14 June 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s News

Last week was a very busy week, starting with the Stage 1 and 2 Food and Hospitality dinner. Congratulations must go to Miss Tamisha Roberts and the students for their wonderful dinner for 30 guests, showcasing their talents. It was a most enjoyable dinner with a well prepared menu and very efficient service.

We also had the very informative Year 9 Ski Trip Information Night for students and parents which provided valuable insights into what students can expect for this camp. Additionally we had 3 students attend the Power Cup with Mrs Siobhan Curtis as part of their studies.

This Friday we will continue our celebrations for Reconciliation Week and Mabo Day with students involved in a Casual Day to form a flag. A number of our Year 9 students will also be organising damper for recess.

Currently Stage 1 and 2 students are undertaking exams for many of their subjects. They are a good opportunity for students to experience exam conditions, in preparation for many subjects which require an exam at Stage 2 level at the end of the year. Teachers will have the opportunity to provide feedback next week, before Semester 2 starts in Week 9.

Siobhan Curtis will finish her contract with Gladstone High School at the end of the term. I would like to acknowledge her contribution to our school and in particular her commitment to various extra curricula activities. Luke Huiskamp, from Adelaide has accepted the contract position for Terms 3 and 4 and will be teaching Science and Health and Physical Education.

Tyler Hogan
Principal

SAASTA Power Cup

Last week, three Year 10 students travelled to Adelaide to participate in the 2018 Aboriginal Power Cup. Dylan, Andrew and Jorden were required to complete written tasks throughout this semester, which contributed points towards their team for the Power Cup.

On the Tuesday and Wednesday, over 400 students from 70 different schools in the State competed in a 9-a-side football carnival hosted by Port Power Football Club. Our boys were part of the ‘Far North Academy’, which consisted of students from Coober Pedy, Marree, Leigh Creek, Hawker and Gladstone. They played 5 games each day and finally had a win on the second day. During the carnival, all students were required to attend a Careers Expo and engage with people at the stalls. Each team had to make a video about road safety for MAC. Both of these activities contributed more points to their team.

On the Thursday night, all SAASTA students attended an Awards Ceremony and dinner hosted by Port Power at Alberton Oval. Different schools were awarded for their students’ participation, attendance and ideas in their written tasks. One of the girls from Leigh Creek (Far North Academy) won the competition for the design of the polo shirt and all the students wore this during their cultural dance on Adelaide Oval.

Friday involved the students rehearsing the cultural dance many times, first at Alberton Oval and then moving to Adelaide Oval. Central Yorke and Salisbury girls’ and boys’ teams played the curtain-raiser games before Port v Richmond. The highlight of the camp, was the students participating in the cultural dance before the AFL players came out.

“I enjoyed when we went to the movies and playing football. I liked going to Adelaide Oval to watch Port Power and Richmond play.” Jorden

“On our camp I had a lot of good times. We got to meet lots of new people and develop friendships. Playing footy was hard because the players on our team haven’t played much, and most other teams were made of footy players.” Dylan

“I enjoyed meeting new friends, playing footy, talking to the police officers (who goal umpired our games) and finding out about their jobs. I also enjoyed going to the movies, running out onto Adelaide Oval and watching the AFL game.” Andrew

Stage 1 and 2 Food and Hospitality

This term has been jam packed for the Stage 1 and 2 Food and Hospitality class with major planning and preparations for the Parent/ Staff dinner with 30 guests on Monday of Week 6. This was a major assessment piece and as a class we planned a country rustic theme event accompanying it with a suitable 3 course meal. This was a much-anticipated event with the senior students working hard and trialling recipes in the weeks prior, designing menu’s and invites and all the finer details to ensure that the night was a success and ran smoothly.

The menu consisted of an Entrée of Arancini balls with Garlic Aioli, a choice of Main between Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Chicken and Lamb Shanks and finally a choice of Dessert between Lemon Meringue Tart and Sticky Date Pudding. All meals had a variety of decadent complimentary flavours that melted in the mouth and satisfied all of the senses.

After hours of preparation and presentation, the event was a huge success and provided us with a valuable learning experience allowing us to develop our communication skills, teamwork capabilities and capacity to work in a pressure situation; all valuable and essential skills for employment.

All of the guests provided glowing reviews of the function, such as:

“Flavours were amazing”

“A Stella 3 course meal”

“10/10 Good Job. You could all be chef’s one day”

The first-hand experience of working in a commercial kitchen and managing and catering for a major function was invaluable.

As a class this event brought us closer together and was an event that we thoroughly enjoyed taking part in, no matter how tired we were at the end of the night!

We would like to thank all of the teachers that assisted us to make this night a success.

STAGE 1 & 2 News

With the end of semester fast approaching it seems timely to share a few tips for effective study that can be found on the SACE website.

Effective study tips

You may not study in exactly the same way as your friends or siblings, so you should find a routine that suits you. Many students seek advice from their teachers about how to plan a routine that suits them and their schedules.

1. Set yourself up in the right environment

• Find a place or places where you can minimise distractions
• Switch off your phone and avoid social media while you study

2. Plan your schedule

• Include your commitments (lessons, but also sport, part-time work and family outings)
• Find time for any other items you want or need to factor into your schedule
• Don’t forget eating and exercise – along with plenty of sleep, a sensible diet and exercise are important for your health and well-being
• Remember to make time for catching up with friends, or just watching TV and relaxing

3. Understand what works best for you

• Plan your study routine and schedule according to how you like to study

4. Make a timetable and stick to it

• Include milestones such as holidays, assignment due dates and exams in your schedule as soon as you can
• Create your study timetable around these dates so you give yourself time to study
• Most successful students say it helps to divide work into small pieces rather than one large chunk, so it feels achievable
• Spread the tasks out so that your study is varied between simple and challenging tasks
• Set yourself achievable weekly goals and try to stick to them
• If something unexpected happens and you don't achieve what you had planned, revise your timetable and get back on track as soon as possible

5. Ask for help

• You shouldn’t feel alone – ask family, friends or teachers for help or just a sympathetic ear if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed
• Ask family members and friends to test your knowledge, and arrange group revision sessions if you’re the type of student who likes to bounce ideas off other people
• Teachers can help you identify what you should focus on before tests and other assessment tasks

For more information on studying tips visit the SACE website in the link below.

University presentations

Earlier this term Year 11 and 12 students attended seminars from Flinders University and the University of South Australia where they were provided information about:

• Exploring and researching career opportunities
• The SATAC application and admissions process including key dates, guaranteed entry and pathways
• The new UniSA Student Accommodation by urbanest
• The newly launched UniSA Online – offering 100% online degrees
• New programs such as Exercise and Sport Science, Design (Illustration and Animation) and Business (with international exchange).
• University life – student support, tools for transition, student clinics, health and sport facilities and overseas exchange opportunities.

We are looking forward to students from the University of Adelaide delivering a Health Sciences presentation early next term. The three universities are hosting Open Days between Friday 10th August – Sunday 12th August.

University of Adelaide – Sunday 12th August

University staff and students will be giving talks throughout the day highlighting future career possibilities that await you. There will be an opportunity to learn about other areas of the University including sports, global learning and other student support facilities.

UniSA City West and City East Campus – Sunday 12th August 9:00am – 4:30pm

The day will feature over 80 presentations and 50 information booths and a range of interactive activities and tours to help students make informed decisions about their future careers.

Flinders University Friday 10th August and Saturday 11th August

Get a taste of Flinders with a range of interactive activities, demonstrations, campus tours and more than 140 information sessions over two big days. Explore the campus and check out the new Student Hub and Plaza meeting with lecturers and current students to find a course and a career that’s right for you.

Please find attached copies of the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia Open Day timetables. The Flinders University timetable can be explored through the website.

Renee Thamm
SACE Coordinator

MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL

Gladstone High School has developed a medication policy consistent with the Department for Education guidelines Health and Support planning guidelines (section 2)

Asthma Medications (eg Ventolin inhaler) for students with CHRONIC ASTHMA may be carried by the student if this is stated as required on the Asthma Care Plan and Medication Authority completed by a Medical Practitioner to be held at the school.

1. 1If the student has an ONGOING or SHORT Medical problem that requires regular medication during school hours – A completed Medication Authority and Medical Information plan must be returned to the Front Office with the daily dose of medication in the original dispensed container with the student’s name and dose clearly labelled. It is the responsibility of the student to come to Front Office to take the Medication at the designated time.
2. ANALGESIC USE:

Analgesics for pain relief are NOT available at Gladstone High School. A Medication Authority must be completed for students to take Panadol for a specific timeframe. Medication brought to GHS must be a daily dose in the original dispensed container to be held at the Front Office during this time.

If a student becomes unwell during the school day and reports to Front Office, the staff will first ask the student to rest for 15 minutes in the sick room. If the pain from a headache, injury or medical condition continues, the parent/caregiver will be contacted to take the ill student home.

STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BRING ANALGESICS OR OTHER MEDICATION TO SCHOOL AND CARRY THEM IN THEIR BAGS OR STORE THEM IN THEIR LOCKERS.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What if a student has medication but no medication authority?

Medication will not be accepted by staff without a medication authority, medical director proforma or letter from the prescribing health professional. The instructions must match those on the pharmacy label of the container.

Should parents / guardians provide a medication authority for non-prescription medication (including alternative therapies, vitamins, minerals or supplements)?

Yes. The Department for Education medication management guidelines encompass all medications: prescribed, over the counter and alternative therapies, vitamins, minerals and supplements. Example, students taking over the counter mild pain relief are required to provide a written medication authority.

How should the medication be provided by the parent/ guardian?

All medication is to be prescribed by a health professional and provided as a daily dose, (except in long term continuous care arrangements). A medication authority, completed by the prescribing health professional must accompany the medication. The parent can ask the pharmacist for a second labelled container to keep the extra medication at home.

Can a student self-manage/self-administer their own medication?

Yes, but a written medication authority from their prescribing health professional must be provided to staff.

If medication is to be taken 3 times a day, does this need to be administered at school?

No. Medication that has to be taken three times per day can be taken before and after school, and before bed, and not come to school at all.

Where do I get the correct forms for my child’s condition?

You can obtain medication authorities for longer term conditions from the school or your health care practitioner.

Interim 24 hour medication forms for parent/guardians z available from the school and one is included in this newsletter. They are to provide written authorisation for medications to be administered in schools for a maximum of 24 hours. This authority can be used where it is not possible to get an appointment with the treating health practitioner within this timeframe. This authority can be used for prescription and non-prescription medications which meet Department for Education policy (ie provided in original pharmacy labelled container for a specific child/student).

Did you know

30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1988 BARUNGA STATEMENT

On June 12, 1988, during Australia's Bicentennial year, Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with the Barunga Statement at the Annual Barunga Cultural and Sporting Festival.

Written on bark, the Statement called for Aboriginal self-management, a national system of land rights, compensation for loss of lands, respect for Aboriginal identity, an end to discrimination, and the granting of full civil, economic, social and cultural rights.

Yothu Yindi wrote the worldwide hit song "Treaty" to commemorate the statement.

STEM Expo

Parents of Year 8 students, and any other interested community members, are invited to join us for our STEM Expo to celebrate our learning – Tuesday, June 19, 10.30am – 12 noon at the Southern Flinders Sports Complex.

BIGGEST MORNING TEA

The SSO’s of Gladstone High School hosted their Biggest Morning AFTERNOON Tea on Wednesday 30/05/18.

Changing to an Afternoon Tea was very successful allowing for ALL the school staff to attend and spend time socialising without the constraints of Yard Duty/Lesson Prep.

We welcomed the company of the Gladstone Kindergarten and St Joseph Parish School staff this year also.

The ‘spread’ was its usual magnificent standard, with provision for lunch for the GHS staff the next day!

It was a most enjoyable occasion and we are very thankful to everyone for their donations – raising a total of $285.00.

We look forward to hosting the event again in 2019.

Governing Council

Governing Council welcomes Tyler Hogan to the school as Principal. I hope you can all take the opportunity to say hi to Tyler at some stage. The Governing Council members and myself, look forward to working with Tyler to make Gladstone High School great! The school held a very successful Open Day. It’s great to see some of the faces that will be in and around the school in the coming years. The Governing Council is responsible for the running of the canteen. We are looking for volunteers to fill a 3 hour shift each day of the school week to assist Lyn in preparing and serving food to your children. Please consider putting your name on the list once or twice per term. This will enable us to keep ahead of costs and maintain the canteen for the future. Any parent, caregiver or grandparent is most welcome. Please call the school to add your name to the list!

If you have any queries, concerns or other feedback about the school, please contact a Governing Council member. Keep an eye out for more transformations around the school with gardening and painting hot on the list of updates to happen this year!

Let’s make GHS great!

Kathryn Hansen
GHS Governing Council Chairperson

Newsletter

As a result of the parent survey that went home last term we are offering to print newsletters for those families that would prefer to receive a paper copy. If you would like to receive a paper version of the newsletter please complete the return slip below. The newsletter will then be sent home with the youngest child in your family.

Community News

Expressions of Interest

Michelle Brice is thinking of starting a Belly Dancing class in Gladstone and is after numbers of interested girls and boys of all ages in taking park. If interested please contact Michelle on 8662 4019 or 0412 028 179.

SAPOL Cyber Safety Forum

SAPOL is holding a Cyber Safety Forum to provide the community with information on a range of issues including cyber safety, scams and identify theft.

The forum will be held at the Southern Flinders Regional Sports Complex, on Monday, June 18 2018 from 6.30pm to 8.00pm (Doors will open at 6.15pm)

The forum will be attended by Superintendent Damian Powell, members from Yorke Mid North Crime Prevention Section, and Officer in Charge of Gladstone police station, and give the community the opportunity to ask safety and security questions on the night.

Magpie Warblers

Magpie Warblers is an amateur theatre company based in Port Pirie. This year’s production is “Little Shop of Horrors”. 2018 performances are at the Wallaroo Town Hall 20-21 July and Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie 27-28 July. Tickets can be purchased by visiting their respective websites