25 July 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s News

Welcome back to Term 3. We have certainly started with a very busy week indeed, with the SACE Information Evening on Tuesday night. We were fortunate to have Reg Dennis, Careers Pathway Manager and Abigail Hickman, Independent Institute registered training organisation attend and be available to speak with students and parents during the evening as well as, hear all the information Jacqui Edge had to share. All Year 10 and 11 students and their parents/caregivers are asked to attend an individual subject counselling session with Ms Edge and myself to discuss initial subject choices for 2020. These sessions will be held on Tuesday 6th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th August. Please book a time through the usual Sentral interview booking process or call the school to secure a time slot. This is a crucial part of the subject selection process for students.

On Friday night, Jordan Smith and I will be accompanying 16 of our Year 12 students to the MNSEC Formal, with a theme of Starry Nights in Quorn. We look forward to sharing some delightful photos of the night in the next edition of the newsletter.

Next week Daniel Seidel, Jacqui Edge, Jackie McAllister and Emma Paparella will take our Year 10 students to Adelaide for the Careers Camp. The program is looking very full of variety in the place’s students get to visit. Year 11 students will be involved in the annual MFS Road Accident Prevention presentation on Tuesday and we expect this to be thought provoking as always.

Thursday 8th August is again our assembly time with the Year 9’s in charge. We will present awards for academic achievement, attendance and students will provide reports on activities they have been involved in. All families are invited to attend the assembly which will be in our hall starting at 10am.

A reminder Monday 5th August is a Student Free Day as staff will all be undertaking training and development related to our Site Improvement priorities.

Tyler Hogan
Principal

Dress Code

At the June 18 meeting, Governing Council endorsed the Gladstone High School Dress Code. Please familiarise yourself and your child/ren with the code. It was completed in consultation with students, staff and governing council members. A copy is available with the electronic version of the newsletter. If you would like a hard copy, please contact the Front Office.

Year 8 Gymnastics

The Gladstone Year 8’s attended Gymnastics in Week 8 and 9 of Term 2. Students travelled to Port Pirie to further enhance their skills at the Aquatic and Leisure centre while utilising the professional equipment and advanced instructors, Kelly and Mel.

The Year 8 students participated in many diverse activities including the rings, uneven bars, balance beam, foam pit, trampolines and a ninja course. The students were able to practise their skills and advance their techniques throughout the two inclusive sessions.

As part of the Health Curriculum, students were assessed on their participation, positive attitude, encouragement and teamwork. The students enjoyed their time and developed their knowledge and understanding of the skills, techniques and tactics used throughout Gymnastics, where they will transfer their knowledge to further contexts of life.

Eden Caputo
Physical Education Teacher

“On the 21st and 28th of July the Year 8 students participated in gymnastics at the Aquatic and Leisure centre in Port Pirie. We had 2 instructors, Kelly and Mel. We participated in activities such as rings, uneven bars, a ninja course, handstand competition, trampolines and the balance beam. We all enjoyed the experience!” Oscar Kleinman

Year 8 Bushwalking

The Gladstone High School Year 8 students participated in an all-day bushwalking excursion, on Wednesday June 26th.

In previous classes leading up to the excursion, the Year 8 students learnt about the health and safety aspect of bushwalking, as part of the Health Curriculum. They gained understanding of the specific foods required to eat on a bushwalk and why these were beneficial to their diet and energy levels. They also built knowledge on first aid and safety that may be necessary when undertaking a bushwalk.

The students partook in an 8km walk return, to the Baroota Cemetery, where they were able to explore the view of the hills and learn about the history of the graves at the cemetery. This was a moderate hike that challenged the students. Their walk ended at the Mambray Creek, where they spent time exploring the beautiful nature and wildlife. The walk allowed all students to venture out of their comfort zones and share their previously learnt knowledge.

As part of this Health assessment, students were to complete a written reflection task in which they are graded on.

“The best thing about being in the outdoors was being able to get fresh air, getting to hear the sounds of nature and being able to hang out with friends while trying something new” Jaxon Brand.

“To get ready for my walk, I ensured my bag was lightly packed and easy to carry, my straps were tightened appropriately and I had enclosed shoes on” Bodie Gilby.

“The food I took on the walk was scroggin as it’s easy to pack, lightweight and gave me energy, and a banana and sandwich for fibre which kept me fuller for longer” Connor Hoskin.

Eden Caputo
Physical Education Teacher

Mental Health

As part of the Year 9 Health Curriculum, students have been exploring and developing their knowledge on the topic of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Students have learnt the diverse ways in which one can positively impact their mental health, what resilience strategies they can use to help stress and where they can go in the community for support.

The Year 9 students have created their own stress management packs for the Year 8 students who are coming new to high school. These packs include information and materials that may help new Year 8 students stress levels and mental health when starting high school.

This has encouraged the Year 9 students to reflect on what provoked their own stress when first arriving to high school and what they did or could have done to assist them in managing their stress. Students noted what stress is to them and ways in which they could cope with stress.

“Stress happens to everyone and is a normal part of life, however the way you handle and manage your stress is the important part” Clay Hadley.

“I know that there are plenty of causes to stress and it is not a pleasant feeling, however, don’t worry, there are many ways of resilience and how to deal with stress” Caitlin Harris.

“You can manage your stress through talking to someone such as family, friends or a professional, listen to your favourite music or by using materials like a stress ball” Bradley Chabaj.

Eden Caputo
Physical Education Teacher

MNSEC Football

The second round of the Open Boys Knockout football was held on the 26th of June at the Port Pirie West Oval. This was the second round of the competition as we had previously beaten Port Augusta Secondary School. Our second round match was against Kadina. The game started off with both teams trading goals and then Kadina eventually pulled away. The boys fought hard all game with some highlights of the game being Josh Clements kicking three goals and Joel Ambjerg-Pederson leading hard all day at centre half forward. Kadina ended up winning by 6 goals.

The second game of the day was against Edward John Eyre High School. This game started off very physically with both teams fighting off for third position on the day. Will Smart and Joel Zanker ran hard all game and gave the team plenty of opportunities to score. Edward John Eyre eventually came away winners by 5 goals.

Well done to all students that were selected and thanks to all parents and caregivers who volunteered to help on the day.

Luke Bartlett
Open Boys Coach

GHS Canteen Roster Weeks 2-3

Week 2

Week 3

Please arrive on time to help with preparation from 10.30am.