9090
OUR SCHOOL VALUES We work hard to learn We respect ourselves and each other We value acts of generosity
IN THIS ISSUE ICAS Results Student Achievement Junior School Sports Day Arts week…continued
DIARY DATES 20/10 Yr 12 Dress Up Day 26/10 Yr 12 Breakfast 28/10 Casual Day (whole school) 31/10 R-5 Swimming all week 15/11 Volunteer Training 6pm
DISMISSAL ON LAST DAY OF TERM 3 2pm FIRST DAY OF TERM 4 MONDAY 17 OCTOBER 2011 YEAR 12 FORMAL SUNDAY th 26 NOVEMBER 6:30pm
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
Middle School and Senior School Reports and NAPLaN Individual Results for students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be sent home to parents on the last day of term. This information provides a summary and a snapshot of progress in learning. These reports however do not fully describe the programs that students are involved in on a daily basis or the many enrichment activities and events that students participate in, not only to ensure high levels of learning academically, but also to develop them as successful and healthy individuals socially and emotionally. There have been lots of articles in our newsletters that indicate the breadth of the many programs that students at The Heights are involved in and that will help parents and the community to get a fuller picture of what education looks like at our school. And there is more this week. We had the opportunity to get feedback on Tuesday from groups of parents, students and staff about the quality of education at The Heights and to test our beliefs that The Heights is a great place to work and learn. All DECS schools undergo an external Site Validation every three years. The process involves Regional Personnel and peer Principals. The school is required to provide evidence that they are focused on improving aspects of the educational program and that improvement is happening. A part of this process is talking with parents, students and staff. At this stage we have been given some observations from the Validation Panel, a formal written report will be provided next term. The panel reported that parents were clear about the quality and dedication of teachers at the school, the time they put into ensuring that each student is successful and achieves highly. They commented on the responsiveness of teachers when they contacted them about concerns about their children –only one phone call was needed. Students talked about the support they got from teachers, they felt that teachers expected them to do well and went out of their way to help them. In answer to the panel’s question “Do you feel safe in the school?” students all said that they feel safe and comfortable in the school and were confident that, if they didn’t, they could go to a teacher for help. These comments are certainly comforting for the many teachers in our school who operate as described. On first reading of our NAPLaN results two sets of data immediately stand out: the growth rate in reading (for students who sat the test in 2009 when they were in year 3 and these same students now in Year 5) indicates that 40% have progressed at a high level when compared to students nationally of similar ability; 100% of our Year 7 students achieved the national minimum standards in numeracy. This is a great way to finish the term. I trust that you enjoy the holiday break with your family and look forward to continuing our successful journey next term. Helen Calvert Principal
NEWSLETTER No. 12 • 29 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 STUDENT PLACEMENT 2012 & PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR Due to ongoing refurbishment of our facilities and increased demand for enrolments this year, we ask you to please let us know by 24th October 2011 if you are leaving the school, or know of someone who would like to enrol with us for next year. If your child(ren) will be on extended holiday when school resumes on 30 January 2012, please put this in writing along with the expected date for return to school. This is important information for our enrolment census which determines staffing allocations for 2012.
The Heights OSHC
Car Boot Sale Fundraiser Help us to fundraise to buy our children a new television for OSHC Saturday 19th November 2011 From 9am – 12pm (8am start for families selling goods) Sausage sizzle!! Sell your goods!! Be on the lookout for further information in the coming weeks.
Well done to the following students who received Junior School PE Awards recently.
Sam Parry Samuel Leventis Jared Watson Carlos Buccini Mayan Panchol Joshua Mullens Charlotte Curl These people show excellent leadership skills, good sportsmanship and great physical talent. Mrs Rothery
The International Competitions & Assessments for Schools 2011 University of New South Wales – English Competition Australian Competition Students from The Heights School achieved outstanding results when they participated in ICAS this year. Those students whose achievements were outstanding were rewarded with Certificates of Credit, Distinction and High Distinction. ICAS are developed for students in Years 3 to 12 and are sat annually. All students from The Heights School are to be congratulated on their significant achievements.
High Distinction
Samuel Wallis (Year 4)
Distinction (Year 3)
Eric Zhou (Year 4) Angelina Modra (Year 4) Scott Carnie-Bronca (Year 5) Smriti Singh (Year 8) Wilson Taylor (Year 8) Kaitlin Withers (Year 8) Nikita Mickan (Year 9) Fergus Dall (Year 11) Participation
Jessica Johnson (Year 3) Jaimee Lake (Year 4) Marc Maslov (Year 5) Dylan Grivell (Year 5) Isabella Tsimeris (Year 5) Chelsea Williams (Year 5)
Credit Euan Coles Lianna Retnaraja (Year 3) Cameron Fellows (Year 5) Erin Carnie-Bronca (Year 7) Liam Stephens (Year 8) Uyen Nguyen (Year 8) Isabelle Jackson (Year 8) Ashleigh Lake (Year 6) Liam Mickan (Year 6) Kynan Herbert (Year 8) Erica Howarth (Year 8) Nikil Kathiravan (Year 8)
Jordan O’Doherty has been successful in being selected as part of the final squad of sixteen players for the U14 State Soccer Team travelling to Coffs Harbour in October. He will be representing the State at the National Tournament being held there.
Amanda-Jade Wellington (904) has been selected in the Australian Under 19’s Girls Indoor Cricket World Cup Team to compete in South Africa on the 3rd-17th October. This is an Australian honour at just fourteen years of age.
JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY Health Hustle
The Junior School had their annual Sports Day on Friday 23rd September. The weather was glorious with no wind, lots of sunshine and cool conditions.
Dylan & Tom
The day started with Ms Denee's opening speech. This was followed by enthusiastic children yelling out the Sports Day Team Chants and dancing to Dynamite in the Health Hustle. Classes then were involved in tabloid events and finished after lunch with sprints and relays. There were plenty of families and friends enjoying the day along with the students. Students all showed great sportsmanship and fair play all day. The behaviour of all students was fantastic. I am extremely proud of each and every one of you. Well done to all the team captains who showed outstanding leadership with the Health Hustle, leading the chants, assisting with organisation and packing up as well as being good role models for younger students. A lot of effort went into organising the day and a big thank you goes to all teachers, SSO's and parents involved. Finally I am pleased to say that the Dingoes were the winning team on the day. Hooray!
Charlee in a sack
Mrs Rothery Egg and spoon race
Eric & Keaton in green
Rhyley ADVANCE NOTICE BREMAN TOWN MUSICIANS
Nikkita
There will be a performance next term at school by a professional theatre group on Friday of week 2, for all students from Reception to Year 7. Further details and invoices will be sent home on Monday, week 1
JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS DAY STORIES……. On Friday it was Sports Day. I was in the Sharks. Sharks are blue. I did the parachute and I did the Health Hustle. I was with Will, Brock, Mitch and Chalang. My mum and dad and grandma came and watched Josh and me. Josh fell off the monkey bars in the obstacle course and banged his head really hard and had to go lay down in the sick room. I had a fruit box and a hotdog for lunch. I had fun on Sports Day. By Emma Beck (Year 2 - CF3) On Friday the 23rd September our school had Sports Day. I was in Crocs. My mum came to watch me and my sister do events. My mum saw me do the sack race but I nearly fell into a hole. I did vortex with Jessica, Tia, Abbie and Margaret. Other events we did included egg and spoon race, parachute and sprints. After recess we watched year 4 and 5's do the sprints and relays. Margaret did the batons. She came third. Then we had to sing our team songs again. This time Dingoes won. That was their first time winning. My favourite event was parachute even though I bashed into Caleb when we were going under it. It was a fun sports day. Our team came second. We were in Crocs. Lorinda Whiteford-Hall (Year 2 - CF3)
AFTER SCHOOL SPORT – TEEBALL & BASEBALL
Ms Meatheringham/Ms Rothery’s class
INDOOR SOCCER Congratulations and well done to The Heights 11 and Under Indoor Soccer Team who won the Grand Final. Heights United defeated Tyndale Silver 2-1. Was a fantastic game which had all the parents on the edge of their seats! Thank you to everyone for their support,
Matches resume on Saturday 22nd October (first Saturday of Term 4). Training for all players is Tuesday after school from 3-4pm on the Middle School oval (near OSHC). New players (girls and boys) from Year 2 to Year 7 are welcome. Please contact Lyn Albury at the school on 0488 027 346 or Robyn Davis (coach) on 8263 3018 if interested.
INDOOR SOCCER 13 and UNDER Well done to The Heights United 13 and under Indoor Soccer Team on a great season. Unfortunately we were beaten in the Semi Finals by RP Legends, 4-3. It was a very exciting game and our players fought hard to the very end. A big thank you to Lachlan Anderson and Liam Welch, who came to the games each week to coach our kids. Also well done to all players, some had never played soccer before, y the end of the season we had really started to work together as a team and improved out of sight!
MILO in2CRICKET Program MILO in2CRICKET is a fun introduction to the game of cricket for boys and girls in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. It provides children with an enjoyable and safe environment where they can learn skills and play games. Your nearest Centre will be run at The Heights School, starting Monday 24th Oct at 3:15pm The cost of the Program is $60 per participant. Every registered child receives an in2CRICKET Pack including bat, ball, t-shirt, bucket hat, backpack and some other goodies To find out more details about your nearest Centre and to register for this season log on to www.in2cricket.com.au <http://www.in2cricket.com.au/> and type in your post code.
MOVIE MARATHON MANIA ARTICLE On the 2nd of September, 2011, 6/7 04 held a movie night called ‘Movie Marathon Mania’. The reason we held ‘Movie Marathon Mania’ was to support Mr Costello’s marathon run in Sydney for the Neurosurgical Research Foundation (NRF) and also for our Year 6/7 Certificate. The NRF helps people with diseases and conditions such as spina bifida, strokes, Alzheimers disease and many more. The two films we showed on the night were ‘Despicable Me’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Pt. 1’. At the door you were able to choose a goodie bag and a drink. There were a few left over so we sold them at our candy bar along with chocolate and lolly bags, chips, popcorn and drinks. The first movie started at 5:45pm and ended at 7:15pm then we held an intermission game called the ’30 Second Basketball Shoot-out’. Congratulations Adam McLarty-Rogers (Ms Weniton’s class) who won with a total of 25 baskets! As a prize, Adam got to choose one thing from the candy bar for free. Andrew Costello with The second movie started at 7:35pm and finished at 10:05pm. We then announced the his son Liam winner of the raffle we held, which was Caleb Bond (6/704)- NOT rigged!! We raised a total of $681.95 from our movie night. Thank you to everyone who supported us, Mr Costello and the NRF. It was a great night, enjoyed by all! Tayla Gunn (6/7 04 SRC) and Paul Blyth (6/7 04)
SOME PHOTOS FROM THE FUNDRAISING WALKATHON TO SUPPORT ANDREW COSTELLO
The amount raised will be published in the next newsletter
Arts Week continued….. Visiting Performers Marryatville High school Baroque ensemble and Instrumental Teaching Services Rock/ Jazz Band entertain our Junior and Middle School students
The Baroque Ensemble – Kaitlin Withers (807) th
On the 19 August 2011, the Baroque Ensemble from Marryatville High School came to the Senior School Drama Space at The Heights School. The Baroque Ensemble is a part of Marryatville High School’s music program, and they were made up of six players and a conductor. The Baroque Ensemble plays only Baroque music – Western classical music from 1600AD to 1750AD. The performance by the Baroque Ensemble had two purposes – educational and entertainment. As for educational, the Baroque Ensemble showed the roles of all of their instruments – bassoon, harpsichord, violin, viola and recorder – and provided information on Baroque music itself. The information they presented was unique and interesting, one in a million. As for entertainment, there was never a dull moment. The Baroque Ensemble varied their styles frequently and the music was very layered and intricate. You didn’t have to be a classical music fan to appreciate the beauty and complexity of their music. Altogether, it was an unprecedented show that was both very educational and entertaining. it to anyone Arts who has even a slight interest in music, ThroughI strongly Musicrecommend and Performing or just wants to try something new.
Tribal Belly Dancing Workshop for Girls
And the Winners are Junior School Kane Lehman (Yr 5) Middle School Christine Liu and Courtney Spence (Yr 6/7) Senior School-Ryan Smith (Yr 11)
Members of The Heights Wakakirri State Winning Team with their Awards
LIBRARY MONITORS’ LUNCH Throughout this year The Library has been assisted by a reliable team of students who give up time either before school, at recess or at lunchtime to serve on the counter and put away books. In acknowledgement of their help The Library hosted a lunch this month to say “Thank You” for the efforts and great company provided by this team.
Chess club Most Thursday afternoons after school a group of enthusiastic students can be found in the Library playing chess. Numbers vary, but usually at least 8 to 12 students stay behind to enjoy a game or two and snacks. Teachers often stop and enjoy watching the games or assist students new to the game. In all, it is very informal and friendly and it provides students with the opportunity to mix with others who are not normally in their immediate circle while offering a chance to improve skills and compete. I would like to thank all staff, students and parents who have attended Chess Club this year and hope to see them back again in 2012 Ms Potts
.
Students enjoying a friendly game in the Library are Reece Rolland, Damien Eadha, Latasha LoSapio, Lianna Retnaraja, Ms Potts, Tristan Rolland, Kaija Draiska, Ben Sakovits
News from the Finance Office….. Materials & Services Fees for 2011 are overdue. The Finance Office will be open every day during the school holidays from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Please note new regulations in credit card payments now require the CVV number (the last 3 digits on the back of your credit card) to be entered otherwise we will be unable to process the payment for you. Alternatively you can use our Bizgate online payment system found on our school website. If you require a School Card form please contact the Finance Office 8263 6244 and we will be happy to post one out to you. A reminder that submissions of School Card applications close November of every year. Thank you and Happy Holidays.
Teacher Professional Learning Program Monday 2.45-3.30pm Week 9: Reporting and assessment Week 10: Litter Management and Curriculum 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.