10 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Inside the adolescent brain (part two)…..

Following on from my last article here are three more useful tips to understand the wonderful workings of the adolescent brain!

How long is too long?

How often are you in the middle of a conversation with your teenager and you notice them drifting off or fidgeting? How many times have you explained something clearly only to have your teen not do what you asked? Did they listen?

Well the answer is most likely yes, but only for some of the time!

Scientists continue to study adolescent attention span, and multiple findings suggest that the average attention span is as little as 10-12 minutes! Does this mean we limit all activity to 10 minutes? No it doesn’t.

Here are some ways we manage large chunks of time or instruction at school …

• Provide as many hands-on activities as possible
• Don’t stay seated for long periods of time – move desks, change groups, stand up and do something
• Reset attention span by providing brain breaks several times throughout a class period
• Set up many short activities rather than one long lecture

Brain freeze or explosion?

Besides babyhood, adolescents are experiencing the greatest brain growth of their lives. That means that our classrooms and homes are filled with brains in flux!

From the ages 10-15 years the brain goes through a bit of a “use it or lose it” phase. Unused connections in the brain (the grey matter) are “pruned” away. At the same time, other connections are strengthened.

However, the last part of the brain to be “pruned” is the prefrontal cortex. The bit responsible for problem-solving and impulse control… and that isn’t fully developed until early adulthood.

This totally helps to explain our sometimes wild and crazy adolescents!

Take this opportunity to…

• Step back for a moment and remember that our impulsive students who sometimes make pretty poor choices are truly doing the best they can with the brain that they have.
• Revisit your own teenage self - What did life feel like when you were 13?
• Consider that many times they aren’t trying to be so emotional/confused /frustrated/defiant… they’re just developing and growing and making mistakes along the way – forming stronger connections in the brain.
• Teach them how to plan and think about consequences before acting..
• Model problem solving with your teen

Talking – does it really help?

Research is fairly unanimous in suggesting that teenagers learn best through collaboration and activity.

As high school teachers, we know that teenagers LOVE to talk - A LOT!
Talking about their learning with each other and helps reinforce their knowledge.
Talking and interacting is how many of them make sense of the world and what we’re teaching them.

And if that’s the case at home try …

• Asking targeted questions that are open ended to encourage conversation
• Find opportunities for collaboration with others; extended family, sport, volunteering
• Have conversations while doing something else; cooking dinner, washing dishes, gardening
• Encourage your teenager to teach you what they have been learning
• Watch or read or listen to news or current affairs with your teen and ask them what they think about critical topics.

I hope these two articles have provided you with more of an inside glimpse into the workings of the teenage mind.

Whenever you are frustrated or dismayed perhaps take a moment to ponder – would you go back and be a teenager again?

Kathleen Hoare
Principal

AUSLAN IN OUR SCHOOL

Each newsletter we will have a focus on some information related to Auslan as well as some images with some useful signs.

Did you know…

Auslan Fact: Auslan stands for Australian Sign language.
Auslan FAQ: Is Auslan universal?

No. Each country has its own sign language that reflects the culture, community and history of that country’s Deaf people. It may come as a surprise that a Deaf person from, say, China and a Deaf person from Australia will use a different signed language and can’t understand each other. The signed language used by a Deaf person from USA and the signed language used by a Deaf person from Australia is vastly different also!

GOVERNING COUNCIL NEWS

Governing Council continues to have an important role in your child’s education. Some of the items discussed at last nights’ meeting include ongoing improvements to the Bus Zone; Fundraising, including catering and a Quiz Night; and a First Aid Course for students. We continue to strive to make Gladstone High School a welcoming and happy school, with a great education for our children.

Some upcoming events – Crystal Brook Show – this Saturday 12th August. Gladstone High School will be having a stand to promote the school. Pop by and say “hi” if you’re in the gymnasium. There will also be a Fundraising Committee meeting on Monday 14th August at 11:00am at the School. We welcome ALL input and would strongly encourage you to become a part of this vital group. If you are unable to make it on Monday but would like to be involved, please contact myself on 0438 363 123 or Brooke Hodgson on 0409 096 997. We are keen for any ideas to raise much needed funds for improvements around the school. Please feel free to come along!

Let’s make GHS great!

Kathryn Hansen
Governing Council Chairperson

ADVANCE NOTICE FUNDRAISING SSO TRAINING DAY

The Canteen committee has been asked to cater for an SSO Training day on

MONDAY 4th SEPTEMBER – this day is our school closure day.

We will be asking for much needed help on this day by way of food donation or helping on the day in the kitchen. A note will be sent home in Week 5 – please give this Canteen Fundraiser your consideration.

5-A-SIDE SOCCER CARNIVAL

In Week 2 Year 8 and 9 students travelled to Booleroo Centre District School to play in the annual 5-a-side Soccer Carnival.

Max, Caleb, Samuel, Joseph, Jayden and Tommas played in a team and drew three games against Jamestown 1, Booleroo and Orroroo. They won against Jamestown 2 (2-1) and against Gladstone 1 (2-0).

Kelly, Chelsea, Tanisha, Georgia and Sharni played in Gladstone 1 they commented that the day was very enjoyable and won 1 game, lost 2 games and drew 2.

Callum, Coen, Isaac, Baiden, Hayden and Dylan made it into the final, playing Jamestown and winning 1-0. They went on to play in the grand final against Quorn and beat them 2-0.

Hugh, Alex, Kaden, Alistair and Andy won 2 games by 1 goal, drew 2 and lost 2 games throughout the day.

Jorden, Dusty, Tyrell, Will and Josh commented that their team played well in both offence and defence. They won against another Gladstone team.

Casey, Emily, Ella and Phoebe had a great comeback in their third game, they were down by 2 at half time and came back to win the game 4-2.

Ella, Katelyn, Elyce and Chloe had a successful day. Despite only having 4 players, they won the grand final against Jamestown.

Renee Thamm
PE Coordinator

COMMUNITY NEWS

PORT PIRIE YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS