brighton secondary school newsletter february 2012

BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 1 I February 2012 1

Brighton Secondary School

305 Brighton Road

North Brighton, SA 5048

P 618 8375 8200

F 618 8296 0949

E [email protected]

www.brightonss.sa.edu.au

Department for Education and Child Development

T/A South Australian Government Schools CRICOS Provider Number: 00018A

NewsletterISSUE 1 I February 2012

From the PrincipalWelcome to the 2012 school year which has started well with regard to web speed, staff training and student participation.

Our school day begins with a subject lesson at 8.40am. Students must be at school no later than 8.30am to manage lockers etc. and be in class on time. At school we are setting a standard for punctuality and modelling organisation at this critical time of the year when good or bad habits are set. Students who are late to lesson 1 or wearing incorrect uniform are met by the Principal Team in the Hall then given consequences. This will continue for the first four weeks of term followed by random checks thereafter.

Just because the students are at high school doesn’t mean they can cope without ongoing family support to keep them organised and on track. As a minimum they need a routine, plenty of sleep, set time for homework, bag packed the night before and breakfast before school. Your home systems and training in good habits will reduce morning panics, arguments and give everyone a smooth start to the day. I urge you to purchase a fabric marker and name all bags, clothing, folders. Hide $5 somewhere in their gear in case of emergencies like forgetting lunch.

Students who manage themselves, relate well to others, participate and take responsibility are more likely to thrive. Working hard and getting involved improves our mood and the way we see ourselves and others. I encourage parents to give your children responsibility, routine and expect rigour.

Student Reception staff will only communicate a message to a student in the case of an emergency; delivering lunch is not considered an emergency. Parents are asked not to phone their children during lesson time.

We now have a One to One Learning environment from years 9 to 12. We have installed a new web filter called Barracuda. We expect internet speed and capacity to increase once inappropriate use is minimised. Already teachers are reporting fewer issues to the ICT department.

All students (including Year 12) now have a locker and are expected to use it, especially for the safekeeping of laptops. Combination locks are not permitted as they are easily broken, as are suitcase locks and the like.

The Deadline Policy requires students to submit work by the due date or risk receiving a zero mark. Year 8 students have one term’s grace to adjust to high school’s expectations. If a student can not meet the due date because of illness or family tragedy and the like, he / she must negotiate a new date before the due date of the assignment. In the case of illness, a doctor’s certificate is required. The Deadline Policy operates in the best interests of students and staff. For students, it teaches them to be organised and to manage their workload of assignments. Students are not advantaged over others for having more time to do the work. The teachers can assess everyone’s work at the same time to benchmark the standard and better evaluate student performance. In this regard, the students have a more reliable grade.

The Department of Education and Child Development has approved an additional two days for training in the mandated new Australian Curriculum, but you may be wondering why we have clustered the Training and Development days in week 10, term 1 and Week 1 of term 2 (Thursday 5th April, Thursday 26th April, Friday 27th April). We wish to avoid term 3 because of pressure on Year 12 students and we also believe the training should take place earlier in the year so that teachers can build from it throughout the year.

Furthermore, week 10 of term 1 is already affected by Good Friday and Week 1 term 2 is interrupted by Anzac Day and the Formal. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts many of the Year 12 students do not attend the day of the Formal. Giving consideration to the many interruptions on the calendar, we took a decision to place training days in these weeks.

Olivia O’Neill Principal

DIARY DATES I MERIT CEREMONY I MUSIC I SACE 2011 I ART I ABW I LITERACY PROJECT I CAREERS I COMMUNITY I NEXT PAGE

BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 1 I February 20122

Diary Dates2012FEBRUARY21 School photo catch up 21 SIM Yr 8 Parent meeting21 Friends of Brighton AGM, 7.30pm22 Swimming Carnival23 Uniform Committee24 International Aquatics Orientation27 BSS Annual General Meeting, 6.00pm27 Yr 8 Woodhouse – Buffalo House

excursion28 Yr 8 Woodhouse – Cygnet House

excursion28 SIV Parent Meeting, 6.30pm29 Yr 8 Woodhouse – Holdfast House

excursion

MARCH1 Leadership Assemblies,

Launch 60th Anniversary3-4 Choir Camp5 Interschool Swimming6 Year 8 Standards Day7 Year 9 Standards Day7 Peer Leaders & SRC Conference9 Yr 8 Woodhouse – Rapid House

excursion9-10 Lift Theatre Performance

at Moseley Street, Glenelg12 Adelaide Cup Public Holiday13 Student Free Day,

Staff Training & Development14 Year 8 Immunisations16 60th Anniversary Volleyball Event22 Uniform Committee23 Sports Day23 Harmony Day26 Yr 8, 9, 10 SIV in-school trials26 Finance Meeting27 Friends of BSS meeting, 7.30pm28 Anti-Bullying seminars for Years 8 & 929 Year 11 RAP Program 30 Year 9 Immunisations

APRIL2 Governing Council, 7.30pm3 Years 11 & 12 Parent / Teacher /

Student Conferences, 3.30pm – 8.30pm, by appointments

4 Interschool Athletics4 Last Day of term for students5 Student Free Day,

Staff Training & Development6 Good Friday23 First day of term 225 Anzac Day Holiday26 Student Free Day,

Staff Training & Development27 Student Free Day,

Staff Training & Development27 Year 12 School Formal

MAY2 Year 8 SIV Heathfield Challenge2 Year 8, 9 & 10 Parent / Teacher /

Student Conferences, 3.30pm – 8.30pm, by appointments

7 Governing Council9 Open Day11 Year 8 Immunisations14 SIV Initial Out of zone trial (by appt.)15-17 NAPLAN Testing15-17 Year 12 Aquatics15 SIM Applications close18 NAPLAN catch up 19 SIM Shortlisting23 60th Anniversary Music Event28-29 SIM Auditions

31 SIV Final out of zone trial (by selection)

JUNE2 Italian Day Performance4 Governing Council, 7.30pm11 Queen’s Birthday public holiday18 SIV Year 8 / 9 / 10 in school trials22 Year 10 KO SIV23-30 Sydney Music Trip26-28 SIV Year 9 Tour25-29 Year 10 Work Experience Week29 Last day of Term 2

JULY16 First day of term 316-20 Year 12 Exam week24 Band Night25 Blood Donor Vehicle at school

AUGUST1 Year 11 SACE Parent Evening4-11 Year 10 Ski Trip6 Governing Council, 7.30pm8 Year 10 SACE Parent Evening9 SALA Event “The 60 Diamonds”

9 Adelaide Bands Festival10 Year 9 SIV Heathfield Challenge14 Year 11 & 12 Parent / Teacher / Student

Conferences, 3.30pm – 8.30pm, by appointments

15 Elder Hall Music Concert16 Open KO SIV21 SIV Year 7 in zone trials21 SIM Auditions Year 9-1122 Y ear 8, 9 & 10 Parent / Teacher /

Student Conferences, 3.30pm – 8.30pm by appointments

29 SIV Yr 7 in zone trials29 Percussion showcase30 Course Counselling, 1.30pm for Year 10s31 Course Counselling All day (no lessons)

SEPTEMBER3 Governing Council, 7.30pm4-14 Festival of Music10 School Closure Day14-16 SIV SA Volleyball Schools cup19-21 SIV South Coast Year 10 tour21 Decibel Training Day21 Last day of term 3

OCTOBER8 First day of term 412 Jazz Cabaret19 Decibel Day19 Year 12 lessons conclude23 Year 8 / 9 Beach Volleyball23 New Music concert24 Valedictory24 SIV Year 8 / 9 Beach Volleyball29 Year 12 Exams begin

NOVEMBER1 Peer Leader Training2 Year 8 / 9 KO Volleyball9 60th Anniversary tours10 60th Anniversary Dinner (Morphettville)14 Year 12 Exams conclude15 Charities & Recognition Assembly15 60th Anniversary Closing ceremony

DECEMBER3 Governing Council, 7.30pm3-7 Australian Business Week8-15 SIV Melbourne Schools Championship trip10 Lessons & Carols, St. Peters Cathedral

DIARY DATES I MERIT CEREMONY I MUSIC I SACE 2011 I ART I ABW I LITERACY PROJECT I CAREERS I COMMUNITY

At Government House on Tuesday 14th February seventeen of Brighton Secondary School’s Year 12 cohort of 2011 accepted Merit Awards for their outstanding achievements in 2011. Matthew Oulton and DeAnne Wilson received awards for achieving 2 merits. Rachael Bartholomew was awarded a Special Award for Governor of South Australia Commendation for Outstanding Achievement in SACE.

The school’s Big Band was invited to perform at the Merit Ceremony under the tutelage of Mr. Craig Bentley.

Merit Ceremony Presentation

New Staff in 2012We welcome the following new staff members to Brighton Secondary School• Jack Kyriakou, Coordinator Humanities & Social Sciences

• Mark Orchard, Coordinator Science

• Georgie Barker, Teacher, English, Women’s Studies

• Lindsay Dick, Teacher, English, ESL

• Sandra Frank, Teacher, Art, Home Economics

• Patrick Mackay, Teacher, Tech. Studies

• Michelle Ovan, Teacher, Media Studies, Desktop Publishing

• Mark Frisby-Smith, Teacher, Maths / Science

• Sam Moyle, SSO, Laboratory Technician

• David Searle, SSO, Computing Technician

• Wendy Hunt, Teacher, Home Economics

• Narelle Fisher, Teacher, Photography, Art

Brighton Secondary School

Annual General Meetingwill be held

Monday 27th February 2012 6.00pm Welcome / Musical Items / Refreshments – Reception

6.30pm Annual General Meeting – Conference Room

CongratulationsBrandon Lynch, Year 12, who has

been chosen to play in a Rugby Tour of

the United Kingdom, where he will be

representing Australia against Wales

and England.

Jack Hogan, Year 11, who has been

selected in the State Junior Track Team.

He will compete in Melbourne in March

at the DISC velodrome.

DIARY DATES I MERIT CEREMONY I MUSIC I SACE 2011 I ART I ABW I LITERACY PROJECT I CAREERS I COMMUNITY I PREVIOUS PAGE I NEXT PAGE


Held on Monday 12th December 2011

St Peter’s Cathedral, North AdelaideBeautiful evening, choirs sang magnificently. We had special singers join us on the evening, Ruth Bormann and Limited Edition.

31st Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols 2011

BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 1 I February 20124DIARY DATES I MERIT CEREMONY I MUSIC I SACE 2011 I ART I ABW I LITERACY PROJECT I CAREERS I COMMUNITY

B.S.S. Music Students And ‘The Ratpacks’ Belissima Carnevale PerformancesAt the Italian inspired Carnevale at the Adelaide Showgrounds on Saturday 11th February, with a very unique style, a sophisticated and professional RatPack, the BSS student swinging jazz group, entertained on centre stage. Their polished and enthusiastic set was very well received and appreciated by this year’s Carnevale’s large audience. The RatPack group consists of self selected musical friends from the Special Interest Music Year 8 intake of 2011. Andoni Kapolos (percussionist), Ashleigh Macklin (baritone sax, piano and violin), James Baird (alto sax), Lucas Taylor (lead singer and trumpet), Martin Oakley (double bass and singer), and Rhys Williams (clarinet and piano).

The parents are truly amazed at the slick sound created by these 14 year old band members, most of whom picked up their primary instrument at the start of Year 8 only twelve months ago! Most incredibly, members play more than one instrument and change instruments during the performance. They are a truly talented group of individual musicians who have worked and harmonised together to achieve ensemble performance excellence.

Other BSS music students who had cameo soloist performances, accompanied by Mr. Jeff Kong on keyboard piano, were International Chinese student, Viva Sui, on clarinet who played the classical Weber Theme and Variation; and past student, Mark Oakley, a bass baritone soloist, gave a virtuoso Italian rendition of Rossini’s ‘La Danza’. A very powerful piece and especially pertinent, as some of the Italian audience thought Mark was an Italian, because his diction was so authentic.

Written of behalf of all the Ratpack proud Parents and Carers, Michael Oakley

Carnevale Performances



2011 SACe Annual Report2011 marked a very significant landmark in the SACE. It was the first year of the Stage 2 Research Project and also the first year all Stage 2 subjects were implemented in the curriculum, preceded by significant staff professional development. It is clear that the whole of school planning and preparation undertaken at Brighton Secondary School resulted in all Stage 2 Learning and Assessment Plans being approved by the SACE Board without any need for changes or modifications. The results were outstanding and reflect the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the teachers and the effort from the students. It is a difficult year for many students to navigate their way through a heavy workload and balance work, family and friends and achieving their SACE Certificate is a significant effort in itself.

In 2011 our top-performing student was DeAnne Wilson. DeAnne achieved an ATAR of 99.85 and achieved 2 merits. DeAnne was also awarded the Dux of the school for 2011.

Lauren Footner achieved an ATAR of 99.5 and 1 Merit, Tim Stevens 99.0, Jake Taylor 99.80, Izabella Tunis-Notley 99.0, Samantha Tuscharski 99.05 and 1 Merit.

Other students with particularly outstanding results were:

In total we had 22 students who achieved an ATAR of 95 and above. This compares very favorably with last year where 12 students achieved this result. This group of students deserves special mention for their outstanding results that came about through a consistent and studious approach towards all their subjects.

Student ATAR Merits Student ATAR Merits

Jessica Archbold 97.0 Shai Martin 93.25 1

Rachael Bartholomew 90.25 1 Emma McEwen 91.9

Georgia Bevan 96.2 1 Sarah Metcalfe 93.8

Tara Bouchier 92.45 1 Jack Morris 96.6

Daniel Clarkson 98.05 Mark Oakley 96.3 1

Patrick Cobiac 92.05 Samantha Pretty 91.9

Estelle Coote 97.65 1 Callum Ritchie 94.4

Jack De La Lande 92.6 1 Georgia Ryan 94.05 1

Sarah Edwards 94.9 1 Hanna Sabic 93.05

Renae Fatchen 98.05 1 Alex Schumaker 96.10

Lauren Footner 99.5 1 Rebecca South 91.8

Ashleigh Greaves 94.8 Brianna Speight 96.75 1

Sarah Greenhalgh 94.8 Tim Stevens 99.0

Xuejing Han 96.5 Jake Taylor 99.80

Jessie Hartley 96.0 Izabella Tunis-Notley 99.0

Xuan Huang 94.05 Amber Tuscharski 98.65 1

Alisse Hywood 93.9 Samantha Tuscharski 99.05 1

Karina Leatch 95.55 Jennifer Watson 94.05

Wenhui Li 91.6 DeAnne Wilson 99.85

Yiju Ma 95.55 Emilie Wilson 97.15


2011 SACe Annual ReportAll students who managed to complete their SACE also deserve to be congratulated.

It is a difficult year for many students to navigate their way through a heavy workload and balance work, family and friends and achieving their SACE Certificate is a significant effort in itself.

Our students achieved a total of 19 merits. The details are provided below.

A total of 268 A’s were received by our student cohort in 2011. This compares most favourably with 239 A’s in 2010 and 258 in 2009. Although the number of A+ grades was lower, the overall number of A’s was higher.

Lauren Footner received 8 A’s, Jack De La Lande, Izabella Tunis-Notley, DeAnne Wilson all received 7 A’s, Jessica Archbold, Renae Fatchen and Shai Martin all received 6 A’s and Estelle Coote, Sarah Edwards, Ashleigh Greaves, Alisse Hywood, Karina Leatch, Jack Morris, Hanna Sabic, Timothy Stevens, Jake Elliot, Amber Tuscharski and Samantha Tuscharski received 5 A’s.

Student Name Merits

Matthew Oulton Ensemble Performance and Solo Performance

DeAnne Wilson English Communications and Physics

Tara Bouchier English Communications

Estelle Coote Visual Arts – Art

Jack De La Lande Ensemble Performance

Sarah Edwards Visual Arts – Art

Renae Fatchen Ensemble performance

Lauren Footner Research Project

Finn Galindo Communication Products

Sean Helps Ensemble Performance

Shai Martin Solo Performance

Mark Oakley Ensemble Performance

Georgia Ryan English Communications

Brianna Speight Visual Arts – Art

Amber Tuscharski Visual Arts – Art

Samatha Tuscharski Psychology

Rachael Bartholomew Governor of South Australia SACE Award Governor of SA Commendation for Outstanding Achievement in SACE.

Grade 2009 2010 2011

A+ 93 59 33

A 61 73 108

A- 104 107 127

B+ 122 113 168

B 140 144 151

B- 147 133 161

C+ 126 118 129

C 103 113 129

C- 79 84 53

D+ 66 51 33

D 26 39 11

D- 33 21 15

E+ 31 22 7

E 18 7 2

E- 11 3 7

N 1 0 0

TOTAL 1161 1087 1134

Male Female Total

B- B B-

Number of Results

School Summary InformationMean Stage 2 Grade



The 2012 Year 12 students were recently introduced to the expectations, approach and structure of year 12 visual arts by a visiting group of past 2011 students. Brianna Speight, Sarah Edwards, Amber Tuscharski and Estelle Coote all received merits in the visual arts in 2011. These students provided first hand information to our current students and guided them through examples of their own work in an informal workshop and forum. It was a very valuable experience and many questions were asked and answered.

All students in this course are required to produce an art folio, two final artworks and a visual study. We were very proud of the 2011 visual arts group and look forward to this year’s cohort achieving many creative successes also.

Yas Paterson Coordinator Visual Arts

• If students are absent from school due to illness or otherunavoidable circumstances, parents are required to telephone the school’s absence phone line on 8375 8231 on the morning of the absence. Alternatively, parents may email the school at [email protected] preferably by 10.00am on the day of the absence, and include the child’s full name, Home Group teacher, reason for their absence and when they are expected to return to school.

• In addition to this, for pastoral care purposes, parents arerequested to send a note in the planner to inform Student Reception of the reason for absence

• Parents / students may be required to provide a medicalcertificate to explain absence which exceeds three consecutive days, or for any absence on the day that a SACE summative assessment task is due.

Year 12 Visual Arts Workshop

Absences from School


Australian Business Week“Australian Business Week (ABW) is an exciting one week intensive program where students experience what it is like to run a multi-million dollar company and make decisions which have real outcomes. Student work in a team as they co-operate to complete complex tasks. The week culminates in presentations by each company and an Award Ceremony, giving everyone a sense of achievement and pride. Most students come away with a deeper self-awareness. In fact many students have credited ABW as a critical influence on their career decisions. Ninety Year 10 students completed ABW in 2011 and all were able to gain 10 SACE credits. In 2012, ABW will be run in Week 8 of Term 4 and all Year 10 students are strongly encouraged to enrol in the programme.”

Sandra Larsen Career Development Coordinator



Parents Understanding Asia Literacy Project

Australian Army Cadets

Registrations are now open for parents from around Australia to participate in Parents Understanding Asia Literacy: Building demand for Asian languages and studies. The 2 day professional learning program is being conducted for clusters of schools across Australia in Semester 1 of 2012. The South Australian training will take place on Monday 20th March. The aim of the program is to build parents’ understanding of the importance of learning about Asia and Asian languages to increase career and life opportunities for their children.

Ian Dalton, Australian Parents Council Executive Director said “We know that parents influence the subject choices students make. If they are appropriately informed and engaged they can also drive school curriculum choices and pathways that are best for their children.”

Information and registrations are available at: http://www.pual.org.au/

Please phone Barbara Richards, Deputy Principal Director of Curriculum for more information.

Parent / Teacher / Student ConferencesPlease put the following times in your diaries

Parent / Teacher / Student conferences will be held for Years 11 & 12 students on Tuesday 3rd April, 3.30pm – 8.30pm.

And

Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences will be held for Years 8, 9 & 10 students on Wednesday 2nd May, 3.30pm – 8.30pm

Students / Parents will be expected to make appointments for these interviews.

More information will be sent home later in the term.

The Australian Army Cadets is a leading national youth development organisation for all teenagers, aged 12½ to 19 years of age. The Army Cadet Unit is based at Keswick Army Barracks and is the only Army Cadet Unit that is a dedicated Pipes and Drums band in Australia. The cadets are unique, gaining the training and knowledge of the regular army cadets and the specialised knowledge and experiences of being in an Army Cadet Band.

The Army Cadet Unit has an extensive history in South Australia dating back to the late 1970s. In that time it has carried out many activities including supporting other units in South Australia (and the entire brigade) during ceremonial parades. Members have also attended the School of Music in Melbourne and the Edinburgh Tattoo in Scotland.

The Unit is currently on a recruiting drive. They are looking for individuals who have an interest in music and doing cadet training. There is no requirement for them to have experience in playing pipes or drums as the Unit supplies the tutoring. Uniforms and musical equipment is also supplied. The unit parades on a Friday night from 6.30pm - 10.00pm and parts of cadet training can go towards SACE credits.

For more information on this program please visit www.cadetnet.gov.au or contact Lt Daniel Simon, Commanding Officer, Army Cadet Unit, phone 0427 021 281.


Career NewsYear 10 Work Experience Week Monday 25th June to Friday 29th JuneAll Year 10 students complete work experience as part of their Personal Learning Plan. Work Experience week in 2012 will be Monday 25 June to Friday 29 June.

Year 10 students will receive a “Work Experience Pack” in their Home-Group in mid Term 1. This pack contains all the relevant information and documentation needed for work experience.

Questions about work experience can be directed to the Career Development Coordinator – Sandra Larsen or to Year 10 Home Group teachers.

Defence Force Technical Scholarship (DTS)The Defence Force Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students. Year 11 students will receive $2,000 and Year 12 students will receive $3,000.If you answer “YES” to the following questions you could be eligible:

• AnAustraliancitizen

• InYear11or12

• EnrolledinMathematics

• EnrolledinaVETtradesubject

• PassedYear10English,MathematicsandScience

Go to the following website to find out more information and to download an application form http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/DTS or collect information from Ms Larsen in the Careers Room.

Learning Pathways - Pathways Through School And BeyondThere are many different pathways that can lead to rewarding careers. Remember, a choice made today is not a choice made forever. People are no longer locked into one occupation or education level. It is possible to move from work to study, TAFE to University, or from an Australian Apprenticeship into a long-term professional career.During school most young people choose between one or more of the following post Year 10 or post Year 12 pathways:

• Studying through TAFE, a private Registered TrainingOrganisation, a community training provider or University

• UndertakinganAustralianApprenticeship

• Takeagapyearwheretheymightparticipateincommunityorvolunteer work and/or travel

• Startingabusiness

• Findingemployment

Research shows that people are much more likely to get a job if they have Year 12 or an equivalent vocational qualification. However, some young people feel that staying on at school is not for them. If this applies to your teenager, they might want to consider combining their school studies with some practical, paid training.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools allows students to combine vocational studies with their other subjects as they continue to work towards completing Year 12. In this way, students can keep their options open to pursue further full-time or part-time vocational training or to move into tertiary studies.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships give young people the option of starting an Australian Apprenticeship while they are still at school. They can earn a wage as they work and study and this can give them a head start in their chosen career.

For information about Pathways, VET and School-Based Apprenticeships please contact Sandra Larsen, the Career Development Coordinator, phone 8375 8200.

Thank YouThe Technology staff at Brighton Secondary School would like to thank Laser 3D (S.A.) Pty. Ltd for their continued support in supplying precision laser cut materials free of cost for Years 11 & 12 student projects. Their support is very much appreciated.

Laser 3D (S.A.) Pty. Ltd.4 Portsmouth Court, Gillman, SA 5013P.O. Box 134, Rosewater East SA 5013

E: [email protected]: (08) 8240 4888Fax: (08) 8240 4999Web: www.laser3d.com.au



“A Christian Pastoral Support Worker is a trained, experienced and compassionate person who joins a school community to provide extra support to all young people, families and staff. They respect diversity and school values, and their role excludes proselytizing, promoting a particular set of beliefs, or religious education. They provide pastoral care, enhance student well-being, and support the school to be a safe and supportive learning environment.”From Chelsea Lake, Brighton Secondary School CPSW

Hi, my name is Chelsea Lake and I am the Christian Pastoral Support Worker (CPSW, or you may be familiar with the former term, chaplain) at Brighton Secondary School. For those not familiar with the work of a CPSW, my role is quite a diverse one, but essentially it is to support the school community.

I am in the school each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and a typical day for me might look like visiting an art or drama class, spending time in the yard with students during breaks, visiting homegroups to get to know students, supporting peer leaders and homegroup teachers; connecting with staff in the staff room or at meetings, or having one on one conversations with students needing to share a burden. Of course there are many more activities that pop up – excursions and school events for example – but my day to day tasks generally see me supporting students in feeling comfortable and enjoying their high school experience.

Each year I love visiting the Year 8 classes and homegroups, and spending time in the yard with these new and excited students. As I meet them, though, I am aware that the excitement showing on the surface is not the only emotion bubbling away inside of them. For me, remembering back to my Year 8 days, I know there was excitement and anticipation of what this new chapter of life would bring, but also nerves and some fear. “Less than two months ago, I was the big kid and now I’m the newbie at the school. Where are all my classes? How will I remember all my teachers’ names? Are the Year 12s really going to pick on me? Will I be able to make new friends, and how do I put in a lunch order at the canteen?” My guess is that the experience I’m describing is not too dissimilar to what many of the Year 8s are feeling in these first few weeks at school.

Some students may embrace this new lifestyle and thrive on the adventure that it brings, but for others this change can be daunting and may take a little getting used to. I’ve met students in the past few weeks that are in both camps. I think the most helpful thing to remember is that these are normal feelings because transition always brings up a little bit of anxiety. Things are changing and there are new people, new information and new routines to get used to. But before long, students – and families of these students who are also adjusting to the change! – will find themselves comfortable and enjoying this new chapter.

If there is anything specifically that you would like my support in, please feel free to contact me through the school.

Christian Pastoral Support Worker

Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle ProgramBrighton Secondary School year 9 and 10 students will be involved in an Obesity and Lifestyle Prevention (OPAL) study which is being managed by SA Health and Finders University.The purpose of this project is to survey year 9 and 10 students state-wide about what they eat and what physical activities they take part in. It is an excellent opportunity to educate our students in the collection of data and its evaluation, and for Brighton Secondary students to contribute their knowledge and understanding of healthy lifestyle choices.

Students will receive an information pack in their home group on Tuesday 28th February. Please read these, sign and return the consents to your homegroup teacher by Tuesday 6th March at the latest. In this information pack there is a brochure outlining the program, a consent for your child to participate in the survey and a consent for your child’s height, weight and waist measurements to be checked in a screened, non invasive, professional manner where all measurements are strictly confidential.

The OPAL team will come to Brighton Performing Arts Centre on Thursday 8th March to survey and measure the year 10 cohort and again on the 29th March for the year 9 cohort. Brighton Secondary School, SA Health and Flinders University encourage you to take part in this project, which has the potential to make a positive long-term contribution to our States health and well being.

If you have any question regarding this project contact me at the school on 8375 8212, or contact the OPAL Evaluation 1800 study support line on 1800 783 083.

Peter Vowles Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator


Parenting CoursesThe following Parent Courses are offered to parents by different organisations, e.g. Relationships Australia, Effective Living Centre, CentraCare. Please phone as below for more details.

Community News

Talks so Kids Listen Wednesday 21st March, 7.30pm Bookings 8271 0329

Developing Resilience Wednesday 28th March, 7.30pm Bookings 8271 0329

How to Drug Proof your Kids Wednesday 23rd May, 7.00pm for 6 evening sessions Bookings 8245 8100

Focus on Kids Monday 7th May 7.00pm for 5 evening sessions Bookings 8245 8100

For Dads: Parenting after Separation Tuesday 3rd April, 7.00pm for 6 evening sessions Bookings 8245 8100

Mums House, Dads House 29th March, 9.30am Bookings 8210 8200

Keeping Kids in Mind 1st March, 5 morning sessions Bookings 8210 8200

Netballers Wanted:The Morphettville Park Netball Club, Cnr Ewell and Buckingham Avenue, Warradale are looking for Experienced and Beginner Netballers of Under 8 years – Under 17 years. Registration day is on 28th February 6.00pm. For more information please contact Brenda on: 0413 285 393 or email: [email protected]

Sturt Blue Light Under Age Rage Dates for 2012 The Blue Light Events for 2012 will be held at the Marion Cultural Centre, Domain Theatre, 287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park. They are suitable for 9 – 17 years of age. Events are fully supervised by Police and great prizes are given away on the night. The events run from 7.30pm – 10.00pm. Tickets cost $7.00 and are available from the box office, phone 8375 6855.

The following are the Blue Light dates for 2012:17th February16th March4th May29th June10th August21st September9th November14th December

All monies raised go to supporting youth events / school programs in the local area.



STENCIL IT @ THE BAY

WANT TO CREATE A STENCIL ARTWORK?

10 LUCKY PEOPLE, AGED 14 -25 YEARS WITH AN INTEREST IN STENCIL ART GET TO WORK ALONGSIDE ARTIST JOSHUA SMITH TO CREATE A PUBLIC ARTWORK AT GLENELG.

WORKSHOP DATES Saturday 10 March 10am – 3pm Saturday 17 March 10am – 3pm

Please contact Jenni on 8229 9969 for more information or to register your interest or visit www.holdfast.sa.gov.au


Student Safety

STENCIL IT @ THE BAY

WANT TO CREATE A STENCIL ARTWORK?

10 LUCKY PEOPLE, AGED 14 -25 YEARS WITH AN INTEREST IN STENCIL ART GET TO WORK ALONGSIDE ARTIST JOSHUA SMITH TO CREATE A PUBLIC ARTWORK AT GLENELG.

WORKSHOP DATES Saturday 10 March 10am – 3pm Saturday 17 March 10am – 3pm

Please contact Jenni on 8229 9969 for more information or to register your interest or visit www.holdfast.sa.gov.au



BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 7 I September 2011

Join our line up at the school’s

60th AnniversAry volleybAll reunion

It’s the ‘big hit’ of our 60th Anniversary Celebrations. An ‘ace’ get together for the Special Interest Volleyball program. Volleyball students, coaches, fans and family are all welcome to join us for light refreshments and a tour of the State Volleyball Centre.

Don’t hear about it all from ‘the sidelines’ after it’s over – there’ll be no ‘substitution’ for being there!

venue: Brighton Secondary School State Volleyball Centre 305 Brighton Road, North Brighton

Date: Friday 16th March 2012

time: 7:00pm - 8:30pmDrinks and light refreshments will be ‘served’.

so we can ‘rally’ to the catering rsvP to Jennifer Panno by 7th March 2012. Ph: 8375 8207 email [email protected] or reply via the old scholars facebook page link at www.brightonss.sa.edu.au

‘Dig’ about for any photos we can display on the night and ‘pass’ them on to Jennifer. When you RSVP, please provide your full name and the years you attended the school.

Diamond Anniversary Gala Dinner 10 november 2012The more past students and staff who spread the word, the more special our celebration will be.

If you are interested in helping with the reunion for the 60th Anniversary please contact Deb Parsons by emailing [email protected]

“The Turning Point of Inspiration”

Classes are offered in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Ballet Technique

Classes are held Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at Flambouro Hall, Fulton Street,

Glenelg North, Glenelg North Community Centre, Alison Street, Glenelg North.

For further information please contact Shantel, mobile 0432 324 701

Web www.pivotaldance.com or email [email protected]

Special Offer: First 3 weeks

classes 50% off.

BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 1 I February 201218DIARY DATES I MERIT CEREMONY I MUSIC I SACE 2011 I ART I ABW I LITERACY PROJECT I CAREERS I COMMUNITY I PREVIOUS PAGE

brighton secondary school newsletter february 2012

Documents

school year

school day

best interests of students

lesson time

high school doesnt

critical time

new date

student reception staff