School’s push towards future-focused learning has taken a massive leap forward with the launch of their TAFE-backed carpentry program.

Operating under TAFE’s Youth Engagement Strategy (YES), Year 10 students are trained by veteran tradesman and teacher Richard Bailey every Wednesday in the school’s multi-million dollar trade centre.

“We understand that these students are not able to make it to TAFE due to their school commitments so we bring TAFE to them,” said Bailey, who has been mentoring students since 1991.

Acting Principal Robert Patruno has put his stamp of approval on Bailey’s work with the boys.

“We are thankful for him, not just for his willingness to share his industry knowledge,” said Patruno. “But for his wonderful ability to engage students.”

Teacher Nazih Elmasri was ecstatic about program’s focus on getting students ready for the future.

“It helps them understand how the real workplace works through practical jobs,” noted Elmasri. “It teaches them a lot of joinery skills that’ll help them succeed in the industry.”

Speaking about student response to the program, Elmasri claims that all participants have risen up to the challenge that the fast-paced course entails.

“They aim to finish an entire project in a day every week. It helps them appreciate the pace of learning at TAFE. Everything they finish, they take home. With that in mind, they learnt to up their skills quickly and work fast,” explained Elmasri.

Quizzed about the impact of the new trade centre on his job as a teacher, Elmasri responded with much gusto.

“It’s been really useful. It’s a multimillion-dollar investment. It helps students develop important skills such as precision cutting at an early age. It works out perfectly for the boys,” he said spiritedly.

Technology and Applied Studies Head Teacher Ronald Esau had only positive words about the instant benefits of the new trade centre on the teaching and learning at the school.

“It opens up more avenues for us as a faculty to teach our subjects more efficiently,” affirmed Esau, who has taught woodwork and metalwork at the school for over a decade.

Esau, pleased with the course’s progress, credits its tremendous success and popularity to the fact that it puts students in situations they will have to traverse in the future.

“It helps them be more aware of what happens at the tertiary level,” explained Esau. “The participation has been tremendous. The word of mouth has inspired other kids to ask about the course.”

Deputy Principal for Wellbeing Aziz Elbeb echoed Elmasri and Esau’s sentiments about the program’s multifold benefits.

“It’s a great method of engagement. It’s a way of making sure that they are engaging with something positive. It links them to future career paths,” Elbeb articulated with passion. “They get to see what the trade is like and see if it’s something they are interested in.”

Elbeb, who has been at the forefront of the school’s transition towards a more future-focused curriculum, along with Deputy Principal for Curriculum James Cooper and Acting Principal Robert Patruno, could not stop praising the carpentry program’s project-based disposition.

“They get to take something tangible at the end of every day. They get to actually see their hard work coming to fruition,” he said.

Questioned about the value of the school’s new trade centre, Elbeb was quick to point out that it was a testament to Punchbowl Boys’ unwavering commitment to developing global citizens equipped with 21^st century skills.

“The trade centre gave us another flexible learning space with state-of-the-art facilities like TAFE has,” Elbeb responded with enthusiasm.

“It allows students to use the latest equipment and newest machines. They get to be in a real professional environment that promotes workplace safety and which rewards them with real world experiences,” he added.

Ismail Elali, one of the program’s keenest pupils, says the program has given him more “options” as he transitions towards senior study.

“It equipped me with skills I’ll need if I ever want to become a carpenter,” said Elali, who is dedicated to diversifying his skills.

For Austin Leo Fanovaha, the carpentry program is a microcosm of where he wants to be after school.

“I want to be a carpenter,” he said matter-of-factly. “Having this program at school has given me a solid foundation for later in life.”

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 12:11:25 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.

Alternative rock legends inspires Punchbowl Boys as the HSC nears

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:43:08 AEST

By: Francis Floresca

With the HSC examinations right around the corner, Punchbowl Boys’ Year 12 music students received an unexpected surge of inspiration from two of the school’s most legendary old boys.

Last week, alternative rock legends Peter Black and Raymond Ahn returned to Kelly Street to speak to current students about the importance of resilience in building a musical career.

“Just keep going. Just keep doing things and putting stuff together and it’ll keep happening. Just don’t stop,” Black told the current students who are also members of the school’s award-winning band, 320.

“All the exhilarating things you feel now – it’ll just keep making you hungry,” he continued. “If you really want to do it, I don’t think anything can stop you.”

Ahn, now in his 50s, recalled how crucial his formative years in Punchbowl Boys were to the band’s journey to stardom and longevity.

“When you go to school here – it’s your home. It made us,” the bassist said with pride. “We felt like we were ready for anything. When we got out there - we didn’t find it that tough.”

“Punchbowl Boys is a fantastic breeding ground for mental growth and toughness,” Ahn added.

Current school captain, Micah Papalii-Talanai, applauded the school’s ongoing commitment to developing musical talent.

“This school has given us so many opportunities. We have taken everything from one opportunity to another,” said Papalii-Talanai who is also 320’s lead vocalist. “Meeting Mr. Ahn and Mr. Black showed me that what we are doing now is simply a continuation of the tradition of excellence that has always been here.”

Yoosuf Mohamed, one of the band’s guitarists, keenly told the old boys about their band’s legendary adventures, “Earlier this year, we were at TEDxSydney and just last week we were at the Sydney Opera House.”

Asked about the immediate impact of the old boys' visit, Mohamed, who has always been known for his way with words, said, "It was inspiring to see our predecessors. The wisdom they shared with us was unparalleled. Band 320 has always been about paying homage to our roots, and this opportunity really helped us appreciate the soil from which the seed of good men grows."

Ahn, impressed with the boys’ musical prowess, extended another once-in-a-lifetime offer to the band, “We should do a gig together.”

The boys and their mentor, Mr. Michael White, welcomed the idea with smiles on their faces.

“It’ll be a cool combination of styles,” Mohamed said.

White, who has been around since 320's humble beginnings, expressed his gratitude to Ahn and Black for their visit.

"It was a blast from the past that will surely keep inspiring our current and future students," he said.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:25:55 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.

Former Punchbowl Boys’ High School students speaks about the power of great teaching

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 07:41:13 AEST

By Francis Floresca

Last week, fourteen old boys returned to Punchbowl Boys’ High School to help promote the links between learning and success in their alma mater.

Trevor Matthews, now a director for AMP Limited after graduating in 1969, spoke extensively about the impact of great teaching in his life.

“When I was at Punchbowl Boys, I learned the importance of hard work. I learned that you can do all right by drifting along but it was important to have a go and apply yourself,” Matthews said when asked about how his time in the school helped set him up for his current success.

“That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life so far. I was honestly inspired by my teachers and the fellows around me all those years ago,” he added with a huge smile on his face.

Former vice-captain and solicitor Ken Scully echoed Matthews’ sentiments and offered the highest of praise for his former teachers from fifty years ago.

“Because of my time here, I had a good grounding in literature, English, problem-solving and, analytical thinking – all key elements of a lawyer’s role,” Scully proudly proclaimed as he spoke about the critical part that his experiences in Punchbowl Boys played as he pursued a career in law.

“My teachers gave me the confidence and skills I needed to thrive in my current profession,” added Scully who now runs his own legal practice – Scully Legal - in Bankstown.

Bruce “The Gentleman Magician” Glen, who wowed students with his tricks, said he will never forget the messages that were instilled in him by his teachers at Punchbowl Boys’ High School.

“My memory of school was one of great happiness. It was a great time in my life,” Glen said, “We were very proud of the school. We were told that nothing was impossible. We felt special because we came to this school. It was an encouraging environment. It set the basis for my future career.”

With twenty years of experience in television and radio, another fifteen in public relations and now a thriving career as a magician in one of Sydney’s most prestigious venues in the Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, there is no doubt Glen has taken the messages he received at Punchbowl Boys and used it to fuel a wonderful life.

But perhaps, it was the sentiments of former senior prefect Stephen Wilkes that best summed up the impact of great teachers.

“We had incredible teachers who I stayed friends with my whole life. They were my mentors even after I graduated,” Wilkes said with high zest, even after a long day of mentoring students about numeracy.

“This is where I learned all the classic values – integrity, compassion, understanding, sensitivity, how to be fair dinkum, you name it,” he added with his pensive eyes now filled with nostalgia, “Looking back now, I cannot imagine life without them.”

When asked about what stood out the most about the day, Scully was quick to point out that it was the fact that the role of teachers as beacons of hope in Punchbowl Boys’ High School has not changed since his time.

“What the staff has done here is remarkable. What we’ve seen here today was a dedicated teaching staff and enthusiastic students who have been taught well to engage with people - even with those who are from older generations such as myself,” Scully said with excitement.

“We were just like these kids,” he added.

Radford Baghdadi, a current student who is aspiring to be a school leader, said that the impact of the old boys’ visit was instant among his peers.

“It gave us a great sense of pride. It makes me feel proud of being a student at our school,” said Baghdadi as he basked in the presence of Punchbowl Boys greats. “It showed me that we could achieve great things despite any adversity pitted against us.”

Matthews has one message for every old boy who might want to reconnect with Punchbowl Boys’ High School: “Don’t be frightened to pick up the phone or send an e-mail. The school did a lot for us so hopefully, we can do the same in return.”

“The old boys' fraternity will continue to assist in any way we can in personifying for these kids the notion that they can achieve anything,” Scully added.

The former students spent all day running workshops for current students in an effort to promote how literacy, numeracy, transition, wellbeing, 21^st-century learning, sport & creative expression and, global citizenship as critical elements to learning and achievement.

What’s next after high school?

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 11:24:37 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.

Punchbowl Boys' High School wins slam poetry title

Sat, 31 Aug 2019 11:27:37 AEST

Punchbowl Boys’ High School’s Abdulah Sediqui was crowned as the annual Stand Tall Speak Out champion for 2019 – a first for the school

Stand Tall Speak Out - Sydney South West’s premier slam poetry competition for school children started in 2014 and have been successfully delivered to Christian, Muslim and Jewish schools all over Sydney in an effort to promote multiculturalism

The event saw the Year 10 student taking out the top prize over students from other schools in the region including Malek Fahd Islamic School and Auburn Girls’ High School.

Sediqui, who performed a piece about the impact of war, was ecstatic about the win but admitted that he was surprised.

“I could not believe it. The rest of the other competitors were just so good. This win just makes me want to be even better,” Sediqui said.

Sediqui’s English teacher, Mr. Francis Floresca, said that he knew something special was about to happen moments before his student took the stage as the final performer.

“I saw him making adjustments to his poem literally seconds before coming,” said Floresca, “It’s a testament to his dedication to the drafting process.”

Jihad Yassine, also from Punchbowl Boys’ High School, finished in second place with a heartbreaking poem about his late grandmother’s struggle with cancer.

The LMA program has now been running at Punchbowl Boys’ High School for three years and is one of the school’s English Faculty’s most dynamic collaborative initiatives with external providers.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 12:52:01 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

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:26:56 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 11:41:33 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.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:55:38 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 15:11:09 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 14:15:40 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 13:31:24 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

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:20:47 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.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:59:28 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.

Sydney Story Factory begins yearlong residency at Punchbowl Boys' High School

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 07:49:58 AEST

By Francis Floresca // Punchbowl Boys' High School

PUNCHBOWL - On 10 May 2018, Sydney Story Factory officially started their yearlong residency at Punchbowl Boys’ High School. Headed by Ms. Rebecca Smith, a team of volunteer tutors has been running weekly workshops with selected Year 7-10 English and Drama classes.

Each workshop aims to supplement what the students are currently learning in the classroom. To date, the workshops have covered the topics of genre, representation, narrative and character through the exploration of Indigenous Australian stories, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth and CCTV footages.

A former English and Drama teacher at Punchbowl Boys’ High School, Ms. Smith takes great pride in seeing her former students make the most this learning opportunity. “They have been working hard to develop their stories over the term,” Ms. Smith said when asked about the boys’ current progress. “The students at Punchbowl have demonstrated an unwavering ability to craft stories that are creative and engaging.”

The purpose of the program is to encourage students to find their voices and take ownership of their own stories while improving their written and oral communication skills through the guidance of expert storytellers and volunteer tutors.

True the spirit of student ownership, Ms. Smith said that the boys’ hard work will be “celebrated in a final publication, which all students will receive and take home.”

An expert storytelling team, which includes 2016 Australian of the Year Local Hero Cath Keenan, is responsible for designing all Sydney Story Factory programs. The organisation’s mission is to develop young people's creative prowess. They seek to maximise their impact by using their large team of trained volunteer tutors to give students one-on-one attention.

Reaching for the stars at Punchbowl Boys’ High School

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 07:52:37 AEST

By Francis Floresca // Punchbowl Boys' High School

PUNCHBOWL - On 8 June 2018, Punchbowl Boys’ High School student Sonny Liu was informed that he has been accepted to participate in the US Space Academy and Field Studies program in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.

Headed by the Metropolitan South West Science Teachers Association (LAZSTA) and iSTEM, the program will provide Liu with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in world-class science enrichment and leadership development, which will be supplemented with visits to some of America’s premier science centres, schools and universities. Furthermore, the program will also enable Liu to join a group of selected students in visits to popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C.

Asked about the program, the Year 11 student simply beamed with enthusiasm as he said, “it has always been [his] dream to be an astronaut.” In this light, the Punchbowl Boys’ High School community has thrown its full support behind Liu with acting principal Robert Patruno stating that, “it is important to always support students as they reach for the stars.”

As a part of the school’s efforts to support Liu, Mr. Patruno enlisted the help of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs who graciously donated a jersey signed by the club’s players. The jersey will be used as a raffle prize to help raise funds that will be used to make Liu’s space camp dreams a reality. Backed by his family and the Punchbowl community, Liu must raise $7,000 to participate in the program.

Ms. Michelle Crutchfield, Punchbowl Boys’ High School’s career adviser, who helped Liu fill in his space camp application, also expressed her continued support for her student. “I think it’s proof that it’s important to dream big because, for students at Punchbowl Boys' High School, the sky really is the limit if they put their minds to it,” Crutchfield noted.

If any Bulldogs supporters would like to donate to support Liu on his journey to the stars, please contact Punchbowl Boys’ High School at 9708 61 22 for details.

Community comes together for Punchbowl Boys' High School's 2018 Iftar dinner

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 00:59:29 AEST

By Kelly Sheehan // Bankstown Sports

PUNCHBOWL - Punchbowl Boys’ High School has hosted its annual Iftar Community Dinner this week, which was attended by students, parents, teachers and community members, with the theme of ‘Community As One’.

Traditionally, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims have a pre-dawn meal and then fast during the daytime, before breaking that fast at sunset with a special meal, known as Iftar.

Punchbowl Boys’ High School Acting Principal Robert Patruno, says the event is something everyone looks forward to.

“Ramadan teaches the boys what it is like to go without. It’s also a time for reflection. A ceremony like Iftar is a way to build bridges within the community and celebrate success, moving forward and coming together as one”.

Bankstown Sports has recently contributed over $10,000 to the STAR program which has been running for a decade and focuses on a student’s passion for learning and their connection with the community.

The highlight of the STAR program is a snow camp in Jindabyne for selected Year 11 students, who work through various team-building and bonding activities to achieve goals.

Deputy Principal Chris Kazanis says the STAR program would not be possible without Bankstown Sports Club’s support.

“This program has evolved into a highlight of the student experience at Punchbowl Boys’ High. Because of programs like STAR, students feel that the school and community truly do care for them and will work together to give them the best”.

Punchbowl Boys' High School band '320' claims 2018 YouthRock title

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 08:19:10 AEST

By Francis Floresca // Punchbowl Boys' High School

SUTHERLAND - On 22 April 2018, Punchbowl Boys’ High School’s band, ‘320’, was crowned 2018 YouthRock Band Competition champions. The win capped off years of dedication and hard work for ‘320: who finally took the out gold on their third attempt.

Music teacher Mr. Michael White, who has guided the boys throughout the entire process, could not be prouder and called the victory a “dream come true.” As Punchbowl Boys’ High School principal Robert Patruno aptly put it, “the band’s victory at YouthRock truly highlights what is achievable through hard work and the ability to focus on one’s learning to achieve any goal.”

Lead vocalist and Year 9 student Wilkinson Papalii-Afoa, who was the youngest member of the band, described the winning experience as a “massive shock.” He said that, as a YouthRock rookie, he felt a lot of pressure but the presence of his equally talented cousin, frontman Micah Papalii-Talanai, made the entire process easier to handle. Lucas Tekii, one of the band’s guitarists, saw the victory as “hard work finally paying off”. Papalii-Talanai admitted that the win meant so much to the Punchbowl community that it moved him to “tears.”

Asked about their future, Eliata Ulutui is confident that this is only “the beginning” for the band. Theodore Crysma Tavete exuded the same positive attitude, adding that the victory only brought the group “closer together.”

The boys have nothing but adulation for Mr. White. As Yoosuf Mohamed summed it up, “[they] could not have done it without him.” The band’s name in itself pays homage to Mr. White’s room number at Punchbowl Boys’ High School.

The boys outperformed 32 other bands from across NSW, including comprehensive, selective, independent and performing arts schools. The boys’ winnings include $2,000 worth of musical instruments, a professional photo shoot, legal advice and five days of recording time to work on a new record.

The YouthRock Band Competition is an initiative by NSW Youth Week. Founded in the 1980’s, YouthRock is the largest unsigned band competition in NSW.

TAFE NSW opens barbering program to Punchbowl Boys' High School

Thu, 14 Jun 2018 01:02:11 AEST

By Danielle Buckley // Canterbury-Bankstown Express

BANKSTOWN - An innovative pilot program is helping students cut their teeth in the workforce, giving them direction, life skills — and dapper haircuts too.

Fifteen students from Punchbowl Boys' High School and East Hills Boys High School have just graduated from TAFE NSW Bankstown's Youth Engagement Strategy Barbering Program.

The program is designed to give students, aged 15 years and older, who are at risk of disengaging a "taste" of different careers.

"It's non-accredited so they don't come out with a certificate, but they come out knowing if they want to do it," TAFE NSW community engagement co-ordinator Myriam Bahari said.

"Hopefully it ignites a fire in their belly for them to stay at school and show them there's light at the end of the tunnel."

Punchbowl Boys' Year 10 students Lucas Tekii and Eric Ulutui have both finished the 10-week program and enjoyed that it was "hands on".

Lucas is now hoping to start a school-based apprenticeship in barbering. Eric does not want to be a barber but said he was grateful to have "life skills" that he could use to help his grandmother cut his six siblings' hair.

Relieving head teacher for TAFE NSW Lucy Mercia said apart from learning skills, the students also came out with more confidence.

"They've loved it. I had tears in my eyes when I was reading some of the feedback," she said.

So confident were the teachers in their students' new-found skills, that some even jumped into the chair for a trim. Deputy principal of Punchbowl Boys' Chris Kazanis was given a new do by student Anthony Pele.

"I'm going to go home looking a hell of a lot better than when I came in, all thanks to Tony," he said.

Punchbowl Boys High School student Lucas Tekii is one of 15 boys who has graduated from the TAFE Youth Engagement Strategy, which helps kids at risk of dropping out of school learn employment skills.

DISCLAIMER NOTE: The photographs shared in this post were taken by Angelo Velardo. To access the original article please click here.

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