2 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

As a parent, often the first thing I would ask my child at the end of the day was "so how was school today?" this was usually met with "it was ok". I would follow on with "what did you do?" The response was usually "not much" or "nothing!" or "I can't remember!"

I am fairly certain that this same conversation has happened in kitchens, in cars and in lounge rooms across Australia on a daily basis.

As a teacher, I am very confident that school is usually better than just ok and that memorable thing do actually happen. Some of them are even fun and interesting.

How do we get our children to talk about what happens at school without grilling them over dinner. A range of articles exist about spending time with children after school and encouraging them to engage in all sorts of hands on activities that will create conversation moments that are geared to learning. The reality is that often as parents, there is not the time or let's face it sometimes teenagers don't want to do after school stuff with mum and dad.

Recently I came across one particular article that listed 10 easy questions to encourage your child to open up about their day at school. To not ask 'did' questions that result in yes no answers but instead to ask unexpected questions and maybe share your own moments in the day that were a little out of the box.

1. What was the funniest thing you heard all day?
2. What was your favourite thing that happened today?
3. Did your teacher get cross today? What happened?
4. What subject was the most interesting today?
5. Was anyone away today? Did that make the day different?
6. What was something new you read today?
7. What happened today that you wish hadn't happened?
8. What did you enjoy most for lunch today?
9. What are you learning about in science?
10. Did anyone do something nice for you today? Did you do something nice back?

And a bonus question that is always absolutely lovely to ask: What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Keep the conversations going and maybe, just maybe, you'll actually get to know the answer to "how was school today?"

I am always available if you would like to talk about your child's experiences at school (even if they are not!)

Regards
Kathleen

Facebook launch

This week we have launched our new Facebook page so please check us out and hit like at:

We will use this page to share information about events and day to day activity at the school.

Week 5 Assembly

This week we held an assembly to acknowledge two important aspects of the GHS culture.

Firstly, National Reconciliation Week, when as a nation we are asked to stop and reflect on our National identity and the significance of the role played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We were very fortunate to have a guest speaker attend our assembly, a very successful and inspiring young indigenous man – Marcellus Enalanga. Marcellus has many awards and volunteering roles and has most recently been acknowledged as the recipient of both the - 2016 Premier's Channel 9 Young Achiever of the Year and the Santos Regional Service Award.

Marcellus spoke to us about the importance of believing in yourself and encouraging others. He also reminded us that our young people are the future today, not tomorrow! The future is now and we should not spend time waiting for it but be involved today.

Marcellus Enalanga

Following the inspirational words of Marcellus we were inspired by our own high achieving students as we acknowledged the students who achieved Academic Excellence in their Term One reports. There were a very large number of A grades awarded and this is testament to the hard work and commitment of these students.

16% of all possible grades in Term One were A grades.

Year 8 – 8% A's
Year 9 - 21% A's
Year 10 – 15% A's
Year 11 – 19% A's
Year 12 – 15% A's

The Year 9's were clearly the stars of the term with 21% of their grades in the A band. Congratulations to all involved.

We also awarded 5 lucky students with a $20 iTunes voucher if they received an A. Any student who achieved an A grade was eligible to be in the draw and the more A's achieved the more times your name was entered. The lucky winners this term were Matilda Zander, Chloe Smart, Ben Treasure, Lachlan Hansen and Palika Blanch.

National Reconciliation Week May 27 – June 3

This year the theme for NRW is 'Our History, Our Story, Our Future' and it is derived from the State of Reconciliation in Australia report (https://www.reconciliation.org.au/the-state-of-reconciliation-in-australia-report/), which asks all Australians to reflect on our national identity, and the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and rights in our nation's story.

'Our History' reminds us all that historical acceptance is essential to our reconciliation journey…

'Our Story' reflects the fact that the journey towards reconciliation forms a significant part of Australia's story…

'Our Future' reinforces that reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians…

Cyber Safety Tip 2

Continuing on from our online awareness raising, this week we are featuring 'Social Media and Reputation Management'.

Social Media can be a useful tool to keep in contact with friends and family. It can allow young people to create their own space and express their personality and market themselves to the world. This can help them to formulate their sense of identity. However, young people have to be aware of what information is shared and with whom.

The images and information posted on social networking sites can damage your online reputation. Employers may use social networking sites to "research" job candidates. This may not affect young people now, but the content they post on the Internet today, could endanger their future prospects.

By taking simple precautions to secure social networking profiles it can be to ensure that the private and personal information shared is protected.

Cybersafety

If you missed our
Think u now parent information session in week 2
Join in with the Crystal Brook PS session on June 27th

Cheers Kathleen

VOLUNTEERING AT GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL

At Gladstone High School we believe that voluntary workers can make a significant contribution to the school community by giving their time and sharing their skills and expertise with others. Volunteers may have a wide range of interests and abilities that complement school programs, thus providing a wider range of interactions and experiences for students.

Some of the main volunteering roles in our school are Canteen support, Sports coaching, Camps and Excursions. The information / induction sessions are designed to provide you with more information about the types of roles, your responsibilities and the process for undergoing screening and other DECD requirements.

We would love to see as many parents or community members at our induction sessions to enable us to be able to run major events, such as camps or excursions with the help of volunteers.

PARENTS, CAREGIVERS AND
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
IF YOU CAN VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
PLEASE CONTACT
GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL
Phone 8662 2171

Three WAY CONFERENCE

Year 8 & 9 students will be involved in Three-Way-Conferences on Tuesday 5th July (1.30pm – 6.30pm) and Wednesday 6th July (3.30pm – 6.30pm). This is an excellent opportunity for the students to showcase work they have completed in Semester one. Students present a number of tasks to their parents highlighting their learning. Parents / Caregivers are strongly encouraged to make bookings to participate in an important part of their child's learning. Please make appointments by clicking the link below, or by accessing

Stephen Bosch & Sonia Pringle

KNOCKOUT NETBALL

Congratulations to students, who participated in the Annual Knockout Netball Tournament, played in Port Pirie, against schools from the surrounding regions. Thank you to Robyn Kelly, Dianne Smart, Toni Ashby and Vanessa Watson for umpiring the days games.

On the 1st of June the Year 8/9's competed in Knockout Netball Carnival in Port Pirie. We had a great day winning all games. We won against Orroroo 39 to 3, Jamestown 26 to 15, John Pirie Secondary 34 to 9 and Booleroo Centre 23 to 13. Our team consisted of Tahlia Chapman, Chelsea Chapman-McInerney, Emily Ashby, Chloe Jackson, Lucy Wilsdon, Hannah Watson, Maggie Gambling and Sophie Crouch. Being the Year 8/9 winners of the day we are now going to play in Adelaide and we are looking forward to the day. Chelsea and Tahlia

On the 1st of June the Year 10's and some Year 9's participated in the Knockout Netball in Port Pirie, it was a fantastic day.

Our team unfortunately didn't have any wins but we had a great day. We all played well but because our team hadn't played with each other before it was hard to sort out who played what positions. Well done to everyone who participated and a special thanks to Jenny, Hayley, Brooke, Taryn and Megan for coaching. Hannah and Chloe

The Open Girl's Knockout team consisted of Matilda, Millie, Sharni, Megan, Gabby, Rachelle, Cara, Taryn, Jenny, Hayley and Brooke. We played 5 games finishing the day undefeated. We played against Booleroo Centre, Quorn, Jamestown, and John Pirie Secondary. Massive thank you to Mr Friedrichs for coaching, Di Smart and Robyn Kelly for umpiring and Mr Martin for driving the bus. We had a fabulous day and look forward to playing in Clare in the next round. Matilda

UPPER MID NORTH COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT DOORWAYS2CONSTRUCTION

Gladstone High School has received funding through the Innovative Community Action Networks (ICAN) Partnership Grants, and is working with TAFE SA, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Northern Areas Council, local Community Development Boards and Clubs to link with our Certificate II in Construction Pathways delivery.

With one term of training already completed, students are starting to experience some excellent opportunities to develop new skills and extend their learning in real Industry settings. Currently work has started on a house improvement site here in Gladstone, and as can be seen by the photos in this newsletter, students are developing their building and renovating skills already. We are grateful for the expertise of our TAFE lecturers Mark Harrison and Jason Woodforde, Builder Tim Zander and his workers and our SSO Meredith Kleinig.

This funding has also provided the opportunity for students to extend their achievement and experiences by entering the Duke of Edinburgh Program, which will also provide SACE accredited learning. This program involves an adventurous journey and students will be going to the ERRAPA camp at Iron Knob next term. This exciting camp will empower participants to make their own decisions while encouraging personal growth and set challenges that take them out of their comfort zone.

We look forward to working in partnership with our young people, the wider community and agencies to promote leadership, team building, self-esteem, a sense of responsibility and respect for oneself and others in the community.

Kerrilyn Elmer
VET/Flexible Pathways Leader

SA DENTAL SERVICE

Keep your kids smiling.

At the School Dental Service, dental care is FREE for all babies, children not yet at school and most children to age 17.

The School Dental Service is a Child Dental

Benefits Schedule provider
Call us now for an appointment!
Pt Pirie West School Dental Clinic
Phone: 8632 1926

BIGGEST MORNING TEA

The SSO's of Gladstone High School hosted a 'High Tea' as part of the Cancer Council's 'Biggest Morning Tea' on Wednesday 25th May. It was held in the Resource Centre and some community members joined staff, and were treated to a most delicious spread, as is evident in the photos attached. We thank everyone who kindly donated $10.00 each to attend this fundraiser, enabling a donation of $300.00 to the Cancer Council. We look forward to hosting this event again in 2017.

Australia Biggest Morning Tea

COMMUNITY NEWS

ROCKY RIVER YOUTH LASER SKIRMISH

At Helen and Geoff Wurst's property – Laura

1.00pm – 5.00pm Sunday 19th June 2016

LAURA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM AUS CONDON MEMORIAL GOLF DAY

Tuesday 19th July 2016 at Laura Golf Club, 10.00am start Ambrose Competition

Entries to Val Thomson by 7th July 2016 8663 2472