No 2 6 March 2015 MINISTER OF EDUCATION VISIT · MINISTER OF EDUCATION VISIT On Tuesday 17 February the Hon. Susan Close visited Blackwood High School. ... BLACKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HIGH

MINISTER OF EDUCATION VISIT On Tuesday 17 February the Hon. Susan Close visited Blackwood High School. She was accompanied by Channel 9 including Brenton Ragless. Both Susan and Brenton were former students of Blackwood High. They got to reminisce about their time at the school. Our two SRC Presidents, Chris Williams and Ebony Young accompanied the Minister as she visited the Autism Intervention Program and the Advanced Technology facilities.

LEADERSHIP and STAFF ROLES FOR 2015

Due to Michael Sadleir leaving Blackwood High School there have been a number of changes in roles for 2015. These changes have only just been finalised because we are required to follow DECD merit selection processes.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to contact the staff below if you have any questions, require information or wish to raise a concern. On the school website are the email links to all staff in the school. Go to http://www.bhs.sa.edu.au/about-bhs/about-our-staff/ or go to the contact tab and about our staff.

Executive team: Marion Coady Principal David Garrett Deputy Principal: Innovation in Curriculum and Pedagogical

Practices; Year 10 Mary Hodson Assistant Principal: Senior School; Year 11 and 12 Jarrod Chave Assistant Principal: Middle School and Student Wellbeing; Year 8

and 9 Craig Duguid Assistant Principal: Information and Communication Systems Chris Plummer Business Manager

Teaching and Learning Leaders: Amanda Aulert Mathematics Ben Dening SACE Nick Gillies International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP) Graham Hook Autism Intervention Program (AIP) Karyn Jones Language Acquisition; International Education Glen Little Health and Physical Education Luke Northcote Vocational Education and Training (VET) Tom Oliphant Technology Terry Patiniotis Personalised Learning Rogan Tinsley Science Robyn Trebilcock the Arts Raphael Zadey English and Humanities

Student Wellbeing Team: Rogan Tinsley Year 8 Janet Bradley Year 9 Lindy Bartlett Year 10 Katrina Constantopoulos Year 11 Ben Dening Year 12 Michael Winter Middle School Counsellor Argie Buesnel Senior School Counsellor

(continued on page 2)

www.bhs.sa.edu.au

No 2 – 6 March 2015

CALENDAR Monday 9 March

ADELAIDE CUP Public Holiday

Friday 13 March Morioka H.S. Study Tour group departing

Monday 16 March Year 9 Assembly - Carly Ryan Foundation in PAC

Tuesday 17 March Year 8 HPV does 1 & Varicella vaccinations

Friday 20 March Harmony Day National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence (Casual Day)

Monday 23 March OPEN NIGHT 4.30 – 7.30pm

Tuesday 24 March Governing Council Meeting 7pm

Tuesday 31 March Principal’s Tour 9am

Friday 3 April GOOD FRIDAY

Monday 6 April EASTER MONDAY

Wednesday 8 April Parent/Teacher Interviews Year 8 to 12 – 1.30 – 8.00pm by appointment

Thursday 9 April SANTOS Athletics

Friday 10 April LAST DAY TERM 1

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.2.

TIMETABLE CHANGES Due to a number of staff members roles changing there have been changes to teachers of some classes. We have Ms Nyree Wiechel joining us until the end of Term 1 as additional Year 10 classes have been created due to increased enrolments. Thank you to all of the students, parents and caregivers who have been working with us as we implement these changes.

GOVERNING COUNCIL Are you interested in being involved in the Governing Council? There are still a few vacancies for interested parents and caregivers. Please contact me at the school for more information on my email [email protected] or phoning 8278 0900.

2014 SACE ACHIEVEMENT Daniel Hill attended Government House on Tuesday 10 February for the SACE Merit Ceremony 2015. Daniel received a Merit for Mathematical Studies making it two merits he has received as part of his SACE studies. Daniel was presented with his award by Dr Joshua Ross (pictured left) from the School of Mathematical Science at Adelaide University. Daniel also received a Principal’s Scholarship from The University of Adelaide (pictured right). The presentation was made on 23 February at Bonython Hall. Daniel will use the scholarship to assist with the costs of his studies in Economics (Advanced).

CAMBRIDGE IMMERSE 2015: AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN AUGUST 2015 www.cambridgeimmerse.com

Cambridge Immerse is a two-week residential educational experience that allows participants to gain an insight into a chosen discipline, ranging from the arts to the sciences. Subjects offered include Medicine, Law, Economics and Engineering. Tutorials and seminars are taught by highly regarded tutors from Cambridge University in an optimal learning environment that stimulates academic enquiry; yet the carefully planned schedule ensures that the programme not only meets the academic needs of the participants, but also provides a unique insight into the university city through an abundance of activities.

A carefully designed curriculum provides participants with an in-depth understanding of a wide range of topics, allowing students share and develop more informed and engaging responses to key debates within each discipline. Students are challenged, and emerge more confident and ready to articulate what they have learnt, with knowledge of their chosen fields that provides fascinating insights beyond the school syllabus – and, of course, many unforgettable memories along the way.

Students reside in Queen’s College one of central Cambridge’s most beautiful university colleges.

Enrolment in the program is ongoing, and students aged 15 and above are welcome to apply. Further information is available at www.cambridgeimmerse.com. A PDF version of the prospectus is also available to view at https://www.cambridgeimmerse.com/CambridgeImmerse2015.pdf

Applications are online through the website. Further information can be provided by [email protected].` Marion Coady, Principal

WORK EXPERIENCE (JUNE 15-19): AN IMPORTANT REMINDER All Year 10 students should have their Work Experience preparation at the forefront of their minds. Hopefully employers have been contacted to register your interest and Work Experience Forms (Available from Student Services) are being completed.

A number of students have seen me about possible placements or difficulties in finding an employer. Unfortunately, statewide there are many students applying for work experience and it is not always possible to secure an exact placement. However, many students yet to experience the world of work can, and do, benefit from an experience in a field of interest or a secondary career they have been considering.

The school can support students in this process through Luke Northcote or Sue Booth in Student Services; however, we are not able to organize specific placements for students.

Students unable to organize a placement will be provided with an alternative program here at school during Work Experience week. Specific questions can be directed to Luke Northcote via the school.

Luke Northcote, VET Coordinator

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.3.

BLACKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HIGH ACHIEVERS Congratulations to Georgia Brown in Year 12, who was selected for the SASI Netball competition in

Sydney from 8 to 12 February 2015. Congratulations to Harry Jones-Ashwell in Year 9 who was selected in the South Australian Squash

Development Squad to play in the Australian Junior Open in Sydney from 2 -7 April.

YEAR 8 UPDATE YEAR 8 SPORTS DAY

I was pleased to see the high levels of student participation and engagement at the Year 8 Sports Day. Most students were in House colours, and many had made the extra effort to wear costumes or body paint. The competition was fierce but light-hearted, with a perfect mix of novelty events and more serious preparation for the whole school Athletics Day. Points were tallied for House Points and Care Group points as part of the Burfield Shield competition. At the end of the day Madigan (Blue) won the House competition, and Ms Princi’s 8C Cheetahs won the Care Group competition.

PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM

So far this term, Extended Care Group time has been used for Pool Day, student induction and assemblies. This week has seen the beginning of the Pastoral Care Curriculum. These lessons are designed to link throughout the year, building student resilience, self-awareness and confidence. Activities target a range of personal and interpersonal skills, and supporting student growth and development. In Term 1, the focus is on helping students develop a positive sense of self and set goals for the year based on their values and strengths.

VACCINATIONS

The first round of vaccinations will occur on 17 March. The process is scheduled to make minimal disruption to class, and to be as fast and pain-free as possible. Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss vaccinations with their children, and to provide reassurance if they are nervous. All students should have returned the consent forms.

Dr Tinsley, Year 8 Leader

CHANGES TO MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAM (YEARS 8 – 10) ASSESSMENT IN 2015: For the last couple of years the International Baccalaureate (IB) have been working with schools – such as ours – to review the Middle Years Program (MYP) and suggest changes. 2015 has seen the first year of these changes come into practice. This includes, a greater conceptual emphasis in the program, as well as some changes in the way that subjects are taught and assessed.

Parents who have been at the school for more than one year are likely to notice different assessment criteria on their child’s report card in Years 8 to 10. All learning areas will now have four assessment criteria, each with a maximum achievement level of ‘8’.

Please find examples of the MYP assessment criteria for both English and Health & PE below:

English Health and Physical Education a) Analysing b) Organising c) Producing text d) Using language

e) Knowing and understanding f) Planning for performance g) Applying and performing h) Reflecting and improving performance

Students will be given multiple attempts to demonstrate their achievement against each of these criteria across the semester until they are finalised and used to determine final 1 – 7 grade for the subject at the end of the semester.

Nick Gillies, IBMYP Coordinator

CANTEEN UPDATE – NO NEED TO LINE UP All students can pre-order and pay for their Recess or Lunch prior to 9.00 am at the Canteen. Please go to the large green door on the eastern side of the Canteen (by the shelter shed).

All staff will be happy to help. This includes paying for food, drinks, chips and ice blocks.

Order early and there is no need to line up and you won’t miss out on your favourite food choice. Barb Darby, Canteen Manager

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.4.

YEAR 11 ORIENTATION DAY The 2015 Year 11 Orientation Day at Flinders University was enthusiastically attended by the cohort. The focus for the day was to prepare students for their transition into senior school and beyond and allow for opportunities to explore pathways through the SACE and career options. Students had the opportunity to participate in a range of activities and presentations: Students were informed of both

school and Year 11 expectations and were introduced to study skills, time management setting goals and SACE – in preparation for their year ahead.

Guest speaker Anne O’Shea a PhD student in Psychology presented a session on “Well-being and managing stress”.

All students participated in a University campus tour exploring the wide range of study options on campus. The world café workshops were run by University students and covered topics

such as career options in the new millennium, Flinders University course information, Interview skills, Extra curricula University activity options and personality testing.

Guest speaker Lee Harrison presented an engaging & entertaining session on critical and creative thinking skills and entertained as all with magic tricks.

VET students had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with VET and AsBA requirements and the skills and attributes that are important to develop for their chosen industry.

The feedback from the students has been positive: “Very educational and gave us important information useful for our senior year” Jess Pyke. “A fantastic insight to possible pathways for our future” Victoria Nicholls.

Katrina Constantopoulos, Year 11 Leader

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PARENT INFORMATION EVENING WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH, 2015 The Parent Information Evening is designed to provide parents and families with helpful, practical tips on supporting students in Years 11 and 12, with a particular focus on providing support across the areas of Science and Mathematics. Speakers will cover topics including careers in Science and Engineering; managing stress and supporting someone who is stressed; and tips for effective study.

Places for this free evening are strictly limited and bookings are essential. To reserve your place, please visit our website: http://www.flinders.edu.au/events/show/event/parent-information-evening.

If you have any questions on these or any other events, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 7221 8661.

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.5.

CULTURAL PHYSICS PRACTICAL Last Thursday Year 12 Physics students and Sam Thomson, our Pastoral Care Worker held a cultural Physics experience for our International students.

The students joined Sam for some billy tea and damper at the back of the Visual Arts Centre. It was more than just a social occasion as the students were involved with the preparation process. After a brief demonstration the International students, in groups of three, built and lit their own cooking fires, prepared damper rolls, with flour, water and sultanas. While their camp ovens were cooking, using the coals form the fires, the students attended a boomerang throwing demonstration by Mr Learmonth.

The Year 12 Physics class was learning a unit on centrifugal force and, as everyone knows, a good cup of billy tea depends on the tea leaves being sent to the bottom of the billy by some skilful swinging, which Kabilan and Parsa mastered quite quickly.

The delicate blend of tea, Amgoorie and Earl Grey, was accompanied by the hot buttered damper rolls topped with apricot jam and was enjoyed by all

the students. It certainly was a new and intriguing experience for the International students. Sam Thomson, Pastoral Care Worker

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.6.

SPORTS NEWS ZONE SPORT February has seen the year off to a busy start with various sporting events and competitions starting early. Week 4 of this term saw Zone Sport make an impressive return, as sixty-six athletes took to the courts to compete in the inter-school sporting competition. Following the excitement of the Asian Cup earlier this year, soccer dominated this term’s line-up with six of the eight Blackwood teams competing in Futsal, with 8/9 Boys, 8/9 Girls and Open Boys all showing keen interest. Year 8/9 Girls Volleyball and 8/9 Boys Basketball make-up the remaining two Blackwood sides. Competition runs through to Week 11 with Term 2 Zone starting up in Week 4 of next term with a new group of sports offered. KNOCKOUT CRICKET Blackwood’s ‘Summer of Cricket’ has showed early promise as three teams prepare for their second-round matches of knockout competition scheduled in the coming weeks. Under the helm of Dan Smith, the Year 8/9 Boys 20/20, Open Girls 20/20 and Open Boys’ sides have triumphed in their first round contests against Urrbrae, Cabra and Adelaide respectively. The Year 8/9 T20 Boys are due to play Hallett Cove next week with the girls to play arch rivals St.Francis De Sale in Week 7. Starring performances have been a near match winning 60 runs from Henry Berndt (Year 10 20/20), 34 from Max Kleinig (Open Boys) in a new role as attacking opener, 4/11 from Luke Bull (Year 8/9 boys) and Maddie Green’s (Open Girls) all round effort of 2/2 and 21 runs. Outstanding fielding effort goes to Adam Turner (Open Boys) who after dropping a catch managed to retrieve the ball and threw down the stumps to run out the batsman. SPORTS DAYS On Thursday 12 February, all year eight students took part in the annual Year 8 Sports Day. A fun day all round, students participated in Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, 100m, 200m, 400m, Shot Put, Discus, Water Relay, and Vortex Throw with their care group. Not only were the students able to test out their abilities for the whole-school Athletics Carnival, they were vying for house and care group points. The end of the day saw Mills place 4th, Ashby 3rd, Russell 2nd and Madigan with top honours in 1st, while 8C claimed the inter-care group victory. Table of Results

MADIGAN ASHBY RUSSELL MILLS TOTAL Student Average

Placing

8A 154 117 122 73 471 18.12 7th

8B 145 78 116 150 502 20.91 3rd

8C 185 114 154 138 601 24.04 1st

8D 188 124 133 74 529 21.16 2nd

8E 69 132 81 118 470 19.58 5th

8F 97 139 149 111 496 19.07 6th

8G 97 103 144 141 490 19.60 4th

TOTAL 998 807 829 805

Placing 1st 3rd 2nd 4th

Bec Whetham, Sports Trainee

ELITE SOFTBALLERS’ VISIT Our Year 11 PE classes were treated to clinics by elite softballers Monica Perry and Alicia Herron last week. Monica and Alicia are American imports for Sturt Falcons Softball Club. Monica is a pitcher and Alicia is a strong batter. It is no surprise that Sturt are on top of the ladder.

Mr Aulert and Mr Smith’s classes were led through batting, fielding and pitching drills then played a game where Monica pitched. Students were in awe of her pitching speed and both the girls’ power and skill level. Both classes were given a fantastic insight into more specific skill technique and game plays.

Janet Bradley, Health and Physical Education teacher

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.7.

THE NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS DAY 2015 On Monday 2 March, four students, Riley Mitchell, Lachlan Jeffries, Cooper Goss and Nathaniel Ramesh, along with Student Counsellor, Ms Argie Buesnel, attended the National Young Leaders Day, hosted by the Halogen Foundation at the Adelaide Convention Centre. There was a great line-up of guest speakers arranged by the foundation. Michael Martin, Executive Director of The Halogen Foundation; Matthew Cowdrey, Australia’s greatest ever Paralympian; Rachael Leahcar (pictured with our students), second runner up on The Voice in 2012; Andrea Boyd, the only Australian in the International Space Station Flight Control Team; Sonya Ryan, founder of the Carly Ryan Foundation; Andrew Montesi, co-founder of international youth mental health platform TalkLife and Carolyn Curtis, CEO of The Australian Centre for Social Innovation.

The theme of the conference this year was to ‘GET STARTED’, in relation to ideas or problems that us, as individuals, had recognised in our everyday life. Each guest speaker talked to us about how they got to where they are now, what they did to get started and the obstacles that they faced. There was also The Expo we could visit during the morning and lunch breaks. There were a group of organisations and tertiary educators providing information on various courses, programs and co-curricular activities that may help our future development as leaders. It was truly inspiring to hear the stories of the guest speakers and I am sure that all who took part were determined to become better leaders.

Nathaniel Ramesh, Year 11 student

SCIENCE COMPETITIONS Blackwood High School students participate in a number of competitions and events throughout the year. Students are also invited to register for additional competitions, such as those listed below:

AUSTRALIAN BRAIN BEE CHALLENGE The Australian Brain Bee Challenge is a competition for high school students in Year 10 to learn about the brain and its functions, learn about neuroscience research, find out about careers in neuroscience and to dispel misconceptions about neurological and mental illnesses. Registrations for Round 1 (online quiz) are open now for students. See more at: http://www.abbc.edu.au/

OLIPHANT SCIENCE AWARDS The Oliphant Science Awards are held annually, and are a way for South Australian school students from Reception to Year 12 to develop their interest in science through a science based competition. There are a range of categories to suit a wide variety of abilities and interests.

Students in Year 10, who are completing their IBMYP Personal Project in a science-related field are strongly encouraged to register.

Please see Dr Tinsley. More information can be found here: http://www.oliphantscienceawards.com.au/

SLEEK GEEKS SCIENCE EUREKA PRIZE – SECONDARY The University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is awarded for a short film that communicates a scientific concept in an accessible and engaging way. The first Prize is a whopping $4,000 plus a $500 book voucher. Entries are due before 1 May.

To find out more, please see Dr Tinsley and go here: Link: https://eureka-entry.australianmuseum.net.au/school-science/sleek-geeks-science-eureka-prize-%E2%80%93-secondary

ICAS AND BIG SCIENCE COMPETITIONS

As previously, Blackwood will be registering nominated students for ICAS and Big Science (RioTinto) Competition. Nominations will be happening in April.

Dr Rogan Tinsley, Science Coordinator.

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.8.

VISUAL ARTS –‘ PEACE FLAGS’ Visual Arts – ‘Come Out Festival’

Jenny Remete and I were invited to a conference at the end of last year to be part of this year’s Come Out Children’s Festival. The theme is based on Building Bridges and Peace for the Future.

We have been asked to create 50 flags using tie-dye as a background with a peace symbol which will be riso silk screened. We have also been asked to make and design two large flags based on the Peace theme incorporating Community based symbols both within our local community and wider communities.

The students involved are a large group of Year 8 students currently doing Visual Arts. This is a wonderful opportunity and we hope to take part in the flag waving during the festival. Students have already started some research and are currently investigating peace symbols from all cultures to develop their original ideas

There will be more updates as we progress.

Left: is an example of the large Peace Flags we will also be making. Jeanette Beadnall, Art Teacher

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF SENIOR STUDENTS My name is Kirrilie Smout and I am a clinical psychologist who works with teenagers. I am from Developing Minds and we are working with the school this year to help the students achieve their best results.

This month we spoke to the students about how they might be able to motivate themselves to study, regularly complete homework and stay organised. We talked about research which shows that “IQ” is only responsible for a small part of success at school. In other words, it doesn’t much matter how smart you are. What matters more is what you do during the year.

We also talked with the students about how they might motivate themselves to regularly work on study.

Some of the most important strategies included: 1) using written lists and visual reminders rather than relying on their memory for knowing what they have to do; 2) setting up habits and systems to get things done (link an action with some kind of trigger – a time or place or activity) and 3) doing shorter focussed periods of homework/study rather than longer periods where they were being constantly distracted by phones/social networking. We suggested they do this by putting phones across the room for 15 minute periods, closing programs and using software to limit access to programs – all for short periods of time.

We also discussed using mini rewards and punishments for themselves to increase motivation, using

“chunking” (starting with a small, easy step, or trying to study in short periods rather than wait until a long extended period of time) and motivating ourselves to start by imagining what it will feel like to do well or to be disappointed in ourselves.

It was great to work with the students. We have encouraged them to email us with any questions and we will see them next term to talk about revision strategies.

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions as a parent. If you would like some more support in helping your student through senior school then there are a range of free articles on my website: www.developingminds.net.au or you can access them via our facebook page Developing Minds Psychology and Education.

Kirrilie Smout, Clinical Psychologist Kirrilie Smout is a clinical psychologist and owner of Developing Minds Psychology. She counsels teens facing challenges in their life and presents psychological wellness and study skills seminars to teachers, parents and students in schools across Australia. For more information go to www.developingminds.net.au

Unit 3, Hub Professional Centre, Aberfoyle Park SA 5159 Suite 3, 16 Bartley Crescent, Wayville SA 5034. Phone: 8357 1711 Fax: 8272 4055 Email: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.9.

DIGITAL ENTERPRISE PATHWAYS – SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD) AND OTHER DISABILITIES Digital Enterprise: Pathways to Education and Employment for Young People with Disabilities is a national program funded by the Australian Government Department of Education under the Broadband Enabled Education and Skills Services Programme. It is a joint initiative based at the University of South Australia and involving four universities, two registered training organisations, state government and not for profit community organisations in South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria and New South Wales.

Digital Enterprise programs are being establishing in four technology-enabled spaces, in four states, to provide high –tech learning programmes for groups of young people aged 10 to 35 who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and related disabilities. Through challenging and developing their IT skills, the program aims to foster their sense of personal initiative, reduce isolation, develop entrepreneurial skills and increase their rate of participation in further education and employment.

Digital Enterprise is extending these benefits to other young people with disabilities who would like to access training that will significantly develop their technical interests and increase their technical abilities and employable skills. For those who are aged 16 or over, who will learn entrepreneurial skills, the program will open up a range of post-school options including enhanced employability, capacity to establish new businesses, and pathways to further education.

The link to the homepage is http://digital-enterprise-pathways.net/. There is information about how to participate, learning resources and resources for families.

YEAR 12 PRESENTATION The Year 12 Cohort have recently had some opportunities to explore their future career and study options through the assistance of Flinders University and the Prospective Student Department.

The entire class of 2015 were lucky enough to be visited by Careers Specialist Mark Gregory who has been in to work with many Blackwood High School students over the last few years. Through this presentation students were given advice on taking a proactive role in researching their future and ensuring they build the employability skills needed for the future job market.

Another Flinders University initiative that we at Blackwood High School are accessing is giving students direct access to faculty staff and students from the University to discuss in detail future course options and career specialties. The first of these was with the Engineering Department. Those who signed up to attend gained a better insight into the diverse range of specialties that exist within the field of Engineering.

Further sessions will continue at various times through the coming semester with Social Work, IT, Criminology, Biology and Environmental Science, Paramedics and The Bachelor of Arts + course all scheduled to visit. Students interested in taking up one or more of these opportunities should keep their ear out for any notices and an eye out for sign-up sheets.

Ben Dening, Year 12 Year Level Leader

HARMONY DAY – FRIDAY 20 MARCH This year we will be celebrating Harmony Day on Friday, 20th March 2015, (Week 8).

The focus of the day is the understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity and individual differences (including age and disabilities) within our society. Argie Buesnel, Student Counsellor

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.10.

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.11.

NEWSLETTER NO. 2 – 6 March 2015

.12.