2 December 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

GHS NEEDS YOU!

A large amount of research, International and Australian suggests that high levels of parent engagement in children’s education and schooling from birth to adulthood results in:

• improved school readiness
• higher retention and graduation rates
• enhanced cognitive development and academic achievement
• higher motivation and greater ability to self-regulate behaviour
• better social and relationship skills.

The 2008 Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians also acknowledges the benefits of family, school and community partnerships that “support students’ progress through schooling …providing them with rich learning, personal development and citizenship opportunities..” (1)

As education moves more towards a student centred model of learning, the importance of parental engagement increases even more. The increased focus on student learning goals can only be enhanced by active parent participation in their child’s education.

So how can parents be more involved?

Sometimes parent involvement is hindered because they are not sure their contribution is useful, or their own experience of school was not good, or they feel unwelcome by both teachers and their own students, or they simply do not have the time. How can we change this?

At Gladstone High School we will continue to strive to ensure that:

• Parental engagement is a priority....that it is embedded in teaching and learning policies, and school improvement policies, so that parents are seen as an integral part of the student learning process.
• We are clear about the aims of all communication with parents….What response, if any, is required from parents, and how will that impact on the school and the learning of the child?
• We support the engagement of parents who are already involved in the learning of their children as well as trying to reach those parents who are less engaged.
• We are flexible in dealing with parents, in terms of times of meetings and locations.
• We consider the use of new technologies for communicating with parents and be clear about what they aim to achieve with these.

What can parents do?

The first thing is to be involved and have a voice. Talk to your children about school and their learning; ask them what they want more of or less of and share with us.

Support the learning at school by reinforcing your interest at home. Ask teachers for learning plans, come to information evenings and student presentations, and engage in your students’ daily activities through questioning and general conversation about school.

We are always looking for more ways to involve parents and are very open to your input.

One of the most effective ways of direct engagement is through Governing Council and volunteering. To this end I would like to thank our wonderful Council members for their continued support of the GHS learning community and encourage any interested parents to consider nominating for the 2017 Council at our Annual General Meeting early in 2017.

A huge thanks to: Scott Watson (Chair) Robyn Kelly, Kathryn Hansen, Stephen Duffield (Treasurer), Bev Hennessy, Fraser Smith, Julia Wardrop, Monica Jackson, Scott Crawford, Catherine Combe (Secretary), Sonya Wilsdon, Jack Flavel (student), Sharni Chapman (student) and Michael Manson (staff).

1. Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training & Youth Affairs. (2008). Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. Melbourne: Curriculum Corporation.

Kathleen Hoare
Principal

ATTENDANCE

Thank you to all the parents who are continuing to support our attendance processes by replying to SMS alerts and phoning in when students are away.

Knowing the reason why students are away is important but it doesn’t alter the fact they are away!

We are currently tracking at 90.4% attendance – the state target is 95%!

The breakdown of year levels is:

Year 8 – 92.5%
Year 9 - 88.8%
Year 10 – 89.3%
Year 11 – 86.8%
Year 12 – 95.6%

EVERY DAY MATTERS - SHOW UP - BE INVOLVED - LEARN

CANTEEN MANAGER 2017

On behalf of the Gladstone High School Canteen committee we would like to congratulate Ms Lyn Russell on being the successful applicant.

Lyn will take over the management of our canteen in 2017 and as the assistant this year is well versed to the expectations of the role.

Keep a look out for the new look menu next year and as always GHS relies on the effort of volunteers to help deliver this service to students, so if you are able to assist in the canteen voluntarily please contact the school on 8662 2171.

YEAR 9 SCIENCE EXCURSION

On Thursday the 17th of November the Year 9 Science class participated in an Excursion to St Kilda Mangroves and the Adelaide Zoo. The student’s task was to take 2 photos at each location and then explain how they represent either 'Sustainability' or 'Conservation'. Below is 2 examples of the students work.

This photo I took demonstrates sustainability. This is because it shows that the zoo is growing their own bamboo to feed to their animals. It shows that they are sustainable because they replant the cuttings that were not fed to the animals in another location to continue growing it. They would use their own produce instead of buying it from a place that may not be sustainable.

Maggie Gambling

I took this picture because it shows how they designed and built the walkway through the mangroves to ensure they used wood, because it is a natural material. It would also not pollute the water and only used skinny posts to hold up the walkway so that it wouldn’t affect water flow. The walkway can also serve as an artificial home for animals like artificial reefs do for fish in the sea. All this adds up to conserving a healthy and good ecosystem in the mangroves.

By Nic Palmer

This is a picture of the Asian Small Clawed Otter and it is a threatened species. I believe that the Adelaide Zoo is attempting to conserve the species by being a part of breeding programs and aiming to increase the population. Therefore this image represents conservation.

By Mackenzie Meaney

This picture was taken at the Saint Kilda Mangroves and it shows the growth of fruit along with dead branches that have an important role in this ecosystem. They are a vital part of this cycle as these flower buds and fruits grow until they eventually fall off, producing new growth within this ecosystem. The dead branches are also important as it shows how some of the mangroves eventually die which provides more space for the regrowth and reduces the competition for light and space. Overall it is a sustainable ecosystem.

By Rachael Hodgson

YEAR 8 CUSHIONS

During Term 3 Health and Wellbeing students from Year 8 developed basic sewing skills. They then used these skills to make a cushion of their own design.

YEAR 10 MULTICULTURAL DINNER

Tuesday the 22nd of November the Year 10 Home Economics Class hosted the Year 10 Multicultural Dinner, for their families and friends. The night consisted of 4 groups with each preparing an Entrée, Main and Dessert of three different cuisines.

Dinner was set in the Resource Centre, fitted out with sparkling fairy lights and 4 tables with varying themes of the group’s choice.

All groups served their dishes within the 5 minute time frame.

Overall the night was a massive success for the Year 10 Home Economics girls and received fantastic feedback.

Visakha, Maddie and Alice

ROCKY RIVER AG

Are you interested in a Traineeship?

We are currently seeking applicants to undertake a 12 month traineeship for 2017 in our Administration department.

The applicant must have good computer knowledge, be willing to work in a team environment, good mathematical skills is required as well as good communication skills & be willing to learn, If this sounds like you then send your resume and/or last school report, along with a cover document that describes your own knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences.

Enquiries regarding the traineeship can be directed to Angela Seidel via email aseidel@rockyriverag.com.au

Applications close on Friday 9th December 2016

SUMMER SWIMMING LESSONS

Gladstone Swimming Pool

Monday 19th – Friday 23rd December
Enrolment: Saturday 3rd December 10 -12 pm
At the Gladstone Swimming Pool
For swimmers of all levels including school starters 2017 and older
RLSS Bronze awards on request Jayne Potter: 8662 2338

JAMESTOWN CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Sunday 4th December.

If you would like to enter a float or any other queries please call 0400 096 531.