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OUR SCHOOL VALUES We work hard to learn We respect ourselves and each other We value acts of generosity
IN THIS ISSUE ICAS Results Junior School Awards Platters on the Run Year 12 Research Project Year 5 Excursion Deadly Yabber
DIARY DATES 20/9 Monitoring & Review 3:00pm 20/9 Grounds Mtg 4pm 20/9 Governing Council 7pm 23/9 JS Sports Day 26-30/9 Yr 6/7 Camp
DISMISSAL ON LAST DAY OF TERM 3 2pm
FIRST DAY OF TERM 4 MONDAY 17 OCTOBER 2011
Brunel Drive Modbury Heights South Australia, 5092 Ph: (08) 8263 6244 Fax: (08) 8263 6072 Email: contact@theheights.sa.edu.au WWW: http://www.theheights.sa.edu.au
This week Junior School teachers are meeting with parents to discuss progress of their child, their learning achievements and areas to focus on for improvement. Early Warning letters were posted to some parents of students in the Middle and Senior School in week 4 and 5 alerting them to concerns about work completed and attendance – aspects that have a significant impact on learning, achievement at school, future choices and quality of life. Research is very clear that when parents are involved with their child’s teachers and the school, the level of their success in schooling and in life is significantly increased. Working hard to learn is one of our school values and these communications are important examples of what we do together to ensure that this hard work pays off. Results from the 2011 NAPLaN tests are currently being delivered to schools and we anticipate that they will provide evidence of improvement in reading comprehension, a priority we have been working on intensively in 2010 and 2011. We are mindful that these results provide a snapshot only of literacy and numeracy skills tested on one day. We will be scrutinising the data and combining the findings with other data we use to determine the impact of the professional learning that teachers have done and the strategies they have used in the classroom to improve reading comprehension. This analysis will be used to set directions and targets for literacy for 2012 and beyond. Parents will receive NAPLaN individual student results at the end of term. We also value the many acts of generosity currently being demonstrated in the support for the Foundation which create a tangible and strong sense of caring and community spirit. Andrew Costello, a Physical Education teacher at The Heights School is raising funds for the Neurological Research Foundation, by running in the Sydney Marathon during the October School holidays. Andrew’s son Callan was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation and syringomyelia conditions. Callan faces challenges every day, living with these four neurosurgical conditions. He is a happy and vibrant boy who has already survived six lifesaving neurosurgical procedures. Raising funds for those organisations involved in Callan’s care has been Andrew and his family’s way of saying thank you to those people involved. Fundraising events to raise money for the Neurological Research Foundation include; • 6/7 movie Marathon • Sporting competitions in the gym • Sale of beanies and scarves • Sponsorship of ridersth in up coming Pedal Prix event at Murray Bridge 16 September • Computer competition Monday 12th @ 2:30 in Drama Space • Coin on the Neurological Research Foundation symbol in the courtyard week 10 • Senior School Walkathon in week 10 • Hot dogs and soft drink lunch Monday week 10 We thank you for your generosity in supporting these events and are proud of the initiative and energy displayed by our students and staff in organising these activities.
Helen Calvert Principal
NEWSLETTER No. 11 • 15 September 2011
Junior School Assembly Dates: Friday 30th September Activity Room 9:00am Out of School Hours Care Phone Number: 8395 6879 Observatory Phone Number: 8263 6384
GIFTED EDUCATION PARENT EVENING TUESDAY 20th SEPTEMBER THE HEIGHTS SCHOOL RESOURCE CENTRE 7:00pm – 8:00pm
TOPIC: Improving your student’s organisational skills
PRESENTER: Wendy Stewart – Past President of the Gifted and Talented Children’s Association RSVP Rob Perkins 8263 6244
MIDDLE SCHOOL UPGRADE Refurbishment of the Middle School is underway. The builders have fenced off the staff car park for their use during the project. Parents should not park in this area at any time for any reason. Avoid damage to your car and personal safety by not parking in this area. The OSHC car park is the safe option.
Congratulations to Blake Farr who won gold in the National Taekwondo Championships which were held in Canberra on Saturday September 10th. Blake won the Year 10/11 Division.
The task of today’s Literacy lesson was to rewrite a narrative based on The Lion & The Mouse which the children heard in class. Here are three of the best that were written in Mrs Rothery/Mrs Meatheringham’s class.
The rabbit and the tiger One day there was a tiger, he was hunting in the jungle. The tiger saw a rabbit, it was just white. Then suddenly the tiger pounced at the rabbit. The rabbit said, “Please don’t eat me, some day I can help you.” So he let him go the next day. The tiger got caught in a net. The tiger said, “Help me, help me.” Then the rabbit came hopping up to the tiger. The tiger said, “You are no help.” The rabbit said, “I can nibble on the rope.” So he started to nibble, then he made the whole big enough so the tiger got out. Then they lived happily ever after. Tia
The cheetah and the donkey Once there was a cheetah. He was near a lake drinking water. Then he went to run but he ran too far, he ran from Africa to the desert. He got lost because he has never been there, but then a donkey said to the cheetah, “What’s wrong?” “I lost my lake, I lost my food and I lost Africa,” growled the cheetah. The donkey was magic. “Close your eyes” said the donkey. So the cheetah closed his eyes and the donkey tapped one hoof. “You can open your eyes now, you are a very fast runner, but I am faster than you. “OK maybe you are because you are a cheetah.” So the donkey tapped a hoof and he was back home. The cheetah was really happy. Jacob
Congratulations…….to The Heights students who achieved so well in the ICAS UNSW Spelling and Writing Competitions. Well done to all who participated. SPELLING Year 3 Distinction Participation
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Year 4 High Distinction Distinction Credit Participation Year 5 High Distinction Credit Participation Year 7 Distinction Participation
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Euan Coles Aidan Lake Dylan Gorse Jessica Johnson
Eric Zhou Angelina Modra Samuel Wallis Jaimee Lake Paige Duthy Scott Carnie-Bronca Isabella Tsimeris Dylan Grivell
Stephen Dowding Ashleigh Lake
WRITING Year 3 Participation Year 4 Distinction Participation Year 5 Participation -
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Jessica Johnson
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Angelina Modra Samuel Wallis Jaimee Lake Paige Duthy
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Isabella Tsimeris Dylan Grivell Marc Maslov Chelsea Williams
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Ashleigh Lake
Year 6 Distinction
WELL DONE!
JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDS Nigel Saw Melanie Whiteford-Hall Cameron Kaipara Tiah Blute Andrea Coleby Isaac DeVries Rhyley Jarred Jakob Lake Olivia Batty Tyson Davies Meeka Marshall Emily Drew Laela Ebert Taihla Stevens Aiden McDougall Jordan Horsell Zachari Williams Caelum Tomney Amber Marshall
Always being a focussed and dedicated learner Dedicated and independent learner Being a great sportsman Working hard on spelling An active participant in class discussions Improved spelling skills Knowing all his Oxford sight words Working hard in listening activities and getting along with others Always a happy and cheerful student Great attitude to learning Neat writing in literacy tasks Well prepared for speaking and listening topics Excellent listening skills and asking questions Great work in Maths and knows lots about 2D shapes Great improvement in hand-writing skills Always trying hard at school Responsible class member who always tries hard Being enthusiastic in all curriculum areas Excellent leadership skills in class activities
SPEAKERS IN SCIENCE The Science Faculty has been fortunate to have had a couple of visits from experts in the field of Engineering. They have spoken to the Careers in Science class as well as a Year 10 Science class and Stage 1 Physics class. Dr Laura Brooks who is a lecturer in the school of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, lectures in the aerospace discipline, specifically Aerospace Vehicle Design and Aerospace propulsion. Dr Brooks spoke about her research in aero acoustics, hydro acoustics and hypersonics. She also spoke to students about her PhD research in underwater acoustics . Kellie Caimanos is an electrical engineer, currently working at ETSA utilities as a Site Project Engineer. She spoke to students about her varying roles as an engineer, from analysis of transmitters to working on a mine site in the mid north for the last 14 months. The students thoroughly enjoyed their presentations and they gained an insight into the type of work each occupation involves.
Teacher Professional Learning Program Monday 2.45-3.30pm Week 7: School Closure Day (day of local significance-Adelaide Show) Week 8: Attendance In response to feedback about the length of sessions enabled by the 2.30pm closure on Mondays, the ½ hour Professional Learning session was extended to 45 minutes. Teachers continue after 3.30 until 4.15 to extend this professional learning opportunity and from 3.30-4.30 on Wednesday in faculty and cluster learning teams.
Platters Welcomes Visitors During Term 3, NEVO students studying Certificate 2 in Business in Platters on the Run Virtual Enterprise at The Heights School, welcomed a number of visitors to the Virtual Enterprise. Jason “Snowy” Carter, breakfast announcer from radio station MIX 102.3, spoke to the students about his journey from Salisbury school boy to breakfast radio star and owner of the very popular Hahndorf Farm Barn. Other speakers this term were media identity Sheridan Stewart, advertising man Sputnik, Anne Miller from Zone Training and Trudi Pavlovsky from The Dream Initiative. In keeping with the theme of welcoming visitors, Mr Glacken’s SACE Stage 1 Food & Hospitality students at The Heights prepared, presented and served a very successful morning tea for family, friends and school staff in the Virtual Enterprise on Tuesday 15th September. Platters on the Run Trainer Carol Neller said, “The morning tea gave visitors a chance to see what our staff do in the Virtual Enterprise every Thursday and it gave them an idea about how practical environments like this can make learning fun by interacting in a virtual business world.” The food, presentation and service by the Stage 1 Food & Hospitality students was excellent and highlighted to visitors the high standard of practical vocational education opportunities available here at The Heights.
OBSERVATORY NEWS
Recent Mag 4.0 quake near Peterborough from Blair lade’s digital seismometer in the Dome
YEAR 12 RESEARCH PROJECT In Semester 1 all Yr 12 students undertook the compulsory SACE Stage 2 Research Project for the first time. Students worked extremely hard producing an enormous variety of outcomes. These ranged from an oral presentation on the ethics of the fashion trade, a report on depleted uranium and the negative effects of their use, the organisation and running of a school quiz night and the design of a surfboard to an essay about the motivations behind the Holocaust. Ninety nine percent of students passed; an excellent result, given teachers worked just as hard as students, learning many new skills and information along the way.
Victoria Paterson: ‘Community’ The new subject Research Project gave me the opportunity to research and create a product on the topic of my choice. When beginning the subject it was difficult to refine a topic with such broad criteria. Eventually I chose a topic I was unfamiliar with - volunteering, and combined it with a topic I am passionate about photography. The completed product of my research is a photographic essay on retired volunteers in the community. I found conducting my research interesting because I learnt a lot about both volunteering and portrait photography respectively. I enjoyed the variety of my project because each volunteer I interviewed gave me an interesting perspective on their different roles. It was also rewarding because it assisted in making me more confident in interviewing and communicating with people in the community.
Ben Geytenbeek: ‘Detecting Exoplanets’ My Year 12 Research Project focussed on detecting an exoplanet. An exoplanet is a planet that orbits a star that isn’t our sun. I conducted three observations of the planet, which is known as WASP-16b from The Heights School Observatory. I took many photos of the star, and analysed them through a computer program. When the planet passed in front of the star, the brightness dimmed, and from this information I was able to calculate the existence of the planet. I received an A+ grade for my project. I am presenting the findings of my Research Project at the Astronomical Society of South Australia’s monthly meeting on Wednesday 7th of September. I have also shown my work to Professor Roger Clay, the Head of High Energy Astrophysics at the University of Adelaide, and Dr Amanda Bauer, another professional astronomer who has visited the school recently. Nettie’s photoboard
Ben in The Heights Observatory collecting data
Nettie’s sketch
Nettie Thomson: ‘Dress designs based on Star Signs’ For my research project I chose the topic of fashion design because it was of interest to me. My outcome was a portfolio with 12 designs, each one based on a different zodiac sign. I enjoyed the creative parts of achieving my outcome. This included drawing and designing each dress, collecting the fabrics I would use if I were to make them and beads for detailing. I had fun learning how to use watercolour paints and all the different techniques. In the end I decided against using them but it was good to learn for future reference. I was happy with the end result because it turned out the way I wanted.
YEAR 5 EXCURSION TO THE MARITIME MUSEUM On board the Archie Badenoch
On Friday 9th September all of the year fives went on an excursion to the Maritime Museum to gather information about the early settlers and what it was like as a migrant travelling in the hull of the ship. Firstly we entered the Maritime Museum and toured the museum with a little help from the Museum Education Officer. She told us to imagine we were below deck, sweaty, smelly and dirty. She let us feel what it was like in the beds, they weren’t very comfortable. We were told to check out the other rooms in third class from 1910 and the 1950s. The 1950s room was quite exquisite for a third class room. Next we walked for a few minutes to a rack of PFDs where we all put one on. Nearby were two men standing near a boat named the Archie Badenoch. We hopped onboard carefully trying not to slip into the Port River while the men were getting ready to start the boat. Before we all got onboard we spotted two dolphins that almost seemed like they were waiting for us. On the boat we were all very excited and peeping out through the hatch to see if we could spot any far distant dolphins. Later on we also spotted four dolphins swimming right next to the boat! We turned around and headed for the docks. We got off and turned to the lighthouse. Lastly we got to the lighthouse, lined up and were told to count how many steps there were in the whole lighthouse. I counted 84 but other students had completely different answers. Once we got to the top, the view was amazing, you could even see AAMI Stadium. We also toured the rest of the museum. There were lots of fun interactive activities that I very much enjoyed. The Tom Ducker Year 5 CF5 excursion was life changing but also very fascinating and I would love to do it again. On Friday 9th September , all the year fives from The Heights School went to the Maritime Museum to find out about how the early South Australian settlers lived on the ship to Australia. First we separated into our three groups. My group went on a cruise on the Archie Badenoch. The Archie Badenoch was built in 1942 and was later taken over by the police and became a police launch. It was a small boat carrying 24 passengers. At the stern of the boat was a hatch in the ceiling. You could look outside to see the Port River. After the cruise we went to the Port Adelaide lighthouse. There were a lot of different answers about how many steps there were, but I think there were 69 steps. When we got to the top we could see the Port River, the city, the hills and Port Adelaide. At the bottom of the lighthouse we saw the caretakers of the lighthouse and how the lighthouse worked. Later we had our packed recess and moved to the inside of the Maritime Museum. In the museum, we went into a room decorated to look like the bottom of the ship where the poor steerage passengers lived. There were small bunk beds across the side of the room and there was a small gap through the middle. But in the fake ship, there were benches on the sides. A museum staff member talked about what it was like living below deck. Finally we had about an hour free time with our separate groups to explore the museum’s exhibitions. I think it was a fun way of learning about Australia’s history and was inspiring. I would recommend the Maritime Museum to all ages. Joonghoon Park Year 5 CF5 Monique was given the baby to care for In the Museum
On board a ketch at the Museum
DEADLY YABBER The Heights Indigenous Committee Newsletter, Term 3, 2011 My name is Leonne Hewson and I am the Aboriginal Community Education Officer (ACEO) at The Heights School. I work on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please feel free to call in on these days and have chat. I can be contacted on 8263 6244. Aboriginal Mothers/Grannies Group
Get together with your children. Join us in cooking a healthy nutritious lunch to share Where: Holden Hill Community Centre 82 Valiant Road, Holden Hill When: Commencing Sept 12th Mondays 11.30am to 2pm Cost: $2.00 per adult Contact: Cathy on 8397 7425 or Leona on 8397 7215 to book
John and Anna Woods Memorial Fund (formerly known as The Ethel May Woods Trust Grant) is available The purpose of the trust is to apply for funds that go towards the welfare of Aboriginal Students under the age of 18. For more information is please contact the ACEO Leonne on 8263 6244 or visit her.
ATTENDANCE The attendance rate of the ATSI students in the school has improved compared to last term. We have gone from 84.5 unexplained absences down to 50.5 unexplained absences for term3. This means that more parents are ringing up to let us know when their child is going to be away.
WHAT HAS THE ACEO HAS BEEN UP TO? This term the school counsellor and I have had a meeting with a student who has now left the school and gone on to an apprenticeship. I have made phone calls to parents regarding absences of students. The senior school Aboriginal students have had visits so far from TAFE SA and Adelaide Uni with more visits next term the Regional Director visited and spoke to the senior school Aboriginal students. I got a list of next years new Aboriginal students. I also attended the Regional Network Day where I got to see what programs other schools are doing. I am attending Merit Selection training on the 8th of September. By Leonne Hewson Aboriginal Community Education Officer The Heights School
Building Children’s Self Esteem This workshop provides guidance and resources that will enhance Parental Self-Esteem, to enhance your ability to assist your child in building their self esteem and create emotional safety for children so they may flourish in a secure, loving environment. Assist them in releasing anxieties and fears. Parents will. Learn ideas and concepts which will teach them that they have choices in their thought creation. How to ask the right questions that will assist them in revealing their thoughts and feelings. Learn how to communicate and nourish your child so their unique self feels valued and under-stood. Develop effective, fun tools to help transform an anxious child into a carefree child. Assist your child in adjusting the beliefs that do not serve them. Empower your child in being the master of their imagination. Encourage and guide your child to take responsibility for themselves and promote their sense of self esteem. Information and techniques on how to set healthy foundations that contribute to building your child’s selfesteem. Anglicare’s The Annexe The Fields Shopping Centre 130 Peachey Road Davoren Park When : Monday 26th September Time : 12.30pm –2.30pm Presenter : Arnaum Walkley (Founder of Parenting Solutions) Where :
The Davoren Park Family Community Links is funded by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Tea, Coffee & Nibbles provided Family Community Links Invites you to a Free workshop Bookings are essential Please R.S.V.P by 22nd September 2011 Diana Slaap on 8209 5440 Or dslaap@anglicare-sa.org.au Crèche is available for children not yet attending school bookings are required.
FROM THE PARENT COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER…… Basketball 6/9/11 U14's Heights Hotshots defeated Prescott Gladiators 24/12. New players needed – further details Lyn Albury Soccer 13 and Under Soccer finals are Thursday 15th at 5.00 at Burragah Recreation Centre Come along and cheer for The Heights. Good Luck!!!! Woolworths Earn & Learn Thank you to everyone for sending in their dockets. We are up to 8,401 points! The program has been extended until 18th October. We have received so many dockets that Parents and Friends members Pauline & Corrie are helping to put them in. Thank very much. Parents & Friends Our meeting this week was mainly about organising food for Junior School Sports Day. We will have tea, coffee, ice blocks and hotdogs for sale on the day for parents attending. We are starting to think about fundraising opportunities and planning meetings for next year. Meetings are always filled with lots of great information relating to the school, and we always welcome new members. Please come along to our social lunch on Tuesday October 20th – further details Lyn Albury Our next meeting is on Monday 7th November at 9.00 in the Parent Room. Lyn Albury