16 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

This week we farewelled Semester One with some major SACE assessments and activities, including exams for some of our Year 11 and 12 subjects.

Week 8 heralds the start of Semester Two and the change of timetables and some subjects for students in Years 8 to 11 (Year 12 subjects are full year).

As semester changes students are often re-invigorated and set goals about their learning. They may come home and talk excitedly about a new class they are taking or a subject they are discovering for the first time. One of the questions I have most been asked by parents is what can I do to encourage my child's learning and keep their interest alive?

Whilst parents are often involved in their teenager's sporting, musical or dramatic activities, research shows that children are more likely to succeed if parents are involved in their learning. Hendersen and Mapp (2002) found that 'the more families support their children's learning and educational progress, the more their children tend to do well in school and continue their education'.

Here are some simple strategies that can enhance and support learning outcomes form home.

Work Environment – have a dedicated space at home for homework or school related activities and involve your child in setting up the space and discuss the reasons for choices.

Breakfast – we all need the right fuel to run efficiently and effectively. Starting the day with breakfast and then backing it up during the school day with appropriate food goes a long way to maintaining concentration and physical resilience over a day.

Organisation – keep a calendar for each term in a main part of the house (fridges are often the most obvious places, as they are opened constantly by most children!) Include school and sporting activities as well as social events and don't forget to mark in the school holidays and any assessment deadlines.

This helps young people to see the big picture of commitments and not simply a weekly or daily version as school diaries or digital devices usually allow.

Routines – we all know how rushed the morning can be, especially when it involves rousing reluctant teenagers from a warm bed! Simple routines such as having the school bag packed and uniform ready before going to bed each night can eliminate unnecessary angst in the morning.

Timetable – get to know your student's timetable so it becomes easy to ask the relevant question like "What was interesting or difficult or funny in Science today?" This can often lead to a conversation that may reinforce learning from the day and maintain their interest outside of school. Who knows it may even inspire you to re- engage in a subject from your own school days.

Subjects – try to know what is involved in your child's subject – contact teachers and ask them what they are covering this term. This will help you to find other learning moments in films, television, current events, books or just a simple moment that allows a real world connection to school. 'Improved educational outcomes result from a genuine interest and active engagement from parents' (OECD 2011)

Deadlines – there is nothing worse than the dinner table conversation that involves "I have an assignment due tomorrow and I have no clue what to do".

Ask your child's teachers for deadlines and tasks to be sent home either through their diary, in an email, or as a term planner in their workbook.

Communication – last but by no means least, talk to us. If our children realise we are all in this together and improving their lives is the main focus of our conversation then we will be able to support not only them but also each other.

Kathleen Hoare
Principal

Don't forget to like our Facebook Page

How to protect yourself when posting online

It's so easy to post online now - from your computer or mobile, that often we do so without thinking. Sometimes we post things we wish we hadn't and want to get them removed. Most sites will have a delete post option, but remember that once you create something in a digital format and then share it, you lose control over who sees it and what they then do with it.

Some people without good intentions can try to persuade you to post inappropriate or sexual content online either via your phone or on webcam. If you feel uncomfortable about anything that anyone asks you to do online, in a chat area, IM, social networking site or elsewhere – block him or her and then report it. You don't have to do anything you don't want to – even if you have done it before; so be strong with these people and say no if your instincts tell you it's not right.

See how you can block and report people at:

A simple but effective rule is before you post THINK

• Is it TRUE
• Is it HELPFUL
• Is it INSPIRING
• Is it NECESSARY
• Is it KIND

GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL SMS SYSTEM

As part of our Emergency management processes, we undertook a test of the new Gladstone High School SMS system, which you would now be aware of in relation to our buses that service a wide location of the district.

During fire season it is paramount that we are able to implement a smooth system of notifying parents if the need arises for the cancellation of a bus or buses due to an emergency arising. This ensures everyone is aware of situations like "Catastrophic Days" where buses do not run or "Fire in the Local District" that impact's a bus route and is deemed to be dangerous to send out.

For this reason we tested the information we have on our data base for parent contact information by sending an Emergency SMS for students who use all buses that service Gladstone High School.

Thank you to the parents, who responded via the letter that was sent with bus students, phoned or replied via SMS that they received this message. For those of you that were unable to reply to the computer generated SMS, we ask that you add Gladstone HS as a contact using this number (0427708443)

Using this number for SMS will transpose to an email for our Admin staff and can also be used for absences if required.

Tracy Smith – Senior Administration Officer

COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

On the June long weekend, Hannah Watson, Jenny Ballantyne, Taryn Kelly and Sharni Chapman represented their netball clubs in the Northern Areas Netball Association at the Priceline Country Championships. Hannah was in the 15 & Under team whilst Sharni, Jenny and Taryn played in the 17 & Under team.

Both teams competed in Division 2 and all teams, including the 13 & Under team, made it to the finals. The 15 & Under team unfortunately lost the semi-final against Mid Hills, 31-17. The 17 & Under and 13 & Under teams made it through the quarter and semi-final to the grand final. The 17 & Under team beat Far West Netball Association 27-18 and the 13 & Under team won 16-15 against Port Augusta Netball Association.

Country Champs Jenny, Sharni, Taryn & Hannah

MIXED OPEN KNOCK-OUT HOCKEY

On Friday 3rd of June 14 students travelled to Kadina to participate in Mixed Open Knockout Hockey. The team included; Alice Jackson, Adam Jackson, Aynsley Samuel, Teneal Malycha, Emily Smart, Bree Matthews, Chloe Smart, Elyce Malycha, John Treasure, Ellen Crisp, Joel Ambjerg Pedersen, Tom Harslett, Tilly Brock and Steven Haynes-Nada. It was a perfect day to play Hockey, the other teams provided excellent competition and both games were tightly contested. The first game was against Kadina which was a close game and very fast paced and we drew 1-1, the goal was scored by Adam Jackson. The second game was against Moonta and everyone played well but unfortunately their team consisted of some very talented older boys and we went down 4-1, with a goal scored by John Treasure. Best Players for the games were Tilly Brock as Goalie, Alice Jackson, Teneal Malycha, Adam Jackson and Emily Smart. Well done to Tom, Joel and Steven who filled in even though they don't normally play Hockey. A big thankyou to Barry Martin for driving the bus and Thomas Jackson for volunteering his time to coach on the day. Julia Murrie

YEAR 10 ADELAIDE SCIENCE EXCURSION to UNISA & JETFIGHTER MUSEUM

We visited the Mawson Lakes UniSA campus and experienced a presentation in the Planetarium. We learnt about Star constellations and viewed planets that are currently visible when looking through a telescope. The workshop was exciting, where we created a circuit for a keyboard note. We learnt how to use a soldering iron. The last visit was the most exciting, the Jet Fighter museum. We observed planes landing and taking off at the watch tower and learnt about WWII planes. We all wandered through the museum, sat in planes which were a highlight. Overall the day was very exciting and a great learning experience. Visakha

On Thursday 2nd June we went to the Mawson Lakes UniSA campus. We went to the planetarium to observe and learn about the planets and stars. Then we went and did an electronics workshop also at the Uni which was a good experience. After that we had lunch and went to the Parafield Jet Fighter museum which was interesting, we went up onto the observation deck and watched planes taking off and landing. Then we left for home. Tarsh

On the 2nd of June our Year 10 Science class travelled to Adelaide for the day. We went to the Planetarium and attended an electronics workshop at the UniSA Mawson Lakes campus. We then went to the Classic Jet Fighters museum at Parafield where we watched planes take off and land and also got to climb in some WWII jets. We would like to thank Ms Kerr and Michelle for taking us and also Hanley's for driving the bus. Patrick

On Thursday the 2nd of June we went to Adelaide to visit the Planetarium, electronics workshop both at UniSA and also at Jet Fighters museum. The day went well and I learnt new things about space, solacing and also about planes and jets. The best part of the day was the Jet Fighter museum. Tiffany

On June 2nd the Year 10 class went to Adelaide for a Science excursion. First was the planetarium which was my highlight of the day. We then had an electronics workshop and had to assemble a piano circuit board. Lastly was the classic Jet Fighter museum. We had a look around the museum and a look at an aircraft being assembled. We also had a look out at the Parafield Airport observation deck. Thanks Ms Kerr for the great day. Ben

OLIVE HARVEST 2016

During the past 2 weeks we have been olive picking. To pick the olives we lay tarp underneath the tree to catch the olives. To get the olives off the tree we either use our hands or little rakes to pull the olives off. While some students are picking them others are under the tree picking up the olives with little cartons and then putting them into buckets.

By Georga and Chelsea

During week 4 and 5 the Ag students of the school spent their time down the Ag block picking olives. To pick the olives the students used their hands or different sized rakes to shake the olives onto the ground, where we had tarps in place. We collected the olives that were on the ground by either scooping the olives off the ground with containers and placing them into the buckets or by shaping the tarps we carried the olives to the buckets and poor them in. We all enjoyed it and had a good time but we would never choose it as our career.

By Hannah and Maggie

This year we harvested approximately 370 kilograms of olives which we had pressed at Kadina. We produced around 50 litres of extra virgin olive oil. We will let this settle to clarify and then start bottling and selling this oil in 2017. We are currently selling the 2015 harvested oil.

This is available from the Front Office or at the Discovery centre for $10/ bottle.

Dean Humphries

YEAR 11 FOOD AND HOSPITALITY DINNER

On Friday night 3rd June the Year 11 Food and Hospitality students held a 3 course dinner for their parents in the Resource Centre. The focus of this dinner was to present 'food as art' where students showcased their creativity and ability in artistic food presentation. The class was split into 3 groups with each managing a course for service. Research and discussion ensured a menu was constructed that not only suited the dietary needs of the guests, but lent itself to being artistically presented and one the students were proud of. Each dish was trialled to ensure complimentary flavour combinations were attained before focusing their attention on arranging elements on the plate to achieve a restaurant quality appearance. The group also had to think about how service during the night was going to run, how the room was going to be set up for ambience and table settings.

I am very proud of the way students displayed team work and cooperation to achieve a highly successful outcome. Students managed their time well with each meal arriving promptly to the table with beautiful presentation and flavour to match. Equally as pleasing was the way in which the group swiftly packed down the kitchen at the end of service; a task that is laborious but essential!

A huge pat on the back to the Yr. 11 Food and Hospitality students for a job well done.

Mr Friedrichs

YEAR 9 HOME EC DINNER

On Tuesday night 7th June, the Year 9 Home Ec. students held a 2 course dinner for their parents in the Resource Centre. Students worked in small groups of 2-3 to set up a 'mini restaurant'. This event required students to not only prepare and serve a main meal and dessert option to their guests, but asked them to consider other aspects associated with the hospitality industry.

Students had to think about the 'whole package' when it came to catering for an event. This included sending out invitations that considered choosing a theme and devising a menu to best reflect this, establishing dietary requirements of their guests, costing out their recipes, managing portion control, submitting a food order and time plan for meal preparation and constructing a theme for their table settings, decorations. This has given students an idea of the many aspects a caterer must deal with when successfully co-ordinating an event.

The students were given time during class to practice techniques and skills that they would use on the night. Students were given an hour after school for valuable prep time before sitting down for a break with hot chips to calm the nerves. As people started to filter in for their meals, students greeted their invited guests, seated them and served drinks before the real fun began. There was a 15 minute period between guests arriving and meal service which saw many of the students slightly nudge the 'panic button', but they all pulled together and all groups were able to serve their meals within 5 minutes of each other which was a fantastic outcome.

After students had served their meal, time was given for them to sit down and enjoy their creations with their family and friends. This was done not only to give them an opportunity to receive some constructive feedback about their dishes they had served up, but because family meal time is a sacred occasion that should be enjoyed in the home more frequently.

While the skills and techniques students are learning in this Yr. 9 program are the basics, it provides them a solid foundation to build on in future years and equips them with the knowledge to take back to the family home and begin lifelong learning and association with cooking produce. This event was a great opportunity to witness how students' problem solved when they were put in a pressure situation. Preparing meals for guests can be a highly stressful task and I'm sure the students have learnt some valuable lessons in the process and gained a deep understanding and appreciation for the catering industry.

I am extremely proud of what the students have been able to achieve and this was reflected by many of the guests who were requesting this become a weekly occasion!

Mr Friedrichs

SACE SCIENCE EXCURSION

On Wednesday 8th of June, the Year 11 Chemistry class as well as the Year 12 Biology class went on an excursion to Flinders University. The Year 11 Chemistry class conducted experiments on chromatography. There were four experiments with three experimenting different types of chromatography such as gas chromatography and two types of column chromatography. In edition we tested the concentration of salt in Adelaide's tap water using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Year 12 Biology class also conducted two experiments including microbiology, gram staining and biotechnology and gel electrophoresis.

Chloe Smart

NYRSTAR APPRENTICESHIPS 2017

Applications are now open for full-time and school-based Apprenticeships in the following trades:

• Metal Fabrication
• Fitting & Turning
• Electrical

Minimal standard for all positions is completion of Year 11 by the end of 2016.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SOUTH AUGUSTA FOOTBALL CLUB

South Augusta Football Club presents women`s exhibition football Central Oval Sunday 3 July (3pm). All interested players welcome.

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

ADELAIDE UNITED FOOTBALL SCHOOL

Adelaide United is heading to regional South Australia. Adelaide United Football School coaches will be teaching the program from Wednesday, 13 July concluding on Friday, 15 July, with each session running from 10.30am until 1.30pm at St Mark's College, Bosco Oval.

Enrolments close 27th June 2016 and can be made at

or email Footballschools@aufc.com.au for further details see attached a pdf enrolment form.