brighton secondary school newsletter may 2012

BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 3 I May 2012 1BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 3 I May 2012

Responsibility | Integrity | Fairness | Co-operation | Respect | Excellence

The Apple Summit for Educational Leaders from all around the world was held in Geneva this year.

The 2011 Singapore Summit provided me with powerful learning, especially an approach called “Challenge Based Learning”. This year’s summit in Geneva did not disappoint. It seems that Challenge Based Learning is taking off right around the world. You can find out more at www.challengebasedlearning.org

There were inspirational and motivated speakers including John Couch, the Vice President of Apple Education; Chip Heath, author of “Switch”; the head physicist at CERN (Centre for European Nuclear Research) and Ray Zahab, who ran for 111 days across the Sahara Desert. His story is profiled in a film by Matt Damon.

There were many more outstanding presentations demonstrating how students learn with iPads. The interactivity of the iPad is conducive to learning. I was particularly impressed with the iBook software, provided free through iTunesU to schools. Teachers and students are able to create their own textbooks. The interactive textbooks already available make learning so much more engaging. The thousands of Apps on the iPad are excellent learning and teaching tools. Once you have experienced the App, “Solar Walk”, you can not imagine learning the same from a drawing in a textbook.

The School Formal was a resounding success for students as well as teachers. The organising team deserves high praise.

The successful Professional Development days provided the teachers with time to learn the new Australian Curriculum. Some staff are already trialing the Australian Curriculum this year in preparation for 2013 at which time all staff will be required to teach it.

The Governing Councillors attended the Governing Council Sunday conference at the Haven Marina where they heard about the legal aspects of governance as well as an introduction to the “Rite Journey” program for Year 9 girls and boys. This looks like an interesting approach to helping 14 year olds take on responsibility and enter adult life.

Olivia O’Neill Principal

Brighton Secondary School

305 Brighton RoadNorth Brighton, SA 5048

P 618 8375 8200F 618 8296 0949

E [email protected]

Department for Education and Child Development

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

NewsletterISSUE 3 I May 2012

From the Principal

Staff at the BSS Year 12 Formal

BRIGHTON SECONDARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER I ISSUE 3 I May 2012

Responsibility | Integrity | Fairness | Co-operation | Respect | Excellence2

To Ethan Rump, Year 11, who has been selected in the Secondary School Sport SA Interstate Swimming Championships to be conducted in Sydney in July / August.

Kayla McGrath, Year 8, who gained final selection in the FFSA Under 13 Girls State Soccer Team and during the holidays competed at the 2012 FFA National Junior Football Championships in Canberra.

Olivia Griffiths, Year 8, competed in the Junior National Athletics Championships held in Sydney in March. Olivia won a Bronze medal in the Under 15 Women’s Pole Vault.

Jacob Cocks, Year 12, on his selection in the Athletics SA State Team that competed at the 2012 Australian Junior Championships in Sydney.

Rachel Lyons, Year 11, who was selected to represent SA in the State team for the National Gymnastics Championships in Sydney at the end of May.

Brighton Secondary School student Nicole Evans has received an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award for her community involvement. Nicola took part in a 4 week World Challenge expedition to Laos and Vietnam in November 2011. In order to fund the trip Nicola sought part-time work and also participated in group fundraising which included a movie and quiz night. In Laos and Vietnam Nicola and her peers worked in a refuge for homeless and disabled adults. The project they undertook was renovating a bathroom facility - this involved demolition of existing facilities in preparation for a safer bathroom to be installed. Nicola received a $100 cheque and certificate for contribution to a worthy cause.

Diary Dates 2012

Congratulations ADf Long Tan Award

MAY11 Year 8 Immunisations

14 SIV Initial Out of zone trial (by appt.)

15-17 NAPLAN Testing

15-17 Year 12 Aquatics

15 SIM Applications close

18 NAPLAN catch up

19 SIM Shortlisting

23 60th Anniversary Music Event

28-29 SIM Auditions

31 SIV Final out of zone trial (by selection)

JUNE2 Italian Day Performance

4 Governing Council, 7.30pm

11 Queen’s Birthday public holiday

17 Chaplain’s Concert

18 SIV Year 8 / 9 / 10 in school trials

22 Year 10 KO SIV

23-30 Sydney Music Trip

26-28 SIV Year 9 Tour

25-29 Year 10 Work Experience Week

25-29 Year 11 Examinations

26-29 Year 9 SIV Eyre Peninsula Tour

29 Last day of Term 2

JULY16 First day of term 3

16-20 Year 12 Exam week

24 Band Night

25 Blood Donor Vehicle at school



As the two Brighton Secondary School Head Prefects, Thomas Agars and Kate Forrester spoke emotionally about their family connections with the day, a light rain started to fall.

“Great-grandfather’s wish was for a safe and peaceful society in which his family could live...” Kate Forrester said.

At 5am on a cold and wet morning the “School Boys Chamber Choir”, music staff and other students and staff assembled beneath the Arch of Remembrance at Jetty Road Brighton to prepare for the 2012 Anzac Day Dawn Service. The Choir, led by Andrew Barrett and accompanied by Annie Kwok, sang two hymns “O Valiant Hearts” and “Abide With Me” as well as the Australian National Anthem. As a special tribute, the New Zealand National Anthem was sung in Te-Aka Maori.As the contingent of returned service men and women marched proudly, the huge crowd clapped enthusiastically to acknowledge their brave service to Australia. Despite many being of senior age, and the hurt they were feeling, all the returned service men and women stood in silent attention throughout the service. The many children and adults in the audience also showed their respect for the solemn occasion by standing quiet and still, not even raising umbrellas to combat the cold and rain.

As the two Brighton Secondary School Head Prefects, Thomas Agars and Kate Forrester spoke emotionally about their family connections with the day, a light rain started to fall. “Great-grandfather’s wish was for a safe and peaceful society in which his family could live. Unfortunately this was not the case for his children, as my Grandfather later fought in the Second World War. I am thankful for their sacrifices as I live in a free and safe society.” Kate Forrester.

To conclude the event, students from all the local schools and representatives of numerous other organisations lay wreaths at the base of the Arch of Remembrance.

Jan Sutherland, Counsellor and Kate Forrester, Head Prefect

Anzac Day Dawn Service 25th April, 2012

Head Prefects Thomas Agars and Kate Forrester under the Arch of Remembrance



In a new revamped competition at Santos Stadium Brighton Secondary School competed in the A2 division. Both boys and girls were outstanding in their endeavour all day and achieved some great results. The girls won their division and the boys came second in theirs. The combined results revealed Brighton as the winner of A2 and therefore will be promoted to A1 next year.

Special mention must go to Jacob Cocks who broke the 2km steeplechase record.

Many thanks to staff members Matt Fuss, Ross Service and Barbara Bleckly for their support. Please see below for results.

Jason Archer Sport Coordinator

Interschool Athletics



Certificates won: First = 29, Second = 19, Third = 12.

Name Place Event

Jacob Cocks FirstFirst

Open Boys 1500m Open Boys 2000m Steeplechase

Riley Cocks FirstFirst

Open Boys 3000m Open Boys 800m

Drew Crichton First Under 15 Boys 4 x 100m Relay

Cel Dona Second Second Third Third

Under 15 Girls 4 x 100m Relay Under 15 Girls Triple Jump Under 15 Girls 90m Hurdles Under 15 Girls Long Jump

Molly Duncan FirstFirstSecondThird

Under 15 Girls Javelin Under 16 Girls Javelin Under 15 Girls 4 x 100m Relay Under 15 Girls 200m

Larissa Fielding Third Under 14 Girls 1500m

Zoe Flinn Second Under 14 Girls 4 x 100m Relay

Samantha Franson First Second

Under 14 Girls 400m Under 14 Girls 4 x 100m Relay

Katie Gardner Second Under 14 Girls 800m

Aaron Goodstone First Second

Under 15 Boys 4 x 100m Relay Under 15 Boys Triple Jump

Blake Goodstone FirstThirdThird

Under 15 Boys 4 x 100m Relay Under 15 Boys 200m Under 15 Boys High Jump

Olivia Griffiths FirstFirstSecondSecond

Open Girls Pole Vault Under 14 Girls Discus Under 15 Girls 4 x 100m Relay Under 14 Girls 80m Hurdles

Maddie Gurr First Second

Under 16 Girls 400m Under 16 Girls 800m

Curtis Hall Third Open Boys 400m

Scarlett Hosking FirstSecondSecond

Under 14 Girls 100m Under 14 Girls 200m Under 14 Girls 4 x 100m Relay

Name Place Event

Marcus Johnson Third Under 14 Boys 100m

Britt Kendall FirstSecond

Open Girls High Jump

Hannah Kent Second Under 14 Girls Long Jump

Georgina Kind Second Under 15 Girls 4 x 100m Relay

Meica Martin Second Under 15 Girls 4 x 100m Relay

Francesca Olds First Under 14 Girls Triple Jump

Connor Richmond-Spouse

Third Under 14 Boys 800m

Harrison Riddle SecondSecond

Under 16 Boys 100m Under 16 Boys 200m

Bradley Sibbons Third Under 16 Boys 100m Hurdles

Torben Sorensen FirstFirst

Under 16 Boys Discus Under 16 Boys Shot Put

Cameron Taeuber First Under 16 Boys Triple Jump

Jonathan Ting FirstThird

Under 15 Boys Javelin Under 15 Boys Shot Put

Keely Tyler-Dowd FirstFirst

Open Girls 100m Hurdles Open Girls Triple Jump

Lachlan Tyler-Dowd FirstFirst

Under 16 Boys 400m Under 16 Boys High Jump

Lewis Warland FirstFirst FirstFirst

Under 15 Boys 100m Under 15 Boys 100m Hurdles Under 15 Boys 4 x 100m Relay Under 15 Boys Long Jump

Rohan Wight Third Under 15 Boys 1500m

Matt Wright FirstSecond

Open Boys Javelin Open Boys Discus



The Brighton Secondary School Sports Day was held on Friday 23rd March. Students didn’t let the blustery overcast conditions dampen their house spirit. The track was alive and bustling with house colours and the cheers from the house areas, spurred competitors on down the final straight. It was a very successful day, which promoted physical activity for all, in a carnival like atmosphere. Students supported their house by participating in athletics, novelty events and new sporting events, which were added and promoted by the SACE Stage One Event Management class and Michelle Andersen. These included netball, table tennis and beach volleyball. There was an outstanding involvement in track events with the 100m, 200m having at least six full heats in a number of year groups. The 1500m event was again a highlight of the day with well over one hundred students competing in the event. The tug of war was contested competitively in good spirit.

The House Captains did a great job of decorating house areas and rallying support and participation. Thankyou to the Physical Education staff whose skills and support in the organisation of the day helped it run seamlessly. Thanks also to the ground staff, teachers who officiated, SSO staff and the Principal Team. Congratulations to all students for the way they supported the event, each other and for their participation in a great day and to Rapid house for winning the 2012 sports day shield.

Peter Vowles Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator

Sports Day

Place House Points

1 Rapid 1647

2 Holdfast 1495

3 Cygnet 1469

4 Buffalo 1398

Results by House:



R / U = Runner upW = Winner

Year Position Name House Points

8 R / U Katie Gardner Rapid 42

8 W Olivia Griffiths Buffalo 46

9 R / U Hannah Dubsky Rapid 39

9 W Molly Duncan Rapid 42

10 R / U Chloe Taylor Rapid 45

10 W Maddie Gurr Holdfast 46

Open W Britt Kendall Holdfast 42

Open W Keely-Tyler-Dowd Rapid 42

Year Position Name House Points

8 R / U Connor Richmond-Spouse

Holdfast 25

8 W Jack Dowling Cygnet 46

9 R / U Brodie McLeod Buffalo 42

9 W Drew Crichton Rapid 48

10 R / U Blake Goodstone Buffalo 44

10 W Lachlan Tyler-Dowd

Holdfast 46

Open R / U Cameron Taeuber Holdfast 36

Open W Curtis Hall Buffalo 46

Event Who House Old Record

New Record

Open Boys 3000m

Jacob Cocks Rapid 9.03 8.54

Open Boys 1500m


Open Boys 800m


Yr 10 Long Jump

Lewis Warland Buffalo 5.72 6.41

Open Discus Matthew Wright Cygnet 34.40 37.22

Individual Winners:Girls

Boys

Records Broken:



Interschool Swimming Carnival

Peter Baker-Hutton Third U15 Boys 50m freestyle div 3

Adele Beaumont First Second Third

U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle U14 Girls 50m backstroke div 2 U14 Girls 50m breaststroke div 3

Josh Connell Third U14 Boys 50m breaststroke div 3

Drew Crichton First U15 Boys 50m freestyle div 2

Claude Crowe Third U16 Boys 50m freestyle div3

Taylah Eastwood First First Second

U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle U14 Girls 50m breaststroke div 1 U14 Girls 50m backstroke div 1

Larissa Fielding First First Second Third

U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle U14 Girls 50m backstroke div 3 U14 Girls 50m breaststroke div 2 U14 Girls 50m freestyle div 1

Katie Gardner First Second

U15 Girls 50m freestyle div 2 U16 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle

Liam Jones Third U14 Boys 50m backstroke div 2

Jett Klass Third Open Boys 50m butterfly div 2

Olivia McCulloch First First Second Third

U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle U14 Girls 50m freestyle div 3 U16 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle U16 Girls 50m freestyle div 3

Ariel Pisters Second U16 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle

Tj Rump Second Second Third

U15 Girls 50m breaststroke div 1 U16 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle U15 Girls 50m freestyle div 1

Jack Thiele Second Third

U16 Boys 50m freestyle div 1 Open Boys 50m butterfly div 1

Adele Beaumont U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle

Taylah Eastwood U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle

Larissa Fielding U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle

Olivia McCulloch U14 Girls 4 x 50m freestyle

Jack Thiele Open Boys 50m Butterfly U16 Boys 50m Freestyle

Certificate Winners:

Standard Winners:On 5th March Brighton competed in ‘C’ Grade of the SSSSA Interschool Swimming Championships.

The students present did a fantastic job representing Brighton.

Many junior swimmers filled events 2-3 years above their age group and not only gained valuable points for Brighton but also respect.

Congratulations to those students who gained a placing and or a ‘standard’ (outstanding benchmark performance).Jason Archer Sport Coordinator



On 19th March Brighton entered 28 teams in the VSA ‘2012 Pairs Beach Volleyball Championships’ held at Glenelg. This year VSA limited the number of teams schools could enter in this annual event. It was decided that we would only enter Year 10 students in Division 1 across year 10-12 competitions. This provided a good level of competition from a range of different schools including Hallett Cove and Woodcroft. The day proved to be successful with a number of our teams winning gold and silver medals. This culminated in us winning the overall title of ‘2012 School of the Beach’. Equally important was the pleasing manner in which the students conducted themselves and represented their school. Many thanks to Ben Smith for his assistance on the day. We are hoping to have a senior pairs competition held here at Brighton later this year to cater for the Year 11 and 12 students who missed out.

Below is a summary of all medal winners:

Year 10 Division 1

Haylee Tisher and Keely Kither - Gold

Eva Blazincic and Tahlia Kither - Silver

Matthew Thomas and Nyland Court - Gold

Year 11 Division 1

Kate Ryan and Carly Ludemann - Gold

Chloe Taylor and Chloe Paterson - Silver

Josh Niven and Cody Kumnick - Gold

Olivier Beaumont and Dylan Cox - Silver

Year 12 Division 1

Kelly Van Der Linde and Samantha O’Malley - Gold

Eva Howat, Erin Howie and Renee Carr - Silver

Brayden Roberts and Brodie Kelly - Gold

Shane Durbridge Volleyball Teacher

CongratulationsYear 12 SIV student Rebecca Reeve has been chosen to represent Australia in the U19 Australian Women’s Beach Volleyball team. The team will be travelling to Turkey, Holland and Cyprus from June 23rd to 15th July.

2012 Volleyball SA Beach Schools Cup



Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador Travis Moran Visits BSSIn Term One Brighton Secondary School had a visit from Travis Moran, who gave a speech in the Library to some of the Year 8 – 10 English students. He is a Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador and he spoke to us about how reading has made a positive impact on his life.Travis was also a member of the 2004 Olympic Volleyball team. He was the youngest player in the Australian Volleyball team in Athens and also the youngest in the men’s volleyball competition. Travis has travelled with the National team to a variety of countries including; Japan, USA, Canada, Czech Republic, Croatia, Tunisia, China and Poland.

Having played for a number of years, he realised he would not be able to play volleyball his whole life and so had to pick another path. Travis admits that to begin with he didn’t like to read much, but after his finances got low he decided to take up reading and studied to become a lawyer. He has just completed a Law/Arts degree at Adelaide University. Travis emphasised that trying new things or giving things a go that you initially consider boring or not cool, like reading, can give you many opportunities and get you quite far in life. He explained that learning to read well is just like learning a new sport or skill; you need to start from scratch, practice and work your way up to the top. Travis has realised how much of a real impact reading has made on his life. He believes that he would not be where he is now if it wasn’t for reading.

Travis Moran was very inspirational and was exceptionally happy to answer any of our questions. Year 8-12 students can get Premier’s Reading Challenge forms from their English teacher.

Katie Gardner and Tahlia Wesley Year 8 English students



Brighton Secondary School students attended Adelaide Writers’ Week at the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden on the second of March this year. It was a sunny day, and as the students entered the gardens it came apparent that the theme of the event was loosely based on the concept of ‘Home’ and how it influences the creative juices of the guest authors.Linda Jaivin, author of titles such as Eat Me was the first speaker of the day. Her most recent book The Infernal Optimist was written from her experience working with asylum seekers. Her insight of their struggles and the continuous theme of homecoming were inspirational as were the two past refugees on the panel who now practise law and psychology in Australia.

Alice Pung, the next speaker, and author of Unpolished Gem – which is studied in senior school - talked about her most recent book Growing up Asian in Australia. She also shared some of her father’s war experiences in Cambodia. Her speech was enlightening and her young and fresh attitude was refreshing.

Freestyler Ron Rash, an energetic and entertaining poet and winner of such awards as the 2010 Frank O’Connor Award, had his audience participating with him as he explained how to build a poem and turn it into a rap song. Ms Kargans won the rap competition with her excellent rhyming skills!

David Levithan, author of such titles as Boy Meets Boy, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares, Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, also spoke on the day. He was wildly hilarious and captivated his audience with snippets of his latest novel Will Grason, Will Grason.

Attending Writers Week was all in all very beneficial for all involved, and an exciting experience for teachers and students alike.

Kate Harvey Year 12

Year 12 English Studies Students at Writers’ Week



Women’s Studies was kicked off this year with an invitation to attend the Adelaide International Women’s Day Breakfast, organised by UN Women. I attended this breakfast along with several students from my class including Maddie, Emma, Chloe, Georgia P, and Kate. It was an early start to the day, waking up at the unspeakable time of five in the morning. We found our way to the Adelaide Convention Centre, and were soon ushered inside and into our seats.The breakfast was the biggest one of its kind in Australia so far. Senator Penny Wong hosted the event, and we eventually had the opportunity to meet and speak to her, which was exciting. The theme of the breakfast was supporting women’s economic empowerment and discussing the lack of safety within marketplaces overseas, especially within Papua New Guinea. These marketplaces serve as the grounds where women trade goods and earn money, and they are constantly abused by drunkards, subjected to violence, and robbed.

Alice Pung was the keynote speaker and she told the story of her mother. Her mother was a survivor of Cambodia’s killing fields and came to Australia to pursue a new life with a family. She spent most of her days away in their backyard shed, making jewellery and trading with stores. Alice explained that her mother had always felt like a failure, and that she was anything but.

I enjoyed attending this breakfast, as did the other girls who came. I feel that I’ve learnt more about women’s struggles around the world, and I would love to go again.

Georgia Edgar Year 12

Un International Women’s Day Breakfast

“The theme of the breakfast was supporting women’s economic empowerment and discussing the lack of safety within marketplaces overseas, especially within Papua New Guinea.”



Languages and Exchanges news Term 1 though short was extremely busy! We welcomed a number of new exchange students: Fabian Tandler from Switzerland through STS

Vincent Bruening from Germany through Southern Cross Cultural

Anna Spadoni from Italy through Southern Cross Cultural

Marlet Stemmer from Germany through the Year 11 German class

Lynn Lenffer from Germany through the Year 11 German class.

Unfortunately, we have already had to farewell all but Anna Spadoni who is with us till the end of Term 2.

Congratulations to Maddie Sims, Year 10, who has successfully applied for a Southern Cross Cultural exchange to France. She leaves for St Étienne de Montluc (Bretagne) in September for five months. She’s already had a one-hour phone conversation with members of her host family (in French and English) and we know she’ll make the most of her time there.

Also congratulations to Year 11 German students Jane Burton and Claire Sherrah, who hosted Marlet and Lynn last term, and who will be spending November to January in Germany.

There are opportunities to host through Southern Cross and Students of the World publicised in this newsletter.

Languages classes have been involved in a variety of enjoyable and challenging activities:

The Year 8 and 9 Japanese classes have been developing their skills using iPad apps, with one class even being visited by the Prime Minister when she was at Brighton! The Year 9’s have just begun working with Year 7’s at Brighton Primary, continuing the programme begun last year, thanks to teacher Amie Flink.

Year 8 students participated in the Japanese poetry recital, doing very well, as was reported in the last newsletter. We look forward to hearing about Kodomo no Hi (children’s day) festivities, and the Year 8 restaurant excursion, next time.

The Years 10, 11, and 12 French classes enjoyed our French Film Festival excursion to see La Fille du Puisatier, directed by Daniel Auteuil. Based on a Marcel Pagnol novel, and featuring the incomparable scenery of southern France, it’s a classic war-time love story.

In class it’s been business as usual, including poster making and games like word or number bingo, and Monsieur l’invisible, in Year 8 and 9 French, and the Year 10’s had fun following each other’s directions to different mystery spots in the school grounds.

Year 9 and 11 students in French, German and Japanese are now taking advantage of the opportunity to enter the National Assessment of Language Competence tests. We wish them well!

Lyn Hearn Coordinator, Languages and Exchanges

The Year 8 and 9 Japanese classes have been developing their skills using iPad apps, with one class even being visited by the Prime Minister when she was at Brighton!



Life Drawing at the Art GalleryRecently the senior students in Art attended a Life Drawing Workshop at the Art Gallery of SA. This year 16 students from Brighton Secondary School participated to learn about the demands, skills and discipline of drawing from the model. Our Lecturer on the day was Yves Thompson a highly experienced lecturer and artist from the Central School Art. Students were shown the work of previous SA artists including Jeffrey Smart and Hans Heysen prior to the drawing activities. After this session the students began to learn how to block the figure in short poses with charcoal. A final long drawing of the whole figure gave the students an opportunity to spend time developing tonal skills and compositional techniques.

Later this year this group will have the opportunity to exhibit these drawings in the SALA School Life Drawing Exhibition at the Art Gallery of SA. This is an outstanding day for art students and although hard work, many valuable lessons in rigour and concentration were developed.

Architecture student Haylee WalshVisiting student from Year 12 Visual Arts 2011 Haylee Walsh visited the school recently and shared her experiences studying architecture at Uni SA City West campus. Haylee explained how she is continuing to learn through problem solving drawing activities in her work journals.

Year 12 Students at the Year 12 SACE Art and Design Show.A large group of Year 12 Art and Design students recently visited the SACE Art and Design Exhibition at the Dame Roma Art Gallery at the Adelaide TAFE. This was a very informative day for these students as they were able to see the work of the past 2011 cohort in South Australia studying the new SACE. Two BSS students were selected for this exhibition, Hayley Pei and Estelle Coote. The exhibition displayed final art and design pieces, practitioner’s statements and the folios. Following this comprehensive morning students visited the Desert Weavers exhibition at the Jam Factory and the Contemporary Art Collection at the Art Gallery of SA.

Yasmin Paterson Coordinator Visual and Performing Arts

Year 12 Visual Arts and Design



As a part of a unit of work on Japanese food and restaurants. Mrs Flink’s Year 8 Japanese classes have all visited Sakura Teppanyaki Restaurant. This restaurant is an excellent opportunity for the students to speak Japanese to native speakers and practise their restaurant conversations in a real life situation. The students had lots of fun catching the food that the Teppanyaki Chef throws before they ate it! Some students also sang Karaoke after we had finished eating lunch. The students all had fun and got to practise their Japanese! Thanks also to our student teacher Mr Kawaguchi who helped the students with their restaurant conversations and taught them how to use chopsticks!

Mrs Flink

Year 8 Japanese Restaurant Excursion



Girls Learn to Surf Day

This excursion to Southport coincided with one of the coldest and windiest days this February. The girls were undeterred by the weather and made the most of the small waves that were running. Given the uninviting conditions, their perseverance was particularly commendable and they showed great improve in their skills. The instructors praised the group and said that working with them had been “delightful”.

Anthea Williams and Helen White



In November 2011 14 students and 2 teachers (Mr Swanson & Mr Valamanesh) travelled to Laos and Vietnam as part of a World Challenge Trip to work with the community in these countries. The school has received the following feedback from Ms Myra McCann who organises an Adult Shelter in Hoi An.

Dear Ms O’Neill, my name is Mai McCann & I am a self funded volunteer in Viet Nam.

This email is long overdue so please forgive me for not contacting you sooner.

Late last year I meet a group of students from Brighton Secondary School while they were volunteering at The Adult Shelter in Hoi An. This shelter is, by no stretch of the imagination, a pleasant working environment. Imagine my surprise, on arriving at work one day, to see a group of Australian students hard at work - with smiles all over their faces!

Over the next week or so I watched as these students worked at demolishing an old bathroom & interacting with the residents. While the new bathroom facility was long overdue I think it was the one-on-one interaction with the residents that was most beneficial. These residents lead such very dismal lives. Mostly neglected by their families & often treated with disdain by the staff they relished every second of attention that your students so freely gave them.

But the residents weren’t the only recipients of the students attention. Noting that I was carrying my dressing supplies from home (on my bicycle) each day & that my dressing trolley was actually a Woolworths Shopping Bag resting on my patients bed they donated money for me to buy a cabinet on wheels. Joy, oh Joy ...... how much easier is my job now. I can leave all my supplies in the locked cabinet & simply wheel it to my patients’ bedside - plus a clean work surface ....... unbelievable!

As were the residents, I was very sad to see this group leave. With their smiles & cheerful attitudes they brought great happiness to many lives. They did promise to stay in touch & try to help more in the future but, to be honest, I didn’t totally believe them. So many people before have offered to help us - but then they return home, slip into their usual routine & never quite get around to contacting us again. Brighton Secondary School students are proving to be the exception to the rule.

Through Sammi Clarke they have stayed in touch with me & inquire about the residents. Not only that, I received an email from Sammi yesterday saying they have raised around $2500.00 for my deaf children (www.paddysjewel.org).

Words fail me when it comes to this group of students & I am in awe of them. The have shown commitment , drive & enthusiasm that many adults lack.

I hope you will pass on to the parents of these students, & the community at large, my very sincere thanks for raising children with such a strong sense of humanity. As a parent myself I take great pride in the knowledge that I raised a son who has grown to become a man of great compassion & understanding. The parents of this group of young adults must surely feel that same pride when they look at what their children have already achieved in their young lives. They are a credit to their families, their school & their communities.

Congratulations to Brighton Secondary School - you have some fantastic ambassadors for Australia in your midst. With Best Wishes, Mai.

www.paddysjewel.org

World Challenge Congratulations



As Mother’s Day approaches, I think it’s appropriate to reflect on the diverse and challenging roles that a mother has. Said simply, mothers are superwomen. I can’t speak from a position of being a mother yet, but I can certainly affirm this simply by looking at my own mother and the many mothers in the community. We see them endlessly and selflessly giving of their time, energy, money, emotion and much more, to serve their families and allow their children to have the best life possible. I recently had a chat to some students of various year levels about their mothers and asked how they might describe them. “Motivating” (SCM), “caring” (DM), “amazing” (CM), “firm but fair” (DI), “helpful” (JM) and “a good cook” were some responses. Some said “my mother is someone I like hanging out with” (GD), “she’s my best friend – I can tell her anything.” Others still said, “she gives advice, she has experience” (EJ) and “even though we fight and argue, at the end of the day, she’s always there for me” (TH). And finally: “she’s someone who loves me too much”.

I think that says it there. A mother is someone who loves her child unconditionally. And out of this love flows all these other things – the cooking, the driving around, working to pay the bills, the listening ear, the nagging to finish the homework in order to acquire good life and study skills and have a bright future. Mothers love and care about their children, and will go to endless efforts to see them happy.

I dug further on my quest to find out more about mothers, and in doing so, I put the question to some of the staff members: “Looking back, what is the one thing that you now appreciate about your mother that you wish you did when you were a teenager?” and some of the responses were:

• “Thatsheencouragedmetodotheextracurricularactivitieseven though it cost her financially and in her time.”

• “How she put a meal on the table every night withoutgrumbling.”

• “That she gave me rules and regulations – I never likedthem then but looking back these rules and regulations meant she cared.”

• “Hersenseoffairnessandgentleness”

• “Thatyoualwayshadcleansocksandundiesinyourdrawer.”

• “Inowunderstandthatlifewastoughforher,andIdidn’tback then. I know now, having walked in her shoes a bit.”

• “Thatshewasthereforme–evenassheaskedhowmyday was and I thought it was annoying, this actually meant she cared.”

• “TheadvicethatIdidn’tthinkwasgoodbutInowdo.”

• “Itookforgrantedallthethingsshedidforus–washing,home cooked meals, ironing – and that she was always there and available.”

• “Inhindsight,whatmymothertoldmewasgoodadvice,but I didn’t understand that until I now do the same things!”

In talking with me about their mothers, it was encouraging that students spoke quite fondly and shared with me lists of things that their mothers do for them. I think, though, that while it is normal it is certainly true that there is still a huge sense in which mothers are taken for granted. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and listening to some of the staff reflecting on their appreciation of their mothers really reminded me that mothers do so much often for so little, and we don’t usually understand that until we are beyond our teenaged years.

This Mother’s Day, it is my hope that we’d take the time to gratefully reflect on all the things our mothers have done for us, and thank them for it if you can. To the students reading this: thank your mum for who she is and what she does, because you’ll likely be thanking her later. And to the mums: enjoy this Mother’s Day. And hats off to you for all you do.

Chelsea Lake Christian Pastoral Support Worker

from the CPSW...

“Looking back, what is the one thing that you now appreciate about your mother that you wish you did when you were a teenager?”

“That she was there for me – even as she asked how my day was and I thought it was annoying, this actually meant she cared.”



School Bus DetoursBrighton Secondary School has received the following information from the Public Transport Services. These changes have been made due to some temporary road closures.



Parent Complaint PolicyParent guide to raising a concern or complaint. Despite our best attempts to be quality teachers to help all students achieve their potential, sometimes things may go wrong. If you have a concern or a complaint, we want you to let us know.

The first step in working through a complaint is to talk to your child’s teacher. If you are still dissatisfied please contact relevant leaders who have responsibility for different aspects of the school.

Ask at the front office for a copy of the school’s Parent Guide to Raising a Concern or Complaint brochure or go to the web site to access the Grievance Procedure.

These documents will help you think through your concerns and how to resolve the matter effectively and respectfully.

About Complaints or Concerns: This information may be helpful in explaining what a complaint is:

A complaint may be made by a parent if they think that the school has:• donesomethingwrong• failedtodosomethingitshouldhavedone• actedunfairlyorimpolitely.

Your concern or complaint may be about:• thetype,levelorqualityofservices• thebehaviouranddecisionsofstaff• apolicy,procedureorpractice.

Sometimes a complaint is about something we have to do because of State or Federal law. In such cases we are able to talk to you about the matter and help you understand the requirements and why they exist.

If you would like more information please call 8375 8252, or visit the department’s website at www.decd.sa.gov.au/parentcomplaint or email [email protected].

There is also a Freecall number 1800 677 435.

Brighton Secondary School would like to acknowledge and thank Bakers Delight at Brighton, Brighton Road Shopping Centre, 525 Brighton Road, Brighton, phone 8296 1577 for their support of the school.

Thank You



Parenting CoursesThe following courses are being conducted:

For registration and more information on these and upcoming courses please get in touch with:

Relationships Australia (phone 8245 8100), Centacare (phone 8210 8200) or Effective Living Centre (phone 8271 0329).

New Smoke-Free Laws For Playgrounds And Covered Public Transport StopsFrom 31st May 2012, World No Tobacco Day, new State Government legislation will come into effect that:

• bans smoking within 10 metres of children’s publicplayground equipment

• bans smoking under covered public transport waitingareas, including bus, tram, train and taxi shelters and other areas used to board or alight from public transport that are covered by a roof

• giveslocalcouncilsandotherincorporatedbodiestheabilitytoapply to have an outdoor area or event declared smoke-free.

Anyone aged 15 years and older can be fined for these offences committed under the Tobacco Products Regulation Act 1997.

These changes will further protect the health of children and the community, and reduce exposure to second-hand smoke. They will also increase the comfort and amenity for non-smokers and reduce the exposure of young people to smoking. Outdoor smoking in confined spaces is a potential hazard, particularly for children and people with pre-existing health conditions. Increasing the presence of smoke-free outdoor areas will also de-normalise smoking in the eyes of the community.

For further information or fact sheets, please visit www.tobaccolaws.sa.gov.au or call the SA Health Tobacco Information Line on 1300 363 703. For assistance in quitting smoking, call the Quitline on 137 848 or visit www.quitsa.org.au

Student ExchangeSouthern Cross Cultural Exchange has many students arriving from France. They are still looking for families for 6 French boys, aged between 14 and 17 years of age. The students will attend the school nearest to where the family lives. For more information please contact Jenny Hanson, South Australia Inbound Manager, phone 8556 2208, toll free 1800 500 501 or email: [email protected]

Students of the World Organisation are also seeking host families for students from France. These students arrive in August. Although families are not paid, a$300 donation will be given to each family to help cover expenses. Please email [email protected] for a host family application form and details about the students.

Student HealthGP Plus Health Care Centre at Marion, 10 Milham Street, Oaklands Park, is conducting the following courses for parents / patients:

Anaphylaxis: Living with the Risk

Understanding Eczema and Management of the condition.

There are many different dates available for these courses. Please phone the centre on 8204 4910 for more information.

Community news

Course Name Date & Time Venue Cost

How to drug proof your kids Wed. 23rd May, 7.30pm for 6 weeks Relationships Australia $90 / $50

Inside Her Head Thurs. 12th June, 6.30pm - 3 evening sessions Centacare No cost

Inside His Head Thurs. 31st July, 6.30pm - 3 evening sessions Centacare No cost

Mum’s House, Dad’s HouseThurs. 24th May, 6.00pm Tues. 5th June, 9.30am Wed. 20th June, 9.00am

Centacare $5

Helping your child deal with Emotions Constructively

Wed. 20th June, 7.30pm Effective Living Centre $20



Vocational Program with the Rotary Club of Brighton The Rotary Club of Brighton recently conducted a Vocational Program for Year 12 students enrolled in the subject of Workplace Practices. Students had to complete a Letter of Application and a Résumé which had to reach the Rotary Club by post by the deadline. Students were then interviewed by Rotary Club members in a mock job interview situation. Feedback was given to the students on what they did well and where they could improve. Each year a winner for the program is selected and this year the winner is Elle Thomas. Elle’s Letter of Application, Résumé and interview were all completed to a very high standard. Well done Elle! We would like to thank the Brighton Rotary Club for their assistance in developing work related skills in our students.

VET Certificates CompletedCongratulations to the following students who have successfully completed VET Certificates as part of their SACE:Bethany Swoboda – Certificate II in Retail and Unmesh Oak – Certificate II in Retail

Year 10 Work ExperienceWork Experience Week for Year 10 is Monday 25 June to Friday 29 June (Week 10 of Term 2).

Sandra Larsen Coordinator Career Development

Career news

Do you know a teacher who makes a difference?

Share and celebrate their work!

Nominate an outstanding teacher, education leader or school/preschool

support staff member for the SA Public Teaching Awards.

Nominate by Monday 18 June 2012 at decd.sa.gov.au/teachingawards

Photograph courtesy of MSP Photography

The SA Public Teaching Awards are proudly supported by

Do you know a teacher who makes a difference?

Share and celebrate their work!

Nominate an outstanding teacher, education leader or school/preschool

support staff member for the SA Public Teaching Awards.

Nominate by Monday 18 June 2012 at decd.sa.gov.au/teachingawards

Photograph courtesy of MSP Photography

The SA Public Teaching Awards are proudly supported by

nominations

NOW OPEN

brighton secondary school newsletter may 2012

Documents

bss year

year olds

excellent learning

powerful learning

school formal

new australian curriculum

singapore summit

years summit