What's new at our Sydney campus
New laptop room at Taylors College Sydney
Taylors College continues its investment in technology with the Waterloo campus recently installing a whole classroom with laptops for student use.
The laptop room allows students to have a good view of the teacher while working closely with their friends on their computers - completing research assignments, accessing the Internet, school web-based resources and other resources such as YouTube (to view science experiments for example).
The room has twenty-six laptops which are mounted on a charger-trolley when not in use. The students unplug their laptops and take them to their desks during the lesson. The laptops are linked to the central student computer system and to the Internet by a fast wireless connection, making them completely portable and able to be sat on the desk next to the students' study guides.
The class pictured was so excited to get to use the new room they asked to have their photo taken! (And this particular HSC class have also set a record with thirteen days in a row with not one student absent!)
Check the Taylors College website regularly for more news about our technological developments.
Huge mix of nationalities at the University of Sydney Foundation Program orientation
On Tuesday 2 February Taylors College was a building full of excitement (and a little trepidation) as new students arrived for their orientation.
The USFP February cohort were in full anticipation of the year ahead - of improving their English and maths skills, or learning about Australian history, or the life of plant cells in biology, or maybe even developing further their understanding of language and communication...
The orientation room displayed flags from no fewer than fifty nations, ranging from Lesotho to Mongolia. And even with this impressive mix of nationalities the room buzzed with chatter - mostly in English of course.
It was generally agreed by all teachers that the new intake is a very pleasant and promising group of young people. We hope their year at USFP will be rich from academic learning and brimming with new friendships.
Chinese consul advises on student safety
Mr Zheng De Min, consul of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China, visited the Waterloo campus on 8 February 2010. He spoke to 50 Chinese TELP students about student safety.
Before Mr Zheng began he wished students a happy Chinese New Year for the next few days. His presentation included safety tips about the importance of students remembering their home addresses, how to respond if they are confronted by a perpetrator, the wisdom in not carrying too much money and most importantly, who to contact if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. At the end of the presentation students were given the opportunity to ask questions about issues concerning them.
After the talk, Mr Zheng went on a tour of the Waterloo campus followed by a morning tea with Deputy Principal Jacquie Hargreaves, TELP DOS Paul Mahony and Chinese advisors. He was very interested in our Foundation Programs and asked many questions.
This is the second time Waterloo campus invited a Chinese Consulate representative to give a safety talk to our Chinese students. It's a great opportunity for the students to receive important advice and seek feedback on issues that may concern them. The safety talk is planned to become an annual event.
New students get ready for high school at Taylors
There was excitement in the air on 2 and 3 February as orientation began for new high school students and year 12 toured the University of Sydney campus.
Orientation began for new students at 9am sharp. It wasn't long before 130 enthusiastic students arrived ready to get started on the exciting new year ahead. The Dean of High School, Freda Pappas, welcomed the students and introduced the High School Year Advisors: Monica Bentivoglio, John Zhang and Jennifer Masia.
By the end of the two-day orientation program the students were brimming with information. They participated in a variety of sessions, including 'Getting to Know You' activities and information about the school's structures, roles and policies. Expert speakers also enlightened our students about personal safety and health.
Year 12 began their first school day of 2010 on 3 February. After a brief meeting to receive their timetables they were taken to the University of Sydney for a look around. Their university course options were explained and some tips were provided about being international students on campus. The trip finished with a tour of the university grounds which the students really enjoyed.
Orientation was a huge success and the year 12 students had a great time on their tour of the University of Sydney. The year ahead is definitely set to be a good one!
Taylors Sydney 20 Year High School Celebration
The Taylors College Sydney campus has celebrated yet another significant milestone in its academic history, with the 20 Year Anniversary of the High School program.
On Saturday 20th June teachers, staff, students and founding members of the original High School program came together for a night of nostalgia and celebration. The event was held in the Ballroom of the Establishment in George Street Sydney, and the atmosphere was one of elegance and relaxation.
Fine dining, followed by dancing and a fun filled evening saw the staff and ex-students celebrate in style. There was also the opportunity to catch up with old friends and ex staff. Dan Moalem, the founder of Taylors College, was the special guest. It was a formal yet friendly night as we reflected on the achievements over the two decades.
USFP End of Course Ceremony – June 2009
The USFP End of Course Ceremony for our 500 completing July and October 2008/9 students was held in the Great Hall at the University of Sydney on Tuesday 9th June. Our students looked amazing and were very excited by the whole event. It is a time when students suddenly realise that their time at USFP is coming to a close and they really will be making the transition to the University of Sydney.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Professor Derrick Armstrong, gave the address and 24 students were presented with certificates of academic excellence for outstanding results in their coursework to date.
The ceremony drew to a close with refreshments in the famous courtyard.
Loud Shirt Day at Taylors College
The students at Taylors Sydney have once again been dressing up and having a laugh, all in the name of charity. Thanks to the generous support of students and teachers on LOUD SHIRT DAY on Friday 15 May, the campus raised $685 for The Shepherd Centre who will put the money to good use to help deaf children learn.
Our special thanks to the Year 12 leaders and members from the Student Representative Council who went from class to class collecting donations from other students. Congratulations to Angel Wai Ching So and Jola Hang Laam Sung for winning the LOUDEST SHIRT Awards. They will receive doubled Internet download limit for a week (160 mb)!
We also received many entries for the Jelly Bean Guessing Competition with guesses ranging from 3333 to 0 (“after I eat them all”). High School student WANG, Heran Ariel managed to guess the EXACT amount of jelly beans in the jar - 276. Anthea, our TELP teacher, was very very very close… she came up with 275!
Students and staff with Angel Wai Ching So (2nd from left) - winner of the Loudest Shirt Awards
Jola Hang Laam Sung, the 2nd winner of the Loudest Shirt Awards
University of Sydney Mini Exhibition and Lecture Program
Each semester, faculty representatives from the University of Sydney visit Taylors Sydney campus for a “Mini Exhibition”. Organised by the Careers Advisers, this event is an important opportunity for USFP students to talk directly to the faculty that they are aiming to enter, to find out more about the course they want to study, specific entry requirements, and the options available to them.
This semester, 16 faculty representatives were once again on campus providing the students with invaluable information. University Student Ambassadors also accompanied the representatives from the faculty of Health Sciences, which added a further dimension to the information that was available and was a highlight for the students. Those interested in business also had the opportunity to listen to Associate Professor (Finance) Carole Comerton-Forde, from the Faculty of Economics and Business give in depth information on the structure of the courses available and the academic expectations of the faculty of E and B.
Health Science and Nursing booth
Science and Arts booth
Taylors Alumni Student Reunion 2009
The Alumni Student Reunion is one of the most popular regular events at the Taylors Sydney campus. Students and staff take this opportunity to renew their relationships and to share the excitement of the student’s transition and progression into the next phase of their education. This year we enjoyed the mature and successful company of students who were now working at Westpac and Google, as engineers and accountants and those that were continuing their study at the postgraduate level. We also enjoyed the amazing metamorphosis of the High School girls into beautiful mature women and of course the ever delicious and abundant pizza.
Alumni students - registering on the Alumni database
TELP Graduation – Sydney Campus
On 9th April, 156 proud TELP students celebrated the first milestone in their international education journey, with a graduation ceremony at the Taylors Sydney campus. The students graduate from their language program with a strong English foundation and the best preparation for success in their coming academic programs - Year 10, Year 11 or the University of Sydney Foundation Program.
Within the group, 23 students graduated early and will commence their academic program earlier than expected, due to their hard work and perseverance in TELP. All students were presented with a certificate by the TELP Director of Studies, Paul Mahony, and additional academic awards were presented to 21 high achieving students in recognition of their steadfast efforts.
The ceremony was held in the student common room and at the conclusion of the ceremony, refreshments were served. Students also enjoyed the opportunity to have their photo taken with their teachers in front of two Taylors College banners. One student was so proud to graduate he wore an Italian business suit, coupled with an impressive silk tie.
Congratulations to all of our TELP students.
Taylors Cooking Class Success
The first Taylors Cooking Class took place on the balcony of classroom 1.12 on Wednesday 26th November, hosted by teacher Cameron Paff, with great success. With new cookers, woks and utensils at the ready, ten enthusiastic students tried their hand at chicken or beef stir fry with steamed rice, and had great fun in the process! Not only did students learn the basics of cooking, they also enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation on hygiene and nutrition. Hopefully the classes will inspire the students to cook on their own a little more in the future.
The University of Sydney Foundation Program Turns 10!
USFP Dean, Rosie Giddings during the ceremony
The University of Sydney Foundation Program recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary in grand style, with a special celebratory dinner at the University’s MacLaurin Hall on Saturday 6th September. The event was attended by almost 250 invited guests, including Taylors College teachers and staff, past USFP students, senior Study Group and University staff, agents and Consulate representatives.
The wet and stormy weather didn’t deter the enthusiastic crowd, who enjoyed canapés and drinks in the University’s historic Nicholson Museum, before proceeding upstairs to the great MacLaurin Hall to be seated for dinner. The Three Waiters provided fantastic entertainment, which had everyone in the room waving white napkins in the air by the end of their performance.
Official addresses were given by Mr David Burns (USFP Board Chair and Taylors Academic Director), Professor Derrick Armstrong (Acting Deputy Provost, Teaching and Learning and Pro-Vice- Chancellor USYD, Chair USFP-USYD BoS), Dr Michael Spence (Vice Chancellor and Principal USYD) and Mr Arvid Peterson (Study Group Chairman) who all reminded us of the long history of the program – from humble beginnings, to the vibrant and successful program it is today. Following the official proceedings the crowd mingled and enjoyed dancing to the sounds of the band, Everyday People. A memorable and enjoyable night was had by all!
Charity work at Taylors College Sydney
Taylors College Sydney has raised over $10,000 over the last few months through numerous fundraising activities to support a number of worthy causes. A College Dance was held on 6th June to raise funds for the Sichuan Earthquake region, with over 200 students and staff enjoying lessons in salsa, macarina and zorba. Student DJ, Botan YEH handled requests with diplomacy with an international mix of Middle Eastern dances and hip hop. Money was also raised through direct donations and the traditional Taylors Sydney BBQ of chicken satays and sausage sandwiches.
A total of $8,500 was donated to the Red Cross for the Sichuan Earthquake.
Thanks to the efforts of the Student Representative Council and teacher, Cameron Paff, Taylors Sydney also raised $1080 for the Cancer Council by participating in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in May. Staff held a sumptuous morning tea while the SRC sold Krispy Kreme donuts. And a cheque for $508.50 was presented by SRC students YU Libin (Ben), GUO Jinjin and TIAN Yao to Medecins Sans Frontieres from Harmony Day in March to help support the typhoon affected area in Myanmar.
Chemistry triumph at Taylors College Sydney
Three teams of Year 12 students competed in the New South Wales Schools RACI Titration Competition at UNSW on 20th June after training sessions with Chemistry teacher, Miss Kristen Nissen, conducted in their own time.
One of our teams was awarded first place out of the 19 teams at the venue. They achieved the exceptional score of 10. The score reflects the number of errors made, so the lower the better. The other two teams also did very well scoring 113 and 180. Two of our students scored a perfect score of zero! We are very hopeful of being invited to compete at the national level in September.
Our first place getters were ZHENG Cheng, ABU-SALEH Odai and MAN Hei Yi.
The great debate at Taylors College
A group of High School and Foundation students took the opportunity participate in The Great Debate at Taylors Sydney in June, arguing the topic “School is a valuable preparation for life”.
It was great to see students standing up in public and arguing a point of view, a valuable skill that will help prepare them for university and beyond!
The University of Sydney 3-Day experience
In February 2008, the September USFP students were given a valuable opportunity to experience life as a University of Sydney student, first-hand!
Over the three days, students were exposed to university-style lectures and tutorials, tours of the campus and some of the many sports and recreation activities available.
Students seemed particularly impressed with the large, modern lecture theatres where they were able to attend lectures and tutorials by university staff across a variety of disciplines. They also took in the beautiful, historic architecture during tours around the campus, and on the day three they had a choice of fun activities to choose from including rock climbing, squash, ultimate Frisbee, tennis and a tour of the Nicholson Museum.
As one student commented, “the tours of the University of Sydney’s huge library and Maclean and Nicholson Museums made me realise what a real world-class university possesses, and motivated me to read more and learn more. In general, in the three days, I experienced the real life in a university. It is busy and hard, but inspiring”.
A lecture in one of the University’s modern lecture theatres
USFP students enjoying Ultimate Frisbee
Alumni Reunion 2008
Taylors Tertiary Advisor, Paula Gothelf, catches up with a 2007 graduate
Each year, Taylors College Sydney opens its doors to past students to provide an opportunity for them to catch up with old friends, meet old teachers, establish valuable networks and share their successes since leaving the College. This year again was again a popular event with as many as 250 students from previous years returning to the College.
As the alumni started arriving at the College, they were greeted with excitement by the current Year 12 leaders, Student Representative Council and teachers, who had decorated the room with beautiful red and blue balloons.
After a warm welcome by the Principal, Chris Norton, the students reacquainted themselves with their favourite teachers and friends and enjoyed pizza and drink. The students shared their experiences and successes with us, creating an atmosphere of warmth and pride.
Notable in the group of course were the Alumni from 2003. Several of these students discussed with us the progress of their postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Sydney.
The Taylors College students continue to impress and amaze us with their continued success.
Some of Taylors oldest Alumni, as far back as 2003
Alumni students re-acquaint themselves with old teachers
Celebrating Chinese New Year in style
Chinese New Year is an event which seems to hold some unfamiliarity to the Australian culture. But at Taylors College, this significant event entails much excitement and fun as students and teachers alike join in the joy of the festive moments. The students were treated with an amazing lion dance show and a feast to remember.
Both staff and students were excited to see the traditional lion dance. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals, together with the face of the lion dancing can evict bad or evil spirits.
Taylors College High School student, Andreas Kang described his first year at Taylors as incredible! He said – “I have now seen how my Australian teachers go out of their way, putting in their best effort to create the best Chinese New Year for international students like me. The lucky draw, the dance floor, the amazing DJ, appetizing spring rolls, delicious dumplings... although this cannot be compared to the grandeur back in my hometown, it nevertheless gives me a sense of belonging in this still foreign country. “
It was truly a memorable and wonderful occasion at the Sydney campus.
USFP January and April 2007 End of Course Ceremony
Music student performing during the ceremony
On Friday 9th November 2007 we celebrated our students’ completion of their coursework with an End of Course Ceremony. The ceremony was held in the Great Hall, a wonderful hall on campus at the University of Sydney.
This ceremony marks the beginning of our handover of our University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) students to the University of Sydney. To mark this event a very senior member of the academic community from the University of Sydney (USYD) give an address to the students and the Deputy Director of the International Office at USYD, Chris Riley, presented the students with their Certificates of Course Completion and their Attendance Certificates.
Our invited guests included Dr John Hughes, Pro-Dean (Development), Acting Associate Dean (Academic Programs) Faculty of Education and Social Work , USFP-USYD BoS; Dr Nick Wailes, Acting Associate Dean (UG), USYD Faculty of Economics and Business; Prof Ian Spence Science Faculty, USFP-USYD Board of Studies; Prof Nerida Newbigin, Chair, Italian Studies, USYD; Dr Josiah Poon, School of Information Technologies, USYD; Dr John O’Byrne, Director of 1st Year Physics USYD and Physics Liaison USFP; Dr Mary Ip, Government, Law and Information Liaison USFP; Dr Elizabeth May, Director First Year Biology, Liaison USFP; Dr Colin Phillips, Mathematics Learning Centre USYD and Mohammed Alkahtani , Director, Academic Affairs , Cultural Mission of Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
This year we had an excellent speech given by Professor Derek Armstrong who is an Acting Deputy Provost (Learning & Teaching) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor as well as being a member of the USFP/USYD Board of Studies.
We then moved to the presentation of the Certificates. Each student received their Certificates from Chris Riley with a warm handshake and smiles for the camera. Between the presentations, our music master, Chuan Wu, organised some of our very talented music students to perform some excellent pieces.
When the presentations were completed we moved on to our presentations of the Certificates of Excellence where students received awards for achieving the top marks for their coursework for their subjects.
These students were:
| Accounting | SOEU, Bunleng |
 |
| Australian Studies | LOW, Sock Yin Gloria |  |
| Biology | LEE, Joo Hyun |  |
| Economics | CHEN, Lu | |
| Foundations of Social Science (equal) | HALIM, Vinna |  |
| Foundations of Visual Art and Design | HWANG, Sun Young | |
| Government, Law and Information | SONG, Si Si |  |
| Mathematics for Humanities |
BAI, Zhou |
 |
| Physics (equal) | PHAM, Minh Viet MOHAMMADI NIKOUYPASOKHI, Ali |
 |
| Software Development | EKRAMI, Kamyar |  |
|
English for Humanities |
TAMAYO, Micaela Nicole Fae |  |
| April English for Humanities | CHU, Hiu Tung |  |
| April English for Science | TOH, Shuet Qi |  |
| Foundations of Social Science (equal) April English for Arts |
CHO, Anna |  |
| Music English for Arts |
TANOTO, Steven |  |
| Chemistry (equal) Mathematics for Science Mathematics Advanced |
CAO, Yin |  |
| Chemistry(equal) Media Studies and Communication English for Science |
CHIU, Yi Hsuan |  |
Pujan Doshi then made a heartfelt speech on behalf of the students and thanked all the staff especially Pernille Day, Sharon Burke, Marion Kennedy and Adrian O’Shea who have been the January and April Group Advisers.
The ceremony then finished with refreshments, many smiles and photos.
Annual Taylors Art Exhibition
The annual Taylors Art Exhibition is an important event for our talented Visual Arts and Design students. A selection of their best work is exhibited and it is a valuable opportunity to show their work to an appreciative audience. The response this year was again very positive to the works produced by our High School and Foundation students. These included delicate watercolours and pencil drawings, quirky sculptures made from found objects, installations, bold paintings on canvas as well as collages and dramatic charcoal studies.
The viewers’ choice award this year was a close race between the works of two HSC Students. First prize went to Ye, Jun Chen (Quincy) for his stunning landscape paintings ‘Life’s Journey’ and second prize was awarded to Bao, Zhi Juan (Karissa) for her paintings entitled ‘Hope’.
Ye, Jun Chen (Quincy) with his winning landscape paintings ‘Life’s Journey’
Bao, Zhi Juan (Karissa) with her paintings entitled ‘Hope’
Celebrating Indonesian Independence Day
Three Year 11 Indonesian students and Esther Dharmanto represented the Taylors' Indonesian Community by attending the Flag Ceremony and Function held at the residence of Indonesia Consul General at Rosebay on 17th August 2007 to commemorate the 62nd Indonesia Independence Day.
Taylors College have always been represented at the event by Year 11 Indonesian students and Esther Dharmanto (Year 12 and USFP Indonesian students cannot attend as they are having their Trial Examinations).
Students and Esther Dharmanto (second from left) with the Consul General Mr Sudaryomo and his wife
Students compete in ICAS Science competitions
Term 2 was a busy term for Science students at Taylors College, Sydney. Firstly, our Year 10 and 11 Science students participated in the ICAS Science Competition. This competition tested the students’ abilities in areas such as interpreting scientific information and reasoning and problem solving skills. Our students performed well with Jia Xin (Karen) LI of Year 11 achieving a Credit award, scoring in the top 17 percent of Year 11 participants in NSW and ACT. This is an exceptional result. Well done Karen!
Our Year 10 students also participated in the Rio Tinto Big Science competition. In the school’s first year of competition we had one student achieve a Credit certificate. Congratulations to Choon Yi (Nicholas) ONG on his fine performance.
The College was also represented at the RACI Titration Competition. Fifteen of our Year 11 and 12 Chemistry students attended the University of New South Wales to engage in an exciting round of a chemical analysis. Working in teams of three, the students were required to determine the concentration of an unknown solution using a technique called Titration. Our students performed exceptionally well, with three of our teams placing 2nd, 7th and 9th out of 26 teams at the venue.
Congratulations to the following team members:
2nd place: Ruo Long (Rita) HUANG, Jie (Jay) ZHENG and Zhi Zhao (Victor) GUAN
7th place: Mohammad Vahid (Vahid) NOBAKHTI, Elisa KANG and Peng (Forrest) YU
9th place: Thi My Thuan DO, Joana GUERREIRO and Jia Xin (Karen) LI
Special congratulations must go to Year 12 student Vahid NOBAKHTI, who achieved a perfect score. This is an outstanding result. We now eagerly await the state results to see if the students qualify for the National Competition.
Our Credit Award recipients – Choon Yi ONG in Year 10 and Jia XIn LI in Year 11
Our 2nd placed titration team - Ruo Long HUANG, Jie ZHENG and Zhi Zhao GUAN
Year 12 Levitation Experiment
The photos below show Year 12 HSC Physics students observing the magnetic levitation of a small magnet above a superconducting disc.
The disc has been cooled to minus 196 degrees centigrade using liquid nitrogen. The electric currents in its surface, caused by the magnet, make the magnet to 'float' above the superconductor.
Research into superconductors has led to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in hospitals, to help detect diseases, and will lead to faster computers, high speed rail transport and cheaper electricity.
- written by Larry Mounser, Science Teacher; photos by SU Lin Xin (Don)
Taylors Sydney Students Receive International Merit Scholarships at the University of Sydney
The 'International Merit Scholarship' ceremony was held in June at the University of Sydney.
The scheme was introduced in 1998. All international students who are not already supported by a scholarship are eligible for consideration. The scholarship recipients are selected by their faculty according to meritorious academic performance in undergraduate and post graduate programs. In 2007 102 scholarships were awarded.
Fifteen former Taylors College Sydney students were listed to receive scholarships! Our students continue to perform well throughout their University careers.
It is also worthy of note that as the award of the scholarships had been decided upon at Faculty level, the Heads of Faculties were called upon to read out the names of successful students and present them to the Chancellor (NSW Governor, Marie Bashir), the Principal of Taylors College, Sydney (Paul McLoughlin) was called upon in the same way as all of the other 'worthies'.
| Name | Year | Stream | Country | Merit Award Faculty |
| Mr Kut CHAN | Jan 2005 | Music | Hong Kong | Conservatorium |
| Ms Ya Ting Ardis HUANG | Jan 2004 | Music | Hong Kong | Conservatorium |
| Ms Kah Yan Grace LEONG | Jan 2005 | Music | Malaysia | Conservatorium |
| Ms Syn Nee LIM | Jan 2004 | Music | Brunei | Conservatorium |
| Mr Agus SANDJAYA | Jan 2006 | Music | Indonesia | Conservatorium |
| Ms Xin Yin TEO | Jan 2006 | Science | Singapore | Conservatorium |
| Mr Man Kong Adrian SUNG | Jan 2003 | Science | Hong Kong | Pharmacy |
| Mr Kai Man LAM | Sep 2003 | Science | Hong Kong | Science |
| Miss Wing Yee CHENG | Jan 2003 | Science | Hong Kong | Medicine/Science |
| Mr Qian QIAN | Apr 2004 | Science | China | Economics |
| Mr Maxim SOYREF | Jan 2005 | Economics | Russia | Economics |
| Ms Clairine SUTANAWI | Jan 2005 | Economics | Indonesia | Economics |
| Mr Seng Keat GAN | Jan 2003 | Science | Malaysia | Engineering |
| Mr Chin Yau PANG | Apr 2003 | Science | Malaysia | Engineering |
| Mr Danny WINATA | Sep 2005 | Science | Indonesia | Engineering |
| Ms Shu Yi HAN | Y5 12 2004 | Science (UAI 99.25) | China | Science |
USFP September and October 2006 End of Course Ceremony
Gresya CAHYONO speaks on behalf of the students
On Friday 25th May 2007 we celebrated our students’ completion of their coursework with an End of Course Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Refectory, a wonderful hall on campus at the University of Sydney.
This ceremony marks the beginning of our handover of our University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP) students to the University of Sydney. To mark this a very senior member of the academic community from the University of Sydney (USYD) gave an address to the students and the Deputy Director of the International Office at USYD, Chris Riley, presented the students with their Certificates of Course Completion and their Attendance Certificates.
This year we had an excellent speech given by Associate Professor Peter McCallum who is an Academic Advisor to the Office of the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor as well as being a member of the USFP/USYD Board of Studies and past Associate Dean of the Conservatorium.
We then moved to the presentation of the Certificates. Each student received their Certificates from Chris Riley with a warm handshake and smiles for the camera. Between the presentations, our music master, Chuan Wu, organised some of our very talented music students to preform some excellent pieces.
When the presentations were completed we moved on to our presentations of the Certificates of Excellence where students received awards for achieving the top marks for their coursework for their subjects.
These students were:
| Biology (joint) | CHOW, Sin Lui Fion |
 |
| Chemistry | WONG, Wae Ting |  |
| Mathematics for Humanities | JIN, Jin |  |
| Mathematics for Science | YAO, Yao Yue |  |
| Music | ZHAI, Jia Wen | |
| English for Science | LEE, Kam Man Joyce |
 |
| English (Most Improved) | LO, Ka Po | |
| Australian Studies Foundations of Visual Art |
YAN, Wing Chi |  |
| Biology (joint) Physics |
KAWASAKI, Minae |  |
| Mathematics Advanced Software Development |
HALIM, Sarto |  |
| Foundations of Social Science Government Law and Information English for Arts |
LI, Zi Xi |  |
|
Accounting |
CAHYONO, Gresya |  |
Gresya CAHYONO then made a heartfelt speech on behalf of the students and thanked all the staff especially Bernadette Murray and Herman Buys who have been the September/October Group Advisers.
The ceremony then finished with refreshments, many smiles and photos.
Visit to the Sheep Farm
Visit to Tobruk Sheep Farm
Students from Taylors House got a taste of Aussie life during a visit to Tobruk Sheep Farm.
One of the students writes:
"The trip was a good experience as most of us have never been to a real farm or the countryside before.
We got to throw boomerangs and also learnt how to crack whips, which was much harder than is looked. We had billy tea and a cake called “damper” for morning tea.
Some of us had a go at sheep shearing.
We had never been to a farm of that size. The farmers were welcoming and friendly and also very warm We saw how they lead their lives without the technology that we use daily.
Most of all the group that went made the trip even more enjoyable."
University of Sydney Scholarship winners
Scholarship winners - DENG Jia Hua and NGUYEN Quang Ngoc
Two Taylors College students received scholarships with the University of Sydney at a Scholarships Presentation Ceremony held in the University's Great Hall.
NGUYEN Quang Ngoc was awarded a University of Sydney Scholarship with Merit. His scholarship will allow him to studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (4 year degree)
DENG Jia Hua was awarded a University of Sydney Scholarship. She is studying Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Commerce. Her scholarship is $2000 for the first year of study.
Kevin Lui and sister Carol Deng, both Taylors ex students attended the ceremony. Kevin is now studying Honours in Finance and tutors at the University of Sydney.
Astronomy students spend night reaching for the stars
The Meade 8-inch LX90 telescope
On a balmy autumn's night 7 Foundation Astronomy students and their teachers drove out to the Blue Mountains to spend the evening observing our southern skies.
As part of the course, each student is required to perform a research project using the school's Meade 8-inch LX90 telescope. Students use a computer to control the telescope and digitally record images taken with three cameras: a Canon EOS 350D 8 Megapixel digital SLR camera for deep space imaging; a Phillips ToUcam Webcam - a digital video camera to take high resolution images of the planets; and a Meade LPI (Lunar Planetary Imager) most suitable for taking images of the Sun and Moon.
In addition to the school telescope students also have access to a 12-inch Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope at Charles Sturt University located at Bathurst three hours west of Sydney. This telescope is computer controlled via the internet and has several advantages including larger light collecting area and reduced air and light pollution compared to Sydney.
Milson Island Adventure Camp
Having fun on the Flying Fox
In early March a small group of high school students from Taylors College Sydney enjoyed a weekend away at a Sport and Recreation Camp at Milson Island on the Hawkesbury River.
A great time was had by all and students participated in fun and adventurous activities such as a difficult ropes course, flying fox, kayaking and archery.
The bivouac (camping in tents) was a new experience for many and camp cooking taught students some valuable survival lessons in the Aussie bush. The fun continued into the evening with a games night. A great weekend was had by all teachers and students who attended.
Harmony Day celebrations
Students from Middle East celebrate Harmony Day
Taylors College Sydney students joined in the Taylors spirit to celebrate Harmony Day on the 21st March.
Harmony Day, which began in 1999 celebrates Australia's success as a diverse society united by a common set of values. This day provides an opportunity for the students to celebrate our successes as a culturally diverse society and re-commit ourselves to harmony and mutual respect.
Students wore orange clothing, the colour of the day and were able to write a "Wall of home" message for friends in the same country. There was also tea making and students were able to try food from many countries including; Chinese egg tarts, baklava, nut parcels and Easter eggs. All proceeds raised from the day will go to Medicins Sans frontieres.
Year 12 students meet the Governor of NSW
SUN Yin Lu and Elisa KANG
On Thursday March 1st, SUN Yin Lu and Elisa KANG represented Taylors College Sydney in the 2007 Leadership program organised by the Association of Independent Schools of NSW.
They joined other school leaders in a tour of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council Chambers in Parliament House and were addressed by Members of Parliament.
At the historic Government House, they were addressed by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AO, Governor of NSW.
Lunch in Parliament House and afternoon tea in Government House made the experience for Sunny and Elisa unforgettable.
SUN Yin Lu and Elisa KANG with Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AO, Governor of NSW
High School Students enjoy Bronte Beach!
Over 350 high school students and 25 teachers from Taylors College Sydney enjoyed an Aussie experience.....a day at Bronte Beach.
Students enjoyed picnic lunches on the grass down by the waters edge. There were a number of activities that students and staff participated in, including a sand castle competition and winners received movie vouchers.
There was also much fun and muscle flexing during the tug-o-war competition. A few teachers were even "helped" into the water by some fo the year 12 students.
- Photography by Adrian O’Shea.
