Murray Bridge High School

NEWSLETTER

Term 4: Issue 1 19 October 2020 Excellence Respect Working together Principal: Ruth Mussger 8531 9500 Chairperson Governing Council: Cathy Smith 0408 336 469

Principal’s page The final countdown has started for our Year 12 students this term. For them, the coming week will be the last for scheduled classes before moving into exams and final assignment submissions. Getting the balance of completing ongoing assignments, study for exams, adequate sleep and exercise right is always a challenge. For our young people about to embark on life outside of school, the best message we can all give is ‘do the best you can, don’t live with regrets’. We are all looking forward to the red carpet entrance to the formal dinner, being held for the first time at the new Gifford Hill Racing Club later this term.

Forward planning for Year 7’s coming to high school in 2022 is noticeable with building works progressing as scheduled. The background work that is less obvious, but in fact more important, is the way we ensure that teaching and learning sets all students up for success. Under the leadership of Paula Hahesy, we have had teachers from all of the schools in our region work shadow each other to get a greater understanding of the expectations that Murray Bridge High School has for continuity of learning. Over the last term, they have identified the similarities and differences in pedagogical practices, and created a collaborative, collegiate partnership that will continue well after the project is completed. This term we will also be interviewing and appointing a middle year’s leadership team, as well as teachers from primary schools to join us in 2022.

The consultation process for encompassing the vision, values and branding of the school is in its final stages, with many taking the opportunity to contribute to strengthening and celebrating the prominence of the school within the community. I have noticed some concerns about families affording new uniforms should this be one of the outcomes, and would like to reiterate that this would not be introduced without a very lengthy phase-in period. Questions like this are addressed in a Q&A section on our website. https://www.mbhs.sa.edu.au/our-school/vision-and-branding-consultation. All recommendations will go to Governing Council for endorsement in the upcoming November meeting.

As an Entrepreneurial Specialist School, we are developing the skills and mindsets that encourage our young people to think entrepreneurially and potentially develop niche business ideas that benefit themselves as well as help our community to thrive. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Rural City of Murray Bridge for their Impact Youth Kickstart Loans, which will allow students Danielle Aitkin and Alex Smith to realise their dreams and take their business ideas to the next level and get going. Along with the financial grant, the mentoring support from businesses Commshake and Kookaburra Homes is highly valued. More information about this is on page 5.

Congratulations Coen Martin Coen’s artwork has been shortlisted to the Top 100 for the Adelaide Fringe Schools Poster Competition.

The Top 100 entries will be exhibited at the Adelaide Central Market from the 9-22 November 2020 on the wall nearest Cumbia Bar Kitchen (North East corner). Unfortunately, the COVID restrictions at the Market mean that they are unable to have the Exhibition Opening event where they would invite the Top 100 entry student artists and their teachers and families and announce the overall winner and present the students with certificates. So instead, the winner will be announced in the week before the exhibition by email and social media, and they will invite everyone to come and view the exhibition in their own time. Certificates for all students entering the competition will be delivered/posted to schools in November. Good luck Coen!

Lohmann Street, Tel: +61 8 8531 9500 Email: dl.0785.info@schools.sa.edu.au PO Box 1584, Fax: +61 8 8531 9595 Website: www.mbhs.sa.edu.au Murray Bridge SA 5253

Entrepreneurial Specialist School and Music Focus School

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

by Chris Braun

Murray Bridge High School was excited to attend the official launch of the “You are not alone’ Domestic Violence video clip on Tuesday 22nd September which was organised by the Domestic Violence Awareness Group. This group is run by voluntary local community members led by Shawn Hicks, and Duncan Emmins is our school representative. The group aims to create awareness and educate all people within our community to help reduce all forms of domestic violence in the Murraylands.

Murray Bridge High School endorses and supports the vision and message the Domestic Violence Awareness group is delivering throughout our local community. We encourage you to watch and share the following videos with your friends and family. We will find an appropriate time to share these videos with our students in term 4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKeFr9uai7I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzTjwwMr_pQ

A book titled “A Right to be Heard” was also presented as a great resource for anyone who is currently dealing with domestic violence, or would like to know more about it. The book was written by local organisations for local people of the Murray Mallee Region. Copies of the book is available from the Front Office.

Students present at the launch- They were awesome! We were privileged to be asked to present at the launch and are extremely proud of Jazmin Catanzariti (Year 9), Shakira Ayunon (Year 12) and Ebony Von Rochow (past student) who presented at the launch.

Congratulations to Jazmin Catanzariti who confidently presented her winning entry for the whole school writing competition. Jazmin spoke about how Domestic Violence affects our community and what can we do to change it?

Jazmine wrote: “Domestic Violence is most likely a big problem in a lot of people’s lives in our community. These people are our friends, classmates, adult figures or complete strangers, and most people in these situations don’t tell anyone, because of their fear of more mistreatment, neglect and judgement. This leaves even their closest friends and family oblivious to their situation and problems.

Because of this, domestic violence not only effects people physically, but also mentally and socially, making them feel trapped and unsafe. They might start to distance themselves from family and friends, and lower their standards, self-esteem and self-worth. We need to change the effects of domestic violence, starting with being aware if someone you know could be dealing with this problem so we can offer support and help to get them out of a situation where they feel helpless and worthless. For people to be aware of possible domestic violence situations, more education on how to help their friends and family and on things like mental health and self-esteem are crucial, especially in younger kids, in the hopes of teaching them that no one deserves to be abused and to also teach people that it is not ok to abuse others.”

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

Tiyana Gibson (Year 11) wrote a very telling perspective on domestic violence in Murray Bridge. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend so Shakira Ayunon (below) volunteered to present and spoke with poise. Shakira was inspired to assist through her recent domestic violence focused unit studied in Physical Education. Ebony Von Rochow (past student) (right) spoke about her personal battles with Domestic Violence during school and how she is now driven to make a difference in our local community. Ebony is currently completing a TAFE course which will help her gain employment working for organisations such as Centacare, Ac-Care and Headspace. Ebony has a strong passion in helping children learn and understand more about domestic violence in our community. Ebony would like to become more involved in this important initiative in the near future.

Presenters with Tim Law and Shawn Hicks from the Domestic Violence Awareness Group

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

by Tiahne Rowe

In Week 10 of Term 3, a group of female students in Years 8 to 10 participated in the Young Change Agents (YCA) ‘Academy for Enterprising Girls’ program. Students from Bordertown High School and Tintinara Area School and their teachers also joined us for this 3-day workshop co-facilitated by MBHS Entrepreneurial staff and Cat Kitney (Program Manager – QLD, YCA).

This specific program is targeted at female students and works to empower them as young entrepreneurs and future change makers. Through a design-thinking process, students had the challenge of identifying problems in their community, understanding the root cause, ideating, developing a social enterprise business model, validating their concept, creating a prototype, budget and finally, pitching their idea for feedback.

All groups presented their final pitch to a panel of judges including local entrepreneur Courtney Blacker (Managing Director - Commshake Media + Engagement), Vanessa Leigh (Regional Manager – Skills - RDA Murraylands & Riverland) and virtual judges Lyndsey Jackson (Co-Founder & Chief Technical Officer – Platfarm) and Tessa Kowaliw (CX Manager at Personify Care). Each student was presented with a certificate for their participation and I would like to congratulate them on their achievements.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

Crafty young Danielle Aitken is capitalizing on her love of sewing by investing in an overlocker to expand her Buzzy Bee online business, by increasing the quality and range of handcrafted items she offers including hats, pillow, scrunchies and more.

Alex Smith, who is about to finish high school and begin a computer science degree, has launched customized computer gaming company ‘The PC Smith’. He has turned his personal passion for technology into a way to earn income while studying, by providing advice and building bespoke gaming computers through a personalized consultation service.

Both young businesses are building their online presence through social media.

Both initiatives were made possible through a Rural City of Murray Bridge Youth Council program, which offers loans of up to $2,000 for young people to launch or grow small business ideas.

Team Leader Customer Support Michelle Chambers said professional mentoring provided by local business leaders CommShake and Kookaburra Homes was instrumental in supporting and nurturing these fledgling business moguls of the future.

“We have so far offered master classes in business foundations, communications and financial management to help boost their knowledge and confidence”, she said.

“The Murray Bridge Youth Council has successfully offered two loans in this funding round and they would love to see more people with great ideas become involved”.

“The program provides opportunities for young people not currently working full time to remain in Murray Bridge and create bright futures”.

For more information about Murray Bridge Youth Council and the impact Youth Kickstart Loans program visit https://www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/council/council-and-elected-members/youth-council “The Murray Bridge Youth Council provides opportunities for young people to learn leadership, public speaking, project management and make a big impact in the future of youth in Murray Bridge”, said Ms Chambers.

“If you know a young leader in our community who would be a passionate advocate for local youth, ask them to get in touch today”.

(Media release supplied by Michelle Chambers)

Two emerging young entrepreneurs are realizing dreams of launching their own businesses, thanks to funding grants and mentoring through the Impact Youth Kickstart Loans programs.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

by Luke Starczak

Earlier this year I won a spot in the Google Innovator Academy and have now graduated from the virtual academy along with 78 others from around the world to continue on with my project transferED. The purpose of this project is to solve the problem of “How might we help teachers find efficient ways of developing exciting learning activities that engage students and effectively develop transfer skills?” This will be achieved through a website that aims to provide tools and activities for students to develop skills that allow them to transfer their knowledge into new and exciting contexts they may encounter in their lives.

Murray Bridge High School is thrilled to be part of the ClimateClever Schools Initiative, to reduce our carbon footprint and utility bills and empower our students around

sustainability and climate action! We are committed to leading the way in transitioning to a low carbon future.

2021 STEM Scholarships – applications now open Scholarships are targeting students traditionally underrepresented in STEM study at senior secondary level; Aboriginal students and students-especially girls- from low SES circumstances who demonstrate an interest in STEM subjects.

The scholarship fund is available to support these students to pursue the science, technology and mathematics (STEM) subjects of Mathematics (Methods or Specialist), Chemistry or Physics at SACE level.

All scholarship recipients receive $10,000, which is used to cover the cost of tutors, laptops, excursions or anything that directly supports the student to achieve in their chosen STEM subjects.

Scholarship recipients participate in mentoring and career guidance programs to help them realise their potential in STEM professions and improve their professional and life skills.

Eligibility To apply for this scholarship students must be: • commencing SACE Stage 1 in 2021 with the intention

of completing SACE Stage 2 • intending to pursue at least 1 of the following SACE

Stage 2 subjects; Mathematics (Methods or Specialist), Chemistry or Physics

• enrolled in a government school • the holder of a school card (not required for

Aboriginal learners) • demonstrating an interest in STEM subjects

(C minimum in year 10 math and science) • willing to participate in a mentoring program that

may be held in a location other than the students school

• willing to participate in activities that encourage a STEM learning mindset and awareness of STEM careers

• willing to attend a STEM scholarship induction with the teacher-mentor.

For more information please contact Luke Starczak at the school.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

by Sean Hickey

Murray Bridge High School is the Music Focus School for the Murraylands and has a diverse and engaging Special Interest Music Program for students that are motivated to learn music. The applications for the 2021 Year 8 intake are currently open, however they will be closing soon. Go to http://bit.do/Music2021 to register an Expression of Interest and secure an interview.

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

Mon-Fri, 19-23 Oct Year 10 work Experience

Wed-Fri, 21-23 Oct Year 11 Outdoor Ed

Fri, 23 Oct Last subject day for Year 12

Tue, 27 Oct Finance Committee – 5pm

Fri, 30 Oct SPORTS DAY

Mon, 2 – Fri 12 Oct Year 12 Exams

Tue, 3 Nov Governing Council – 6pm

Mon-Thu, 9-12 Nov Year 8 Aquatics

Wed, 11 Nov Remembrance Day – 11am

Fri, 13 Nov SCHOOL CLOSURE (NAIDOC)

Mon, 16 Nov Year 12 Formal Dinner

Tue, 17 Nov Presentation Night

Wed, 18 Nov Year 11 Drama Production - DW

Wed-Fri, 18-20 Nov SAASTA Power Cup

Fri, 20 Nov Last subject day for Year 11

Tue, 1 Dec Year 7 Transition Day Finance Committee – 5pm

Tue, 8 Dec Governing Council – 6pm

Fri, 11 Dec Last day of Term 4 – 2pm dismissal

As part of our contemporary rebranding process, we’re considering all aspects of the Murray Bridge High School image. A key part of this process, is considering our school’s name. Although the new visual brand doesn’t require a name change, we thought the consultation process currently underway was an ideal opportunity to ask our school community what you think. During consultation so far, we’ve had feedback from students, staff, the Governing Council and Aboriginal community about possible options. We’ve given our students’ preferences the highest consideration at this stage and their top three preferred options are:

1. Murray Bridge High School (name remains the same)

2. Murraylands High School

3. Murray Bridge Secondary School.

Now, we’re asking for your input on your favourite. You can provide feedback through our online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/B3JF7SR.

The survey will only take 2-3 minutes, but will be valuable in providing us with the information we need to decide on our school’s future name.

Anyone who wants more details on the project can talk to our Principal Ruth Mussger by phoning (08) 8531 9500 or email Ruth.Mussger468@schools.sa.edu.au

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Murray Bridge High School Newsletter 19 October 2020

My Time Peer Support Group

Monday 9.30 – 11.30am

65 Jarvis Avenue- Tinyeri Children’s Centre

Murray Bridge.

Contact: Nicole Morrell @ Tinyeri Children’s Centre

Tel: 8531 1515

Session Plan

12/10/20 Coffee and Chat

19/10/20 Meredith Bradley – Community Living

Australia

26/10/20 Pamper Morning

2/11/20 Aunty Mim

9/11/20 Mission Australia

16/11/20 Putt Putt – Avoca Dell

23/11/20 Coffee and Chat

30/11/20 Lunch – Heavenly Hotdogs