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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY

Research is definitive in stating that the element that

has the most effect on student learning and

achievement is the quality of teaching. The

professional learning program that teachers

participate in weekly on Monday, enabled by the

early closure, is targeted to improving their

knowledge and practice so that all students are

successful learners and achieve highly. This

professional learning continues until 4.15 and

extends to Wednesday. In addition teachers

undertake 37.5 hours of professional learning out of

school time annually and take up many other

individual opportunities to improve their practice.

Eleven members of the leadership team attended the

2 day Regional Leader’s Conference on Thursday 10th

& Friday 11th

March. The focus was Professional

Learning Communities - the systematic way that

teachers work together in teams focused on

scrutinising what students can do and what action

can be taken to achieve better results for students

they serve. The conference provided us with useful

tools and processes to get better at this.

Our goal at The Heights is: everyone takes ownership

of, and responsibility for, the learning and wellbeing

of every student. It is by working together, operating

collaboratively and examining students’ work for

evidence of progress that we will achieve this goal.

Tim Brown the conference presenter described

teachers as ‘Engines of Hope’ who send the message

to students that:

• “What we are doing is important

• You can do it

• I’m not going to give up on you – even if you

give up on yourself”

Events and information in the newsletter and the

Annual Report describe our determination to engage

students in a relevant and challenging curriculum to

achieve better results.

Helen Calvert

Principal

Brunel Drive

Modbury Heights

South Australia, 5092

Ph: (08) 8263 6244

Fax: (08) 8263 6072

Email: contact@theheights.sa.edu.au

WWW: http://www.theheights.sa.edu.au

NEWSLETTER No. 4

24 March 2011

OUR SCHOOL VALUES

We work hard to learn

We respect ourselves

and each other

We value acts of

generosity

IN THIS ISSUE……

Clipsal 500 Physics

Excursion

Novita’s Annual

Achievement Awards

MS/SS Sport’s Day –

Individual Results

Indoor Cricket Trophies

DIARY DATES

29/3 Open Morning

11am – 12:30pm

29/3 Gifted Education

Parent Session –

7:00pm-8:00pm

30/3 NE Vista/Nth

Athletics – SANTOS

31/3 Abuse Neglect

Education & Care

Training -

Parent/Volunteer

Training Session

5/4 Governing Council

Meeting - 7:00pm

6/4 JS Parent/Teacher

Interviews

Additional dates for

your Calendar

10/5 Open Night -

5:30-7:30

Student-Free day:

Monday 2nd

May

THE HEIGHTS NEEDS YOU

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A PART OF THE GROUP THAT DETERMINES THE DIRECTION OF THE

SCHOOL?

ARE YOU KEEN TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL?

ARE YOU ABLE TO ATTEND 2 MEETINGS PER TERM?

IF THE ANSWER IS YES

THEN GOVERNING COUNCIL IS THE GROUP FOR YOU

VACANCIES EXIST FOR PARENT MEMBERS OF GOVERNING COUNCIL

Complete the nomination form on the website and forward to the Principal

http://www.theheightsschool.com.au/images/pdfs/govcouncil/nomination%20form%202011.pdf

PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY 5TH

APRIL 7:00PM

Teacher Professional Learning Program

Monday 2.45-3.15pm

Week 7: Public Holiday

Week 8: P-12 Comprehension Action Plan

review and update. Identification of areas

that teachers need to focus on in their

subject area, or level of development P-3

and 4-5.

Teachers were able to work together on these

activities during the ½ hour early closure and

continued after school hours until 4:15 on

Monday and from 3:30 – 4:30 on Wednesday in

faculty and cluster learning times.

Improving the level of reading

Comprehension so that students

can achieve more highly is a

school priority that demands our

relentless focus.

MY SCHOOL WEBSITE- http://www.myschool.edu.au/

The website provides a range of information

about schools, such as numbers of students and

staff, attendance rates and results from the

national literacy and numeracy tests. For the

first time, the website now also includes

information about school finances.

Please remember that the information My

School provides is just one snapshot of

information about our school. If you wanted to

fund out that 2 of our students received 3 Merits

(20/20) at SACE Stage 2, and Tertiary Entrance

Ranks of 99.8 and 99.2, then you would need to

read the newsletter or annual report.

For further information on our school’s

performance you are encouraged to look at our

website http://www.theheightsschool.com.au/

and read our annual report.

CLIPSAL 500 PHYSICS EXCURSION

Last week the Year 11 and 12 Physics classes attended the Clipsal 500. The purpose of the trip was to show that

physics is relevant in everyday life.

The students learned that V8 Supercars involve a lot of physics in the modification of regular Holden and Ford cars

into Supercars. Students also learnt the cars had to slow down around corners, because the centrifugal force would

have thrown them off the track if the acceleration was greater than the friction force provided by the track.

The worksheet that students were given to complete included questions such as: the average speed calculation of a

V8 travelling around the track; the price difference between V8 Supercars and everyday cars and the average fuel

consumption of a V8 Supercar.

Students were also asked to draw graphs showing speed versus time.

The responses of students to the enjoyment of the event throughout the day were

mixed. The majority of the students enjoyed the day, learnt something in a new

way and had a lot of fun doing it. The things that contributed to the enjoyment

were the noise of the cars, the free giveaways and the amusement rides.

Overall the Physics’ students enjoyed the day and explored the relevance of

physics to everyday life. Dani Stopp & Hayley McAteer

2011 Adelaide National Careers & Employment Expo The 2011 Adelaide National Careers & Employment Expo is the free careers event that provides the answers.

-Graduate, Apprentice & Trainee Opportunities -Employment and Training Seminars -Public/private education providers -Industry and organisations with Full & Part-Time Jobs on offer

Date: 20-21st May 2011

Time: Friday: 9am – 4pm + Saturday: 10am – 4pm Admission: FREE ENTRY

Click on the following link for more info http://www.eocexpo.com.au/

SUCCESS IN SCIENCE 2010

SACE Stage 2 Tessa Rawolle Chemistry – 20

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Tessa received her award from

the R.A.C.I. (Royal Australian

Chemical Institute)

Gifted Education Parent Session

Tuesday March 29th

The Heights School Resource Centre

7.00 pm – 8.00pm

Gifted children in the 21st

century.

What parents should know!

This session is designed to inform parents of the influences on students in the 21st

century and what this means for the education of their child. All parents are welcome.

RSVP Michelle Crush (Middle School Secretary) 82636244

Student Exchange

Malaysia Penang student exchange –

4 places still remain on this program. Malaysian

students visit us this May and we travel to Penang

next July holidays. Please contact Mr. Harris via the

Front Office for information.

Novita’s Annual Achievement

Awards

Congratulations to Dylan Whitford-

Hall on receiving a nomination for

the above award that is given for

sporting, recreational, academic

and personal achievement.

Dylan has made tremendous

progress and achieved success

over the year.

Following Sports Day, the school will be competing in the NE VISTA Athletics Carnival at SANTOS

Stadium on Wednesday 30th March. Students who have qualified for this event have already received

consent forms. Any other interested students may enquire within the PE office.

Andrew Costello

Sports Co-ordinator

MS/SS SPORTS DAY 2011 Individual award winners are as follows:

YEAR LEVEL BOYS GIRLS

7 1st- Harley Mamo

2nd- Tom Edwards

1st- Ashleigh Lake

2nd- Quayara Jones

8 1st- Damon Hoad

2nd

- Jordan O’Doherty

1st- Kiralee Bates

2nd

- Anne Hatchard

9 1st- Ryan Llewellyn

2nd

- Sandene Jones

1st- Adelena Sanders

2nd

- Beverly Kabaya

10 1st- Jack Nelligan

2nd- Leigh Opitz

1st- Chantell Zanoli

2nd- Grace Lees

11 1st- Justin Albury

2nd- Marcus Davies

1st- Kaytlan Mackay

2nd- Katie McCarthy

12 1st- Jake Wicker

2nd- Brae McConnell

1st- Raquel Watson

2nd- Stephanie Attenborough

Walking School Bus

Every Friday

Morning

Norwood Football Club Holiday Clinics Wednesday April 27th and Thursday

April 28th, 1:00pm-3:00pm http://www.theheightsschool.com.au/images/PDFs/newsletters/inserts/nfc.pdf

THE HEIGHTS WINS INDOOR CRICKET TROPHIES

The Heights has enjoyed a successful Term 1 of senior indoor cricket,

winning both the Year 10 and Open NE Vista Zone Indoor Cricket Carnivals.

Over the 2 carnivals played at Modbury ICA, both teams remained

undefeated.

Congratulations goes to:

OPEN BOYS- Mitchell Thomas, Kyle McBride, Dale Jones, Marcus Kightley,

Marcus Davies, Jonathon Ross, Jason Russell, Jack Thomas

YEAR 10 BOYS- Jonathon Ross, Jason Russell, Jack Thomas, Jayden England,

Lachlan Anderson, Josh Macey, Luke Rayson, Hayden Smith, Daniel

McKeown

MODBURY TENNIS

CLUB

We’re seeking new members for the winter season for ages 6-17 years and beginners to experienced players. Games: Friday evening & Saturday morning Cost: - $100 per season More info: Bruce Tonkin 0423846071 or tonklaw@hotmail.com

Entertainment Book 2011/2012 The new Entertainment Book will be

arriving soon. Place your order with the

Finance Office at the great price of $65.00.

The first 20 paid orders receive an

additional bonus page. HURRY!!!

Girls & Women’s Football 2011 North Eastern Suburbs U13 & U16 Girls Competition

TTG: Graham Tiggemann 0421343622 Modbury: Julie Wells 0417841965 Golden Grove: Steve Harris 0422655090 For more info: Joe Zadow or Annette Cooper, NEMJFA 0401907955

Blue Light Disco When: Friday, 1st April 2011

Where: Golden Grove Arts and Recreation Centre, The Golden Way,

Golden Grove

Time: Lock-in event from 7pm until 10pm

Please note we have changed the location and times to pre-purchase tickets!!

Tickets for the disco can be pre purchased at Westfield Tea Tree Plaza

at the bottom of the travelator near Coles (Kmart end of TTP)

On Thursday 31st March between 9 am and 8.30 pm

Cost $5 Limited tickets are available at the door on the night.

The disco is supervised by Police Officers and is held for young people aged between 12 and 17 years. Any equiries to be directed to Holden Hill Crime Prevention Section on 8207 6025.

Canteen Special

During Term 2 the current specials will continue: Junior School Thursday

Only – 1 Hot Dog with a Chocolate or Strawberry Big M - $5.00 Middle/Senior School

Wednesday Only – 1 Hot Dog with a 600ml soft drink - $5.00

VOLUNTEER TRAINING Responding to Abuse & Neglect Education and Care Training Session

Everyone wishing to work or volunteer with children and young people

at the school must first undertake training in their child protection

responsibilities. We have a responsibility to support and protect

volunteers and at the same time a very important duty of care to

students.

Our next training and induction for Volunteers will be:

Thursday March 31st

at 9.10am –11.00am

in the Lecture Theatre

We will also hold an induction to discuss your rights & responsibilities

regarding occupational health safety & welfare procedures.

10.30am – 11.00am

Further details: Lyn Albury Ph. 8263 6244 / 04880270346

Email: lyn.albury@theheights.sa.edu.au

MONSTER CAR BOOT

SALE 26TH MARCH 2011

7am until 1pm

$10 to set up a ‘car boot’ or

stall

Clovercrest Baptist Church

Car Park

2 Famechon Crescent

Modbury North

For further information

please contact Daniel

Stevens at the church

City of Tea Tree Gully

April School Holiday Program

Click the link below for more information regarding the extensive programs provided by the Council.

http://www.teatreegully.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=34

Host a Korean student Year 4-7 for a term?

Parents are asked to express interest re hosting (paid) a Korean student for a term this year to attend our school. Your own child would need to be a Year 4-7 student. Please contact Brian Harris via the front office.

http://www.axmag.com/data/201101/u10504_F16302/index.html