murray bridge high school · joy, jayde kennedy, emilio macerola, emily paech, courtney ribbons,...
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Principal: Phil Fitzsimons 8532 1788 – Chairperson Governing Council: Keith Simmons 0407 396 749
It is through working together, with respect, that we can achieve excellence
Murray Bridge High School
Excellence, Respect and Working Together Tel: 8532 1788 Fax: 8532 5335 Email: [email protected] Website: www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au
From the Principal Phil Fitzsimons
Welcome back to Term 3. I trust all students and their families had a
pleasant holiday break.
Staffing in Term 3
I would like to inform the school community that Ruth Mussger has won the
Deputy Principal position at Murray Bridge High School for the next 5 years.
Ruth will have a strong focus on developing curriculum in the area of Science
Technology Engineering and Mathematics over her tenure.
Michael Stratfold has been permanently employed as the Science and
Information Technology teacher along with Simon Roos-Freeman (previously
at Peterborough High School) who won the Work Education/Geography
position. I hope to be in the position to announce a number of further
permanent teacher appointments in the next newsletter.
Stacy Frogley and Hayley Nielsen returned to school last week following their
12 months maternity leave.
Funabashi High School
Students from Funabashi High School, and their teacher arrived at Murray
Bridge High School earlier this week after their flight from Japan. This is the
17th visit to Murray Bridge High School and over the next 2 weeks the
students will work with Lauren Haggis and Helen Peake improving their
English and learning more about our fabulous culture. More information
about their visit will appear in the next newsletter.
Domestic Violence Awareness
This Friday, 31 July Murray Bridge High School will play its role in supporting
the River Murray Football league and the River Murray Netball Association by
“saying no” to Domestic Violence by wearing white. All staff and students
are encouraged to wear white to school and take a stand by not turning a
blind eye to Domestic Violence.
To support this cause further there will be a students versus staff football
game at lunchtime on the main oval; white ribbon will be available for
students and staff to wear while SRC and Parents and Friends will hold a
sausage sizzle throughout lunch.
TERM 3, Week 2 – 27 July 2015
CALENDAR
TERM 3
Mon, 27 July Funabashi students arrive
Mon-Fri – 27-31 July Year Work Experience
Thu, 30 July Australian Maths Competition
Tue, 4 Aug Finance Committee – 4.30pm
Wed, 5 Aug MASA Quiz Night
Sat, 8 Aug Funabashi students depart
Sun, 9 Aug – Sun 16 Aug Ski Trip
Mon-Fri – 10-14 Aug Year 10 Work Experience
Tue, 11 Aug Parents & Friends – 5.30pm
Governing Council – 7pm
Wed, 19 Aug LMTTC VET Taster Day
Mon/Tue, 24-25 Aug Subject Course Counselling
1.30-7.30pm
Thu, 27 Aug Subject Course Counselling
1.30-7.30pm
Fri, 4 Sep SCHOOL CLOSURE – SHOW DAY
Tue, 8 Sep Finance Committee – 4.30pm
Tue, 15 Sep Parents & Friends – 5.30pm
Governing Council – 7pm
Sat/Sun 19-20 Sep Pedal Prix Murray Bridge
Thu, 24 Sep Youth Opps Graduation – 3.30pm
Fri, 25 Sep Last day of Term 3 – 2pm dismissal
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
2
Culture of Success Assemblies for Semester 1 by Helen Peake
During Week 1 assemblies were held to acknowledge the academic
achievements of students in the various year levels for Semester 1.
On Wednesday 22nd Year 8 and 9 students were congratulated for
their excellent academic efforts while on Thursday 23rd students in
Years 10, 11 and 12 received their medallions and certificates.
Congratulations go to the following students:
YEAR 8
Gold
Demi Jenner, Aidan Morrell, Angello Deionno, Tegan Afford, Madi
Jones
Silver
Keefe Dela Cruz, Lachlan Young, Hayley Gray, Gen Gregory, Darcy
Kleinig, Willow Schenscher, Brock Smith, Keelin Solley, Benjamin
Wohlfeil
Bronze
Lawson Jolly, Madison Kruschel, Ronald Mafara, Jacob Morrison, Ellen
Pahlia, Tamika Pitcher, Toby Watson, Brianna Williss
YEAR 9
Gold
Chloe Elliott, Abbey Kruschel, Olivia Richards, Meg Daniel, Paris
Holland-Long, Jayme-Lee McKay, Sophie Meers
Silver
Angela Bensch, Zayrelle Dimaano, Zyrill Dumlao, Katisha Elder,
Mikayla Folley, Abigail Groocock, Nikki Madula, Tasma Schutz, Chloe-
Marie Wedding
Bronze
Alev Erkoc, Todd Fullston, Milaina Gregory, Jess Hattam, Chelsea
Rickaby
YEAR 10
Gold
Breigh Angove, Joshua Davis, Annarose Deionno, Taylah Edwards,
Sarah Groocock, Tiana Pickering
Silver
Xsara Burns-Whenan, Shanna Collins, Gemma Kleinig, Britt Liebich,
Claire Neal, Jarrod Pica, Rhianna Wohlfeil
Bronze
Taylor Bartlett, Peggy Constant, Chelsea Curd, Emma Deutscher, Jade
Joy, Jayde Kennedy, Emilio Macerola, Emily Paech, Courtney Ribbons,
Carley Roesler
YEAR 11
Gold
Amber Symons
Silver
Chloe Helgeson, Kate Newman, Madeline Pica, Trang Tran
Bronze
Brianna Fullston, Lemuel Madula
YEAR 12
Gold
Reece Waltrovitz, Ryan Varga
Silver
Courtney Afford, Eleanor Binney, Nikki Foster, Cedric Garcia,
Courtney Klenke
Year 9
Year 8
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
3
Work Experience with the Police Band by Sam Reed, Year 11
From the 28th of June to
the 3rd of July Wen Liu and
I took part in a great
opportunity to spend a
week in Adelaide with the
Band of the South
Australia Police (SAPOL
Band) doing Work
Experience.
To be honest, the music was far from easy and not what Wen
and I expected. We got assigned mentors to help and support
us throughout the week. Our mentor was David and he has
been playing the flute for at least 25 years and has immaculate
talent I can only dream of having in the future.
The first day consisted of an introduction and tour of the police
barracks, followed by sectional practise with our mentors.
Sectional practise was a good time for us to look at and play the
music for the first time and get a grasp of the melodies and
rhythms. The concert band rehearsals are more like run
throughs as they don’t work on the things we usually do at
school. The director, Michael Dowrick kept us on our toes,
throwing in things to think about and consider while playing,
such as dynamics and articulations, but explained them in weird
but effective ways.
We had the opportunity to listen to three of the 16 ensembles
the SAPOL Band have, including the Clarinet Quartet, Dixieland
Band and Blues group. They explained that even though they
have a role as a player in the concert band, they are also a part
of small ensembles. All 16 ensembles have different purposes,
such as the Dixieland band who usually play to the older
generations.
All the 34 students that participated in the Work Experience
were part of various presentations, including auditioning for the
SAPOL Band and improvisation. We were also given a guided
tour of the MOU (Mounted Operations Unit) and also the
headquarters upstairs, where the arranger, logistics staff, stores
and librarian worked in between rehearsals. The SAPOL Band
have a massive library of music, entailing over 3,000 pieces of
music, all recorded in a data spreadsheet. They explained to us
that they have to abide by the copyright regulations and initially
had to sort through lots of music, throwing out 700+ pieces of
sheet music which breached the regulations.
On the last day we were taught a few basic marching skills and
marched in the Thebarton police barracks quadrangle playing
Waltzing Matilda which we had to learn from memory. Over
the week I had an appreciation of learning methods, as how and
what I learn in music at school is slightly different. I had to apply
myself differently. Band Director, Michael said they (SAPOL
Band) hoped they gave us a better understanding of the
dedication required to become a professional musician, which it
definitely did. Please click on the link below to hear a program
of prepared works from the 2015 Work Experience program.
https://soundcloud.com/bandsapolice/sets/work-experience-
concert-2015/s-3hS3I
Australian Girls’ Choir and Murraylands
Schools’ Concert by Sean Hickey
The Australian Girls’ Choir once again visited the humble
shores of Murray Bridge at the end of June to present a
number of performances. The highlight of the visit was the
performance to a capacity audience at the Christian Family
Centre on the 30th of June. The concert featured
performances from the Primary Schools Festival of Music Choir,
Murray Bridge High School Vocal Ensemble and Guitar
Ensemble, combined Murray Bridge High School and Murray
Bridge Community Concert Band.
The Australian Girls’ Choir performed a range of songs; from
Australian folk to modern day pop tunes such as ‘Happy’ by
Pharrell Williams, and classics like ‘Steppin' Out with My Baby’
and ‘People Get Ready’. The Choir amazed the audience with
their engaging and entertaining choreography throughout their
performance. Students from the Vocal Ensemble, Guitar
Ensemble and Concert Band also performed a number of
songs in conjunction with the Australian Girls. The evening
finished with a rousing rendition of ‘I Am Australian; with the
Murray Bridge High School Vocal Ensemble and Primary
Schools Choir.
If you didn't manage to make it to the concert you can listen to
the recording of on the MBHSmusic Sound Cloud page, see
below or scan the QR code with your smart phone.
https://soundcloud.com/mbhsmusic/sets/murraylands-schools-
and-australian-girls-choir-concert
We would like to thank all of the families that billeted the 58
students from the Australian Girls’ Choir and recognise their
contribution towards making this event possible. We would
also like to thank the teachers and students that spent hours
preparing and rehearsing music for the concert.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
4
Youth Opportunities celebrates another
successful term! by Stuart Kenny, Student Counsellor
and Youth Opportunities School Based Coordinator
Murray Bridge High School, in partnership with Youth
Opportunities SA, has successfully delivered the Personal
Leadership Programme for Year 10 students throughout Term 2
of this year. This program is conducted for one day per week
over the course of the term in an adult learning environment. So
each Tuesday, these 18 students attended Murray Bridge TAFE
to experience the many beneficial aspects of the program.
For those unfamiliar with the organisation, the program and its
relationship with Murray Bridge High School; Youth
Opportunities is a not for profit organisation working in
partnership with schools to help young people realise their
potential. They provide Personal Leadership Programs for
selected Year 10 students and mentoring for graduates until they
leave school. Murray Bridge High School has delivered the
program since 2005, running one program in term’s 1, 2 and
again this term.
Murray Bridge High School is changing the culture of the school
and the lives of young people by providing Year 10 students with
the chance to participate in the Youth Opportunities Personal
Leadership Program. The program has been created to
empower them with the skills and knowledge necessary to make
positive life changes and choices and to create successful and
happy lives despite their circumstances. South Australian schools
have observed improved student behaviour, increased student
achievement and decreased harassment and bullying as a direct
result of its programs.
Students initially apply to participate in the program through an
interview, with successful applicants establishing goals relating to
how they wish to grow and develop as an individual and a leader
throughout the program. Students then set about achieving their
goals utilising stories and lessons conveyed via animated DVD
lessons and facilitated discussion. While this is occurring within
the group, individual students are taken out to receive one to
one coaching to specifically tailor the program principles to the
goals they have for their lives.
Students commence the program in many cases shy and inward
and emerge as confident and outgoing young adults. Many are
bursting with promise, but lacking in direction, only to come away
with the skills and desire to harness their ability and fulfil their
potential. Upon completion of the program, graduates also
receive a certificate of completion, a reference and achieve 10
credits towards their SACE.
The term culminated with the Graduation Ceremony held on
Thursday the 2nd of July (Week 10, Term 2), attended by the
families and friends of the graduates, the Principal of Murray
Bridge High School, staff and members of the community
including Rotarians, Mr Jack Redden and Mr Sam Cozens (also a
former Murray Bridge High School member of staff).
Congratulations must go to all students who graduated - you
performed extremely well, spoke confidently, presented
yourselves in an incredibly positive manner and provided great
testimony to the Personal Leadership Program. A special
mention must go to Abbey Fiegert, who was nominated by her
peers and awarded as the group’s Student Representative. A
special thank you must go to Doug Gray, Year 10 Leader at
Murray Bridge High School, for his kind and thoughtful words at
the Graduation. Also, a very special thank you must go to Sarah
Florey-Fox (MBHS staff member & trainer) and Hannah Russell
(Youth Opportunities Senior Trainer) for working tirelessly with
these students to ensure they were given the greatest
opportunity to meet their goals and develop as young people.
For more information on how you can support or have your
child be involved in the ongoing success of the program at
Murray Bridge High School, please visit our website at
www.youthopportunites.asn.au or contact myself, Stuart Kenny
on 8532 1788 or email [email protected]
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
5
Automotive
The Automotive course have finished their first major project
of 2015 with the installation of a new second hand engine in
our Holden Barina being started and running ok. It will need
some finer tuning but has passed the first hurdle.
Doorways 2 Construction
Stage 3 of the refurbishment for the Resource Centre and
Student Services Office required the former entrance corridor
and storage area to be redesigned for a storage compactus.
The Doorways to Construction group were given the task to
demolish and refit the area giving them practical skills in
joinery, gyprock and painting to complete their course
requirements.
This has not only given students the opportunity to perform
work onsite but has provided cost savings to the project with
only material costs.
The group has almost finished the revamping of the old
storage and corridor area in the Murray building foyer. The
main area has been fitted with a large compactus to be used
for storage by the Resource/Library Staff. A new door
remains to be fitted by the trainees to secure this area and the next part of the project will be finished by other trades.
M-SP Murraylands-Student Pathways Lower Murray Trade Training Centre
The Career Information Day ‘Come and Try’ will be hosted
by the Lower Murray Trade Training Centre – Murray Bridge
High School on Wednesday,19th August. The Come and Try
Day provides an opportunity for students to gain an insight
into VET courses being offered in 2016.
For this day we invite all Regional Schools to bring Year 9, 10
and 11 students and ask Training Organisations to provide
information and where possible a hands on activity. It is a
great opportunity for students to gather information for
planning a future direction. Students will be transported on
the school bus to sessions hosted off campus. Students can
chose from the following Vocational Pathway programs;
- Music at the Station,
- Aged Care-Pathways to Nursing,
- Metal Fabrication,
- Civil Engineering,
- Doorways to Construction,
- Electro-technology,
- Automotive,
- Animal Studies,
- Hospitality,
- Early Childhood Education,
- IT Media Studies,
- Hair and Beauty.
Registration forms including excursion consent forms are
available to students from their PLP and Year 11 Home Class
teachers. Parents are welcome to attend via Registration with
Helen Wilden at the Trade Training Centre on 85322648 or email [email protected]
Lower Murray Trade Training Centre Update by Greg Fulwood and Helen Wilden
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
6
The Independent Learning Centre Update by Penny Conway, Assistant Principal
Welcome Back! I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful
break. Term 3 will be a hectic term as students are coming
to the business end of the year and working towards fulfilling
learning program requirements. I would encourage students
to meet with their teachers and youth workers on a regular
basis in order to get the support and help needed in order to
complete their work in a timely and successful manner.
On Thursday July 2nd we held our Semester One Presentation
Ceremony. It was extremely pleasing to see so many
parent/caregivers, family, visitors, staff and students attend this
event. It is an important event for the ILC as it is the day that
we publicly celebrate the success of our students. Students
who completed the requirements of their learning programs
in Semester One were presented with certificates and
everyone mingled after the ceremony at the celebratory
Morning Tea. I congratulate all the students who received
certificates.
Certificates Presented
PLP - 24 students
Literacy - 17 students
Numeracy - 17 students
Certificate III Business - 12 students
Research Project - 6 students
Work Experience - 7 students
Other VET Courses - 12 students
White Card - 9 students
Apply First Aid - 17 students
Many thanks to Elona Koop (ICAN Learning for Partnerships
Coordinator, Murray Bridge DECD Office) who attended the
Ceremony and presented awards to our young people.
Operation Flinders
This term we have a group of 7 students and 2 staff
undertaking Operation Flinders. The group have been
preparing for their trek in Defence Fitness Sessions held on
Mondays throughout Semester 1. They recently went on a
hike at Mt Lofty to “walk in their boots!!!”
Operation Flinders Group will depart from the ILC on
Tuesday 28 July at 3.00 am and return to the ILC on Tuesday
4th August at approximately 5.00 pm.
Our thanks to Lynton Hall who is driving the group to the
venue and then the return trip back to Murray Bridge.
ILC Vege Garden
The ILC has located it’s veggie garden in the Community
Garden (Third Street) and students have taken it in turns to
plant, weed and in general look after the garden. At the
moment we have Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leeks, Spring Onions,
Cos Lettuce and Spinach growing in our veggie beds.
Dates to remember
Thursday, 6 August ILC: will be closed at 1.30pm. Staff will be
undertaking Training and Development.
Monday, 7 September: ILC will be closed for Show Day.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
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Aboriginal Learning on Country (ALoC)
Graduation by Brooke Goyne
During Term 2 students Tayla Groves and Gerald Rigney, along
with HASS Coordinator Jo Clark and teacher Brooke Goyne
were invited to attend a special graduation ceremony at Monarto
Zoo. Graduates Leon Dodd, David Wilson and Michael Holland
were awarded their double Diplomas in Conservation and Land
Management and Pest Management as part of their work in the
ALoC Program.
As special guests to the graduation ceremony, the students met
with Zoo SA’s Chief Executive Elaine Benstead along with the
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Kyam Maher
MLC. They discussed their involvement in designing, developing
and constructing the Cultural Garden as part of the work of the
Aboriginal Learning on Country (ALoC) Program. Tayla and
Gerald explained how working together in small groups under
the guidance of the ALoC employees allowed them to effectively
transform an unused area into a fully functioning native food
garden. The three graduates were very pleased to have
representatives of the Cultural Studies class present for the
official unveiling of the garden and for the graduation ceremony.
They are keen to keep promoting and strengthening the
partnership between Monarto Zoo and Murray Bridge High
School.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, we celebrated with the
graduates and other special guests with afternoon tea made from
a variety of native ingredients that can be found in the Cultural Garden, such as Wattle-seed biscuits and quandong jam.
Family is a Verb by Rachel Baldwin, PCW
‘Family is a verb. It’s not just what we ARE. It’s something that we actively keep on making.’ Ann Voskamp
As parents, carers and grandparents will already know, family
life isn’t something that ‘just happens,’ despite what we may
see portrayed on TV or in the movies. Creating a stable,
happy family takes a lot of effort and hard work.
During the school holidays, we went on a four wheel driving
trip with two other families. It was a great experience and we
created a lot of wonderful memories which we will be able to
talk about for years to come. However, things didn’t always
go smoothly on the trip and I often had to bite my tongue so
as not to say things I would afterwards regret! I’m not the
world’s best camper and didn’t love the flies, lack of showers,
mosquitos, cold nights and car breakdowns that we had. (We
got towed into not just one, but two campsites along the
way). It was hard work packing up and setting up each day
and our teenage sons had their moments of bickering,
complaining and wrestling with each other. Despite these
challenges, our family is stronger as a result of these shared
experiences and we may even go on another four wheel
driving trip at some stage. (though maybe not for a little
while!)
I don’t know what your school holidays were like, but I
imagine that like mine, they had their ups and downs. Families
come in all shapes and sizes and whether you are a single
parent, a grandparent looking after grandchildren or have a
partner to share the parenting load, I want to encourage you
in the important and tough job you are doing. Every time you
take the time to listen and encourage your kids, you are
making a difference. Every time you set boundaries and have
those difficult but necessary conversations, you are making a
difference. Every time you take your kids to netball practice or
a footy game, (those cold, early starts!) you are making a
difference. When you take the time to encourage your child’s
teacher or coach, you are making a difference. When you put
aside time to plan a birthday party or special family event, you
are creating positive memories that your kids will remember
for years to come. Every time you bite your tongue instead of
‘losing it’, you are teaching your kids self-control. Every time
we model those good old-fashioned values such as respect,
hard work and looking out for others, we are making a
positive impact in the lives of our young people and creating
the community that we want for the future.
So, parents, carers and grandparents, be encouraged in the
vitally important job you are doing every single day.
Rachel Baldwin is the Pastoral Care Worker at
Murray Bridge High School. Her regular days are
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
afternoons.
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
8
Is your son or daughter taking up the Challenge in 2015?
If so, please ensure they fill in their student reading records as they read their books, gets them signed off as they go and please make sure your child hands it in to their teacher or the school contact person before: Friday 4 September. The Challenge is to read 12 books in total:
Reception to Year 7: 8 of these books are to be from the Challenge booklists, available on our website and 4 of their own choice, which can include class novels and research texts.
Years 8 and 9: 4 books from the Challenge lists and 8 of their own choice, which can include prescribed texts, research texts and any other texts from their studies.
Years 10 to 12: 12 books of their own choice, which can include prescribed texts, research texts and any other texts from their studies.
Student reading records are available from your child’s teacher, from the school contact person, who is usually someone in the school library (ask your child’s teacher) or download from the website. Your son/daughter can also Rate a Read, reviewing the books that they are reading and send this in to us. We award a winner every month with a book prize and post their review, first name and school on our website. Also, we have a student blog section for both primary and secondary students to post and share thoughts about the Challenge and books that they are reading – encourage your son/daughter to have a go! The Challenge website has a section for students, school staff and families. Check it out for some great ideas!
Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 27 July 2015
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