Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 3 in our new format. We hope you find this more informative and effective method of communicating school events.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

In the last week, the Chief Executive has launched the new purpose statement and strategy for public education following the greatest level of engagement that learners, educators, staff and the community have had in developing a shared purpose and strategy for public education. For more information, please go to Our strategy for public education in South Australia for the strategy on a page and the full version.

SKI TRIP

The Ski Trip is fast approaching and the excitement is building. For the students not attending a great range of low-cost activities is planned within the local area and should be very enjoyable.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN results came out last week and were sent home to all year 7 and 9 students. While NAPLAN provides valuable insights into our students’ academic progress, we must remember that it is just one measure of their capabilities. At our school, we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals, emphasising not just academic performance but also the development of critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence.

If any parents would like to discuss their child’s progress, please contact the school to make an appointment to discuss these with the appropriate teachers.

ATTENDANCE

I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of providing explanations for any student absences.  By notifying the school about your child’s absence and providing a valid reason, we can better support their learning journey. It enables us to maintain accurate records and allows our teachers to arrange catch-up sessions or provide necessary resources for missed classwork.

Additionally, tracking absences and understanding the reasons behind them can help us identify potential issues that may be affecting a student’s ability to attend regularly. If your child is experiencing challenges that are impacting their attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school, so we can work together to find appropriate solutions.

Our commitment to your child’s education and well-being goes beyond the classroom. We strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Your active participation in ensuring regular attendance and open communication with the school plays a vital role in achieving this goal.

As always, I encourage you to stay involved in your child’s education by attending school events, parent–teacher–student interviews, information nights, subject counselling and engaging in conversations about their progress.

STAFFING

Congratulations to Max Rutjens, Fletcher Wren and Scott Watson who will be permanent from 2024. 

PROPOSED STUDENT-FREE DAY

We have a proposed date for a Student-Free Day on Friday, 15th September. This day will be for staff to attend Berry Street, Informed Practice Training. The date will be confirmed following the Governing Council meeting next Tuesday evening. 

Tyler Hogan - Principal

SENIOR SCHOOL UPDATES

There’s a lot going on in the Senior School in Semester 2. Term 3 is always a big term for our Year 12s as they enter the final stretch of their schooling career. Year 12 students are encouraged to use class time and free lines very effectively to complete tasks to a high standard and submitting work to teachers early to get the most out of the drafting process.  

SUBJECT COUNSELLING

The Year 10s and Year 11s will be participating in Subject Counselling in Week 3 with students and their caregivers planning their Stage 1 or Stage 2 SACE for 2024. Parents/caregivers need to ensure they have accessed the Sentral portal and set up an interview time. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

The Year 10s and Year 11s will complete work experience in Term 3, the Year 10s in Week 8 and the Year 11s in Week 4. Work experience is an important part of the senior school for the following reasons: 

1. Work experience provides evidence for the new VETRO process which requires students to provide substantial support to show their genuine interest in a chosen pathway in order for students to access government-funded VET programs. 
2. Work experience can directly lead to school-based apprenticeship and job opportunities for the student. 
3. The arranging of their work experience is a valuable life skill. 
4. Work experience represents a significant part of student’s career exploration, enabling them to ‘try out’ some jobs they may be considering, resulting in more informed decisions about their future. 

Alison Johnson - Senior School Coordinator

YEAR 12 RETREAT

On Wednesday, the 28th of June the Year 12s embarked on their final journey together as a class for their *hard-earned* retreat (ha-ha). From the carnivorous flocks of seagulls at Port Wakefield to the chaotic “big” kids at Bounce, where memories were made with a questionable version of dodgeball, the first day concluded with a barbecue dinner, compliments of Mr. Gillard and the boys. Students expressed concerning spending habits through their indulgence of Uber Eats. Twenty-three ice cream sundaes and a pool party later, it was time for an episode of Kath and Kim before bed. The second day started with an early wake up (8:30 lol) to be in the city for escape rooms, arriving at the city an hour early we were left to terrorise the locals. Laced with jump scares, handcuffs and endless 3-digit code locks, all students successfully escaped the rooms unharmed, this experience was good for building team skills and problem-solving through the tasks. A short train ride later took us to our next activity of laser tag where Mr Gillard showed his true colours in his obliteration of everyone. The night was followed by a long 5-hour stint at Marion Shopping Centre, where the activities enjoyed by the students ranged from cinematic viewing, building bears and abusing the food courts. The final day started slowly with threats of jumping on those still asleep, before everyone walked down to mini-golf, where students tested their reaction time as numerous golf balls came flying overhead. Concluding with a group photo, the trip ended with a quiet, peaceful and sleepy bus ride home.

Lillie and Matilda - Year 12 

White Card Training

The construction industry in SA requires workers to have a construction induction card or "white card". As the broad range of jobs that sit in the construction field represent a significant pathway for many of our students, we organised subsidised white card training at Gladstone High School. On Tuesday, 1 August, a group of Year 10 and 11 students took the opportunity to undertake white card training where they learned information about construction, work health and safety laws, common site hazards and ways to control the risks faced on construction sites. Students are now qualified for work experience and career opportunities in the construction field.

Alison Johnson - Senior School Coordinator

TERM 3 MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

With the start of Semester 2, all of our Year 7, 8 and 9 students have started in their new choice/practical subjects. This is a fantastic way for them to try new things, develop new skills and start thinking about their future study and careers.

The Year 7s are especially excited for Digital Media with lots of reminders to walk over there, not run! They are exploring some learning through Minecraft and will get to do some experimenting with programming the Spheroes and see the drones in action.

Additionally, there are lots of exciting things happening with sewing projects in Textiles (including neck warmers for the Year 9 Ski Trip) and Home Ec. New students in Tech means a re-visit of safety rules before getting stuck into hand tool work for the Year 7s and welding for the Year 9s.

There have been a few changes to classes and teachers across the middle school. Now is a great time to chat with your children about what has changed for them in Semester 2 and what they are enjoying!

YEAR 9 SKI-TRIP

We have over 20 students preparing for the trip of a lifetime – the first visit to the snow for many of our students! An additional reminder of what to pack, staff contact details and food donations have been sent home this week. Please read through this with your child and contact the school if you have any questions.

For those Year 9 students who are remaining at school that week, we have been very lucky to have Ms Travers organise a range of activities and excursions! With the help of other staff attending excursions and running activities, this is sure to be a fun experience for everyone!

Kate Seidel - Middle School Coordinator

Hello Families,

As we begin Term 3, it is a good time to touch on a few ‘wellbeing’ topics at Gladstone High School.

Student Wellbeing Leaders in Schools

Student wellbeing leaders are qualified teachers who broaden their professional knowledge and develop expertise about student wellbeing and mental health.

Student wellbeing leaders promote and safeguard student wellbeing to optimise learning. They work in partnership with:

• students
• parents and carers
• educators
• the wider community.

Student wellbeing leaders do not offer therapeutic intervention or a professional counselling service but can help with referrals to external services.

They can support students by providing:

• advice and referral to therapeutic and other support services beyond the school
• encouragement for attendance, positive behaviour and learning at school
• strategies to support positive relationships

Student wellbeing leaders keep records of all conversations. They must keep information confidential.

They might ask for your consent to share information if this is necessary to help resolve complex problems. They will only share information without your consent if they:

• must do so by law
• are concerned about someone's safety.

Benefits of regular attendance

One aspect of my role as Wellbeing Leader at GHS is to monitor and contact families of children who have not been attending school regularly. Attending school regularly has a number of benefits for a young person’s development. These include:

• Building friendships
• It helps them learn, grow and reach their potential
• It impacts on the choices that will be available to them later in life. Including their ability to work and manage day to day

If you have any concerns or would like some assistance in supporting your child’s engagement in school, please do not hesitate to contact me.

RAGE

This week, it has been exciting to start two new RAGE groups. The RAGE program stands for Renegotiating Angry and Guilty Emotions. RAGE is a strengths-based, solution-focused, hands-on, practical, and fun program. The program is run over six weeks, with students participating in one weekly lesson with the support of myself, Celeste Kuske and Sue Foulis. I really enjoy facilitating RAGE with our young people and have seen huge success in students who have completed the program.

In RAGE, we touch a lot on having empathy for others. We discuss that when someone opens up to you about their personal struggles, remember not to judge them or attempt to solve their issue – do not try to “point out the silver lining” either. Connecting with people is more important. Brene Brown is an expert on empathy; click on the link below to see a fantastic description she has created on empathy – one worth showing all our young people and providing a space to discuss it:

https://youtu.be/1Evwgu369Jw

If you would like any more information or believe that your child would benefit from this program, please let me know.

Don't hesitate to contact me at any time if you would like to discuss any concerns or if you have any questions about your child's engagement and wellbeing at GHS. I can be contacted via email: kate.richardson347@schools.sa.edu.au or by calling the school. I am happy to chat and work with families to support our wonderful young people.

Kate Cameron - Wellbeing Leader

Towards the end of last term, three of our current students Sataya Spencer, Hayden Laird (Year 10), Reuben Hughes (Year 12) and past student Tealia Spencer met very early at Adelaide Airport to embark on an amazing experience. Through Projects Abroad and accompanying Jamestown Community School and John Pirie Secondary School our students were primarily supported by Mrs Danya McKay and Ms Jessie Eatts, both from Jamestown.

Students travelled through Malaysia to Cambodia, experiencing immigration and entry via a visa. The Asian humidity, which is very hot, was a surprise, but they were quickly involved in their project work, developing a playground and painting an exterior building.

For the first few days, they taught the year ones and two with up to 60 in a class. The language was definitely a barrier, but the students rapidly built their Khmer vocabulary, with lessons on the bus twice daily. With up to 89% humidity, the students continued to combine teaching with their project work. There was increasing excitement around the community with parents peering through windows to watch the classes. In preparation for the trip, students had been involved in developing some teaching resources which ensured they were able to get started on their teaching straight away.

There was a chance for students to also see some of the sights, with visits to Killing Fields and S-21, two sites where the devastating acts of the Khmer Rouge are remembered. They also went to a live game of the national sport, Kickboxing.

They climbed 500 steps to visit the Oudong Temple. Oudong was the original capital of Cambodia and is home to the largest Buddhist monastery in Cambodia. They were privileged to speak to a well-travelled monk who educated them about the pillars of Buddhism, coined by teaching others the art; to be the most kind, the most compassionate and the pursuit of the destruction of defiance (negativities/jealousy/anger) when reaching enlightenment.

The 6-day change made at the school was monumental - a new playground was installed and painted, the entire frontage of the school repainted, along with an educational mural in the toilet entrance. The combined efforts of the students, mentors, teachers and projects abroad were phenomenal. The school was presented with a new speaker and microphone for assemblies and group activities, plus lighting for every classroom. They were also left with a collection of sporting gear including basketballs, volleyballs, skipping ropes, footballs and teaching resources. A first for their site. All 650 students also collected a dental goodie bag including a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a snack - which was outwardly appreciated by students and a large gathering of parents.

Towards the end of the second week, the group took a 6-hour bus trip to the eagerly anticipated Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the home of thousands of temples, the most recognised being Angkor Wat - which they viewed at sunrise. With its construction taking 37 years, moving blocks of up to 2 tonne 65kms via elephant, river or pulleys, its sheer magnitude and attention to detail was incomprehensible. They found the best hide and seek location at Bayon Temple, and the most evergreen, serene location in Ta Prom Temple, which was used in the film, Tomb Raider. The entire grounds of Angkor Tom left everyone wanting to return.

Their final few days were spent at Koh Dach Island & Final Advice. The final day of touring took them to Koh Dach Primary, the location of the first international trip. The Silk Farm was another interesting stop, where the process was deconstructed to them in detail. The process of making and using silk fabrics is arduous, with it taking 20 years to learn a pattern. Each family only has one pattern, making the same one for their entire working life at a pace of 40 cms a day. This means, for a formal dress, it takes them 10 days to make the fabric.

A final celebratory meal at a steakhouse prompted some wise words from the Projects Abroad manager, acknowledging their work ethic and extended support to the schools and neighbouring communities, encouraging students to appreciate their good fortune at living in Australia, and the opportunities they have. Too often, they see people taking these for granted and not showing gratitude to those who support them. Be more grateful for your community, your parents and your experiences.

Our students have indeed returned with some incredible stories and thoroughly enjoyed working with the children in Cambodia. They have developed a sense of comradery amongst their fellow classmates and an appreciation for what they have.

A very big thank you to all of the staff who attended but most importantly, Danya and Jessie for allowing our students to be part of the group.

Tyler Hogan - Principal

KNOCKOUT SPORTS UPDATE

Knockout/Statewide sports carnivals are continuing with the GHS 9/10 Girls competing in Blyth this week in the second round of the Netball competition. They qualified to continue in the competition after winning the Port Pirie round. Huge thanks go to Mrs Gaunt for organising the netball, including making sure we had enough umpires and volunteers for the day.

Our 7/8 Girls play in Round 1 of the Girls AFL competition next week in Nuriootpa. We have a strong representation from GHS in the MNSEC team, also including students from Jamestown, Booleroo and Orroroo. Miss Ramm is coaching this team and we wish them the best of luck!

SOCCER AT BCDS

Thursday 10 August is the annual 5-a-side soccer carnival held at Booleroo Centre District School. This is for all Year 7 and 8 students and forms part of their assessment for PE in Term 3. Attendance at this event is expected – teams will have extra players to ensure there is an opportunity for rest. We look forward to sharing photos and results following the carnival!

Notes with information will be sent home this week. Consent can be given by returning the permission slip or on Sentral.

Kate Seidel - School Sports Coordinator

NAIDOC stands for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Each year a theme is selected, 2023 is the year FOR OUR ELDERS which is the focus for what they have achieved and overcome.
Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. 
They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones. 

Gladstone High School would like to acknowledge and celebrate our SAASTA Aboriginal Learners for their success in the 2023 Power Cup.

We are very fortunate this year to able to offer a wider range of choices within the Home Economics curriculum area. For the first time in a long time, we have some stand-alone Textiles and Design classes, allowing students to focus on sewing skills and garment design. This also means that we are offering more Food-focused choices in our Middle School.

In the Senior School, we have four enthusiastic Year 12 students who are completing a full year of Food and Hospitality subject. Their upcoming projects include creating grazing platters for a picnic and a Tapas-style lunch. For Semester 2, an excitingly large group of Year 11s have started their Food and Hospitality journey with a focus on high-risk foods and avoiding cross-contamination while cooking takeaway meal options.

Year 7s: Are learning about kitchen safety and focusing on different skills each week (oven, cooktop, knife skills, food safety and hygiene)

Year 8s: Have both Textiles and Food classes and are increasing their skills and confidence in a range of skills.

Year 9s: We have one Textiles and two Food classes for Year 9s. In textile, they are designing their own projects and whipping up some neck warmers for ski trip. In Food they are focusing on nutrition for adolescents and preparing healthy meal options including some delicious butter chicken!

Did you know… There is a Year 11 and 12 subject called “Child Studies” which falls into the Home Ec area? With a focus on child development and nutrition, this subject includes some sewing/design projects, cooking for and with children, and planning learning activities!

Kate Seidel - Home Ec Teacher 

Year 12 Food and Hospitality

The year 12 Food and Hospitality class has been working hard all year, whipping up some amazing creations and flavorful foods as a part of their assessment. Last term, the year 12’s group assessment consisted of selecting a country and selecting a 2-course menu to cater to a larger group. Well, luckily, the GHS staff stepped up to help taste the year 12’s Italian menu that demonstrated their collaboration, preparation and food service skills.

The Staff placed their orders after the year 12’s finalized their menu. There were 2 options, with option 1 being a delicious Roasted pumpkin & mozzarella arancini balls paired with creamy pesto and a homemade fettuccine dish. Option 2 was a prosciutto & rocket risotto paired with vanilla custard-filled cannoli’s. 

Samantha Ramm - Year 12 Food & Hospitality Teacher

Given the next semester has kicked off, here is a summary of what some of the middle school Technology classes completed last semester:

The Year 8 class worked with pine timber of different thickness, 19mm and 12mm. Each was used to practise the production of a rebate joint, which was the main joint featured in the pencil box project. Students developed their skills with specific hand tools such as tenon saw and chisel and improved their understanding regarding approaches with hand tools and accounting for timber thickness. Some pictures of the boxes are featured below.

There were two Year 9 Tech classes focusing on woodwork, each had different creative directions. Projects across these classes included timber clocks and wooden chopping boards. Students were able to make design decisions within the set parameters which included total size, budget and available materials. The specific dimensions (width, thickness and measured in millimetres) of the available materials were as follows; Pine: 42 x 19, 70 x 19 & Jarrah: 90 x 19. Some pictures of the various projects are featured below.

There are a range of different subjects across the senior school, including both woodwork and metalwork at Year 11 and Year 12. In Semester 1 we also offered a Robotics topic, targeting a specific interest for one of our students. With a lot of flexibility in terms of major projects, we are looking forward to sharing photos with you once they are completed!

Emma Kerr - Tech Studies Teacher