1 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

During the recent holidays our new electronic learner management system (Daymap) was installed. We believe this represents a significant step forward as we seek to actively engage students in their learning and connect caregivers/parents to the wealth of information we both generate and store in relation to their child’s progress at school. We will be managing a staged rollout of this system which will be accompanied by training for both our staff and the community in accessing and using the information to support students in their learning. The first feature to go live will be the electronic rolls which will include an SMS alert to caregivers/parents if their child is not at school. Therefore we request that all caregivers/parents ensure that their contact details are up to date. The school will offer information sessions for caregivers during each stage of the rollout which will include accessing the information using a variety of fixed and mobile devices.

Despite some initial teething problems I am delighted to note that our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) portal is now fully functioning and caregivers/parents have already been placing orders for the devices we have selected. The link to the portal has been added to the school website and caregivers/parents requiring support can contact me directly. The use of BYOD devices in our school will lead to improved learning outcomes, increased personalised instruction and greater engagement through interactive learning. The following YouTube link highlights the ways in which Daymap and BYOD connect to improve both learning and communication.

This week will also see the arrival of our new brightly coloured lockers that offer students a safe and secure location to store their personal possessions. All students from year 5 to 12 will be issued with a combination padlock to secure their locker and time will be given to support them in mastering the technique required. Whilst some of our senior students initially struggled I am confident that the younger students will be successful as they tend to read the instructions!

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

End of Semester 1 Awards

Various awards were presented at the end of Semester 1 Term 2 Assembly on Friday 7th July.

100% Attendance for Term 2

Award recipients were Jordan Baker, Ella Maison, Isaac Finlay, Brooke Maison, Austin Clancy, Lachlan Finlay, Ethan Baker, Aiden Hately-Bell, Taitum Hately and Abraham Tuckwell.

Class Awards Term 2

Ebonie Werth, Samuel Finlay, Lieesha Stuart-Bejah, Axel Rowney, Mackenzie Chapman, Amaru Omonte-Kramer, Austin Clancy, Charlie Heinrich, Chloe Hilder, Tom Millington, Macey Hancock, Kaleb Clancy, Kyle Maison, Lisa Rasmussen

Academic Achievement for Semester 1

These awards are presented to students who achieve 4 A’s and the rest B’s/C’s or 2 A’s and the rest B’s for their subjects in Semester 1.

Matilda Brooks, Elspeth Lyman, Maia Tschirner, Javier Grivell, Mia Crisp, Ella Maison, Geri Tschirner, Jayde Finlay, Maya Omonte-Kramer, Codin Mason, Aiden Hately-Bell, Tayla Finlay, Karl Finlay, Tom Millington, Haymish Moosha, Blake Freer, Mitchell French, Kate Ozolins, Abraham Tuckwell.

Primary Report

NAIDOC Week

In Week 10 of last term we celebrated NAIDOC week. In the lead up to, and during NAIDOC week, the primary classes designed and made lanterns using balloons and tissue paper. The students then chose words that they believe show tolerance and kindness and decorated the outside of their lanterns with these words. The students demonstrated some exceptional creativity with some great design ideas, and the results were outstanding.

On the Thursday morning of NAIDOC week we hosted a pancake breakfast, with residents from Flinders House joining us for breakfast. It was a valuable opportunity for the school to come together with members of the community whilst recognising and celebrating our indigenous members. The students also show-cased their completed lanterns and enjoyed the company of some of our senior members of the community.

Counsellor Report

Toastie Thursday

Toasties are back again, place your order at the front office and come down to the Canteen at lunch. We are also selling ice blocks and jelly cups this term for $1.00

Subject Report

Library

Term 3 Story Time Dates:

Wednesday fortnightly at 10am
9th August, 23rd August, 6th September, 20th September and 4th October (holidays)

Hats off to our Federal Constitution

An informative and entertaining talk and Q&A with visiting speaker, Mr John Christensen will be held at the Quorn Library, Tuesday 8th August at 7pm. There is no cost and a light supper will be supplied.

John is a retired lawyer with 40 years’ experience as a legislative drafter and lecturer in Australia and overseas.

Miscellaneous Reports