29 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

During recent weeks we have been working hard to adapt to our new learner management system. We are excited about the potential Daymap offers us in relation to learning, tracking and engaging with both our students and their families. However, we are also aware of the level of commitment that is required on behalf of staff to adapt to these new demands. I would like to express my thanks to the individuals who have been working so diligently behind the scenes. They have been reviewing and uploading the wealth of data we hold into Daymap to provide accessible and relevant data to support learning conversations with both students and their caregivers. Students can now access their Daymap profile, complete with the traditional school photo, at school and access assessments, grades and feedback. We are currently working on providing ‘remote access’ to students so they can continue to view this information whilst offsite. We have also begun the transition to electronic rolls and from week seven the caregivers of absent students will be receiving an automated SMS each day shortly after 9:15am. Therefore in the event of a planned absence we request that you contact the school in advance to avoid unnecessary texts.

On behalf of our students I would like to thank the primary teachers who planned and delivered a number of richly rewarding experiences for our students in the key area of literacy. To see so many of our students visibly engaged in learning and working collaboratively across the full R-6 was truly inspiring. This week we turn our attention to a Week of Inspirational Math across our full site. The aim of the week is to challenge all members of our community to creatively engage with Math and foster a belief that mistakes are an essential part of the learning journey.

Andrew Gilsenan-Reed

Counsellor News

Toastie Thursday

Place your order at the front office and come down to the Canteen at lunch.

Young Environmental Leaders

On Friday 18th August, the Young Environmental Leaders travelled to Orroroo for their Term 3 Forum. The focus of the forum was on different waterways and in particular the macro invertebrates that are important to our local aquatic environments. The students learnt the difference between healthy and unhealthy waterways, the difference and definitions of tolerant, sensitive and diversity and also looking at actions to improve water quality.

The macro invertebrate dichotomous key was a favourite, as students had to find and catch animals using specific instruments and then identify them. The inquisitive nature of our YEL leaders proved to be advantageous as there was some excellent discussions had by all.

We would love your help – Become a Volunteer

Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the engagement, achievement and wellbeing of all children and students.

DECD volunteers can participate in a wide range of programs and services including coaching sporting teams, helping children learn to read, attending working bees, mentoring students and through membership on governing councils, management groups and parent groups.

If you feel you have different skills, expertise and knowledge to offer, please contact the school. It’s never too late to start. No matter who you are or where you’re from, it’s all about wanting to help out. It’s in this spirit that the department actively encourages Aboriginal people and people from multicultural and diverse backgrounds to become involved also.

Helping Children and Young People Learn

Families encourage learning in lots of fun ways, making a big difference to their children’s growth and development.

Families can make a big difference by helping children to learn new things, reading and supporting their interests.

There are many ways to support learning at home as well as school. Parents don’t need to be experts – supporting and encouraging learning is enough.

Outdoor Learning Areas

Last week the Year 10 Art students took advantage of the warm sun and fresh air. The class ventured out into the front garden and sat to sketch. The students are working on a public art piece however the idea of sketching is becoming more and more obsolete; as the majority of design work is done with computers now. The aim of the lesson was to evoke a passion for sketching again, as it allows them to share their vision of a project with others early on in the design process, before working with time consuming electronic tools such as Photoshop.

Do You Have Spare Bottle Tops?

Two art students are seeking bottle tops of any shape, size or colour for an Art project this semester. Also If you have any hard coloured plastic (acrylic) that you no longer need, the student’s would love to take it off your hands and implement in their project. Thank you in advance.

Essentials For Coaching Children’s Course

On Wednesday 23rd August, students from years 9-12 were involved in the Essentials for Coaching Children (ECC) course. This course is a brief, practical survival course for coaches. The course aim was to give new or aspiring coaches the basic skills, knowledge and tips needed to provide an effective, enjoyable sporting experience for the children they coach. The first component was theory based and the Year 11 PE students worked over recess to plan a 5-minute skill drill that they were required to teach the rest of the class. The student’s executed the presentation/coaching clinic extremely well and those who were being coached were modeling respect for officials and coaches. I was extremely proud of the students as the presenters praised their efforts highly and they look forward to seeing more of them coaching in the future.

Father’s Day Stall

On Thursday 31st August and Friday 1st September, Student Voice will be holding a Father’s Day Stall at lunchtime, in front of Miss Carcuro’s office. Gifts range from $1.00 - $10.00 with an option to have your gift wrapped in blue.

UN Visit

Recently we have had a visit from three Young Australians who are leading global change. The UN Youth Australia representatives are from the largest youth-lead organization. They travel around to educate and empower young Australians while building the peoples movement for the United Nations. The time was spent discussing topics and more so, a discussion at a local government level. One of the activities was called “What I Wish The Government Knew”, of which sparked great discussion around what could be done in our local area to benefit not only the youth but the entire community.

Parents in Education Week

Parents in Education Week promotes and highlights the importance of parents being engaged in their child’s learning and education from birth through school, and to provide practical advice for parents on how to support their child’s learning.

Quorn Area School will be hosting one of the following as a live webinar during the week, stay tuned for more information.

 

 

 

PODCAST: How to build resilience in your child.

Establishing a routine is important for children and adults. We do better and feel more secure when life is predictable, and we get more done.

Many parents don’t like the idea of a routine because they think it means there is no room for flexibility and spontaneity.

In this week’s podcast episode Dr Justin Coulson explains how to implement a simple routine that allows you to have fun and flexibility, but also gives you a framework to come back to when things aren’t going right.

Aspiring to Inspire

Monique Carcuro
School Counsellor

Subject Report

Primary F/1/2

Mrs Reed’s F/1/2 class were busy during book week. We read The Patchwork Bike and then made model bikes with pasta, match sticks and pop sticks.

Sports

Seven of our primary students participated in the SAPSASA Athletics carnival held at Stirling North Primary School on Friday 25th August. Although only small in numbers, the efforts from the students were huge, all enjoying a great day out.

Library

JP SERVICE

A JP service is held every Thursday, 2 - 4 pm in the Library, for witnessing of documents and legal advice of a general nature. Consultations are in private.

ADULT LEARNERS WEEK

1-8 September

Rediscover learning by visiting your local library to borrow a book, develop your computer skills, use the Wi-Fi, take a brochure, hold a meeting or participate in Anne Freebairn’s ‘Internet for Seniors’ group (10am every Friday during school term time).

NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS

Please click the new website address link below to access the online catalogue and place holds:

ADVANCE NOTICE

Library will be closed on Friday 8th September

PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE

Ends on Friday 8th September (Week 7, Term 3)

Miscellaneous Reports

Working in DECD

Have you ever thought of becoming an Ancillary Support person? Below is a link that allows you to register for work within the DECD system.

Ancillary/support positions include these roles in schools, preschools and early childhood services:

Aboriginal community education officer
School services officer
Early childhood worker
Government services employee
Hourly paid instructor

Story time for Book Week

Nancy entertained 29 children for Storytime during Book Week last Wednesday reading ‘Snow Wombat’. The children dressed up and had a great time. There were many characters including Superman/woman, Batman, Little Miss Sunshine, a Gum-nut baby, a mouse, a policeman, a mermaid, a skeleton, Princesses, Cat in the Hat, Elmo, a Hawthorn footy player and Snow White. The group sang songs, made wombats and participated in a parade and then went outside for a treasure hunt. Thank you to all the parents who brought their children along for a fun morning.

THANK YOU

Many thanks to the Quorn Christian Community who provided a morning tea for our staff at the school last Wednesday. Your thoughtfulness and effort was very much appreciated.

WOOLWORTHS EARN AND LEARN

Just a reminder that we are still collecting stickers from Woolworths. Please place them in the box provided at the Port Augusta store or send them into the school.