2 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

As we reach the half way mark of Term 1, everyone has settled back into the routine of school. The excitement of a new school year, a new year level, new friends, new teachers, and new subjects begins to wear off and for some students anxiety and stress can begin to emerge as learning expectations increase.

What can parents and students do to help alleviate this?

There are many self-help guides, websites and even apps for your phone to help deal with these pressures. Some of them are effective and I encourage you to share if you come across something useful.

After a little research I have put together a few handy hints and tips that provide a practical and tangible place to start in developing effective coping and study habits.

1. Create and Write Down Realistic Study Goals

An essential part of having a successful study routine is to write down realistic goals that include a deadline. If you do not set up a deadline, you will not be motivated to do the work on time.

Use the SMART method when setting up goals: set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound goals

2. Make Study Time a Part of Your Daily Routine

If cramming all of your study time into a few long days isn’t working for you then it’s time to try something new (and way less stressful). Make time for studying every single day, with or without exams coming up.

Remember that consistency is the key and once you start getting into good study habits, it will become a routine and that you will be able to maintain throughout the school year.

3. How to Structure Your Study Time

Start with the difficult topics and subjects first, so that you are not going to put them off until a later date. If these subjects are really difficult for you, then shorter study sessions will work better.

When you take breaks, you allow your mind to rest, revitalize and be ready for more learning.

4. Get Enough Sleep and Rest

Studying when you’re sleepy is ineffective. If your body is telling you that you’re tired, then have a nap or go to bed early. A good night’s sleep will help you understand and remember information better.

Make sure that you have dedicated time for rest and de-stressing.

5. Track Your Progress

Make sure you track your grades along with your study hours and lesson notes to see if your new studying techniques are helping. If you find that it is not helpful, then it’s time to re-prioritize your schedule to fit in more time for studying and re-examine your goals for success.

Remember that throughout school, work and life, you will always need to be learning something.

6. How you approach studying matters

Too many people look at studying as a necessary task, not an enjoyment or opportunity to learn. That’s fine, but researchers have found that how you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Being in the right mindset is important in order to study smarter.

Sometimes you can’t “force” yourself to be in the right mindset - come back to it when you’re not focused (or obsessed!) by something else going on in your life.

7. Reach out to others

Stay in touch with people who can provide emotional and other support. Ask for help from friends, family, and community to reduce stress due to work burdens or family issues. Talk to your teachers of the school counsellor

Remember you are not alone.

8. Focus on the Positive

Note what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do. Avoid dwelling on problems. If you can't do this on your own, seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can guide you.

Every day we all do something well – be proud and celebrate your achievements

9. Stop and Listen

Recognize signs of your body's response to stress, such as difficulty sleeping, being easily angered, feeling depressed, and having low energy.

Regular exercise and/or meditation will improve your body’s ability to cope with pressure

10. Talk to those in the know

If you are overwhelmed, feel you cannot cope, have suicidal thoughts, or are using drugs or alcohol to cope seek help from a qualified mental health care provider

For a great list of useful websites and agencies go to the link below:

MNSEC Swimming

On the 21st of February 25 students from Year 8 to 12 attended the MNSEC swimming carnival at Booleroo Centre swimming pool. The weather was good for swimming and the carnival was well organised thanks to the officials. All students swam extremely well some even swimming in extra events on the night. Quorn won the night overall with Booleroo District School coming in second and Gladstone coming third. Gladstone won the Junior shield with swimmers from Gladstone Primary, Laura Primary and Crystal Brook Primary. We were also winners in the U16 and Open age groups. Special congratulations to Hannah Watson who broke the record in U15 50 metre Backstroke in a time of 35.72. All results are available in the Newsletter. The students who have been selected as part of the MNSEC team to compete in Adelaide will be announced later.

Thank you to all the parents who supported the event and special mention to the parents who helped timekeeping in our lane. Thanks also to Barry Martin for driving the bus to Booleroo.

Congratulations to all swimmers on the night especially to Chloe Smart who won the Overall Female Swimmer of the meet and Hannah Watson who came a close second.

Laura Folk Fair Biscuit Stall – 1st April 2017

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Well it's that time of the year again to pop the apron on and get baking to support Gladstone High School in one of its major fund raising events.

For new parents/caregivers we hold a fundraiser at the Laura Folk Fair selling biscuits. As we have fewer students this year your support in this event is essential to make it a success.

We would appreciate donations of biscuits or money by Thursday 30th March to the Front Office. Quantity of biscuits required to fill 2x large ice cream containers (or biscuits made up of 2kg of flour) the more colourful the better, however we are appreciative of any sort of biscuit.

Importantly, we also require people to volunteer their time for packing the biscuits on Friday 31st March from 1.30 pm in the library.

A roster for the Folk Fair Stall will be available in the next newsletter. Please consider offering your time. We do appreciate your help.

Contact: Merrilyn Smith 0427632354, Catherine Combe 0429866322, or Kylie Sawley 0429029561

Canteen Roster

Thank you to those people who have already volunteered their time to help in the canteen. We still have to following dates free. If you are able to assist please contact myself in the canteen.

March – 8th, 9th, 15th and 22nd
April – 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Lyn Russell
Canteen Manager

Ski Trip

REMINDER TO YEAR 9 FAMILIES

The note sent home regarding attending the Ski Trip needs to be returned to the Front Office, with the non-refundable deposit, by next Monday 6th March. Thank you.

School Immunisation Program 2017

Immunisation Providers will be visiting Gladstone High School on Wednesday 8th March 2017 at 12pm to administer Year 8 students the following vaccines-

• HPV vaccine -Gardasil
• Chickenpox vaccine –Varicella

All information regarding the vaccinations will be with the consent forms.
It is important that students have breakfast on the day of immunisations.

Any queries contact Dymph,
Gladstone Health Centre ph: 86622158 or
dymphna.catford@health.sa.gov.au

Education Act reform – Have your say

The draft Education and Children’s Services Bill 2016 has been released by the government for public comment. The Bill recognises the important contribution that parents make to children’s education and development. Attendance provisions have also been strengthened. To find out more about the changes and provide feedback, visit the YourSAy website by Friday 10 March 2017.

Community News

SOUTHERN FLINDERS NETBALL CLUB TRIALS

A to F Grade Senior Competition.

Trials will be held on the following dates.

Wednesday 8th March at Laura 6:30 p.m. start
Sunday 19th March at Laura 10:00 am start
Thursday 23rd March at Laura 6:30 p.m. start

We ask if you could attend minimum of 2 trials or contact Kelly(04121898830) or Bern (0439864330)through Southern Flinders Netball Club Page.

Squad Training

Thursday 30th March at Gladstone 6:30 p.m. start
Thursday 6th April at Wirrabara
Easter week Training to be confirmed.

G and H grade

Training will start on Thursday March 16th 5:30 p.m. at Laura. Other grades will be advertised at a later date.